scS ^=16^0^ f.f'l Pl/Kj&^V 1 ^ PRESBYTERIAN FORMS OF SERVICE ^ C S ~&l^Qf PRESBYTERIAN FORMS OF SERVICE ISSUED BY Zbc Devotional Service Hasocfatfon TM THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH EDINBURGH 18c EDINBURGH : ROBERT R. SUTHERLAND, PRINTER HADDINGTON PLACE WORKS. PRE FAC K. In issuing this Book the Devotional Service Asso- ciation desires to express the conviction that the conduct of Public Worship is a matter requiring much greater attention than the Church has hitherto given to it. While nothing could be more unde- ible than the imposition of a Liturgy, too much thought and care cannot be spent upon both the Structure and the expression of the Church's devo- tional servio ure that her worship shall be conducted in a seemly and edifying manner. The A ition is of opinion that the Church lu to take order that her Ministers shall be authoritatively guided in their solemn duties f the people's devotions. The United Presbyterian Church does indeed, in the Ba Union, acknowledge the Westminster 1);: Worship inpilation of excellent rule- but undoubtedly this venerable document ha be used Ide While the Church ha rupulous attention to the VI PREFACE. perfecting of " Rules and Forms " for the adminis- tration of the business of her Courts, she has left the still more important function of the conduct of public worship to be regulated by local use and wont, or according to individual taste and judg- ment. There is urgent need of a Directory adapted to present-day requirements ; and it is hoped that before long this want will be supplied. Meanwhile the Association trusts that the publication of these Forms of Service may lead to such reverent and earnest discussion as shall prepare the Supreme Court for wisely and effectually dealing with the whole subject. It scarcely requires to be said that the Forms here presented are not intended to be used liturgi- cally, but are offered merely as illustrations of the manner in which the various services may be appropriately conducted under the existing system of public worship in the United Presbyterian Church. Edinburgh, May 1891. CONTENTS PAGE Tables of Scripture Lessons for Divine Service,. i ences of Scripture for the Beginning of ttJC Worship, ..... 9 Order for Public Worship on the Lor: . 17 Morning Service, . . . . .19 Afternoon or Evening Service, . . . 2S Selected Collects, ..... 36 Order for the Administration of the Loi per, . . . . . -39 Another Order for the Administration or the Lor: per, . ,51 Order FOR THE BAPTISM OF INFANTS, . . . 57 thee Order for the Baptism 01 [nfan . 61 Order for THE ION OF BAPTIZED PERSONS TO ON, . . . .67 [*her Order for i he Admis Baptized Pi I tii. Communis >n, ; he ordina1 ion 01 a ml nisi i . 79 hie Ordination of Ei di . 85 N "i A CUUR< 11, . . 91 i Mauri. v . 99 105 i in 1 1 1 he Dead, . 11a I. General, , . . . • i«3 II. Death <>f an Infant, III. 1 >« .i'ii off Y* RDg Man 1 1 Woman, l\. Death a, . \ '. 1 )t .uh o( Inenl Piety, VI. A Sodd o Death, \ II. \ ( alamitom Death. TABLES OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOB MYIXK SERVICE ite that all th-- with the whole l>< SCRIPTURE LESSONS. TABLE OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR DIVINE SERVICE ON EACH LORD'S DAY THROUGHOUT ONE YEAR. DATE. MORNING SERVICE. EVENING SERVICE. 1st Lesson. 2nd Lesson. 1st Lesson. 2nd Lesson. I. Jan. 1 — 7 Gen. 1. and 2. i-3 John 1. 1-18 Job 1. and 2. 1-10 Acts 1. 2. „ 8-14 ,, 2. 4-25 Luke 1. 26-56 ,, 29. ,, 2. 1-21 3- ,, 15 — 21 11 3- ,, 2. 1-20 ,, 42. „ 2. 22-47 4- ,, 22 — 28 ,, 6. 9-22, & 7. 11-24 Matt. 2. Prov. 3. ,; 3* 5- ,, 29 Feb. 4 „ 8. John 1. 19-51 ,, 4- ,, 5- 1-32 6. Feb. 5 — 11 „ 9. 1-19 Matt. 3. ,, 8. ,, 8. 7- ,, 12 — 18 1, 11. i-9i & 12. 1-9 n 4- ii ii- ,, 9- 8. 11 19 — 25 ,, 18. 16-33, & 19. 15-28 John 2. n 15- ,, 10. 9- ,, 26 Mar. 3 ,, 22. 1-T9 Luke 4. 16-44 ,, 22 ,, t6. 9-40 IO. Mar. 4—10 ,1 27.41-46, and 28. „ 5. 1-26 Eccles.i. 12-18, and 2. Rom. 1. 1-25 ii. ,, 11 —17 „ 32. John 3. 1-21 ,, 5- ,, 5- 12. ,, 18 — 24 11 37- u 4- 1-42 ,, 11. 7-10, and 12. „ 6. 13- » 25 — 31 ,, 41. 14-57 Matt. 5. Isa. 1. 1-20 „ 8. 14. Apr. 1 — 7 „ 42. „ 6. ,, 6. ,, 12. 15- „ 8—14 „ 46. 1-7, & 47. 1-12 » 7« ,, n.andi2. 1 Cor. 1. 16. 11 15 — 21 „ 4 3. >> 9- J -34 ,, 25. and 26. 1-10 ,, 2. 17- „ 22 — 28 11 49- 28-33, and 50. 11 9- 35-38, and 10. ,, 35- ,, 3- x3. ,, 29 May 5 Exod. 2. 1-22 ,, ii- ,, 38. ,, 12. 19. May 6 — 12 „ 2. 23-25, and 3. ii 12. i-37 ,, 40- ,, 13. 20. i> 13 — 19 „ 4. 27-31, and 5. ,, 13- 1-30 ,, 42. ,, 15- 1-28, or 19-58 21. j, 20 — 26 ., 12. 1-36 ,, I3-3I-58 ,, 43- 2 Cor. 4. 22. „ 27 June 2 11 i4- 15-31, & 15. 1-2 1 ,, 14- I4-3 6 11 52. », 5- 23- June 3 — 9 1, 16. John 5. 19-47 ,, 55- ,, 6. and 7. 24. .,10 — 16 11 17- ,, 6. 35-59 „ 58. Gal. 5. 13-26, and 6. Eph. 1. 25- ,, 17 — 23 ,, S 2 . Matt. 16. ,, 60. 26. ,, 24 — 30 11 33- 17-23, & 34. 1-9, 29-35 ,, 17. ,, 6i.and62. 11 2. SCRIPTURE LET- TABLE OF SCRIPTURE LES OR DIVINE SERVICE ON D'S DAY THROUGHOUT ONE YEAR — contii: DA MORNING N N 5SRVICB. July 1 — 7 1st Lesson. • Lesson. 1st Les. Exod.40. Matt. 18. 1-20 ^3. and 64. Eph. 1, 8-14 . 20. 1 -1 3, 22-29, 1. 1-9 Luke 10. 2. n 4- 29. m 15 — 2» .6. John 7. 14-44 4- 30- 8. 17. » 30- Luke 10.. „ 31. 1-20, — II V -18 . 1. M 19 — 25 1 6. 20 •1 2' n 16. :. I. — 8 »4 H 9—15 25. • — 22 7- .. 1. 1 19. TZ* 9 * to. II. 4'. 1 — «3 6. 4 — 20 <4- 9- I —27 44- N ? 16. '7- : I — 17 47- — 24 7- . 48. M £ " y>- .. 9 — »5 5»- „ 16 —22 . — 29 53- II JO ;l SCRIPTURE LESSONS. TABLE OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR DIVINE SERVICE EACH LORD'S DAY THROUGHOUT TWO YEARS. FIRST YEAR. DATE. MORNING SERVICE. EVENING SERVICE. 1st Lesson. 2nd Lesson. 1st Lesson. 2nd Lesson. I. Jan. 1 — 7 Gen. 1. and 2. i-3 „ 2. 4-25 Matt. 2. Prov. 1. Acts 1. 2. „ 8-14 jj 3- jj 3- jj 2. 3- „ 15 — 21 jj 3> > 1 4- jj 4- jj 3- 4- „ 22 — 28 ,, 4. 1-16 >) 5. 1-20 j, 8. jj 4- 5- ,, 29 Feb. 4 „ 6. 9-22, & 7. 11-24 }5 5. 21-48 j j 10. j, 5- 6. Feb. 5 — 11 ,, 8. >J 6. j, i5- ,j 6. 7- ,, 12 — 18 „ 9. 1-19 5J 7- Eccles.i. 12-18, and 2. j, 8. 8. » i9 —25 ,, 11. 1-9, & 12. T-9 >> 8. jj 5- j, 9- 9- ,, 26 Mar. 3 „ 13. JJ 9- jj 7- jj 10. IO. Alar. 4 — 10 „ 15. JJ 10 jj ii- 7-iOj and 12. „ 11. ii. jj 11 — 17 ,, 17. ) J 11. Isa. 1. 1-20 jj 12. 12. ,, 18 — 24 ,, 18.16-33, & 19. 15-28 J5 12. 1-21 jj 2. jj 13- 13- jj 25 — 31 ,, 22. 1-19 5) 12. 22-50 jj 5- jj 14. 14. Apr. 1 — 7 „ 27. 1-40 J J 13- 1-30 „ 6. jj i5- 15. „ 8—14 ,. 27.41-46, and 28. >) 13- 31-58 ,, 8. 11-22, & 9. 1-7 jj 16. 16. >i 15 —21 j, 32. J> 14. ,, n.andi2. jj 17- 17. ,, 22 — 28 jj 37- JJ 15. »j 14- 3-27 ,j 18. 18. „ 29 May 5 ,, 40. J J 16. „ 25-,&26. 1-10 jj 19- 19. May 6 — 12 ,, 41. 14-57 JJ 17. „ 32. 1-8, and 33. j j 20. 20. jj 13 — 19 ,, 42. J J 18. jj 35- „ 21. 21. ,, 20 — 26 „ 45- J J 19. j j 4o- jj 23. 22. „ 27june 2 „ 46. i-7, & 47. 1-12 J J 20. jj 4i- „ 24.1,22- 27, and 25. 23. June 3 — 9 „ 48. JJ 21. 1-22 ,j 42. „ 26. 24. ,, 10 — 16 „ 49-28-33 5 and 50. )J 21. 23-46 ,, 43 .and44- i-5 jj 27. 2 5- » 17 — 23 Exod.2. 1-22 J J 22. ,, 44. 6-28 „ 28. 26. „ 24 — 30 „ 2. 23-25, and 3. ; j 23- jj 45- Rom. 1. 1-25 27. July 1 — 7 m 4- 27-3 1 j and 5. JJ 24. jj 49- jj 5- SCRIPTURE LESSOl TABLE OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR DIVINE SERVICI. EACH LORDS DAY THROUGHOUT TWO YEARS. FIRST \' EA K — continued. DATE. MORNING SERVK EVENING SERVK July 8 — 14 1st Lesson. 2nd Lesson. 1st Lesson. i Lesson. 28. !. 12. 1-36 .25. 51. 1-16, Kom. 6. . 1-12 29. ,, 15 — 21 I4.i5-3"i .1 26. 1-35 and 53. ., 8. 30. „ 22 — 28 16. 26. 36-75 »» 54- 3«- .. 2 >. 27. 1-31 32- Aug. 5 — 11 19. 17-25, 27. 32-66 . ..J15. and 58. i-i 33- — i3 .. 2 4 .and25. 1-22 „ 28. 1 Cor. 1. ♦, 19 — 25 „ 28. Mark 1. 60. 35- ,, 26 Sept. 1 » M 1 ,, 61. and 62. 36. l — 8 i^9, 29-35 3- ,, 63. and 64. 10, 3 Z' 1, 9—15 40. 4- .. 65. 38. „ l6 —22 t.6. 8-30 IM. I. I-IO, . 1-19 ..23—29 10. 6. 1-29 7. 1-28 5-58 4'- — 13 and 9. ; — TO 8. — 27 b. 6. if 2C 9-30-50 8. 45- . — IO 0-29 9- 46. — »7 ■ 30. 47- — 24 11. 1 20, 48. M 2< ! 49- •' 8. 50. — »5 ■ • 5«. — aa I* 5»- — 99 53- •• 30 — 3» ^34. 16. SCRIPTURE LESSONS. TABLE OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR DIVINE SERVICE EACH LORD'S DAY THROUGHOUT TWO YEARS. SECOND YEAR DATE. MORNING SERVICE. EVENING SERVICE. ist Lesson. 2nd Lesson. ist Lesson. 2nd Lesson. I. Jan. 1 — 7 1 Josh. 3. and 4. . 1-14 Luk i I. I-38 Prov. 16. Phil. 1. 2. ,, 8—14 » 5- 13-15, and 6. >j I. 39-80 55 20. 55 2. 3- » 15 — 21 ,, 7- ?> 2. I-20 ,, 22. 55 3- 4- ,, 22 — 28 M 23. >j 2. 21-52 55 25. 5, 4- 5- ,, 29 Feb. 4 ,, 24. >» 3. 1-22 55 27. Col. 1. 6. Feb. 5 — 11 Judg. 2. n 4- ,, 31. 10-31 55 2. 7- M 12 — 18 „ 6. »> 5- Ezek. 1. and 2. 55 3- and 4. 1-6 8. » 19 — 25 » 7- j> 6. ,, 8. and 9. 1 Thess. 4. - 9- ,, 26 Mar. 3 55 13- 5 » 7- ,5 10. 5- IO. Mar. 4 — 10 n 16. 4-31 jj 8. 1-25 ,5 14. 2 Thess. 1. ii. >, 11 — 17 Ruth 1. »3 8. 26-56 5, 20. 27-44 3- 12. ,, 18 — 24 1 Sam. 3. 5> 9. 1-27 „ 28. 1 Tim. 1. and 2. 1-7. i3- n 25 — 31 55 4- }J 9. 28-62 5, 33- 1-20 55 6. 14. Apr. 1 — 7 „ 9. 15-27, & 10. 1-13 J, 10. 55 34- 2 Tim. 1. 15- „ 8—14 „ i5- >} 11. 1-28 55 36. 1-7, 21-38 55 2. 16. » is — 21 „ 16. 55 11. 29-54 55 37- i-i4 Titus 2. and 3. 1-9. 17- „ 22 — 28 ,, 17- i-io> 32-58 >> 12. 1-34 55 47- 1-12 Philemon. 18. ,, 29 May 5 » 26. 55 12. 35-59 Dan. 1. Heb. 1. and 2. 19. May 6 — 12 2 Sam. 1. 55 i3- 5, 2. ,5 3- 12-195 and 4. 20. ,, 13 — 19 55 7- 55 14. 55 3- „ 6. 21. ,, 20 — 26 „ 12. 1-23 55 15- ,5 4- „ 8. 22. „ 27june2 „ 15- J5 16. 55 5' 55 9- 23. Junes — 9 „ 17. 55 17- „ 6. 55 io- 24. ,, 10 — 16 „ 18. 55 18. 5, 7- 55 ii- 25- >> 17 — 2 3 'A, I9> „ 19. „ 8. „ 12. 26. ,,24 —30 1 Chron. 29. 55 20. 55 9- , 5, 13. 27. July 1 — 7 iKingS3. 1-15 55 21. ,, 10. and 1 2. James 1. SCRIPTURE LEi TABLE Ol SCRIPTURE I 1 OR DIVINE SERVICE :>•> DAY THROUGHOUT TWO VI seo »ni ) vka: DATE. MORNING : July 3-14 1st Lesson. 2nd Lesson. 28. ^s 8.22-61 22. 1-38 Janu 1-6 29- 11 15 — 21 12. y-7i an<: 30- — 28 >-34» »4- . 1. 3'- 11 *9 Joe! Aug. 5 — 11 19. John 33- — 18 4- 34- M 19 —25 : 37 11 5- 35- 11 2^ », 5- »> 4- 36. — 8 d 7. i> 5- »d 4 . 37- ,i 9 — ! 5 6.I-34 b& 38. „ 16 — 22 6.3 3< 39- — 29 17- 7- 40- „ 18. 37, and 19. >i 8. 1- 5- 4»- } — *3 20. 9- ; — 20 10. 43- — 27 ss- 1 I. : 44- it 2 . — IO 1 46. — 17 M- 47- • 1 ll 8. 43. 1. *: cr 5. 9-14, 16. 49- Dec. 2 — 8 5°- t. 9—«5 18. 5>- 9* •1. 11 aa — 29 • 1 20. •i 3° 8 SCRIPTURE LESSONS. SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. New Year's Day. Deut. ii : Ps. 91 : Isa. 40: Hab. 2,. or Hab. 3. Mat. 5. 1-16: Mat. 25. 14-30 : John 15: Rom. 12: 1 Thess. 5: 2 Pet. 1 : Rev. 3. C/fotf of the Year. Dent. 8 : Ps. 90 : Ps. 103 : Eccl. 9. Mat. 24. 36-51, and 25. 1-13 : Rom. 8. 16-39: 2 Pet. 3 : Rev. 22. Commemoration of the Birth of Christ. Isa. 7. 10-16: Isa. 9. 2-7: Isa. II. 1-10, and Isa. 12: Mic. 4, and 5. 1-4. Luke 2. 1-20: John 1. 1-18 : Mat. 2 : Heb. 2. Commemoration of the Crucifixion. Ps. 22 : Isa. 52. 13-15, and 53 : Dan. 9. 20-27 : Gen. 22. 1-19. Mar. 15. 1-41 : John 19. 1-30 : Rom. 5: Phil. 2. I-II : Heb. 10. 1-25. Commemoration of the Resurrection* Ps. 16 : Ps. 118: Isa. 25. 1-9, and 26. 1-4: Jonah 1. 17, and 2. Mat. 28 : Luke 24. 1-35 : John 20 : Rom. 6 : Rom. 8. 1-23 : Col. 3. I-17 : Rev. 1. Th anksg ivingfor Ha rz 'est. Deut. 8 : Deut. 26 : Deut. 28. 1-14 : Ps. 65 : Ps. 145 : IIos. 2. 6-23. Mat. 13. 1-43 : John 4. 31-38 : John 6. 1-14, and 22-35 : J omi I 5- 1-16 : 2 Cor. 9. Missionary Services. Ps. 2 : Ps. 45 : Ps. 67 : Ps. 72 : Ps. 98 : Isa. 2 : Isa. 35 : Isa. 42. 1-17 : Isa. 49: Isa. 60: Isa. 61: Isa. 66. 5-24: Jer. 33: Ezek. 47. 1-12 : Jonah 3 and 4: Zeph. 3: Zech. 8. 20-23, and 9. Mat. 9. 35-38, and 10: Mat. 28: John 4. 1-42 : John 17 : Acts 10 : Acts 14 : Acts 16. 6-40 : Rom. 10: Eph. 2 : Eph. 3 : Rev. 7. Meeting of Church Courts. Ps. 48 : Ps. 84 : Ps. 87 : Ps. 122 : Ps. 132 : Ps. 133 : Isa. 6 : Isa. 61 : IJzek. 33. 1-20: Ezek. 34: Mai. 2. 1-7. John 10. 1-18: John 13. 1-20: John 20. 19-23, and 21. 15-19? Acts 20. 1-38: Rom. 12: 1 Cor. 3: I Cor. 12: 2 Cor. 6: Eph. 4. 1- 16 : I Tim. 3 : 2 Tim. 4. NTENCES OF SCRIPTURE FOR THE BEGINNING OF PUBLIC WORSHIP. I. Draw nigh to (iod, and He will draw n Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be < have mercy upon you: for the Lord : * »d of j ment : blessed are all they that wait : : 1 1:m. Our soul waitcth for the Lord: He is our and our Shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, 1 we have trusted in His holj Name. II. The and a contrite heart, < I I We have not an High Priest wh with the feelin ir infirmities \ bul tempted like as m unto the thn obtain mercy, and p in dm HI : thi I IO SCRIPTURE SENTENCES. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after • that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple. Thou, O Lord, art in the midst of us, and we are called by Thy Name ; leave us not. IV. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise : be thank- ful unto Him, and bless His Name. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound : they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance. In Thy Name shall they rejoice all the day : and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted. As for me, I will come into Thy house in the multitude of Thy mercy : and in Thy fear will I worship toward Thy holy temple. V. Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion ; remember all thy offerings and accept thy sacrifice. Lord, open Thou my lips ; and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. VI. Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill : for the Lord our God is holy. Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God. 1 will wash mine hands in innocency : so will I RIPTUR] II compass Thine altar, O Lord : that I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Thy wondrous works. VII. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto H bring an offering, and come into His courts. Who shall -ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath cl( hands, and a pure heart ; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the g from the Lord, and righteousness from the ( of his salvation. Blessed is the man whom Thou ( pproach unto I bat he may dwell in Thy COU we shall be satisfied with ti f Thy he even of Thy holy tein XIII. How dreadful is thi s! Tins is none other I the hoi. and this is th< G in the be had in reveft I all thei about Him. ip the Lord in the beauty of holi before Him, all the earth. I dwell in >[\\\ p: in Thee ; in w n. i I rly will 1 12 SCRIPTURE SENTENCES. my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh longeth for Thee in a dry and thirsty land, ...where no water is ; to see Thy power and Thy glory, so as I have seen Thee in the sanctuary. " We will go into His tabernacles ; we will worship at His footstool.. Arise, O Lord, into Thy rest ; Thou, and the ark of Thy strength. Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness ; and let Thy saints shout for joy. X. The Lord is in His holy temple ; let all the earth keep silence before Him. God that made the world, and all things therein, dwelleth not in temples made with hands ; neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed any- thing. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you ? Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, accept- able to God by Jesus Christ. XL Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of My covenant ; even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer. They shall call upon My Name, and I will hear them : I will say, It is My people ; and they shall say, The Lord is my God. SCRIPTURE SENTENC I 3 XII. MORNING. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord ; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up. For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light shall we see light. XIII. EVENING. liehold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which by night stand in the house of the Lord, Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. It is a good thir._ ,e thanks unto the Lord, and to 1 by name. () Most II shew forth Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithful: every night. Let my prayer be and the lifting up of my hands as the even rifice. XIV. rhere a river, th< ms whereof shall ma! the i 1, the holy pL : -.lie tab : I And it shall be in that day, that livii out from )' ra. A: hall live whither the :h. hall bfc and all th< ball Him. T4 SCRIPTURE SENTENCES. XV. A COMMUNION SERVICE. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. Jesus loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith. XVI. A SERVICE OF HUMILIATION. Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God : for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart ; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that He have mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us. I will hear what God the Lord will speak : for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints : but let them not turn again to folly. Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him ; that glory may dwell in our land. XVII. A UNITED SERVICE. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! There shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the RIPTUR] 15 mount Ephraim shall cry. Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the Lord our God Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord : and their soul shall he i watered garden ; and they shall not sorrow any more at all. O house of Jacob, coi: and let us walk in the light of the Lord. If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another ; and the blood of I rist His S<»n cleanseth us from all sin. XVIII. ./ CHRISTMAS SERV1 Heboid, I brin^ :vat joy, * shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in dour, which is Christ th Unto ii ild is born, urn ^ .en: and the government shall be upon His shoulder ; and His name shall be called Wonderful. . the EVince of Pea I be the Lord r 1 [e hath visited and redeem ill . m\ hath raised up an hom of salvat i the 1 .ant Dai XIX. ./ !. I n <>ur dwell!' the raounl rth, md the 1 6 SCRIPTURE SENTENCES. day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. This God is our God for ever and ever ; He will be our guide even unto death. I am continually with Thee ; Thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. XX. AN EASTER SERVICE. Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more ; death hath no more dominion over Him. For in that He died, He died unto sin once : but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. XXI. A HARVEST SERVICE. The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. Thou crownest the year with Thy goodness ; and Thy paths drop fatness. The eyes of all wait upon Thee \ and Thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men ! ORDER FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP ON THE LORDS DAY. Orfrcr of Service. i. /".- Min oi Envocation .- ■•• Mir. pray; and the Congregation .en. r aim or i invocation % or t '.' /// th lures, in the i . : , at the — ; «.r, in , l8 PUBLIC WORSHIP. -, at the verse : and at the close. The Lord bless to us the reading of His holy Word. 8. Then shall be offered A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession ; following immediately upon which the Choir and Congregation shall say or chant The Lord's Prayer, and afterwards bow for a few moments in Silent Prayer* 9. A Psalm or Hymn of a praiseful character shall next be sung. 10. The Minister may then offer a brief Prayer for Illumin- ation. 11. After this The Discourse shall be delivered. 12. A Psalm or Hymn appropriate to the Discourse may next be sting. 13. Then shall follow a short Prayer, 14. A Dismission Hymn or D oxo logy, and 15. Tfie Benediction. * When the Offering for the support of ordinances forms a part of the Service, it may appropriately be taken between No. 8 and No. 9. MORNING SERVICE. 