tihvavy of Che Cheolocjiccd gtminavy PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY PRESENTED BY The Estate of Victor H # Lukene BX 9523 . A2~ 1882b" Reformed Church in America. The liturgy of the Reformed Church in America THE LITURGY OF THE Reform ed Church in FOR USE IN PUBLIC WORSHIP NEW YORK The Board of Publication of the Reformed Church in America 25 East Twenty-second Street Approved by the General S\ CONTENTS. pac;e Preface, ... .... 5 I. Order of Scripture Lessons, ... 7 II. Order of Public Worship. - * . n i. Morning, ii. Evening. III. Prayers for Special Occasions, . . a* IV. The Creeds, 5 6 V. The Administration of Baptism, . • 61 i. To Infants ii. To Adult Persons. VI. The Public Reception into Full Com- munion of those who have been Baptized in Infancy, ... 70 VII. The Administration of the Lord's Supper, 73 3 4 CONTENT& PAGE VIII. Church Discipline, 85 h Excommunication. n. The Readmission of Excommunicated Persons. IX. Ordination, ...... 94 1. Of Ministers of God's Word. 11. Of Elders and Deacons. X. The Installation of a Minister, . . in XI. The Laying of a Corner Stone, . . 119 XII. The Dedication of a House of Worship, 124 XIII. The Confirmation of Marriage. . 130 XIV. The Burial of the Dead, • . . • l 3< PREFACE. IN the year 1868 the General Synod appointed a Com- mittee " to revise our Liturgy, so that it may more fully meet the wants of the Church." This Committee consisted of E. S. Porter, D.D., M. S. Hutton, D.D., J. B. Thompson, D.D., T. C. Strong, D.D., and the Rev. W. R. Duryee, and the Elders F. T. Fre- linghuysen and J. B. Jewett. In 1870 the Rev. Dr. Porter was released at his own request from the Committee, which was then increased by the addition of J. Elmendorf, D.D., and A. R. Thomp- son, D.D., and the Elder R. H. Pruyn. At the meeting of the General Synod, in 1873, tn i s Com- mittee reported the Revision which they had made. The Report was accepted, but further action was post- poned until the following year, that the proposed Liturgy might be printed and submitted to the churches for their inspection. In 1874 the General Synod " approved of so much of the Revised Liturgy as is not inconsistent with, or forbidden by, the Constitution," and gave permission to use the same, "not sanctioning any change in the Baptismal Form, or the Form for the Administration of the Lord's Supper." In 1875 this action was reconsidered, on the ground that the Liturgy was a part of the Constitution, and could not be altered by a resolution of the General Synod, but only in accordance with the prescribed constitutional methods, after submitting the proposed changes to the several Classes for their approval. In 1876, two-thirds of the Classes having approved the 5 i PREFACE. revised Form for the Confirmation of Marriage, the General Synod declared the same to be adopted. In 1878, two-thirds of the Classes having signified their approval of the Forms for the Public Reception into Full Communion of those who have been baptized in Infancy, the Installation of a Minister, the Laying of a Corner Stone, the Dedication of a House of Worship, the Burial of the Dead, and Prayers for Special Occasions, not hitherto forming a part of the Liturgy, the same were ordered to "be printed in connection with our Standards, not as authoritative and imperative Formulas, but as specimens, embodying the sense of the Church in reference to the most edifying mode of rendering these services." The remaining Forms and the Order of Worship have long been a part of the Constitution of the Reformed Church, having been translated from the Liturgy of the Church of Holland, by the Rev. Dr. Livingston, in the latter part of the last century. The use of the Forms for the Administration of the Sac- raments, for Ordination, and for Discipline, and the observ- ance of the Order of Worship, are obligatory. (See Consti- tution, II., 11; X., 1, 2, 4; XIIL, 11, 13.) With these exceptions, this Litugy is not of binding authority, but it is set fonh as a general expression of the manner in which the Public Worship of God should be con- ducted, and, in the words of the late Rev. Mancius S. Hutton, D.D., the chairman of the Committee through whose labors the Revised Liturgy was first prepared and presented to the Church, " with the hope that it will so commend itself to the piety and wisdom of the Church, that its increasing use will place us before the world in our true historic position as a spiritual Liturgical and Reformed Church. 11 New York, 1882. 1. Order of Scripture Lessons. HISTORICAL NOTE. The Synod of Dort, A. D. 1618, in its Rules of Church Government [which " were recognized and expressly adopt- ed" by the Reformed Dutch Church in America, in Convention, New York, October, A. D. 1771], decreed as follows : "Art. 67. — Besides the Sabbath day, the Churches shall likewise observe Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide, with the day succeeding each; and whereas, in most of the cities and provinces of the Netherlands, it is, moreover, customary to observe the day of the Circumcision and As- cension of our Lord, the Ministers, where such practice has net been adopted, shall endeavor to prevail with the civil authority to establish a conformity with the other Churches." This article bears witness to the ancient usage of our Church. The evident design of that usage was to bring into devout remembrance, year by year, the vital facts of the Advent, Death, and Resurrection of Our Blessed Lord, and of the Mission of the Holy Comforter. Thereto this Order of Scripture Lessons is adjusted, with the hope that if any, in the exercise of Christian liberty, shall use it, such use may be found to edification. 7 LITURGY. SEASON OF THE ADVENT OF OUR LORD. (CHRISTMAS.) The Order of Lessons for the Christmas Season begins with the fourth Sundaj before Christmas. 4 Sun. before Christmas. 3 " Christmas (Dec. 25) . . Circumcision (Jan. 1).. Sun. after Christmas. OLD TEST, Isaiah, 1... 5--. " 25-- " 3°--< " 60... Gen. i7:i-ic Isaiah, 35... » 41... '• 44... '" 5*— " 54— " 57- •• 44 61... 44 65.., NEW TEST. Luke, 1:1-38.. " 1:39-56. 44 3:1-18.. Matt., 3:1-12.. Luke, 2:7-20. . 41 2:21-24. " 2:25-52. Matt., 2:1-12.. Mark, 1:1-15.. John, 1:15-28. Matt., 4:1-1 1.. Luke, 4:14-32, Matt., 5 , 1 6 OLD TEST. NEW TEST. Isaiah, 2.... Romans, 10 Malachi, 3.... 44 12 Isaiah, 28:1-22. 14 32.... 1 Corinth., 1 9:1-7.. John, 1:1-14 Deut., 10:12-22 Coloss., 2 Isaiah, 40 1 CorintJ,, 2 42.... Heb., s M 45---- 1 Cor., 3 11 52:1-12. *3 55« — 2 Cor., 4 59.... 5 62.... Galat., g 66.... 3 The Lessons for the Sundays after Christmas are intended to be used until the ninth Sunday before Easter, and no further. SCRIPTURE LESSONS. II. SEASON OF THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD. (EASTER.) The Order of Lessons for the Easter Season begins with the ninth Sunday before Easter. Easter Sunday, corresponding to the time of the Jewish Passover, is the Sun- day next after the full moon that follows the 21st of March ■ and if the full moon hap- pen on a Sunday, it is the Sunday after. Ascension Day is forty days after Easter. 9 Sunday before Easter. Good Friday Easter 1 Sunday after Easter. 3 4 " 5 " Ascension. OLD TEST. Jerem., 5.... 25.... Lam., 1.... Jerem., 7.... Ezek., 14.... " 20:1-26.. Micah, 6.... Haggai, 2:1-9. Dan., 9:4-27.. Gen., 22:1-19 . Exod., 12:1-36 Isaiah, 43.... Hosea, 13.... Joel, 3:1-8.... Micah, 5 Zech., 8 Deut.,10 NEW TEST. Matt., 7..., Luke, 7:1-18.. Mark, 6:1-29., Matt., 10 — Luke, 10:1-24. Mark, 9:1-29.. Luke, 19:1-27. ' 21 1 19:29-48. John, 19 " 20.... Acts, 1 3.... " 5:17-42- 6.... ". 8:14-40. Luke, 24:44-53 OLD TEST. Jerem., 22.... " 36.... Lam., 3 :i- 3 6.. Jerem., 9.... Ezek., 18.... " 20 27-49 • Habakk .,3.... Zech., 13.... Malach , 4.... Isaiah, 53---- " 25.... 11 48.... Hosea, 14.... Micah, 4.... Nahum 1. ... Zech., 10 2 Kings 2 NEW TEST. Ephesians, 1 Philippians, Hebrews, 5 Philippians, 2 Romans, 6 1 Cor., 15:1-28 Colossians, 1 3 1 Thess., 3 4 Eph., 4:1-16 !• LITURGY. III. SEASON OF THE MISSION OF THE HOLY COMFORTER. (PENTECOST OR WHITSUNTIDE.) Th« Order of Lessons for the Season of Pentecost begins with the Sunday before Pentecost. Pentecost, or Whitsuntide, is the seventh Sunday after Easter. I Sunday before Pentecost Pentecost Pentecost, i Sunday after. OLD TEST. Joel, 2... Deut., 16:1-17. Genesis, 1. . . . " 3.... 37-— " 43---- 49.... Exodus, 3.... 9.... 14.... Numb., 16.... 23.... Deut., 4:1-40. 6.... 8.... 33-- •■ Joshua, 23 — Judges, 4..., 1 Sam., 12 — 2 Sam., 12 — 1 Kings, 8:1-2 17... 2 Kings, 5... Daniel, 6... Proverbs, 1... 3... " 13... M 15... NEW TEST. John, 17 Acts, 2:1-36. Matt., 3:10-17. Acts, 9:1-31. " 10. . . . " 11. ... 14 15.... 17.... " 20.... " 24.... 26.... 28.... Matt., 18. .. " 20.... 23.... 25..., 4... 13... 13... 15... 20. . . 3... 7... Mark, Luke, John, OLD TEST. Zeph., 3.. Isaiah, 11.. Genesis, 2.. 6.. " *S«- " 42-- 45-- 50. • Exodus, 5.. Numb., 22.. 24.. Deut., 5.. " 7«- 9.. 34-- Joshua, 24.. Judges, 5.. 1 Sam., 17.. 2 Sam., 19 . 1 K'gs,8-.22- 18.. 2 Kings, 19.. Daniel, 7.. Prov., 2 . NEW TEST 2 Thess., 3 Acts, 4:1- 1 John, 5 1 Tim., ( 2 Tim., a Titus, 2 Hebrews, 10 James, 1 " 2 " 3 4 5 1 Peter, 1 Peter, John, Jude. Rev., The Lessons for the Sundays after Pentecost are to be used until the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and no further. MORNING SERVICE n n. Order of Public Worship, LORD'S DAY MORNING. I. INVOCATION. It is recommended that the Invocation be concluded with the Lord's Pray«r, and that the People unite audibly in the Lord's Prayer whenever used, and in the Amen at the close of every prayer in Public Worship. Our Father who art in heaven, Hal- flowed 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 for- give US OUR debts, as we forgive our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil : for thine is the kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever. Amen. II. SALUTATION. Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. i Cor. i : 3. 12 LITUROY. 1! Or this - Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Tim, i : 2. 1 Or this: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter, i : 2. 1 Or this : May God, Who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, shine in your hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. . 2 Cor. iv : 6. III. READING OF SCRIPTURE. I.— THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Hear the law of God as it is written in the 20th chapter of the Book of Exodus. And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. I. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, MORNING SERVICE. 1 3 or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the wa- ter under the earth : thou shalt not bow down thy. self to them, nor serve them : for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments. III. Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain ; for the Lord will not hold him guilt- less that taketh His Name in vain. IV. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work : but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-serv- ant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates : for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rest- ed the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. v. Honor thy father and thy mother : that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 14 LITURGY. VI. Thou shalt not kill. VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery. VIII. Thou shalt not steal. IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. x. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man- servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's. Hear also the Summary of the Law by our Lord Jesus Christ, as it is written in the Gospel according to Matthew, xxii : 37-40- Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. After th« mdiof of th« Law a witAblc RwpooM may be mm*. MORNING SERVICE. T j II.— READING OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS. If desired, one of the Lessons may consist of a portion from the Psalms, read responsively by the Minister and People. After either or both ox the Lessons, a Gloria or Chant may be sung. IV. SINGING. V. PRAYER. This will ordinarily- be free. But if desirable, the Litany, which is a literal translation from the Reformer Bucer's " Reformation of Doctrine and Wor- ship," or any of the Prayers for Special Occasions, which will be found on pages 22-55, may be used. VI. SINGING. VII. SERMON. VIII. PRAYER. IX. OFFERINGS TO THE LORD. The Offerings are sometimes presented either before or after the Uymn preced- ing the Sermon. X. SINGING. 1 6 LITURGY. XL BENEDICTION. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Cor. xiii : 14. f Or this : Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ : to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews, xiii : 20, 21. 10r this: The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers, vi : 24, 26. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Romans, xvi : 24 EVENING SERVICE. LORD'S DAY EVENING. i. INVOCATION. It is recommended that the Invocation be concluded with the Lord's Prayer, and that the People unite audibly in the Lord's Prayer whenever used, and in the Amen at the close of every Prayer in Public Worship. Our Father who art in heaven, Hal- lowed be Thy Name : Thy kingdom come : Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven : glve us this day our daily bread : and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors : and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever. Amen. IL SALUTATION. Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I Cor. i : 3. T Or this : Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Tim. i : 2. 1 8 LITURGY. 1 Or this : Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter, i : 2. \ Or this: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Jude, 2. III. READING OF SCRIPTURE. 11 desired, one of the Lessons may consist of a portion from the Psalms, read re- sponsively by the Minister and People. After either or both of the Lessons a Gloria or Chant may be sung. IV. SINGING. This may be followed by repeating the Creed, according to the ancient custom of our Church, the People standing, and repeating audibly with the Minister. THE APOSTLES' CREED. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ, His Only Son our Lord ; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, AND BURIED; He DESCENDED INTO HELL* ; THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD; HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN, AND SITTETH ON THE * Instead of the word Hell may be used the word Hades. EVENING SERVICE. 1 9 RIGHT HAND OF GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY; FROM THENCE HE SHALL COME TO JUDGE THE QUICK AND THE DEAD. I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY GHOST ; THE HOLY Catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins ; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. amen. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. COMPOSED IN THE COUNCIL OF NICE, A. D. 325. We believe in one God, the Father Al- mighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible ; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, begotten of His Fa- ther, BEFORE ALL WORLDS ; GOD, OF GOD, LIGHT, of Light, very God, of very God ; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by Whom all things were made : w r ho, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary; and was made man ; and was crucified also for us un- DER Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was BURIED ; AND THE THIRD DAY He ROSE AGAIN AC- CORDING to the Scriptures ; and ascended into HEAVEN, AND SITTETH ON THE RIGHT HAND OF the Father. And He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead : Whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Ghost, Who spake by the 20 LITURGY. prophets. And one holy Catholic and Apos- tolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. amen. V. PRAYER. This will ordinarily be free. But if desired, the Litany, or any of the Prayers fof Special Occasions, which will be found on pages 22 to 55, may be used. VI. SINGING. VII. SERMON. VIII. PRAYER. IX. OFFERINGS TO THE LORD. The Offerings are sometimes presented either before or after the Hymn ceding the Sermon. X. SINGING, WITH THE DOXOLOGY. EVENINCx SERVICE. 2 I XI. BENEDICTION. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 2 Cor. xiii : 24. II Or This: Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting Covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews, xiii : 20, 21. 1 Or This: The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers, vi : 24-26. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Romans, xvi : 24. 2 2 LITURGY. III. Prayers for Special Occasions, THE LITANY. O God the Father of Heaven, have mercy upon us. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy upon us. O God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy upon us. Be merciful unto us, and spare us, O Lord. Be merciful unto us, and deliver us, O Lord. From all sin, from all error, from all evil, from the wiles of the devil, deliver us, O Lord. From dying suddenly and unprepared ; from pestilence and famine, from war and slaughter, from sedition and conspiracy, from lightning and tempest, from everlasting death, deliver us, O Lord. By the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, by Thy holy Nativity, by Thy Baptism, Fasting, and Temp- tations, deliver us, O Lord. By Thine Agony and bloody Sweat, by Thy Cross and Passion, by Thy Death and Burial, by Thy Resurrection and Ascension, by the coming of the Holy Ghost the Comforter, deliver us, O Lord. PRAYERS. 23 In all time of our tribulation, in all time of our felicity, in the hour of death, in the day of judg- ment, Deliver us, Lord. We sinners beseech Thee to hear us : That it may please Thee to rule and govern Thy Holy Church Universal. That it may please Thee to preserve in sound- ness of word and holiness of life, all pastors and ministers of Thy Church. That it may please Thee to remove all sects and scandals. That it may please Thee to bring back into the way of truth all such as wander and have been led astray. That it may please Thee to crush Satan under our feet. That it may please Thee to send forth faithful laborers into Thy harvest. That it may please Thee to grant the increase of Thy Word and the fruit of Thy Spirit unto all that hear. That it may please Thee to raise the fallen, and strengthen those that stand. That it may please Thee to console the weak- hearted, and succor the tempted. That it may please Thee to give peace and con- cord unto all rulers and governors. That it may please Thee to guide and protect our Chief Magistrate, with all his counsellors. That it may please Thee to bless and preserve our people, and all in authority among us. That it may please Thee to look upon the 24 LITURGY. afflicted, and those that are in danger ; and to com- fort them. That it may please Thee to succor all women in the perils of child-birth. That it may please Thee to cherish and protect young children and sick persons. That it may please Thee to defend and suitably provide for the orphans and widows. That it may please Thee to grant freedom unto captives. That it may please Thee to have mercy upon all men. That it may please Thee to forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to convert them. That it may please Thee to give and preserve tlve fruits of the earth. That it may please Thee to grant all these our requests. We beseech Thee to hear us. Lamb of God, who takest away the sin of the world, Have mercy upon us. Lamb of God, who takest away the sin of the world, Grant us Thy peace. Lord, deal not with us after our sins, neither reward us according to our iniquities. O God, Merciful Father, who despisest not the groans of the contrite, nor rejectest the desire of the sorrowful : be favorable to our prayers, which, in our afflictions that continually oppress us, we pour out before Thee ; and graciously hear them ; that those things which the craft of the devil or of PRAYERS. 25 man worketh against us, may be brought to naught, and by the counsel of Thy goodness be scattered ; that being hurt by no persecutions, we may ever give thanks unto Thee in Thy holy Church : through Jesus Christ our Lord. O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works proceed : Give unto Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give ; that both our hearts may be set to obey Thy commandments, and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may by Thy protec- tion pass our time in rest and quietness : Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER ON THE LORD'S DAY, BEFORE SERMON. O Eternal God, and most merciful Father, we humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy high ma- jesty, against which we have so often and grievously offended ; and acknowledge, if Thou shouldst enter into judgment with us, that we have deserved noth- ing but eternal death : for besides that we all are, by original sin, unclean in Thy sight and children of wrath, conceived in sin and brought forth in iniquity, whereby all manner of evil lusts, striving against Thee and' our neighbor, dwell within us ; we have also indeed, frequently and without end, transgressed Thy precepts, neglected what Thou hast commanded us, and done what Thou hast expressly forbidden us. We have strayed like sheep, and have greatly offended against Thee, which we acknowledge, and are heartily sorry for ; nay, we confess to our shame, and to the praise of Thy mercy towards us, that our 26 LITURGY. sins are more than the hairs of our head, and that we are indebted ten thousand talents, but not able to pay. Wherefore we are not worthy to be called Thy children ; nor to lift up our eyes towards heaven, to pour out our prayers before Thee. Nevertheless, O Lord God, and merciful Father, knowing that Thou dost not desire the death of a sinner, but that he may turn from his wickedness and live ; and that Thy mercy is infinite, which Thou showest unto those who return to Thee ; we heartily call upon Thee, trusting in our Mediator Jesus Christ, who is that Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world, and we beseech Thee, to commiserate our infirmity, forgiving us all our sins for Christ's sake. Wash us in the pure fountain of His blood, that we may become clean and white as snow. Cover our nakedness with His innocence and righteousness, for the glory of Thy Name's sake : clear our understand- ing of all blindness, and our hearts of all hardness and pride. Open the mouth of Thy servant at present, and replenish him with Thy wisdom and knowledge, that he may purely and confidently set forth Thy Word ; prepare also our hearts that we may hear, under- stand, and keep the same : write Thy laws, according to Thy promise in the tables of our hearts, and strengthen us to delight and walk in the same, to the praise and glory of Thy Name, and to the edifi- cation of Thy Church. O gracious Father, we ask for, and desire all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, who hath taught us to pray: OUR FATHER, etc. PRAYERS. 27 A PRAYER BEFORE SERMON. HEAVENLY Father, eternal and merciful God, we acknowledge and confess before Thy divine majesty, that we are poor miserable sinners, conceived in sin, and born in iniquity, prone to all evil, unfit for any good ; and that, by our sinful life, we continually transgress Thy holy commandments, whereby we provoke Thine anger against us, and according to Thy righteous judgment, expose ourselves unto eternai damnation. But, O Lord, we repent and are sorry that we have offended Thee ; we bewail our trans- gressions, beseeching that Thou wilt graciously pity our misery. Have compassion on us, O most boun- teous God and Father, and forgive us all our sins, for that holy passion of Thy well-beloved Son Jesus Christ. Grant us also the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may, with all our hearts, study to know our own unrighteousness, and sincerely abhor ourselves ;. that sin may be mortified in us, and we may be raised up to a new life ; that we may bring forth genuine fruits of holiness, and righteousness, which through Jesus Christ are acceptable to Thee. Give us to under- stand Thy holy Word according to Thy divine will, that we may learn thereby to put our whole trust in Thee alone, and withdraw it from all creatures ; that also our old man, with all the affections thereof, may be daily more and more crucified ; and that we may offer up ourselves unto Thee a living sacrifice, to the glory of Thy holy Name, and to the edification of our neighbors; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who hath taught and commanded us to pray : OUR Father, etc. 2$ LITURGY. A PRAYER AFTER SERMON. Lord God Almighty, let not Thy holy Name be profaned for our sins, for we have divers ways sinned against Thee, since we are not obedient to Thy holy Word, as we ought to be, and through ignorance and murmuring daily stir up Thine anger against us ; wherefore Thou dost justly punish us ; but, O Lord, be mindful of Thy great mercy, and have compassion on us. Give us knowledge of, and repentance for our sins, and amendment of our lives. Strengthen the ministers of Thy Church, that they may faithfully and steadfastly declare Thy holy Word; and the magistrates of Thy people, that they may bear the sword with equity and prudence. Preserve us from all deceit and unfaithfulness. Confound all evil and subtile counsels taken against Thy Word and Church. O Lord, withhold not from us Thy Spirit and Word, but grant us increase of faith ; and in all trouble and adversity, patience and constancy. Assist Thy Church; deliver her from all affliction, derision and persecution. Strengthen also the weak and sorrow- ful of heart, and send us Thy peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who hath given us this sure promise : Verify, verify, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he will give it you ; and hath commanded us to pray: OUR FATHER, etc. A PRAYER BEFORE THE EXPLANATION OF THE CATECHISM. O Heavenly Father, Thy Word is perfect, con. verting the soul ; a sure testimony, making wise the simple, enlightening the eyes of the blind : and a PRAYERS. 