Lowed by the Scriptures; but yet have not like nature of Sacraments with Baptism and the Lord's Supper, for that they have not any visible Sign or Cereinony ordained of God. The Sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon, or to be carried about, but that we should duly use them. And in such only as worthily receive the same, they have a wholesome effect or operation but they that receive them unworthily, purchase to themselves damnation, as St. Paul saith. Art. XXVI. Of the Unworthiness of the Ministers, which hinders not the Effect of the Sacraments. Although in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometime the evil have chief authority in the ministration of the Word and Sacraments: yet, forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in Christ's, and do minister by his Commission and Authority, we may use their Ministry, both in hearing the Word of God, and in receiving the Sacraments. Neither is the effect of Christ's Ordinance taken away by their wickedness, nor the grace of God's gifts diminished from such, as by faith, and rightly, do receive the Sacraments ministered unto them, which be effectual, because of Christ's institution and promise, although they be ministered by evil men. we break is a partaking of the Body of Christ; and likewise the Cup of Blessing is a partaking of the Blood of Christ. Transubstantiation (or the change of the Substance of Bread and Wine) in the Supper of the Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ; but it is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a Sacrament, and hath given occasion to many Superstitions. The Body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten in the Supper, only after an heavenly and spiritual manner. And the mean whereby the Body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper, is Faith. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was not by Christ's Ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshipped. Art. XXIX. Of the Wicked, which eat not of the Body of Christ in the Use of the Lord's Supper. The wicked, and such as be void of a lively faith, although they do carnally and visibly press with their teeth (as St. Augustine saith) the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ; yet in no wise are they partakers of Christ; but rather to their Condemnation do eat and drink the Sign or Sacrament of so great a thing. Art. XXX. Of both Kinds The Cup of the Lord is not to re denied to the Lay-People: for both the parts of the Lord's Sacrament by Christ's Ordinance and Commandment, ought to Nevertheless, it appertaineth to the Dis-be ministered to all Christian men alike. cipline of the Church, that inquiry be Art. XXXI. Of the one Oblation of made of evil Ministers, and that they be accused by those that have knowledge of their offences: and finally, being found guilty, by just judgment, be deposed. Art. XXVII. Of Baptism. Baptism is not only a sign of Profession, and mark of Difference, whereby Christian men are discerned from others that be not christened: but it is also a sign of Regeneration, or new Birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive Baptism rightly are grafted into the Church: the promises of the forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed: faith is confirmed, and grace increased by virtue of Prayer unto God. The Baptism of young children is in any wise to be retained in the Church as most agreeable, with the institution of Christ. Art. XXVIII. Of the Lord's Supper. The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign of the Love that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another; but rather it is a Sacrament of our Redemption by Christ's death: insomuch that to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith receive the same the Bread which Christ finished upon the Cross. The offering of Christ once made, is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin, but that alone. Wherefore the Sacrifice of Masses, in which it was commonly said, that the Priest did offer Christ for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, were blasphemous fables, and dangerous deceits. Art. XXXII. Of the Marriage of Priests." Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, are not commanded by God's Law, either to vow the estate of single life, or to abstain from Marriage: therefore it is lawful for them, as for all other Christian men, to marry at their own discretion,as they shall judge the same to serve better to godliness. Art. XXXIII. Of excommunicate Per sons, how they are to be avoided. That person which by open denuncia tion of the Church, is rightly cut off from the Unity of the Church, and excommunicated, ought to be taken of the whole multitude of the faithful, as an Heathen and Publican, until he be openly reconciled by Penance, and received into the Church by a Judge that hath authority thereunto. Art. XXXIV. Of the Traditions of the Church. 