1 9 MORXIXG SERVICE. This is the day which the Lord hath made : we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, we beseech T; ( ) Lord : O Lord, we beseech Thee, -end now prosperity. We will lift up our eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh our help. Our help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. come, let us worship and bow down: let us kn before the Lord our Maker. prav>cr of invocation. O Thou that slumberest not nor 5] . we U Thee that Thou hast watched over us during the n that is past, and brought us this day into Thy hous prayer. Be in the midst of us, we humbly beseech T ire met together for Thy irorship. Cause feel that though sin had put us far from Thee, yet in Thou hast mercifully made us nigh. real Thyself in cording to Thy prom and grant us such a vision of Thy glory as shall constrain us t I :her than the house ofGod, and ven I rhOU this day <>ur Teacher and Comforter ; and be to visit us with ti ;>irit that, in waiting upon Thee, we shall be qui- en and edified, to the end that ire may bl 1 fruit abundantly to tin through J lrist our Lord. Ami 20 PUBLIC WORSHIP. prater of Confession anD Supplication. Almighty God, we bless Thee that Thou hast revealed to us not only Thy greatness and majesty, but also Thy tenderness and love. Though Thou art the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose Name is Holy, yet Thou dwellest with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Like as a father pitieth his children, so Thou dost pity them that fear Thee ; for Thou knowest our frame, Thou rememberest that we are dust. Mercifully regard us, we beseech Thee, as with penitent heart we come into Thy holy presence to make confession of our iniquities. We acknowledge with shame of face that our offences are grievous, and the number of them is very great. We have sinned against Thee by thoughts of vanity and words of folly, by unholy feelings and rebellious acts. We have wilfully done that which Thou hast forbidden, and have selfishly omitted that which Thou hast commanded. We confess all before Thee — our open transgressions and our secret faults, our sins remembered and our sins forgotten : we humble ourselves in the dust because of 'them, and we entreat Thee to have mercy upon us. Most gracious God, who hast said that if we confess our sins Thou art faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, pardon, we beseech Thee, all that is past ; confirm and strengthen us in all goodness for the time to come : and let the peace of Thy forgiveness ever keep our hearts and minds, that we may henceforth walk before Thee unto all pleasing, through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Amen.] MORNING SERVICE. 2 1 Almighty God our Heavenly Father, who hast commanded us in everything by prayer and supplication to make our requests known unto Thee, be pleased to impart to us the strength that we need for the faithful performance of our duty. Inspire us with a sincere desire to glorify Thee in all the labours of our hands, and by all the thoughts of our hearts : and grant that we, seeking first the kingdom of (iod and His righteousn may ever be found not only diligent in business, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Enable US by Thy Holy Spirit to make manifest the godliness in our daily live-. Teach us to be true and pure, and valiant in the defence of all thi: right : yea, make us willing to be persecuted for righteous- sake. Strengthen us evermore by Thy grace, that we, resisting all denial of our convictions and all sinful ion, may in the good fight be faithful unto death, and at last receive the crown of eternal life. O God, who hast sent Thy Son to be the pattern of our lives, as well as the propitiation for our sins, grant that the same mind may be in us which was also in Him. Make us meek in heart, and pure in motive, and ei ius in our Father's bus: Deliver us from all selfishness and iteousne&j and hath kn we love one another with that 1 which is the fulfilling of the law, that all men may ki. that 1 1 d ( » Thou l our souls, who hast quickened us from the death Oi id brought us from darkness unto light, it that the good work which has b in in u be performed until the da . Chri • I I Ad us upward and onward : strength, and from glory t This we pray, that I 22 PUBLIC WORSHIP. love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment ; that we may approve things that are excellent; that we may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. Almighty God, the Fountain of all good, grant us grace, we beseech Thee, to realize our need of Thee, and our constant dependence upon Thee. Thou hast been the dwelling-place of Thy people in all generations. Our fathers in their pilgrimage walked by Thy guidance, and rested on Thy compassion. Still to us their children be Thou the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night. In our manifold wanderings be Thou ever near us ; in sorrow let Thy pity revive our fainting souls ; in prosperity let Thy Spirit wean us from pride and keep us humble ; and when flesh and heart faileth, be Thou the Strength of our heart and our Portion for ever. Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto Thee, bless us in our fellowship one with another, so that our meeting may be a true communion of saints. Enable us, in our worship of Thee the Father of all, to feel that we are members of the one great brotherhood of believers; and may all who worship in Thy house to-day have a place at last in the general assembly and Church of the first-born, and join in the worship of the saints before the throne who serve Thee day and night in Thy temple. Now unto Him that is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. morning service. 23 Reading from the Old Testament. Praise — Prose Psalm, or Scripture Sent: R: from the New KENT. prater of Cbanhsiiiviiui Mlfc }tttcrce00t pitiful Saviour, r and i)' ::d lor the widow and the Orphan. Have Compassion on the ignorant, and on them thai out of the way. Look in mercy upon the fallen and the ml upon all who 1 taken l .ten the irly days. \\'e nippl the weak, guidan the perpfc or for the tein .it the the . we p: 1 the 26 PUBLIC WORSHIP. holy catholic Church, that all who call themselves Christians may be built up in their most holy faith, and that Thy Church everywhere may be more faithful to its heavenly mission in the world. Hear us for Thy cause in distant parts of the earth. Remember in mercy Thine ancient people the Jews, and grant that the veil of unbe- lief may be taken away from their hearts. May the heathen be turned from their idols to serve the living and true God. Let Satan's kingdom be destroyed, and the kingdom of glory be hastened. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. And blessed be His glorious name for ever ; and let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen. The Lord's Prayer — By the Congregation. Pause for Silent Prayer. Praise — Psalm or Hymn. prater for illumination. Almighty God, who hast put us in trust of the Gospel of Christ, let that Gospel come to us this day not in word only, but in power, and in much assurance, and in the Holy Ghost. Be pleased to grant that in Thy light we may see light. Sanctify us through Thy truth ; Thy Word is truth. Let the memory of Christ's love be an inspira- tion to our souls. Excite within us a greater love to Him who first loved us, and so order our conversation that we shall henceforth live not unto ourselves, but unto Him who died for us and rose again. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. MORNING SERVICE. 27 Zbc Discourse, Praise — Psalm or Hymn. prav>cr. Almighty and most merciful God, who hast sounded in our ears Thy divine and saving oracles : enlighten our minds to the full understanding of what has been spoken, that we may not only be hearers of good words but doers >od works, following after faith unfeigned, with blame- life and conduct without reproach, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Now unto the (iod of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, be glory and dominion for ever and ever. A mix. Praise — DoxoL Zbc SeneMctfofL The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the loi I, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with 1 28 PUBLIC WORSHIP. AFTERNOON OR EVENING SERVICE. How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts ! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord ; my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house : they will be still praising Thee. Praise waiteth for Thee, O God, in Zion : and unto Thee shall the vow be performed. O Thou that hearest prayer, unto Thee shall all flesh come. J^h^j^/'^*^!^^ 1 ^ IPra^er of invocation. O Lord God, who lovest the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob, and who art ever nigh unto them that call upon Thee in truth, be Thou merciful unto us, we beseech Thee, and make us joyful in Thy house of prayer. We bless Thee that Thou hast conse- crated for us a new and living way, and that with bold- ness we may enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. We entreat Thee, for His sake, to receive us graciously, and to visit us with Thy salvation. Be pleased to shed down Thy Holy Spirit on all who are here assembled, that being cleansed from sin, and illumined by Thy grace, we may worthily shew forth Thy praise, meekly learn Thy Word, render due thanks for Thy mercies, and obtain a gracious answer to our prayers, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Praise — Metrical Psalm or Hymn. prater of Confession anfc Supplication. O God, who dwellest in light that is inaccessible and AFTERNOON OR EVENING SERVICE. 29 full of glory, whom no eye hath seen nor can see, but who dost reveal Thyself to faithful hearts, enable us, we beseech Thee, to draw nigh unto Thee with reverence and godly fear, that we may see Thy power and glory so as we have seen Thee in the sanctuary, and may, by vision of the infinite purity, be made ourselves m pure, and by experience of the Divine mercy be made ourselves more merciful. O Thou, whose sacrifices are a broken spirit, and who wilt not despise a contrite heart, be pleased mercifully to receive us, as we now come in penitence to Thy footstool and make confession of our sin. We acknowledge that we are unworthy to stand in Thy presence, or to take Thy holy Name into our lips. We. with our lathers, have trail d Thy holy covenant. We have sinned against Thee in thought, and word, and l\l\:(]. We have been distrustful, impatient, and uncharitable. We have been disobedient, worldly, and selfish. We have been foq ful of Thy holy commandment, insensible to Thj dless of Thy promise upon lis. () l. ur d, and for Thy N sake pardon our iniquity, for it is great. We do not eek to palliat uilt, or to virtu We feel ourselves lltOgether as an unclean thin I But look up humbly to Thee, our Father, who hast revealed to US the infinite depth of Thy companion in the life our 1 We in the .n <»t 1 I and in the >i' 1 1 i^ sacrifi Foe H . when rhou I nily penitent ; and grant that. humbled b hand, and br<» 3° PUBLIC WORSHIP. watch against temptation, and be so helped and strength- ened by Thy favour, as hereafter to serve and please Thee, in newness of life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Amen.] God of all grace, who hast taught us to be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to make our requests known unto Thee, stretch out Thy hand full of blessings, and supply our wants out of Thine infinite riches. Bestow upon us, Thy children, the good gift of Thy Holy Spirit, that we, receiving through Him the blessed assurance of our forgiveness and acceptance, may have Thy peace in our hearts, and may know 7 that joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ which is better than any earthly good. Hold up our goings in Thy paths, that our footsteps slip not, and guide us evermore in the way of Thy precepts. Help us to resist the devil, to overcome the world, and to serve Thee in our day and generation. Give us courage to confess Christ always, and grant that by Thy strength we may endure in His service unto the end; that, having finished our course with joy, w r e may rest in hope, and finally attain to the resurrection of the just, through Thine infinite grace and mercy. O our God, who wilt make perfect that which concern- eth Thy people, inspire us, we beseech Thee, with faith and patience, that in the work of our daily life and in the common duties of our calling w r e may still seek our good in Thee, and may ever find our purest joy in denying ourselves for the good of others. Enable us so to abound in hope through the power of Thy Spirit that we shall strive continually after a pure and perfect life, and labour earnestly for the well-being of men and for the establishment of Thy kingdom in the earth. Suffer us AFTERNOON OR J. .RVICE. 31 not to be cast down by our failures ; let us not fall into unbelief of Thy promises ; but, strong in the faith of Christ's appearing, may we continue steadfast and un- moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. O Lord our God, whose presence is light to them that are in darkness and comfort to them that are in sorrow, help us to see Thee alike in the joy of life and in dreary discipline. May we learn the uses of sorrow and the ministry of pain. O send out Thy light and Thy truth, that the mystery of our life may lose itself in the radiance of Thy love. US early with Thy mercy, O Lord ; and let us feel that behind the dark things of time there is the clear shining of Thy peri day. Now our Lord Himself, and God, even our Lather, who hath loved us and hath given us ever- lasting consolation and good hope through gra- tort our hearts, and stablish us in every ^>ol\ word and work. The v( God of 1 sanctify us wholly; and we pra;. our whole spirit and soul and body be pre- red blameless unto the coining of our Lord J< Christ A Rj 1 >m mi. Old Testament. use Prosi 1 Scriptun Ri KDU [HI N « 1 ■ 5TAMENT. preset ol Chanhruiviiu-i ant) JtttcrciMtott O Lord, oj i n our lips j and our mouth shall rth Tin wv rend i thanlu ant D and unknown. Thou 1. 32 PUBLIC WORSHIP. us in Thine image, formed us for Thy service, and lovingly guarded us all through life. We rejoice to celebrate Thine infinite goodness, and Thine unspeakable love. Bless the Lord, O our souls ; and all that is within us, bless His holy Name. Bless the Lord, O our souls, and forget not all His benefits : who forgiveth all our iniquities : who healeth all our diseases ; who redeemeth our life from destruction ; who crowneth us with loving- kindness and tender mercies. -, We thank Thee, most gracious God and Father, that r*t Thou hast given us a revelation of Thy character and will, and hast made known to us the way of salva- tion. We bless Thee for the sure word of prophe cy, r^^ which is as a light shining in a dark place, revealing to us Thy kingdom of eternal peace, and the way of pardon and reconciliation. Especially do we thank Thee for the gift of Thy Son Christ Jesus, who is the brightness of Thy glory, and the express image of Thy person, and in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead. We bless Thee for His holy incar nation, for His perfect life on earth, and for His precious sufferings and death upon the cross. We rejoice that when He had overcome the sharpness of death, He opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may find in His work a complete salvation, and in Himself the full satisfaction of all our wants. O God, who hast said of Zion, T his is My rest, here will I dwell, for I have desired it, we praise Thee for the institution of the Christian Church, with its ministry and ordinances ; and we beseech Thee to bless abundantly all the means of grace. Clothe Thy Church with beauty and power • and enable her more and more to fulfil her Divine mission in the world. AFTERNOON OR EVENING SERVICE. 33 Cod of all grace, whose inspiration giveth understand- ing, we thank Thee for all wise u . and for all good men. For the glorious company of the Apostles, for the goodly fellowship of the Prophets, and for the noble army of Martyrs, we praise and magnify Thy Name. With s heartfelt gratitude we remember all \ lives have made this world purer and holier. We praise Thee for all whom Thou hast gathered into the Church on earth, and for all whom Thou hast called to the Church in hea\ Giant, Divine Father, that we may be found at the in the happy company of those to whom an entra: shall be ministered abundantly into Thy kingdom in ry, through Jesus Christ < ur Lord [Am . Almighty (iod, who d< that all men should be 'Klt m AJ <1, and COme to the knowledge of the truth, b!e>s, we ^f^-^f 1 ech Thee, the preaching of the Gospel in all the Churches of the saints, and throughout the wl. rid. Suffer not Thy Word to return unto Thee void, but pltsfa that which Thou pk nd to prosper in the thing whereto Thou hast sent it. all mil: nd missionaries, all nd arers in Thy Church, and all who . ^advance Thy- Join in the world. We 1m to renumber in merc\ all our 1 men wl in dark id in I : death. I I by way to be known 14)011 earth, and Thy health ai ns. Let the people 1 : let all tin 1 lity. i p their children in the nurture and admonit urn up in their youth ; and iei an me people praise 1 in . the in 1 of V /lit* in, and to all wh< ht 34 PUBLIC WORSHIP. daughters as corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a palace. We humbly beseech Thee to bless this congregation of Thy people. May those whom Thou hast appointed to minister unto them in holy things take heed to themselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood ; that, when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, they may receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Gracious Father, be Thou pleased in pity and compas- sion to remember the sick, the infirm, those departing this life, and those who are mourning the loss of friends. Help all such in their weakness and sorrow to cleave to Him who is the strength and consolation of His people, and who says to them, Let not your heart be troubled. Visit in Thy mercy such as have erred and strayed from the right path ; quicken those who are dead in trespasses and sins ; restore them that are penitent. Hasten the time, we beseech Thee, when all men shall know Thee, from the least to the greatest, and when the whole earth shall be filled with Thy glory. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. The Lord's Prayer — By the Congregation. Pause for Silent Prayer. Praise — Psalm or Hymn. jprager tot Jllununation. Most gracious God, our Heavenly Father, in whom alone dwelleth all fulness of light and wisdom, illuminate .'ERNOON OR EVENING SERVICE. our minds, we beseech Thee, by Thy Holy Spirit, in the true understanding of Thy Word. Give us grace that we may re it with reverence and humility unfeigned. May it lead us to put our whole trust in Thee alone ; and and honour . that we may glorify Thy holy Name, and edify our neighbours by a good example. We a>k this for t: of our Lord and Saviour J.. Christ Ami Zbc 8H0COOT* Praise — Psalm n. praxvr. Almight) mr Heavenly Father five thanks unt lie for that Thy holy M wh; \ we . that we may alwj I the \V< and not hearers only. Imprc ar hearts the II which we have now been raedital that, lib :i in a -oil, they may bring forth fruit abundantly to Thy praise, through J< rd. Non 'into Him that is able itly think, that worketh in lis, unto Him t> in the I »rld without l\k\. Ami Che Benediction* I and tin : h ith ■ SELECTED COLLECTS. O Lord, our Heavenly Father, Almighty and Everlast- ing God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day ; defend us in the same with Thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger ; but that all our doings may be ordered by Thy governance, to do always that which is righteous in Thy sight : through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God, who givest us not only the day for labour and the night for rest, but also the peace of this blessed day ; grant, we beseech Thee, that this season of holy quiet may be profitable to us in heavenly things, and refresh and strengthen us to finish the work which Thou hast given us to do. Amen. Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy Name : through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty God, the Fountain of all wisdom, who knowest our necessities before we ask, and our ignorance SELECTED COLLECTS. 37 in asking : we beseech Thee to have compassion on our infirmities, and those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask, vouch- ee us in the fulness of Thy love and grace, which Thou hast made known to us : through Jesus Christ our Lord. Am in. Prevent us, O (iod, in all our doings, with Thy most vour, and further us with Thy continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy Name, and finally by Thy mercy obtain everlasting life : through Jesus Christ our i. Amen. Almighty ( iod, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto Thee: and dost promise, that when two or three are gathered her in Thy Name, Thou wilt grant their reqi fulfil now, Lord, the desires and petition may be most expedient for them ; granting us in this world knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to tome life everlasting. Am d, who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful pie by sending to then the light (4 rh I brit, it unto us by the I have a right under- standinj o! I ..