The Black Rubric
WHEREAS
it is ordained in this Office for the Administration of
the Lord's Supper, that the Communicants should receive the
same kneeling; (which order is well meant, for a
signification of our humble and grateful acknowledgment of
the benefits of Christ therein given to all worthy
Receivers, and for the avoiding of such profanation and
disorder in the holy Communion, as might otherwise ensue;)
yet, lest the same kneeling should by any persons, either
out of ignorance and infirmity, or out of malice and
obstinacy, be misconstrued and depraved: It is hereby
declared, That thereby no adoration is intended, or ought
to be done, either unto the Sacramental Bread or Wine
there bodily received, or unto any Corporal Presence of
Christ's natural Flesh and Blood. For the Sacramental
Bread and Wine remain still in their very natural
substances, and therefore may not be adored; (for that
were Idolatry, to be abhorred of all faithful Christians;)
and the natural Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ are
in Heaven, and not here; it being against the truth of
Christ's natural Body to be at one time in more places
than one." From: Holy Communion, 1662 Book of Common Prayer.
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