CHAPTER LVIII.

THE FORM AND MANNER OF ORDAINING ELDERS.

+When the day appointed by the Bishop is come there shall be a sermon or exhortation, declaring the duty and office of such as come to be admitted Elders; how necessary that order is in the Church of Christ, and also how the people ought to esteem them in their office. After which one of the Elders shall present unto the Bishop all them that are to be ordained, and say:+

I present unto you these persons present, to be ordained Elders.

+Then their names being read aloud, the Bishop shall say unto the people:+

Brethren, these are they whom we purpose, God willing, this day to ordain Elders. For after due examination, we find not to the contrary, but that they are lawfully called to this function and ministry, and that they are persons meet for the same. But if there be any of you who know any impediment or crime in any of them, for the which he ought not to be received into this holy ministry, let him come forth in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is.

+If any crime or impediment be objected, the Bishop shall surcease from ordaining that person, until such time as the party accused shall be found clear of that crime.+

+Then shall be said the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel as followeth:+

THE COLLECT.

Almighty God, giver of all good things, who by thy Holy Spirit hast appointed divers orders of ministers in thy Church, mercifully behold these thy servants, now called to the office of Elder, and replenish them so with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn them with innocency of life, that, both by word and good example, they may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy name, and the edification 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.

THE EPISTLE. EPH. iv. 7-13.

Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave 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, till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

THE GOSPEL. ST. JOHN x. 1-16.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door, is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice; and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them, but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

+And that done, the Bishop shall say unto them as hereafter followeth:+

You have heard, brethren, as well in your private examination, (as in the exhortation which was now made to you,) and in the holy lessons taken out of the Gospel, and the writings of the apostles, of what dignity, and of how great importance, this office is, whereunto ye are called. And now again we exhort you, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you have in remembrance into how high a dignity, and to how weighty an office ye are called: that is to say, to be messengers, watchmen, and stewards of the Lord; to teach, and to premonish, to feed and provide for the Lord's family; to seek for Christ's sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for his children who are in the midst of this evil world, that they may be saved through Christ forever.

We have good hope that you have all weighed and pondered these things with yourselves long before this time; and that you have clearly determined, by God's grace, to give yourselves wholly to this office, whereunto it hath pleased God to call you: so that, as much as lieth in you, you will apply yourselves wholly to this one thing, and draw all your cares and studies this way, and that you will continually pray to God the Father, through the mediation of our only Saviour Jesus Christ, for the heavenly assistance of the Holy Ghost: that by daily reading and weighing of the Scriptures, ye may wax riper and stronger in your ministry; and that ye may so endeavor yourselves from time to time to sanctify the lives of you and yours, and to fashion them after the rule and doctrine of Christ, that ye may be wholesome and godly examples and patterns for the people to follow.

And now that this present congregation of Christ, here assembled, may also understand your minds and wills in these things, and that this your promise may the more move you to do your duties, ye shall answer plainly to these things, which we, in the name of God and of his Church, shall demand of you touching the same.

Do you think in your heart that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the order of Elders?

Ans. I think so.

The Bishop. 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 said Scriptures, to instruct the people committed to your charge, and to teach nothing, as required of necessity to eternal salvation, but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the Scriptures?

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

The Bishop. Will you then give your faithful diligence, always so to minister the doctrine and sacraments, and the discipline of Christ, as the Lord hath commanded?

Ans. I will so do, by the help of the Lord.

The Bishop. Will you be ready with all faithful diligence to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to God's word; and to use both public and private monitions and exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole within your charge, as need shall require, and occasion shall be given?

Ans. I will, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you be diligent in prayers, and in reading of the Holy Scriptures, and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same, laying aside the study of the world and the flesh?

Ans. I will endeavor so to do, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you be diligent to frame and fashion yourselves, and your families, according to the doctrine of Christ; and to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples and patterns to the flock of Christ?

Ans. I shall apply myself thereto, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you maintain and set forward, as much as lieth in you, quietness, peace, and love, among all Christian people, and especially among them that are or shall be committed to your charge?

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

The Bishop. Will you reverently obey your chief ministers, unto whom is committed the charge and government over you; following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions, submitting yourselves to their godly judgment?

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

+Then shall the Bishop, standing up, say:+

Almighty God, who hath given you this will to do all these things, grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same; that he may accomplish his work which he hath begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

+After this the congregation shall be desired secretly in their prayers to make their humble supplications to God, for all these things: for which prayers there shall be silence kept for a space.+

+After which shall be said by the Bishop, (the persons to be ordained Elders all kneeling,) Veni, Creator, Spiritus: the Bishop beginning, and the Elders and 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 dullness of our blinded sight=. Anoint and cheer our soiled face =With the abundance of thy grace= Keep for 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=.

