T? \Sg Class j£X8b&-J Book.. **"5 Copyright W. Q ix. COPYRIGHT DEPOSm THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES FROM THE COMMON SERVICE BOOK OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH PHILADELPHIA THE LUTHERAN PUBLICATION SOCIETY THE GENERAL COUNCIL PUBLICATION BOARD COLUMBIA, 8. C, THE LUTHERAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION 1918 Authorized by THE GENERAL SYNOD THE GENERAL COUNCIL THE UNITED SYNOD IN THE SOUTH Copyright, 1918, by THE GENERAL SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA THE TRUSTEES OF THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA THE UNITED SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THE SOUTH DEC 141918 \ c/ ©CI. A 5 06 91,; r* CONTENTS PAGE Order for the Baptism of Infants 5 Confirmation of Lay Baptism 10 | Order for the Baptism of Adults 11 Order for Confirmation 15 Order for Public Confession 19 - Order for Private Confession and Absolution 25 Order for the Communion of the Sick 26 Lessons and Prayers for the Sick 30 The Uses of Affliction 30 Knowledge of Sin and Repentance 32 Assurance of Forgiveness through Faith in Christ .... 34 Patience under Suffering, and Trust in God's Help ... 37 Preparation for Death '. 39 Hope of Resurrection and Eternal Life 41 Additional Prayers 43 Order for the Commendation of the Dying 44 Order for the Burial of the Dead 46 The Service at the Grave 63 Order for Marriage 65 Order for Ordination 70 Order for the Installation of a Pastor 76 Order for Laying the Corner-stone of a Church 80 Order for the Dedication of a Church 84 Order for the Opening of Synods 90 Order for the Closing of Synods 94 Order for the Installation of a Church Council 97 3 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES ORDER FOR THE BAPTISM OF INFANTS f Baptism should be administered at a public Service. When cir- cumstances demand, it may be administered privately, but public announcement thereof shall afterward be made. Parents are urged not to delay the baptism of their children. r The names of the parents, of the sponsors, and of the child, with the date and place of birth and of baptism, shall be entered in the Record of the Congregation, and a proper certificate issued. II Only members of the Church shall be accepted as sponsors. If Baptism may be administered at any of the regular Services or at a specially appointed Service. When administered at The Service, the Order here given may follow the Creed or the General Prayer; when at Vespers, it may follow the Lessons or the Sermon; when at a spe- cially appointed Service, the Order may be preceded by a Hymn. If The Minister may lay his hand on the head of the child during the repetition of the Lord's Prayer. I If The Minister shall say: *$ the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holv Ghost. Amen. DEARLY Beloved: Forasmuch as all men are con- ceived and born in sin, and our Saviour Jesus Christ hath said, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God : I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that of His goodness and mercy He will receive this child, by baptism, into the Church of the Redeemer, and make him a living member of the same. 5 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES Let us pray. ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, the Father of l\. our Lord Jesus Christ: We call upon Thee for this child, and beseech Thee to bestow upon him the gift of Thy baptism and Thine everlasting grace by the washing of regeneration. Receive him, O Lord, as Thou hast promised by Thy well-beloved Son, saying: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. % Then shall the Minister say: HEAR the Holy Gospel, which saith: 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, 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. Our Lord Jesus Christ said: A LL power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. jCJL Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. He that belie veth and is baptized shall be saved. If Then shall all say: OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily ORDER FOR THE BAPTISM OF INFANTS 7 bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. If Then shall the Minister say to those who present the child: IN obedience to our Lord's command you bring this child for Holy Baptism. I therefore ask you: Do you renounce the devil, and all his works, and all his ways? Answer: Yes, I renounce. If Then shall the Minister say: Let us all confess the Faith into which we have been baptized, and into which this child is now to be baptized. If Then shall all say the Apostles' Creed. I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ His only 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 hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of (rod the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body; And the Life ever- lasting. Amen. % Then, addressing those who present the child, the Minister shall say: Do you present this child to be baptized into this Christian Faith? Ansvjer: I do. 8 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES Do you promise to instruct him in the Word of God, and to bring him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? Answer: Yes, I promise. If The Minister may now ash: How shall this child be named? and shall then baptize him by applying the ivater three times as