PERKINS LIBRARY 
 
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 THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
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COL. GEORGE WASHINGTON FLOWERS 
 MEMORIAL COLLECTION 
 
 The Gift of 
 
 Date. 
 
 3-j lU a*0 a^ J. C, If 3 1 
 
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Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2014 
 
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DISCIPLINE, 
 
 ARTICLES OF FAITH AND SYNODICAL CONSTITUTION, 
 
 AS ADOPTED BY THE 
 
 EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD 
 
 OF 
 
 SOUTH CAROLINA 
 
 In Synod Assembled. 
 
 TO WHICH IS ADDED, 
 
 A LITURGY AND SOME FORMS OF PRAYER 
 
 FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF SYNOD. 
 
 BALTIMORE: 
 
 PUBLICATION ROOMS, 
 
 NO. 7, S. LIBERTY ST. 
 
 1841. 
 
&<*rtA,^ \M - s/ University TJr***»-nr 
 
 A WORD TO THE READER. 
 
 The question will be asked, what circumstances induced the 
 Lutheran Synod of South Carolina and adjacent States, to publish 
 a book which ought to have emanated from the congregated body 
 of the Lutheran church in the United States? We reply: "Neces- 
 sity has compelled us to the step." Our Synod had resolved to adopt 
 the Formula of church government and discipline proposed by 
 the General Synod; but we discovered insurmountable obstacles 
 in the execution of this resolution. We believed that the greatest 
 difficulty with which we had to contend, might be overcome if 
 the members of our respective churches were to legislate for them- 
 selves in regard to church regulations, as they are wont to do in 
 reference to political government ; and the Synod of South Caro- - 
 lina and adjacent states being, according to the fundamental prin- 
 ciples of the Lutheran church, an independent body, possessed as 
 such the right of proposing the call of a convention of the church 
 under its care, for the purpose of framing its own discipline. This 
 proposition being carried out, we have the satisfaction to know 
 from experience, that this step has been crowned with success, 
 and that a general adoption of the discipline proposed to the 
 churches under our care has been the consequence. The question 
 concerning the practicability of the convocation of a general conven- 
 tion would have greatly delayed action icith ws, which, in our situa- 
 tion was necessary to be prompt and energetic ; brethren of other 
 
 1 W R Q r / '0 
 X i d i) I 4 
 
IV. 
 
 Synods might not labor under the same difficulties from which we 
 suffered, and would therefore be averse to the measure; our only 
 alternative, therefore, was either soon to call a convention of the 
 churches in connection with our Synod for the purposes aforemen- 
 tioned, or to witness the ruin of our church in the Southern States. 
 
 Our brethren in other parts of the United States will therefore 
 now be convinced that, under these circumstances, we have not 
 acted rashly and unadvisedly, but that our conscientious aim has 
 been to preserve the Lutheran church among us, and to procure 
 it a character of respectability among our sister denominations. 
 
 Thankful that the Lord has blessed our labors hitherto, we con- 
 fidently trust that the publication of this small volume will also 
 meet his approbation and blessing. 
 
 ERNEST L. HAZELIUS, 
 Chairman of Committee on Publications. 
 Lexington, Jan. 30, 1841. 
 
PREFACE TO THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. 
 
 Invincible Emperor : 
 
 Inasmuch as your Imperial Majesty has ordered a con- 
 vention of the empire, to be held at Augsburg, to delibe- 
 rate upon the best method of checking the encroachments 
 of the Turks by efficient military preparations ; as also 
 to examine into and allay the existing dissentions in our 
 holy religion, by affording an opportunity to the several 
 religious parties to discuss in mutual lenity and charity 
 their respective opinions and sentiments — 
 
 And furthermore, since we, the Elector, Princes, our 
 relatives, whose names are subscribed, have been called 
 upon, in eominon with the other Electors, Princes and 
 States of the Empire, to attend the above-mentioned con- 
 vention, we do hereby announce our early arrival in obe- 
 dience to the imperial mandate. 
 
 We do now deliver to your Imperial Majesty the Ar- 
 ticles of our Confession, prepared according to the re- 
 quirements of the Imperial edict, delivered at the opening 
 of the Diet, which requires an exposition of the Articles 
 of our Faith, drawn up in the Latin and German lan- 
 guages. 
 
 The doctrines universally taught by our religious teach- 
 ers in their churches throughout our several principalities 
 and cities, are here n faithfully and accurately presented ; 
 
 175677 
 
6 
 
 and as soon as similar expositions of doctrines shall have 
 been made by the other Electors, Princes and States of 
 the Empire, we do hereby promise amicably to discuss 
 the relative merits and investigate the errors of each 
 party, for the furtherance of mutual concord, the promo- 
 tion of the sacred cause of truth, and the establishment 
 of Christianity. And may Almighty God, by his divine 
 grace, prosper these our designs. 
 
 Moreover, we now declare that, should our efforts at 
 reconciliation, and for the restoration of universal harmony 
 throughout the church, prove ineffectual by means of the 
 present discussion, we are ready to acquiesce in any pro- 
 positions and adopt any measures which will not demand 
 the violation of our conscience and our sense of respon- 
 sibility to God. 
 
 Furthermore, as your Imperial Majesty has frequently 
 declared (and especially at the Diet held at Spire, A. D., 
 1526) that your Majesty would not issue a decree in 
 matters of religion, but would apply to the Roman Pon- 
 tiff to call a general council, therefore we do now express 
 our readiness to plead our cause before your Imperial 
 Majesty in such a general council as has been desired by 
 the Electors, Princes, <fcc. in all the Imperial Diets held 
 during your Majesty's reign. 
 
 And to this appeal to your Majesty and council touch- 
 ing the important subject now at issue, frequently made 
 to your Majesty in a legal manner, we still adhere, and 
 to this appeal we shall adhere until our differences be 
 amicably adjusted. 
 
7 
 
 REMARKS OX THE PREFACE. 
 
 No one can attentively peruse the preface to the Augs- 
 burg Confession, without becoming convinced that the 
 Reformers' aim at that time still was to bring about a 
 reconciliation between the respective parties. Hence 
 they not only couched the sentiments they expressed in 
 language the least offensive to their opponents, but also 
 gave way in disputed points as far as conscience would 
 permit. For instance, in that part which contains their 
 appeal to the Emperor and council, they adopt the lan- 
 guage of the Imperial Summons; and in the whole they 
 profess a willingness to make any concessions consistent 
 with conscience. 
 
 In Melanchthon's preface to the Apology of the 
 Augsburg Confession he makes the following declara- 
 tions, "-liicli clearly indicate the spirit that guided the 
 reformers. 
 
 "An attempt," says he, "has been made to reconcile 
 parties, and during the pending negociations we have 
 expressed our readiness to bear every burden which can 
 be borne without offence of conscience. 1 My mode of 
 proceeding throughout these controversies has been to 
 retain the usual terminology in speaking of doctrines, in 
 order that an agreement might finally be effected." 
 
 That this was the object of the Reformers in framing 
 the Augsburg Confession, and even afterwards, may also 
 be inferred from Luther's preface to the Smalcaldic Arti- 
 cles, page 298. 
 
 Evidently meaning that the reformers were willing to adopt sen- 
 timents and ceremonies for peace 1 sake, though burdensome, pro- 
 vided these sentiments did not militate against their conscience. — 
 Note of Ed. 
 
8 
 
 " It has been enjoined on me," says he, " to collect 
 and compare the Articles of our Faith, so that we may 
 discover in what particulars, and how far we may con- 
 form to the Papists, and to what sentiments we must per- 
 severingly and conscientiously adhere." 
 
 If then, according to the testimony of the reformers, 
 their aim in composing this confession rather was, to 
 show what doctrines they could conscientiously profess 
 in common with the Papists, and wherein they could not 
 agree with them, than that every word should be con- 
 sidered by posterity as an undeviating rule of faith, we 
 ought not to give this confession a greater importance in 
 our days than the heroes of the reformation claimed for 
 their performance. The main principle of the reforma- 
 tion is not a slavish adherence to every sentiment of those 
 great and learned men, who had to shape their course 
 according to circumstances beyond their control, but it is 
 tliat the bible is paramount to every human authority, 
 and the only rule of faith and practice to the christian. 
 
 THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION. 
 
 ARTICLE I. 
 
 OF GOD. 
 
 Our churches unanimously teach that the decree of the 
 council of Nice concerning the unity of the divine es 
 sence and three persons is true, and ought to be conn 
 dently believed ; to wit; that there is one divine essence, 
 which is called God, and is God ; eternal, incorporeal, 
 indivisible, infinite in power, wisdom and goodness ; tiie 
 Preserver of all things, visible and invisible; and ye', 
 that there are three person who are of the same essence 
 
9 
 
 and power, and are coeternal, the Father, the Son, and 
 the Holy Ghost ; and the term person they use in the 
 same sense, in which it is employed by ecclesiastical 
 writers on this subject ; viz. as signifying, not a part or 
 quality in something else, but that which exists of and 
 in itself. Our churches, moreover, disown and con- 
 demn all heresies which have at various times arisen in 
 opposition to this doctrine ; e. g. Manichaean? Valen- 
 tinian* Jlrian? JSunomian, 4 Muhamedan? and all simi- 
 lar heresies. We likewise disapprove of the doctrinal 
 sentiments of the Samosetians, both ancient and modern, 
 who, whilst they hold, that there is but one person (in 
 the Deity) speak sophistically concerning the word and 
 the Holy Spirit, as not being two distiyict persons, and 
 maintain that the term 44 word" means the voice of God; 
 and that by the term " Holy Spirit is simply meant the 
 divine influence produced on man (by the word.) 
 
 Notes on the First Article. 
 
 1. The first Article of this Confession received its 
 technical phraseology some time after the apostolic age. 
 Its distinctions originated in the Arian controversy, and 
 in those which were caused by Apollinaris, bishop of 
 Laodicea, in the 4th, by Nestorius and Entyches in the 
 5th, and by the Monophysites and Monohelites in the 
 6th and 7th centuries. 
 
 2. Heretical sects mentioned in Art. 1. 
 
 'The Manichaeans received their name from Manes, 
 a Persian, who, in the 3d century, introduced the princi- 
 ple of the Persian or eastern philosophy into the chris- 
 tian church ; viz. that there are two independent, self- 
 existent beings, the one evil and the other good, who are 
 
io 
 
 opposed to each other, the one as king of darkness, the 
 other as king of light. This doctrine was introduced 
 with a view to explain the origin and existence of evil 
 in the world. 
 
 2 The Valentinians held principles similar to those of 
 the Manichaeans. 
 
 3 The Brians were the followers of A'rius, who, in the 
 4th century, commenced to deny the equality of the Son 
 with the Father, but at the same time allowed a similarity 
 between the first and second persons of the Trinity. 
 
 4 The Eunomians were so called from Eunomius Bish- 
 op of Cyzicus, who had adopted Arian principles, with a 
 slight deviation therefrom in some minor matters, A. D. 
 380. 
 
 b Muhametanism received its peculiar tenets from Ma- 
 homei, an Arabian merchant, who began to preach his 
 peculiar doctrines in the commencement of the 7th cen- 
 tury. These doctrines are contained in the Coran, and 
 now obtain among the Turks, Persians, &c. 
 
 6 The Samosetians. Paul, of Samosata, was the foun- 
 der of this sect, whose doctrines contain a mixture of 
 JSabellianism and Arianisrn. 
 
 ARTICLE II. 
 
 OF ORIGINAL SIN. 
 Our churches likewise teach that, since the fall of 
 Adam, all men who are naturally engendered are con- 
 ceived and born in sin, i. e. all are from their mother's 
 womb full of evil concupiscence, and cannot possess an 
 acceptable fear of God, nor faith in him ; and further, 
 that this inborn sin and depravity is really sin, and causes 
 
11 
 
 eternal death to all such as are not regenerated by baptism 
 and the Holy Spirit. 1 ■ 
 
 Onr churches reject the loctrines of the Pelagians 1 and 
 others who maintain that what is called original sin is 
 no sin, and who, in order to lessen the glory of the merits 
 and benefits of Christ, declare that man may be justified 
 before God by means of his own natural ability. 
 
 Notes on this Article. 
 'What the reformers meant by the term "being rege- 
 nerated by baptism and the Holy Spirit." See Article 
 on baptism. 
 
 2 A controversy arose A. D. 412, between Pelagius, a 
 British monk, and St. Augustine. Pelagius asserted 
 that man possessed ability both to know and do good 
 as well as evil; that the fall of Adam has entailed upon 
 our race no evil consequences; that death is a necessary- 
 law of our nature, and not the punishment inflicted upon 
 him in consequence of transgression. 
 
 ARTICLE IK. 
 OF THE SON OF GOD. 
 Our churches likewise teach that//te Word, that is, the 
 Son of God, assumed human nature in the womb of the 
 blessed Virgin Mary, so that the two natures, human and 
 divine, being inseparably united in one person, constitute 
 one Christ, who is true God and true man, born of the 
 Virgin Mary ; that he verily suffered, was crucified and 
 buried, in order to reconcile the Father to us, and to offer 
 himself as a sacrifice, both for original sin and all the 
 actual sins of men. He likewise descended into hell, 
 (Hades) rose again on the third day, and ascended into 
 
12 
 
 heaven, where he now sitteth at the right hand of his 
 Father, to exercise perpetual reign over all creatures, and 
 to sanctify those, who believe in him, by means of the 
 holy Spirit sent into their hearts, to rule, console, quicken 
 and defend them against the devil and the power of sin. 
 
 The same Christ will return openly, that he may judge 
 the living and the dead, according to the Apostolic creed. 
 
 Note. The Reformers were induced to give the minute 
 and particular description of the two-fold nature of Christ, 
 presented in the above article, by the fact, that sects had 
 arisen as early as the second century, who either denied 
 the real divinity, or the true humanity of Christ. The 
 Gnostic sects, that is, all those who favored the Eastern 
 or Persian philosophy, contended that all matter belonged 
 to the kingdom of darkness, and consequently denied the 
 true humanity of Christ, while the Arians, Semiarians, 
 Eunomians and others denied the divinity of the Saviour. 
 
 ARTICLE IV. 
 
 OF JUSTIFICATION. 
 
 They likewise teach, that men cannot be justified be- 
 fore God, by their own strength or meritorious works ; 
 but that on the contrary they are freely justified for 
 Christ's sake, through the operation of saving faith; 
 viz : that when they believe, they are received into favor 
 and w their sins are remitted on account of Christ, who 
 made satisfaction for our transgressions by his death. 
 This faith is imputed to us of God as righteousness. 
 Rom. ch. iii. and iv. 
 
 Note. The doctrine of justification by faith was con- 
 sidered by Luther and his noble coadjutors as Jrticulus 
 
13 
 
 si ant is et cadentis ecclesise, i. e. as the article, with 
 which the church must stand or fall. See Art. xx. 
 
 ARTICLE V. 
 
 OF THE MINISTERIAL OFFICE. 
 
 In order to further the attainment of such a saving 
 faith, the office of the Christian ministry has been insti- 
 tuted, whose members are ordained to preach the gospel 
 and administer the holy Sacraments. 
 
 For through the instrumentality of the word and the 
 sacrament as divinely appointed means of grace, the 
 holy Spirit is given, who in his own time and place, 
 worketh faith in those who attentively hear the gospel, 
 which announces, that God for Christ's sake, and not on 
 account of any merit in us, justifies those, who believe 
 in Christ. 
 
 Our churches, in maintaining this doctrine, oppose and 
 condemn the Anabaptists, and such other Sectarians, as 
 suppose that the holy Spirit carries on his divine agency 
 independently of a preached word, and that men may 
 secure his savirlg influence by their individual prepara- 
 tions and exertions. 
 
 Note 1. The Anabaptists, as a sect, appeared in the 
 church about the time of the Reformation ; they rejected 
 Pedo-Baptism, i. e. the baptism of infants, and conse- 
 quently re-baptized those, who had received that ordi- 
 nance in their infancy, hence their name. They also 
 entertained many other erroneous and heretical senti- 
 ments. They opposed the institutions of civil govern- 
 ment, were favorable to a system that established a com- 
 munity of equal interests, they considered the wild hal- 
 lucinations of their fanatical preachers and prophets as of 
 o 
 
equal importance with tlie inspirations of holy writ, ami 
 in many respects acted in direct opposition to the revealed 
 will of God. 
 
 Note 2. The sentiment of the reformers as embodied 
 in this 5th article of the Augsburg Confession, is clearly 
 and beautifully presented in the following passage of 
 holy writ: Rom. x. 13 — 15. "Whosoever shall call upon 
 the name of the Lord, shall be saved. How then shall 
 they call upon him, in whom they have not believed? 
 and how shall they believe in him, of whom they have 
 not heard ? and how shall they hear without a preacher ? 
 and how shall they preach, except they be sent ? as it is 
 written : how beautiful are the feet of them, that preach 
 the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good 
 things!" 
 
 ARTICLE VI. 
 
 OF RENEWED OBEDIENCE. 
 
 They likewise teach, that a saving faith must evidence 
 its genuineness by bringing forth good fruit, and that 
 it is our duty, to perform those good works, which God 
 has commanded us, purely because he has commanded 
 them, and not in the expectation of thereby meriting jus- 
 tification before him. For remission of sin and justifi- 
 cation are secured by faith, as is implicitly taught in the 
 declaration of Christ: "When ye shall have done all 
 things, say, we are unprofitable servants," 
 
 The same truth is also presented us in the writings of 
 many Ecclesiastics of former times ; thus Ambroshts 
 says: "God hath appointed, that he, who believes in 
 Christ, shall be saved by faith, independent of works, 
 the remission of sin being by him gratuitously bestowed." 
 
15 
 
 Note. In the phrase " good works, which God has 
 commanded" the confessors couched and expressed 
 their denial of the desirableness, necessity or validity of 
 those external works, which had been highly extolled 
 before the commencement of the reformation, such as 
 vows, celibacy, bequeathments to monasteries and church- 
 es, pilgrimages, the invocation of Saints, and such like, 
 and which were thought by many to be meritorious in 
 the sight of God, and hence accounted necessary to sal- 
 vation. 
 
 Again, they intended to show,' that the doctrine of 
 faith does not exclude real good works ; such as are com- 
 prehended in the divine command, " Thou shah love the 
 Lord thy God with all thy heart, and thy neighbor as 
 thyself.'' 
 
 A citation from Luther's appendix to the Smalcaldic 
 articles will suffice to shew some of the abuses and per- 
 versions, against which the 6th ariicle was designed by 
 the confessors to warn the churches Luther thus writes : 
 " Manifest idolatry is carried on in the profanation of the 
 mass, which, besides containing many other errors, has 
 been shamefully abused for the base purpose of venality. 
 The doctrine of penitence has been falsified by the 
 Pope and his adherents ; for they teach that sins are for- 
 given on the score of human merit, and then again add, 
 that it is doubtful after all, whether sins are really par- 
 doned or not. They have also attempted to detract from 
 the merits of Christ, by means of the doctrines of con- 
 fessions, indalgencies, &c. What horrible idolatry have 
 they taught, by commanding the worship of images and 
 saints ? What crimes have been perpetrated, in conse- 
 
16 
 
 quence of their traditions concerning celibacy ? How 
 has the pure gospel of Christ been darkened and obscured 
 by means of the unnatural vows of perpetual virginity, 
 mortification, abstinence, &c, whereby that merit is 
 sought which can only be obtained through Christ." 
 
 ARTICLE VII. 
 
 . OF THE CHURCH. 
 
 They likewise teach, that there will always be one holy 
 church; this church is the congregation of the saints, in 
 which the pure gospel of Christ is taught, and the sacra- 
 ments properly administered. And for the true unity of 
 the church nothing more is required, than agreement con- 
 cerning the doctrines of the gospel, and the administra- 
 tion of the sacraments. 
 
 Nor does the unity of the church require, that the 
 same human traditions, rites and ceremonies, instituted 
 by men, should be every where observed. As Paul says : 
 " One faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, 
 &c. Eph. iv ch. 
 
 ARTICLE VIII. 
 
 WHAT THE CHURCH IS. 
 Although the church, in the strictest sense and mean- 
 ing of the term, is nothing else than a congregation of 
 saints and believers ; yet as in the present life many 
 hypocrites and wicked men are mingled with them, it is 
 lawful for us also, to receive the sacrament when admin- 
 istered by unconverted men ; which "may be safely in- 
 ferred from the declaration of the Saviour. " The Scribes 
 and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat," &c. Matt, xxiii. And 
 as Christ has instituted and commanded the sacraments 
 
17 
 
 and the preached word, they are on that account to be 
 regarded efficacious, even though they should be admin- 
 istered by wicked men. They are opposed to the senti- 
 ments of the Donatists and others, who hold together 
 with them, that the administration of the sacraments by 
 wicked men is inefficacious, and ought therefore to be 
 rejected. 
 
 Note, 1. The Donatists, mentioned in the rejecting 
 clause of the above article appeared as a distinct sect in 
 the 4th century. 
 
 Note 2. From the 8th article we learn, that the re- 
 formers regarded the ministry of reconciliation, as the 
 agents or ambassadors of Christ, agreeably to the expres- 
 sion of the Apostle : " Now then we are ambassadors 
 for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we 
 pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 
 It is not the word of man which we are to hear from the 
 sacred desk, but the saving gospel of our blessed Lord. 
 The sacraments are not human institutions, and there- 
 fore dependent on the intentions of him, who adminis- 
 ters them, for their efficacy ; they are divine ; believers 
 participate in them with a view to obtain a divine blessing ; 
 and this blessing God is able and sees fit to impart 
 independently of a perfect or infallible ministry. No 
 one ought however to enter upon the duties of the sacred 
 ministry, whose character and qualifications do not accord 
 with the requisitions of the sacred word. Personal holi- 
 ness, good common sense, a respectable degree of native 
 talent, a disposition, which will lead to habits of applica- 
 tion, and which admits firmness of purpose, and zeal in 
 duty, these ought to constitute in part the character of 
 the candidate for the ministry of reconciliation. 
 
L8 
 
 That personal holiness is indispensible to the minister, 
 we are expressly taught in the 50th Ps. v. 16. " Unto 
 the wicked God says, what hast thou to do to declare my 
 statutes, or that thou shouldst take my covenant in thy 
 mouth." 
 
 An exact standard of ministerial qualifications as to 
 personal talent or mental improvement, it is impossible 
 for the church to prescribe. All that can be said upon 
 the subject is, that, as there is not another office on earth 
 whose duties are equally solemn, momentous and respon- 
 sible, as are those of the ministry, it follows, that there 
 is none, which requires an equal degree of excellence in 
 the character of him, who is to perform them. 
 
 The more enlightened, zealous and pious the ministry 
 is, or in other words, the nearer the ambassador of Christ 
 approaches his Lord in character and disposition, the 
 greater confidence can be placed in his exertions, and the 
 higher hopes entertained of his success. 
 
 ARTICLE IX. 
 
 OF BAPTISM. 
 
 Concerning paptism our churches teach, that it is ne- 
 cessary to salvation ; that the grace of God is offered 
 through baptism, and that this ordinance ought to be ad- 
 ministered to children, that they may thereby be dedica- 
 ted to God, and received into his favor. We dissent from 
 the sect of the Anabaptists, who disapprove of the bap- 
 tism of children, and affirm, that children may be saved 
 without being baptized. 
 
 Note. In reference to this article, we have first to re- 
 mind the reader of the sentiments expressed by the con- 
 fessors in the preface to this confession, declaring there, 
 
19 
 
 and in various passages of their other writings^ some of 
 which have been quoted in the notes to the preface, that 
 it was their object, not only to couch the sentiments and 
 doctrines they professed in language, the least offensive 
 to their opponents, but also to give way as far as con- 
 science would permit. This being premised, we shall 
 endeavor to discover the meaning of the Reformers in 
 regard to the article of baptism from some of those por- 
 tions of their writings, where they had not cause to be 
 so circumspect and careful of not giving offence to the 
 Roman party, as they had in the delivery of the Augs- 
 burg Confession. Luther says in the 3d part of the 
 Smalcaldic Articles, Art. V. 
 
 " Baptism is nothing else, than the promise or word 
 of God, as connected with the water, the use of which 
 was commanded by him. Therefore we do not concur 
 in opinion with Thomas Aquinas and the Dominicans, 
 who maintain, that God has imparted a spiritual power 
 to the water, so that sin is ivasked away by means of 
 the agency of the water. Nor do we believe with the 
 Franciscans, that baptism washes away sin with the 
 assistance of God." 
 
 Although the Latin copy of the Augsburg Confession 
 says, "that baptism is necessary to salvation the 
 German copy merely states, " that baptism is a neces- 
 sary act." The quotation from Luther, made above* 
 * shows that he considered baptism as a necessary act, or 
 if you choose, as necessary to salvation, not because he be- 
 lieved that God imparted a spiritual power to the water 
 to wash sins away, but because it is a promise on the 
 part of God, connected with the water, and commanded 
 by him. 
 
20 
 
 Concerning the baptism of children, Luther thus writes 
 in the Smalcaldic Articles : " Children ought to be 
 baptized, inasmuch as they constitute a part of the hu- 
 man family, for whom Christ has purchased redemp- 
 tion." " Hence we infer, that the church owes baptism 
 unto children, and the annunciation of God's promise 
 to them." 
 
 Melanchthon observes in the apology of the Augsburg 
 Confession, page 156, "It is very certain, that the pro- 
 mise of salvation appertains also to little children. For 
 this promise does not refer to those who are out of the 
 pale of Christ's church, where there are to be found 
 neither his word nor his sacraments, " Therefore chil- 
 dren ought to be baptized, in order that the promise of 
 salvation may be applied to them, agreeably to the com- 
 mand of Christ: Baptize all nations, ^-c." 
 
 ARTICLE X. 
 
 OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 
 
 Concerning the Lord's Supper our churches teach, 
 that the body and blood of Christ are actually present 
 and distributed to those who partake of the Lord's Sup- 
 per, and we disapprove of the doctrine of those, who 
 teach differently. 
 
 Note. That Luther and the Reformers, who labored 
 with him entertained the idea of the real presence of 
 Christ in the Eucharist is undeniable, but it is also well 
 known, that the sentiments of Luther concerning the real 
 presence of Christ in the Supper have not always been 
 fully received in the Lutheran church. Melanchthon de- 
 parted from them, and many of our divines of the 17th 
 century, otherwise strict adherents to the doctrines of 
 
21 
 
 Luther, moderated the expressions of the great reformer 
 in such a manuer, that few Protestant Christians of any- 
 other denomination could well find fault with their expla- 
 nation of the manner, in which they represented to them- 
 selves and taught the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. 
 Cheerfully would we quote some of the passages from 
 the writings of divines of those times, on this much con- 
 troverted subject, to prove our assertion, but being con- 
 fined to short notes by the Synod, we can do no more 
 than refer the reader to Gerhardi Loci Theologici Tom. 
 v. page 55, sqq, et 81, and Juenstedts Theologia Di- 
 dactica Polemica, parte iv. page 194. 
 
 The idea has existed in some parts of our church, and 
 perhaps does still exist among the uninformed, that the 
 participation of the Lord's Supper secures unto us, as an 
 opus operatum, the forgiveness of sins. We cannot for- 
 bear declaring, that Luther never entertained this senti- 
 ment : See the larger catechism page 565, where he says : 
 m Those who despise the Sacrament of the Altar, and 
 live in a manner inconsistent with their profession of reli- 
 gion, receive the sacrament to their condemnation ; just 
 like a patient, who, in spite of the physician, eats and 
 drinks what he ought not to touch." See also Formula 
 Concordiae, page 601. Apology Art. 2d, page 68 and 69. 
 
 The opinions now generally entertained in the Lutheran 
 church as to the nature of the Sacrament of the Lord's 
 Supper differ in no material point from those entertained 
 by the other protestant churches on the same subject. 
 We believe, that Christ instituted this sacrament as a 
 means of spiritual communion with him, as the invisible 
 head of the church, and which is to be statedly observed, 
 until the saints are admitted to personal communion with 
 
him in heaven. In it, the Christian commemorates with 
 devout feelings, the sufferings and death of Christ. By 
 means of this ordinance the Christian renews his faith, 
 and receives the spiritual blessing, which the Saviour has 
 promised to impart to all worthy communicants. The 
 body and blood of Christ are set forth in this ordinance 
 as the spiritual food of the soul. His body was broken, 
 and his blood was shed for man's redemption ; by parti- 
 cipating in an ordinance, commemorative of Christ's 
 death, we exhibit our desire to become personally inter- 
 ested in the benefit of his atonement. 
 
 Whilst such are the immediate views of our churches 
 in reference to the nature of this institution, they also 
 regard it as a means of promoting the growth of Chris- 
 tian virtues among the professed members of the church 
 of Christ. It affords to all an opportunity of openly 
 manifesting our love to Christ, and a regard for his insti- 
 utions. It is highly promotive of brotherly love and 
 Christian union. This was the strongest bond of attach- 
 ment which the primitive Christians possessed, when per- 
 secution tried their faith. The communion of the Lord's 
 Supper continues still to be a grand link in the chain of 
 Christian union at the present day. 
 
 If however any of our brethren should entertain senti- 
 ments, apparently more conformable to the views and 
 language held forth in the Augsburg Confession and other 
 writings of the first reformers, we do not desire or wish 
 to disturb him in that opinion, in as much as we know, 
 that the main point in this as well as in every other reli- 
 gious observance, is the heart; if this is hungry and 
 thirsty after the blessings which Christ will impart to the 
 believer in this sacrament, he may rest assured, that 
 
blessing shall be his, whatever may be his individual 
 view of the mode of communion with Christ at his table. 
 For however much individual professors or churches may 
 differ as regards minor and non-essential features in the 
 Christian system, all agree m professing one Lord, one 
 faith, one baptism. Around the table of their common 
 Lord and master, they may meet in the hallowed exer- 
 cise of Christian love. At the table of Christ they may 
 forget their minor differences, and commune in sweet and 
 endearing fellowship with each other and their Lord. 
 
 By this institution Christians are reminded in the most 
 impressive manner, of their social relations as members 
 of one body, which is Christ. "I am the vine," says 
 he, " ye are the branches ;" and surely, if such be the 
 mutual relations sustained towards each other, by the 
 members of Christ's church, we may at least expect, that 
 all communing disciples " should hold the faith in the 
 unity of the Spirit, in the bonds of peace and in right- 
 eousness of life." 
 
 ARTICLE XI. 
 
 OF CONFESSION. 
 
 In regard to confession our churches teach, that private 
 absolution ought to be retained, although we deem an 
 enumeration of all transgressions in confession unneces- 
 sary ; for this is an impossibility, according to the decla- 
 ration of the Psalmist : " Who can understand his errors." 
 
 Note. In the Roman church as constituted at the time 
 of the reformation, and as now existing, auricular con- 
 fession had not only been formally introduced, but the 
 priestly absolution subsequent to confession had been de- 
 clared a sacrament by Pope Innocent III. at the 4th 
 
24 
 
 Lateran council, held A. D. 1215. The council declared 
 that God would forgive those sins alone, which had been 
 acknowledged in the confessional, and all catholics were 
 commanded to confess at least once a year under pain of 
 excommunication, whatever sins they may have commit- 
 ted, in thought, word and deed. 
 
 The preface of the Augsburg Confession, exhibits, as 
 already observed, a desire on the part of the Reformers, 
 to yield to their opponents, whatever could be conceded 
 with a good conscience. To this earnest desire after 
 conciliation, must we attribute the toleration of the form 
 of confession, presented in the 11th article. 
 
 The rite of private confession and absolution obtains 
 yet in a few parts of the Lutheran church in Europe, 
 but is entirely abolished in our American churches in the 
 present day. An appropriate form of public confession 
 has been adopted, (see Liturgy) as part of the introduc- 
 tory service of the sanctuary, and particularly on sacra- 
 mental occasions. 
 
 ARTICLE XII. 
 
 OF REPENTANCE. 
 Concerning repentance our churches teach, that those 
 who have fallen away or relapsed after baptism, may at 
 any time obtain pardon when they are converted, and the 
 church is in duty bound to grant absolution, (i. e. to re- 
 ceive them to church-communion) to such as repent. 
 Repentance, properly speaking, consists of two parts, 
 viz : first, of contrition or dread on account of acknow- 
 ledged sin, and 2dly, of Faith, which is produced by 
 means of the gospel, or by means of absolution, which 
 faith confidently expects, that pardon for sin is bestowed 
 
25 
 
 for Christ's sake, which tranquilizes the conscience and 
 liberates it from fear. Such repentance must be suc- 
 ceeded by good works as its fruit. 
 
 They reject the doctrine of the Anabaptists, who 
 teach, that they who have once been justified, cannot 
 lose the holy Spirit. In like manner they reject the doc- 
 trine of those who contend that some persons attain so 
 high a degree of perfection in this life that they cannot sin. 
 We reject also the Novatiani, who would not receive those 
 into church communion, who had backslidden after bap- 
 tism but had become penitent. We also reject the doc- 
 trine of those, who say, that remission of sins is not 
 obtained through faith, but require us to merit grace by 
 good works. 
 
 Note. 
 
 The doctrine presented in the foregoing article con- 
 cerning repentance, seems to be based upon the scrip- 
 tural representation : " Godly sorrow worketh repentance 
 unto salvation." The awakened sinner is led to feel sor- 
 row on account of his sins, by reflecting upon the char- 
 acter of the Being, against whom his sins have been com- 
 mitted. A consciousness of the deepest ingratitude, of 
 criminal disobedience towards a Being, in whose charac- 
 ter we behold every perfection, whose moral government 
 is based upon such principles as can alone ensure the 
 divine glory and the supreme happiness of its subjects, 
 and whose law is holy, just and good, awakens within 
 the soul genuine contrition and sorrow. This sorrow is 
 rendered still more pungent, when our disobedience is 
 viewed as voluntary, when the sinner feels that he has 
 sinned against the clearest declarations of the divine will 
 and the dictates of his own conscience. 
 3 / 
 
26 
 
 Again, we may speak of fear as a leading cause of sor- 
 row in the mind of an awakened sinner. The most fear- 
 ful threatenings have been announced against the violator 
 of God's law. The sinner feels guilty of such violation, 
 and regards himself as a just subject of divine punish- 
 ment. How can he feel otherwise than sorrowful on ac- 
 count of sin, the wages of which he knows to be death* 
 But this sorrow must lead to sincere and implicit faith in 
 Christ, in order to be of benefit to the soul. 
 
 Faith is that confidence in God which believes the 
 message God addresses to the sinner, and in which is set 
 forth the divine compassion by means of a Redeemer. 
 Believing that God is in Christ Jesus, reconciling the 
 world unio himself, the conscience-smitten and awakened 
 sinner takes refuge in the provision of grace, which a 
 compassionate Redeemer offers to his acceptance. 
 
 It is the office of the Holy Spirit, to lead men by means 
 of his varied influences to the cultivation and exercise of 
 this faith. Hence faith is said to be the gift of God. 
 But it is the awakened sinner's duty and privilege, to 
 attend to these operations of the Holy Spirit, and to make 
 a faithful use of the offered means which God has pro- 
 mised to bless to the salvation of his soul. 
 
 The doctrines of sinless perfection and final perse* 
 verance, the confessors rejected. These doctrines they 
 regarded as inconsistent with the explicit declarations of 
 God's word. In regard to the former, Christ says: 
 " None is good but God." And in regard to the latter, 
 the warning example of Saul, (see 1 Sam. x. 6, 9, comp. 
 with chap. xxxi. 4.) and Paul's declaration concerning 
 Hymeneus and Alexander, (1 Tim. i. 19, 20,) are suffi- 
 cient warrantees to the confessors, to say what they did 
 say on that subject. 
 
27 
 
 The Novatians, a sect which originated in the middle 
 of the third century, taught, that whenever a member of 
 the church should be found guilty of any gross sin, after 
 having been a full member, he must ever after be denied 
 re-admission to communion, even though he should ex- 
 hibit signs of genuine repentance. 
 
 In opposition to such unchristian sentiment the confes- 
 sors taught, that the church is bound to absolve, i. e. to 
 re-admit to church privileges such as return to repent- 
 ance. The Roman church teaches, that good works may 
 render him, that performs them, meritorious in the sight 
 of God. Against this erroneous sentiment the last and 
 condemning clause of this article is directed. 
 
 ARTICLE XIII. 
 
 OF THE USE OF THE SACRAMENTS. 
 Concerning the use of the Sacraments our churches teach, 
 that they are designed not only as marks of our religious 
 profession before men, but rather as signs and evidences 
 of the divine disposition towards us, in order to excite 
 and confirm the faith of those who use them. Hence 
 the sacraments are to be used with faith in the promises, 
 which are exhibited and set forth by them. They there- 
 fore condemn the doctrine of those who teach, that the 
 sacraments produce justification as a matter of course 
 (ex opere operato) in their recipients and who do not 
 teach, that faith is required in the reception of the sacra- 
 ments, to the remission of sins. 
 
 Note. 
 
 In our remarks on Articles ix. and x. we have 
 stated the opinion held by our churches, as to the 
 nature of the two Sacraments, viz : Baptism and the 
 
28 
 
 Lord's Supper. It may not be inappropriate to subjoin in 
 this connection a few remarks, relative to the mode of 
 administering the former of these sacraments. We be- 
 lieve that baptism was instituted by Christ, as the initia- 
 tory rite, or as the means of inducting members into his 
 church, in the same manner in which circumcision was 
 the initiatory rite of the Old Testament. This belief is 
 founded on the commission of Christ to his disciples : 
 Matth. xxviii. 19 and 20, and the words of Paul, Col. ii. 
 11, 12. We further believe, that God in this ordinance 
 enters into a covenant with us, similar to that which he 
 made with those in the Old Testament who received the 
 rite of circumcision, Gen. xvii. 7 — 14, with this differ- 
 ence only, that while God pledged himself to the circum- 
 cised Israelite, to impart to him* all the blessings of the 
 Abrahamic covenant, provided, he should walk in the 
 steps of Abraham, so in the New Testament, God 
 pledges himself to grant to the baptized person every 
 blessing of the new covenant established by Jesus, so 
 soon as the baptized person shall become hungry and 
 thirsty after the righteousness of Christ. We further 
 believe that water is to be used in the administration of 
 this ordinance, but that the validity of that sacrament is 
 not dependant either upon the quantity of water, or the 
 mode in which it is applied, whether by immersion, 
 washing, pouring or sprinkling. Faith being the main 
 prerequisite in this sacrament, the mode of the external 
 performance of the rite can have no influence on its va- 
 lidity. Should the objector say, that such a view of the 
 rite would effectually exclude infants from this initiatory 
 ordinance of the New Testament we reply, that we have 
 shown, that the blessings of baptism as well as those of 
 
29 
 
 circumcision are prospective, i. e. these ordinances were 
 and are beneficial, as soon as the initiated person believes 
 with the faith of Abraham, which is also the Christian 
 faith, that God has pledged himself to impart his cove- 
 nant blessings to him, and therefore faith is not required 
 in the recipient of baptism at the time of administering 
 the ordinance, but afterwards, just as it was in the old 
 covenant in regard to the infant which was received into 
 God's covenant with a view to exercise Abraham's faith 
 in coming years. Moreover, the children of Abraham 
 were to be instructed (Gen. xviii. 19. Exod. xii. 26, 27,) 
 in regard to that covenant of God, and as faith comes by 
 hearing, (Rom. x. 14,) it is but reasonable to suppose, 
 that they would become participants of that faith, pro- 
 vided they sought the Lord in truth. But if this were 
 not done, circumcision would have been of as little avail 
 to the Israelite as baptism in every mode and shape to 
 children or adults in the days of the new covenant. But 
 if we at any time afterwards exercise faith in the pro- 
 mises of God exhibited to us in baptism, that ordinance 
 becomes to us according to this article, a sign and evi- 
 dence of the divine disposiiion towards us. 
 
 Again, if it be said, that we ought to observe that mode 
 of administering this ordinance by immersion, as the 
 mode in which that ordinance was administered by the 
 apostles, we reply in the first place, that this apostolic 
 mode of administering the ordinance is by no means 
 clearly made out; and secondly, supposing it admissible, 
 that the apostles did baptize by immersion at least very 
 generally, and if a sacrament is invalid, unless adminis- 
 tered in the original mode, then this argument applies 
 with equal force to the administration of the Lord's Supper, 
 3 
 
30 
 
 In the narrative given by the Evangelists of the institution 
 of this sacrament, the mode in which it was administered 
 the first time is so pointedly and minutely described, that if 
 the different denominations believed the validity of that 
 sacrament consisted in a slavish imitation of the manner, 
 in which it was instituted, they might do so. But as no 
 Christian denomination pursues that mode, we infer, that 
 none deem such imitation of importance, hence also, a 
 non-observance of the original mode in administering 
 baptism, which, to say the least, is not so clearly pointed 
 out, as the manner in which the Lord's Supper was insti- 
 tuted, cannot destroy its validity. 
 
 ARTICLE XIV. 
 
 OF CHURCH ORDERS. 
 Concerning church orders our churches teach, that no 
 person ought publicly to teach, preach or administer the 
 sacraments in the church, except those who have re- 
 ceived a regular call. 
 
 Note. 
 
 In this brief article every thing would be plain, if 
 the confessors had informed us, what they understood 
 by the term " a regular c«//." This doubt is however, 
 removed by the apology of the confession, article viii. 
 page 204, and by Luther's declaration in part 3d, article 
 x. of the Smalcaldic Articles. In the Apology it was, as 
 we have repeatedly observed, the object of the confessors 
 to make every possible concession to the Romanists; 
 hence they express themselves perfectly willing, to admit 
 the imparity of church orders, as constituted in the 
 Roman church, and to excuse their departure from the 
 canons, by the necessity, imposed on them by the bish- 
 ops, who not only refused to ordain the ministers, ad- 
 
31 
 
 hering to the evangelical doctrines, but who also perse- 
 cuted them even unto death. But when the Smalcaldic 
 Articles were written by Luther, seven years after the deli- 
 very of the Augsburg Confession, almost every prospect 
 of reconciliation with the Roman church had disappeared, 
 and therefore Luther gave his opinion more freely and 
 unreservedly to the public, than it had been done before. 
 His sentiments, as expressed in the Smalcaldic Articles, 
 are as follows : "If the bishops would discharge their 
 duty, as they ought, and be truly fathers of the church, 
 we might permit them, for the sake of charity and tran- 
 quility, not from necessity, to ordain our preachers, how- 
 ever on condition, to lay aside every foolish unchristian 
 ceremony and pomp. But since they neither are, nor 
 wish to be bishops indeed, but temporal lords and princes, 
 who neither preach nor teach, nor baptize, nor administer 
 the Lord's Supper, nor perform any other ecclesiastical 
 duty or office, but persecute and condemn those, w r ho, 
 when called, do it, the church cannot be deprived for 
 their sake of its ministers. Therefore we shall and will 
 ourselves ordain suitable persons for this office, according 
 to the usage of the antient church. And they cannot pro- 
 hibit us from so doing, according to their own laws, 
 which declare, that the ordination of persons by heretics 
 is valid, and ought not to be changed. And Jerome writes 
 concerning the church of Alexandria, that it was at first 
 governed jointly by bishops, presbyters and ministers." 
 
 This declaration of Luther shows, that the views of 
 the confessors in regard to church orders, were in agree- 
 ment with those entertained on that subject in the 
 ehurckes of America and Germany. And although the 
 order of Bishops does exist in Sweden, Norway and 
 
32 
 
 Denmark, it is not regarded in the same light in those' 
 countries, as it is by the Roman and Episcopal English 
 churches ; i. e. it is not believed, that ministerial acts, per- 
 formed by a minister, not ordained by a bishop are 
 invalid; and pastors, ordained by superintendants and 
 other presbyters may officiate without reordination in 
 these countries. Two facts will be sufficient to substan- 
 tiate this assertion ; first : that in one part of Denmark, 
 viz : in Schleswich, Holstein and Lauenburg, the parity of 
 ministers is maintained, while in the other parts the 
 Episcopal system has been introduced ; secondly : the 
 Smalcaldic Articles form a part of the symbolic books of 
 those realms, consequently, the sentiments, expressed in 
 them by Luther are also those of the Swedish, Norwe- 
 gian and Danish churches, though they have admitted the 
 Episcopal system from motives of expediency. 
 
 ARTICLE XV. 
 
 OF RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES AND CEREMONIES. 
 Concerning rites and ceremonies introduced into the 
 church they teach, that those ceremonies ought to be 
 observed, which are harmless in themselves, and which 
 have a tendency to promote peace and good order in the 
 church; such as certain holy days, festivals, &c. We, 
 however, caution men in these matters, that the con- 
 science ought not to be troubled, as if these observances 
 were necessary to salvation. We also give this caution, 
 that all human traditions, instituted with a view to 
 appease God, to merit his favor, and to make satisfaction 
 for sin, are in direct opposition to the gospel, and the 
 doctrine of faith in Christ. Therefore, vows, tradi- 
 tionary observances concerning meats, days, &c. instituted 
 
33 
 
 to merit God's favor, and to make satisfaction for sin, are 
 useless and contrary to the gospel. Col. ii. 16. 
 
 Notes. 
 
 1. Among - the observances condemned by the con- 
 fesssors, are monastic vows, that is, vows of celibacy, 
 entered into with a view to merit the favor of God. 
 When speaking of traditionary observances of meats and 
 days, they have in view, among others, the fast days 
 ordinary and extraordinary, the observance of saint days, 
 processions and the like. These and other similar 
 observances, e. g. the baptism of bells, the dedicatory 
 ceremonies of temples, altars, consecration of wax-can- 
 dles, &c. Luther designates in the Smalcaldic Articles, as 
 " foolish and puerile shows, deceitfully invented, for the 
 sake of obtaining money under the pretence of benefitting 
 souls, but with which we will have nothing to do ;" and 
 our hearts respond Amen ! 
 
 2. The views of the Lutheran church in relation 
 to religious ceremonies and forms of worship, are fully 
 developed in the Formula of Discipline adopted in church 
 convention in the year 1838, contained in this volume, 
 which see. The formula, recommended by the General 
 Synod, agrees on that subject in all respects with the sen- 
 timents expressed in the Formula of the Synod of South 
 Carolina. 
 
 ARTICLE XVI. 
 
 OF TEMPORAL OR CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 
 Concerning civil government our churches teach, that 
 legitimate civil enactments are good works of God ; that 
 it is lawful for Christians to hold civil offices, to be 
 judges, and to pronounce sentence according to the law of 
 
34 
 
 the empire and other existing laws, to inflict the punish- 
 ment of death, wage just wars, and serve in them, law- 
 fully to ohtain and to hold property, to make oath, when 
 required by a magistrate, to marry and to be married. 
 We reject the doctrines of the Anabaptists, who prohibit 
 Christians from holding these civil offices. In like man- 
 ner do we reject the doctrine of those, who do not make 
 Evangelical perfection to consist in the fear of God and 
 in faith, but in the abandonment of domestic duties, for 
 the gospel teaches a ceaseless righteousness of heart, 
 while it does not reject the duties of civil or domestic 
 life, but strictly demands their observance as regulations 
 of God's appointment, and enjoins them to be performed 
 in the spirit of charity. Christians are, therefore, in duty 
 bound to obey their rulers, and submit to the laws under 
 which they live. But when magistrates order Christians 
 to perform acts of unrighteousness, under such circum- 
 stances it is their duty to obey God rather than man. 
 Acts iv. 19. 
 
 Note. 
 
