THE
RITUAL,
THE
GENERAL RULES,
AND
of
OE THE
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH.
Nagfjbtlle, Cenn.:
SOUTHERN METHODIST PUBLISHING HOUSE.
1867.
RITUAL
OF THE
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH.
SECTION I.
The Order for the Administration of the Lord's
Supper.
[The elder shall read one or more of these sentences, during the
reading of which, the stewards shall lake up the collection for the
poor.]
Let your light so shine before men, that they
may see your good works, and glorify your Father
which is in heaven. Matt. v. 16.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,
where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where
thieves break through and steal; but lay up for
yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither
moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves
do not break through and steal. Matt. vi. 19, 20.
"Whatsoever ye would that men should do to
you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law
and the prophets. Matt. vii. 12.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord! Lord!
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he
that doeth the will of my Father which is in
heaven. Matt. vii. 21.
Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord, Be¬
hold, Lord! the half of my goods I give to the
poor; and if I have taken any thing from any
man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Luke xix. 8.
He which soweth sparingly shall reap also spa¬
ringly; and he which soweth bountifully shall
reap also bountifully. Every man as he purpos-
34 (3)
4
KITUAL OE THE
eth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly,
or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2 Cor. ix. 6, 7.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do
good unto all men, especially unto them who are
of the household of faith. Gal. vi. 10. '
Godliness with contentment is great gain; for
we brought nothing into this world, and it is
certain we can carry nothing out. 1 Tim. vi.
6>7* .*
Charge them that are rich in this world, that
they be ready to distribute, willing to communi¬
cate, laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation against the time to come, that they
may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Tim. vi. 17,
18, 19. _
God is not unrighteous to forget your work and
labor of love, which ye have showed toward his
name, in that ye have ministered to the saints,
and do minister. Heb. vi. 10.
To do good, and to communicate, forget not;
for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb.
xiii. 16.
Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his
brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of
compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of
God in him? 1 John iii. 17.
He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto
the Lord; and that which he hath given will he
pay him again. Prov. xix. 17.
Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the
Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. Psalm
xli. 1.
After which the elder shall say,
Ye that do truly and earnestly repent of your
sins, and are in love and charity with your neigh¬
bors, and intend to lead a new life, following the
commandments of God, and walking from hence¬
forth in his holy ways, draw near with faith, and
take this holy sacrament to your comfort; and
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
5
make your humble confession to Almighty God,
meekly kneeling upon your knees.
Then shall this general confession he made hy the minister in the name
of all those who are minded to receive the holy communion, both he
and all the people kneeling humbly upon their knees, and saying,
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men,
we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins
and wickedness, which we from time to time
most grievously have committed, by thought,
word, and deed, against thy Divine Majesty, pro¬
voking most justly thy wrath and indignation
against us. We do earnestly repent, and are
heartily sorry for these our misdoings: the re¬
membrance of them is grievous unto us. Have
mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most mer¬
ciful Father; for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's
sake forgive us all that is past, and grant that we
may ever hereafter serve and please thee in new¬
ness of life, to the honor and glory of thy name,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the elder say,
O Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who
of thy great mercy hast promised forgiveness of
sins to all them that with hearty repentance and
true faith turn to thee: have mercy upon us:
pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm
and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us
to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
The Collect.
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open,
all desires known, and from whom no secrets are
hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the
inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may per¬
fectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy
name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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RITUAL OF THE
Then shall the elder say,
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty,
that we should at all times, and in all places, give
thanks unto thee, 0 Lord, holy Father, almighty,
everlasting God.
Therefore with angels and archangels, and with
all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify
thy glorious name, evermore praising thee, and
saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts,
heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory
he to thee, 0 Lord most high. Amen.
Then shall the elder say,
"We do not presume to come to this thy table,
0 merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteous¬
ness, hut in thy manifold and great mercies.
"We are not worthy so much as to gather up the
crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same
Lord, whose property is always to have mercy:
Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the
flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink
his blood, that our sinful souls and bodies may
be made clean by his death, and washed through
his most precious blood, and that we may ever¬
more dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
Then the elder shall say the prayer of consecration, as followeth;
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who of
thy tender mercy didst give thine only Son Jesus
Christ to suffer death upon the cross for our re¬
demption ; who made there (by his oblation of
himself once offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient
sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of
the whole world; and did institute, and in his
holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual
memory of that his precious death until his
coming again: hear us, O merciful Father,
we most humbly beseech thee, and grant that
we, receiving these thy creatures of bread and
wine, according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
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Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of his
death and passion, may be partakers of his most
blessed body and blood: who in the same night
that he was betrayed took bread; and when he
had given thanks, he brake it and gave it to his
disciples, saying, Take, eat, this is my body which
is given for you: do this in remembrance of me.
Likewise after supper he took the cup; and when
he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying,
Drink ye all of this; for this is my blood of the
new testament, which is shed for you and for
many, for the remission of sins: do this, as offc
as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.
Amen.
Then shall the minister first receive the communion in both kinds him¬
self, and then proceed to deliver the same to the other ministers in
like manner, (if any be present,) and after that to the people also,
in order, into their hands. Let those who have scruples concerning
the receiving of it kneeling, be permitted to receive it either standing
or sitting; but no person shall be admitted to the Lord's Supper
among us who is guilty of any practice for which we would exclude
a member of our Church. When the minister delivereth the bread,
he shall say,
The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was
given for thee, preserve thy soul and body unto ever¬
lasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance
that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy
heart by faith with thanksgiving.
And the minister that delivereth the cup shall say,
The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which
was shed for thee, preserve thy soul and body unto
everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance
that Christ's blood was shed for thee, and be
thankful.
[If the consecrated bread or wine be all spent before all have com¬
municated, the elder may consecrate more, by repeating the prayer
of consecration."]
[ When all have communicated, the minister shall return to the Lord's
table, and place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated elements,
covering the same with a fair linen cloth.]
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RITUAL 0E THE
Then shall the elder say the Lord's Prayer, the people repeating after
him every petition.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed he
thy name: thy kingdom come: thy will he done
on earth as it is in heaven: give us this day our
daily hread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive those who trespass against us; and lead
us not into temptation, hut deliver us from evil;
for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the
glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
After which shall he said as followeth:
0 Lord and Heavenly Father, we, thy humhle
servants, desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully
to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanks¬
giving: most humhly beseeching thee to grant
that, by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus
Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and
thy whole Church may obtain remission of our
sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And
here we offer and present unto thee, 0 Lord, our¬
selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable,
holy, and lively sacrifice unto thee; humbly be¬
seeching thee that all we who are partakers of
this holy communion may be filled with thy grace
and heavenly benediction. And although we be
unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer
unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech thee to
accept this our bounden duty and service; not
weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences,
through Jesus Christ our Lord: by whom, and
with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all
honor and glory be unto thee, 0 Father Almighty,
world without end. Amen.
Then shall he said,
Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace,
good will toward men. ¥e praise thee, we bless
thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
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thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God,
heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.
O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ:
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
that takest away the sins of the world, have
mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins
of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that
takest away the sins of the world, receive our
prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of
God the Father, have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy: thou only art the Lord:
thou only, 0 Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art
most high in the glory of God the Father.
Then the elder, if he see it expedient, may put up an extemporane¬
ous prayer; and afterward shall let the people depart with this
blessing s
May the peace of God, which passeth all un¬
derstanding, keep your hearts and minds in the
knowledge and love of God, and of his Son
Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God
Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost, be among you, and remain with you
always. Amen.
N. B.—If the elder be straitened for time, he may omit any part
of the service except the prayer of consecration.
SECTION II.
The Ministration of Baptism to Infants.
The minister shall use the following, or some other suitable
exhortation:
Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are con¬
ceived and born in sin, and that our Saviour
Christ saith, Except a man be born of water and
of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom
of God, I beseech you to call upon God the
Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of
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KITUAL OF THE
his bounteous mercy he will grant to this child
that which by nature he cannot have: that he
may be baptized with water and the Holy Ghost,
and received into Christ's holy Church, and be
made a lively member of the same.
Then shall the minister say,
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, who of thy
great mercy didst save Noah and his family in
the ark from perishing by water; and also didst
safely lead the children of Israel, thy people,
through the Red Sea, figuring thereby thy holy
baptism: we beseech thee, for thine infinite mer¬
cies, that thou wilt look upon this child: wash
him and sanctify him with the Holy Ghost; that
he, being delivered from thy wrath, may be re¬
ceived into the ark of Christ's Church, and being
steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted
in love, may so pass the waves of this trouble¬
some world, that finally he may come to the land
of everlasting life: there to reign with thee,
world without end, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
O merciful God, grant that the old Adam in
this child may be so buried, that the new man may
be raised up in him. Amen.
