Services for the Martyrdom of S. Charles, King and Martyr transcribed by Mr Thomas J. W. Mason
The Holy Eucharist Introit Let us rejoice in the Lord, celebrating a festival day in honour of blessed Charles the Martyr: at whose passion the Angles rejoice and praise the Son of God.
(Psalm 33) Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for it becometh well the just to be thankful.
Collects O Lord we offer unto thee all praise and thanks for the glory of Thy grace that shined forth in Thine anointed servant Charles; and we beseech Thee to give us all grace that by a careful studious imitation of this Thy blessed Saint and Martyr, that we may be made worthy to receive benefit by his prayers, which he, in communion with the Church Catholic, offers up unto Thee for that part of it here Militant, through thy Son, our Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. (source "Private Forms of Prayer" 1660, Brian Duppa, Bishop of Salisbury and Winchester.)
O Most mighty God, terrible in thy judgements, and wonderful in thy doings toward the children of men; who in thy heavy displeasure didst suffer the life of our gracious Sovereign King Charles the First, to be (as on this day) taken away by the hands of cruel and bloody men: We thy sinful creatures here assembled before thee, do, in the behalf of all this Nation, which brought down this heavy judgement upon us. But, O gracious, when thou makest inquisition for blood, lay not the guilt of this innocent blood, (the shedding whereof nothing but the blood of thy Son can expiate,) lay it not to the charge of the people of this land; not let it ever be required of us, or our posterity. Be merciful, O Lord, be merciful unto thy people, whom thou hast redeemed; and be not angry with us for ever: But pardon us for thy mercy's sake. through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Blessed Lord, in whose sight the death of thy saints is precious; We magnify thy Name for thine abundant grace bestowed upon our martyred Sovereign; by which he was enabled so cheerfully to follow the steps of his blessed Master and Saviour, in a constant meek suffering of all barbarous indignities, and at the last resisting unto blood; and even then according to the same pattern, praying for his murderers. Let his memory, O Lord, be ever blessed among us; that we may follow the example of his courage and constancy, his meekness and patience, and great charity. And grant, that this our land may be freed from the vengeance of his righteous blood, and thy mercy glorified in the forgiveness of our sins; and all for Jesus Christ his sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.
Epistle: I S. Peter, 2:13-22
Gradual (Psalm 89) I have found David my servant: with my holy oil have I anointed him. My hand shall hold him fast; and mine arm shall strengthen him.
V. The enemy shall not be able to do him violence: the son of wickedness shall not hurt him.Alleluia ii
V. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive a crown of life.
Tract in Septuagesima Thou hast given him his heart's desire: and hast not denied him the request of his lips.
V. For thou shalt prevent him with the blessings of goodness.
R. Thou shalt see a crown of pure gold upon his head.Holy Gospel S. Matthew, 21:33-41
Offertory. Wisdom 3:2
In the sight of the unwise he seemed to die and his departure was taken for misery; but he is in peace.
Secret Mercifully regard, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, this our atoning sacrifice, and give ear to the prayer of the blessed King Charles Thy Martyr; graciously receive it in propitiation for the sins of this Thine household.
Communion Psalm 2
The people stood up, and the rulers took counsel together; against the Lord, and against his Anointed.
Post-Communion May the bread of heaven imbue us, O Lord, with the spirit of fortitude; for this was the Bread which gave blessed King Charles Thy Martyr strength to fight victoriously for Thy Church.