29 powerful means unto salvation, for all those who believe. And whereas we are not only blind by- nature, but even incapable of doing any good : and also since Thou wilt help none but those who are of a broken and contrite heart ; we beseech Thee to enlighten our understanding with Thy Holy Spirit, and give us a meek heart, free from all haughtiness and carnal knowledge, that we, hearing Thy Word, may rightly understand it, and regulate our life accordingly. Be graciously pleased to convert all those who still stray from Thy truth, that we may, together with them, unanimously serve Thee in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. We crave all these things for Christ's sake, who hath thus taught us to pray in His Name, and pro- mised to hear us : Our Father who art in heaven, Hal- lowed be Thy Name : Thy kingdom come : Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven : glve us this day our daily bread : and forgive us OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS : AND lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever. Amen. A prayer after the explanation of the catechism. O GRACIOUS God and Merciful Father, we give Thee hearty thanks that it hath pleased Thee, not only to take us, but also our little children, into Thy covenant, which Thou hast not only sealed 30 LITURGY. unto them, by Holy Baptism, but also daily show- est, when Thou perfectest Thy praise out of their mouths, thus to cause the wise of the world to blush. We beseech Thee, increase Thy grace in them, that they may always grow and increase in Christ Thy Son ; till they acquire their perfect manly age in all knowledge and righteousness. Give us grace that we may educate them, as Thou hast commanded us, in Thy knowledge and fear, so that by their godliness the kingdom of Satan may be destroyed, and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ strengthened in this and other congregations, to the glory of Thy Holy Name, and to their eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ. AMEN. A MORNING PRAYER. O Merciful Father, we thank Thee, that Thou hast in faithfulness watched over us the night past : and we beseech Thee to strengthen, and henceforth guide us by Thy Holy Spirit, that we may spend this, and all the days of our lives, in all righteous- ness and holiness ; and that whatsoever we under- take, we may always aim at the promoting of Thy glory, and expect all the success of our undertak- ings from Thy bountiful hand alone. And to the end that we may obtain this mercy of Thee, be pleased (according to Thy promise) to forgive all our sins, through the holy passion and blood-shed- ding of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; for we heartily repent of them. Enlighten also our hearts, that we, having cast off all works of darkness, may, as children of light, walk in a new life in all godli- ness. Bless also the preaching of Thy Gospel. PRAYERS. 31 Destroy all the works of the devil. Strengthen all ministers of the Gospel and magistrates of Thy peo- ple. Comfort all those who are persecuted and afflicted in mind; through Jesus Christ Thy Beloved Son, Who hath promised us that Thou wilt certainly give us whatsoever we shall ask in His Name, and therefore hath commanded us to pray: OUR Father, etc. AN EVENING PRAYER. O MERCIFUL God, Eternal Light, shining in dark- ness, Thou who dispellest the night of sin, and all blindness of heart ; since Thou hast appointed the night for rest and the day for labor, we beseech Thee, grant that our bodies may rest in peace and quietness, that afterwards they may be able to endure the labor they must bear. Temper our sleep, that it be not disorderly, that we may remain spotless both in body and soul, nay, that our sleep itself may be to Thy glory. Enlighten the eyes of our understanding, that we may not sleep in death ; but always look for deliverance from this misery. Defend us against all assaults of the devil, and take us into Thy holy protection. And although we have not passed this day without having greatly sinned against Thee, we beseech Thee to hide our sins with Thy great mercy, as Thou hidest all things on earth with the darkness of the night, that we therefore may not be cast out from Thy presence. Relieve and comfort all those who are afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who hath taught us to pray : OUR Father, etc. 32 LITURGY. A PRAYER FOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND ALL IN AUTHORITY. O LORD, our Heavenly Father, the High and Mighty Ruler of the Universe, who dost from Thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth ; most heartily we beseech Thee, with Thy favor to behold and bless Thy servant, The President of the United States, and all others in authority ; and so replenish them with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that they may always incline to Thy will, and walk in Thy way. Endue them plenteously with heav- enly gifts ; grant them in health and prosperity long to live ; and finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR ALL CONDITIONS OF MEN. O GOD, the Creator and Preserver of all man- kind, we humbly beseech Thee for all sorts and conditions of men ; that Thou wouldest be pleased to make Thy ways known unto them, Thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for Thy Holy Church Universal ; that it may be so guided and governed by Thy Good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in right- eousness of life. Finally we commend to Thy fa- therly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please Thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities; giving them patience PRAYERS. 3J under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. THANKSGIVING AFTER HARVEST. We yield Thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, for all Thy goodness, and especially for this Thy bounty again bestowed upon us, who, through Thy providence and tender mercy towards us, have now reaped the fruits of the earth in due season, and gathered them into our garners. Continue, we beseech Thee, Thy loving kindness towards us, that year by year our land may yield her increase, fill- ing our hearts with food and gladness, to the com- fort of Thy people and the glory of Thy Holy Name ; and so dispose us by Thy special grace preventing us, that we Thy servants may never sow only to the flesh, lest of the flesh we reap corrup- tion, but may sow spiritually to life everlasting, and reap the same in Thy heavenly kingdom ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN. A GENERAL THANKSGIVING. Almighty God,. Father of all mercies, we, Thine unworthy servants, do give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all Thy goodness and loving-kind- ness to us, and to all men. We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life ; but above all, for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ ; for the means of grace and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech Thee, give us that due sense of all 34 LITURGY. Thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we may show forth Thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives ; by giving up ourselves to Thy service, and by walking before Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. A PRAYER IN TIME OF DROUGHT. O God, our Creator, Preserver, and Bountiful Benefactor, Who givest seed-time and harvest, and sendest both the early and latter rain ; have pity, we beseech Thee, upon Thy famished people who cry unto Thee in their tribulation, and in Thy compas- sion return and visit us ; that the heavens may no longer be as brass above, and the earth as iron beneath, to shut out from us Thy mercy ; but that all the people may praise Thee, O God, Who art the Fountain of living waters and the Father of mercies, from Whom cometh down every good and perfect gift ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. a prayer in time of pestilence. Holy Lord God Almighty, Who of old didst stay the Angel of Pestilence at the cry of Thy repenting children, and bring back health to a dying people ; hear us, Thy suppliants, returning to Thee, as in sackcloth, dust and ashes, and mercifully lift from us the heavy hand of Thy righteous visitation ; that the people may live before Thee, and not die in their sins, and that the land may no longer mourn PRAYERS. 35 by reason of Thy judgments, O Lord, Who for our iniquities are justly displeased. We ask it humbly in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. FOR FAIR WEATHER. O God of love and compassion, Who of old didst set Thy bow in the cloud for a token of a covenant between Thee and the earth, we humble ourselves before Thee on account of our sins, and acknowledge Thy chastisement to be just. Yet spare us, O Lord. Stay the excess of rain, and cause Thy sun to shine, that, the hope of harvest being fulfilled, our barns may be stored with Thy bounty, and our souls rejoice in Thee. Above all, O Lord, grant that the Sun of Righteousness may arise upon us with heal- ing in His wings, and Thy people, walking all the day in the light of Thy countenance, in Thy right- eousness may be exalted. Do this, O Father of mercies, for the sake of Thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen. for PEACE. O God of Peace, Who didst send unto us mes- sages of peace by Thy Son, the Prince of peace, and commandest us to be at peace with all men, we entreat Thee to save us from quarrel, bloodshed, and war. Still the tumult of the people as Thou dost the raging of the sea.* Disappoint the devices * In time of war may be here inserted : Give us not over into the hands of our enemies, but defend us and grant us the victory, which is in Thine hand. 3.6 LITURGY. of the wicked, and bring their machinations to naught. Fill our hearts and the hearts of all men with Thy love, so that we may dwell in safety under the wings of Thy Holy Spirit, and have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. FOR THE ABSENT FROM HOME. O GOD, Who art everywhere present, ruling the sea and the land, we entreat Thee for Thy servant now absent from us. Rescue him from peril, from sickness, from sin, and from death. Cover him as with a shield, and sanctify his experience of Thy mercy to his eternal -profit and joy. In due time restore him to his home, and keep him and us through the journey of this life, that we may all reach our Father's house in peace, through His grace Who hath opened the kingdom of Heaven to all who believe in His Holy Name. Amen. ON COMMENCING A JOURNEY. O MOST Glorious Lord God, Who of old didst lead Thine armies as with a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, be our Leader and Guardian, we beseech Thee, in all our journeyings ; our support in setting out ; our solace on the way; our shadow in the heat ; our covert in the rain and cold ; the help of our weariness ; the fortress of our adversity ; and our staff in the way of danger; that under Thy guidance we may safely come to our journey's end, and at length to the end of this our earthly warfare and pilgrimc^e; throu£'i Jesus Christ our Lord. A MEN. PRAYERS. 37 FOR A PERSON GOING TO SEA. O ETERNAL Lord God, Who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the sea : We commend to Thine Almighty protection Thy ser- vant, for whose preservation on the great deep our prayers are desired. Guard him, we beseech Thee, from the dangers of the sea, from sickness, from the violence of enemies, from every evil ; and conduct him in safety to the haven where he would be, with a grateful sense of Thy mercies ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR SICK AND TEMPTED PERSONS. O ALMIGHTY, eternal, righteous God, and merciful Father, who art Lord of life and death, and with- out whose will, nothing is done in heaven nor in earth ; although we are not worthy to call upon Thy Name, nor to hope that Thou wilt hear us, when we consider how we have hitherto employed our time ; we beseech Thee that Thou wilt be pleased of Thy mercy to look upon us in the face of Jesus Christ, who hath taken all our infirmities on Himself. We acknowledge that we are utterly incapable of any good and prone to all evil, wherefore we have justly merited this punishment, yea, have deserved much more. But Lord, Thou knowest that we are Thy people, and that Thou art our God : we have no other refuge than Thy mercy, which Thou never hast withheld from any one who turned himself to Thee. Therefore we beseech Thee not to impute our sins unto us, but to account the wisdom, righteousness and holiness of Jesus Christ, to us, that we may in j8 LITURGY. Him be able to stand before Thee. Deliver us for His fake from these sufferings, that the wicked may not think that Thou hast forsaken us. And if it is Thy pleasure longer thus to try us, give us strength and patience to bear all such, according to Thy will, and let all turn according to Thy wisdom to our profit. Rather chastise us here than let us hereafter be lost with the world. Grant that we may die to this world, and all earthly things, and that we may daily more and more be renewed after the image of Jesus Christ. Suffer us not to be separated by any means from Thy love ; but draw us daily nigher and nigher unto Thee, that we may enter upon the end of our calling with joy ; which is, to die, to rise again, and to live with Christ in eternity. We also believe that Thou wilt hear us through Jesus Christ, who hath taught us to pray : OUR FATHER, etc. Strengthen us also in the true faith, which we believe in our hearts and profess with our mouths : I BELIEVE IN GOD, etc. 1 Or This : Eternal merciful God and Father, the eternal salvation of the living and the everlasting life of the dying; seeing that Thou hast death and life in Thy hand alone, and takest such care of us continually, that neither health nor sickness, nor any good or evil can befall us — nay, not a hair can fall from our head, without Thy will ; and since thou dost order all things for the good of Thy people ; we beseech Thee, grant us the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, to teach us rightly to acknowledge our misery, and patiently to bear Thy chastenings, which we have deserved ten PRAYERS. 