Grant that all carnal affections may die in him,
and that all things belonging to the Spirit may
live and grow in him. Amen.
Grant that he may have power and strength to
have victory, and to triumph against the devil,
the world, and the flesh. Amen.
Grant that whosoever is dedicated to thee by
our office and ministry may also be endued with
heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded
through thy mercy, 0 blessed Lord God, who dost
live and govern all things, world without end.
Amen.
• Almighty, ever-living God, whose most dearly
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beloved Son Jesns Christ, for the forgiveness of
onr sins, did shed out of his most precious side
both water and blood, and gave commandment
to his disciples that they should go teach all
nations, and baptize them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;
regard, we beseech thee, the supplications of thy
congregation; and grant that this child now to be
baptized may receive the fulness of thy gra:?e,
and ever remain in the number of thy faithful
and elect children, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Then shall the people stand up ; and the minister shall say,
Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. Mark, in the tenth
chapter, at the thirteenth verse.
They brought young children to Christ, that
he should touch them. And his disciples re¬
buked those that brought them; but when Jesus
saw it, he was much displeased, and* said unto
them, Suffer the little children to come unto me,
and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom
of God. Yerily I say unto you, Whosoever shall
not receive the kingdom of God as a little child,
he shall not enter therein. And he took them
up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and
blessed them.
Then the minister, addressing the parents, or others presenting the
child, shall say,
In causing this child to be brought by baptism
into the Church of Christ, it is your duty to teach
him to renounce the devil and all his works, the
vain pomp and glory of the world, with all cov¬
etous desires of the same, and the carnal desires
of the flesh, so that he may not follow or be led
by them; to believe all the articles of the Chris¬
tian faith; and to obediently keep God's holy will
and commandments all the days of his life.
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RITUAL OF THE
Then the minister shall take the child into his hands, if convenient,
and say to the friends of the child,
Name this child.
And then, naming it after them, he shall sprinkle or pour water
upon it, or, if desired, immerse it in water, saying,
JSf., I baptize thee in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
The minister may, at his discretion, lay hands on the subject, ac¬
companying the act with a suitable invocation, and then, all kneel¬
ing, close with extemporaneous devotions and the Lord's Prayer.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed he thy
name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on
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.
Amen.
SECTION III.
The Ministration of Baptism to such as are of riper
years.
The minister shall use the following, or some other suitable exhorta¬
tion :
Dearly beloved, forasmuch as all men are con¬
ceived and born in sin, (and that which is born
of the flesh is flesh, and they that are in the flesh
cannot please God, but live in sin, committing
many actual transgressions,) and that our Saviour
Christ saith, Except a man be born of water and
of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of
God: I beseech yon to call upon God the Father,
through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of his boun¬
teous goodness he will grant to these persons that
which by nature they cannot have; that they may
be baptized with water and the Holy Ghost, and
received into Christ's holy Church, and be made
lively members of the same.
Then shall the minister say,
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
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Almighty and immortal God, the aid of all
that need, the helper of all that flee to thee for
succor, the life of them that believe, and the
resurrection of the dead: we call upon thee for
these persons now to he baptized. Receive them,
O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy well-be¬
loved Son, saying, Ask, and ye shall receive;
seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall he
opened unto you: so give now unto us that ask:
let us that seek find: open the gate unto us that
knock; that these persons may enjoy the everlast¬
ing benediction of thy heavenly washing, and
may come to the eternal kingdom which thou
hast promised by Christ our Lord. Amen.
After which he shall say,
Almighty and everlasting God, Heavenly
Father, we give thee humble thanks, for that
thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge
of thy grace, and faith in thee: increase this
knowledge and confirm this faith in us ever¬
more. Give thy Holy Spirit to these persons, that
they, being horn again, may be made heirs of ever¬
lasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ,
who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy
Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
Then shall the people stand up, and the minister shall say,
Hear the words of the Gospel, written by St. John, in the third
chapter, beginning at the first verse.
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Hic-
odemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to
Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we
know that thou art a teacher come from God;
for no man can do these miracles that thou doest
except God he with him. Jesus answered and
said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man he born again, he cannot see the
kino-dom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him,
How can a man be born when he is old ? Can
he enter the second time into his mother's womb,
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RITUAL OF THE
and bo born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I
say unto thee, Except a man be born of water
and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the king¬
dom of God. That which is born of the flesh is
flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is
spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye
must be born again. The wind bloweth where
it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but
canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it
goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Then the minister shall speak to the persons to he baptized on this wise:
"Well-beloved, who are come hither, desiring
to receive holy baptism, ye have heard how the
congregation hath prayed that our Lord Jesus
Christ would vouchsafe to receive you, and bless
you, to release you of your sins, to give you the
kingdom of heaven, and everlasting life. And
our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised in his holy
word to grant all those things that we have prayed
for; which promise he for his part will most
surely keep and perform.
Wherefore after this promise made by Christ,
ye must also faithfully, for your part, promise, in
the presence of this whole congregation, that ye
will renounce the devil and all his works, and
constantly believe God's holy word, and obedi¬
ently keep his commandments.
Then shall the minister demand of each of the persons to he baptized,
severally,
Quest. Dost thou renounce the devil and all his
works, the vain pomp and glory of the world,
with all covetous desires of the same, and the
carnal desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not
follow or be led by them ?
Ans. I renounce them all.
Quest. Dost thou believe in God the Father
Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth? and in
Jesus Christ, his only-begotten Son our Lord?
and that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the Virgin Mary ? that he suffered under
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
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Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried?
that he rose again the third day ? that he ascended
into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God
the Father Almighty, and from thence shall come
again, at the end of the world, to judge the quick
and the dead ?
And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost, the
Church of God, the communion of saints, the re¬
mission of sins, the resurrection of the body, and
everlasting life after death ?
Ans. All this I steadfastly believe.
Quest. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith ?
Ans. This is my desire.
Quest. Wilt thou then obediently keep God's1
holy will and commandments, and walk in the
same all the days of thy life ? *
Ans. I will endeavor so to do, God being my
helper.
Then shall the minister say,
0 merciful God, grant that the old Adam in
these persons may be so buried that the new man
may be raised up in them. Amen.
Grant that all carnal affections may die in them,
and that all things belonging to the Spirit may
live and grow in them. Amen.
Grant that they may have power and strength
to have victory, and triumph against the devil,
the world, and the flesh. Amen.
Grant that they, being here dedicated to thee
by our office and ministry, may also be endued
with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded,
through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who
dost live and govern all things, world without
end. Amen.
Almighty, ever-living God, whose most dearly
beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of
our sins, did shed out of his most precious side
both water and blood, and gave commandment
to his disciples, that they should go teach all na¬
tions, and baptize them in the name of the Father,
16
RITUAL OF THE
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, regard, we
beseech thee, the supplications of this congrega¬
tion, and grant that the 'persons now to be baptized
may receive the fulness of thy grace, and ever re¬
main in the number of thy faithful and elect chil¬
dren, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the minister take each person to he baptized by the right
hand; and placing him conveniently by the font, according to his
discretion, shall ask the name; and then shall sprinkle or pour
water upon him, (or, if he shall desire it, shall immerse him in
water,) saying,
IV., I baptize thee in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
,The minister may, at his discretion, lay hands on the subject, accom¬
panying the act with a suitable invocation, and then, all kneeling,
close with extemporaneous devotions and the Lord's Prayer.
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 forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive those who trespass against us; and lead
us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
SECTION IY.
The Form of Solemnization of Matrimony.
At the day and time appointed for solemnization of matrimony, the
persons to be married standing together, the man on the right hand,
and the woman on the left, the minister shall say,
Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here
in the sight of God, and in the presence of these
witnesses, to join together this man and this
woman in holy matrimony, which is an honor¬
able estate, instituted of God in the time of
man's innocency, signifying unto us the mystical
union that is between Christ and his Church;
which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified
with his presence and first miracle, that he
wrought in Cana of Galilee, and is commended
of St. Paul to be honorable among all men; and
*M. E, CHURCH, SOUTH. 17
therefore is not by any to be enterprised or taken
in hand unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly,
advisedly, and in the fear of God.
