Digitized by Richard Mammana in 2011 from a copy belonging to the late Thomas Newton Rae.

Introductory Note.

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” This is the Apostolic precept. This treatment our Communion Office demands, and it is further desirable for the edification of the unlearned. The Office ought to be so framed that anyone can gain a clear idea of its structure.

Now the object of the Eucharist is not only to be a means of grace, but an act of worship. The Lord said not only “Take, eat,” but “Do this as a memorial of Me.” The two objects should find distinct expression in the Office, as they do in the Catechism.

The bringing of the Elements to God, the Praise, Consecration, Oblation (in which we ask acceptance of our Memorial), and Intercession (in which we plead the Memorial for special objects), should follow continuously, and be completed, before the Communion part is entered on.

The Communicants’ Preparation, the Reception, and the Thanksgiving, should come together.

Then everyone could grasp the two-fold object of the Ordinance. All would understand that we first make and plead the Memorial of His work, which the Lord “commanded us to continue,” and then proceed to “hold Communion” with Him.

This is “orderly,” and therefore edifying, because plain. May this attempt tend to improve the Service itself, and help to edify the Church at large.

THE ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION
OF THE
HOLY COMMUNION.

A.

Introductory.

1. THE LORD’S PRAYER.
2. COLLECT FOR PURITY.
3. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS.
4. COLLECT FOR THE DAY.
5. EPISTLE.
6. GOSPEL.
7. NICENE CREED.
8. SERMON.

B.

Offertory.

9. SENTENCES.

or

ANTHEM.

Blessed be Thou, O Lord God, for ever and ever. For thine, O Lord, is the greatness and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heaven and in the earth, is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of Thee, and of Thine own do we give unto Thee. I. Chron. xxix. 10.

10. PRAYER ON ELEMENTS.

Receive, O Lord, these Thy gifts, and sanctify them to this holy use, that by them we may be partakers of the Body and Blood of Thy only-begotten Son Jesus Christ and fed unto everlasting life of soul and body. Amen.

11. SALUTATION.

Priest: The Lord be with you.
Answer: And with thy spirit.

C.

Eucharistic Act.

12. “SURSUM CORDA.”
13. PREFACE.
14. SANCTUS.
15. [BENEDICTUS.] Optional.

D.

16. Canon.

(a.) THANKSGIVING FOR REDEMPTION.
(b.) NARRATIVE OF INSTITUTION.
(c.) OBLATION.
(d.) INVOCATION.
(e.) SELF-OBLATION.
(f.) INTERCESSION.

17. THE LORD’S PRAYER.

E.

Preparation.

18. INVITATION.
19. CONFESSION.
20. ABSOLUTION.
21. COMFORTABLE WORDS.
22. PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS.

F.

23. THE COMMUNION.

G.

24. Conclusion.

25. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING.
26. GLORIA IN EXCELSIS.
27. BLESSING.

H.

Appendix.

28. PROPER PREFACES.
29. EXHORTATIONS.
30. OCCASIONAL PRAYERS.
31. PRAYERS FOR THE KING.