Class _314C16 Book >l2>5__ Copyright*!? COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. MINISTER'S MANUAL AND POCKET RITUAL "A Ready Help in Time of Need For the Sick-room, Funerals, etc. TOGETHER WITH Full Ritual for Marriage, Baptism The Lord's Supper, etc. BY REV. C. E. MANDEVILLE, i).D. CINCINNATI: JENNINGS & PYE NEW YORK: EATON & MAINS T'-'F LIBRARY ©F rjCNGRESS, Two and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth : but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. 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 2 But when David saw that his serv- ants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, 1 1<3 is dead. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and 5 66 The Manual. came into the house of the Lord, and wor- shiped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread be- fore him, and he did eat. 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. 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? 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." (2 Sam. xii, 16- 23.) David sought God for help by fasting and prayer. He lay all night upon the earth, which indicated the anguish of his soul. 'T is well to go to Him in prayer, but in that spirit of submission which says, "Thy will, not mine, be done." The child died on the seventh day, and the elders of the house feared to tell the king that the child was dead, lest his grief be intensified. But David soon un- The Manual. 67 derstoocl the worst had come, and at once " arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshiped." This was a sur- prise to his servants. How a father could fast while his child was sick, and eat when he was dead, they could not under- stand. The psalmist, however, comprehended the true philosophy of God's providential dealings. While there was life in the child, he would pray for recovery; but when death had finished his work, then he would submit likewise to the will of God. Nothing further could be done. What comfort there is in a sublime faith in a life beyond the grave! "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." Blessed reunion! ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD. NO. 2. "And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his lather to the reapers. And he said unto his father, My head, my head! And he said to a lad, (/any him to his mother. And 68 The Manual. when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out. 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. 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. Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee. 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 Shunam- mite : 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." (2 Kings iv, 18-26.) There are several beautiful thoughts in this incident that can be considered The Manual. 69 with profit. It looks like a case of sun- stroke. He was with his father in the harvest-field. The lad was taken to his mother. Not only mother's arms but mothers heart will take him in. "No bet- ter place for a child to die than on moth- er's knees. At once she thought of Elisha, the prophet, and in great haste seeks help of him. A sublime faith comes to her re- lief; for when the servant of the prophet asks her, "Is it well with thee? Is it' well with thy husband? Is it well with the child ?" she replies, "It is well" And yet she had left at home a sorrowing husband and a dead child, while her own heart was about to break. She believed the prophet could bring the child back to life. " She saw the triumph from afar; By faith she brought it nigh." She answered as if the work was com- plete, " It is well." All is well with the people of God, whether living or dying. While we are rooted and grounded in the glorious doc- trine of the resurrection, we can look 70 The Manual. death calmly in the face and say, " It is well ;" for only a little while and the earth and the sea shall give up their dead, and the dear children will be restored to the arms of their mothers, never more to be separated. " I was dumb. I opened not my mouth : because thou didst it." (Psa. xxxix, 9.) What God does is in infinite wisdom, and we will not complain. " Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Jobi, 21.) * In the taking away of our loved ones we often lose sight of the giving. If we can remember all his mercies, we will be led to say, " Blessed be the name of the Lord." "And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them; and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suf- fer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the The Manual. 71 kingdom of God. Yerily 1 say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them." (Mark x, 13-16.) " 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. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye ? if a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 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. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." (Matt. xviii, 10-14.) Note the child's place in Christianity. Not so in pagan religions; no place for children there. Heathen mythology does 72 The Manual. not recognize them. Christianity begins with the birth of the Christ-child; and when Christ is teaching, he includes the lit- tle ones — yea, takes them in his arms and blesses them. Heaven is being filled with children. Even as the Alpine shepherds often carry the lambs to higher altitudes that the sheep may follow, so the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls often takes the little ones to the upper fold, that the parents may follow. MISCELLANEOUS PASSAGES FOR VARI- OUS OCCASIONS. "The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be unto God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. xv, 56, 57.) The following is a brief though com- prehensive outline of a sermon on the above text, by Kev. F. W. Kobertson : I. Death is a terrible event in human history. 1. It appears to be non-existence. 2. It is leaving the known for the un- known. 3. It has a sting, which is sin. The Manual. 73 II. The strength of sin is the law. "Thou shalt not." Had not known sin but for the law. III. Victory through Jesus Christ 1. Not through infidelity. 2. Not through stoicism. 3. Not through animal courage. This victory will be complete only at the resurrection. " Her sun is gone down while it is yet day." (Jer. xv, 9.) The following outline will be helpful, which the writer gives from memory. He does not recall the author : Deborah says (Judges v, 31), " Let them that love thee be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might." I. The Sun — its beauty and glory. Do n't wonder that it has been worshiped. But greater still the beauty of a con- sistent character. Moses prayed, " Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us." The sun is the source of life and light. Nothing can live without his rays. Christians are called the "light of the world." They are the light in the home, the Church, and the community. 