 The confessors clearly exhibit to us in the phra- 
 seology of the above article, their views of political 
 government. The institutions of civil government, the 
 enactments of civil rulers, they acknowledged as lawful 
 in themselves, and as recommended to our observance by 
 a divine sanction and approval. Hence, under whatsoever 
 form of government a Christian may have his lot cast, 
 whether it be monarchical or republican, obedience to the 
 properly constituted authorities is universally to be ren- 
 dered, provided, the liberties of conscience be not in- 
 fringed, or the sacred rights of religious faith be not 
 violated. 
 
35 
 
 In the excepting clause of the article under considera- 
 tion, the confessors had reference to such cases, as those 
 recorded in Acts iv. 19 and v. ch. 29, when the Jewish 
 council interdicted the preaching of Christ, and thus in- 
 fringed the sacred rights of the apostles. If, therefore, any 
 civil government should prohibit the preaching of the gos- 
 pel, as did the national convention of France in the year 
 1792, We are in conscience bound to obey God rather than 
 men. Hence we observe, also, that when the political or 
 civil tribunals of Heathen nations sit in judgment on the 
 christian religion, and prohibit, under pain of severe pun- 
 ishment, its promulgation, the missionary is not bound to 
 render obedience to such enactments, since they are at 
 direct variance with the sovereign and imperative com- 
 mand of Christ: "Go ye, therefore, and teach all na- 
 tions," &c. Matti xxviii. 19. But when the government 
 under which we live commands nothing sinful, it is our 
 duty to honor our civil rulers, cherish and obey, sustain 
 and defend our civil institutions, and conduct ourselves as 
 good and devoted subjects and citizens. No office is to 
 be avoided or shunned under pretence that it is inconsistent 
 with a religious character to hold it. If called to the 
 high and responsible, the dignified office of legislator or 
 judge, the christian should do justly, love mercy, and 
 walk humbly before God. He should ever have the wel- 
 fare of the country in which he lives near to his heart, 
 and contribute towards the promotion of justice, peace 
 and good order throughout the extent of his official and 
 individual influence. 
 
 In the second condemnatory clause the confessors had 
 in view the several orders of monastic mendicants. These 
 orders of monks, in addition to the ordinary vows of chas- 
 
tity and obedience, added an utter renunciation of all 
 kinds of property for themselves as well as for their mo- 
 nasteries. Consequently they threw themselves upon the 
 charity of the church and community at large for their 
 support. Such vows the confessors regarded as unscrip- 
 tural and subversive of all order in society* 
 
 ARTICLE XVII. 
 
 OF CHRIST'S RETURN TO JUDGMENT. 
 
 Our churches teach that Christ will appear at the end 
 of the world to execute judgment ; that he will raise all 
 the dead ; that he will give to the pious and elect eternal 
 life and endless joys, but will condemn to endless punish- 
 ment wicked men and apostate angels. 
 
 We condemn the Anabaptists, who teach that the pun- 
 ishment af devils and wicked men is to be finite in its 
 duration, in like manner they condemn those who circu^ 
 lated the Judaizing notion, that the righteous shall assume 
 to themselves the government of the world prior to the 
 resurrection of the dead, and that all the wicked shall be 
 exterminated. 
 
 Notes. 
 
 1. The doctrine of the resurrection of the dead; of 
 Christ's return to judgment ; the bestowment of re- 
 wards to the righteous, and infliction of punishment 
 upon the wicked who have persevered in sin unto the 
 end, are embraced and held by all the orthodox churches 
 in Christendom. It Would, therefore, be superfluous for 
 us to say any thing in reference to these doctrines, save 
 that they are confirmed by the clearest revelations of holy 
 writ. 
 
 For proof of the resurrection of the dead, see 2 Tim. 
 
37 
 
 i. 10. "Jesus Christ has brought life and immortality to 
 light through the gospel." See further, Matt. xxv. 31, 
 sqq.; John v. 28 ; ch. xi. 24, sqq. ; 1 Cor. xv. 23, sqq. ; 
 2 Cor. v. 1—10; 1 Thess. iv. 13, sqq. i 
 
 Concerning the judgment of the quick and the dead, 
 see Acts xvii. 31 ; Matt. xvi. 27, 28 ; ch. xxv. 31 — 46 ; 
 Rom. ii. 6—16; 1 Cor. iv. 5. 
 
 Concerning the everlasting happiness of the righteous, 
 See Matt. xxv. 46; John v. 39; Rom. ii. 7. &c. 
 
 Concerning the eternal punishment of the wicked, see 
 Mark ix. 44, 46, 48 ; Matth. xx. 46. In the latter pas- 
 sage eternal life, (*iwioc and everlasting punishment, 
 (St/awe *oxat«ff) are placed in opposition to each other ; 
 eternal life is universally understood to imply an unending 
 state of spiritual enjoyment, hence by natural consequence, 
 eternal punishment must be in like manner, endless. 
 See also Rev. xx. 12 — 15. Whatever, therefore, the 
 wisdom of man may object to this doctrine, can come 
 into no consideration with us, as men, who are persuaded, 
 that the New Testament is the revelation of him, in 
 whose hands are the keys of life and of death. But as 
 scripture is silent concerning the nature of this punish- 
 ment, except in highly figurative language, which we, in 
 our present state, and with the faculties, which we now 
 possess, are unable, satisfactorily to explain and develop, 
 it behooves us to leave this development with him, who 
 has revealed the fact, and to strive, that we may not be 
 overtaken by the second death. 
 
 2. The crude and unfounded notions pertaining to the 
 millenium, which the confessors denounce, were the 
 offspring of rabbinical dreams. They crept into the 
 4 
 
3$ 
 
 church almost with the first spread of the gospel; see- 
 Epistle of Barnabas, ch. xv. Justin, the martyr, in his 
 dialogue with Tryphon, the jew, ch. lxxxi. Irenaeus 
 against the Heretics, Book, v. ch. 23. Origcnes and 
 Diony silts of Alexandria, were its strong opposers, and 
 though they succeeded in checking this doctrine, chiliasm 
 still retained its hold in the west. It has been revived in 
 the 18th and 19th centuries ; and those who adhere to this 
 doctrine, support it by a literal interpretation of Rev. xx. 
 1—8. 
 
 That the gospel holds forth and countenances the opin- 
 ion of a universal diffusion of Christianity, so far as the 
 communication of its glad tidings is concerned, admits 
 not of a reasonable doubt ; the earliest prophecies of the 
 Old Testament announce it: see Gen. xii. 3, xx. 18, 
 xxii. 18 ; Ps. ii. 8, lxxii. 8—11 ; Isa. ii. 2, 4, lx. 2, 5 \ 
 Joel ii. 28. The Saviour himself confirms us in this 
 belief: Matth. xxiv. 14, xxviii, 18, 19, 20 ; Luke xxiv. 
 47, xiii. 29 ; John x. 16; Acts i. 8. His apostles also 
 teach it in their epistles, see Rom. xi. 25; 1 Cor. xv. 25 — 
 28 ; Phil. ii. 10. And we may still go one step further, 
 and say, that scripture supports the idea, that in the latter 
 days the Holy Spirit will stir up the minds of God's 
 people to great exertions, in promoting Christ's kingdom 
 by the spread of the gospel in heathen and Christian 
 lands, and that we may expect special outpourings of the 
 Holy Spirit in connexion with these exertions. This 
 expectation is in accordance with God's dealings with 
 men, from the earliest days ; extraordinary opportunities 
 of becoming acquainted with the truth, have generally 
 preceded extraordinary judgment?. Previous to the flccJ, 
 
39 
 
 God sent Noah, the preacher of righteousness to men 
 and the builder of the ark. Sodom's destruction was pre- 
 ceded by the presence of Abraham and Melchisedek ; the 
 trials of Israel in the wilderness by the mighty signs of 
 God in Egypt and the red sea ; the destruction of Jeru- 
 salem by Nebucadnezar, by a host of divine seers and 
 prophets, warning and beseeching Israel to return unto 
 the Lord their God ; the last overthrow of the Jewish 
 nation, by the presence, instructions, entreaties and warn- 
 ings of the Son of man. A perusal of the history of 
 the Christian church from the earliest ages to the present 
 day likewise shews, that great blessings preceded extra- 
 ordinary judgments. Analogy, therefore, permits us to 
 expect, that in the latter day, before the Son of man 
 shall come to judgment, the offers of grace and salvation 
 will be brought nearer to the hearts of men by the word 
 and Spirit than at any previous time ; but we fear, accord- 
 ing to the same analogy, that the question of the Saviour, 
 Luke xviii. 8, " When the Son of man cometh, shall he 
 find faith on the earth ?" will prove to be a calamitous 
 prophecy, 
 
 ARTICLE XVIII. 
 
 OF FREE WILL. 
 Concerning free will we teach, that the human will 
 possesses some liberty for the performance of civil duties, 
 and for the choice of those things, which lie within the 
 control of reason. But our will has no power to effect 
 our justification before God, to yield spiritual obedience 
 without the Spirit of God ; for the natural man receiveth 
 not the things which are of the Spirit of God, but this is 
 accomplished in the heart, when the Holy Spirit is re- 
 
40 
 
 ceived through the word. St. Augustine teaches the 
 same doctrine in the 3d book of his Hypognosticon, viz : 
 " We confess, that all men have a free will, since they 
 all possess natural reason and understanding. This 
 reason, however, is not fit, either to begin or to complete 
 any thing pertaining to God, but has liberty only in things 
 pertaining to this life, both good and bad. A man, for 
 instance, may labor in the field, he may eat, drink, he 
 may have a friend or not, he may put on a garment or 
 lay it aside, build a house, marry, &c. and what else 
 soever pertains to this present life, although even all this 
 stands under the direction of the divine government. So 
 may likewise a man do evil, he may be an idolater, a 
 murderer, &c." 
 
 We reject the Pelagians, who teach, that man, inde- 
 pendent of the aid of the Holy Spirit, and by means of 
 his own strength, is able to love God with all his heart ; 
 for, although nature may in some measure perform the 
 external work, pertaining to some acts of obedience ; for 
 instance : keep his hands off from theft, murder, &c. yet 
 it cannot produce the internal emotions of the heart, i. e. 
 it cannot produce chastity, patience, the fear of God, and 
 confidence towards God. 
 
 Note. 
 
 In the 2d, 3d, 4th, and 5th articles of this confession, 
 the reformers have given us their views concerning origi- 
 nal sin, the S071 of God our Saviour, the doctrine of 
 justification by faith, and the means, which God em- 
 ploys, to bring men to the knowledge of the truth. In 
 this xviii. article they again assert, that man cannot save 
 himself by means of his natural powers, that sin has so 
 
41 
 
 completely destroyed his faculties, that he must exclaim : 
 " Oh wretched man, that I am, who shall deliver me 
 from the body of this death?" Rom. vii. 24. 
 
 Both experience and scripture teach us, that these 
 views of the confessors are founded in truth, and happy 
 is the man, who, enlightened by the Spirit of God, 
 beholds himself in that lost condition. To him the word 
 of the Redeemer will be precious : " The Son of man is 
 come, to seek and save that which is lost." 
 
 Controversies without end have distracted the Chris- 
 tian church, almost from the days of the apostles to the 
 present time, in regard to the question : whether any 
 were necessarily excluded from the benefits of Christ's 
 advent, his atonement and the blessed influences of his 
 doctrines. But we will strengthen our faith in God's 
 promises, by calling to mind the words of Jesus : "Ask, 
 and it shall be given you." " Blessed are the poor in 
 Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God." " Blessed are 
 they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they 
 shall be filled." In so doing, we shall not dispute, 
 whether few or many are saved, it will be enough for us, 
 to know : that he, who cometh unto him, shall in no 
 wise be cast out. 
 
 ARTICLE XIX. 
 
 OF THE CAUSE OF SIN. 
 Concerning the cause of sin they teach, that although 
 God creates and preserves nature, yet, the will of the 
 wicked, i. e. of the devil and all impious men, is the 
 cause of sin, which will, turns itself away from God, 
 without his assistance, as Christ says, John viii. "When 
 he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own." 
 4* 
 
42 
 Note. 
 
 The principal design of this article is, to vindicate the 
 divine character from the charge, of originating or causing 
 sin. If holy writ were silent on that subject, the 
 knowledge which he has given us of his character, 
 demands, we should confess : God is not the author of sin. 
 
 If we view him in his goodness, love and mercy, we 
 are compelled to declare : God cannot be the author of 
 sin. Again, if we reflect on his attributes of truth and 
 uprightness, we discover, that the confidence, which we 
 place on him rests on this foundation, that he has revealed 
 his will to us according to his truth and uprightness ; and 
 whatsoever he therefore hates or loves, is indeed either an 
 object of his abomination or his love. But he has an- 
 nounced, that sin is an abomination in his sight, and that 
 he will punish the sinner, and has sent his Son into the 
 world, to save us from the awful consequences of our 
 sinful state, and from sin ; therefore we again judge, that 
 God cannot be the author of sin, neither does he tempt 
 any man to sin. James i. 13, 14. 
 
 ARTICLE xx. 
 OF GOOD WORKS. 
 We are falsely accused of prohibiting the performance 
 of good works. Our writings on the ten commandments 
 and on similar subjects prove, that we give salutary in- 
 struction concerning the different stations and duties in 
 life, and explain, what course of conduct is pleasing unto 
 God. In former times preachers said very little about 
 these matters, but on the contrary, the necessity of puerile 
 works was urged upon the people, such as the keeping 
 of certain festivals, the use of rosaries, the performing of 
 
43 
 
 pilgrimages, saints-worship, celibacy, monastic vows, 
 and such like things. Our adversaries, being now better 
 instructed, no longer teach these useless works, but begin 
 to make mention of faith, about which they were formerly 
 unaccountably silent. They now teach, that we are 
 justified by faith and works, which doctrine comes at 
 least somewhat nearer to the truth. In as much, there- 
 fore, as the doctrine of faith, which ought to be the 
 fundamental one in the church, has been for a long time 
 neglected, and we have heard nothing about justifica- 
 tion by faith, and as the doctrine of works has been 
 insisted on in sermons, our preachers instruct the people 
 as follows : 
 
 First, That our works cannot reconcile us to God, or 
 merit the remission of sins, or grace, or justification, but 
 that we obtain all this by faith alone, when we believe, 
 that we are accepted by grace, for Christ's sake, who 
 alone is given us as our Mediator and propitiation, through 
 whom the Father is reconciled. 
 
 Every man, therefore, who expects to merit grace by 
 his works, casts contempt on the merits of Christ, and 
 seeks access to God, by means of his own strength, 
 independent of the Saviour, who nevertheless has expli- 
 citly told us : " I am the way, the truth, and the life," 
 John xiv. 6. This doctrine of faith is taught by Paul 
 in all his writings : e. g. Eph. ii. 8." Ye are saved by 
 faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, 
 and not of works." And in order to prevent the charge of 
 novelty, on the part of those, who feel disposed to cavil 
 at our interpretation, we further state, that this whole 
 matter is supported by the testimony of the Fathers. 
 
 For Augustine defends the doctrine of grace and of 
 
44 
 
 justification by faith, against the merits of works in his 
 voluminous writings. 
 
 Ambrosius in his work entitled: " The calling of the 
 Gentiles" inculcates the same doctrine, in the following 
 language : "If justification were due to preceding merit, 
 and not the free gift of the bestower, but the reward of 
 him that worketh, the value of Christ's atonement would 
 be lessened, and human works would be placed above the 
 mercy of God." 
 
 But though this doctrine is despised by the ignorant, it 
 nevertheless remains a source of great consolation to the 
 consciences of the pious, who are unable to find tran- 
 quility of mind and blissful assurance, save in the belief, 
 that for Christ's sake God is reconciled unto them, as 
 Paul teaches: Rom. v. 1. "Being justified by faith, we 
 have peace with God." This whole doctrine is inti- 
 mately connected with the conflict in the conscience of 
 the awakened and alarmed sinner, nor can it be otherwise 
 understood. Hence the ignorant and worldly minded 
 form an erroneous judgment concerning these matters, 
 supposing, that Christian morality differs not from the 
 morality of the world and of human philosophy. 
 
 The consciences of men were formerly harassed by 
 the doctrine of works, nor did they receive any consola- 
 tion from the gospel. Some suffered themselves to be led 
 into deserts and monasteries by their consciences, hoping 
 thus, by a monastic life, to merit the divine favor. Others 
 invented different kinds of works, whereby they might 
 merit grace, and make satisfaction for sin. The strongest 
 necessity obtained on account of these erroneous notions, 
 to inculcate anew the doctrine concerning faith in Christ, 
 in order that smitten consciences might find consolation, 
 
45 
 
 and know, that justification and the remission of sins, 
 are obtained by faith in the Saviour. 
 
 Moreover, the people are now instructed, that "faith" 
 does not signify merely a historical knowledge, such as 
 wicked men and devils have, but that, in addition to the 
 historical belief, it includes a heartfelt acquaintance with 
 the consequences of the history, they believe, viz : remis- 
 sion of sins and justification through Christ. Whosoever 
 knows, that he has a propitious Father through Christ, 
 has a correct and saving knowledge of God; for he is 
 sensible, that God's providence watches over him, he 
 invokes him, and is not without God, as the Gentiles are. 
 For the devil and wicked men cannot believe this article 
 of the remission of sins ; therefore they hate God, do not 
 call upon his name, nor expect any thing good at his 
 hands. Augustine also, in speaking of faith, gives the 
 reader this instruction, that "when the scripture speaks 
 of faith, it does not mean a simple knowledge, such as 
 the wicked have, but that confidence, which consoles the 
 alarmed conscience and brings hope into the heart" 
 
 We moreover teach, that the performance of good 
 works is necessary, because it is commanded of God, 
 and not because we expect to merit grace by works. 
 Pardon of sins and grace can only be obtained through 
 faith. And since the Holy Spirit is received by faith, 
 the heart of man is renewed, and new affections are pro- 
 duced, so that he is able, to perform good works. This 
 is also the opinion of Ambrosius, when he says: " Faith 
 is the spring, whence a holy volition and an upright con- 
 duct flow. For the faculties of man, unaided by the 
 Holy Spirit, are replete with sinful propensities, and too 
 feeble to perform works, acceptable in the sight of God." 
 
48 
 
 They are moreover under the influence of satan, who 
 urges them on to various crimes, wicked opinions and 
 manifest offences ; as may be seen in the example of the 
 philosophers, who, though they endeavored to lead moral 
 lives, failed to accomplish their design, and were guilty of 
 many atrocious crimes ; so great is the weakness and 
 imbecility of man, when he is without faith and without 
 the Holy Spirit, and directed by his own strength. 
 Hence, it evidently appears, that our doctrine, instead of 
 deserving censure for the prohibition of good works, 
 ought much rather to be applauded, for teaching the 
 manner, in which truly good works can be performed. 
 For without faith, human nature is unable to act in con- 
 formity to God's holy commandments. Without faith 
 man does not call upon God, expects nothing from him, 
 does not take up his cross, but seeks human aid, and 
 trusts in human strength. Hence every evil lust and 
 human schemes rule in the heart, when faith and confi- 
 dence in God are absent. Therefore, Christ says : 
 *' Without me ye can do nothing." John xv. 5. And the 
 church responds : Without thy divine aid there is nothing 
 good in man. 
 
 Note. 
 
 In this article the confessors not only give us their 
 views on the doctrine of good works, but they also beau- 
 tifully develop the doctrine of justification by faith in 
 Jesus Christ. We cannot dismiss the testimony of these 
 eminent men to the truth, without subjoining a few re- 
 marks on that subject, extracted from the lectures of Dr. 
 Reinhard, that the reader may convince himself by com- 
 paring the statement of the reformers concerning this 
 
47 
 
 important doctrine, with the sentiments on the same sub- 
 ject of one of our most celebrated modern divines, that 
 the Lutheran church still remembers and holds fast what 
 it hast received and heard. Reinhard says : 
 
 " That decree of God, by which the vicarious death of 
 Jesus, and the merit both of his active and passive obe- 
 dience is applied to man, is called justification. This 
 term is derived from a Latin word, which, according to 
 the opinion of our church signifies, to declare a person 
 innocent. Justification, therefore, is that judicial act of 
 God, by which he declares the sinner free from guilt for 
 Jesus' sake. This judicial act of God includes first, the 
 remission of punishment; secondly, the grant of ever- 
 lasting happiness. The full definition, therefore, of the 
 term "justification''' will be as follows: "Justification 
 is that decree of God whereby he grants the sinner the 
 remission of punishment for Christ's sake, and bestows 
 on him eternal felicity ." We call it a forensic act, be- 
 cause the remission of punishment bears a resemblance 
 to the favorable sentence of a judicial tribunal, and also 
 because we wish to indicate by this expression that this 
 act of justification is not a change in man, but proceeds 
 or flows from God. This view of justification is founded 
 on the clearest declarations of the word of God. In as 
 far as it consists in the remission of punishment for 
 Chrisfs sake by faith, it is taught, Rom. iii. 21, 22 com- 
 pared with v. 28. The same view is given in Rom. iv. 
 5 and viii. 30. In the commencement of the same chap- 
 ter the Apostle assures us that the christian has nothing 
 to apprehend from condemnation. Jesus says the same 
 in John iii. 18 compared with John v. 24. Hence Paul 
 says of God: "he that justifieth" or "the Just ificr." 
 
48 
 
 Rom. iv. 5, and in Rom. viii. 33 he exclaims: "Who 
 shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? it is 
 God that justifieth;" or as we ought rather read: " Shall 
 God do it, who justifieth?" But with this remission of 
 punishment, the decree of God to bring those ivko 
 receive forgiveness of sins to everlasting felicity , is inti- 
 mately connected. John v. 24. " Verily, verily, I say unto 
 you, he that heareth, i. e. attendeth to my word, and be- 
 lieveth him that sent me has everlasting life ." Compare 
 with this passage, John iii. 15, vi. 40; 1 John v. 12. 
 Paul says, Rom. v. 1, " Being justified by faith, we have 
 peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Ch. 
 viii. 6, "To be spiritually minded is life and peace." 
 Verse 30, "Whom he justified, them he also glorified." 
 In all these passages the apostle declares that the justified 
 man may expect everlasting happiness from God. If we 
 inquire what causes produce this justification, Ave discover 
 them to be the following: first, those on the side of God. 
 
 a) The efficient cause, or that cause which produces the 
 will in God to justify sinners, is his love to man. John 
 iii. 16; 1 John iv. 9, 10; Rom. v. 8, ch. viii. 29—33. 
 
 b) The meritorious cause of justification is the perfect 
 obedience of Christ or his merit. Rom. iii. 24 — 26, &c. 
 Secondly, the apprehending cause on the part of man is, 
 
 faith in Christ. This is evident, because no man can 
 expect to derive a benefit from the provisions God has 
 made through Christ for the happiness of man, but he 
 who rests his hope on the same, or who is a believer. 
 See Rom. iii. 21, 22, 25 — 30. Hence the phrases to lay 
 hold of the merit of Christ; and the merit of Christ is 
 imparted to the believer signify, 1) on the part of man ; 
 To expect, with assured hope, the pardon of sins and 
 
43 
 
 salvation on account of the merits and vicarious death 
 of Jesus. 2) On the part of God, to grant unto the be- 
 liever pardon of sins and eternal felicity on account of 
 the merits and vicarious death of Christ. Again, this 
 faith which we consider as the condition of justifica- 
 tion, must be a living faith; i. e. a confidence or trust 
 in God, which produces the amendment of life. Rom. vi. 
 1 — 14, viii. 1 — 17 ; 1 John i. 8 — 10 compared with ch. 
 iii. Nothing is more certain than that every truly justi- 
 fied person will grow in virtue and piety; but the 
 act of justification does not impart that piety, it proceeds 
 from the subjective condition of the mind of the justified 
 person. Justification precedes, emendation of life suc- 
 ceeds. But as it is possible that the mind of man may 
 change from worse to better, and again from better to 
 worse, the question has been asked, whether man may 
 be justified more than once in his life time, or whether 
 he is justified once for all, perhaps at the close of his 
 life ? In answer to this question, we observe that it is 
 evident, from many passages of scripture, that the act of 
 justification is not reserved for the last and decisive 
 moment of death, because many persons are represented 
 in scripture as justified, who were still exposed to all the 
 vicissitudes and changes of life, and because we are in 
 general informed (viz. in the scripture) that all become 
 recipients of this benefit who have saving faith. If, then, 
 justification and faith have a mutual relation to each other, 
 and as we may have saving faith previous to the moment 
 of our departure, it is evident that justification cannot be 
 considered as a divine judicial act, pronounced in thG hour 
 of death. Hence it follows that a man may be justified 
 
 more than once during his life time. For as often as he 
 5 
 
50 
 
 receives true faith after a relapse, so often also will take 
 place that justification which stands in so close a relation 
 to that faith that the one cannot exist without the other. 
 If the objection should be made, that this answer to the 
 proposed question would destroy the doctrine of the om- 
 niscience and immutability of God, we answer, his eter- 
 nal decree is to grant remission of sins to all who believe 
 in Christ. This decree stands fast forever, and suffers 
 no change. But as this decree is applicable only upon 
 compliance with the requisite conditions, there is a possi- 
 bility that man may, at one time, be considered as a sin- 
 ner, and at another as justified, without any change in 
 the divine decree. 
 
 " We further say that his justification is sure, perfect, 
 equally extending to all men, but that it will be lost again, 
 if faith be lost. 
 
 "When we say justification is sure, we mean there is 
 no just cause of entertaining any doubt respecting it. For 
 if it is possible to know whether we have saving faith, 
 we are also able, with certainty, to decide whether we 
 are justified. When we say it is perfect, we mean that 
 wherever justification is, it is full and admitteth of no 
 gradation, i. e. it cannot be said that one person enjoys a 
 greater degree of justification than another; for the re* 
 mission of sins, which is the very essence of justification 
 is virtually the same in all. Since true faith is the only 
 condition of justification on the part of man, and we can- 
 not deny the possibility that persons who do not die in 
 the faith, may have enjoyed it for a season, it follows that 
 justification extends equally to all men, or, in other words, 
 it is in its nature the same in regard to all men, whether 
 elect or reprobate ; and hence it will also follow that jus- 
 tification may be lost, if true faith may be lost. 
 
51 
 
 "If we inquire into the effects of justification, we dis- 
 cover that .they are two-fold. 1) immediate; 2) mediate 
 effects. The immediate effect of justification consists in 
 a well-founded assurance of the soul that we are passed 
 from death unto life; consequently we enjoy peace with 
 God, peace with our own conscience^, spiritual joy, the 
 spirit of adoption, and finally the hope of eternal life. 
 
 "The remote or mediate effect of justification is eter- 
 nal salvation itself. Finally we remark, that the remis- 
 sion of punishment, granted us through justification by 
 faith in Christ has reference to the remission of that pun- 
 ishment alone, which God inflicts on the impenitent sin- 
 ner in the world to come, and not to the natural conse- 
 quences of our transgressions in this life." 
 
 ARTICLE XXI. 
 
 OF THE SERVICE OF SAINTS. 
 
 Concerning the service of saints our churches teach, 
 that saints are to be held in remembrance, in order, that 
 we may, each one in his own calling imitate their faith 
 and good works ; that, for example, the emperor may 
 imitate the example of David in carrying on war, to ex- 
 pel the Turks from our country, for both are kings. But 
 the sacred volume does not teach us, to invoke saints, or 
 to seek aid from them. For it proposes Christ to us, as 
 our only mediator, propitiation, high priest and intercessor. 
 We are authorized and commanded to call on his name, 
 and he promises, graciously to hear our prayers and to 
 approve of our worship. Especially is Christ to be 
 sought in affliction according to 1 John ii. 1. "If any 
 one sin, we have an advocate with the Father," &c. 
 
 These articles contain nearly the substance of the doc- 
 
£2 
 
 trines, that are preached among us ; and we may safely 
 challenge the strictest scrutiny of our enemies, to find 
 aught in them either inconsistent with the scriptures, or 
 the doctrines of the Catholic or Roman church, in as far 
 as they appear from ecclesiastic writers. They who 
 regard us as heretics, after this exposition, judge harshly. 
 But we acknowledge, that a difference of opinion exists, 
 (viz : between us and the Roman church) in reference to 
 certain abuses, which have crept into the church without 
 any good authority, in regard to which the bishops ought 
 to treat us with lenity, and tolerate us on account of the 
 confession, which we now have read, inasmuch as the 
 canons of the church do not require the uniform obser- 
 vance of the same ceremonies, nor a conformity in all the 
 rites of the church ; though we in a great measure care- 
 fully observe the ancient rites. For it is a slanderous 
 assertion, that we have abolished all the ceremonies 
 and ancient institutions from our churches. But there 
 was a general complaint, that some abuses existed 
 in the customary rites, and these have been in some 
 measure corrected, because we could not conscientiously 
 approve of them. 
 
 Notes. 
 
 1 . We shall add no remarks on the doctrine contained 
 in this article ; every Protestant reader of the bible knows, 
 that saint and angel worship is prohibited, for we have 
 but one object of worship, the Father of our Lord and 
 Saviour, Jesus Christ, the king of Glory. 
 
 2. We have, however, a few words to say, in reference 
 to the translation of a certain phrase in this article, 
 
 eviating from those of some of our worthy brethren. The 
 
53 
 
 words to which we allude, read in the Latin copy- 
 as follows : " cerni potest, nihil inesse in doctrina, quod 
 discrepat a scripturis, vel ab ecclesia catholica, vel ab 
 ecclesia Romana, quatemis ex scriptoribus nota est. 
 Rev. Dr. Schmucker renders these words in his Popular 
 Theology as follows : "Our doctrines contain nothing 
 inconsistent with the scriptures, or opposed either to the 
 Catholic (universal) or to the Roman church, so far as 
 they accord with scripture." I cannot persuade myself, 
 that the meaning given in the underlined words is, what 
 the confessors wished to say. The word " scriptores" 
 is an abbreviated term frequently used by the Reformers 
 instead of " scriptores ecclesiastici. 1 therefore render: 
 In so far as they, viz: these doctrines appear from eccle- 
 siastic writers. In this opinion I am confirmed, when I 
 reflect, that the confessors were anxious to render their 
 confession acceptable to the Catholic party, which they 
 could not have effected by bottoming their doctrines at 
 that time on the scriptures alone ; neither did they do it ; 
 for they frequently quote the opinions of ecclesiastical 
 writers as proofs of their statements. In the epilogue 
 of the confession, (to which I refer the reader in the 
 "general reflections") (see page 55.) the following ex- 
 pression occurs ; 44 no doctrine has been adopted by us 
 in opposition to the scripture or the Catholic church." 
 Does it not seem, as if that phrase was intended to cor- 
 respond with the phraseology of the concluding article of 
 the confession ? and if so, do they not mutually explain 
 each other? Upon these grounds, and several others 
 that might be given, if desired brevity would allow, I 
 have ventured to depart from the translation of Dr. 
 Schmucker. 
 5* 
 
1 
 
 54 
 
 General reflections concerning the state of things in the 
 Protestant church, at the time of the delivery of the 
 Augsburg Confession. 
 
 At the time of the delivery of the Augsburg Confession 
 (June 25, 1530,) the reformation was in an early state of 
 its childhood. Luther had been led to his controversy 
 with the church of which he was a member by the de- 
 grading and sinful traffic in indulgences, sanctioned and 
 even commanded by the highest authority in the church. 
 He entertained at that time no idea of breaking with the 
 church of Rome. He was, as he frequently himself 
 asserted in after time, one of the most zealous adherents 
 to popery. Nearly one year and a half after Luther's 
 avowed opposition to the sale of indulgences, he ad- 
 dressed a submissive letter to Pope Leo X., promising 
 silence on those subjects which had hitherto been agitated, 
 provided, the adversaries would do the same. Their 
 non-compliance goaded Luther on; the authority of the 
 sovereign pontiff, an undoubted article of faith with the 
 multitude, was brought in opposition to all his arguments ; 
 he was in self-defence compelled to examine the grounds 
 of the papal supremacy, and to reject it as unwarranted 
 in the word of God. Luther's exit from the church of 
 Rome took place in December, 1526 ; The bible was at 
 that time not yet in the hands of the people ; great igno- 
 rance and inveterate ancient prejudices were still pre- 
 vailing; the new doctrines, though partially known in 
 Germany and some other countries, had scarcely yet 
 taken hold of the hearts of men; the enemies of the 
 gospel were in possession of all the power, and were 
 anxious to make the most of their ascendancy. Under 
 these circumstances the confessors thought it prudent, to 
 
55 
 
 yield to their opponents as much as possible, without 
 absolutely violating their consciences. This is appa- 
 rent from the preface of the Augsburg Confession, 
 to which the reader is referred ; also from the tenor of its 
 apology ; and likewise from the epilogue of the confes- 
 sion in which the Reformers say: "Nothing has been 
 said in this confession, with an intention to wound the 
 feelings of any one ; we have merely made mention of 
 those things, which we believe ought to be said, that all 
 may know, that no doctrine has been adopted by us, in 
 opposition to the scriptures or the Catholic church." 
 
 Hence the anxiety, perceptible throughout the confes- 
 sion, of approaching even in language as near as possible 
 to the customary forms and usages of the Roman church ; 
 hence the admission of three sacraments ; hence the ten- 
 derness, with which " the papal pretensions" are touched ; 
 and hence, finally, that accommodating spirit, for which 
 we look in vain in the Smalcaldic Articles. 
 
 These Smalcaldic Articles, composed by Luther him- 
 self, seven years after the delivery of the Augsburg Con- 
 fession, reject confession and absolution as a sacrament; 
 they speak with the greatest freedom of the arrogant pre- 
 tensions of the Pope; and call "the mass" "the most 
 horrible abomination of popery" though it had been in 
 a measure defended in the confession ; especially in the 
 seven articles concerning the abuses in the church. 
 
 If, therefore, every departure from the literal sense of 
 the Augsburg Confession, amounts to a dereliction of 
 Lutheranism, it is certainly a source of congratulation 
 and joy, to those who have thus departed, that Luther 
 and Melanchthon have set them the example. These 
 heroes of the Reformation never intended, that Christians 
 
56 
 
 should follow them in all respects, for even they differed 
 among themselves in regard to some opinions concerning 
 the Lord's Supper; but they demanded, that Christians 
 should prayerfully study the bible, and consider the 
 authority of that book as paramount to all human wisdom 
 and philosophy. 
 
 On this broad basis of Protestantism, the American 
 Lutheran churches are still standing ; charitable and liberal 
 in matters of minor importance, they are willing to aid in 
 levelling down the partition walls, Avhich are now sepa- 
 rating Protestant from Protestant. But with firmness we 
 embrace the word of God as contained in the scriptures, 
 as his divine power to the salvation of every one, who 
 believeth. 
 
 And may this precious and sacred legacy of Heaven, 
 which proffers the rich treasures of salvation, become 
 speedily the everlasting bond of union to all the servants 
 of God and the disciples of Christ. Amen. 
 
FORMULA OF DISCIPLINE. 
 
PRELIMINARY REMARKS 
 
 TO THE 
 
 FORMULA OF DISCIPLINE, 
 
 AND 
 
 Brief Historical Account of the Proceedings of the 
 Convention forming the same. 
 
 No society, either political or ecclesiastical can have a 
 permanent existence, without some agreement between 
 its members, which is to be considered as the basis of 
 union. In every political association, called a state, we 
 have, first, a constitution, setting forth the rights of the 
 citizens, and the manner of government. Secondly, we 
 have laws, regulating the conduct of the citizens ; and 
 thirdly, we have provisions for the execution of these 
 laws. 
 
 In the same manner, every church requires a constitu- 
 tion, laws for its government, and provisions for the 
 administration of this constitution and these laws. In 
 the United States, the very principles, on which our State 
 compact is founded, secure to each citizen the free exer- 
 cise of his religious views and opinions ; but the regula- 
 tions of his mode of worship, the provisions to carry out 
 his will, are left to himself. Every religious society 
 therefore, forms its own constitution, and frames the laws, 
 to which the members at the time of their reception into 
 society, promise obedience, and provides ways and means 
 for the observance of its constitution and laws. This 
 
80 
 
 has been the mode of proceeding in all the different Pro- 
 testant churches since the first settlement of the United 
 States; except in the Lutheran, the German Reformed, 
 and in some measure in the English Episcopal churches ; 
 these societies, being transplanted from their native soil 
 and climate, into another, less congenial to their original 
 constitution. 
 
 The method, pursued in the admission of members at 
 home is, to baptize the children of parents connected 
 with one or the other of these churches, in their infancy ; to 
 instruct them by their respective pastors, in the doctrines 
 and duties of religion, and when arrived at years of dis- 
 cretion, to receive them in full communion by the rite of 
 confirmation. In the countries of Europe, none can 
 enjoy the rights of a citizen, or be eligible to an office of 
 State, except such as are connected with one or the other 
 church. Therefore all the citizens are members of some 
 christian society* Church discipline is thereby neglected, 
 and the idea is becoming more and more prevalent, that 
 an occasional attendance on the services of the church 
 and its ordinances, is all that can be required of members. 
 
 Accustomed to these proceedings, the Lutheran church- 
 es, when first organized in the United States, followed 
 the church government and regulations prevailing in 
 Europe, for nearly a whole century. But the method in 
 practice among other Protestant churches in our country, 
 who enjoyed the advantages of a discipline, and who 
 admitted those only as members of their respective 
 churches, who promised to submit to prescribed laws, 
 could not fail of making a gradual and favorable impres- 
 sion on our people, especially since the introduction of 
 the English language into our service. The first conse- 
 
01 
 
 quence of this impression, was, that a larger number of 
 the children of parents in connexion with the church, 
 refused to be received into its communion according- to 
 ancient usage. Hence the growth of the church was 
 slow, and many of those, who did unite with it, were not 
 walking in the spirit of the gospel p while the church 
 regulations, subsisting in most of the denominations using 
 the English language, were effectual in the preservation 
 of order, and in producing at least an external compliance 
 with Christian morality in their respective members. 
 
 By the introduction of the English language into our 
 service, the eyes of sister churches were directed towards 
 us ; and we cannot be surprised, if the total want of church 
 discipline, presented them with a spectacle, illy calculated 
 to make them view us with a favorable eye. To remedy 
 an evil, foreseen by the very founders of the Lutheran 
 church in America, attempts were made in the days of 
 Muhlenberg, Sen. as early as the middle of the 18th 
 century, to introduce church regulations in different con- 
 gregations under his charge, and a Synod was formed in 
 Pennsylvania, to which the Lutheran ministers in the 
 different States attached themselves ; and records are in 
 existence in our own State, which prove, that a Synod 
 was formed, and church regulations framed by that body, 
 as early as the year 1787, or perhaps earlier; and these 
 regulations were subscribed by the ministers and heads of 
 families, at that time connected with the Lutheran church 
 in South Carolina; no doubt, because the circumstances 
 of the church appeared to render that step necessary. 
 
 When the General Synod of the Lutheran church in 
 America had been formed, the necessity of a discipline 
 suitable to the wants of the people, was deeply felt ; since 
 6 
 
62 
 
 without it, we could never expect to take our stand among 
 the Protestant sister churches of our beloved country. 
 A plan was accordingly proposed in General Synod, and 
 afterwards gradually adopted, by the Synods of West 
 Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, Hartwick 
 Synod in the State of New York, by that of South 
 Carolina, and we believe, also by that of Virginia. Not 
 long after its adoption in our own State, it was discovered, 
 that if an effectual introduction of a discipline were con- 
 templated, it must emanate from the people and not from 
 Synods. 
 
 With this purpose in view, the following resolution 
 was adopted, at the 12th meeting of the Synod of South 
 Carolina and adjacent States, convened at St. Nicholas 
 church, Barnwell district, South Carolina, on Saturday the 
 14th of November, 1835 : 
 
 '■'•Resolved, That the ministers and* Lay-delegates be 
 requested, to ascertain, as soon as the minutes of our 
 Synodical proceedings shall have been published, the 
 sense of our congregations, in regard to a church conven- 
 tion, for the purpose of dividing our territory into suita- 
 ble ministerial districts, and to examine the discipline, 
 now partially received, and adopt such a discipline, as 
 may in every respect, suit our circumstances and situa- 
 tion." 
 
 During this Synodical year, the subject of the above 
 resolution was acted upon only in part ; and therefore, 
 the sense of the churches was not satisfactorily ascer- 
 tained. This being the fact, and the prosecution of the 
 subject still regarded as important to the future order and 
 prosperity of the church; at the 13th meeting of the 
 Synod and Ministerium, convened at St. John's church, 
 
63 
 
 Calk's road, Lexington District, South Carolina, on Satur- 
 day the 12th of November, 1836, the following preamble 
 and resolution were adopted : 
 
 " Whereas, the borders of our Lutheran Zion have 
 been extending during the last five years in the South, 
 and her piety and intelligence increasing in proportion, 
 and whereas the prosperity, order and efficiency of any 
 church require some general and fundamental regulations 
 for their direction and government, and whereas our Synod 
 has always maintained the doctrine, that the churches 
 under its advisory care, are free and independent; which 
 freedom this Synod has ever been anxious, that our peo- 
 ple should fully understand and exercise, in accordance 
 with the scripture and the fundamental rules, by which our 
 churches should be governed, as an associated body; 
 therefore, this Synod has taken preparatory steps by the 
 passage of a recommendatory resolution at its last meet- 
 ing, having in view such measures, as may eventually 
 terminate in the establishment of such a form of church 
 polity, as would be valued and sustained by the know- 
 ledge and piety of our people. Now, whereas this reso- 
 lution, requiring the ministers of this body, to bring the 
 subject of a church-convention, before their separate 
 charges, to ascertain their views as to the necessity and 
 propriety of the measure, which, during the preceding 
 year, had been acted on by some only, whose churches 
 approved of it, and had been omitted by others, possibly 
 for good reasons, and as this Synod will not, and cannot 
 take any important step touching matters of church gov- 
 ernment, without first consulting all the churches, and 
 obtaining their enlightened co-operation, and as this Synod 
 wishes the members of the churches themselves, in the 
 
64 
 
 full exercise of their lawful freedom and independence, to 
 lay hold of this matter with their own hands, and unite 
 with the clergy in this necessary work ; and further, as 
 this Synod does not wish the less discerning portion of 
 our people, to misunderstand or misconstrue this subject: 
 Therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That the resolution of last Synod, con- 
 cerning the calling of a church convention, be left for one 
 year longer to the consideration of our churches, and that 
 the Rev. President be requested, to prepare and send a 
 circular, to be read to all the congregations, stating the 
 objects of said convention, so that at the next meeting of 
 Synod, we may have the full opinion of all our churches 
 on that subject." 
 
 During that Synodical year, the above stated resolution 
 was carried into effect, and the Synod, forming itself into 
 a committee of arrangement at its meeting in Charleston, 
 on Saturday, November 11th, 1837, took the necessary 
 order upon the subject as follows: 
 
 • " Ordered, that the subject of the church convention be 
 called up for the consideration of this body." 
 
 The Lay-delegates were then requested, to express 
 their opinion on that subject. All having stated the 
 pleasing intelligence, that the churches were in favor of 
 a convention for the specified purposes, it was resolved, 
 
 " Whereas the Synod has ascertained, that the people 
 attached to our church, within the bounds of Synod, are 
 almost unanimously in favor of holding a convention, 
 for the purposes mentioned in certain resolutions of the 
 Synodical meetings of '35 and '36, as also in a circular 
 of the Rev. President, dated Savannah, May 4th, 1837, 
 therefore, be it 
 
65 
 
 "Resolved, That each congregation, numbering less 
 than one hundred communicants, be entitled to one dele- 
 gate ; all over one hundred, and under one hundred and 
 fifty, to two ; and all over one hundred and fifty, to three 
 delegates." 
 
 " Resolved, That all ordained ministers, and all Licen- 
 tiates, having charges of churches, be members of said 
 convention ; and in view of the places proposed by the 
 proper authorities, it was resolved as follows : 
 
 " That the meeting of the convention be held at St. Mat- 
 thew's church, Orangeburg district, to convene on Friday 
 the 2d of March, 1838, at 10 o'clock, A. M. 
 
 In accordance with the above resolution, the proposed 
 convention was held at the place and time specified, and 
 a Formula of church government and discipline was 
 framed and adopted, for the consideration, alteration and 
 final adoption of the congregations individually. 
 
 A few extracts from the minutes of the fifteenth meet- 
 ing of the Synod, held at St. John's church, near Broad 
 river, on Saturday, November 10, 1838 : and a few ex- 
 planatory remarks by the President pro tern, in his annual 
 address, will bring this subject in its present form before 
 the mind of the reader in that point of view, which is 
 desired by* the Synod. 
 
 Extracts from Report No. I. The committee on the 
 proceedings of the convention make the following report: 
 "That pursuant to the 19th resolution of the 14th meet- 
 ing of the Synod, the ministers and lay-delegates assem- 
 bled at " St. Matthew's church, Orangeburg district, and 
 that Dr. Hazelius preached the opening sermon. Fifteen 
 ministers and twenty-four lay-delegates composed the 
 convention. A Formula of church government and dis- 
 6* 
 
66 
 
 cipline was framed and unanimously adopted by the con- 
 vention. 
 
 " The committee is of opinion, that it would not only 
 be a source of information, but also of satisfaction and 
 pleasure to every well-wisher of our Zion in all future 
 ages, to know, when, where and whence the Formula 
 originated, and would therefore recommend to Synod, 
 that said Formula be ratified, and then published, with 
 so much of the proceedings of the convention, as will 
 include the time and place, when and where it was held ; 
 also the names of the ministers and lay-delegates, that 
 composed the convention, as well as the names of the 
 churches, which they represented." 
 
 It being ascertained, that nearly all the churches in 
 connexion with this Synod had almost unanimously 
 adopted the Formula, the Synod passed the following 
 ratifying resolution at the recommendation of the com- 
 mittee : 
 
 "Resolved, That the report concerning the Formula 
 be adopted, and that those ministers, whose congregations 
 have not as yet fully acted on the discipline, be requested 
 to urge it on them for their acceptance, in so far as its 
 provisions do not interfere with their constitution and 
 bye-laws, noAV in existence." 
 
 Extracts from that part of the President's address re- 
 lating to the church convention. 
 
 " The Synod, having ascertained the will of a large 
 portion of our people, discharged the duty of a committee of 
 arrangement by passing resolutions, fixing the time, place 
 and ratio of representation, for holding the convention. 
 In pursuance of these arrangements, as already specified 
 
67 
 
 in certain resolutions, the churches appointed their dele- 
 gates in due form and time, who attended with the minis- 
 ters in convention assembled. A committee appointed 
 for that purpose by the convention, presented their views 
 of church-government and discipline for the churches 
 under our care, in form of a report, which was carefully- 
 read, discussed, altered by paragraphs, and finally so 
 adopted, as to express the views of the convention on 
 that momentous subject. And when the vote was put 
 upon its final passage, it was carried unanimously and 
 signed by all the members of the convention. 
 