39 thousand times more severe. We know that they are not the evidences of Thy wrath, but of Thy fatherly love towards us, that we should not be con- demned with the world. O Lord, increase our faith in Thine infinite mercy, that we may be more and more united to Christ, as members to their spiritual Head, to Whom thou wilt make us conform in suffer- ings and in glory. Lighten the cross, so that our weakness may be able to bear it. We submit our- selves entirely to Thy holy will, whether Thou art pleased to continue our souls longer in these taber- nacles, or to take them into eternal life, since we be- long to Christ, and therefore shall not perish. We would willingly leave this weak body in hope of a blessed resurrection, when it shall be restored to us much more glorious. Grant us to experience the blessed comfort of the remission of sins, and of jus- tification through Christ, that we by that shield may overcome all the assaults of Satan. May His inno- cent blood wash away all the stain and uncleanness of our sins, and His righteousness answer for our un- righteousness in Thy last judgment. Arm us with faith and hope, that we may not be ashamed nor confounded by the terror of death ; but when our bodily eyes are closing in darkness, may the eyes of our souls be directed towards Thee ; and when Thou shalt have deprived us of the use of our tongues, may our hearts never cease to call upon Thee. O Lord, we commit our souls into Thy hands. Forsake us not in our last extremity, and that only for the sake of Jesus Christ, who hath taught us to pray: Our Father, etc. I believe in God, etc. 4^ 1ATC&JY. FOR THE SICK. LORD God, in Whose hand our breath is; regard with tender compassion Thy servant, whom it hath pleased Thee to visit with sickness. Be graciously near to him in the hour of his need. Grant unto him true repentance for all his sins, a firm and steady trust in the merits of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, and grace to be in perfect charity with all men. Enable him to cast all his cares on Thee, and to yield himself 'with childlike submission to Thy righteous will. God of all power and grace, bless, we entreat Thee, the means used for his recovery, rebuke the violence of disease, and raise him up from his bed of pain, that, being delivered by Thy compassion, he may walk before Thee in newness of life. But if, O Most Wise and Merciful Father, this sickness should be unto death, grant him, we humbly implore Thee, a comfortable release from all his sufferings. Let the arms of Thine everlasting love be around him, and, when flesh and heart shall fail, be Thou the strength of his heart and his portion for evermore ; through the mediation and merits of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. FOR A SICK CHILD. O ALMIGHTY God and Merciful Father, to whom alone belong the issues of life and death ; look down from Heaven, we humbly beseech Thee, upon this child, now lying upon the bed of sickness. Visit him, O Lord, with Thy salvation, deliver him in Thy good time from his bodily pain, and save his PRAYERS. 41 soul for Thy mercies' sake ; that if it shall be Thy pleasure to prolong his days here on earth, he may live to Thee, and be an instrument of Thy glory, by serving Thee faithfully, and doing good in his gen- eration ; or else receive him into those heavenly habitations, where the souls of those who sleep in the Lord Jesus enjoy perpetual rest and felicity. Grant this, O Lord, for Thy mercies' sake, in the Name of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, who liv- eth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. FOR GRACE TO USE ARIGHT THE WORD. Blessed Lord, Who hast caused all Holy Scrip, tures to be written for our learning; grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and com- fort of Thy Holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life which Thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. for forgiveness. Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent ; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretched- ness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, per- feet remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ uur Lord. Amen. LITURGY. FOR PROTECTION. ALMIGHTY God, Who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both out- wardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may endanger the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul ; and as we have received how we ought to walk and please Thee, so may we abound more and more; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. AT THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us with great humility : that in the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious Majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal : through Him who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen. O LORD, Who hast given us cause of perpetual joy by the coming of Thy Son our Saviour among us : Raise up Thy Power, we pray Thee, and pos- sess us with a mighty sense of Thy wonderful love; that whereas through the cares of this life we are sorely let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, we may be careful for nothing, but thankfully commending ourselves in everything to Thy bountiful grace and mercy, the peace of Thee, PRAYERS. 43 our Godi which passeth all understanding, may keep our hearts and minds, through the satisfaction of Thy Son our Lord ; to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world with- out end. Amen. AT THE EASTER SEASON. ALMIGHTY God, Who hast given Thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godJy life : Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that His most inesti- mable benefit ; and also daily endeavor to follow the blessed steps of His most holy life ; that dying unto sin, and living unto righteousness, we may at last obtain eternal life : Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Blessed Lord, Whose Only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ hath once suffered for our sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to Thee our God: We beseech Thee, that as we are baptized into His death, so by continually mortifying our corrupt affections we may be buried with Him ; and at last through the grave, and gate of death, pass to our joyful resurrection : For His merits, Who died, and was buried, and rose again, Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty and Everlasting God, Who of Thy tender love towards mankind hast sent Thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon Him our flesh, and that in the form of a servant, and to suffer death, even the death of the Cross, for our redemption, and 44 LITURGY. that we should follow the example of His great humil- ity, patience, and obedience : Mercifully grant that this mind may be in us which was also in Christ Jesus, that we may both follow the example of His humble obedience and patient suffering, and also be made partakers of His glorious resurrection, to live with Thee forever. Grant this for the sake of Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. AT THE SEASON OF PENTECOST. O GOD the King of Glory, Who hast exalted Thine only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph unto Thy Kingdom in heaven ; We beseech Thee, leave us not comfortless ; but send to us Thy Holy Ghost to comfort us, and exalt us unto the same place whither our Saviour Christ is gone before ; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen. God of all peace and consolation, Who didst glo- riously fulfil the great promise of the Gospel, by sending down Thy Holy Ghost on the day of Pen- tecost, to establish the Church as the home of His continual presence and power among men ; merci fully grant unto us, we beseech Thee, this same gift of the Spirit, to renew, illuminate, refresh, and sanc- tify our dying souls, to be over us and around us like the light and dew of heaven, and to be in us ever- more as a well of water springing up into everlasting life ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom, with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen. PRAYERS. 45 EUCHARISTIC PRAYER. The Constitution of the Church directs that in the administration of the Lord's Supper, " after the sermon and usual prayers are ended, the Form for the admin- istration of the Lord's Supper shall be read, and a prayer suited to the occasion shall be offered, before the members participate of the ordinance." The following is submitted as a suitable prayer, which may be used in compliance with this direction. It is very meet and right, above all things, to give thanks unto Thee, O Eternal God : Who, by Thy word, didst create heaven and earth, and all things therein. For all Thy bounties known to us, for all unknown, we give Thee thanks ; but chiefly, that when, through disobedience, we had fallen from Thee, Thou didst not suffer us to depart from Thee forever, but hast ransomed us from eternal death, and given us the joyful hope of everlasting life, through Jesus Christ Thy Son; Who, being Very and Eternal God. became Man for us men, and for our salvation. Not as we ought, but as we are able, we bless Thee for His holy incarnation ; for His life on earth ; for His precious sufferings and death upon the cross; for His resurrection from the dead; and for His glorious ascension to Thy right hand. We bless Thee for the giving of the Holy Ghost; for the sacraments and ordinances of the Church; for the communion of Christ's Body and Blood ; for the great hope of everlasting life, and of an eternal weight of glory. Thee, Mighty God, Heavenly King, we magnify and praise. With angels and archangels, and all the hosts of heaven, we worship and adore Thy glorious Name, joining in the song of Cherubim and Sera- phim, and saying: — 46 LITURGY. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of thy glory, hosanna in the highest. blessed is he that cometh in the name of the lord. hosanna in the highest. And we most humbly beseech Thee, O Merciful Father, to vouchsafe unto us Thy gracious pres- ence, as we commemorate in this Supper the most blessed sacrifice of Thy Son; and to bless and sanctify with Thy Word and Spirit these Thine own gifts of bread and wine which we set before Thee ; that we, receiving them, according to our Saviour's institution, in thankful remembrance of His death and passion, may, through the power of the Holy Ghost, be very partakers of His body and blood, with all His benefits, to our salvation and the glory of Thy Most Holy Name. And here we offer and present to Thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto Thee; humbly be- seeching Thee that all who are partakers of this Holy Communion, may be filled with Thy grace and heavenly benediction. And although we be un- worthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto Thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech Thee to accept this our bounden duty and service; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord. And rejoicing in the communion of Thy saints, we bless Thy Holy Name for all Thy servants who have departed in the faith, and who, having accom- plished their warfare, are at rest with Thee; be- seeching Thee to enable us so to follow their faith PRAYERS. 47 and good example, that we with them may finally be partakers of Thy heavenly Kingdom : when, made like unto Christ, we shall behold Him with unveiled face, rejoicing in His glory, and by Him we, with all Thy Church, holy and unspotted, shall be presented with exceeding joy before the presence of Thy glory. Hear us, Heavenly Father, for His sake : to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be glory for ever and ever. Amen. A PRAYER AT THE OPENING OF THE CONSISTORY. Heavenly Father, Eternal and Merciful God, it hath pleased Thee of Thy infinite wisdom and good- ness to gather a Church to Thyself out of all nations upon the face of the earth, by the preaching of Thy Holy Gospel, and to govern the same by the service of men. Thou hast also graciously called us up to this office, and commanded us to take heed unto our- selves and unto the flock, which Christ hath bought with His precious blood. Since we are at this present assembled in Thy Holy Name, after the ex- ample of the Apostolic Churches, to consult, as our office requires, about those things which may come before us, for the welfare and edification of Thy Church, for which we acknowledge ourselves to be unfit and incapable, as we are by nature unable of ourselves to think any good, much less to put it in practice : therefore, we beseech Thee, O Faithful God and Father, that Thou wilt be pleased to be present with Thy Holy Spirit, according to Thy promise, in the midst of our present assembly, to guide us into all truth. Remove from us all misap- 48 LITURGY. prehensions and unbecoming desires of the flesh, and grant that Thy Holy Word may be the only rule and guide ol all our consultations; that they may tend to the glory of Thy Name, to the edifica- tion of Thy Church, and to the discharge of our own consciences, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, the Only True God, is eternally to be praised and magnified. Amen. A PRAYER AT THE CLOSE OF THE CONSISTORY. O LORD GOD and Heavenly Father, we heartily thank Thee, that Thou hast been pleased to gather a Church to Thyself in this part of the world, and to use our services therein, granting us the privilege that we may freely and without hindrance preach Thy Holy Gospel, and exercise all the duties of god- liness. Moreover, we thank Thee, that Thou now hast been present with Thy Holy Spirit in the midst of this our assembly, directing our determinations according to Thy will, uniting our hearts in mutual peace and concord. We beseech Thee, O Faithful God and Father, that Thou wilt graciously be pleased to bless our intended labor, and effectually to execute Thy begun work ; always gathering unto Thyself a true Church, and preserving the same in the pure doctrine, and in the right use of Thy Holy Sacraments, and in a diligent exercise of discipline. On the contrary, destroy all evil and crafty counsels, which are devised against Thy Word and Church. Strengthen also all the Ministers of Thy Church, that they may faithfully and steadfastly declare Thy Holy Word : and the Magistrates of Thy people. PRAYERS. 