The Scottish Book of Common Prayer (1929): The Ordinal · The Scottish Book of Common Prayer (1929): Title Page & Table of Contents

The Book of Common Prayer

	The Scottish Book of Common Prayer (1929)

	*
THE	May be disregarded
FORM AND MANNER
OF
MAKING, ORDAINING, AND CONSECRATING
OF
BISHOPS, PRIESTS, AND
DEACONS
ACCORDING
TO THE ORDER OF
THE
SCOTTISH CHURCH
THE
PREFACE
IT
is evident unto all men diligently reading Holy Scripture and ancient
Authors, that from the Apostles’ time there have been these Orders of
Ministers in Christ’s Church; Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. Which offices
were evermore had in such reverend estimation, that no man might presume
to execute any of them, except he were first called, tried, examined,
and known to have such qualities as are requisite for the same; and
also by public Prayer, with Imposition of Hands, were approved and admitted
thereunto by lawful authority. And therefore, to the intent that these
Orders may be continued, and reverently used and esteemed, in the Scottish
Church; No man shall, be accounted or taken to be a lawful Bishop, Priest,
or Deacon in the Scottish Church, or suffered to execute any of the
said functions, except he be called, tried, examined, and admitted thereunto,
according to the Form hereafter following, or hath had formerly Episcopal
Consecration or Ordination.
And
none shall be admitted a Deacon, except he be twenty-three years of
age, unless he have a Faculty. And every man which is to be admitted
a Priest shall be full four-and-twenty years old. And every man which
is to be ordained or consecrated Bishop shall be fully thirty years
of age.
And
the Bishop, knowing either by himself, or by sufficient testimony, any
person to be a man of virtuous conversation, and without crime; and
after examination and trial finding him learned in the Latin tongue,
and sufficiently instructed in Holy Scripture, may at the times appointed
in the Canon, or else, on urgent occasion, upon some other [Sunday or
Holy]* day, in the face of the Church, admit him a Deacon, in such manner
and Form as hereafter followeth.
FROM
THE CODE OF CANONS
CANON
II
OF
THE ORDERING OF BISHOPS, PRIESTS,
AND DEACONS
1.
The Ordering of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons shall be according the
"Form and manner of making, ordaining, and consecrating Bishops,
Priests, and Deacons" set forth in the Scottish Book of Common
Prayer (1929). At the consecration of Bishops, in the absence d the
Primus the Senior Bishop present shall act in his place, unless be otherwise
unanimously agreed by the Bishops present.
2.
All ordinations of Priests and Deacons shall be held at the Ember Seasons,
unless, for reasons which may seem to him sufficient, the Bishop shall
appoint another time.
THE
FORM AND MANNER
OF
MAKING
OF DEACONS
When
the day appointed by the Bishop is come, after Morning Prayer is ended,
there shall be a Sermon or Exhortation, declaring the duty and Office
of such as come to be admitted Deacons; how necessary that Order is
in the Church of Christ; and also how
the people ought to esteem them in their Office.
First,
a Presbyter appointed by the Bishop shall present unto the Bishop (sitting
in his chair, near to the Holy Table) such as desire to be ordained
Deacons, (each of them being decently habited,) saying these words,
REVEREND
Father in God, I present unto you these persons present, to be admitted
Deacons.
The
Bishop.
TAKE
heed that the persons, whom ye present unto us, be apt and meet, for
their learning and godly conversation, to exercise their ministry duly,
to the honour of God, and the edifying of his Church.
The
Presbyter shall answer,
I
HAVE enquired of them, and also examined them; and think them so to
be.
Then
the Bishop shall say unto the people:
BRETHREN,
if there be any of you who knoweth any impediment or notable crime in
any of these persons presented to be ordered Deacons, for the which
he ought not to be admitted to that office, let him come forth in the
Name of God, and shew what the crime or impediment is.
And
if any great crime or impediment be objected, the Bishop shall surcease
from ordering that person, until such time as the party accused shall
be found clear of that crime.
