Saturday, November 18, 2006

Cranmer & the Discipline of the Lord's Table

Thought others would find this interesting. Found this while researching my paper on Cranmer and the 1552 Book of Common Prayer. This is what the Presbyterians and Methodist inherited.... so how'd we get 'Open Hearts, Open Minds?'

From the 1552 Prayer Book
The Order for the Administration
of the Lord's Supper, or
Holy Communion.

So many as intend to be partakers of the holy Communion shall signify their names to the Curate, over night: or else in the morning, afore the beginning of morning prayer, or immediately after.

And if any of those be an open and notorious evil liver, so that the congregation by him is offended, or have done any wrong to his neighbours by word or deed: The Curate having knowledge thereof, shall call him, and advertise him, in any wise not to presume to the Lord's Table, until he hath openly declared himself to have truly repented, and amended his former naughty life, that the congregation may thereby be satisfied, which afore were offended: and that he have recompensed the parties, whom he hath done wrong unto, or at least be in full purpose so to do, as soon as he conveniently may.

The same order shall the Curate use, with those betwixt whom he perceiveth malice, and hatred to reign, not suffering them to be partakers of the LORD's Table, until he know them to be reconciled. And if one of the parties so at variance, be content to forgive from the bottom of his heart all that the other hath trespassed against him, and to make amends for that he himself hath offended: and the other party will not be persuaded to a godly unity, but remain still in his frowardness and malice: The Minister in that case, ought to admit the penitent person to the holy Communion, and not him that is obstinate.

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