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At the Burial of the Dead at Sea, the Office in the Common Prayer Book may be used; only instead of these words, We therefore commit his Body to the ground, earth to earth, &c. say, We therefore commit his Body to the deep, to be turned into corruption, looking for the Resurrection of the Body when the Sea shall give up her dead, and the life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ; who at his coming shall change our vile Body, that it may be like his glorious Body, according to the mighty working whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself

A FORM OF PRAYER FOR

THE VISITATION OF PRISONERS.

When Morning or Evening Prayer shall be read in any Prison, instead of the Psalm, O come let us sing, &c. shall be read the 130th Psalm; and the Minister shall insert, after the Collect for the Day, the Collect in the following service, O God, who sparest, &c. and at such times as the Litany is not read, he shall add the Prayer, O God, merciful Father, who despisest not, &c.

And when Notice is given to the Min-, cour all those who are under reproach and ister, that a Prisoner is confined for nisery in the house of bondage; correct some great or capital crime, he shall them not in thine anger, neither chasten visit him; and when he cometh into them in thy sore displeasure. Give them the place where the Prisoner is, he a right understanding of themselves, and of shall say, kneeling down, thy threats and promises; that they may REMEMBER not, Lord, our iniquities, neither cast away their confidence in thee.

nor the iniquities of our forefathers; nor place it any where but in thee. Reneither take thou vengeance of our sins: lieve the distressed, protect the innocent, Spare us, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever.

Ans. Spare us, good Lord.

Let us pray. Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.

OUR

UR Father, who art in Heaven, &c.
Min. O Lord, show thy mercy

upon us;

Ans. And grant us thy salvation.
Min. Turn thy face from our sins;
Ans. And blot out all our iniquities.
Min. Send us help from thy holy place;
Ans. For thine indignation lietà hard
upon us.

Min. O Lord, hear our prayer;

and awaken the guilty: and forasinuch as thou alone bringest light out of darkness, and good out of evil, grant that the pains and punishments which these thy servants endure, through their bodily confinement, may tend to setting free their souls from the chains of sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Here the Minister, as he shall see convenient, may read the Prayer for All conditions of Men, the Collect for AshWednesday, and the Collect beginning Almighty God, the fountain of all wis dom, &c. or any other Prayer of the Liturgy, which he shall judge proper. Then shall the Minister exhort the Prisoner or Prisoners after this Form, or other like:

Ans. And let the sigting of the Prisoners DEARLY beloved, know this, that Al

come before thee.

GR

The Collect. RANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be pushed, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

mighty God, whose never-failing pro vidence governeth all things both in heaven and earth, hath so wisely and mercifully ordered the course of this world, that his judgments are often sent as fatherly corre tions to us; and if with due submission and resignation to his holy will we receive the same, they will work together for our good.

It is your part and duty, therefore, to God, who sparest when we deserve humble yourself under the mighty hand punishment, and in thy wrath re- of God, to acknowledge the righteousness memberest mercy; we humbly beseech of his judgments, and to endeavour, that, thee of thy goodness to comfort and suc- by his grace, this present visitation may lead

Then shall the Minister examine whether he repent him truly of his sins, and be in charity with all the world, and further admonish him particu larly concerning the crimes wherewith he is charged; and exhort him, if he have any scruples, that he would de clare the same, and prepare himself for the Holy Communion, against the time that it may be proper to administer it to him.

you to a sincere and hearty repentance. The way and means thereto is, to examine your life and conversation by the rule of God's commandments; and whereinsoever you shall perceive yourself to have offended either by will, word, or deed, there to bewail your own sinfulness, and to confess yourself to Almighty God, with ull purpose of amendment of life. And i: you shall perceive your offences to be such as are not only against God, but also against your neighbours; then to reconcile Then, all kneeling, the Minister shall yourself to them, being ready to make say as follows, from the 51st Psalm: estitution and satisfaction, according to the uttermost of your power, for all injuries HAVE mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness; according to and wrongs done by you to any other: and the multitude of thy mercies, do away being likewise ready to forgive others who mine offences,

have offended you, as you would have for- Wash me thoroughly from my wickedgiveness of your offences at God's hand.ness; and cleanse me from my sin. And to this true repentance and change For I acknowledge my faults; and my of mind you must add a lively and stead-sin is ever before me.

fast faith, and dependence upon the merits Against thee only have I sinned, and of the death of Christ, with an entire resig-done this evil in thy sight; that thou might nation of yourself to the will of God. Ex-est he justified in thy saying, and clear cept you repeut, and believe, we can give when thou art judged."

you no hope of salvation: But if you do sin- Behold, I was shapen in wickedness; cerely repeat and believe, God hath declar-and in sin hath my mother conceived me. ed, though your sins be as red as scarlet, they shall be made white as snow; though your wickednesses have gone over your head, yet shall they not be your destruction.