74 The Manual. II. Every sun hath a rising and a set- ting. He cometh forth and "rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race." But when the sun has made his run across the heavens, there is a setting. We can tell the time when the sun will go down, but can not tell when human life will close. Some have a long life, and a protracted twi- light ; while others, such as infants, pass away soon after rising. Others still reach the meridian, and then vanish away. Such are referred to in the text, " While it is yet day." One of the most beautiful things to look upon in this world is a glorious sun- set. So is the glory of the translation of a good man. Wesley said, " Our people die well." Even as the sun looks larger and more attractive at the setting, so do our friends in the hour of death seem more precious. III. The sun sets here to rise on an- other hemisphere. So when the life of a good man goes out here, it is only to be continued in the heavenly sphere, even The Manual. 75 more glorious ; for we shall be like Christ when we shall see him as he is. "And I heard a voice from heaven say- ing unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors ; and their works do fol- low them." (Rev. xiv, 13.) How many and great are the evidences that generations have preceded us ! Take, for example, the works of art and architect- ure, the great libraries, universities, etc. Being dead, they yet speak through these. " The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with -me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity." (Mai. ii, 6.) Blessed the man of whom that can truly be said! To live by the "law of truth" and to "walk in peace with God," and to turn away from sin, is honor enough for one mortal. " For he [Barnabas] was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." (Acts xi, 24.) 76 The Manual. Note the three prime qualities : (a) Goodness, (b) faith, and (c) fullness of the Holy Ghost. A spirit-filled man. "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright ; for the end of that man is peace." (Psa. xxxvii, 37.) It is well for us occasionally to take special note of a perfect (i. e., loyal) man. A few such are yet in the world. And we should open our eyes and behold the upright man, the old-fashioned saint, who practices righteousness. The resultant of such a life is peace. " Now there was at * Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by inter- pretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did. 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. And foras- much as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desir- The Manual. 77 ing him that he would not delay to come to them. 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 show- ing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them." (Acts ix, 36-39.) Tabitha believed in applied Christian- ity. She had a gospel of works. She served not only her day and generation, but is the mother of all the Dorcas Socie- ties throughout the land, which are legion. The tears of the widows evidenced their affection, and the garments they held up evidenced the industry of Dorcas. " My tabernacle is spoiled, and my cords are broken: my children are gone forth of me, and they are not. There is none to stretch forth my tent any more, and to set up my curtain." (Jer. x, 20.) Many a home has thus been made des- olate by the ruthless hand of Death. " Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mer- 78 The Manual. cies, and the God. of all comfort, who com- forteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort where- with we ourselves are comforted of God." (2 Cor. i, 3, 4.) " The Father of Mercies" All our bless- ings come from him. " Thou openest thine hand, and satisfieth every living creature." "The God of all Comfort" "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." He careth for us. "In all our tribulations." And the greatest of these are the arrows of Death. And all this that "we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble." Pass it around, is the meaning. " Freely ye have received, freely give." Be sure that we give to others the same comfort wherewith we ourselves are com- forted of God. PART II. THE RITUAL. CHAPTER I. BURIAL OF THE DEAD. The Minister, going before the corpse, shall say, 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. (John xi, 25, 26.) I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God : whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. (Job xix, 25-27.) "We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (1 Tim. vi, 7; Job i, 21.) 6 81 82 The Eitual. At the grave, when the Corpse is laid in the Earth, the Minister shall say, Man that is born of woman hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is cut down like a flower : he fleeth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one stay. In the midst of life we are in death : of whom may we seek for succor, but of thee, O Lord, who for our sins art justly displeased ? Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty, O holy and most merciful Savior, deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death. Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts ; shut not thy merciful ears to our prayers, but spare us, Lord most holy; O God most mighty, O holy and merciful Savior, thou most worthy Judge eternal, suffer us not at our last hour for any pains of death to fall from thee. Then, while the Earth shall be east upon the Body by some standing by, the Min- ister shall say, Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God, in his wise providence, to take out The Eitual. 83 of the world the soul of the departed, we therefore commit his body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; looking for the general resurrection in the last day, and the life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ ; at whose second coming in glorious ma- jesty to judge the world, the earth and the sea shall give up their dead ; and the corruptible bodies of those who sleep in him shall be changed and made like unto his own glorious body; according to the mighty working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. Then shall he said: I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, From henceforth blessed are the dead who die. in the Lord : Even so saith the Spirit; for they rest from their labors. Then shall the Minister say, Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. 84 The Eitual. Then the Minister may offer this Prayer : Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of those who depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity; we give thee hearty thanks for the good examples of all those thy servants, who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest from their labors. And we be- seech thee, that we, with all those who are departed in the true faith of thy holy name, may have our perfect consumma- tion and bliss, both in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Collect. O Merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life ; in whom whosoever believ- eth shall live, though he die, and whoso- ever liveth and believeth in him shall not die eternally: we meekly beseech thee, O Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness ; that when we shall depart this life we may The Eitual. 