49 that, rhey may bear the sword with righteousness and discretion. Particularly we pray for those whom Thou hast been pleased to put in authority over 153. Grant that their whole government may be thus directed, that the King of all kings may rule over them and their fellow-citizens ; and that the kingdom of the devil (which is a kingdom of scandal and reproach) may daily more and more be destroyed and brought to naught by them as Thy servants, and that we may lead with them a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. Hear us, O God and Father, through Jesus Christ Thy Beloved Son, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, the Only and True God, is eternally to be magnified and praised. Amen. A PRAYER AT THE MEETING OF THE DEACONS. MERCIFUL God and Father, Thou hast not only said unto us that we should always have the poor with us, but hast also commanded that they should be assisted ; and for that end hast ordained the service of Deacons in Thy Church, by whom they might be relieved. As we, who are called to the office of Deacons in this congregation, are here at present met in Thy Name, to consult together concerning our ministry; therefore we humbly be- seech Thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, that Thou wilt be pleased to endue us with the spirit of dis- cretion ; to the end that we may rightly discern who are really poor and who are not : and that we may. with all cheerfulness and fidelity, distribute the alms collected by us to every one according to his neces- 50 LITURGY. sity ; not leaving the indigent members of Thy Beloved Son comfortless, neither giving to those who are not in want. Kindle within the hearts of men an ardent love towards the poor, that they may liberally give of their temporal goods, of which Thou hast made them stewards : and that we, having the means in hand to assist the indigent, may faith- fully, without vexation, and with a free heart, per- form our office. Grant us the talents to comfort the miserable, not only with the external gift, but also with Thy Holy Word. And since man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word that pro ceedeth out of Thy mouth, be pleased therefore to extend Thy blessing over our distributions, and in- crease the bread of the poor, that both we and they may have reason to praise and thank Thee : expect- ing the blessed coming of Thy Beloved Son Jesus Christ, Who became poor for our sakes, to make us rich in eternity. Amen. A PRAYER ON THE LORD'S DAY, AFTER SERMON. Almighty and merciful God, we acknowledge in ourselves, and confess before Thee, as the truth is, that we are not worthy to lift up our eyes towards heaven, and to present our prayers before Thee, if Thou shouldst respect our merits and worthiness : for our consciences accuse us, and our sins bear wit- ness against us. We also know that Thou art a right- eous Judge, punishing the sins of those who trans- gress Thy commandments. But, O Lord, since Thou hast commanded us to call upon Thee in all times of necessity, and hast of Thine ineffable mercy PRAYERS. 5 1 promised to hear our prayers, not because of our merits, which are none, but for the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast appointed to be our Mediator and Advocate ; therefore, we forsake all other help, and take our refuge in Thy mercy alone. Especially, O Lord, besides the innumerable ben- efits, which Thou showest to all mankind in general on earth, Thou hast in particular bestowed manifold favors on us, which we are not able to comprehend or express : for Thou hast delivered us from the woful slavery of the devil, and all idolatry wherein we were held, and hast brought us to the light of Thy truth, and to the knowledge of Thy Holy Gos- pel. On the contrary, we have by our ingratitude been regardless of these Thy benefits. We have departed from Thee, and have followed our own devices, not honoring Thee as was our bounden duty to do. Thus, O Lord, have we grievously sinned^ and highly offended Thee, and can expect nothing else than everlasting death and damnation, if Thou shouldst deal with us according to our deserts. Yea, we also perceive, O Lord, by the chastisement which Thou daily art inflicting on us, that Thou art justly displeased with us ; for since Thou art just, Thou wilt punish no man without cause : and we also see Thine hand stretched out further to punish us. But though Thou shouldst punish us more severely than Thou hast hitherto done ; nay, though all the plagues fell upon us, wherewith Thou didst visit the sins of Thy people Israel, we must still confess that Thou wouldst do us no injustice. But, O Lord, Thou art our God, and we are but dust and ashes ; Thou art our Creator, and we are 52 LITURGY. Thy handy work ; Thou art our Shepherd, and we are Thy sheep ; Thou art our Redeemer, and we are those whom Thou hast redeemed ; Thou art our Father, and we are Thy children and heirs. There- fore, do not punish us in Thine anger, but chastise us mercifully, and preserve that work, which Thou hast of Thy mercy begun in us ; that the whole world may know and acknowledge Thee to be our God and Saviour. Thy people Israel frequently offended Thee, and Thou didst justly punish them; but as oft as they turned themselves again to Thee, Thou didst always mercifully receive them into favor. And though their sins and transgressions were ever so great, Thou didst always avert Thy wrath and punishment prepared for them, by reason of the Covenant which Thou hadst made with Thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ; so that Thou never hast refused to hear the prayers of Thy people. And we have of Thy mercy even that same Covenant, which Thou hast erected in the hand of Jesus Christ our Mediator, between Thee and all believers : nay, it is now more glorious and efficacious, since Christ hath ratified and confirmed the same by His holy suffering and death, and entrance into His glory. Therefore, O Lord, forsaking ourselves and all human assistance, we fly for succor to this blessed Covenant of Grace, by means whereof our Lord Jesus Christ, having offered His body once on the cross as a per- fect sacrifice for us, hath reconciled us to Thee for ever Therefore, O Lord, look upon the face of Thine anointed, and not on our sins, that Thine anger may be appeased by His intercession: and cause Thy face to shine on us, to our joy and salvation. PRAYERS. 53 Take us henceforth into Thy Holy guidance and protection, and govern us by Thy Holy Spirit, Who, daily more and more mortifying our flesh with all its lusts, renews us to a better life, and produces in us fruits of true faith ; that hereby Thy Name may be glorified and praised to all eternity ; and that we, despising all transitory things, may, with an ardent desire, fix our thoughts only on things heavenly. And inasmuch as it is Thy pleasure that we should pray for all mankind, we beseech Thee to extend Thy blessing on the doctrine of Thy Holy Gospel, that it may be preached and accepted everywhere ; that the whole world may be filled with Thy saving knowledge ; that the ignorant may be converted, the weak strengthened ; that every one, not only in word, but also in deed, may magnify and sanctify Thy Holy Name. Send forth, for this end, faithful laborers into Thy harvest : and also replenish them with Thy grace, that they may faithfully serve before Thee. On the contrary, utterly destroy all false teachers, ravenous wolves, and hirelings, who seek their own honor and advantage, and not the glory of Thy Holy Name, nor the welfare and salvation of souls. Be also pleased graciously to preserve and govern all Thy Christian Churches, spread over the face of the earth, in unity of true faith, and in god- liness of life, that Thy kingdom may daily increase, and that of Satan be destroyed, till Thy kingdom is perfected, when Thou shalt be all in all. Particularly we pray for the United States of America. Keep them under Thy Holy protection; prosper them in their agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and literature; and let their civil and 54 LITURGY. religious rights be preserved inviolate to the latest posterity. Bless and long preserve Thy servant, the President of the United States. Bless the Vice-President ; the Senate and House of Representatives, when in Con- gress assembled. Bless all who are placed in author- ity throughout the States, and especially in the State wherein we reside ; the Governor, the Magistrates, and all others entrusted with powers, either legis- lative or executive. Replenish them all with Thy grace and heavenly gifts, each in the respective call- ing and state wherein Thou hast placed him, that they may wisely govern and strenuously protect the people whom Thou hast committed to their care, faithfully defend Thy worship, and rightly administer justice. Preside with Thy Holy Spirit in their assem- blies, that in all cases they may resolve nothing but what is good and becoming, and let the laws be happily executed ; that these United States being preserved from all enemies, the evil doers punished, and the just protected, Thy Name thereby may be praised, and the kingdom of the King of kings, Christ Jesus, promoted : and that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Moreover, we pray for our brethren who are under persecution of tyranny. Comfort them with Thy Holy Spirit and mercifully deliver them. Suffer not Thy Church wholly to be destroyed, nor the remem- brance of Thy Name to be abolished from the face of the earth, lest the enemies of Thy truth triumph, to the dishonoring and blaspheming of Thy Name. But if it is Thy divine will, that the suffering Chris- tians should die for the glory of Thy Name, and by PftAYEaS. 55 their death, witness unto the truth, comfort them in their sufferings, that they, considering them as com- ing from Thy fatherly hand, may therefore, doing Thy will, remain steadfast, whether in life or death ; to Thy glory, to the edification of Thy Church, and to their salvation. We likewise beseech Thee for all those whom Thou dost afflict, with poverty, im- prisonment, sickness of body, or trouble of mind. Comfort them all, O Lord, according to their several necessities. Grant that their chastisement may bring them to the knowledge of their sins, and to an amendment of their lives. Give them also firm patience ; alleviate their sufferings ; and finally deliver them, that they may rejoice in Thy goodness and eternally praise Thy Name. And now, O Lord, take us, together with all that belongs to or concerns us, in Thy keeping. Grant that we may live in our respective callings according to Thy will, and so use the gifts which we receive of Thy blessing, that they may not impede, but rather further us to life eternal. Strengthen us in all temp- tations, that we, striving in true faith, may overcome, and hereafter enjoy, with Christ, life eternal. We ask Thee for all these things, as our faithful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ Himself hath taught us : Our Father who art in heaven, Hal- lowed 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 for- give us our debts, as we forgive our debtors ; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil : For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever.. Amen. 5^ LSTUHOT. IV. The Creeds. THE APOSTLES' CREED. I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth ; And in Jesus Christ, His Only Son our Lord ; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried ; He descended into hell* ,• the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. i believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins ; the resurrection of the body ; and the life everlasting. Amen. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH, COMPOSED IN THB COUNCIL OP NICK, A. D., 39& We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible ; And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father, before all Inscead of the word Hell may be used the word Hades. THE CREEDS. 57 worlds ; God, of God, Light, of Light, very God, of very God ; begotten, not made, being of one sub- stance with the Father, by Whom all things were made : Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary ; and was made Man ; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried ; and the third day He arose again according to the Scriptures ; and as- cended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead ; Whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Ghost, Who spake by the pro- phets. And one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the re- mission of sins ; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. THE CREED OF ATHANASIUS, A. D. 333. i. Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic taith. 2. Which faith, except one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlast- ingly. 3. The Catholic faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity ; 4. Neither confounding the Persons nor dividing the substance. 