Then
shall the Bishop proceed, saying,
I
COMMEND these persons that have been found meet to be ordered Deacons
to the prayers of the Congregation.
Then
shall the Bishop, with the Clergy and people present, sing or say one
of the authorized Litanies. If the first or second Litany (pages
48,
57) be used, it shall
end at Lord, have mercy upon us. The Holy Communion shall begin
with the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel.
Any
of the Litanies contained in this Book may be used at Ordinations and
the Consecration of Bishops.
At
Ordinations occurring on Red Letter Days, especially on the Greater
Festivals, the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel of the day may be used with
the addition of the Ordination Collect.
The
Collect.
ALMIGHTY
God, who by thy
divine providence
hast appointed divers Orders of Ministers in thy Church, and didst inspire
thine Apostles’ to choose into the Order of Deacons the first, Martyr
Saint Stephen, with others: Mercifully behold these thy servants now
called to the like, Office and Administration; 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, now and for ever. Amen.
The
Epistle. 1 Timothy 3. 8.
LIKEWISE
must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine,
not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure
conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the
office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must women be grave,
not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the
husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves
a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Or
else this, out of the sixth of the Acts of
the Apostles.
Acts
6. 2.
THEN
the twelve called
the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason
that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren,
look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost
and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give
ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And
the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man
full of faith and of the Holy Ghosts and Philip, and Prochorus, and
Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
whom they set before the Apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid
their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of
the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of
the priests were obedient to the faith.
And
before the Gospel, the Bishop, sitting in his chair, shall examine every
one of them that are to be ordered, in the presence of the people, after
this manner following.
DO
you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon
you this Office and Ministration, to serve God, for the promoting of
his glory, and the edifying of his people?
Answer. I trust so.
The
Bishop.
DO
you think
that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the due order of this Church, to the Ministry of the Church?
Answer. I think so.
The
Bishop.
DO
you unfeignedly believe all the Canonical Scriptures of the Old and
New Testament, as given of God to convey to us in many parts and in
divers manners the revelation of himself which is fulfilled in our Lord
Jesus Christ?
Answer. I do.
The
Bishop.
WILL
you diligently read the same unto the people assembled in the church
where you shall be appointed to serve?
Answer. I will.
The
Bishop.
IT
appertaineth
to the Office of a Deacon, in the church where he shall be appointed
to serve, to assist the Priest in Divine Service, and specially when
he ministereth the Holy Communion, and to help him in the distribution
thereof; and to read Holy Scriptures and Homilies in the church; and
to instruct the youth in the Catechism; in the absence of the Priest
to baptize infants; and to preach, if he be admitted thereto by the
Bishop. And furthermore, it is his Office, where provision is so made,
to search for the sick, poor, and impotent people of the Parish, to
intimate their estates, names, and places where they dwell, unto the
Priest, that by his exhortation they may be relieved with the alms of
the Parishioners, or others. Will you do this gladly and willingly?
Answer. I will so do, by the help of God.
The
Bishop.
WILL
you apply all your diligence to frame and fashion your own lives, and
the lives of your families, according to the doctrine of Christ; and
to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lieth, wholesome
examples of the flock of Christ?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.
The
Bishop.
WILL
you reverently obey your Bishop, and other chief Ministers of the Church,
and them to whom the charge and government over you is committed, following
with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions?
Answer. I will endeavour myself, the Lord
being my helper.
Then
shall the Bishop rise from his chair, and say,
LET
us pray to Almighty God, Dearly Beloved, that it may please him to accept
these his servants now called into the Order of Deacons in his Church,
and to pour upon them the grace of his heavenly benediction.
Then	*
those who are to be ordained, with the Congregation, shall kneel down;	May be disregarded
and, after silent prayer, the Bishop shall say,
LIFT
up your hearts;
Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord.
Bishop. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God;
Answer. It is meet and right so to do.