85 rest in him ; and at the general resurrec- tion on the last day may be found accept- able in thy sight, and receive that blessing which thy well-beloved Son shall then pronounce to all that love and fear thee, saying, Come, ye blessed children of my Father, receive* the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world. Grant this, we beseech thee, O Merciful Father, through Jesus Christ our Media- tor and Redeemer. Amen. Our Father who art in heaven, hal- lowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread : and forgive us our trespasses, as we for- give them that trespass against us: and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all ever- more. Amen, CHAPTER II. BAPTISM. ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF BAPTISM TO INFANTS. The Minister, coming to the Font, which is to he filled with pure water, shall use the following : Dearly Beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin, and that our Savior Christ saith, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he can not enter into the kingdom of God; I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that having, of his bounteous mercy, re- deemed this child by the blood of his Son, he will grant that he, being baptized with water, may also be baptized with the Holy Ghost, be received into Christ's holy Church, and become a lively Member of the same. 86 The Kitual. 87 Then shall the Minister say, Let us pray. Almighty and Everlasting God, who of thy great mercy hast condescended to enter into covenant relations with man, wherein thou hast included children as partakers of its gracious benefits, declar- ing that of such is thy kingdom ; and in thy ancient Church didst appoint divers baptisms, figuring thereby the renewing of the Holy Ghost; and by thy well- beloved Son Jesus Christ gavest com- mandment to thy holy apostles to go into all the world and disciple all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: we beseech thee, that of thine infinite mercy thou wilt look upon this child: wash him and sanctify him; that he, be- ing saved by thy grace, may be received into Christ's holy Church, and being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in love, may so overcome the evils of this present world that finally he may attain to everlasting life, and reign with thee, world without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 88 The Eitual. O Merciful God, grant that all carnal affections may die in him, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him. Amen. Grant that he may have power and strength to have victory, and to triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen. Grant that whosoever is dedicated to thee by our office and ministry may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live and govern all things, world without end. Amen. Almighty, Everliving God, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out -of his most precious side both water and blood, regard, we beseech thee, our supplications. Sanctify this water for this Holy Sacra- ment ; and grant that this child, now to be baptized, may receive the fullness of thy grace, and ever remain in the number of thy faithful and elect children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Kitual. 89 Then shall the Minister address the Parents or Guardians as follows : Dearly Beloved, forasmuch as this child is now presented by you for Chris- tian Baptism, you must remember that it is your part and duty to see that he be taught, as soon as he shall be able to learn, the nature and end of this Holy Sacrament. And that he ma}^ know these things the better, you shall call upon him to give reverent attendance upon the appointed means of grace, such as the ministry of the Word, and the public and private wor- ship of God; and further, you shall pro- vide that he shall read the Holy Scrip- tures, and learn the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Catechism, and all other things which a Christian ought to know and be- lieve to his soul's health, in order that he may be brought up to lead a virtuous and holy life, remembering always that Bap- tism doth represent unto us that inward purity which disposeth us to follow the example of our Savior Christ; that as he died and rose again for us, so should we, 90 The Eitual. who are baptized, die unto sin and rise again unto righteousness, continually mor- tifying all corrupt affections, and daily proceeding in all virtue and godliness. Do you therefore solemnly engage to fulfill these duties, so far as in you lies, the Lord being your helper? Ans. We do. Then shall the People stand up, and the Minister shall say : Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. Mark. (Chap, x, 13-16.) They brought young children to Christ, that he should touch them. And his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. Yerily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. The Eitual. 91- Then the Minister shall take the Child into his hands, and say to the friends of the Child, Name this child. And then, naming it after them, he shall sprinkle or pour Water upon it, or, if desired, immerse it in Water, saying, ]¥., I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall the Minister offer the following Prayer, the People , O God of infinite mercy, the Father of all the faithful seed, be pleased to grant unto this child an understanding mind and a sanctified heart. May thy provi- dence lead him through the dangers, temptations, and ignorance of his youth, that he may never run into folly, nor into the evils of an unbridled appetite. "We pray thee so to order the course of his life that, by good education, by holy ex- amples, and by thy restraining and renew- ing grace, he may be led to serve thee 92 The Kitual. faithfully all his days; so that, when he has glorified thee in his generation, and has served the Church on earth, he may be received into thine eternal king- dom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty and most Merciful Father, let thy loving mercy and compassion de- scend upon these, thy servant and hand- maid, t'he parents [or guardians] of th is child. Grant unto them, we beseech thee, thy Holy Spirit, that they may, like Abra- ham, command their household to keep the way of the Lord. Direct their actions, and sactify their hearts, words, and pur- poses, that their whole family may be united to our Lord Jesus Christ in the bands of faith, obedience, and charity; and that they all, being in this life thy holy children by adoption and grace, may be admitted into the Church of the first- born in heaven, through the merits of thy dear Son, our Savior and Redeemer. A?nen. The Eitual. 93 Then may the Minister offer extemporary Prayer. Then shall he said, all hieeling : Our Father who art in heaven, hal- lowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us : and lead us not into temptation, but de- liver us from evil: for thine is the king- dom, and the power, and the glory, for- ever. Amen. ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF BAPTISM TO SUCH AS ARE OF RIPER YEARS. Dearly Beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin ; and that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and they that are in the flesh can not please God, but live in sin, committing many actual transgressions ; and our Savior Christ saith, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he can not enter into the kingdom of God: I beseech you to call upon God the Father through our 94 The Ritual. Lord Jesus Christ, that of his bounteous goodness he will grant to these persons that which by nature they can not have; that they, being baptized with water, may also be baptized with the Holy Ghost, and, being received into Christ's holy Church, may continue lively Members of the same. Then shall the Minister say Let us pray. Almighty and Immortal God, the aid of all that need, the helper of all that flee to thee for succor, the life of them that believe, and the resurrection of the dead: we call upon thee for these 2?erso?is, that they, coming to thy Holy Baptism, may also be filled with thy Holy Spirit. Re- ceive them, O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy well-beloved Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall receive ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: so give now unto us that ask ; let us that seek, find; open the gate unto us that knock; that these persons may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy heavenly washing, and may come to the eternal The Ritual. 95 kingdom which thou hast promised, by Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall the People stand up 9 and the Minister shall say: Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. John. (Chap, iii, 1-8.) There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest ex- cept God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. Nic- odemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Yerily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he can not enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 96 . The Ritual. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou nearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it Com- eth, and whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Then the Minister shall speak to the Per- sons to he baptised on this wise : Well Beloved, who have come hither desiring to receive Holy Baptism, you have heard how the Congregation hath prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receive you, to bless you, and to give you the kingdom of heaven, and everlasting life. And our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in his Holy Word to grant all those things that we have prayed for: which promise he for his part will most surely keep and perform. Wherefore, after this promise made by Christ, you must also faithfully, for your part, promise in the presence of this whole congregation, that you will renounce the devil and all his works, and constantly be- lieve God's Holy Word, and obediently keep his commandments. The Eitual. 97 Then shall the Minister demand of each of the Persons to he baptized: Quest. Dost thou renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous de- sires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow nor be led by them ? Ans. I renounce them all. Quest. Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth ; And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son our Lord ; and that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; that he suffered under Pontius Pi- late, was crucified, dead, and buried ; that he rose again the third day ; that he as- cended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty- ;mer sons before you, who have already received the Sacrament of Bap- tism, and have been under the care of proper leaders for six months on Trial, come seeking admission. We now propose, in the fear of God, to question them as to their faith and purposes, that you may know that they are proper persons to be admitted into the Church. Then, addressing the Applicants for Ad- mission, the Minister shall say: Dearly Beloved, you are come hither seeking the great privilege of union with 106 The Ritual. the Church our Saviour has purchased with his own blood. We rejoice in the grace of God vouchsafed unto you in that he has called you to be his followers, and that thus far you have run well. You have heard how blessed are the privileges, and how solemn are the duties, of mem- bership in Christ's Church; and before you are fully admitted thereto, it is proper that you do here publicly renew your vows, confess your faith, and declare your purpose, by answering the following questions : Do you here, in the presence of God and of this Congregation, renew the sol- emn promise contained in the Baptismal Covenant, ratifying and confirming the same, and acknowledging yourselves bound faithfully to observe and keep that Cove- nant? Aixs. I do. Have you saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Arts. I trust I have. Do you believe in the Doctrines of the Holy Scriptures as set forth in the Arti- The Kitual. 107 cles of Religion of the Methodist Episco- pal Church? A ns. I do. Will you cheerfully be governed by the Rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church, hold sacred the Ordinances of God, and endeavor, as much as in you lies, to pro- mote the welfare of your brethren and the advancement of the Redeemer's king- dom? Ans. I will. Will you contribute of your earthly substance, according to your ability, to the support of the gospel and the various benevolent enterprises of the Church ? Ans. I will. Then the Minister, addressing the Church, shall say: Brethren, these j)erso?is having given satisfactory responses to our inquiries, have any of you reason to allege why they should not be received into Full member- ship in the Church? 108 The Bitual. No objections being alleged, the Minister shall say to the Candidates: We welcome you to the communion of the Church of God ; and, in testimony of our Christian affection and the cordiality with which we receive you, I hereby ex- tend to you the right hand of fellowship; and may God grant that you. may be a faithful and useful Member of the Church militant till you are called to the fellow- ship of the Church triumphant, which is " without fault before the throne of God." Then shall the Minister offer extemporary prayer. CHAPTER IV. THE LOKD'S SUPPER. [Whenever practicable, let none but the pure, un- fermented juice of the grape be used in administering the Lord's Supper.] [Let persons who have scruples concerning the receiving of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper kneeling be permitted to receive it either standing or sitting.] [No person shall be admitted to the Lord's Supper among us who is guilty of any practice for which we would exclude a Member of our Church.] ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. The Elder shall say one or more of these Sentences, during the reading of which the Persons appointed for that purpose shall receive the Alms for the Poor: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matt, v, 16.) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth 109 110 The Ritual. corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal ; but lay up for yourselves treas- ures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. (Matt, vi, 19, 20.) Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. (Matt, vii, 12.) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matt, vii, 21.) Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord : Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor ; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I re- store him fourfold. (Luke xix, 8.) He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly ; and he which soweth boun- tifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man 'according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. (2 Cor. ix, 6, 7.) The Eitual. Ill As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Gal. vi. 10.) ' Godliness with contentment is great gain; for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry noth- ing out. (1 Tim. vi, 6, 7.) Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate: laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. (1 Tim. vi, 1 7-1 9.) God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (Heb. vi, 10.) To do good and to communicate forget not ; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (Ileb. xiii, 16.) 112 The Eitual. Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John iii, 1 7.) He that hath pity upon the poor lencl- eth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. (Prov. xix, 17.) Blessed is he that considereth the poor : the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. (Psa. xli, 1.) Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor. (Deut. xv, 11.) After tohich the Elder shall give the follow- ing invitation, the People standing : If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the right- eous: and he is the propitiation for our sins : and not for ours only, but also for the sins of tlie whole world. Wherefore ye that do truly and earn- estly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and in- The Kitual. 113 tend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God and walking from henceforth in his holy ways, draw near with faith, and take this Holy Sacrament to your comfort; and, devoutly kneeling, make your humble confession to Almighty God. Then shall this general Confession he made by the Minister in the name of all those who are minded to receive the Holy Com- munion, both he and all the People de- voutly kneeling, and saying : Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men, we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy Divine Majesty, pro- voking most justly thy wrath and in- dignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father: for thy Son, our Lord Jesus 114 The Ritual. Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past ; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honor and glory of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then shall the Elder say : Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thy great mercy hast promised for- giveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto thee, have mercy upon us ; pardon and deliver us from all our sins : confirm and strengthen us in all goodness; and bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Collect. Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Kitual. 115 Then shall the Elder say: "We do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may live and grow thereby ; and that, being washed through his most precious blood, we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen. Then the Elder shall offer the prayer of Consecration , as followeth : Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who of thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption; who made there, by his oblation of himself once of- fered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacri- fice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of tin. 1 whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to con- 116 The Ritual, tinue, a perpetual memory of his precious death until his coming again: hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee, and grant that we, receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most ( 1 ) H ti blessed body and blood, who, Elder may i n the same night that he was take the plate betrayed, took bread; (*)and of bread in w hen he had given thanks, his hand. he br()ke itj and gaye ^ tQ his disciples, saying, Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. ( 2 ) Here he Likewise after supper he may take the took ( 2 ) the cup; and when cup in his } ie had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins ; do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in re- membrance of me. Amen. The Eitual. 117 Then shall the Minister receive the Com- mu?iio?i in both kinds, and proceed to de- liver the same to the other Ministers, if any bejiresent; after which he shall say : It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God. Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name, ever- more praising thee, and saying, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be thee, O Lord most high ! Amen. The Minister shall then proceed to admin- ister the Communion to the People in order, kneeling, into their uncovered hands; and when he delivereth the Bread, he shall say : The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy soul and body unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee ; and feed on him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving. 118 The Ritual. And the Minister that deliver eth the Cup shall say: The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy soul and body unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ's blood was shed for thee, and be thankful. [If the Consecrated bread or wine shall be all spent before all have communed, the Elder may Consecrate more by repeating the Prayer of Consecration.] [When all have communed, the Minister shall re- turn to the Lord's table and place upon it what re- maineth of the Consecrated elements, covering the same with a fair linen cloth] Then shall the Elder say the Lord's Prayer; the People kneeling, and repeating after him every petition. Our Father who art in heaven, h&l- lowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us : and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. After which shall be said as followeth : O Lord our Heavenly Father, we thy humble servants desire thy Fatherly good- The Eitual. 