But lo, thou requirest truth in the inward parts; and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly.

Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, and We exhort you therefore in the name I shall be clean; thou shalt wash me, and et God, and of his dear Son Jesus Christ I shall be whiter than snow.

our Saviour, and as you tender your own Thou shalt make me hear of joy and Salvation, to take good heed of these gladness; that the bones which thou hast things in time, white the day of salvation broken may rejoice.

lasteth; for the night cometh, when no man Turn thy face from my sins; and put can work. While you have the light, be-out all my misdeeds.

Then shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

lieve in the light, and walk as children of Make me a clean heart, O God; and rethe light, that you be not cast into outer new a right spirit within me. darkness; that you may not knock, when Cast me not away from thy presence; the door shall be shut; and cry for mercy, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. when it is the time of justice. Now you O give me the comfort of thy help again; are the object of God's mercy, if by re-and stablish me with thy free Spirit. pentance and true faith you turn unto him: but if you neglect these things, you will be the object of his justice and vengeance: Now you may claim the merits of Christ: but if you die in your sins, his sufferings will tend to your greater condemnation. O beloved, consider in this your day, how fearful a thing it will he to fall into the hands of the living God, when you can neither fly to his mercy to protect you, nor I give it thee; but thou delightest not in to the merits of Christ to cover you in that burnt-offerings. terrible day.

Here the Minister shall examine him concerning his Faith, and rehearse the Articles of the Creed, Dost thou believe in God, &c. And the prisoner shall|

answer,

All this I steadfastly believe.

Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou that art the God of my health; and my tongue shall sing of thy righteousness.

Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord; and my mouth shall show thy praise.

For thou desirest no sacrifice, else would

The sacrifice of God is a troubled Spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt thou not despise.

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Then the Minister shall say,
Let us pray.
Lord, we beseech thee, mercifully
hear our prayers, and so are all those

who confess their sins unto thee; that they, Your sins have brought you too near this

whose consciences by sin are accused, by thy merciful pardon may be absolved, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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dreadful sentence: It is therefore your part and duty, my brother, humbly to con fess and bewail your great and manifold offences, and to repent you truly of your sins, as you tender the eternal salvation of your soul.

God, whose mercy is everlasting, and power infinite; look down with pity and compassion upon the sufferings of this thy servant; and whether thou visitest Be not deceived with a vain and prefor trial of his patience, or punishment of sumptuous expectation of God's favour, his offences, enable him by thy grace nor say within yourself, Peace, Peace, cheerfully to submit himself to thy holy where there is no peace; for there is no will and pleasure. Go not far from those, peace, saith my God, to the wicked. God O Lord, whom thou hast laid in a place is not mocked; he is of purer eyes than to of darkness, and in the deep; and foras-behold iniquity; and without holiness no much as thou hast not cut him off sudden- man shall see the Lord. On the other ly, but chastenest him as a father; grant hand, despair not of God's mercy, though that he, duly considering thy great mercies, trouble is on every side; for God shutteth may be unfeignedly thankful, and turn unto thee with true repentance and sincerity of heart, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayers for Persons under Sentence of Death.

not up his mercies for ever in displeasure: But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Do not either way abuse the goodness of God, who call eth us mercifully to amendment, and of his endless pity promiseth us forgiveness of that which is past, if with a perfect and true heart we return unto him.