Into which holy estate these two persons
present come now to be joined. Therefore if
any can show any just cause why they may not
lawfully be joined together, let him now speak,
or else hereafter for ever hold his peace.
And also speaking unto the persons that are to be married, he shall say,
I require and charge you both, (as ye will an¬
swer at the dreadful day of judgment, when the
secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed,) that if
either of you know any impediment why ye may
not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, ye
do now confess it; for be ye well assured, that
so many as are coupled together otherwise than
God's word doth allow, are not joined together
by God, neither is their matrimony lawful.
If no impediment be alleged, then shall the minister say unto the man,
Jf., "Wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded
wife, to live together after God's ordinance, in
the holy estate of matrimony ? Wilt thou love
her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sick¬
ness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep
thee only unto her so long as ye both shall live?
The man shall answer,
I will.
Then shall the minister say unto the woman,
W, Wilt thou have this man to thy wedded
husband, to live together after God's ordinance,
in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou
obey him, serve him, love, honor, and keep him,
in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all
other, keep thee only unto him so long as ye
both shall live ?
The woman shall answer,
I will.
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HIT UAL OP THE
When the parties so desire, themanshall give unto the-woman a ring;
and the minister taking the ring shall deliver it unto the man, to
put it upon the fourth finger of the woman's left hand; and the
man, holding the ring there, and taught by the minister, shall say,
"With this ring I thee wed, and with all my
worldly goods I thee endow: in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen,
Then shall the minister say,
Let us pray.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed he thy
name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on
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, for ever and ever. Amen.
O eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all
mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author
of everlasting life, send thy blessing upon these
thy servants, this man and this woman, whom
we bless in thy name; that as Isaac and Eebecca
lived faithfully together, so these persons may
surely perform and keep the vow and covenant
between them made, and may ever remain in per¬
fect love and peace together, and live according
to thy laws, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the minister join their right hands together, and say,
Those whom God hath joined together, let no
man put asunder.
Forasmuch as M. and N. have consented to¬
gether in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the
same before God and this company, and thereto
have pledged their faith either to other, and have
declared the same by joining hands, I pronounce
that they are man and wife together, in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
19
And the minister shall add this blessing:
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy
Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep yon; the Lord
mercifully with his favor look upon you, and so
fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace,
that ye may so live together in this life, that in
the world to come ye may have life everlasting.
Amen.
SECTION" V.
The Order of the Burial of the Dead.
The minister, meeting the corpse, and going before it, shall say,
I am the resurrection and the life: he that be-
lieveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he
live; and whosoever liveth, and believeth in me,
shall never die. John xi. 25, 26.
I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he
shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and
though after my skin worms destroy this body,
yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall
see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and
not another. Job xix. 25, 26, 27.
We brought nothing into this world, and it is
certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave,
and the Lord hath taken away: blessed be the
name of the Lord. 1 Tim. vi. 7: Job i. 21.
Then shall be read Psalm xc.
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling-place in all
generations.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or
ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world,
even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art
God.
Thou turnest man to destruction; and saye it,
Return, ye children of men.
20
RITUAL OF THE
For a thousand years in thy sight are hut as
yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the
night.
Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they
are as a sleep : in the morning they are like grass
which groweth up.
In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up;
in the evening it is cut down and withereth.
For we are consumed by thine anger, and by
thy wrath are we troubled.
Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our
secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
For all our days are passed away in thy wrath:
we spend our years as a tale that is told.
The days of our years are threescore years and
ten; and if by reason of strength they be four¬
score years, yet is their strength labor and sor¬
row ; for it is soon, cut off, and we fly away.
Who knoweth the power of thine anger ? even
according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.
So teach us to number our days, that we may
apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Return, O Lord, how long ? and let it repent
thee concerning thy servants.
O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may
rejoice and be glad all our days.
Make us glad according to the days wherein
thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we
have seen evil.
Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy
glory unto their children.
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be
upon us; and establish thou the work of our
hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands, es¬
tablish thou it.
Then shall follow the Lesson taken out of the fifteenth Chapter of
the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians, beginning at the
20th verse.
Row is Christ risen from the dead, and become
the first-fruits of them that slept. For since by
M. E. CHUKCH, SOUTH.
21
man came death, by man came also the resurrec¬
tion of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even
so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every
man in his own order: Christ the first-fruits;
afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Then cometh the end, when he shall have deli¬
vered up the kingdom to God, even the Father;
when he shall have put down all rule, and all au¬
thority and power; for he must reign till he hath
put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy
that shall be destroyed is death; for he hath put
all things under his feet. But when he saith,
All things are put under him, it is manifest that
he is excepted which did put all things under
him. And when all things shall be subdued unto
him, then shall the Son also himself be subject
unto him that put all things under him, that God
may be all in all. Else what shall they do which
are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at
all ? Why are they then baptized for the dead ?
And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I
protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ
Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner
of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus,
what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not?
Let us eat and drink; for to-morrow we die. Be
not deceived: evil communications corrupt good
manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not;
for some have not the knowledge of God. I
speak this to your shame. But some man will say,
How are the dead raised up ? and with what body
do they come ? Thou fool, that which thou sow-
est is not quickened except it die. And that
which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body
that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of
wheat, or of some other grain; but God giveth
it a body as it hath pleased him; and to every
seed his own body. All flesh is not the same
flesh; but there is one kind of flesh of men, an¬
other flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and an¬
other of birds. There are also celestial bodies,
22
RITUAL OP THE
and bodies terrestrial; but tbe glory of tbe celes¬
tial is one, and tbe glory of tbe terrestrial is an¬
other. There is one glory of the sun, and another
glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars;
for one star differeth from another star in glory.
So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is
sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption :
it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is
sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is
sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.
There is' a natural body, and there is a spiritual
body. And so it is written, The first man Adam
was made a living soul: the last Adam was made
a quickening spirit. Howbeit, that was not first
which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and
afterward that which is spiritual. The first man
is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the
Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are
they also that are earthy; and as is the heavenly,
such are they also that are heavenly. And as
we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall
also bear the image of the heavenly. How this
I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot in¬
herit the kingdom of God; neither doth corrup¬
tion inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a
mystery: we shall not all sleep, but we shall all
be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an
eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall
sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible,
and we shall be changed. For this corruptible
must put on incorruption, and this mortal must
put on immortality. So when this corruptible
shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal
shall have put on immortality, then shall be
brought to pass the saying that is written, Death
is swallowed up in victory. 0 death, where is
thy sting ? 0 grave, where is thy victory ? The
sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is
the law. But thanks be to God which giveth us
the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast,
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
23
unmovable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is
not m vain in the Lord.
[Here may follow a suitable hymn, a sermon, or exhortation, and an
extemporary prayer,]
At the grave, when the corpse is laid in the earth, the minister shall
say,
Man that is bora 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 succor, but of thee, O Lord, who
for our sins art justly displeased ?
Yet, O Lord God most holy, 0 Lord most
mighty, O holy and most merciful Saviour, deli¬
ver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death.
Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts:
shut not thy merciful ears to our prayers, but
spare us, Lord most holy, O God most mighty, O
holy and merciful Saviour, thou most worthy
Judge eternal, suffer, us not at our last hour for
any pains of death to fall from thee.
Then the minister may say,
Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God,
in his wise providence, to take out of this world
the soul of our deceased brother, we therefore
commit his body to the ground, earth to earth,
ashes to ashes, dust to dust; looking for the gen¬
eral resurrection in the last day, and the life of
the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ;
at whose second coming in glorious majesty to
judge the world, the earth and the sea shall give
up their dead; and the corruptible bodies of those
who sleep in him shall be changed, and made like
unto his own glorious body, according to t^
mighty working whereby he is able to subdue all
things unto himself.
24
RITUAL OF THE
Then shall be said,
I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me;
Write, from henceforth blessed are the dead who
die in the Lord: even so, saith the Spirit; for
they rest from their labors.
A 'suitable hymn may here be sung; and then shall the minister say,
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 forgive us our trespasses,' as we
forgive those who trespass against us; and lead
us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
The Collect.
0 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; and whosoever liveth and believeth in him,
shall not die eternally: we meekly beseech thee,
0 Father, to raise us from the death of sin unto
the life of righteousness; that when we shall de¬
part this life we may rest in him; and at the
general resurrection on the last day may be found
acceptable 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, inherit the kingdom pre¬
pared for you from the foundation of the world.
Grant this, we beseech thee, O merciful Father,
through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer.