5. For there is one person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. 5 8 LITURGY. 6. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Sou, and of the Holy Ghost is all one; the Glory equal, and the Majesty coeternal. 7. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost. 8. The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Ghost uncreated. 9 The Father incomprehensible, and the Son in- comprehensible, and the Holy Ghost incompre- hensible. 10. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Ghost eternal : 11. And yet they are not three Eternals; but one Eternal. 12. As aUo there are not three Incomprehensi- bles, nor three Uncreated ; but one Uncreated, and one Incomprehensible. 13. So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Ghost Almighty. 14. And yet they are not three Almighties, but one Almighty. 15. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. 16. And yet there are not three Gods, but one God. 17. So likewise the Father is Lord, the son Lord, and the Holy Ghost Lord. 18. And yet they are not three Lords, but one Lord. 19. For, as we are compelled by the Christian truth to acknowledge each Person by Himself to be God and Lord. THE CREEDS. 59 20. So we are forbidden by the Catholic faith, to say, there be three Gods, or three Lords. 21. The Father is made of none, neither created nor begotten. 22. The Son is of the Father alone, not made, nor created, but begotten. 23. The Holy Ghost is of the Father, and of the Son, neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding. 24. So there is one Father, not three Fathers ; one Son, not three Sons ; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts : 25. And in this Trinity, there is not first nor last. 26. But the whole three Persons are coeternal to- gether, and coequal. 27. So that in all things, as it is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped. 28. He therefore that will be saved, must thus i.hink of the Trinity. 29. Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation, that he also believe rightly the Incarna- tion of our Lord Jesus Christ. 30. For the right faith is, that we believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man : 31. God of the substance of the Father, begot- ten before the world : and Man of the Substance of his Mother, born in time : 32. Perfect God and perfect Man. having a rea- sonable Soul and a human Body : 33. Equal to the Father, according to his God- 60 LITURGY. head : and inferior to the Father as to his Man- hood : 34. Who, although He be God and Man, yet He is not two but one Christ : 35. One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh, but by taking of the Manhood into God. 36. He is not one by mixture of Substance, but Dy unity of Person. 37. For the reasonable soul and flesh is one Man ; so God and Man is one Christ : 38. Who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead ; 39. He ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty : 40. From whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 41. At Whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies ; 42. And shall give account for their own works. 43. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting ; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire. 44. This is the Catholic Faith, which except a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved. BAPTISM. 6 1 V. The Administration of Baptism. The principal parts of the doctrine of Holy Bap- tism are these three : First. That we with our children are conceived and born in sin, and therefore are children of wrath, insomuch that we cannot enter into the Kingdom of God, except we are born again. This, the dip- ping in or sprinkling with water teaches us, whereby the impurity of our souls is signified, and we are ad- monished to loathe and humble ourselves before God, and seek for our purification and salvation without ourselves. Secondly. Holy Baptism witnesseth and sealeth unto us the zv as J ring away of our sins, through Jesus Christ. Therefore we are baptized IN THE NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. For when we are baptized in the name of the Father, God the Father witnesseth and sealeth unto us, that He doth make an eternal covenant of grace with us, and adopts us for His children and heirs, and therefore will provide us with every good thing, and avert all evil or turn it to our profit. And when we are baptized in the name of the SON, the Son sealeth unto us that He doth wash us in His blood from all our sins, incor- 62 LITURGY. porating us into the fellowship of His death and resurrection, so that we are freed from all our sins and accounted righteous before God. In like man- ner, when we are baptized in the name of the Holy Ghost, the Holy Ghost assures us, by this Holy Sacrament, that He will dwell in us, and sanctify us to be members of Christ, applying unto us that which we have in Christ, namely, the washing away of our sins and the daily renewing of our lives, till we shall finally be presented without spot or wrinkle among the assembly of the elect in life eternal. Thirdly. Whereas in all covenants there are contained two parts, therefore are we by God, through Baptism, admonished of, and obliged tmto new obedience, namely, that we cleave to this One God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; that we trust in Him and love Him with all our heart, with aL our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength ; that we forsake the world, crucify our old nature, and walk in a new and holy life. And if we sometimes, through weakness, fall intc sin, we must not therefore despair of God's mercy, nor continue in sin, since Baptism is a seal and undoubted testimony that we have an eternal cove- nant of grace with God. I. TO INFANTS OF BELIEVERS. And although our young children do not under- stand these things, we may not therefore exclude them from Baptism ; for as they are, without their knowledge, partakers of the condemnation in Adam, so are thev again received unto grace in Christ , BAPTISM. O3 as God speaketh unto Abraham, the father of all the faithful, and therefore unto us and our children. (Gen. 17:7,) saying : " I will establish My covenant between Me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an everlasting covenant ; to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee." This also the Apostle Peter testifieth, with these words, (Acts 2 : 39 :) " For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off. even as many as the Lord our God shall call." There- fore God formerly commanded them to be circum- cised, which was a seal of the Covenant, and of the righteousness of faith ; and therefore Christ also embraced them, laid His hands upon them and bfessed them. (Mark 10: 16.) Since then Baptism is come in the place of cir- cumcision, infants are to be baptized as heirs of the Kingdom of God and of His Covenant. And parents are in duty bound, further to instruct their children herein, when they shall arrive at years of discretion. That therefore this Holy Ordinance of God may be administered to His glory, to our comfort, and to the edification of His Church, let us call upon His holy Name. PRAYER. O Almighty and Eternal God, we beseech Thee that Thou wilt be pleased of Thine infinite mercy, graciously to look upon these children, and incorpor- ate them by Thy Holy Spirit into Thy Son Jesus Christ, that they may be buried with Him into His death and be raised with Him in newness 2 t>4 LITURGY. of life ; that they may daily follow Him, joyfully bearing- their cross, and cleave unto Him in true faith, firm hope, and ardent love ; that they may, with a comfortable sense of Thy favor, leave this life, which is nothing but a continual death, and at the last day, may appear without terror be- fore the judgment-seat of Christ Thy Son, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One Only God, lives and reigns forever. Amen. an exhortation to the parents, and those who come with them to baptism. Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, you have neard that Baptism is an Ordinance of God, to seal unto us and to our seed His Covenant. Therefore it must be used for that end, and not out of custom or superstition. That it may then be manifest that you are thus minded, you are to answer sincerely to these questions : First. Do you acknowledge, that although our children are conceived and born in sin, and there- fore are subject to all miseries, yea, to condemna tion itself; yet that they are sanctified* in Christ, and therefore, as members of His Church, ought to be baptized ? Secondly. Do you acknowledge the doctrine which is contained in the Old and New Testament, and in the Articles of the Christian faith, and which is taught here in this Christian Church, to be the true and perfectf doctrine of salvation ? • " My children :" Ezek. 16:21. " They are holy :" 1 Cor. 7 : 14. + Dutch '. Volkomene — complete. BAPTISM. 65 Thirdly. Do you promise and intend to see these children, when come to the years of discretion, in- structed and brought up in the aforesaid doctrine, or to help or cause them to be instructed therein, to the utmost of your power? Answer. Yes. Then the Minister of God's Word, in baptizing, shall say : , I baptize thee, in the name of the Fa- ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. THANKSGIVING. Almighty God and Merciful Father, we thank and praise Thee, that Thou hast forgiven us, and our cnildren, all our sins, through the blood of Thy Beloved Son Jesus Christ, and received us through Thy Holy Spirit, as members of Thy Only Begot- ten Son, and adopted us to be Thy children, and sealed and confirmed the same unto us by Holy Baptism. We beseech Thee, through the same Son of Thy love, that Thou wilt be pleased always to govern these baptized children by Thy Holy Spirit ; that they may be piously and religiously educated, increase and grow up in the Lord Jesus Christ ; that they then may acknowledge Thy Fatherly good- ness and mercy, which Thou hast shown to them and us ; and live in all righteousness, under our only Teacher, King, and High-Priest, Jesus Christ ; and manfully fight against and overcome sin, the devil, and his whole dominion, to the end that they may eternally praise and magnify Thee, and Thy Son Jesus Christ, together with the Holy Ghost, the One Only True God. Amen. 66 LITURGY. II. TO ADULT PERSONS. However, children of Christian parents, although they understand not this mystery, must be baptized, by virtue of the Covenant ; yet it is not lawful to baptize those who have come to years of discre- tion, except they first be sensible of their sins, and make confession both of their repentence and their faith in Christ. For this cause not only did John the Baptist preach, according: to the command of God, the baptism of repentance, and baptize for the remission of sin, those who confessed their sins, (Mark 1:4); but our Lord Jesus Christ also com- manded His disciples to teach all nations, and then to baptize them, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, adding this prom- ise: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." According to which rule the Apostles (Acts 2, 10, 16) baptized none who were of years of discre- tion, but such as made confession of their faith and repentance. Therefore it is not lawful now to bap- tize any other adult persons, than such as have been taught the mysteries of Holy Baptism by the preaching of the Gospel, and are able to give an account of their faith by the confession of the mouth. Since therefore you, , are also desirous of Holy Baptism, to the end it may be to you a seal of your engrafting into the Church of God : that it BAPTISM. 67 may appear that you* do not only receive the Chris- tian religion, in which you have been privately in- structed by us, and of which also you have made confession before us, but that you, through the grace of God, intend and purpose to lead a life according to the same ; you are sincerely to give answer before God and His Church: First. Dost thou believe in the Only True God, distinct in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Who hath made heaven and earth, and all that in them is, of nothing, and still maintains and governs them, insomuch that nothing comes to pass, either in heaven or on earth, without His divine will? Answer. Yes. Secondly. Dost thou believe that thou art con- ceived and born in sin, and therefore art a child o£ wrath by nature, wholly incapable of doing any good and prone to all evil ; and that thou hast fre- quently, both in thought, word, and deed, trans- gressed the commandments of the Lord ; and art thou heartily sorry for these sins? Answer. Yes. Thirdly. Dost thou believe that Christ, who is the True and Eternal God, and Very Man, who took His human nature on Him out of the flesh and blood of the Virgin Mary, is given thee of God, to * When persons who have been baptized in Infancy are also to be received to full communion, the Minister may here add : Together with you also who have been baptized in Infancy. 