fill these duties, so far as in you lies, the their whole family may be united to our Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. Mark. [Chap. x, 13-16.] They brought young children to Christ, that he should touch them. And his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much dis pleased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Then the Minister shall take the Child into his hands, and say to the friends of the Child, the people kneeling : O God of infinite mercy, the Father of all the faithful seed, be pleased to grant unto this child an understanding mind and & sanctified heart. May thy providence lead him through the dangers, temptations, and ignorance of his youth, that he may never run into folly nor into the evils of an unbridled appetite. We pray thee so to order the course of his life, that by good education, by holy examples, and by thy restraining and renewing grace, he may be led to serve thee faithfully all his days, so that, when he has glorified thee in his generation, and has served the Church on earth, he may be received into thine eternal kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty and most merciful Father, let thy loving mercy and compassion descend upon these, thy servant and handmaid, the parents [or guardians] of this child. Grant unto them, we beseech thee, thy Holy Spirit, that they may, like Abraham, command their household to keep the way of the Lord. Direct their actions, and sanctify their hearts, words, and purposes, that Lord Jesus Christ in the bands of faith, obedience, and charity; and that they all, being in this life thy holy children by adoption and grace, may be admitted into the Church of the first-born in heaven, through the merits of thy dear Son, our Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. Then may the Minister offer extemporary prays. Then shall be said, all kneeling :— Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Thy kingdom come. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them into temptation, but deliver us from evil; that trespass against us; and lead us not for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF BAP- DEARLY BELOVED: Forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin; and that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and they that are in the flesh cannot please God, but live in sin, committing many actual transgressions; and our Saviour Christ saith, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God:-I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous goodness he will grant to these persons that which by nature they cannot have; that they, being baptized with water, may also be baptized with the Holy Ghost, and being received into Christ's holy Church, may continue lively members of the same. Then shall the Minister say, Almighty and immortal God, the aid of all that need, the helper of all that flee to thee for succor, the life of them that believe, and the resurrection of the dead: we call upon thee for these persons; that they, coming to thy holy baptism, may also be filled with thy Holy Spirit. Receive them, O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy wellbeloved Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: so give now unto us that ask: let us that seek, find: open the gate unto us that knock; that these persons may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly washing, and may come to the eternal kingdom which thou hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall the people stand up, and the Minister shall say: Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. John. [Chap. iii, 1-8.] There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Then the Minister shall speak to the persons to be baptized on this wise: Well Beloved, who have come hither desiring to receive holy baptism, you have heard how the congregation hath prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receive you, to bless you, and to give you the kingdom of heaven, and everTasting life. And our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in his holy word to grant all those things that we have prayed for: which promise he for his part will most surely keep and perform. Wherefore, after this promise made by Christ, you must also faithfully, for your part, promise in the presence of this whole congregation, that you will renounce the devil and all his works, and constantly believe God's holy word, and obediently keep his commandments. Then shall the Minister demand of each of the persons to be baptized :— Quest. Dost thou renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow nor be led by them? 488 Answ. I renounce them all. Quest. Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only-begotten Son our Lord; and that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; that he rose again the third day; that he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, and from thence shall come again at the end of the world, to judge the quick and the dead? And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic* Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and everlasting life after death? Answ. All this I steadfastly believe. Quest. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith? Answ. Such is my desire. Quest. Wilt thou then obediently keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of thy life? Answ. I will endeavor so to do, God being my helper. Then shall the Minister say : O merciful God, grant that all carnal affections may die in these persons, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in them. Amen. Grant that they may have power and strength to have victory, and triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen. Grant that they, being here dedicated to thee by our office and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded, through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live, and govern Amen. all things, world without end. Almighty, ever-living God, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood; and gave commandment to his disciples, that they should go teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; regard, we beseech thee, our supplications; and grant that the persons now to be baptized may receive the fullness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *The one universal Church of Christ. Into this Then shall the Minister ask the name of each personings which are promised only to those who to be baptized and shail sprinkle or pour water are of the household of faitn. upon him, (or, if he shall desire it, shall immerse him in water,) saying: N., I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall be said the Lord's Prayer, all kneeling. