CHAPTER V
mattins, evensong, and litany
Some General Customs may first be noticed. Bowing towards the altar never quite died out in England.[1] It is thus commended by Canon 7 of 1640: ‘We therefore [i.e. on account of the “pious,” “profitable,” and “edifying” nature of outward acts] think it very meet and behoveful, and heartily commend it to all good and well-affected people, members of this Church, that they be ready to tender unto the Lord the said acknowledgment, by doing reverence and obeisance both at their coming in and going out of the said churches, chancels or chapels, according to the most ancient custom of the Primitive Church in the purest times, and of the Church also for many years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth.’
With regard to bowing at the Holy Name, Canon 18 of 1603 orders: ‘When in time of Divine service the Lord Jesus shall be mentioned, due and lowly reverence shall be done by all persons present, as it hath been accustomed.’ This was revived again by Convocation in 1662.
The ancient custom of turning to the east at the
- ↑ The Canons at Oxford Cathedral have always done so on going out of the choir. In Cookson’s Companion to the Altar (1784, published with his Family Prayer Book and dedicated to the Bishop of Winchester) the communicant is told ‘rise from your knees, bow towards the altar, and retire to thy seat’ (p. 31).