-. truth; visit, we pray Thee, this >n with Thy love and favour ; enlighten their minds more and more with the light of the in their hearts truth ; increase 38 SELECTED COLLECTS. in them true religion ; nourish them with all goodness, and of Thy great mercy keep them in the same ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Rest upon us, O Spirit of wisdom, and deliver us from error and self-delusion, and guide us into eternal truth. Rest upon us, O Spirit of holy fear, and keep us in watchfulness and prayer, that we may not heedlessly stumble, or fall into wilful sin. Rest upon us, O Spirit of love, and chase all unrighteous anger, all bitterness and envy and evil grudges from our hearts. O Holy Spirit, be Thou our Comforter in trial, when the billows go over our heads ; be our Strength in the hour of weakness, our Peace in trouble and strife, the Sanctifier of all our work and all our joy. Our hearts lie open before Thee. Come to them, Lord, and make them Thy temple and Thy dwelling-place ; and grant that we may behold, with hope and joy, the dawning of that light which shall shine more and more unto the perfect day. Amen. ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. Or^cr of Service. Preparation and Instruction. i. Introductory Sentences of Scripture. 2. Pttlm Of Hymn Introduct 3. Prayer for G> 4. Reading of Scrip! 5. Pyrin) or Hymn referring to Ci 6. I're-Communion Add] The Com m in: 7. The Wor 8. / tic Pmytr the Co: ruling by the the H< and Uncovering of the F.letia IO. Communion Hymn. rihution. 12. I up % and Distributi l 14. Exbortati ion and lute hiding Hymn. 17. - Communion follow immediately »on, Not. i-<5 of the ftbo>> 40 THE LORD'S SUPPER. The Co7igregation being assembled, the Minister may begin the Service by reciting some suitable sentences of Holy Scripture, such as — Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us : therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock : if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. Then may be sting an introductory Psalm or Hymn, such as — Ps. 23: Ps. 36. 5-10: Ps. 43. 3-5 : Ps. 63. 1-5 : Ps. 100: Ps. 118. 19 and 26-29: Ps. 132. 7-10: Par. 2: Hy. 74 : Hy. 221. Thereafter the Minister shall offer a Prayer for Grace and Preparation. Ipra^er for ©race. Eternal and ever-loving Lord, who hast in the holy Supper made for Thy people a feast of fat things, and who hast therein called us to the fellowship of Thy life- giving Spirit, we Thy servants bow down before Thee awaiting Thy rich mercies. Send forth upon us, we beseech Thee, Thine abundant grace and benediction. Cheer our hearts with the comfort of Thy presence ; and grant that in observing Thine ordinance we may be partakers of Thine everlasting peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. THE LORDS SUPPER. 4 1 We humbly confess, O Lord God, that we have been erring and wayward children. We have sinned against Heaven and before Thee, and are not worthy to partake of the good things of our Father's hou- Yet now, most gracious Lord, receive us, we beseech Thee, to the embrace of Thy love, and vouchsafe unto us a token of forgiveness for Jesus' sake. In Thy tender compassion do Thou Thyself lead us to the Table which Thou hast prepared : and grant that our souls and bodies being hallowed by Th; . and our consciences pur. from dead works, we may receive Thy ithout and find in them an inspiration of Strength to serve, of joy ndure, and of patience to wait for the brightness of eternal bli Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy ie. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our deb our deb; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and th for ever. A\: \\V bow our knees unto the Father of our Lord I whom the whole family in heaven and earth is . that He would grant US, I the riches of 1 I I with might by His Spirit in the inner man : that < in dwell in our 1. th ; th.it pre, bi : unded in love, may be abl< \u\ with all sainl adth i and height, and to know the love •hat we mi. lit be fill i all the ful d. 42 THE LORD'S SUPPER. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Thereafter shall follow the Reading of Holy Scripture. The follow- ing are appropriate passages : (i) Exod. 12. 3-14, or 21-27 : with Matt. 26. 17-29. (2) Exod. 16. 11-15 and 32-35 : with John 6. 24-35. (3) Exod. 20. 1-17 : with Rom. 3. 19-26, and 5. 1-11; or with Matt. 5. 3-16. (4) Ps. 22. i-8, 16-18, and 23-31 : with Phil. 2. 5-1 1. (5) Ps. 40. 1-8: with Heb. 10. 1-10. (6) Isa. 53: with Heb. 10. 12-25. (7) Dan. 9. 20-27 : with John 12. 20-33. A Hymn or Scripture Seiitence referring to Chris? s atoning work may now be sung, such as — Par. 25. 4-8 : Par. 44. 3-6 : Hy. 42 : Hy. 43 : Hy. 45 : Hy. 60 : Hy. 62 : Hy. 92 : Hy. 97 : Hy. 132 : Hy. 190 : Hy. 191 : Sent. 96 : or Sent. 121. Then shall the Minister address to the Communicants such words as may aid in preparing their minds for the due observance of the Ordinance ; after which he shall say : Let us read the words of the Institution of the Lord's Supper as they are recorded by the Apostle Paul in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, chapter eleventh, at the twenty-third verse. Zbc Worte of institution. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same THE LORDS SUPPER. 43 night in which He was betrayed took bread : And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat : this is My body, which is broken for you : this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying. This cup is the new covenant in My blood : this do ye, as oft e drink it, in remembrance of Me. r as often as cat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come. Wherefore who- hall this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.] Thereupon shall be offered the JEucbarunic iPraxvr. ther of m antain of all goodness, we rtily thank '11, all Thy bounties. We thank >ur life with all its bles of health and rt and prn for all its charities and affections, and it- [ good ; for what- ion ha And truth, and for our hopes of thin rial. Above all, we i have been red with the precious M< lis own If sins in His own body on the tie,'. We I if r it » or the . nt. 90), if ti. ith that. from the pulpit and take h :'] the Elders shall One oj lymns shall tk Tar. 35 : II 3 : 11;.. Hy. 2S2. portion of : :'.l toy : The Lord I I hrist, the same night in which H< betrayed, took Bread, and blessed it, thanks. Like- do in His name. Steering ol ti.v Bread. we thank Thee that at th; tab! 1 hrist is t> '1 wound nd bni our iniquities ; and * that in thi which ■ k we have the communion ken body. 46 THE LORD'S SUPPER. Inspire us, we beseech Thee, with a true and living faith, that, as we partake of this sacramental food, we may spiritually eat of the true Bread which came down from Heaven, and be made joyful with the blessings of the Saviour's grace. May we have such fellowship with our Redeemer in this holy mystery that His words shall be to us spirit and life, and He Himself a full satisfaction to our souls' desires. [O Thou King of saints, bless the provision of Zion to every communicant ; and grant that we, being nourished in our souls with the benefits of the new covenant, may go from strength to strength, until, having finished our course and become meet for the inheritance of the saints in light, we shall with all the blessed eat of the hidden manna in our Father's kingdom.] This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Minister shall then say : The Lord Jesus Christ brake the Bread (here the Minister shall b?-eak the Bread) and gave it to the dis- ciples (here he shall give the Bread to the Elders), saying, Take, eat : this is My Body, which is broken for you : this do in remembrance of Me. The Minister and the Elders having partaken of the Breads it shall be distributed among the Communicants. After all have partaken, the Minister shall take the Cup in his hand, and say ■: The Lord Jesus in like manner took the Cup, and blessed it, giving thanks. Likewise let us do in His name. Messing ot tbe Gup, What shall we render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward us ? We will take the cup of salvation, and THE LORDS SUPPER. 4 7 call upon the Name of the Lord. [ We have been far from Thee, O God, but Thou hast made us nigh. We have been burdened with the guilt of sin and polluted with its defilement, but Thou hast provided remission and cleans- We have been dead in tr- 5, but Thou hast quickened our souls to life divin the blood of Thy dear Son hast Thou wrought these wonders. Therefore, as we receive now the symbol of that precious blood, we call upon our souls and all that is within us to bless Thy holy Name.] pleased, O (iod most merciful, to grant that this fruit of the vine, in which we have the communion of the blood of Christ, may truly be to each of us a cup of blessing. And being thereby filled with the joy of the d which is our tb, may we press on with faith and patience to inherit that better country, in which we shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, but the ab Himself shall feed us and lead us to living fountains rlory be to the Father, and to the S id to the Holy it was in the beginning, is now, and evei shall world without end. Ami n. r shall say : The Lord Jesus Christ gave the Cup to I iples finister shall gi This Cup is the nev iant m My blood: this e drink it, in reinembran< lie 1 1 'hi i: a! I h \ the duty that we ►uld praise the l.onl • I 48 THE LORD'S SUPPER. holy table : Therefore let us unitedly lift up our hearts unto Him in a song of thanksgiving. Thereupon shall be sting one of the following : Ps. 103. 1-5 : Par. 64. 1, 2 : Par. 65. 5-7 : Hy. 270: Hy. 353 : Sent. 21 : Sent. 22 : Sent. 130. Praise being ended^ approp7'iate Exhortations shall be addressed to the Communicants touching the duties which devolve upon them as the Lord's people and the recipients of so great benefits ; after which a Prayer of Self dedication and Intercessioii shall be offered. prater of SeIf=DeDtcatton an& Jntercession, Almighty God, our Father and Saviour, who with an infinite price hast purchased us to be a people for Thine own possession, to Thee we yield ourselves this day in the bonds of a holy covenant. Constrained by the love of Christ, we anew consecrate our service unto the Lord. Accept, we beseech Thee, this our vow : confirm it upon our consciences by the seal of Thy Holy Spirit ; and evermore increase our love to Him who loved us, that with lives of holiness and zeal we may unceasingly show forth His praise. We entreat Thee to bless abundantly our brethren who have been absent from this sacred feast. Let Thy Holy Spirit so quicken their love and deepen their desire after Thee, that they too shall see Thy power and Thy glory even as we have seen Thee in the sanctuary. The Lord fulfil in them all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power : the Lord comfort their hearts, and stablish them in every good word and work. Visit with Thy divine favour all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Let Thy manifold grace be so THE LORDS SUPPER. 49 ministered unto them through the ordinances of Thy house that they shall be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritar feed them also, and lift them up for ever. We beseech Thee to endue Thy Church univ with the spirit of peace and concord, that all men may see how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity, and that /ion may become a praise in all the earth. May Christ's new commandment and gracious example be honoured by all who bear His name ; and, as He loved them, so may they love one another with a pure heart fervently. Fulfil, O Lord of hosts, the triumph of Thy kingdom. (irant that through the efforts of Thy blood-bought people the light of the Gospel may be shed forth upon all lands, and the whole earth be filled with Thy D the time when every heart shall be an altar, and every man a living temple: when every sinner shall have found his Saviour, and, in a world wherein dwelleth righteousness, that Saviour shall 1 and His recompen This da; 1. «re praise Thy Name for all Thy saints departed in the faith, who now in felicity rest with T! We bless Thee for our fellowship with them in Christ, and a joyful reunion, in the the i of the just. Aii' about with so great a cloud of witn run with patience the | US, that, when hall come again to gather unto Himsell the full numbci shall | abundant e mto the assembly of t: Moi : ( , that bro DQ the D 50 THE LORD'S SUPPER. dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do His will, working in us that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. A concluding Hymn shall then be sung, such as — Par. 60: Hy. 235. 3, 4: Sent. 20: Sent. 94. Zhc 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. ANOTHER ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION I THE LORD'S SUPPER t for the administration of the it may :' by a short Invocatl tJi ilm shall be . // as — J's. 116. 13 19: Ps. 23: Ps. 107. 1 -9: Par. 2. tion of . v shall tit ch as — I . h 53 : Matt. 27. 27-54 : Mark 1 : Luke 1-30: Heb. 10. 1-25: 1 John 1. and 2. 1 the reading of . follows : prater for Grace. N :i'-. O God of rtunity Thou art givin the I [ol; n of 1 th in th< rth. 1 humble pur] the bh 52 THE LORDS SUPPER. spiritual nourishment and growth in grace ; through Jesus Christ our Lord.* Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our 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 Hymn shall then be sung, such as — Par. 35 : Hy. 282 : Hy. 283. The singing of the Hynm being ended, the Minister shall say : Let us read the words of the Institution of the Lord's Supper, as they are recorded by the Apostle Paul in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, chapter eleventh, at the twenty-third verse. £be MorDs ot Snstitution. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread : and when he had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat : this is My body, which is broken for you : this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new covenant in My blood : this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. [For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be * From Prayers for Social and Fa?nily Worship. THL U >RD S SUPPER. guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning rd's body.] ■ shall tit Com mu may aid in} ir minds for the due oh. / the Ordinance; and tin ne of the fol'. Hymns may be Hy 278 : Hy. 279. 1-4: Hy. 280: H; : : portion of the into his hand, shall The Lord ne night in which He was betrayed, took bread, and gave thanks. Following His tnple, let us give thanks in His name. Sticbartettc pravcr. Almighty and most merciful God, it is most meet that should, at all times and in all pla e thanks 1: >r all Thy bounties known and unknown : but mow in I \ line loved tl Thine only that w\ r believeth in Him should rish, but have We bk ss l that, the full the time « d Him forth, n ler the I the law. We thank I i : His •in the 1 . Ihee, t: 54 THE LORDS SUPPER. exalted, He hath received for us the promise of the Spirit; that He ever liveth to make intercession for us, and is able to save to the uttermost all them that come unto God by Him. We thank Thee for all the institutions and ordinances of Thy grace ; and especially for this Sacrament of the Supper. Grant, we humbly beseech Thee, that as we partake of the bread and wine, our souls may be fed with the Bread of life, and that we through the Holy Ghost may be partakers of Christ's body and blood, which are meat indeed and drink indeed. May we all experience the saving power of His divine sacrifice, and be strengthened for His service. Thus shall we magnify and praise Thy great and glorious Name, saying with angel and archangel and with all the host of heaven, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts, heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Glory be to Thee, O Lord Most High. Amen. The Minister shall then say : Our Lord, having given thanks, brake the Bread (here the Minister shall break the Bread), and said : Take, eat: this is my Body, which is broken for you : this do in remembrance of Me. He shall then give the Bread to the Elders, partaking also himself ; and the Elders shall distribute to the Communicants. After all have partaken, the Minister shall take the cup and say : After the same manner our Lord took the Cup, saying : This Cup is the new covenant in My Blood : this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. When all have partaken, a Hymn of praise shall be sung, such as — Ps. 103. 1-5: Hy. 46: Hy. 47: Hy. 93: Hy. 235. 3,4: Hy. 353: Sent. 22. THE LORDS SUPPER. Prai i tided) appropriate Exhortations shall . peop hall folio- v a Pra prav>cr of SelMDeMcation and Jntercesetoit Heavenly Father, we desire again with our whole hearts to thank Thee, that Thou hast given Thine only begotten to he our Mediator, and the sacrifice for our s We bless Thee for the rich mercy and inestimable good- ness vouchsafed to us in this Sacrament of our Lord's most precious body and blood. We entreat Thy ness for the defects of our com- munion service, and for all the sin that has mingled with it. We implore also the gracious assistance of Thy good Spirit, that we may be enabled to walk in the Strength of and as becometh those who have received at ble so great pledges of salvation. We beseech Thee that all we who are partakers ot" t ; 3 rament I tinue in the holy fellowship and communion <>: and in. tantly to our lives 1 end do all such g work t prepared I walk in. with Tli . riant favour those who have ;i witn« Havil pur 1 with Th] d, we d lildren . May thej early feel the And tO-day, when tl; I] ask u>> what we mean by this we • them. I i air, bless our children. 1 by loving hand upon their }<>u: d them 1, both now and alwa Remember, ch Th< brethren who have the l able, ami \s : have b in sympathy with abundantly 56 THE LORDS SUPPER. comfort and succour all who are in trouble, poverty, sick- ness, or any other adversity. Graciously incline towards Thyself the hearts of those who are indifferent to Thy love, and who, not knowing the joy of Thy salvation, neglect the command to keep this holy feast. Pity those who have never heard of Thy Name, and who are sunk in ignorance, and sin, and wretchedness. May Thy Church put on strength to carry the message of salvation to the ends of the earth. O Thou who wast lifted up on the cross for this dying world, take unto Thee Thy mighty power, and reign in every heart. Hasten, we entreat Thee, O Lord, the second and glorious appearing of Thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ ; and grant that we, who daily look for that blessed hope, may, with all Thy saints, be pre- sented holy and unblameable before the presence of Thy glory with xxce^diug joy, through Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The Service shall then be concluded with the singing of a Doxology, and Zhe 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. ORDER FOR THE BAPTISM OF INFANTS of the Hyi . Baptism may . . . Minister shall then address the Parents as follows : — Baptism was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ, when commanded His Apostles, sayii ye and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the ie of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy The Sacrament of Baptism is the -si;m an d gfij — of dftl4 Vj#i^ anything m a n ean acc o mplish, but of what ( i od alom e.u v UV> \ Baptism teaches that all men are morally and spiritually unclean by i in ; and th. with water cleanses the bod soul throu and by tl irit The ordinal t 18 al Ken and pl( tenant love l to 1 1 pie manifested in their redem] I / z^ - » c <7 their obligation and engagement to love and serve Hun. ft^Cfy*^^ The children of believers, although they have not 7^t - come to th tandinf members ol thi i lurch. • us thi Abraham, d «»i His | included in 1 1 the I Ihrist testif) that the promi to thru children, and that the children holy unto thi I 58 m BAPTISM OF INFANTS. You, the parents of this child, therefore, accept anew the covenant of grace as offered to you, and as embracing your child ; and in Baptism you consecrate him to the Lord. You promise that you will teach him to read the Holy Scriptures, and instruct him in the Christian faith ; that you will pray with and for your child ; that you will, in reliance upon Divine grace, set before him an example of a holy life ; and that you will use every endeavour to bring him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Do you acknowledge these obligations, and make these vows ? Here the Parents shall bow assent, prater. O Lord, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, we praise Thee for all the benefits of the covenant of grace. We bless Thee that Thou hast given Thy Son to redeem us with His blood, and to renew our souls by His Holy Spirit. Especially at this time we give Thee thanks that Thou hast appointed the sacrament of Baptism as a sign and seal of the washing of regeneration. Impress upon our hearts the truth that, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Enable all of us w]io have been baptized to remember that the vows of the Lord are upon us. Bless the dispensation of this ordinance now, both to these parents before Thee, and to their child whom they have dedicated unto Thee. And be pleased, we beseech Thee, along with the outward baptism of water, to grant the inward baptism of Thy Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ! OF IX FA* 59 Then tin . r, nam in . //.. I baptize thee into the Name of the Father, and of tl and of the Holy Gin The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee : the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and thee pea* . itch as — im. 6. 