LIBRARY ' tMrck.'^t. OF THE University of California. Mrs. SARAH P. WALSWORTH. > , Received October, 1894, by his conversion, edify many. Grant also that he may steadfastly walk in Thy ways, to the end ; and may we learn from this example, that with Thee is mercy, that Thou may- est be feared ; and" that we, counting him for our brother and co-heir of life eternal, may jointly serve Thee with filial fear and obedience all the days ot our life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose Name we thus conclude our prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed BE Thy name : Thy kingdom come : Thy will BE DONE ON EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN : GiVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD : AnD FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, As WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS: AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL : FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, jCnD THE GLORY, FOR EVER. AmEN. FORMS OF ORDINATION VII. The sermon and the usual prayers heing finished, the Minister shall thus speak to the Congregation : Beloved Brethren : it is known unto you, that we have now at three different times published the name of our brother N., here present, to learn whether any person had aught to offer concerning his doctrine or life, why he might not be ordained to the Ministry of the Word. And, whereas, no one hath appeared before us, who hath alleged any thing lawful against his person, we shall there- fore at present, in the Name of the Lord, proceed to his ordination. For which purpose, )^ou N., and all those who are here present, shall first at- tend to a short declaration taken from the Word of God, touching the Institution and the Office of Pastors and Ministers of God's Word : Where, in the first place, you are to observe, that God our Heavenly Father, willing to call and gather a Church from amongst the corrupt race of men unto Hfe eternal, doth by a particular mark of His favor use the ministry of men therein. There- (56) 57 fore the Apostle Paul saith, that the Lord Jesus Christ *'gave some, apostles; and some, proph- ets ; and some, evangelists ; and some, pastors and teachers ; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Here we see that the Holy Apostle among other things saith, that the Pastoral office is an Institution of Christ. What this Holy Office enjoins, may easily be ga- thered from the very name itself; for as it is the duty of a common shepherd, to feed, guide, protect, and rule the flock committed to his charge ; so it is with regard to these spiritual shepherds, who are set over the Church which God calleth unto salva- tion,* and counts as sheep of His pasture. The pas- ture with which these sheep are fed, is nothing but the preaching of the Gospel, accompanied with Prayer, and the administration of the Holy Sacra- ments. The same Word of God is likewise the staff with which the flock is guided and ruled. Conse- quently, it is evident that the office of Pastors and Ministers of God's Word is : Firsts That they faithfully explain to their flock, the Word of the Lord, revealed by the writings of the prophets and the apostles ; and apply the same, as well in general as in particular, to the edification of the hearers ; instructing, admonishing, comfort- ing, and reproving, according to every one's need ; preaching repentance towards God, and reconcilia- tion with Him through faith in Christ ; and refuting with the Holy Scriptures all schisms and heresies which are repugnant to the pure doctrine. All 3* 58 this is clearly signified to us in Holy Writ ; for the Apostle Paul saith, that these labor in the Word ; and elsewhere he teaches that this must be done according to the measure [or rule] of faith. He writes also that a Pastor must hold fast and rightly divide the faithful and sincere Word which is ac- cording to the doctrine : " likewise, he that prophe- sieth [that is, preacheth God's Word], speaketh un- to men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." In another place, he proposes himself as a pattern to Pastors, declaring that he ''publicly, and from house to house, taught, and testified repentance to- wards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ." But particularly we have a clear descrip- tion of the office of Ministers of God's Word, (2 Cor. 5 : 18-20), where the Apostle thus speaketh, *' And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us [namel}^ to the Apostles and Pastors], the ministry of reconcihation ; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them ; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now, then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did be- seech you by us : we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." Concerning the refutation of false doctrine, the same Apostle saith (Tit. i : 9), that a Minister must " hold fast the faithful Word of God, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers." Secondly. It is the Office of the Ministers, publicly to call upon the Name of the Lord in behalf of the 59 whole congregation ; for that which the Apostles say, " We will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word," is common to these Pastors and the Apostles ; to which St. Paul, alluding, thus speaketh to Timothy : " I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks, be made for all men : for kings, and for all that are in authority," etc., (i Tim. 2: i, 2). Thirdly. Their Office is to administer the Sacra- ments which the Lord hath instituted as seals of His grace ; as is evident from the command given by Christ to the Apostles, and in them to all Pas- tors : " Baptize them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Likewise, " For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto j^ou," etc. Finally. It is the duty of the Ministers of the Word, to keep the Church of God in good disci- pline, and to govern it in such a manner as the Lord hath ordained. For Christ, having spoken of the Christian discipline, says to His Apostles, " Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven." And St. Paul will have the Ministers know how to rule their own house, since they otherwise neither can provide for, nor rule the Church of God. This is the reason why the Pastors are in Scripture called Stewards of God and Bishops ^ that is, overseers and watchmen ; for they have the oversight of the house of God, wherein they are conversant, to the end that every thing may be transacted with good order and decency ; and, also. 6o that they may open and shut, with the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven committed to them, according to the charge given them by God. From these things may be learned, what a glori- ous work the Ministerial Office is ; since so great things are effected by it ; yea, how highly neces- sary it is for man's salvation : which is also the reason why the Lord will have such an Office always to remain. For Christ said when He sent forth His Apostles to officiate in this holy function, " Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world ;" where we see His pleasure is, that this Holy Office, (for the persons to whom he here speak- eth could not live to the end of the world), should always be maintained on earth. And, therefore, St. Paul exhorted Timothy, " to commit that which he had heard of him to faithful men, who should be able to teach others"; as he also, having ordained Titus, minister, further commanded him to *' ordain elders in every city," (Tit. i : 5). Forasmuch therefore as we, for the maintaining of this office in the Church of God^ are now to or- dain a new Minister of the Word, and have suffi- ciently spoken of the Office of such persons; there- fore you, N., shall answer to the following questions, to the end that it may appear to all here present, that you are inclined to accept of this Office as above described. First. I ask thee, dost thou feel in thy heart that thou art lawfully called of God's Church, and, therefore, of God Himself, to this Holy Ministry ? Secondly. Dost thou believe the books of the Old 6i and New Testament to be the only Word of God, and the perfect doctrine unto salvation ; and dost thou reject all doctrines repugnant thereto ? Thirdly. Dost thou promise faithfully to dis- charge thy office, according to the same doctrine as above described, and to adorn it with a godly Ufe ; also, to submit thyself, in case thou shouldst be- come delinquent, either in life or doctrine, to eccle- siastical admonition, according to the public ordi- nance of the churches ? To which the Candidate shall give answer. Answer. Yes, truly, with all my heart. Then the Minister, who did demand those questions of him, and other Minis- ters who are present, shall lay their hands * on his head, and say : God, our Heavenly Father, v^ho hath called thee to this Holy Ministry, ^nlighten thee with His Holy Spirit ; strengthen thee with His hand ; and so gov- ern thee in thy Ministry, that thou mayest decently and fruitfully walk therein, to the glory of His Name, and the propagation of the Kingdom of His Son Jesus Christ. Amen. Then the Minister shall, from the pulpit, exhort the ordained Minister, and the congregation, in the following manner : Take heed, therefore, beloved brother and fellow- servant in Christ, unto yourself and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you Over- seer, to feed the Church of God which He hath purchased with His own blood : love Christ, and * This ceremony shall not be used in ordaining those who have before been in the ministry. 62 feed His sheep, taking the oversight of them not by constraint, but wilUngly ; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind ; neither as being lord over God's heritage, but as an example to the flock. Be an example of believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Give attend- ance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neg- lect not the gift that is in thee ; meditate upon these things ; give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all ; take heed to thy doc- trine, and continue steadfast therein. Bear pa- tiently all sufferings and oppressions, as a good sol- dier of Jesus Christ ; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, thou shalt receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. And you, likewise, betoved Christians, receive this your Minister in the Lord with all gladness, "and hold such in reputation." Remember that God Himself through him speaketh unto you and beseecheth you. Receive the word, which he, ac- cording to the Scripture, shall preach unto you, " not as the word of man, but, as it is in truth, the Word of God." Let the feet of those that preach the Gospel of Peace, and bring glad tidings of good things, be beautiful and pleasant unto you. