f the chalice. It should be observed,
that the employment of the word 'linen' excludes a fabric of other
material, such as silk or cotton.

128. Then shall the Priest say the Lord's Prayer, the people
repeating after him every Petition.

129. After shall be said as followeth, O Lord and, &c.

130. Or this, Almighty and, &c.

131. Then shall be said or sung, Glory be to God, &c.

The Gloria in Excelsis, as it originally stood at the beginning of
the office, in the Prayer-Book of 1549, being an opening Act of
Praise, was sung by the Priest and Clerks while the people were
standing. In its altered position, it may be regarded rather as a
prayer. It seems reasonable that when it is sung in a choral
celebration, the people should stand, as for an Act of Praise; and
that when it is said without music, and in a plain celebration, the
people may treat it chiefly as a prayer, and so kneel.

132. Then the Priest (or Bishop if he be present) shall let them
depart with this Blessing.

For the meaning of the expression 'or bishop if he be present,' see
the note on rubric No. 110, p. 35.

The words 'let them depart' imply that the congregation are not
to dismiss themselves previously. Archbishop Grindal, in his
injunctions to the Province of York in 1571, forbad the Minister
to pause or stay between the Morning Prayer, Litany, and Communion,
and directed him "to continue and say them, &c., without any
intermission, to the intent that the people may continue together
in prayer and hearing the word of God, and not depart out of the
Church during all the time of the whole Divine Service."

The whole of the Blessing, including 'The peace of God,' &c., should
be pronounced turning to the people.

The custom of reading St. John i. 1-13 aloud at the altar after the
service is ended, adopted from the Roman Missal, has lately been
introduced in some churches. Such public use of this Scripture has
no authority, and is in direct opposition to the ancient English
custom of the Priest reciting it privately, on his way to the
sacristy.

133. Collects to be said after the Offertory, when there is no
Communion, every such day one or more; and the same may be said
also, as often as occasion shall serve, after the Collects either
of Morning or Evening Prayer, Communion, or Litany, by the
discretion of the Minister.

134. Upon the Sundays and other Holy-days (if there be no Communion)
shall be said all that is appointed at the Communio