When a Criminal is under Sentence of Death, the Minister shall proceed, immediately after the Collect, O God, who sparest, &c. to exhort him after Since therefore you are soon to pass inthis Form, or other like: to an endless and unchangeable state, and EARLY beloved, it hath pleased Al- your future happiness or misery depends

Demighty God, in his justice, te bring upon the few moments which are left

you

you under the sentence and condemnation I require you strictly to examine yourself, of the law: You are shortly to suffer death and your estate both towards God and to in such a manner, that others, warned by wards man; and let no worldly considera. your example, may be the more afraid to tion hinder you from making a true and offend; and we pray God, that you may full confession of your sins, and giving all make such use of your punishments in this the satisfaction which is in your power to world, that your soul may be saved in the every one whom you have wronged or inworld to come. jured; that you may find mercy at your Wherefore we come to you in the bow-heavenly Father's hand, for Christ's sake, els of compassion; and, being desirous that and not be condemned in the dreadful day you should avoid presumption on the one of judgment. ad, and despair on the other, shall plain- Lastly, beloved, submit yourself with ly lay before you the wretchedness of your Christian resignation to the just judgment condition, and declare how far you ought of God, which your own crimes have to depend on the mercies of God, and the brought upon you, and be in charity with merits of our Saviour. Consider then se- all men; being ready sincerely to forgive riously with yourself, in all appearance the all such as have offended you, not except time of your dissolution draweth nearing those who have prosecuted you even your sins have laid fast hold upon you; unto death: And, though this may seem you are soon to be removed from among a hard saying, yet know assuredly, that men by a violent death; and you shall fade without it your charity is not yet perfect. away suddenly like the grass, which in the And fail not earnestly to endeavour and morning is green and groweth up, but in the pray for this blessed temper and compoevening is cut down, dried up, and with-sure of mind. So may you cast yourself ered. After you have thus finished the course of a sinful and miserable life, you shall appear before the Judge of all flesh; who, as he pronounces blessings on the righteous, shall likewise say, with a terrible voice of most just judgment, to the wicked, Go, ye accursed, into the fire everlasting prepared for the devil and his angels."

with an entire dependence upon the mercies of God, through the merits of our Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ.

Here the Minister shall examine him concerning his Faith, and rehearse the Articles of the Creed, Dost thou believe in God, &c. And the Criminal shall

answer,

Then the Minister, standing, shall

say,

N the midst of life we are in death:

All this I steadfastly believe. ¶ Adding this. ¶ Then shall the Minister examine whe Saviour of the world, who by thy ther he repent him truly of his sins, excross and precious blood hast rehorting him to a particular Confes- deemed us, save us and help us, we humsion of the sin for which he is con-bly beseech thee, O Lord. demned; and upon Confession, he shall instruct him what satisfaction ought to be made to those whom he has offended thereby; and if he knoweth any combinations in wickedness, or of thee, O Lord, who for our sins art justly any evil practices designed against displeased? others, let him be admonished to the Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord utmost of his power to discover and most mighty, O holy and most merciful prevent them. Saviour, deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death.

After his Confession, the Minister shall declare to him the pardoning mercy of God, in the Form which is used in the Communion Service.

After which shall be said the Collect

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of whom may we seek for succour, but

hearts: Shut not thy merciful ears to our Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our prayers; but spare us, Lord most holy, Saviour, thou most worthy Judge eternal, O God most mighty, O holy and merciful suffer us not, at our last hour, for any pains death to fall from thee,

following. Holy Jesus, who of thine infinite good of ness, didst accept the conversion of a sinner on the cross; open Then the Minister shall thine say, of mercy upon this thy servant, who desireth THE Almighty God, who is a most pardon and forgiveness, though in his latest their trust in him; to whom all things in strong tower to all those who put hour he turneth unto thee. Renew in him heaven, in earth, and under the earth, do whatsoever hath been decayed by the fraud bow and obey; be now and ever more and malice of the devil, or by his own carnal thy defence; and make thee know and feel will and frailness. Consider his contrition; that there is none other name under hea accept his repentance; and forasmuch as ven given to man, in whom and through he putteth his full trust only in thy mercy, whom thou mayest receive salvation, but impute not unto him his former sins, but only the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. strengthen him with thy blessed Spirit; and Amen. when thou art pleased to take him hence, take him unto thy favour: This we beg through thy merits, O Lord, our Saviour

and our Redeemer. Amen.

And after that shall say,
UNTO God's gracious mercy and

pro

tection we commit thee: The Lord bless thee and keep thee: The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his counte nance upon thee, and give thee peace both now and evermore.