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your- selves ; for they watch for your souls, as they that inust give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief ; for that is unprofitable for you. If you do these things, it shall come to pass, that the peace of God shall enter into your houses, 63 and that you, who receive this man in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward, and through his preaching, believing in Christ, you shall through Christ inherit life eternal. Since no man is of himself fit for any of these things, let us call upon God with thanksgiving : PRAYER. Merciful Father, we thank Thee that it pleaseth Thee, by the ministry of men, to gather a Church to Thyself unto life eternal, from among the lost children of men. We bless Thee for so graciously providing the Church in this place with a faithful Minister. We beseech Thee to qualify him daily more and more by Thy Holy Spirit, for the ministry to which Thou hast ordained and called him. En- lighten his understanding to comprehend Thy Holy Word, and give him utterance, that he may boldly open his mouth, to make known and dispense the mysteries of the Gospel. Endue him with wisdom and valor to rule aright the people over which he is set, and to preserve them in Christian peace ; to the end that Thy Church, under his administration and by his good example, may increase in number and in virtue. Grant him courage to bear the diffi- culties and troubles which he may meet with in his ministry ; that being strengthened by the comfort of Thy Spirit, he may remain steadfast to the end, and be received with all faithful servants into the joy of His Master. Give Thy grace also to this people and Church, 64 that they may becomingly deport themselves to- wards this their Minister ; that they may acknowl- edge him to be sent of Thee ; that they may receiv^e his doctrine with all reverence and submit them- selves to his exhortations ; to the end that they may, by his word, beheving in Christ, be made partakers of eternal life. Hear us, O Father, through Thy Beloved Son, who hath taught us to pray : Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed ^ BE Thy name : Thy kingdom come : Thy will BE done on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN: GiVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD : AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS: AnD LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL: For Thine is the kingdom, and THE power, and THE GLORY, FOR EVER. AmEN. 65 II. When Ordained at the same time ; if Ordained separately, this Form shall bo used as occasion requires. Beloved Christians : you know that we have several times published unto you the names of our brethren here present, who are chosen to the office of Elders and Deacons in this Church, to the end that we might know whether any person had aught to allege, why they should not be ordained to their respective offices. And, whereas, no one hath ap- peared before us, who hath alleged any thing law- ful against theni, we shall, therefore, at present, in the name of the Lord, proceed to their ordination. But first, you, who are to be ordained, and all those who are here present, shall attend to a short declaration [from the Word of God,] concerning [the in- stitution and] the office of Elders and Deacons. [Of the El- ders it is to be observed, that the word Elder or Eldest (which is taken out of the Old Testament, and signifieth a person who is placed in an honorable office of government over others) is ap- plied to two sorts of persons who administer in the Church of Jesus Christ : for the Apostle saith* " the Elders that rule well shall be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the Word and doctrine." Hence, it is evident that there were two sorts of Elders in the Apostolic Church, the former whereof did labor in the Word and doctrine, and the latter did not. The first were the Ministers of the Word and Pastors, who preached the Gospel and administered the Sacraments ; but the others, who did not labor in the Word, and still did serve in the Church, bore a particular office, namely, that they had the over- 66 sight of the Church, and ruled the same with the Ministers of the Word. For St. Paul (Rom. 1 2 : 8), having spoken of the ministry of the Word, and also of the office of distribution of deaconship speaketh afterwards particularly of this office, saying : " He that ruleth, let him do it with diligence;" likewise, in another place* he counts " governments " among the gifts and offices which God hath instituted in the Church (r Cor. 12:28). Thus we see that these sorts of Ministers are added to the others who preach the Gospel, to aid and assist them, as in the Old Testa- ment the common Levites were to the priests in the service of the tabernacle, in those things which they could not perform alone ; notwithstanding, the offices always remained distinct one from the other. Moreover, it is proper that such men should be joined to the Ministers of the Word in the government of the Church, that thereby all tyranny and lording may be kept out of the Church of God which may sooner creep in, when the government is placed in the hands of one alone, or of a very few. And thus, the Min- isters of the Word, together with the Elders, form a body or as- sembly, being as a council of the Church, representmg the whole Church ; to which Christ alludes when He saith : " Tell the Church ;" which can in no wise be understood of all and every member of the Church, in particular, but very properly of those who govern the Church out of which they are chosen. Therefore,] In the first place, the office of the Elders is, together with the Ministers of the Word, to take the oversight of the Church, which is com- mitted to them, and diligently to look, whether every one properly deports himself in his confes- sion and conversation ; to admonish those who behave themselves disorderly, and to prevent, as much as possible, the Sacraments from being pro- faned ; also to act, according to the Christian dis- cipline, against the impenitent, and to receive the penitent again into the bosom of the Church : as it doth appear, not only from the above-mentioned 6/ . saying of Christ, but also from many other places of Holy Writ (as i Cor. 5, and 2 Cor. 2), that these things are not entrusted to only one or two persons, but to many who are ordained thereto. Secondly. Since the Apostle enjoineth, that all things shall be done decently and in order, amongst Christians, and that no other persons ought to serve in the Church of Christ but those who are lawfully called, according to the Christian ordi- nance ; therefore it is also the duty of the Elders to pay regard to it, and in all occurrences which re- late to the welfare and good order of the Church, to be assistant with their good counsel and advice to the Ministers of the Word ; yea, also, to serve all Christians with advice and consolation. Thirdly. It is also their duty particularly to have regard" unto the doctrine and conversation of the Ministers of the Word, to the end that all things may be directed to the edification of the Church ; and that no strange doctrine be taught, according to that which we read (Acts 20), where the Apostle exhorteth to watch diligently against the wolves, which might come into the sheep-fold of Christ : for the performance of which the Elders are in duty bound diligently to search the Word of God: [and continually to be meditating on the mysteries of faith.] Concerning the DEACONS : of the origin and institution of their office we may read. Acts 6, where we find that the Apostles themselves did in the be- ginning serve the poor, " At whose feet was brought 68 the price of the things that were sold : and distri- bution was made unto every man according as he had need. But afterwards, when a murmuring arose, because the widows of the Grecians were neglected in the daily ministration," men were chosen, by the advice of the Apostles, who should make the service of the poor their peculiar business, to the end that the Apostles might continually give themselves to prayer, and to the Ministry of the Word. [And this has been continued from that time forward in the Church, as appears from Rom. 12 : 8, where the Apostle, speaking of this office, saith, " he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity." And (i Cor. 12 : 28), speaking of" helps," he means those who are appointed in the Church to help and assist the poor and indigent in time of need] ; from which [passage] we may easily gather, what the Deacons office is; namely : That they, in the ^r.?/ place, collect and preserve, with greatest fidelity and diligenTce, the alms and goods which are given to the poor ; yea, use their utmost endeavors, that many good means be pro- cured for the relief of the poor. The second part of their office consists in distribu- tion ; wherein are required not only discretion and prudence, to bestow the alms [only on the objects of charity,] but also cheerfulness and simplicity to as- sist the poor with compassion and hearty affection ; as the Apostle requires, (Rom 12, and 2 Cor. 9). For which end it is very beneficial, that they administer relief to the poor and indigent, not only with external gifts, but also with comfortable words from Scrip- ture. 69 To the end, therefore, beloved brethren, N., N., that every one may hear that you are willing to take your respective offices upon you, ye shall an- swer the following- questions : And, in \\\q first place, I ask you, both Elders and Deacons, whether ye feel in your hearts, that ye are lawfully called of God's Church, and conse- quently of God Himself, to these your respective holy offices? Secondly, Do ye believe the books of the Old and New Testament to be the only Word of God, and the perfect doctrine of salvation ; and do ye reject all doctrines repugnant thereto ? Thirdly. Do ye promise, agreeably to said doc- trine, faithfully according to your ability, to dis- charge your respective offices, as they are here described: Ye Eiders, in the government of the Church together with the Ministers of the Word : and ye Deacons, in the ministrations to the poor : Do ye also jointly promise to walk in all godliness, and to submit yourselves, in case ye should become remiss in your duty, to the admonitions of the Church ? Upon which they shall answer : Yes. Then the Minister shall say : The Almighty God and Father replenish you all with His grace, that ye may faithfully and fruitful- ly discharge your respective offices. Amen. 70 The Minister shall further exhort them, and the whole congregation, in tho following manner : Therefore, ye Elders, be diligent in the govern- ment of the Church, which is committed to you and the Ministers of the Word. Be ye also, as watch- men over the house and city of God, faithful to admonish and to caution every one against his ruin. Take heed that purity of doctrine and godli- ness of life be maintained in the Church of God. And, ye Deacons, be diligent in collecting the alms, prudent and cheerful in the distribution of the same : assist the oppressed, provide for the true widows and orphans, show liberality unto all men, but especially to the household of faith. Be ye all with one accord faithful in your offices, and hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience, being good examples unto all the people. In so doing you will purchase to yourselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus ; and hereafter enter into the joy of your Lord. On the other hand, beloved Christians, receive these men as the servants of God. Count the El- ders that rule well, worthy of double honor, give yourselves willingly to their inspection and govern- ment. Provide the Deacons with good means to assist the indigent. Be charitable, [ye rich] ; give liberally, and contribute willingly. [And, ye poor, be poor in spirit, and deport yourself respectfully towards your bene- factors, be thankful to them, and avoid murmuring- ; follow Christ, for the food of your souls, but not for bread. Let him that stole [or hath been burthensome to his neighbor] steal no more ; but 71 rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." Each of you, doing these things in your respective callings, shall receive of the Lord, the reward of righteousness. But since we are unable of our- selves, let us call upon the name of the Lord, say- ing: PRAYER. O Lord God and Heavenly^ Father, we thank Thee that it hath pleased Thee, for the better edifi- cation of Thy Church, to ordain in it besides the Ministers of the Word, rulers and assistants, by whom Thy Church may be preserved in peace and prosperity, and the indigent assisted ; and that Thou hast at present granted us in