16. Of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost. [This Article is received in this Churc 1. It is not necessary that Traditions and so far as it declares the books of Homilies Ceremonies be in all places one, or utterly to be an explication of Christian doclike; for at all times they have been di- trine, and instructive in piety and inorals. vers, and may be changed according to But all references to the constitution and the diversity of countries, times, and laws of England are considered as inapmen's manners, so that nothing be ordain-plicable to the circumstances of this ed against God's word. Whosoever, Church, which also suspends the order through his private judgment, willingly for the reading of said Homilies in and purposely doth openly break the Tra- Churches until a revision of them may be ditions and Čeremonies of the Church, conveniently made, for the clearing of which be not repugnant to the word of them, as well from obsolete words and God, and be ordained and approved by phrases, as from the local references.] common authority, ought to be rebuked Art. XXXVI. Of Consecration of Bishops openly (that other may fear to do the like) and Ministers. as he that offendeth against the common Order of the Church, and hurteth the Authority of the Magistrate, and woundeth the Consciences of the weak Brethren. Every Particular or National Church hath Authority to ordain, change, and abolish Ceremonies or Rites of the Church, ordained only by man's authority, so that all things be done to edifying. Art. XXXV. Of Homilies. The second Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we have joined, under this Article, doth contain a godly and wholesome Doctrine, and necessary for these Times, as doth the former Book of Homilies, which were set forth in the time of Edward the Sixth; and therefore we judge them to be read in Churches by the Ministers diligently and distinctly, that they may be understanded of the people. Of the Names of the Homilies. 1. Of the right Use of the Church. 2. Against Peril of Idolatry. 3. Of repairing and keeping clean of Churches. Of good Works: first of Fasting. 5. Against Gluttony and Drunkenness. 6. Against Excess of Apparel. 7. Of Prayer. 8. Of the Place and Time of Prayer. 9. That Common Prayers and Sacruments ought to be ministered in a known tongue. 10. Of the reverent estimation of God's Word. 11. Of Alms-doing. The Book of Consecration of Bishops, Art. XXXVII. Of the Power of the Civil The power of the Civil Magistrate extendeth to all men, as well Clergy as Laity, in all things temporal; but hath no authority in things purely spiritual. And we hold it to be the duty of all men who are professors of the Gospel, to pay respectful obedience to the civil authority, regularly and legitimately constituted. Art. XXXVIII. Of Christian Men's Goods, which are not common. The Riches and Goods of Christians are not common, as touching the right, title, and possession of the same, as certain Anabaptists do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor according to his ability. Art. XXXIX. Of a Christian Man's Oath. As we confess that vain and rash swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ, and James his Apostle: so we judge that Christian Religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when the Magistrate requireth, in a cause of Faith and Charity, so it be done ac15. Of the worthy receiving of the Sacra-cording to the Prophets' teaching in Jus 12. Of the Nativity of Christ. 13. Of the Passion of Christ. 14. Of the Resurrection of Christ. ment of the Body and Blood of Christ tice. Judgment, and Truth. 277 THE FORM AND MANNER OF MAKING, ORDAINING, AND CONSECRATING BISHOPS, PRIESTS, AND DEACONS, According to the Order of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, as established by the Bishops, the Clergy, and Laity of said Church, fo General Convention, in the month of September, A. D. 1792. 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 a 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 this Church, no man shall be accounted or taken to be a lawful Bishop, Priest, or Deacon, in this 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 Episcopal Consecration or Ordination. And none shall be admitted a Deacon, Priest, or Bishop, except he be of the age which the Canon in that case provided may require. 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 sufficiently instructed in the holy Scripture, and otherwise learned as the Canons require, may at the times appointed, or else, on urgent occasion, upon some other day, in the face of the Church, admit him a Deacon, in such Manner and Form as followeth. The Form and Manner of Making 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.. People: RETHREN, if there be any of you, which he ought not to be admitted to that Office, let him come forth in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is. And if any great Crime or Impediment be objected, the Bishop shall cease from Ordering that Person, until such time as the Party accused shall be found clear of that Crime. Then the Bishop (commending such as shall be found meet to be Ordered, to the Prayers of the Congregation) shall with the Clergy and People present, say the Litany. Then shall be said the Service for the Communion, with the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel, as followeth. The Collect. LMIGHTY God, who by the Divine Providence hast appointed divers Orders of Ministers in thy Church, and Bwho knoweth any impediment, or no didst inspire thine Apostles to choose inte table crime in any of these Persons presented to be ordered Iacons, for the A a the Order of Deacons the first Martyr Saint Stephen, with others, aeroftily behold these thy servants now called to the like Office and Administration; so replenish them 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 LA O you unfeignedly believe a toe Answer. I do believe them. unto the People assembled in the Church where you shall be appointed to serve? Answer. I will. The Bishop. the Holy Ghost, now and for ever. Amen.WILL you diligently read the same The Epistle. 