24-26 (Sent. 1): Mark 10. 14 (Sent. 8< prater. Almight) ur Heavenly Father, who rememberest mercy and keepest covenant to a thousand generati Thee hearty thanks for the : the H rit \ and we pray that He may take up His ab within this child, and dwell in him for 1 through the natural birth the child is jo: the first Adam ami 1 through the new birth be unit' \dam. and partake of His righto I Ice him y we . under 1 : li in :i .1- m stature, .our with God and man. indantly enrich him wit i thful servant of ti rist VV< l ord, t<» bless 1 1 who I W e thank I i, in in her I 60 m BAPTISM OF INFANTS. parents regard this child as the heritage of the Lord. Help them, we pray Thee, by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, to bring him up in Thy fear ; to instruct him in the doctrine that is according to godliness ; and, by a holy example, to guide his steps in the way of righteousness and peace. Grant them Thy blessing in their home. May they dwell together as heirs of the grace of life ; and, at last, may they and their children be numbered with Thy saints in glory everlasting. Sanctify to all of us the administration of this Sacrament. We give Thee thanks that we also in our infancy were dedicated to Thee ; and we bless Thee for the privileges and benefits of a godly upbringing. We confess that in our lives we have fallen short of the grace of baptism, and ofttimes walked contrary to the covenant thereby sealed betwixt God and our souls. Grant us, we pray Thee, true repentance; cleanse us from our sin by the blood of Christ ; and enable us henceforth, by Thy Spirit, to love Thee with all our hearts, and to walk with Thee in newness of life. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our 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 Psalm or Hymn may then be sung, after which shall follow Zhe ^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. ANOTHER ORDER FOR THE BAPTISM I >F INFANT nation may join yt - tit 89 : Ps. 103. 1 3-1S, or other suitable Psalm. Tht Minister may ik he follcn, es: The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the S John did baptize in the vrflderness, and preach the 1 of repentance for the remission of s And he preached, savin-. There cometh One mightier than I after me, the latchet of v - I am not worth] >p down and unl< 1 indeed have baptized with water: hut He shall baptize you with the 1: Bt Mark 1. 1. .;. -. And they brought children t 3, that He lid touch them : and His es rebuked those that brought them. But when ] iw it, He was much the little children 1 forbid them I hall the kingdom of ( shall in. And 1 [e took them up in 1 1 put I \ them, and I . them. .1' 10. ; And I All ; Me 1:1 ; iihI in earth. : all the rial 62 BAPTISM OF INFANTS. them into the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you : and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. — Matt. 28. 18-20. Or, Hear, O Israel : the Lord our God is one Lord : and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart : and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. — Deut. 6. 4-7- The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children's children ; to such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them. — Psalm 103. 17, 18. Or, Thus saith the Lord : I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground ; I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed, and My blessing upon thine offspring. — Isaiah 44. 3. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean : from all your nlthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you ; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments and do them. — Ezekiel 36. 25-27. BAPTISM OF IXFAX'J 63 \cept a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of Cod. That which is born of the flesh is flesh : and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. -John 3. 5. f>. /' thi 1 1 'or./ /'c ing coiulud the / I ild as follows : — iptism is the ordinance of initiation into the Church of Christ. To this end it was instituted by our Lord, when He said to 1 1 is apostU . e and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the Name of the Father, and of the Sun, and of the Holy Ghost : and in this sense it has been observed by His followers ever since. Baptism is a S ment The sprinkling of water in the name of the holy Trinity is at once a symbol ol a pi mil a means of grace. It proclaim us the necessity of spiritual cleansing \ it symbolizes the eneration and renewing of the HolyGh< and it declares the recipient's personal interest in the benefits of the new covenant. This Sacrament be i enant right to the children of belie . * >ur I .ord has e\pr< erted their tit iized place in the membership of the Church \ u< I . I i .is the kingdom of < k>d ; and wh • shall not ' the kingdom i I hild, ihall n< It is ther the 1 >ri \ ut the duty of < Ihristian parent their childn n the spiritual : ■ iour nd to i His lb Himsell 64 BAPTISM OF INFANTS. In administering this ordinance, the Church publicly accepts certain obligations. She covenants to take spiritual oversight of the children as belonging to Christ's flock, to exercise over them a godly discipline, and to foster their growth in grace and in Christian knowledge. But while joyfully acknowledging these responsibilities, the Church, acting by the authority of her Lord and for the wellbeing of those who are thus dedicated to Him, requires the parents to pledge themselves in solemn vows. It is my duty, therefore, to ask you before God and in presence of this Congregation : Do you now acknowledge yourselves to be accountable to God as His ministers to your child ? Do you promise to instruct him in the truths of Christian doctrine and in the duties of the Christian life? Do you promise that, by the grace of God, you will set before him a godly example ; and that, by prayerful nurture, you will help him to walk worthy of his holy calling as a member of the Church of Christ ? The Parents having given their assent to these questions, the Minister shall offer Prayer as follows : — prater. x\lmighty and most merciful Father, who claimest the children as Thy heritage, and who hast established an everlasting covenant with Thy people and with their offspring, w r e beseech Thee graciously to receive and bless this little child, whom his parents now dedicate to Thee. As we, in Thy name, sprinkle upon him the water of Baptism, do Thou in the fulness of Thy grace, endow him with the gift of Thy Holy Spirit. Accept him for Thine own possession ; set upon him the consecrating seal of BAPTISM OF IXFAN'l 65 Thy covenant ; and evermore endue him with Thy heavenly grace, that to his life's end he may glorify Thee in his body and spirit which Thou hast redeen through Jesus Christ our Lord. Am The Can ition shall tu . and the Min 'e or pou A. />'.. I baptize thee into the Name of the Fat] and of the Son, and of the Holy Gh< The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee : the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee pea< ill thereto [Semi. 1 . prager. temal and ever faithful Lord, the God Of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, pre devoutly thank Thee that, Thine unchanging goodni i >nly numb rhy chosen, but hast been : upon our children this token ami f Thy lov< 1 1. And we humbly entreat 1 that, as this child has now been a member household, he may be< temal life. A he be one with Christ Cl 1 hint a clean h within him a : 1 it. I walk 1 1 hee unto all p M kept by th( d thro; and re the : I ry with Thy bl< the moth< hild, whom Thou hast in Thy loving kii 1 66 BAPTISM OF INFANTS. her pain and peril. May she anew consecrate her life to Thee, and joyfully serve Thee in all the holy ministries of motherhood. Impart, we beseech Thee, to both parents the grace of faithfulness, that they may fulfil the vows which they have this day made before Thee. As Thou hast committed this child in charge to them, that they may train him for Thee, be pleased to grant that the word of Christ may dwell in them richly in all wisdom, that so they may instruct him in the doctrine which is according to godli- ness, and guide his steps in the paths of purity and truth. We beseech Thee to own and further all the work of Thy Church among the lambs of the flock. May Thine enriching blessing so abound, through the faithful efforts and prayers of Thy people, that our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth, and our daughters as corner-stones polished after the similitude of a palace. The very God of peace sanctify us wholly, and we pray God our whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Then may be sung some suitable Psalm or Hymn. XLhe ffienebiction. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. ORDER FOR THE ADMISSION OF BAPTIZED PERSONS TO FULL COMMUNION. The Applicants take their seats, previous to tli. the pulpit. When the Psalm or Hymn after the Sermon has ation, shall Brethren, we now proceed to admit to full communion with the Church those persons who seek to take upon themselves the engagements made at their baptism. They have been examined as to their religious knowled faith, and character, and are, in the judgment of the . worthy to receive the privilege of full communion. Before we ask them to make declaration of their faith, it is most meet that we supplicate the Divine bk prater. Almighty God, who dost abundantly endo I hurch with spiritual 1 with Thy favour, we beseech Th- e in Thy presence who now seek to enter into the fellowship Of 'Thy people. We thank Thee that Thou hast brought them to the knowled Thy truth, and I put into their hearts the .rist their Redeemer and Lord Sustain them, in their resolution to love mh\ BCTVC Ti. and may t ; which Thou hast promised t< that honour i n them n< through 01: I iirist. Ami n. 6& ADMISSION OF BAPTIZED PERSONS The Minister shall then read the names of the Applicants, and having requested them to stand, shall thus address them : Beloved in Christ, in your infancy you were by baptism engaged to be the Lord's. Through His mercy you have been spared, and by His Spirit led to own the covenant then made on your behalf. As it is your desire to make public profession of your faith, I now put to you the following Questions, and charge you to answer sincerely, as in the presence of God who looketh on the heart. Here the Minister shall pit the following Questions sanctioned by the Synod, to each of which the applicant shall bow assent. Zbe jformula. i. Do you acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice ? 2. Do you believe in God — in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, one God ? 3. Do you acknowledge yourselves to be by nature guilty, depraved, and helpless ; and do you believe that salvation is only from the grace of God, through the obedience unto death of His Son, and the sanctifying influence of the Holy Ghost ? 4. Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Saviour, own Him as your Lord, and engage, in dependence on the promised aids of His Spirit, to observe His ordinances and to obey His laws ? 5. Do you, so far as your knowledge extends, approve, as agreeable to the Word of God, of the views of Divine truth and duty held by this Church, and of TO FULL DOMMUNIC 69 the principles on which its constitution and order arc founded ? 6. Do you promise to submit to the Session of this congregation as over you in the Lord, to contri- bute according to your ability for the support and tension of the I . and to study to promote the welfare of the congregation, and by a holy life to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour ? M shall the M. iy : In view of these declarations and promises, and by the authority of the Session. I, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King and Mead of the Church, do now admit you to the pri\ : full communion. The Lord I 11, and keep you : the Lord mak< shine upon you, and be gracious unto you : the d lift up 1: mtenance upon you, and give you pea* hai: r shall ... These per><»i^ bavin. been d into atnunion with the Church, m mutely comm them to your COnfid< brethren in the rxL her with brotherly another's burd ilfil the pruvvi. i ', to ble>s Th irho 70 ADMISSION OF BAPTIZED PERSONS we pray Thee, the faults of the past ; and, though sin still cleaves to them, may they reckon themselves dead unto it, and strive with all constancy to walk in newness of life. Keep them conscious of their spiritual weakness and need, that, earnestly seeking Thy grace, they may be strength- ened with might by Thy Spirit in the inner man. Enable them to take unto them the whole armour of God, that they may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Increase in them daily the manifold gifts of Thy grace, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. When they approach Thy holy Table, to partake of Christ's body and blood, let the influences of Thy Spirit be upon them, that the sacred ordinance may be to them a means of grace. Looking unto Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of their faith, may they work out their salvation with fear and trembling ; and do Thou, by whose power alone we can continue steadfast to the end, keep them faithful unto death, that theirs may be the crown of eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall the Minister address those who have been admitted to full communion. Bfcfcreas. Beloved in Christ, we welcome you to the service of our heavenly Master, and we rejoice that this day you have publicly taken upon you that yoke which is easy to them that love Him. His law indeed is holy, forbidding what an evil world permits ; and the work to which He calls cannot be accomplished without self-denial, nor, it may be, without suffering. But in the keeping of His commandments there is great reward, and they who have TO FULL COMMUNION. longest borne His yoke know best how it makes all ot burdens light. Therefore, do your Master's will heartily as well as humbly. In prosperity, and amid the allure- ments of the world, serve Him with earnestness and constancy. In darkness and loneliness, when none » but Himself, serve Him with trustfulness and patier After the example and in the spirit of the Master, do good as you have opportunity, and let the remembrance of His perfect knowledge of you keep you humble if others praise, and calm if others blame. We welcome you also to the ranks of the Christian army. The fight is severe ; for the forces of evil, within and around, are strong and subtle. But the noblest o( the earth fight with us, and the Captain of our salvation I us. Follow Him therefore with and courage. Yet, to your activity see that you i devoutnesSj for no man that warreth entangleth hiii. with the affairs of this life. And ever let your cour tempered with meekness, for thus only will you endure hardne soldier- is Chri b« you are servants and soldiei >e- through faith in His Name, you are children of It you may be fitted for duty and trial, - more and more of the Glial spirit ft and Mibim By prayerful u strive to learn youi 1 at!.ei"> will, :n it cfa fully. Thus will lie reveal Him u with inert . and draw you nearer I : in nonunion and in iter into the bl< nd the im . unto I iim that is able to ki i to present you ffeultU re the pre .lory 72 ADMISSION OF BAPTIZED PERSONS. with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. A Psalm or Hymn having been sting, the Minister shall close the Service with XLbe ffienebiction. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. ANOTHER ORDER FOR THE ADMISSION OF BAPTIZED PERSOI TO FULL COMMUNION. Sen ice may begin by the . fa Psalm or Hymn y such r>. 90. 14-17: Rs. 103. 1 3— 1 S : Par. 11: Hy. 137: Hy. 139. hall ad it .' ion as follcr^ Brethren, we shall now proceed to receive into full omunioil with the Church those who have applied for admission and have been approved by tl. S tt Their names are [here the Minister shall read the names oj Candidates). They have been examined a their religious knowledge, faith, haracter, and are deemed worthy to enjoy the privileges of Christian fellowship. In j ion for the solemn public profession of their faith, let u> invoke the Divine blessing. pra\yi\ ( ) Lord our t iod, we beseech Thee to bless abundantly Th] Its who now COme to make their vows U : Th< member them with the favour that Thou beai unto Thy p Afl th been 1 !iee in baptism witl do Thou enable then, thei ider the baptism o( tl thanks that from tin n them t 74 ADMISSION OF BAPTIZED PERSONS fication of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Grant them, we beseech Thee, grace to stand fast in the faith, and to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called ; and be pleased to guide them in Thy strength to Thy holy habitation in heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Minister shall then address the Candidates after the following manner : Beloved, in your infancy you received the holy sacra- ment of baptism, and were therein consecrated to God. The baptism which you thus received, as a seal of the covenant of grace, was the symbol of another and more vital baptism, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, wherein we become new creatures and partakers of the life that is in Christ. This inner baptism you believe to have been also bestowed upon you ; God having regenerated you by His Word, which liveth and abideth for ever. You believe yourselves to have been graciously brought into living union with Christ, and fitted to walk in newness of life- In the strength of this new life you desire to glorify God in your bodies and spirits, which are His ; and you now ask a recognized place in the fellowship of Christ's followers, that you may the more worthily confess Him before men. It is our pleasure and privilege, in the name of our Master, to welcome you : and our prayer is that the God of all grace, who hath called you unto His eternal glory by Jesus Christ, may make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle you, to the end that ye may be found blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. I have now to ask you to stand, while, in presence of God and this assembly, you answer the appointed Questions. TO FULL COMMUNK 75 Zbc formula. i. Do you acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and the only infallible rule of faith and practi< 2. Do you believe in God — in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, one God? 3. Do you acknowledge your to be by nati guilty, depraved, and help and do you believe that salvation is only from the grace of God, through the obedience unto death of His Son, and the sanctifying influence of the Holy Ghost? 