68 LITURGY. be thy Saviour ; and that thou dost receive, by this faith, remission of sins in His blood ; and that thou art made, by the power of the Holy Ghost, a member of Jesus Christ and of His Church? Answer. Yes. Fourthly. Dost thou assent to all the Articles of the Christian religion, as they are taught here in this Christian Church, according to the Word of God ; and purpose steadfastly to continue in the same doctrine to the end of thy life ; and also dost thou reject all heresies and schisms, repugnant to this doctrine, and promise to persevere in the com- munion of our Christian Church, not only in the hearing of the Word, but also in the use of the Lord's Supper? Answer, Yes. Fifthly. Hast thou taken a firm resolution always to lead a Christian life ; to forsake the world and its evil lusts, as is becoming the members of Christ and His Church ; and to submit thyself to all Chris- tian admonitions? Answer. Yes. The Good and Great God mercifully grant His grace and blessing to this thy purpose, through Jesus Christ. Amen. Then the Minister of God's Word, in baptizing, shall «ay : — , I baptize thee, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. thanksgiving. Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we give Thee most humble and t .arty thanks that Thou BAPTISM. 69 hast called us to the knowledge of Thy grace, u is in the holy mountains. 2. The Lord l^yeth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of jacob. 3. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O cky o! God. 4. I WILL MAKE MENTION OF RaHAB AND Babylon to them that know mf. : behold Philistia and Tyre, with Ethiopia : this man was born there. 5. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her : and the Highest Himself shall establish her. 6. The Lord shall count, when He writeth up the people that this man was born there. 7. As well the singers as the players on instru- ments shall be there : all my springs are in Thee. And from the Scriptures of the New Testament, shall be read : ist Epistle of PETER 2 : 1-9. I. WHEREFORE, laying aside all malice, and all LAYING OF A CORNER-STONE. 121 guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil- speakings, 2. As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby : 3. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gra cious : 4. To Whom coming, as unto a Living Stone, dis- allowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and pre- cious : 5. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sac rifices. acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 6. Wherefore also, it is contained in the scripture Behold, I lay in Sion a Chief Corner-stone, elect precious : and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded. 7. Unto you therefore which believe, He is pre- cious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the Head of the corner, 8. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of orience, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient ; whereunto also they were ap- pointed. 9. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priest- hood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath call ed you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Then, any men historical or descriptive document as may have been prepared to be deposited in the Corner-stone may be read, and the stone having been set in its place, the Minister, laying his hand upon It, or striking it thrice with a mallet, shall say: 1 23 LITURGY. I lay the Corner-stone of a house to be erected, and devoted to the service of Almighty God ; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus Christ. Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Then snail be repeated, in unison, the Apostle's Creed. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth ; And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord , who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried; He DESCENDED INTO HELL* ;THE THIRD DAY He ROSF AGAIN FROM THE DEAD ; HE ASCENDED INTO HEAV EN; AND SITTETH AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD the Father Almighty ; from thence He shall come to Judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints , the forgiveness of sins ; the resurrection of THE BODY; AND THE LIFE EVERLASTING. AMKN. After which may be sung a hymn. Then may follow an A D D R ESS. After which ihall be offered the concluding prayer : Blessed be Thy Name, O Lord, that it hath pleased Thee to put it into the hearts of Thy ser- • Instead c£ the word Hell may be used the word Hades. LAYING OF A CORNER STONE. I2 3 vants to commence the erection of a house, in which Thy Name is to be worshipped, the Glad Tidings of salvation proclaimed, and Thy Holy Sac- raments administered. Prosper them, O Lord, in this their undertaking. Keep and preserve by Thy providence unto the end, the work, which is now begun in Thy fear. Excite the skill and ani- mate the industry of the workmen. Shield them from accident and danger. And grant unto them, and unto all of us here present, the influences of Thy Divine Spirit, so that we may become in soul and body, living temples of the Holy Ghost, and be prepared for that eternal city which hath foun- dations, whose Builder and Maker is God. All which we ask through the abundant merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Our Father who art in heaven, Hal- lowed be Thy name : Thy kingdom come : Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven : glve us this day our daily bread : and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors: and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil : for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. a men. BENEDICTION. 124 LITURGY. XII. Office for the dedication of a house of worship. The mraal Order of Service for the Lord's Day having been observed until after the reading of the Commandments, the following Lessons from Holy Scrip- rare shall then be read . i. — From the Psalter The Minister and People reading responaively. Psalm XXIV. The earth ts the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and estab- lished IT UPON THE FLOODS. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord ? or who shall stand in His holy place ? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart ; who HATH NOT LIFTED UP HIS SOUL UNTO VANITY, NOR SWORN DECEITFULLY. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteous- ness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek Him, that ieek thy face, o jacob, selah, Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; and be ye lifted up, ye ever* tasting doors ; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong anu mighty, the lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; even lift them up, ye everlast* tag doors ; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory ? The Lord of hosts. H* is run King of Glory DEDICATION OF A HOUSE OP WORSHIP. 1 25 Psalm CXXXII. E. Lord, remember David, and all his aiHLtijnj : t. HOW HE SWARE UNTO THE LORD, AND VOWED UNTO THE MiGHTY GOD OF JACOB ; 3. Surely i will not come into the tabernacle of my house, not go up into rny bed ; 4. I WILL NOT GIVE SLEEP TO MINE EYES, OK SLUMBER TO MINE EYELIDS, 5. Until I find out a place for the Lord, a habitation tor the mighty God of Jacob. 6. LO, WE HEARD OF IT AT EPHRATAH : WE FOUND IT IN THE FIELDS OF THE WOOD. 7. We will go into His tabernacles ; we will worship at His footstool. 8. Arise, O Lord, into thy rest: thou, and the ark of Thy strength. 9. Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness ; and let Thy saints shout for joy. 10. For Thy servant David's sake turn not away The face of Thine Anointed. 11. The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David: He will noi turn from it ; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. 12. IF THY CHILDREN WILL KEEP MY COVENANT AND MY TESTIMONY THAT I SHALL TEACH THEM, THEIR CHILDREN SHALL ALSO SIT UPON THY THRONE FOR EVERMORE. 13. For the Lord hath chosen Zion ; He hath desired it fcr His habitation. 14. This is my rest for ever : here will I dwell FOR I HAVE DESIRED IT. 15. I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy hi./ poor with bread. 16. I WILL ALSO CLOTHE HER PRIESTS WITH SALVATION, AND HER SAINTS SHALL SHOUT ALOUD FOR JOY. 17. There will I make the horn of David to bud : I have or- dained a lamp for Mine anointed. 18. HIS ENEMIES WILL I CLOTHE WITH SHAME. BUT UPON HIMSELF SHALL HIS CROWN FLOURISH. 126 LITURGY. II.— From the Old Testament: Exod. 40: 17-38 ; or, 1 Kings, 9 : 1-9. III. — From the New Testament: Heb. 13 : 10-21 ; or, Rev. 21 : 10-27. Then the Minister shall say : Dearly Beloved in the Lord: God our Heavenly Father, having in His grace, which is in Jesus Christ our Lord, brought to its consumma- tion our work of preparing a house for His worship, and the honor of His Holy Name ; within whose walls His Holy Gospel is to be truly preached and His Holy Sacraments are to be faithfully adminis- tered ; we are now gathered in His Holy presence for the purpose of devoting it by a solemn act of worship to its proper and sacred use. I call upon you, therefore, to arise, and before the Lord, to unite in this act of dedication, confessing first, devoutly, our holy faith. The people uniting audibly with the Minister. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth ; And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord ; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost ; born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate ; was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell* the third day He rose again from the dead; He as- * Instead of the word Hell may be used the word Hades. DEDICATION OF HOUSE OF WORSHIP. 12' cended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of god the father almighty: from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. i believe in the holy ghost ; the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the resurrection of THE BODY ; AND THE LIFE EVERLASTING. AMEN. Then the Minister shall offer the PRAYER OF DEDICATION. The People uniting audibly in the responses, which are printed in small cant tals. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, Who art, and wast, and art to come, the whole earth is full of Thy.glory ! Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty ; for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine. Now, therefore, we thank Thee, O God, and praise Thy glorious Name. But who are we, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort ? For all things come oi Thee, and of Thine own do we give Thee. O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build Thee an house for Thine Holy Name, cometh of Thine hand and is all Thine own. Now behold, O Lord our God, and look unto this place where we are gathered in Thy Name ; and have respect to the prayer of Thy servants and to their supplication, to hearken unto the cry and 128 LITUkGY. the prayer that Thy servants pray before Thee this day, to take this house for Thine Own. Holy, Blessed, and Glorious Trinity, Three Per. sons in One God, To Thee we dedicate it. Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Our Father Who art in Heaven, To Thee we dedicate it. Son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father, Head of the Body, which is the Church ; Head over all things to the Church ; Prophet, Priest and King of Thy people, To Thee we dedicate it. God the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son; given to be our abiding Teacher, Sanctifier, and Comforter ; Lord and Giver of Life, To Thee we dedicate it. Arise, O Lord, into Thy rest, Thou and the ark of Thy strength. Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness, and let Thy people shout for joy. Put Thy Name in this place. Sanctify it by Thy presence and Thy constant abiding. Give power and efficacy to Thy Gospel preached in it, and Thy Sacraments administered in it. Let Thine eyes be opened towards it ; and hearken unto the supplications of Thy people when they pray in this place, and hear Thou in Heaven Thy dwelling- place, and when Thou hearest, forgive. And from this outer court of Thy Holy Sanctuary bring Thy people and their children into the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man ; the heaven- ly temple, of which the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are tiie light. We ask and offer all in the DEDICATION OF A HOUSE OF WORSHIP. T29 Name of Thy Son our Saviour, Who hath taught us to pray : Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done in earth. as it is in heaven: glve us this day our daily bread : and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; a.nd lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. amen. Then shall follow the usual Order of Service, beginning with the Hyma before the Sermon. 13O LITURCY. o XIII. FFICE FOR THE CONFIRMATION OF MAR- RIAGE. Our help is in the Name of the Lord Who made heaven and eartn. The Minister shall say to all present : Dearly Beloved, We are assembled, in the sight of God, to join to- gether this man and this woman in the bonds of Marriage : which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, confirmed by the .teaching of our Blessed Saviour, and compared by St. Paul to the mystical union which subsists be- tween Christ and His Church. Into this holy estate these two persons are come to be joined. Therefore, if any man can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined to- gether, let him now declare it, or else, hereafter, for ever hold his peace. And to those who come to be married : I charge you, each and both, as ye shall answer to Him Who will judge both quick and dead, if either CONFIRMATION OF MARRIAGE. 