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4. To perform the parts assigned to them (the people) throughout the Service in the several "Answers" or Responses. See Canon xviii.

5. To sing or say the Creeds jointly with the Minister, all standing. See Rubric before the Apostle's Creed, and the Creed of St. Athanasius, and Canon xviii.

6. "Reverence and attention to be used within the Church in time of Divine Service," including orders for kneeling, &c. Canon xviii. See below p. 85.

XVI. Why are you bound to observe these rules? 1. Because they are the ordinances of man, in the Lord (1 Pet. ii. 13); and, being in the PrayerBook, form part of the law of the land. 2. Because they are the ordinances of that branch of the Church which is planted in this country, and to which I more immediately belong.-Comp. Art. xxiv.

3. Because it is commanded in God's word, that we should, not only with "one mind," but also "with one mouth, glorify God." Rom. xv. 6.

4. Because they are necessary to express our consent and our desire to participate in what is prayed for.

5. Because they tend to engage and fix our attention; and so, to preserve us from the sin of wandering and worldly thoughts, and to promote and quicken our spiritual devotion, without which no prayers can be effectual.

6. Because they tend to promote mutual feelings of unity and godly love, and are themselves a symbol, and a part of Christian communion. See Heb. x. 25, παρακαλοῦντες,

XVII. Why, after Confirmation, shall you be still further bound to observe these rules?

1. Because I shall then have become a member of the Congregation by my own act. See Luke ii.

42-47.

2. Because the Congregation will then have joined in supplications to God for me, as one of themselves, according to my own open confession.

CHAPTER IX.

MEANS OF GRACE-HOLY COMMUNION.

I. WHAT is the second ordinance appointed, on God's part, as a continual means of grace, i. e. to confirm and assist you in "working out" the promises made on your part?

II. State from the Prayer-Book what takes place in this ordinance.

1. A minister (Priest) of God takes bread and wine, and having broken the bread, consecrates them both by prayer and laying on of hands, first the bread, and then the wine, in token of Christ's body given and broken, and his blood shed, for the life of the world. Is. liii. 5. John xix. 34.-Hence called breaking of bread. See Luke xxiv. 30. 35. Acts ii. 42. 46. xx. 11.

2. At the same time he prays that all who partake of . this consecrated bread and wine, may be partakers of Christ's most blessed body and blood.

3. Then, having first partaken himself, he administers a portion of the bread, and of the cup, in turn to every one present, at the same time uttering on behalf of each a form of words, partly intercessory, partly admonitory, and taken from the words of Christ. See Matt. xxvi. 26-28. Mark xiv. 22-24. Luke xxii. 19, 20. 1 Cor. xi. 23-26. John vi. 26-59.

III. What is required beforehand in order to your being admitted to this ordinance?

Renewal of Baptismal vow. Compare ch. I. 11. V. x. 3. 1. Repentance, "true and earnest."-"Stedfastly

Renouncing.

Believing.

Obeying.

purposing," &c. "Ye that do truly and earnestly repent you," &c. The Invitation in Communion Service; see also the Previous Exhortation; the Exhortation at Communion; the Confession and Absolution.

2. Faith, "lively and stedfast," in God's mercy through Christ. "Draw near with faith." The Invitation; see also the Previous Exhortation, towards the end; the Exhortation at Communion; and Absolution.

3. Love to God, with "humble and hearty" thankfulness in "remembrance of Christ's death," represented herein. See Previous Exhortation; Exhortation at Communion; Trisagium.

4. Love to neighbour, i. e. “perfect charity" towards "all men," united herein as one body. 1 Cor. x. 17. -Feast of Charity. OFFERTORY (see ch. V. XIV. 4); Prayer for the whole state of Christ's Church militant; and Thanksgiving for all the faithful triumphant." Ye that—are in love and charity with your neighbours." The Invit.; the Previous Exhort.; the Exhort. at Comm.; Matt. v. 24.

IV. How are you to ascertain whether you possess these things which are required before you can receive this ordinance, as a means of grace?

1. By self-examination as to my past life. 1 Cor. xi. 28, 29. 31. See Previous Exhortation; Exhortation at Communion; 2 Cor. xiii. 5.

2. By appeal to God's minister in case of scruple or doubtfulness. See Previous Exhortation.

V. What would be the consequence of your coming to this ordinance unworthily, that is, without the requisites above-named?

See 1 Cor. xi. 29. 27; also the Previous Exhortation; Matt. xxii. 11-13. Luke xiii. 26. Read 1 Cor. xi. 17 -34.

VI. Why is this ordinance called Communion?

1. Because it is a participation in common (koivwvía) of the Body and Blood of Christ. 1 Cor. x. 16,

17. xi. 29.

2. Because therein we have fellowship (KoLvwvíav) and union with Christ. 1 John i. 3. Rev. iii. 20. John vi. 56. xiv. 23.

VII. Why is it called holy Communion?

1. Because it is a Sacrament. See ch. I. xiv.
2. Because in it the most holy Body and Blood of
Christ are "taken and received by the faithful;"
so that they "spiritually eat the flesh of Christ
and drink his blood." Exhortation at Communion.
3. Because it is the great support and means of holi-
ness to all who receive it worthily. John xv. 5.

VIII. What were the circumstances under which this ordinance was first instituted?

PASSOVER. THE LORD'S SUPPER. See Matt. xxvi. 17-20. Mark xiv. 16, 17. Luke xxii. 13—20.

IX. Show that this ordinance was appointed by Christ as a means of grace to confirm and strengthen those who are duly admitted to it; and is therefore necessary to be observed by all who desire to receive grace from Him.

1. From Scripture. 1 Cor. x. 16. John vi. 33-35. 51-58. xv. 1. 4, 5. Matt. xxvi. 26-28. John xv. 6. Matt. xi. 28. Phil. iv. 13.

2. From the outward part, or sign, i. e. the elements themselves, bread and wine. See Ps. civ. 15.— "The most comfortable Sacrament," &c. "Our spiritual food and sustenance in that holy Sacrament." The Previous Exhortation.-" To our great and endless comfort." Exhort. at Comm. See Acts ii. 46.

X. Show that this ordinance is a means of grace, not only as confirming and strengthening, but also as conveying pardon, remission of sins, and eternal life.

1. From Scripture. Matt. xxvi. 28. 1 John i. 7. John vi. 54. 56. Rev. xix. 9.

2. From the occasion and circumstances of its institution. See Exod. xii. passim. 1 Cor. v. 7. Col. i. 20. Heb. ix. 22. 11, 12. x. 12. 14. John i. 29.

XI. Besides these great and unspeakable benefits to be received thereby, what other reasons are there, why you are bound to observe this ordinance?

1. Because it is the express command of Christ

Himself. 1 Cor. xi. 25. Luke xxii. 19. Compare Exod. xii. 6. 15. 24.

2. Because He commanded it to be done in remembrance of Him. Luke, ibid. and v. 15. ἐπεθύμησα.

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