4. Do you believe in Jesus Christ as your Saviour, own Him as your Lord, and t in dependence on the promised aids of His Spirit, to observe His linancesand to obey His laws? 5. Do you, so far urknowledj rids, approve, • cable tO the Word of God, of the view I )ivine truth and duty held by this Church, and of the principles on which it stitution and order found 6. Do yOU I tO submit tO tin - 'his con jrou in the Lord, to contribute Mr ability for the support and tension ofth ( I pel, and to study • mote the welfare of the COl Hon, and by a holy life to adorn the dot trii I iour? hail I In 1 . in the nai and i I the Holy S firm to you the 1 1 76 m ADMISSION OF BAPTIZED PERSONS baptism, and invite you to participate at the communion of the Lord. The Lord bless you, and keep you : the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you : the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. The Congregation may then sing these same words {Sent. i). The Minister shall then give the right hand of fellowship, and after him the Elders ', if this is convenient. The newly admitted members may then be addressed as follows : — BDfcress. Dear young Fellow-members, [our brethren and sisters in Christ,] in consequence of the confession of your personal faith, you have been admitted to an unspeakable privilege. You have been received to the honourable position of communicants in the Church of Christ. And now let me remind you that both the momentous confession which you have made, and the honourable position to which you have been admitted, combine to lay upon you great responsibilities. As you have declared yourselves to be Christ's servants, it will be your abiding duty to live for Him, and to work the work that He appoints for you. You are solemnly pledged to avoid in your life everything that would grieve and dis- honour Him. You belong to His army, and are bound by your oath of allegiance to contend earnestly for the faith which He has delivered to His saints. As you have been admitted to a place among Christ's representatives on the earth, it falls to you as individuals to help forward the work of His Church. It is yours not only to guard the purity of your own life, but in every way within your power to conserve and foster the spiritual life of others. TO FULL COMMUNION. With you rests the duty of furthering Gospel work and spreading the kingdom of Christ, not only by your praj but by liberality and labours, according od in His grace shall bless you with means and strength. To these and all other duties, which the Lord Jesus Christ has laid upon the members of His Church, I cIk each of you to give earnest heed. Let it be your constant care to walk worthy of your vocation. lie pure : be spiritually minded, as those who are honoured to be temples of the Holy Chost. Crow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Add our faith virtue ; and to virtue, knowledge ; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patiei and to patience, godliness : and to godliness, brotherly- kindness ; and to brotherly-kindness, charity. r if these things be in you and abound, ye shall neither be ren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our I ;is Chri rw may our G ant you worthy of His call and fulfil in you all the good pleasure of Hi and the work of faith with power: that the Name of our Lord b Christ ma; orified in you, and lim, to the . I and the Lord K pravcr. d, the Fath we entreat Thee to I r upon 1 in their minds th< n impr. •Kit the in them, thfully to fulfil the d to bl .ill the iniquiti their 78 m ADMISSION OF BAPTIZED PERSONS. past lives. Endue them richly with spiritual strength ; and when they take into their hands the memorials of their Redeemer's death, may their hearts be filled with gratitude and praise to Him who loved them and gave Himself for them. AYe beseech Thee to guide and protect them through the whole of their life upon the earth. Save them from the sin of backsliding. Compass them with Thy favour as with a shield, amid the manifold perils of an evil world ; help them to overcome the lusts of the flesh and of the mind, and to quench all the fiery darts of the Wicked One. Direct their steps from day to day in the paths of righteousness and truth. Enable them to commend the Gospel of Thy grace to all around them by a holy and consistent walk. Keep them by Thy power through faith unto salvation, and crown them at last with glory, honour, and immortality. And now O Lord, faithful and true, we commend them to Thee and to the word of Thy grace, which is able to build them up, and to give them an inheritance among all them that are sanctified. The very God of peace sanctify them wholly, and we pray God their whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Hear us for our Saviour's sake. Amen. Then may be sting one or other of the following : Par. 54 : Par. 59. 1-5 : Par. 60 : Hy. 141 : Hy. 161 : Hy. 162: Hy. 165: Hy. 166: Hy. 215: Hy. 218. Zbe 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. ORDER FOR THE ORDINATION OF A MINISTER 7'he Presbyter)', having met on the day fixed for the Ordination, is i oust it ut i\l by tii for. Tkc appointed forms km observed, the Presbytery and the Minister-elect join the '.aces immediately in front of the pulpit. ■n'iee having been conducted by tk this duty, one of the follu ilms or Hymns may Ps. 122: PS. 106. 1-5: l\s. 115. 10-18: Par. 20: Hv. 253: Hy. 321. ' rator shall thereafter l>ri />s that /'. u in order to the settlement of a Min. thi following we All having been done so far according to the laws and 4 the Church, the Presbytery will now proceed the Ordination of the Minister elect, alter he shall 1 answered th >nnula. hall then put to t of the for < Hows: — Che formula. i.l' 4 the Old and \ laments t<> be tin- Word !, mm\ the only ru ith and pi 1 :. 1 tminster < lonfessioo of 80 ORDINATION OF A MINISTER. Faith, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, as an exhibition of the sense in which you understand the Holy Scriptures ; — this acknowledgment being made in view of the explanations contained in the Declaratory Act of Synod thereanent ? 3. Are you persuaded that the Lord Jesus Christ, the only King and Head of the Church, has therein appointed a government distinct from, and not subordinate to, civil government; and do you acknowledge the Presbyterian form of government, as authorized and acted on in this Church, to be founded on, and agreeable to, the Word of God? 4. Do you approve of the constitution of the United Presbyterian Church, as exhibited in the Basis of Union ; and, while cherishing a spirit of brother- hood towards all the faithful followers of Christ, do you engage to seek the purity, edification, peace, and extension of this Church ? 5. Are zeal for the glory of God, love to the Lord Jesus Christ, and a desire to save souls, and not worldly interests or expectations, so far as you know your own heart, your great motives and chief induce- ments to enter into the office of the holy ministry ? 6. Have you used any undue methods, by yourself or others, to obtain the call of this church ? [The members of the church being requested to sttmd up, this question is put to them .•] Do you, the members of this church, testify your adherence to the call which you have given to Mr. A. B. to be your minister ? and do you receive him with all gladness, and promise to provide for him suitable maintenance, and to give him all due ORDINATION OF A MINISTER* 8l respect, subjection, and encouragement in the Lord ? [An opportunity is here gi the membet the church of signifying their assent to this question, by holding up their right hands.'] 7. Do you adhere to your acceptance of the call to become minister of this church ? 8. Do you engage, in the strength of the grace that is in Christ J> 1 live a holy and circumspect life, to rule well your own house, and faithfully, diligently, and cheerfully to discharge all the parts of the ministerial work to the edifying of the body of Chr 9. 1 prom ive conscientious attendance on the Courts of the United Presbyterian Churcl be subject to them in the Lord, to take a due interest in their | lings, and to study the things which make fur peace? 10. And all these things you \ : and prom through u shall be answerable at the ling of the Lord J< I [irist with all His BaintS, and as you would be found in that happy ipany ? / the 1 - all the Mini the to the ojr in to the fnistoral c. Ordination B>ia\vi. Name is H nk Thee for the unspeakable | I. 82 - ORDINATION OF A MINISTER. and for the Word of truth by which He has been revealed to us as the Saviour. We praise Thee that in Him Thou hast set open to us the gates of righteousness, and called us into the holy fellowship of Thy people. Make us worthy to tread Thy courts, to enter into Thy presence, and to behold Thy glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We bless Thee for Thy love to the Church. Thou hast purchased her unto Thyself with the blood of Thine only begotten Son. Thou hast in covenant grace graven her name on the palms of Thy hands. Thou hast pre- served her amid trial and peril, in conflict and temptation. Thou hast been her strength in weakness, her light in darkness, her defence in the day of evil, and the source of her patience, faith, and triumph in all ages. We beseech Thee to continue Thy lovingkindness to Thy people. Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us : and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us \ yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it. At this time we specially give Thee thanks for the institution of the Gospel Ministry, and for the assurance which Thou hast given to all Thy faithful servants that in their witnessing for Thee Thou wilt be with them alway, even unto the end of the world. And now, O Lord God, we beseech Thee to grant us Thy promised presence and grace, as in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King andTIead of His Church, {here the Mod- erator and Presbytery shall lay ha?ids on the head of the Minister-elect) we do ordain Thy servant before Thee unto this Holy Ministry. With the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, do Thou be pleased to endue Thy servant with the seven- ORDINATION OF A MINIST1 fold gifts of the Holy Ghost. rich him with all knowledge and utteran« Fill him with the wisdom and gentleness of Christ. Make him an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purit;. . he take heed to himself and to the doctrine, continuing therein, that in so doing he may both save himself and them that hear him. Make him wise in winning sou :de to those who are in darknes tion to the afflicted, a friend of the friendk unsellor of the widow and the orphan, a succourer of the oppressed, a helper of the poor and needy : and let the blessing of those who are ready to perish fill his soul with ji And as we now induct Thy servant to the pastoral ii, we beseech Thee to 1 the people of his ch May they be enlightened by divine truth, edified by the ministry of the VV< quickened by the Spirit dished in all i n and godliness, guided into manifold n labours, used for the furtherance of tl ur's nd kept by the p b faith unto on. into 1 [im that is able to d abundantly ill that \, >r think. ling to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the Church by Ch ghout all ages, world without l\k\. Ami \. 1 n tli' th< l<-rd JesUS Christ, the King and d of the ( !hurch, we do h be d to th. 84 - ORDINATION OF A MINISTER. commend you to the grace of God for countenance, aid, and success in all the duties incumbent upon you as a minister of the Gospel. The Moderator and other members of Presbytery shall now give to him the right hand of fellowship. The Congregation may then sing Sent. i. Thereafter the Minister appointed for the ditty shall address suitable Exhortations first to the Minister, pointing out briefly the respon- sibility of the pastoral office, together with the honour and joy of it, when exercised in continual dependence on Divine aid and guidance ; and then to the People, indicating the privileges afforded to them through the life and labours of a devoted Minister, and the need for exercising godly jealousy over them- selves, that the Word of God may have free course and be glorified in them. Then may be sung an appropriate Psalm or Hymn, such as — Ps. 132. 13-18: Hy. 113: Sent. 6. After which shall follow Zbe JSeneDicttoiu The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. As the Congregation retires, the members shall have an opportunity of welcoming their newly ordained Minister. ORDER FOR THE ORDINATION < IF ELDEI The Ordination shall take place in tin of the < :iion either on the Lonfs Day, or at such time on a :y as may most coi; Before the Sc , the Si ha- constituted, the Elders and Elders-elect shall take their seats in front of the pulpit. Should t lie Minister ;. iient, the Sermon preached or, occasion may haze for its subject the Scriptural Warrant for the ./, the nature of the office, and //. ted with it. dinatia: : from the Sermon ly an \ it may be introduced by the tinging of a;: J'.alm, such as — . 48. 1. 2, 10-14 : P& 84 : Ps. 87. HI then offer T; hall from 1: i;h as — Old Testament — Ps. i.\ : I . 6a: I kit ; (. 1 20. A foment Acts so. 17-35: Rom. 12: 1 Tim. j. i [3:1 Peter 5. the reading of Script it ://// or Hymn shall — 20 : Us. 253. hall then nee oft/) 86 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. Congregation, a?id shall put to them the Questions of the Formula prescribed by the Synod, as follows : — Zbc ^formula, i. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice ? 2. Do you acknowledge the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, as an exhibition of the sense in which you understand the Holy Scriptures ; this acknowledgment being made in view of the explanations contained in the Declaratory Act of Synod thereanent ? 3. Are you persuaded that the Lord Jesus Christ, the only King and Head of the Church, has therein appointed a government distinct from, and not subordinate to, civil government ; and do you acknowledge the Presbyterian form of government, as authorized and acted on in this Church, to be founded on, and agreeable to, the Word of God? 4. Do you approve of the constitution of the United Presbyterian Church, as exhibited in the Basis of Union ; and, while cherishing a spirit of brother- hood towards all the faithful followers of Christ, do you engage to seek the purity, edification, peace, and extension of this Church ? 5. Are zeal for the glory of God, love to the Lord Jesus Christ, and a desire to save souls, and not worldly interests or expectations, so far as you know your own heart, your great motives and chief inducements to enter into the office of Ruling Elder ? ORDINATION OF ELDI 87 6. Have you used any undue methods, by yourself or others, to obtain the call of this church ? Do you adhere to your acceptance of the call to become Ruling Elder of this church? 8. Do you engage, in the strength of the jj that is in Christ Jesus, to perform with diligence and faithfulness the duties of a Ku watching over the flock of which you are calk be an overseer : in all things showing youi be a pattern of good works, and a con- scientious attendance upon the meetings of the Session, and also of Superior Courts, when called to sit as a member in them ? And all these thin] and prom thr< you shall be answerable at ming of the Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints, and as you would be found in that happy mpany ? to the shii. on of he Cremation pivuvi. AJmight) I f lights and Fountain all good, we adore Thee lor tli irist ha I li-> people, an tinually upon them. We thank Tl bed mption, i< r th nsation of tin- I l<>lv Spii bible, for the N nent ( 'hur« b, and the ( lOSpel Mi that on; emei 1) me to I and and 88 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ. We thank Thee for the institution of the Ruling Eldership ; and for Thy grace granted to those of us before Thee whom Thou hast counted faithful, making us over- seers in this flock, to feed Thy Church which Thou hast purchased with Thine own blood. We entreat Thee now on behalf of these Thy servants, who have been elected to take part with us in this ministry, and into whose hearts Thou hast put it to accept the call that has been given them. And as we now in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King and Head of the Church {here the mi?iister and elders shall lay their hands upon the heads of the elders-elect), do ordain them to the office of Ruling Elder, we commend them to Thee and to the word of Thy grace. Bless them, we beseech Thee, in their own souls. Endue them with a double portion of Thy Spirit. Help them to rule well their own houses. Bestow upon them more and more those gifts which they shall require to qualify them for the care and government of Thy people. Fill them with humility and meekness, with courage and faithfulness, with wisdom and prudence, with tenderness and charity. Make them examples to all that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. May they be zealous to win souls, diligent in tending the flock of God, and fruitful in imparting comfort to the afflicted. Grant unto them growing favour and influence with the people of their charge. If it be Thy will, spare them long ; make them faithful unto death ; and when the Chief Shepherd shall be manifested, may they receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. And as we now induct these our brethren to take part with us in the oversight of this flock, we entreat Thee to ORDINATION OF ELDERS. 89 bestow Thy grace upon Thy people, that they may receive Thy servants with all gladness, and submit to them as set over them in the Lord. May they render them the honour, encouragement, and aid which Thy holy Word claims for those whom Thou hast set in this office ; esteeming them exceeding highly in love for their work's sake, counting the elders that rule well worthy of double honour, and being followers of them even as they are of Christ. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. • us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil : Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Ami .n. Prayer the Mi). Elders , shall say : In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King and I bad of the Church, we do hereby declare you to be or- dained to the 1 the Ruling Eldership, and indu< to the exei <»f that office in this Conj and we commend you to the . for all countenance, aid, and success in your work. A Mi them the right hand of fello'wshi ick he shall U fol 1. , Ivth to the newly admit I 90 ORDINATION OF ELDERS. requisites for the right discharge of its duties ; he shall exhort them to fidelity and zeal; and while forewarning them of the difficulties which they shall meet with, he shall direct them also to their encouragements, and to the eternal recompense promised to the good and faithful servant. He shall then exhort the Congregation to receive the newly ordained Elders ; to aid and encourage them i?i their work ; and to submit to their authority as over them in the Lord, and as those who watch for their souls. Prayer shall follow the Exhortations ; and thereafter may be sung a Psalm or Hymn, such as — Ps. 132. 13-18: Hy. 321. 1, 3-5. Zhe ffienebicticn. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. ORDER FOR THE DEDICATE OF A CHURCH. /// c; Minister may recite one or more of the following Scriptures : In all places where I record My Name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. For, where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them. We will go into His tabernacles: we will worship at His 1. Arise, < I Lord, into Thy rest ; Thou, and the ark of Thy strength. Let Thy .priests be clothed with and let Thy saints shout for joy. For the 1 hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for \\\< habitation. This is My rest for ever: here will I dwell, I have desired it. And I heard a great voire out of heaven, E Behold, the tabenuu k fG >d is with men, and He will II with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their (iod. prater Of ^invention. ( I I :tv in . ami of map incomprehensible, w! hast b( isly pleased to promise that whei ther in I name, rhou wilt be in the midst of ti Thj 1 to 92 DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. dedicate this House to Thee. Let Thy blessing be upon all our actions ; let Thy grace direct all our intentions ; that our ruling motive in this service may be the advance- ment of Thy glory, the good of our fellowmen, and the salvation of our own souls. O Lord Jesus Christ, who didst vouchsafe Thy presence at the feast of the dedication of the Temple, be with us here to-day, to accept our offering and prosper the work of our hands ; and do Thou, O Holy Spirit, that dost prefer before all temples the upright heart and pure, be pleased to come unto us as we worship at Thy footstool, and to make Thine abode with us, that we may be filled with the joy of Thy salvation. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Praise shall then be offered, and Holy Scripture read, as follows : — Praise — Ps. 24: or Ps. 122. Reading from the Old Testament — Ps. 87 : Ps. 132 : or 1 Kings 8. 22-53. Praise — Sent. 4: Sent. 7: Sent. 10: Sent. 11: Sent. 13: Sent. 17 : Sent. 25 : Sent. 26 : Sent. 27 : or Sent. 54. Reading from the New Testament — Eph. 2. 13-22, and Rev. 21. 9-27, and 22. 1-5. Praise — Par. 20. 1-5 : Hy. 251 : Hy. 253 : Hy. 262 : Hy. 264 : Hy. 265 ; or Hy. 320. Iprager of Dedication. O God, whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain much less the walls of temples made with hands, we Thy servants do now adore Thee bending with lowly hearts in Thy most holy presence. Thine is the greatness, and the DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. 