1 Tim. iii. 8. IKEWISE must the Deacons Be I grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lacre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be Tappertaineth to the Office of a Dea proved; then let them use the Office of a con, in the Church where he shall be ap Deacon, being found blameless. Even so pointed to serve, to assist the Priest in Di must their wives be grave, not slanderers, vine Service, and specially when he mîn sober, faithful in all things. Let the Dea-istereth the Holy Communion, and to cons be the husbands of one wife, ruling help him in the distribution thereof; and their Children and theirown Houses well. to read holy Scriptures and Homilies in For they that have used the Office of a the Church; and to instruct the Youth in Deacon well, purchase to themselves a the Catechism; in the absence of the good degree, and great boldness in the Priest to baptize Infants; and to preach, faith which is in Christ Jesus. if he be admitted thereto by the Bishop. And farthermore 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, Or else this, out of the sixth Chapter of THEN the Twelve called the multitude is not reason that we should leave the ord of God, and serve tables. Where fore, 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 Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: whom they set before the Apos tles, 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. Curate, that by his exhortation they may Answer. I will so do, by the help of God. WILL you apply all your diligence to frame and fashion your own lives, and the lives of your families, according to the Doctrine of Carist; 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. Wop, and other chief Ministers, TILL you reverently obey your B who, according to the Canons of the Church, may have the charge and goThen shall the Bishop examine every one vernment over you; following with a glad of those who are to be Ordered, in the pre-mind and will their godly admonitions? sence of the People, after this manner following: D% 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. Answer. I will endeavour so to do, the Lord being my helper. T Then the Bishop, laying his Hands severally upon the Head of every one of them humbly kneeling before him, shall Do you think that you are truly called i of the Father, and of the Sou, and of the according to the will of our Lord Holy Ghost. Amen, Then one of them appointed by the in thy Church; make them, we beseech thee, O Lord, to be modest, humble, and constant in their Ministration, to have a ready will to observe all spiritual Disci pline; that they having always the testimony of a good conscience, and continuing ever stable and strong in thy Son Christ, may so well behave themselves in this inferior Office, that they may be found worthy to be called unto the high er Ministries in thy Church, through the same thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; to whom be glory and honour, world without end. Amen. IET your foins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knock-THE peace of God, which passeth all eth, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the and minds in the knowledge and love of understanding, keep your hearts Lord when he cometh shall find watch-1 God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our ing: Verily I say unto you, That he shall Lord: And the blessing of God Almighgird himself, and make them to sit down ty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy to meat, and will come forth and serve Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with them. And if he shall come in the se- you always. Amen. cond watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 1 Then shall the Bishop proceed in the Communion; and all who are Ordered, shall tarry, and receive the Holy Communion the same day with the Bishop. The Communion ended, after the last Collect, and immediately before the Benediction, shall be said this Collect following: LMIGHTY God, giver of all good A things, whe of thy great goodness hast vouchsafed to accept and take these 4hy servants unto the Office of Deacons 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 day, in the face of the Chunch, in such manner and form as hereafter followeth. The Form and Manner of Ordering 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. 14 Priest shall present unto the Bishop, sitting in his Chair near to the holy T T. The Priest shall answer: ble, all those who are to receive the Or-I HAVE inquired concerning them, and also examined them, and think them der of Priesthood that day, each of so to be. them being decently habited, and shall say: T Then the Bishop shall say unto the People: 1OOD People, these are they whom REVEREND Father in God, I pre G we purpose, God willing, to receive sent unto you these Persons present, to be admitted to the order of Priesthood. this day unto the Holy Office of Priesthood: For after due examination, we T The Bishop. find not to the contrary, but that they are TAKE heed that the Persons whom ye lawfully called to their Function and present unto us, be apt and meet for Ministry, and that they are Persons meet their learning and godly conversation, to for the same. But yet if there be any of exercise their Ministry duly to the honour you, who knoweth any in ediment or Af God, and the edifying of the Church.notable crime in any of them, for the |