Addition to the intercessions O Lord, our heavenly Father, who didst not punish us as our sins have deserved, but hast in the midst of judgement remembered mercy; We acknowledge it thine especial favour, that, though, for our many and great provocations, thou didst suffer thine anointed blessed King Charles the First (as on this day) to fall into the hands of violent and blood-thirsty men, and barbarously to be murdered by them, yet thou didst not leave us for ever, as sheep without a shepherd; but by thy gracious providence didst miraculously preserve the undoubted Heir of his Crowns, our then gracious Sovereign King Charles the Second, from his bloody enemies, hiding him under the shadow of thy wings, until their tyranny was overpast; and didst bring him back, in thy good appointed time, to sit upon the throne of his Father; and together with the Royal Family didst restore to us our ancient Government in Church and state. For these thy great and unspeakable mercies we render to thee our most humble and unfeigned thanks; beseeching thee, still to continue thy gracious protection over the whole Royal Family, and to grant to our gracious Sovereign Queen Elizabeth, a long and happy Reign over us: So we that are thy people will give thee thanks for ever, and will alway be shewing forth thy praise from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
And grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sequence Heavenly King, of Kings the Pastor,
Giver of laws, of justice master,
Ruling all by Thy behest,
Unto Thee to-day we render,
Praise for him, to memory tender,
Charles our King, of kings the best.Traitors shedding blood like water
Filled the land with crime and slaughter,
Law was trampled in the mud,
Noble churches left forsaken
And the White Rose, overtaken
By the sword, was red with blood.Thus the bardic verse fulfilling
There shall be a time of killing
When the ravens shall be fed,
And a King without pollution
Midst a realm in revolution
Shall be numbered with the dead.Violent men without compassion
Proudly spurned the ancient fashion
Of the sacred right divine;
From his friends by madmen riven
Was our King to judgement driven
Stained with blood his Royal line.Faithful son of Mother holy,
To the Church devoted solely,
He to keep her laws was fain.
He her champion ever glorious,
Was beaten still victorious,
Robbed of life, but conqueror slain."He nothing common did nor mean,
Upon that memorable scene,"
When on the block he laid his head;
Nor called the gods with vulgar spite
To vindicate his helpless right,
But went to death as to his bed.Fair exchange King Charles was making
When, the crown immortal taking
For the earthly crown he wore,
By the axe he followed faster
To realm of Christ his master,
And the cross behind him bore.Lo, the priest who shares his glory
(Laud his name and laud his story),
For his fellow-martyr waits,
And the white-robed host upraising,
Heart and voice their Saviour
Greets him at the heavenly gates.He by dying brought salvation
To the torn and shattered nation,
Life restored and liberty;
For the Martyr's blood was sowing
Seed from which the Church is growing
Seed of immortality.Ere his death one word was spoken
That 'Remember' was the token
Of his coming victory.
So his blood brought life and healing,
And the Church's triumph sealing,
Never shall forgotten be.
(C.B. Moss)
Rex divine, Rector regum,
Juris Auctor, Dator legum,
Omnem regens populum,
Tibi laudes extollamus
Hodie dum honoramus
Florem regum Carolum.Eheu! Clades et dolores
Generarunt proditores
Maculati crimine;
Cadunt templa gloriosa
Cadunt leges, alba rosa
Rubra fit de sanguine!Vere dixit rex Bardorum
Tempus erit miluorum
Et stragis mirabilis,
Quando regnum amittetur
Et in auram elabetur
Albus rex et nobilis.Jus divinum, lex celestis
Ab hominibus scelestis
Arroganter spernitur;
Ad tribunal cruentatum,
Ad insanis designatum,
Rex Anglorum ducitur.Care matris fili vere
Tu servasti persincere
Præcpeta fidelia
Propter illa propugnasti,
Ipsa victus superasti
Cesus pro Ecclesia.Nihil vile tu fecisti,
Semper digne tu gessisti
Mirum per spectaculum.
Nil maligne proclamasti;
Pulchrum caput inclinasti,
Velut super lectulum.Et corona peritura
Data, bona mercatura,
Pro incorruptibili.
Tenuisti cursum durum
Per securum
Regnum Christi Domini.Te Precursor, cujus nomen
Laudem sonat (felix omen!)
Ille Praesul inclytus
Expectabat coronatus,
Ubi laudat candidatus
Martyrum exercitus.Ceda Regis venit vita,
Venit lege demolita
Renovamen patriæ;
Sanguis Martyris Regalis,
Facti morte immortalis,
Semen fit EcclesiæLetum priusquam acerbum
Passus fuit, unum verbum
Dixit 'Reminiscere':
Tu, Ecclesia sanata
Hujus morte reparata.