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us: and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. holy fellowship the persons before you, Then addressing the applicants for admission, the seeking the great privilege of union with Then may the Minister conclude with extemporary God vouchsafed unto you in that he has prayer. Reception of Members. FORM FOR RECEIVING PERSONS INTO THE called you to be his followers, and that thus far you have run well. You have heard how blessed are the privileges, and how solemn are the duties, of membership in Christ's Church; and before you are fully admitted thereto, it is proper that you do here publicly renew your vows, confess your faith, and declare your purpose, by answering the following questions: Have you saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Answ. I trust I have. Do you believe in the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures, as set forth in the Articles of Religion of the Methodist Episcopal Church? Answ. I do. On the day appointed, all that are to be received into the Church shall be called forward, and the Min- Do you here, in the presence of God and ister, addressing the congregation, shall say:- of this congregation, renew the solemn DEARLY BELOVED BRETHREN: The Script- promise contained in the baptismal covures teach us that the Church is the house-enant, ratifying and confirming the same, hold of God, the body of which Christ is and acknowledging yourself bound faiththe Head; and that it is the design of the fully to observe and keep that covenant? Gospel to bring together in one all who Answ. I do. are in Christ. The fellowship of the Church is the communion that its members enjoy one with another. The ends of this fellowship are, the maintenance of sound doctrine, and of the ordinances of Christian worship, and the exercise of that power of godly admonition and discipline which Christ has committed to his Church for the promotion of holiness. It is the duty of all men to unite in this fellowship, for it is only those that " be planted in the house of the Lord," that "shall flourish in the courts of our God." Its more particular Duties are, to promote peace and unity; to bear one another's burdens; to prevent each other's stumbling; to seek the intimacy of friendly society among themselves; to continue steadfast in the faith and worship of the Gospel; and to pray and sympathize with each other. Among its Privileges are, peculiar incitements to holiness from the hearing of God's word and sharing in Christ's ordinances; the being placed under the watchful care of pastors, and the enjoyment of the bless 489 Will you cheerfully be governed by the rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church, hold sacred the ordinances of God, and endeavor, as much as in you lies, to promote the welfare of your brethren and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom? Ans. I will. Will you contribute of your earthly substance, according to your ability, to the support of the Gospel and the various benevolent enterprises of the Church? Answ. I will. Then the Minister, addressing the Church, shall say: Brethren, these persons having given satisfactory responses to our inquiries, have any of you reason to allege why they not be received into full membership in the man according as he purposeth in his Church? 484. ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. The Elder shall say one or more of these sentences, during the reading of which the persons appointed for that purpose shall receive the alms for the poor : LET your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. [Matt. v, 16.] Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. [Matt. vi, 19, 20.] Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. [Matt. vii, 12.] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [Matt. vii, 21.] Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. [Luke xix, 8.] He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or giver. [2 Cor. ix, 6, 7.] of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. [Gal. vi, 10.] Godliness with contentment is great gain; for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [1 Tim. vi, 6, 7.] Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. [1 Tim. vi, 17-19.] God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. [Heb. vi, 10.] To do good, and to communicate, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. [Heb. xiii, 16.] Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? [1 John iii, 17.] He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. [Prov. xix, 17.] Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. [Psa. xli, 1.] After which the Elder shall give the following InVITATION, the people standing : If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Wherefore ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; draw near with faith, and take this holy sacrament to your comfort: and, devoutly kneeling, make your humble confession to Almighty God. TION as followeth : Then shall this general CONFESSION be made by the | Then the Elder shall offer the prayer of CONSECRA Minister in the name of all those who are minded to receive the holy communion, both he and all the people devoutly kneeling, and saying :— Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men: we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy Divine Majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honor and glory of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. us. Then shall the Elder say, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thy great mercy hast promised for giveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto thee, have mercy upon us; pardon and deliver us from all our sins; confirm and strengthen us in all goodness; and bring us to everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Collect. Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall the Elder say, We do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may live and grow thereby; and that, being washed through his most precious blood, we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his oblation of himself once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of his precious death until his coming again: hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee, and grant that we, receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed body and blood; who, in the same Here the night that he was betrayed, Elder may take took bread; (') and when the plate of bread he had given thanks, he in his hand. broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in (1) remembrance of me. Likewise after supper he took (2) the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins; do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me. Amen. Then shall the Minister receive the communion in both kinds, and proceed to deliver the same to the other Ministers, (if any be present;) after which he shall say: 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. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name, evermore praising thee, and saying, Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most high. Amen. The Minister shall then proceed to administer the communion to the people in order, kneeling, into their uncovered hands. And when he delivereth the bread, he shall say : The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy soul and body unto everlasting life. Take and eat |