Mat HH it Eh aeaceeevaueaney tripe oan! UH at penavetanes 2 seer ATH BHATT | if ES tH rf ati t ii i ‘EF Lidee | Hate i} { ST rerey 1 it eegetsagal ry rey { . Library of The Theological Seminary PRINCETON - NEW JERSEY 7 KE FROM THE LIBRARY OF THE REVEREND JESSE HALSEY, D.D. BX495 13 AL 1926 Reformed Church in the | United States. | The book of worship for the | Reformed Church in the | Heeb Bie: Sei ww | FOR WA THE REFORMED CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES PHILADELPHIA ‘THE PUBLICATION AND SUNDAY SCHOOL BOARD OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES FIFTEENTH AND RaAcE STREETS 1926 Hts» S000 4 ise ‘ ‘ hy ‘ Es in’ REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NEW LITURGY At the meeting of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in the United States held at Dayton, Ohio, in May 1917, it was resolved: “That a committee of nine be appointed, three representing the constituency of the Eastern Theological Seminary, three the constituency of the Central Seminary, and three the constituency of the Mission House; the Professor of Liturgics in each of these Seminaries to be a member of this committee, to prepare a new Liturgy in accordance with Reformed principles, and report to the next General Synod.” The committee accordingly was con- stituted of those whose names are subscribed to this Report. At the meeting of the General Synod held at Reading, Pa., in May 1920, a partial Report was submitted. The present Report, lacking a few minor details, is substantially complete, and is submitted to your reverend body with the hope that it may receive your approval. The book is the product of much prayer and painstaking toil. Its preparation has involved the careful and unprejudiced study of all former Orders of Worship approved by our Church, as well as the comparative study of the various Liturgies now used by other Christian bodies. Its familiar tone gives proof of the retention of the essential features of our devotional heritage. The numerous changes which have been made, the committee believes to be fully justified by the enlarged needs and changed conditions of our time. The choice of alternates for the Lord’s Day and Holy Communion Services, and the enlarged collection of Prayers for Special Occasions, it is hoped may satisfy the growing demand for greater flexibility in the use of forms for public worship. The many modifications of Forms hitherto used by our Churches are partly due to requests for revision which have come from various sources. Every suggestion which has come to the committee has received careful consideration. The committee is especially indebted to Rev. Prof. C. Ernest Wagner, former Professor of English Literature in Franklin and Marshall College, for his kind co-operation in revising and correcting the proots. It is gratifying to state that the Report has the unanimous approval of the committee, and that all its meetings, notwithstanding the occasional struggles of diverse and conflicting opinions, the spirit of unity, fairness and mutual regard was maintained inviolate. In presenting this Report the committee cherishes the hope that by the unifying power of the Holy Spirit and through closer fellowship in the pure and reverent worship of the sanctuary, and in the faithful service of our Lord, we may all come to share more fully in receiving and extending the blessings of His kingdom. Committee, JOHN C. BOWMAN, A. M. GLUCK, JAMES I. Goon, CHARLES E. MILLER, E. A. Horer, C. F. KRI£TE, JOHN W. APPLE, D. I. Prueu, F, J, BRANDT. General Synod, 1923. Hickory, N. C. * cs bo + 4% ; =o | eae 2 ‘ te tr ’ ry “w zwAO eae! ie suid tt cereal +6 dW oa | gue ad } 2 iat. ay" um) sia wh ik. set : b , cereus ino ry » , ey 8) Ph pe ‘ i A mat aK p be eee S001: MERLAL A AO: ® ssc t ) Weds pase iotart isait TOSS %) Ain & LAVAS 25 ‘eph Cmly) kn | x oan TIA eae, bain Mid3 fac.) ST PALES a, AS ad, Shh a" * . 4 aera ie ive € 1th, ae PT) ERROR. 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BLE iar nits. ooo ties t , ‘ i : tes pen Ys q j i ‘YT! tC j tere , ye j y ay a 4 ¢ d hanewle thy Cots Pe Pree Re Ney BG : fr ‘ Sey ete ene, iB (rete Dey) alt Q ” Dan MS ea PR ap rat ies 7 as } wey) Yate Nk v4 aaa 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page (PHESLORD'S DAY SERVICE...; .'. SNS ANS Sel a CRONIN Oe Ra RPS 1 AN ORDER FOR MORNING OR EVENING SERVICE............. 8 DESH LM ROMRCORGNMR VICE te hte ha trey nigel kr ae ok, 12 CHEE TANT M EU AGEL Sais RAEN vy hyn Heche: Scie nd eee fake ete, 14 PRE RERECARA LORY ASER VICE Avie uts ret scteted kal d ou ales eee 18 EPpy Oley SOOM MUNION@ Gah. had bes Pash hey SO Aa eS 24 Pee GL btsO MiGG NIONIPERVICEE: fe es ae he ANC Oe, ae PPemCTLURGTIOR YEA Ris. ieee ARLE ee cats hake hao testo ote Vint t dette S 36 Bon iteS Me OMeeN ANTS ste Voted meee, tithe OR Oy 58 Be OMSOM OUT one aa a LLP Vint yr Avett aay: 62 Peera TVA TON Rit tn erected ie ech UPE ere S Eh Ogee ye 66 PU WW AGO be PROFESSIONL OR tUAITH! pistes Peta lhe ost Fil HOARE CEES, onal WN cy oli 9 RE IE AURIS Ae Bk or a an 8 ee 74 PROCS TIONTOReVINISTERG) wet ksvay ce a. ame ae ad 78 Ad lONeOMEEV INISTRERS ron ion ts ghee ne Sa 83 ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF ELDERS AND DEACONS.. 87 BS ee Cts ORTH Ey LC cite ee ay eR i 92 NUE a eR HT Fe LG Ko eke a ic be ay ste gna eb owe Sa 400 2 BeEPERES Ue OM EDI Es DIAL) iad, en ee oer a esti ui a 116 BePRCECTAIPEAT TAO CH TED RE IN a sar ets eo Take Au: Moto eth >in ck Be canelag 125 RIE TEMTEOIGR VICE OM Oe scr ee we ne ele nd iol 128 Pe (CORNER STONE cv iseuisbee ¢ ced cuwike vag Petey oes 129 rere eC rit At Oy HIRO iit slic. 2s wy econe. 0 aceon aerate Me oebelee leuk. Bi Peper Ce ePIC CAN CREA INE vue os cock Gade sip fone cies ele taka beetece, «deel 134 MSP ARLE OMe RIE TURE, LakSSONS) «ii c's. oo sta sib aoe eae a el ensue ote 136 SUGGESTED PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS............. 140 SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE FOR READING DURING THE OFFER- DR CRRE e): TRO eM EL eg EN ee kIT a sete tyne h at aelan eats 150 Pa ae ay Dea wee a Pie x Pe VAs oak Wee ERD milk ya ean | ivHac a inne ey i AON aot — ’ Wy vyE 5 St ; ene ies 5 Cie : Cie vat? a0 ri nonO : , 7 : : » ; te don . ra! aT if sere eahss ant aga tp OWS MRO, Ee i aoe we MMOD: ays : Th vi, nae tow no #11 - +) on Alte a3 Le ee a3 be tT. m0 Wa ak sae afr een ae aly (iret eae nek 40 1 , hi ia. ¥ co nthe a Pars. et ; ; Pe 4 » velin ts sede of Ol oy ’ soe *T0Ge 4 . he, = : : af CREAT a0, “GK bcd” [oo alli a: +: EAD 10) ATA REA t ‘ * 4 ‘ ah i ti 1 gy AAAI. AG (TAMIATS stv AO MFT | FO. 2 Ate ae 4o woe oo a ae | cee x ita hd eae AAT a 2 ) i 4 ain } - *y J 4 \ ~ oP Aichi ees : we oh 5 * ay >= : i = OT : Ww i) en a A a? aMOPS s 9 6 : } s * Brun * “1 a ohh tees be ; ve ompR rem baie a ¥ ee ee A es te f ( } +4 " its i ee ee rye oe a . ei ‘ A ov iy . © *o8lhee' 4 wal anon 1 ae = ‘7? j SATAN iT He ania THE LORD’S DAY SERVICE Having taken his place, the congregation also standing, the min- ister shall begin the Service with this Sentence of Scripture: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then the minister shall say: Dearly Beloved in the Lord: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us; but if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us therefore humble ourselves before the throne of Almighty God, our heavenly Father, and confess our manifold sins and transgressions with lowly and contrite hearts, that we may obtain forgiveness of the same, through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here all shall kneel and say: Almighty and most merciful God our heavenly Father, we cast ourselves down before Thee under a deep sense of our unworthiness and guilt. We have grievously sinned against Thee, in thought, in word, and in deed. We have come short of Thy glory. We have broken Thy com- mandments, and turned aside every one of us from the way of life. Yet now, O most merciful Father, hear us when we call upon Thee with penitent hearts; and for the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us. Pardon our sins, and grant us Thy peace. Take away our guilt. Purify us, by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, from all inward uncleanness; and make us able and willing to serve Thee in newness of life, to the glory of Thy holy name; through Jesus Christ, oun Lord. Amen. Then the minister shall stand and say: 1 2, THE Book OF WORSHIP Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who desireth not the death of the sinner, but rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live, and Who gave His only Son to be a sacrifice for the sins of the whole world; have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Or the following: Hearken now unto the comforting assurance of the grace of God, promised in the Gospel to all that repent and believe: As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever. believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Unto as many of you, therefore, beloved brethren, as truly repent of your sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, with full purpose of new obedience, I announce and declare, by the authority and in the name of Christ, that your sins are forgiven in heaven, according to His promise in the Gospel, through the perfect merit of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. The congregation shall now stand and sing the Gloria in Excelsis, or a Chant, or a Hymn. M. Praise ye the Lord: C. The Lord’s name be praised. Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory. O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. THE LORD’S DAY SERVICE 3 O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sin of the world, receive our - prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For Thou only art holy; Thou only art the Lord; Thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen. The Scripture Lesson shall now be read, according to the order of the Church year, after which the congregation shall stand and sing the Canticle for' the Day, or an appropriate Chant, or the Gloria Patri: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Here the Apostles’ Creed shall be recited: I believe in God the Father Almighty: Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hades; the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghest: the Holy Catholie Church; the Communion of Saints; the Forgiveness of Sins; the Resurrection of the Body; and the Life Everlasting. Amen. A THE BooK OF WORSHIP The General Prayer shall. now be offered, consisting of the Collect for the Day, the following Prayers, and any Special Prayers. On special days the Prayers for Special Occasions may take the place of the General Prayer. The foregoing order shall not preclude the use of Free Prayer. M. The Lord be with you: C. And with thy spirit. M. Let us pray: Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, Thine unworthy servants, do give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all Thy goodness and loving kindness to us, and to all men. We praise Thee for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all, for Thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech Thee, give us such due sense of all Thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we may shew forth Thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to Thy service, and by walking before Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. God of all power and glory, who hast not appointed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, perfect and fulfil in us, we beseech Thee, the work of Thy redeeming mercy, that, being delivered more and more from our sins, we may be able to serve Thee in newness of life. Sanctify us in body, soul and spirit; and guide us evermore in the way of peace. Help us to over- come the world. Beat down Satan under our feet. Give us courage to confess Christ always, and patience to endure in his service unto the end; that, having finished THE LORD’S DAY SERVICE 5 our course with joy we may rest in hope; and attain finally to the resurrection of the just, through the infinite merits of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. O Thou God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, cause Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, to rest upon the Church, which He has purchased with His most precious blood. Jiluminate her ministers with true knowledge and understanding of Thy Word. Send down the health- ful dew of Thy grace upon all her congregations. Deliver her from false doctrine, heresy and schism; and clothe her with the beauty of holiness and peace. Estab- lish and reveal Thy glory among all nations. By the tranquil working of Thy perpetual providence, confound and destroy all wicked devices formed against Thy holy Word, and bring in speedily the full victory of Thine everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Almighty God, King of kings and Lord of lords, from whom proceedeth all power and dominion in heaven and on earth; most heartily we beseech Thee to look with favor upon Thy servants, the President of the United States, the Governor of this Commonwealth, and _ all others in authority. Imbue them with the spirit of wis- dom, goodness, and truth; and so rule their hearts, and bless their endeavors, that law and order, justice and peace may everywhere prevail. Preserve us from public calamities; from pestilence and famine; from war, privy conspiracy, and rebellion; but especially from national sins and corruption. Make us strong and great in the fear of God, and in the love of righteousness; so that being blessed of Thee, we may become a blessing to all 6 THE BOOK OF WORSHIP nations, to the praise of the glory of Thy grace through Jesus Christ. Amen. O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we implore Thy mercy in behalf of all classes and conditions of men; that it may please Thee to visit them with Thy most compassionate help, according to their manifold necessities and wants; especially do we beseech Thee to have pity upon all widows and orphans; upon all prisoners and captives; upon all sick and dying persons; upon those who are desolate or sore afflicted in any way; and upon all such as are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Enable them to look unto Thee, O most merciful Father, and to call upon Thy name, that they may find Thee a present Saviour in their affliction and distress. And let it please Thee to deliver them, and raise them up in due time, giving them patience under all their sufferings, the rich comfort of Thy grace here below, and eternal rest with Thee in heaven; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Here special prayers may be offered, followed by the Lord’s Prayer, in which the people shall join aloud: Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as itis in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. The Offering shall now be received, a Hymn sung, and the Sermon preached, after which the congregation shall stand and the minister shall say: Let us pray: | Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who hast caused THE LorpD’s Day SERVICE 7 all holy Seriptures to be written for our learning; accompany, we beseech Thee, with Thy heavenly bene- diction, the truth which has been preached unto us this day; that it may bring forth in our lives the peaceable fruits of righteousness, to the glory of Thy holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. O God, who art the Author of peace and Lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; defend us, Thy humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in Thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of our glorious Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto Thee, and dost promise that where two or three are gathered together in Thy name, Thou wilt grant their requests; fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of Thy servants, as may be most expedient for them, grant- ing us in this world knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Amen. Then a Hymn shall be sung, followed by the Doxology, after which the minister shall close the Service with this Benediction: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. AN ORDER FOR MORNING OR EVENING SERVICE Having taken his place, the congregation also standing, the min- ister shall begin the Service with one of the following Sentences of Scripture: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the | Holy Ghost. Amen. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Amen. Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Then the minister shall say: M. Let us pray: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our minds, we beseech Thee, by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that, being delivered from every unholy motion of the flesh and spirit, we may perfectly love Thee, with a pure heart and sanctified lips worship Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. The Responsive Reading. Hymn. The Scripture Lesson. After the Lesson the congregation shall stand and sing the Canticle for the Day, or an appropriate Chant, or the Gloria Patri. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. [The Apostles’ Creed.] 8 AN ORDER FOR MORNING oO8 IEXVENING SERVICE 9 Then the General Prayer shall be offered, consisting of the follow- ing Prayers, or some other suitable Prayer, or a Free Prayer, M. The Lord be with you: C. And with thy spirit. M. Let us pray: O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; give unto Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey Thy commandments, and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may by Thy protection pass our time in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. In goodness art Thou exalted, O Lord, our Father, for ever and ever. We magnify Thee, we praise Thee, we worship Thee, we give thanks unto Thee for Thy bounti- ful providence, for all the blessings of the present life, and all the hopes of a better life to come. Let the memory of Thy goodness, we beseech Thee, fill our hearts with joy and thankfulness unto our life’s end; and let no unworthiness of ours provoke Thee to withhold from us any needed good, seeing that all Thy blessings come not by our desert, but only through the merit and mediation of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God, who hast promised to reveal Thy glory by Jesus Christ among all nations; remember, we beseech Thee, Thy holy Church throughout all the world. Unite all who profess and call themselves Christians in the bond of a holy faith as one body, and so replenish them and us with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may bring forth abundantly the fruits of peace and good works. 10 THE BooK OF WORSHIP And grant that, having persevered in the way of godli- ness to the end, we may, with prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, and saints of all ages, come into full com- munion with Thee and with one another in Thine eternal and glorious kingdom; through the mediation of our © Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Almighty God, King of kings, and Lord of lords, take under Thy most gracious government and guidance, we beseech Thee, Thy servants, the President of the United States, the Governor of this Commonwealth, and all others in authority; and so enrich them with heavenly wisdom and grace, that they may attain Thine everlast- ing favor, and we lead quiet and peaceable lives, in all godliness and honesty; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Most merciful God, who art a seasonable refuge in time of trouble; let the prayers of those who, in tribula- tion or any sort of extremity, cry unto Thee, reach Thy merciful ears, and grant them relief according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions; for the sake of the suffering and sorrow of Thy dear Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Here special prayers may be offered, followed by the Lord’s Prayer, in which the people shall join aloud: 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. AN ORDER FOR MORNING OR EVENING SERVICE _ 11 Offering. Hymn. Sermon. After the Sermon the congregation shall stand and the minister Shall say: Let us pray: O God, who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people by sending unto them the light of Thy Holy Spirit; grant unto us by the same Spirit to have a right under- standing of Thy saving truth. Visit, we pray Thee, this congregation with Thy love and favor. Enlighten our minds more and more with the light of the everlasting Gospel; fill our hearts with a love of the truth; increase in us true religion; nourish us with all goodness; and of Thy great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. A Hymn shall now be sung, followed by the Doxology, after which the minister shall close the Service with one of the following Benedic- tions: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Amen. A BRIEF ORDER OF SERVICE ' The minister shall begin the Services with one of the following Sentences of Scripture: Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: bring © an offering and come into His courts: O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before Him, all the earth. Amen. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. Amen. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Amen. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you: where two or three are gathered together in My name, saith the Lord Jesus, there am I in the midst of them. Amen. The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Amen. And they said unto Him, Abide with us, O Lord, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent; and He went in to tarry with them. Amen. Then the Service shall proceed as follows: 12 A BRIEF ORDER OF SERVICE 13 Prayer. Hymn. The Scripture Reading. Gloria, or Hymn of Confession, or Kyrie. Prayer. Offering. Hymn. Sermon. Prayer. Hymn. Doxology. The minister shall close the Service with one of the following Benedictions: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. May grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour, and from the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, be with you all. Amen. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen. The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; ~ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God our Saviour, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord; and the bless- ing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. THE LITANY To be said kneeling, instead of the General Prayer, on days of penitence. M. O God, the Father in heaven; have mercy upon us. C. ‘Have mercy upon us. M. O God, the Son, Redeemer of the world; have mercy upon us. C. Have mercy upon us. M. O God, the Holy Ghost, the Comforter ; have mercy upon us. C. Have mercy upon us. M. O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, ever one God; have mercy upon us. C. Have mercy upon us. M. Remember not, Lord, our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers; spare us, good Lord, spare Thy people, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy most precious blood. C. Spare us, good Lord. M. From ail evil and harm; from the power of sin, and the snares of the devil; from the spirit of the world, and from everlasting death. C. Good Lord, deliver us. M. From all blindness of heart; from pride, vain- glory, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness. C. Good Lord, deliver us. 14 THE LITANY 15 M. From all impure lusts and desires; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil. C. Good Lord, deliver us. M. From lightning, tempest, and earthquake; from plague, pestilence, and famine; from all disasters by land and by water; from battle, and murder, and a violent death. C. Good Lord, deliver us. M. From tumult and riot; from sedition and rebellion; from heresy and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of Thy Word and authority. C. Good Lord, deliver us. M. By the mystery of Thy holy incarnation; by Thy holy nativity and circumcision; by Thy baptism, fasting, and temptation. C. Good Lord, deliver us. M. By Thine agony and bloody sweat; by Thy cross and passion; by Thy precious death and burial; by Thy glorious resurrection and ascension; and by the coming of the Holy Ghost. C. Good Lord, deliver us. M. In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our wealth; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment. C. Good Lord, deliver us. M. We sinners do beseech Thee to hear us, O Lord. C. Son of God, we beseech Thee to hear us. M. That it may please Thee to keep us in all time of temptation and heaviness; to comfort and help all the 16 THE BOOK OF WORSHIP weak-hearted; to raise up them that fall, and finally to beat down Satan under our feet. C. We beseech Thee to hear us, O Lord. M. That it may please Thee to succor, help, and com- fort all that are in danger, necessity, and tribulation. C. We beseech Thee to hear us, O Lord. M. That it may please Thee to preserve all travellers and strangers, all women in the perils of child-birth, all sick persons, and young children, and to show Thy pity upon all prisoners and captives. C. We beseech Thee to hear us, O Lord. M. That it may please Thee to defend and provide for the fatherless children, and widows, and all that are desolate and oppressed. C. We beseech Thee to hear us, O Lord. M. That it may please Thee to have mercy upon all men. C. We beseech Thee to hear us, O Lord. M. O Son of God, Redeemer of the world. C. Have mercy upon us. M. O Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world; C. Have mercy upon us. M. O Lamb of God that takest away the sin of the world; C. Grant us Thy peace. O God, merciful Father, who despisest not the sighing THE LITANY iby of the contrite, nor rejectest the desire of the sorrowful ; be favorable to our prayers which in our afflictions that continually oppress us, we pour out before Thee; and graciously hear them, that those things which the craft of the devil or man worketh against us, may be brought to naught, and by the counsel of Thy goodness be dispersed ; so that being hurt by no persecutions, we may evermore give thanks unto Thee in Thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; give unto Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey Thy commandments, and also that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may by Thy protection pass our time in peace and quietness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Here special prayers may be offered, followed by the Lord’s Prayer, in which the people shall join aloud. Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as itis in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. THE PREPARATORY SERVICE Having taken his place, the congregation also standing, the min- ister shall begin the Service with this Sentence of Scripture: The Lord is in His holy temple, let all the earth keep ~ silence before Him. Amen. Then the Service shall proceed as follows: M. God spake all these words, saying: I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. I. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down thy- self to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My Commandments. III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain. IV. Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessd the sabbath day, and hallowed it. V. Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 18 THE PREPARATORY SERVICE 19 VI. Thou shalt not kill. VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery. VIII. Thou shalt not steal. IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid- servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s. C. Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep all these laws. M. Hear also what our Lord Jesus Christ saith: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Then the minister shall offer this Prayer, which may be followed by the Litany. Let us pray: O Lord God, who didst at the first deliver Thy com- mandments from the mount which burned with fire, amid blackness, and darkness, and tempest, at which ter- rible sight even Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake: we thank Thee that this same law is now published unto us from Mt. Zion, through the Mediator of a new and bet- ter covenant; and we humbly beseech Thee to put these words into our minds, and write them in our hearts, that we may delight in Thy law after the inward man, and serve Thee in newness of spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. The Offering, if such be made, shall now be received, a Hymn sung, and the Sermon preached, after which, the minister, addressing the Communicants, shall say: 20 THE BooK OF WORSHIP Beloved in the Lord: Our blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ, when He was about to finish the work of our redemption, by making Himself a sacrifice for our sins upon the cross, solemnly instituted the Holy Sacrament of His own Body and Blood, that it might be the abiding memorial of His precious death; the seal of His perpetual presence in the Church by the Holy Ghost; the mystical exhibition of His one offering of Himself made once, but of force always, to put away sin; the pledge of His undying love to His people; and the bond of His living union and fellowship with them to the end of time. It has not been without reason, therefore, that the celebration of the Lord’s Supper has ever been regarded by the Church as the inmost sanctuary of the whole Christian worship. We have to do here, not with out- ward signs merely, but with the heavenly realities them- selves which these signs represent. Our Lord Himself calls the bread His body, and the cup His blood, or the New Testament in His blood. Being of such a sacred nature it is plain that the table of the Lord can be rightly approached only by those who are of a truly devout, repentant, and believing mind. These holy mysteries are not for the worldly, the irrev- erent, or the indifferent. All who are impenitent and unbelieving, and who refuse to obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, have no right to partake of this table. If any of you, then, are conscious that you are the willing servants of sin, being without repentance and faith, and yielding yourselves to the power of worldly affections and lusts, we solemnly warn and admonish you, that ye presume not, so long as this is your character, to come to the table of the Lord: for those doing so eat and THE PREPARATORY SERVICE yy drink judgment to themselves; not because they are sinners, but because they are impenitent sinners; not because they are unworthy, but because they eat and drink unworthily, not discerning the Lord’s body. On the other hand, we cordially invite to this table all who are truly grieved and penitent for their sins, who look to the Lord Jesus Christ for righteousness and salvation, who abide in the fellowship of His Church, and who earnestly desire to possess His Spirit and to walk in His steps. To all such the infinitely compassionate Redeemer Himself says: Come unto Me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Then, if the Confession is to be used, the minister shall continue thus: Ye then, beloved brethren, who have looked earnestly into your own hearts, and who find in yourselves these good dispositions of penitence and faith, with the sincere desire and purpose of forsaking all sin and following after all Christian holiness, approach with me now to the throne of grace, and make your humble confession to Almighty God. Here all shall kneel and say: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men; we cast our- selves down at Thy feet with deep humiliation and heartfelt penitent grief, in view of our manifold sins. We have sinned against Thee in thought, word, and deed; we have broken Thy holy laws; we have come short of Thy righteousness and glory in all our ways. Righteousness belongeth unto Thee, O Lord, but unto us only confusion of face; but unto Thee, O Lord our God, belong also mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against Thee; for Thou, Lord, art good, and OY, THE BooK OF WORSHIP ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee. Look upon us, therefore, O righteous and holy Father, with an eye of pity and compassion, as we now humble ourselves, with sincere confession, before the throne of Thy heavenly grace; and for the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, speak pardon and peace to our souls. Let Thy mercy be upon us, O Lord, according as we hope in Thee. And with the full pardon of our past sins, be pleased also to quicken us, we beseech Thee, in the way of righteousness, and uphold us with | Thy free Spirit; that we may walk worthy henceforth of the vocation wherewith we are called, and ever hereafter serve and please Thee in newness of life, to the honor and glory of Thy holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then the minister shall stand and say: Hearken now unto the: comforting assurance of the grace of God, promised in the Gospel to all that repent and believe. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Wherefore, beloved brethren, those of you who have truly turned to God with hearty repentance and sincere faith, may assuredly believe that your sins are forgiven in heaven, through the perfect sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Or, instead of the foregoing, the following may be used: Wherefore, Dearly Beloved, that you may profess, as in the presence of God, your desire to approach the Lord’s table worthily, give answer to the following questions: THE PREPARATORY SERVICE 23 M. Do you humbly acknowledge your manifold sins, heartily repent of them, and put all your trust in the mercy of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord? Ans. I do. M. Do you truly believe that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners; do you renew your faith in Him as your Lord and Saviour; and do you look to Him alone for forgiveness of sin, salvation, and eternal life? Ans. I do. M. Do you sincerely promise, henceforth, to be obedient to the, Holy Spirit, so as to hate and forsake all manner of sin, to live as in God’s presence, and to strive daily after holiness of heart and life? Ans. I do. Let us pray: Most merciful God, our heavenly Father, Who hast promised to hear us when we call upon Thee in the name of Thy dear Son; fulfill now, we beseech Thee, in every contrite heart the promise of redeeming grace; that being delivered from our sins, cleansed from an evil conscience, and strengthened by Thy Spirit, we may pass our days in the peace of a holy life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. The congregation shall now stand and sing the Doxology, after which the minister shall close the Service with this Benediction: The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.. THE HOLY COMMUNION The Sacrament of the Holy Communion shall be administered in every congregation at least twice a year, and, if possible, four times, Having taken his place, the congregation also standing, the minister Shall begin the Service as follows: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. [Here the Kyrie may be sung.] Let us pray: Almighty and everlasting God, our heavenly Father, who by the blood of Thy dear Son hast consecrated for us a new and living way into the holiest of all; cleanse our minds, we beseech Thee, by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, that we, Thy redeemed people, drawing near unto Thee in this Holy Supper, with a true heart and undefiled conscience, in full assurance of faith, may offer unto Thee an acceptable sacrifice in righteousness, and worthily magnify Thy great and glorious name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then a Hymn shall be sung, followed by the reading of a Lesson from the Holy Scriptures, after which the congregation shall stand and sing the Gloria Patri. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Then the Apostles’ Creed shall be recited: I believe in God the Father Almighty: Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin 24 THE HOLY COMMUNION 25 Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hades; the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost: the Holy Catholic Church; the Communion of Saints; the Forgiveness of Sins; the Resurrection of the Body; and the Life Kverlasting. Amen. Then the minister shall offer the Collect for the Day, the Festival Prayer, and the following Prayer: Let us pray: O God, merciful Father, vouchsafe unto us, we humbly beseech Thee, the continual help of Thy grace, that we may acknowledge and confess Thine incarnate Son as our true and only Lord and Saviour, and that receiving Him with childlike faith we may ever feed on His precious body and blood as the true meat and drink of our souls unto everlasting life. Amen. The Service shall now proceed as follows: The Offering shall be received, a Hymn sung, and the Sermon preached. Then the minister, having uncovered the bread and the wine, shall address the communi- cants, saying: Dearly Beloved in the Lord: All ye who do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, who are in love and charity with your neighbors, and who purpose to lead a better life, by following the commandments of God and walking henceforth in His holy ways; draw near with reverence, faith, and thanksgiving, and take to your comfort the Supper of the Lord. Let this bread and this wine be to you the signs and seals of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost. Before the throne of your heavenly Father make 26 THE BooOK OF WORSHIP your humble confession of sin, consecrate your lives to Christian service, and pray for strength to do and to bear the holy and blessed will of God. Here all shall kneel and say: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who dost admit © Thy people unto such wonderful communion, that par- taking of the Body and Blood of Thy dear Son, they should dwell in Him, and He in them; we draw nigh unto Thee under an humble sense of our unworthiness, acknowledging our manifold transgressions of Thy righteous law, in thought, in word, and in deed. We are deeply grieved, O Lord, for having offended against Thee; we condemn both ourselves and our sins with unfelgned penitence; for we have come short of Thy righteousness and glory in all our ways. But Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us; for the sake of Jesus Christ, forgive us all our sins; purify us, by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit, from all inward uncleanness; enable us heartily to forgive others, as we beseech Thee to forgive us; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please Thee in newness of life, to the honor and glory of Thy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then the minister shall stand and say: Hearken now unto the comforting words of our Lord Jesus Christ to all who truly turn to Him. Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. Wherefore, beloved, I commend you to God and to the Word of His THE HoLy COMMUNION Ot grace, which is able to build you up and grant you an inheritance among them that are sanctified forever. Amen. Then, the congregation standing, the minister and people shall say responsively: The Lord be with you: And with thy spirit. Lift up your hearts: We lift them up unto the Lord. Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God: S208 ¢2 It is meet and right so to do. Then the minister shall say: It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O Lord our God, for all Thy mercies and favors to us, known and unknown. But most of all, we praise Thee, the Father everlasting, for the gift of Thine adorable, true, and only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, who by His appearing hath abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. We bless Thee for His holy incarnation; for His life on earth; for His precious sufferings and death upon the cross; for His resurrection from the dead; and for His glorious ascension to Thy right hand. We bless Thee for the giving of the Holy. Ghost; for the institution of the Church; for the means of grace; for the hope of everlasting life; and for the glory which shall be brought unto us at the coming and in the kingdom of Thy dear Son. Thee, mighty God, heavenly King, we magnify and 28 THE Book OF WORSHIP praise. With patriarchs and prophets, apostles and martyrs; with the holy Church throughout all the world; with the heavenly Jerusalem, the joyful assembly and congregation of the first-born on high; with the innumerable company of angels round about Thy throne, the heaven of heavens, and all the powers therein; we worship and adore Thy glorious name, joining in the song of the Cherubim and Seraphim: Here all shall sing: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full, are full of the majesty of Thy glory. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest. Then the minister shall say: The Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread [here he shall take some of the bread into his hands|, and when He had given thanks, He brake it [here he shall break the bread], and said, Take, eat: this is My body which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup [here he shall take the cup into his hands|, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. Let us pray: Sanctify by Thy Spirit, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, these elements of bread and wine, that being set apart now from a common to a sacred and mystical use, they may exhibit and represent to us with true effect the Body and Blood of ‘Thy Son, Jesus Christ, so that in the THE HOLY COMMUNION 29 use of them we may be made, through the power of the Holy Ghost, to partake really and truly of His blessed life, whereby only we can be saved from death, and raised to immortality at the last day. Amen. And be pleased, now O most merciful Father, graciously to receive this memorial of the blessed sacrifice of Thy Son; in union with which we here offer and present unto Thee, O Lord, the reasonable sacrifice of our own persons; consecrating ourselves, on the altar of the Gospel, in soul and body, property and life, to Thy most blessed service and praise. Make us accepted in the Beloved; and let His name be as a pure and holy incense, through which all our worship may come up before Thee, as the odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. Amen. O God, who dost bless the unity of Thy people in the fellowship of service; manifest Thyself amongst us in the fulness of Thy love. Give us grace to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away from us all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord. In all our relations make us humble and meek, forbearing one another in love, and endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace. Amen. O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named; we rejoice before Thee in the blessed communion of all Thy saints, wherein Thou givest us also to have part. We praise Thee for the holy fellowship of patriarchs and prophets, apostles and martyrs, and the whole glorious company of the redeemed of all ages who have died in the Lord, and now live with Him forevermore. We give 30 THE BooK OF WORSHIP thanks unto Thee for Thy great grace and many gifts bestowed on those who have thus gone before us in the way of salvation, and by whom we are now compassed about, in our Christian course, as a cloud of witnesses looking down upon us from the heavenly world. Enable us to follow their faith, that we may enter at death into their joy; and so abide with them in rest and peace, till both they and we shall reach our common consummation of redemption and bliss in the glorious resurrection of the last day. Amen. 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. The Holy Communion shall now take place. During the singing of a sacramental Hymn, the people shall present themselves at the © communion table, reverently and devoutly standing. The officiating min- ister shall first partake of the communion in both kinds himself, .then administer it to his assistants, and then should proceed with their help to administer it to the people, giving first the bread and then the wine. During the distribution appropriate passages of Scripture may be re- cited. After the people assembled at the table have communed, the minister shall dismiss them with one of the following blessings: May the Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, keep and preserve you, each one, in body, soul, and spirit, unto everlasting life. Amen. Depart in peace. The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen. Depart in peace. May grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, THE HoLy COMMUNION Aa! and from the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour, and from the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, be with you all. Amen. Depart in peace. When all have communed, the congregation shall stand and the minister shall say: Let us pray: Almighty and everlasting God, our heavenly Father, we give Thee most hearty thanks for the great goodness Thou hast shown toward us at this time, in vouchsafing to feed us, through these sacred elements, with the spir- itual food of the most precious body and blood of Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, assuring us thereby that we are members of the mystical body of Thy Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and we most humbly beseech Thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with Thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellow- ship, and do all such good works as shall please Thee; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without -end. Amen. [Hymn, Te Deum Laudamus, Doxology.] Then the minister shall close the Service with this Benediction: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. A BRIEF COMMUNION SERVICE After the Sermon, the minister shall uncover the bread and wine, and address the communicants, saying: Dearly Beloved in the Lord: God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The more fully to show forth this promise of the Gospel, to seal unto us the remission of our sins, and to assure us of eternal life, He hath graciously added to that promise this blessed sacrament of the crucified body and shed blood of His dear Son, as the certain sign and covenant pledge of His abounding grace. The Scripture warns all who live in sin not to profane this holy table. This, however, is not intended to exclude penitent persons, but only such as continue in sin without repentance. Wherefore, examine yourselves, to know whether you truly repent of your sins, and whether trusting in God’s mercy and seeking your whole salvation in Jesus Christ, you are resolved to follow holiness and - to live in peace and love with all men. Another design of the holy Supper is that we may be knit together in true brotherly love as members of one body, for we, being incorporated with Christ by true faith, are through brotherly love to be as one body, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, who first loved us, that we might truly love one another. Here the congregation shall rise and continue standing until the consecration is ended: Let us pray: Most holy and merciful God, our heavenly Father, we 32 A BRIEF COMMUNION SERVICE 33 would on this solemn occasion draw nigh to Thee in remembrance of Thy Son. We would remember, O our God, the gracious beauty of His life, His obedience unto death, and His victory over the grave. Quicken our hearts by these sacred memories, O blessed Lord, until we feel it no task to serve Thee, no burden to carry our cross, but a delight and joy to do Thy will and work. By Thy Holy Spirit shed abroad Thy love in our hearts, and as a result of this communion, may we cheerfully take up our cross, deny ourselves, and ever keep in constant fellowship with Thee in all our life. Grant this, we beseech Thee, O merciful Father, with the forgiveness of all our sins, for Christ our Redeemer’s sake. Amen. Then the minister shall proceed thus: The Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed [here he shall take some of the bread into his hands], took bread; and when He had given thanks, He brake it [here he shall break the bread], and said, Take, eat, this is My Body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also [here he shall take the cup into his hands|, He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood; this do ye as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. Here the minister shall offer the following Prayer, the people join- ing in the Lord’s Prayer, after which the congregation shall be seated. Let us pray: Sanctify by Thy Spirit, we beseech Thee, Almighty _ God, these elements of bread and wine, that being set apart now from a common to a sacred and mystical use, they may exhibit and represent to us with true effect the body and blood of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, so that in the 34 THE BooK oF WORSHIP use of them we may be made, through the power of the Holy Ghost, to partake really and truly of His blessed life, whereby only we can be saved from death, and raised to immortality at the last day. And be pleased now, O most merciful Father, graciously to receive this memorial of the blessed sacrifice of ‘Thy Son; in union with which we here offer and present unto Thee, O Lord, the reasonable sacrifice of our own persons; consecrating ourselves, on the altar of the gospel, in soul and body, property and life, to Thy most blessed service and praise. Make us accepted in the Beloved; and let His name be as a pure and holy incense, through which all our worship may come up before Thee, as the odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. The minister shall now invite all Christian people to commune, then a Hymn shall be sung, and the bread and wine distributed. During the distribution appropriate passages of Scripture may be recited. Each table of communicants shall be dismissed with one of the following Blessings: May the Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, keep and preserve you each one in body, soul, and spirit, unto everlasting life. Amen. Depart in peace. The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen. Depart in peace. A BRIEF COMMUNION SERVICE 85 May grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour, and from the Holy Ghost the Comforter, be with you all. Amen. Depart in peace. When all have communed, the congregation shall stand and the minister shall say: Let us pray: Almighty and most merciful God, our heavenly Father, Who hast called us to sit in heavenly places at this feast of love; we give Thee hearty thanks for the privilege and blessing of another sacred communion; and we most humbly beseech Thee to so constrain us by the love of Christ that we may ever show forth Thy praise. Remem- ber also, O Lord, all those with whom we are one in the body of Christ, the multitudes of every name who are joined with us in one household of faith, that the peace of God which has come to us here may come also to them. Rejoicing in the communion of saints, we bless Thy holy name, O God of our fathers, for all Thy servants who are now at rest with Thee. Make us one with them in the same holy fellowship. And we pray that as we have been partakers of Thy holy communion this day, so too we may all at last be prepared to share in eternal com- munion with Thee in Thy heaveniy kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. A Hymn shall now be sung, followed by the Doxology, after which the minister shall close the Service with this. Benediction: The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through _ the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen. THE CHURCH YEAR The Chureh Year begins with the Sunday nearest to the thirtieth of November, which is St. Andrew’s Day, either before or after. The number of Sundays in the Christmas, Epiphany, and Trinity seasons varies according to the date of Easter, which is a movable Festival, falling on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox. The last three Sundays of the Church Year should always be observed, FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT. Psalm 25. Matt) 2isa-ni: Rom. 13:11-14 Collect. O God, the Father of all mercies, who hast not appointed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ; aid us, we beseech Thee, at this time, to repent heartily and truly of all our sins, and so to humble ourselves, that, when He cometh, we may be prepared to receive Him with childlike faith, and join in the glad cry: Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Amen. SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT. Psalm 80. Enikeiy25-33% Rom. 15:4-13. Collect. Let Thy gospel, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, come unto us not in word only, but in power, and in much assurance, and in the Holy Spirit; that we may be guided into all truth, and be fruitful in every good word and work; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT. Psalm’ 85. Matt, LL :2-19: 1 Cor. 4:1-5. Collect Incline, O Lord, we beseech Thee, Thine ear to our prayers, and visit the darkness of our mind with the dayspring from on high; that being illumined by the light of Thy holy Word, we may 36 THE CHURCH YEAR 37 approve ourselves ministers of Christ, and faithful stewards of the manifold gifts of Thy grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT. Psalm 19 John 1:19-34, Phil. 4:4-7. Collect. O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who by Thy providence hast made all ages a preparation for the kingdom of Thy dear Son; make ready our hearts, we beseech Thee, for the brightness of Thy glory, and fill them with the power of Thy divine presence; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. | CHRISTMAS. Psalm 93. J Olin: Us 1-14. Hebsl 1-12: Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, who hast given us Thy only begotten Son to take our nature upon Him, and to be born of a pure virgin; grant that we, being regenerate and made Thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by Thy Holy Spirit after the image of this same blessed and glorious Christ: who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. THE FESTIVAL PRAYER. O Thou only begotten Son of God, who in the fulness of time coming forth from the bosom of the Father, wast made flesh and didst dwell among us, full of grace and truth; we bless Thee for Thy conception by the Holy Ghost and for Thy birth of the blessed Virgin, whereby Thou hast become the true seed of Abraham and didst take upon Thyself all our sins and infirmities, that we might have salvation from sin and eternal life in Thee. With the multitude of angels who proclaimed Thy joyous Ad- ~ vent, and with Thy people among all nations we unite in saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men. Amen. 38 THE BooK OF WORSHIP PRAYER. O Holy Ghost, Spirit of the Father and the Son, who by Thy quickening energy hast raised us up to a new life in Christ Jesus, and dost in merey to our infirmities condescend to dwell in our mortal bodies as Thy consecrated temples; bring forth in our hearts and lives, we beseech Thee, the fruits of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, faith, meekness and temperance; that these thing's being in us, and abounding, we may be neither bar- ren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever, Amen, SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. Psalm 98. Matt. 1:18-25. Gal. 4:1-7. Collect. Most merciful God, who hast so loved the world as to give Thine only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life; vouchsafe unto us, we hum- bly pray Thee, the precious gift of faith, whereby we may know that the Son of God is come, and being always rooted and grounded in the mystery of the Word made flesh, may have pow- er to overcome the world, and gain the blessed immortality of heaven: through the merits of this same incarnate Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. NEW YEAR’S DAY. Psalm 8. Luke 2:8-21. Col. 2:8-15. Collect. O eternal God, who makest all things new, and abidest forever the same; grant us to begin this year in Thy fear, and to con- tinue it in Thy favor; that, being guided in all our doings by the saving name of Thy dear Son, we may spend our lives in Thy service, and finally, by Thy grace, attain the glory of everlasting life, in Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory,:world without end. Amen. ._ THE CHURCH YEAR 39 SUNDAY AFTER NEW YEAR. Psalm 45. Luke 2:22-40. Rom. 6:12-14. Collect. Most gracious God, who by Thine only begotten Son hast made us to be a new creation for Thyself, and hast bathed us in the new light of Thine Incarnate Word; preserve in us, we beseech Thee, the works of Thy mercy, and cleanse us from all our ancient stains; that by the assistance of Thy grace we may con- tinue Thine forever, and come at last into Thy heavenly king- dom; through the merits of this same Incarnate Christ, who liv- eth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. EPIPHANY. Psalm 72. Matt. 2:1-12. Eph. 3:1-12. Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest Thy only begotten Son to the Gentiles; shed upon us, we beseech Thee, the blessed light of Thy holy Word; that the same light enkindled in our hearts may shine forth in our lives, and hasten the ever coming kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY. Psalm 100. Luke 2:41-52. Rom, 12:1-5. Collect. Receive, O Lord, with compassionate kindness, the prayers of Thy suppliant people, and bestow upon them plenteously the aids of Thy heavenly grace; that they may both know what things they ought to do, and be strong also to do what they know; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY. Psalm 66. John 2:1-11. Rom. 12:6-16. Collect. O God, the Fountain of all truth and grace, who hast called us out of darkness into marvelous light by the glorious gospel of 4() THE Book OF WORSHIP Thy Son; grant unto us power, we beseech Thee, to walk worthy of this vocation, with all lowliness and meekness, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace; that we may have our fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY. Psalm 97. Matt. Soleo. Rom, 12:17-21. Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, look mercifully, we beseech Thee, upon our great weakness; and in the midst of the manifold trials and dangers which beset us on all sides, stretch forth the right hand of Thy majesty for our protection and help; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY. Psalm 102. Matt. diZa-27. Rom. 13:1-10. Collect. O God, who dost govern all things in heaven and on earth; erant us grace, we beseech Thee, to look beyond the things which are seen and temporal to the things which are unseen and eternal; that walking by faith more than by sight, we may not be unduly moved by any occasions in this world, but be able to en- dure unto the end in the way of life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. , i FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY. Psalm 103. Matt. 13 :24-30. Col. 3 :12-17. Collect. O Lord, we beseech Thee to keep Thy Church and household continually in Thy true religion; that they who do lean only upon the hope of Thy heavenly grace, may evermore be defended by Thy mighty power; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY. Psalm 84. Matt. 17:1-13. 1 John 3:1-12. Collect. | O God, who by Thy Son Jesus Christ hast made the world to shine with the brightness of the true light; grant that we THE CHURCH YEAR 41 who have now come to know Thee here by faith, may be con- ducted to the full vision of Thy glory hereafter in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. SEPTUAGESIMA. Psalm 18. Matt. 20:1-16. L. Cor; 9424-27. Collect. Arise, O Lord, we beseech Thee, and show unto us speedily the power of Thy glorious salvation; that we, being redeemed from our sins, and delivered out of the hands of our enemies, may be enabled to serve Thee without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Thee, all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, SEXAGESIMA. Psalm 44, Luke 8:4-15. 