SECTION FIRST. THE ORDER OF PUBLIC WORSHIP. The Morning Service is introduced by singing; after which the Minister (from the Altar) addresses the Congregation as follows: DEARLY BELOVED, "T HUS saith the high and lofty One, who inhabiteth eternity, and whose name is, the Holy One: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also, who is of a contrite and humble spirit; to revive the spirit of the humble, and the heart of the contrite ones; for I will not contend forever, neithwill I be always wroth. Acknowledge, therefore, your misdoings, and confess your sins unto the Lord your God. For your encouragement, his word declares, that "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - Let us, therefore, as many as are here present, with a penitent heart, and an humble voice, acknowledge our transgressions unto the Lord, cur heavenly Father: saying, ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, we acknowledge and confess, that we have greatly crred and sinned against thee: as by external transgressions; so, likewise, by mental deviations from thy holy law: by unbelief, pride and evil desires; by untoward dispositions, inordinate affections, and sinful passions; together with all those sins of our hearts and lives, which we have committed by thought, word and deed against thy divine majesty; most justly provoking 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. Have mercy on us, most merciful Father; for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant us thy grace to strengthen and confirm us in all goodness, 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. O Almighty God, our heavenly Father, have mercy on us. Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, have mercy on us. O God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us, and grant us thy peace. Amen. Ministre The Lord be with you. Congregation. And with thy spirit. Min. Let us pray. [Here may follow an extempore prayer, or the following forms.] A LMIGHTY God, who hast given us grace at this time, with one accord, to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise, that when two or three, are gathered together in thy name, thou wilt grant their requests: fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world, knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen. Blessed Lord, who hast caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; grant that we may in such wise hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and com fort of thy Holy Word, we may embrace and ever Ad fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. |