this place men who are of good testimony, and we hope endowed with Thy Spirit. We beseech Thee, replenish them more and more with such gifts as may be necessary for them in their ministrations ; with the gifts of wisdom, courage, discretion, and benevolence ; to the end that every one, may, in his respective office, acquit himself as is becoming ; the Elders, in taking dihgent heed unto the doctrine and conversation, in keeping out the wolves from the sheepfold of Thy beloved Son, and in admonishing and reprov- ing disorderly persons : in like manner the Deacons, in carefully receiving, and liberally and prudently distributing the alms [to the poor,] and in comforting [them] with Thy Holy Word. Give grace both to the Elders and Deacons, that they may persevere in their faithful labor, and never become weary by 72 reason of any trouble, pain or persecution of the world. Grant, also, especially Thy divine grace to this people, over whom they are placed, that they may willingly submit themselves to the good ex- hortations of the Elders, counting them worrtiy of honor for their works' sake ; give also unto the rich liberal hearts towards the poor, and to the poor, grateful hearts towards those who help and serve them ; to the end that every one acquitting himself of his duty. Thy Holy Name may thereby be mag- nified, and the kingdom of Thy Son Jesus Christ, enlarged, in whose Name we conclude our prayers : Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed BE Thy name : Thy kingdom come : Thy will BE done on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN: GiVE us THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD : AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS: AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL : FOR ThINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, FOR EVER AmEN. VIII. Tlie sermon and usual prayers being ended, the Minister presiding shall say : Beloved brethren : it is known unto you that at three separate times, has been published to you the name of our brother, here present, to learn whether any person had aught to allege concerning his doc- trine or life, why he might not be installed Min- ister of this church : And whereas no lawful objec- tion has been presented, we shall, therefore, in the Name of the Lord, proceed to his installation. For His own glory in the salvation of men, it hath pleased our Lord Jesus Christ to institute va- rious offices in His Church. Accordingly, it is de- clared in Holy Scripture, that our ascended Lord hath given " some, apostles, and some, prophets, and some, evangelists, and some, pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Of these, in the present condition of the Church, the pastoral office is the first both in dignity and 4 (73^ 74 responsibility. It is instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ. It belongs to the Office of a Minister of Christ to present the worship of the people to God ; to read the Holy Scriptures in the public service ; to feed the flock committed to his charge with the pure Gospel of Christ ; to administer the Holy Sacra- ments agreeably to the institution of Christ ; to maintain Christian discipline ; to comfort them that are afflicted in mind, body, or estate ; to reclaim the erring, having compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way ; to teach, direct, counsel as a father, the children ; and thus, in all vi- gilant and faithful service to make full proof of his ministry. In the discharge of these holy functions, he is entitled to the respect, gratitude, love, and obedi- ence of the people of his charge. It is incumbent on them by the will and command of Him that sent him, to receive him as the ambassador of Christ. By a suitable maintenance to enable him to provide things honest in the sight of all men ; to keep him free of distracting care ; to guard jealously his re- putation ; to wait on his ministry with reverence and affection ; to help him by generous sympathy, and faithful fellow- working and earnest prayer; to submit to his guidance ; to further his work, and to be followers of him as he is of Christ ; as the holy Apostle enjoins : ** Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves, for they watch for your souls as they that must give account, that they may do it 75 with joy and not with grief;" and again, " We be- seech you to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake." To the end, then, beloved Brother and fellow-Min- ister of Christ, that it may appear that thou art willing to take the oversight of this flock of God, to which He has called thee in His holy providence, we demand of thee, in the presence of God and these witnesses : 1. Dost thou believe the books of the Old and New Testament to be the only Word of God and the perfect doctrine unto salvation, and dost thou reject all doctrines repugnant thereto? 2. Dost thou promise faithfully to discharge thine office according to the same doctrine, and to adorn it with a godly life ; also to submit thyself, in case thou shouldst become deHnquent either in life or doctrine, to ecclesiastical admonition, according to the public ordinance of the churches ? 3. Wilt thou with the help of God, fulfil all the duty of a faithful Minister of Christ to this Church, preaching the Word of God in sincerity, administering the Holy Sacraments in purity ; main- taining proper discipline in the house of God ; and using thy whole endeavor to promote the denomi- national work and welfare of the Reformed Church in America? To which the Minister Elect shall give answer : Yes, truly, with all my heart. 7^ Then the Minister presiding shall say : God, our Heavenly Father, who hath called thee to the Holy Ministry, and to take the oversight of this Church, enlighten thee with His Holy Spirit ; strengthen thee with His hand ; and so govern thee in thy Ministry, that thou mayest decently and fruit- fully walk therein, to the glory of His Name, and to the advancement of the Kingdom of His Son Jesus Christ. Amen. The Church having been requested to arise, the Minister Presiding shall say : Inasmuch, Beloved Brethren and Members of this Church, as this most solemn procedure of investing our brother with the charge and oversight of you, involves, as well, obligations and duties on your part toward him : I ask of you before God and our Lord Jesus Christ : 1. Do you hereby receive, in the Name of the Lord, His servant, our brother, to be your Min- ister ? 2. Do you promise to receive the word of truth from his lips with meekness and love ; and to sub- mit to him in the due discharge of his Holy Office ? 3. Do you promise to give him all proper love and obedience in the Lord ; to encourage and help him in his holy work ; and Jto labor with him in faith and prayer, for the honor of Christ and the welfare of men ? 4. Do you engage to continue to him, while he remains your Minister, competent worldly main- tenance, as you have promised, and whatever else 17 the honor of religion and his comfort among you may require ? To which they shall give answer audibly : Yes! Then the Minister Presiding shall exhort the installed Minister and Congrega- tion in the following manner : Take heed, therefore, beloved brother, and fel^ low-servant in Christ, unto yourself and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseer, to feed the Church of God which He hath purchased with His own blood : love Christ, and feed His sheep, taking the oversight of them not by constraint, but willingly: not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lord over God's heritage, but as an example to the flock. Be an example of believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Give attend- ance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neg- lect not the gift that is in thee ; meditate upon these things, give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all : take heed to thy doc- trine, and continue steadfast therein. Bear patient- ly all hardship, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee. And when the Chief Shep- herd shall appear, thou shalt receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. And you likewise, beloved Christians, receive this your Minister in the Lord, with all gladness, *' and hold such in reputation. " Remember that God Himself, through him, speaketh unto you and 78 beseecheth you. Receive the Word, which he, ac- cording to the Scripture, shall preach unto you, ** not as the word of man, but (as it is in truth) the Word of God." Let the feet of those that preach the Gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things, be beautiful and pleasant unto you. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your- selves ; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you. If you do these things, it shall come to pass, that the peace of God shall enter into your houses, and that you who receive this man in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet's reward, and through his preaching, believing in Christ, you shall through Christ inherit life eternal. Since no man is of himself fit for any of these things, let us call upon God with thanksgiving : PRAYER. Merciful Father, we thank Thee that it pleaseth Thee, by the ministry of men, to gather a Church to Thyself unto life eternal, from amongst the lost children of men. We bless Thee for so graciously providing the Church in this place with a faithful Minister. We beseech Thee to quahfy him daily more and more by the Holy Spirit, for the ministry to which Thou hast ordained and called him. En- lighten his understanding to comprehend Thy Holy Word, and give him utterance, that he may boldly open his mouth, to make known and dispense the 79 mysteries of the gospel. Endue him with wisdom and valor, to rule the people aright over whom he is set, and to preserve them in Christian peace ; to the end that Thy Church, under his administration and by his good example, may increase in number and in virtue. Grant him courage to bear the diffi- culties and troubles which he may meet with in his ministry, that being strengthened by the comfort of Thy Spirit, he may remain steadfast to the end, and be received with all faithful servants into the joy of his Master. Give Thy grace also to this people and Church, that they may becomingly deport themselves to- wards this their Minister ; that they may acknow- ledge him to be sent of Thee ; that they may re- ceive his doctrine with all reverence, and submit themselves to his exhortations : to the end that they may by his word, believing in Christ, be made par- takers of eternal life. Hear us, O Father, through Thy Beloved Son, who hath thus taught us to pray ; Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed BE Thy name : Thy kingdom come : Thy will BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAYEN : GiVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD : AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS : And LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL: For Thine is the kingdom, and THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, FOR EVER. AmEN. IX. #flto fyt t|je Wugm ^^ tit $mtX'Mmt 0I u The Minister ofllciating will begin the service with the Salutation : Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. After which he will say : Dearly Beloved : We are here assembled in the name of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to lay the corner-stone of a house to be erected to His honor and service, and praise. With- in its walls His Holy Name is to be worshipped. His Holy Gospel is to be preached, and His Holy Sac- raments administered. Knowing that our help is the name of the Lord Who made heaven and earth, let us lift up our hearts unto Him in humble sup- plication for His blessing. PRAYER. - O Almighty God, Who hast built Thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, 80 8i Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner- stone ; direct us in this our undertaking with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy con- tinual help, that all our work being begun, con- tinued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy Holy Name ; and finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall he chanted or read reeponsively from the Scriptures of the Old Tes- tament : PSALM 87. 