 It now became the duty of every minister to bring this 
 Formula, originating from the representative meeting of the 
 whole church, before each individual congregation, with 
 suitable explanations, for their consideration, rejection, or 
 adoption. It affords us great pleasure to state, that this 
 Formula has been approved of by the congregations 
 generally, and adopted by them. Wrong constructions, 
 however, failed not to be cast upon this grand movement 
 of the church, to produce a panic in the action of the 
 societies; but, thanks be to God, there was too much in- 
 telligence among our brethren, to be intimidated in the 
 performance of their duty. They nobly performed their 
 part in this essential work, they came up to the standards 
 of the church with zeal, and stood by them with firm- 
 ness. Some of the churches adopted the Formula unani- 
 mously, others have done so by large majorities, and 
 though there are some individual members of some of 
 the societies, who have not as yet given it their public 
 support, we have every reason to expect it from them in 
 future, when the subject shall be fully understood, and 
 when all the imaginary fears, which have been created, 
 
63 
 
 shall have passed away : and this has been the case already 
 to a considerable extent. It may be considered necessary 
 to suggest a few hints, relating to the situation of those 
 churches, now in existence, if there should be any, that 
 reject the Formula. I give it as the understanding of 
 this body, that if the peculiar situation of any congrega- 
 tion be such, that it could not at this time adopt the For- 
 mula by the voice of the society, that there is no necessity 
 on that account, that such society should break fellowship 
 with the Synod at the yearly meetings of all the congrega- 
 tions Avithin our bounds. It never was intended, that a 
 congregation under all circumstances should adopt it, or 
 break fellowship with the others that do. They may re- 
 ject it under peculiar circumstances, and still stand in the 
 Synodical connexion, on the same principles as hereto- 
 fore. It is hoped, that if a congregation should reject it 
 now, in process of time it may be deemed expedient by 
 the then existing society, and that whenever so considered, 
 will be adopted by the members. It appears to us how- 
 ever, that no newly established society, applying for con- 
 nexion with this Synod ought to be received, except on 
 condition of sanctioning the constitution of this Synod, and 
 adopting the Formula of government and discipline of our 
 body. The question may be asked, what will be the duty 
 of the present Synod, in case a large majority of the church- 
 es have adopted this Formula ? I would suggest it as the 
 duty of this body in this event, that, as the Synod is the 
 representative meeting of the church in some respects, 
 and as such, its action is the action of the church, to 
 finally ratify the Formula framed by the convention. 
 And I would suggest as a further measure, which the 
 whole church would approve, that the Syifod appoint a 
 
69 
 
 committee to prepare the Formula for publication, to- 
 gether with the constitution of the Synod, the doctrinal 
 articles of the Augsburg Confession with short and suita- 
 ble notes, also embracing the forms for baptisms, burials, 
 &c. as is usual in the Lutheran church ; thus forming a 
 small standard work of Faith and Discipline for the use 
 of our people." 
 
 From the foregoing extracts, every reader may see, 
 that this Synod acts fully upon the advisory principle as 
 respects congregations, and is exempt from the charge of 
 exercising arbitrary powers. 
 
 Extracts from Report No. 5, of Fifteenth Synodical 
 Meeting : 
 
 " The committee, to whom was referred the Presi- 
 dent's address, report : 
 
 1) That the subject of church discipline, as brought to 
 view in the President's address, demands the prayerful 
 consideration of this body. As far as those congregations 
 are concerned, who are governed by a charter or corpo- 
 ration, your committee is of opinion, that the Formula 
 was never intended to operate, and cannot operate upon 
 those persons, who are only members of the corporation, 
 and have not connected themselves with the church by 
 a public profession of religion. This Formula was in- 
 tended for the government of the communing members 
 only. 
 
 2) Your committee recommend, that as a final ratifica- 
 tion of the Formula, a committee should be appointed, to 
 prepare it for the press, and that it be published, in con- 
 nexion with that part of our Liturgy, in general use 
 
70 
 
 among us ; the constitution of Synod, and the Augsburg 
 confession, with short explanatory notes." 
 
 These recommendations were accepted by Synod in 
 the following resolution, which passed unanimously : 
 
 " Resolved, 1) That in so far as the communing mem- 
 bers are concerned, the Formula be adhered to throughout 
 the bounds of the Synod. 
 
 2) That a committee of four be appointed, to prepare 
 the Formula, the constitution of the Synod, the doctrinal 
 articles of the Augsburg Confession, prepared with a 
 portion of the proceedings of the church convention, as 
 recommended in the report of the first committee for 
 publication, and lay the same before the next Synod for 
 its examination and sanction. 
 
 Committee of publication : E. L. Hazelius, J. Bach- 
 man, J. C. Hope and H. Aull. 
 
 Under the authority of the above resolutions, the pub- 
 lication committee now present the following extract from 
 the proceedings of the church convention before the 
 reader. 
 
 1) The time of meeting: On Friday the second of 
 March, 1838, at 10 o'clock, A. M. 
 
 2) The place : At St. Matthew's church, Orangeburg 
 district, Amelia township. 
 
 3) Opening sermon preached by E. L. Hazelius, from 
 1 Cor. xiv. 26. " Let all things be done unto edifying." 
 
 4) Officers of the convention : Major J. Swygert, 
 Chairman ; Jacob F. Schirmer, Secretary. 
 
 5) Committee to draft the Formula and lay it before 
 the Convention for its final action : Messrs. S. A. 
 Mealy, J. Bachman, J. C. Hope, G. Haltiwanger, minis- 
 
71 
 
 ters ; Col. W. Caughman, Thomas Shuler, Esq. William 
 Assman, Henry Cobia, Lay-delegates. 
 
 6) Ministers composing the Convention. 
 
 
 
 Names. 
 
 Residences. 
 
 1. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 E. L. Hazelius, D.D. Lexington village, S. C. 
 
 2. 
 
 a 
 
 John Bachman, D. D. Charleston. 
 
 3. 
 
 a 
 
 S. A. Mealy, 
 
 Savannah, Georgia. 
 
 4. 
 
 a 
 
 E. A. Bolles, 
 
 Ebenezer, " 
 
 5. 
 
 a 
 
 Michael Rauch, 
 
 Lexington district, S. C. 
 
 6. 
 
 a 
 
 G. Haltiwanger, Sen. 
 
 tt a a 
 
 7. 
 
 a 
 
 J. C. Hope, 
 
 tt tt tt 
 
 8. 
 
 a 
 
 J. Moser, 
 
 tt it tt 
 
 9. 
 
 it 
 
 Jacob Crimm, 
 
 a a a 
 
 10. 
 
 it 
 
 Herm. Aull, 
 
 Newberry district, 
 
 11. 
 
 tt 
 
 D. Bernhardt, 
 
 Orangeburg district. 
 
 12. 
 
 tt 
 
 D. Hungerpealer, 
 
 tt tt 
 
 13. 
 
 a 
 
 R. Cloy, 
 
 Barnwell 44 
 
 14. 
 
 a 
 
 W. G. Harter, 
 
 tt a 
 
 15. 
 
 a 
 
 Levi Bedenbaugh, 
 
 Columbia. 
 
 7) Lay-Delegates composing the Convention. 
 Names. Churches represented. Location. 
 
 1. William Kunhardt, St. John's church, Charleston. 
 
 2. J. F. Schirmer, Esq. 44 4 4 4 4 
 
 3. Henry Cobia, 4 4 4 4 4 4 
 
 4. Col. W. Caughman, St. Stephen's church, L>ex. vil. 
 
 5. Wm. Assman, Esq. Sandy Run, 44 4 4 dist. 
 
 6. Hczekiah Dreher, St, Peter's, Piney woods 44 
 
 7. Major J. Swygert, St. John's, Broad River 44 
 
 8. Geo. Eichleberger, St, Matthew's Newberry 44 
 
 9. A. Brandenburg, Shiloh, Orangeburg 44 
 10. Thom. Shaler, Esq. St. Michael's, Lexington 44 
 
72 
 
 Philip Sligh, Bethlehem, Newberry dist. 
 Wm. Taylor, St. John's, Calk's road, Lex. 
 John Paysinger, St. Luke's Newberry 
 A. Roberts, Salem, Lexington 
 S. Hofman, Esq. St. Andrew's, Lexington 
 
 St. Matthew's, Orangeburg 
 
 11. 
 12. 
 13. 
 14. 
 15. 
 
 16. John Bookert, 
 
 17. P. Haigler, 
 
 18. Jacob Meyer, 
 
 19. John Platts, 
 
 20. Daniel Boozer, 
 
 21. Adam Epting, 
 
 22. Chr. Rentz, 
 
 23. E. Caughman, 
 
 24. John Meetze, 
 
 Mount Calvary, Edgefield 
 St. Nicholas, Barnwell 
 Nazareth, Lexington 
 Zion, Newberry, 
 Mount Pleasant, Barnwell 
 St. Mark's, Edgefield 
 Bethel, Lexington 
 Excused: Rev. W. Berly, the delegates of Rev. M 
 Mealy and Bolles, and the brethren in Alabama, on ac 
 count of distance and other circumstances. 
 
FORMULA, 
 
 As adopted at a Convention, held in St. Matthew's 
 church, Orangeburg District, March 2, 1838. 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 Section 1. We believe from an examination of the 
 works of nature, and the course of events in the world in 
 general, and of the lives of rational creatures in particu- 
 lar, 1 that we may derive evidence of the existence of God, 
 of his general as well as of his particular providence 
 Over man, and of the other prominent truths of natural 
 religion. 'Rom. i. 19, 20 ; Acts xvii. 24 — 28. 
 
 Sec 2. But as the evidence of natural religion is not 
 such, as to afford us a satisfactory knowledge of the 
 nature of God, and our relation to him, nor its influence 
 sufficient to urge us to duty ; 2 facts, which are abundantly 
 supported by the writings and declarations of the most 
 eminent heathen authors and philosophers, we also be- 
 lieve, that a further revelation from God is necessary, 
 2 Acts xvii. 29, 30 ; Rom. hi. 12, sqq. 
 
 Sec. 3. We believe, that such a revelation God has 
 given, at sundry times and in divers manners, unto the 
 Fathers, and in these latter days, by his Son Jesus Christ, 
 and his inspired Apostles, 3 and that this revelation is con- 
 tained in the books known in Protestant Christendom, as 
 the Old and New Testament, that every individual, who 
 hears the gospel, is thereby invited, to partake 4 of its 
 blessings, and is answerable 5 to the Judge of the world, 
 
 for the manner, in which he receives the message of Sal- 
 7 
 
Vation. 3 Heb. i. 1,2; 4 Acts xiii. 46, 47 ; John tii. 16, 18* 
 36 ; 5 2 Thess. i, 8 ; Matth. vii. 24—27. 
 
 Sec. 4. We hold that liberty 6 of conscience, and the 
 free exercise of private judgment in matters of religion, 
 are natural and unalienable rights of men, of which no 
 government, civil or ecclesiastic, ought to deprive us. 
 6 Acts iv. 19, v. 29. 
 
 Sec. 5. As order is necessary to the prosperity of 
 every associated body, and as Jesus Christ has left no 
 specific form of government and discipline for his 
 church, it is the privilege and duty of every individual 
 denomination, to adopt such regulations as may appear to 
 them most consistent with the spirit and precepts of the 
 New Testament, and best calculated to subserve the in- 
 terests of the church of Christ. 
 
 Sec. 6. And as men, exercising the right of private 
 judgment in matters of religion, agree in the opinion, that 
 Christianity requires a social connexion among its pro- 
 fessors, and as experience proves, that men will differ in 
 some of their views on doctrine and discipline, and as 
 too much difference of opinion ivoidd be prejudicial to 
 the objects of the association, therefore, reason dictates, 
 that those of similar views should associate together, 
 and that it is their duty to require for admission 7 to churc h 
 membership, or for the induction into the sacred office, 
 and for continuance in either a compliance with such 
 terms, as they deem most accordant with the principles 
 and the spirit of the scriptures. 7 Acts xv. 
 
 Sec. 7. Upon the broad basis of these principles was 
 the Evangelical Lutheran church founded immediately 
 after the reformation. Adhering to the same principles, 
 the Lutheran churches in connexion with the Synod of 
 
75 
 
 South Carolina and adjacent States in convention assem- 
 bled, declare, that we deem the congregational plan of 
 church government, in general, 8 consistent with the spirit 
 and precepts of Christ's church ; at the same time, how- 
 ever, being assured, that individual professors of religion, 
 as well as congregations with their Pastors, will frequent- 
 ly stand in need of the advice and counsel of their breth- 
 ren, 9 we deem it profitable to the whole body, that there 
 should be a Synodical body for advice and counsel as 
 aforesaid, governed by the Constitution adopted in 1834, 
 which we, the representatives of the churches, hereby 
 ratify. 
 
 And whereas, the Lutheran church is scattered over a 
 large portion of the United States, and as we deem the 
 General Synod a happy bond of Christian union for the 
 whole denomination, we likewise cheerfully ratify the 
 union, subsisting between our Synod and the General 
 Synod, which, according to its Constitution is an advisory 
 body. According to these arrangements, we acknowledge 
 but one Judicatory in the churches, viz : the church 
 council with the pastor, the jurisdiction of which body, 
 however, does not extend beyond the limits of the respec- 
 tive congregations. Our Synod, as well as the General 
 Synod are advisory bodies, with this reservation, that our 
 Synod as every other society or association, has juris- 
 diction or judicial powers over its own clergy, according 
 to the adopted Synodical Constitution. 8 Matth. xviii. 
 15—17; "Acts xv. 2—31. 
 
76 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 of the church. 
 Part i. 
 Of the Church Invisible. 
 
 Section 1. The true or invisible church of Christ, 
 is the collective body of all those of every religious de- 
 nomination in the world, who are in a state of grace. 
 Eph. iv. 4 — 7; v. 26, 27; Matth. vii. 21; xii. 49, 50; 
 Acts x. 34, 35 ; John x. 16. 
 
 Sec 2. We believe, that those are in a state of grace, 
 who are thoroughly convinced of their being sinners by 
 nature and practice, have learned to place their confidence 
 and faith in Christ, and have thereby obtained the pardon 
 of their sins, and are endeavoring to press toward the 
 mark of their high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Rom. 
 iii. 12. sqq. 23. v. i. 2. viii. 1 — 5; Mark xvi. 16; Phil, 
 iii. 14; Acts xvi. 29—34. 
 
 Sec. 3. This invisible church the Lord Jesus Christ 
 has promised to preserve to the end of time, against all 
 the attacks of its enemies, i. e. he will always have in 
 this world, those who worship him in Spirit and in truth. 
 Matth. xvi. 13 — 19. xxviii. 20. I am with you always, 
 even unto the end of the world. Rom. iii. 24 — 26 ; John 
 i. 11—13. x. 27—30. 
 
 Part ii. 
 Of the Visible Church. 
 Section 1. The visible church is the collective body 
 of those, who profess 1 to believe, that Jesus Christ our 
 Lord has suffered death for our sins, and has been raised 
 for our justification, that he is the Lamb of God, that 
 taketh away the sins of the world, that all men are sinners 
 
77 
 
 by nature and practice, and are freely justified through 
 grace by faith in the redemption, which is in Christ 
 Jesus ; who have been admitted to membership by bap- 
 tism, 2 and have not been excluded from that privilege, 
 together with the 3 baptized children of such professed be- 
 lievers. l l Cor. i. 2; Gal. i. 1 — 5; Eph. i. 1 — 14; 1 
 Peter i. 1—9 ; 2 Peter i. 1—4; 1 Joh. i. 1—4; 2 Col. ii. 
 11, 12 ; Acts ii. 41, 42; viii. 12, 13. inasmuch as the 
 children of the Hebrews, who had been initiated into the 
 covenant of the Old Testament by circumcision belong to 
 the congregation of Israel, or to the visible church of God 
 of the Old Testament, so doubtless the children of profes- 
 sed Christians, dedicated to God and Jesus Christ by their 
 believing parents in and through the rite of baptism, be- 
 long to the visible church of God of the New Testament. 
 
 Sec. 2. Of this visible church, our Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ is the true and only head, nor has he ap- 
 pointed any vicar in his stead. Eph. i. 22, 23 ; ch. v. 
 23; v. 29, compared with ch. iv. 15, 16; Col. i. 18. 
 
 Sec. 3. To belong to this visible church of Christ, it 
 is only necessary to be connected with one or the other 
 of those denominations, who hold the essential Christian 
 Articles enumerated in Part ii. Sec. 1. A difference of 
 sentiment in other respects, will not, among us, and 
 ought not anywhere, to deprive a person of that member- 
 ship. 4 We therefore consider all those professing Chris- 
 tians of the various denominations, who hold the above 
 named essential doctrines, as brethren and sisters " in 
 the Faith once delivered unto the Saints." 4 Rom. xiv. 
 1—7. v. 15—20; 1 Cor. viii. 8, 9. 
 
 Sec. 4. As the Spirit of Christianity leads its profes- 
 sors to social intercourse 5 with each other, and as such a 
 7 * 
 
78 
 
 connexion is necessary to the accomplishment of the 
 object of the Christian church, and as such a relation can 
 subsist only among persons of contiguous residence, and 
 those, who in most minor points agree in sentiment, 
 therefore, Christians living near together, and having so 
 agreed, as aforesaid, have, from the times of the Apostles, 
 formed 6 themselves into societies, for the better attainment 
 of the objects of the Christian institutions. And every 
 society participates in the duties of the whole church. 
 6 John xiii. 34, 35 ; Eph. iv. 3, 16 ; 6 Acts ii. 41 ; 1 Thess ii. 
 14; Gal. i. 22. 
 
 Sec. 5. It is the duty of every such society and of the 
 visible church at large, to have the' word and sacraments 
 administered in their purity, to give an adequate and just 
 support to the pastor or pastors, who minister unto them ; 
 to provide for the perpetuation of an able and faithful 
 ministry, and to endeavor to propagate the gospel to the 
 ends of the earth. Gal. i. 8, 9 ; 1 Cor. xi. 23—29 ; 1 Tim. 
 iv. 1 — 6, vi. 3 — 5 ; 2 Tim. ii. 2; Tit. i. 5, sqq. ch. ii. 
 
 Sec. 6. It is the duty of the church, to watch over the 
 purity and faithfulness of its members. 1 Cor. v. 7—13. 
 
 Sec 7. The jurisdiction of the church is purely spi- 
 ritual ; it ought to have no connexion with the civil 
 government, neither ought its doctrinal and disciplinary 
 decisions to be enforced by the arm of civil power. John 
 xviii. 36. 
 
 Sec. 8. The power of the church in our communion 
 is founded solely on the word of God ; the bible con- 
 taining our juridical code, therefore no decisions of the 
 church judicatory can be valid, unless founded on the 
 Scriptures, interpreted in the Spirit of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. 2 Cor. ii. 6—10. 
 
79 
 
 CHAPTER HI. 
 of the officers of the church. 
 Part i. 
 Of Pastors. 
 
 Section 1. Our Lord and Saviour himself instituted 
 the clerical office in the New Testament church, and 
 made it of perpetual standing. 1 The persons filling this 
 office are in the scriptures designated by different names, 
 as bishops, presbyters or elders, 2 &c. indicative of the 
 duties of the office. All these are by divine right of equal 
 rank, 3 and their duties are principally these : To expound 
 the word of God, 41 to administer the Sacraments of the 
 church? and to admonish men of their duties? as ivell as 
 by all proper means public and private, to edify the 
 church of Christ. 'Matth. xxviii. 19, 20 ; 2 Tim. ii. 2 ; 
 Tit. i. 5; 2 1 Cor.iv. 1 ; Acts xx. 17, 28; Eph.iv. 11, 12; 
 3 Luke xxii. 25, 26 ; Matth. xxiii. 8 — 12. 4 1 Peter v. 1, 2 ; 
 5 Matth. xxviii. 19 ; 1 Cor. xi. 23 ; 6 Acts vi. 2, 6. 
 
 Sec. 2. Those other officers, who were endowed with 
 miraculous gifts and whose instrumentality Christ used 
 in first forming the church, were extraordinary, and of 
 temporary standing. 
 
 Sec. 3. Though we in general disclaim the judicial 
 authority of Synods, yet, as pastors are members of 
 Synods, and every moral and religious society has an 
 undoubted right, of receiving, retaining or expelling 
 members, according to the constitution of such society ; 
 we consider pastors of our churches amenable for their 
 conduct, both private and official, to the Synodical body, 
 to which they belong, according to the constitution sub- 
 scribed by the pastor. And if our Synod, in the opinion 
 of any of our pastors, in dealing with them should not 
 
80 
 
 have acted impartially, he is at liberty to obtain the ad- 
 vice of the General Synod in his case, and it is confi- 
 dently expected, that the Synod of South Carolina and 
 adjacent States, will cheerfully consent, to bring the case 
 for advice before the General Synod. 
 
 Sec. 4. No minister shall knowingly grant to a mem- 
 ber of another congregation any privileges of the church, 
 which would be denied of said member by his own pastor. 
 
 Sec. 5. It is the sacred duty of every minister, so to 
 conduct himself, that his life may present to his congre- 
 gation, an example of true Christian piety and deport- 
 ment. And should any minister of our church be guilty 
 of an open vice, (which may God in mercy prevent !) it 
 shall be the duty of the church council, earnestly to ex- 
 hort him severaal times to reformation, and if this 
 should prove ineffectual, or if the case should be such, as 
 to bring disgrace upon the church, to report him to the 
 President of the Synod. 
 
 Part ii. 
 
 Of Elders and Vestry. 
 
 Section 1. The other officers of the church are Elders 
 or Vestry. They are elected by the members of the 
 church, to serve as their agents, in performing some of 
 the duties, originally devolving on themselves. The 
 principal duties of elders are, to aid the pastor or 
 pastors in administering the government and disci- 
 pline of the church, to preserve peace, and harmony in 
 the congregations, to visit the Sunday schools, and to 
 promote the religious education of the children of the 
 church ; to visit the sick and the afflicted, to assist the 
 
81 
 
 pastor in the administration of the Lord's Supper, by 
 preparing the elements for the communion, and to render 
 all other necessary assistance at stated worship. 1 
 
 The duties of the vestry, when such board of officers 
 is considered necessary in a congregation, are : to attend 
 to the collections for the poor, to attend to the temporal 
 concerns of the church, and to aid in the performance of 
 such other duties as are generally incumbent on officers 
 of the church ; also, to use their efforts, to provide the 
 means for the support of their pastors, where this is not 
 assigned to other officers. J l Thess. v. 12 — 15; Acts 
 vi. 2—6; 1 Tim. iii. 8—13. 
 
 Sec. 2. The church officers of every name, are the 
 representatives of each individual society, and each church 
 shall determine the name and number of its officers. 
 The elders shall be elected by the male communing 
 members, to serve for two years, and they are reeligible. 
 As soon after their election as convenient, they shall be 
 installed into office agreeably to the form, laid down in 
 our Liturgy. 
 
 The vestry, wherever they exist, shall be elected ac* 
 cording to the act of incorporation and bye-laws of said 
 church. 
 
 CHAPTRR IV. 
 
 OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL. 
 
 Section 1. The council of a church is the only judi- 
 catory of the church, strictly so called, consisting of the 
 pastor or pastors and all the elders of a particular congre- 
 gation. 
 
 Sec 2. The pastor and half of the other members of 
 the council, and, in the necessary absence of the pastor, 
 
82 
 
 two thirds of the remaining members of the council, 
 shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 
 
 Sec. 3. But no business connected with the govern- 
 ment (i. e. the spiritual government) and discipline of the 
 church shall be transacted without the presence of the 
 minister, unless his absence is unavoidable, or voluntary, 
 or the church be vacant; but when present, the pastor 
 shall be chairman ex officio. 
 
 Sec. 4. The church council, wherever there are no 
 vestries, may, without the minister, have the superinten- 
 dance of all the temporal concerns of the church, and 
 see that they are managed wisely, faithfully and justly. 
 
 Sec 5. It shall be the duty of the council, in connex- 
 ion with the minister, to admit to membership adults, 
 who make application, and who, on mature exami- 
 nation shall be judged to have the proper qualifications ; 
 viz : they shall be obedient subjects of divine grace, i. e. 
 they must either be genuine Christians, or satisfy the 
 council that they are sincerely endeavoring to become 
 such. Also to admit to the communion of the church 
 all those who had been admitted to membership in their 
 infancy, by baptism ; and whom on like examination 
 they shall find possessed of the above named qualifica- 
 tions. No one shall be considered a fit subject for full 
 membership, who has not attended previously a course 
 of religious instruction, given by the pastor, on the most 
 important doctrines and principles of religion, unless the 
 pastor should be satisfied that the applicant's attainments 
 are adequate without this attendance. And when adults 
 are admitted to membership by baptism, this right shall, 
 if possible, be performed publicly before the church. 
 When young persons who have been baptized in their 
 
83 
 
 infancy, shall wish to become communing members, they 
 shall apply to the church council, or the pastor indi- 
 vidually, and after having given sufficient evidence of 
 their christian faith, they shall be admitted to full mem- 
 bership in the christian church, according to the form of 
 declaration used in our churches on. such occasions. 
 'Mark xvi. 16; John hi. 5; Acts viii. 12, xvi. 14, 15. 
 
 Sec. 6. It s*hall be the duty of the church council to 
 keep a complete list of all the communing members of 
 the church. 
 
 Sec. 7. If any member of the church council should 
 conduct himself in a manner unworthy of his office, he 
 shall be reported to the council, and if found guilty, his 
 case shall be referred to the male communing members 
 for decision. 
 
 Sec 8. It shall be the duty of the church council to 
 administer the discipline of the church on all those 
 whose conduct is inconsistent with their christian profes- 
 sion, or who entertain fundamental errors. 2 To this end 
 they shall have power to cite any of their church mem- 
 bers to appear before them, and to endeavor to obtain 
 other witnesses when the case may require it. It shall 
 further be their duty, when any member offends, firsts 
 privately to 3 admonish him, and then, secondly, if neces- 
 sary, to call him to account ; and if they shall deem these 
 measures ineffectual, then to suspend his membership; 
 i. e. simply, to deprive him or her from the privileges 
 peculiar to church membership, according to the precepts 
 and examples of the New Testament. 4 Accordingly it 
 shall also be their duty to restore suspended members 5 to 
 all the privileges of the church, who manifest sincere 
 repentance. 2 1 Cor. v., 7—13 ; 3 2 Thes. hi. 11—15 ; Ti- 
 tus hi. 10 ; 5 2 Cor. ii. 6—8 ; Gal. vi. 1. 
 
84 
 
 Sec. 9. The church council may at any time be con* 
 vened by the minister, arid it shall be his duty to call a 
 meeting when requested by one third of the electors of 
 the church. 
 
 Sec. 10. It shall be the duty of the church council, to 
 watch over the religious education of the children of the 
 church, and see that they be occasionally collected and 
 taught in the catechism of the church, and the duties and 
 principles of the Christian religion. They shall endea- 
 vor to obtain pious and well qualified teachers of the 
 Sunday schools, and endeavor to have the children of the 
 church, as far as practicable, attend them, and that they 
 be there also taught the general duties of religion. 
 
 Sec 11. In all cases of appeal to Synod from the de- 
 decisions of the church council — which may take place, 
 if both parties agree to constitute the Synod the arbitrary 
 power, see constitution of Synod — by a suspended mem- 
 ber, the council shall take no farther measures, grounded 
 on their decisions, until the advice of the Synod has 
 been given. But still the sentence of suspension must 
 take effect immediately and remain in force, until review- 
 ed and altered by the church council through the adviso- 
 ry recommendations of Synod. In every case of appeal 
 the church council shall send a detailed and correct ac- 
 count of their proceedings in the case and of the charges 
 and evidence on both sides. (See constitution, chap. vi. 
 sec. 4.) 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 OF CHURCH MEMBERS. 
 
 Section 1. The members of any particular church 
 are all those members of the visible church (see chap. ii. 
 
65 
 
 sec. 1.) who are associated together under some form of 
 Christian government and discipline for divine worship 
 and the better attainment of the objects of the church as 
 a Christian institution. 
 
 Sec. 2. Every communing member is accountable to 
 the church council in so far as his conduct deviates 
 from the rules of the society and must appear before 
 them when cited, and submit to the discipline of the 
 church regularly administered. Matth. xviii. 17, 18 ; 
 Tit. iii. 10, 11. 
 
 Sec. 3. It is the duty of every church member to lead 
 a Christian life, i. e. to perform the duties required of 
 him or her, as found in the Scriptures ; to wit: Adult 
 members ought not to neglect the public worship of 
 God, 1 nor the participation of the Lord's Supper,' when- 
 ever an opportunity is afforded. Parents ought to edu- 
 cate their children in the nurture, and admonition of 
 the Lord, 3 to have them instructed in the doctrines and 
 duties of the chucrh, and to urge them to an observance 
 of Us ordinances.* All members of the church ought 
 to abstain from prof an e swearing, from Sabbath-break- 
 ing, intemperance, gambling, all vices of a similar na- 
 ture and from those fashionable amusements of the world 
 that are contrary to the spirit of Christianity and the pre- 
 cepts of the Scripture. ! Heb. x. 23 — 25 ; Col. iii. 12 — 
 17; 2 Acts ii. 46; 1 Cor. xi. 23—29; 3 Eph. vi. 4; 2 
 Tim. iii. 14, 15, and ii. 19; 4 Tit. ii. 1—15. 
 
 Sec 4. When a disciplined member becomes dissatis_ 
 
 fied with the decision of the church council, and appeals 
 
 to the Synod for its advice, he must give notice to the 
 
 council of his intention immediately, or within two 
 
 weeks of the time when the sentence was made known 
 8 
 
to him, specifying the reasons of his dissatisfaction, and 
 the grounds of his appeal. (See chap. iv. sec. 11.) 
 
 Sec. 5. It is recommended, that when a member of 
 one of our churches, moves into the bounds of another, 
 and wishes to be admitted to the privileges of the church, 
 he bring with him a certificate of good standing from his 
 former pastor. 
 
 Sec 6. It is recommended as according with the prin- 
 ciples of the New Testament, that the members of the 
 church ought not to prosecute each other before a civil 
 tribunal, until they have first made an attempt to settle 
 the points of difference through the medium of their 
 Christian brethren. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 OF ELECTIONS. 
 
 Section 1 . All congregational elections must be pub- 
 lished by the church-council to the congregation, at least 
 two weeks previous to said election. 
 
 Sec. 2. The council may publish a congregational 
 meeting for any lawful purpose, when they shall deem it 
 necessary; and it shall be their duty, to do so, when re- 
 quired by one-third of the lawful electors of the church. 
 
 Sec. 3. Jit all elections for elders, no person shall be 
 elected, who is not a member in full communion with 
 said church. 
 
 Sec 4. When an election is held in a vacant congre- 
 gation for a pastor — in which the individual church-con- 
 stitution or by-laws of the corporation do not specify any 
 thing on that subject — a plurality of legal votes shall con- 
 stitute him duly elected ; the presiding officer shall sign 
 a certificate of the election, and make it known to the 
 
87 
 
 congregation. This certificate, together with the state- 
 ment of the support, which the congregation or congre- 
 gations promise the pastor elect, shall be considered a 
 legal call to the pastor therein specified ; provided, how- 
 ever, that the pastor elect still has the reserved right of 
 accepting or refusing the call. 1 Tim. v. 8 ; 1 Cor. ix. 
 14 ; Luke x. 7. "77ie laborer is worthy his hire." 
 
 Sec. 5. The electors of any particular church in our 
 connexion, are all those male members, who are in full 
 communion, who submit to its government and discipline 
 regularly administered, and who contribute according to 
 their ability and engagements to all its necessary expen- 
 ditures ; provided, however, that if the act of incorpora- 
 tion, church-constitution and by-laws should ordain any 
 thing more specific on the subject of the election of a 
 pastor, nothing contained in this section shall be con- 
 strued in contradiction to said act of incorporation, &c. 
 
 Sec. 6. If from any cause a vacancy occurs among the 
 elders, between the time of the stated elections, it shall 
 be filled without delay by a special election, and the per- 
 son, thus elected, shall serve until the regular stated 
 election takes place. 
 
 Sec. 7. It is the privilege and duty of every church or 
 churches having a pastor, to elect by nomination, viva 
 voce or by ballot, a delegate to accompany their minis- 
 ter to, and represent their interests at the yearly Synod 
 of the associated body. Vacant congregations have a 
 right to send a commissioner with instructions to the 
 Synod. (See constitution of Synod, ch. vii. sec. 1.) 
 
SB 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 OF PRAYER MEETINGS. 
 
 Section 1. As prayer is one of the most encourag- 
 ing duties of the Christian ; and as prayer meetings 
 have been of the greatest importance and usefulness, it 
 is therefore most earnestly recommended to the differ- 
 ent churches in our connexion, to promote them among 
 the members. These meetings may be held in the 
 church, school house, or private houses. Their object is 
 the spiritual edification of the persons present. The ut- 
 most precaution ought ever to be observed, that God, 
 who is a Spirit, may there, too, be worshipped orderly, 
 and in spirit and in truth. These meetings should be 
 as solemn and decorous, as any others for divine wor- 
 ship, and nothing should be done, to disturb the devo- 
 tions of those present, or that might prevent a harmoni- 
 ous attention to the leader of the meeting : in short, ac- 
 cording to the injunction of the Apostle: All things 
 should be done ^decently and in order." 1 Thess. v. 
 17; Col. iv. 2, 3 ; Luke xviii. 1 — 14; 1 Cor. xiv. 40. 
 
 Sec. 2. It is recommended, that lectures and exhorta- 
 tions be connected with the prayer meetings ; also the 
 reading of some portion of the Scriptures ; and in case 
 the pastor may not be present, that the elders direct or 
 procure some one to conduct the meeting. 
 
 Sec. 3. It is recommended to all church members, and 
 more especially to the members of the church council, to 
 make daily worship in their families a sacred duty. 
 Acts ii. 42. ch. vi. 4. x. 2* Eph. vi. 18, 19; 1 Tim. ii. 
 1—6. 
 
 Sec 4. It is recommended, that our congregations 
 
89 
 
 should observe the monthly concert of prayer, on the 
 first Sunday or Monday of every month. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS RECOMMENDATIONS. 
 
 Section 1. It is earnestly recommended to the mem- 
 bers and church councils of our churches, that they make 
 arrangements, wherever such do not already exist, either 
 in their houses of public worship, or elsewhere — because 
 such houses of worship do not exist in every neighbor- 
 hood — that the colored population may every where en- 
 joy the privileges of the regular ministry and church 
 service. Eph. vi. 5 — 9 ; 1 Tim. vi. 1 — 5 ; Tit. ii. 9, 
 10, 11 ; Philemon v. 10—18. 
 
 Sec. 2. 7/ is recommended, that parents or guardians 
 in future be the sponsors or presenters of the children to 
 be baptized. Genesis xvii. 10, 11, 12 — 14; 23 — 27, 
 compared with Acts xvi. 14, 15; 31 — 33. 
 
 Sec. 3. It is recommended to all the members of our 
 churches, that they should avoid entering into the busi- 
 ness of retailing or manufacturing spirituous liquors, ex- 
 cept for medical purposes; as we deem this business, 
 especially in some forms, in which it is carried on, in- 
 consistent with the Christian character. Habakuk ii. 5 — 
 15; Prov. xx. 1 ; Isai. v. 11, 22, 23; ch. xxviii. 7, 8; 
 Amos iv. 1 ; Rom. xiii. 13; 1 Cor. v. 11 ; Gal. v. 21, 
 compared with 23; Eph. v. 18; 2 Pet. i. 6. 
 
 Sec. 4. It is recommended to the different congrega- 
 tions, connected with this body, to encourage the cause 
 of temperance within their respective bounds. 
 8* 
 
90 
 
 All which is respectfully submitted to the convention 
 by the drafting committee. 
 
 S. A. MEALY, Chairman ex officio. 
 JOHN BACHMAN, 
 JOHN C. HOPE, 
 GEORGE HALTIWANGER, 
 WEST CAUGHMAN, 
 THOMAS SHULER, 
 HENRY COB1A, 
 "WILLIAM ASSMAN. 
 
 The Formula as submitted by the committee, was read 
 by chapters and sections, amended and finally unani- 
 mously adopted as given above, and all the members of 
 the convention subscribed their names thereto, March the 
 5th, 1838. 
 
 Testified by JACOB SWYGERT, President. 
 
 Jacob F. Schirmer, Secretary. 
 
REMARKS ON FORMULA. 
 
 Having given a brief but faithful account of the origin 
 of our church discipline, it must be evident to all who 
 read it, that in originating, framing, and adopting this 
 Formula, recourse has been had to the people, the only 
 legitimate power of enacting laws in accordance with the 
 principles exhibited in the declaration of our National 
 Independence, the constitution of the United States, and 
 that of every State in the Union. But having learnt, that 
 individual members of our churches, for whom we enter- 
 tain great regard, have expressed themselves still unfa- 
 vorable to some provisions of the Formula, we deem it 
 our duty to make at least an effort to remove these 
 doubts. To do this effectually we would direct the at- 
 tention of our brethren and sisters to a few general re- 
 marks. We beg them to distinguish between those parts 
 of the discipline, which are declared laivs for the gov- 
 ernment of the church and its members, and those, which 
 are only recommendatory. The recommendations are 
 viewed by the church only as such; it is left to the in- 
 dividual members to adopt or to reject them, if they can- 
 not convince themselves of their utility. We are not 
 lords over God's heritage, let the brethren act in re- 
 gard to these recommendations, as their conscience may 
 dictate. 
 
 The other regulations express the sentiments of the 
 convention in reference to religious principles and the 
 government of the church, or they prescribe the duties 
 of ministers and other church officers, or the duties of 
 
92 
 
 church members. In regard to the sentiments of the 
 convention respecting principles of religion and church 
 government, nothing new has been advanced ; nor have 
 we learned, that any objections on those subjects have 
 been made. But the complaints which have come to our 
 notice, have reference partly to the practical application 
 of the principles of church government, and partly to 
 some of the duties of church officers and private mem- 
 bers of churches. We shall endeavor to explain the ar- 
 ticles in question, and as we trust, to the satisfaction of 
 all our friends. The first and principal objection is, that 
 there exists a conflict between constitutions, articles of 
 incorporation, and by-laws of some churches on the one 
 hand, and the provisions of the discipline respecting the 
 application of the universally acknowledged principles of 
 church government on the other. One remark might 
 probably remove the difficulty. It was stated m conven- 
 tion, and adopted as an acknowledged principle, that if a 
 real or apparent difference should be discovered between 
 the mode of executing parts of church government hith- 
 erto in practice according to the constitution of a parti- 
 cular church, and that laid down in the discipline, the 
 constitution should be received as explanatory of the 
 meaning of the Formula ; and in several instances it is 
 expressly mentioned in the Formula itself, that this was 
 the intention of the convention. But we may proceed a 
 step further, and say, that the discipline does in no case 
 contain these conflicting elements, which we shall endea- 
 vor to prove by the following remarks. The discipline 
 expressly states, that the government or poiver of the 
 church is purely spiritual (ch. ii, part 2d, sec. 7,) hence 
 it follows, that all the regulations concerning the tempo- 
 
93 
 
 ralilies of a congregation, are left to the management of 
 each corporation, by law, empowered to do so, with- 
 out any interference of the discipline. And to avoid any- 
 possible misunderstanding on this subject, the Formula 
 declares, ch. iv. sec. 1, that the church council with the 
 pastor is the only judicatory of the church, within its 
 congregational limits ; therefore, whatever agreement may 
 exist between the pastor and the congregation, in virtue 
 of an act of incorporation or the call of the minister, in 
 respect to these matters, is by this phraseology of the 
 discipline confirmed. Besides, it is self-evident, that 
 when we in the United States speak of a church judica- 
 tory, we cannot mean that it is to exercise authority in 
 temporal or civil matters ; our laws take care of these 
 things, and the church judicatory has only to do, as 
 already remarked, with the spiritual walk and conversa- 
 tion of the members; and the term "member" more- 
 over is applicable only to communicant members, and 
 not to friends of the church, who are pew-holders, and 
 not communing members. Therefore, the communing 
 members of the church alone are the persons who are 
 requested to subscribe the Formula. Of friends, such as 
 above stated, the subscription is not required. And as 
 according to ch. iii, part i, sec. 1, the duties of ministers 
 there enumerated are purely of a spiritual nature, and as 
 in ch. iv, sec. 4, the temporal concerns of the church 
 are entrusted to the vestry or church council, whatever 
 name it may bear; it is expressly stated at the same 
 time, that the discipline does not require the minister to 
 bear any share in it, and though in ch. iv, sec. 1, the 
 pastor is named as a member of the council, and though 
 sec. 3 provides, that no business connected with the gov* 
 
94 
 
 eminent, that is, the spiritual government and disci- 
 pline of the church shall be transacted without the pres- 
 ence of the pastor, it is evident from the preceding 
 remarks, that the discipline does not mean to say, that 
 the minister shall also preside or have a control over 
 the temporal concerns of the churches under his care. 
 These are to be managed, according to the acts of incor- 
 poration, deed, gift or constitution. And if, according to 
 such regulations, the minister is excluded from a partici- 
 pation in the management of the temporalities of the 
 church, it follows of course, that the rules of the For- 
 mula are only applicable to those congregations, in which 
 provisions of the aforementioned character do not exist. 
 
 Thus we have shown, that it is not the intention of the 
 discipline, to annul or vacate incorporation laws or pre- 
 viously existing constitutions of individual churches, and 
 also, that the tenor of certain parts of the Formula, which 
 taken singly, and out of connexion of the whole, might 
 appear to admit a construction, unfavorable to the an- 
 nounced determination of the convention, does in reality 
 not contain these conflicting elements. 
 
 There is one objection, however, which we cannot 
 suffer to pass unnoticed, without saying a few words in 
 refutation. The objection is, that individual liberty is 
 abridged by the regulations of the Formula. But we 
 ask, wherein has individual liberty been abridged in that 
 discipline ? Does our discipline demand more sacrifices 
 from professors of religion, than the word of God ? 
 Since the objectors tell us, "the Bible is a sufficient 
 discipline for us, and we desire no other." But are 
 these men serious, when they make this assertion? It 
 is impossible ! For one single passage of the New Tes- 
 
95 
 
 tament demands quite as much of professors of religion, 
 as the discipline does. 1 Peter i. 13 — 15: "Gird up 
 the loins of your mind, be sober and hope to the end—' 
 as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves accord- 
 ing to the former lusts in your ignorance, but as he, 
 who has called you, is holy, so be ye holy in all manner 
 of conversation." But it may be replied, if this be so, 
 the Christian has his guide and needeth no other! We 
 answer, neither do we. desire to adopt another guide, ex- 
 cept the unerring word of God ; but we view the For- 
 mula as a digest or summary of the laws of the New 
 Covenant, bringing the Christian duties of both pastor, 
 elders and people at one glance and under their respec- 
 tive heads to our view. So the Christian citizen need- 
 eth not be informed by the State institutions and laws, 
 what his duties as a member of the commonwealth are ; 
 his heart dictates these obligations to him, yet he will not 
 contend, that constitutions and laws are unnecessary and 
 useless, nor will he feel that they abridge his individual 
 liberty. 
 
 But the sacred name of liberty is misapplied by those, 
 who think that licentiousness and liberty are synony- 
 mous terms ; therefore, they consider every restraint an 
 abridgment of liberty, which has a tendency to prevent 
 licentiousness ; and the same persons will also view the 
 word of God as well as as the laws of their country 
 as restraints of their liberty, and in general they act ac- 
 cordingly. By the true Christian patriot, however, the 
 laws of his country, and the Formula of his church gov- 
 ernment, are considered as safe guides through many 
 difficulties, and he pays the more cheerfully obedience to 
 both, because they are bottomed on the precious word 
 of God. 
 
THE CONSTITUTION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 EV. LUTH. SYNOD AND MIN1STERIUM 
 
 OF 
 
 SOUTH CAROLINA 
 
 AND ADJACENT STATES. 
 
 Based upon a plan framed according to a resolution passed at the 
 Synod, A. D. 1833. 
 
 ADOPTED AND RATIFIED AT A MEETING OF THE 5TN0D, IN EBENE- 
 ZER, GEORGIA, NOV. 15TH, 1834. 
 
t 
 
PREAMBLE. 
 
 Article 1. As the seat of the Synod is chiefly in 
 South Carolina, and its meetings confined to that State 
 and Georgia, zee, whose names are subscribed to this 
 constitution, the ministers of the Evangelical Lutheran 
 churches of South Carolina and adjacent States, having 
 united ourselves since the year 1814 into one body, make 
 knoiun hereby, to all whom it may concern, that we de- 
 sire to be known hereafter, as the Evangelical Lutheran 
 Synod and Ministerium of South Carolina and adja- 
 cent States; and each meeting of the same, a meeting 
 of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and Ministerium 
 of South Carolina and a (j a cent States — and we so- 
 lemnly promise to govern and regulate ourselves by the 
 following constitution. At the same time we consider 
 the act of incorporation of said Synod, passed by our 
 Legislature, in the year of our Lord, 1825, as an integral 
 part of our compact ; desiring that the provisions in our 
 constitution shall not be explained in any sense contro- 
 verting the act of Legislative incorporation. 
 
 Art. 2. The Augsburg Confession of Faith shall be 
 the point of union in our churches, inasmuch as we be- 
 lieve, that the fundamental doctrines of the word of God 
 are taught in a manner substantially correct in the doc- 
 trinal articles of said confession. (See Ordination Ser- 
 vices.) 
 
100 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 OF THE OFFICERS OF THE SYNOD. 
 
 Article 1. The officers of this Synod shall consist of 
 a president, secretary and treasurer. The latter officer 
 shall always be a layman, bat the president and secre- 
 tary are to be chosen from the ordained ministers of the 
 Synod. 
 
 Art. 2. All the above mentioned officers are to be 
 chosen by ballot, by a majority of the votes of the min- 
 isters, licentiates, and lay-delegates present. Their time 
 of service shall be two years, but they are re-eligible for 
 three successive elections,* except the treasurer, who 
 shall always be re-eligible. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 OF THE DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT. 
 
 Article 1. The president is chosen from among the 
 ordained ministers, who are regular members of this 
 body; and in making this choice, particular respect is to 
 be paid to piety, learning, judgment, character and merit. 
 
 Art. 2. The president shall deliver a Synodical dis- 
 course, at the meeting of every Synod; and shall, in con- 
 nexion with the pastor loci, where the Synod meets, 
 regulate the religious exercises, and appoint the indivi- 
 dual ministers who are to preach during the sessions. 
 
 Art. 3. He shall, at the meeting of every Synod, pre- 
 sent a written report of all the official business transacted, 
 and letters received by him since the last meeting, and of 
 all the important events which have occurred relating to 
 
 •An amendment proposed at the Synod of 1840, to be adopted 
 at the next meeting. 
 
101 
 
 the Synod, and may recommend for their consideration 
 any measures which he deems necessary, or calculated to 
 promote the cause of religion or benefit the churches in 
 connexion with this Synod. The report shall be laid on 
 the table, and dealt with as other documents coming 
 before this body. 
 
 Art. 4. He presides in, and has the inspection of, all 
 the meetings and sessions, both of the Synod and Min- 
 is terium. 
 
 Art. 5. He is at liberty to take an active part in the 
 discussions of the house, the same as every other 
 member. 
 
 Art. 6. When, on any question, the Synod or Minis- 
 terium is equally divided, he has the casting vote ; in all 
 other cases he has no suffrage, except when an election 
 is made by ballot, and then he has not the casting vote. 
 
 Art. 7. He shall take care that each subject be duly 
 considered before a decision be made. He shall distinct- 
 ly rehearse each motion, when no one has any further 
 observations to offer, and take the vote of the house on 
 the same. 
 
 Art. 8. As a general rule, he has the appointment of 
 all committees ; except when the Synod decides, on mo- 
 tion of any member of die house, that a committee shall 
 be chosen by ballot, or in such cases as the constitution 
 requires to be appointed by ballot. 
 
