THE

PARSON’S HANDBOOK

containing

Practical Directions both for Parsons and others as to the Management of the Parish Church and its Services according to the English use, as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer

With an Introductory

Essay on Conformity to

The Church of England

by the rev.

PERCY DEARMER, M.A.

Sixth Edition, revised a second time

with much Additional Matter, and with

Thirty-one Illustrations

HENRY FROWDE

london, edinburgh, glasgow

new york and toronto

1907

Plate 1

‘and the chancels shall remain as they have done in times past’

First printed April, 1899.

Reprinted July and November of the same year, and

February, 1902.

Revised and enlarged edition, with 18 illustrations, February, 1903.

Sixth edition, revised, with 31 illustrations, 1907.

‘THE PARSON’S HANDBOOK’ SERIES

of Practical Books for Church Workers.

General Editor—Rev. Percy Dearmer, M.A.

NOTE ON THE SIXTH EDITION

The printing of a new edition for 1907 has afforded the opportunity for a second revision of the Parson’s Handbook. A large amount of new matter has been incorporated, and the old has been carefully verified; the book now consists of 562 pages, and the illustrations have been increased from eighteen to thirty-one. In addition to the friends who are mentioned in a former preface I have to thank Dr. J. Wickham Legg and Mr. E. G. Cuthbert Atchley for their kindness in reading through the text of the Fifth Edition, and Mr. F. C. Eeles for the great labour he has ungrudgingly given. The extent of my indebtedness to the Rev. J. R. Fowler and others who have helped with the illustrations, is acknowledged on pp. xiii to xxi. To the Rev. G. O. Apthorp, who has compiled the new index, I tender sincere thanks for this and much other help.

Epiphany, 1907.

FROM THE PREFACE: FOURTH EDITION

This edition contains 471 pages as against the 223 pages of the former editions, and the number of chapters has increased from eight to eighteen: it may therefore claim to be, or at least to contain, a new book. The original Parson’s Handbook aimed at providing notes and suggestions only; the new Parson’s Handbook attempts to supply complete directions for the conduct of all the services in a parish church, and to give both the simpler and more elaborate forms of these services.

References have been given throughout for every direction that is not a mere matter of taste or convenience. For it is most necessary to show that the English Use, set forth in these pages, is not a pretty variation of ceremonial drawn up at the caprice of the author for the benefit of those whose fancy it may take. It is the work of one who has striven to follow out logically and loyally the principles to which we are all alike committed. The references will enable every parson to consider each conclusion for himself, and to act according to his conscience, rejecting anything that he can show good reason to reject. He will then be able to give his people a sound reason for what he does, and to meet any objections by ...