Then
shall the Bishop continue,
IT
is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times,
and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty,
Everlasting God; and especially are we bound to praise thee, because
in thy great goodness thou dost send forth labourers into thy harvest,
and hast vouchsafed to call these thy servants into the Office of Deacons
in thy Church. Fill them, we beseech thee, with the Holy Ghost, that,
enabled by the sevenfold gift of his grace, they may be faithful to
their promises, modest, humble, and constant in their ministration,
and may have a ready will to observe all spiritual discipline; that,
having always the testimony of a good conscience, they may continue
ever stable and strong in thy Son Christ; to whom with thee and the
same Holy Spirit be honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
Then
time Bishop laying his hands severally upon the head of every one of
them, humbly kneeling before him, shall say,
TAKE
thou authority to execute the Office of a Deacon in the Church of God
committed unto thee; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then
shall the Bishop deliver to every one of them the New Testament, saying,
TAKE
thou authority to read the Gospel in the Church of God, and to preach
the same, if thou be thereto licensed by the Bishop
himself.
Then
one of them, appointed by the Bishop, shall read
The
Gospel. St. Luke 12. 35.
JESUS
said, Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning; and ye
yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return
from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto
him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh
shall find watching. Verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself,
and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch,
and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Then
shall the Bishop proceed in the Communion: and all that are ordered
shall tarry, and receive the Holy Communion the same day with the Bishop.
The
Communion ended, for the last Collect, immediately before the Benediction,
shall be said this Collect following.
PREVENT
us, O Lord, in all our doings with 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 under standing, 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.
And
here it must be declared unto the Deacon, that he must continue in that
Office of a Deacon the space of a whole year (except for reasonable
causes it shall otherwise seem good unto the Bishop) to the intent he
may be perfect, and well expert in the things appertaining to the Ecclesiastical
Administration. In executing whereof if he be found faithful and diligent,
he may be admitted by his Diocesan to the Order of Priesthood, at the
times appointed in the Canon; or else, on urgent occasion, upon some
other [Sunday or Holy-]*day, in the face of the Church, in such manner
and Form as hereafter followeth.
THE
FORM
AND MANNER
OF
ORDERING
OF PRIESTS
When
the day appointed by the Bishop is come, after Morning Prayer is ended,
there shall be a Sermon or Exhortation, declaring the duty and Office
of such as come to be admitted Priests; how necessary that Order is
in the Church of Christ; and also how the people ought to esteem them
in their Office.
First,
a Presbyter appointed by the Bishop shall present unto the Bishop (sitting
in his chair, near to the Holy Table) all them that shall receive the
Order of Priesthood that day, (each of them being decently habited,)
and say,
REVEREND
Father in God, I present unto you these persons present, to be admitted
to the Order of Priesthood.
The
Bishop.
TAKE
heed that the persons, whom ye present unto us, be apt and meet, for
their learning and godly conversation, to exercise their ministry duly,
to the honour of God, and the edifying. of his Church.
The
Presbyter shall answer,
I
HAVE enquired of them, and also examined them; and think them so to
be.
Then
the Bishop shall say unto the people:
GOOD
people, these are they whom we purpose, God willing, to receive this
day unto the holy Office of Priesthood: For after due examination we
find not to the contrary, but that they be lawfully called to their
function and ministry, and that they be persons meet for the same. But
yet if there be any of you who knoweth any impediment or notable 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 shew what
the crime or impediment is.
And
if any great crime or impediment be objected, the Bishop shall surcease
from ordering that person, until such time as the party accused shall
be found clear of that crime.
Then shall time Bishop proceed, saying,
I
COMMEND these persons that have been found meet to be ordered Priests
to the prayers
of the Congregation.
Then
shall the Bishop, with the Clergy and people present, sing or say one
of the authorized Litanies. If
the first or second Litany (pages 48,
57) be used, it shall end
at Lord., have mercy upon us. The
Holy Communion shall begin with the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel.
At
Ordinations occurring on Red Letter Days, especially on the Greater
Festivals, the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel of the day may be used with
the addition of the Ordination Collect.
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 Priesthood; 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. Ephesians 4. 7.
UNTO
every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift
of Christ. Wherefore be 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 be gave some to be Apostles, and
some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers;
for the perfecting of the saints unto the work of ministering, unto
the building up of the body of Christ; till we all attain unto 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 fulness of Christ.
