Chapter 48

From Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the Church. And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befel me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befal me there; save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God. And now behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel: yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak; and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

_Then another Bishop shall read_

THE GOSPEL. St John xxi. 15.

Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

_Or else this_.

St John xx. 19.

The same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

_Or this_.

St Matth. xxviii. 18.

Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

_After the Gospel, and the Nicene Creed, and the Sermon are ended, the elected Bishop_ (_vested with his Rochet_) _shall be presented by two Bishops unto the_ [_Primus_] (_or to some other Bishop appointed by lawful commission_,) _the_ [_Primus_] _sitting in his Chair, near the holy Table, and the Bishops that present him saying_,

Most reverend Father in God, we present unto you this godly and well-learned man to be ordained and consecrated Bishop.

[_Then shall the Archbishop demand the King's Mandate for the Consecration, and cause it to be read. And then shall be ministered unto them the Oath of due obedience to the Archbishop, as followeth_.

_The Oath of due obedience to the Archbishop_.

In the Name of God, Amen. _N_. chosen Bishop of the Church and See of _N_. do profess and promise all due reverence and obedience to the Archbishop and to the Metropolitical Church of _N_. and to their Successors: So help me God, through Jesus Christ.

_This Oath shall not be made at the Consecration of an Archbishop_.]

_Then the_ [_Primus_] _shall move the Congregation present to pray, saying thus to them_:

Brethren, it is written in the Gospel of St Luke, that our Saviour Christ continued the whole night in prayer, before he did choose and send forth his twelve Apostles. It is written also in the Acts of the Apostles, that the disciples who were at Antioch did fast and pray, before they laid hands on Paul and Barnabas, and sent them forth. Let us therefore, following the example of our Saviour Christ and his Apostles, first fall to prayer, before we admit and send forth this person presented unto us, to the work whereunto we trust the Holy Ghost hath called him.

_And then shall be said the Litany, as before in the Form of Ordering Deacons, save only that after this place_, That it may please thee to illuminate all Bishops, &c. _the proper Suffrage there following shall be omitted, and this inserted instead of it_;

That it may please thee to bless this our Brother elected, and to send thy grace upon him, that he may duly execute the office where unto he is called, to the edifying of thy Church, and to the honour, praise and glory of thy Name,

_Answer_. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

_Then shall be said this Prayer following_.

Almighty God, giver of all good things, who by thy Holy Spirit hast appointed divers orders of Ministers in thy Church: Mercifully behold this thy servant now called to the work and ministry of a Bishop; and replenish him so with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn him with innocency of life, that both by word and deed he may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy Name, and the edifying and well-governing of thy Church; through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, world without end. _Amen_.

_Then the_ [_Primus_], _sitting in his Chair, shall say to him that is to be consecrated_,

Brother, forasmuch as the holy Scripture and the ancient Canons command that we should not be hasty in laying on hands, and admitting any person to government in the Church of Christ, which he hath purchased with no less price than the effusion of his own blood: Before I admit you to this administration, I will examine you in certain articles, to the end that the Congregation present may have a trial, and bear witness, how you be minded to behave yourself in the Church of God.

Are you persuaded that you be truly called to this ministration, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the order of this [Church]?

_Answer_. I am so persuaded.

_The_ [_Primus_],

Are you persuaded that the holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrine required of necessity for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? And are you determined out of the same holy Scriptures to instruct the people committed to your charge, and to teach or maintain nothing as required of necessity to eternal salvation, but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the same?

_Answer_. I am so persuaded and determined, by God's grace.

_The_ [_Primus_].

Will you then faithfully exercise yourself in the same holy Scriptures, and call upon God by prayer, for the true understanding of the same; so as you may be able by them to teach and exhort with wholesome doctrine, and to withstand and convince the gainsayers?

_Answer_. I will so do, by the help of God

_The_ [_Primus_].

Be you ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrine contrary to God's Word; and both privately and openly to call upon and encourage others to the same?

_Answer_. I am ready, the Lord being my helper.

_The_ [_Primus_].

Will you deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world; that you may shew yourself in all things an example of good works unto others, that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing to say against you?

_Answer_. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.

_The_ [_Primus_].

Will you maintain and set forward, as much as shall lie in you, quietness, peace, and love among all men; and such as be unquiet, disobedient and criminous within your Diocese, correct and punish, according to such authority as you have by God's Word, and as to you shall be committed by the Ordinance of this [Church]?

_Answer_. I will so do, by the help of God

_The_ [_Primus_].

Will you be faithful in ordaining, sending, or laying hands upon others?

_Answer_. I will so be, by the help of God.

_The_ [_Primus_].

Will you shew yourself gentle, and be merciful for Christ's sake to poor and needy people, and to all strangers destitute of help?

_Answer_. I will so shew myself, by God's help.