119 ness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving: most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that, by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and thy whole Church may obtain forgiveness of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee that all we who are partakers of this Holy Communion may be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction. And al- though we be unworthy, through our man- ifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service ; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offenses, through Jesus Christ our Lord ; by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen. Then shall he said or sung : Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men! We praise 120 The Eitual. thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty! O Lord, the only begotten Son Jesus Christ: O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Then the Elder ', if he see it expedient^ may put up an extemporary Prayer ; and afterward shall let the People depart toith this Blessing: The peace of God, which passeth all un- derstanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen. CHAPTER V. MATRIMONY. FORM FOR THE SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. [The parts in brackets throughout may be used or not at discretion.] At the day and time appointed for the Solemnization of Matrimony, the per- sons to be married — having been quali- fied according to law — standing together, the Man on the right hand and the Wo- man on the left, the Minister shall say : Dearly Beloved, we are gathered to- gether here in the sight of God, and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy Matrimony ; which is an honorable es- tate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that exists between Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ 121 122 The Ritual. adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee, and is commended of Saint Paul to be honorable among all men ; and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Into which holy estate these two per- sons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined to- gether, let him now speak, or else here- after forever hold his peace. [And also speaking unto the jyersons that are to be married, the Minister shall say : I require and charge you both, that if either of you know of any impediment why you may not be lawfully joined to- gether in Matrimony, you do now confess it: for be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow, are not joined together by God, neither is their Matri- mony lawful.] The Eitual. 123 If no impediment he alleged, then shall the Minister say unto the Man, M., wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, com- fort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live? The Man shall answer, I will. Then shall the Minister say unto the Woman, N., wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Mat- rimony ? Wilt thou love, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and for- saking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live? The Woman shall answer, I will. 124 The Ritual. [Then the Minister shall cause the Man with his right hand to take the Woman by her right hand, and to say after him as follow eth : I, M., take thee, i\T., to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my faith. Then shall they loose their hands, and the Woman, with her right hand taking the Man by his right hand, shall likewise say after the Minister: I, JV., take thee, M., to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordi- nance; and thereto I plight thee my faith.] Then shall the Minister pray thus: O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual The Ritual. 125 grace, the Author of everlasting life : send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy name; that as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant between them made, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace to- gether, and live according to thy laws, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [If the parties desire it, the Man shall here hand a Ring to the Minister, who shall return it to him, and direct him to place it on the third finger of the Woman's left hand. And the Man shall say to the Woman, repeating after the Min- ister : A\ r ith this ring I thee wed, and with my worldly goods I thee endow, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Their shall the Minister join their right hands together, and say, Forasmuch as M. and X. have con- sented together in holy wedlock, and have 126 The Kitital. witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have pledged their faith either to other, and have declared the same by joining of hands; I pro- nounce that they are husband and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Amen. And the Minister shall add this blessing: God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and so fill you with all spiritual ben- ediction and grace that ye may so live together in this life that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. Amen. Then shall the Minister offer the following Prayer : O God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, bless this man and this woman, and sow the seed of eternal life in their hearts, that whatsoever in thy Holy Word they shall profitably learn, The Eitual. 127 they may indeed fulfill the same. Look, O Lord, mercifully on them from heaven, and bless them: as thou didst send thy blessings upon Abraham and Sarah to their great comfort, so vouchsafe to send thy blessings upon this man and this woman, that they, obeying thy will, and always being in safety under thy protec- tion, may abide in thy love unto their lives' end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Almighty God, who at the beginning didst create our first parents, Adam and Eve, and didst sanctify and join them together in marriage, pour upon these persons the riches of thy grace, sanctify and bless them, that they may please thee both in body and soul, and live to- gether in holy love unto their lives' end. Amen. Here the Minister may use extemporary Prayer. Then the Minister shall repeat the LoroVs Prayer : Our Father who art in heaven, hal- lowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in 128 The Ritual. heaven. Give us this day our daily bread: and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us: and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. CHAPTER VI. COKNEK-STONE AND DEDI- CATION. FORM FOR LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF A CHURCH. The Minister, standing near the place where the Stone is to be laid, shall say unto the Congregation: Dearly Beloved, we are taught in the Word of God, that, although the heaven of heavens can not contain the Eternal One, much less the walls of temples made with hands, yet his delight is ever with the sons of men, and that wherever two or three are gathered in his name, there is he in the midst of them. And in all ages his servants have separated certain places lor his worship: as Jacob erected a Stone in Bethel for God's house; as Moses made ;i tabernacle in the desert; as Solo- mon builded a temple for the Lord, which he filled with the glory of his presence 9 129 130 The Ritual. before all the people. We are now assem- bled to lay the Corner-stone of a new house for the worship of the God of our fathers. Let us not doubt that he will favorably approve our godly purpose, and let us now devoutly unite in singing his praise, and in prayer for his blessing on this our undertaking. Let one of the Hymns 856-871 be sung. Then shall the Minister say. Let us pray. Most glorious God, the heaven is thy throne and the earth is thy footstool; what house then can be builded for thee, or where is the place of thy rest? Yet, blessed be thy name, O Lord God, that it hath pleased thee to have thy habitation among the sons of men, and to dwell in the midst of the assembly of the saints upon the earth. And now, especially, we render thanks unto thy holy name that it hath pleased thee to put it into the hearts of thy servants to erect in this place a house for thy worship. "We thank thee for thy grace which has inclined them to The Eituat. 