After
this shall be read for the Gospel part of the ninth chapter of Saint
Matthew, as followeth.
St.
Matthew 9. 36.
THEN
Jesus saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because
they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but
the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that
he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Or
else this that followeth, out of the tenth chapter of Saint John.
St.
John 10. 1.
JESUS
said unto his disciples, Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entereth
not by the door into the sheep-fold, 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 I know mine own and mine own know me, even as the Father
knoweth me, and I know 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 they shall become one flock,
one shepherd.
Then
the Bishop, sitting in his chair, 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 and Charge 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
naughty world, that they may be saved through Christ for ever.
Have always therefore printed in your remembrance, how
great a treasure is committed to your charge. For they are the sheep
of Christ, which he bought with his death, and for whom he shed his
blood. The Church and Congregation whom you must serve is his spouse
and his body. And if it shall happen the same Church, or any member
thereof, to take any hurt or hindrance by reason of your negligence,
ye know the greatness of the fault, and also the horrible punishment
that will ensue. Wherefore consider with yourselves the end of your
ministry towards the children of God, towards the spouse and body of
Christ; and see that you never cease your labour, your care and diligence,
until you have done all that lieth in you, according to your bounden
duty, to bring all such as are or shall be committed to your charge,
unto that agreement in the faith and knowledge of God, and to that ripeness
and perfectness of age in Christ, that there be no place left among
you, either for error in religion, or for viciousness in life.
Forasmuch then as your Office is both of so great excellency
and of so great difficulty, ye see with how great care and study ye
ought to apply yourselves, as well that ye may shew yourselves dutiful
and thankful unto that Lord, who hath placed you in so high a dignity;
as also to beware that neither you yourselves offend, nor be occasion
that others offend. Howbeit, ye cannot have a mind and will thereto
of yourselves; for that will and ability is given of God alone. Therefore
ye ought, and have need, to pray earnestly for his Holy Spirit. And
seeing that you cannot by any other means compass the doing of so weighty
a work, pertaining to the salvation of man, but with doctrine and exhortation
taken out of the Holy Scriptures, and with a life agreeable to the same;
consider how studious ye ought to be in reading and learning the Scriptures,
and in framing the manners both of yourselves, and of them that specially
pertain unto you, according to the rule of the same Scriptures: and
for this self-same cause, how ye ought to forsake and set aside (as
much as you may) all worldly cares and studies.
We have good hope that you have well 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, by 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 endeavour
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 be truly called, according to the will
of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the order of this Church, to the Order
and Ministry of Priesthood?
Answer. I think it.
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?
Answer. 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,
and as this Church hath received the same, according to the commandments
of God; so that you may teach the people committed to your cure and
charge with all diligence to keep and observe the same?
Answer. 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 cures, as need shall require, and occasion
shall be given?
Answer. 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?
Answer. I will endeavour myself so to do, the Lord
being my helper.
The
Bishop.
WILL
you be diligent to frame and fashion your own selves, 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?
Answer. I will 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?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.
The
Bishop.
WILL
you reverently obey your Bishop, and other chief Ministers, unto whom
is committed the charge and government over you; following with a glad
mind and will their godly admonitions, and submitting yourselves to
their godly judgements?
Answer. 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 be 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
the which prayers there shall be silence kept for a space.
After
which shall be sung or said by the Bishop (the persons to be ordained
Priests all kneeling) Veni, Creator Spiritus; the Bishop beginning,
and the Priests, 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 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.
That
ended, the Bishop shall pray in this wise, and say,
LIFT
up your hearts;
Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord.
Bishop. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God;
Answer. It is meet and right so to do.