+That done, the Bishop shall pray in this wise, and say, Let us pray+

Almighty God and Heavenly Father, who, of thine infinite love and goodness toward us, hast given to us thy only and most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer, and the author of everlasting life; who, after he had made perfect our redemption by his death, and was ascended into heaven, sent abroad into the world his apostles, prophets, evangelists, doctors and pastors; by whose labor and ministry he gathered together a great flock in all parts of the world, to set forth the eternal praise of thy holy name; for these so great benefits of thy eternal goodness, and for that thou hast vouchsafed to call these thy servants here present to the same office and ministry appointed for the salvation of mankind, we render unto thee most hearty thanks: we praise and worship thee; and we humbly beseech thee, by the same thy blessed Son, to grant unto all who either here or elsewhere call upon thy holy name, that we may continue to show ourselves thankful unto thee for these, and all other, thy benefits; and that we may daily increase and go forward in the knowledge and faith of thee and thy Son, by the Holy Spirit: so that as well by these thy ministers, as by them over whom they shall be appointed thy ministers, thy holy name may be forever glorified, and thy blessed kingdom enlarged, through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord: who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, world without end.

Amen.

+When the prayer is done, the Bishop and the Elders present shall lay their hands severally upon the head of every one that receiveth the Order of Elders, the receivers humbly kneeling upon their knees, and the Bishop saying,+

The Lord pour upon thee the Holy Ghost, for the office and work of an Elder in the Church of God, now committed unto thee by the imposition of our hands. And be thou a faithful dispenser of the word of God, and of his holy sacraments: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Amen.

+Then the Bishop shall deliver to every one of them kneeling, the Bible, into his hands, saying:+

Take thou authority to preach the word of God, and to administer the holy sacraments in the congregation.

+Then shall the Bishop say:+

Most merciful Father, we beseech thee to send upon these thy servants thy heavenly blessing; that they may be clothed with righteousness, and that thy word spoken by their mouths may have such success, that it may never be spoken in vain. Grant also, that we may have grace to hear and receive what they shall deliver out of thy most holy word, or agreeable to the same, as the means of our salvation; that in all our words and deeds we may seek thy glory, and the increase of thy kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favor, 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 BENEDICTION

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 among you, and remain with you always.

Amen.

+If on the same day the Order of Deacons be given to some, and that of Elders to others, the Deacons shall be first presented, and then the Elders. The Collects shall both be used; first that for Deacons, then that for Elders. The Epistle shall be Eph. iv. 7 to 13, as before in this office. Immediately after which, they that are to be ordained Deacons shall be examined and ordained as is above prescribed. The one of them having read the Gospel which shall be St. John x. 1-16, as before in this office, they that are to be ordained Elders shall likewise be examined and ordained, as in this office before appointed.+

THE FORM OF CONSECRATING A BISHOP.

THE COLLECT.

Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy holy apostles many excellent gifts, and didst charge them to feed thy flock: give grace, we beseech thee, to all the ministers and pastors of thy Church, that they may diligently preach thy word, and duly administer the godly discipline thereof; and grant to the people, that they may obediently follow the same; that all may receive the crown of everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

+Then shall be read by one of the Elders.+

THE EPISTLE. ACTS xx. 17-35.

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 befell me by the laying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed 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 befall 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 showed you all things, how that so laboring 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 shall read+

THE GOSPEL. ST. JOHN xxi. 15-17.

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 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 THIS. ST. MATT, xxviii. 18-21

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 sermon are ended, the elected person shall be presented by two Elders unto the Bishop, saying:+

We present unto you this holy man, to be ordained a Bishop.

+Then the Bishop shall move the congregation 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.

+Then shall be said this prayer following:+

Almighty God, giver of all good things, who by the 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 Bishop shall say to him that is to be ordained:+

Brother, forasmuch as the Holy Scripture commands 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 on certain articles, to the end that the congregation present may have a trial, and bear witness, how you are minded to behave yourself in the Church of God.

Are you persuaded that you are truly called to this ministration, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ?

Ans. I am so persuaded.

The Bishop. 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?

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

The Bishop. 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?

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

The Bishop. Are you ready with faithful diligence to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to God's word, and both privately and openly to call upon and encourage others to the same?

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

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

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

The Bishop. Will you maintain and set forward, as much as shall lie in you, quietness, love, and peace among all men: and such as shall be unquiet, disobedient, and criminal, within your district, correct and punish according to such authority as you have by God's word, and as shall be committed unto you?

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

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

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

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

Ans I will so show myself, by God's help.

+Then the Bishop 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 he hath begun, you may be found perfect and irreprehensible at the last day, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

+Then shall Veni, Creator, Spiritus be said:+

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 dullness 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.=

+That ended, the Bishop shall say+

Lord, hear our prayer.

Ans. =And let our cry come unto thee.=

+Bishop, 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 Bishop and Elders present shall lay their hands upon the head of the elected person, kneeling before them upon his knees, the Bishop saying:+

The Lord pour upon thee 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; for God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and soberness.

+Then the Bishop 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 thy doctrine; 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 may not be 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.

+Immediately before the benediction shall be said the following prayer:+

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 may also 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 thy most gracious favor, 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 BENEDICTION.

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 among you, and remain with you always.

Amen.

=APPENDIX.=