 Art. 9. When the question has been called for by the 
 house, the votes are to be given simply by yea and nay, 
 and no further observations on the subject hitherto under 
 consideration are admissible. 
 
 Art. 10. The President performs the ordinations, as- 
 sisted bv two or more ministers of his own choice, in 
 9* 
 
102 
 
 the public congregations, selects the persons who besides 
 himself, are to examine candidates ; and in common with 
 the Secretary (see chap. 3, art. 3) issues all letters of li- 
 cense to approved candidates. He is to subscribe these 
 letters of license as well as the certificates of ordination 
 with his official signature, and see that they receive the 
 seal of the Ministerium. 
 
 Art. 11. It is an important part of his office to give 
 counsel to every member of this body, whenever he 
 deems it expedient, and particularly to admonish and ad- 
 vise every erring brother. 
 
 Art. 12. If a congregation express the desire to 
 him, either to have the approved candidate licensed, 
 or that the ordination of their pastor should take place 
 in the congregation, the President may, if he can 
 not attend to this duty in person, on account of the dis- 
 tance or for other sufficient reasons, appoint two or three 
 ordained ministers to perform said duty in his stead. 
 
 Art. 13. Should the President remove from the limits 
 of the Synod, or depart this life during the recess of the 
 Synod, the Secretary shall succeed him, and discharge 
 the duties of the President, until the next meeting of the 
 Synod. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 OF THE DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. 
 
 Article 1. The Secretary of the Synod and Ministe- 
 rium is to be elected from among the ordained ministers 
 who are regular members of this body (vide chap. 1, 
 art. 2) and in making the choice of this officer, attention 
 is to be paid to superior skill, punctuality and fidelity. 
 
 Art, 2. The Secretary shall keep a faithful and accu- 
 
103 
 
 rate account of all the proceedings of the Synod and 
 Ministerium ; carefully preserve all the papers, the seal, 
 <fec. of the Synod, subject to its direction, and shall do 
 all the official writing of the Synod not otherwise pro- 
 vided for; and with a view to lessen the burthen of his 
 labors, printed blanks for letters of license in their various 
 forms and parchments for certificates of ordination are 
 to be procured. 
 
 Art. 3. He is to attest by his official signature all cer- 
 tificates of ordination and letters of license, resolutions 
 concerning ministers, delegates or churches, and the 
 minutes of the Synod, both in the written and printed 
 copies. 
 
 Art. 4. As the adjournments of the Synod are pub- 
 lished in the minutes, it is deemed sufficient notice that 
 the Secretary publish the approaching meeting of the 
 Synod and Ministerium, in some suitable religious paper, 
 six weeks previous to the time of each meeting. 
 
 Art. 5. If the accumulation of business render it neces- 
 sary, the President may appoint one or more Secretaries 
 as assistants, whose office expires at the close of the meet- 
 ing of Synod. 
 
 Art. 6. Unless the archives are otherwise disposed of 
 by the Synod, they shall be in the charge and custody of 
 the Secretary. Any minister or delegate of a congre- 
 gation connected with this body, shall have free access to 
 them, but no part of them shall be allowed to be taken 
 away or destroyed. 
 
 Art. 7. If during the recess of the Synod, the Secre- 
 tary should be disabled or disqualified to hold his office, 
 or should move without the bounds of this Synod, or 
 should depart this life, the President shall require the ar- 
 
104 
 
 chives, the seal of the Miiiisterium, and all other proper- 
 ty of the Synod which is in the hands of the Secretary, 
 to be delivered to him, and shall retain the charge of 
 them until the next meeting of the Synod, when he shall 
 appoint a Secretary pro tempore. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 OF THE DUTIES OF THE TREASURER. 
 
 art. 1. The Treasurer shall take charge of all the 
 monies belonging to the Synodical funds, pay all sums 
 ordered to be expended by regular resolutions of the Sy- 
 nod, at such times and to such persons, and in the man- 
 ner directed by this body ; and keep and deliver at each 
 of its annual meetings an exact account of the state of 
 the treasury. 
 
 Art. 2. He shall invest, or loan out as directed by the 
 Synod, those sums which are not needed to defray the 
 current expenses and to pay the orders of Synod, during 
 one Synodical year, yet he must take care that all bonds 
 are made payable after the close of one year, and that 
 those which are not called in, after the expiration of one 
 year, are renewed at the proper time, so that none may 
 be outlawed. 
 
 Art. 3. No part of the funds of the Synod shall be 
 appropriated otherwise than for contingent expenses, 
 the education of young men for the ministry, and for 
 missionary purposes. 
 
 Art. 4. As the demands upon the treasury, particular- 
 ly for the support of our beneficiaries, will often hence- 
 forth require more money than may be collected for the 
 Synod at its annual meeting, the Treasurer shall always 
 keep in his possession the sum of 300 dollars, subject to 
 
105 
 
 the orders of the Synod, upon which no interest shall be 
 required of him. 
 
 Art. 5. He shall ^ive an approved bond and security 
 to the Svnod for the faithful performance of his several 
 duties, and said documents are to be deposited in the 
 hands of the Secretary for safe keeping. 
 
 Art. 6. If the Treasurer, during the recess of Synod, 
 should remove to a distant state or depart this life, all the 
 bonds, monies, certificates and documents belonging to 
 the Synod in the hands of said Treasurer, shall be deliv- 
 ered by the Treasurer, his executors or administrators, 
 unto the President who shall give a receipt for the same, 
 and keep this Synodical property in his charge until the 
 next Synodical meeting, and the election of a new Trea- 
 surer. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 OF ORDAINED MINISTERS. 
 
 Article 1. All ordained ministers are perfectly equal 
 as to rank, title and privileges, having no power the one 
 over the other, except only what the aforesaid offices of 
 President and Secretary make necessary for the main- 
 tenance of order, and the well-being of the whole body-! 
 However, they are not to neglect or slight any good ad- 
 vice imparted by the President or any other of the breth- 
 ren, given in the spirit of brotherly love, still they have 
 no overseer in their respective congregations, and each is 
 to be regarded as the bishop of his own church. Acts 
 xx. 28. 
 
 Art. 2. One minister of course shall not interfere 
 with the congregation or office of another, by preaching 
 or performing other ministerial duties in the same, except 
 
106 
 
 by his request or consent, if present, nor in the pastor's 
 absence, if it is to be feared that such an act might have 
 a tendency to destroy the peace of the congregation and 
 harmony between the brethren. 
 
 Art. 3. In all cases of controversy between two min- 
 isters, or between a minister and his congregation, which 
 they cannot amicably settle by their own endeavors, or 
 by the mediation of the President, the parties or either 
 of them, may make application to the Ministerium in 
 Synod convened, and if once so submitted, shall 
 abide by its decisions. If it appear to the Ministe- 
 rium, that the controversy between a minister and his 
 congregation has proceeded to such lengths, as to pre- 
 clude all hope of its favorable termination, and that a dis- 
 solution of the connexion that exists between them is 
 necessary to restore the peace and promote the prosperi- 
 ty of the church, the Ministerium shall recommend to 
 such minister to resign his charge of that congregation, 
 on such conditions as to him and the Ministerium may 
 appear reasonable. And if such minister or congrega- 
 tion refuse to comply with said recommendation, the 
 Synod may, according to circumstances, dissolve its 
 connexion with either the minister or the congregation, 
 until both agree to the terms of the recommendation. 
 
 Art. 4. Although our Synods are no judicatories, but 
 merely advisory bodies, and have, as such, no power to 
 pass any other sentence than that of dissolution of 
 connexion, if the advice of the Synod is totally disre- 
 garded, yet as the honor and success of the gospel de- 
 pend very much on the character of the ministers, our 
 Synod ought to exercise with particular care, but with 
 impartiality, this reserved and natural right, whenever a 
 
107 
 
 minister of the gospel shall have become guilty of crim- 
 inal or immoral conduct. 
 
 If he have been convicted of such conduct before his 
 congregation or church council, it will be the duty of 
 such congregation or church council, during the recess of 
 Synod, forthwith to transmit the documents containing 
 the testimony and evidence of his guilt to the President ; 
 who if convinced by said evidence of the correctness and 
 impartiality of the proceeding in the case, as also of the 
 guilt of the accused, shall give notice both to the congre- 
 gation or congregations, and also to the guilty minister, 
 that he has made himself unworthy of the sacred office, 
 and that he therefore cannot exercise any of the functions 
 of this office in any of the congregations connected with 
 this body, until the meeting of the Synod. It shall then 
 be the duty of the President, to inform the Synod at its 
 next annual meeting of his decision, and also to lay be- 
 fore the body the testimony and evidence according to 
 which he has suspended the connexion of the accused 
 with the Synod, and it shall be the duty of the Synod to 
 appoint a committee by ballot to examine the case care- 
 fully, bring in its report, and according to circumstances, 
 either confirm the sentence of separation pronounced by 
 the President or reject it. 
 
 The accused minister shall likewise have the right, if 
 he supposes himself to have been unjustly condemned 
 by his congregation or church council, to produce the ev- 
 idence of his innocence, both before the President and 
 Synod, so that this officer and the Synod may judge 
 with impartiality. 
 
 Art. 5. If a minister has been found guilty of crim- 
 inal or immoral conduct before a court of justice or be- 
 
108 
 
 fore the Ministerium in Synod convened, his connexion 
 with this body shall cease, and he shall not be permitted 
 to perform any ministerial acts in any congregation which 
 is connected with this body, and in case that a congrega- 
 tion receives such discarded minister, with a view to en- 
 gage him as a preacher, it shall be the duty of the Presi- 
 dent, on receiving official notice of the fact, to give no- 
 tice to said congregation or congregations of the suspen- 
 sion of said minister, and if said churches, nevertheless, 
 continue to consider the suspended or discarded person 
 as their pastor, the Synod shall, at its next annual meet- 
 ing, suspend its connexion Math said churches, until they 
 shall have dismissed the man convicted of crime and im- 
 morality. 
 
 Art. 6. Whereas the Synod cannot regard with indiff- 
 erence a deviation from the fundamental doctrines of 
 the word of God, as universally acknowledged among 
 us, it shall be the duty of this body, if an accusation 
 against a minister in connexion with the Synod should 
 be brought, either by his church council or by three or- 
 dained ministers of unimpeachable standing in Synod, 
 of having deviated from any such fundamental doctrines 
 (vide Formula, part 2, sec. 1) to examine the case with 
 impartiality; and if the accusation, after a full hearing, 
 both of the accusing party and accused, should be found 
 true, the Synod shall declare the connexion of said cleri- 
 cal member with this Synod, either suspended or dissol- 
 ved according to circumstances. During the recess of 
 Synod, it shall be the duty of the President in connexion 
 with two ministers, the one chosen by the accusing, the 
 other by the accused party, to examine the case impar- 
 tially, or if circumstances prevent the President from 
 
109 
 
 attending, the two ministers chosen above shall make 
 choice of a third, and lay the proceedings of their exam- 
 ination before the President, who shall as the organ of 
 Synod during its recess, pronounce according to the evi- 
 dence laid before him, either that the accusation is well 
 founded or not, and in case of emergency he is to declare 
 a suspension of connexion until the meeting of next 
 Synod, when all the documents of the case shall be laid 
 before that body for a final decision. By an act of sus- 
 pension or dissolution of connexion, on account of de- 
 viations from what ive deem as fundamental principles, 
 we do not wish to condemn a brother of heresy, or make 
 ourselves judges in a case where God alone can and will 
 judge ; but we merely suspend or dissolve our connex- 
 ion with a brother who refuses to walk with us in doctri- 
 nal and brotherly harmony. 
 
 Art. 7. If a minister suspended or dismissed from 
 our connexion on account of immoral or criminal con- 
 duct, manifest signs of sincere repentance and amend- 
 ment of life, and apply to the Synod for re-admission, 
 he shall be required, as proof of his sincerity, to make 
 an acknowledgment of his transgression to the Synod, 
 and more particularly to the congregation where the 
 offenses have taken place ; and after having done so, the 
 Synod may receive him on trial, and permit him to offi- 
 ciate during said term of trial, in congregations other 
 than those where the offenses have been committed. 
 
 Art. 8. This constitution having declared that each 
 ordained minister is the bishop in his churches, accor- 
 ding to the Apostolical custom, it follows that all ordained 
 ministers in connexion with this Synod, enjoy the right 
 
 to adopt such regulations in their churches as circum- 
 10 
 
no 
 
 stances jnajj require, and are consistent with the spirit of 
 Christianity; yet in the exercise of this right it is not 
 only desirable, that each minister should endeavor to pre- 
 serve as much unity and agreement with the usages and 
 regulations of other churches in connexion with this 
 Synod, as he conscientiously can; but the fundamen- 
 tal laws of every association, and consequently those of 
 our own, require that every ordained minister be careful, 
 in adopting regulations for the well-being of his churches 
 to admit nothing which may be contradictory to the 
 standing- resolutions of the Synod, with which all are 
 connected. 
 
 Art. 9. Each minister has a right to leave his charge 
 and remove to another. Yet in so important a matter he 
 should be especially careful to act deliberately and con- 
 scientiously as before God; he must also give the Presi- 
 dent timely notice of his intended removal. 
 
 Art. 10. If any minister belonging to this body re- 
 moves to another State or Territory, and accepts a call to 
 a congregation not connected with this, or any other 
 Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium, and if he gives the 
 President due notice of the same, and attends as often as 
 possibles the meeting of this Synod, he shall be consider- 
 ed as a regular member of this body. But if he accepts 
 a call to a congregation, which is connected with another 
 Evangelical Lutheran Mimsterium, and gives the Presi- 
 dent due notice of his removal he shall be considered as 
 an honorary member of this Synod, receive a certificate 
 of his official standing, retain a seat in this Synod, and 
 the right of participating in its deliberations, though he 
 cannot be entitled to any vote, or be eligible to any of- 
 fice. 
 
in 
 
 Art. 11. If any ordained minister, who is a regular 
 member of this body, resigns his pastoral charge, or is 
 not again regularly settled in some other congregation as 
 a pastor, though he deserves to be so settled, he shall 
 have no vote, nor be eligible to any office, yet he shall, 
 so long as he is devoid of a congregation, retain his seat 
 in this body. If, however, a regular member of this 
 Ministerium, though not officiating as a pastor of a con- 
 gregation, shall be employed by the Ministerium as a 
 missionary, or shall be engaged as a professor, tutor, or 
 instructor of youth in a Theological seminary, college, 
 academy or any other literary institution, and perform 
 ministerial duties as often as his engagements will per- 
 mit, he shall retain his seat and vote in the meetings of 
 this Synod. But if any minister shall relinquish his 
 ministerial office and pursue some secular calling, he 
 shall no longer enjoy the privileges of a member of this 
 body. 
 
 Art. 12. If any minister ordained by any Evangelical 
 Lutheran Institution, either in the United States, or in 
 foreign countries, or by other Protestant denominations, 
 shall apply for admission into this Synod, the Ministe- 
 rium being satisfied on proper examination, that he is a 
 man of piety and unexceptionable character, and that he 
 possesses the necessary literary and other qualifications, 
 may receive him into the same without re-ordination, two 
 thirds of the ordained ministers present consenting there- 
 to; and if he is called to the regular exercise of the pas- 
 toral office in a Lutheran congregation connected with 
 this Synod, or is engaged as stated in Art. 11, of this 
 chapter, as instructor of youth, he shall be entitled to all 
 the privileges of the other members of this body. 
 
112 
 
 Art. 13. If any ordained minister connected with any 
 other Evangelical Lutheran Synod, occasionally visits 
 the meeting of this body, he shall be received as an advi- 
 sory member. 
 
 Art. 14. Though it is desirable that those young 
 men who wish to devote themselves to the service of the 
 church, should receive their education in our Theologi- 
 cal Seminar}', still each ordained minister possessing the 
 proper qualifications retains the right of instructing pious 
 young men and preparing them for examination and li- 
 censure. 
 
 Art. 15. Every ordained minister shall keep a regis- 
 ter of baptisms, confirmations, communicant members, 
 and deaths in his congregations, and at everv meeting of 
 this body (special meetings excepted) present to the Sec- 
 retary a written statement, extracted from said register, 
 for the information of the Synod and the church in gen- 
 eral. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 LICENTIATES OR CANDIDATES. 
 
 Art. 1. The Synod shall not, in any case whatever, 
 license an individual whom they do not believe possessed 
 of a good moral character and of hopeful piety. 
 
 Art. 2. Every person applying for license must sub- ' 
 mit to an examination, conducted by an examining com- 
 mittee of two or more ordained ministers appointed by 
 the President for this purpose. These examinations are 
 recommended to be conducted in the presence of the 
 whole Synod. 
 
 Art. 3. The examination shall embrace at least the 
 following subjects : 1. Personal piety and the motives of 
 
113 
 
 the applicant for seeking the ministerial office. 2. The 
 evidences of Christianity. 3. Natural and Revealed 
 Theology. 4. Church History. 5. Pastoral Theology. 
 6. The rules of Sermonizing. 7. Church Government. 
 8. The Greek and Hebrew Scriptures ; and after the ex- 
 amination is ended by the committee, every member of 
 the Ministerium has the right to ask the applicant any 
 additional questions. 
 
 Art. 4. If, after such an examination, he be approved 
 of by two-thirds of the ordained ministers present, he 
 shall be licensed as a candidate for the ministry, before 
 the congregation, according to the form adopted by this 
 Synod. 
 
 Art. 5. During the recess of the Synod, the President 
 and Secretary being satisfied as to the piety and moral 
 character and proficiency of an applicant may grant him 
 a license to officiate as a candidate until the next Synod. 
 
 Art. 6. A Synodiccl license may, according to cir- 
 cumstances be either full, or extend to the next annual 
 meting of Synod, or be restricted in its duration to 
 the licentiate's compliance with his promise on receiving 
 license, and to his continuance in a proper walk and con- 
 versation. 
 
 Art. 7. Whereas the situation of our chursh in this 
 Southern section of the United States, still requires that 
 the Synod or the President should sometimes grant licence 
 not conferring on the licentiate the right of perform- 
 ing all ministerial a-3ts, but restricting him to the holding 
 of prayer meetings, giving occasional exhortations, and 
 preaching to congregations destitute of the services of an 
 ordained minister, or candidate fully connected with this 
 
 body ; it shall be the rule of this Ministerial bodv, that 
 10* 
 
114 
 
 such licenses are only to be granted for one year, and 
 that the person who has received such limited license, be 
 placed under some neighboring ordained minister, who is 
 to direct his studies, and without whose concurrence and 
 approbation he cannot hold any meetings, except in those 
 places which have been assigned him by the Ministe- 
 rium. 
 
 Art. 8. Every candidate in full connexion with this 
 body shall have liberty to visit vacant congregations, 
 receive a call from them and perform in the same all 
 ministerial acts, to which his license entitles him, but 
 shall not leave them during the length of time for which 
 he has agreed to serve them, without the consent of the 
 Ministerium, or of the President during the recess of the 
 Synod ; neither shall he interfere with any other candi- 
 date, to whom any particular congregations may have 
 been assigned, nor perform ministerial services in the 
 churches under the care of ordained ministers, unless re- 
 quested by the latter. 
 
 Art. 9. It shall be his duty to preach the Gospel 
 faithfully , catechise the young, visit the sick, and to 
 perform all ministerial acts in the congregations com- 
 mitted to his care ; neither is he to neglect family visits ; 
 as often as circumstances will allow he is to hold prayer 
 and other meetings which he may deem conducive to the 
 instruction and edification of his people, and endeavor to 
 establish and keep up Sunday schools and temperance 
 societies. 
 
 Art. 10. Any licentiate as well as any ordained min- 
 ister, in good standing, who under the restrictions men- 
 tioned in Art. 8, of this chapter, removes from the 
 bounds of this Synod into those of another, shall, on 
 
115 
 
 application to the President, receive a certificate wider 
 his signature of his honorable dismission ; in return it is 
 expected, if a candidate licensed by some other Synod 
 moves within the bounds of this Ministerium, that he be 
 furnished with a similar certificate, without which he 
 cannot be permitted to visit vacant churches. 
 
 Art. 11. It is the duty of licentiates to devote their 
 leisure time to study, to read the word of God diligently 
 and prayerfully, that they may grow in divine know- 
 ledge and grace, and thus become able ministers and ser- 
 vants of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Art. 12. Licentiates are at all times bound to receive 
 the counsel of the President and to apply to him for ad- 
 vice in all cases of difficulty. 
 
 Art. 13. If a licentiate after full probation, does in 
 the judgment of the Ministerium, prove himself unqual- 
 ified for the duties of the ministry, his license shall be 
 withdrawn. 
 
 Art. 14. Every licentiate must keep a journal of his 
 ministerial acts and proceedings, which, with a few ser- 
 mons of his own composition, he must deliver or send 
 annually for the inspection of the Ministerium. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 OF LAY DELEGATES. 
 
 Art. 1. Every congregation which has a settled pas- 
 tor, or is attended by a licentiate having full license, has 
 a right to be represented in the Synod by one delegate. 
 Where two or more congregations are united under the 
 care of one pastor or licentiate, they are to unite in the 
 election of one delegate to Synod. If, however, any one 
 of them have important matters to communicate, or ad- 
 
116 
 
 vice to ask of this body, they shall have the right to send 
 a commissioner to this Synod, who is to receive from 
 the congregation that sends him, not only a certificate of 
 his lawful appointment, but likewise a statement of the 
 circumstances or causes wherefore he is sent. Such a 
 commissioner shall be received and heard in the cause for 
 which he is sent, but cannot be admitted to the privileges 
 of a delegate. So likewise may a party in a congrega- 
 tion, that supposes itself aggrieved and seeks the inter- 
 ference and mediation of this body, send a commissioner 
 for this purpose ; however, with this proviso, that said 
 party inform the other party supposed to have aggrieved, 
 of their intention to send a commissioner to Synod, at 
 least these weeks previous to the meeting of this body. 
 
 Art. 2. Each delegate claiming a seat in the Synod 
 must exhibit a written certificate of his regular appoint- 
 ment signed by the pastor and the church councils of the 
 congregations by whom he is sent. 
 
 Art. 3. Each lay delegate shall have the right to take 
 part in the debates of the house, to offer resolutions and 
 vote on all questions, except the examining, licensing 
 and ordaining of candidates, the admission of ministers 
 into the association, or their exclusion from it, and the 
 discussion of weighty articles of faith or cases of con- 
 science. 
 
 Art. 4. Every congregation which is represented by 
 a delegate in the meetings of this Synod is bound to re- 
 ceive and submit to the resolutions and recommendations 
 of the Synod, and to bear its part of ail expenses and 
 services necessary for the welfare of the associated 
 churches generally, and the advancement of the common 
 cause. And if any congregation refuses such comoli- 
 
117 
 
 ance, it shall no longer be entitled to a representation in 
 this body. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 OF THE SYNOD AND MINISTER! UM. 
 
 Article 1. There shall be, at least, one general meet- 
 ing of the synod annually, and special meetings may 
 be called by the President on his own authority, or 
 when desired by three ordained ministers stating to the 
 President sufficient reasons for the request. In calling a 
 special meeting of the Synod, care shall be taken to give 
 seasonable notice to the members and to the churches. 
 
 Art. 2. In a general meeting of the Synod, consulta- 
 tions and deliberations may take place upon all subjects 
 which regard the welfare of the churches and ministers 
 —in special meetings, nothing but the particular busi- 
 ness which occasioned its convention. 
 
 Art. 3. The Synod is composed of the ordained min- 
 isters, candidates and lay delegates of the churches. 
 Ministers who appear as delegates from other Synods, or 
 ecclesiastical bodies of sister churches, shall be received 
 as advisory members, but cannot vote in any decision of 
 the Synod or Minis terium. 
 
 Art. 4. No ordained minister or licentiate shall ne- 
 glect to attend the Synod, except through unavoidable 
 necessity — with which voluntary ministerial engage- 
 ments are not to be reckoned synonymous. If such ne- 
 cessity should occur to any, he shall send in a written 
 apology for his absence, and shall be brought to account 
 for the same by the President, at the next meeting, if 
 either his apology has not been accepted, or if he has 
 not sent in one at all. Whosoever is three times sue- 
 
118 • 
 
 cessivcly absent without regularly apologising for it, 
 shall be considered as thereby declaring that he wishes 
 no longer to be considered as a member of this body, and 
 shall forfeit all right of membership. 
 
 Art. 5. The written apologies, as well as all other 
 letters and documents relating to the Synod and Ministe- 
 rium, must be addressed to the President. 
 
 Art. 6. The pastor loci where the meeting of Synod 
 is held, with the vestry of the church, shall endeavor to 
 provide for the entertainment of the ministers, licentiates 
 and lay delegates among Christian friends. 
 
 Art. 7. Divine worship shall be celebrated during the 
 meeting of the Synod, as often as may be convenient and 
 consistent with the business of Synod. 
 
 Art. 8. Each session cf the Synod shall commence 
 at the time previously appointed by the President or 
 Ministerium, and from the beginning to the close of all 
 the sessions, no regular member shall absent himself 
 without the permission of the President. 
 
 Art. 9. At the time appointed for the session, the Sy- 
 nod shall be organized, if but four ordained ministers, 
 regular members of the Ministerium, and as many lay 
 delegates should be present. 
 
 Art. 10. If any regular member of the Ministerium, 
 except only the pastor loci, shall not appear in the Synod 
 until an hour after the appointed time of meeting, he 
 may be reproved by the President. 
 
 Art. 11. Should the President himself be absent at 
 the proper time for proceeding to business, the members 
 present shall choose a President pro. tern. 
 
 Art. 12. If the Secretary shall be absent the Presi- 
 dent shall appoint one pro tempore. 
 
119 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 TrIE ORDER OF BUSINESS IN THE SYNOD. 
 
 Art. 1 . The President shall open the first session of 
 the Synod, with singing and prayer. In his absence this 
 shall be done by the Secretary, and in the absence of 
 both, by one of the elder ministers. 
 
 Art. 2. The Secretary shall then register the names 
 of the ministers and licentiates, and note the absentees. 
 
 Art. 3. After this the lay delegates shall exhibit the 
 certificates of their regular appointments by the congre- 
 gations which they represent, and their names shall be 
 registered as members of the Synod. 
 
 Art. 4. If the period for the election of Synodical of- 
 ficers has arrived, or if the ofhce of any one of them 
 shall have been vacated by death, resignation or other- 
 wise, the election shall now take place. 
 
 Art. 5. The minutes of the last Synodical meeting 
 shall now be read, and all unfinished business and resolu- 
 tions of the last meeting of this body, which have not 
 been acted on, carefully noted for the consideration of 
 Synod ; in case, however, that the pressure of business 
 should induce the Synod to dispense with the reading of 
 the minutes, a committee shall be appointed by the Pre- 
 sident for the examination of the minutes, and to report 
 to this body on all unfinished business and all resolutions 
 that have not been acted upon, of which committee the 
 Secretary shall always be chairman. 
 
 Art. 6. The President will then read his Annual Re- 
 port (vide chap. 11, art. 3.) 
 
 Art. 7. Delegates or minister of other ecclesiastical 
 bodies shall then be introduced. (Vide chap. art. 14, 
 and chap. viii. art 3.) 
 
120 
 
 Art. S. All documents, letters, the President's report, 
 and all other instruments of writing intended to be laid 
 before Synod, shall then be handed in to the President, 
 who, in conjunction with the Secretary, is to number and 
 array these several papers, and appoint committees to re- 
 port on the same ; after which they shall be taken up 
 and discussed before the whole body, or the Ministerium 
 strictly so called, in numerical order, at any time when 
 directed by the house. 
 
 Art. 9. Each minister shall then be called upon by 
 the Secretary for the record of persons baptized, confirm- 
 ed, or otherwise admitted to membership, of communing 
 members of his churches, deaths, number of Sunday 
 schools, and of whatever benevolent societies may be es- 
 tablished in his churches. 
 
 Art. 10. The contributions of the churches, both to 
 the Synodical treasury, and for the support of the Theo- 
 logical Seminary shall then be received by the respective 
 treasurers ; and an accurate statement of these donations 
 handed in to the Secretary, for insertion into the minutes 
 distinctly showing from what churches and for what pur- 
 poses the money has been received. 
 
 Art. 11. The accounts of the treasurers both of Sy- 
 nod and Theological Seminary are to be audited. 
 
 Art. 12. The election of the treasurer of the Semina- 
 ry shall then take place. 
 
 Art. 13. The number of vacant churches is to be 
 inquired into and provision made for them. 
 
 Art. 14. The reports of the directors of the Seminary 
 and the examining committee of the same are then to be 
 taken up and acted upon. 
 
 Art. 15. The election of new members o the Board 
 
121 
 
 of Directors is to take place by ballot ; four each year ; 
 the former members are re-eligible. 
 
 Art. 16. The election of delegates to the general Sy- 
 nod is to take place, likewise by ballot, and when elected 
 the Synod will give its instructions to them, and the 
 Secretary and President their credentials, sealed with the 
 seal of the ministerium. These instructions are to be 
 given in writing, but are not to be published in the min- 
 utes. 
 
 Art. 17. The Synod shall then determine the time 
 when, and the place where, the next Synod shall con- 
 vene, which may be decided by a majority of the votes 
 of the members present ; and in this choice particular 
 attention is to be paid to the written invitations of the 
 churches. If during the recess of the Synod, the min- 
 ister of the congregation where the next Synod is to con- 
 vene, should be removed by death or otherwise, the ves- 
 try of the church will endeavor to provide places of en- 
 tertainment for the members of Synod. If a dangerous 
 or contagious disease should break out in the place where 
 the Synod is to meet, about the time of meeting, and the 
 President should deem a change of place necessary for 
 holding the Synod, he shall have power to select some 
 other suitable place for the purpose, by giving timely no- 
 tice of such a change, and the reasons for the same, both 
 to the congregation and the minister where the Synod 
 had appointed to meet, also to that congregation and min- 
 ister where the meeting shall take place. The Secretary 
 will give notice by an advertisement in some suitable 
 public paper. 
 
 Art. 18. After all the business proper to be laid before 
 
 the Svnod shall have been disposed of, the President 
 11 
 
123 
 
 snail give notice thereof to the lay delegates, and the 
 meeting of the Synod shall be closed with singing and 
 prayer. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 OF THE MINISTERIUM. 
 
 Article 1. After the close of the Synodical sessions, 
 a meeting of the ordained ministers and licentiates shall 
 be held, which is to be called a meeting of the ministe- 
 rium. 
 
 Art. 2. This Ministerium strictly so called shall con- 
 sider and decide upon the examining, licensing and or- 
 daining of candidates, the admission of ministers into 
 this association, or their exclusion from it, the examina- 
 tion of difficulties and differences which may have arisen 
 between ministers, and in which no churches are involv- 
 ed, if the parties concerned are willing to accept the 
 friendly and brotherly mediation of this body ; all cases 
 described in chap. v. art. 6 of this constitution ; also, con- 
 sultations respecting the best methods of discharging 
 ministerial functions, questions how to promote, with 
 hopes of success, the cause of truth and piety, also 
 weighty articles of faith or cases of conscience, in short 
 free and candid conversations on pastoral experience in 
 general, provided always, however, that the first princi- 
 ple of protestantism, the right of free inquiry be not in- 
 fringed upon, and no attempt be made to erect the Min- 
 isterium into an inquisitorial tribunal. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 ORDER OF BUSINESS IN THE MINISTERIUM. 
 
 Article 1. After the session has been opened with 
 
123 
 
 prayer, the President shall communicate any business 
 which he may have to report or propose. 
 
 Art. 2. The licentiates shall hand in their journals 
 and sermons, and the President is to appoint committees 
 which are to report on them. Those licentiates, who 
 have not received a full license, shall likewise hand them 
 to the President, and, after they shall have withdrawn, 
 the ministerium is to decide on the propriety of renew- 
 ing their licenses — which will chiefly depend on the re- 
 port of that ordained minister, to whose superintendence 
 such licentiates had been recommended. 
 
 Art. 3. New applications for licensure are then to be 
 considered, and the applicants examined, and, after their 
 withdrawal, the Ministerium will decide on the pro- 
 priety of granting licenses to the applicants. 
 
 Art. 4. The question on the ordination of candidates 
 is then in order. Both licensure and ordination are to be 
 performed publicly before the congregation. 
 
 Art. 5. Promiscuous matters relative to ministerial 
 business may be attended to, and some time shall then 
 be spent in conversation on pastoral duties, after which 
 the meeting is to be closed with prayer. 
 
 Ordination and Installation Services. 
 Article 1. Ordination is to be performed according to 
 the Formula adopted by this Synod or Ministerium, in 
 the following terms : 
 
 Questions proposed at the time of Ordination and Li- 
 censure. 
 
 I. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New 
 Testament to be the word of God, and the only infalli- 
 ble rule of faith and practice ? 
 
124 
 
 II. Do you believe that the fundamental doctrines of 
 the word of God are taught in a manner substantially 
 correct in the doctrinal articles of the Augsburg Confes- 
 sion ? 
 
 III. Do you promise, by the aid of God, faithfully to 
 perform all the duties enjoined upon you in this Consti- 
 tution, and to submit yourself to its rules, government 
 and discipline, so long as you remain a member of this 
 Synod? 
 
 IV. Do you believe that in seeking the ministerial of- 
 fice, you are influenced by a sincere love to God your 
 Saviour, and desire to promote his glory in the welfare of 
 men? 
 
 V. Do you promise faithfully and zealously to preach, 
 the truths of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ, as contained in the holy Scriptures ? 
 
 Art. 2. Wherever a congregation or congregations 
 unitedly have chosen a minister by a free election, in 
 which all the male electors shall have a vote, to serve 
 them for more than one year, and have offered him a 
 a regular call signed by the elders of the church- 
 es, and if the minister has accepted said call, he shall 
 give notice of his election to the President, and propose 
 to him a suitable time for his installation ; upon which 
 notice the President, if convenient, or a committee of 
 ordained ministers appointed by him for said purpose, 
 shall instal said pastor and introduce him to the people 
 of his charge, according to the form adopted by this 
 Synod. 
 
 Art. 3. Though it has hitherto been the custom of 
 the ministerium to point out to the different ministers 
 their field of usefulness and labor, yet do we desire to 
 
125 
 
 have it understood by our people, that the Ministerium 
 has no right to act in such cases ; but that the churches 
 alone, and more particularly their elders and male com- 
 municant members, are the only authority which can 
 give calls to ministers, by a plurality of the votes of the 
 church or churches. The members of the churches in 
 connexion with this Synod will, therefore, in future, 
 elect their own ministers, and though a plurality of the 
 votes of the male members are sufficient to authorize the 
 church council to make out a call for the minister so 
 elected, it is nevertheless desirable, for the preservation 
 of harmony in the church, that every exertion should be 
 made, to obtain, if possible, a unanimous vote in the 
 election of a pastor. 
 
 Art. 4. Ministers who attend to more than one church 
 and therefore cannot preach every Lord's day, in all 
 their congregations, ought to make arrangements, that 
 suitable persons be appointed, to conduct prayer meet- 
 ings and other exercises on those Lord's days when they 
 themselves cannot attend, because it is of importance, 
 that the word of God should dwell richly among us, for 
 the promotion of piety and growth in graee in our 
 churches. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 VACANT CONGREGATIONS AND THE APPOINTMENT OF MISSIONARIES. 
 
 1 . Vacant congregations which cannot be immediately 
 supplied with a minister, are advised to select some mem- 
 ber of the church, of suitable capacities and character, 
 to meet with them on the Lord's day for the purpose of 
 reading some portion of the Scriptures, a prayer in the 
 11* 
 
126 
 
 liturgy, and such sermons as may, from time to time, be 
 recommended by the ministerium. 
 
 2. The ministerium will endeavor to engage a mis- 
 sionary at least for several months each year, to travel 
 and labor in these vacant congregations, to instruct the 
 young in the doctrines of the christian religion, to preach 
 and hold other meetings, to administer the ordinances of 
 the gospel, to establish Sunday schools, and to encourage 
 the establishment of Temperance societies ; to see that 
 every where pious and suitable men are elected by the 
 congregations as church councils, whose particular duty- 
 it shall be, to see that the meetings held by the lay-mem- 
 bers be conducted in order, and that nothing may occur in 
 them which may militate against any resolutions of former 
 Synods, and that these lay-readers do not, without autho- 
 rity, undertake to preach, but confine themselves to the 
 performance of those duties, which the constitution re- 
 quires of them. 
 
 3. Whenever vacant congregations are within the reach 
 of any of our ordained ministers, it shall be their duty to 
 visit them as often as circumstances will permit, espe- 
 cially if a fifth Sunday happens to fall in a month ; and 
 to further this purpose a list of the vacant congregations 
 shall be yearly attached to the Synodical minutes. 
 
 4. It is expected when a missionary, appointed by the 
 ministerium, visits such vacant congregations, or when 
 visited by an ordained minister, as stated before, that 
 these congregations will contribute as much as they can 
 towards the defraying of the missionaries' and ministers' 
 traveling expenses. 
 
 5. It shall likewise be the duty of the ministerium to 
 engage, whenever practicable, the services of a mission- 
 
127 
 
 ary to labor in destitute and distant parts ; and for this 
 purpose a missionary committee shall be chosen by the 
 ministerium, which, during the recess of the Synod, with 
 the" approbation of the President, may, if opportunities 
 offer, engage the services of a missionary, give him in- 
 structions in regard to his field of labor, and other cir- 
 cumstances which the committee and President of the 
 Synod may deem of importance. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 If an alteration of any of the foregoing articles, or an 
 addition of new ones should be thought necessary, the 
 motion for such an alteration or addition must be laid on 
 the table in one Synod, and the final decision shall be 
 given in the next, if two-thirds of the members agree to 
 the same. 
 
 We, the subscribers, do hereby declare that we con- 
 sider this constitution as the basis of our ecclesiastical 
 union, and pledge ourselves before God to regulate our 
 conduct according to these articles of agreement. 
 
 A. D. 1834, Nov. 15th. 
 
 1 Rev. Ernest L. Hazelius, D. D., Professor of The- 
 
 ology at Lexington, S. C. 
 
 2 " John Bachman, D. D. Charleston, S. C. 
 
 3 " Stephen A. Mealy, Savannah, Ga. 
 
 4 " John D. Sheck, Ebenezer, Ga. 
 
 5 " Michael Ranch, Lexington List., S. C. 
 
 6 " Jacob Moser, " " 
 
 7 " Godfrey Dreher, " " 
 
 8 " John C. Hope, " " 
 
 9 " George Haltiwanger, " « 
 
128 
 
 10 Rev. Herman Aull, 
 
 11 " Robert Cloy, 
 
 Newberry List., S. C. 
 Barnwell List., " 
 12 " Frederick F. Harris, Munroeville, Ala. 
 
 Clerical members received in connexion with this body 
 at successive Synods, since the first adoption of the con- 
 stitution : 
 
 13 Rev. William Rerly, 
 
 14 
 15 
 16 
 17 
 
 18 
 19 
 
 20 
 21 
 22 
 23 
 24 
 25 
 26 
 27 
 28 
 29 
 30 
 31 
 
 David Bernhardt, 
 Levi Bedenbaugh, 
 James P. Ring, 
 Wm. G. Harter, 
 Edwin A. Bolles, 
 
 Present Location, 1840. 
 
 Columbia, S. C. 
 Sandy Run, Lex. Lis. S. C. 
 Coweta County, Ga. 
 Augusta, Ga. 
 Newberry List. S. C. 
 Ebenezer, Eff. Co., Ga. 
 Jacob Crim, (remov.) Lexington, N. C. 
 Henry Stoudenmyre, Munroe Co., Alabama. 
 Stanmore R. Shepherd, Newberry List., S C. 
 David Hunkerpealer, Orangeburg Lis. departed 
 Sam. Baughtnight, Lexington List. " 
 John Daily, Monroe Co., Ala. 
 
 Wm. H. Smith, Charleston, S. C. 
 Philip A. Strobel, Concord, N. C. (removed.) 
 Elijah Hawkins, Wythe Co., Va. (removed.) 
 Jacob Kleckly, Macon Co., Ga. 
 John P. Margart, 
 
 George Haiti wanger, Lex. List., S. C. 
 Chris. B.Thuemmel, Zea:. C. H., S. C. 
 
A LITURGY 
 
 FOR THE USE OF 
 
 EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCHES, 
 
 AND 
 
 PRAYERS FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE 
 
 EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN SYNOD 
 
 OF 
 
 SOUTH CAROLINA 
 
 AND ADJACENT STATES. 
 
1. THE FOUR FORMS OF CONFESSIONAL PRAYERS, 
 As found in N. Y. Hymn Book^ latest Edition. 
 
 I. 
 
 Dearly beloved, the holy Scriptures declare, that when 
 the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness, and 
 doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his 
 soul alive. The sacrifices of God are a broken and a 
 contrite heart. To the Lord belong mercies and forgive- 
 nesses, though we have rebelled against him. Let us, 
 therefore, arise, and confess our sins unto our Father, 
 with sincere, humble, and obedient hearts, that we may 
 obtain remission of the same by his infinite goodness and 
 mercy. 
 
 Almighty and most merciful Father, unto whom all 
 hearts are open and all desires are known, all whose com- 
 mandments are just, necessary, and good! w r e confess 
 unto thee that we have erred and strayed from thy ways 
 like lost sheep. We have followed too much the de- 
 vices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended 
 against thy holy laws. We have left undone those things 
 which we ought to have done, and we have done those 
 things which we ought not to have done. But enter not, 
 we beseech thee, into judgment with us, for in thy sight 
 shall no man living be justified. As thou hatest nothing 
 which thou hast made, and desirest, not the death of a 
 sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness 
 and live, — have mercy, 0 Lord, upon us, miserable offen- 
 
132 
 
 ders. Spare thou those, O God, who confess their 
 faults. Restore thou those who are truly penitent, accord- 
 ing to thy gracious promises declared unto mankind in 
 Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Fa- 
 ther, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous and 
 sober life, to the glory of thy holy name, through thy 
 blessed Son, our Mediator and Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 2. 
 
 Dearly beloved, "If we say that we have no sin, we 
 deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we 
 confess (and forsake) our sins, God is faithful and just to 
 forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous- 
 ness." Encouraged by this merciful assurance of his 
 word, let us renounce every evil thought and way, and 
 with penitent and humble hearts implore the forgiveness 
 of all our transgressions. 
 
 Holy, holy, holy art thou, Lord God Almighty, the 
 merciful Ruler, the righteous Judge of all thine intelligent 
 creatures in heaven and on earth ! Thou dwellest in a 
 light unto which no man can approach, and canst not 
 look with pleasure upon sin. We confess unto thee, the 
 Searcher of hearts, that we are justly chargeable with 
 numerous transgressions and omissions of duty. AVe 
 acknowledge with sorrow and repentance, that we have 
 been unmindful of thy goodness, and disobedient to thy 
 laws ; that we have cherished evil dispositions, inordinate 
 affections, and sinful passions ; and that we have rendered 
 ourselves obnoxious to thy displeasure, and deserving of 
 the punishments due to the guilty. O Lord, righteous- 
 ness belongeth unto thee ; but unto us shame and confu- 
 
133 
 
 sion of face. Our only hope is in thy tender mercy ; 
 and we praise thee that thou hast graciously revealed to 
 us thy readiness to receive into favor all who cease to do 
 evil and learn to do well. In the name of thy Son Jesus 
 Christ, whom thou hast sent into the world to save us 
 from our sins and miseries, we implore the forgiveness of 
 all our offences ; seriously renouncing whatever is con- 
 trary to thy will, and sincerely resolving to follow after 
 holiness of heart and life. Vouchsafe to direct and assist 
 us by thy Spirit, in carrying these purposes into effect. 
 And grant, O thou God of compassion, that our hearts 
 may be established in the love and fear of thee, in a 
 cheering sense of thy goodness, and in a joyful hope of 
 everlasting life and happiness, through the mediation of 
 our crucified and exalted Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 3. 
 
 Dearly beloved, " He who covereth his sins, shall not 
 prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh his sins 
 shall obtain mercy." 
 
 " I will arise and go to my Father, and will say unto 
 him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before 
 thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son." 
 
 O Almighty God and most merciful Father, whose 
 eyes are open upon all the ways of the children of men ! 
 with simplicity and godly sincerity would we seek thee, 
 confessing our great unthankfulness and our manifold of- 
 fences. We deplore the errors and trespasses which we 
 have at any time committed in thought or feeling, in word 
 or deed, against each other and against thee. And we 
 beseech thee, through thy mercy in Jesus Christ thy Son, 
 12 
 
134 
 
 to look graciously upon us and forgive us ; to assist us to 
 lay aside every weight and the sins which so easily beset 
 us ; and to enable us to subdue all our desires and pas- 
 sions to the obedience of thy holy gospel. May we be 
 convinced, O God, that till we know thee, we know 
 nothing aright; that without thy friendship, we have 
 nothing of any worth ; that ' in wandering from thee, 
 we leave all that is truly good. Help us to cast our- 
 selves into thine arms of love, and to offer up to thee our 
 bodies and our souls, that they may be thy temple for 
 ever. Let it please thee, O Lord, to take us into thy 
 keeping, with all that we have ; and so to strengthen us 
 that nothing henceforward, either in life or death, may sepa- 
 rate us from thy service and deprive us of thy favor. And 
 unto thee, who art waiting to be gracious, and art exalted 
 to show mercy to the penitent, be everlasting honor and 
 praise. Amen. 
 
 4. 
 
 "Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth 
 eternity, whose name is Holy : I dwell in the high and 
 holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and hum- 
 ble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to re- 
 vive the hearts of the contrite ones." " Rend your 
 hearts, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord 
 your God ; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, 
 and of great kindness." 
 
 O God, the Father of all being, and source of all good, 
 whom, by numberless ties of gratitude, duty, and inter- 
 est, we are bound to love and obey ! we come into thy 
 presence acknowledging our un worthiness of thy favors, 
 
135 
 
 and our transgressions of thy laws. We would lament 
 with heartfelt contrition, that we have failed to make a 
 just improvement of the talents committed to our care, 
 and have often neglected to fulfil our obligations to thee, 
 to ourselves, and to our fellow-creatures. We confess 
 the vanity of our thoughts, the irregularity of our affec- 
 tions, the weakness of our good resolutions, the deficien- 
 cy of our best performances, in numberless instances. 
 We desire to abase ourselves before thee in the dust ; we 
 implore the remission of all our iniquities ; we fly to the 
 hope which thou hast set before us in the gospel of thy 
 blessed Son ; and we pray thee, for thy goodness' sake, 
 to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and to enable us 
 to walk in newness of life. Help us, O Lord, to be contin- 
 ually aware, in the time to come, of the deceitfulness of 
 sin, to shun its approaches, and to fly from its snares. 
 Makes us diligent in the discharge of every office of 
 piety and virtue, incumbent upon us. And give us grace 
 so to trust in thy promises, that we may live and die in 
 the humble and joyful expectation of thy mercy unto 
 eternal life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. 
 Amen. 
 
2. THE FOUR FIRST GENERAL PRAYERS, 
 In N. Y. Hymn Book. 
 
 1. 
 
