CONTENTS.* * Now first inserted by the Editor.-P. H. GENERAL RUBRICS. The proper persons to administer in all the solemn parts of Public Worship are the Bishops; and in their absence, and by their permission, the Presbyters or Priests ; and both, as ministered to by the Deacons. If there be no Deacon belonging to any particular Church, what is in this book ordered to be performed by him, must be done by the Priest. Note, that wherever in this book the People are appointed to do any thing, the Deacon and all the Clergy present (except the Officiating Priest) are supposed to be included in the rule unless it be otherwise particularly ordered. It is to be noted, that such ornaments of the Church and of the Clergy, at all times of their ministration, shall be retained, and be in use, as were in the Church of England in the second year of the reign of King Edward the Sixth. The posture for the Faithful in prayer, and at the reception of the Eucharist, is kneeling, on all days but the Lord's days; and all the days between Easter and Pentecost on are which it is standing, in respect to and remembrance of our Saviour's resurrection : and therefore wherever in this book the Faithful are ordered to kneel, those times are supposed to be excepted. The People during the time of Divine Service are always to have their faces turned towards the Altar : the same is supposed of the Priest and Deacon whenever they kneel, and likewise when they stand, except where it is otherwise ordered. The Men and Women to sit separate in the Public Assemblies. Public Prayers are to be used Morning and Evening every day. The time for the holy Liturgy, or solemn Communion Service, is between nine in the morning and noon ; except those days on which the Penitential Office is appointed, which is to be used about that time, and the Communion Service (if the Eucharist be celebrated) about two of the clock. On Mondays, the Bishop, with as many of the Clergy as conve niently can, are to meet together for the exercise of Discipline according to the laws of the Gospel, and the Ecclesiastical Canons. Any of the Faithful may also be present, if they please. And forasmuch as nothing can be so plainly set forth, but doubts may arise in the use and practice 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 always resort to the Bishop of the Diocese, who, by his discretion, shall take order for the quieting and appeasing of the same. And if the Bishop of the Diocese be in doubt, he must apply for the resolution thereof to the Metropolitan, and College of Bishops in Provincial Synod assembled. |