1. His foundation is in the holy mountains. 2. The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more THAN ALL THE DWELLINGS OF JaCOB. 3. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. 4. I WILL MAKE MENTION OF RaHAB AND Babylon to them that know me : behold Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia : this man was born there. 5. And of Zion it shall be said. This and that man was born in her : and the Highest Himself shall establish her. 6. The Lord shall count, when He writeth up the people that this man was born there. 7. As well the singers as the players on instru- ments shall be there : all my springs are in Thee. And from the Scriptures of the New Testament, shall he read : I Ep. of St. peter 2 ; i^. I. Wherefore, laying aside all malice, and all 82 guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil- speakings, 2. As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby : 3. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gra- cious : 4. To Whom coming, as unto a Living Stone, dis- allowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and pre- cious : 5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sac- rifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6. Wherefore also, it is contained in the scripture : Behold, I lay in Sion a Chief Corner-stone, elect, precious : and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. 7. Unto you therefore which believe. He is pre- cious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the Head of the corner, 8. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient ; whereunto also they were ap- pointed. 9. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priest- hood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath call- ed you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Then, any euch historical or descriptive document as may have been prepared to he deposited in the Corner-stone may be read, and the stone having been set in its place, the Minister, laying his hand upon it, or striking it thrice with a mallet, shall say : 83 1 lay the Corner-stone of a house to be erected, and devoted to the service of Almighty God ; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ. Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Then shall be repeated, in unison, the Apostle's Creed. I BELIEVE IN God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth ; AND in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord ; WHO WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY GhOST ; BORN OF THE Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontius Pilate ; was crucified, dead and buried ; He descended into hell ; THE THIRD DAY He ROSE again from the dead ; He ascended into heav- en; AND SITJETH at THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD THE Father Almighty; from thence He shall COME TO Judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Catholic Church, -the communion of saints ; THE forgiveness OF SINS ; THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY; AND THE LIFE EVERLASTING. AmEN. After which may be sung a hymn. Then may follow an ADD RESS. After which shall be offered the concluding prayer : Blessed be Thy Name, O Lord, that it hath pleased Thee to put it into the hearts of Thy ser- 84 vants to commence the erection of a house, in which Thy Name is to be worshipped, the Glad Tidings of salvation proclaimed, and Thy Holy Sac- raments administered. Prosper them, O Lord, in this their undertaking. Keep and preserve by Thy providence unto the end, the work, which is now begun in Thy fear. Excite the skill and ani- mate the industry of the workmen. Shield them from accident and danger. And grant unto them, and unto all of us here present, the influences of Thy Divine Spirit, so that we may become in soul and body, living temples of the Holy Ghost, and be prepared for that eternal city which hath foun- dations, whose Builder and Maker is God. All which we ask through the abundant merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Our Father who art in heaven, Hal- lowed BE Thy name : Thy kingdom come : Thy WILL be done on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN : GiVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD: AND FORGIVE' US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS: AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL : For Thine is the kingdom, and THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, FOR EVER. AmEN. BENEDICTION. X. #lfto Ux ttt t&imilm tit n ^$nm M WmMv^ The usual Order of Service for the Lord's Day having been observed until after the reading of the Commandments, the following Lessons from Holy Scrip- ture shall then be read : I. From the Psalter The Minister and People reading responsively. Psalm XXIV. The earth zs the Lord's, and flie fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and estab- lished IT upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ? or who shall stand in His holy place ? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart ; who hath not lifted up his soul unto VANITY, NOR SWORN DECEITFULLY. He shair receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteous- ness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek Him, that SEEK THY FACE, O JACOB, SELAH, Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; and be ye lifted up, ye ever- lasting doors ; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory ? The Lord strong and mighty, the lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; even lift fAem up, ye everlast- ing doors ; and the King of glory shall come in. . Who is this King of Glory ? The Lord of hosts, He IS THE King of Glory. (8s) 86 Psalm CXXXII. 1. Lord, remember David, and sW his afflictions : 2. How HE SWARE UNTO THE LORD, AND VOWED UNTO THE MIGHTY GOD OF JACOB ; 3. Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed ; 4. I WILL NOT GIVE SLEEP TO MINE EYES, OR SLUMBER TO MINE EYELIDS, 5. Until I find out a place for the Lord, a habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. 6. LO, WE HEARD OF IT AT EpHRATAH : WE FOUND IT IN THE FIELDS OF THE WOOD. 7. We will go into His tabernacles ; we will worship at His footstool. 8. Arise, O Lord, into thy rest : thou, and the ark OF Thy STRENGTH. 9. Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness ; and let Thy saints shout for joy. 10. For Thy servant David's sake turn not away The face of Thine Anointed. 11. The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; He will not turn from it ; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. 12. If THY CHILDREN will KEEP MY COVENANT AND MY testimony that I SHALL TEACH THEM, THEIR CHILDREN SHALL ALSO SIT UPON THY THRONE FOR EVERMORE. 13. For the Lord hath chosen Zion ; He hath desired //for His habitation. 14. This is my rest for ever : here will I dwell for I HAVE desired IT. 1 5. I will abundantly bless her provision ; I will satisfy her poor with bread. 16. I WILL ALSO CLOTHE HER PRIESTS WITH SALVATION: AND HER SAINTS SHALL SHOUT ALOUD FOR JOY. 17. There will I make the horn of David to bud : I have or- dained a lamp for Mine anointed. 18. His ENEMIES WILL I CLOTHE WITH SHAME I BUT UPON HIMSELF SHALL HIS CROWN FLOURISH. 87 II. From the Old Testament: Exod. 40 : 17-38 ; or, i Kings, 9 : 1-9. III. From the New Testament: Heb. 13 : 10-21 ; or, Rev. 21 : 10-27. Then the Minister shall say : Dearly Beloved in the Lord: God our Heavenly Father, having in His grace, which is in Jesus Christ our Lord, brought to its consumma- tion our work of preparing a house for His worship, and the honor of His Holy Name ; within whose walls His Holy Gospel is to be truly preached and His Holy Sacraments are to be faithfully adminis- tered ; we are now gathered in His Holy presence for the purpose of devoting it by a solemn act of worship to its proper and sacred use. I call upon you, therefore, to arise, and before the Lord, to unite in this act of dedication, confessing first, devoutly, our holy faith. The people uniting audibly with the Minister. I BELIEVE IN God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth ; And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord ; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost ; BORN OF THE VIRGIN MaRY ; SUFFERED UNDER Pontius Pilate ; was crucified, dead and BURIED ; He descended into hell ; THE THIRD DAY He rose again from the dead; He as- 88 CENDED INTO HEAVEN, AND SITTETH AT THE RIGHT HAND OF God THE FATHER ALMIGHTY: FrOM THENCE He SHx\LL COME TO JUDGE THE QUICK AND THE DEAD. I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY GhOST ; THE HOLY Catholic Church, the communion of Saints ; THE forgiveness OF SINS ; THE RESURRECTION OF the body ; AND THE LIFE EVERLASTING. AmEN. Then the Minister shall offer the PRAYER OF DEDICATION. The People uniting audibly in the responses, which are printed in small capi- tals. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Who art, and wast, and art to come, the whole earth is full of Thy.glory ! Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty ; for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine: Now, therefore, we thank Thee, O God, and praise Thy glorious Name. But who are we, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort ? For all things come ot Thee, and of Thine own do we give Thee. O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build Thee an house for Thine Holy Name, cometh of Thine hand and is all Thine own. Now behold, O Lord our God, and look unto this place where we are gathered in Thy Name ; and have respect to the prayer of Thy servants and to their supplication, to hearken unto the cry and 89 the prayer that Thy servants pray before Thee this day, to take this house for Thine Own. Holy, Blessed, and Glorious Trinity, Three Per- sons in One God, To Thee we dedicate it. Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Our Father Who art in Heaven, To Thee we dedicate it. Son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father, Head of the Body, which is the Church ; Head over all things to the Church ; Prophet, Priest and King of Thy people. To Thee we dedicate it. God the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son ; given to be our abiding Teacher, Sanctifier, and Comforter ; Lord and Giver of Life, To Thee WE dedicate it. Arise, O Lord, into Thy rest, Thou and the ark of Thy strength. Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness, and let Thy people shout for joy. Put Thy Name in this place. Sanctify it by Thy presence and Thy constant abiding. Give power and efficacy to Thy Gospel preached in it, and Thy Sacraments administered in it. Let Thine eyes be opened towards it ; and hearken unto the supplications of Thy people when they pray in this place, and hear Thou in Heaven Thy dwelling- place, and when Thou hearest, forgive. And from this outer court of Thy Holy Sanctuary bring Thy people and their children into the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man ; the heaven- ly temple, of which the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the light. We ask and offer all in the 90 Name of Thy Son our Saviour, Who hath taught us to pray : * Our Father, Who art in heaven. Hallowed BE Thy Name : Thy kingdom come : Thy will BE DONE on earth, As IT IS IN HEAVEN: GiVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD : AnD FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS; AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL: FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, FOR EVER. AmEN. Then shall follow the usual Order of Service, beginning with the Hymn before the Sermon. XI. Our help is in the Name of the Lord Who made heaven and earth. The Minister ebuU say to all present : Dearly Beloved, We are assembled, in the sight of God, to join together this man and this woman in the bonds of Marriage : which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, confirmed by the teaching of our Blessed Saviour, and com- pared by St. Paul to the mystical union which sub- sists between Christ and His Church. Into this holy estate these two persons are come to be joined. Therefore, if any man can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now declare it, or else, hereafter, for ever hold his peace. And to those who come to be married : I charge you, each and both, as )^e shall answer to Him Who will judge both quick and dead, if either (90 92 of you know any reason wh}^ ye may not lawfully be joined together in marriage, declare it now. For, be well- assured that all those who are brought to- gether contrary to the Word of God are not joined together of God, neither is their marriage lawful. If no sufficient impediment be alleged, the Minister shall say : Hear now what Holy Scripture doth teach, as touching the duty of husbands to their wives, and of wives to their husbands : Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. And, Wives, submit yourselves unto your own hus- bands as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the Head of the Church. And He is the Saviour of the body. And again He saith. Let the wife see that she reverence her husband. LET us PRAY. O Most Holy and Most Merciful Lord God ! we beseech Thee for these. Thy servant and handmaid that they may, with a reverent trust in Thee, enter into the Covenant of Marriage, as they now pro- pose, and truly keep all the vows which they are about to make, according to Thy Word. Grant this, O Father, with the forgiveness of our sins, through Christ Thy Son. Amen. 93 Then the Minister Bhall bid the man and the woman join their right hands ; which being done, he shall say to the man : Dost thou, , take this woman,- before God and these witnesses, to be thy wedded wife ? The man shall answer, I DO. Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking every other,cleave to her only, so long as ye both shall live ? The man shall answer, I WILL. To the woman : Dost thou, , take this man, , be- fore God and these witnesses to be thy wedded husband ? The woman shall answer, I DO. Wilt thou love, honor, reverence, and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking every other, cleave to him only, so long as ye both shall live ? The woman shall answer, I WILL. Then when a ring is used, the Minister shall guide the hand of the man to put the ring on the third finger of the woman's left hand, and holding it there, the man shall say, after the Minister : With this ring I thee wed ; in the !Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then taking their clasped right hands in his hand, the Minister shall say : Forasmuch as you , and you , have consented together, after God's Holy Ordi- nance of Marriage ; and have plighted your faith and truth to each other in the presence of God and 94 of these witnesses ; and have confirmed the same by giving and receiving a ring ; now, therefore, I pro- nounce you husband and wife. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Whom, therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. LET US PRAY. O Faithful God, who keepest covenant and truth with them that love Thee, hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling-place, this marriage-vow which Thy servant and handmaid have vowed before Thee- And grant unto them the grace of Thy Good Spirit, that with all fidelity they may observe and keep it ; walking together in Thy faith and fear ; being led by the Angel of Thy presence, and strengthened by Thy hand, until they come to the inheritance of the saints in light : through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who has commanded us to pray, saying : Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed BE Thy Name : Thy kingdom come : Thy will BE done on earth, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN : GiVE US this day our daily BREAD : AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS : AnD LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL: FOR Thine is the kingdom, and the POWER, AND the GLORY, FOR EVER, AmEN. And the Minister sliall pronounce over them this Benediction : The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you always. Amen. XII. On entering the church, the Minister may use the following Sentences. Or, if all the services be performed at the house, he may begin with these Sen- tences. I AM the Resurrection and the Life, saith the Lord ; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : aj:id whosoever liveth and believeth in Me, shall never die. None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself; for whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die unto the Lord : whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died and rose, and re- vived, that He might be Lord both of the dead and living. We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the Name of the Lord. Then may be read, or chanted. PSALM XC. I. Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all generations. (95) 96 2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God. 3. Thou turnest man to destruction ; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. 4. For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. 5. Thou earnest them away as with a flood ; they are as a sleep : in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. 6. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up, in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. 7. For we are consumed by Thine anger, and by Thy wrath are we troubled. 8. Thou hast set our iniquities before Thee, our secret sins in the light of Thy countenance. 9. For all our days are passed away in Thy wrath : we spend our years as a tale that is told. 10. The days of our years are threescore years and ten ; and if by reason of strength they be four- score years, yet is their strength, labor and sorrow ; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 11. Who knoweth the power of Thine anger? even according to Thy fear, so is Thy wrath. 12. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Then the Minister shall eay : Hear the Word of God as it is written in the fifteenth chapter of St. Paul's first Epistle to the Corinthians, beginning with the thirty-fifth verse : But some man will say, How are the dead raised up ? and with what body do they come ? Thou fool, 97 that which thou sovvest is not quickened except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain ; it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain : But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh ; but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh-of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. , There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial : but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars ; for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in in- corruption ; It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory : it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power : It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spirit- ual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul ; the last Adam was made a Quickening Spirit. Howbeit, that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural ; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy : and as is the Heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the im- age of the Heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God ; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 5 98 Behold, I show you a mystery ; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump : for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mor- tal must put on immortality. So when this corrup- tible shall have put on incorruption, and this mor- tal shall have put on immortality, then shall be. brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where is thy victory ? The sting of death is sin ; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, Which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my be- loved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord ; forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. [for a child.] Hear the Gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ, in reference to little children. And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them ; and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and for- bid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you. Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little 99 ones ; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven. For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye ? If a man have a hundred sheep, .and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the moun- tains and seeketh that which is gone astray ? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he re- joiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so, it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple : and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more ; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters : and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. The Lord gave ; and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the Name of the Lord. After the reading of Holy Scripture the Minister shall say : Let us pray. Almighty and Most Merciful God, the conso- lation of the sorrowful, and the support of the weary, Who dost not willingly grieve or afflict the children of men ; look down in tender love and pity, we be- seech Thee, upon Thy servants, this bereaved lOO household, whose joy is turned into mourning; and according to the multitude of Thy mercies be pleased to uphold, strengthen, and comfort them, that they may not faint under Thy Fatherly chast- ening, but find in Thee their strength and refuge ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, etc. Then may follow an ADDRESS. After which the Minister shall say : Let US pray. Almighty God, with Whom do live the spirits of those who depart hence in the Lord, and with Whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity ; we give Thee hearty thanks for the good examples of all those Thy servants, who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest from their labors. And we beseech Thee, that we, with all those who are departed in the true faith of Thy Holy Name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Th}^ eternal and everlasting glory ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O THOU Ever-Blessed Mediator, Who wast dead, but livest forever, of Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, and Who hast knit all Thy saints in one communion unto life eternal, in that mystical Body of which Thou art the glorious and ever-Hving Head ; grant us grace so to follow Thy blessed saints, who have gone before us, in the faith and fellowship of Thy Holy Church, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which Thou hast prepared for all that love Thee, from the foundation of the world. Amen. lOI O God, Whose days are without end, and Whose mercies cannot be numbered ; make us, we beseech Thee, deeply sensible of the shortness