_Then the_ [_Primus_], _standing up, shall say_,

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who hath given you a good will to do all these things; Grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same; that he accomplishing in you the good work which h e hath begun, you may be found perfect and irreprehensible at the latter day; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.

_Then shall the Bishop elect put on the rest of the Episcopal habit; and kneeling down_, Veni, Creator Spiritus, _shall be sung or said over him, the_ [_Primus_] _beginning, and the Bishops, with others that are present, answering by verses, as followeth_.

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,

_And lighten with celestial fire_.

Thou the anointing Spirit art,

_Who dost thy seven-fold gifts impart_.

Thy blessed Unction from above

_Is comfort, life, and fire of love_.

Enable with perpetual light

_The dulness of our blinded sight_.

Anoint and cheer our soiled face

_With the abundance of thy grace_.

Keep far our foes, give peace at home:

_Where thou art guide, no ill can come_.

Teach us to know the Father, Son,

_And thee, of both, to be but one_.

That, through the ages all along,

_This may be our endless song_:

Praise to thy eternal merit,

_Father, Son, and Holy Spirit_.

_Or this_:

Come, Holy Ghost, eternal God, &c.

_as before in the Form of Ordering Priests_.

_That ended, the_ [_Primus_] _shall say_,

Lord, hear our prayer.

_Answer_. And let our cry come unto thee.

Let us pray.

Almighty God and most merciful Father, who of thine infinite goodness hast given thine only and dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and the Author of everlasting life; who, after that he had made perfect our redemption by his death, and was ascended into heaven, poured down his gifts abundantly upon men, making some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Pastors and Doctors, to the edifying and making perfect his Church: Grant, we beseech thee, to this thy servant such grace, that he may evermore be ready to spread abroad thy Gospel, the glad tidings of reconciliation with thee; and use the authority given him, not to destruction, but to salvation; not to hurt, but to help: so that as a wise and faithful servant, giving to thy family their portion in due season, he may at last be received into everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth one God, world without end. _Amen_.

_Then the_ [_Primus and_] _Bishops present shall lay their hands upon the head of the elected Bishop kneeling before them upon his knees, the_ [_Primus_] _saying_,

Receive the Holy Ghost for the office and work of a Bishop in the Church of God, now committed unto thee by the imposition of our hands; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. And remember that thou stir up the grace of God which is given thee by this imposition of our hands: for God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and soberness.

_Then the_ [_Primus_] _shall deliver him the Bible, saying_,

Give heed unto reading, exhortation, and doctrine. Think upon the things contained in this Book. Be diligent in them, that the increase coming thereby may be manifest unto all men. Take heed unto thyself, and to doctrine, and be diligent in doing them: for by so doing thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee. Be to the flock of Christ a shepherd, not a wolf; feed them, devour them not. Hold up the weak, heal the sick, bind up the broken, bring again the outcasts, seek the lost. Be so merciful, that you be not too remiss; so minister discipline, that you forget not mercy: that when the chief Shepherd shall appear you may receive the never-fading crown of glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.

_Then the_ [_Primus_] _shall proceed in the Communion Service; with whom the new consecrated Bishop_ (_with others_) _shall also communicate_.

_And for the last Collect, immediately before the Benediction, shall be said these Prayers_.

Most merciful Father, we beseech thee to send down upon this thy servant thy heavenly blessing; and so endue him with thy Holy Spirit, that he, preaching thy Word, may not only be earnest to reprove, beseech, and rebuke with all patience and doctrine; but also may be to such as believe a wholesome example, in word, in conversation, in love, in faith, in chastity, and in purity; that, faithfully fulfilling his course, at the latter day he may receive the crown of righteousness laid up by the Lord the righteous Judge, who liveth and reigneth one God with the Father and the Holy Ghost, world without end. _Amen_.

Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with I thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally by thy mercy obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.

The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always. _Amen_.

ACCESSION SERVICE

| The form of prayer with thanksgiving, now authorised in the | Church of England for use upon the anniversary of the day of | the Accession of the reigning Sovereign, is authorised in the | EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN SCOTLAND.

FORMS OF PRAYER

WITH THANKSGIVING TO ALMIGHTY GOD;

For use in all Churches and Chapels within this Realm, every year, upon the anniversary of the day of the Accession of the reigning Sovereign, or upon such other day as shall be appointed by authority.

I.

_At Mattins and Evensong the following Psalms, Lessons, Suffrages, and Collects may be used_:

_Proper Psalms_, xx., ci., cxxi.

_Proper Lessons_.

_The First_, Joshua i. to ver. 10, or Proverbs viii. to ver. 17.

_The Second_, Rom. xiii. to ver. 11, or Rev. xxi. 22 xxii. 4.

_The Suffrages next after the Creed_.

_Priest_. O Lord, shew thy mercy upon us.

_Answer_. And grant us thy salvation.

_Priest_. O Lord, save the King;

_Answer_. Who putteth his trust in thee.