93 power, and the glory, and the victor}', and the majesty ; for all that is in the heaven and the earth is Thine ; Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as Head above all. We bless Thee, O God most High, that though he is Thy throne and earth Thy footstool, Thou d according to Thy promise come unto Thy people in all places where Thou dost record Thy Name, and dost dwell with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit. Gratefully do we remember before Thee that Thou didst fulfil Thy word unto our fathers, satisfying them with the dness of Thy house, and causing them to drink of the ims which make glad the city of God. O God most faithful, we Thy children beseech Thee to be mindful of Thy covenant ; and ially to bestow upon us Thy ur at this time, as, with all humility and readi: of heart, we dedicate to Thy service this House, built to the honour of Thy Name 1 k) Thou, who lovest the g. 'ion more than all the dwellings of Jacob, sanctify this e with Thy most holy pn . that in this sanctuary strength and beauty may abide, and Thy power and glory be revealed. O with whom is the fountain of life, grant, we pray T all who shall tread these courts in J tie that, as they tlnnk oi Thy lovingkindness in the midst "i rhy temple, and make a joyful noi.se unto Thee with psalms, they may be enabled abundantly to utter the memor) of Th] And t<> sing with the Spirit and the understanding, making melody in their rts unto the Lord d, who promised that it' Thy people shall humble th< k Thy fa Thou wilt i i and !< 94 DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. pardon to all who with true repentance shall here acknowledge their transgressions ; do Thou quicken them after Thy lovingkindness, and uphold them according to Thy word, that sin may not have dominion over them. O Thou that hearest prayer, to whom all flesh shall come, pour out upon all who shall call upon Thee in this place the spirit of grace and of supplications, that they may with true hearts make known their requests unto Thee ; and though they know not what they should pray for as they ought, do Thou, who givest to all men liberally and upbraidest not, do for them exceeding abundantly above all that they ask or think. Grant, O God, whose law is perfect, that, when within this house Thy Word is read, Thy people may receive it with meekness as able to save their souls ; and do Thou bestow Thy Spirit upon all who shall publish good tidings of good in the name of Jesus Christ, that they may speak as becometh the oracles of God, and that Thy people may be not merely hearers of spiritual words but doers of good works, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. We beseech Thee, O God, that all who in this place shall be dedicated unto Thee in Baptism may truly become Thy children by faith in Jesus Christ ; and do Thou, who satisfiest the longing soul, be pleased to grant that all who shall here shew the Lord's death in the Holy Supper of His appointment may worthily partake thereof, and, tasting that the Lord is gracious, be nourished unto life eternal. O God, from whom cometh down every good and perfect gift, here let Thy grace visit the troubled in spirit, and Thy consolations wait on them that mourn. Here may the weak become strong, the simple be made wise, and the weary find rest to their souls. Here may DEDICATION 01 A CHURCH. Thy faithful children receive inspiration for wise puq and holy endeavour ; and here for many generations may men be constrained by the lov hrist cheerfully to offer themselves and their substance for Thy service, that accord Thy pr the windows of heaven may be opened upon them in overflowing and abiding mg. Incline Thin I xl mo- ious, to these our supplications, and fulfil Thou our request Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and Thy glory unto their children : and let the beauty of the Lord our ( k)d be upon Stablish Thou the work of our hands upon us ; ur hand dish Thou it. Now unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our in II:- own blood, and hath made us kings and rod and His 1-atlu i lim tx dominion for ever and ever. Ami.x. ihat it has pleased All our He ther to prosper us in our undertaking builda 11" ii. w( i ad to enable us reverently part with prayer and invocation of the Holy Spirit, let us now unite in makin. frith, in the word Che Hpo6tlc0 (treeb 1 U-lu \ and earth I and in b . Til, who the Holy (il. the m Mary, Buffered undei Pontius Pilate, d, and buried, I led into 1 [ades; the third i He n the iWa<\< I i i into I 96 , DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. 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. Thereupon shall be sung the " Te Deum " {Hymn 354, Sentence 133) ; or the "Gloria in Excelsis" (Hymn 353); after which the Minister and Congregation shall repeat Zbe %ov&& prater. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our 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 shall follow Zhe Sermon, This being ended) one of the following may be sung : — Hy. 148: Hy. 221 : Hy. 228: Hy. 243. prater of 5nterces6ion. Almighty God, the Father of mercies and Fountain of all good, who hast chosen Zion for Thy habitation, accept the gratitude of our hearts for Thy great goodness to us this day, and for the service with which this House has been dedicated unto Thee. Grant, O Lord, that the joyful sound of the Gospel, heard here for the first time, may issue in blessing to many hearts ; and may the fruit be unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. 97 Enrich, we beseech Thee, this Congregation of Thy people with Thy favour, and abundantly bless Thy servant the pastor, the elders, and all who take part with them in the work of Thy Church. with spiritual and grant that they may abound more and more in knowledge and in all judgment ; that they may approve things that are may be sincere and without « till the day of Christ ; filled with the fruits of righteousness, which an IS Christ, unto the glory and pra: W ech Tin hureh of our fath all Thy past favour w. and n\ and we entreat Thee evermoi lide her by Thy Spirit, and lead her into all truth. We thank Thee for ha\ enabled her to bear witi. I lark to maintain tl and I liberti to train up a godly e in our land ; and to carry I to the the earth. rhy menv descend upon the wh I trorch ; rity and peace, and : : :. and be fi nd with th !' the : r the heathen 1 with t' ;h. lily. 98 - DEDICATION OF A* CHURCH. may rest upon the nobles, rulers, and judges of the realm. Preside in their councils, and overrule all their deliberations for Thy glory and the public good. In mercy visit the poor and needy, the widow and the orphan, the sick and the dying, and those who are perse- cuted for righteousness' sake. In the time of their distress do Thou succour and defend them ; and finally grant them a happy issue out of all their sufferings, and bring them to Thy heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. The Service may be concluded by the singing of a Doxology, and Zbc aBeneMction. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. ORDER FOR THE CELEBRATION OF MARRIAG1 church, a Hymn may idol party ons to be marru present y the man standi): f the woman, the Minister shall J We arc assembled in the sight of God, to join together this man and this woman in marriage, according to the custom of the Christian Church. Therefore, it* any on can shew just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now declare it, or else hereafter for ever hold his pea« to those al'out to 1 require and el: »U both, as in the : (iod, that, if either of you know of any impediment whj may not lawfully he joined together in marriage, ye i it. ■", the Mu pra\?cr. Aln ml mdst merciful (iod and Father, in whom live and n nd fh m whom all our help cometh, we how ourselves before I knowledge Thee in all oui We I OU ha^t instituted the ord honourable in all. < I l hou wl 100 CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE. families, and who hast promised Thy blessing to all that call upon Thee, bless these Thy servants who are now about to be joined together in this holy relationship. Having brought them together in Thy providence, do Thou guide and sanctify them by Thy Spirit ; and grant them grace for the duties and trials of their new estate. Enable them to enter the marriage covenant in Thy fear, and faithfully to perform the vows which they are about to make. Hear us, we beseech Thee, for the Lord Jesus' sake, Amen. Gbe Bfcfcress. Marriage was instituted by God, and was first celebrated in Paradise. It must therefore, as the Scriptures declare, be honourable in all and conduce to human welfare. Christians should marry only in the Lord, choosing for their partners such as make a profession of religion, and exhibit a course of conduct worthy of the Gospel of Christ. It is the duty of those who enter into this honourable estate to love each other with a pure heart, to abound in mutual esteem, and to live together as heirs of the grace of life. So close and endearing, indeed, is this relationship, that it is employed in Holy Scripture as a type of that perfect union which subsists between the Lord Jesus Christ and His people. It is required of the husband, that he provide for his household ; that he protect and cherish his wife ; that he govern his family with a gentle but effectual super- intendence ; and that he act as a priest in his own house, shewing forth Gcd's loving-kindness from day to day. It is required of the wife, that she be subject to her CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE. IOI husband, as the Word of God directs ; that she aid and counsel him: that she manage prudently the affairs of her household ; and that she put on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, together with every other womanly and Christian grace. Listen now to the - words of Holy Scripture, regarding the nature of this estate and the duties which it involves: — And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone ; I will make him an help meet for him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept : and He took one of his ribs, and closed up •the flesh instead thereof; and the rib which the Lord God had taken from man, made He a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh : she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. — Gen. 2. 18, 21-23. )/ 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. Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your w: /en as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it. that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing oi water by the Word : that He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing : but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their v. their own bodies. Ik- that Xo\ his wife loveth himself. 10 man ever yet hated his own flesh ; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the rd the Church. For we are members of His bod. 102 _ CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE. His flesh, and of His bones. 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. — Eph. 5. 22-31. To these and all other directions given in Holy Scrip- ture regarding your duties as husband and wife I charge you to give earnest heed, as you desire the blessing of God upon your married life. Then shall the Minister say : As a seal of trie vows which you are now about to make, take each other by the right hand. Zbc Woxoe. Do you, A. B., take C. D. to be your wedded wife, and do you promise to be to her a faithful and loving husband, until God shall separate you by death ? The man shall answer : Ida Do you, C. £., take A. B. to be your wedded husband, and do you promise to be to him a faithful, loving, and dutiful wife, until God shall separate you by death ? The woman shall answer : I do. The Bridegroom shall now take the ring, and, as he places it on the fourth finger of the Bride's left hand, the Minister shall say : As a pledge of your affection, and in token of fidelity to these vows, this ring is given and received. Forasmuch therefore as ye have agreed, in the presence of God and these witnesses, to take each other as CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE. 1 03 husband and wife, I declare you married. Whom God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. The Lord bless you, and keep yuii. The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and g you pea e. Amen. h or otli :!jji ; after which the Mini, ter shall offer ; prater. M ClOUS and b \uthor and Giver ill good, we humbly beseech Thee to bestow Thy blessing upon those who have now been joined together in the man iant Grant unto them health and strength, wisdom and tisfy them with length of id enable them to dwell together in unity. M their dwelling a home of true affection, consecrated and pure religion, that it may be to them a shelter from the storm and m the heat. In the da; their prosperity may the) j in tlu :k1 their Stren them of the dew : the th, and fill their dwelling with all them I r their household in I rd all their p be el. in I enrich tlu ■. that they in k in tlw titer 1 that I ither no I mend i I mu\ to the ffhich is a: 104 . CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE. give us an inheritance among all them that are sanctified. And may the peace of God, -which passeth all under- standing, keep our hearts and minds, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our 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. The 2nd Paraphrase may now be sung ; after which the Minister shall pronounce XLbc ffiencbiction. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. ANOTHER ORDER FOR THE CELEBRATION OE MARRIAGE '/iWy so', d by y the chc i.l say : v that trust in the Lord shall I mount 3 which cannot he removed, but abideth for l As the mountains arc round about 1 is round about His \ from henceforth, t I II he that hath the God oi in the Lord his God. We will lift up our eyes unto the hill r help i n and cart: - 106 CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE. know any impediment why ye may not be lawfully joined together in marriage, ye do now confess it. If no valid impediment be alleged^ the Minister shall offer prayer. prater. Almighty and eternal God, in whom all the families of the earth are blessed, we praise Thee for the ties of love and friendship which bind us to each other, and for the social joys which gladden our earthly life. Especially do we thank Thee at this time that the voice of the bride- groom and of the bride is heard in the land, and that the blessing which rested on Thy servants at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, is still vouchsafed to those who marry in the Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, through whom alone we can enjoy true fellowship with Thee and with each other, we approach Thy throne of grace, beseeching Thee to lift upon us the light of Thy countenance. Grant, we entreat Thee, that Thy blessing which maketh rich and unto which no sorrow is added, may rest upon those who are now to be united in the sacred bonds of marriage. As they have been brought together in Thy providence, may they be sanctified by Thy grace, and prepared for the duties devolving upon them as husband and wife. As their hands are being joined together in token of life-long covenant, do Thou unite their hearts in love to Thee, and knit them together in the bonds of that everlasting covenant which is ordered in all things and sure. As they acknowledge Thee and seek to please Thee in all their ways, do Thou graciously direct their steps, granting them in this world know- ledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come life ever- lasting. Amen. CELEBRATION OF MARRIAC 107 Marriage was instituted by God Himself in the garden of Eden, and formed an essential element of that happiness which our first parents enjoyed when they were in a >f purity and innocence. By the Divine favour it has been continued unto the present hour, to soothe the cares and ennoble the f our earthly existence. Marriage is the closest and most tender tie which can unite human beings in this life, lor this ca ill a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cK unto his wife : and they twain shall be one fl< Marriage is therefore the perfection of human friendship ; and so close and endearing is the relationship, that in pture it is employed as a type of that holy union which Subsists between the Lord |< and His people. It is declared in the New Testament to be honourable in all ; and when those who assume its sacred oblij are also within the bonds of the everlasting cover. their marri. mental in their cb and seem to bring back to earth the sinless love oi ubt that lie who I the first wedded | d the betrothal of ! . who blessed the (1. of Boai and Ruth, and who by 1 1 iid fir>t in • anctified the man it and seek it with their whole heart ? they who 1: . in the I rken n which he dm 1 \uu as husband and « In i Paul M : Wives, submit wr\ husb Io8 CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE. 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. Therefore, as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 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 ; that He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing : but that it should be holy, and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh ; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. 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. — Eph. 5. 22-31. The Apostle Peter also writes : — Ye husbands, dwell with your wives according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel. — 1 Peter 3. 7. Ye w T ives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the Word, they also may, without the Word, be won by the conversation of the wives ; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. — 1 Peter 3. 1, 2. To these counsels of God, recorded for your instruction, I urge you to give diligent heed, that your union may be fruitful of comfort here, and may further your welfare in the life to come. CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE. 1 09 Cbe Vows. As a seal of the vows which you are now about to make, take each other by the right hand. After the parties have joined hands, the Minister shall call upon the man to say after him these word. I, A. B., do take thee, C. D., to be my wedded wife : and do, in the presence of God and before these witnesses, promise and covenant to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband, until God shall separate us by death. Then the woman shall say in like manner : I, C. D., do take thee, A. B., to be my wedded husband ; and do, in presence of God and before these witnesses, promise and covenant to be unto thee a loving, faithful, and obedient wife, until God shall separate us by death. When a ring is used, the Minister shall say to the man : As a pledge of the vows now made, take this ring and give it to the Bride, saying after me : ( The Bridegroom, taking- the ring, and it on t lie fourth f oft'. s left hand, 'lister:) This ring I thee give, in token of the covenant now made betwixt me and thee. ■"ride shall also say after the Minister : This ring I accept, in token of the covenant now made betwixt me and th Then shall th forasmuch then, in pre- md j witnesses, vowed and plighted your troth to each HO - CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE. other, I in the name of God declare you to be married, husband and wife. Whom God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. The Lord bless you, and keep you : The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you : The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Then may be read or sung the 128th or other suitable Psalm ; after which the Minister shall offer p7-ayer. prater. Most gracious and merciful God, who keepest covenant with them that love Thee and keep Thy commandments, hear Thou in heaven the marriage vow which Thy servants have now vowed before Thee on earth, and grant unto them Thy heavenly grace, that with all fidelity and affection they may keep the same. At this solemn moment in their lives, do Thou be pleased to encompass them with Thine everlasting arms. May they evermore be led by the Angel of Thy presence, and be strengthened with the might of Thy grace. Holy and merciful God, the Fountain of all true love and friendship, make this union holy, blissful, and lasting. Let Thy presence, which sweetens every relationship and is the happiness of every condition, abide with them through life. Spare them long to share each other's joys, and bear each other's burdens ; and, amid all the changes of their earthly lot, guide, uphold, and counsel them. In time of prosperity suffer them not to forget Thee, and in the day of adversity be Thou their Refuge and Strength. Bless them in their basket and their store, in their persons and their work ; crown their lives with Thy goodness, and CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE. Ill vouchsafe unto them abundance of such things as they shall need, giving them of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth. Above all, enrich their souls with Thy heavenly favour, that, living together as heirs of the grace of life, they may adorn the doctrine of God their our in all things : and when the tie which has now been formed shall be broken at the grave, may they be ived into the house not made with hands, and be numbered with the blessed who are called to the marr supper of the Lamb. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bft air debts, as we forgive our deb: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil : Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and tli for ever. Am Should a* with the follou. A I hath knit you together in this holy estate of k, apply your* live together in godly I id good exam: r hold: the bond of charity without any breach, keeping faith and truth the one to the Other, the Word oi i)od and His h I pel doth coimnan or other Che ScneMctton. nd th« a ith i all. Ami ORDER FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. L— SERVICE IN THE HOUSE OR CHURCH. The mourners having assembled in the place appointed, the Minister shall begin the Service by repeating some sentences from Holy Scripture suitable to the circumstances {see pp. 123, et sea.); after which he may offer a brief Prayer of Invocation. Then, if convenient, a Psalm or Hymn may be sung, such as — Ps. 9. 7-10: Ps. 39: Ps. 90: Ps. 103. 13-18: Ps. 143. 6-8 (2nd version) : Par. 3 : Hy. 79. 1, 5, 6 : Hy. 80 : Hy. 183 ; Sent. no. The Minister shall next read appropriate passages fro ne this art our Father, and '1 Therefore we worship Thee with The 1 and d hath taken | . be the Name of the dl In pn hou it unto us anew the j« >\ : 1 and :, which th and abideth 11 our I pitiful and 114 BURIAL OF THE DEAD. who neither forsakest nor forgettest Thy sorrowing children, be very gracious, we beseech Thee, unto the mourners in this household. Hear them when they cry unto Thee out of the depths of their distress. In this valley of the shadow of death may they know that Thou art with them. As their affliction abounds, let Thy consolations much more abound, that the trial of their faith may be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. [O Thou King of saints, who redeemest the souls of Thy servants, we bless Thee for all the dead who have died in the Lord, and who now rest from their labours, having received the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls. We praise Thee for the grace which enabled them to fight the good fight, to endure unto the end, and to obtain the victory, yea, to become more than conquerors through Him that loved them. Make us to be followers of their faith and patience, that we too may be sharers of their eternal blessedness, and may like them enter into the inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.] Teach us, O Lord, to remember that we too must soon go the way whence we shall not return. Make us to know our end, and the measure of our days, what it is ; that we may know how frail we are. Verily we are strangers before Thee and sojourners, as all our fathers were ; our days on earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. Dispose us therefore to pass the time of our sojourning here in fear ; and, as strangers and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. Help us in all things to live as those who desire a better country, even an heavenly. Enlarge our hearts that we may run the way of Thy commandments; and let Thy BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 115 statutes be our songs in the house of our pilgrimage. Guide us with Thy counsel, and afterward receive us into glory, that we may dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Now unto Him that is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Am ex. Or , this Prayer may be used: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the God of the spirits of all flesh, Thou art our Refuge and Strength, a very present Help in trouble. Enable us, we pray Thee, to put our trust in Thee. And seeing that we have an High Priest who is touched with the feeling of our in- firmities, may we come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in this time of need. O God, we acknowledge Thee as the God of Provi- dence, by whom all our ways are ordered. Our times are in Thy hand. In Thee we live, and move, and have our being. It is Thou who didst breathe into our bodies the breath of life ; it is Thou likewise who causest the dust to return unto the earth as it was, and the spirit to return unto God who gave it. Teach us, we pray Thee, to acknowledge Thy hand in the sad event that has cast its shadow on our hearts, and enable us meekly to ier, not our will, but Thine be done. The Loi and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the Name of the Lord. Father of mercies and God of all comfort, we be» Thee to bestow upon us the olations of Thy good Il6 ■- BURIAL OF THE DEAD. Spirit. Thou healest the broken in heart, and bindest up their wounds. Thou art able to supply every loss, and t6 wipe away every tear. Grant, we beseech Thee, that amid the darkness of life's sorrows the light of Thy love may ever shine forth upon us, and do Thou graciously remember Thy word unto Thy servants upon which Thou hast caused us to hope, that Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee. O blessed Saviour, who Thyself didst weep beside the grave of a beloved friend, fulfil Thy promise that Thou wilt not leave Thy people comfortless, but wilt come unto them. Draw near to this home of mourning, and cause Thy bereaved servants to hear Thee, saying, I am the Resurrection and the Life : he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Enable them, in their sadness, so to look at the things which are not seen, that their affliction may work for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. O Lord God, who by this solemn event art reminding us that in the midst of life we are in death, cause us to be duly impressed by the warnings of Thy Word and Providence, and to become more earnest in redeeming the time and preparing for eternity. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom ; and may we ever have our loins girt and our lamps burning, as those who wait for the appearing of their Lord. And now, O heavenly Father, as we go forth to bury our dead, we thank Thee for the assurance that this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. We bless Thee that our Saviour Jesus Christ shall change the body of our BURIAL OF THE DEAD. I I 7 humiliation, that it may be fashioned like unto the body of His glory, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. Xow unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise ( iod, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Ami Pray :'m or Hymn ma ;. h as — IV 23. 4-6: Ps. 73. 2} 26: Ps. 102. 24-2S ( ion) : Par. 8. 13, 14 : Par. 48. 5-9 : Par. 61 : Par. 67. 12 : Hv. 231 : Hv. 234 : H\. 249: Sent. 109: Sent. 114. Cbe BeneWcttott The -race of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of :, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Am //. VICE AT THE GRAX into tin I It a man d A\ he live again ? Wilt Thou shew wonders to the dead ? shall the 1 •id praise Thee? shall Thy loving-kindness be 1 in th. } or Thy faithfulness indestracti shall Thy wonders be known in the dark : and Thy ;i the land Thus saith the Lord : I vrill ransom them from the in them from death. . the hour nm-, u the d and thwn in corrupti ith the powers of th< I to coi. our in our ..ith th- 1 Inn. » the I ; I I 120 - BURIAL OF THE DEAD. ANOTHER SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. The Body having been placed in the Grave, the Minister may repeat a few of the following passages :—? - /* XT 1 A T \i/c ^%****^ S ~*f^tt^?* 4 * Naked came I oirt'of my mother s womb, and naked **< shall I return thith^r^The Lord gave, and the Lord hath / taken away ; blessed b\ the Name of the Lord. / — 3 ~fe ^V Yea, though I walk fhrougfi- fre vktiey oT"th^§rfad^w •j^ of death, I will fear no evil : for Thou art with me ; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. *i Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame ; He remembereth that we are dust. Jesus said : I am the Resurrection, and the Life ; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me, shall never die - /W^ y^4^t>YUt**ta W* -*p4& J^^In My Father s house are many mansions : if it were , not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself ; that where I am, there ye may be also. f&^i^ /S*^ AMic't^^^^ I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels/ % nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. Wherefore, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run 7 BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 12 1 with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto :he Author and Finisher of our faith ; who, for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: but the Word of the Lord endureth ver. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth : yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours ; and their works do follow them. I iy be offered as follows : prav>cr. Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all genera- tions. Before the mountains were brought forth, or r Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even erlastii . erlasting Thou art God We thank Thee that amidst all the i I our mortal lives we may come to Thee as the Unchanging One. We shelter ourselves this day under the shadow ol 1 hy thn lering that the eternal God is our n and underneath are the everlasting arms. 1 Father, ire thank Thee that Thou h spoken unto Thy children th rnal Lift i that life and immortality have been ! to light by th< G I ; and that Thou hast begotten us in unto .i living hope by the i < Ihrist from th We b that, amid all in lift up our : llest in th- and that, >n the ' 122 * BURIAL OF THE DEAD. of the grave, we may receive a vision of the inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away. O God, who art very pitiful and of tender mercy, we beseech Thee to comfort all sorrowing hearts before Thee. We pray especially for the bereaved friends of our departed brother. Be Thou their Comforter, and may they find that the consolations of God are not small. We pray likewise for all whose wounds are opened afresh, as they stand around this grave, and are reminded anew of the dear ones whom Thou hast taken from them. Make them glad according to the days wherein Thou hast afflicted them, and the years wherein they have seen evil. Return unto them, O Lord, and have mercy upon them, and give them the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. O God of life and death, who hast kept the times and seasons in Thine own power, enable us to remember that the time is short. Whatsoever our hand findeth to do, may we do it with our might, being steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Now the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that we have suffered a while, make us perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle us. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. RIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERAL SERV1 /. I AL. Sntrotmctorg Sentences, •:c or 7)i0) I- .into men . l»ut after this the ju : and so r that all h in though h- .• r with my dead body shall I .sell in d : but the &ift o: I know th. y uj>on ill M •: or //: Oi^ Ccstament KeaMtt& I M 1 full oi also as a 124 - SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. 3 And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee ? 4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean ? not one. 5 Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass ; 6 Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day. 7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground ; 9 Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. io But man dieth, and wasteth away : yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he ? 11 As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up : 12 So man lieth down, and riseth not : till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. 13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me ! 14 If a man die, shall he live again ? All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. 15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. 16 For now thou numberest my steps : dost thou not watch over my sin ? 17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity. 18 And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place. 19 The waters wear the stones : thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth ; and thou destroyest the hope of man. 20 Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth : thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away. 21 His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not ; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them. 22 But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn. NLRAL. 125 Or— ALM 39. 4-13. 4 Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my d what it is ; that I may know how frail I am. Id, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth ; and mine nothing before thee : verily every man at hi- alt(»gether vanity. 6NSurely every man walketh in a vain d rely they are quieted, in vain : he heapeth/rip riches, and knoweth : -hall gather them. f . Ivord. what wait I for ? my hope is in thee. Deliver me from all my tr. . »ns : make me not the reproach of the foolish. 9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth ; thou did- 10 y from me : I am consumed by the blow of thine hand. 11 When thou with >t correct man for iniquity, thuu mak< :me away like a moth : surely every man u 11 r :;.y rayer, Lord, a: r unto 1 hold not my tea i I am a stranger with thee, and a all my fathei . that I 1: Qgthj bd anil \ - ALM j. 1 i bL 2 While 1 live will I : I wil! my j l>emg. I in pril ther 4 i forth, he returneth t«» his earth ; in li 5 I -hose . 6 Win and earth, the sea, a 1 truth 1 iteth judgment : to the 1. >seth the DffcOMI X 126 " SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. 8 The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind : the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down : the Lord loveth the righteous : 9 The Lord preserveth the strangers ; he relieveth the fatherless and widow : but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. io The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord. IRew (Testament IReaDing, I. CORINTHIANS 15. 20-26 and 51-58. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrec- tion of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all died, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order : Christ the firstfruits ; after- ward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father ; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 51 Behold, I show you a mystery ; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 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. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where is thy victory ? 56 The sting of death is sin ; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. - Jj^ ^^ ^m(u %. t U~yu :Uo tall not receive the kingdom of I ■ little child, he shall not enter therein. thou the chastening of the nor faint when thou -^- ar: I of him :eneth, and scourgeth ever) :h. Like a.^ a father piticth his children, so tfa hat feat him. For he knowetfa our frame; he remembered) 1: ar: rden ujx)n the Lord, and li i 1 ^C a Psalm or Hymn oic> Ccstament ReaMno. / II. SAMUEL, ix '., the chiKl that ick. I lay all 1 him up from t! 1 130 " SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead : for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice : how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead ? 19 But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead : therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead ? And they said, He is dead. 20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped : then he came to his own house ; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. 21 Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done ? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive ; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. 22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept : for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live ? 23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast ? can I bring him back again ? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. Or— II. KINGS 4. 18-37. 18 And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. 19 And he said unto his father, My head ! my head ! And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother. 20 And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. 21 And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him and went out. 22 And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again. 23 And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to-day ? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well. 24 Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward ; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee. 25 So she went, and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite : DEATH OF AN INFANT. 131 26 Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee ? is it well with thy husband ? is it well with the child ? And she answered, It is well. 27 And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feel : but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone ; for her soul is 1 thin her : and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told me. Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord ? did I not say, Do not deceive me ? 29 Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way : if thou meet any man, salute him not ; and if any salute thee, answer him not again : and lay my upon the face of the child. 30 And the mother of the child said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed b 31 And Gefaazi them, and laid the staft uj>on the face of the child ; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. \Y: face he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked. 32 And when Eli.>ha \va> come into th Id, the child ■ dead, and laid ujx>n his bed. 33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord. up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth mouth, and I BpOD hi- 1 hil hands upon hil handl : ami he >t retched himi the child ; and the tlesh of the child \ UUL 35 Then lie returned, and walked in the house to ami fro ; and went up, and stretched himself DDOO him: and the child D times, and the child opened : 36 And he called Gchazi, and mnammi: . lied her. And when M in unto him, he laid, T. up thy - 37 I lit in, and fell at his feet, and bowed he: the ground, and took D, and went out. Hew Qteftemettt KeaMno, MATTlll.W iS. 1-6 and 10-14. 1 At the same time the yi . the kin 132 • SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones ; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. 1 1 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. 12 How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray ? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. Ibjiift-n (fefi f£ fhall lie down alike in tfa rms shall cover them. [She hath given up the | ..e down while it was iy.] B Ifofto-mon may bring forth. \Y 1 thy hand tindeth t thy mi ther . nor k: :, in the tither Lb Our c in heaven ; from wl. the that it 1 like mi: Me eve: due all thi: him a P Oio Ccdtament KcaMM ECCLESl 1 1 134 SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. 2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain : 3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low ; 5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail : because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets : 6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was : and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter : Fear God, and keep his commandments : for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Or— PROVERBS 31. 10-31. 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships ; she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it : with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengthened her arms. DEATH OF A YOUNG MAX OR WOMAN. I 35 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good : her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor ; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household : for all her household are clothed with scarlet. Z2 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry ; her clothing is e prai }i the fruit of hei her in tb Hew [Testament ReaMttfr LUK1 :. 