Amen.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the
love of God, and the communion of the Holy
Ghost? be with you all. Amen.
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
25
SECTION Y.
The Form and Manner of making Deacons.
When the day appointed by the Bishop is come, there shall be a ser¬
mon or exhortation, declaring the duty and office of such as come
to be admitted deacons. After which, one of the elders shall pre¬
sent unto the Bishop the persons to be ordained deacons, and their
names being read aloud, the Bishop shall say unto the people:
Brethren, If there he any of you who knoweth
any impediment or crime in any of these persons
presented to he ordained deacons for the which
he ought not to he admitted to that office, let him
come forth in the name of God, and show what
the crime or impediment is.
\If any crime or impediment be objected, the Bishop shall surcease
from ordaining that person, until such time as the party accused
shall be found clear of that crime.]
Then shall be read the following Collect and Epistle:
The Collect.
Almighty God, who by thy Divine providence
hast appointed divers orders of ministers in thy
Church, and didst inspire thy apostles to choose
into the order of deacons thy first martyr, St.
Stephen, with others: mercifully behold these
thy servants, now called to the like office and
administration: replenish them so with the truth
of thy doctrine, and adorn them with innocency
of life, that both by word and good example they
may faithfully serve thee in this office to the glory
of thy name and the edification of thy Church,
through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy
Ghost now and for eyer. Amen.
The Epistle. 1 Tim. iii. 8-13.
Likewise must the deacons he grave, not dou¬
ble-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy
26
EITUAL OF THE
of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith
in a pure conscience. And let these also first be
proved; then let them use the office of a deacon,
being found blameless. Even so must their wives
be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all
things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one
wife, ruling their children and their own houses
well. For they that have used the office of a dea¬
con well, purchase to themselves a good degree,
• and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ
Jesus.
Then shall the Bishop examine every one of those who are to be or¬
dained, in the presence of the people, after this manner following:
Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by
the Holy Ghost to take upon you the office of the
ministry in the Church of Christ, to serve God
for the promoting of his glory and the edifying
of his people ?
Ans. I trust so.
The Bishop-. Do you unfeignedly believe all the
canonical Scriptures of the Old and Hew Testa¬
ment?
Ans. I do believe them.
The Bishop. Will you diligently read or ex¬
pound the same unto the people whom you shall
be appointed to serve ?
Ans. I will.
The Bishop. It appertaineth to the office of a
deacon to assist the elder in Divine service, and
especially when he ministereth the holy commu¬
nion, to help him in the distribution thereof, and
to read and expound the Holy Scriptures; to in¬
struct the youth; and in the absence of the elder
to baptize. And furthermore, it is his office to
search for the sick, the poor, and impotent, that
they may be visited and relieved. Will you do
this gladly and willingly ?
Ans. I will do so by the help of God.
The Bishop. Will you apply all your diligence
to frame and fashion your own lives (and the lives
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
27
of your families) according to the doctrine of
Christ; andto make (both) yourselves, (and them,)
as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples of
the flock of Christ ?
Ans. I will do so, the Lord, being my helper.
The Bishop. "Will you reverently obey them to
whom the charge and government over you is
committed, following with a glad mind and will
their godly admonitions ?
Ans. I will endeavor so to do, the Lord being
my helper.
Then the Bishop, laying his hands severally upon the head of every
one of them, shall say,
Take thou authority to execute the office of a
deacon in the Church of God; in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.
Then shall the Bishop deliver to every one of them the Holy Bible,
saying,
Take thou authority to read the Holy Scrip¬
tures in the Church of God, and to preach the
same.
Then one of them appointed by the Bishop shall read the Gospel.
Luke xii. 35-38.
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights
burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that
wait for their lord, when he will return from the
wedding, that when he cometh and knocketh,
they may open unto him immediately. Blessed
are those servants whom the lord when he cometh
shall find watching. Verily I say unto you, that
he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down
to meat, and will come forth and ^serve them.
And if he shall come in the second watch, or come
in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are
those servants.
28
EITUAL OF THE
Immediately before the benediction shall be said these Collects
following:
Almighty God, Giver of all good things, who
of thy great goodness hast vouchsafed to accept
and take these thy servants into the office of
deacons in thy Church: make them, we beseech
thee, 0 Lord, to be modest, humble, and eonstaut
in their ministration, and to have a ready will to
observe all spiritual discipline; that they, having
always the testimony of a good conscience, and
continuing ever stable and strong in thy Son
Christ, may so well behave themselves in this in¬
ferior office, that they may be found worthy to
be called into the higher ministries in thy Church,
through the same thy Son our Saviour Jesus
Christ; to whom be glory and honor, world with¬
out end. Amen.
Prevent us, O Lord, in all our' doings, with thy
most gracious favor, and further us with thy con¬
tinual help; that in all our works, begun, con¬
tinued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy
holy name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain
everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The peace of God, which passeth all under¬
standing, keep your hearts and minds in the
knowledge and love of God, and of his Son J esus
Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God Al¬
mighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
be among you, and remain with you always.
Amen.
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
29
SECTION" VI.
The Form and Manner of ordaining Elders.
When the day appointed by the Bishop is come, there shall be a ser~
mon or exhortation, declaring the duty and office of such as come to
be admitted elders; how necessary that order is in the Church of
Christ, and also how the people ought to esteem them in their office.
After which one of the elders shall present unto the Bishop all them
that are to be ordained, and say,
I present unto yon these persons present to be
ordained elders.
Then their names being read aloud, the Bishop shall say unto the
people :
Brethren, these are they whom we purpose,
God willing, this day to ordain elders. Eor after
due examination, we find not to the contrary, hut
that they are lawfully called to this function and
ministry, and that they are persons meet for the
same. But if there he any of you who know-
eth any impediment or crime in any of them,
for the which he ought not to he received into
this holy ministry, let him come forth in the
name of God, and show what the crime or im¬
pediment is,
\Tf any crime or impediment be objected, the Bishop shall surcease
from ordaining that person until such time as the party accused shall
be found clear of the crime.]
Then shall be said the Collect, Epistle, and Gospel^ as followeth :
The Collect.
Almighty God, Giver of all good things, who,
hy thy Holy Spirit, hast appointed divers orders
of ministers in thy Church, mercifully hehold
these thy servants, now called to the office of
elders, and replenish them so with the truth of
thy doctrine, and adorn them with innocency of
life that both by word and good example they
30
RITUAL OF THE
may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the
glory of thy name, and the edification of thy
Church, through the merits of our Saviour Jesus
Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and
the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
The Epistle. Eph. iv. 7-13.
TJnto every one of us is given grace according
to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore
he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led
captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now
that he ascended, what is it but that he also de¬
scended first into the lower parts of the earth ?
He that descended is the same also that ascended
up far above all heavens, that he might fill all
things.) And he gave some, apostles; and some,
prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pas¬
tors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints,
for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of
the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity
of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of
God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the
stature of the fulness of Christ.
After this shall he read for the Gospel, part of the tenth chapter of
St. John.
St. John x. 1-16.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth
not by the door into the sheepfold, hut climheth
up some other way, the same is a thief and a rob¬
ber. But he that entereth in by the door is the
shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter open-
eth, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calleth
his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he
goeth before them, and the sheep follow him, for
they know his voice. And a stranger will they
not follow, but will flee from him; for they know
not the voice of strangers. This parable spake
Jesus unto them; hut they understood not what
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
31
tilings they were which he spake unto them
Then said Jesus unto them again,- Verily, verily,
I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All
that ever came before me are thieves and robbers,
but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door:
by me if any man enter in he shall be saved, and
shall go in and out and find pasture. The thief
cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to
destroy: I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly. I
am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth
his life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling,
and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are
not, seeth the wolf coming, leaveth the sheep,
and fleeth, and the wolf catcheth them, and scat-
tereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth because he
is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am
the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am
known of mine. As the Father knoweth me,
even so know I the Father; and I lay down my
life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which
are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and
they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one
fold and one shepherd.
And that done, the Bishop shall say unto them as hereafter followeth :
You have heard, brethren, as well in your pri¬
vate examination as in the exhortation which was
now made to you, and in the holy lessons taken
out of the Gospel, and the writings of the apos¬
tles, of what dignity and of how great importance
this office is whereunto ye are called. And now
again we exhort you, in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, that you have in remembrance into
how high a dignity and to how weighty an office
ye are called: that is to say, to be messengers,
watchmen, and stewards of the Lord, to teach
and to preinonish, to feed and provide for the
Lord's family, to seek for Christ's sheep that are
dispersed abroad, and for his children who are in
32
RITUAL OF THE
the midst of this evil world; that they may he
saved through Christ for ever.
