[Then the alms are collected while one or more of the Offertory Sentences are read. Always try to give {25} something at the Offertory, no matter how small the amount is, but never stay away from the service because you have nothing to give. When you have made your offering, kneel down, and say:--
_All that is in heaven and in the earth is Thine. All things come of Thee, and of Thine Own have I given Thee_.]
[Ill.u.s.tration: THE CRUCIFIXION.]
THE OFFERTORY SENTENCES.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. _St. Matt._ v.
Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon the earth; where the rust and moth doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven; where neither rust nor moth doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. _St. Matt._ vi.
Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do unto them; for this is the Law and the Prophets. _St. Matt._ vii.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. _St. Matt._ vii.
Zacchaeus stood forth, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have done any {26} wrong to any man, I restore fourfold. _St. Luke_ xix.
Who goeth a warfare at any time of his own cost? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 1 _Cor._ ix.
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your worldly things? 1 _Cor._ ix.
Do ye not know, that they who minister about holy things live of the sacrifice; and they who wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
Even so hath the Lord also ordained, that they who preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. 1 _Cor._ ix.
He that soweth little shall reap little; and he that soweth plenteously shall reap plenteously. Let every man do according as he is disposed in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for G.o.d loveth a cheerful giver. 2 _Cor._ ix.
Let him that is taught in the Word minister unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived, G.o.d is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he reap. _Gal._ vi.
While we have time, let us do good unto all men; and specially unto them that are of the household of faith. _Gal._ vi.
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G.o.dliness is great riches, if a man be content with that he hath: for we brought nothing into the world, neither may we carry anything out.
1 _Tim._ vi.
Charge them who are rich in this world, that they be ready to give, and glad to distribute; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may attain eternal life. 1 _Tim._ vi.
G.o.d is not unrighteous, that He will forget your works, and labour that proceedeth of love; which love ye have showed for His Name"s sake, who have ministered unto the saints, and yet do minister. _Heb._ vi.
To do good and to distribute forget not; for with such sacrifices G.o.d is well pleased. _Heb._ xiii.
Whoso hath this world"s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compa.s.sion from him, how dwelleth the love of G.o.d in him? 1 _St. John_ iii.
Give alms of thy goods, and never turn thy face from any poor man; and then the face of the Lord shall not be turned away from thee. _Tobit_ iv.
Be merciful after thy power. If thou hast much, give plenteously: if thou hast little, do thy diligence gladly to give of that little: for so gatherest thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity.
_Tobit_ iv.
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He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord: and look, what he layeth out, it shall be paid him again. _Prov._ xix.
Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick and needy: the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble. _Psalm_ xli.
Whilst these sentences are in reading, the Deacons, Church-wardens, or other fit person appointed for that purpose, shall receive the Alms for the Poor, and other devotions of the people, in a decent basin to be provided by the Parish for that purpose; and reverently bring it to the Priest, who shall humbly present and place it upon the holy Table.
And when there is a Communion, the Priest shall then place upon the Table so much Bread and Wine as he shall think sufficient.
After which done, the Priest shall say,
Let us pray for the whole state of Christ"s Church militant here in earth.
Almighty and everliving G.o.d, who by Thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers, and supplications, and to give thanks for all men; We humbly beseech Thee most mercifully to accept our alms and oblations, and to receive these our prayers which we offer unto Thy Divine Majesty: beseeching Thee to inspire continually the universal {29} Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord: and grant, that all they that do confess Thy holy Name may agree in the truth of Thy holy Word, and live in unity, and G.o.dly love. We beseech Thee also to save and defend all Christian kings, princes, and governors; and specially Thy servant George, our King, that under him we may be G.o.dly and quietly governed: And grant unto his whole council, and to all that are put in authority under him, that they may truly and indifferently minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of Thy true religion and virtue. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops and Curates, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth Thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer Thy holy Sacraments. And to all Thy people give Thy heavenly grace; and especially to this congregation here present; that with meek heart and due reverence they may hear and receive Thy holy Word, truly serving Thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. And we most humbly beseech Thee of Thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all them who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. And we also bless Thy holy {30} Name for all Thy servants departed this life in Thy faith and fear; beseeching Thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of Thy heavenly kingdom: Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ"s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. _Amen_.
THE EXHORTATION.
[When the Exhortation is read attend to it very carefully, for it is full of instruction. You will find it in your Prayer-book.]
THE INVITATION.
Then shall the Priest say to them that come to receive the Holy Communion,
Ye that do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of G.o.d, and walking from henceforth in His holy ways; Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty G.o.d, meekly kneeling upon your knees.
Then shall this general Confession be made, in the name of all those that are minded to receive the holy Communion, by one of the Ministers; both he and all the people kneeling humbly upon their knees, and saying:--
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_Almighty G.o.d, Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against Thy Divine Majesty, provoking most justly Thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; The remembrance of them is grievous unto us; The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ"s sake, forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honour and glory of Thy name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen_.
Then shall the Priest (or the Bishop, being present) stand up, and turning himself to the people, p.r.o.nounce this Absolution.
Almighty G.o.d, our heavenly Father, who of His great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto Him; Have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.
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