and uncer- tainty of human life ; and let Thy Holy Spirit lead us through this vale of misery, in holiness and right- eousness all the days of our lives: that when we shall have served Thee in our generation, we may be gathered unto our fathers, having the testimony of a good conscience; in the communion of the Christian Church ; in the confidence of a certain faith ; in the comfort of a reasonable, religious, and holy hope ; in favor with Thee our God, and in perfect charity with the world : all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then standing near the coffin, or having reached the place of burial, the Min- ister will say : In the midst of life we are in death ! What helper shall we seek but Thee, O Lord, Who because of our sins art justly angry ! O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Com- passionate Saviour, Give us not over to bitter death I Then, while the earth shall he cast upon the body by some standing by, the Minister will say : Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God to take out of this world the soul of our departed brother^ we therefore commit his body to the ground ; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust ; looking for the general Resurrection in the last day, and the Life of the world to come, through X 102 our Lord Jesus Christ; at Whose second coming in glorious majesty to judge the world, the earth and the sea shall give up their dead ; and the corrupti- ble bodies of those who sleep in Him shall be changed, and made like unto His glorious body ; according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God ; Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. Let us pray. Almighty God, who by the death of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ hast destroyed death ; by His rest in the tomb hast sanctified the graves of the saints ; and by His glorious resurrection has brought life and immortality to light : receive, we beseech Thee our unfeigned thanks for that victory over death and the grave which He has obtained for us and for all who sleep in Him ; and keep us in everlast- ing fellowship with all that wait for Thee on earth, and with all that are around Thee in heaven ; in 103 union with Him who is the Resurrection and the Life ; Who Hveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who, in Thy perfect wisdom and mercy, hast ended for Thy servants departed the voyage of this troublous life ; Grant, we beseech Thee, that we who are still to continue our course amidst earthly dangers, temp- tations, and troubles, may evermore be protected by Thy mercy ; and finally come to the haven of eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with you all, evermore. Amen.' XIII. A PRAYER BEFORE THE EXPLANATION OF THE CATECHISM. O Heavenly Father, Thy Word is perfect, con- verting the soul ; a sure testimony, making wise the simple, enlightening the eyes of the bHnd : and a powerful means unto salvation, for all those who believe. And whereas we are not only blind by nature, but even incapable of doing any good : and also since Thou wilt help none but those who are of a broken and contrite heart ; we beseech Thee to enlighten our understanding with Thy Holy Spirit, and give us a meek heart, free from all haughtiness and carnal knowledge, that we, hear- ing Thy Word, may rightly understand it, and re- gulate our life accordingly. Be graciously pleased to convert all those who still stray from Thy truth, that we may, together with them, unanimously serve Thee in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. We crave all these things for Christ's sake, who (104) 105 hath thus taught us to pray in His Name, and pro- mised to hear us : Our Father Who art in heaven, Hallowed BE Thy Name : Thy kingdom come : Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven: Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors : And lead us not into temptation, but deliver US FROM EVIL: FOR ThINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND the power, and the glory, FOR EVER. AmEN. A PRAYER AFTER THE EXPLANATION OF THE CATECHISM. O Gracious God and Merciful Father, we give Thee hearty thanks that it hath pleased Thee, not only to take us, but also our little children, into Thy covenant, which Thou hast not only sealed un- to them, by Holy Baptism, but also daily showest, when Thou perfectest Thy praise out of their mouths, thus to cause the wise of the world to blush. We beseech Thee, increase Thy grace in them, that they may always grow and increase in Christ Thy Son ; till they acquire their perfect manly age in all knowledge and righteousness. Give us grace that we maj^ educate them, as Thou hast commanded us, in Thy knowledge and fear, so that by their godliness the kingdom of Satan may be destroyed, and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ strengthened in this and other congregations, to the glory of Thy Holy Name, and to their eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 5* io6 A PRAYER AT THE OPENING OF THE CONSISTORY. Heavenly Father, Eternal and Merciful God, it hath pleased Thee of Thy infinite wisdom and good- ness to gather a Church to Thyself out of all na- tions upon the face of the earth, by the preaching of Thy Holy Gospel, and to govern the same by the service of men. Thou hast also graciously called us up to this office, and commanded us to take heed unto ourselves and unto the flock, which Christ hath bought with His precious blood. Since we are at this present assembled in Thy Holy Name, after the example of the Apostolic Churches, to consult, as our office requires, about those things which may come before us, for the welfare and edification of Thy Church, for which we acknowledge our- selves to be unfit and incapable, as we are by nature unable of ourselves to think any good, much less to put it in practice : therefore, we beseech Thee, O Faithful God and Father, that Thou wilt be pleased to be present with Thy Holy Spirit, according to Thy promise, in the midst of our present assembly, to guide us in all truth. Remove from us all misap- prehensions and unbecoming desires of the flesh, and grant that Thy Holy Word may be the only rule and guide of all our consultations ; that they may tend to the glory of Thy Name, to the edifica- tion of Thy Church, and to the discharge of our own consciences, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, the Only True God, is eternally to be praised and magnified. Amen. I07 A PRAYER AT THE CLOSE OF THE CONSISTORY. O Lord God and Heavenly Father, we heartily thank Thee, that Thou hast been pleased to gather a Church to Thyself in this part of the world, and to use our service therein, granting- us the privi- lege that we may freely and without hindrance preach Thy Holy Gospel, and exercise all the duties of godliness: moreover, we thank Thee, that Thou now hast been present with Thy Holy Spirit in the midst of this our assembly, directing our de- terminations according to Thy will, uniting our hearts in mutual peace and concord We beseech Th^e, O Faithful God and Father, that Thou wilt graciously be pleased to bless our intended labor, and effectually to execute Thy begun work, always gathering unto Thyself a true Church, and preserv- ing the same in the pure doctrine, and in the right use of Thy Holy Sacraments, and in a diligent ex- ercise of discipline. On the contrary, destroy all evil and crafty counsels, which are devised against Thy Word and Church. Strengthen also all the Ministers of Thy Church, that they may faithfully and steadfastly declare Thy Holy Word : and the Magistrates of Thy people, that they may bear the sword with righteousness and discretion. Particu- larly we pray for those whom Thou hast been pleased to put in authority over us. Grant that their whole government may be thus directed, that the King of all kings may rule over them, and their fel- low-citizens ; and that the kingdom of the devil (which is a kingdom of scandal and reproach) io8 may, daily more and more be destroyed and brought to naught by them as Thy servants, and that we may lead with them a quiet and peaceable life, in all godhness and honesty. Hear us, O God and Father, through Jesus Christ Thy Be- loved Son, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost the Only and True God, is eternally to be magnified and praised. Amen. A PRAYER AT THE MEETING OF THE DEACONS. Merciful God and Father, Thou hast not only said unto us that we should always have the poor with us, but hast also commanded that they should be assisted ; and for that end hast ordained the service of Deacons in Thy Church, by whom they might be relieved. As we, who are called to the office of Deacons in this congregation, are here at present met in Thy Name, to consult together concerning our ministry ; therefore we humbly be- seech Thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, that Thou wilt be pleased to endue us with the spirit of dis- cretion ; to the end that we may rightly discern who are really poor and who are not : and that we may, with all cheerfulness and fidelity, distribute the alms collected by us to every one according to his necessity ; not leaving the indigent members of Thy Beloved Son comfortless, neither giving to those who are not in want. Kindle within the hearts of men an ardent love towards the poor, that they may liberall}^ give of their temporal goods, of which Thou hast made them stewards : and that we, having the means in hand to assist the indigent, 109 may faithfully, without vexation, and with a free heart, perform our office. Grant us the talents, to comfort the miserable, not only with the external gift, but also with the Holy Word. And since man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of Thy mouth, be pleased therefore to extend Thy blessing over our distribu- tions, and increase the bread of the poor, that both we and they may have reason to praise and thank Thee : expecting the blessed coming of Thy Be- loved Son Jesus Christ, Who became poor for our sakes, to make us rich in eternity.' Amen. EUCHARISTIC PRAYER. The Constitution of the Church directs that in the administration of the Lord's Supper, " after the sermon and usual prayers are ended, the Form for the administration of the Lord's Supper shall be read, and a prayer suited to the occasion shall be offered, before the members participate of the ordinance." The following is submitted as a suitable prayer, which may be used in compli- ance with this direction. It is very meet and right, above all things, to give thanks unto Thee, O Eternal God : Who, by Thy word, didst create heaven and earth, and all things therein. For all Thy bounties known to us, for all unknown, we give Thee thanks ; but chief- ly, that when, through disobedience, we had fallen from Thee, Thou didst not suffer us to depart from Thee forever, but hast ransomed us from eternal death, and given us the joyful hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ Thy Son ; Who, being Very and Eternal God, became Man for us men, and for our salvation. no Not as we ought, but as we are able, we bless Thee for His holy incarnation ; for His life on earth ; for His precious sufferings and death upon the cross ; for His resurrection from the dead ; and for His glorious ascension to Thy right hand. We bless Thee for the giving of the Holy Ghost for the sacraments and ordinances of the Church for the communion of Christ's Body and Blood for the great hope of everlasting life, and of an eter- nal weight of glory. Thee, Mighty God, Heavenly King, we magnify and praise. With angels and archangels, and all the hosts of heaven, we worship and adore Thy glorious Name, joining in the song of Cherubim and Seraphim, and saying : Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of wSabaoth, HEAVEN AND EARTH