At the time of Execution, besides all, or such parts of the foregoing office as the Minister shall judge proper, shall be said the Commendatory Prayer for a person at the point of Depar ture, as it is in the Visitation of the Sick.

Then the Minister shall say, Father of mercies and God of all comfort; we fly unto thee for succour in behalf of this thy servant, who is now under the sentence of condemnation. The day of his calamity is at hand, and he is accounted as one of those who go down into the pit. Blessed Lord, remember thy mercies; look upon his infirmities; hear the voice of his complaint; give him, we beseech thee, patience in this his time of adversity, and support under the terrors The Collect for the Communion Service. which encompass him; set before his eyes the things he hath done in the body, which God, who declarest thy Almighty have justly provoked thee to anger; and pity; we beseech thee to have mercy upon power chiefly in showing mercy and forasmuch as his continuance appeareth to this thy servant, who for his transgressions be short amongst us, quicken him so much is appointed to die. Grant that he may the more by thy grace and holy Spirit; take thy judgments patiently, and repent that he, being converted and reconciled him truly of his sins; that he recovering thy unto thee, before thy judgments have cut favour, the fearful reward of his actions him off from the earth, may at the hour of may end with this life; and whenso ver his death depart in peace, and be received his soul shall depart from the body, it may into thine everlasting kingdom. through be without spot resented unto thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen. Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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The Epistle. Heb. xii. 11. Jalways a deep sense of their sins, and of No chastening for the present seemeth thy fatherly love and correction; and the to be joyous, but grievous; neverthe-more their confinement presseth hard upon less, afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable them, the more let the comforts of thy fruit of righteousness, unto them which are grace and mercy abound towards them. exercised thereby. Give to their creditors tenderness and compassion, and to them a meek and forgiving spirit towards all those who have contined them, and a full purpose to repair all the injuries and losses which others have sustained by them. Raise them up friends to pity and relieve them; give them the con tinued comfort of thy countenance here;

The Gospel. St. John v. 24. VERILY, verily, I say unto you, He heavenly word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but passed from death unto life.

A Prayer for imprisoned Debtors.

MOST gracious God, look down in pity

and so sanctify their afflictions, that they and compassion upon these thine may work for them an eferual weight of afflicted servants, who are fallen under the glory, through the merits and mediation of misery of a close restraint. Give them Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.

A FORM OF

PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING

To Almighty God, for the Fruits of the Earth, and all the other Blessings of his mer. ciful Providence; to be used yearly on the first Thursday in November, or on such other Day as shall be appointed by the Civil Authority.

The Service shall be as usual, except where it is hereby otherwise appointed.

Among the Sentences at the beginning of Morning Prayer shall be the following: HONOUR the Lord Wiruits of all thine

He covereth the heaven with clouds, and prepareth rain for the earth; he maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. He giveth to the beast his food; and to

the

with thy substance,

increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Prov. iii. 9, 10.

The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens: By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. Prov. iii. 19, 20.

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Deut. xxxiii. 27.

Israel then shall dwell in safety alone; the fountain of Jacob shall be upon the land of corn and of wine, also his heaven shall drop down dew. Deut. xxxiii. 28. Happy art thou, O Israel; who is like thee, people saved by

the young ravens which cry.

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: Praise thy God, O Sion.

For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.

He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the firest of the wheat. Then shall be said or sung one of the Selections, or some other portion of the Psalms, at the discretion of the Minister.

The First Lesson shall be Deut. viii.
and the Second Lesson shall be 1 Thess.
v. 12 to 24.

After the General Thanksgiving, shall
be said this which followeth :
OST gracious God, by whose know-

the shield of thy help, and who is the sword M ledge the depths are breken up, and

of thy excellency! Deut. xxxiii. 29. Instead of, O come let us sing, &c. the following shall be said or sung: PRAISE ye the Lord; for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is comely.

The Lord doth build up Jerusalem; he gathereth together the out-casts of Israel. He healeth those that are broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

the clouds drop down the dew; we yield thee unfeigned thanks and praise, as for all thy mercies, so especially for the returns

of Seed-time and Harvest, and for crowning the year with thy goodness, in the increase of the ground, and the gathering in of the fruits thereof. And, we beseech thee, give us a just sense of this great mercy; such as may appear in our lives, by an bumble, holy, and obedient walking before

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