_Priest_. Send him help from thy holy place.

_Answer_. And evermore mightily defend him.

_Priest_. Be unto him, O Lord, a strong tower;

_Answer_. From the face of his enemies.

_Priest_. Endue thy Ministers with righteousness.

_Answer_. And make thy chosen people joyful.

_Priest_. O Lord, save thy people.

_Answer_. And bless thine inheritance.

_Priest_. Give peace in our time, O Lord.

_Answer_. Because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God.

_Priest_. O Lord, hear our prayer.

_Answer_. And let our cry come unto thee.

_After the first Collect, at Morning or Evening Prayer, the following Collect_:

O God, who providest for thy people by thy power, and rulest over them in love; Vouchsafe so to bless thy Servant our King, that under him this nation may be wisely governed, and thy Church may serve thee in all godly quietness; and grant that he being devoted to thee with his whole heart, and persevering in good works unto the end, may, by thy guidance, come to thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. _Amen_.

_If the Litany be sung or said, these Prayers immediately after the Prayer_, We humbly beseech thee: _and if the Litany be not said, then these Prayers instead of the Prayers for the King and for the Royal Family at Mattins or Evensong_.

O Lord our God, who upholdest and governest all things by the word of thy power; Receive our humble prayers for our Sovereign Lord _GEORGE_, _as on this day_, set over us by thy grace and providence to be our King; and, together with him, bless, we beseech thee, our gracious Queen _Mary_, _Alexandra_ the Queen Mother, _Edward_ Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family; that they, ever trusting in thy goodness, protected by thy power, and crowned with thy gracious and endless favour, may long continue before thee in peace and safety, joy and honour, and after death may obtain everlasting life and glory; by the merits and mediation of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth ever one God, world without end. _Amen_.

Almighty God, who rulest over all the kingdoms of the world, and dost order them according to thy good pleasure; We yield thee unfeigned thanks, for that thou wast pleased, _as on this day_, to set thy Servant our Sovereign Lord, King _GEORGE_, upon the throne of this Realm. Let thy wisdom be his guide, and let thine arm strengthen him; let truth and justice, holiness and righteousness, peace and charity abound in his days. Direct all his counsels and endeavours to thy glory, and the welfare of his subjects; give us grace to obey him cheerfully for conscience sake, and let him always possess the hearts of his people; let his reign be long and prosperous, and crown him with everlasting life in the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.

_A Prayer for Unity_.

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that, as there is but one Body, and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may henceforth be all of one heart, and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. _Amen_.

II.

THE COMMUNION.

_In the Order of the Administration of holy Communion, in place of the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel of the day, shall be said the following_:

THE COLLECT.

O God, who providest for thy people by thy power, and rulest over them in love; Vouchsafe so to bless thy Servant our King, that under him this nation may be wisely governed, and thy Church may serve thee in all godly quietness; and grant that he being devoted to thee with his whole heart, and persevering in good works unto the end, may, by thy guidance, come to thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. _Amen_.

THE EPISTLE. 1 St Peter ii. 11.

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the King, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the King.

THE GOSPEL. St Matth. xxii. 16.

And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

_If this day should fall on a Sunday or other holy day, the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel of the day shall be used, and the Collect_, O God, who providest, _shall be said after the Collect of the day_.

III.

_The following Service may also be used on the same day at any convenient time_.

TE DEUM LAUDAMUS.

We praise thee, O God: we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.

All the earth doth worship thee: the Father everlasting.

To thee all Angels cry aloud: the Heavens, and all the Powers therein.

To thee Cherubin, and Seraphin: continually do cry,

Holy, Holy, Holy: Lord God of Sabaoth;

Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty: of thy Glory.

The glorious company of the Apostles: praise thee.

The goodly fellowship of the Prophets: praise thee.

The noble army of Martyrs: praise thee.

The holy Church throughout all the world: doth acknowledge thee;

The Father: of an infinite Majesty;

Thine honourable, true: and only Son;

Also the Holy Ghost: the Comforter.

Thou art the King of Glory: O Christ.

Thou art the everlasting Son: of the Father.

When thou tookest upon thee to deliver man: thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.

When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death: thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.

Thou sittest at the right hand of God: in the Glory of the Father.

We believe that thou shalt come: to be our Judge.

We therefore pray thee, help thy servants: whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood.

Make them to be numbered with thy Saints: in glory everlasting.

O Lord, save thy people: and bless thine heritage.

Govern them: and lift them up for ever.

Day by day: we magnify thee;

And we worship thy Name: ever world without end.

Vouchsafe, O Lord: to keep us this day without sin.

O Lord, have mercy upon us: have mercy upon us.

O Lord, let thy mercy lighten upon us: as our trust is in thee.

O Lord, in thee have I trusted: let me never be confounded.

_Then the Priest shall say_,

The Lord be with you.

_Answer_. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

_Christ, have mercy upon us_.