he saith: NI BAPTIZE thee: • j In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. If Then the Minister, laying his hand on the head of the child, shall say: ALMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus a\ Christ, Who hath begotten thee again of water and the Holy Ghost, and hath forgiven thee all thy sin, strengthen thee with His grace unto life everlasting. Amen. Peace be with thee. If Then shall the Minister say: Let us pray. ALMIGHTY and most Merciful God and Father, Jl\ we thank Thee that Thou dost graciously pre- serve and extend Thy Church, and that Thou hast granted to this child the new birth in Holy Baptism, and received him as Thy child and heir to Thy kingdom; and we humbly beseech Thee to defend and keep him in this grace, that he may never depart from Thee, but may always live according to Thy will, and finally re- ceive the fullness of Thy promise in Thine eternal king- dom; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. If Then shall the Minister say to those who have presented the child: 1NOW admonish you who have done so charitable a work to this child in his Baptism, that ye diligently and faithfully teach him the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord's Prayer; and that, as he grows in ORDER FOR THE BAPTISM OF INFANTS 9 years, ye place in his hands the Holy Scriptures, bring him to the Services of God's House; and provide for his instruction in the Christian Faith, that, abiding in the covenant of his Baptism, and in communion with the Church, he may be brought up to lead a godly life until the day of Jesus Christ. Amen. If Then shall the Minister say: THE Blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with you alway. Amen. AN ALTERNATE FORM OF QUESTIONS If In place of the questions, page 7, the following, which are of ancient origin and ivide usage in the Church, may be used. SINCE in Christian love you present this child for Holy Baptism, I call upon you to answer in his stead. Dost thou renounce the devil, and all his works, and all his ways? Answer: Yes, I renounce. Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth? And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried; Descended into hell ; The third day rose again from the dead ; Ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; Whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead? And in the Holy Ghost; The holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body; And the Life everlasting? Answer: I believe. Dost thou desire to be baptized into this Christian Faith? Answer: I do. If The baptism shall then proceed according to the Order (page 8) . beginning with the words: N., I baptize thee, etc. LAY BAPTISM r If the child be in extreme illness, and there be no time to call the Minister, any Christian man or woman may administer baptism, being careful to use v:ith the water, the words: N., I baptize thee: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. The Lord's Prayer may then be said. 10 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES If Such baptism shall, in all cases, be reported to the Minister, who shall inquire: Whether the child was baptized with water; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost? // he so find, he shall enter the same in the Record of the Congregation as a true Christian baptism., but if he be uncertain whether the child has been properly baptized, he shall baptize him according to the Order. CONFIRMATION OF LAY BAPTISM If Baptism administered by a lay person may afterward be publicly con- firmed at a Service of the Church. In such case the child shall be brought to the church, and the person who administered the baptism and the witnesses shall also be present. % The Minister shall ask the following questions: BY whom was this baptism administered? Who were present? Was the child baptized with water? Was the child baptized with the use of the words: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost? % These questions having been satisfactorily answered, the Minister shall say: FORASMUCH as you have done this in obedience to the com- mand of our Lord Jesus Christ, I declare this baptism to have been properly administered. Let us pray. % Then the Minister, laying his hand upon the head of the child, shall say the Lord's Prayer. 1f Then shall he say: A LMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath 1JL begotten thee again of water and the Holy Ghost, and hath for- given thee all thy sin, strengthen thee with His grace unto life ever- lasting. Amen. Peace be with thee. ORDER FOR THE BAPTISM OF -ADULTS 1] ORDER FOR THE BAPTISM OF ADULTS If When a person who has not been baptized in infancy, desires to confess his faith in Christ and to receive Holy Baptism, he shall first be instructed in the Christian Faith as it is set forth in the Small Catechism. If The baptism of adults shall be administered in the church, in the presence of the Congregation, except in cases of urgent necessity. When administered privately, public announcement of the baptism shall be made at the next Service of the Congregation. If The Candidate shall present himself for baptism, and the Minister, addressing the Congregation, shall say: DEARLY Beloved: Forasmuch as all men are con- ceived and bom in sin, and by thought, word, and deed, transgress God's Holy Law; and forasmuch as our Saviour Jesus Christ hath said, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the king- dom of God : I beseech you to call upon God, the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that, of His goodness' and mercy, He will receive this person by baptism into the Church of the Redeemer, and make him a living member of the same. Let us pray. A LMIGHTY and Everlasting God, the Father of our Xjl Lord Jesus Christ : We call upon Thee for this Thy servant, and beseech Thee to bestow upon him the gift of Thy baptism and Thine everlasting grace by the washing of regeneration. Receive him, O Lord, as Thou hast promised by Thy well-beloved Son, saying: Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 12 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES If Then shall the Minister say: HEAR the words of our Lord Jesus Christ : All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptiz- ing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. If Then shall all say: OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 1[ Then shall the Minister ash the person to be baptized: DOST thou renounce the devil, and all his works, and all his ways? Answer: Yes, I renounce. Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth? And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead, and buried; Descended into hell; The third day rose again from the dead; As- cended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; Whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead? And in the Holy Ghost; The holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body; and the Life everlasting? Answer: I believe. ORDER FOR THE BAPTISM OF ADULTS 13 Dost thou desire to be baptized into this Christian Faith? Answer: I do. Dost thou promise to abide in this Faith? Answer: Yes, by the help of God. Dost thou promise, as a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, to remain faithful to its teachings, and to be diligent in the use of the Means of Grace? Ansiver: Yes, by the help of God. Tf Then shall the Candidate kneel, and the Minister shall baptize him by applying the water three times as he saith: NI BAPTIZE thee: • j In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 1f Then the Minister, laying his hand on the head of the person bap- tized, shall say: A LMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus XJL Christ, Who hath begotten thee again of water and the Holy Ghost, and hath forgiven thee all thy sins, strengthen thee with His grace unto life everlast- ing. Amen. Peace be with thee. If Then shall the Congregation rise, and the Minister shall say: Let us pray. A LMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who hast vouch- l\ safed to regenerate this Thy servant by water and the Spirit, and hast forgiven him all his sins: Strengthen him, we beseech Thee, with the Holy Ghost, the Comforter; and daily increase in him Thy manifold gifts of grace: the spirit of wisdom and understanding; the spirit of counsel and might; the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord, now and forever; through 14 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. Tf Then shall the person, baptized rise, and the Minister, giving his right hand, shall say: IN the Name of the Lord Jesus, Whom thou hast con- fessed and promised to serve, I hereby declare thee a member of this Congregation, and authorize thee to receive the Lord's Supper and to participate in all the spiritual privileges of the Church. If Then shall the Minister say to the Congregation: A ND now, I admonish you, the members of this iV Congregation, to acknowledge and receive this your fellow-member as your brother and heir with you in Christ Jesus, and ever to pray that God may perfect the work which He hath begun in him by His Holy Spirit. If Then shall the Minister say: THE Blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with thee alway. Amen. If When adults are admitted to the Church by the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, the Rite of Confirmation shall not be administered to them. Tf If adults are to be baptized and others are to be confirmed at the same Service, Baptism shall first be administered according to the foregoing Order, beginning with the Prayer: Almighty and Everlasting God, and concluding with the words: Peace be with thee, after the bap- tism. The persons baptized shall remain at the Altar, or if baptized at the Font they shall now come to the Altar. If Then shall follow the Confirmation, according to the Order provided, as far as and including the Prayer of Blessing. If Then shall the persons baptized and those confirmed rise, and the Minister, giving his right hand to each, shall say: In the Name of the Lord Jesus, etc., and the Service shall continue according to the Order for Confirmation, except that the Lord's Prayer shall be omitted. ORDER FOR CONFIRMATION 15 ORDER FOR CONFIRMATION 1f Candidates for Confirmation shall be instructed in the Christian Faith, as it is set forth in the Small Catechism, and be approved in such manner as may be deemed satisfactory by the Pastor and Church Council. 