131 contribute of their substance for the glory of thy name: and we pray thee to con- tinue thy blessing upon their pious under- taking. Amen. May many unite with them in their holy work, until this habitation of thy house shall be completed, and ready for dedication to thy service, free from all debt or claim of man. Amen. May peace and harmony prevail in the counsels of thy servants, and may no self- ish or divided aims find place among them. May the work of this building be completed without hurt or accident to any person. And when thou shalt have pros- pered the work of their hands upon them, and this house shall be prepared and fin- ished for thy service, grant that all who shall enjoy the benefit of this pious work may show forth their thankfulness by making a right use of it, to the glory of thy blessed name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Grant that [ill who shall hereafter wor- ship thee in the temole here to he Imilded 132 The Ritual. may so serve and please thee in all holy exercises of godliness, that in the end they may come to that temple on high, even to the holy place made without hands, whose builder and maker is God. Amen. Hear us, O Lord, for thou art our God in whom we trust. And when we shall cease to pray unto thee on earth, may we, with all those who in like manner have erected such places to thy name, and with all thy saints and redeemed ones, eter- nally praise thee for all thy goodness vouchsafed unto us here on earth and laid up for us there in heaven. Amen. Accept these our prayers, we beseech thee, for the sake of thy dear Son ; and to thee, the only true and living God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be honor, praise, and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Then shall the Minister read the following Psalm, or the Minister and People may read it in alternate verses; the parts in italics to he read by the people. Psalm cxxxii. Lord, remember David, and all his afflictions : The Eitual. 133 How he sware unto the Lord, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob ; Surely I will not come into the taber- nacle of my house, nor go up into my bed ; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, nor slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find out a place for the Lord, A habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah; we found it in the fields of the wood. 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 righteous- ness ; And let thy saints shout for joy. . For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed. The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body 'will 1 set wpon tli i J tfrrone. If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore. 134 The Ritual. For the Lord hath chosen Zion ; he hath desired it for his habitation This is ray rest forever; here will I dwell ; for I have desired it. L will abundantly bless her provision : I will satisfy her poor with bread. / will also clothe her priests with sal- vation : And her saints shall shout aloud for joy. There will I make the horn of David to bud. I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. His enemies will 1 clothe with shame: But upon himself shall his crown flourish. The Lesson. 1 Corinthians iii, 9-23. For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus The Ritual. 135 Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest : for the clay shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire ; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss : but he himself shall be saved ; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy ; for the tem- ple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God : for it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men: for all things fere yours, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or 136 The Eitual. things present, or things to come ; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. Then shall follow the Sermon, or an ad- dress suitable to the occasion; after which the Contributions of the People shall be received. Then shall the Minister, standing by the Stone, exhibit to the Congregation a box to be placed in an excavation of the Stone. It may contain a copy of the Bible, the Hymn Book, the Discipline, the Church Year Book for the year, Church periodicals of recent date, the names of the Pastor, Trustees, and Building Committee of the Church, with such other documents as may be desired. A list of these may be read, after which the Minister may deposit the box in the Stone and cover it; and the Stone shall be laid and adjusted by the Minister, assisted by the Builder. Then shall the Minister say : In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we lay this Corner-stone for the foundation of a house to be builcied and consecrated to the serv- ice of Almighty God, according to the order and usages of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Amen. The service may conclude with extempo- rary Prayer, the Lord's Prayer, and the Benediction. CHAPTER VII. FORM FOR THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH. The Congregation being assembled in the Church, the Minister shall say : Dearly Beloved, the Scriptures teach us that God is well pleased with those who build temples to his name. We have heard how he filled the temple of Solo- mon with his glory, and how in the sec- ond temple he manifested himself still more gloriously. And the Gospel ap- proves and commends the centurion who built a synagogue for the people. Let us not doubt that he will also favorably ap- prove our purpose of dedicating this place in solemn manner, for the perform- ance of the several offices of religious worship; and let us now devoutly join in pntise to his name, that this godly under- taking hath been so far completed, and in prayer for his further blessing upon all 137 138 The Ritual. who have been engaged therein, and upon all who shall hereafter worship his name in this place. Let one of the Hymns 856-871 he sung ; afterward let extemporary Prayer he offered, the Congregation all kneeling: Then shall the Minister, or some one ap- pointed hy him, read The First Lesson. 