A Commentary On The Litany
by The Revd Thomas Bisse (1675-1731)
5
Notes on the Litany by the Revd Thomas Bisse, Chancellor of Hereford Cathedral and a founder of the Three Choirs Festival.
When The Litany Is Read
AS to the accustomed time for using it, though (as we said) it be on Wednesdays and Fridays, the fasting days of the church; yet it is also appointed on the Lord's day, though a festival; for these reasons:
- Because then is the fullest assembly to join in this most important and general supplication:
- Because no day ought to have a more solemn and complete service, than the Lord's day, that leading festival of the church:
- Because, as bishop Cosins remarks, "these Litanies were wont in the ancient church to be said at the celebration of the Lord's supper, which our church appoints on every Lord's day:"
and thus in the injunctions beforementioned it is ordered, that "immediately before time of communion of the sacrament, the priests kneel, &c and sing or say the Litany."
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From "The Beauty Of Holiness In The Common Prayer, As Set Forth In Four Sermons, The Rolls Chapel, 1716", by Thomas Bisse D. D.. Includes some minor editorial changes, chiefly paragraphing.
Thomas Bisse was Chancellor of Hereford Cathedral and one of the leaders in what would eventually become the Three Choirs Festival. Thomas's brother Philip was Bishop of Hereford, and you can can find out more about both of them at Wikipedia.
You can find the full text of this book at Google Books.