1f Confirmation admits to all the spiritual rights and privileges of the Church; participation in the temporal affairs of the Congregation is governed by its Constitution. ^ The Seasons of Easter and Pentecost have been regarded from ancient times as the most fitting for the administration of Confirma- tion , though it may be administered at any time. ^ Confirmation shall be administered at a public Service of the Con- gregation. In case of serious illness or pressing necessity, it may be administered privately in the presence of members* of the Church. In such case the Confirmation shall be publicly announced to the Congregation. If When Confirmation is administered at The Service, this Order shall follow the General Prayer. Tf A Hymn of Invocation of the Holy Ghost shall be sung. 1f Then shall the Minister announce the names of those to be confirmed, and they shall come to the Altar. % Then shall the Minister say: DEARLY Beloved: In Holy Baptism you were received by our Lord Jesus Christ and made mem- bers of His Holy Church; in accordance with our Lord's command, you have been instructed in the Word of God and led to the knowledge of His will and of His gracious Gospel; and you now desire to be confirmed. I therefore ask each of you : DOST thou renounce the devil, and all his works, and all his ways? Answer: Yes, I renounce. Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty? Answer: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. 16 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES Dost thou believe in Jesus Christ? Answer: I believe in Jesus Christ His only 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 hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He as- cended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. Dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost? Answer: I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body; And the Life everlasting. Dost thou promise to abide in this Faith? Answer: Yes, by the help of God. Dost thou promise, as a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, to remain faithful to its teachings and to be diligent in the use of the Means of Grace? Answer: Yes, by the help of God. 1f Then shall the Minister say: Let us pray. A LMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who hast vouch- l\ safed to regenerate these Thy servants by water and the Spirit, and hast forgiven them all their sins: Strengthen them, we beseech Thee, with the Holy Ghost, the Comforter; and daily increase in them Thy manifold gifts of grace : the spirit of wisdom and under- standing; the spirit of counsel and might; the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord, now and forever; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen, ORDER FOR CONFIRMATION 17 fl" Then shall the candidates kneel, and the Minister shall lay his hand, or hands, on the head of each and say the Prayer of Blessing. Tf A Text of Holy Scripture for each candidate may be said before the Prayer of Blessing. THE Father in Heaven, for Jesus' sake, renew and increase in thee the gift of the Holy Ghost, to thy strengthening in faith, to thy growth in grace, to thy patience in suffering, and to the blessed hope of everlasting life. If Each one confirmed shall say: Amen. Tf Then shall they rise, and the Minister, giving his right hand to each, shall say: IN the Name of the Lord Jesus, Whom thou hast con- fessed and promised to serve, I hereby declare thee a member of this Congregation, and authorize thee to receive the Lord's Supper and to participate in all the spiritual privileges of the Church. 1f Then shall the Congregation rise and the Minister shall say: AND now, I admonish you, the members of this l Congregation, to acknowledge and receive these your fellow-members as your brethren and heirs with you in Christ Jesus, and ever to pray that God may per- fect the work which He hath begun in them by His Holy Spirit. % Then shall the Minister say: The Lord be with you. 1$. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. ALMIGHTY and Merciful God, Heavenly Father, L Who only workest in us to will and to do the things that please Thee : Confirm, we beseech Thee, the work which Thou hast begun in these Thy servants; that, abiding in the communion of Thy Church and in the faith of Thy Gospel, no false doctrine, no lusts of the 18 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES flesh, nor love of the world may lead them away from Thee, nor from the truth which they have confessed; but that, in joyful obedience to Thy Word, they may ever know Thee more perfectly, love Thee more fer- vently, and serve Thee in every good word and deed, to the blessing of their fellow-men, the edification of Thy people and the glory of Thy Name; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. If Then shall all say: OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. H Then shall the Minister dismiss them, saying: THE Blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with you alway. Amen. 1f Then, if the Administration of the Holy Communion does not follow, Psalm 23 or a Hymn may be sung, and the Benediction shall be said. * ORDER FOR PUBLIC CONFESSION 19 ORDER FOR PUBLIC CONFESSION PREPARATORY TO THE HOLY COMMUNION \\ The Order for Public Confession is a Vesper Service, and should be appointed for the afternoon or evening of the Friday or Saturday pre- ceding the Holy Communion, when all who purpose to commune should be present. If When the Confessional Service immediately precedes The Service, the Order shall begin with the words: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 1$. Amen. Then shall follow: The Exhortation, the Confession, the Absolution and the New Testament Benediction. The Service shall begin with the Introit for the Day. 1f A Hymn of Invocation of the Holy Ghost, or another suitable Hymn may be sung. If The Versicles with the Gloria Patri shall be sung or said, the Congre- gation standing until the end of the Psalm. MAKE haste, O God, to deliver me. B?. Make haste to help me, O Lord. