Charge them who are rich in this world, that they be ready to give, and glad to distribute; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may attain eternal life. 1 _Tim._ vi.
God is not unrighteous, that He will forget your works, and labour that proceedeth of love; which love ye have showed for His Name's sake, who have ministered unto the saints, and yet do minister. _Heb._ vi.
To do good and to distribute forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. _Heb._ xiii.
Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 _St. John_ iii.
Give alms of thy goods, and never turn thy face from any poor man; and then the face of the Lord shall not be turned away from thee. _Tobit_ iv.
Be merciful after thy power. If thou hast much, give plenteously: if thou hast little, do thy diligence gladly to give of that little: for so gatherest thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity. _Tobit_ iv.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord: and look, what he layeth out, it shall be paid him again. _Prov._ xix.
Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick and needy: the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble. _Psalm_ xli.
Whilst these sentences are in reading, the Deacons, Church-wardens, or other fit person appointed for that purpose, shall receive the Alms for the Poor, and other devotions of the people, in a decent basin to be provided by the Parish for that purpose; and reverently bring it to the Priest, who shall humbly present and place it upon the holy Table.
And when there is a Communion, the Priest shall then place upon the Table so much Bread and Wine as he shall think sufficient.
Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church militant here in earth.
Almighty and everliving God, who by Thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers, and supplications, and to give thanks for all men; We humbly beseech Thee most mercifully to accept our alms and oblations, and to receive these our prayers which we offer unto Thy Divine Majesty: beseeching Thee to inspire continually the universal { 29} Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord: and grant, that all they that do confess Thy holy Name may agree in the truth of Thy holy Word, and live in unity, and godly love. We beseech Thee also to save and defend all Christian kings, princes, and governors; and specially Thy servant George, our King, that under him we may be godly and quietly governed: And grant unto his whole council, and to all that are put in authority under him, that they may truly and indifferently minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of Thy true religion and virtue. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops and Curates, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth Thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer Thy holy Sacraments. And to all Thy people give Thy heavenly grace; and especially to this congregation here present; that with meek heart and due reverence they may hear and receive Thy holy Word, truly serving Thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. And we most humbly beseech Thee of Thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all them who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. And we also bless Thy holy { 30} Name for all Thy servants departed this life in Thy faith and fear; beseeching Thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of Thy heavenly kingdom: Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. _Amen_.