Have always, therefore, printed in your remem¬
brance how great a treasure is committed to your
charge. For they are the sheep of Christ which
he bought with his death, and for whom he shed
his blood. The Church and congregation whom
you must serve, is his spouse and his body. And
if it shall happen, the same Church, or any mem¬
ber thereof, do take any hurt or hindrance by
reason of your negligence, ye know the greatness
of the fault, and also the horrible punishment
that will ensue. "Wherefore consider with your¬
selves the end of the ministry toward the children
of God, toward the spouse and body of Christ;
and see that you never cease your labor, your care
and diligence, until you have done all that lieth
in you, according to your bounden duty, to bring
all such as are or shall be committed to your
charge, unto that agreement in the faith' and
knowledge of God, and to that ripeness and per-
fectness of age in Christ, that there be no place
left among you, either for error in religion, or for
viciousness in life.
Forasmuch then as your office is both of so
great excellency, and of so great difficulty, ye
see with how great care and study ye ought to
apply yourselves, as well that ye may show your¬
selves dutiful and thankful unto that Lord who
hath placed you in so high a dignity, as also to
beware that neither you yourselves offend, nor
be occasion that others offend. Howbeit ye can¬
not have a mind and will thereto of yourselves;
for that will and ability is given of God alone;
therefore ye ought and have need to pray ear¬
nestly for his Holy Spirit. And seeing that ye
cannot by any other means compass the doing
of so weighty a work, pertaining to the salvation
of man, but with doctrine and exhortation taken
out of the Holy Scriptures, and with a life agree¬
able to the same, consider how studious ye ought
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
33
to be in reading and learning the Scriptures, and
in framing the manners, both of yourselves and
of them that specially pertain unto you, accord¬
ing to the rule of the same Scriptures; and for
this self-same cause, how ye ought to forsake and
set aside (as much as ye may) all worldly cares
and studies.
We have good hope that you have all weighed
and pondered these things with yourselves long
before this time, and that you have clearly deter¬
mined, by God's grace, to give yourselves wholly
to this office, whereunto it hath pleased God to
call you; so that as much as lieth in you, you
will apply yourselves wholly to this one thing,
and draw all your cares and studies this way, and
that you will continually pray to God the Father,
by the mediation of our only Saviour Jesus Christ,
for tjje heavenly assistance of the Holy Ghost;
that by daily reading and weighing of the Scrip¬
tures ye may wax riper and stronger in your
ministry; and that ye may so endeavor yourselves
from time to time to sanctify the lives of you and
yours, and to fashion them after the rule and doc¬
trine of Christ, that ye may be wholesome and
godly examples and patterns for the people to
follow.
And now that this present congregation of
Christ, here assembled, may also understand
your minds and wills in these things, and that
this your promise may the more move you to do
your duties, ye shall answer plainly to these
things which we, in the name of God and his
Church, shall demand of you touching the same.
Ho you think in your heart that you are truly
called, according to the will of our Lord Jesua
Christ, to the order of elders ?
Ans. I think so.
The Bishop. Are you persuaded that the Holy
Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrine required
of necessity for eternal salvation through faith in
Jesus Christ ? And are you determined out of
34
RITUAL OF THE
the said Scriptures- to instruct the people com¬
mitted to your charge, and to teach nothing as
required of necessity to eternal salvation, hut
that which you shall be persuaded may be con¬
cluded and proved by the Scripture ?
Ans. I am so persuaded, and have so deter¬
mined by God's grace.
The Bishop. "Will you then give your faithful
diligence always so to minister the doctrine and
sacraments, and the discipline of Christ, as the
Lord hath commanded ?
Ans. I will so do, by the help of the Lord.
The Bishop. Will you be ready with all faithful
diligence to banish and drive away all erroneous
and strange doctrines contrary to God's word;
and to use both public and private monitions and
exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole
within your charge, as need shall require, and oc¬
casion shall be given ?
Ans. I will, the Lord being my helper.
The Bishop. Will you be diligent in prayers,
and in reading of the Holy Scriptures, and in
such studies as help to the knowledge of the
same, laying aside the study of the world and the
flesh ?
Ans. I will endeavor so to do, the Lord being
my helper. /
The Bishop. Will you be diligent to frame and
fashion yourselves, and your families, according
to the doctrine of Christ; and to make both your¬
selves and them, as much as in you lieth, whole¬
some examples and patterns to the flock of
Christ ?
Ans. I shall apply myself thereto, the Lord
being my helper.
The Bishop. Will you maintain and set forward,
as much as lieth in you, quietness, peace, and love
among all Christian people, and especially among
them that are or shall be committed to your
charge ?
Ans. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH. 85
The Bishop. "Will you reverently obey youi
cbief ministers, unto whom is committed the
charge and government over you; following with
a glad mind and will their godly admonitions,
submitting yourselves to their godly judgments ?
Ans* I will so do, the Lord being my helper.
Then shall the Bishop, standing up, say,
Almighty God, who hath given you this will
to do all these things, grant also unto you strength
and power, to perform the same; that he may ac¬
complish his work which he hath begun in you,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
[After this the congregation shall be desired secretly in their prayers
to make their humble supplications to God for all these things: for
the which prayers there shall be silence kept for a space.
After which shall be said by the Bishop, {the persons to be ordained
elders all kneeling,) Veni, Creator, Spiritus, the Bishop beginning,
and the elders and others that are present answering by verses, a*
followeth:
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost thy seven-fold gifts impart.
Thy blessed unction from above
Is comfort, life, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light
The dulness of our blinded sight.
Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of thy grace.
Keep far our foes, give peace at home,
Where thou art guide no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee of both to be but one.
That through the ages all along,
This may be our endless song:
Praise to, thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
86
K1TUAL OF THE
That done, th?-.Bishop shall pray in this wise, «cu? WJ
Let us prav.
Almighty God and Heavenly Father, who, of
thine infinite love and .goodness toward us, hast
given to us thy only and most dearly beloved
Son Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer, and the
Author of everlasting life; who, after he had
made perfect our redemption by his death, and
was ascended into heaven, sent abroad into the
world his apostles, prophets, evangelists, doctors,
and pastors, by whose labor and ministry he
gathered together a great fiock in all fiarts of the
world, to set forth the eternal praise of thy holy
name: for the it F.o great benefits cf thy eternal
goodness, and for that thou hast vouchsafed to
call these thy servants here present to the same
office and ministry appointed for the salvation of
man kind, we render unto thee most hearty thanks;
we praise and worship thee; and we humbly be¬
seech thee, by the same thy blessed Son, to grant
unto all who either here or elsewhere call upon
thy name, that we may continue to show ourselves
thankful unto thee for these, and all other thy
benefits, and that we may daily increase and go
forward in the knowledge and faith of thee and
thy Son, by the Holy Spirit: so that as well by
these thy ministers, as by them over whom they
shall be appointed thy ministers, thy holy name
may be for ever glorined, and thy blessed king¬
dom enlarged, through the same thy Son Jesus
Christ our Lord; who iiveth and reigneth with
thee in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, world
without end. Amen.
When this prayer is aone, the Bishop, with, the elders present, shall
lay their hands severally upon the head of every one that receiveth
the order of elders, the receivers humbly kneeling upon their knees,
and the Bishop saying,
The Lord pour upon thee the Holy Ghost for
the office and work of an elder in the Church of
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
87
God, now committed unto thee by the imposition
of our bands. And be tbou a faithful dispenser
of the word of God, and of bis holy sacraments;
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then the Bishop shall deliver to every one of them, kneeling, the
Bible into his hands, saying,
Take thou authority to preach the word of
God, and to administer the holy sacraments in
the congregation.
Then shall the Bishop say,
Most merciful Father, we beseech thee to send
upon these thy servants thy heavenly blessings,
that they may be clothed with righteousness, and
that thy word spoken by their mouths may have
such success, that it may never be spoken in vain.
Grant also that we may have grace to hear and
receive what they shall deliver out of thy most
holy word, or agreeably to the same, as the means
of our salvation; and that in all our words and
deeds we may seek thy glory, and the increase
of thy kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy
most gracious favor, and further us with thy con¬
tinual help, that in all our works, begun, con¬
tinued, and ended "in thee, we may glorify thy
holy name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain
everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The peace of God, which passeth all under¬
standing, keep your hearts and minds in the
knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus
Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Al¬
mighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
be among you, and remain with you always.