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. Jtf. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: 57. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. If Then shall be sung or said this Psalm: Psalm 51. Miserere mei, Deus. HAVE mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness : according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity : and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions : and my sin is ever before me. 20 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight: that Thou mightest be justified when Thou speakest, and be clear when Thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity : and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts : and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness: that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide Thy face from my sins: and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence : and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation: and up- hold me with Thy free Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Thy ways : and sinners shall be converted unto Thee. O Lord, open Thou my lips: and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. 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. If Then shall one or more of the following Lessons of Holy Scripture be read: Exodus 20 : 1-17. Matthew 11 : 25-30. Daniel 9 : 4-9, 17-19. Mark 12 : 28-31. Isaiah 57 : 14-21. Luke 13 1-9. Isaiah 1 : 11-18. Luke 15 1, 2, 11-31 1 John 1 : 5-9. John 13 : 1-17. 1 Corinthians 11 : 23-29. John 20 : 19-23. Matthew 5 : 21-29. Tf Then may follow an Address or Sermon, after which shall be sung a Hymn. ORDER FOR PUBLIC CONFESSION 21 Tf Then shall the Congregation rise, and the Minister shall read the folloicing Exhortation : DEARLY Beloved! Forasmuch as we purpose to come to the Holy Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ, it becometh us diligently to examine ourselves, as St. Paul exhorteth us. For this Holy Sacrament hath been instituted for the special comfort and strength- ening of those who humbly confess their sins, and who hunger and thirst after righteousness. But if we thus examine ourselves, we shall find in us nothing but sin and death, from which we can in no wise set ourselves free. Therefore our Lord Jesus Christ hath had mercy upon us, and hath taken upon Himself our nature, that so He might fulfill for us the whole will and law of God, and for us and for our deliverance suffer death and all that we by our sins have deserved. And to the end that we should the more confidently be- lieve this, and be strengthened by our faith in cheerful obedience to His will, He hath instituted the Holy Sacrament of His Supper, in which He giveth us His Body to eat, and His Blood to drink. Therefore whoso eateth of this Bread and drinketh of this Cup, firmly believing the words of Christ, dwell- eth in Christ, and Christ in Him, and hath eternal life. We should also do this in remembrance of Him, show- ing His death, that He was delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification, and, rendering unto Him most hearty thanks for the same, take up our cross and follow Him; and, according to His command- ment, love one another even as He hath loved us. For we are all one body, even as we are all partakers of this one Bread, and drink of this one Cup. Let us pray. ALMIGHTY God, unto Whom all hearts are open, l all desires known, and from Whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspira- tion of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES Thee, and worthily magnify Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. i Tf Then shall the Minister begin the Confession, as here followeth: ASK you in the presence of iUmighty God, Who searcheth the heart: DO you truly acknowledge, confess, and lament that you are by nature sinful, and that by omit- ting to do good and by doing evil you have in thought, word, and deed, grieved and offended your God and Saviour, and thereby justly deserved His condemna- tion? If this be the sincere confession of your hearts, de- clare it by saying: Yes. Answer: Yes. DO you truly believe that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, and that all who believe on His Name receive the forgiveness of sins? Do you, therefore, earnestly desire to be delivered from all your sins, and are you confident that it is the gracious will of your Heavenly Father, for Christ's Sake, to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteous- ness? If so, confess it by saying: Yes. Answer: Yes. IS it your earnest purpose, 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? If so, answer: Yes. Answer: Yes. Let us humbly kneel, and make confession unto God, imploring His forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord. ORDER FOR PUBLIC CONFESSION 28 1f Then shall all kneel, and say: OGOD, our Heavenly Father, I confess unto Thee that I have grievously sinned against Thee in many ways; not only by outward transgression, but also by secret thoughts and desires, which I cannot fully understand, but which are all known unto Thee. I do earnestly repent, and am heartily sorry for these my offences, and I beseech Thee of Thy great goodness to have mercy upon me, and for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, to forgive my sins, and graciously to help my infirmities. Amen. T Then shall the Minister rise and say*the Absolution. The Congre- gation shall remain kneeling until after the Benediction. ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, hath had l mercy upon us, and for the sake of the sufferings, death, and resurrection of His dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, forgiveth us all our sins. As a Minister of the Church of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore declare unto you who do truly repent and believe in Him, the entire forgiveness of all your sins: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. On the other hand, by the same authority, I declare unto the impenitent and unbelieving, that so long as they continue in their impenitence, God hath not for- given their sins, and will assuredly visit their iniquities upon them, if they turn not from their evil ways, and come to true repentance and faith in Christ, ere the day of grace be ended. IT Then shall the Minister kneel, and all shall say the Lord's Prayer. OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into 24 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. If Then shall the Minister say the Collect for the Day except when The Service immediately follows this Order. \ Then may other suitable Collects be said, and after them the Collect for Peace. f. The Lord will give strength unto His people. B/. The Lord will bless His people with peace. OGOD, from Whom all holy desires, all good coun- sels, 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 by Thee, we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. ^f The Minister shall rise and say the 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. * ORDER FOR PRIVATE CONFESSION 25 ORDER FOR PRIVATE CONFES- SION AND ABSOLUTION 1[ Private Confession and Absolution has been used by the Church from ancient times, and persons who are burdened in conscience on ac- count of sin may always seek the personal ministration of the Pastor before the Holy Communion, or at any other time. In such case the Penitent may use his own words or the following Confession: OGOD, our Heavenly Father, I confess unto Thee that I have grievously sinned against Thee in many ways; not only by outward transgression, but also by secret thoughts and desires, which I cannot fully understand, but which are all known unto Thee. I do earnestly repent, and am heartily sorry for these my offences, and I beseech Thee of Thy great goodness to have mercy upon me, and for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, to forgive my sins, and gra- ciously to help my infirmities. Amen. If After the Confession, the Pastor shall say the Absolution: ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, hath had iV mercy upon thee, and for the sake of the suffer- ings, death, and resurrection of His dear Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, forgiveth thee all thy sins. Upon the confession which thou hast made, and in obedience to our Lord's command, I declare unto thee the entire forgiveness of all thy sins: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 1f Then shall the Pastor say: THE Blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son. and the Holy Ghost, be with thee alway. Amen. 26 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES ORDER FOR THE COMMUNION OF THE SICK If The Lord's Supper shall be administered only to those who sincerely repent and believe in Jesus Christ, and toho are able rightly to receive the Bread and Wine; whereof the Minister shall be reasonably assured before administering the Sacrament. % If the sick person be so weak, or in such peril of death, that the entire Order here given cannot be followed, it shall suffice to use the Words of Institution, and to administer the Bread and Wine. If Confession and Absolution should always precede the Communion of the Sick. If The sick person may use his own words, or the following Confession; or, the Minister may say these words, the sick person consenting thereto and affirming the confession as his own; or, the Minister may use the Order for Public Confession, or parts thereof. % The Minister shall say: DEARLY Beloved: Forasmuch as thou desirest to receive the Holy Sacrament of the Body and Biood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the comfort and relief of thy conscience, and for the strengthening of thy faith, in this thine affliction; it is meet and right that thou shouldest make confession of thy sins, obtain in the Absolution assurance of forgiveness, and thus be prepared worthily to receive the Holy Supper. If The sick person may say: OGOD, our Heavenly Father, I confess unto Thee that I have grievously sinned against Thee in many ways; not only by outward transgression, but also by secret thoughts and desires, which I cannot fully understand, but which are all known unto Thee. I do earnestly repent, and am heartily sorry for these my offences, and I beseech Thee of Thy great goodness to have mercy upon me, and