Book of Common Prayer (1892)/Concerning the Service of the Church

There was never any thing by the wit of man so well devised, or so sure established, which in continuance of time hath not been corrupted: as, among other things it may plainly appear by the Common Prayers in the Church, commonly called divine service. The first original and ground whereof if a man would search out by the ancient Fathers he shall find that the same was not ordeined, but of a good purpose, and for a great advancement of godliness. For they so ordered the matter, that all the whole Bible (or the greatest part thereof) should be read over once every year: intending thereby, that the Clergie, and especially such as were Ministers in the Congregation should (by often reading and meditation in Gods word) be stirred vp to godliness themselves, and be more able to exhort others by wholesom doctrine, and to confute them that were Adversaries to the Truth. And further that the people (by daily hearing of holy Scripture read in the Church) might continually profit more and more in the knowledge of God and be the more inflamed with the love of his true Religion.

But these many years passed this godly and decent order of the ancient Fathers hath been so altered, broken, and neglected by planting in vncertein Stories and Legends, with multitude of Responds, Verses, vain repetitions, Commemorations, and Synodals; that commonly when any book of the bible was begun, after three or four chapters were read out, all the rest were vnread. And in this sort, the book of Esay was begun in Advent, and the book of Genesis in septuagesima: but they were only begun, and never read through. After like sort were other books of holy scripture vsed.

And moreover, whereas Saint Paul would have such language spoken to the people in the church, as they might vnderstand, and have profit by hearing the same: the service in this churche of England these many years hath been read in latine to the people, which they vnderstand not; so that they have heard with their ears only, and their heart spirit and mind have not been edified thereby.

And furthermore notwithstanding that the ancient Fathers have divided the Psalms into seaven portions, whereof every one was called a Nocturn: now of late time a few of them have been daily said, and the rest vtterly omitted.

Moreover the number and hardnes of the rules, called the Pie, and the manifold changings of the service, was the cause that to turn the book only was so hard and intricate a matter, that many times there was more busines to find out what should be read, then to read it, when it was found out.

These inconveniences therefore considered, here is set forth such an order, whereby the same shall be redressed. And for a readiness in this matter, here is drawn out a Kalendar for that purpose, which is plain and easie to be vnderstood; wherein (so much as may be) the reading of holy scripture is so set forth that all things shall be don in order, without breaking one piece from another. For this cause be cutt off Anthemes, Responds, Invitatories, and such like things as did break the continual course of the reading of the Scripture.

Yet because there is no Remedy, but that of necessity there must be some Rules: therefore certein Rules are here set forth; which, as they are few in number, so they are plain, and easie to be vnderstood. So that here you haue an Order for prayer, and for the reading of the holy Scripture, much agreable to the mind and purpose of the old Fathers, and a great deal more profitable, and commodious then that, which of late was vsed. It is more profitable; because here are left out many things, whereof some are vntrue, some vncertein, some vain and superstitious; and nothing is ordeined to be read, but the very pure word of God, the holy Scriptures, or that which is agreeable to the same; and that in such a language and order as is most easie and plain for the vnderstanding both of the readers and hearers. It is also more commodious; both for the shortness thereof, and for the plainness of the order, and for that the rules be few and easy.

And whereas heretofore there hath been great diversity in saying, and singing in Churches within this Realm; some following Salisbury vse, some Hereford vse, and some the vse of Bangor, some of York, some of Lincoln; now from henceforth all the whole realme shall have but one vse.

And for as much as nothing can be so plainly set forth, but doubts may arise in the vse and practise of the same: to appease all such diversity (if any arise) and for the resolution of all doubts concerning the manner how to vnderstand, do and execute the things contained in this book; The parties that so doubt or diversly take any thing, shall alway resort to the Bishop of the Diocess, who by his discretion shall take order for the quieting and appeasing of the same; so that the same order be not contrary to any thing contained in this book. And if the Bishop of the Diocess be in doubt; then he may send for the Resolution thereof to the Arch-Bishop.

Though it be appointed that all things shall be read and sung in the Church, in the english tongue, to the end that the congregation may be thereby edified: Yet it is not meant, but that when men say Morning and Evening Prayer privatly, they may say the same in any Language that they themselves do vnderstand.

And all Priests and Deacons are to say daily the Morning and Evening Prayer, either privatly, or openly, not being let by sickness or some other vrgent cause.

And the Curate that ministreth in every parish church or Chappel being at home, and not being otherwise reasonably hindred, shall say the same in the parish church or chappel where he ministreth, and shall cause a Bell to be tolled there vnto a convenient time before he begin; that the people may come to hear Gods word, and to pray with him.