 Almighty and most merciful God, we desire to lift up 
 our hearts unto thee, the hearer of prayer, from whom 
 alone cometh our help. We adore thee as the great Pa- 
 rent of the Universe, from whom all things proceed, and 
 on whom all creatures depend. Thou art worthy of all 
 possible veneration, gratitude, and obedience. Thou art 
 the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and 
 Lord of lords. Thou alone hast immortality, and art 
 unchangeable in wisdom and holiness. Thy truth en- 
 dureth to all generations ; thy mercy is from everlasting 
 to everlasting upon them that fear thee ; and thy righteous- 
 ness unto children's children. We, thine unworthy ser- 
 vants, would give thee most humble and hearty thanks 
 for all thy goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all 
 men. We bless thee, for our creation, preservation, and 
 all the blessings of this life ; but, above all, for thine in- 
 estimable love in the redemption of the world by our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, 
 and for the hope of glory. And we beseech thee to give 
 us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may 
 be unfeignedly thankful, and that we may show forth thy 
 praise not only with our lips, but in our lives. Grant 
 that we may devote ourselves to thy service, and walk 
 before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days. 
 
137 
 
 Enable us to cherish and to exercise habitually «very 
 pious and virtuous affection; that we may enjoy the tes- 
 timony of a good conscience and the hope of thy favor, 
 be sustained and comforted under the troubles of this life, 
 and finally be received into thine everlasting kingdom, 
 through thine infinite mercy in Jesus Christ our Saviour. 
 
 Thou hast directed us, Almighty God, to offer up our 
 supplications for all our fellow men. We humbly be- 
 seech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou 
 wouldst be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, 
 the saving gospel of thy Son unto all nations ; that idola- 
 try, superstition, and vice may be banished from the 
 earth; and that war, oppression, and injustice, may for 
 ever cease. We pray that the church of Jesus through- 
 out the world may be so guided and governed by thy 
 good Spirit, that all, who profess themselves christians, 
 may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in 
 unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteous- 
 ness of life. We commend to thy fatherly goodness all 
 those who are afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or 
 estate ; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them 
 according to their several necessities; giving them pa- 
 tience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all 
 their afflictions. 
 
 We implore thy heavenly blessing especially upon the 
 land in which we live. Give success, we pray thee, to 
 the lawful and virtuous labors of its inhabitants ; and pro- 
 vide the necessary supplies for all their wants. Behold 
 with thy favor the President of the United States, the 
 Governor of this State, and all who are invested with 
 legislative, judicial, or executive authority; and so re- 
 plenish them with thy grace that they mav always incline 
 12* 
 
138 
 
 to thy will and walk in thy way, and be enabled to pro- 
 mote and secure the national peace, liberty, safety and 
 prosperity. Send down upon all ministers of the gospel, 
 and upon all congregations committed to their charge, the 
 needful spirit of thy grace, that they may truly please 
 thee ; and give such efficacy to the means of education 
 with which thou hast furnished us, that we may become 
 a wise and righteous people, whom thou wilt delight to 
 protect and favor. 
 
 Hear us, most merciful God, we beseech thee, in these 
 our supplications and intercessions, which we offer up 
 unto thee as disciples of thy Son; and pardon and accept 
 us, through him, now and evermore. Amen. 
 
 2. 
 
 Glory and honor be unto thee, the self-existent and 
 infinite Jehovah, who ait and wast, and shalt be from 
 eternity to eternity ! Adoration and praise be unto thee, 
 the omnipotent, all-wise, all-gracious Being, who fillest 
 the heavens and the earth with thy presence and thy love. 
 
 Glory and honor be unto thee, the Creator and Preser- 
 ver of the Universe, the Father and the Friend of the 
 sons of men! Thou hast formed us after thine own 
 image, made us intelligent, free, and immortal spirits, and 
 raised us to the dignity of thy children and worshippers. 
 Thou bestowest upon us, each returning day, invaluable 
 mercies and blessings both for our bodies and souls ; and 
 thou art preparing us for vastly higher satisfactions in a 
 better world. 
 
 Adoration and praise be unto thee, the Father of com- 
 passion, the God of all consolation and grace in Christ 
 
139 
 
 Jesus our Lord! Thou hast pitied our sinful and wretch- 
 ed race, and given us a Redeemer who is able to save 
 unto the uttermost. By the doctrines, the death, and the 
 resurrection of thy Son, thou hast revealed to us thy 
 character and will, conferred on us the strongest assu- 
 rance and pledge of thy mercy, enriched us with comfort 
 under all our trials and distresses, encouraged and ena- 
 bled us to prove faithful to duty, delivered us from the 
 fear of death and of hell, and set before us the path of 
 life and pleasures at thy right hand forevermore. 
 
 Almighty God, how shall words express the grandeur 
 of thy majesty, and the magnitude and extent of thy 
 grace ! We would bow down with the profoundest vene- 
 ration, and worship thee as the first, the best, the most 
 perfect of all beings. We contemplate with amazement 
 the immeasurable distance between thee and us thy frail 
 and guilty creatures ; and rejoice that, though thou art 
 infinitely exalted, thou deignest to exercise such conde- 
 scension and clemency towards us. To thee all our 
 homage, affection, and submission are due. To praise 
 and adore thee be our delightful and eternal employment, 
 and that of all our brethren ! 
 
 Merciful Parent of the human family, enable us to live 
 under an habitual sense of the relation which we sustain 
 towards thee. May the recollection of thy greatness 
 ever inspire us with reverence, and the remembrance of 
 thy mercy lead us to consecrate our bodies and our souls 
 as a living sacrifice unto thee. May a cheerful and uni- 
 versal obedience ever prove our gratitude, and a patient 
 submission to the afflictions we may encounter evince our 
 trust. May we ever rejoice in Jesus Christ as the cap- 
 tain of our salvation, open our hearts to all his disco ve- 
 
140 
 
 ries and commandments, make them the only rule of our 
 faith and practice, aim continually at an increasing re- 
 semblance of his divine dispositions and virtues, and rely 
 with immoveable confidence upon the precious promises 
 which he sealed with his blood. By the influence of 
 his holy gospel, may we pass with usefulness and com- 
 fort through all the vicissitudes of this transitory state, 
 and become qualified for an entrance into that world, 
 where all his followers shall behold him face to face. 
 
 These blessings, which we supplicate for ourselves, 
 we beseech thee, heavenly Father, to extend to the whole 
 family of man. Increase the number of those, who 
 adore thee with holy joy, and with a Christian temper 
 and life. Multiply the triumphs of truth over error, of 
 righteousness over iniquity, of a filial spirit of love over 
 servile terrors and gloomy fears. In all the habitations 
 of men, from the rising unto the going down of the sun, 
 may the incense of acceptable praise and the pure offer- 
 ing of a virtuous life be presented unto thee. 
 
 Endow all those who are appointed to rule over their 
 fellow-men with a superior measure of wisdom and be- 
 nevolence; and inspire all instructors of youth and all 
 teachers of religion with an ardent concern to promote 
 the welfare of those with whom they are connected. En- 
 lighten and direct thy servants to whom the administra- 
 tion of our government is committed, and all who are 
 empowered to enact and to execute our laws, in fulfilling 
 their arduous and important duties. Grant that all the 
 inhabitants of our land may lead a quiet and peaceable 
 life in all godliness and honesty. Vouchsafe to preserve 
 to us our civil and religious rights, to protect us from the 
 horrors of v\ r ar and other public calamities, to bless us with 
 
141 
 
 healthy and fruitful seasons, and to prosper our agricul- 
 ture, commerce, and manufactures. 
 
 Have mercy, gracious God, upon all communities or 
 individuals, who are oppressed by injustice and tyranny; 
 who are flying from the sword of their enemies; who 
 are suffering the desolation of famine or pestilence ; who 
 are bowed down by sickness or poverty ; or who are ex- 
 posed to any other necessities and dangers. Prevent 
 them, we pray thee, from being overwhelmed by such 
 visitations, and from sinking into despair. Raise up to 
 them friends, and send them relief in their distresses; 
 and cause the rough and thorny path of affliction to be- 
 come to them the path to perfection and bliss. Let thy 
 consolations cheer and support especially our mourning 
 and distressed brethren, who are united with this religious 
 society, or for whom our prayers have been desired. Al- 
 leviate their pains, both of body and mind. Deliver them 
 from all their sorrows, if this be agreeable to thy holy 
 will, or enable them to suffer with pious resignation and 
 hope ; and let them find by happy experience, that it was 
 good for them to be afflicted. 
 
 And now unto thee, who art able to do exceeding abun- 
 dantly above all that we ask or think, be glory in the 
 church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages. Amen. 
 
 3. 
 
 Great art thou, O God, and greatly to be praised; 
 worthy to be had in reverence by all the children of men ! 
 We worship thee as the Creator and Governor of all 
 things visible and invisible Thou art present at all times 
 
142 
 
 in every part of thy dominion ; the universe is thy tem- 
 ple; thine is the majesty, and the power, and the glory. 
 Thou art perfect in wisdom, wonderful in counsel, holy 
 in all thy ways, and righteous in all thy works. Thy 
 faithfulness endureth for ever^ and justice and judgment 
 are the foundation of thy throne. Thou art good, and 
 thou doest good continually; the earth is full of thy 
 riches ; and every blessing and advantage cometh down 
 from thee. 
 
 We thank thee, 0 thou Father of lights, for the innu- 
 merable mercies which thou hast bestowed upon us. We 
 thank thee for the gift of life ; for the wise and useful 
 frame of our bodies ; and for the nobler powers of our 
 minds, by which we are enabled to attain to the know- 
 ledge and love of thee. We thank thee, that thou hast 
 implanted in us a sense of good and evil, and the affec- 
 tions of benevolence and compassion. We thank thee 
 for the continual preservation of our being, and confess 
 that food and raiment, that health and joy, and all our 
 outward possessions are the gifts of thy bounty ; and that 
 the blessings of friendship, freedom, and equal govern- 
 ment are thy benevolent appointment. 
 
 We thank thee, that thy goodness is not confined to 
 the present world, but that thou art training us up for 
 everlasting life by thy providence and grace. We thank 
 thee for the instructions and examples of the wise and 
 the good, and for every opportunity of cultivating know- 
 ledge and virtue. But, above all, we praise and magnify 
 thee for the rich display of thy love in the manifestation 
 of thy Son Jesus Christ. We acknowledge with the 
 highest gratitude, that by him thou hast given us thy 
 heavenly truth to enlighten our minds and to sanctify our 
 
143 
 
 hearts; and that in his life thou hast set before us a model 
 of the most exalted goodness, to encourage and animate 
 our upright endeavors to serve thee. We bless thee for 
 the promises of mercy and forgiveness, and for the hopes 
 of immortality, which are confirmed to us in his gospel. 
 We rejoice, that, after he had suffered, death upon the 
 cross for the reconciliation of our souls to thee, he was 
 raised up from the grave and became the author of eter- 
 nal salvation to all those who obey him. 
 
 But, whilst we bless thee, Almighty God, for thy 
 goodness and thy wonderful works, we are humbled by 
 the thought of our ingratitude and unworthiness. We 
 lament before thee, that we have not duly hearkened to 
 the voice of thy word, nor been as sensible of thy clem- 
 ency and compassion as it behoved us to be. We have 
 been guilty of many errors and transgressions, and negli- 
 gent in the government of our hearts and the direction of 
 our conduct. We have exposed ourselves to thy right- 
 eous displeasure; and would bow down before thy 
 throne, imploring thy pardon. 0 God, have mercy upon 
 the works of thy hand, and forgive and accept thy people 
 according to the covenant of thy grace in Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. As it is the desire of our hearts to return to 
 the path of obedience, enable us, we beseech thee, by 
 the assistance of thy Holy Spirit, to correct whatever is 
 wrong in our tempers and behavior, and to delight in 
 the practice of every thing good and virtuous. Endow 
 us with an active principle of humble and joyful piety, 
 with a supreme love and constant regard to thee, with a 
 prevailing disposition to do unto all men as we would 
 that they should do unto us, with a solicitude to approve 
 ourselves to thee, the unerring Judge, by pure affections, 
 
144 
 
 and by a watchful care over our thoughts and passions. 
 Assist us to become and continue the faithful disciples of 
 thy Son, to glory in his cross and triumph, and to dem- 
 onstrate our attachment and devotedness to him by pro- 
 moting the success of his gospel with all our power, and 
 by causing the light of a good example to shine before 
 others. And while we pray thee, merciful Father, to 
 defend us from every real evil, and to confer upon us 
 whatever is needful for our bodies and our souls, we 
 would desire to submit ourselves perfectly to the disposal 
 of thy wisdom. Through whatever changes we may be 
 conducted by thy providence, help us to improve them 
 to thy glory, that we may be finally admitted into those 
 everlasting habitations, which thou hast graciously pro- 
 mised to thy faithful servants by Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. 
 
 Almighty God, thou wilt have all men to be saved and 
 to be brought unto the knowledge of the truth. Enlarge 
 we beseech thee, the kingdom of thy Son, and give him 
 the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. Put 
 an end to all falsehood in religion, and all wickedness of 
 life. Grant, that pure and uncorrupted Christianity may 
 prevail; that all its professors may walk worthy of their 
 high calling; that persecution may forever cease, and 
 righteousness, peace, and charity every where abound. 
 
 Father of mercies, look down with favor upon these 
 United States of America. Enable the President, and 
 all others in authority, to discharge the duties of their 
 stations with wisdom and integrity, as men who are re- 
 sponsible to thee. Cause a speedy and effectual stop to 
 be put to the progress of immorality and profaneness ; 
 that on the lasting basis of public virtue, the public hap- 
 
145 
 
 piness may be established, and our liberties be preserved 
 and handed down inviolate to the latest posterity. Crown 
 the year with thy goodness ; help all thy people to live 
 in concord and harmony ; and let all our churches and 
 schools be monuments of thy love. 
 
 Extend thy pity, in particular, we pray thee, to all the 
 sons and daughters of sorrow. Be thou a father to the 
 fatherless, and the defender of the widow. Provide for the 
 poor ; give health to the sick ; comfort those who mourn; 
 support such as suffer for righteousness' sake ; prepare 
 the dying for their removal from this probationary state ; 
 and deliver the nations from all the evil effects of ambi- 
 tion, avarice, anarchy, violence and contention. 
 
 Hear us, O God of mercy, in these our supplications, 
 which we offer up in the name and as the disciples of 
 thy Son. And unto Him that sitteth on the throne, and 
 to the Lamb that was slain, be glory and honor for ever 
 and ever. Amen. 
 
 4. 
 
 Supremely exalted and adorable Jehovah, whom an- 
 gels and archangels delight to worship, whom the heaven 
 of heavens cannot contain ! behold in mercy thy servants 
 and children, who come before thee with the voice of 
 prayer and of praise. We bow down before thee, the 
 self-existent and eternal Being, and rejoice in the revela- 
 tion whicli thou hast been pleased to make of thy char- 
 acter and will. Thou hast formed the heavens with all 
 their hosts, the earth and all that dwell therein. Thou 
 preservest universal nature in existence, maintainest the 
 
 beauty and order of thy works, and disposest all things 
 13 
 
148 
 
 by counsels which cannot err. All creatures are entirely 
 dependent upon thee, and thou assignest to each his pro- 
 per station and duty. Thy providence is perfect; thy 
 government is righteous; ail thy commandments are 
 equitable, pure, and good. Unto thee alone, the blessed 
 and supreme Potentate, is unlimited submission due. 
 
 We venerate, O God, thine almighty power, thine un- 
 spotted sanctity, and thine unbounded wisdom ; but we 
 would especially acknowledge thine infinite and everlast- 
 ing goodness. Thou art the fountain of happiness, and 
 thou difmsest blessings innumerable throughout thy crea- 
 tion. Thou art the Father of our spirits and the Former 
 of our bodies. Thou hast exercised a gracious care over 
 us from the first moment of our existence, supplied our 
 wants, and provided for us many enjoyments. We 
 thank thee for all the mercies of our outward condition, 
 and for ail the satisfactions of society and friendship. 
 We thank thee for understanding and knowledge, for the 
 capacity of making improvement in religion and virtue, 
 and for all our opportunities and means to attain true 
 happiness. We thank thee, above all, that thou hast 
 sent thine only-begotten Son, to save us from ignorance 
 and fear, to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify un- 
 to himself a peculiar people zealous of good works. We 
 thank thee, that thou wast in him reconciling the world 
 unto thyself, that he gave himself for us, and suffered 
 the painful death of the cross for our souls, and that 
 through him we receive remission of sin. We thank 
 thee, that, by his glorious resurrection and ascension, 
 he has brought life and immortality to light; that he ha3 
 opened before us the solemnities of a future judgment, 
 and displayed to us the mansions of the spirits of just 
 men made perfect. 
 
147 
 
 What is riian, O God, that thou art so mindful of him, 
 and the son of man, that thou visitest him thus ? How 
 good art thou to the evil and unthankful ! and yet how 
 often have we offended against thy rich and unspeakable 
 grace, and slighted that long suffering and forbearance 
 which should have led us to repentance ! how many are 
 the occasions, on which we have felt and acted inconsis- 
 tently with the character which we are required to bear, 
 the great example which is set before us, and the sure 
 and precious promises to which we are called ! But suf- 
 fer us not, O Lord to perish in our transgressions ; deliv- 
 er us from the dominion of them in the time to come. 
 Enable us to live according to the profession which we 
 make, and the desires which we now express before thee. 
 Give us such a deep persuasion of the evil of sin, and of 
 the importance and necessity of a holy heart and life, 
 that we may carefully abstain from all impiety and un- 
 righteousness. Let the grace and mercy which thou 
 hast shown unto us in Jesus Christ our Lord, exeite in 
 us due returns of love and obedience ; and constrain us 
 to exercise sincere kindness, tenderness and forgiveness 
 to all our brethren. Let the remembrance of death, 
 judgment, and eternity effectually lead us to purify our 
 minds, to imitate the pattern of our blessed Master, and 
 never to be weary in well-doing. Let the assurances and 
 pledges, which thou has given us of thy love to all thy 
 upright and faithful children, fill our hearts with joyful 
 hope, and with a firm reliance upon thy divine assistance. 
 Safe under thy protection and happy in thy favor, may 
 we cheerfully follow wheie thou pleasest to conduct us, de- 
 sire only what thou shalt see fit to give us, and endure with 
 fortitude the trials which thou shalt appoint for us. In 
 
148 
 
 health and in sickness, in life and in death, may we lift up 
 our souls unto thee, and make thy goodness and mercy in 
 the Mediator of our race our only cofidence and joy. And 
 having lived by thy grace, in a state of continual improve- 
 ment and preparation for thy heavenly kingdom, may we 
 finally be received into the same, to the praise and glory 
 of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 O God, who art the Father of all mankind, fill the 
 minds of thy reasonable creatures, we beseech thee, with 
 the knowledge of thy truth, and deliver them from every 
 evil affection. Cause the gospel of thy Son to prevail 
 through the world, to enter the hearts and govern the 
 lives of all its inhabitants, and to make all nations right- 
 eous and happy. Reform the disorders, which arise 
 from the evil passions of men ; and prosper the just de- 
 signs of all who delight in peace. Grant, that the bles- 
 sings of free and equal government may become univer- 
 sal, the advantages of civil society be widely extended, 
 the best interests of every community be fully secured, 
 and all thy children be united in the praise of thee and 
 the love of one another. 
 
 We commit to thee, our righteous Governor, all the 
 important concerns of our country. We pray that we 
 may live in safety, and enjoy thy blessings in tranquillity 
 and peace ; that we may escape the destructive evils, which 
 thou hast appointed for wicked nations ; and that religion 
 and virtue may so prevail among us, that our privileges 
 may be transmitted to succeeding ages. Be pleased to 
 give us the fruits of the earth in their seasons, and to bless 
 all orders of men in the diligent discharge of their respec- 
 tive duties. Give success to all the means employed 
 among us for instructing the young, for reclaiming the 
 vicious, and for establishing the well-disposed. Enlight- 
 
149 
 
 en, direct and prosper the President of the United States 
 and all who are invested with authority. May they be 
 men fearing thee, and hating covetousness and all man- 
 ner of iniquity ; may all their power and influence be 
 exerted for the promotion of the welfare of the people 
 and the advancement of thy glory ; and under their gov- 
 ernment may justice and judgment be impartially admin- 
 istered. 
 
 Finally, we beseech thee, O God of mercy, to extend 
 thy favorable regard to all our brethren who are in afflic- 
 tion. May thy wisdom be their direction, thy power 
 their support, thy goodness their confidence. By pa- 
 tience and a serious improvement of their sufferings, 
 may they be prepared for unmixed happiness in that bet- 
 ter world, w r here all thy ways will be completely justi- 
 fied and everlasting praise will ascend to thy throne. 
 
 And unto thee, the King eternal, immortal, and invisi- 
 ble, be all honor and glory, through Jesus Christ our 
 Mediator and Redeemer, now and evermore. Amen. 
 
 FOUR PRAYERS FOR FESTIVAL OCCASIONS, 
 1 
 
 FOR CHRISTMAS-DAY. 
 
 O God, the Creator, Benefactor, and Father of man- 
 kind ! thou art worthy of universal and everlasting adora- 
 tion. Thou art the perfection of all excellency, and the 
 source of all happiness. All thy works praise thee, and 
 all thy saints bless thy name. 
 
 We would come before thee, O Lord, to acknowledge 
 with reverence and gratitude, that the whole creation is 
 13* 
 
150 
 
 full of thy goodness, that every part of our lives has 
 een marked by thine indulgence, that day after day 
 thou art multiplying fresh favors upon us. But especial- 
 ly would we thank thee for those unspeakable mysteries 
 of wisdom and benevolence, of which we are reminded 
 this festive day. Herein is love : not that we had loved 
 thee, 0 God, but that thou didst so love us, as to send 
 thy Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 
 
 Adoration and praise be given to thee, that when dark- 
 ness had overspread the earth, and gross darkness the 
 people, when superstition and idolatry prevailed, and 
 when error and vice seemed to triumph over truth and 
 righteousness, thou didst graciously interpose in behalf 
 of thy degenerate offspring, and raise up for them a Sa- 
 viour, able to help and mighty to deliver. Adoration 
 and praise be given to thee, that, through his mediation 
 and gospel, light, and pardon, and power, and peace, 
 and everlasting felicity are offered, in thy name, to the 
 rebellious children of men. Adoration and praise be 
 given to thee, that the divinity of his mission and charac- 
 ter has been established by the most decisive evidence, 
 and that none who trust in him shall ever be confounded. 
 O, who can express the greatness of thy compassion, or 
 sufficiently admire thy wonderful arrangements for our 
 redemption and happiness ! 
 
 God of mercy, let it please thee to add grace to grace. 
 Help us to contemplate the matchless event we are com- 
 memorating, with all those affections which its impor- 
 tance demands. Pour out, thyself, into our hearts that 
 gratitude to thee and to thy blessed Son, which shall 
 prompt the most ardent devotion to thy service, and ren- 
 der our whole existence one continued song of thanks- 
 
151 
 
 giving. Assist us to form right conceptions of the de- 
 sign of the Messiah's advent. Convince us of our own 
 need of this astonishing dispensation of mercy. Awaken 
 us to avail ourselves with alacrity and zeal of the assis- 
 tance which it imparts, and to obtain the happiness to 
 which it is intended to conduct us. While with glad- 
 ness of heart we exclaim, "Blessed is he that cometh in 
 the name of the Lord," may we receive his gospel with 
 lively faith ; learn of him as the great prophet of God ; 
 bow down to his authority as the head over all things to 
 the church ; depend on him as the captain of salvation ; 
 follow him as our leader to the skies ; and rely with im- 
 plicit confidence upon his promises. May it be our 
 great concern to grow continually in the knowledge of 
 his holy gospel, to be redeemed through him from all 
 corruption and iniquity, to glorify his name by our walk 
 and conversation, to advocate his cause and advance his 
 kingdom, to realize the fulness of consolation and hope 
 found in his word. And may we be enabled under all 
 the changes and trials of life, in some good degree to 
 comprehend the breadth and length, and depth and 
 height of that love of God and Christ, which passeth 
 knowledge. 
 
 Parent of all compassion, who didst send thine only 
 begotten Son, to be a light to lighten the Gentiles and the 
 glory of thy people Israel: grant, we beseech thee, that 
 the good tidings of great joy, in which we exult this day 
 may be communicated to every tribe of Adam's race; 
 and that all our fellow men may say with exultation, Un- 
 to us this child is born, unto us this son is given ! Un- 
 der the reign of the Prince of peace, may the righteous 
 flourish, and harmony and concord universally prevail. 
 
152 
 
 May all who profess themselves Christians arise and 
 shine, since the glory of the Lord is risen upon 
 them. And may they be taught to say in sincerity 
 and truth, "If God so loved us, we ought also to love 
 one another." 
 
 O Thou, who art abundant in goodness and pity, ac- 
 cept our petitions for the relief of the sorrowful and un- 
 happy. Looking up to thy throne this day, may they be 
 ransomed from every foe and every fear. Bind up the 
 broken-hearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives. 
 Give to them that mourn beauty for ashes, and the gar- 
 ment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. And assist 
 all the contrite to cast away their burdens, and with the 
 spirit of adoption in their souls to cry, Abba, Father. 
 
 We offer up these our sacrifices, 0 God, in the name 
 and as the disciples of thy beloved Son, through whom 
 we have boldness to draw near to thy throne. And w r e 
 pray, that at his second appearance in glorious majesty 
 to finish our salvation, we, with all his redeemed, may 
 be received into thy blissful presence, and sing the 
 triumphs of thy grace for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 2 
 
 FOR GOOD FRIDAY. 
 
 O thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, and w r ho art 
 most high over all the earth : wherewith shall we come 
 before thee ? Frail, sinful, guilty as we are, how shall 
 we dare to approach thee, but through the blood of the 
 everlasting covenant, and with humble reliance on that 
 mercy which is an essential property of thy nature 
 
153 
 
 Adored be thy name, that thou art revealed to us as the 
 Parent of compassion and the God of all grace. Adored 
 be thy name for every display of thy goodness in the 
 stores of nature and in the cares of providence. Adored 
 be thy name, above all for the astonishing institutions 
 which thou hast founded for the instruction of our minds, 
 the sanctification of our hearts, and the salvation of our 
 souls. Adored be thy name that thou hast not spared 
 even thine own Son, the brightness of thy glory, but 
 hast delivered him up for us all. Adored be thy name 
 that although he was rich, yet for our sakes he became 
 poor, endured the contradiction of sinners, and was obe- 
 dient unto death, even the death of the cross. Adored 
 be thy name, that by him thou art reconciling the world 
 unto thyself ; that he is the propitiation for our sins ; 
 that his blood cleanseth from every stain of pollution ; 
 that the path to heaven is fully disclosed ; and that none 
 who come to thee in the appointed way, wilt thou ever 
 cast out. 
 
 Great God, assist us to meditate upon the wonders of 
 redemption with all the sentiments, emotions, and re- 
 solves that befit beings so highly favored. May we look 
 up unto thee and to thine only Son with fervent thank- 
 fulness, holy joy, delightful admiration. May we dis- 
 miss from our minds every doubt of thy propitiousness 
 to the penitent. May we view, in the offering which 
 Jesus brought to thee, the evil and malignity of sin, the 
 value of the immortal spirit, and thine unspeakable con- 
 cern for our felicity. May the hearts which thou art so 
 tenderly drawing to thyself be effectually won ; and un- 
 der the constraining influence of such benignity, be en- 
 tirely consecrated to thy service. May we be quickened 
 
154 
 
 to fly to the hope to which we are called, to build upon 
 the foundation which thou hast laid, to drink of the foun- 
 tain which thou hast opened. May we be empowered 
 ever hereafter to live, not unto ourselves, but to him who 
 died for us and rose again. May we abhor the thought 
 of offending against thee, because thy grace abounds ; 
 and daily recollect, that with thee there is forgiveness 
 that thou mayest be feared. Planted together in the like- 
 ness of Christ's death, may we learn of him to over- 
 come the world, and follow him in every part of his ex- 
 ample. May we imbibe his zeal for thine honor, his 
 confidence in thy care, his affection for his brethren, his 
 fidelity to his friends, his forgiveness of his enemies, his 
 purity, and fortitude, and meekness, and submission. 
 Like him, under all the sufferings of life, may each of 
 us say, Father, not my will, but thy will be done. 
 Like him, may we prosecute the work asssigned to 
 us with steadfastness unawed by the frowns of the 
 wicked, unaffected by the allurements of sloth and 
 pleasure. Like him, in our approaches to the grave, 
 may we without a fear commit our spirits into thy 
 hands, and anticipate the glory which is about to be re- 
 vealed. 
 
 Almighty God, by whose grace thy blessed Son tasted 
 death for every man : have mercy upon the whole hu- 
 man family. As thou hast made him an offering for sin, 
 may he see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied. 
 By his knowledge may he justify many. And having 
 been lifted up from the earth, may he draw all men unto 
 him and bring them to glory. 
 
 May those who are too obdurate to be subdued by ter- 
 ror, be melted by love and gained by confidence. May 
 
155 
 
 none who are desirous of returning to thee, be discour- 
 aged by the fear of rejection. May all that are mourning 
 over their transgressions with godly sorrow, look up to 
 thee, through the mediation of thy son and be comforted. 
 May the sons and daughters of affliction, whatever cross 
 they are appointed to bear, see him carrying a cross 
 much heavier, and be enabled to sustain it without a 
 murmur. May such as can labor for the welfare of oth- 
 ers, resemble that Redeemer, who, for the joy which 
 was set before him, denied himself and went about doing 
 good. May all who preach, and all who hear of Christ 
 and him crucified, love his name, live to his honor, and 
 triumph in his salvation. 
 
 And when he, who made himself of no reputation, 
 and underwent for us the horrors of crucifixion, shall 
 come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, may 
 we be enabled to say, Even so, come, Lord Jesus. And 
 unto him that hath loved us, an<l washed us from our sins 
 in his own blood, be glory and dominion for ever and 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 3 
 
 FOR EASTER SUNDAY. 
 
 Infinitely great and gracious God, who art, and wast 
 and will be from eternity to eternity ! what is man, that 
 thou art mindful of him ; or the son of man, that thou 
 visitest him ? We will come into thy gates with thanks- 
 giving, and into thy courts with praise. This is the day 
 which thou hast made : we will rejoice and be glad in it 
 
156 
 
 Glory be to thee, that thou didst make man but a little 
 lower than the angels, form him after thine own image, 
 and place him on earth, that he might behold thy works 
 and partake of thy bounty. Glory be to thee that thou 
 art guiding and guarding him from the beginning to the 
 conclusion of his pilgrimage, and numbering even the 
 hairs of his head. Glory be to thee that thou hast called 
 him unto knowledge, piety and virtue, and opened before 
 him an endless career of improvement and felicity. Glo- 
 ry be to thee that the Son of thy love was manifested, 
 not only to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself, but 
 to bring life and immortality to light, and to open the 
 kingdom of heaven to all believers in his name. Glory 
 be to thee that thou didst not suffer thy Holy One to see 
 corruption, but didst give him the victory over death and 
 the grave, that our faith and hope might be completely 
 established. Glory be to thee that by his resurrection 
 from the tomb, his innocence is vindicated, his claims ap- 
 proved ; that instead of the crown of thorns, he now 
 wears a crown of glory ; that he reigns for ever at thy 
 right hand; that he is appointed to lead his followers 
 unto living fountains of water ; and that where he is, 
 they shall be with him in blessedness everlasting. 
 
 Most merciful God ! forgive, we beseech thee, the er- 
 rors and transgressions, by which we have made ourselves 
 unworthy of such infinite condescension, such unuttera- 
 ble goodness. Assist us to rejoice with the whole soul 
 in that precious gospel which dissipates every doubt, con- 
 verts fear into rapture, and sets full in our view the path 
 of life. Whilst we praise thee that Jesus was delivered 
 for our offences and raised again for our justification, 0 
 quicken us together with him, that we may walk in new- 
 
157 
 
 ness of life ; dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto thee. 
 Exulting in that inestimable hope, to which thou hast 
 begotten us according to thine abundant mercy by the 
 resurrection of Jesus Christ, the hope of an inheritance 
 incorruptible and undefined, — may we purify ourselves 
 even as he is pure, seek those things which are above, 
 and lay up many treasures in heaven. Amidst the temp- 
 tations and discouragements we shall experience, may we 
 be steadfast and immoveable, always abounding in the 
 work of the Lord; inasmuch as we know that our labor 
 is not in vain in the Lord. Whatever comforts thou shalt 
 send us, may they be heightened by the reflection that 
 they are a foretaste of yet greater and more enduring 
 joys. In all the afflictions of life, and in the decay of 
 nature, may we be enabled to realize with humble and 
 holy confidence, that our Redeemer liveth. When we 
 are called to mourn over the loss of dear and valued 
 friends, may we be cheered by the thought, that those 
 who sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him. And when 
 we ourselves shall be summoned away from the world, 
 may it be ours to say, O death, where is thy sting? O 
 grave, where is thy victory ? Thanks be to God who 
 giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 0 God, whose mighty power discomfited the powers 
 of darkness, and for the suffering of death crowned the 
 Captain of our salvation with glory and honor: give 
 him, we pray thee, the heathen for his inheritance, and 
 the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession. May 
 all his enemies be put under his feet, and all ungodliness 
 and wickedness be subdued. As thou hast appointed a 
 day in which thou wilt judge the world in righteousness, 
 and hast given assurance of it unto all men, in that thou 
 14 
 
158 
 
 hast raised Christ Jesus from the dead: may all in every 
 land prepare with diligence and zeal for the account 
 which he shall demand, and become qualified for admis- 
 sion into his heavenly kingdom. 
 
 God of all peace and comfort, regard, we pray thee, 
 in compassion, all that are undergoing the changes and 
 trials of this fleeting world ; all that are oppressed by 
 lawless might; all that are suffering for truth and con- 
 science' sake; all that are beset by temptations to sin; 
 all that are sinking under the weight of disease ; all that 
 tremble in the contemplation of the grave ; all that are 
 entering into the valley of the shadow of death. May 
 Christ be in them the hope of glory. And at his appear- 
 ing, may the trial of their faith be found unto praise and 
 honor. 
 
 And now unto thee who canst keep us from falling, and 
 hast laid up for all thy faithful servants immortal joys, be 
 ascribed blessing, and honor, and dominion, for ever and 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 4. 
 
 FOR WHIT-SUNDAY. 
 
 0 thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh 
 come ! We desire to approach thee with just convictions 
 of thy character ; and we pray that we may ever cherish 
 such a persuasion of our dependence as shall rouse us to 
 ascribe to thee the glory due to thy name. 
 
 We adore thee as an infinitely pure and intelligent 
 Spirit, the Creator and Preserver of the universe, the 
 Giver of life and knowledge, and power, and comfort, 
 and happiness. By thy word, O Lord, were the heavens 
 made, and all the host of them by the breath of thy 
 
159 
 
 mouth. Thou art continually operating in every part of 
 thy dominion, according to the counsels of thine own 
 understanding. Every good and every perfect gift comes 
 down from thee; and without thee, we are nothing, and 
 we can do nothing. 
 
 We bless thee, especially, Almighty God, for the ra- 
 tional and immortal spirit thou hast given to man, and for 
 alUthy care to advance his moral and religious improve- 
 ment. We bless thee, that thou hast not left thyself 
 without a witness in any age. We bless thee, that to 
 the fathers thy glory was manifested, and that the pro- 
 phets thou didst inspire. We bless thee that in these last 
 days thou hast spoken unto us by thy Son, full of grace 
 and truth, whom thou hast appointed heir of all things. 
 We bless thee that after he had died for our sins, and 
 risen from the dead, and ascended to heaven, he poured 
 out upon his apostles the promised gifts of the Holy 
 Ghost, and sent them forth to preach his gospel to the 
 nations in the demonstration of the Spirit. We bless 
 thee that by thine assistance the word of the Lord grew 
 mightily, that thy church has been widely extended and 
 firmly established, that the gates of hell have not been 
 able to prevail against it, and that Christianity has been 
 experienced by countless multitudes to be the power of 
 God unto salvation. We bless thee that the Sun of 
 righteousness is shining upon these lands ; and that we, 
 whose ancestors were afar off, have been brought nigh to 
 thyself, and abundantly furnished with all things neces- 
 sary unto life and godliness. We bless thee that though 
 the supernatural agency of thy Spirit has ceased, thou 
 art ever ready to impart thy saving influences and to be- 
 stow the richest blessings upon all who ask and seek 
 them from thee. 
 
160 
 
 God of all grace, preserve us from ever thinking lightly 
 of these things. Make us sensible of the importance of that 
 dispensation of religion, under which it is our privilege 
 to live, and of the superiority of our advantages to those 
 enjoyed by many millions of our fellow men. Help us 
 to humble ourselves before thee for all our past neglect 
 of the means by which thou art quickening and directing 
 upright souls. Awaken our attention to the truth as it is 
 in Jesus ; open the eyes of our understanding ; elevate 
 our desires; spiritualize our affections ; and work within 
 us both to will and to do whatsoever thou art pleased to 
 require at our hands. Save us from ever resisting, grieving 
 or quenching thy Spirit, and help us to bring forth more 
 and more the fruit of the Spirit in all goodness, and right- 
 eousness, and truth. In all the dangers to which we are 
 exposed, vouchsafe to preserve us from falling. When 
 through our blindness we shall be ready to stray from 
 thee, lead us, thyself, in the path in which we ought to go. 
 When visited with distress and affliction, enable us to 
 rejoice, that thy grace is sufficient for us. In every situa- 
 tion strengthen us in the inner man by thy might; and 
 never, 0 Lord, in life and in death, never leave us nor 
 forsake us. 
 
 Holy Father, pour out the spirit of grace and suppli- 
 cation upon this society, upon all our congregations, upon 
 every section of thy church. Arouse the careless, con- 
 vert the vicious, confirm the weak, establish the just. 
 Bless the ministry of thy word ; prosper the exertions of 
 thy servants for the dissemination of its invaluable re- 
 cords, and hasten, we pray thee, the day when every 
 people shall both read and hear, in their own tongue, the 
 wonderful works of God. Grant that all professing 
 
161 
 
 Christians may walk worthy of their vocation with all 
 lowliness and meekness, forbearing one another in love, 
 endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of 
 peace. And throughout the earth let violence and de- 
 struction be known no more, but righteousness, charity, 
 and piety universally prevail. 
 
 0 thou who givest liberally and upbraidest not, we im- 
 plore thy mercies for all that are fainting* under the sor- 
 rows and burdens of life, for all that are tried by the 
 temptations or the terrors of a corrupt world, for all that 
 are filled with distressful apprehensions of thy character, 
 and are led to despair of the attainment of thy mercy. 
 O let the strength of the sufferer be equal to his day, and 
 thy comforts be plentifully communicated to his soul. 
 Help all that cry to thee to take unto themselves the 
 whole armor of God, and with the sword of the Spirit 
 to put to flight every foe. And, Lord, wherever the 
 spirit of bondage and fear is felt, there bestow thou the 
 spirit of adoption, that thy children may joyfully say, 
 Abba Father! And to thee, who art willing to help and 
 able to save, be all honor and glory, on earth and in 
 heaven, for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 PRAYERS AFTER SERMON. 
 1. 
 
 O God, the eternal source of wisdom and purity, from 
 whom all good counsels, all holy desires, and all just 
 works do proceed, we offer up our prayers unto thee, 
 beseeching thee to sanctify our hearts by thy holy word. 
 14* 
 
162 
 
 What we know not teach thou us. Whatever is wrong 
 in us dispose and enable us to reform. Whatever in us 
 is good, assist us to carry forward to perfection. Grant 
 that we may go forth into the world with the spirit of 
 true religion in our souls, and spend all our days in thy 
 fear and love ; that we may depart from this scene of dis- 
 cipline, whenever thou shalt take us away, with Chris- 
 tian hope, and be admitted into thy sacred temple above* 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 3. 
 
 Accept, 0 thou God of compassion, the thankful ac- 
 knowledgements of our hearts for the privileges which 
 we have enjoyed at this time. Forgive the imperfection 
 of our devotions and whatever thy pure eyes may have 
 seen amiss in us. Of thy great mercy, grant us such 
 things as shall be good for us, though we may neglect to 
 pray for them ; and deny us such things as would be 
 hurtful to us though we should earnestly desire them. 
 Impress upon our minds the solemn counsels of thy 
 word, and let not the cares or pleasures of the world pre- 
 vent or impair their efficacy. Help us to walk as in thy 
 sacred presence ; and at last vouchsafe to receive us into 
 glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. 
 Amen. 
 
163 
 
 SCRIPTURAL BENEDICTIONS 
 
 For the conclusion of public worship, 
 
 1. 
 
 The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make 
 his face to shine on thee, and be gracious unto thee. 
 The Lord lift up his countenance on thee and give thee 
 peace. Amen. 
 
 2. 
 
 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God 
 our heavenly Father, and the communion of his holy 
 Spirit be with us and with all our brethren of mankind, 
 now and evermore. Amen. 
 
 3. 
 
 May grace and peace be multiplied unto us and all 
 men, through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 4. 
 
 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all. 
 Amen. 
 
 5. 
 
 The God of peace, that brought again from the dead 
 our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 
 through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make 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. 
 
164 
 
 6*. 
 
 The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his 
 eternal glory by Christ Jesus, make you perfect, stablish, 
 strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion 
 for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 THE MINISTRATION OF BAPTISM TO INFANTS. 
 
 Address of the Minister to the Parents or Sponsors of 
 the Child to be baptized. 
 
 My christian friends, 
 
 It was the command of our Saviour Jesus Christ to 
 to his Apostles, that they should go and make disciples 
 of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, 
 and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. He declared 
 to those among whom he lived : "Except a man be born 
 again he cannot see the kingdom of God!" And he 
 requires, that we all be directed in our sentiments and 
 deportment by his doctrine and example, and that the 
 same mind be in us, which was in him. 
 
 This sanctincation of the heart and life is signified by 
 the sacramental rite of baptism, which our Lord institu- 
 ted as the means of introducing the members of his visi- 
 ble church to the blessings of his new covenant, estab- 
 lished between God and his rational creature, man, by 
 the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. In this covenant the 
 Lord pledges himself to give freely of the waters of life, 
 unto every hungry and thirsty soul ; that he will cleanse 
 all those from iniquity who ask for his cleansing power 
 
165 
 
 through repentance and faith. In short, our Lord secures 
 unto us, by this sacred ordinance, all the blessings of his 
 religion, in the same manner in which the benefits of 
 the Abrahamic covenant were offered by the rite of cir- 
 cumcision to the believing Israelite, on condition that he 
 should walk in the steps of faithful Abraham. We there- 
 fore observe that as God, in receiving us through this or- 
 dinance into his new covenant, offers us the highest reli- 
 gious advantages, the assurance of his mercy, the pro- 
 mise of the assistance of his Spirit, and the hope of ev- 
 erlasting happiness, so likewise by the same institution, 
 we are brought under the most solemn obligation to fol- 
 low after holiness. The baptism which saves us, is not 
 the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer 
 of a good conscience toward God. 
 
 We are assured in scripture, that the promises of God 
 belong not only to us, but to our children. Among the 
 people of Israel, infants were received, by the divine 
 command, into the covenant which was made with Abra- 
 ham and his descendants. When heads of families were 
 converted to Christianity by the agency of the apostles, 
 not only they, but their household, were baptized. And 
 we have, moreover, the strongest proof of the love of 
 God to young children, and of their fitness for his king- 
 dom, in the declaration of our blessed Saviour, the image 
 and representative of his Father. " They brought young 
 children unto him," says St. Mark, "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 king- 
 dom of God. Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not 
 
166 
 
 receive the kingdom of heaven 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." 
 
 Thus encouraged you bring this child to be added to 
 the church of the Redeemer, professing your own Chris- 
 tian faith, and your desire that he (she) should realise the 
 blessings of the gospel, and promising to employ your 
 best endeavors for the accomplishment of this object. 
 
 I ask you, therefore, before God and in the presence 
 of these witnesses : 
 
 Do you believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker 
 of heaven and earth ? 
 
 And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord, 
 who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Vir- 
 gin Mary ; suffered under Pontius Pilate ; was crucified, 
 dead and buried; who descended into hell, the third day 
 arose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sitteth at 
 the right hand of God, the Father Almighty, from 
 whence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 
 
 Do you also believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy uni- 
 versal church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness 
 of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life ever- 
 lasting ? 
 
 Ans. Yes. 
 
 Is it your intention to educate this child in the know- 
 edge and love of the gospel ? 
 Ans. Yes. 
 
 Do you engage to use all necessary care and diligence, 
 by prayerful instruction, admonition, example and disci- 
 pline, that this child may renounce and avoid every thing 
 that is evil, and that he may keep God's holy will and 
 commandments, as declared in his sacred word ? 
 
167 
 
 Ans. We do. 
 
 Do you now dedicate this child by the rite of baptism 
 unto the Lord, who bought it ? 
 Ans. We do. 
 
 And, finally, if you can conscientiously declare before 
 God, that the faith to which you have .assented, is your 
 faith, and that the solemn promises, you have made, are 
 the serious resolutions of your heart, please to an- 
 nounce the same in the presence of God, by saying : 
 Yes. 
 
 N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of 
 the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 
 Let us pray — 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God ! we adore thee as the 
 great Parent of the children of men, as the Father of our 
 spirits and the Former of our bodies. We praise thee 
 for giving existence to this infant, and for preserving him 
 until this day. We bless thee, that he is called to virtue 
 and glory, that he has now been dedicated to thee, and 
 brought within the pale of the Christian church. We 
 thank thee, that by the gospel of thy Son he is furnished 
 with every thing necessary to his spiritual happiness : 
 that it supplies light for his mind, and comfort for his 
 heart, encouragement and power to discharge his duty, 
 and the precious hope of mercy and immortality to sus- 
 tain and make him faithful. And we beseech thee ' to 
 grant, 0 most merciful God, that this child may be en- 
 lightened and sanctified from his early years by thy Holy 
 Spirit, and be everlastingly saved by thy mercy. Direct 
 and bless thy servants, who are entrusted with the care 
 of him, in the momentous work of his education. In- 
 spire them with just conceptions of the absolute necessity 
 
168 
 
 of religious instructions and principles. Forbid that they 
 should ever forget, that their offspring belong to thee ; 
 and that if through their criminal neglect or bad example 
 thy reasonable creature be lost, thou wilt require it at 
 their hands. Give them a deep sense of the dignity of 
 his nature, of the worth of his soul, and of the dangers 
 to which he will be exposed ; of the honor and felicity 
 to which he is capable of ascending with thy blessing, 
 and of the ruin in this world and the misery in the world 
 to come which spring from wicked passions and conduct. 
 Give them grace to check the first risings of forbidden 
 inclinations in his breast, to be his defence against the 
 temptations incident to childhood and youth, and as he 
 grows up, to enlarge his understanding, and to lead him 
 to an acquaintance with thee and with Jesus Christ 
 whom thou hast sent. Give them grace to cultivate in 
 his heart a supreme reverence and love for thee, a grate- 
 ful attachment to the gospel of thy Son his Saviour, a 
 due regard for all its ordinances and institutions, a tem- 
 per of kindness and good will to all mankind, and an in- 
 vincible love of sincerity and truth. Help them to 
 watch continually over him with tender solicitude, to be 
 studious that by their conversation and deportment his 
 heart may not be corrupted, and at all times to set before 
 him such an example that he may safely tread in their 
 footsteps. If it please thee to prolong his days on earth 
 grant that he may prove an honor and a comfort to his 
 parents and friends, be useful in the world, and find in 
 thy Providence an unfailing defence and support. 
 Whether he live, let him live to thee ; or whether he 
 die, let him die to thee. And, at the great day of ac- 
 count, may he and his parents meet each other with rap- 
 
169 
 
 Uire, and rejoice together in thy redeeming love, through 
 Jesus Christ, for ever and ever. Amen. 
 Benediction. 
 
