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.

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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.

After which done, the Priest shall say,

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