Such is the general character of the argument resulting from a comparison of these curious documents, each of which can independently be traced back to the middle of the fifth century, and which appear, at that time, to have commanded the same exclusive respect as at present.
To institute the comparison here in such a manner as to enable the reader to judge for himself, is, of course, out of the question, involving as it does very minute and extensive researches. The following particulars, however, may perhaps be not altogether uninteresting, however incomplete.
I. It appears from Mr. Palmer's valuable work, that all the ancient Liturgies now existing, or which can be proved ever to have existed, resemble one another in the following points:—
(1.) All of them direct, that previous to communion, those who intend to communicate shall exchange "the kiss of peace."
(2.) In all of them, the more particularly solemn part of the service commences with words exactly answering to the English, "Lift up your hearts," &c. as far as "Holy Father, almighty everlasting God."
(3.) All contain the Hymn, "Therefore with Angels and Archangels," &c. with very trifling varieties of expression.
(4.) Also, they all contain a Prayer, answering in substance to ours "for the whole state of Christ's Church militant:"
(5.) And likewise another Prayer (which has been excluded from the English Ritual) "for the rest and peace of all those who have departed this life in God's faith and fear," concluding with a Prayer for communion with them.
(6.) Also a commemoration of our Lord's words and actions in the institution of the Eucharist, which is the same, almost word for word, in every Liturgy, but is not taken from any of the four Scripture accounts.
(7.) A sacrificial oblation of the Eucharistic bread and wine.
(8.) A prayer of consecration, that God will "make the bread and wine the Body and Blood of Christ."