 THE MINISTRATION OF BAPTISM TO SUCH AS ARE 
 OF RIPER YEARS. 
 
 Persons of riper years ought not to be admitted to the 
 rite of baptism, without having previously received in- 
 struction in reference to this sacrament, and the solemn 
 obligations they assume towards God our Father, towards 
 Jesus Christ our Saviour, and towards the Holy Spirit 
 our Sanctifier. 
 
 Address. 
 
 Dearly Beloved. 
 
 Our blessed Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, having 
 himself published his religion for the salvation of the 
 world, to the Jewish nation, commissioned his apostles 
 to complete the work which he had begun. "All pow- 
 er," said he, " is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 
 Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in 
 the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
 Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I 
 have commanded you." In obedience to this direction, 
 his disciples preached his gospel in various parts of the 
 earth; and as many as professed "repentance toward 
 God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ," were re- 
 ceived and acknowledged by baptism as members of his 
 church. The Jews were required to renounce their cor- 
 rupt prejudices and customs; the heathens to forsake 
 
 their idolatry and superstition : and it was enjoined upon 
 15 
 
170 
 
 both that they should relinquish every evil thought and 
 way, enter upon a new and better course of thinking and 
 living, and be guided in all respects by the sacred princi- 
 ples of the gospel, if they were desirous of securing the 
 blessedness of true Christians. 
 
 By the ordinance of baptism, Christ has most wisely 
 provided for preserving his church, and for maintaining 
 among us a sense of the holiness and regenerating influ- 
 ence of his doctrine. Water was appointed by him to 
 be employed as an emblem of spiritual purity, or of that 
 moral and religious improvement in which all our Chris- 
 tian advantages are to teiminate. And it is designed by 
 him, that it shall be said of all who embrace his religion : 
 "Ye are washed, ye are sanctified, ye are justified in the 
 name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." 
 
 Such is the origin and nature of this rite. You my 
 brother, (sister,) in the profession of your Christian faith 
 present yourself to be baptized according to this institu- 
 tion. I ask you, therefore, in the presence of these wit- 
 nesses, and before that august Being who searcheth the 
 heart, 
 
 QUESTIONS. 
 
 Q. Do you sincerely believe, that you are a sinner in 
 the sight of God, by nature and by practice, and that as 
 such, you have offended against your righteous law-giver 
 and judge, and rendered yourself (yourselves) obnoxious 
 to his displeasure. 
 
 A. I do. 
 
 Q. Do you believe you cannot save yourself, (your- 
 selves,) but that Christ Jesus is made of God to yon, 
 wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctifi cation and re- 
 demption ? 
 
171 
 
 A. I believe that Jesus is the only and all sufficient 
 Saviour of repenting sinners. 
 
 Q. Have you experienced, or is it your earnest desire 
 to experience the pardoning justifying and sanctifying 
 influence of Christ's atoning righteousness ? 
 
 A. This is my earnest solicitude. s 
 
 Q. Do you receive the religion of Christ, as it is con- 
 tained in the sacred scriptures of the New Testament ; 
 and as, in its essential features, it has been foretold and 
 typified by God's holy prophets in the Old Testament, 
 as the rule of your faith, and as the safe guide through 
 all the changes of this present life, unto that which is to 
 come ? 
 
 A. I do. 
 
 Q. Do you renounce all sinful desires and works, and 
 promise, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, to adorn your 
 profession by a walk and conversation, conformable to 
 the precepts of the gospel, and the example of our Lord 
 and Saviour, Jesus Christ? 
 
 A. I do desire to fulfil these my promises with the 
 help of God. 
 
 Upon this your solemn confession, profession and 
 promise I baptize thee N. N. — in the name of the Fath- 
 er, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 Let us pray — 
 
 Here follows a prayer of the minister for the newly 
 baptized brother or sister. The following form may be 
 used: 
 
 Almighty and most merciful God, the Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, who hath taught us by his own con- 
 duct to fulfil all righteousness ; we offer unto thee our 
 thankful acknowledgments that this thy servant has now 
 
172 
 
 been engrafted into the body of Christ's church, and 
 been made a partaker of those heavenly blessings which 
 we have received through our great Mediator. Accept, 
 we beseech thee, this instance of his obedience to thy 
 will, and this manifestation of his desire to please thee. 
 If, through his own neglect and the temptations which 
 are in the world, he has entertained any evil affection, or 
 offended against thy holy laws ; we beseech thee, in 
 thine infinite mercy to pardon him. Pour out upon him 
 thy Holy Spirit, and assist him to accomplish his vows. 
 Incline his heart to study with diligence and meekness 
 the sacred records of our religion, to receive with all 
 readiness the doctrines and instructions of thy Son, to sub- 
 mit faithfully to the authority of his laws, and on no oc- 
 casion to be afraid or ashamed of confessing his name. 
 Give him strength to triumph over every allurement and 
 terror, that would draw him aside from the path of duty ; 
 that as Christ died and rose again, so he, being baptized, 
 may die unto sin and rise unto righteousness. Help him 
 to avail himself of all the means which thou hast appoint- 
 ed for his improvement, that he may grow daily in every 
 virtue which relates to thee, to his neighbor and himself. 
 Assist him to be fervent in spirit, rejoicing in hope, patient 
 in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer, blessing those 
 who persecute him, rejoicing with them that rejoice, and 
 weeping with them that weep. May his deportment con- 
 tribute to confute the enemies of Christianity, to edify its 
 friends, and to prove to the doubting that it is the power 
 of Cod to salvation unto all who uprightly believe and 
 seriously apply it. Experiencing that the yoke of 
 Christ is easy and his burden light, and blessed with a 
 large measure of that consolation and cheerfulness which 
 flow from the discoveries, the cross and the resurrection 
 
173 
 
 of his Lord ; may he prove faithful unto death, and final- 
 ly through thy grace receive the crown of life ! 
 
 And now unto thee, who art able to keep us from fal- 
 ling, and to present us faultless before the presence of 
 thy glory with exceeding joy, be glory and majesty, do- 
 minion and power, through Jesus Christ for ever and 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 8. THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION. 
 
 N. B. This rite is peformed publicly in the presence 
 of the congregation ; the catechumens having been pre- 
 viously instructed in a regular series of lectures, concern- 
 ing the doctrines and duties of the Christian religion, and 
 having been examined before the officers of the church 
 or the congregation generally. The minister introduces 
 the service with a suitable hymn and prayer, and with a 
 short address to the audience, respecting the nature and 
 use of this solemnity, as an impressive mode of admit- 
 ting new members into church communion. The candi- 
 dates for confirmation being then placed before the altar 
 the minister proposes to them the following questions : 
 
 Q. I ask you, my friends, in the presence of omniscient 
 God and of this congregation : Do you believe with all 
 the heart the doctrines of the Christian religion, as they 
 are set forth and taught in the writings of the New Tes- 
 tament, and as, in their essential features, they have been 
 foretold and typified by Cod's holy prophets in the Old 
 Testament ; and do you receive this religion as an infal- 
 lible guide to happiness in time and eternity ? And do 
 you accept our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, as your divine 
 Saviour and instructor, as your intercessor with the 
 Father, the physician of your soul, as your law-giver 
 and judge, and as the only mediator and Saviour of 
 15* 
 
174 
 
 man ? And do you intend to profess him and his gospel 
 before men, without fear and shame, and do you desire 
 to be faithful to him unto the end of your life ? 
 A. I do. 
 
 Q. As the religion of Christ is the religion of that 
 faith, which worketh by love, are you resolved to love 
 the Lord your God, with all the heart, and to love your 
 fellow men as yourselves ? Will you strive to grow in 
 piety and virtue, to live as the disciple (disciples) of that 
 Redeemer, who was holy and undefiled, and to imitate 
 his encouraging and unspotted example ? 
 
 A. I will with the help of God. 
 
 Q. Do you now confirm and ratify the solemn prom- 
 ises made at your baptism, renewing and assuming the 
 same for yourselves ? 
 
 A. I do. 
 
 Q. Do you promise with the help of God, to observe 
 all the duties of a regular member (of regular members) 
 of this Christian church, and submit yourselt (your- 
 selves) to the rules of its government and discipline ? 
 
 A. I do. 
 
 The candidates then kneeling round the altar, the 
 minister lays his hand on the head of each, and accom- 
 panies this act with the folloiuing or any other suitable 
 prayer. 
 
 May Almighty God, the Father of all our mercies, ever 
 multiply unto you his grace and peace. May he en- 
 able you by his holy Spirit, to become a true follower 
 (true followers) of your Redeemer, Jesus Christ ; defend 
 you in every time of danger ; preserve you faithful unto 
 the end, and bring you to the happiness of his heavenly 
 kingdom. Amen. 
 
175 
 
 The minister then gives his right hand to each of the 
 catechumens, saying : 
 
 Upon the voluntary professions and promises, which 
 you have now made, I receive you as members of this 
 Christian church, and give you in its name the right 
 hand of Christian fellowship and love ; authorizing you to 
 join us in the celebration of the Lord's supper, and to par- 
 ticipate in all our spiritual privileges so long as your de- 
 portment shall correspond with your present engagement. 
 
 Let us unite our supplications to the throne of grace 
 in behalf of this our christian brother, (sister) (these our 
 Christian brothers — sisters.) 
 
 Almighty and everlasting Cod, whom the heaven of 
 heavens cannot contain, who art the rewarder of all who 
 diligently seek thee ! We raise our hearts unto thee, with 
 thanksgiving, for the establishment of the church of Jesus, 
 and for the means of grace. We bless thee that after our 
 Lord Jesus Christ had accomplished the work of our re- 
 demption, by his instruction, his atoning death, his resur- 
 rection and ascension, he sent his Holy Spirit upon his 
 apostles, to enable them to build up his church, and to 
 gather a great flock of those, who should believe in his 
 name. 
 
 We bless thee that the day spring from on high has 
 visited our land, that thou hast established thy church 
 among us, and hast given to the inhabitants of this coun- 
 try the unspeakable, though highly responsible, advan- 
 tages of thy gospel. We bless thee, that thou hast dis- 
 posed and enabled these thy servants by the leadings of 
 thy Providence and the operations of thy Spirit, to make 
 a profession of their Christian faith. We bless thee, 
 that thou hast awakened them to a sense of their religious 
 
176 
 
 duty? that thou hast brought them to know in whom to 
 believe, and that thou hast opened their eyes to those 
 qualifications and means, calculated to disclose to them 
 the treasures of thy grace, that they may here enjoy the 
 smiles of thy countenance and approbation, and in the 
 life to come, everlasting felicity. We bless thee that 
 thou hast aided them to look upon Christ Jesus as the 
 way, the truth and the life and as the author of eternal 
 salvation, to all those who love and obey him. Merciful 
 God ! be pleased to accept the sacrifices of their hearts, 
 and to accomplish the desires and prayers which they 
 address to thy throne. Let them not forget the vows 
 which they have made unto thee, the righteous and holy 
 Ruler ; and let thy Providence and Spirit assist them to 
 carry them into execution. Perfect, we beseech thee, 
 the good work which is begun in their souls, and help 
 them to press towards the mark for the prize of their 
 high calling in Jesus Christ. Increase their knowledge 
 and assist them perfectly to understand thy word. — 
 Strengthen their faith, and make it steadfast and immove- 
 able. Fill their minds with love to thee, with love to 
 their Redeemer, with love to all their fellow-men. Lead 
 them to pursue with increasing ardor whatsoever things 
 are honest, true, just, pure, amiable, and of good report. 
 Amidst the tumults of the world, holy Father ! save them 
 from the evils which are in the world, and suffer them 
 not to become unmindful of their exalted destination. 
 When they are tempted to sin, to folly, or to the neglect 
 of their duty, let the remembrance of this sacred hour 
 and of this solemn engagement penetrate their hearts, 
 and make them victorious in the conflict. — And while it 
 is their great aim to secure thy friendship, and so to act 
 
177 
 
 that the name of the Lord Jesus may be glorified in 
 them; we pray thee, heavenly Father, to support, to 
 comfort them, and to supply all their wants. Enable 
 them habitually to rejoice in thee, to repose unbounded 
 confidence in thy promises, and to find by their own 
 happy experience that religion's ways are ways of pleas- 
 antness, and that all her paths are paths of peace. As- 
 sist them, in celebrating the supper of their Lord, to re- 
 alize all the honor and blessedness of belonging to him, 
 and of being united to him forever. And when they 
 shall be removed from this scene of trial, grant that they 
 may be found among those, who have fought a good fight, 
 finished their course, and kept their faith, and whom thy 
 grace will receive into the realms of endless praise and 
 glory, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeem- 
 er. Amen. 
 
 A suitable address is then delivered to those, who 
 have confirmed their baptismal vows, and a short ex- 
 hortation to the congregation present, to receive them 
 as brethren and to promote their Christian improve- 
 ment and comfort, by kind assistance, affectionate coun- 
 sel and spotless example; after ivhich the service is 
 concluded with a prayer and benediction. 
 
 9. THE ORDER OF SERVICE PREPARATORY TO THE 
 CELEBRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 
 
 The exercises, ivhich are usually held on the day pre- 
 ceding the communion, commence with the singing of 
 an appropriate hymn and with prayer. A discourse is 
 then delivered adapted to the occasion, after which the 
 
178 
 
 minister addresses the following questions to the com- 
 municants : 
 
 Q. Do we, my friends, upon the evidence of our own 
 consciences, really feel, lament and acknowledge that we 
 are sinners in the sight of God ; that, by omitting to do 
 good, and actually doing evil, we all have offended 
 against our righteous law-giver and Judge, and rendered 
 ourselves obnoxious to his displeasure. If this is the 
 sincere and humble confession of our hearts, let us also 
 make it manifest with our lips, by saying — 
 
 Yes. 
 
 Q. Do we firmly believe that Jesus Christ has come into 
 the world to save sinners by his doctrine, sufferings, death 
 and glorious resurrection ; that all those who sincerely re- 
 pent, believe in him as their only Saviour, and obey his 
 gospel, do receive the forgiveness of their sins and eternal 
 life ? Are we truly desirous to be delivered from our trans- 
 gressions, and have we an earnest solicitude to partake of 
 God's mercy to the truly penitent and faithful? If such 
 be our earnest desire, let us express it before God and in 
 the presence of each other, by saying — 
 
 Yes. 
 
 Q. Are we fully resolved to submit ourselves in future to 
 the gracious direction of the Holy Spirit, so that we may 
 not purposely offend, but be enabled to avoid all manner 
 of evil, to walk circumspectly before God, and to follow 
 after holiness ? If this is our upright intention and purpose 
 let us announce this also in the presence of God and of 
 each other, by saying — 
 
 Yes. 
 
 Let us unite in making this confession in prayer to the 
 throne of grace : 
 
179 
 
 Almighty and most merciful Father, unto whom all 
 hearts are open, and all desires are known, all whose 
 commandments are just, necessary and good! We con- 
 fess unto thee that we have erred and strayed from thy 
 ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the 
 devices and the desires of our own hearts. We have of- 
 fended against thy holy laws. We have left undone those 
 things which we ought to have done, and we have done 
 those things which we ought not to have done. But en- 
 ter not, we .beseech thee, into judgment with us; for in 
 thy sight shall no man living be justified. As thou hatest 
 nothing which thou hast made, and desirest not the death 
 of the sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wick- 
 edness and live ; have mercy, O Lord, upon us, misera- 
 ble offenders. Spare thou those, 0 God, who confess 
 their faults. Restore thou those, who are truly penitent, 
 according to thy gracious promises, declared unto man- 
 kind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most mer- 
 ciful Father, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous 
 and sober life, to the glory of thy holy name through thy 
 blessed Son, our Mediator and Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 After this, or any other suitable prayer, the minister 
 may make the following declaration: 
 
 Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 has sent his only begotten Son into the world to save sin- 
 ful but repenting men, by his doctrines, sufferings and 
 death, and has commissioned his apostles and ministers 
 to preach in the name of Jesus, glad tidings unto the 
 meek, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty 
 to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them 
 that are bound ; therefore we may likewise comfort each 
 other in the words of the Apostle Peter to Cornelius and 
 
180 
 
 his household, that Jesus is ordained of God to be the 
 judge of quick and dead; to him give all the prophets 
 witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in 
 him shall receive remission of sins. Let us not doubt, 
 but let us be completely assured that if we hunger and 
 thirst after righteousness we shall be satisfied, and have 
 cause to rejoice in the God of our salvation. He is the 
 Lord God, merciful and gracious, his covenant standeth 
 sure forever. To call in question the fulfilment of his 
 promises would be ingratitude and impiety. The spirit 
 of Christ and Christianity is not the spirit of bondage and 
 fear, but the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba, 
 Father. 
 
 But while the gospel of Jesus binds up the broken- 
 hearted, and declares peace and good will to all who are 
 reconciled unto God's government and laws, it threatens 
 indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish against all 
 the workers of iniquity. If we therefore are impenitent, 
 and either live in the violation of God's holy command- 
 ments, or hypocritically put on the form of godliness, all 
 our confessions and promises will be unavailing, and we 
 shall not be able to escape from the wrath to come, unless 
 we be renewed in our minds and lives while the day of 
 grace is prolonged. 
 
 May God have mercy upon every one of 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 services are concluded with the singing of a 
 hymn and the benediction. 
 
181 
 
 10. TWO FORMS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE 
 LORD'S SUPPER. 
 
 1 
 
 After the usual morning service, the minister, stand- 
 ing at the communion table, addresses the communicants. 
 
 "Holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is 
 full of his glory." 
 Dearly Beloved, 
 
 As you intend to come to the holy communion, which 
 our Lord ordained to be a memorial of his sufferings and 
 death, and a means of improving his disciples in their 
 attachment and obedience to his divine religion ; I exhort 
 you to raise your hearts unto God in prayer, devoutly 
 relying on the sure promise that your humble petitions 
 shall be heard and accepted. 
 
 I exhort you, moreover, in the name of our Lord Jesus, 
 that you draw near in this sacred ordinance, in the lively 
 exercise of faith ; directing your grateful attention to those 
 words of its institution, in which the blessed Redeemer 
 declares that his body is given and his blood is shed for 
 our benefit and for the remission of sin. Showing forth 
 the Lord's death, let us meditate upon his love, and re- 
 joice in that grace which is conferred through him upon 
 the children of men. 
 
 Let us pray. 
 
 Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. 
 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is 
 in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And for- 
 give us our trespasses as we forgive those who 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, for ever and ever. 
 16 
 
182 
 
 Almighty and most merciful God, unto whom all hearts 
 are open and all desires are known; we rejoice and praise 
 thee that we are permitted to come into thy presence with 
 the full assurance that thou art the Friend and Father of 
 the children of men. Glory be to thee that when all 
 flesh had corrupted its way, and the nations of the earth 
 were dead in trespasses and sins, without the knowledge 
 of thee, and without hope, thine eye beheld them with 
 pity, and thine aim was outstretched for their deliverance. 
 Glory be to thee that in the fulness of time thou didst 
 send thine only begotten and well beloved Son, not that 
 he should be the messenger of wo, not that he should 
 condemn the world, but that the world through him might 
 be saved. Glory be to thee, that he is made unto us wis- 
 dom, and righteousness, and sanetification and redemp- 
 tion. Glory be to thee for his precious discoveries and 
 doctrines, for his astonishing works, and for his spotless 
 example. Glory be to thee that he was made perfect 
 through sufferings, that he humbled himself and became 
 obedient unto the death of the cross, that he is set forth 
 to be a mercy-seat through faith in his blood, the propi- 
 tiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the 
 sins of the whole world. Glory be to thee that by his 
 death he has destroyed the terrors of the grave, that he is 
 exalted above principalities and powers, that a name is 
 given him which is above every name, that he is able to 
 save unto the uttermost all those that come unto thee 
 through him, and that he has entered into heaven as our 
 Captain and Forerunner. Glory be to thee that means 
 ami opportunities arc afforded us for strengthening our 
 affection to thy dear Son, and for imbibing his holy tem- 
 per and disposition. In compliance with his sacred in- 
 
183 
 
 junction, we would now celebrate his dying love, profess 
 his name before men, take the cup of his salvation, and 
 triumph in his cross. And we beseech thee, O most 
 merciful Father, to accept this our sacrifice of praise and 
 thanksgiving, and to grant that we may obtain all the be- 
 nefits which flow from his death, his resurrection and his 
 glory. We presume not to come to thine altar trusting 
 in any righteousness of our own, but in thine infinite 
 compassion and mercy in Christ Jesus. We beseech 
 thee to pardon all our imperfections and iniquities, ac- 
 cording to the gracious covenant, which thou hast been 
 pleased to make with thy people through him. We re- 
 nounce every passion and pursuit, inconsistent with thy 
 service and with the gratitude which we owe to our mag- 
 nanimous Deliverer. We present and devote to thee, O 
 God, our bodies and our souls, to be a reasonable, holy 
 and living sacrifice. And we implore thy gracious 
 assistance, that we may be crucified unto the world, 
 and that we may ever hereafter live by the faith of thy 
 Son, who loved us and gave himself for us. In all the 
 circumstances of this mortal life, may we tread in his 
 footsteps with increasing fidelity and delight. Though 
 we see him not, may we rejoice in him with joy un- 
 speakable and full of glory; and at last receive the end 
 of our faith, even the salvation of our souls. 
 
 Blessed be thou, O God, that peace on earth, and good 
 will to men, is proclaimed from heaven. Blessed be thou, 
 the Son of the Most High, who hast redeemed us by thy 
 blood, and made us kings and priests unto God. Bless- 
 ing and honor, and glory and power, be unto Him that 
 sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 "Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night in which he was 
 
184 
 
 betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he 
 brake it, and gave it unto his disciples, saying, Take, eat; 
 this is my body which is given for you. Do this in re- 
 membrance of me. And, at the same time, after supper, 
 he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, say- 
 ing, Drink ye all of this ; this cup is the New Testament 
 in my blood, which is shed for you and for many, for the 
 remission of sins. Do this, as often as ye drink it, in 
 remembrance of me." 
 
 Thus commanded and invited, let us approach the table 
 of the Lord, my brethren, with devotion and faith, with 
 gratitude and charity, with penitence and holy joy. In 
 the name of Christ, our common and only Master, I say 
 to all who own him as their Saviour, and resolve to be 
 his faithful subjects : ye are welcome to this feast of love. 
 
 When the minister presents the bread to the commu- 
 nicants, he says to them: Jesus said, take and eat; this 
 is my body which is given for you. Do this in remem- 
 brance of me. 
 
 When the minister delivers the cup to them, he says: 
 Jesus said, drink ye all of this ; this cup is the New Tes- 
 tament in my blood, which is shed for you and for many 
 for the remission of sin. Do this in remembrance of me. 
 
 The minister is at liberty to substitute any other 
 words in the place of these ; and it is desirable that he 
 should endeavor to keep alive the devotion of the com- 
 municants by appropriate addresses to them, or by suita- 
 ble passages of scripture like the following: John iii. 
 16; Matt. xi. 28, 29, 30; John xv. 13; Rom. iii. 24, 25 ; 
 Rom. v. 7, 8; Rom. viii. 1; Rom. viii. 32, 34; 2 Cor. 
 v. 19; 1 Tim. i. 15; 1 John ii. 1,2; iv. 10; Isaiah i. 
 16, 17, 18; Isaiah lv. 7; Ezekiel xxxiii. 11 ; Hebrews 
 
185 
 
 xii. 22, 23, 24; 2 Tim. ii. 11, 12, 13; Rom. viii. 17, 18 ; 
 1 Cor. ii. 9; xv. 55, 56, 57 ; 1 John iii. 2; John xiv. 2, 
 3. These express the comfort and hope of Christians. 
 The sanctity of our profession, as followers of Christ, is 
 exhibited in such as these; Matt. v. 3 — 10; Matt. v. 48; 
 Matt. vii. 12; Matt. vii. 21 ; John xiii. 14, 15; John xiv. 
 23; xv. 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14; John v. 28, 29; Acts xvii. 
 31; Rom. vi. 22, 23; viii. 6, 9, 13, 14; xii. 9, 10, 11, 
 12, 13, 14, 15; 1 Cor. xv. 58; Gal. v, 22, 23, 24; 
 Phil. ii. 5; iii. 20; Coloss. iii. 1, 2, 3; 1 Tim. iv. 8; 
 Titus ii. 11, 12, 13, 14; Hebrews xii. 1, 2, 14; James 
 ii. 28; 1 Peter ii. 21, 22, 23; 1 John iv. 11, 16, 20; 
 Rev. iii. 11, 21, ii. 10. 
 
 When all have received the communion, the minister 
 addresses the congregation : 
 
 O give thanks unto the Lord, "for he is good; and his 
 mercy endureth for ever." 
 
 Let us pray. 
 
 Almighty God, our heavenly Father! we, thine un- 
 worthy servants, offer unto thee our united thanks for the 
 comfort and refreshment, the instruction and improve- 
 ment, which thou hast been pleased to afford us in the 
 commemoration of the life, the death, and the glory of 
 thy blessed Son. How can we ever be sufficiently grate- 
 ful to thee for preparing such a table for us in the wilder- 
 ness of this world ! "What good thing can we ever want, 
 whilst we have thee for our Shepherd? What mercy 
 wilt thou refuse to those, whom thou hast redeemed, not 
 with corruptible things, but with the precious blood of 
 Jesus Christ! What consolation and joy are poured into 
 our hearts, whilst we contemplate him crucified and risen 
 again, triumphing over all his foes and ouis, seated at thy 
 16* 
 
186 
 
 right hand, and raising his disciples to his own glory and 
 happiness ! 
 
 O God ! grant that we may be made conformable unto 
 his death, and experience more and more perfectly the 
 power of his resurrection. As we have now received the 
 Lord Jesus for our Saviour and King, help us to walk in 
 him, to be transformed into his image, and to rely with 
 invincible faith upon his promises. May we demonstrate 
 our love to him by constantly keeping his commandments. 
 May we make his cause our own personal concern, la- 
 bour to promote it with all our powers, and rejoice in 
 every instance of its success. Having professed our- 
 selves brethren, members of the same spiritual body, 
 may we ever be careful to exercise friendship and kind- 
 ness towards all men ; and help each other, to the best of 
 our ability, in our journey to the land of immortality. 
 May the sentiments and resolutions, which we now en- 
 tertain, animate us in all the changes of this transitory 
 state. May we go forth into the world candidates for a 
 crown of glory that fadeth not away, looking habitually 
 unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and anti- 
 cipating his second coming with exalted and immoveable 
 hope. Under the trials and temptations of life, may thy 
 grace be sufficient for us, and thy Providence and Spirit 
 sustain and comfort us. In the hour of death, may we 
 commend our souls to thee, with the humble, joyful as- 
 surance of forgiveness and acceptance through our great 
 Mediator. And when he shall appear, may we also ap- 
 pear with him in glory, be acknowledged as his disciples 
 before angels and men, and be added to the general as- 
 sembly and church of the first-born in heaven. 
 
 Finally, we beseech thee, O most merciful God ! to 
 
187 
 
 extend the advantages, which we enjoy this day, to all 
 mankind. Have pity upon all Jews, Heathens, Mahome- 
 tans, and unbelievers. Take from them all ignorance, 
 hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word; and let 
 them be saved among those who worship and serve thee 
 in spirit and in truth. Grant that all Christians may love 
 each other as one fold, having one Shepherd, and be care- 
 ful to maintain good works. Comfort every sorrowful 
 heart. And vouchsafe to unite the whole human family 
 in endless harmony and felicity, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 The service is concluded with a hymn and one of the 
 usual benedictions. 
 
 2. 
 
 After the usual service, the minister, standing at the 
 altar, addresses the communicants as follows: 
 Dearly Beloved : 
 
 That we may partake cf the holy ordinance of the 
 Lord's Supper, to our comfort and edification, it becomes 
 us seriously to view the design of this institution, and 
 strictly to examine ourselves whether we are worthy to 
 receive it. The holy communion was ordained by our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as a memorial of his suf- 
 ferings and death on the cross, and as a means of strength* 
 ening his followers in their faith and attachment unto 
 him. When, therefore, we are assembled for the cele- 
 bration of the Lord's Supper, we should thank God for 
 the gift of his only begotten and beloved Son, whose 
 body was broken and whose blood was shed as a sacri- 
 
188 
 
 free for our sins, that we might be reconciled to God, and 
 accepted of him. We are to partake of these memorials 
 of our Saviour's sufferings and death, wiih full trust and 
 confidence in the sacrifice which he rendered for us as 
 the only ground of our hope of salvation; for by his 
 death he hath removed the cause of our condemnation, 
 and obtained for us the promise of eternal life. In this 
 holy communion he establishes his covenant with us, and 
 seals his gracious promises to our souls — lie gives us a 
 pledge that if we remain faithful to him, he will never 
 leave nor forsake us ; that in all our trials and temptations 
 he will constantly strengthen and preserve us by the as- 
 sistance of his grace. 
 
 When we come to the holy communion we should ex- 
 amine ourselves, and consider our unworthiness and sin- 
 fulness in the sight of God, so that we may be deeply 
 humbled before him, and implore his mercy through our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, who humbled himself to the death of 
 the cross for us miserable sinners, that we might live~ 
 and those who have humbled themselves before God, on 
 account of their sins, and are sincerely desirous of ob- 
 taining his forgiveness, he has promised to receive in 
 mercy at this table. 
 
 I, therefore, exhort you, in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
 to come to this holy sacrament, with a deep sense of 
 your unworthiness, confessing your sins, and acknow- 
 ledging your entire dependence upon the mercy of God 
 for salvation. I beseech you, also, to draw near to this 
 table, with full confidence in that blessed Redeemer, who 
 has declared "my body is broken, my blood is shed for 
 the remission of your sins." To him, therefore, with 
 the Father and the Holy Spirit, let us bring the thank-of- 
 
189 
 
 ferings of our hearts, submitting ourselves to his holy 
 will, and faithfully serving him all the days of our life. 
 The minister then turns to the elements and says: 
 In conformity to the instructions and example of our 
 divine Lord and Master, let us now proceed to consecrate 
 these elements for our use and edification in the holy sa- 
 crament. 
 
 Let as pray. 
 
 Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. 
 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is 
 in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive 
 us our trespasses as we forgive those who 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 and ever. Amen. 
 
 Let us now attend to the words of the institution of 
 the holy Supper of our Lord : 
 
 " Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the night in which he was 
 betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks he 
 broke it and gave it unto his disciples, saying, take eat, 
 this is my body which is given for you. Do this in re- 
 membrance of me. And at the same time, after supper, 
 he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 
 drink ye all of this : this cup is the New Testament in 
 my blood, which is shed for you and for many for the 
 remission of sins. Do this, as oft as ye drink it, in re- 
 membrance of me." 
 
 The minister then invites the communicants to the 
 altar, saying: 
 
 Ye who who have sincerely repented of your sins, and 
 are earnestly desirous of the salvation of your souls, 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ, draw near with faith, pue 
 
190 
 
 partake of this holy sacrament, for your comfort and en- 
 couragement in the service of God, and the work of your 
 salvation. In the name of Jesus Christ, I say to all who 
 sincerely love him, ye are welcome to this feast of love. 
 
 When the minister presents the bread to the commu- 
 nicants he says to them: 
 
 Jesus said, take and eat, this is my body, which is 
 given for you ; do this in remembrance of me. May this 
 strengthen and preserve you in the true faith unto eternal 
 life. 
 
 On delivering the cup to them, he says: 
 Jesus said, drink ye all of this ; this cup is the New 
 Testament in my blood, which is shed for you, and for 
 many, for the remission of sin ; do this, in remembrance 
 of me. May this strengthen and preserve you in the true 
 faith unto eternal life. 
 
 During the administration of the sacrament, it is desir- 
 able that the Minister should endeavor to keep alive 
 the devotion of the communicants, by repeating ap- 
 propriate passages from Scripture, or making other 
 suitable addresses to them. 
 
 When all have received the communion the minister ad- 
 dresses the congregation, saying : 
 
 Dearly Beloved: 
 
 Since the Lord hath once more fed our souls at his table, 
 
 let us give thanks unto his holy name, for his mercy en- 
 
 durcth forever. The Lord is merciful and gracious ; slow 
 
 to anger and ready to forgive. He hath not dealt with us 
 
 after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 
 
 What shall we render unto the Lord for all his goodness. 
 
 We will offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and call upon 
 
 the name of the Lord. 
 
191 
 
 Let us pray. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God and Father, we render 
 unto thee our most humble and hearty thanks, that thou 
 hast of thine infinite mercy given us thine only begotten 
 Son as a sacrifice for our sins ; and that he hath insti- 
 tuted this holy sacrament, as a memorial of that precious 
 sacrifice which he rendered for us on the cross. We 
 praise thee that thou hast again fed our hungry and thirs- 
 ty souls, with the spiritual food of the precious body and 
 blood of our crucified Redeemer. And we humbly beseech 
 thee that this solemn commemoration of the sufferings and 
 death of our Lord Jesus Christ, may be sanctified to our 
 souls ; may it be the means of strengthening our faith, and 
 increasing our love and attachment unto him. Having 
 once more professed ourselves his faithful disciples, may 
 we go forth into the world obeying his gospel, following 
 his example, looking constantly unto him, the author and 
 finisher of our faith, and rejoicing in the prospect of his 
 glory. And, as we have now received the communion 
 of his body, which was broken for our sins, we pray that 
 w r e may also be incorporated into his mystical body, 
 which is the communion of saints, and that we may con- 
 tinue in the bonds of that holy fellowship faithful unto 
 the end. Give us grace that we may now cheerfully 
 take up the cross, and follow our divine leader in the way 
 of eternal life. Under all the trials and temptations of 
 the world may we be sustained and comforted by his 
 power and grace; and when he shall appear, may we be 
 ready to meet him, and experience the joys of his salva- 
 tion, in his glorious presence forever. Hear us "Our 
 Father," &c. 
 
192 
 
 11. A FORM FOR LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF A 
 CHURCH. 
 
 The congregation having assembled at the building, 
 a suitable hymn is sung, e. g. No. 594 General Synod's 
 hymnbook, after which the following prayer may be of- 
 fered by the officiating clergyman : 
 
 O thou, whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, 
 who dwellest in a light to which no human eye can ap- 
 proach! We render thanks unto thy holy name that 
 thou hast revealed thyself unto us in the gospel of thy 
 Son, as the friend and father of the children of men, 
 who wilt not that any of us should perish, but that 
 through repentance and faith, we should obtain everlast- 
 ing life. We thank thee, that the sound of thy gospel is 
 proclaimed among us, and that thou hast in this place 
 gathered a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ. 
 
 We pray thee to look upon us in mercy, and to bless 
 the intention of this congregation of erecting a house of 
 prayer and praise unto thee, our God ! We know thou 
 dwellest not in temples reared by the hand of man. — 
 The heavens are thy throne, and the earth is thy foot- 
 stool. Thou fillest the universe with thy presence, and 
 all the praises of angels and men can add nothing to thy 
 majesty and glory. But thou hast established thy church 
 here on earth, thou hast blessed the preaching of thy 
 word, and thousands have experienced, that thou art a 
 prayer-hearing and a prayer-answering God. Thy pro- 
 mises cannot fail and we have thy word, that where 
 two or three shall be assembled in the name of Jesus, 
 thou wilt be in the midst of them. Verify then this thy 
 promise with us also. Bless the undertaking of this 
 congregation. Grant unto them willing hearts to further 
 
193 
 
 and perfect this work to the honor and glory of thy 
 name ! May it be prospered by thy favor, and when ac- 
 complished may this spot and this house be filled with 
 the fulness of every gospel blessing, that through the 
 preaching of thy word many souls may here be awakened, 
 enlightened, justified and sanctified, and thus be prepared 
 for an entrance into those mansions of bliss, which the 
 gospel promises to every truly believing heart. May 
 the work of this house be completed without hurt or ac- 
 cident to those who are engaged in the same, may har- 
 mony and Christian zeal animate every heart, and may 
 discord and every selfish aim be removed. This and 
 every other blessing we ask for the sake and in the name 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ, unto whom, with thee the 
 Father, and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory for ever 
 and ever. Amen. 
 
 After this, or any other suitable prayer, the officiating 
 minister reads the documents, which are to be laid into 
 the corner-stone, hollowed out for the reception of the 
 tin box in which they are deposited. These documents 
 generally are : 1 . A copy of the articles of subscription 
 and names of subscribers. 2. The list of members of 
 the congregation, the names of the elders and the pastor 
 at the time of building. 3. A copy of the discipline of 
 the church. 4. The Augsburg Confession. 5. The hymn 
 book in use in the congregation: and 6. A small bible. 
 
 After the reading, the minister places all in the tin box 
 and deposites the same into the corner stone, and when 
 all is well secured, he says, standing near the stone : 
 
 Thus we have laid the corner stone of this house of 
 
 worship in the name of the congregation ; and 
 
 as the holy scriptures, the book of hymns and the other 
 
 documents enclosed in this corner-stone testify, that our 
 17 
 
194 
 
 faith is built on the sure word of God, so may likewise,- 
 when the tooth of time shall have performed its work on 
 this building now to be erected, and distant and future 
 ages discover and open this stone, the doctrines which 
 we profess, be their anchor of hope, and the corner-stone 
 of their salvation. 
 
 A sermon is preached ; and the exercises are closed 
 by the singing of a suitable hymn and prayer. 
 
 TWO FORMS FOR THE CONSECRATION OF A CHURCH. 
 
 1 
 
 The service is introduced by singing a hymn and read- 
 ing a portion of the scriptures, suitable to the occa- 
 sion: after which the consecrating Minister, standing 
 at the altar addresses the congregation as follows: 
 Dearly Beloved : 
 
 It has been customary for devout and holy men under 
 the law, as well as under the gospel, to erect houses of 
 public worship, and dedicate them to the service of God.- 
 This custom, the Almighty has been pleased to sanction, 
 in order to afford his people the most convenient oppor- 
 tunity of worshipping Him, of listening to the instruc- 
 tions of his word, attending to the ordinance of his 
 house, asking the forgiveness of their sins, imploring his 
 blessings, and securing his favor. 
 
 That this congregation might realize the blessings con- 
 nected with the public worship of God, in a place affording 
 them all the necessary conveniences, they have erected 
 this house ; and we have now assembled to return thanks 
 unto God for the accomplishment of this work ; to de- 
 vote it to the sacred purposes for which it is intended. 
 
195 
 
 This we now do in this public manner, and in the 
 name of the adorable and ever blessed Trinity, God the 
 Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. We 
 solemnly dedicate this house to the' worship of God the 
 Father, the Almighty creator of the heavens and the 
 earth ; to God the Son, the Redeemer and Saviour of the 
 world ; to God the Holy Ghost the sanetifier and preser- 
 ver of the faithful. We consecrate it as an Evangelical 
 Lutheran Church, with the particular title and designa- 
 tion cf (here insert the name of the church,) where the 
 word of God is to be taught and expounded for the in- 
 struction and edification of its hearers ; where the gos- 
 pel of Jesus Christ is to be preached in its purity, so 
 that it may prove the power of God unto the salvation of 
 them that believe; and where the doctrines and princi- 
 ples of the christian religion are to be inculcated as they 
 are contained in the holy scriptures, and are fundamen- 
 tally set forth in the doctrinal standards of our church. 
 
 Let its pray. 
 
 Supremely exalted and adorable Jehovah, fountain of 
 all good and source of every blessing, we thank thee that 
 thou hast inclined the hearts of thy servants to erect this 
 temple and fit it for thy service. We thank thee that 
 thou hast prospered the endeavors of this congregation 
 to finish the work which was commenced in thy name, 
 and with a view to thy honor and glory. Unto thee we 
 have now dedicated this house. We invoke thy bles- 
 sing upon it. We have set it apart for thy service, and 
 consecrated it to thy glory. Thine own right hand hath 
 planted it. Do thou water it with the dews of heaven, 
 that it may prosper and flourish under thy celestial in- 
 
196 
 
 fluence. Fill it with thy divine presence; cause thy 
 spirit to rest upon it, and overshadow it with the wings 
 of thy merciful visitation. Do thou dwell in the midst 
 of it, that it may be called the mountain of the Lord of 
 Hosts, the habitation of the Holy One, the temple of 
 the Most High. May the gospel be preached in it in its 
 purity. May the ministers, who in thy providence, 
 shall be called to conduct its services, be found faithful. 
 Forbid that its holy ordinances should ever be abused by 
 the unworthy conduct of those who attend them. May 
 all who come up hither to worship God in his holy tem- 
 ple worship him in spirit and in truth. May they be 
 governed by the principles of the gospel of Christ, and fol- 
 low the example of their Saviour. May they exhibit in 
 their daily walk and conversation, the spirit of true reli- 
 gion ; may their hearts be established in the fear of the 
 Lord, and may they love and respect each other as fellow 
 citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. 
 
 From thy celestial abode, look down, we beseech thee, 
 0 Lord, upon this thy dwelling place on earth. We 
 commend it to thy divine care and protection ; preserve 
 it from every danger to which it is exposed ; suffer noth- 
 ing to hurt or destroy it, so as to deprive thy people of 
 the comforts and happiness of meeting together in this 
 thy house, and rendering unto thee, the tribute of their 
 praises and thanksgivings, for the many mercies which thou 
 hast bestowed upon them. May it long continue to 
 stand upon its present foundation, an enduring monu- 
 ment of thine affectionate regard for the place which 
 thou hast chosen for thy residence, and distinguished 
 with thy blessing. 
 
 Be thou in the midst of this congregation, we entreat 
 
197 
 
 thee, O Lord, and grant them thy blessing whenever they 
 shall assemble in this house to worship thee. Whenever 
 they shall come up hither to call upon thy name, may 
 they seek thy divine presence, and draw nigh unto thee 
 with their hearts ; and here wilt thou be found of them 
 in all the glorious perfections of thine adorable character. 
 Here, in thy sacred courts, and in thy holy presence, 
 may they continually offer up their prayers and suppli- 
 cations unto thee ; and here, also, wilt thou be pleased 
 graciously to listen to their entreaties, and grant their 
 humble petitions. Give them grace, at all times to call 
 upon thy name in such a manner as shall be acceptable 
 unto thee. Impress them with a deep sense of their un- 
 worthiness, that they may approach thy sanctuary with 
 that humility and reverence which become us when we 
 enter into thy divine presence ; and when thy people 
 shall assemble in this place, may they witness many glo- 
 rious manifestations of thy power and grace. May many 
 impenitent sinners be awakened by the powerful influ- 
 ence of thy word, and the operations of thy Holy Spirit. 
 May those who have mourned over their sins and trans- 
 gressions, be comforted and consoled by the promises of 
 thy mercy, and may all thy servants that shall be found 
 faithful be encouraged to go on rejoicing in their way, 
 and glorify the God of their salvation. 
 
 Bless, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy church universal. 
 Spread the glorious light of thy ever blessed gospel. 
 Extend thy kingdom through the earth. Increase the 
 number of the faithful, and qualify all the worshippers 
 in thine earthly temples, for an entrance into that build- 
 ing of God, a house not made with hands eternal in the 
 heavens. Amen. 
 17* 
 
198 
 
 2 
 
 After the singing of an appropriate hymn, and the 
 reading if some portions of scripture the officiating min- 
 ister may say : 
 Dearly Beloved, 
 
 Man is a social as well as a moral being ; and the 
 wants and mercies common to all, as well as the express 
 commands of our Maker, prompt us to social acts of de- 
 votion. For their due performance it is necessary, not 
 only that special seasons, but also that particular places 
 should be appropriated. Convenience and utility ob- 
 viously require them ; the erection of them is sanctioned 
 by the divine appointment of the tabernacle and temple 
 under the old dispensation ; the importance of frequent- 
 ing them is enforced by the example our blessed Saviour 
 and the lessons of his apostles ; and the consecration of 
 them to the service of the Most High, or the separation 
 of them from worldly and common uses is desirable, that 
 when we meet together for religious purposes, no thought 
 or emotion may be enkindled by the place, foreign to that 
 momentous object. 
 
 For such a consecration we are now assembled. 
 
 In the name of the congregation by which this build- 
 ing has been reared, we solemnly set it apart and conse- 
 crate it henceforth, for the preaching of the word of 
 God, the administration of the holy sacraments, accord- 
 ing to the rites and usages of the Evangelical Lutheran 
 church, with the title and designation of — (here insert the 
 name of the church) — in the name of the Father, and of 
 the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 We dedicate it to the honor of Almighty God, our 
 
199 
 
 heavenly Father, we dedicate it to the perpetuation and 
 extension of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the only Begot- 
 ten of the Father, the Enlightener and Redeemer of 
 men ; we dedicate it to the influences of his Spirit, the 
 Spirit of truth and holiness ; and we beseech Almighty 
 God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that he may render 
 his word and gospel, through the convicting, enlighten- 
 ing, justifying and sanctifying influences of the Holy 
 Spirit, efficacious to the salvation of sinners, and the ed- 
 ification and advancement in all the Christian graces of 
 faithful believers in Jesus Christ. 
 
 And we entreat you who are present, to unite with us 
 in devoutly looking up with us to the throne of grace, 
 for these and all other needful blessings. 
 
 Let us pray. — 
 
 Thou art worthy, 0 Lord, to receive glory and honor, 
 for thou hast created all things, and by thee they are con- 
 stantly supported and upheld. Great and marvellous are 
 thy works, Lord God Almighty ! just and true are thy 
 ways, thou King of saints ! Who shall not fear thee 
 and glorify thy name ? for thou only art holy. All na- 
 tions shall come and worship before thee ; for thy judg- 
 ments are made manifest. 
 
 The heavens, yea, the heaven of heavens cannot con- 
 tain thee : yet adored be thy name that thou art inviting 
 us to communion with thyself, the everlasting fountain 
 of light, love, and joy. Adored be thy name, that it is 
 life eternal to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus 
 Christ, whom thou hast sent. Adored be thy name, that 
 thy service is perfect freedom, and that in keeping thy 
 commandments there is a great reward. 
 
 Accept our thanks, Parent of mercies, for disposing 
 
200 
 
 thy servants to erect this house for thine honor and the 
 edification of immortal souls. Accept the consecration 
 of it to thy service, to the religion of Jesus Christ thy 
 Son, to the operation of thy Holy Spirit. Look down 
 in mercy upon this sanctuary, to protect it from every 
 danger ; and upon all who shall assemble here from time 
 to time, to gladden them with thy blissful presence. Ac- 
 complish in their behalf, O Lord, thy promise to dwell in 
 the midst of them, that thou mayst be their God, and 
 that they may be thy people. May they always enter 
 thy sanctuary with reverence, and never leave it without 
 a blessing. And whatsoever they here do in word or 
 deed, may they do it in the name of the Lord Jesus. 
 
 Grant, O God, that all who shall in this place be re- 
 ceived into Christ's church by baptism, may become and 
 continue his true disciples ; and that all who shall here 
 confirm the vows made at their baptism, may fulfil the 
 same to the end of their lives. 
 
 Grant, O God, that all who shall in this place com- 
 memorate the death of thy Son, who loved us and gave 
 himself for us, may approach his table with a Christian 
 temper of mind, habitually adorn their profession, and 
 rejoice in the blessings of the everlasting covenant. 
 
 Grant, 0 God, that whenever thy word shall here be 
 read and preached, it may be delivered in its purity and 
 power, be received into good and honest hearts, and be 
 rendered by thy mighty aid, productive of the fruits of 
 righteousness and godliness. 
 