131 of you know any reason why ye may not lawfully be joined together in marriage, declare it now. For. be well assured that all those who are brought to- gether contrary to the Word of God, are not joined together of God, neither is their marriage lawful. If no sufficient impediment be alleged, the Minister shall say : Hear now what Holy Scripture doth teach, as touching the duty of husbands to their wives, and of wives to their husbands : Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. And, Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the Head of the Church. And He is the Saviour of the body. And again He saith, let the wife see that she reverence her hus- band. LET US PRAY. O Most Holy and Most Merciful Lord God ! we beseech Thee for these, Thy servant and handmaid, that they may, with a reverent trust in Thee, enter into the Covenant of Marriage, as they now propose, and truly keep all the vows which they are about to make, according to Thy Word. Grant this, O Father^ with the forgiveness of our sins, through Christ Thy Son. Amen. 132 LITURGY. Then the Minister shall bid the man and the woman join their right hands ; which being done, he shall say to the man : Dost thou, — , take this woman, , before God and these witnesses, to be thy wedded wife? The man shall answer, I DO. Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking every other, cleave to her only, so long as ye both shall live? The man shall answer, I WILL. To the woman : Dost thou, , take this man, , be- fore God and these witnesses, to be thy wedded husband ? The woman shall answer, I DO. Wilt thou love him, honor him, obey him, and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking every other, cleave to him only, so long as ye both shall live ? The woman shall answer, I WILL. Then, when a ring is used, the Minister shall guide the hand of the man to put the ring on the third finger of the woman's left hand, and holding it there, the man shall say, after the Minister : With this ring I thee wed ; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then, taking their clasped right hands in his hand, the Minister shall'say : Forasmuch as you, , and you, , have consented together, after God's Holy Ordi- nance of Marriage ; and have plighted your faith and truth to each other, in the presence of God and CONFIRMATION OF MARRIAGE. 133 of these witnesses ; and have confirmed the same by giving and receiving a ring ; now, therefore, I pro- nounce you husband and wife. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Whom, therefore, God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. LET US PRAY. O Faithful God, who keepest covenant and truth with them that love Thee, hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling-place, this marriage vow which Thy servant and handmaid have vowed before Thee. And grant unto them the grace of Thy Good Spirit, that with all fidelity they may observe and keep it ; walking together in Thy faith and fear ; being led by the Angel of Thy presence, and strengthened by Thy hand, until they come to the inheritance of the saints in light: through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who has commanded us to pray, saying: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven : glye us this day our daily bread : and forgive us our DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS : AND LEAD us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. amen. And the Minister shall pronounce over them this benediction : The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you always. Amen. IJ4 LITURGY. o XIV. FFICE FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD On entering the church, the Minister may use the following Sentences. Or, if all the services be performed at the house, he may begin with these Sen- tences. I am the Resurrection and the Life, saith the Lord ; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me, shall never die. None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself; for whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die unto the Lord : whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died and rose, and re- vived, that He might be Lord both of the dead and living. We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the Name of the Lord. Then may b« read, or chanted. PSALM XC. t. Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling-place ia all generations. BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 1 33 2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God. 3. Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. 4. For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. 5. Thou earnest them away as with a flood ; they are as a sleep : in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. 6. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up, in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. 7. For we are consumed by Thine anger, and by Thy wrath are we troubled. 8. Thou hast set our iniquities before Thee, our secret sins in the light of Thy countenance. 9. For all our days are passed away in Thy wrath : we spend our years as a tale that is told. 10. The days of our years are threescore years and ten ; and if by reason of strength they be four- score years, yet is their strength, labor and sorrow ; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 11. Who knoweth the power of Thine anger? even according to Thy fear, so is Thy wrath. 12. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Then the Minister shall Bay : Hear the Word of Ood as it ie written in the fifteenth chapter of St. Paul's first Epistle to the Corinthians, beginning with the thirty-fifth verse : But some man will say, How are the dead raised up ? and with what body do they come ? Thou fool, I36 LITURGY that which thou sowest is not quickened except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain ; it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain : But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh ; but there is ovit kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial : but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars ; for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in in- corruption ; It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory : it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritua, body. There is a natural body, and there is a spirit ual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul ; the last Adam was made a Quickening Spirit. Howbeit, that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural ; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy : the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy : and as is the Heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as wc have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the im- age of the Heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God ; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 137 Behold, I show you a mystery ; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump : for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mor- tal must put on immortality. So when this corrup- tible shall have put on incorruption, and this mor- tal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting ot death is sin ; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, Which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my be- loved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord ; forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. [for a child.] Hear the Gospel of our Saviour Jeaus Christ, in reference to little children. AND they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them ; and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and for- bid 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. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little 138 LITURGY. ones ; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven. For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? If a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the moun- tains and seeketh that which is gone astray ? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he re- joiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so, it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one 01 these little ones should perish. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple : and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more ; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters : and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. The Lord gave ; and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the Name of the Lord. After the reading of Holy Scripture the Minister shall say : Let us pray. Almighty and Most Merciful God, the conso- lation of the sorrowful, and the support of the weary, Who dost not willingly grieve or afflict the children of men ; look down in tender love and pity, we be- seech Thee, upon Thy servants, this bereaved BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 1 39 household, whose joy is turned into mourning; and according to the multitude of Thy mercies be pleased to uphold, strengthen, and comfort them, that they may not faint under Thy Fatherly chast- ening, but find in Thee their strength and refuge ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father who art in heaven, Hal- lowed be Thy Name: Thy kingdom come : Thy WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN : GlVE us this day our daily bread : and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors \ and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever. Amen. Then may follow an ADDRESS. After which the Minister shall say : -Let US pray. Almighty God, with Whom do live the spirits of those who depart hence in the Lord, and with Whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity ; we give Thee hearty thanks for the good examples of all those Thy servants, who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest from their labors. And we beseech Thee, that we, with all those who are departed in the true faith of Thy Holy Name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Thy eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O Thou Ever-Blessed Mediator, Who wast dead, but livest forever, of Whom the whole family 1 40 LITURGY. in heaven and earth is named, and Who hast knit all Thy saints in one communion unto life eternal, in that mystical Body of which Thou art the glorious and ever-living Head ; grant us grace so to follow Thy blessed saints, who have gone before us, in the faith and fellowship of Thy Holy Church, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which Thou hast prepared for all that love Thee, from the founda- tion of the world. Amen. O God, Whose days are without end, and Whose mercies cannot be numbered ; make us, we beseech Thee, deeply sensible of the shortness and uncer- tainty of human life ; and let Thy Holy Spirit lead us through this vale of misery, in holiness and right- eousness all the days of our lives : that when we shall have served Thee in our generation, we may be gathered unto our fathers, having the testimony of a good conscience ; in the communion of the Christian Church ; in the confidence of a certain faith ; in the comfort of a reasonable, religious, and holy hope ; in favor with Thee our God, and in perfect charity with the world : all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then standing near the coffin, or having reached the place of burial, the Minister will say : In the midst of life we are in death ! What helper shall we seek but Thee, O Lord, Who because of our sins art justly angry ! O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Com- passionate Saviour, Give us not over to bitter death ! BURIAL OF THE DEAD. I i Then, while the earth shall be cast upon the body by some standing by, the Min- ister will say : Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God to take out of this world the soul of our departed brother, we therefore commit his body to the ground ; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust ; looking for the general Resurrection in the last day, and the Life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ ; at Whose second coming in glorious majesty to judge the world, the earth and the sea shall give up their dead ; and the corrupti- ble boaies of those who sleep in Him shall be changed, and made like unto His glorious body ; according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God ; Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died, and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with Him. Let us pray. Almighty God, Who, by the death of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, hast destroyed death ; by His rest in the tomb hast sanctified the graves of the saints ; 142 LITURGY. and by His glorious resurrection hast brought life and immortality to light : receive, we beseech Thee, our unfeigned thanks for that victory over death and the grave, which He has obtained for us, and for all who sleep in Him ; and keep us in everlast- ing fellowship with all that wait for Thee on earth, and with all that are around Thee in heaven ; in union with Him who is the Resurrection and the Life ; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, Who, in Thy perfect wisdom and mercy, hast ended for Thy servants departed, the voyage of this troublous life ; grant, we beseech Thee, that we who are still to continue our course amidst earthly dangers, temp- tations, and troubles, may evermore be protected by Thy mercy ; and finally come to the haven of eternal salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with you all, evermore. Amen. Date Due ■jgn | ^^ 1 S|ljyMMlW8BBWW-f' n^Uff* 1 ' ..^•aitf 1 ^ ' ****»*: ******** MN^pWI I m 23 . f