Amen.
38
RITUAL OF THE
[If on the same day the_ order of deacons he given to some, and that
of elders to others, the deacons shall be first presented, and then the
elders. The Collects shall both be used: first that for deacons, then
that for elders. The Epistle shall be Ephes. iv. 7 to 13, as before
in this office. Immediately after which, they that are to be ordained
deacons shall be examined and ordained as is above prescribed. Then
one of ihem having read the Gospel, which shall be St. John x. 1-16,
as before in this office, they that are to be ordained elders shall likewise
be examined and ordained, as in this office before appointed.]
SECTION VII.
The Form of ordaining a Bishop,
The Collect.
Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ
didst give to thy holy apostles many excellent
gifts, and didst charge them to feed thy flock:
give grace, we beseech thee, to all the ministers
and pastors of thy Church, that they may dili¬
gently preach thy word and duly administer the
godly discipline thereof; and grant to the people
that they may obediently follow the same; that
all may receive the crown of everlasting glory,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall be read by one of the elders
The Epistle. Acts xx. 17-35.
From Miletus Paul sent to Ephesus, and called
the elders of the church. And when they were
come to him, he said unto them, Ye know from
the first day that I came into Asia, after what
manner I have been with you at all'seasons, serv¬
ing the Lord with all humility of mind, and with
many tears and temptations which befell me by
the lying in wait of the Jews; and how I kept
back nothing that was profitable unto you, but
have showed you, and have taught you publicly
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
39
and from house to house, testifying hoth to the
Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward
God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
And now behold, I go hound in the spirit unto
Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall he-
fall me there; save that the Holy Ghost witness-
eth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions
abide me. But none of these things move me,
neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that
I might finish my course with joy, and the min¬
istry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to
testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now
behold I know that ye all, among whom I have gone
preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face
no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day,
that I am pure from the blood of all men. For
I have not shunned to declare unto you all the
counsel of God. Take heed, therefore, unto your¬
selves, and to all the flock, over the which the
Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the
Church of God which he hath purchased with
his own blood. For I know this, that after my
departing shall grievous wolves enter in among
you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own
selvos shall men arise, speaking perverse things,
to draw away disciples after them. Therefore
watcfau and remember that by the space of three
yea?« X ceased not to warn every one night and
day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend
you to God, and to the word of his grace, which
is a) le to build you up, and to give you an in-
heritance among all them which are sanctified.
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or appa¬
rel; yea, ye yourselves know that these hands
have, ministered unto my necessities, and to them
that were with me. I have showed you all things,
how that so laboring ye ought to support the
weak; and to remember the words of the Lord
Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give
than to receive.
40
RITUAL OF THE
Then another shall read
The Gospel. St. John xxi. 15-17.
Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of
Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He
saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I
]ove thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lamhs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon,
son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto
him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith
unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas,
lovest thou me ? Peter was grieved because he
said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me ?
And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all
things: thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus
saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Or this: St. Matt, xxviii. 18-20.
Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All
power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing
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;
and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end
of the world.
After the Gospel and the sermon are ended, the elected person shall
he presented by two elders unto the Bishop, saying,
"We present unto you this holy man to be or¬
dained a Bishop.
Then the Bishop shall move the congregation present to pray, saying
thus to them:
Brethren, it is written in the Gospel of St.
Luke, that our Saviour Christ continued the
whole night in prayer before he did choose and
send forth his twelve apostles. It is written also
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
41
in the Acts of the Apostles, that the disciples
who were at Antioch did fast and pray before
they laid hands on Paul and Barnabas, and sent
them forth. Let us, therefore, following the ex¬
ample of our Saviour Christ, and his apostles,
first fall to prayer before we admit and send forth
this person presented to us, to the work where-
unto we trust the Holy Ghost hath called him.
Then shall he said this prayer following:
Almighty God, Giver of all good things, who
by thy Holy Spirit hast appointed divers orders
of ministers in thy Church: mercifully behold
this thy servant now called to the work and min¬
istry of a Bishop, and replenish him so with the
truth of thy doctrine, and adorn him with inno-
cency of life, that both by word and deed he may
faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory of
thy name, and the edifying and well-governing
of thy Church, through the merits of our Saviour
Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee,
and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
Then the Bishop shall say to him that is to he ordained:
Brother, forasmuch as the Holy Scripture com¬
mands that we should not be hasty in laying on
hands, and admitting any person to government
in the Church of Christ, which he hath purchased
with no less price than the effusion of his own
blood: before I admit you to this administration,
I will examine you on certain articles, to the end
that the congregation present may have a trial,
and bear witness how you are minded to behave
yourself in the Church of God.
Are you persuaded that you are truly called to
this ministration, according to the will of our
Lord Jesus Christ?
Ans. I am so persuaded.
The Bishop. Are you persuaded that the Holy
Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrine re-
42
RITUAL OF THE
quired of necessity for eternal salvation through
faith in Jesus Christ ? And are you determined,
out of the same Holy Scriptures, to instruct the
people committed to your charge, and to teach
or maintain nothing as required of necessity to
eternal salvation hut that which you shall he per¬
suaded may he concluded and proved by the
same ?'
Ans. I am so persuaded and determined by
God's grace.
The Bishop. "Will you then faithfully exercise
yourself in the same Holy Scriptures, and call
upon God by prayer for the true understanding
of the same, so as you may be able by them to
teach and exhort with wholesome doctrine, and
to withstand and convince the gainsayers ?
Ans. I will do so, by the help of God.
The Bishop. Are you ready with faithful dili¬
gence to banish and drive away all erroneous and
strange doctrines contrary to God's word, and
both privately and openly to call upon and en¬
courage others to the same ?
Ans. I am ready, the Lord being my helper.
The Bishop. Will you deny all ungodliness and
worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and
godly in this present world, that you may show
yourself in all things an example of good works
unto others, that the adversary may he ashamed,
having nothing to say against you ?
Ans. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.
The Bishop. Will you maintain and set forward,
as much as shall lie in you, quietness, love, and
peace among all men; and such as shall he un¬
quiet, disobedient, and criminal within your dis¬
trict, correct and punish according to such author¬
ity as you have by God's word, and as shall be
committed unto you ?
Ans. I will do so, by the help of God.
The Bishop. Will you be faithful in ordaining,
sending, or laying hands upon others ?
Ans. I will so be, by the help of God.
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
48
The Bishop. "Will you show yourself gentle,
and be merciful, for Christ's sake, to poor and
needy people, and to all strangers destitute of
help ?
Ans. I will so show myself, by God's help.
Then the Bishop shall say,
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who hath
given you a.good will to do all these things, grant
also unto you strength and power to perform the
same; that he accomplishing in you the good
work which he hath begun, you may be found
perfect and irreprehensible at the last day, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall Veni, Creator, Spiritus be said:
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost thy seven-fold gifts impart.
Thy blessed unction from above
Is comfort, life, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light
The dulness of our blinded sight.
Anoint and cheer our soiled face
With the abundance of thy grace.
Keep far our foes, give peace at Lome,
Where thou art guide no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And thee of both to be but one.
That through the ages all along,
This may be our endless song:
Praise to thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
That ended, the Bishop shall say,
Lord, hear our prayer.
Ans. And let our cry come unto thee.
44
RITUAL OR THE
Bishop. Let us pray.
Almighty God and most merciful Father, who
of thine infinite goodness hast given thine only
and dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ to be our
Redeemer, and the author of everlasting life;
who after that he had made perfect our redemp¬
tion by his death, and was ascended into heaven,
poured down his gifts abundantly upon men,
making some apostles, some prophets^ some evan¬
gelists, some pastors and doctors, to the edifying
and making perfect his Church: grant, we be¬
seech thee, to this thy servant, such grace that
he may evermore be ready to spread abroad thy
gospel, the glad tidings of reconciliation with
thee, and use the authority given him, not to
destruction, but to salvation; not to hurt, but to
help ; so that as a wise and faithful servant, giv¬
ing to thy family their portion in due season, he
may at last be received into everlasting joy,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who, with thee
and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one
God, world without end. Amen.
Then the Bishop -and elders present shacll lay their hands upon the
head of the elected person kneeling before them upon his knees, the
Bishop saying,
The Lord pour upon thee the Holy Ghost for
the office and work of a Bishop in the Church
of God, now committed unto thee by the imposi¬
tion of our hands, in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
And remember that thou stir up the grace of
God which is given thee; for God hath not given
us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and
soberness.