 Grant, O God, that all who shall within these walls 
 show forth thy praise, give thee thanks for thy mercies, 
 confess to thee their sins, and supplicate thy favors for 
 themselves and their fellow-men, may worship thee in 
 
201 
 
 spirit and truth, obtain from thee forgiveness and accep- 
 tance, rely upon thee with unwavering confidence, and 
 go hence persuaded, that this is indeed a house of God 
 and a gate of heaven. 
 
 "Save now, O Lord, we beseech thee; send now 
 prosperity. Let thy work appear unto- thy servants, thy 
 glory unto their children ; and let the beauty of the Lord 
 our God be upon us." And, "being built upon the 
 foundation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ 
 himself the chief corner-stone, may we now grow unto 
 a holy temple in the Lord ; and finally, by thy grace, be 
 received into that temple not made with hands, in which 
 everlasting hallelujahs ascend to thee. Amen. 
 
 Portions of scripture, proper to be read on such an 
 occasion, you will find in 1 Kings viii. 22 — 62. — 
 Psalm xxiv. Psalm lxxxiv. John iv. 3 — 26. Acts 
 xvii. 16 — 31. Colossians iii. Hebrews x. 
 
 Then follows the dedication sermon, and services are 
 concluded in the usual manner. 
 
 13. A FORM FOR THE ORDINATION OF A MINISTER- 
 
 The act of ordination is usually performed either on 
 Synodical occasions or in the congregation, where the 
 ordinandus is to officiate. But wherever performed, 
 an ordination sermon is first to be preached, a suitable 
 hymn is then sung, and a charge given to the ordinan- 
 dus by the President of the Ministerium, or the senior 
 minister of the committee, appointed according to our 
 Synodical constitution, chap. ii. art. 12, and chap, x 
 art. 2. 
 
202 
 
 Selections from scripture may then be read : John x. 
 1—16, Acts xx. 17—32, Eph. iv. 1—21, 1 Tim. i. 
 1 — 14, or 1 Tim. i. 18 — ii.ch. 15v., or iii. chap. 1 — 7, 
 chap. vi. 11, Thou, 0 man of God flee all evil things, &c. 
 v21, 2 Tim. i. 6 — 14 (omitting a few phrases which refer 
 to the peculiar situation of Paul and Timothy,) 2 Tim. 
 ii. 1 — 28 chap. iii. v. 14 to chap. iv. 5, Titus ii. 1 — 15. 
 
 After the reading of the Scripture the following 
 prayer may be used. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, the Father of lights, 
 from whom cometh every good and perfect gift ! we, 
 thine unworthy servants would praise and magnify the 
 riches of thy grace, in the ample provision thou hast 
 made for our instruction and improvement, and especial- 
 ly in the glorious gospel of thy Son, Jesus Christ. Vv'c 
 rejoice, that the great salvation which at first began to 
 be spoken by the Lord, was conflrmed unto the world by 
 them that heard him, thou thyself bearing them witness 
 with signs and wonders, and gifts of the Holy Ghost. 
 "VVe thank thee for the diffusion and establishment of 
 Christianity ; for all its triumphs over error and vice ; 
 for all the benefits it has conferred upon individuals and 
 communities. We bless thee, that in thy good provi- 
 dence thou hast raised up in every age, and art still rais- 
 ing up, pastors and teachers, for the defence and propa- 
 gation of the truth as it is in Jesus, for the direction of 
 the offices of social worship, and for the promotion of 
 the influence of religion and virtue. And we beseech 
 thee, O Lord, to sanctify and govern thy church by thy 
 word; to extend it to earth's remotest bounds; to send 
 forth more labourers into thy harvest ; to communicate a 
 divine energy to all who minister in holy things ; and to 
 
203 
 
 help all who call themselves Christians to increase con- 
 tinually in faith, hope and charity. Be merciful unto us, 
 afld bless us, and cause thy face to shine upon us. Let 
 thy way be known upon earth, thy saving health among 
 all nations. Let the people praise thee, O Lord ; yea* 
 let all the people praise thee. Amen. 
 
 The ordaining minister, after this, or any other suit* 
 able prayer, lays the following questions before the 
 caniliate: 
 
 1. Do you firmly believe the Scriptures of the Old 
 and New Testament to be the word of God, the only in- 
 fallible rule of faith and practice, and the power of God 
 unto salvation, to every one that believeth ? 
 
 2. Are you determined to study these holy Scriptures 
 with diligence and fidelity, to make them the directoiy of 
 your own faith and practice, from them to derive the re- 
 ligious instruction you shall dispense to others ; to 
 teach nothing but what you are persuaded may be proved 
 from them ; to conduct public worship, and to administer 
 the sacraments according to the institutions contained in 
 this word of God ? and in short do you promise faithful- 
 ly and zealously to preach the truths of the gospel of our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as they are contained in 
 the Holy Scriptures ? 
 
 3. Are you resolved, to apply yourself to those studies 
 and means, which if prayerfully used, may further pre- 
 pare you for the ministry, and assist you in the discharge 
 of its duties ; to maintain an exemplary walk and conver- 
 sation in a godly, righteous and sober life ; to live in har- 
 mony with your brethren, in peace with your fellow 
 christians in general, and in good will towards all man- 
 kind ? 
 
204 
 
 4. Do you believe, that in seeking the ministerial of- 
 fice you are not influenced by temporal considerations 
 and advantages, but by a sincere love of Gocl, your Sa- 
 viour, and a desire to promote his glory and his kingdom 
 among men ? 
 
 5. Do you promise by the aid of God, faithfully to 
 perform all the duties enjoined in the constitution, 
 and submit to the rules, government and discipline of the 
 church so long as you may remain a member of this Sy- 
 nod ? 
 
 Satisfactory answers having been made to these ques- 
 tions, the President of the Ministerium, or the ordain- 
 ing 1 minister shall pronounce the ordinandus invested 
 with the office of a minister of the gospel in the follow- 
 ing words : 
 
 In the name and with the consent of the Mnisterium 
 of this Synod, I pronounce you to be invested with the 
 office of a minister of the gospel, to feed the Church of 
 Christ with the word of life, to dispense to its members 
 the ordinances of the Saviour, so call sinners to repent- 
 ance, to bind up the broken-hearted and to encourage the 
 believer, to press toward the mark of his calling in Christ 
 Jesus. 
 
 After which the President and some of the elder clcr- 
 gynien, selected by him for that purpose, lay their 
 hands on the head of the candidate, while the President 
 offers up the following prayer, or any other of a similar 
 tenor. 
 
 O most merciful God, our heavenly Father, the protec- 
 tor of them that trust in thee, the rewarder of all that 
 diligently seek thee ; without whom nothing is strong, 
 nothing is holy ! we beseech thee graciously to behold 
 
205 
 
 this thy servant, now set apart for the momentous office 
 of a minister of thy gospel, and a pastor in thy church, 
 and to enrich him with all the gifts necessary to the right 
 performance of the same. 
 
 Let it please thee to impress his soul with just views 
 of that religion which he is bound to recommend to oth- 
 ers, in all its momentous facts, heavenly doctrines, right- 
 eous statutes, awakening motives, and encouraging prom- 
 ises ; and with a deep sense of that solemn account of 
 his stewardship, which thou wilt hereafter demand from 
 him. Pour out upon him more and more, we pray thee, 
 the spirit of wisdom, purity, and power ; and animate 
 his heart with entire devotion to thy service, with ardent 
 attachment to his Master, Jesus Christ, with generous 
 concern for the souls of men. Command thy blessing 
 on his private studies and public labors ; that he may ap- 
 prove himself an able minister of the New Covenant, a 
 workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the 
 word of truth. Assist him to take heed unto himself, 
 that he may maintain an amiable and useful character in 
 every relation, and be supremely solicitous to commend 
 himself to thee, regarding it as a very small thing to be 
 judged of men. Vouchsafe to support him amidst the 
 toils, difficulties and dangers, to which he shall be called ; 
 to cheer him with the affectionate regards of the people 
 with whom he shall be united ; and to comfort him by 
 the expectation of that glorious recompense, which the 
 chief Shepherd of thy flock shall bestow upon his faith- 
 ful followers. Prosper him we entreat thee, in every en- 
 deavour to train up the young in the nurture and admoni- 
 tion of the Lord ; to turn the ignorant and the wicked 
 
 from the error of their ways to the wisdom of the just; 
 18 
 
206 
 
 to establish the well-disposed in piety, virtue and peace, 
 and to impart the sweet consolations of the gospel to all 
 that are in sorrow and affliction. Should any of his ef- 
 forts fail to be successful, preserve him, 0 Lord, from be- 
 ing wearied and faint in thy cause. And at the second 
 coming of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to judge the world, 
 may it please thee, to give him many as the crown of 
 his rejoicing, and to unite him in heavenly places with 
 all those who shall shine as the brightness of the firma- 
 ment, and as the stars for ever and ever. Grant it, O 
 most merciful God, we beseech thee, for thy goodness' 
 sake, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. 
 Amen. 
 
 The hand of fellowship is then given by the minis- 
 ters present to the ordained minister, and if the ordina- 
 tion is performed in the congregation, in the charge of 
 that minister, one of the elder clerical brethren exhi- 
 bits to said congregation the duties which they owe to 
 the pastor of their choice. Jtfter which a suitable 
 hymn and the benediction close the service* 
 
 14. A FORM FOR THE INAUGURATION OF THE 
 RULING OFFICERS OF A CHURCH. 
 
 N. B. The Lutheran churches in this country, although 
 united in Synods, having, independently of each other, 
 framed such regulations as each judged most expedient 
 and necessary for its own government, do not entirely 
 agree in the names and powers of their rulers ; and hence, 
 only the general appellation, "ruling officers, " is used in 
 this form. 
 
207 
 
 The minister, having presented the thanks of the 
 congregation to those officers whose term of service had 
 expired, and having published the names of those duly 
 elected agreeably to the constitution of the church, may 
 deliver the following or any similar address : 
 Mv Christian Friends, 
 
 Order is the soul of every religious, as well as civil 
 society; and the strictest order is compatible with free- 
 dom of conscience. A congregation cannot conduct the 
 solemnities of public worship with propriety, without 
 confusion, and to its own edification, or carry on its out- 
 ward affairs with success, unless some persons are ap- 
 pointed to rule according to prescribed laws. Even in 
 the time of the apostles, churches were not only provided 
 with regular teachers, but each of them was also placed 
 under the care of particular inspectors, whose office it 
 was to secure and promote its prosperity. 
 
 The same duty is incumbent upon "the Council" of 
 this church. They are to take care, that "all things be 
 done decently and in order;" that the service of God's 
 house be performed in a manner corresponding with the 
 importance of this object, and the purity and simplicity 
 of the gospel; that the necessary instruction, consolation, 
 and excitement to the practice of godliness and virtue, be 
 afforded to the young and the old; and that Christian 
 morals be cultivated and preserved among the members 
 of the congregation. They are bound to endeavor to re- 
 store such as are overtaken in a fault, in the spirit of 
 meekness; to admonish and warn open offenders; and, 
 if necessary, to reprove them with the utmost serious- 
 ness, with a view to recover them from the error of their 
 ways. They are to be particularly solicitous to prevent 
 
208 
 
 litigation and strife, to bring about a speedy reconciliation 
 between contending parties, to relieve the poor, and to 
 encourage and spread as much as possible a spirit of har- 
 mony, friendship, and brotherly love among all who are 
 connected with this society. And they are to employ all 
 proper means at the same time, for advancing the exter- 
 nal welfare of the church, and for increasing its ability to 
 give assistance to similar institutions, and to aid others in 
 the diffusion of the divine word. 
 
 Hie officers elect standing before the altar, the minis- 
 ter says to them: 
 
 These, my brethren, are the chief duties which you 
 have been chosen to fulfil. That the congregation may 
 be certified of your willingness to discharge them, I ask 
 you, in the presence of God and of your fellow-worship- 
 pers, whether you heartily believe in the truth of the 
 Christian religion? whether you are persuaded that you 
 are lawfully called to the service of the church? and 
 whether you are determined to administer its government 
 according to the rules of its constitution, and the spirit 
 and precepts of the gospel ? If this be your conviction 
 and determination, please to announce it by answering — 
 Yes. 
 
 Upon this your promise, I do hereby pronounce you 
 to be invested with the office to which you have been 
 elected, and give you, in the name of the congregation, 
 the right hand of Christian fellowship and love. 
 
 Let us pray. 
 
 Almighty God, our heavenly Father! we offer unto 
 thee our united and thankful acknowledgments that thou 
 hast been pleased to introduce, to extend, and to support 
 the kingdom ot thy Son Christ Jesus on earth, and that 
 
209 
 
 the gates of hell have not been able to prevail against it. 
 We praise thee that we, whose ancestors were afar off, 
 have been brought to the glorious light of thy gospel. 
 We praise thee for the ministry of reconciliation, for the 
 ordinances of thy house, for the comfort, joy, and im- 
 provement, which thou hast been pleased to bestow upon 
 us in the exercises of public worship. And we beseech 
 thee, O thou God of all grace ! to continue to us these 
 inestimable privileges, and to help us to make a wise and 
 constant use of them. Grant that thy word may be 
 preached among us in its purity ; and that all thy people 
 may be disposed to hear it with attention, to receive it 
 with affection, and to bring forth abundantly the fruits of 
 righteousness. Forbid that any root of bitterness should 
 spring up to trouble us. Enable us, whenever we as- 
 semble in this house of prayer, to meet together with one 
 accord, to praise thee with gladness and singleness of 
 heart, and to continue steadfastly in brotherly fellowship. 
 If any of us are held in the bonds of iniquity: we pray 
 thee, O Lord, to break the fetters of sin, and to set the 
 prisoners free. If any of us are penitent for their errors 
 and transgressions : we pray thee to perfect and console 
 them. If any of us are sincerely devoted to thee : we 
 pray thee to make them faithful, and to fill them with 
 peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Instruct and guide 
 our youth in the path of innocence, that, as they grow 
 in stature, they may grow in grace and in favor with thee 
 and with men ; and let the hoary head be found in the 
 ways of righteousness. We implore thy blessing, espe- 
 cially, for thy servants, who have been called, in thy Pro- 
 vidence, to direct the concerns of this part of thy church. 
 Give them, we beseech thee, a large measure of the 
 18* 
 
210 
 
 Spirit of thy Son, the spirit of understanding and wis- 
 dom, the spirit of piety and virtue, the spirit of benevo- 
 lence and charity. Eeplenish them with an enlightened 
 and active zeal for the happiness of their brethren. Assist 
 them to discharge their obligations with alacrity, patience, 
 and firmness; and let all their consultations, influenced 
 and governed by Christian love, tend to thy glory and the 
 happiness of thy people. Help them to shine as lights 
 before men, to be exemplary in their families, exemplary 
 in their public walk and conversation, exemplary in their 
 observance of religious duties, exemplary in the perfor- 
 mance of every Christian office. While they study to 
 approve themselves to thee, may they be honored and 
 esteemed by those for whom they labor, and rejoice in 
 the assurance that their work is not in vain in the Lord. 
 And, finally, grant that they and we all, being built upon 
 the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ 
 himself being the chief corner-stone, may become a holy 
 temple unto thee. 
 
 Hear us, 0 God, of thine infinite mercy, in these our 
 petitions, which we offer up in the name of thy Son ; 
 and thine be all the glory and praise now and evermore. 
 Amen. 
 
 15. THE SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY. 
 
 When the persons to be married are assembled with 
 their friends, the minister addresses them, saying: 
 Dearly Beloved: 
 
 We are gathered together here, in the sight of God, 
 and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together 
 
211 
 
 this man and this woman in holy matrimony ; which was 
 instituted of God himself for the happiness of mankind; 
 which is commended in his word as an honorable state ; 
 and which is, therefore, not to be entered into uadvisedly 
 or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, and in 
 the fear of God. 
 
 And also, speaking to the persons who are to be mar- 
 ried, he may say : 
 
 I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the 
 dreadful day of judgment, when the secrets of all hearts 
 shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impedi- 
 ment, why you may not be lawfully united in matrimony, 
 ye do now confess it. For be you well assured, that if 
 any persons are joined together otherwise than God's 
 word allows, their marriage is not lawful. 
 
 If no impediment is alleged, the minister asks the 
 man, 
 
 N. Do you take this woman to your wedded wife, to 
 live together after God's ordinance in the state of matri- 
 mony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep 
 her as a faithful Christian husband is bound to do, in 
 health and sickness, in prosperity and adversity; and, 
 forsaking all others, keep you only unto her, so long as 
 you both shall live ? 
 
 Ans. Yes. 
 
 The minister then asks the woman, 
 
 N. Do you take this man to your wedded husband, to 
 live together after God's ordinance in the state of matri- 
 mony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and 
 keep him, as a faithful Christian wife is bound to do, in 
 health and sickness, in prosperity and adversity; and, 
 
212 
 
 forsaking all others, keep you only unto him, so long as 
 you both live ? 
 Ans. Yes. 
 
 Then the minister, joining their right hands togeth- 
 er, may say: 
 
 Those whom God hath joined together let no man put 
 asunder. 
 
 Forasmuch as N. and N. have consented together in 
 wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and 
 this company ; I pronounce that they are man and wife. 
 
 Let us pray. 
 
 O Eternal God, the Creator and Preserver of all man- 
 kind, the giver of all spiritual grace, the author of ever- 
 lasting life : we would acknowledge thee in all our ways, 
 and devoutly implore thy direction and blessing. We 
 adore thee as the source of our benevolent affections, and 
 of all our social satisfactions and comforts. We praise 
 thee that thou hast ordained for us domestic institutions. 
 And we beseech thee to behold with thy favor and to 
 bless these thy servants, who have now entered into the 
 closest and tenderest of all earthly connections. Help 
 them to fulfil with fidelity the vow and covenant which 
 they have made in thy presence ; that the relation in which 
 they stand to each other, may not be to them a state of 
 temptation and sorrow, but of holiness, joy, and perfect 
 indissoluble friendship. Give them grace to overlook 
 each other's infirmities, to cherish a due regard for each 
 other's opinions and feelings, to be just to each other's 
 virtues and good intentions, to improve each other's un- 
 derstanding and heart, and to travel together hand in hand 
 the road which leads to heaven and thee. Enable them, 
 by persevering affection, by a worthy deportment, and by 
 
213 
 
 united devotions, to soften to each other the unavoidable 
 cares of life, to alleviate its sorrows, to increase its inno- 
 cent enjoyments, and to edify their friends and all around 
 them. Prosper, we beseech thee, their useful worldly 
 pursuits, if thine infinite wisdom perceives this to be 
 good for them ; and, should they be visited with afflic- 
 tion, let them find a never-failing Friend and Supporter 
 in thee. And, having been pious, virtuous, and happy 
 in their connection here on earth, may they be at last 
 united in the realms of everlasting love and bliss, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 16. THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD. 
 
 It is customary for the minister to make a short and 
 suitable address to the family and others who join the 
 procession, at the grave, in the church or at the house 
 of the deceased. After the corpse is laid in the grave 
 the minister may make use of the following form. 
 
 Man, who is born of a 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 succour, but of thee, 0 Lord, who for our 
 sins art justly displeased? 
 
 Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty, O 
 holy and most merciful Saviour 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 
 
214 
 
 most holy, 0 God most mighty, O holy and merciful Sa- 
 viour, thou most worthy Judge eternal, suffer us not, at 
 our last hour, for any pains of death, to fall from thee. 
 
 To this prayer the minister may add any other which 
 he shall judge proper ; or he may, at his discretion, use 
 one of the following prayers. 
 
 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 
 burthen of the flesh, are in joy and felicity : we give 
 thee hearty thanks for the good examples of all those 
 thy servants, who, having finished their course in faith 
 do now rest from their labors. And we beseech thee, that 
 we, with all who have loved and served thee, may have 
 our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and 
 soul, in thine everlasting glory through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 O merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 who is the resurrection and the life ; in whom whosoever 
 believeth shall live, though he die ; who also hath taught 
 us by his holy apostle St. Paul, not to be sorry as men 
 without hope, for those who sleep in him ; we humbly 
 beseech thee, O Father, to raise us up from the death of 
 sin unto the life of righteousness ; that when we shall 
 depart this life, we may rest in him ; and that at the gen- 
 eral resurrection in the last day, we may be found accep- 
 table 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 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 Mediator and Redeemer. 
 Amen. 
 
215 
 
 Eternal and unchangeable God, by whose Providence 
 we have been called to witness this instance of mortality, 
 and in whose hand is the life of every human being : enable 
 us, we beseech thee, to lay to heart the serious lessons, 
 which are now addressed to us. Teach us so to number 
 our days, that we may apply ourselves unto wisdom, set 
 our affections upon the things which are above, perform 
 without delay the great work which thou hast given us 
 to do, live by the faith of thy Son, and habitually look 
 forward to his second coming. Comfort and support 
 the spirits of thy servants, who mourn over this afflicting 
 dispensation. Let their hearts be stayed upon thee, and 
 rejoice in the precious discoveries of thy word. And 
 let them find by their own experience, that all things 
 Work together for good to them that love thee. Amen. 
 
 Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God, in his 
 wise Providence, to take out of this world the soul of 
 our deceased brother (sister) 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, who shall raise his followers to the partici- 
 pation of his own happiness and glory in heaven. 
 
 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God* 
 and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all 
 evermore. Amen. 
 
PRAYERS 
 
 FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES. 
 
 1 
 
 PRAYER FOR THE LORD'S-DAY MORNING. 
 
 Almighty God, the Father of our spirits, who art good 
 to all thy creatures ; unto thee would we lift up our souls, 
 and magnify thy name together. 
 
 Thou hast made us, and not we ourselves ; we are thy 
 people, and the children of thy family. We will serve 
 thee with gladness, and come into thy presence with 
 thanksgiving. 
 
 Thine is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, 
 and the majesty. Every conceivable perfection centres 
 in thy character. The earth is full of thy goodness ; in 
 thee we live, and move, and have our being. Through 
 the care of thy Providence we continue to this day. It 
 is of thy mercies that we are not consumed ; they are 
 new every morning ; great is thy faithfulness. We have 
 slept in safety, and are risen in peace, for thou hast sus- 
 tained us. We rejoice in thy Providence, and give thanks 
 unto thee with our whole hearts. 
 
 While we praise thee, heavenly Father, for the light 
 of the sun, we would bless thee, more especially, for the 
 light of the gospel of Christ Jesus, the Sun of righteous- 
 ness. We bless thee, that we are called to be his disci- 
 ples and partakers of his resurrection and glory. We 
 
217 
 
 bless thee, that, notwithstanding our unworlhiness, thou 
 hast still continued unto us the means of true religion, 
 and dost from time to time permit us to unite with our 
 brethren in the public services of thy house. We bless 
 thee for the return of this day of sacred rest, and we de- 
 sire to spend it in the performance of those duties for 
 which it is set apart. Help us, we beseech thee, to at- 
 tend with earnestness to the things that concern our ever- 
 lasting peace. Grant that all our sentiments, words, and 
 actions may be holy and unblamable in thy sight. Di- 
 rect us in our private meditations and in the study of thy 
 word. Fill us with the spirit of devotion in the society 
 of our fellow-worshippers, and open our minds to the 
 truths which may be proposed to us from the sacred ora- 
 cles of revelation. By attending upon the ordinances of 
 religion this day, may we grow wiser and better, more 
 pure and holy, more meek and humble, more resigned 
 and thankful, and more heartily disposed to follow Christ, 
 and to keep his commandments. 
 
 Merciful God, we beseech thee to communicate the 
 happiness, which we enjoy as men and Christians, to all 
 our brethren. Comfort those, who are bowed down by 
 want or sorrow. Let this be a day of improvement and 
 holy pleasure to every congregation of those who pro- 
 fess the name of thy Son. Enlighten and cheer the 
 minds, and prosper the labors of all the ministers of thy 
 word. Cause thy name to be known in all the earth, 
 and let the whole world be filled with thy glory, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 19 
 
218 
 
 2. 
 
 PRAYER FOR THE LORD'S DAY EVENING. 
 
 Father of mercies, by whose goodness we have been 
 preserved, we come before thee to acknowledge the riches 
 of thy grace. Thy name is excellent; thy works are 
 marvellous; in thy favor there is life; and much peace 
 have they who love thy laws. We thank thee for all the 
 happiness of our lives, for the stores of nature, for the 
 advantages of society, for the comforts of friendship, and 
 for the satisfactions which flow from our domestic rela- 
 tions. We thank thee for every opportunity of improv- 
 ing our mental faculties, for the inestimable discoveries 
 and hopes of thy gospel, and for the appointment of pub- 
 lic worship. We thank thee for the blessings bestowed 
 upon us this sacred day. We are ashamed to reflect, 
 with how little ardor we engage in thy work, and ac- 
 knowledge before thee our manifold errors and sins. 
 Thou pure and perfect Spirit, forgive of thine infinite 
 compassion any distraction of mind or coldness of affec- 
 tion, which may have attended the discharge of our 
 religious duties ; and assist us to love thee more and to 
 serve thee better in the time to come. Preserve us from 
 being; satisfied with the form of godliness. Whatever 
 seeds of truth may have fallen into our hearts, grant that 
 they may take deep root and be abundantly fruitful. By 
 the lessons we have learnt, prepare us for resuming and 
 prosecuting our worldly employments with a becoming 
 frame of mind ; and help us to pass through every future 
 scene of life under the guidance of Christian principles. 
 
 Whilst thou shalt see fit to continue us in this world, 
 it is our earnest desire and steadfast resolution to answer 
 
219 
 
 the ends for which thou hast made us. In the presence 
 of each other, and before thee the all-seeing witness and 
 judge, we do at this time form the most serious purpose to 
 guard against all vicious appetites and passions, to behave 
 with fidelity, prudence, and kindness towards one another, 
 to be diligent in the business of our several stations, to per- 
 form every social office with conscientious care, and to 
 remember the account which we must render unto thee 
 for our deportment here. 
 
 Strengthen us by thy Spirit, O God, in this resolution. 
 Protect us this night against the dangers to which we 
 may be exposed. And, when death shall be our lot, 
 enable us to observe its approach with composure, and 
 receive us into thy presence where there is fulness of joy, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 S. 
 
 PRATER FOR MONDAY MORNING. 
 
 0 thou Creator, Governor, and supporter of men ! 
 thou dwellest in light, and art the father of lights. Grate- 
 ful for the care which thou hast exercised over us during 
 the night past, we would cheerfully submit ourselves to 
 thy guidance through the day upon which we have en- 
 tered. Keep us in thy faith and fear, and secure us from 
 every evil of soul and body. Impress on our hearts a 
 solemn sense of thy universal presence. Preserve us 
 from any snares which may lie in our way, and espe- 
 cially from the sins which most easily beset us. Pre- 
 pare us for new occurrences, whether prosperous or 
 adverse, and quicken us in the discharge of every obliga- 
 
220 
 
 tion. Let not continued peace and comfort make us 
 forgetful of thee, or corrupt our minds. 
 
 Thou prolongest our lives, that we may attain more 
 and more the true end of life. May this day witness 
 some improvement in knowledge, piety, and virtue. May 
 it witness our diligence in that occupation, to which thou 
 callest us. We desire and purpose to keep our con- 
 sciences void of offence : but the experience which we 
 have had of our frailty makes us diffident of our strength. 
 Our confidence is in thy power to confirm our faith and 
 invigorate our obedience. We implore thine aid, that 
 we may run in the way of thy commandments. Smile 
 on our endeavors after righteousness and usefulness. 
 Teach us to feel the whole value of our days on earth ; 
 and when they shall be finished, vouchsafe to receive us 
 into the light and bliss of thy glorious presence, through 
 Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 4. 
 
 PRAYER FOR MONDAY EVENING. 
 
 O thou infinitely great and adorable Majesty of heaven 
 and earth! thou art ever present to all thy creatures. 
 Thou knowest our down-sitting and our up-rising ; thou 
 compassest our path and our lying down, and art ac- 
 quainted with all our ways. 
 
 Preserver of men ! at the close of another day, we 
 would render unto thee our thanks for all the mercies, 
 by which our lives have been supported and rendered 
 happy. Thy sun has cheered us with its rays, thine air 
 has fanned the spark of life within us, and by thy good- 
 
221 
 
 ness we have been fed with food convenient for us. In 
 grateful confidence of thy mercies, we will now lay our- 
 selves down in peace ; assured, that, if it be thy will, we 
 shall sleep in safety, and rise on another morning with 
 renewed health and vigor. Forgive the transgressions of 
 the past day and of all past time. Whatever has been 
 irregular in our dispositions, whatever we have done 
 which we ought not to have done, or omitted which we 
 ought to have performed, be pleased mercifully to par- 
 don ; and grant that our circumspection in future may be 
 increased. 
 
 Hitherto thou hast helped us, provided for our necessi- 
 ties, and crowned our lives with loving kindness. Truly 
 our hope is in thee, and under the shadow of thy wings 
 will we put our trust. We dedicate ourselves unto thee 
 as our God and guide through life, our support and com- 
 fort in death, and after death our everlasting portion and 
 felicity. Let thy goodness continue to follow us; and 
 enable us to express our thankfulness by a growing holi- 
 ness and resemblance of thee. 
 
 Holy Watchman of thy people, who dost never slum- 
 ber nor sleep ; thou King eternal, immortal and invisible ! 
 unto thee be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 5. 
 
 PRAYER FOR TUESDAY MORNING. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, we thy needy crea- 
 tures render thee our humble praise for thy preservation 
 of us from the beginning of our lives to this day, and 
 especially" for having delivered us from the dangers of 
 19* 
 
222 
 
 the past night. To thy watchful providence we owe it, 
 that we have been kept in safety, and that no disturbance 
 hath come nigh our dwelling. For these thy mercies 
 we bless and praise thee, beseeching thee to accept this 
 morning sacrifice. And since it is of thy goodness, O 
 gracious Father, that our existence is prolonged; we 
 here devote both our bodies and souls to thy service, in 
 a godly, righteous, and sober life. Strengthen us, we 
 beseech thee, in this resolution ; that, as we grow in age, 
 we may grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord 
 and Saviour Jesus Christ. Have compassion, we pray 
 thee, on our infirmities ; and give us the constant assist- 
 ance of thy Holy Spirit, that we may be effectually 
 restrained from sin and excited to our duty. Imprint 
 upon our hearts such a dread of thy displeasure, such a 
 remembrance of the great day of judgment, and such a 
 grateful sense of thy goodness to us, as may make us 
 both afraid and ashamed to offend thee. Keep us tem- 
 perate in our enjoyments and diligent in our callings, 
 just and upright in our dealings, peaceable, compas- 
 sionate, and ready to do good to all men. Direct us in 
 all our ways ; prosper the work of our hands ; defend us 
 from calamities and sufferings ; or, if thou shalt be 
 pleased to visit us with them, enable us to bear them 
 with patience, and to be contented with our condition. 
 These things, and whatever else is necessary and good 
 for us, we implore, with humble reliance upon thine 
 infinite clemency in Christ Jesus our Mediator and Re- 
 deemer. Amen. 
 
223 
 
 6. 
 
 PRAYER FOR TUESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Most merciful God, who art of purer eyes than to 
 behold iniquity, and hast promised forgiveness to all 
 those who confess and forsake their sins ; we come be- 
 fore thee sensible of our own unworthiness, and acknow- 
 ledge our numerous transgressions of thy righteous laws. 
 Look upon us, we beseech thee, with compassion ; par- 
 don, of thy free grace, all our errors and sins ; give us 
 proper views of the great evil of them ; amend the tem- 
 pers and dispositions of our souls ; and cleanse us from 
 all vicious thoughts, unlawful designs, and inordinate 
 desires. May we never suffer the sun to go down upon 
 our wrath, but always retire to our rest in peace, charity, 
 and good-will, with a conscience void of offence towards 
 thee and towards men. 
 
 Accept, O Lord, our intercessions foi all mankind. 
 Be gracious unto thy church ; let the light of thy gospel 
 shine upon all nations ; bless all in authority over us ; 
 do good to our relations, friends, and neighbors ; reward 
 our benefactors ; pardon those who have done or wish 
 us evil, and give them better minds ; be merciful to all 
 who are in any trouble; and do thou, the God of pity, 
 minister to their several necessities. 
 
 Receive our thanks, great God, for our being, our rea- 
 son, our health, our friends, our food, our raiment, and 
 all the other comforts and conveniences of life. Above 
 all, we adore thy mercy in sending thine only Son to 
 redeem us from sin and eternal death, and to give us the 
 knowledge of our duty to thee. We bless thee for thy 
 patience with us, notwithstanding our many and great 
 
224 
 
 provocations; for all the directions, assistances, and com- 
 forts of thy Holy Spirit; and for all thy benefits and 
 favors. Continue them to us, we beseech thee ; and 
 give us grace to shew our thankfulness by sincere obe- 
 dience to thy laws. 
 
 Defend us this night from all dangers and mischiefs, 
 and bestow on us such refreshing sleep as may fit us for 
 the duties of the following day, if it shall please thee to 
 prolong our lives. Make us ever mindful of the time 
 when we shall lie down in the dust; and grant us grace 
 always to live in such a manner, that we may never be 
 afraid to die. Whether living or dying, may we be thine, 
 through the mediation of thy Son Jesus Christ, in whose 
 name we offer up these our imperfect prayers. Amen. 
 
 7. 
 
 PRAYER FOR WEDNESDAY MORNING. 
 
 Lord God Almighty, we will praise thee with our 
 whole hearts, and shew forth thy goodness to the chil- 
 dren of men. 
 
 Thou hast placed the sun and the moon in the hea- 
 vens, to give light upon the earth, and to rule over the 
 day and the night. All creatures wait upon thee, and 
 thou givest them their meat in due season. 
 
 Thou hast preserved us and provided for us in the 
 helpless state of infancy, and guided us in the dangerous 
 paths of youth. Thou hast supplied our daily wants, 
 and brought us to the present moment in peace and 
 safety. Through the darkness of the night, thine eye 
 
225 
 
 nas been upon us ; and we appear before thee this morn- 
 ing", surrounded with the gifts of thy bounty. 
 
 Accept, 0 merciful Father, our unfeigned thanksgiv- 
 ings for these, and for all our spiritual blessings ; and 
 help us so to improve and apply them, that we may be 
 happy in thy favor, both in this world, and that which is 
 to come. 
 
 May we be in thy fear all the day long, serve thee 
 with pure affection, and enjoy the good things of life in 
 innocence. In our domestic relations, may we be all of 
 one mind, love as brethren, and live in peace; that thou, 
 the God of peace and love, mayest be with us. May all 
 holy dispositions be established in our souls, and our 
 lives be adorned with all good actions. May we rejoice 
 habitually in thy government, and in the hope of thine 
 approbation ; and finally be received into thine everlast- 
 ing kingdom, through thy grace in thy blessed Son, our 
 Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 §. 
 
 PRAYER FOR WEDNESDAY EVENING. 
 
 O most merciful and gracious God ! we thy servants 
 present ourselves before thee, this evening, to render 
 thanks unto thee for all thy mercies, to confess our sins, 
 to renew our good resolutions, and to commend ourselves 
 to the care of thy Providence. 
 
 Blessed be thy name for all the powers, supports, and 
 enjoyments of our nature; for all our opportunities of 
 securing happiness ; for our advantages as the disciples 
 of thy Son, for his doctrines, precepts, example, surfer- 
 
226 
 
 ings, and resurrection. Great is thy goodness to us and 
 to all the children of men ; and we confess, that we are 
 not worthy of the mercies which we have received at 
 thy hands. In many things, we have all offended. Thou 
 knowest our follies, and our sins are not hidden from 
 thee. We acknowledge them with sorrow and penitence ; 
 we desire to walk before thee in newness of life ; and 
 we beseech thee, who despisest not a contrite heart, to 
 pardon all our iniquities and to be merciful unto us. 
 
 Teach us, O God, to discern between good and evil ; 
 and enable us, in the midst of the temptations of the 
 world, to hold fast our integrity and to persevere in well- 
 doing. Grant, that neither hope nor fear may ever lead 
 us to desire or to do what thou forbiddest. Help us to 
 be harmless and undenled, to aim continually at the 
 mark of our high calling, and to fight the good fight of 
 faith, that we may obtain the prize. 
 
 Our outward circumstances in life we leave entirely to 
 the disposal of thy wisdom and goodness. We commit 
 ourselves to thy care through the ensuing night and the 
 remainder of our days, with a steadfast persuasion, that, 
 if it be best for us, thou wilt defend us from evil. What- 
 ever thou shalt appoint, help us to place our whole confi- 
 dence in thee. Leave us not, neither forsake us, O thou 
 God of our salvation. Bless our friends, and guide them 
 by thine unerring Spirit. Have pity upon all to whom 
 wearisome nights and restless days are appointed. And 
 raise all men to that land of perfect felicity, where Jesus 
 reigns forever and ever. Amen. 
 
227 
 
 9. 
 
 PRAYER FOR THURSDAY MORNING. 
 
 O God, the giver of all good, who delightest in the 
 happiness of thy creatures ! we would raise our hearts 
 to thee in the exercise of devout affections. Having 
 daily united to partake of thy bounty, we would unite to 
 give our thanks unto thee. 
 
 Thou hast been continually with us, rejoicing to do us 
 good ; and thy mercies are more than can be numbered. 
 Thou hast upheld our souls in life, and been our refuge 
 and strength, a very present help in trouble. Thou hast 
 continually fed and clothed us, and given us many things 
 to enjoy. When we lie down to rest, thou art our de- 
 fence ; and when we awake, we are still with thee. 
 Thou art leading us by the mediation of thy Son to a 
 better world, and causing all things to work together for 
 our good. 
 
 Father, we praise thee and rejoice in thy goodness; 
 and we desire at all times to approve ourselves unto 
 thee. Preserve us, we beseech thee, from every secret 
 sin. Dispose and assist us to keep our hearts, and to 
 watch over our tongues. Enable us faithfully to obey 
 thee in every situation, and fill our minds with religious 
 veneration and gratitude. Grant, that we may heartily 
 unite our endeavors to promote each other's happiness, 
 bear with each other's infirmities, reprove each other in 
 the spirit of meekness, put away all pride and envy, all 
 discontent and fretfulness, all suspicion and jealousy, and 
 travel together with increasing affection to the land of 
 everlasting joy and love. 
 
 Encouraged by our past experience, we humbly com- 
 
228 
 
 mit our persons and concerns to thy direction, and con- 
 fide in thine unbounded mercy, as revealed and pledged 
 to us in Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 50. 
 
 PRAYER FOR THURSDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty God, who art the Rewarder of all them that 
 diligently seek f hee ! receive in mercy the prayers and 
 the praises of thy children. 
 
 We adore thee as the greatest and the best of beings, 
 the source of all power, wisdom, goodness, and happi- 
 ness. Without thee we can do nothing; and on thee 
 we depend from day to day. Thine energy sustains, thy 
 presence animates, thy gracious influence blesses the 
 universe. Our times are in thy hands ; our advantages 
 and sorrows are dispensed by thy Providence. Thy 
 mercy has given us a Redeemer, who is able to save unto 
 the uttermost; and thine unmerited love adds to our days 
 and satisfactions, that we may be drawn to devote our 
 hearts to thy service. 
 
 We confess, O Lord, that we have disobeyed thy laws 
 and been unmindful of thy goodness. We lament with 
 sincere sorrow our errors and transgressions. We desire 
 to forsake every evil way; and we humbly trust in thy 
 grace for the forgiveness of our sins. Being justified by 
 faith, may we have peace with thee, be saved from the 
 dominion of vice, and be filled with the fruits of thy 
 Spirit. May we be at all times sensible of the vanity of 
 the world, of the deceitfulness of sin, and of its certain 
 tendency to make us miserable. May we entertain just 
 
229 
 
 convictions of the worth of our own souls, and of the 
 value and importance of the glory to which we are call- 
 ed. May we set our affections upon the things above, 
 be armed against the allurements and terrors of this tran- 
 sitory state, and hold ourselves in constant readiness to 
 depart hence and to stand before our Judge. 
 
 Keep us this night, Almighty Guardian, under thy 
 watchful eye. If it be agreeable to thy will, let no evil 
 befall us or ours. Have mercy upon those, for whose 
 welfare we feel particularly solicitous. Comfort and sus- 
 tain all who are in trouble and adversity. Order all 
 things for us as seemeth right in thy sight ; and do us 
 good now and evermore according to thy promises de- 
 clared unto us by Jesus Christ our Lord. And through 
 him be glory unto thee for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 11. 
 
 PRAYER FOR FRIDAY MORNING, 
 
 Eternal and incomprehensible Jehovah, Father and 
 Friend of the children of men! we would acknowledge 
 thy perfections and feel our dependence on thee. Thou 
 art from everlasting to everlasting, and with thee there is 
 no variableness nor shadow of turning. Thou art the 
 righteous Lord, whose countenance beholdeth the up- 
 right. Thou acceptest not the persons of men, but wilt 
 render unto the rich and the poor according to their 
 works. Thou art good, and ever ready to forgive the 
 penitent. 
 
 We thank thee, Lord of heaven and earth, for all that 
 thou hast done for us. Thou hast brought us into life, 
 20 
 
230 
 
 and continually watched over us. Thou hast again pre- 
 served us, and granted us the refreshment of quiet repose. 
 Through thy goodness we appear before thee at this 
 time, in health and ease, with the free use of our reason, 
 and in the enjoyment of many blessings. What shall 
 we lender unto thee for all thy benefits ? We desire to 
 show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our 
 lives ; and to spend this day, and the remainder of our 
 days, in a uniform obedience to thy holy commands. 
 
 Incline our hearts, we beseech thee, to thy precepts. 
 Endue us with that simplicity and godly sincerity, which 
 are well-pleasing unto thee. Teach us to live by the 
 faith of thy Son, who hath loved us, and given himself 
 for us. Preserve us from thinking of ourselves more 
 highly than we ought to think, and clothe us with the 
 ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Assist us to take 
 heed unto our ways, to direct our affairs with discretion, 
 to be temperate in all things, to walk within our house 
 with perfect hearts, and to order our whole conversation 
 and conduct according to thy will. 
 
 Through all the changes of our lives, grant, O God, 
 that we may be without covetousness, receive -thy gifts 
 with thankful hearts, enjoy them with sobriety and be- 
 nevolence, and endure afflictions with such patience that 
 they may work out for us a far more exceeding and eter- 
 nal weight of glory. And unto thee, the God of all 
 consolation and grace in Christ Jesus, be endless honor 
 and praise. Am eh. 
 
231 
 
 1'2. 
 
 PRAYER FOR FRIDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty God, the Parent of all the families of the 
 earth! we thy children unite to present unto thee the 
 tribute justly due to thy name. 
 
 We thank thee, that thou hast created us in thine own 
 image, made us capable of knowledge and wisdom, en- 
 dowed us with social affections, and implanted in us a 
 sense of good and evil. We praise thee for our con- 
 tinual support, and acknowledge that thou daily loadest 
 us with benefits. Above all, we bless thee for thine in- 
 estimable love in sending thine only-begotten Son, to 
 instruct, to guide, to save us from sin and misery, and to 
 elevate us to an inheritance which is incorruptible in 
 heaven. We will bless thee, O Lord, at all times ; thy 
 praise shall be continually in our mouths. 
 
 While we acknowledge before thee, O God, thine in- 
 cessant bounty and eternal love ; we confess with shame, 
 that we have not been as careful to improve and make 
 suitable returns for them, as it was our duty to be. 
 Though thou hast nourished and brought us up as chil- 
 dren, we have rebelled against thee. But we desire to 
 become wiser and better ; and we beseech thee, who art 
 slow to anger, to pardon all our transgressions. O Lord, 
 show thy mercy upon us, and grant us thy salvation. 
 
 Lead us by thy gracious hand in the path of our duty ; 
 and,, in the time of temptation, let thy good Spirit be 
 with us, to keep us from falling. May our minds be 
 purified from all sinful affections, and be deeply impress- 
 ed and regularly influenced by every religious truth. 
 
232 
 
 May Ave be steadfast and immovable, always abounding 
 in the work of the Lord. 
 
 Thou art the Protector of all that put their trust in 
 thee. We pray thee to show compassion to such as are 
 in pain, sickness, or distress. "We commend ourselves, 
 our friends, and all our concerns to thy holy keeping. 
 Defend us by thy power, direct us by thy wisdom, pro- 
 vide for us by thy goodness; and, when our heart and 
 our flesh shall fail, be thou, 0 God, the strength of our 
 hearts and our portion forever. Amen. 
 
 13. 
 
 PRAYER FOR SATURDAY MORNING. 
 
 O Gon, who givest unto all creatures life, and breath, 
 and all things ! we thy servants would reverence thine 
 infinite perfections, and adore thee as the fountain of all 
 virtue and felicity. 
 
 Thou art the same in power, wisdom, and goodness, 
 throughout all generations. Thou upholdest every being 
 by thy mighty word, and preservest the regular succes- 
 sion of day and night, of summer and winter, of seed- 
 time and harvest. By thine appointment, the sun ariseth, 
 and man goeth forth to his work. The earth is thine 
 and the fulness thereof. 
 
 Blessed be thou, our merciful Father, for the protec- 
 tion afforded us, for the refreshment of sleep, for our 
 measure of ease and health, for every present comfort, 
 and for all our hopes of future good. To thy tender com- 
 passion alone we ascribe them, and are sensible of the 
 
233 
 
 vast obligation which they lay upon us to love and serve 
 thee with every faculty of our bodies and souls. 
 
 Let the consciousness of the homage and fidelity we 
 owe to thee accompany us wherever we go ; that we 
 may live in all good conscience; and that, whether we 
 eat or drink, or whatever we do, we. may do all to thy 
 glory. Teach us to be prudent in ordering our affairs, 
 industrious in performing the business of our stations, 
 moderate in our desires, and innocent in our enjoyments, 
 careful in redeeming the time, resigned under chastise- 
 ment, courteous and candid to all around us, equitable 
 and compassionate to those with whom we shall have to 
 deal, grateful to our friends and benefactors, and generous 
 and forgiving to any that may injure or offend us. Let 
 the same mind be in us, which was also in Christ Jesus. 
 Enable us heartily to rejoice in his salvation, and cause 
 all things to work together for our eternal welfare, through 
 the riches of thy grace. Amen. 
 
 11. 
 
 PRAYER FOR SATURDAY EVENING. 
 
 Great and glorious God! the heavens are thy throne, 
 and the earth is thy footstool. Thou art nigh unto all 
 them that call upon thee in sincerity and truth. Thou 
 art conducting thy children in the path of peace ; and 
 thou continually affordest them the supplies which they 
 need. 
 
 We thank thee, that we have been preserved through 
 another day and another week. We thank thee, that 
 thine arm has been our support, thy shield our defence, 
 20* 
 
234 
 
 thy Providence and Spirit our guardian and guide. We 
 thank thee for our personal and family blessings, (for our 
 deliverance from dangers and calamities,) and for every 
 agreeable and happy circumstance of our condition. We 
 thank thee, above all, that we are brought to the know- 
 ledge of thee and of Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent; 
 that we have the promises of thy mercy ; and that, though 
 this frail existence is fleeting away, we have the assured 
 hope of immortal felicity. Thy compassions fail not, 
 great God, though our days on earth are diminishing. 
 Be thou exalted above the heavens ! and be thy sacred 
 name praised for ever and ever ! 
 