11 16. n And it pass th htf, thai N I36 - SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. 14 And he came and touched the bier : and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 16 And there came a fear on all : and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us ; and, That God hath visited his people. Or— MARK 5. 35-42. 35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead : why troublest thou the Master any further ? 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. 37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. 38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep ? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. 40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying. 41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and saith unto her, Talitha cumi ; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. 42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked ; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. Or— JOHN 14. 1-3 and 15-21. 1 Let not your heart be troubled : ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions : if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself ; that where I am, there ye may be also. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. DEATH OF A YOUNG MAN OR WOMAN. 1 37 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever : 17 Even the Spirit of truth ; whom the world cannot rect because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him : but ye know him ; for he dwelleth with you, and shall l>e in you. iS I will not leave you comfortless : I will come to you. 19 Vet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye me: because I lh ill live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he i that loveth me : and he that loveth me shall Ik- loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 138 _ SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. IV. DEATH OF AN AGED PERSON. 3ntrofcuctor£ Sentences, One or more of which may be tised at discretion. It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting : for that is the end of all men ; and the living will lay it to his heart. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age ; they shall be fat and flourishing. Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season. 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 revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort ; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are com- forted of God. Here the Minister may offer a brief Prayer of Invocation, after which a Psalm or Hymn may be sting. ©K> Testament IReafcing. PSALM 90. 1 Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst ATH OF AN AGED l J i 1 39 formed the earth and the world, even 6 lasting to everlasting, thou art G 3 Thou turnest man to destruction ; and sa)\ ild- ren of men. 4 lor a thousand years in thy sight when it .nd as a watch in the night. 5 Thou earnest them av, itfa a flc in the morning they are li which groweth up. [n the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up ; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. 7 1 by thine anger, and by thy wrath arc troul 8Vhou hast set our iniquiti light o^thy countenance. \ 9 i are passed away in thy urath : v. tale thai io The da\ J . 1 1 \\ ; v of thi: thy fea\ th. \ i 2 ij Return, and let it repent ing \ 14 O : Hew Sertamcnt Kg II. CORINTHIAN 10. 140 SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven : 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened : not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now he that hath wrought us for the self-same thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord : 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight :) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. io For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Or— REVELATION 21. 1-4, and 22. 1-5. 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth : for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away ; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes ; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain : for the former things are passed away. 1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month : and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. DEATH OF AN AGED PERSON. 141 3 And there shall be no more curse : but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it ; and his servants shall serve him : 4 And they shall see his face ; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there ; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun ; for the Lord God giveth them light : and they shall reign fur ever and ever. 142 • SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. V. DEATH OF A PERSON OF EMINENT PIETY. 5ntro&uctor£ Sentences, One or more of which may be used at discretion. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright : for the end of that man is peace. Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours ; and their works do follow them. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection : on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him. Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith ; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Here the Minister viay offer a brief Prayer of Invocation^ after which a Psalm or Hymn may be sting. ©ID {Testament IReaDing, PSALM 23. 1 The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures : he leadeth me beside the still waters. DEATH OF A PERSON OF EMINENT PIE I 43 3 He restoreth my soul : he leadeth me in the paths of righteous- for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou prepares! a lab] re me in the presence of mine enemies : thou anointed my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord fur ever. Or— 5ALM 112. 1 I the Lord, j is the man that feaieth the L that delighteth greatly in his commandmei 2 J !. I shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. 3 Wealth and richer shall be in his house : and his righ; endureth f<>r ever. • the upright there ari-eth light in the darkne> gracious, and full of compassion, and righu 5 A weth favour, and lendeth : he will guide his s with di 6 Surely he shall not be moved for ever : the righteous thai] be in everla nembrance. I fraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, ti ing in th Ushed, he shall not be afraid, until he se^ desire u\ 9 He hath d isp elled, he hath given to the |*>«jr ; 1. ness endureth foi ever ; hi ball be exalted with b 10 . it, and be { his teeth, and me/ Iced shall pen U.M Ie I 1 Bktl th« iiin me, DMH hot) Bless the 3 \ 1 all thine iniquities ; vsh . all thy diseases ; 144 SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. ( 1 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who crowneth thee witjh lovingkindness and tender mercies ; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things ; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 IHe made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide : neither will he keep his anger for ever. io He hath not dealt with us after our sins ; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame ; he remembercth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass : as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone : and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children ; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. Or— ISAIAH 51. i-ii. 1 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord : look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. 2 Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you : for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. 3 For the Lord shall comfort Zion : he will comfort all her waste places ; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert DEATH OF A PERSON OF EMINENT PIJ 145 like the garden of the Lord ; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of me! 4 Hearken unto me, my people ; and give ear unto me, O my nation : for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the peo 5 My righteousness is near ; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arm shall judge the people ; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust. 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath : for the heavens shall ranish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. 7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteo .in whose heart is my law ; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revili. 8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and t! shall eat them like w<> *1 : but my righteo ball be for ever, and my salvation from generation to genera*. 9 Awake, awake, pat on Strength, O arm of the Lord ; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generation, of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon? 10 Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, tl the great deep ; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the I 11 leemed of the 1- '1 return, an ;ing un' >n their I mourn- iy. r— [SAIAH si. j i j. 7 1 nail momenl haw I ies will I 8 In a littl I hid nrj :it : but with indness will I h.ne m thy i 9 1 t i that tl. i bat I would not be u I46 SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. 10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed ; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the cove- nant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. 11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colours, and lay thy founda- tions with sapphires. 12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. 13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord ; and great shall be the peace of thy children. 14 In righteousness shalt thou be established : thou shalt be far from oppression ; for thou shalt not fear : and from terror ; for it shall not come near thee. 1Rew {Testament IReafcing. JOHN 11. 11-44. 11 These things said he : and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth ; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death : but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe ; nevertheless let us go unto him. 16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. 17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him : but Mary sat still in the house. 21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. DEATH OF A PERSON OF EMINENT PIETY. 1 47 23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the rrection at the lai 25 Jesus -aid unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life : he that l>elieveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believed thou th saith unto him, Yea, Lord : I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. 28 And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary he: ecretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for tl. 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. 30 come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. 31 The Jews then which were with her in the house, and com- rhen the] laiy, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, laying, She goeth unto the grav- there. 32 Then when Mary \sas come where ] im, she fell down at hi> feet, laying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been my brother had not died. ^} When Jesus tl. .i\\ her M , and the J. I which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and 34 him ? 'I 1 unto him, 35 Lid thej- 'Id bow he \oftd him ! hich op. >( the blind, ha\ I not g in bin upon it. H said, I him that vai : for 40 Jesus saith unt I no( UDtO th 148 - SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always : but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes : and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Or— ACTS 9. 36-42. 36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas : this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died : whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose, and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber : and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed ; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes : and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa ; and many believed in the Lord. Or— ROMANS 8. 28-39. 28 We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called : and DEATH OF A PERSON OF EMINENT PIETY. 149 whom he called, them he also justified : and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, against 1 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up f 1 all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all thi: ^^ Who shall lay anything to the charge of G< i that justiheth. 34 Who is he that condemneth ? It is Christ that di rather, that is ri>en again, who is even at the right band also maketh int 35 Who si .1 the luve of Christ? shall tribulation, or di cution, or famine, or naked: A, or 36 As i we are killed all tl ghter. ugh him that I nor principal!! , northing at, nor things to c 39 Nor height, thercreal >ni the 1 which is in ( as our I. — REVELATION 7. 9-17. 9 After ihi I ml kindreds, and lins in their IO n the throne, and onto the Lamb. 1 1 And all the- it the thi 1 fell 1 l these 1.; 150 _ SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 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. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more ; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of water : and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. A SUDDEN DEATH. I 5 I VI. A SUDDEN DEATH. Jntrocuicton: Sentence Otu or more of which n. >i. d all the goodliness thereof is as the : the held : The g ..hereth, the flower fadeth : the hloweth upon it : rarely the people is grass. The h, the flower fadeth : but th OUT G : . shall stand lay or t< will go into such a ci: . and buy and sell, and get gain: • a vajxjur, tl. me. and then r that ye ought rd will. . or that. bren, the tim< : it remaineth, that 1 gh they had none ; and they that though the\ y that r hat buy, as though they pona :i u( may oj; huh Q\z Ccatameirt RcaMti PSALM 4'>. I 1 help in li ■ 3 ' 152 SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. 4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her ; she shall not be moved : God shall help her, and that right early. 6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved : he uttered his voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us ; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Or— LAMENTATIONS 3. 22-33. 22 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning : great is thy faithfulness. 24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul ; therefore will I hope in him. 25 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. 26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. 27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. 28 >N He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon hn 29 He |\utteth his mouth in the dust ; if so be there may be hope. 30 He giWh his cheek to him that smiteth him : he is filled full with reproach. 31 For the Lord will not cast ofTfor ever : 32 But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion accord- ing to the multitude of his mercies. 33 For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. W IRew Testament TReaDing, MATTHEW 25. 1-13. 1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them : 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. A N DEATH. 153 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh ; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the ve us of your oil ; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the v : j. N ; 1 ; there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for 10 ile they went to buy, the bridegroom came ; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage : and the do« . tot. 11 rd came also the other \ ', Lord, 12 Buthe: , Verily I say onto you, Iknowyounot. 13 Watch then r ye know neither the day nor the hour wh :ian com \ - LUKE 12. 35-43. ind your lights burnii Ice unto men that ', ill return from the wedding : that when he c >meth and knocketh, ntO him immediately. . ihall that be shall gird himself, and . and will in. in the third . that if tl 40 4 1 unt 11 ? 154 - SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. Or— II. PETER 3. 8-14, 17, 18. 8 But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness ; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night ; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 1 1 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 17 Beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. A CALAMITOUS DEATH. I 55 VII. A CALAMITOUS DEATH. 3ntrocuicton: Sentence^ One or more of which may be used at discretion. We dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth. Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not rec evil ? I was dumb, I opened not my mouth ; because thou didst it. Will the Lord ca>t off for ever? and will he Ixr favourable no his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for ? hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercu The Lord will not cast off for ever : but though he cause grief, will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mei fflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men. Thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it ft] 1 ndureth but a moment ; in his favour is life: 11 ing may endure for a night, but joy Cometh in the morning. the Minister may offer a brie I . hich a Psalm or Hymn • ovz Statement RctMiH), PSALM 91. ill lleth in of the most High .shall :' the Al: my refi him will I mist. .11 deliver thee from the and froii. 4 He shall . 5 1 not Ik- al the 156 . SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness ; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand ; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation ; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 1 1 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder : the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him : I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him : I will be with him in trouble ; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation. Or— PSALM 130. 1 Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. 2 Lord, hear my voice : let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. 5 I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. 6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning : I say, more than they that watch for the morning. 7 Let Israel hope in the Lord : for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. 8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. Or— PSALM 143. I Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications : in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. A CALAMITOUS DEATH. If; 2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant : for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. 3 1 i the enemy hath persecuted my soul ; he hath. . my life down to the ground ; he hath made me to dwell in darl those that have i ; dead. 4 THl i my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me i e. 5 I remember ihe .ieditate on all thy w rks ; I muse on the work of thy har. 6 I forth my hands unto thee : my soul thirsteth a: thirsty land. 7 1 1 -lily, Lord : my spirit faileth : hide not thy face from i like unto them tl into the 8 Can ring-kindness in the morning ; for in BUse me to know the way wherein I should walk ; lift up my soul un 9 Deliver me, (J Lord, from mine 10 Teach me to do thy will ; ! good ; lead me into the land of r. ^s. 1 1 rd, for thy n: ous- il out of trouble. "Hew Ceatament Heading* i. thessalonians 5. in. 1 But of tl and iIk that I hief in 1! h child ; I • be chunk 158 - SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR FUNERALS. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love ; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. 1 1 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. Or— II. CORINTHIANS 4. 7-18. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed ; we are perplexed, but not in despair ; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken ; cast down, but not destroyed ; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written. I believed, and therefore have I spoken ; we also believe, and there- fore speak ; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might, through the thanksgiving of many, redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not ; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory : 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen : for the things which are seen are tem- poral : but the things which are not seen are eternal. THE END.