Then the Bishop shall deliver him the Bible, saying,
Give heed unto reading, exhortation, and doc¬
trine. Think upon the things contained in this
book. Be diligent in them, that the increase
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
45
coming thereby may be manifest to all men.
Take heed unto thyself, and to thy doctrine; for
by so doing thou shalt both save thyself and them
that hear thee. Be to the flock of Christ a shep¬
herd, not a wolf: feed them, devour them not.
Hold up the weak, heal the sick, bind up the
broken, bring again the outcast, seek the lost.
Be so merciful that you may not be too remiss;
so minister discipline that you forget not mercy;
that when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you
may receive the never-fading crown of glory,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Immediately before the benediction shall be said the following prayers:
Most merciful Bather, we beseech thee to send
down upon this thy servant thy heavenly bless¬
ing, and so endue him with thy Holy Spirit, that
he, preaching thy word, may not only be earnest
to reprove, beseech, and rebuke, with all patience
and doctrine, but also may be to such as believe
a wholesome example in word, in conversation,
in love, in faith, in chastity, and in purity; that
faithfully fulfilling his course, at the latter day
he may receive the crown of righteousness laid
up by the Lord, the righteous Judge, who liveth
and reigneth, one God with the Bather and the
Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy
most gracious favor, and further us with thy con¬
tinual help; that in all our works, begun, con¬
tinued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy
holy name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain
everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The peace of God, which passeth all under¬
standing, keep your hearts and minds in the
knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus
Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God Al¬
mighty, the Bather, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
be among you, and remain with you always.
Amen.
general, reles
OF THE
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH.
(1.) In The latter end of tie year 1739, eight
or ten persons came to Mr. Wesley in London,
who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, and
earnestly groaning for redemption. They desired
(as did two or three more the next day) that he
would spend some time with them in "prayer, and
advise them how to flee from the wrath to come;
which they saw continually hanging over their
heads. That he might have more time for this
great work, he appointed a day when they mightall
come together, which from thenceforward they
did every week, namely, on Thursday, in the even¬
ing. To these, and as many more as desired to
join with them, (for their number increased
daily,) he gave those advices from time to time
which he judged most needful for them; and
they always concluded their meeting with prayer
suited to their several necessities.
(2.) This was the rise of the United Society,
first in Europe, and then in America. Such a so¬
ciety is no other than "a company of men having
the form and seeking the power of godliness,
united in order to pray together, to receive the word of
exhortation, and to watch over one another in love,
that they may help each other to work out their salva¬
tion."
(3.) That it may the more easily be discerned
whether they are indeed working out their own
salvation, each society is divided into smaller com¬
panies, called classes, according to their respect-
pla^of abode. There are about twelve per-
GENERAL RULES,
47
sons in a class; one of whom is styled the leader.
It is his duty,
I. To see each person in his class once a week
at least; in order,
1. To inquire how their souls prosper.
2. To advise, reprove, comfort, and exhort, as
occasion may require.
3. To receive what they are willing to give
toward the relief of the preachers, church, and
poor.*
II. To meet the ministers and the stewards of
the society once a week; in order,
1. To inform the minister of any that are sick,
or of any that walk disorderly, and will not be
reproved.
2. To pay the stewards what they have received
of their several classes in the week preceding.
(4.) There is only one condition previously re¬
quired of those who desire admission into these
societies—a " desire to flee from the wrath to come,
and to he saved from their sins." But wherever
this is really fixed in the soul, it will be shown
by its- fruits. It is therefore expected of all who
continue therein, that they should continue to
evidence their desire of salvation,
First, By doing no harm,, by avoiding evil of
every kind, especially that which is most gene¬
rally practiced: such as
The taking of the name of God in vain.
The profaning the day of the Lord, either by
doing ordinary work therein, or by buying or
selling.
Drunkenness, or drinking spirituous liquors,
unless in cases of necessity.
Fighting, quarrelling, brawling, brother going to
law with brother; returning evil for evil, or rail¬
ing for railing; the using many words in buying
or selling.
* This part refers to towns and cities; where the poor are
generally numerous, and church expenses considerable.
48
GENERAL RULES OF THE
The buying or selling goods that have not paid the
duty.
- The giving or taking things on usury, i. e., unlaw¬
ful interest.
Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation: par¬
ticularly speaking evil of magistrates or of min¬
isters.
Doing to others as we would not they should
do unto us. .
Doing what we know is not for the glory of
God: as,
The putting on of gold and costly apparel:
The toMng such diversions as cannot be used in
the name of the Lord Jesus:
The singing those songs, or reading those boohs,
which do not tend to the knowledge or love of
God:
Softness or needless self-indulgence:
Laying up treasure upon earth:
Borrowing without a probability of paying; or
taking up goods without a probability of paying
for them.
(5.) It is expected of all who continue in these
societies, that they should continue' to evidence
their desire of salvation,
Secondly, By doing good, by being in every
kind merciful after their power, as they have op¬
portunity, doing good of every possible sort, and,
as far as possible, to all men:
To their bodies, of the ability which God giv-
eth, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing
the naked, by visiting or helping them that are
sick, or in prison:
To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or
exhorting all we have any intercourse with:
trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine,
that "we are not to do good unless our hearts be
free to it"
By doing good, especially to them that are of
the household of faith, or groaning so to be; em¬
ploying them preferably, to others, buying one of
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
49
another, helping each other in business; and so
much the more because the world will love its
own, and them only.
By all possible diligence and frugality, that the
gospel be not blamed.
By running with patience the race which is set
before them, denying themselves, and talcing up their
cross daily; submitting to bear the reproach of
Christ, to be as the filth and offscouring of the
world; and lookiDg that men should say all man¬
ner of evil of them falsely for the Lord's sahe.
(6.) It is expected of all who desire to continue
in these' societies, that they should continue to
evidence their desire of salvation,
Thirdly, By attending upon all the ordinances
of God: such are,
The public worship of God:
The ministry of the word, either read or ex¬
pounded :
The Supper of the Lord:
Family and private prayer:
Searching the Scriptures, and
Fasting or abstinence.
(7.) These are the general rules of our socie¬
ties; all which we are taught of God to observe,
even in his written word, which is the only rule,
and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and prac¬
tice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on
truly awakened hearts. If there be any among
us who observe them not, who habitually break
any of them, let it be known unto them who
watch over that soul, as they who must give an
account. "We will admonish him of the error of
his ways. "We will bear with him for a season.
But if then he repent not, he hath no more place
among us. "We have delivered our own souls.
ARTICLES OF RELIGION
OP THE
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH.
i. Of Faith in the Iloly Trinity.
There is but one living and true God, ever¬
lasting, without body or parts, of infinite power,
wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver
of all things, visible and invisible. And in unity
of this Godhead, there are three persons of one
substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Ghost.
ii. Of the Word, or Son of God, who was made very Man.
The Son, who is the "Word of the Father, the
very and eternal God, of one substance with the
Father, took man's nature in the womb of the
blessed Virgin; so that two whole and per¬
fect natures—that is to say, the Godhead and
manhood—were joined together in one person,
never to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very
God and very man, who truly suffered, was cru¬
cified, dead and buried, to reconcile his Father to
us, and to be a sacrifice not only for original guilt,
but also for actual sins of men.
iii. Of the Resurrection of Christ.
Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and
took again his body, with all things appertaining
to the perfection of man's nature, wherewith he
ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until he
return to judge all men at the last day.
(50)
ARTICLES OE RELIGION.
51
IV. Of the Holy Ghost.
Tlie Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father
and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and
glory, with the Father and the Son, very and
eternal God.
V. The Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation.
The Holy Scriptures contain all things neces¬
sary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read
therein, nor may he proved thereby, is not to be
required of any man, that it should be believed as
an article of faith, or be thought requisite or ne¬
cessary to salvation. In the name of the Holy
Scripture, we do understand those canonical
books of the Old and Hew Testament, of whose
authority v^as never any doubt in the Onurch.
The Names of the Canonical Books.
