This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 _Tim._ i. 15.
If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and He is the propitiation for our sins. 1 _St. John_ ii. 1, 2.
After which the Priest shall proceed, saying,
_Priest_. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
Then shall the Priest turn to the Lord's Table, and say,
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, *Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.
* _These words_ [Holy Father] _must be omitted on Trinity Sunday_.
Here shall follow the Proper Preface, according to the time, if there be any specially appointed: or else immediately shall follow,
Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify Thy glorious Name; evermore praising Thee, and saying, _Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O Lord most High. Amen_.
[These are used only at the Seasons named.]
Upon CHRISTMAS DAY, and seven days after.
Because Thou didst give Jesus Christ Thine only Son to be born as at this time for us; who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very man of the { 34} substance of the Virgin Mary his mother; and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with Angels, &c.
But chiefly are we bound to praise Thee for the glorious Resurrection of Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord: for He is the very Paschal Lamb, which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by His death hath destroyed death, and by His rising to life again hath restored to us everlasting life. Therefore with Angels, &c.
_Upon_ ASCENSION DAY, _and seven days after_.
Through Thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who after his most glorious resurrection manifestly appeared to all his Apostles, and in their sight ascended up into heaven to prepare a place for us; that where He is, thither we might also ascend, and reign with Him in glory. Therefore with angels, &c.
_Upon_ WHIT SUNDAY, _and six days after_.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose most true promise, the Holy Ghost came down as at this time from heaven with a sudden great sound, as it had { 35} been a mighty wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues, lighting upon the Apostles, to teach them, and to lead them to all truth; giving them both the gift of divers languages, and also boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations; whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of Thee, and of Thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with Angels, &c.