Then
shall the Bishop continue,
IT
is, very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times,
and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty,
Everlasting God: who of thine infinite love and goodness towards 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 labour and ministry he gathered together
a great flock in all the 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 pour
upon these thy servants thy Holy Spirit, that they may faith fully fulfil
their ministry; and grant unto all, which either here or elsewhere call
upon thy holy Name, that we may continue to shew ourselves thankful
unto thee for these and all other thy benefits; and that we may daily
increase and go forwards 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 for ever 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
this prayer is done, the Bishop with the Priests present shall lay their
hands severally upon the head of every one that receiveth the Order
of Priesthood; the receivers humbly kneeling upon their knees, and the
Bishop saying,
RECEIVE
the Holy Ghost for the Office and work of a Priest in the Church of
God, now committed unto thee by the imposition of our hands. Whose sins
thou dost forgive, they are forgiven; and whose sins thou dost retain,
they are retained. 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 hand, saying,
TAKE
thou authority to preach the word of God, and to minister the holy Sacraments
in the Congregation, where thou shalt be lawfully appointed thereunto.
When
this is done, the Nicene Creed shall be sung or said; and the Bishop
shall after that go on in the Service of the Communion, which all they
that receive Orders shall take together.
The
Communion being done, for the last Collect, immediately before the Benediction,
shall be said these Collects.
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
[lead] us, O Lord, in all our doings with 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 under-standing, 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.
And
if on the same day the Order of Deacons be given to some, and the Order
of Priesthood to others, the Deacons shall be first presented, and then
the Priests: and it shall suffice that the Litany be once said for both.
The
following shall be 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 Order of Deacons and of Priests; 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 shall be Ephesians 4. 7—13, as
before in this Office. Immediately after which, they that are to be
made Deacons shall be examined and ordained, as is above prescribed.
Then one of them having read the Gospel (which shall be either out of
St. Matthew 9. 36—38, as before in this Office; or else St. Luke
12. 35—38, as before in the Form for the Ordering of Deacons), they
that are to be made Priests shall likewise be examined and ordained,
as is in this Office before appointed.
THE
FORM OF
ORDAINLNG
OR CONSECRATING
OF A
BISHOP
It
is desirable that this be performed upon some Sunday or Holy-day.
At
Consecrations occurring on Red Letter Days, especially on the Greater
Festivals, the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel of the day may be used with
the addition of the Consecration Collect.
When
all things are duly prepared in the church, and set in order; after
Morning Prayer is ended, the Primus (or some other Bishop appointed)
shall begin the Communion Service: in which this shall be
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 Bishops, the 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.
And
another Bishop shall read
The
Epistle. 1 Timothy 3. 1.
THIS
is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth
a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife,
vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
not given to wine, no striker; but gentle, not a brawler, not covetous;
one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection
with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house,
how shall he take care of the Church of God?) Not a novice, lest being
lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover,
he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into
reproach and the snare of the devil.
Or
this,
The
Lesson. Acts 20. 17.
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 I hold not my life of any account as dear
unto myself, so that I might finish my course 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 clay, 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. In
all things I gave you an example, 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.
Or
1 Peter 5:1 - 5 may be used.
Then
another Bishop shall read
The
Gospel. St. John 21. 15.
JESUS
saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, 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 John, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest
that I love thee. He saith unto him, Tend my sheep. He saith unto him
the third time, Simon, son of John, 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 20. 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 showed 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. Whosesoever sins ye remit, they
are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Or
this,
St.
Matthew 28. 18.
JESUS
came and spake unto the disciples, saying, All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the
nations, baptizing them into 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. Amen.
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
the Primus shall move the Congregation present to pray, saying thus
to them:
BRETHREN,
it is written in the Gospel of Saint 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 sung or said one of the authorized Litanies. If
the first or second Litany (pages 48,
57) be used, it shall end
at Lord have mercy upon us.
Then
the Primus shall say 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 doctrines 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 acrimonious 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 he 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
aver 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.
That
ended, the Primus shall say,
LIFT
up your hearts;
Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord.
The Primus. Let us give thanks unto our Lord
Answer. It is meet and right so to do.
The
Primus.
IT
is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times,
and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty,
Everlasting God: 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 to be 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 the grace of thy Holy Spirit,
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 be/ore 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 out casts, 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 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 righteous ness 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
[lead] us, O Lord, in all our doings with
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 under standing, 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.

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