Genesis,
Exodus,
Leviticus,
Hum.bers,
Deuteronomy,
Joshua,
Judges,
Ruth,
The First Book of Samuel,
The Second Book of Samuel,
The First Book of Kings,
The Second Book of Kings,
The First Book of Chronicles,
The Second Book of Chronicles,
The Book of Ezra,
The Book of Hehemiah,
The Book of Esther,
The Book of Job,
The Psalms,
The Proverbs,
Ecclesiastes, or the Preacher,
52
ARTICLES OP RELIGION OP THE
Cantica, or Songs of Solomon,
Four Prophets the greater,
Twelve Prophets the less:
All the hooks of the New Testament, as they
are commonly received, we do receive and ac¬
count canonical.
VI. Of the Old Testament.
The Old Testament is not contrary to the New;
for "both in the Old and New Testament everlast¬
ing life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is
the only Mediator between God and man, being
God and man. Wherefore they are not to he
heard who feign that the old fathers did look only
for transitory promises. Although the law given
from God by Moses, as touching ceremonies and
rites, doth not bind Christians, nor ought the
civil precepts thereof of necessity be received in
any Commonwealth, yet, notwithstanding, no
Christian whatsoever is free from the obedience
of the commandments which are called moral.
VII. Of Original or Birth Sin.
Original sin standeth not in the following of
Adam, (as the Pelagians do vainly talk,) but it is
the corruption of the nature of every man, that
naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam,
whereby man is very far gone from original
righteousness, and of his own nature inclined to
evil, and that continually.
VIII. Of Free Will.
The condition of man after the fall of Adam
is such, that he cannot turn and prepare himself,
by his own natural strength and works, to faith,
and calling upon God; wherefore we have no
power to do good works, pleasant and acceptable
to God, without the grace of God by Christ pre¬
venting us, that we may have a good will, and
working with us, when we have that good will.
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
53
IX. Of the Justification of Man.
We are accounted righteous before God, only
for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ by faith, and not for our own works or
deservings: wherefore, that we are justified by
faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine, and
very full of comfort.
X. Of Good Works.
Although good works, which are the fruits of
faith, and follow after justification, cannot put
away our sins, and endure the severity of God's
judgments; yet are they pleasing and acceptable
to God in Christ, and spring out of a true and
lively faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith
may be as evidently known as a tree is discerned
by its fruit.
XI. Of Works of Supererogation.
Voluntary works, besides over and above God's
commandments, which are called works of super¬
erogation, cannot be taught without arrogancy
and impiety. For by them men do declare that
they do not only render unto God as much as
they are bound to do, but that they do more for
his sake than of bounden duty is required:
whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done
all that is commanded you, say, We are unprofit¬
able servants.
XII. Of Sin after Justification.
Hot every sin willingly committed after justifica¬
tion is the sin against the Holy Ghost, and unpar¬
donable. Wherefore, the grant of repentance is
not to be denied to such as fall into sin after justifi¬
cation : after we have received the Holy Ghost, we'
may depart from grace given, and fall into sin,
and, by the grace of God, rise again and amend
our lives. And therefore they are to be con-
54
ARTICLES OF RELIGION OF THE
demned who say they can no more sin as long
as they live here; or deny the place of forgive¬
ness to such as truly repent.
XIII. Of the Church.
The visible Church of Christ is a congregation
of faithful men, in which the pure word of God
is preached, and the sacraments duly adminis¬
tered, according to Christ's ordinance in all those
things that of necessity are requisite to the same.
XIV. Of Purgatory.
The Romish doctrine concerning purgatory,
pardon, worshipping, and adoration, as well of
images as of relics, and also invocation of saints,
is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded
upon no warrant of Scripture, but repugnant to
the word of God.
XV. Of speaking in the Congregation in such a tongue as the people
understand.
It is a thing plainly repugnant to the word of
God, and the custom of the primitive Church, to
have public prayer in the church, or to minister
the sacraments, in a tongue not understood by
the people.
XVI. Of the Sacraments.
Sacraments, ordained of Christ, are not only
badges or tokens of Christian men's profession;
but rather they are certain signs of grace, and
God's good will toward us, by the which he doth
work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken,
but also strengthen and confirm our faith in him.
There are two sacraments ordained of Christ
our Lord in the Gospel; that is to say, Baptism,
and the Supper of the Lord.
Those five, commonly called sacraments, that
is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matri-
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
55
mony, and Extreme Unction, are not to be counted
for sacraments of the Gospel, being such as have
partly grown out of the corrupt following of the
apostles, and partly are states of life allowed in
the Scriptures, but yet have not the like nature
of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, because they
have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained
of God.
The sacraments were not ordained of Christ to
be gazed upon, or to be carried about; but that
we should duly use them. And in such only as
worthily receive the same, they have a whole¬
some effect or operation; but they that receive
them unworthily purchase to themselves condem¬
nation, as St. Paul saith, 1 Cor. xi. 29.
XVII. Of Baptism.
Baptism is not only a sign of profession, and
mark of difference, whereby Christians are dis¬
tinguished from others that are not baptized ; but
it is also a sign of regeneration, or the new birth.
The baptism of young children is to be retained
in the Church.
XVIII. Of the Lord's Supper.
The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign of
the love that Christians ought to have among them¬
selves one to another, but rather is a sacrament
of our redemption by Christ's death: insomuch
that, to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith,
receive the same, the bread which we break is a
partaking of the body of Christ; and likewise
the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood
of Christ.
Transubstantiation, or the change of the sub¬
stance of bread and wine in the Supper of our
Lord, cannot be proved by Holy Writ, but is re¬
pugnant to the plain words of Scripture, o\er-
tlirowetli the nature of a sacrament, and hath
given occasion to many superstitions.
56
ARTICLES OP RELIGION OP THE
The body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten
in the Supper, only after a heavenly and spiritual
manner. And the means whereby the body of
Christ is received and eaten in the Supper is
faith.
The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was not
by .Christ's ordinance reserved, carried about,
lifted up, or worshipped.
XIX. Of both Kinds.
The cup of the Lord is not to be denied to the
lay people; for both the parts of the Lord's Sup¬
per, by Christ's ordinance and commandment,
ought to be administered to all Christians alike.
XX. Of the one Oblation of Christ, finished upon the Cross.
The offering of Christ once made, is that per¬
fect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for
all the sins of the whole world, both original and
actual; and there is none other satisfaction for
sin but that alone. "Wherefore the sacrifice of
masses, in the which it is commonly said that the
priest doth offer Christ for the quick and the
dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is a
blasphemous fable and dangerous deceit.
XXI. Of the Marriage of Ministers.
The ministers of Christ are not commanded
by God's law either to vow the estate of single
life, or to abstain from marriage: therefore it is
lawful for them, as for ail other Christians, to
marry at their own discretion, as they shall judge
the same to serve best to godliness.
XXII. Of the Rites and Ceremonies of Churches.
It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies
should in all places be the same, or exactly alike;
for they have been always different, and may be
changed according to the diversity of countries,
M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
57
times, and men's manners, so that nothing he or¬
dained against God's word. Whosoever, through
his private judgment, willingly and purposely
doth openly break the rites and ceremonies of
the Church to which he belongs, which are not
repugnant to the word of God, and are ordained
and approved by common authority, ought to be
rebuked openly, that others may fear to do the
like, as one that offendeth against the common
order of the Church, and woundeth the consciences
of weak brethren.
Every particular Church may ordain, change,
or abolish rites and ceremonies, so that all things
may be done to edification.
XXIII. Of the Rulers of the United States of America.
The president, the congress, the general assem¬
blies, the governors, and the councils of state, as
the delegates of the people, are the rulers of the
United States of America, according to the di¬
vision of power made to them by the constitution
of the United States, and by the constitution of
their respective States. And the said States are
a sovereign and independent nation, and ought
not to be subject to any foreign jurisdiction.*
XXIV. Of Christian Men's Goods.
The riches and goods of Christians are not
common, as touching the right, title, and posses¬
sion of the same, as some do falsely boast. Not¬
withstanding, every man ought, of such things
as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the
poor according to his ability.
* As far as it respects civil affairs, we believe it the duty of
Christians, and especially all Christian ministers, to be subject
to the supreme authority of the country where they may reside,
and to use all laudable means to enjoin obedience to the powers
that be ■ and, therefore, it is expected that all our preachers and
people, who may be under any foreign government, will behave
themselves as peaceable and orderly subjects.
58
ARTICLES OE RELIGION.
XXY. Of a Christian Man's Oath.
As we confess that vain and rash swearing is
forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ
and James his apostle, so we judge that the Chris¬
tian religion doth not prohibit, but that a man
may swear when the magistrate requireth, in a
cause of faith and charity, so it be done accord¬
ing to the prophet's teaching, in justice, judg-