2 Cor...) 1s LG-oe. Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who givest power to the faint, and strength to them that have no might; look mercifully, we beseech Thee, on our low estate, and cause Thy grace to triumph in our weakness; that we may rise and follow in the way of righteousness those who by their faith and patience already inherit the promises; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, QUINQUAGESIMA. Psalm 31. Luke 18:31-43. GO tahoe aloe Collect. O Lord, our heavenly Father, who hast taught us in Thy holy Word that it is more blessed to give than to receive; send Thy Holy Spirit, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of perfectness, and of all virtues; without which we cannot please Thee; and this we ask for Christ our Redeemer’s sake. Amen. 4? THE Book OF WORSHIP ASH WEDNESDAY. Psalm 91. Matt. 6:1-16. Rev. 3:14-22. Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are peni- tent; create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, | worthily lamenting our sins, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT. Psalm 91. Matt. 4:1-11. 2' Cor: ‘621210. Collect. We beseech Thee, O Lord, by the mystery of our Saviour’s fasting and temptation, to arm us with the same mind that was in Him toward all evil and sin; and give us grace to keep our bodies in such holy discipline, that our minds may be always ready to resist Satan, and obey the motions of Thy Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT. Psalm 86. Matt. 15:21-28. 1 Thes.'4:1-8° . Collect. O God, the Protector of all those who put their trust in Thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy; vouchsafe unto us, we humbly beseech Thee, both the outward and inward de- fense of Thy guardian care; that we may be shielded from the evils which assault the body, and be kept pure from all thoughts that harm and pollute the soul; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. | THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT. 7 Psalm 1438. Luke 11:14-26. Eph. 5:1-14. Collect. Almighty God, who hast been the hope and confidence of Thy people in all ages; mercifully regard, we beseech Thee, the prayer with which we cry unto Thee out of the depths, and stretch forth THE CHURCH YEAR 43 the right hand of Thy majesty for our salvation and defense; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT. Psalm 122. John 621-14, Rome seit Collect. O Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abund- ant in goodness and truth; enter not into judgment with Thy servants, we beseech Thee, but be pleased of Thy great kindness to grant, that we who are now righteously afflicted and bowed down by the sense of our sins, may be refreshed and lifted up with the joy of Thy salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. FIFTH SUNDAY IN. LENT. Psalm 438. John 8:46-59 Heb. 9:11-15. Collect. Almighty and most merciful God, who hast given Thy Son to die for our sins, and to obtain forgiveness and redemption for us through His own blood; let the merit of this spotless sacrifice, we beseech Thee, purge our consciences from dead works, that we may serve Thee, the living God, and receive the promise of the eternal inheritance; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. PALM SUNDAY. Psalm 22. John 1231-16: Phiilag eli Collect. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, whose Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, for an example of humility to the world, took upon Him our flesh and endured the passion of the cross; mercifully grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be counted worthy to have part, both in the fellowship of His sufferings and in the glorious power of His resurrection: to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen. 44 THE BooK OF WORSHIP HOLY WEEK. Monday, Mark 11:12-25. Tuesday, John 12:20-50. Wednes- day, Mark 18:1-37. Thursday, Matt. 26:20-75. Good Friday, John 19:1-37. Collect. O righteous and holy God, who hast manifested toward us Thine unfathomable love, in not sparing Thine own Son, but de- livering Him up for us all; grant us grace, we humbly beseech Thee, that being made partakers of His sufferings, we may crucify the corrupt inclinations of the flesh, lead holy and un- blamable lives, and finally attain unto the resurrection of the just, through the merits of this same once crucified, but now risen and exalted Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. EASTER SUNDAY. Psalm 139. John 20:1-18. Cok .321-Lie Collect. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who through the resur- rection of Thine only begotten Son Jesus Christ, hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life, assist and Support in us, we beseech Thee, the aspirations of Thy heavenly grace, that dying unto sin always, and living unto righteousness, we may at last triumph over death and the grave, in the full image of our risen Lord: to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen. THE FESTIVAL PRAYER. O Thou Prince of Life and First-Begotten of the Dead, whom not having seen we love, breathe upon us that we may receive the Holy Ghost, to abide with us continually both as the seal of our adoption, and as an earnest of the promised possession. Give us power to walk in the spirit that we may not fulfil the lusts of the flesh, but mortify our members which are upon the earth and purify ourselves even as Thou art pure, that when Thou shalt come again to receive us unto Thyself, we may be found accept- able in Thy sight, and hear Thy most joyful voice: Come, ye THE CHURCH YEAR 45 blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Amen. PRAYER. O Holy Ghost, Spirit of the Father and the Son, who by Thy quickening energy hast raised us up to a new life in Christ Jesus, and dost in mercy to our infirmities condescend to dwell in our mortal bodies as Thy consecrated temples; bring forth in our hearts and lives, we beseech Thee, the fruits of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, faith, meekness and temper- ance; that, these things being in us, and abounding, we may be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever. Amen. FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. Psalm 81. John 20:19-81. Ev John, 621-12 Collect. Almighty God, who hast brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the glorious Prince of salvation, with everlasting victory over hell and the grave; grant unto us power, we beseech Thee, to rise with Him to newness of life, that we may over- come the world with the victory of faith, and have part at last in the resurrection of the just; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. Psalm 338. JOHNILUSiaLo. 1 Peter 2:20-25. Collect. O God, who, of Thine abundant mercy, hast begotten us again unto a living hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; let Thy great love constrain us, we beseech Thee, to rise up, forsake all, and follow Him; that as we have been redeemed by His blood, so we may walk also in the light of His holy exam- ple, and obtain the manifold blessings of Thy grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 46 THE BooK OF WORSHIP THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. Psalm 2. JohnH 16" Tel: LT *Peter*2 91a. Collect. God of all truth and grace, who hast caused the Sun of Righteousness to arise upon a dark and benighted world, in © bringing up Thy Holy One from the grave; be pleased graciously so to illuminate the souls of Thy people with the beams of heavenly wisdom, that we may continually walk in Thy light, and know both to avoid evil and to follow after that which is good; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. Psalm 111. John 16:16-24. James 1 712-18, Collect. O God, the Father of lights, from whom cometh down every good and perfect gift, and who art Thyself the only satisfying portion of the souls which Thou hast made; grant us grace, we beseech Thee, to raise our thoughts and affections from earth to heaven, and to breathe continually after Thy presence; that so, in the midst of all worldly vanity and change, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where alone are to be found true joys and everlasting peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. Psalm 118. John 16 :25-33. James 1:18-27. Collect. Vouchsafe unto us, O Lord, the inspirations of Thy salutary grace, and quicken us according to Thy Word; that knowing what is right, and approving that which is good, we may, by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory and honor and immortality, and be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life in Thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. THE CHURCH YEAR AT ASCENSION DAY. Psalm 47. Mark 16:14-20. Eph. 1:15-23. Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, who on this day didst glorify Thy son Jesus, by receiving Him up into heaven, and setting Him at Thine own right hand; grant, we beseech Thee, that like as we do believe Thy only begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with Him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY. Psalm 27. Luke 11:1-15. 1 Peter 4:7-11. Collect. O God, the King of glory, who through the resurrection and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, hast opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers; leave us not comfortless, we beseech Thee, in our weary mortal state, but send unto us the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, to guide us into the way of truth and peace, and bring us in the end to those mansions of rest in which Christ now dwells and reigns: to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen. PENTECOST. - Psalm 68. Acts 2:1-11. Acts 2:1-11. Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, who didst gloriously fulfil the great promise of the gospel, by sending down Thy Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, to establish the Church as the home of His continual presence and power among men; mercifully grant unto us, we beseech Thee, this same gift of the Spirit, to renew, illuminate, refresh, and sanctify our dying souls, to be over us and around us like the light and dew of heaven, and to be in us - evermore as a well of water springing up into everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord: who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world with- out end. Amen. 48 THE BooK OF WORSHIP THE FESTIVAL PRAYER. O Lord Jesus Christ, who art worthy to be had in reverence by all the children of men; we thank Thee for Thy holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. Peace be within her walls, and prosperity within her palaces, and may they prosper that love her. Build Thou the waste places, and repair the desolations of many gen- erations; and cause Thy power and Thy glory to be seen in the sanctuary as in the days of old. Be Thou the Protector and Defender of Thy people in all times of tribulation and danger; and may we, in communion with Thy Church, and in brotherly unity with our fellow-Christians, fight the good fight of faith, and continually worship Thee, saying, Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. PRAYER. O Holy Ghost, Spirit of the Father and the Son, who by Thy quickening energy, hath raised us up to a new life in Christ Jesus, and dost in mercy to our infirmities condescend to dwell in our mortal bodies as Thy consecrated temples; bring forth in our hearts and lives, we beseech Thee, the fruits of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, faith, meekness and temper- ance; that, these things being in us, and abounding, we may be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever. Amen. TRINITY SUNDAY. Psalm 104. John oes. Rev. 421-1) Collect. O God, who hast made Thyself known in the work of man’s redemption, as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; reveal in us, we beseech Thee, the full power of this faith, into which we have been planted by baptism; that being sanctified by Thy Spirit, we may by a life of holiness be formed into Thine image here, and rise to Thy blissful presence hereafter: there to join, with the song of the Seraphim in praising Thee, world without end. Amen, THE CHURCH YEAR A9 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY: Psaim 15. Luke 16:19-31. JON 4 (oo Collect. O God, the Strength of all them that put their trust in Thee, who hast not appointed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ; we beseech Thee to grant us the help of Thy grace, and to breathe into us that divine Charity which is the fulfilling of the law; that in keeping Thy commandments we may please Thee both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 23. Luke 14:15-24. 1 John 3:13-24. Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, the Source of all life and joy, who, by the glad sound of the gospel, has called us to have part in Thy kingdom and glory; shine powerfully into our hearts, we beseech Thee, by Thy Word and Spirit, and draw us with the cords of Thy constraining grace; that we may heartily choose that good part which shall not be taken away from us, and give all diligence to make our calling and election sure; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 79. Lukes lb=1-10. le Peterto al. iis Collect. O God, the Lord, strong to deliver and mighty to save, who hast been the refuge and dwelling place of Thy people in all gen- erations; perfect and fulfil in us, we beseech Thee, the work of _ Thy converting grace, and be pleased to confirm us in every good purpose and deed; that having been called into the way of righteousness, we may have power to continue steadfastly in the same; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 50 THE BooK OF WORSHIP FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 46. Luke 6:27-38. Rom, 32ts-2p: Collect. O God, whose favor is life, and in whose presence there is fulness of peace and joy; vouchsafe unto us, we beseech Thee, © such an abiding sense of the reality and glory of those things which Thou hast prepared for them that love Thee, as may serve to raise us above the vanity of this present world, both in its pleasures and in its necessary trials and pains; so that under Thy guidance and help all things here shall work together for our everlasting salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 71 Luke’ 5 :1-11. 1 Peter 3:8-16. Collect. Cause Thy Church to arise and shine, O Lord, and let her min- isters be clothed with righteousness and salvation; that Thy Word which is in their hands may not return unto Thee void, but have free course and be glorified in the world, prevailing mightily to turn men from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God; that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them that are sanctified forever; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY, Psalm 28. Matt. 5:21-26. Rom. 6:1-11. Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, who, of Thine abundant mercy, hast begotten us again unto a living hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; let this grace reign in us, we beseech Thee, as the power of a new heavenly life; whereby denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we may live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; and receive the promise of eternal inheritance in the world to come; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. THE CHURCH YEAR 51 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 34. . Mark 8:1-9. Romix6 85223) Collect. Almighty God, the Former of our bodies and Father of our spirits; in whom we live, move, and have our being; shed abroad Thy love in our hearts, we beseech Thee, and cause the comfort of Thy heavenly grace to abound in us, as the earnest and pledge of joys to come; that casting away all anxious thought for the transitory things of this world, we may seek first Thy kingdom and righteousness, and labor only for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 48. Mattwertil5323: Rom. 8:12-17. Collect. O God, who hast given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by them we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust; enable us, we beseech Thee, with all diligence to add to our faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godli- ness, brotherly kindness, and charity; that, these things being in us, and abounding, we may in all things obey Thy blessed will; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, NINTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 54. Luke, 1511-32: 1s Gora 10) 113: Collect. O Lord God, our Sun, by whom light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart; illuminate our minds, we beseech Thee, by Thy heavenly grace, and fill them with the pure wisdom which cometh from above; that we may walk before Thee in simplicity and godly sincerity all our days, not taking counsel of the world or of the flesh, but aiming and endeavoring in all things to know and do Thy will; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, 52 THE BooK OF WORSHIP TENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 55. Luke 19:41-48. 1 Corsa Bele Collect. O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hast called us to renounce and forsake the world, in the service of our once | crucified but now risen and gloriously exalted Saviour; be pleased, we beseech Thee, graciously so to unite our souls to Him by holy sympathy and love, that we may offer ourselves, in fel- lowship with His cross, a willing sacrifice to Thee on the altar of the gospel, and count it all joy to suffer for His name: who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 65. Luke 18:9-17. 1 Corr*15 S3erk Collect. O God, the High and Holy One, who inhabitest eternity, and dwellest with him also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones; glorify Thy grace, we beseech Thee, in the midst of our manifold infirmities and sins, and through all temptation uphold us by Thy mighty hand; that in faithful service to Thee, we may obtain the crown of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 36. Mark jcades ts Zn Cor. sor4ete Collect. O God, who didst will Thine only begotten Son to learn obedi- ence by the things which He suffered, that being thus made per- fect He might become the Author of eternal salvation unto all that obey Him; work in us, we beseech Thee, such inward con- formity with His holy patience, as may cause us to have part also in His glorious power, that so, walking not after the flesh but after the Spirit, we may be able to serve Thee all our days in newness of mind and life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, THE CHURCH YEAR 53 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 74. Luke 10:25-37. Galyorto.22) Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, whose faithfulness is from one generation to another, and whose mercy endureth forever; give unto us, we humbly beseech Thee, the increase of faith, hope, and love; and that we may obtain that which Thou dost promise, help us to keep that which Thou dost command; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 107. hukesL7 #3119. Gal. 5:16-25. Collect. O God, who hast delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of Thy dear Son; in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins; enable us by Thy grace, we earnestly beseech Thee, so to walk in the spirit that we may not fulfil the lusts of the flesh; consider- ing ourselves to be dead henceforth unto sin, but alive unto God; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 96. 2 Matt. 6:24-34. Gal. 6:1-10. Collect. O God, our Father in heaven, in whose presence there is ful- ness of joy, and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore; mercifully fix our hearts on things above, and free them from all undue care and thought for the things of the present transitory world; that whilst we are here in the body, we may sow, not to the flesh, but to the Spirit, and in the end reap life everlasting ; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 119. Lukes ctlet 7, Hpi. oc tAeo. Collect. O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart; 54 THE Book OF WORSHIP grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what Thou wouldst have us to do; that the Spirit of Wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in Thy light we may see light, and in Thy service find perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. ' SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 121. Luke 14:1-11. Eph. 4:1-6. Collect. Almighty and everlasting God, who didst send Thy Son into the world, not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many; dispose and assist us by Thy grace, most heartily we beseech Thee, to follow the example of His great humility and heavenly-minded love; that with all lowliness and meekness, and patient continuance in good works, we may adorn the gospel of God, our Saviour, and possess in our souls that true peace which the world can neither give nor take away; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 78. Matt. 22:34-46, 1 Cor? Tsdegs Collect. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who hast given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the glor- ious revelation of the gospel; cause Thy Word to dwell in us richly, we beseech Thee, and fill us with the knowledge of Thy will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that we may walk worthy of the Lord unto all blessing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 67. Matt. 9:1-8. Eph. 4:17-32. Collect. O Lord, our Maker and Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, who hast stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; be pleased graciously to confirm and carry forward Thy THE CHURCH YEAR 55. glorious work of salvation in our hearts, causing old things to pass away and all things to become new; that looking always above and beyond this world, we may have our citizenship in heaven; and finally by Thy grace, attain the glory of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 145. Matt. 22:1-14. Eph. 5:15-21. Collect. O God, the Father everlasting, with whom the spirits of the just made perfect continually do live; fix the eye of our faith, we beseech Thee, with clear and full vision, on the great cloud of witnesses with which we are thus compassed about in the heav- enly world; that laying aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, we may run with patience the race that is set before us, and obtain at last the crown of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 138. John 4:46-54. Eph. 6:10-20. Collect. Almighty and most merciful God, whose name is a strong tower into which the righteous runneth and is safe; lift up the standard of Thy Spirit, we beseech Thee, against the power of the enemy coming in against us like a flood, and clothe us with the full armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left; that we may be able to fight manfully the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 130. Matt. 18 :21-35. Pil? 1°35RL: Collect. O God, the Father of all mercies, who by Thy Son Jesus Christ hast given unto us a perfect example of forgiving love; bestow upon us, we humbly pray Thee, the graces of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may be filled with Thine own goodness, and love one another as Thou hast loved us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. : 56 THE BooOK OF WORSHIP TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 138. Matt..22:15-22; Phil. 3:1.[%-2d. Collect. Give us grace, we beseech Thee, almighty God, to set Thy presence before us in all our ways, and to seek continually those things which are well-pleasing in Thy sight; that abounding in the work of faith, the labor of love, and the patience of hope, we may finally be made partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 95. Matt. 25-1'4:30. Heb. 11:1-10. Collect. O God, who hast promised that they who endure unto the end shall be saved; give us grace to persevere in Thy holy service all our days, that at the last we may receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. | Amen. TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 90. Matt. 9:18-26. Col, 1-73-84 Collect. O God, who by Thy Son Jesus Christ, hath abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel; work in us, we beseech Thee, such holy mortification to all the things of this world, and such lively apprehension of things un- seen and eternal, as may prepare us to die without anxiety or dismay, knowing that if our earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm I. Matt. 25:31-46. 1’ Thes. 1-1. Collect. O God, who hast appointed unto men once to die, and after that the judgment; stir up, we beseech Thee, the wills of Thy THE CHURCH YEAR 57 faithful people, that we, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of Thee be plenteously rewarded; for the sake of Him who died and rose again and ever liveth to make interces- sion for us, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. Psalm 24. John 14:1-14, ReVsecle tes: Collect. O God, whose blessed Son was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life; enable us, we beseech Thee, having this hope, to purify ourselves, even as He is pure; that when He shall come again to receive us unto Himself, we may be made like unto Him in His eternal and glorious kingdom: where He liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. BAPTISM OF INFANTS Children, one or both of whose parents are members of the Church, are entitled to Baptism. Sponsors may be admitted in Baptism, but the parents themselves must be present and answer to the questions in the Service; a person, however, shall not be sponsor who is not in full communion with the Church, Members of the Church, when they are the rightful guardians of orphan children, may present them for Baptism, assuming the proper VOWS. The minister shall begin the service thus: Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Amen. Then, addressing the parents, or sponsors, or guardians, he shall Dearly Beloved: Forasmuch as our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us that we are all sinful, and cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven, except we are born again by the Spirit of God; and has commanded us to make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever He has commanded; and has said: Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven; let us call upon God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that of His bounteous mercy He may bless this child now to be consecrated to Him in holy Baptism. Here the congregation shall rise and continue standing until the Baptism is ended, Let us pray: Most merciful God, our heavenly Father, who dost make and keep covenant with families, and dost include 58 BAPTISM OF INFANTS 59 parents and children in Thy most gracious promises; we bring this child to Thee, assured that it is not Thy will that one of these little ones should perish. Look merci- fully upon him, we beseech Thee, that coming to Thee in this sacred ordinance, he may find acceptance with Thee. By Thy Holy Spirit make this Baptism a sign and seal of the washing away of his sin, his engrafting into Christ, and his renewal in holiness, and may he ever live in the light of Thy holy Word. Grant that his name may be written in the Lamb’s book of life, never to be blotted out. Bestow upon him the gift of Thy grace; and endue him with heavenly virtues; that being steadfast in faith, joy- ful through hope, and rooted in love, he may walk before Thee in the beauty of holiness all the days of his life, and come at last into Thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then the minister, addressing the parents, or sponsors, or guardians, shall say: Dearly Beloved: You have brought this child here to be baptized. We have prayed that our heavenly Father would receive him, deliver him from evil, engraft him into Christ, sanctify him with the Holy Ghost, and give to him the gift of eternal life. These benefits God, on His part, will most surely bestow, for the sake of His well- beloved Son, if you, on your part, who are responsible for this child, will do those things which God requires of you in vouchsafing His holy Baptism. | M. Do you accept the Sacramen, of Baptism as the sign and seal of the covenant of God and therein dedicate this child to Him? Ans. I do. 60 THE BoOK OF WORSHIP M. Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? Ans. Ido. M. Do you sincerely promise, by the grace of God and as much as lieth in you, to bring up this child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and in the doctrines and duties of our Holy religion? Ans. I do. Then the minister shall say: Name this child. Thereupon, pronouncing the name, the minister shall baptize the child, saying: I baptize thee into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then the minister, speaking for the congregation, shall say: We receive this child into the congregation of Christ’s flock, in the confidence that hereafter he will renounce all evil, confess Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour, and continue His faithful servant all the days of has life. Here the minister shall offer this Prayer, after which the congrega- tion shall be seated. Let us pray: We yield Thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it hath pleased Thee to grant unto this child Thy holy Baptism, signifying thereby that Thou hast received _him to be Thine own. Graciously sanctify him unto Thyself. Take him, we beseech Thee, into Thy fatherly care. Let Thy providence lead him through the dangers and temptations of his youth, and may he never wander from Thy ways. Grant that daily all carnal affections may die in him, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in him. Suffer him not to fall BAPTISM OF INFANTS 61 away from Thee, but grant that in due time he may witness a good confession, and ever live according to Thy will. And, being kept by the power of God through faith. unto salvation, may he at last be presented faultless before the presence of Thy glory with exceeding joy; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then the minister, addressing the parents, or sponsors, or guardians, shall say: Dearly Beloved: Forasmuch as you have now dedicated this child by Baptism to the service of the Triune God, you must remember that it is your duty to train him up, by precept and example, in the true knowledge and fear of God according to the articles of the Christian.faith and doctrine, as contained in the Bible, and in the symbols of the Church. Especially is it your duty to remind him often of his dedication to God in holy Baptism, and as soon as he shall be able to learn, to teach him the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Ten Commandments, that he may know how to pray, what to believe, and how to live, ever remembering the promise of God’s holy Word, Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Finally you are to see to it that he be brought at the proper time to the minister, to be instructed in the Catechism, and prepared for Confirmation and the Holy Communion; that he may resolve to fight against sin and evil, profess Jesus Christ, and ever honor this profession by holy living and faithful service, to the glory of God and the salvation of his soul. The minister shall close the Service thus: The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus, Amen. BAPTISM OF ADULTS Before adults are baptized the Spiritual Council shall be satisfied that they understand the fundamental truths of the Christian religion, and are willing to be governed by them in their lives. Adults must be baptized publicly, either in the Church, or else- where, in the presence of a worshiping assembly; except in cases of extreme sickness, when the Sacrament may be administered privately in the home, one or more Elders being present. The minister shall unite the rite of Confirmation with their Baptism, by laying his hands on the head of the person baptized, and pronouncing the Blessing, as in Confirmation. The minister shall begin the Service thus: If any man would come after me, saith the Lord, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Amen. Then, addressing the person to be baptized, he shall say: Dearly Beloved: That you may know and rightly understand, from God’s holy Word, the meaning and importance of the Sacrament of Baptism, hear first what Jesus said to Nicodemus: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 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. Hear also the words of the institution of this Sacrament: And Jesus came and spake unto His disciples, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all 62 BAPTISM OF ADULTS 63 the nations, baptizing them into 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 always, even unto the end of the world. Hence, St. Peter, on the day of Pentecost, after preach- ing the gospel of Christ’s death and resurrection, called upon the hearers, saying: Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Here the congregation shall rise and continue standing until the Baptism is ended. Let us pray: Most merciful God, our heavenly Father, who art the Help of all those who flee unto Thee; we call upon Thee in behalf of this Thy servant, humbly beseeching Thee to admit him into the covenant of Thy grace. Receive him, O Lord, as Thou hast promised by Thy well-beloved Son, and confirm his faith in Thee. By Thy Holy Spirit make this Baptism a sign and seal of the washing away of his sin, his engrafting into Christ, and his renewal in holi- ness, and may he ever live in the light of Thy holy Word. Sanctify unto him, we humbly pray Thee, the holy impressions of this hour, that he may never lose sight of his Christian calling, but continue in the things he has learned of Thee. And grant, O most merciful Father, that being conformed to the image of Thy Son, he may ever serve Thee in newness of life, to the glory of Thy holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then the minister, addressing the Candidate, shall say: 64 THE Book OF WORSHIP Dearly Beloved: You have come here to be baptized. We have prayed that our heavenly Father would receive you, deliver you from evil, engraft you into Christ, sanctify you with the Holy Ghost, and give to you the gift of eternal life. These benefits God, on His part, will most — surely bestow, for the sake of His well-beloved Son: wherefore you, on your part, must do those things which God requires of you in vouchsafing His holy Baptism. Here the minister shall ask the Candidate this question: M. Do you now, in the presence of God and of this congregation, repent of all your sins; do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour; and do you promise to work for the upbuilding of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, by regularly attending its worship, by giving generously for the support of its activities, and by seeking to bring others to Christ? Ans. I do. Then the Candidate shall kneel, whereupon the minister, pronounc- ing his name, shall baptize him, saying: I baptize thee into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then the minister shall lay his hand upon the head of the person baptized, and confirm him, saying: The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Here the minister shall offer this Prayer, after which the con- gregation shall be seated, Let us pray: We yield Thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, BAPTISM OF ADULTS 65 that Thou hast bestowed Thy loving-kindness upon this Thy servant, and hast given him shelter within the covenant of Thy peace. Do Thou who givest power unto the faint enable him daily to perform his vows. May Thy fatherly love ever be over him; may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be multiplied towards him, that he always, having sufficiency in all things, may abound unto every good work; and may the Spirit of God rest upon him, to guide and comfort and sustain. Let him never grow weary in well-doing, but fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life. Make him steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, and, having served his generation faithfully by the will of God, do Thou of Thy great mercy grant unto him an abundant entrance into Thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then the newly confirmed member shall stand, while the minister greets him with these Words of Welcome, in connection with which he may give the right hand of fellowship. In the name of this congregation I cordially welcome you into our fellowship, invite you to receive the Holy Communion, and to participate in all the privileges of Christ’s Church. The minister shall close the Service thus: Now the God of peace fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Amen. CONFIRMATION It is the duty of the baptized children of the Church to become Catechumens as soon as they are old enough to be instructed in the Catechism. In no case should their attendance be delayed beyond their thirteenth year. Their Catechization looks forward to their Confirma-. tion as its solemn completion. Before Confirmation the Spiritual Council shall be satisfied that the Candidates understand the fundamental truths of the Christian religion and are willing to be governed by them in their lives. Confirmation must be administered publicly, either in the Church, or elsewhere, in the presence of a worshiping assembly; except in cases of extreme sickness, when the Rite may be administered privately in the home, one or more Elders being present. The minister shall begin the Service thus: Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; saith the Lord, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Amen. Then, addressing the persons to be confirmed, he shall say: Dearly Beloved: Following the example of the holy Apostles, the Church bestows upon those who have been baptized, either as adults or in their infancy, after they have been properly instructed, the blessing of Con- firmation by prayer and the laying on of hands. The laying on of hands was first observed as a religious act by devout parents, whereby they imparted unto their children the parental blessing, and confirmed them in faith and piety. By the laying on of hands also those who were called to be public ministers in the Church were invested with the authority of the sacred office. And so also by the same solemn act the Apostles of our Lord communicated the gift of the Holy Ghost for the confirmation of believers after their baptism. 66 a CONFIRMATION 67 In this sacred ordinance, you on your part confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, whilst the Church, in God’s stead, claims you publicly for His service, blesses you in His name, and confirms you in His covenant, invoking upon you in larger measure the Holy Ghost, by whose help alone you are able to fulfil your vows by leading holy and obedient lives. Here the congregation shall rise and continue standing until the Confirmation is ended. Let us pray: Most merciful God, our heavenly Father, who hast so loved the world as to give Thine only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life; we call upon Thee in behalf of these Thy servants, assured that Thou wilt graciously receive all who truly come to Thee. We thank Thee that by Thy Word and Spirit they have been led to the knowledge of Thy Son, and, being persuaded that there is salvation in none other, they desire to have part in the benefits of His one offering for sin. Receive them, O Lord, into the com- munion of Thy Son. Take possession of their hearts by Thy Holy Spirit, we beseech Thee, and may the fruits thereof be seen in all their life. Ever work in them both to will and to do of Thy good pleasure; make them strong in faith, steadfast in hope, and fervent in love; and so guard them, O Thou tender Shepherd of our souls, through all the trials and temptations of this mortal life, that in the end they may safely arrive at Thy blessed fold. Grant this, we beseech Thee, O merciful Father, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. ‘Amen. Then, addressing the Catechumens, he shall say: Dearly Beloved: As children of your heavenly Father, called with a holy calling, you are now to be received into 68 THE BooK OF WORSHIP full communion with the Church of Christ. We rejoice that He has called you to be His followers, that you have answered His call, and have come here to make public confession of your faith in Him. I, therefore, ask you: Here the minister shall ask the Catechumens these questions: M. Do you now, in the presence of God and of this congregation, renounce all evil, do you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, and do you promise to keep His commandments all the days of your life? Ans. I do. M. Profess now your faith before God and this congregation. Ans. I believe in God the Father Almighty: Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hades; the third day He rose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the. Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost: the Holy Catholic Church; the Communion of Saints; the Forgiveness of Sins; the Resurrection of the Body; and the Life Everlasting. M. Do you promise to work for the upbuilding of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, by regularly attending its worship, by giving generously for the support of its activities, and by seeking to win others to Christ? Ans. I do. CONFIRMATION 69 If any of the Catechumens have not been baptized, they shall now kneel, and the minister shall baptize them; then all the Catechumens shall kneel, whereupon the minister, laying His hands on the head of each one successively, shall pronounce one of the following Blessings: The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Defend, O Lord, this Thy child with Thy heavenly grace; that he may continue Thine forever; and daily increase in Thy Holy Spirit more and more; and come at last into Thy heavenly kingdom. Amen. Living, live thou unto the Lord; dying, die thou in the Lord; living, or dying, be thou evermore the Lord’s. Amen. — | Here the minister shall offer this Prayer, after which the congrega- tion shall be seated, Let us pray: We yield Thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, for the great goodness Thou hast been pleased to show toward these Thy servants by giving them power this day to own and accept for themselves Thy covenant of salvation, made with them before in the Sacrament of Baptism, and by confirming unto them at this time the same grace through the solemn benediction of Thy holy Church. And now, O Lord, we beseech Thee, perfect the good work which Thou hast begun in them. Fortify them against the assaults of sin and hell. Let not Satan prevail against them. Keep them from the evil that is in the world. Help them to walk in the Spirit, that they may not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. Defend them from all heresy and schism, from all apostasy and unbelief. Let 70 THE BOOK OF WORSHIP them never draw back to perdition. Make them faithful unto death, that no man may take from them their crown. And grant, O most merciful Father, that having con- tinued thus steadfast in faith and hope to the end, they may be counted worthy to be joined with Thy saints in > heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then the newly confirmed members shall stand, while the minister greets them with these Words of Welcome, in connection with which he may give the right hand of fellowship: ° In the name of this congregation I cordially welcome you into our fellowship, invite you to receive the Holy Communion, and to participate in all the privileges of Christ’s Church. The minister shall close the Service thus: The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. RENEWAL OF PROFESSION OF FAITH Persons who have allowed their church-membership to lapse can be restored to good standing by the renewal of their vows. When an ex-communicated person asks to be restored to the com- munion of the Church, the Spiritual Council shall make diligent inquiry as to his manner of life, and if he give sufficient evidence of being truly penitent, he shall be restored by the renewal of his vows. In cases of extreme sickness this renewal of vows may take place privately in the home, one or more Elders being present, The minister shall begin the Service thus: What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all His people. Amen. Then the minister, addressing the person to be received, shall say: Dearly Beloved: In accordance with the Gospel the Church teaches that those who have allowed their membership to lapse can be restored to good standing by the renewal of their vows. Return unto Me, saith the Lord, and I will return unto you. In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. Let us therefore look to God for His blessing and guidance. Here the congregation shall rise and continue standing until the Renewal is ended. Let us pray: Most merciful God, our heavenly Father, who art the Help of all those who flee unto Thee; we call upon Thee in behalf of this Thy servant, humbly beseeching Thee 71 12 THE BooK OF WORSHIP to restore him to the communion of Thy Son. O do Thou now speak pardon and peace to his soul, and give him an assured confidence of the forgiveness of all his sins. Restore unto him the joy of Thy salvation, and let Thy free Spirit uphold him, that he may walk in Thy ways steadfastly all the days of his life. Confirm him in his holy desires and purposes. And grant, most merciful Father, that being conformed to the image of Thy Son, he may love, honor, and obey Thee in all things, to the glory of Thy holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Here the minister shall ask the candidate one of the following questions: M. Do you now, in the presence of God and these wit- nesses, heartily repent of all your sins; do you renew your profession of faith in Jesus Christ made at the time of your reception into the Church; and do you promise to work for the upbuilding of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, by regularly attending its worship, by giving generously for the support of its activities, and by seek- ing to bring others to Christ? Ans. I do. M. Having heretofore made a public profession of your faith; do you now, in the presence of God and of these witnesses, acknowledge your special relation to this Church, desiring in all things to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called? Ans. Ido. M. Do you now, in the presence of God and of these witnesses, renew your confession of faith in Jesus Christ? Ans. I do. RENEWAL OF PROFESSION OF FAITH 73 M. On this renewal of your vows, you are now received into the fellowship of the Church, and may the God of all grace confirm you therein, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Here the minister shall offer this Prayer, after which the con- gregation shall be seated, Let us pray: We yield Thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that Thou hast led this Thy servant to make this new confession of faith in Thy Son Jesus Christ, and to rededicate himself to Thy holy service. Strengthen him, we beseech Thee, through the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, and bestow upon him the manifold gifts of Thy grace, that in all things he may faithfully serve Thee. Deliver hom in the time of temptation. Help him to walk in new- ness of life and to hold this renewal of his confidence steadfast unto the end. And grant, most merciful Father, that having served his generation faithfully by the will of God, he may be counted worthy to have part with Thy saints in glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then the minister shall give the newly received member the right hand of fellowship and say: In the name of this congregation I cordially welcome you into our fellowship, invite you to receive the Holy Communion, and to participate in all the privileges of Christ’s Church. The minister shall close the Service thus: Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Amen. MARRIAGE Inasmuch as the laws respecting Marriage are different in the Several States, it is the duty of the minister to make himself acquainted with them, so as to act in conformity thereto. Whether the ceremony takes place at the church, or at the home, or elsewhere, it is of great importance that it be conducted with due | solemnity, During the Service the woman shall stand at the left hand of the man, The minister shall begin the Services thus: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then, addressing the company, he shall say: Dearly Beloved: We are assembled in the sight of God to join together this man and this woman in the bonds of Marriage, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God for the proper continuance and well-being of man- kind, confirmed by the teaching of our blessed Saviour, and compared by St. Paul to the mystical union which subsists between Christ and His Church. Into this holy estate these two persons have come to be joined. There- fore, if any man can show any just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace. Then, addressing the persons to be married, he shall say: I-charge you, each and both, before the great God the Searcher of all hearts, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be lawfully joined together in Marriage, confess it now: for be well assured that all those who are brought together contrary to the Word of God, are not joined together of God; neither is their Marriage lawful. 74 MARRIAGE 15 Then, if no impediment be alleged, he shall say: As no one speaketh, let us call upon God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that of His bounteous mercy He may bless this union now to be formed. Then the minister shall say Let us pray: O God, the Giver of all spiritual grace, who hast promised to hear us when we call upon Thee in the name of Thy dear Son; send Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, upon these Thy servants, that they may be truly joined together in the honorable estate of Marriage, in the covenant of their God. As they make their vows before Thee, sanctify them with Thy Spirit, we humbly pray Thee, that being enriched with all grace, they may enjoy the comforts, undergo the cares, endure the trials, and perform the duties of life together as becometh Christians, under Thy heavenly guidance and protection. Grant this, we beseech Thee, O heavenly Father, with the forgiveness of all our sins; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then, if the woman be given in marriage, the minister shall say: M. Who giveth this woman to be married to this man? Ans. I do. Then, when the woman has been brought to the left hand of the man, the minister, calling the man by his name, shall ask him this question: M. M., Wilt thou take this woman to be thy wedded wife? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow; and, forsaking every other, cleave to her only, so long as ye both shall live? 716 THE BooK OF WORSHIP Ans. I will. Then the minister, calling the woman by her name, shall ask her this question: M. N., Wilt thou take this man to be thy wedded nus- band? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow; and, forsaking every other, cleave to him only, so long as ye both shall live? Ans. I will. Then, if a ring be uSed, the minister shall say to the man: What token do you offer as a pledge that you will be faithful to this vow? Ans. I offer this ring. Here the man shall present the ring, holding it in the hollow of his hand, whereupon the minister shall say to the woman: Do you receive this ring as a pledge that you will be faithful to this vow? Ans. I do. Here the woman shall receive the ring from the man, pass it to the minister, and he to the man; then the man shall place it upon the third finger of the woman’s left hand and hold it there while the minister says: May this ring henceforth be the chaste and changeless symbol of your constant faith and abiding love. Or, instead of the foregoing, the man shall say after the minister: With this ring I thee wed: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then the minister, addressing the man and woman, shall say: As a seal of this holy vow give each other the right hand. ; . | Then the minister, laying his hand on the joined hands of the pair, shall say: MARRIAGE {qty Forasmuch as you, M. and N., have consented together in holy Marriage, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, I pronounce you husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Those whom God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Then the minister shall say: Let us pray: O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom every family in heaven and earth is named; bestow upon these Thy servants the seal of Thine approval and Thy fatherly benediction, granting unto them grace to fulfil, with pure and steadfast affection, the vow and covenant between them made. Guide them, we beseech Thee, in the way of righteousness and peace, that loving and serving Thee, with one heart and mind, all the days of their life, they may be abundantly enriched with the tokens of Thy favor. O Lord, bless them both, and grant them to inherit Thine everlasting kingdom ; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then the minister, in blessing the newly married persons, shall say: God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with His favor look upon you, and 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. The minister shall close the Service thus: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. ORDINATION OF MINISTERS After the Sermon, the Candidate for Ordination, his name being announced, shall be requested to present himself, whereupon the presid- ing minister, addressing the congregation, shall say: Dearly Beloved in the Lord: Almighty God, whom it hatn pleased by His Spirit and Word to gather and preserve to Himself continually, out of the whole human race, a Church chosen to everlasting life, hath given to all its members, both ministers and people, a common interest in its welfare. For this reason, it has ever been the practice, that in the ordination of those who have been called to the office of the holy ministry, the people also should have an opportunity to express their voice. Therefore, if any of you know any just cause why this brother ought not to be ordained to the Christian Ministry, come forward now and make it known. If no objection be offered, after a sufficient pause, the congregation Shall stand, and the presiding minister shall say: Let us pray: Meet us, O Lord, in all our doings, with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy name, and finally by Thy mercy attain unto everlasting life; odes Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then the presiding minister shall address the Candidate and say: Dearly Beloved Brother: It is our solemn duty, before proceeding to lay upon you the responsibility of the holy Ministry, to remind you of the sacredness of this office, and of the high spiritual character of the duties which it involves. 78 ORDINATION OF MINISTERS 719 The office is of divine origin, proceeding directly from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, as the fruit of His resurrection and triumphant ascension into heaven, and designed by Him to carry forward the purposes of His grace upon the earth in the salvation of men. All power, we hear Him saying after He had risen from the dead, is given unto Me in heaven and on earth: Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into 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 always, even unto the end of the world. Consider well, dear brother in Christ, how much all this means, as declaring and setting forth the true nature and significance of the holy office. The first ministers were the Apostles, who were called and commissioned immediately by Jesus Christ Himself. They in turn ordained and set apart other suitable men, as pastors and teachers over the churches which they had gathered and established in different places. And these again, in the same way, appointed and sent forth others to carry forward the true succession of this office; which, being regularly transmitted in this way from age to age in the Church, has come down finally to our time. Ordination, therefore, is not merely an impressive ceremony, but a most solemn transaction, in which those who are ordained receive the sign of the acceptance of their consecration to the service of Christ, the seal of their divine calling, and the assurance of the support of the Holy Spirit in the faithful discharge of the duties of their office. The Ministers of Christ are set in the world to be His representatives. To them it belongs to preach the Word, 80 THE BooK OF WORSHIP to baptize, to administer the holy Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. They are appointed to serve the Church of Christ, to offer before Him the prayers and supplications of His people, to feed, to instruct, to watch over and guide the sheep and lambs of His flock. They are charged also with the government of the Church, and with the proper use of its discipline, to the preservation of order and the establishing of Christ’s kingdom in the world. Such being the character of the office to which you are now called, beloved brother in the Lord, you see with what great care and study you should constantly apply yourself in order to fulfil its sacred obligations. Know, at the same time, that for this you are by no means sufficient of yourself; all proper sufficiency here is from God alone, to whom therefore you should pray earnestly for the assistance of His grace. Give yourself wholly to this office, with daily prayer and study of the Scriptures, that you may be able to make full proof of your ministry, and show yourself a pattern to others in piety and godly living. In doing this you shall save both yourself and those who hear you; and when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. And now, that this congregation may understand your mind and will in these things, and that you may yourself also the more feel the binding force of what you thus publicly profess and promise, we call upon you to make answer to the following questions. M. Are you truly persuaded in your heart that you are called of God to the holy Ministry; do you desire and expect to receive, in connection with the laying on of our hands, authority for the sacred office; and do you trust ORDINATION OF MINISTERS 81 in the grace of the Holy Spirit to aid you in fulfilling the duties of your high calling? Ans. Such is my persuasion, and such my desire and hope. M. Do you receive the holy Scriptures as being the true and proper Word of God, the ultimate rule and measure of the whole Christian faith? Ans. I do. M. Do you acknowledge the rightful authority of the Reformed Church, from which you are now to receive ordination, as being a true part of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ; do you receive the doctrine of the Heidelberg Catechism as being in harmony with the teachings of the Bible; and do you promise to exercise your ministry in it with faithful diligence, showing all proper regard for its laws and ordinances, and all suitable obedience to its lawful government in the Lord? Ans. So I confess, and so I promise. Here the Candidate shall kneel, then the ministers shall lay their right hands severally upon his head, and the presiding minister shall say: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of the Church, and trusting in the power of His grace, we ordain, consecrate, and appoint you to the office of the Christian Ministry: to proclaim His gospel, to dispense His holy Sacraments, to administer Christian discipline, and to be wholly set apart as an instrument for His use in the salvation of men; and may the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, rest upon and abide with you always. Amen. Then, the congregation standing, the presiding minister shall say: 82 THE BooOK OF WORSHIP Let us pray: Most gracious God, our heavenly Father, who of Thine infinite goodness has given Thine only Son Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer; send down, we beseech Thee, the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon the head of this Thy servant, now set apart, through the solemn act of ordination, to the office of the Christian Ministry. Grant unto him, O most merciful Father, such fulness of Thy grace, that he may be a faithful and wise steward whom. Thou settest over Thy household, using the authority Thou givest him, not unto destruction, but unto salvation. Make him a true preacher of righteousness; a watchful guardian over the fold, and a follower of the true Shepherd who giveth His life for the sheep. May he be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity, and may he in all things fulfil his ministry unblamably and unreprovably in Thy sight. And unto Thee, the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God our Saviour, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. The newly ordained minister shall now stand, when the presiding minister shall give him the right hand of fellowship, saying: We give you the right hand of fellowship, to take part with us in this ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ. When the new minister is to be installed at the same time as Pastor of the Charge, the Installation shall now go forward according to the form provided for that purpose; but if there be no Installation, the Doxology shall be sung, after which the presiding minister shall close the Service with this Benediction: The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. INSTALLATION OF MINISTERS After the Sermon, the Pastor-elect, his name being anounced, shall - be requested to present himself, whereupon the presiding minister, addressing the congregation, shall say: Dearly Beloved in the Lord: You have called N. N., now present, an ordained minister, to become your pastor. He has consented to accept the call. After full inquiry and deliberation, the Classis of M., under whose supervision and care you stand, has resolved that the proposed pastoral relationship should be established ; and being here accordingly, by its appointment and order, at the present time, for that purpose, we now proceed to institute and install him, in the name of the Lord, as the Pastor of this Charge. Then, the congregation standing, the presiding minister shall say: Let us pray: O God, by whose holy inspiration and guidance Thine Apostles for the fulfilling of their charge, ordained others also to take part in the care and government of Thy flock; let Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, rest upon the pastors of Thy Church, that in all things they may faithfully serve before Thee, to the glory of Thy holy name. Be pleased, also, to direct us in this solemn service, and let Thy blessing rest upon this Thy servant, whom we are about to install as pastor of this Charge, that he may make full proof of his ministry, in the conversion of sinners and the upbuilding of Thy people in their most holy faith. Grant this, we beseech Thee, O merciful Father, for Christ our Redeemer’s sake. Amen. Here the following Selections of Scripture shall be read: 83 84 THE BOOK OF WORSHIP I am the good Shepherd, saith the Lord, 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, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good Shepherd; and I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as the Father knoweth Me, and I know 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. 