for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, to forgive my sins, and gra- ciously to help my infirmities. Amen. ORDER FOR THE COMMUNION OF THE SICK 27 If Then shall the Minister give the Absolution, saying: \ LMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, hath had jl~\ mercy upon thee, and for the sake of the suffer- ings, death, and resurrection of His dear Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, forgiveth thee all thy sins. Upon the confession which thou hast made, and in obedience to our Lord's command, I declare unto thee the entire forgiveness of all thy sins : In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. % Then shall the Minister say: THE Blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with thee alway. Amen. If Then shall the Minister prepare for the Administration of the Sacra- ment. If The regular Order for the Holy Communion may be used, or the following Order. If Then shall the Minister say this Introit: UNTO Thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in Thee : let me not be ashamed. 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. If Then shall the Minister say the Gospel, John 3 : 16. GOD so loved the world, that He gave His Only- begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. If Then shall be said the Apostles' Creed. I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, Born of the Virgin Mary; Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, 28 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES dead, and buried; He descended into hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; The Resurrection of the body; And the Life everlasting. Amen. If Then shall the Minister turn to the table whereon the Bread and Wine have been placed, and shall say: OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 1f Then shall he take the Paten, with the Bread, and say: OUR Lord Jesus Christ, in the night in which He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and gave it to His disciples, say- ing, Take, eat; this is My Body, which is given for you; this do in remembrance of Me. Tf Then shall he give the Bread, saying: TAKE and eat, this is the Body of Christ, given for thee. ^[ Then shall he take the Cup, and say: AFTER the same manner also. He took the cup, i, when He had supped, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; this cup is the New Testament in My Blood, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission ORDER FOR THE COMMUNION OF THE SICK 29 of sins; this do, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. If Then shall he give the Wine, saying: TAKE and drink, this is the Blood of the New Testa- ment, shed for thy sins. If After he hath given the Bread and the Cup, the Minister shall say: THE Body of our Lord Jesus Christ and His precious Blood strengthen and preserve thee in true faith unto everlasting life. If Then shall be said the Thanksgiving: ¥. O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, ty. And His mercy endureth for ever. WE thank Thee, Almighty God, that Thou hast re- freshed this Thy servant with this salutary gift; and we beseech Thee, of Thy mercy, to strengthen him, through the same, in faith toward Thee, in love toward all mankind, in patience under trials, and in the blessed hope of everlasting life ; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. If Then shall the Minister say: THE Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Amen. * 30 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES LESSONS AND PRAYERS FOR THE SICK If The Lessons and Prayers here following are intended for the guid- ance of the Minister in the visitation of the sick, and for private use by the afflicted. If In cases of illness the Minister should be informed, in order that he may visit the sick person and comfort and strengthen him with Word and Sacrament. If The Minister's visits should be brief. If The Minister may, at his discretion, read suitable passages of Scrip- ture, as indicated below, and shall say one or more of the Prayers, or any other suitable prayer. I THE USES OF AFFLICTION Psalms 27, 30, 42. Lessons James 5 : 14-16; Jer. 29 : 11-14; Lam. 3 : 18-33; Matt. 8 : 1-13; John 5 : 1-14; Heb. 12 : 6-13; James 1 : 2-12; 1 Peter 1 : 3-25; 4 : 1-19. Sentences MANY are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Ps. 34 : 19. 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. Ps. 126 : 5,6. Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as the father the son in whom he delighteth. Prov. 3 : 12. Behold, I have refined thee: I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Isa. 48 : 10. My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are LESSONS AND PRAYERS FOR THE SICK 31 your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the hea- vens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isa. 55 : 8, 9. I have loved thee with an everlasting love; there- fore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. Jer. 31 : 3. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. 2 Cor. 4 : 17, 18. We glory in tribulations; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and ex- perience, 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 : 3-5. 