Numquam obliviscere!
(Henry Jenner)Morning Prayer Sentences To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him: neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord out God, to walk in his laws which he set before us. Dan., ix 9,10.
Correct us, O Lord, but with judgement: not in thine anger, lest thou bring us to nothing. Jer., x, 24.
Enter not into judgement with thy servants, O Lord: for thy sight shall no man living be justified. Psalm cxliii, 2.
Replacing Venite Exultemus
Righteous art thou, O Lord: and just are thy judgements! [Psalm cxix, 137]
Thou art just, O Lord, in all that is brought upon us: for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly. [Neh., ix, 33]Nevertheless, our feet were almost gone: our treadings had well-nigh slipped. [Psalm lxxiii, 2]
For why? We were grieved at the wicked: we did also see the ungodly in such prosperity. [Psalm lxxiii, 3]The people stood up, and the rulers took counsel together: against the Lord, and against his Anointed. [Psalm ii, 2]
They cast their heads together with one consent: and were confederate against him. [Psalm lxxxiii, 5]He heard the blasphemy of the multitude, and fear was on every side: while they conspired together against him, to take away his life. [Psalm xxxi, 15]
They spoke against hi, with false tongues, and compassed him about with words of hatred: and fought against him without a cause. [Psalm cix, 2]Yea, his own familiar friends, whom he trusted: they that eat of his bread laid great wait for him. [Psalm xli, 9]
They rewarded him evil for good: to the great discomfort of his soul. [Psalm xxxv, 12]They took their counsel together, saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute him, and take him, for there is none to deliver him. [Psalm lxxi, 9]
The breath of our nostrils, the Anointed of the Lord was taken in their pits: of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall be safe. [Lam., iv, 20]The adversary and the enemy entered into the gates of Jerusalem: saying, When shall he die, and his name perish? [Lam. iv, 12, & Psalm xli, 5]
Let the sentence of guiltiness proceed against him: and now that he lieth, let him rise up on more. [Psalm xli, 8]False witnesses also did rise up against him: they laid to his charge things that he knew not. [Psalm xxxv, 11]
For the sins of the people, and the iniquities of the priests: they shed the blood of the just in the midst of Jerusalem. [Lam., iv, 13]O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man. [Gen., xlix, 6]
Even the man of thy right hand: the Son of Man, whom thou hadst made so strong for thine own self. [Psalm lxxx, 17]In the sight of the unwise he seemed to die: and his departure was taken for misery. [Wisdom, iii, 2]
They fools counted his life madness, and his end to be without honour: but he is in peace. [Wisdom, v, 4, & iii, 3]For though he was punished in the sight of men: yet was his hope full of immortality. [Wisdom, iii, 4]
How he is numbered with the children of God: and his lot is among the saints! [Wisdom, v, 5]But, O Lord, God, to whom vengeance belongeth, thou God, to whom vengeance belongeth: be favourable and gracious unto Sion. [Psalm xciv, 1, & li, 18]
Be merciful, O Lord, unto thy people, whom thou hast redeemed: and lay not innocent blood to our charge. [Deut., xxxi, 8]O shut not up our souls with sinners, nor our lives with the bloodthirsty. [Psalm xxvi, 9]
Deliver us from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou art the God of our salvation: and our tongues shall sing of thy righteousness. [Psalm li, 14]For thou art the God that hast no pleasure in wikedness: neither shall any evil dwell with thee. [Psalm v, 4]
Thou wilt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord abhors both the blood-thirsty and deceitful man. [Psalm v, 6]O how suddenly do they consume: perish, and come to a fearful end! [Psalm lxxiii, 18]
Yea, even like as a dream, when one awaketh: so didst thou make their image to vanish out of the city. [Psalm lxxiii, 19]Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty: just and true are thy ways, O King of saints. [Rev., xv, 3]
Righteous art thou, O Lord: and just are the judgements. [Psalm cviv, 137]Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.Psalms: 9,10,11
First Lesson, 2 Samuel, 1.