2 Chronicles vi, 1, 2, 18-21, 40-42; vii, 1-4. Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. But I have built a house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling forever. But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth ( Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can not contain thee ; how much less this house which I have built! Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplica- tion, Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee: that thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, The Ritual. 139 upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there : to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place. Hearken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwelling-place, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive. Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting-place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness. O Lord God, turn not away the face of thine anointed : remember the mercies of David thy servant. Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from the heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the I >o)( 1 filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, 140 The Ritual. because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house. And when all the chil- dren of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshiped, and praised the Lord, say- ing, For he is good ; for his mercy endur- eth forever. Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord. The Second Lesson. Hebrews x, 19-26. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh ; and having a high priest over the house of God ; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith with- out wavering; for he is faithful that promised ; and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves The Ritual. 141 together, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we willfully sin after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. Then shall one of the Hymns 856-871 be sung / after which the Minister shall deliver a Sermon, suitable to the occasion. Contributions shall then be received from the People. Then shall the Minister read the following Psalm, or the Minister and the Congre- gation may read it alternately ; the parts in italics to be read by the Congregation. Psalm cxxii. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, 142 The Ritual. Unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : They shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls. And prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sake, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good. Then let the Trustees stand up before the Altar, and one of them, or some one in their behalf, say unto the Minister: We present unto you this Building, to be dedicated as a Church for the service and worship of Almighty God. Then shall the Minister request the Congre- gation to stand, while he repeats the following DECLARATION: Dearly Beloved, it is meet and right, as we learn from the Holy Scriptures, that houses erected for the public worship of God should be specially set apart and The Ritual. 148 dedicated to religious uses. For such a dedication we are now assembled. With gratitude, therefore, to Almighty God, who has signally blessed his servants in their holy enterprise of erecting this Church, we dedicate it to his service, for the reading of the Holy Scriptures, the preaching of the Word of God, the admin- istration of the Holy Sacraments, and for all other exercises of religious worship and service, according to the Discipline and Usages of the Methodist Episcopal Church. And, as the dedication of the temple is vain without the solemn conse_ cration of the worshipers also, I now call upon you all to dedicate yourselves anew to the service of God. To him let our souls be dedicated, that they may be re- newed after the image of Christ. To him let our bodies be dedicated, that they may be fit temples for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. To him may our labors and business be dedicated, that their fruit may tend to the glory of his great name, and to the advancement of his kingdom. And that he may graciously accept this solemn act, let us pray. 144 The Ritual. The Congregation kneeling, the Minister shall offer the following Prayer: O Most Glorious Lord, we acknowledge that we are not worthy to offer unto thee anything belonging unto us; yet we beseech thee, in thy great goodness gra- ciously to accept the dedication of this place to thy service, and to prosper this our undertaking ; receive the prayers and intercessions of all those thy servants who shall call upon thee in this house ; and give them grace to prepare their hearts to serve thee with reverence and godly fear; affect them with an awful apprehension of thy divine majesty, and a deep sense of their own un worthiness; that so approaching thy sanctuary with lowliness and devotion, and coming before thee with clean thoughts and pure hearts, with bodies undefiled, and minds sancti- fied, they may always perform a service acceptable to thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Regard, O Lord, the supplication of thy servants, and grant that whosoever shall be dedicated to thee in this house The Bitual. 145 by Baptism may ever remain in the num- ber of thy faithful children. Amen. Grant, Lord, that whosoever shall receive in this place the blessed Sacra- ment of the Body and Blood of Christ may come to that holy Ordinance with faith, charity, and true repentance; and, being filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, may, to their great and end- less comfort, obtain forgiveness of their sins, and all other benefits of his death. Amen. Grant, O Lord, that by thy Holy Word which shall be read and preached in this place, and by thy Holy Spirit grafting it inwardly in the heart, the hearers thereof may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and may have power and strength to perform the same. Amen. Now, therefore, arise, O Lord, and come into this place of thy rest, thou and the ark of thy strength. Let thine eye be open toward this house day and night; and let thine ears be ready toward the prayers of thy children which they shall make unto thee in this place: and when- 10 146 The Ritual. soever thy servants shall make to thee their petitions here, do thou hear them from heaven, thy dwelling-place, the throne of the glory of thy kingdom ; and when thou hearest, forgive. And grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that here and elsewhere thy ministers may be clothed with righteousness, and thy saints rejoice in thy salvation. And may we all, with thy people everywhere, grow up into a holy temple in the Lord, and be at last received into the glorious temple above; the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. And to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be glory and praise, world without end. Amen. The service to conclude with a Doxology and Benediction. Jau^g.lBOa. JAN 29 1902 FEB. 10 1902