THE FIRST PRAYER BOOK OF KING EDWARD VI.
The First Prayer Book of King Edward VI. is the second volume in the " Library of Liturgiology and Ecclesiology for English Readers," appearing under the editorship of Mr. Vernon Staley (5s. net). It is a good thing that it should be printed. There is a general idea that it is something of a half-way house, so to speak, between the Missal and the Anglican Prayer-book. As a. matter of fact, it would excite very little surprise if it were used as it stands. The Sentences, Exhortation, Confession, and Absolution are missing. Service begins with the "Lordes prayer called the Pater Noster." People were so ignorant that they actually needed to have the two names identified ; exactly in the same way as they had to be told that the Communion was what they had been used to call the Mass. The service then continues as we have it, except that there is no alternative canticle to the Benedictus. Matins end with the three Collects. There is an introit for every Sunday and feast. The Communion Service itself shows considerable differences. On these we have not space to dwell. It may be noted, however, that the rubric which follows the Offertory Sentences seems to explain the words "alms and oblations," which do not appear anywhere. " While the Clerks do Syng the Offertory, as many as are disposed shall offer unto the poore mennes bore every one according to his habilitie and charitable mynde. And at the offeryng daies appointed every man and woman shall paie to the Curate the due and accustomed offerynges." It would seem that the word "oblations" should be used only on the occasion of Easter offerings and the like.
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