Second Lesson, S. Matthew, 27.
The Collects shall be those used at the Holy Eucharist.
During the Litany O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully hear our prayers, and spare all those who confess their sins unto thee; that they whose consciences by sin are accused, by thy merciful pardon may be absolved; through Christ our Lord.
O Most mighty God, and merciful Father, who hast compassion upon all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made; who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but that he should rather turn from his ins, and be saved: mercifully forgive us our trespasses; receive and comfort us, who are grieved and wearied with the burden of our sins. Thy property is always to have mercy; to thee only it appertaineth to forgive ins. Spare us, therefore, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed; enter not into judgement with thy servant, who are vile earth and miserable sinners: but so turn thine anger from us, who meekly acknowledge our vileness, and truly repent us of our faults; and so make haste to help us in this world,, that we may every live with thee in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Turn thou us, O good Lord, and so shall we be turned. Be favourable, O Lord, be favourable
Evening Prayer The hymn used at Morning Prayer instead of Venite exultemus shall here also be used before the Proper Psalms.
Proper Psalms: 79,94,85
The First Lesson, Jeremiah 12, or Daniel 9 to v. 22.
The Second Lesson, Hebrews 11 v. 32-12 v.7.
Collects O Almighty Lord God, who by thy wisdom not only guidest and orderest all things most suitably to thine own justice; but also performest thy pleasure in such a manner, that we cannot but acknowledge thee to be righteous in all thy ways, and holy in all thy works: We thy sinful people do here fall down before thee, confessing that thy judgements were right, in permitting cruel men, sons of Belial, (as on this day,) to imbrue their hands in the blood of thine Anointed; we having drawn down the same upon ourselves, by the great and long provocations of our sins against thee. For which we do therefore here humble ourselves before thee; beseeching thee to deliver this Nation from blood-guiltiness, (that of this day especially,) and to turn from us and our posterity all those judgements, which we by our sins have worthily deserved: Grant this, for the all-sufficient merits of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessed God, just and powerful, who didst permit thy dear Servant, our dread Sovereign King Charles the First, to be (as upon this day) given up to the violent outrages of wicked men, to be despitefully used, and at the last murdered by them: Though we cannot reflect upon so foul an act, but with horror and astonishment; yet do we most gratefully commemorate the glories of the grace, which then sinned forth in thine Anointed; whom thou wast pleased, even at the hour of death, to endue with an eminent measure of exemplary patience, meekness, and charity, before the face of his cruel enemies. And albeit thou didst suffer them to proceed to such an height of violence, as to kill him, and to take possession of his Throne; yet didst thou in great mercy preserve his Son, whose right it was, and at length by a wonderful providence bring him back, and set him thereon, to restore thy true Religion, and to settle peace amongst us: For these thy great mercies we glorify thy Name, through Jesus Christ our blessed Saviour. Amen.
Immediately after the Collect [Lighten our darkness, &c.] shall the Collects used at the Holy Eucharist be used.
Immediately before the Prayer of Saint Chrysostom shall this Collect which next followeth be used.
Almighty and everlasting God, whose righteousness is like the strong mountains, and thy judgements like the great deep; and who, by that barbarous murder (as on this day) committed upon the sacred Person of thine Anointed, hast taught us also that neither the greatest of Kings, nor the best of men, are more secure from violence than from natural death: Teach us also hereby so to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. And grant, that neither the splendour of any thing that is great, nor the conceit of any thing that is good in us, may withdraw our eyes from looking upon ourselves as sinful dust and ashes; but that the prize of the high calling that is before us, in faith and patience, humility and meekness, mortification and self-denial, charity and constant perseverance unto the end: And all this for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ his sake; to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
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