CONCERNING THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH.

understood; wherein( so much as may be) the reading of holy Scrip­ture 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.

be so plainly set forth, but doubts may arise in the use and practice of the same; to appease all such diversity( f 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 to the Archbishop.

Yet, because there is no medy, but that of necessity there must be some Rules; therefore certain Rules are here set forth; which, as they are few in number, so they are plain and easy to be understood. So that here you have an Order for Prayer, and for the reading of the holy Scripture, much agreeable to the mind and purpose of the old Fathers, and a great deal more profitable and

sung in the Church in the Eng­lish Tongue, to the end that the congregation may be thereby edified; yet it is not meant, but that when men say Morning and Evening Prayer privately, they may say the same in any lan­guage that they themselves do understand.

commodious, than that which of things shall be read and late was used. It is more profit­able, because here are left out many things, whereof some are untrue, some uncertain, some vain and superstitious; and nothing is ordained to be read, but the very pure Word of God, the holy Scrip­tures, or that which is agreeable to 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. And whereas heretofore there hath been great diversity in say­ing and singing in Churches within this Realm; some following Salis­bury use, some Hereford use, and some the use of Bangor, some of York, some of Lincoln: now from henceforth all the whole Realm shall have but one use.

And forasmuch as nothing can

THOUGH all

And all Priests and Deacons are to say daily the Morning and Evening Prayer either privately or openly, not being let by sickness, or some other urgent cause.

And the Curate that ministereth in every Parish Church or Chapel, being at home, and not being otherwise reasonably hindered, shall say the same in the Parish­Church or Chapel where he mi­nistereth, and shall cause a Bell to

be tolled thereunto a conve­nient time before he begin, that the people may come to hear God's Word, and to pray with him.

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