 Merciful Father! blot out, we pray thee, the sins that 
 have been committed by us in the week which is now 
 drawing to a close, and in the whole course of our de- 
 parted days. We lament, that we have often been led 
 astray, and have been chargeable with many negligences 
 and omissions. We confess them unto thee with an 
 humble and contrite spirit ; and beseech thee to cleanse 
 our consciences from evil works, to lift on us the light of 
 thy countenance, and to give us the blessedness of those 
 whose transgressions are covered. 
 
 Dispose us to realize fully, that we are the monuments 
 of thy sparing mercy ; in order that our hearts may be 
 consecrated to thee. Illuminate our minds with thy hea- 
 venly truth. Preserve us from all false judgments con- 
 cerning the ends of living and the way to happiness. 
 Secure us from the influence of vain customs and evil 
 examples. Increase our faith; enliven our hope; en- 
 large our charity; inspire us with every pious, virtuous, 
 and amiable disposition ; and help us to become Chris- 
 tians, not in name only, but in deed. 
 
235 
 
 Another step has been taken towards eternity ; week 
 after week, and month after month, are passing away ; 
 and we know, that our times are in thy hand, and that 
 there may be to us but a few more days in this world. 
 Gracious God, suffer us not to forget the shortness and 
 precariousness of life, or the solemnities of judgment and 
 eternity. Prepare us to meet our last end with a serene 
 and peaceful mind. Incline us so to pass through things 
 temporal, that we may not forget the things which are 
 eternal. Help us to love each other as beings, who have 
 each other's immortal happiness at heart; and, after we 
 shall have been separated from one another by death, be 
 pleased to unite us in holy fellowship before the throne 
 of God and the Lamb. 
 
 We commend our bodies and our souls to thy care; 
 and beseech thee to do good unto all men. We offer up 
 these our prayers in the name of Jesus, through whom 
 Ave trust that we shall be pardoned and accepted now and 
 evermore. Amen. 
 
 15. 
 
 PRAYER FOR A FAMILY AT THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR. 
 
 Eternal Jehovah ! in thee we live and move and have 
 our being. In thy hand is our breath ; it is because thou 
 hast sustained us, that we have continued to this day. 
 With praise to thee, the God of our lives, we come into 
 thy presence ; with thanks to thee, the unfailing source 
 of mercy ! Thou didst bring us into this world, and place 
 us on this stage of action. Thou didst uphold us in the 
 helpless days of infancy, and preserve us from the innu- 
 
236 
 
 merable evils to which we were then exposed. We 
 tasted of thy bounty, before we were capable of perceiv- 
 ing the hand from which it came. With every returning 
 year thy favors have been multiplied upon us. Thou 
 hast been with us and hast helped us in all our troubles. 
 Often hast thou healed our diseases, removed our sor- 
 rows, and renewed our strength. Thy candle has shined 
 upon our tabernacle; thy corn has nourished us; thy 
 smiles have gladdened our hearts. Whilst many have 
 been cut off and have passed into an awful eternity, we 
 are yet numbered with the living. Whilst thousands 
 have fallen at our right hand and our left, we continue to 
 stand, witnesses that thou art good to the evil and un- 
 thankful. Through the riches of thy forbearance and 
 long-suffering, thou art continuing us in a state of trial, 
 giving unto us space for repentance, and favoring us with 
 thy holy gospel and with all necessary means of grace 
 and reformation. 
 
 G od of compassion, take not thy Spirit from us. Con- 
 tinue to us thy heavenly blessings. Prepare us for future 
 changes in our condition, and let them be sanctified to 
 our truest interest and happiness. We commit ourselves 
 to thy care; we devote ourselves to thy service ; we refer 
 all events concerning us to thine infinite wisdom and fa- 
 therly goodness. Lead us seasonably to consider the 
 things which belong to our peace. Give us realizing 
 views of death and a judgment to come. Enable us to 
 depart from the world, when thou shalt call us away, 
 with tranquility and comfort of mind, exempt from the 
 terrors of guilt; and bring us to the enjoyment of thy 
 favor in the realms of glory, through the mediation of 
 Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 
 
237 
 
 PRAYER FOR A FAMILY AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 
 YEAR. 
 
 Almighty God, God of the spirits of all flesh, Pre- 
 server and Ruler of the children of men ! hear in mercy 
 thy servants, who raise their hearts unto thee. We ac- 
 knowledge, that, in seasons past, we have often been too 
 earnest about the things of sense and time, too regardless 
 of the objects of faith and futurity. We confess, that 
 we have too often walked in a vain show, and disquieted 
 ourselves in vain. We cannot attempt to deny, that we 
 have been frequently undutiful and unthankful. Wouldst 
 thou judge us without mercy, we should be utterly desti- 
 tute of hope. Wouldst thou deal with us according to 
 our sins, we should be miserable indeed. But we re- 
 joice, that thou desirest not the ruin of thy creatures, but 
 rather that they should repent and live. It is our desire 
 to cast off all the unfruitful works of darkness, and to 
 walk as children of the light and of the day. It is our 
 purpose, that this year shall witness our greater reforma- 
 tion from every thing that is amiss in us, and our increas- 
 ing improvement in the graces of the Christian character. 
 
 If it be consistent with the purposes of thine inscruta- 
 ble wisdom, we pray that our lives may be spared; not 
 merely that we may enjoy an animal existence, but that 
 we may be furnished with an opportunity of doing good 
 and becoming better. We commit all our concerns to 
 thee; and would submit to those circumstances, which 
 thou, who alone knowest what is best for us, shalt or- 
 dain. If thou wilt, we desire the continuance of health 
 and comfort. If thou shouldst send sickness or adversity 
 to us, may we be prepared for these and all other changes 
 
233 
 
 of our situation. If it be thy decree, that this year any 
 of us shall die ; may we be ready for our departure. We 
 dare not say, that we will do this or that : but we would 
 cherish one resolution, to become and always to be such 
 persons as thou shalt be pleased to approve. 
 
 Heavenly Father! do thou preserve us from every in- 
 jurious delay. Let not the night of darkness, in which 
 no man can work, overtake us unawares. Forbid, that 
 we should ever presume on life, or boast of to-morrow, 
 or be immoderately attached to earthly things. May we 
 always do with diligence what thou appointest us to per- 
 form. If death shall approach us by slow advances, may 
 it find us well employed ; and if we are suddenly called 
 to exchange worlds, may it not be our lot to have trea- 
 sured up fear and remorse. Hear us, we beseech thee, 
 in these our supplications, which we offer up in the name 
 of our great Mediator. And unto thee, the King eternal, 
 imrnartal, and invisible, be honor and glory, for ever and 
 ever, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 
 
 17. 
 
 PRAYER FOR A FAMILY IN BEHALF OF A SICK 
 PERSON. 
 
 0 God, who hast taught us, at all times and in every 
 condition, to make our requests known unto thee! We 
 would adore thee as the author and arbiter of life, and the 
 disposer of sickness and of death. We offer up our hum- 
 ble supplications in behalf of thy servant, who is labor- 
 ing under pain and disease. Look down upon him (her) 
 with mercy ; let the consideration of thy goodness and 
 
239 
 
 wisdom strengthen and comfort his soul; and let the pre* 
 cious doctrines and example of thy Son enable him to 
 suffer with patience. We pray, with submission to thy 
 Providence, that thou wouldst be pleased to remove his 
 disorder, and restore him to health. Graciously prolong 
 his days upon earth; and grant, that his affliction may 
 produce in him the fruits of righteousness, to the honor 
 of thy name. By the sadness of his countenance, may 
 his heart be made better ; and may he long live, to mani- 
 fest his thankfulness to thee, and to do good in his 
 go aeration. 
 
 But, if this affliction should be unto death, may thy 
 servant be prepared to give himself up into thy hands > 
 with Christian fortitude, in joyful expectation of thy 
 mercy unto eternal life. Give him unfeigned repentance 
 for all his sins, and a firm reliance on thy gracious pro- 
 mises in Christ Jesus our Lord. May the hope of thy 
 favor support him in his last hour ; may he leave the 
 world in peace of mind, and in charity with all men ; 
 and m?y he be received into thy heavenly kingdom, and 
 be made a partaker of that happiness, which eye hath 
 not seen, nor ear heard, and which it hath not entered 
 into the heart of man to conceive. 
 
 O God teach us to be wise ; console our hearts ; and 
 command thy blessing upon thy servant, even life ever- 
 more, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 18. 
 
 PRAYER FOR A FAMILY IN BEHALF OF A SICK CHILD. 
 Almighty and most merciful God, thou art the foim- 
 
240 
 
 tain of all good, the refuge of the distressed, the friend 
 and comforter of those who look up to thy throne for 
 help. We would offer up our prayers unto thee in be- 
 half of the child, on whom thou hast seen fit to lay thine 
 alHicting hand. We beseech thee, if it be consistent with 
 thy wise and holy will, to bless the means employed for 
 his recovery, and to raise him up to health and strength. 
 Suffer not the wishes of his parents to be disappointed ; 
 but in thy great mercy spare him, to be the comfort and 
 support of their advancing years, and to glorify thy name 
 by obeying thee and becoming useful in the world. But, 
 whatever thou hast determined concerning him, thy will, 
 O God, be done ! Preserve us from fainting under thy 
 chastisements; and, if thou takest him away from the 
 world, vouchsafe to receive his soul into that blessed 
 land, where sorrow and death are unknown. Into thy 
 hands we commit him, ourselves, and all whom we love ; 
 and we humbly pray, that, by all the dispensations of thy 
 Providence, we may be trained up for that state, where 
 thou wilt wipe away all tears from the eyes of mourners, 
 and Avhere pious friends and relations shall rejoice with 
 each other for ever and ever, through thine unspeakable 
 love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. 
 
 19. 
 
 THANKSGIVING OF A FAMILY FOR THE RECOVERY 
 OF A MKMBER OF THE SAME FROM DANGEROUS 
 SICKNESS. 
 
 Most merciful and gracious God, the Creator and Pre- 
 server of the universe ! we would raise our hearts with 
 grateful sentiments unto thee, from whom alone cometh 
 
241 
 
 our help. We acknowledge, that thou rulest over all-; 
 that of thee, and through thee, and to thee are all things. 
 Thou speakest, and it is done ; thou commandest, and it 
 stands fast. The skill of the physician, and the power 
 of medicine are derived from thee. It is thou, who heal- 
 est all our diseases, who redeemest our lives from 
 destruction, and renewest our strength ; and to thy name 
 alone be all the glory and honor. We render unto thee 
 our united and hearty thanks for thy great goodness, 
 manifested to thy servant, whom thou hast been pleased 
 to raise from the bed of sickness, and to restore to a capa- 
 city of pei forming the duties and enjoying the comforts 
 of life. To thy kind Providence we ascribe it, that this 
 affliction hath not been unto death, and that the voice of 
 health and rejoicing is again heard in our habitation. 
 We praise thee, 0 Lord, for thou hast dealt bountifully 
 with us. May thy servant, whom thou hast rescued from 
 the devouring grave, manifest his [her) sense of thy lov- 
 ing kindness, by devoting the remainder of his days to 
 thee, as a true disciple of his Master and Redeemer, in a 
 constant obedience to thy holy commandments. May 
 the remembrance of what thou hast done for his soul 
 confirm and establish his good resolutions, and inspire 
 him with a lively confidence in thy protection and care. 
 May this instance of thy mercy to our family engage us 
 all to love thee with our whole hearts, and to rejoice in 
 thy Providence. While we have health and life, may 
 we never abuse or trifle with them, but be careful to im- 
 prove them well, and promote each other's happiness to 
 the utmost of our ability. 
 
 It is better to trust in thee, O Lord, than to put confi- 
 dence in man. Thou art our refuge and our God, and 
 21 
 
242 
 
 we will praise thee. We will give thanks unto thee ; for 
 thou art good, and thy mercy endureth for ever. Amen. 
 
 20. 
 
 A PRAYER ON THE DEATH OF ANY PERSON IN A 
 FAMILY. 
 
 Eternal God, without whose direction and Provi- 
 dence nothing can happen to us in life or death ! out of 
 the depths of affliction and sorrow we lift up our souls 
 unto thee ; for in thee alone are our help and hope. 
 
 Our existence is in thy hands, and all our enjoyments 
 are at thy disposal. Thou didst at first call us into being 
 by thy mighty power ; and, when thou takest away our 
 breath, we die and return to the dust. 
 
 In the midst of life, we are in death. To whom may 
 we seek for succor, but unto thee, O Lord, who changest 
 not, and who hast been the refuge of thy children in all 
 generations ? The Lord liveth ; let our hearts rejoice; 
 and let the God of our salvation be for ever exalted. 
 Under all the troubles of this life, thy mercy is our con- 
 fidence and support. Even as a father pitieth his chil- 
 dren, so thou hast compassion upon the sons of men. 
 Infinite wisdom and love direct all thy dispensations. 
 Behold thy servants, O Lord ; do with us whatsoever 
 seemeth good in thy sight. The Lord gave ; and the 
 Lord hath taken away : blessed be the name of the Lord. 
 Blessed be thy name, especially, that, according to thine 
 abundant mercy, thou hast begotten us again, by the re- 
 surrection of Jesus Christ thy Son, to the lively hope of 
 an inheritance, that is undenled and fadeth not away. 
 
213 
 
 Teach us, O most gracious God, by the instances of 
 mortality which are before our eyes, and particularly by 
 the present mournful event, to see how short and uncer- 
 tain our abode on earth is, and so to number our days 
 that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom and seek the 
 things which are above. May we sp^end the remainder 
 of our time in this world in the faithful discharge of every 
 Christian duty ; and study to live in such a manner, as 
 we shall wish to have done, when we come to die. Give 
 us grace to follow the good examples of those, who have 
 departed hence in thy faith and fear ; that we may with 
 them be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom. Grant, that 
 we may labor with increasing zeal to become the true 
 disciples of our blessed Saviour; and, after believing in 
 him and obeying him here below, be united with him at 
 thy right hand, and, with all whom we love, and with 
 the virtuous and pious of all nations and tongues, praise 
 thee through endless ages. Amen. 
 
 21. 
 
 A PRAYER FOR PARENTS ON THE DEATH OF A 
 YOUNG CHILD. 
 
 O thou, who hast appointed unto all men once to die, 
 and who alone knowest what is really good for us ! we 
 fly to thee, beseeching thee to sanctify unto us the be- 
 reavement, which fills our hearts with grief. Thou hast 
 united us to the objects of our innocent affection by the 
 tenderest ties ; and we bless thee, that thou wast pleased 
 to give us our departed child, and to bestow on us the 
 satisfactions and joys which parents feel. Thou hast 
 
244 
 
 with the arrow of death taken away from us this beloved 
 being ; and we would bow with resignation to thy sove- 
 reign appointment. We commit its body to the grave, 
 and its soul to thine infinite mercy. And we rejoice and 
 thank thee, that our Lord Jesus Christ has declared :— 
 " Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid 
 them not, for of such is the kingdom of God." 
 
 Compassionate Father ! console our sorrows, we pray 
 thee ; and prevent us from despising thy chastenings, or 
 fainting when rebuked of thee. Teach us more perfectly 
 to do and suffer thy will, and to draw instruction from 
 the adversities which we experience. Affect us with 
 just convictions of the vanity of human life, and the un- 
 certainty of earthly comforts. Dispose us to work out 
 our own salvation with fear and trembling, and to give 
 the most serious attention to the religious instruction and 
 improvement of those whom thou hast preserved to us. 
 Instead of attempting fully to explain the unsearchable 
 mysteries of thy government, may our hearts rest as- 
 sured, that all things shall work together for good to them 
 that love thee ; and may we steadily look forward to the 
 resurrection of the just and the re-union of those who 
 die in the Lord, through our exalted Saviour and Re- 
 deemer, Amen. 
 
PRAYERS 
 
 FOR THE USE OF INDIVIDUALS. 
 
 l. 
 
 A PRAYER FOR AN AWAKENED SINNER. 
 
 O Thou righteous and holy Being, from whom no 
 secrets can be hid ! I am ashamed, and blush to lift up 
 my face to thee. Mine iniquities are increased over my 
 head, and my trespass is grown up unto the heavens ! 
 I have slighted thine authority, forgotten the one thing 
 needful, rebelled against thee, my Sovereign and my Fa- 
 ther, and violated laws which are perfectly holy, just, and 
 good. Unthankful for thy mercies, and despising thine 
 instructions, I have cast off thy fear, pursued the plea- 
 sures of sin, and nearly destroyed myself. My example 
 has corrupted and emboldened others in vice. I tremble, 
 while I think of the injury which I may have done to 
 my companions. I tremble, while I reflect upon the vile 
 return which I have made to thee the best of beings, and 
 upon the gulf of ruin towards which I have been ap- 
 proaching. Hadst thou entered into judgment with me, 
 and rewarded me according to my deserts, how awful 
 would have been my condition ! Wretched man that I 
 am, who shall deliver me and break the power of my 
 evil habits? God of compassion, be merciful to me a 
 sinner. Unworthy as I am, cast me not away from thy 
 
 presence ; deny me not the grace which thou hast en- 
 21* 
 
246 
 
 couraged me to implore ; help, Lord, or I perish ; save 
 my sinking soul, and give me repentance unto life. Im- 
 pute not unto me, I beseech thee, my transgressions; 
 accept my humiliation and remorse ; and grant me to say 
 from experience, with thee there is plenteous forgiveness 
 and redemption. Create in me a clean heart, and renew 
 a right spirit within me. Let not evil be present with 
 me, when I would do good. Let me no longer run into 
 the danger which I see. Let not unbelief, and passion, 
 and temptation prevail against the convictions, which 
 thou hast given me, of the malignity and danger of sin, 
 of the vanity of the world, of the worth of the soul, and 
 of the awfulness of eternity. Preserve me from being 
 fatally hardened and blinded. And though I have dis- 
 honored thee and depraved myself, Almighty God, let 
 thy Spirit operate upon my mind, and raise me up from 
 the death of sin unto a life of righteousness. 
 
 Lord of life ! cut me not off from the land of the liv- 
 ing, until I am lit for death and judgment. Spare me to 
 bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Give me grace to 
 become such as I ought to be, to counteract the evil effects 
 of the criminal course I have pursued, to make restitu- 
 tion to those I have injured, and to teach transgressors 
 thy ways. Inspire me with a dread of relapsing into 
 those iniquities, which have hidden from me the light of 
 thy countenance. Whatever else may happen, whatever 
 my vices and crimes may produce to me, let not the reli- 
 gious impressions of this moment be ever forgotten. 
 
 O Lord, I am guilty and deserving of thy wrath : but 
 thou hast revealed to me, that thou wilt not despise the 
 sacrifices of a broken spirit. My whole reliance is on 
 thy mercy in Jesus Christ, whom thou hast set forth to 
 
247 
 
 be a propitiation through faith in his blood, and who is 
 able to save to the uttermost all that come unto thee 
 through him. In the name of this Mediator I offer up 
 my prayers ; and I desire to glory in his cross, and to be 
 accepted through him now and evermore. Amen. 
 
 2. 
 
 A PRAYER FOR A PERSON, RECOVERED FROM A NE- 
 GLIGENT MIND TO A SERIOUS VIEW OF RELIGIOUS 
 TRUTH. 
 
 Almighty and most merciful God, the just and equita- 
 ble Ruler of the children of men ! behold in mercy thy 
 frail and forgetful child, who turns unto thee with a peni- 
 tent and humble heart. Blessed be thy name, that I am 
 brought to see, how careless and unprofitable I am. 
 Blessed be thy name, that, though I have been greatly 
 inconsiderate and negligent, thy Providence and gracs 
 have prevented me from falling into presumptuous and 
 atrocious transgressions. But, while I thank thee, my 
 heavenly Father, for the restraints which have been laid 
 upon me, I confess with shame, that I have often been 
 unmindful of what I owe to thee and thy beloved Son, 
 and that I have not been duly influenced by the princi- 
 ples of thy sacred gospel. I have not been diligent in 
 advancing the welfare of my fellow-men, have often lost 
 sight of the concerns of my own soul and of the world 
 to come, have been estranged from the worship and the 
 love of thee, have not been studious to govern my heart, 
 to rise above grovelling views, and to live by faith in him 
 who loved me and gave himself for me. But I purpose 
 before thee, who knowest my heart with all its frailties, 
 
248 
 
 no longer to be like those who are without God in the 
 world. And I beseech thee, from whom wisdom and 
 virtue proceed, to forgive the levity, the vanity, the folly, 
 the worldly mind, with which I have been chargeable, 
 and to inspire me with that Christian temper which I 
 have neglected to cultivate. 0 give me fervent desires 
 and abiding resolutions to serve and love thee, and to 
 press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling 
 in Christ Jesus. Excite me to diligence in reading, me- 
 ditation, and prayer. Assist me to delight in the ordi- 
 nances of thy house, and in the study of thy holy word. 
 Arm me against the influence of vain customs, and of 
 careless companions. Lead me to make the regulation 
 of my own mind, and the practice of a pious and virtuous 
 life, my chief care and business. Help me to keep the 
 instructions and the model of my blessed Redeemer ha- 
 bitually before mine eyes, to confess his name without 
 fear before men, to follow no other maxims but his, to 
 labor and cherish concern for his glorious cause, and to 
 employ my powers and possessions in the service of so- 
 ciety according to his precepts. I would no longer live, 
 with my wishes and endeavors all centering here ; but as 
 a candidate for immortality, as a being who expects a 
 judgment and an eternal state, as the disciple of a risen 
 Redeemer who will come again and take his faithful fol- 
 lowers to his own heavenly glory. 
 
 Gracious God, be pleased to pardon my sins, to accept 
 this act of self-devotion, and to establish my holy pur- 
 poses. I have sworn, that I will keep thy righteous 
 statutes. Do thou give me strength to fulfil my vows, to 
 grow in grace; and let nothing ever be able to separate 
 me from the love of thee in Christ Jesus my Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
249 
 
 3. 
 
 A PRAYER FOR A SINCERE PENITENT, DISTRESSED 
 BY THE DIFFICULTIES WHICH ATTEND HIS CHRIS- 
 TIAN IMPROVEMENT. 
 
 Father of mercies, whose strength upholds the weak ! 
 I come to thee for protection and assistance, and rejoice 
 that thou hast encouraged me to seek thy face. I have 
 experienced that thou art good, and praise thee for what 
 thou hast already done for my soul. From what threat- 
 ening dangers has thy paternal love delivered me ! what 
 everlasting gratitude is due to thee for opening the eyes 
 of my mind, and affecting my heart with a sense of my 
 duty to thee ! what tribute can I offer, expressive of that 
 divine goodness, to which it is owing, that I am not blind 
 and dead in trespasses and sins, and that I have not been 
 cut off from this probationary state, unconcerned about 
 the fate which awaits me ! 
 
 O God, I adore thee as my Father and my Saviour, 
 and bless thee for the merciful promises which thou hast 
 given me through thy Son. But I confess and lament, 
 before thee, my weakness and unfruitfulness. I lament 
 the sins, which so easily beset me. I lament the diffi- 
 culties in discharging my obligations, which are the sad 
 effects of my former carelessness and wickedness. I la- 
 ment the wanderings of my mind, the coldness of my 
 affections, the power which past follies and transgres- 
 sions still exercise too frequently over my imagination. 
 I confess, that I deserve to suffer, and that thou art righ- 
 teous in all thy ways and doings. But I beseech thee, 
 Almighty God, to strengthen me by thy Spirit in the 
 inner man, and to preserve me from fainting under the 
 tribulations which attend me. O bend my will more 
 
250 
 
 perfectly to thine; and let none of those things, which 
 once subdued me, any longer prove a snare. Thou 
 knowest, that I hunger and thirst after righteousness: 
 give success, I pray thee, to my endeavors, my watch- 
 fulness, my supplications. Cleanse me from every pol- 
 lution both of the mind "and the flesh ; and cause me to 
 know, that blessed is the man who endureth temptation. 
 Save me from presumption and from despair of success. 
 Teach me to labor with diligence, and to confide in thee. 
 And grant me to realize, that wisdom's ways are ways of 
 pleasantness, and that the path of the righteous is like 
 the morning light, which shineth brighter and brighter 
 unto the perfect day. 
 
 My soul looks for help unto thee, who art able to do 
 exceeding abundantly above all that I ask or think. And 
 unto thee be glory by Christ Jesus, world without end. 
 Amen. 
 
 4. 
 
 A PRAYER FOR AN UPRIGHT CHRISTIAN, DISTRESS- 
 ED BY FEARS RESPECTING HIS FINAL ACCEPTANCE 
 AND SALVATION. 
 
 O thou, before whose eyes all things are naked and 
 open, who triest the reins of the children of men! I fly 
 to thee, oppressed with sadness and fear. Thou hast 
 invited the weary and heavy-laden to partake of mercy : 
 receive me, thy sorrowful suppliant, and revive my faint- 
 ing soul. Thou delightest not in the misery of thy 
 creatures : heal thou the wounds of my heart. I confess, 
 O my God, that my sins have deserved more grievous 
 punishments than I feel, and that it would be impossible 
 
251 
 
 for me to abide thy strict inquisition: but I plead the 
 wonderful expressions of thy love and compassion to the 
 contrite and humble, which are contained in thy word. 
 Hast thou not declared, that all thy thoughts are thoughts 
 of peace, and not of evil? Hast thou not assured thy 
 people, that, although a mother should forget her child, 
 yet thou wilt not forget or forsake thine offspring ? Hast 
 thou not so loved the world as to give thine only-begotten 
 Son for us, and wilt thou not with him freely give us all 
 things which we need ? 
 
 O Lord, thou knowest my frame and rememberest that 
 I am but dust. Thou art acquainted with my frailties 
 and apprehensions. Thou seest, that, infirm and guilty 
 as I am, my soul thirsteth for thee the living God, as the 
 hart panteth after the water-brooks. Be pleased to for- 
 give my sins, to pardon my despondency; and help me 
 to serve thee with a quiet and cheerful heart. Remove 
 my disease, whether of body or of mind, if this seem 
 good to thine infinite wisdom : and forbid, that I should 
 en f ertain one thought injurious to thee and dishonorable 
 to the clemency of thy character s»s revealed in thy gos- 
 pel. Preserve me from delusion ; dispel my doubts ; 
 confirm my faith in thy promises ; clothe me with the 
 garments of salvation. Above all, I beseech thee to give 
 me grace perfectly to do and to suffer thy will. Help me 
 to bring forth more of the fruits of the Spirit; that I may 
 have the evidence in my temper and life, that I am led 
 by thy Spirit and am authorized to call thee Abba, Fa- 
 ther. Whatever conflicts I may now have to sustain, let 
 me persevere in well-doing with increasing zeal and de- 
 light, persuaded that thou art greater and better than my 
 heart, and wilt not reject any that sincerely seek thy face 
 
252 
 
 through him whom thou hast appointed the Mediator of 
 our race. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and 
 why art thou disquieted within me ? hope thou in God, 
 for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my coun- 
 tenance, and my God," Amen. 
 
 5. 
 
 A PRAYER FOR A COMMUNICANT, BEFORE THE CELE- 
 BRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 
 
 Supremely exalted and adorable God, unto whbm all 
 hearts are open ! I desire to worship thee as the Father 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in 
 heaven and earth is named. I adore thine unspeakable 
 goodness in raising up this great Deliverer from sin and 
 death, for a benighted, guilty, and ruined world. I praise 
 thee for the spiritual and heavenly blessings, which thou 
 hast bestowed upon me through his mediation, cruci- 
 fixion, and resurrection. What gracious instructions 
 flowed from his tongue ! What spotless purity marked 
 his life ! What love and zeal filled his heart ! With 
 what patience and kindness did he seek those that were 
 lost! What astonishing miracles attested his mission! 
 What a miracle of benevolence was exhibited in his pain- 
 ful and bloody death on the cross ! How triumphantly 
 did he conquer the grave and ascend to thy throne in 
 heaven! Gracious God, how complete is his redemption, 
 how amazing thy benignity, how attracting and trans- 
 porting the thought of my Saviour's compassion and 
 victory ! What could have been done for thy rebellious 
 offspring, that has not been done? What light, what 
 
253 
 
 comfort, what encouragement, what hope can I need, 
 which the gospel of Christ Jesus does not abundantly- 
 supply ? 
 
 O thou who seest in secret! I confess that I am un- 
 worthy of my Christian privileges, and that I have not 
 adorned my profession in all respects, as I ought to have 
 done, by a holy walk and conversation. Who can tell, 
 how oft he offendeth ? My heart condemns me in many 
 things ; and I am grieved, when I consider, in how small 
 a degree I possess the spirit and temper of my Lord. 
 Help thou me to examine and judge myself, that I may 
 not be condemned by thee. Lead me, I beseech thee, to 
 a full acquaintance with the state of my soul, and prepare 
 me for the holy exercises to which I am called. Save 
 me from all delusion, pride, and self-deceit. Forgive, of 
 thine infinite goodness, every offence which I have com- 
 mitted ; and accept the renewal, which I am about to 
 make of my vows. 
 
 Thou invitest me to the memorial of my Saviour's 
 dying love ; and blessed be thy name for this means of 
 enkindling and increasing my affection and gratitude to 
 him. Take me into thy holy keeping, and grant that I 
 may experience no distraction of mind. Let me not be 
 an unfurnished guest, to whom it may be justly said, 
 "How earnest thou in hither, not having on a wedding 
 garment?" Let me approach the ordinance with peni- 
 tence, thankfulness, and faith, with love and charity to 
 all mankind. Eating the bread and drinking the cup, 
 which Jesus instituted, let me embrace and hold fast the 
 covenant of mercy, and find redemption through his 
 blood. Direct me to profitable meditations upon what he 
 
 said, did, and suffered ; and let the remembrance of his 
 22 
 
254 
 
 love, his sacrifice, and his glory, comfort, support, and 
 strengthen me, in life and death. 
 
 Heavenly Father ! be thou with thy servant who min- 
 isters to me in the sanctuary, with my fellow-communi- 
 cants, with all my Christian brethren* and with every 
 human being. Dispose all, who encircle thine altar, to 
 feel and to act as friends, partakers of the same grace, 
 and heirs of one blissful inheritance, through Jesus 
 Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 6. 
 
 A PRAYER FOR A COxMMUNICANT, AFTER THE CELE- 
 BRATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 
 
 Father of mercies, and God of love! thou hast caused 
 thy goodness to pass before me this day. Follow with 
 thy blessing what I have been permitted and enabled to 
 perform, in obedience to the injunction of thy Son, my 
 Lord. If thy pure eyes have seen any thing culpable in 
 my religious services, I beseech thee to pardon me. Let 
 not the pious reflections which have occupied my atten- 
 tion, or the purposes which I have formed, in the com- 
 pany of my fellow-worshippers, and in showing forth 
 the death of Jesus, ever be strange to my heart. 
 
 I have avowed thee, the Lord, to be my God, engaging 
 to keep thy commandments and to hearken to thy voice. 
 I have confessed thy Son before men, publicly receiving 
 his testimony, solemnly acknowledging him to be my 
 divine Master and Guide, my Saviour and Forerunner in 
 the path of holiness and glory. O forbid, that I should 
 ever make shipwreck of faith, by not holding fast a good 
 
255 
 
 conscience. Preserve me from the smallest degree of 
 that spirit, which works in the children of disobedience. 
 Preserve me from proving faithless to my vows, and from 
 bringing reproach on the Christian name. Help me to 
 follow the Lamb, whithersoever he goeth ; to abide in 
 him, the true vine ; and to stand fast in the liberty where- 
 with he hath made his disciples free. Enable me at all 
 times to remember his new command, that we should 
 love one another, even as he has loved us. Save me 
 from the shocking inconsistencies and the dreadful fate 
 of those, who call him Lord, Lord, but unto whom he 
 will say, "Depart from me, ye that work iniquity." 
 Raise my affections from earth to heaven ; and assist me 
 to be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the 
 work of the Lord. 
 
 Merciful Father, I have found that it is good for me to 
 draw nigh unto the table of my crucified and exalted Re- 
 deemer. Make me habitually attentive to this cheering 
 institution. While I thereby learn to value the Saviour 
 and his gospel more, let me rejoice in the persuasion, 
 that there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ 
 Jesus, and that through him we have mercy and the for- 
 giveness of sin. May I be privileged to come with bold- 
 ness to thy throne, in his name, and his peace keep my 
 heart in every changing scene. May I regard it as my 
 highest honor, to be his disciple and an instrument for 
 advancing his kingdom among men. May I triumph in 
 this, that my Lord, who was once dead, lives and reigns 
 forever, and that where he is his faithful followers shall 
 also be. When he comes to judge the world, may he 
 not be ashamed of me, but receive me into his own man- 
 sions of love and joy. 
 
256 
 
 Once more, 0 thou Parent of all ! I implore thy bless- 
 ing upon thy clnilrch universal, and upon the whole 
 human family. Comfort every sorrowful soul. Bring 
 into the way of truth all such, as have erred and gone 
 astray. Convert all such, as are in the gall of bitterness 
 and the bonds of iniquity. Lead all Christians to be 
 careful to maintain good works. Let thy grace be multi- 
 plied upon the religious society of which I am a member, 
 and upon the pastor of the Hock. Let all, with whom I 
 am connected, and M ho are dear to me, be enrolled in the 
 book of life : and let them and mo be brought to sin^ the 
 praises of God and of the Lamb for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 7. 
 
 A GENERAL PRAYER WHICH MAY BE USED AT ANY 
 TIME. 
 
 O God, the Maker and Governor of the world ! I, 
 thine unworthy servant, would appear before thee, under 
 the deepest sense of thy perfections and of my total de- 
 pendence upon thy Providence and grace. I rejoice that 
 I am privileged to worship thee, whose glories are far 
 exalted above all that I can conceive, and before whom 
 the hosts of heaven bow down with the profoundest 
 reverence. 1 adore thee as possessed of all-comprehend- 
 ing knowledge, unerring wisdom, unlimited power, im- 
 partial justice, unbounded goodness, unspotted purity, 
 unchangeable truth and faithfulness. I acknowledge thee 
 to be the giver of all good gifts, and the disposer of all 
 events. I confess, that thy favor alone is life, and that I 
 cannot be happy without thy love. I am sensible, that 
 
257 
 
 thou art the tenderest Father and best Friend to thy crea- 
 tures, prescribing only such laws to them as are highly 
 salutary, ever disposed to lead them to their true felicity, 
 ready to promote and assist their sincere endeavors to 
 obtain it, and constantly exercising thy perfections for 
 this purpose. Precious is the thought of thee to all who 
 are acquainted with thy character and who study to ac- 
 complish thy gracious designs. Worthy art thou of the 
 homage, affection, and obedience of all intelligent beings 
 in heaven and on earth. 
 
 I praise thee, 0 Lord, that, amidst the multitude of thy 
 creatures and subjects, I am not forgotten and overlooked ; 
 but that thou knowest, and lovest, and providest for me, 
 as thy child, with paternal care. I praise thee, that thou 
 hast preserved me from many calamities and sufferings. 
 I thank thee for all the powers of rny nature, for the 
 satisfactions and comforts of society, for the kindness of 
 my relations and friends, for every domestic enjoyment, 
 for the measure of health and prosperity with which I 
 am favored, and for all those outward conveniences and 
 advantages which thou hast been pleased to give me. I 
 thank thee, that thou hast formed me after thine own 
 image, made me free and intelligent, and destined me for 
 an immortal existence. I bless thee for all the assistances 
 which I have received for the cultivation of my mind, and 
 for all the means of education and religion. Above all, I 
 desire to bless thee for the mission and gospel of Christ 
 Jesus, thy well-beloved and only-begotten Son. I bless 
 thee for the satisfactory evidences he gave, that he was 
 truly sent by thee for the salvation of the world. I bless 
 thee for his divine instructions, for his perfect example, 
 and for all his labors and sufferings. I bless thee for his 
 22* 
 
258 
 
 humbling himself even to the death of the cross, and 
 shedding his blood for the remission of our sins ; for his 
 resurrection from the grave, and for his entrance into 
 heaven as our Captain and Forerunner. I bless thee for 
 the effusion of his Holy Spirit upon his Apostles, for the 
 propagation of his doctrines, and for the preservation of 
 his church. How rich is the grace, which I have re- 
 ceived through his mediation ! How wonderfully hast 
 thou provided for my improvement, my comfort, and my 
 everlasting welfare ! What can I render unto thee, in 
 return for that mercy, to which alone it is to be ascribed, 
 that I am not wandering in a land of darkness, supersti- 
 tion, and idolatry, that I am not the victim of fear and 
 despair? What gratitude do I owe to thy dear Son, who 
 submitted to the most cruel death, that I might rejoice in 
 the hope of thy compassion, and in the assurance of eter- 
 nal life and glory! Never, O God, can I repay, never 
 can I fully express or worthily praise thee for all that 
 thou hast done for my soul, for all the benefits which 
 thou art continuing to bestow upon me from day to day. 
 
 Encouraged, merciful Father ! by the invaluable pro- 
 mises of my Lord and Saviour, I draw near unto thy 
 throne, to entreat of thee the pardon of whatsoever thou 
 hast seen amiss in me. I confess to thee, that my sins 
 and infirmities are many and great, and that I could not 
 expect any portion of thy favor, if thou shouldst be ex- 
 treme to mark and to punish what is wrong. But it is 
 the consolation and support of my mind, that thou hast 
 sent Jesus Christ to save us from our sins, and that thou 
 art pleased to accept the upright endeavors of the humble 
 and penitent to reform whatever has been criminal in 
 their hearts and conduct. Forgive, I beseech thee, every 
 
259 
 
 wilful thought, disposition, woid, and deed, which has 
 been displeasing in thy sight; and vouchsafe to justify 
 me upon those terms, which thy holiness and mercy have 
 laid down m the gospel. I do willingly and entirely for- 
 give all, who may have injured or offended me. If I 
 have done wrong to any, I am ready to make all possible 
 reparation. I seriously renounce all communication with 
 whatsoever thou hast forbidden, and devote myself to thy 
 service and the performance of thy will. I am persuad- 
 ed, that these are indispensable qualifications for thy 
 favor; and earnestly beseech thee to give success to my 
 purposes, by the influences of thy Spirit, and the dispen- 
 sations of thy Providence. 
 
 May I never go astray from the truth as it is in Jesus, 
 but seek for it with an impartial and unprejudiced mind, 
 be delivered from those passions which hinder its dis- 
 covery, and obe}' it from the heart. May I be animated 
 by that faith, which overcomes the world, which purifies 
 the soul, and which works by love. May I be filled with 
 that hope, which will not suffer me to be ashamed, but 
 will cause me to run with patience the race set before me. 
 May I be possesed of that charity, which is the end of 
 the commandment, and without which whosoever liveth 
 is counted dead before thee. May I cherish a constant 
 regard to thee as my Ruler and Judge, worship thee with 
 a thankful and resigned temper, praise thee with gladness, 
 and rejoice in thy protection. May I be concerned to 
 resemble my honored Master in every divine and amiable 
 disposition, and imbibe his zeal, his devotion, his forti- 
 tude, his humility, his compassion, and benevolence. 
 May I delight, like him, in doing good ; and press for- 
 
2G0 
 
 ward with unremitting ardor towards the mark of the 
 prize of my high calling. 
 
 My outward condition, 0 Lord, it is my happiness and 
 duty to refer wholly to thy wisdom. With submission 
 to thy will, I implore from thee those things which are 
 necessary to the security and comfort of life ; and pray, 
 that I may be preserved from great calamities and afflic- 
 tions, if this be consistent with thy gracious purposes. 
 Lead me in that path which thou seest to be best for me. 
 Help me to become perfectly contented, to repose un- 
 limited confidence in thy government, and to improve 
 health and sickness, joy and sorrow, to thy glory. May 
 I so pass through things temporal, as not to forget the 
 things which are eternal. May I so use the world, as 
 not to abuse it. Moderate in my desires for its good 
 things, temperate in every lawful gratification, and pa- 
 tient under every disappointment, trial, of suffering, may 
 I constantly aspire to a higher bliss than any which can 
 here be obtained, lay a good foundation against the time 
 to come, and daily look forward to the glory which is 
 about to be revealed to thy faithful servants. May I be- 
 hold the approach of death with peace and satisfaction ; 
 and, when my course is finished, be removed from this 
 mixed state of discipline to the land of unfading happi- 
 ness and perfect love. 
 
 I praise thee, 0 God, that thou art the merciful Parent 
 of all men; and I beseech thee to have compassion upon 
 and to save every individual of the human family. Be 
 pleased to bless my friends, to reward my benefactors, 
 and to take into thy holy keeping the family with which 
 I am connected. Visit with thy light and comfort all 
 who are afflicted with sickness and pain. Console and 
 
261 
 
 cheer all who are distressed in mind. Provide for the 
 relief of those, who are suffering want. Pity the widow 
 and orphan ; gladden the hearts of such as mourn the loss 
 of those they loved ; hear the cries of the persecuted and 
 oppressed ; be nigh unto all, who are in circumstances of 
 peril. Turn the ungodly to the love and fear of thy 
 name ; support and strengthen every upright soul ; give 
 rest and joy to every weary and heavy-laden sinner. 
 Spread the gospel of Christ Jesus throughout the earth ; 
 put an end to all war, strife, tyranny, and injustice ; and 
 let every nation become virtuous, enlightened, and happy. 
 Direct our rulers; preserve our liberties; prosper our 
 citizens ; assist us to become a righteous people, whom 
 thou wilt bless and protect ; and let all our institutions for 
 the education of youth, and for the maintenance and dif- 
 fusion of pure religion, be crowned with success. 
 
 Accept, 0 God, I beseech thee, these sentiments and 
 desires of my heart, which I offer up in the name of my 
 Lord Jesus Christ ; through whom I trust for the accep- 
 tance of my person, and all my sincere, but imperfect 
 services. And unto thee be endless praise and glory. 
 Amen. 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Preface to the Augsburg Confession .... 5 — 6 
 
 Remarks on the Preface 7 — 9 
 
 AUGSBURG CONFESSION. 
 
 Article I. — Of God — Notes on the same . . 8—10 
 
 " II. — " Original Sin, — Notes on the same . 10 — 11 
 
 III.— « The Son of God,— Note . . . 11—12 
 
 " IV.— " Justification,— Note .... 12—13 
 
 « V.— « The Ministerial Office,— Notes . . 13—14 
 
 " VI.— « Renewed Obedience,— Note . . . 14—16 
 
 !• VII.— * Th» Ch»rch 16— It 
 
 it yjjj > «< « " 
 
 " IX.— « Baptism,— Note «... 18—20 
 
 " X— *' The Lord's Supper,— Note . . . 20—23 
 
 " XI.— « Confession,— Note .... 23—24 
 
 " XII.— " Repentance,— Note .... 24—27 
 
 " XIII.— " The Use of the Sacraments,— Note . 27—30 
 
 " XIV— " Church Orders,— Note .... 30—32 
 " XV. — " Religious Observances and Ceremonies — 
 
 Notes 32—33 
 
 " XVI.— « Temporal or Civil Government,— Note 33—36 
 
 " XVII. — " Christ's Return to Judgment, — Notes . 36 — 39 
 
 " XVIII.— « Free Will,— Note .... 39—41 
 
 " XIX.— " The Cause of Sin,— Note . . . 41—42 
 
 « XX.— " Good Works,— Note . . . 42—51 
 
 " XXL— " The Service of Saints,— Notes . . 51—53 
 
 General Reflections 54 — 56 
 
 FORMULA OF DISCIPLINE. 
 
 History of the Proceedings of the Convention forming the 
 
 Discipline 59 — 72 
 
263 
 
 Chapter I. — Introductory . . . . . . 73 — 76 
 
 " II.— Part L Of the Church Invisible . . 76 
 
 m II.— " II. " " * Visible . . 76—78 
 
 " III.— " I. " Pastors ..... 79—80 
 
 " III— " II. " Elders and Vestry . . 80—61 
 « IV.— Of the Church Council .... 81—84 
 
 » V.— Of Church Members * . . 84—86 
 
 " VI.— Of Elections . « . . < . 86— S7 
 " VII.— Of Prayer Meetings . . . . 88—89 
 
 " VIII. — Miscellaneous Recommendations . . 89 — 90 
 
 Remarks on Formula. 91 — 95 
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE EV. LUTHERAN SYNOD AND MINIS- 
 TERIUM OF S. CAROLINA AND ADJACENT STATES. 
 
 Preamble . . * 99 
 
 Chapter I.— Officers of the Synod . . < 100 
 
 " II.— Duties of the President .... 100—102 
 
 " III.— Duties of the Secretary . . . 102—104 
 
 " IV.— Duties of the Treasurer .... 104—105 
 
 " V.— Ordained Ministers .... 105—112 
 
 " VI. — Licentiates or Candidates . . . 112 — 115 
 
 " VII.— Lay Delegates 115—117 
 
 « VIII.— Of the Synod 117—118 
 
 " IX.— Order of business in Synod . . . 119—122 
 
 " X.— Of the Ministerium . . . .122 
 
 " XL— Order of business in Ministerium . 122—123 
 
 Ordination and Installation Services .... 123 — 125 
 
 " XII. — Vacant Congregations and Missionaries 125 — 127 
 
 Conclusion 127 — 128 
 
 LITURGY. 
 
 Four Forms of Confessional Prayers .... 131 — 135 
 
 Four General Prayers 136—149 
 
 PRAYERS FOR FESTIVAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 1 For Christmas day . 149—152 
 
 2 " Good Friday 152—156 
 
 3 " Easter Sunday ...... 155—153 
 
264 
 
 4 " Whitsunday 158—161 
 
 Prayers after Sermon 161 — 162 
 
 Scriptural Benedictions 163 — 164 
 
 The Ministration of Baptism to Infants . . . 164 — 169 
 
 " " "' to such as are of riper years 169 — 173 
 
 Order of Confirmation 173 — 177 
 
 Order of Service Preparatory to the Celebration of the 
 
 Lord's Supper . . . . . . . 177—180 
 
 Two forms for the Administration of the Lord's Supper 181 — 191 
 
 Form for laying the Corner Stone of a Church . 192 — 194 
 
 Two forms for the Consecration of a Church » * 194 — 201 
 
 Form for the Ordination of a Minister . . . 201 — 206 
 Form for the Inauguration of the Ruling Officers of a 
 
 Church 206—210 
 
 The Solemnization of Matrimony .... 210 — 213 
 
 The Bu*-'- 1 " " Dead . 213—215 
 
 PRAYERS FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES. 
 
 For every Morning and Evening in the week . . 216—235 
 
 At the close of the year 235 — 236 
 
 At the beginning of the year 237 — 238 
 
 In behalf of a sick person 238—239 
 
 In behalf of a sick child -. 239—240 
 
 Thanksgiving for recovery from dangerous sickness . 240 — 242 
 
 On the death of any person in a family . . . 242 — 243 
 
 For parents on the death of a young child . . 243 — 244 
 
 PRAYERS FOR THE USE OF INDIVIDUALS. 
 
 For an awakened sinner 244 — 246 
 
 For a person recovered to seriousness ... 246 — 248 
 
 For a sincere penitent in distress ' . . . . 248 — 250 
 
 For an upright Christian distressed by fears . . 250 — 251 
 
 For a Communicant preparatory to the Lord's Supper 252 — 254 
 For a Communicant after the celebration of the Lord's 
 
 Supper . . . . . - . . . 254—256 
 
 A General Prayer which may be used at any time . 256 — 261 
 
 END. 
 
Date Due 
 
 JUL 1 tsjj 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Library Bureau Cat no. 1 1 37 
 
 v 
 
L_ . 
 
 234.1 S728D 175 6 77 
 
 University Library