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 love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed My lambs. 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 said 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 said unto him, Feed My sheep. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you: and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation: Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever. INSTALLATION OF MINISTERS 85 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you. M. And now, beloved brother in Christ, do you promise and engage, on your part, that being set as Pastor of this people, you will endeavor faithfully to discharge among them all the duties of your ministry, exercising the authority you hold as a true commission from our Lord Jesus Christ, with becoming recollection of His presence, according to His commandment, and in due subjection to the rule that is over you in this Church? Ans. I promise so to do, with God’s help. M. Dearly Beloved Brethren: You have heard the solemn promise made by him whom you have called to be your Pastor. Do you, now, on your part, receive him in this character and office, promising to show towards him all proper love, honor, and obedience in the Lord, as are due to an overseer and guide placed over you by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of souls? Ans. Wedo. Here the presiding minister shall install the Pastor-elect: On the ground of this mutual agreement, we do now, by the authority which has been delegated to us for that purpose, solemnly install you, N. N., as Pastor of this people, committing them by this act as a part of Christ’s flock, to your spiritual oversight and care; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 86 THE Book OF WORSHIP Then, the congregation standing, the presiding minister shall say: Let us pray: Most gracious God, our heavenly Father, who art the Source of all our blessings, send down, we beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit upon this Thy servant who has been — installed as Pastor of this charge; and so replenish him with Thy grace that he may show himself a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. Do Thou, also, bless this people. Make them diligent and obedient hearers of Thy Word, active co-laborers with their Pastor in the furtherance of Thy cause, and fruitful in every good word and work. By Thy Holy Spirit sanctify the union now formed between Pastor and people, and grant that in all things they may faithfully work together in the building of Thy kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Following the Prayer, the Doxology shall be sung, after which the presiding minister shall close the Service with this Benediction: The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF ELDERS AND DEACONS When the Officers of a Congregation have been elected, their names shall be publicly announced, and a time appointed for their Ordination and Installation. When Elders only are to be set in Office without Deacons, or Deacons only without Elders, such parts merely of the following form are to be used as relate to that particular case. So also, if the case calls for Installation only, all the pesons elected to office having been previously ordained, there must be a like omission of what forms the Ordination act. After the Sermon, the persons to be set in office, their names being announced, shall be requested to present themselves; whereupon the minister, addressing the congregation, shall say: Dearly Beloved in the Lord: These persons have been solemnly chosen and called by you, as a Christian congregation, to take part as Elders and Deacons in the care and service of this Church. They have accepted your call. No one has come forward to urge any just objection to their being set in office. I therefore proceed, in the narne of the Lord, to ordain those who have not been previously ordained, and to set all of them apart, each in his own office, to the work of the ministry among you, and in your behalf. Then, the congregation standing, he shall say: Let us pray: O God, who by Thy Holy Spirit has appointed diverse Orders of Ministers in Thy Church; set apart, we beseech Thee, these Thy servants, to the work whereunto Thou has called them by the voice of this people. Bestow upon them, we beseech Thee, Thy heavenly grace, that they may be good men, full of the Holy Ghost and of wisdom, and in all things may they faithfully serve Thee. | 87 88 THE BooK OF WORSHIP Grant this, we beseech Thee, O heavenly Father, for the love of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then, addressing the Candidates, he shall say: Brethren: As it is a great honor to bear office in the Lord’s house, so is it also a solemn trust, which no one should take upon himself rashly or lightly. For although your election has been by the free choice of your fellow members, yet the offices to which you have been called are not of human origin or authority, but were instituted by Christ Himself, who first called men, through the Apostles, to fill them, and has so preserved them in the Church to the present time. You are, therefore, to regard yourselves not as the mere servants of men, but as the servants of Christ, appointed in His name and by His authority to do the work intrusted to your care. From this you may see how much is comprehended in your present induction into office, and how needful it is that you should magnify your office, and make high account of its duties as a service to be rendered unto God, and not simply to men. | Hiders are appointed to assist and support the Ministers of the Word in the general government of the Church. They form, with the Minister, in each particular charge, a council in common for the spiritual supervisiou of the flock which is committed to their care. They are bound to take part, accordingly, in the work of the Ministry, so far as it has to do with this pastoral oversight and care. They are to be the advisers and counsellors of the Minister in the discharge of his holy office ; they are to be to him as hands and eyes, acting with him and for him, and representing his presence through- out the congregation. It is their province to go before the flock in the way of Christian example, to watch over ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF ELDERS AND DEACONS 89 it in the Lord, to take an active interest in its spiritual welfare, to feel a responsibility for its condition, to be at hand in all circumstances with spiritual aid for its necessities and wants. It belongs to them, in virtue of their office, to visit the sick and the afflicted, to instruct the ignorant, to admonish such as are out of the way, to warn the unruly, to command and rebuke with authority in Christ’s name. To them, moreover, in conjunction with the Pastor, belongs the whole discipline of the Church, its power of the keys, as exercised both in the form of censure and in the form of restoration. Deacons are appointed to assist and support the Pastor in those ministrations which pertain to the more outward needs of the general household of faith. On them falls the honorable charge of caring for the poor and needy and of seeing that the charities of the Church are prop- erly dispensed. They are to aid in securing the funds necessary for the support of the Church in its various activities. They are to labor among the people in making known to them the needs of the Church, fostering the principle of stewardship, and thereby cultivating the spirit of liberal and cheerful giving. In discharging these duties, however, they must not lose sight of the true spiritual character of their office, which, although it may be thus occupied with outward and temporal things, yet remains always a proper branch of the Christian Ministry, requiring virtues and merits of like sort with those which are needful for the office of the Ministry in its most exalted character. And now, brethren, having well considered the nature and design of these sacred offices to the use of which you have been called respectively by the voice of this congregation, do you accept the call as coming to you 90 THE BOOK OF WORSHIP from God, and are you willing to undertake the work and service it sets before you, in the name and for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ? Ans. Yes. Do you receive the Holy Scriptures as being the true and proper Word of God, the ultimate rule and measure of the whole Christian faith? Ans. Yes. Do you promise to exercise your ministry, as Elders or Deacons, among this people, with faithful diligence, according to what you have now declared to be the rule and measure of your faith, showing all proper regard for the lawful authority of the Church, and taking heed to your own lives, that you may adorn the gospel of God our Saviour by a walk and conversation answerable to the place you occupy in Christ’s house? Ans. Yes. Here those who have not been previously ordained to the office in which they are now called to serve, shall be directed to kneel, whereupon the minister shall proceed to ordain them, laying his right hand upon each one in succession, and saying: Take thou authority to execute the office of —Hlder— Deacon—in the Church of God, which office I now solemnly commit unto thee, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. The newly ordained persons shall now rise, after which the minister shall install all who are before him for this purpose, both those now ordained, and any who may have been ordained before, using the follow- ing form: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the authority belonging to me in His Church, I now install ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION OF ELDERS AND DEACONS 91 you in the charge and service to which you have been called by this congregation; and may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, rest upon you, abide with you, and strengthen you in your ministry always with all might through the Spirit unto every good word and work. Amen. Then, the congregation standing, the minister shall say: Let us pray: O Lord, our heavenly Father, who has been pleased of Thy great goodness to call these Thy servants to office and power in Thy Church; send down upon them, we beseech Thee, the Holy Spirit, by whose most blessed inspiration alone they can be made able to fulfil the ministry now committed unto them. Make them wise and faithful, humble, tender, modest, and yet bold, constant, patient, and persevering in their appointed work. In all thew walk and conversation may Thy precepts shine forth; may they hold the testimony of a good conscience, and prove themselves a good example unto all Thy flock, to the glory of Thy holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Following the Prayer, the Doxology shall be sung, after which the minister shall close the Service with this Benediction: The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. THE VISITING OF THE SICK It is the duty of the minister to be faithful in visiting the sick of his congregation. If the sick person has not been baptized, he shall be immediately instructed as to his duty in this respect, and urged to enter into cov- enant with Christ. To this end the following passages of Scripture shall be explained to him: John 3:1-8; Math. 28:18-20; Math. 10:32-33. If the sick person gives evidence of faith, the minister shall baptize him, using the regular service for the Baptism of Adults, one or more Elders being present. If, for any reason, the minister cannot perform this duty, one of the elders shall attend to it for him, The minister shall begin the Service thus: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Then the minister shall read a portion of the following Selections of Scripture: WITH THE CHILDREN Come, ye children, hearken unto Me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry. Psalm 34:11-15. At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Who- soever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in My name receiveth Me. Math. 18:1-5. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven. Matt. 18:10. And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His dis- 92 THE VISITING OF THE SICK 93. ciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them. Mark 10:18-16. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Eph. 6:1-3. REPENTANCE OF SIN Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, -and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isa. 55:6, 7. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Prov. 28:13. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. Lam. 3:22. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteouness. 1 John 1:8, 9. Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the Lord; and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger forever. Only acknowl- edge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord: thy God. Jer. 3:12-13. Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, reaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:14-15. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isa. 1:18. Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the: transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy. He will 94 THE BooK OF WORSHIP turn again, He will have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:18, 19. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16. Repent. ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 3:19. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12: And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. 22:17. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth, Luke 15:10. FAITH L. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. Isa. 26:3, 4. The Lord is good, a strong-hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him. Nahum 1:7. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. Jer. 17:7, 8. Godis love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might love through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitia- tion for our sins. 1 John 4:8-10. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Rom. 8:31, 32. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He THE VISITING OF THE SICK 95. shall direct thy paths. Prov. 3:5, 6. Behold, God is my salva- tion; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Sing unto the Lord; for He hath done excellent things: this is known in al] the earth. Isa. 12:2, 5. The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. Psalm 18:46. Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves: we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100:8, 4, 5. 2. Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried-our sorrows: yet we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isa. 53:4-6. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that they might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Gal. 4:4-7. This is.a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1 Tim. 1:15. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with him also freely give us ell things? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he-that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yet rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Rom. 96: THE BooK OF WORSHIP 8:31-34. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1, 2. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let — us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may © obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:14-16. 9 o. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3. If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:15-17. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remem- brance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:25, 26. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7. And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 2 Cor. 6:16. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For THE VISITING OF THE SICK 97 ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear: but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. Rom. 8:14-17. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Rom. 8:26. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long- suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Gal. 5:22, 23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess. 5:25. OBEDIENCE IN AFFLICTION I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Psalm 119:75. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: for He maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth, and His hands make whole. He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall be no evil touch thee. Job. 5:17-19. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom also we have access by faith unto this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience ; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed: because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Rom. 5:1-5. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Cor. 4:5-7. Iam the. true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch. in- Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch 98 THE BooK OF WORSHIP that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may oring forth more fruit. John 15:1, 2. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them: which are exer- cised thereby. Heb. 12:11. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. Rom. 8:28. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abun- dant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 1 38-4. FOR GENERAL USE. o The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteous- ness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 28. 2. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for’the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand'shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. THE VISITING OF THE SICK 99 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and the adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation. Psalm 91. 3. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye His hosts; ye ministers of His, that do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul. Psalm 103:1-5; 19-22. A, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And _whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto Him, Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. If ye had 100 THE BooK OF WORSHIP. known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him. John 14:1-7. D. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be ecarnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Rom. 8:1-6. 6. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. And every many that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not griev- ous. For whatsoever’ is born of God overcometh the: world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 3:1-3; 4:12-14; 5:1-4, THE VISITING OF THE SICK 101 7. And He showed me a pure river of water, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him: and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. Rev. 22:1-5. SUBMISSION IN AFFLICTION In your patience possess ye your souls. Luke 21:19. For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? Heb. 12:6, 7. Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might - receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Heb. 10:35-37. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that we may be perfect and entire wanting nothing. James 1:2-4. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:10, 11. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: He is our Help and our Shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in Thee. Psalm 33:20-22. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Psalm 34:19. The 102 ' THE BOOK OF WORSHIP Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth king for ever. Psalm 29:10. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, aS though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partners of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12, 13. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:2, 7. | TRUST Li: Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Isa. 50:10. Why are thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 42:11. Consider and hear me, O Lord my God! Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Psalm 13:3. Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for Thou art my praise. Be not a terror unto me: Thou art my hope in the day of evil. Jer. 17:14, 17. Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for 1 am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. Math. 11:29, 30. All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37. But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not over- flow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Isa. 43:1-8, 25. For the THE VISITING OF THE SICK 103 mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kind- ness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on Thee. Isa. 54:10. They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever. As the moun- tains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people from henceforth even for ever. Psalm 125:1, 2. 2. Turn Thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring Thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. Psalm 25:16-18. Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed. Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: Oh save me for Thy mercies’ sake. Psalm 6:2,4. Shew Thy marvelous loving-kind- ness, O Thou that savest by Thy right hand them which put their trust in Thee from those that rise up against them. Keep me as the apple of the eye; hide me under the shadow of Thy wings. Psalm 17:7, 8. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: Deut. 33:27. O My Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt. O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done. Math. 26:39, 42. I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Let, I pray Thee, Thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Thy word unto Thy servant. Let Thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for Thy law is my delight. Psalm 119:75-77. Shew me Thy ways, O Lord: teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, Thy tender mercies and Thy loving-kindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remem- ber not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy goodness’ sake, O Lord. Psalm 25:4-7. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings: that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye 104 THE BooK OF WorRSHIP may be glad also with exceeding joy. Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter Ava FL Sako. 3. I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Micah 7:7. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto Thee. Hide not Thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline Thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily. For my days are - consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as a hearth. My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread. By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin. Psalm 102:1-5. I stretch forth my hands unto Thee: my soul thirsteth after Thee, as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit faileth: hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Psalm 1438:6, 7. I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Psalm 6:6. Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O Lord. Let all those that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee: end let such as love Thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. But I am poor and needy; make haste to help me, O God: Thou art my help and deliverer; O Lord, make no tarry- ing. Psalm 70:1, 4, 5. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. Hear me, O Lord: for Thy loving- kindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies. And hide not Thy face from Thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. Draw nigh unto my soul and redeem it; deliver me because of mine enemies. Psalm 69:2, 3, 16-18. Remember me, O Lord, with the favor that Thou bearest unto Thy people: O visit me with Thy salvation; that I may see the good of Thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Thy nation, that I may glory with Thine inheritance. Psalm 106:4, 5. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; THE VISITING OF THE SICK 105 while we look not at the thing's which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Cor. 4:17, 18. THE CHRISTIAN’S HOPE Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord for- ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength. Isa. 26:3, 4. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:1, 14. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk unrightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in Thee. Psalm 84:11, 12. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us there- fore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4: 15, 16. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Gal. 6:9. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. James 1:12. For His anger endureth but a moment; in His favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5. They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Psalm 126:5, 6. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. Isa. 54:10. For we know that, - if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Cor. 5:1. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of 106 THE BooK OF WORSHIP Thy waterspouts: all Thy waves and Thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command His loving kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. Psalm 42:7, 8. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev. 2:10. WITH THE DYING He asked life of Thee, and Thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever. Psalm 21:4. I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:8-11. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides Thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25, 26. Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Cor. 15:19-22. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we Should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we Shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:1, 2. Into Thine hand I commit my spirit: Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. O how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in THE VISITING OF THE SICK 107 Thee before the sons of men! Psalm 31:5, 15, 19. This God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8. After the reading the minister shall offer Prayer, using, if he will, some of the following forms: Let us pray: Almighty and most merciful God, our heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being; we desire to acknowledge Thee in all the events that befall us. Thy right it is to do with us as Thou wilt, and never will Thy fatherly good- ness suffer us to be troubled without cause: yet, remembering whereof we are made, and that we are but dust, chasten us not in Thy heavy displeasure, but as the children of Thy love. As we come to Thee pleading Thy promises, we pray that Thou wilt not leave us without the comforts of Thy grace and saving health, since we ask in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. A PRAYER FOR A SICK CHILD Most merciful God, our heavenly Father, who lovest all little children; look down from heaven, we humbly beseech Thee, with the eyes of mercy upon this child, now lying upon a bed of sick- ness. Visit him, O Lord, with Thy salvation, deliver him from his bodily pain, and save his soul for Thy mercies’ sake; that if it shall be Thy pleasure to prolong his days here on earth, he may live to Thee, and be an instrument of Thy glory, by serving Thee faithfully, and doing good in his generation. But if it should be Thy will to call him hence, we know, O merciful God, that he is safe in Thy gracious keeping, and we pray that his soul may be forever Thine, in the blessedness of Thy heavenly kingdom; through infinite riches of grace in Christ Jesus our Lord. O God, merciful and gracious, who hast taught us in Thy holy Word to cast all our care upon Thee; relieve, we pray Thee, the anxiety of these Thy servants, the parents of this child: and, that they may trust themselves and their dear child wholly unto Thee, 108 THE BooK OF WORSHIP teach them ever more and more to know the greatness of Thy love and sympathy and compassion, which Thou hast revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord. And now, we beseech Thee, O Lord, bless Thy servants who are called to minister to this little sufferer. Give them grace to ful- fil their task with patient endurance and with loving tenderness. — Comfort them in their weariness with the comfort of Thy Holy Spirit, and may this season of trial, anxiety, and labor, in which they are sharing, help them forward in the way that leadeth unto life; for the love of Thine only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. PRAYER FOR PARDON O most merciful God, who, according to the multitude of Thy mercies, dost so put away the sins of those who truly repent, that Thou rememberest them no more; open Thine eyes of mercy, we beseech Thee, upon this Thy servant, who most earnestly de- sires pardon and forgiveness. Renew in him, most loving Father, whatsoever has been impaired by the power of sin; preserve and continue him in the fellowship of the Church; consider his con- trition, accept his tears, and assuage his pain, as shall seem to Thee most expedient for him. And inasmuch as he is putting his trust wholly in Thy mercy, impute not unto him his former sins, but strengthen him with Thy blessed Spirit, that he may live henceforth in the light of Thy holy Word. Hear us, we be- seech Thee, O Lord, in these our prayers, as we call upon Thee in behalf of this Thy servant; and bestow upon him the help of Thy merciful consolation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. A GENERAL PRAYER FOR THE SICK O God, in whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind; regard with tender compassion this Thy servant visited with bodily affliction and disease. Be graciously near to him in the hour of his need. Grant unto him, we beseech Thee, true repentance of all his sins, a firm and steady trust in the merits of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, and grace to be in perfect charity with all men. Enable him to cast all his cares on Thee, and to yield himself with childlike submission to Thy righteous and holy will. THE VISITING OF THE SICK 109 Bless, we intreat Thee, the means being used for his recovery ; rebuke the violence of disease; and raise him up from his bed of pain, that being delivered by Thy compassion, he may walk be- fore Thee in newness of life, to the glory of Thy holy name. (But if, O most wise and merciful Father, this sickness should be unto death, grant him, we humbly implore Thee, a comfortable release from all his sufferings. Let the arms of Thine everlasting love be around him, and, when flesh and heart shall fail, be Thou the strength of his heart and his portion forevermore.) Above all things, O God, bestow upon this Thy servant those spiritual blessings which are better than life. Let this present affliction detach and purify his heart and make it meet for Thy dwelling place. Give him patience that he may bear pain and weakness bravely; enable him to yield himself wholly to Thee and lie unreservedly in Thy hands; and fill hts soul with visions of Thy heavenly kingdom; that so in the midst of the changes and chances of this mortal life his heart may surely there be fixed where alone are to be found true joys and everlasting peace. Grant this, we beseech Thee, O merciful Father, with the for- giveness of all our sins; for Christ our Redeemer’s sake. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR RECOVERY O God, the Giver of all spiritual grace, from whom cometh down every good and perfect gift; we give Thee hearty thanks for the great goodness Thou hast shown unto us in granting unto this Thy servant a measure of his former health. Blessed be Thy Name that Thou didst not forsake him in his sickness; but didst visit him with comforts from above; didst support him in patience and submission to Thy will; and at last didst send him seasonable relief. Perfect, we beseech Thee, this Thy mercy towards him; and prosper the means which are being used for his recovery: that, being restored to health of body, vigor of mind, and cheerfulness of spirit, he may be able to go to Thine house, to offer there a sacrifice of thanksgiving with great gladness, and to bless Thy holy name for all Thy goodness towards him. May he live to love, honor, and obey Thee in all things, and so faithfully to accomplish Thy holy will in this world, that in the 110 THE BooK OF WORSHIP world to come he may have life everlasting. Accept, we beseech Thee, merciful Lord, the devout praises of Thy humble servant, and grant him an abiding sense of Thy loving-kindness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER FOR A PERSON AT THE POINT OF DEATH O Lord, our heavenly Father, whose tender mercies are over all Thy works; we come to Thee in behalf of this Thy servant, humbly beseeching Thee to have mercy upon him in this his time of need. We know, O Lord, that nothing is impossible with Thee, and that, if Thou wilt, Thou canst even yet raise him up, and grant him a longer continuation amongst us. But if the time of his dissolution is drawing near, so fit and prepare him, we be- seech Thee, for the hour of death, that after his departure hence in peace, he may be received into Thine everlasting kingdom; through infinite riches of grace in Christ Jesus our Lord. O blessed Lord, the Father of mercies, and the God of all com- fort; deal graciously, we beseech Thee, with this Thy suffering servant. Look upon him with the eyes of mercy; comfort him with a sense of Thy goodness; preserve him from the tempta- tions of the enemy; give him patience under his affliction; and save him for Thy mercies’ sake. O merciful God, who has caused Thy holy Word to be written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope; give unto Thy servant, we humbly pray Thee, a right understanding of Thy precious promises, that he may not cast away his confi- dence in Thee, but in all things cheerfully submit to Thy blessed will. Reveal Thy Son Jesus Christ in his heart as the Risen One who has conquered death, not for Himself alone, but for all the children of men. Take away from him, we beseech Thee O Lord, every fear of evil, grant him victory over every besetting doubt, and lift up the light of Thy countenance upon him, and give him peace: in Jesus Christ, our Lord. O God, with whom do live the spirits of just men made perfect, we humbly commend this Thy servant, our departing brother; into Thy hands, as into the hands of a faithful Creator and most merciful Saviour; beseeching Thee that his soul may be precious in Thy sight. Wash him, we pray Thee, in the blood of that im- THE VISITING OF THE SICK ala maculate Lamb that was slain to take away the sins of the world, that whatsoever defilements he may have contracted in this mortal life, being purged and done away, he may be presented pure and without spot before Thee. Vouchsafe to him a quiet passage; guide him through the valley of the shadow of death; and receive him into the arms of Thy mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of Thy chosen saints in heaven; for the sake of Him who died to save us from eternal death, Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. The minister shall close the Service thus: The Lord bless thee and keep thee: the Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen. COMMUNION OF THE SICK If any member of the Church, through sickness or infirmity, is not able to come to the house of God, and yet desires to receive the Com- munion, it may be administered to him privately. The Sacrament may also be administered to sick persons who have not been communicants, provided they have proper views of its nature, right dispositions of heart, and are first baptized and confirmed, In addition to the minister, one other person at least should com- mune with the sick, and one or more Elders ought to be present. The minister shall begin the Service with this Sentence of Scripture, Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Then the minister shall say: Dearly Beloved in the Lord: Forasmuch as in the providence of God, you are deprived of the privilege of receiving the Holy Communion in the Church, and your heart nevertheless longs for the enjoyment of this blessing and grace, be encouraged and comforted by the words of the Lord Jesus: Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them. That you may not partake unworthily of this holy Sacrament, consider well, and lay rightly to heart, the exhortation and warning of the Apostle Paul: Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that Bread and drink of that Cup; for he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. Hear also how St. John encourages those who are truly penitent, saying: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from 112 COMMUNION OF THE SICK i i 3} all unrighteousness. And again it is written: If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth con- fession is made unto salvation. Then the minister shall say: Let us pray: Most merciful God, our heavenly Father, who art the Help of all those who call upon Thee; look graciously, we beseech Thee, upon Thy servants who are about to seek Thy grace in this most sacred ordinance. Impart to us, we humbly pray Thee, a true and living faith, by which we may lay hold of the merits of Thy dear Son; and by Thy Holy Spirit more fully work in us an assured con- fidence that all our sins are forgiven, for the sake of His bitter sufferings and death upon the cross; so that, being crucified together with Christ, we may no longer live unto ourselves, but unto Him who for our sakes died and rose again. Bestow upon us, also, we beseech Thee, all needful grace, that we may wholly renounce the world, the flesh, and the devil, and steadfastly devote ourselves as living sacrifices of thankfulness to Him, so that we may patiently endure whatever trials may come upon us in this vale of tears, until we be received finally into the eternal blessedness of Thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Then, if the elements have already been consecrated in the Church, the minister shall say: The Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat, this is My Body which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of Me. 114 THE BooK OF WORSHIP After the same manner also, He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My Blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remem- brance of Me. If the elements have not been consecrated in the Church, the min- ister shall proceed to consecrate them, using this form: The Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed [here he shall take some of the bread into his hands] took bread; and when He had given thanks, He brake it [here he shall break the bread] and said, Take, eat; this is My Body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also [here he shall take the cup into his hands| He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My Blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. Let us pray: We do not come to this table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in Thy manifold and great mercies: and we most humbly beseech Thee, O merciful Father, to vouchsafe unto us Thy gracious presence, and so to sanctify with Thy Word and Spirit these gifts now set before us, that in eating this bread and drinking this cup, we may become partakers of the body and blood of Thy dear Son, with all His benefits, to our spiritual nourishment and growth in grace; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Here the Communion shall take place. The minister shall first commune himself, then give to those who commune with the sick, and then to the sick person. Then, when all have communed, the minister shall say: Let us pray: COMMUNION OF THE SICK 115 Most gracious God, our heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being; we give Thee hearty thanks for all the blessings we have this day received at the table of Thy dear Son. Having received Jesus Christ afresh as our Lord and Saviour, may we be empowered to walk in Him; may we be rooted and built up in Him; and may we be established in the faith, as we have been taught, abounding therein with all thanksgiving. And grant that, when Thy purposes are accomplished in us here, an entrance may be ministered unto us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (Have compassion, we beseech Thee, O Lord, upon this Thy servant, that he may know that Thou art his refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Look upon him with the eyes of Thy mercy; comfort him with a sense of Thy goodness; defend him in all danger; give him patience under his affliction; and, in Thine own good time, restore him to health; or else give him the grace of submission to Thy blessed will. Grant this, we beseech Thee, O merciful God, for Christ our Redeemer’s sake. ) 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, for ever. Amen. The minister shall close the Service with this Benediction: The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen. THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD On entering the church the minister shall go before the body and say: I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he — that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me, shall never die. None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to him- self. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that He might be Lord both of the dead and living. And now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Then the minister, having taken his place, shall read a portion of the following Selections of Holy Scripture: 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 sayest, Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in Thy sight are but 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. 116 THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 117 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 three score years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be four score years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 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. Psalm 90:1-12. The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteous- ness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 28. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepet!: thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neithe ° slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord 7s thy shade upon the right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for ever- more. Psalm 121. 118 THE BooK OF WORSHIP And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them: and His disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Who- soever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he - shall not enter therein. And He took them up in His arms, put His hands upon them, and blessed them. Mark 10:13-16. At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke ts easy, and my burden is light. Matt. 11425-3830; Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him: for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:1-3; 15-17; 25-26. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 119 if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adop- tion, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:12-18. Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection 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 delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule, and all authority 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. But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: and that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased Him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and 120 THE BOOK OF WORSHIP 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 dishonour, 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. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew 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. O death, where is thy sting? O 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, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Cor. 15:20-28; 35-49; 50-58. After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 121 fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Rev. 7:9-17. Here a Hymn shall be sung, then an Address may be delivered, after which Prayer shall be offered. Let us pray: Almighty and everlasting God, our heavenly Father, who art the Author and Disposer of our lives, from whom our spirits have come, and to whom they shall return; we acknowledge Thy sovereign power and right both to give and to take away, as seemeth good in Thy sight; and we most humbly beseech Thee, that unto all Thy righteous dealings we may yield ourselves with due resignation and patience, being assured that though we understand not the mystery of Thy ways, yet always in faithfulness, O Lord, dost Thou afflict us, and for Thy mercy’s sake, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. O eternal God, with whom do live the spirits of those who depart hence in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, are in joy and felicity; we give Thee hearty thanks for the good examples of all those Thy servants, who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest aby dee THE BooK OF WORSHIP from their labors; and we beseech Thee, that we, with all those who are departed in the true faith of Thy holy name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Thy eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. O Thou ever-blessed Mediator, who wast dead, but livest forever, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, and who hast knit all Thy saints in one communion unto life eternal, in that mystical body of which Thou art the glorious and ever living Head; grant us grace so to follow Thy blessed saints, who have gone before us, in the faith and fellowship of Thy holy Church, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which Thou hast prepared for all that love Thee, from the foundation of the world. Amen. O Holy and ever-blessed Spirit, who art one with the Father and the Son, and who dwellest in all Thy saints, to comfort and quicken them; comfort us, we beseech Thee, in the prospect of death, with the hope of the resurrection of the just, and abide in us, that these mortal bodies may be quickened, and fashioned like unto our Saviour’s glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Him- self. Amen. Almighty and most merciful God, the Consolation of the sorrowful, and the Support of the weary, who dost not willingly grieve or afflict the children of men; look down in tender love and pity, we beseech Thee, upon Thy servants, the bereaved household, whose joy is turned into mourning: and according to the multitude of Thy mercies be pleased to uphold, strengthen, and comfort them, that they may not faint under Thy fatherly chastening, but THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 123 find in Thee their strength and refuge; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. At the grave, when the coffin has been put in its place, the minister shall say: Blessed be. the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away. I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concern- ing them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. Let us pray: Almighty God, who by the death of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, hast destroyed death; by His rest in the tomb hast sanctified the graves of the saints; and by His glorious resurrection hast brought life and immortality to light, so that all who die in Him abide in hope as to their bodies, and in joy as to their souls; receive, we beseech Thee, our unfeigned thanks for that victory over death and the grave which He has obtained for us and for all who sleep 124 THE BooK OF WORSHIP in Him; and keep us who are still in the body, in ever- lasting fellowship with all that wait for Thee on earth, and with all that are around Thee in heaven, in union with Him who is the Resurrection and the Life; who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 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; in the hope of the resurrection unto life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from hence- forth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. THE BURIAL OF CHILDREN At the grave, when the coffin has been put in its place, the minister Shall say: Man that is born of woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the field; the grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the Word of the Lord endureth forever. Jesus saith, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say: unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. Weep not, saith the Lord, the child is not dead, but sleepeth. If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. Let us pray : Almighty God, who by the death of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, hast destroyed death; by His rest in the tomb hast sanctified the graves of the saints; and by His glorious resurrection hast brought life and immortality to light, so that all who die in Him abide in hope as to their bodies and in joy as to their souls; receive, we beseech Thee, our unfeigned thanks for that victory over death and the grave which He has obtained for us and for all who sleep in Him; and keep us who are still in the body in ever- lasting fellowship with all that wait for Thee on earth and with all that are around Thee in heaven, in union with Him who is the Resurrection and the Life; who 125 126 THE Book OF WORSHIP liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. With resignation to the holy will of God and in humble reliance on His grace for strength to bear our sorrow, we commit this beloved form to its last resting place; earth - to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in the hope of the resurrection unto life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord: in that day when I make up My jewels. The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work, to do His will, working in you. that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. A BURIAL SERVICE At the grave, when the coffin has been put in its place, the minister shall say: The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? For the Lord will not cast off for ever; but though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He doth not willingly afflict nor grieve the children of men. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Let us pray: Almighty God, who by the death of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, has destroyed death; by His rest in the tomb hast sanctified the graves of the saints; and by His glorious resurrection hast brought life and immortality to light, so that all who die in Him abide in hope as to their bodies and in joy as to their souls; receive we beseech Thee, our unfeigned thanks for that victory over death and the grave which He has obtained for us and for all who sleep in Him; and keep us who are still in the body in ever- lasting fellowship with all that wait for Thee on earth > and with all that are around Thee in heaven, in union with Him who is the Resurrection and the Life; who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 127 128 THE BooK OF WORSHIP Forasmuch as the spirit of the departed has returned to God who gave it, we therefore commit his body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, humbly beseeching the Maker of us all to grant us grace so to live that when our last hour shall come, we may be > found acceptable in His sight, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me, saith the Lord: and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise east out. The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of our everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. LAYING OF A CORNER STONE The Service shall begin according to the order used on the Lord’s Day. Then the minister shall say: Dearly Beloved Brethren: In all ages of the world the people of God have had their places of worship, consecrated to the Most High. Jacob erected a pillar in Bethel, saying, This is God’s house. Moses built and consecrated a tabernacle in the wilder- ness. And Solomon built and consecrated a temple which the Lord filled with the glory of His presence before all the people. So you have purposed in your hearts to build here a house for the Lord: for the worship of. His holy name, for the preaching of the holy gospel, and for the administration of His holy sacra- ments. And as we are now assembled to lay the corner stone of this house, as a habitation for the Lord of heaven and earth, let us not doubt that He will favorably regard and approve our holy purpose. The Apostles’ Creed. Here the minister shall read the inscription on the corner stone; then he shall proceed to put into it several articles which it is to con~ tain, naming them one by one as he does so; and then, when the stone has been laid in its place, he shall put his hand upon it, and say: We here lay the corner stone of a house to be erected under the name of [here the name of the church shall be recited| and to be devoted to the worship and service of Almighty God, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. The Gloria Patri. Then the minister shall say: Let us pray: | We yield Thee hearty thanks, most merciful Father, that it hath pleased Thee to put it into the hearts of Thy servants to begin the erection of a house in which Thy name is to be wor- shipped, the glad tidings of salvation proclaimed, and Thy holy sacraments administered. Prosper us, O Lord, in our under- 129 130 THE Book OF WORSHIP taking; keep and preserve by Thy providence unto its completion the work which is now begun in Thy fear; and may this corner stone, here laid in Thy name, be the foundation of a true spiritual home for Thy children. Consecrate the skill and animate the industry of the workmen; shield them from all accidents and dangers; and make them sensible of the sacredness of the task in which they are engaged. Grant to us all Thy heavenly grace, that our gifts and all our services may be sanctified, and that we may become, in soul and body, living temples of the Holy Ghost, and so be prepared for that eternal city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. All which we ask in the name of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. The Service shall conclude according to the order used on the Lord’s Day. DEDICATION OF: A CHURCH The Service shall begin according to the order used on the Lord’s Day. Then the minister shall say: Dearly Beloved in the Lord: God, our heavenly Father, in all ages of the Church, has approved the acts of devout and holy men, who, moved either by His express command, or by the inspiration of His spirit, have erected sanctuaries for His wor- ship, and separated them from common use, that they might be sacred places, wholly consecrated to Himself. Animated by the pious example of those who have gone before us, sustained by the grace of God, and directed by His Spirit, we have built this house to the honor of His great name, and are now assembled before Him, that we may, by a solemn act of worship, devote it to its intended use. Blessed be the Lord our God, who has thus enabled us to fulfil the desires of our hearts, in the building of this house, where His praise may be made honorable from generation to generation. Here the Apostles’ Creed shall be recited, I believe in God the Father Almighty: Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hades; the third day He arose from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost: the Holy Catholic Church; the Communion of Saints; the forgiveness of Sins; the Resurrection of the Body; and the Life Everlasting. Amen. Then the minister shall dedicate the church in the following manner: 131 132 THE BooK OF WORSHIP This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. This house, erected to the glory of God by the congregation here assembled, we now set it apart from all common and secular use, and, under the name of [herve the name of the church shall be recited| do hereby dedicate it to the worship and service of Almighty God, in the name of the Rather; and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Arise, O Lord, into Thy rest; Thou, and the ark of Thy strength. Here the Seraphic Hymn shall be sung, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full, are full of the majesty of Thy glory. Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest. Then the minister shall say: Let us pray: O God, the King of kings and Lord of lords, whom the heaven of heavens cannot contain, much less the walls of temples made with hands; yet who delightest in the assemblage of Thy people in the sanctuary, and hast promised to bless them there; let Thine ears be open to the petitions of Thy children, which we now present unto Thee, in this place. Accept, we beseech Thee, the offering of this house which we have builded as a habitation for Thee. May it be Thine and Thine alone, used only for Thy service, and so be in truth Thy sanctuary. Grant that all who shall enjoy the benefit of this work of faith and love, may show forth their thankfulness, by making a right use of it, to the glory of Thy holy name. Now, therefore, arise, O Lord, and come into this place of Thy rest, Thou and the ark of Thy strength. Make this house a house of prayer for all people. Here let Thy presence dwell and Thy glory be revealed. When Thy children assemble for wor- ship in this place, and make their petitions unto Thee, hear Thou from heaven, Thy dwelling, and when Thou hearest, forgive. When Thy holy Word is read and preached in this place, and the DEDICATION OF A CHURCH 138 holy sacraments are administered, send down upon the congrega- tion the dews of Thy heavenly grace. And when Thy people bring to Thee their thanksgivings for Thy gracious gifts, accept their offering, and bless them in it, that their joy may be full. May all the promises and vows made in this place redound to the honor and glory of Thy name; and when Thy people pledge them- selves to any service for Thee, anoint them with Thy Holy Spirit, that they may be able to accomplish the work which Thou givest them to do; yea, may everything that is done in this place be to the praise of the glory of Thy grace through Jesus Christ. O God, the Father of mercies and Fountain of all good, who hast chosen Zion for Thy habitation; accept the gratitude of our hearts for Thy great goodness to us this day. Grant, O Lord, that the Gospel here proclaimed, may be rich in blessing to many hearts, and may the fruit be unto holiness and the end everlast- ing life. Enrich, we beseech Thee, this congregation of Thy people with Thy favor, and abundantly bless the pastor, the elders, the deacons, and all those who take part with them in the work and service of this Church. Endow them with spiritual gifts and graces; and grant that they may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all wisdom, that they may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ. And unto Thee who art able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Thee be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. The Service shall conclude according to the order used on the Lord’s Day. DEDICATION OF AN ORGAN The Service shall begin according to the order used on the Lord’s Day. Then the minister Shall say: Dearly Beloved Brethren: In providing an organ for the worship of God in His sanctuary, you have acted in accordance with the best sentiment of the Church in all ages of the world; for music has always been the handmaid of religion. King David, the royal poet and psalmist of Israel, called upon his people, saying, Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctu- ary: praise Him in the firmament of His power: praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him for His excellent greatness: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs: let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. When our Saviour was born in Bethlehem of Judea, the angelic choir chanted: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men. And the holy apostle said, Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom: teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto the Lord. In the worship of the Triune God music finds its noblest use. The Apostles’ Creed. Here the minister shall dedicate the organ in the following manner: Forasmuch as this organ has been provided for the use of this church, we do now solemnly dedicate it to the worship and service of Almighty God, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. The Gloria in Excelsis Then the minister shall say: Let us pray: Accept, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this organ which we have now dedicated to Thee. May it be Thine, and Thine alone, used 134 DEDICATION OF AN ORGAN 135 only for Thy glory, and may it greatly aid in sounding forth the praises of Thy holy name. Bless us as we sing the songs of Zion; help us to sing in the spirit, making melody in our hearts unto Thee our God; and grant that whatsoever we do, in word or deed, we may do in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Make us instruments of righteousness to show forth Thy praise in all that we do or say. Help us to reverence Thy sanctuary. And grant, O Lord, that finally by Thy mercy, we may unite with the redeemed of every nation and kindred and people in ascrib- ing thanksgiving and honor and power to Him that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever. Hear us, O Lord, in mercy, and answer us in peace; since we ask in the name of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. The Service shall conclude according to the order used on the Lord’s Day. A TABLE OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS The following Scripture Lessons are selected according to the Re- vised Version: Gen. Gen ro. rol Gen. 7:6-24 Gen. Psi Gen: 15:1-21 Ps. 90 Gen) 22 1-19 Ps. 48 . 26:12-25 First Sunday in Advent Jer. 33:1-13 John 1:1-18 Second Sunday in Advent Isa. 55:1-13 Luke 3:1-20 Third Sunday in Advent Mal. 3:1-18 John 3:22-36 Fourth Sunday in Advent Isa. 62:1-12 Luke 1:26-56 Christmas Isa "40712b 1s biukes23 1-20 Sunday after Christmas Isa..41:1-20 © Matt..2:1-23 New Year’s Day Isa. 9:1-7 ‘Luke 2:21-40 Sunday after New Year Isa. 11:1-16 Luke 2:41-52 Epiphany Isa.) 6021222 oe Markos 1.16 First Sunday After Epiphany Isa. 61:1-11 Luke 4:16-30 Second Sunday After Epiphany Isa. 54:1-17 John 2:12-25 Third Sunday After Epiphany Isa. 43:1-21 Luke 6:12-38 Fourth Sunday After Epiphany Isa. 1:2-20 Matt. 8:1-17 Fifth Sunday After Epiphany Rom. 1:1-17 2 Lin sa akeceey Rom. 10:1-21 1 John 1:1-10 Phil. 2:1-11 1 John 4:7-21 Heb. 11:1-16 Gal. 4:1-11 Rom. 15:1-15 Rom. 6:1-14 Heb. 2:1-18 1 Cor. 1:10-25 2 Gor) Asters Isai 521-17. Matt..13 31-23 2. Peters) =tesen 136 A TABLE OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS 137 Sixth Sunday After Epiphany Gen. 35:1-15 dee ee Ke 2o-50. LL peter: 271-10 Third Sunday Before Lent Gen. 37:1-28 PZek eo coe aul. O.lecd, Rom. 8:1-17 Second Sunday Before Lent Gen. 41:14-45 Isa. 30:8-26 Matt. 6:1-18 1 Peter 2:11-25 First Sunday Before Lent Gen. 47:1-26 Hizek. 34:1-24 Matt. 7:1-29 1 Peter 4:12-19 Ash Wednesday Ex. 1:1-14 JOG ze l-A20e Mat LUI-L5 Heb. 12:1-138 First Sunday in Lent Ex, 2:1-22 Jer. 9:1-24 John 4:1-26 Eph. 6:10-20 , Second Sunday in Lent Hxieocl co Hizek. 14:1-11 Mark 5:1-20 James 1:2-18 Third Sunday in Lent Ex. 5:1-238 Hosea 14:1-9 Matt. 16:13-28 Eph. 5:1-14 Fourth Sunday in Lent Ex. 12:1-20 Micah 7:1-20 John 6:22-40 1 John.5:13-21 Fifth Sunday in Lent Ex. 13:3-22 Isas,.5321-12;, Maxk 10¢17-31 2:Gor.-5 211-21 Palm Sunday Ex. 14:10-31 Zech. 13:1-9 Luke 19:29-48 Heb. 5:1-10 HOLY WEEK Monday in Holy Week. Mark 11:12-25. Tuesday in Holy Week. John 12:20-50. Wednesday in Holy Week. Mark 13: 1-37. Thursday in Holy Week. Matt. 26:20-75. Friday in Holy Week. John 19:1-37. Easter Sunday Ex. 15:1-18 isa. soba oe Mattizs si-20 >< 1 Cor, 15:1-20 First Sunday After Easter Ex, 16:1-20 ere 114 ike Yeap. 2 Lim 2 e113 Second Sunday After Easter Ex. 20:1-21 Isa. 26:1-19 John 21:1-24 Col. 1:3-23 138 Num. 13:17-33 Num. 21:4-20 Num. 27:12-23 Deut. 34:1-12 Ps, 24 Ps. 46 Ps. 33 Josh. 3:1-17 Judg. 4:1-24 Judg. 7:1-23 Judg. 11:4-33 1 Sam. 3:1-21 1 Sam. 10:1-24 1 Sam, 15:4-23 1 Sam. 20:1-23 1 Sam, 24:1-22 1 Sam. 31:1-13 THE BOOK OF WORSHIP Third Sunday After Easter Micah‘5:2-15° Matt. 10-16-33") 7 Colascieur Fourth Sunday After Easter Isa:;.32:1-20.° Lukeli:1-18 °1'Thes, 221-12 Fifth Sunday After Easter Ezek, 37:15-28 John 14:1-24 1 Tim. 2:1-15 Ascension Day Zech. 14:1-11 Luke 24:36-53 Eph. 1:15-23 Sunday After Ascension Day Zeph. 3:8-20 Acts 1:15-26 1 Peter 4:1-11 Pentecost Joel 2:21-32° Acts 2:14-42 1 Cor, i2:ia Trinity Sunday Isa. 6:1-138 Acts 3:1-26 1 John 5:1-12 First Sunday After Trinity Jer. 1:1-19 Acts 8:26-40 Eph, 2:11-22 Second Sunday After Trinity Jer. 5:1-19 Acts 9:1-30 Eph. 4:1-16 Third Sunday After Trinity Jer. 17:T-18" Acts 1571-12 “1 Cora Fourth Sunday After Trinity ger, 31:1-14 Acts’ 16:1-18 Gal. 3:15-29 Fifth Sunday After Trinity Jer. 33:14-26 Acts 17:16-34 Gal. 2:11-21 Sixth Sunday After Trinity Jer, 54:8-22 John 3:1-21 Rom.\3 :Z21-31 Seventh Sunday After Trinity Ezek. 3:4-21 Lukel15:11-32 I Tim. 6:1-16 Kighth Sunday After Trinity Ezek. 8:5-18 Matt. 19:16-30 Phil. 3:1-16 Ninth Sunday After Trinity Ezek, 18:1-16 Matt. 8:1-17° T Peter 1:3212 Tenth Sunday After Trinity Ezek. 14:12-23 Luke 19:1-27 Heb. 11:17-40 A TABLE OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS 139 Eleventh Sunday After Trinity 2 Sam. 5:1-12 Ezek. 34:17-31 Mark 12:28-44 Rom. 8:18-30 Twelfth Sunday After Trinity 2 Sam, 6:1-19 » Ezek. 36:22-38 John 8:12-30 Rom. 2:1-16 Thirteenth Sunday After Trinity Bohan 22k ooh zelkii37 71-140) Duke dl? 1512 W)Cors1321-138 Fourteenth Sunday After Trinity Beeaniel ool o-WzeK Att 1-12 (Matt, > 321248 | Rom: 129-21 Fifteenth Sunday After Trinity Baie (el -2o.twnosear Lis l-Li. Luke 1213-34 , James. 2 *14-26 Sixteenth Sunday After Trinity 2 Sam. 18:9-33 Joel 3:1-17 John 15:1-27 2 Cor. 9:6-15 ‘Seventeenth Sunday After Trinity 2 Sam. 24:1-25 Amos 8:1-15 Mark’'10:32-45 Phil. 2:12-30 Kighteenth Sunday After Trinity 1 Ki. 2:1-12 Amos 5:1-15 John 9:13-41 2 Cor. 4:7-18 Nineteenth Sunday After Trinity 1 Ki. 6:1-13 Amos 9:1-15 Luke 7:36-50 2 Peter 1:1-11 Twentieth Sunday After Trinity 1 Ki. 8:1-21 Oba. 1:1-21° Mark 9:2-29 Heb. 10:19-39 Twenty-first Sunday After Trinity 1 Ki. 10:1-138 Micah 4:1-13... Luke, 14:15-35 Rom..5:12-21 Twenty-second Sunday After Trinity 1 Ki, 11:1-13 Micah 6:1-16 Luke 16:19-31 2 Tim. 2:1-13 Twenty-third Sunday After Trinity 2 Ki. 19:20-37 Zech. 2:1-138 John11:17-44 James 5:7-20 Twenty-fourth Sunday After Trinity 2 Ki, 23 :1-23 Zech. 8:1-17 John 5:1-29 1 John 3:1-12 Twenty-fifth Sunday After Trinity 2 Ki. 25:1-21 Isa. 49:1-18 Luke 19:11-27 Rev. 4:1-11 Twenty-sixth Sunday After Trinity Ez. 1:1-11 Isa. 52:1-10 Luke 16:19-31 Rev. 7:9-17 Twenty-seventh Sunday After Trinity Neh. 8:1-18 Isa. 65:8-24 John 17:1-26 Rev. 22:1-17 SUGGESTED PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS For a Church Meeting Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who by Thy Holy Spirit didst preside in the first council of Thy disciples at Jerusalem, and hast promised to be with Thy Church always, even unto the end of the world; vouchsafe, we pray Thee, unto Thy servants, here assembled, Thy gracious presence and benediction. Deliver us from all error, pride, and prejudice. Enlighten us with wis- dom from above. Fill our hearts with the spirit of unity and peace; and so guide us in all our actions, that the kingdom of Satan may be broken down, Thy people comforted and established in their most holy faith, and the pure gospel truly preached and truly followed; until at length all Thy dispersed sheep shall be gathered into one fold of the great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, our Lord: to whom be glory forever. Amen. For Sunday Schools O Lord, our heavenly Father, in whose image all the children of men are made; bless, we beseech Thee, the Sunday Schools of Thy Church, that the young may be rightly instructed in Thy Word, and find Him whom to know aright is life eternal. Open the holy Scriptures, both to those who teach and to those who learn, that the difficulties of the letter may not hide the light of the Spirit. Make all the pupils ready to be taught and willing to obey, that they may find joy and peace in the way of Thy com- mandments. Enrich the teachers with patient faithfulness and loving wisdom, and send more laborers into this part of Thy vineyard, that the young and tender plants may be nourished and trained to bring forth fruit unto everlasting life. So let Thy truth be manifest from generation to generation, and the whole family of mankind rejoice together in Thy mercy; through Him who is the Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. For Young People’s Societies O God, who hast taught us in Thy Holy Word that we are to 140 SUGGESTED PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 141 remember Thee, our Creator, in the days of our youth; bless, we humbly pray Thee, the Young People’s Societies of Thy Church, that all their members being inspired by faith, hope, and love, may earnestly strive to promote the honor due to Thy dear Son, the spread of His Church, and the gathering of wanderers into the fold. Give them grace to fulfill in their lives what they pro- fess with their lips. Deliver them from the spirit of worldli- ness, and grant that, serving Thee with pure hearts fervently, they may show forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into His marvellous light. Help us all, we beseech Thee, O our God, to bear one another’s burdens, and to live not for ourselves, but for others,:as members of one family in Christ; make us holy by the indwelling of His Holy Spirit; and bring us all at last to the joy of Thy heavenly kingdom; through Him who died that we might live, Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. For the Catechumens Most gracious God, our heavenly Father, who dost, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord, accept the intercessions of Thy people; remember, we beseech Thee, the Catechumens of this congregation and throughout Thy whole Church. By Thy Holy Spirit enlighten and instruct them in the knowledge of Thee and divine things; open their hearts to the influences of Thy holy Word, that they may meditate on Thy law day and night; strengthen and confirm them in religion; unite them more closely with Thyself and Thy flock; cleanse them from all pollution of flesh and spirit, and let the indwelling of Thy grace be evermore their strength and safety. Prepare them for full communion with Thy Church; help them to love, honor, and obey Thee in all things; and grant them an abundant entrance into Thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. For Community Missions O God, who dost govern all things in heaven and on earth; mercifully hear our prayers, and grant to this community all things needful for its spiritual welfare. Bless, we beseech Thee, our homes, our churches, our schools, and our charities, that the Spirit of Christ may animate them, Visit in mercy all who are 142 THE BooK OF WORSHIP living in sin; and as Thou hast called us to witness for Thee in whatsoever station Thou hast seen fit to place us, use each one of us in the saving of precious souls. Remove all hindrances to the advancement of Thy truth, help us to bring all within the fold of Thy holy Church, and grant that the course of this world may be so governed by Thy providence that Thy kingdom may come and the whole family of mankind rejoice together in Thy love; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. For Home Missions O Lord, our heavenly Father, whose tender mercies are over all Thy works; we call upon Thee in behalf of our beloved nation, which Thou hast established in liberty, equality, and righteous- ness, humbly beseeching Thee to hasten the day when all our actions shall be governed by the gospel of Thy dear Son. Let Thy blessing, we pray Thee, rest upon all missionary agen- cies throughout the land. Bless those to whom has been com- mitted their oversight; grant them wisdom and grace from on high; and give strength and courage and inspiration to all those who are faithfully serving as missionaries of the cross, helping them to interpret Christ to all the people and in all the relation- ships of life, that religion may give stability to our time, and our land abide in righteousness and peace. So help us, our heavenly Father, to bring this nation into Thy kingdom, and make us a blessing to all the nations of the earth; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. For Foreign Missions O God, whose dearly beloved Son, after His resurrection from the dead, did send His Apostles into all the world to preach the Gospel to every creature; hear, we beseech Thee, the prayers of Thy people, and look down in Thy compassion upon the multi- tudes that are as sheep, having no shepherd, and upon the fields now white unto the harvest. Bless those Thy servants, who, after the example of Thy first missionaries, have gone far hence to the Gentiles, and prosper Thou their work of faith and labor of love. Bless especially the Board of Foreign Missions of our own Church, its officers, and all our missionaries. Send forth more laborers into Thy harvest, to gather fruit unto life eternal. SUGGESTED PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 143 And grant us grace and power to be fellow-workers with them by our prayers and offerings, that we may also rejoice with them in Thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. For Evangelistic Work Most gracious God, our heavenly Father, who hast so loved the world as to give Thine only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life; increase, we beseech Thee, the faith and zeal of Thy people, that they may more earnestly desire, and more diligently seek, the salvation of their fellowmen, through the message of Thy love in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Send forth a mighty call unto Thy servants to preach Thy Word; multiply the number of those who labor in the Gospel; and so bless the witness of all believers, that multitudes may be brought from the kingdom of evil into the kingdom of Thy dear Son. Make all of us to see that souls are perishing for the lack of the knowledge of Jesus Christ and Him crucified; and since Thou hast intrusted to us the knowledge of Thy truth and the gift of Thy bounty, help us to use them as good stewards, so that Thy Word may be proclaimed and Thy kingdom enlarged, to the glory of Thy name and the salvation of men; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. For the Home O merciful God, the Father of all mankind, who settest the soli- tary in families; we commend to Thy care the homes in which Thy people dwell. Put far from them, we beseech Thee, every root of bitterness, the desire for vainglory, and the pride of life. Fill them with faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection those whom Thou makest to dwell therein; turn the hearts of the parents to the children, and the hearts of the children to the parents, that being kindly affectioned one toward another with brotherly love, they may dwell together as heirs of the promises of God. Let the influence of our home life be for God, and love, and purity ; make every home a shelter from care and sin, and a place where Thy Spirit rules; and cause all Christian graces to flourish in them; for the sake of Him who hath sanctified all the relationships of life; our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 144 THE Book OF WORSHIP For Our Schools O God, the Giver of all spiritual grace and the Author of ever- lasting life, whose dearly beloved Son came into the world to destroy the works of darkness, and make us the children of light; Uluminate our minds, we beseech Thee, with the full and abiding knowledge of Thy Word, that being enlightened with wisdom | from above, we may ever prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy goodness, and ready to do Thy will. Bestow Thy favor upon all efforts to train the young in intel- ligence, virtue, and piety. Bless all schools, and colleges and seminaries of sound learning and Christian education, and make them instruments of great good to the world. Endue the officers and teachers with a true sense of their stewardship, and enlarge the hearts of the people to a loyal support of those institutions of learning where the precepts of the Gospel are honored as the supreme wisdom. Enlighten the minds, and purify the hearts of the students; so that they may go forth a noble host, made ready and conse- crated for large and fruitful work. Bless everywhere those who are striving for a Christian education amid the hindrances of poverty and friendlessness, and raise up friends, and strengthen wise agencies, to prosper their endeavors. Pour out Thy Spirit from on high, and sanctify all minds and hearts for Thine accept- able service here and Thy blessed kingdom hereafter; all which we ask in the name of Him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. For the Church O Lord, Who hast founded the Church for the fellowship of all ‘believers, sanctify it, we beseech Thee, by Thy Word. Remove all needless divisions, and take away the spirit of rivalry and jeal- ousy. Rebuke all our uncharitable judgments of one another, and unite us all in Thy holy work. Bless all who love the Lord Jesus, by whatever name they are called, and guide them into closer fellowship with Thee. O Thou tender Shepherd of our souls, grant Thy Spirit, we beseech Thee, to those who rule in Thy Church. Give them a sense of their responsibility to Thee, that they may be faithful SUGGESTED PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 145 stewards of Thy manifold grace. Give them an unwavering faith, bestow upon them the spirit of prayer, and in their lives may they commend the Lord Jesus Christ. Aid them with Thy counsel as they seek to teach the ignorant, and to minister to the sick and sorrowing. May they know the blessedness of those who are fellow-workers with God. O God, who didst send Thy blessed Son to preach peace to them that are far off and to them that are nigh; grant that all men everywhere may seek after Thee and find Thee. Bring the nations into Thy fold, and add the heathen to Thine inheritance. And hasten, O Lord, the fulfilment of Thy promise to pour out Thy Spirit upon all flesh; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. For Our Country O God, who hast taught us in Thy holy Word that the nations that will not serve Thee shall perish; we acknowledge our depend- ence upon Thee for life and all its blessings, and our obligations to serve and glorify Thee in our bodies and spirits which are Thine. We praise Thy holy Name for the manifold blessings of Thy providence and grace; for our birth and education under Chris- tian influences; for the civil and religious liberty we enjoy; for the ministrations of the Church; for the comfort of our homes; and for all the tender relationships of life: and while we enjoy these many tokens of Thy favor, we beseech Thee to pardon our many sins and failures, and grant that we may show our thank- fulness by a sincere obedience to Thy holy laws, and always be mindful of Thy presence as a holy safeguard against wrong. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure living. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues; and so guide, govern, and direct us in all our ways that there may be justice at home and peace among all the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, temper our self-confidence with thankful- ness, and in the time of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to 146 THE BooK OF WORSHIP fail; since we ask in the name of Thy dear Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. For the Kingdom of God O Thou King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, our Saviour; hasten, we beseech Thee, the coming of Thy king- dom upon earth, and draw the whole world of mankind into will- ing obedience to Thy blessed reign. Overcome all the enemies of Christ, and bring low every power that is exalted against Him. Cast out all the evil things which cause wars and dissensions among us, and let Thy Spirit rule the hearts of men in righteous- ness and love. Restore the desolations of former days; rejoice the wilderness with beauty; and make glad the city with Thy law. Establish every work that is founded on truth and equity, and fulfil all the good hopes and desires of Thy people. Manifest Thy will, Almighty Father, in the brotherhood of man, and bring in the day of universal peace; for the sake of Him whose king- dom is our heart’s desire, and whose will for men is love; our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. For Christian Education O God, whose inspiration giveth man understanding, we beseech Thee to bless all our schools of learning, that in them the rising generation may be trained in the fear and love of God, and fitted for His service. May all instructors be disciples of Thy wisdom, and obedient to Him who is the wise Teacher of us all. Make them to be seekers after truth, that their example may lead many to love what is noble, and to live for the honor of Thy Name. And hasten the time, we beseech Thee, O merciful God, when all shall know Thee, from the least to the greatest, and when the whole earth shall be filled with Thy glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. For Industrial Justice Almighty God, at wnose word man goeth forth unto his work, and to his labor until the evening; be merciful to all whose duties are difficult and burdensome, and comfort them in their toil. Shield from bodily accident and harm the workmen at their work, SUGGESTED PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 147 Protect the efforts of sober and honest industry, and cause the workmen to be diligent and honest in their appointed tasks. Incline the hearts of employers and of those whom they employ to mutual forbearance, fairness, and good will. Give the spirit of wisdom and justice to all in places of authority. Care for all aged persons and all little children, the sick and afflicted, and those who travel by land or by sea. Remember all who by rea- son of weakness are overtasked, or because of poverty are for- gotten, and let not their sufferings lead them to doubt Thy tender care or Thy unceasing love. Give ear unto our prayer, O merci- ful and gracious Father, for the love of Thine only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. For National Righteousness O Lord, who canst bring forth spiritual blessings out of all our conditions; teach us both how to abound and how to be in want. Take from us both the love of money and the fear of poverty. Save us alike from favoring the rich and despising the poor, and give us grace to use all our wealth and every talent we possess as Thy stewards, and as those who must render an account unto Thee. O God, who hast taught us that righteousness exalteth a nation, and that sin is a reproach to any people; grant that our political life may be pure. Calm the angry strife of men; repress the bit- terness of party spirit, and make us, amid all our differences, lovers of our country, and fellow-workers for its highest welfare. O Lord, who art our Judge, our Lawgiver, and our King; we beseech Thee to elevate and enrich our social life. Grant that we may honor only that which is honorable, and resist every debasing influence. God save the people from intemperance and vice, from vanity and worldliness, from moral blindness and indifference. When the enemy cometh in like a flood, be Thou, O Lord, our rock of defense. Be pleased to multiply the number of brave, earnest, self-sacrificing followers of Christ, and grant that men everywhere may encourage one another in pursuing that which is good; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. For Social Service Almighty God, who art the Father of all mankind; cleanse and 148 THE BooK OF WORSHIP defend Thy Church, we beseech Thee, and write Thou the law of justice upon the hearts and consciences of Thy people. Arouse within us a brotherly concern for all who are poor, or oppressed, or afflicted, teaching us to account them our brethren, and to pity and care for them. Use us for the relief of those who suffer under the wrongs and enmities of their fellow-men. Make us sensible of our union with one another as Thy children, that we. may strive to order all our relations according to Thy will. And we beseech Thee to heal the divisions in the great household of Thy sons and daughters, and to temper their strivings with the spirit of equity, fairness, peace, and good will, and so fill the world with the light of Thy truth and the glory of Thy kingdom; for the sake of Him who laid down His life for us, Thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. For International Peace O God, who art the Hope of all the ends of the earth; we beseech Thee to remember the whole creation for good. Look with compassion upon the world that lieth in wickedness. Fulfil Thy purpose of iove towards all mankind, for whom Thou gavest Thine only-begotten Son. Let Thy way be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all nations. Give peace in our time, O Thou blessed Prince of Peace, and grant that the peoples may no longer use their strength to work desolation, but work together for the common good of all. Hasten the time, O merciful God, when all peoples shall acknowledge Thee as King, and seek in peace to honor and obey Thee; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. For the Ministry Almighty God, our heavenly Father, whose dearly Beloved Son didst call men to follow Him in the work of the ministry; assist us with Thy grace, we beseech Thee, in all our work for others, that it may be profitable to our own souls and tend to the greater glory of Thy name. Raise up ministers of the Gospel among us for the work of the Church in these days of rich opportunity for the kingdom. May the choicest of our young men be willing to give themselves to the ministry of Jesus. May we lead our own children to think seriously of the work of the ministry as their SUGGESTED PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 149 life’s calling, and may we count it an honor to have them min- ister at Thine altar. Help us each one, O Lord, to fulfil our min- istry for Thee, whatever be our calling, and may we be ever ready to labor for the hastening of Thy kingdom ; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. For Those Engaged in Humane Service O God, who hast given unto Thy servants diversities of gifts by the same Spirit, and hast taught us by Thy holy apostle that all our doings without charity are nothing worth; be pleased to bless and prosper all who love and serve their fellow-men with a pure heart fervently: remembering the poor, healing the sick, comforting the sorrowful, teaching the ignorant, and lifting up the fallen. Let their prayers and alms come up for a memorial before Thee, and reward them plentifully with Thy favor ; for the love of Thine only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. For All Toilers O Lord, our heavenly Father, who givest to every man his work; hear us also, we humbly pray Thee, for all toilers in the various walks of life, that they may not be eye-servants as men- pleasers, but perform their duties as unto the Lord. Having gifts that differ, may they all labor with one mind for one end, and may each one, in the calling wherein he is called, therein abide with God. Grant that every man may know himself to be Thy servant, and do with his might whatsoever his hand findeth to do; for the sake of Him who came among us as one that serveth, Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. SELECTIONS OF SCRIPTURE FOR READ- ING DURING THE OFFERING And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the chil- dren of Israel, that they bring Me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take My offering. Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord Thy God which He hath given thee. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth. Honor the Lord with Thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all Thine increase: Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. 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 nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 150 SCRIPTURE READINGS DURING OFFERING 151 I have shewed 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. He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudg- ingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high- minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy: That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to com- municate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his heart of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? To do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sac- rifices God is well pleased. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY Family worship should be observed daily in every household, when the following prayers may be used in connection with the reading of a portion of Scripture. It is recommended that the Scriptures be read as indicated in A Table of Daily Scripture Reading (Page 114). Sunday Morning O Lord, merciful and gracious Father, we, Thy children adopted in Jesus Christ, gather around the mercy-seat, with humble and childlike trust in Thee. We are altogether unworthy, O Lord, to appear before Thee, for we have sinned and done evil in Thy sight. Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy loving-kindness; according to the multitude of Thy tender mer- cies, blot out our transgressions, and remember them against us no more. O Lord, our heavenly Father, whose goodness hast brought us to the beginning of this day, grant us grace, we beseech Thee, whereby we may serve Thee acceptably. As Thou hast given us to have part in the resurrection of our Lord, help us to seek those things which are above, where Christ is seated at Thine own right hand. Dispose us to love the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honor dwelleth; and grant that we may improve not only the services of Thy house, but every other advantage of this sacred day to the purpose for which Thou hast ordained it. O Thou, who hast all power in heaven and on earth, accom- pany the preaching of Thy Word, and the administration of Thy Sacraments, with the influences of Thy Holy Spirit. Continue to us and to all Christian Churches, the means of grace and sal- vation; and may the saving truths of the gospel be speedily published in every land, that all the ends of the earth may hear, believe, and live forever. Be merciful and gracious, O God, to our kindred and friends. Forgive our enemies; reward our benefactors; and grant that we, with all Thy people everywhere, may have grace to serve Thee with full purpose of heart, and so be made partakers at last of eternal bliss in Thy presence in heaven. We ask all in the name, and for the sake of Thy dear Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 152 PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY 158 Sunday Evening O Lord, our heavenly Father, we acknowledge Thy great good- ness toward us, in granting us another day of holy rest. Thou hast not only supplied our bodily wants, but Thou hast given unto us the Bread of Life; and now, with unfeigned gratitude, we bring to Thee our evening sacrifice of praise. Give us, we beseech Thee, the grace of thankfulness, that we may suitably remember Thy love. We are truly sorry, O Lord, for the errors and sins of this day, and of our past lives. We are grieved that we have so often forgotten Thy presence, authority, and goodness. Merci- ful God, pardon our offences. Correct and amend what is amiss in us; and assist us, we beseech Thee, in carrying out the holy resolutions which we have this day formed, under the gracious movine's of Thy Word and Spirit. We pray Thy blessing upon the worship of Thy Church, upon the preaching of Thy Word, and upon the administration of Thy holy Sacraments, that Thy people may be built up in their most holy faith. Have mercy upon those who know Thee not. Deliver them, we pray Thee, from the bondage of sin, and gather them into Thy fold, where they shall be free from the power of the evil one. Bless our kindred and friends. Those who are in sin, O Lord, convert; strengthen and confirm those who are in grace. Unite us to one another by mutual love, and to Thyself, by con- tinual piety and faith, through the merits of Thy Blessed Son, our Saviour. O Thou, to whom the darkness and the light are both alike, and who dost neither slumber nor sleep, defend us, we beseech Thee, from all perils and dangers of this night. Keep us as under the shadow of Thy wings; that being quiet from all fear of evil, we may be brought in peace to see the light of another day, invigorated and rightly prepared for its work. Hear, O Lord, in heaven Thy dwelling-place, and when Thou hearest, forgive; for the love of Thine only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 154 THE BooK OF WORSHIP Monday Morning O Lord, our heavenly Father, who by the rest of Thy holy day, and by the peaceful slumbers of the night, hast refreshed our bodies and souls, we give Thee hearty thanks for Thy great goodness toward us, and acknowledge Thee as the source of all our mercies. We would enter upon this new day, and upon the duties of the week, in Thy fear, and with a childlike dependence © on Thee. As Thou hast ordained that we should eat bread in the sweat of our face, we beseech Thee mercifully to prosper the work of our hands, and sanctify the fruit of our labors and cares to our good, to the good of others, and to Thy glory. Help us to carry the Spirit of Thy holy day into all the business of the week; and whilst our bodies and minds are engaged in honest and useful toil, may our hearts still live and rest in Thee. Save us from the spirit of worldliness. Suffer us not to seek our portion in this life; and having food and raiment, may we be therewith content. O Lord God of our Fathers, who dost make and keep covenant with families, and dost include parents and children in Thy most gracious promises, bless, we beseech Thee, this household dedi- cated to Thy holy service. Continue to provide for all our proper wants; and turn our hearts daily in gratitude and love to Thee, that being united in Thy service in this life, we may together attain to the felicity of the life everlasting, through infinite mercy and grace in Jesus Christ, our Lord. To Thy care, O Lord, we now commend ourselves for this day. Let Thy fatherly protection be over us. Preserve our feet from falling, our eyes from tears, and our souls from death; and enable us to walk before Thee in cheerful obedience to the end of life. Hear, O Lord, our prayer; and grant us all things that we need, for this world and for that which is to come; since we ask in the name of Thy dear Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY 155 Monday Evening O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and through Him our Father, and the source of all our mercies, blessed be Thy name for Thy gracious protection this day. Thy goodness is new every morning, and Thy faithfulness every night. O that there were such hearts in us that we might fear Thee, and keep Thy commandments always. : Accept, we beseech Thee, our thanksgiving for all the mercies and favors bestowed upon us, and be pleased to forgive what- ever we have done amiss. Purge our hearts from all evil pas- sions and desires, from envy, hatred, and malice, and from all uncharitableness. May we never suffer the sun to go down upon our wrath, but may we always seek our rest with a conscience void of offence towards Thee and towards all men. O Lord, our heavenly Father, we beseech Thee to look graciously upon us as a family. Bless us in body and soul; in basket and store; in our going out and our coming in, and in all that concerns us. Fill our hearts with love to. Thee, and charity towards our fellowmen, and grant us a sure and joyful hope of everlasting life, in Jesus Christ our Lord. With these prayers in our own behalf, accept, O Lord, our hearty intercessions for. all mankind. Let the light of Thy gospel shine on all nations. Be especially gracious to the land in which we dwell. Bless all who are in authority over us. So rule their hearts, and strengthen their hands, that they may be strong to oppose wickedness and have courage to support and: maintain what is right. We now commit ourselves to Thy watchful care during the night. Make us to rest in safety, and to be quiet from fear of evil. Lead us safely through the day of life; and, when the hour of death comes, may we commit our spirits into Thy hands, and enter into heavenly rest, through the abounding mercy of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 156 THE BooK OF WoRSHIP Tuesday Morning O God, our Father, we acknowledge with grateful hearts Thy goodness, which is renewed unto us from day to day. When we lay in defenceless sleep Thy power was beneath us, and Thy protection around us. Blessed be Thy name, O Lord of our life, for all Thy goodness and love toward us. Help us with a believing heart to embrace all the sufferings and death of Christ, whereby we may obtain the forgiveness of our sins, and become more and more united to His sacred body by the Holy Ghost, who dwells both in Christ and in us. Enable us to crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof, so ~ that sin may no more have dominion over us; and grant us grace to offer ourselves unto Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise, in body and in soul, in this life, and to obtain in the world to come life everlasting. Defend us, O Lord, this day, from all motions of sin in our own hearts, and from all hurtful influences from the world and evil spirits. In our greatest temptations be Thou nearest to us by Thy sustaining and conquering power; and as Thou, blessed Saviour, didst overcome the tempter in the wilderness, so do Thou overcome his wiles in us by Thy victorious grace. Remember, O Lord, for good all ministers, pastors, and teachers, all who preach the gospel among the nations, and all who serve Thee in any office in Thy Church. Endue them with the spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind, and so bless them in all their work, that they may fulfil their ministry with fidelity and zeal, and labor effectually for the conversion and salvation of souls. _ Grant us grace, we beseech Thee, to be just and upright in all our dealings; quiet and peaceable among our neighbors; full of compassion towards the needy and afflicted; and ever ready to do good to all men; that so walking faithfully before Thee all our days, and being found watching whenever our appointed time shall come, we may, from a life of grace, be translated into a life of glory, through the merits of Thy blessed Son, our Saviour. Amen. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY 157 Tuesday Evening Most gracious God, our heavenly Father, who hast brought us in safety to the close of another day ; regard, we beseech Thee, our prayer, and the prayers of all Thy people, and pardon our sins, according to Thy loving-kindness and tender mercy in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Accept, O Lord, our evening sacrifice, and pour out upon us the fulness of Thy grace. Guard and defend us by Thy holy angels; preserve us from all harm and danger, both of soul and body; and give us grace, that we may spend this evening and night, and all the days and nights of our sojourn upon earth, to Thy honor and glory. Help us, O Lord, to possess our souls in patience amidst all the changes of this mortal life. Give us a cheerful faith, a joy- ful hope, and a peaceful love. From gloominess of mind, from discontent with our lot, from dejection of spirit, from distrust of Thy mercies, and from the fear of death, good Lord, deliver us. O bring Thou us out of our troubles; cause Thy face to shine upon us, and we shall be saved. O Lord, take away from us all ignorance, hardness of heart, and undue carefulness for the things of this life. Help us as a household to fear Thee, sincerely to seek Thy glory, and to put our whole trust in Thy mercy. Make us mindful that as we have now come to the end of another day, so the end of life is at hand; and as we know not the day or the hour of our Master’s coming, grant us grace always so to live, that we may never be afraid to die; but that living or dying we may be Thine. We now commit ourselves, Almighty Father, into Thy hands. Be with us when we lie down, and when we rise up; be with us in sickness and in health; and in the hour of death, forsake us not, O most merciful Saviour, but grant us a calm and peaceful departure out of this world, and a triumphant entrance into Thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, 158 THE Book OF WORSHIP Wednesday Morning O Thou Shepherd of Israel, who dost neither slumber nor sleep, under Thy providential care we have rested securely during another night, for which we now render Thee our humble and unfeigned thanks. We have slept and waked, and lo! Thou art still with us; and we are yet among the living to praise Thee. © Blessed be Thy holy name forever and ever. Ouy voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will we direct our prayer unto Thee, and will look up. Thou hast no pleasure in wickedness, neither can any evil dwell with Thee; but Thy delight is in all that call upon Thee, and Thou wilt bless such as are of an humble and contrite heart. Grant us grace to begin this day in Thy fear, and to end it to Thy glory. We are weak; be Thou our strength. We are ignorant and do easily err; be Thou our light and our guide. We are prone to thoughtlessness and vanity; keep us mindful, we entreat Thee, of death and of judgment, to the end that we may live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present evil world. O Lord, as Thou hast called us to serve one another, and the generation in which we live, give us strength to go forth to our daily duties with cheerfulness, and in humble dependence upon Thy help. Prosper our labors, and let the work of our hands be established upon us for Thy: praise. Be especially gracious, O Lord, to the land in which we dwell. Continue to us, we beseech Thee, the pure light of Thy holy gospel. Let there be grace and truth in our day: yea, let truth and justice, religion and piety, be established among us for all generations. Bless us now as a family, gathered around the mercy-seat, and grant us grace to love and fear Thee. Reward all that have done us good; and pardon those who have done or wished us evil. Be merciful to all who are in any trouble or affliction; and do Thou, O God of pity and compassion, grant them help and comfort according to their need, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY 159 Wednesday Evening Our Father, who art in heaven, we come to Thy throne of grace this evening, with reverence and holy fear, begging of Thee mercy and peace, pardon and salvation. Thou art holy, and justly offended with us; but yet Thou art our gracious Lord and merciful Father in Christ Jesus. Be pleased, we beseech Thee, to blot out our sins from Thy remembrance, and heal our souls, that we may sin no more against Thee. O be not extreme to mark what we have done amiss, but for Christ’s sake, have mercy upon us, and grant unto us the full and free forgiveness of our sins. May the Spirit of Christ ever rule and live in us, inspiring our hearts with a sincere love of Thee, O God; with an earnest desire to please Thee, and with a dread of offending Thee. Sanctify us wholly, we beseech Thee, that our souls and bodies may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We humbly pray for all mankind, especially for our kindred and friends, that they may receive mercies suitable to their wants. If any are estranged from Thee, draw them to Thyself by Thy good Spirit and grace, that as they share in Thy good- ness here, they may partake also of Thy glory hereafter, through the great mercy of Jesus Christ, our Lord. We beseech Thee, O Lord, to continue Thy gracious protection to us this night. Into Thy hands we commend ourselves, and all things that belong to us. Be pleased to watch over us, O Thou who dost neither slumber nor sleep. Defend us from danger and harm, and from the dread and fear of evil; to the end that we may enjoy such quiet and refreshing sleep as may fit us for the duties of the coming day. O Lord, make us ever mindful of that time when we shall lie down in the dust; and grant us grace so to live, that we may never be afraid to die; but that, whether we live we may live unto Thee, and whether we die we may die unto Thee; that so living or dying, we may be Thine, through the perfect sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 160 THE BooK OF WORSHIP Thursday Morning OQ God, our God, early will we seek Thee. Thy mercies are new unto us every morning, and call for new expressions of gratitude to Thee, the Giver of all good. For the rest of the night, for the light of another day, and for the comforts which now surround us, we praise Thee, O Lord our God. Help us to feel more deeply that we owe our life and all its blessings to Thy © fatherly love and care, We come unto Thee as Thy children. O give us the spirit of adoption whereby we may cry, Abba, Father; and loving Thee, who hast first loved us, may have grace to dedicate ourselves anew to Thy blessed service, in body and in soul. Let us not lack anything, our heavenly Father, without which we cannot serve Thee, but so perfect Thy gifts in us that we may testify, by our whole life, our gratitude to Thee for Thy great love and mercy to us; that everyone of us may be assured in ourselves of our faith, by the fruit thereof; and that, by godly walk and conversation, we may win others also unto Christ. Grant us grace, O Lord, to flee from every temptation that may this day assail us, and to overcome the power of sin in our hearts. May we rightly acknowledge Thee, the only true God; trust in Thee alone; with humility and patience expect all good from Thee only: love, fear and honor Thee with our whole heart: so as rather to renounce all creatures than do the least thing against Thy will. O God, our Saviour, who art the hope of all the ends of the earth, remember, we beseech Thee, the children of affliction and sorrow. Heal the sick; provide for the poor; befriend the for- saken; and be a helper to the helpless. We now resign ourselves, Almighty Father, into Thy hands. Let Thy mercy be upon us according as we hope in Thee. Guide us by Thy counsel while we live, and afterwards receive us to Thy heavenly glory, through infinite riches of grace in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY 161 Thursday Evening Most. merciful God, our heavenly Father, look down from heaven, the habitation of Thy holiness, we beseech Thee, and accept the confession of our sins, with our evening sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise. Thou alone knowest how often we have sinned, in wandering from Thy ways, in wasting Thy gifts, and in forgetting Thy love. But we do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for all wherein we have displeased Thee. Make us truly contrite, we beseech Thee, and so cleanse us from the defilements of this day, that we may go to our rest, comforted by Thy grace, and sanctified by Thy Holy Spirit. Kind and gracious Father, we give Thee hearty thanks, for all Thy mercies bestowed upon us. We thank Thee for our being; for our powers of mind and body; for health, friends, food, and raiment; for Thy patience with us, nothwithstanding our many and great provocations; for the direction, assistance, and comfort of Thy Holy Spirit; for Thy continual care and watchful providence over us, through the whole course of our lives; and particularly for the favors and benefits of the past day. We beseech Thee, continue these blessings to us, and en- able us to show forth our gratitude for them, by sincere obedi- ence to Thy holy laws, and entire devotion to Thee. Bless us now as a family. Bind us together in the spirit of love, and strengthen us to perform our duties faithfully to Thee and to one another. Make us patient under all our trials; guide us in the narrow way that leadeth unto life, and bring us at last into Thy heavenly kingdom, to dwell with Thee forever. Be pleased to watch over us this night, and spread the wings of Thy protection around our resting place. Visit us with re- freshing sleep; cause us to rest safely in the arms of Thy love; and raise us up again in health and peace; so that all our days ‘and nights may be spent with Thee in Thy blessed service, till we awake in Thy likeness, and are numbered with Thy saints in glory everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, 162 THE Book OF WORSHIP Friday Morning O Lord, our heavenly Father, in whom we live, and move, and have our being, we render thanks unto Thee, for Thy kind care over us during the night that is past. Since of Thy great mercy another day has dawned upon us, we once more consecrate our- selves in soul and body to Thy service. We renounce the works of darkness: cause us to walk in the light of Thy countenance. We renounce the vanities of the world: help us to seek after the enduring substance that is laid up with Thee in heaven. We renounce the sinful lusts of the flesh: enable us to walk in the Spirit. In these desires and purposes, do Thou, most merciful God, confirm and strengthen us by Thine ever present grace. We humbly confess before Thee, O Lord, our guilt, and be- seech Thee to pardon our sins and transgressions. Create in us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within us, that we may have power to serve Thee in righteousness and true holiness all our days. Give us, O Lord, an abiding sense of the vanity and shortness of this mortal life. Seeing that the Son of Man cometh at an hour when we think not, may we be always ready; that so the dread summons may not come upon us unawares; but that, having our loins girt about, and our lamps burning, we may be like those that wait for their Lord. Bestow upon us, O most merciful Father, what is needful for us, and give us grace not to abuse Thy favors. Give us, we be- seech Thee, contented minds, and help us to regard with com- passion the wants and sorrows of others. May we know the blessedness of going about doing good, and relieving those who are in need, after the example of Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us. Hear us, most merciful God, in these our humble requests, which we offer unto Thee in the name of Thy dear Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY 163 Friday Evening -O God, the great Creator, gracious Preserver, and wise Governor of the world, we, Thy unworthy servants, bow before Thee at this time to present our prayers and supplications at the throne of Thy heavenly grace. Thou, Lord, art never weary in doing us good; but alas! we acknowledge with shame that we have been guilty of great ingratitude towards Thee. We have been unprofitable servants ; we have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts; and instead of loving Thee, and delighting in Thee, we have been too eagerly and fondly pursuing the things of this world. Let Thy goodness and mercy, O Lord, lead us to repent- ance; and although we have rendered ourselves unworthy of the least of Thy mercies, yet for the sake of Thy beloved Son, in whom Thou art well pleased, spare us, good Lord, spare us, and be not angry with us forever. O Lord, enlighten our understandings, that we may know Thee; sanctify our affections that we may love Thee; and put Thy fear into our hearts, that we may dread to offend Thee. Convince us thoroughly, we beseech Thee, of the great evil of sin, that we may hate it, and endeavor in all things to obey Thy blessed will, and to walk before Thee in holiness and righteous- ness all our days. Extend Thy mercy, we beseech Thee, to the whole race of man- kind. Send relief to the children of affliction and sorrow; ease those that are in pain, and give deliverance to them that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Hasten the coming of Thy kingdom, we humbly pray Thee, and grant that the knowledge of Thy name, and the consolations of Thy grace, may soon fiil every land and all hearts. And now, as the shadows of evening have gathered around our dwelling, we beseech Thee to spread over us the shelter of Thy protecting care. Defend us from evil. Preserve us especially from the evil of sin, and from the assaults of our spiritual ene- mies; and let Thy goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our life, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 164 ' THE Book OF WORSHIP Saturday Morning O God, by whom the whole world is governed and preserved, we give Thee humble thanks for Thy fatherly care over us, in preserving us from the dangers of the night which is past, and in bringing us safely to the beginning of another day. We gratefully acknowledge our dependence on Thee for the necessities, conveniences, and comforts of our daily life; for the means of our well-being in this world; and for the hope of ever- lasting happiness in the world to come. Give us always, we beseech Thee, such a tender sense of Thy mercies, that we may be truly thankful for them. Save us from hardness of heart, and from blindness of mind, that we may never neglect or abuse Thy grace. Enable us honestly to improve all the talents which Thou hast committed to our trust; and let no worldly business, nor love of pleasure, draw our minds or hearts from the solemn concerns of the life to come. | Bless, we implore Thee, Thy holy Church universal. Prosper all her institutions of learning. Make them rich sources of sound knowledge and true piety, that they may send forth men and women fitted for the ministry of the Word, the ministry of healing, and all the walks of life. Give abundant success to all the Christian enterprises in which she is engaged, that her waste places may be cultivated, and her spiritual wants speedily sup- plied. Defend us, O Lord, and those who are near and dear to us, against the assaults of our enemies. Grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger. May all our doings be ordered by Thee, and meet with Thy favor and bless- ing; that so we may walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy counte- nance. Into Thy hands, gracious Father, we now commend ourselves for this day, and for all coming time. Glorify Thyself in all that we do and suffer; and grant us, we beseech Thee, in this world knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting; through the mercy and mediation of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY 165 Saturday Evening O Lord, our heavenly Father, who hast brought us safely through another day, and to the close of another week, unto Thee we render our humble and hearty thanks. Grant us, we beseech Thee, a due sense of the manifold favors Thou hast be- stowed upon us through life; and especially teach us to value, as we ought, Thy great mercy in Christ Jesus our Lord, through whom alone we enjoy the means of grace, and the hope of glory. We confess, O Lord, that we have not served Thee according to the measure of our knowledge and ability. We have again and again broken Thy laws and commandments; we have too much neglected Thy warnings; we have resisted the quiet influences of Thy Holy Spirit, and we have just cause to fear Thy righteous judgments. Have mercy upon us, most merciful 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 newness of life, to the honor and glory of Thy name. Remember in Thy mercy, O Lord, all men, whom Thou hast made of one blood to dwell upon the face of the earth, and deliver them from the manifold evils and miseries by which so many of them are oppressed. Deliver them especially from idolatry, from ignorance and superstition, from error and unbelief, and from the chains of sin. Cause the light of Thy glorious gospel to shine among them, and hasten the time when all Thy lost sheep shall be gathered into the one fold of the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 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