ARE FULL OF ThY GLORY. HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST. BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NaME OF THE LORD. HOSANNA IN THE HIGHEST. And we most humbly beseech Thee, O Merciful Father, to vouchsafe unto us Thy gracious pres- ence, as we commemorate in this Supper the most blessed sacrifice of Thy Son ; and to bless and sanctify with Thy Word and Spirit these Thine own gifts of bread and wine which we set before Thee ; that we, receiving them, according to our Saviour's institution, in thankful remembrance of His death and passion, may, through the power of the Holy Ghost, be very partakers of His body and blood, with all His benefits, to our salvation and the glory of Thy Most Holy Name. Ill And here we offer and present to Thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto Thee; humbly beseeching- Thee that all who are partakers of this Holy Communion, may be filled with Thy grace and heavenly benediction. And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto Thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech Thee to accept this our bounden duty and service ; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord. And rejoicing in the communion of Thy saints, we bless Thy Holy Name for all Thy servants who have departed in the faith, and who, having accom- phshed their warfare, are at rest with Thee ; beseeching Thee to enable us so to follow their faith and good example, that we with them may finally be partakers of Thy heavenly Kingdom when, made like unto Christ, we shall behold Him with unveiled face, rejoicing in His glory, and by Him we, with all Thy Church, holy and unspotted, shall be presented with exceeding joy before the presence of Thy glory. Hear us, O Heavenly Father, for His sake: to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be glory for ever and ever. Amen. a morning prayer. O Merciful Father, we thank Thee, that Thou hast in faithfulness watched over us the night past: and we beseech Thee to strengthen, and henceforth ^uide us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may spend 112 this, and all the days of our lives, in all righteous- ness and holiness ; and that whatsoever we under- take, we may always aim at the promoting of Thy glory, and expect all the success of our undertak- ings from Thy bountiful hand alone. And to the end that we may obtain this mercy of Thee, be pleased (according to Thy promise) to forgive all our sins, through the holy passion and blood-shed- ding of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; for we heartily repent of them. Enlighten also our hearts, that we, having cast offal] works of darkness, may, as children of light, walk in a new life in all godli- ness. Bless also the preaching of Thy Gospel. Destroy all the works of the devil. Strengthen all ministers of the Gospel and magistrates of thy peo- ple. Comfort all those who are persecuted and afflicted in mind ; throughjesus Christ Thy Beloved Son, Who hath promised us that Thou wilt certainly give us whatsoever we shall ask in His Name, and therefore hath commanded us to pray : Our Father, etc. AN EVENING PRAYER. O Merciful God, Eternal Light, shining in dark- ness, Thou who dispellest the night of sin, and all blindness of heart ; since Thou hast appointed the night for rest and the day for labour, we beseech Thee, grant that our bodies may rest in peace and quietness, that afterwards they may be able to endure the labour they must bear. Temper our sleep, that it be not disorderly, that we may remain spotless both in body and soul, nay, that our sleep 113 itself may be to Thy glory. Enlighten the eyes of our understanding, that we may not sleep in death ; but always look for deliverance from this misery. Defend us against all assaults of the devil, and take us into Thy holy protection. And although we have not passed this day without having greatly sinned against Thee, we beseech Thee to hide our sins with Thy great mercy, as thou hidest all things on earth with the darkness of the night, that we therefore may not be cast out from Thy presence. Relieve and comfort all those who are afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who hath taught us to pray ; Our Father, etc. A^ PRAYER FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND ALL IN AUTHORITY. O Lord, our Heavenly Father, the High and Mighty Ruler of the Universe, who dost from Thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth ; most heartily we beseech Thee, with Thy favor to behold and bless Thy servant. The President of the United States, and all others in authority ; and so replenish them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that they may always incline to Thy will, and walk in Thy way. Endue them plenteously with heav- enly gifts ; grant them in health and prosperity long to live ; and finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR ALL CONDITIONS OF MEN. O God, the Creator and Preserver of all man- 114 kind, we humbly beseech Thee for all sorts and conditions of men ; that Thou wouldest be pleased to make Thy ways known unto them, Thy saving- health unto all nations. More especially we pray for Thy Holy Church Universal ; that it may be so guided and governed by Thy Good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in right- eousness of life. Finally, we commend to Thy fath- erly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate ; that it may please Thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities; giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesu3 Christ's sake. Amen. THANKSGIVING AFTER HARVEST. We yield Thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, for all Thy goodness, and especially for this Thy bounty again bestowed upon us, who, through Thy providence and tender merc}^ towards us, have now reaped the fruits of the earth in due season, and gathered them into our garners. Continue, we beseech Thee, Thy loving-kindness towards us, that year by year our land may yield her increase, fill- ing our hearts with food and gladness, to the com- fort of Thy people and the glory of Thy Holy Name ; and so dispose us by Thy special grace preventing us, that we Thy servants may never sow only to the flesh, lest of the flesh we reap corrup- 115 tion, but may sow spiritually to life everlasting, and reap the same in Thy heavenly kingdom ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A GENERAL THANKSGIVING. Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, Thine unworthy servants, do give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all Thy goodness and loving-kind- ness to us, and to all men. We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life ; but above all, for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech Thee, give us that due sense of all Thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we may show forth Thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives ; by giv- ing up ourselves to Thy service, and by walking before Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. A PRAYER in TIME OF DROUGHT. O God, our Creator, Preserver, and Bountiful Benefactor, Who givest seed-time and harvest, and sendest both the early and latter rain ; have pity, we beseech Thee, upon Thy famished people who cry unto Thee in their tribulation, and in Thy compas- sion return and visit us ; that the heavens may no longer be as brass above, and the earth as iron beneath, to shut out from us Thy mercy ; but that ii6 all the people may praise Thee, O God, Who art the Fountain of living waters and the Father of mercies, from Whom cometh down every good and perfect gift ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. a prayer in time of pestilence. Holy Lord God Almighty, Who of old didst stay the Angel of Pestilence at the cry of Thy repenting children, and bring back health to a dying people ; hear us. Thy suppliants, returning to Thee, as in sackcloth, dust and ashes, and mercifully lift from us the heavy hand of Thy righteous visitation ; that the people may live before Thee, and not die in their sins, and that the land may no longer mourn by reason of Thy judgments, O Lord, Who for our iniquities art justly displeased. We ask it humbly in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. for fair weather. O God of love and compassion, Who of old didst set Thy bow in the cloud for a token of a covenant between Thee and the earth, we humble ourselves before thee on account of our sins, and acknowledge Thy chastisement to be just. Yet spare us, O Lord. Stay the excess of rain, and cause Thy sun to shine, that, the hope of harvest being fulfilled, our barns may be stored with Thy bounty, and our souls rejoice in Thee. Above all, O Lord, grant that the Sun of Righteousness may arise upon us with heal- ing in his wings, and Thy people, walking all the day in the light of Thy countenance, in thy right ii; eousness may be exalted. Do this, O Father of Mercies, for the sake of Thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen. for peace. O God of Peace, Who didst send unto us mes- sages of peace by thy Son, the Prince of Peace, and commandest us to be at peace with all men, we entreat Thee to save us from quarrel, bloodshed, and war. Still the tumult of the people as Thou dost the raging of the sea.* Disappoint the devices of the wicked, and bring their machinations to naught. Fill our hearts and the hearts of all men with Thy love, so that we may dwell in safety under the wings of Thy Holy Spirit, and have peace with God through Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. FOR THE ABSENT FROM HOME. O God, Who art everywhere present, ruling the sea and the land, we entreat Thee for Thy servant now absent from us. Rescue him from peril, from sickness, from sin, and from death. Cover him as with a shield, and sanctify his experience of Thy mercy to his eternal profit and joy. In due time restore him to his home, and keep him and us through the journey of this life, that we may all reach our Father's house in peace, through His grace Who hath opened the kingdom of Heaven to all who believe in His Holy Name. Amen. * In time of war may be here inserted : Give us not over into the hands of our enemies, but defend us and grant us the victory, which is in Thine hand. Ii8 ON COMMENCING A JOURNEY. O Most Glorious Lord God, Who of old didst lead Thine armies as with a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, be our Leader and Guardian, we be- seech Thee, in all our journeyings ; our support in setting out ; our solace on the way ; our shadow in the heat ; our covert in the rain and cold ; the help of our weariness; the fortress of our adversity; and our staff in the way of danger ; that under Thy guidance we may safely come to our journey's end, and at length to the end of this our earthly warfar*e and pilgrimage ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. for a person going to sea. O Eternal Lord God, Who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the sea : We commend to Thine Almighty protection Thy ser- vant, for whose preservation on the great deep our prayers are desired. Guard him, we beseech Thee, from the dangers of the sea, from sickness, from the violence of enemies, from every evil; and conduct him in safety to the haven where he would be, with a grateful sense of Thy mercies : through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FOR THE SICK, O Lord God, in Whose hand our breath is; regard with tender compassion Thy servant, whom it hath pleased Thee to visit with sickness. Be graciously near to him in the hour of his need. Grant unto hi^n true repentance for all his sins, a 119 firm and steady trust in the merits of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, and grace to be in perfect charity