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Church of England (these many years) hath been read in CHAP. Latin to the people, which they understood 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 seven portions, whereof every one was called a Nocturn: now of late time a few of them hath been daily said, and oft repeated, and the rest utterly omitted. MoreN over, the number and hardness of the rules called the Pye, 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 business to find out what should be read, than 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 calendar for that purpose, which is plain and easy to be understanded, O wherein (so much as may be) the reading of Holy Scriptures is so set forth, that all things shall be done in order without breaking one piece from another. For this cause be cut off anthems, 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 certain rules are here set forth, which as they be few in number, so they be plain and easy to be understanded. So that here you have an order for Prayer (as touching the reading of Holy Scripture) much agreeable to the mind and purpose of the old fathers, and a great deal more profitable and commodious than that which 10 of late was used. It is more profitable, because here are left out many things, whereof some be untrue, some uncertain, P some vain and superstitious, and is ordained nothing to be read but the very pure word of God, the Holy Scriptures, or that which is evidently grounded upon the same, and that in such a language and order, as is most easy and plain for the understanding 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. Furthermore, by this order the curates shall need none other book for their public service, but this book and the Bible.

CHAP. By the means whereof the people shall not be at so great charges for books, as in times past they have been.

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These two paragraphs

And where heretofore there hath been great diversity in saying and singing in churches within this realm, some following Salisbury use, some Hereford use, some the use of Bangor, some of York, and some of Lincoln; now from henceforth all the whole realm shall have but one use. And if any would judge this way more painful, because that all things must be read upon the book, whereas before, by the reason of so often repetition, they could say many things by heart; if those men will weigh their labour with the profit and knowledge which daily they shall obtain by reading upon the book, they will not refuse the pain in consideration of the great profit that shall ensue thereof.

And for as much as nothing can almost be so plainly set a forth, but doubts may arise in the use and practising of the same; to appease all such diversity (if any arise) and for the resolution of all doubts concerning the manner how to understand, do, and execute the things contained in this book: the parties that so doubt, or diversely take any thing, shall alway resort to the bishop of the diocese, 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 diocese be in doubt, then he may send for the resolution thereof unto the archbishop.

Though it be appointed in the forewritten preface, that all things shall be read and sung in the church in the English R tongue, to the end that the congregation may be thereby edified; yet it is not meant, but when men say morning and evening prayer privately, they may say the same in any language that they themselves do understand. [1 B. of Edw. VI. "Neither that any man shall be bound to the saying of them, but such as from time to time in cathedral and collegiate churches, parish churches, and chapels to the same annexed shall serve the congregation."]

And all priests and deacons shall be bound to say daily omitted in the morning and evening prayer, either privately or openly, s IB.of Edw. except they be let by preaching, studying divinity, or by some other urgent cause, [Scotch Liturgy, "of which cause,

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if it be frequently pretended, they are to make the bishop of CHA P. the diocese, or the archbishop of the province, the judge and allower."]

And the curate that ministereth in every parish church or chapel, being at home and not being otherwise reasonably letted, shall say the same in the parish church or chapel where he ministereth, and shall toll a bell thereto, a convenient time before we begin, that such as be disposed may come to hear God's word, and to pray with him.

L'ESTRANGE.

THE PREFACE.

СНАР.

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THE Church of Christ hath in all ages had a prescript form of common prayer, or divine service, as appeareth by the ancient liturgies of the Greek and Latin Churches. This was done, as for other great causes, so likewise for retaining an uniformity in God's worship; a thing most beseeming them that are of one and the same profession. For by the form that is kept in the outward worship of God, men commonly judge of religion. If in that there be a diversity, straight they are apt to conceive the religion to be diverse. Wherefore it were to be wished that the whole Church of Christ were one as well in form of public worship, as in doctrine; and that as it hath but one Lord, and one faith, so it had but one heart, and one mouth. This would prevent many schisms and divisions, and serve much to the preserving of unity; but since that cannot be hoped for in the whole Catholic Christian Church, yet at least in the Churches that are under the protection of one sovereign prince, the same ought to be endeavoured.

It was not the least part of our late sovereign King James of blessed memory his care, to work this uniformity in all his dominions but while he was about to do it, it pleased God to translate him to a better kingdom. His majesty that now reigneth, (and long may he reign over us in all happiness,) not suffering his father's good purpose to fall to the ground, but treading the same path, with the like zeal and pious affection, gave order soon after his coming to the crown for the framing of a book of common prayer, like unto that which is received in the Churches of England and Ireland, for the use of this Church. After many lets and hindrances,

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the same cometh now to be published, to the good, we trust, CHAP. of all God's people, and the increase of true piety and sincere devotion amongst them.

But as there is nothing, how good and warrantable soever in itself, against which some will not except; so it may be that exceptions will be taken against this good and most pious work, and perhaps none more pressed than that we have followed the service-book of England. But we should desire them that shall take this exception to consider, that being as we are by God's mercy of one true profession, and otherwise united by many bonds, it had not been fitting to vary much from theirs, ours especially coming forth after 12 theirs, seeing the disturbers of the Church both here and there should by our differences, if they had been great, taken occasion to work more trouble. Therefore did we think meet to adhere to their form, even in the festivals, and some other rites, not as yet received, nor observed in our Church, rather than by omitting them to give the adversary to think that we disliked any part of their service.

Our first reformers were of the same mind with us, as appeareth by the ordinance they made, that in all the parishes of this realm, the common prayer should be read weekly on Sundays, and other festival days, with the lessons of the Old and New Testament, conform to the order of the Book of Common Prayer, (meaning that of England, for it is known that divers years after we had no other order for common prayer.) This is recorded to have been the first head concluded in a frequent council of the lords and barons professing Christ Jesus. We keep the words of the history; "Religion was not then placed in rites and gestures, nor men taken with the fancy of extemporary prayers." Sure the public worship of God in His Church, being the most solemn action of us His poor creatures here below, ought to be performed by a liturgy advisedly set and framed, and not according to the sudden and various fancies of men. This shall suffice for the present to have said; the God of mercy confirm our hearts in His truth, and preserve us alike from profaneness and superstition. Amen.

a The History of the Church of Scotland, p. 218.