with all men. Enable him to cast all his cares on Thee, and to yield himself with childlike submis- sion to Thy righteous will. God of all power and grace, bless, we entreat Thee, the means used for his recovery, rebuke the violence of disease, and raise him up from his bed of pain, that, being delivered by Thy compassion, he may walk before Thee in newness of life. But if, O Most Wise and Merciful Father, this sickness should be unto death, grant him^ we humbly implore Thee, a comfortable release from all his sufferings. Let the arms of Thine everlasting love be around him^ and, when flesh and heart shall fail, be Thou the strength of his heart and his portion for evermore : through the mediation and merits of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. FOR A SICK CHILD. O Almighty God and Merciful Father, to Whom alone belong the issues of life and death ; look down from Heaven, we humbly beseech Thee, upon this child, now lying upon the bed of sickness. Visit him^ O Lord, with Thy salvation, deliver him in Thy good time from his bodily pain, and save his soul for Thy mercies' sake ; that if it shall be Thy pleasure to prolong his days here on earth, he may live to Thee, and be an instrument of Thy glory, by serving Thee faithfully, and doing good in his gen- eration ; or else receive him into those heavenly habitations, where the souls of those who sleep in I20 the Lord Jesus enjoy perpetual rest and felicity. Grant this, O Lord, for Thy mercies' sake, in the Name of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who liv- eih.and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. FOR GRACE TO USE ARIGHT THE WORD. Blessed Lord, Who hast caused all Holy Scrip- tures to be written for our learning ; grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and com- fort of Thy Holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life which Thou hast given us in our Savour Jesus Christ. Amen. for forgiveness. Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest noth- ing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent ; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lament- ing our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FOR PROTECTION. Almighty God, Who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves : Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls ; that we may be defended from all adversi- ties which may happen to the body, and from all 121 evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul ; and as we have received how we ought to walk and please Thee, so may we abound more and more; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Qhrist.' Amen. at the christmas season. Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us with great humility : that in the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious Majesty to judge both the quick and dead, we may rise to the life immortal: through Him who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen. O Lord, Who hast given us cause of perpetual joy by the coming of Thy Son our Saviour among us: Raise up Thy power, we pray Thee, and pos- sess us with a mighty sense of Thy wonderful love ; that whereas through the cares of this life we are sorely let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, we may be careful for nothing, but thankfully commending ourselves in everything to Thy bountiful grace and mercy, the peace of Thee, our God, which passeth all understanding, may keep our hearts and minds, through the satisfaction of Thy Son our Lord ; to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen. 6 122 AT THE EASTER SEASON. Almighty God, Who hast given Thine Only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life : Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that His most inestimable benefit ; and also daily endeavor to fol- low the blessed steps of His most holy life ; that dying unto sin, and living unto righteousness, we may at last obtain eternal life : Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Blessed Lord, Whose Only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, hath once suffered for our sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to Thee our God : We beseech Thee, that as we are baptiz- ed into His death, so by continually mortifying our corrupt affections we may be buried with Him ; and at last through the grave, and gate of death, pass to our joyful resurrection : For His merits, Who died, and was buried, and rose again. Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty and Everlasting God, Who of Thy tender love towards mankind has sent Thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon Him our flesh, and that in the form of a servant, and to suf- fer death, even the death of the Cross, for our re- demption, and that we should follow the example of His great humility, patience, and obedience: Mercifully grant that this mind may be in us which was also in Christ Jesus, that we may both follow the example of His humble obedience and patient ^"3 suffering-, and also be made partakers of -His glori- ous resurrection, to live with Thee for ever. Grant this for the sake of Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. AT THE SEASON OF PENTECOST. O God the King of Glory, Who hast exalted Thine Only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph unto Thy Kingdom in heaven ; We beseech Thee, leave us not comfortless ; but send to us Thy Holy Ghost to comfort us, and exalt us unto the same place whither our Saviour Christ is gone before ; Who Hveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen. God of all peace and consolation, Who didst glo- riously fulfil the great promise of the Gospel, by sending down Thy Holy Ghost on the day of Pen- tecost, to establish the Church as the home of His continual presence and power among men ; merci- fully grant unto us, we beseech Thee, this same gift of the Spirit, to renew, illuminate, refresh, and sanctify our dying souls, to be over us and around us hke the light and dew of heaven, and to be in us evermore as a well of water springing up into ever- lasting life ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom, with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen. XIV. THE APOSTLES CREED. I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth ; And in Jesus Christ, His Only Son our Lord ; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born ot the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried ; He descended in- to hell; the third day He rose again from the dead ; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Catholic Church,, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins ; the resurrection of the body ; and the life everlasting. Amen. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, COMPOSED IN THE COUNCIL OF NICE, A. D,, 325. We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible ; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father, before all (124) 125 worlds ; God, of God, Light, of Light, very God, of very God ; begotten, not made, being of one sub- stance with the Father, by Whom all things were made : Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary ; and was made Man ; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried ; and the third day He arose again according to the Scriptures ; and as- cended into heaven, and sitteth on, the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead ; Whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Ghost, Who spake by the pro- phets. And one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the re- mission of sins ; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. THE CREED OF ATHANASIUS, A. D. 333. 1. Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic faith. 2. Which faith, except one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlast- ingly. 3. The Catholic faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity ; 4. Neither confounding the Persons nor dividing the substance. 5. For there is one person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. 126 6. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost is all one ; the Glory equal, and the Majesty coeternal. 7. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost. 8. The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Ghost uncreated. 9 The Father incomprehensible, and the Son in- comprehensible, and the Holy Ghost incompre- hensible. 10. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Ghost eternal : 1 1. And yet they are not three Eternals ; but one Eternal. 12. As also there are not three Incomprehensi- sbles, nor three Uncreated ; but one Uncreated, and one Incomprehensible. 13. So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Ghost Almighty. 14. And yet they are not three Almighties, but one Almighty. 15. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. 16. And yet there are not three Gods, but one God. 17. So likewise the Father is Lord, the son Lord, and the Holy Ghost Lord. 18. And yet they are not three Lords, but one Lord. 19. For, as we are compelled by the Christian truth to acknowledge each Person by Himself to be God and Lord. 127 20. So we are forbidden by the Catholic faith, to say, there be three Gods, or three Lords. 21. The Father is made of none, neither created nor begotten. 22. The Son is of the Father alone, not made, nor created, but begotten. 23. The Holy Ghost is of the Father, and of the Son, neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding. 24. So there is one Father, not three Fathers ; one Son, not three Sons ; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts : 25. And in this Trinity, there is not first nor last. 26. But the whole three Persons are coeternal to- gether, and coequal. 27. So that in all things, as it is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped. 28. He therefore that will be saved, must thus think of the Trinity. 29. Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation, that he also believe rightly the Incarna- tion of our Lord Jesus Christ. 30. For the right faith is, that we believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man : 31. God of the substance of the Father, begot- ten before the world;' and Man of the Substance of his Mother, born in time : 32. Perfect God and perfect Man. having a rea- sonable Soul and a human Body : 33. Equal to the Father, according to his God- 128 head : and inferior to the Father as to his Man- hood : 34. Who, although He be God and Man, yet He is not two but one Christ : 35. One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking of the Manhood into God. 36. He is not one by mixture of Substance, but by unity of Person. 37. For the reasonable soul and flesh is one Man ; so God and Man is one Christ : 38. Who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead ; 39. He ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty : 40. From whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 41. At Whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies ; 42. And shall give account for their own works. 43. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting ; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire. 44. This is the CathoHc Faith, which except a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved. UNIVEESITY OP CALIFOENIA LIBEARY, BEEKELEY THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW Books not returned on time are subject to a fine of 50c per volume after the third dav overdue, increasing to $1.00 per volume after the sixth day. Books not in demand may be renewed if application is made before expiration of loan period. JUL 15 1^2/ AUG 8 i^ 27%'49yj,jj 2f--:ff^ REC'DLD APR18B61 1^1 OV 3 tS'?4 f ) ' IN STACKS m 5 t vm OCT 50w-8,'26 M tSS.3 1?4 Kill- /'"A*^ mm FaiiiMninSt. j