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 : 18. Prayers ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, Who ten- l\ derly carest for us in our need and sorrow, and gavest thy Son to be tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin, that we might have a faithful High Priest Who can be touched with the feeling of our in- firmities: We Thy children beseech Thee to strengthen and comfort our afflicted brother by Thy Holy Spirit in faith and patience, that his sickness may be to Thy glory and the salvation of his soul; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. OLORD, look down from heaven, behold, visit and relieve Thy servant, for whom we offer our sup- plications; look upon him with the eyes of Thy mercy; give him comfort and sure confidence in Thee; defend 32 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES him from the danger of the enemy, and keep him in perpetual peace and safety; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. For Use by the Afflicted OGOD, Who ever beholdest Thy children with tender affection: Incline Thine ear to my suppli- cations, and graciously regard me, upon whom Thou hast laid the hand of affliction; visit me with Thy salva- tion, and bestow upon me the healing of Thy heavenly grace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. II KNOWLEDGE OF SIN AND REPENTANCE Psalms 6, 81, 38, 51, 102, 130, 138, 139, 143. Lessons Jer. 30 : 12-15, 17; Lam. 3 : 37-44, 55-58; Ezek. 18 : 19-24; Dan. 9 : 4-19; Luke 13 : 1-9; Rev. 2 : 1-17; 3 : 1-6. Sentences 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 unrighteousness. 1 John 1 : 8, 9. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Ps. 19 : 12. They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice; for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matt. 9 : 12, 13. 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 LESSONS AND PRAYERS FOR THE SICK 33 upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isa. 55 : 6, 7. Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you. Isa. 59 : 2. Know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts. Jer. 2 : 19. I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God. Jer. 3 : 12, 13. Say unto them, 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. Ezek. 33 : 11. I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee. Luke 15 : 18. Prayers ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, Who art l ever ready to give good gifts to them that ask Thee: Grant us, we beseech Thee, Thy Holy Spirit, that we may rightly know and lament our sins, and lay hold upon Thy grace and forgiveness in Christ Jesi*6: to the end that we may die unto sin, live unto Thee, and serve Thee in everlasting righteousness; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. For Use by the Afflicted MY Lord and my God: Thy hand is heavy upon me. Give ear unto my prayer. Look upon mine affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins. Cause me to know that with Thee there is mercy and plenteous redemption, and make me to hear joy and gladness. Show me Thy mercy, and grant me Thy salvation. Hear me for Jesus' sake. Amen. 34 THE OCCASIONAL SEEVICES III ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST Psalms 25, 40, 77. Lessons Matt. 9:1-8; Luke 7 : 36-50; 15 : 1-10, 11-32; John, chapters 14, 15, 16, 17; Rom. 3 : 23-28; 10 : 9-13. Sentences GOD so loved the world, that he gave his only-be- gotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3 : 16. Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life : he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believ- eth on me shall never thirst. Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. This is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and be- lieve thon him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. John 6 : 35, 37, 40, 47. I am the light of the world: he that folio we th me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. John 8 : 12, 51. Come unto me, all ye that labor 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 is easy, and my burden is light. Matt. 11 : 28-30. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1 : 29. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sor- rows. 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. LESSONS AND PRAYERS FOR THE SICK 35 All we like sheep have gone astray, and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isa. 53 : 4-6. The blood o*f Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1 : 7. This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. John 17 : 3. 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. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all accepta- tion, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Tim. 1 : 15. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Eph. 1 : 7. God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Rom. 5 : 8, 20. We pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Cor. 5 : 20, 21. 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 w 7 hole world. 1 John 2 : 1, 2. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath be- stowed upon us, that we should be called 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 w r e shall see him as he is. 1 John 3 : 1, 2. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation of our sins. 1 John 4 : 9, 10. 36 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. * Rev. 3 : 20. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness. Isa. 61 : 10. Prayers O GRACIOUS God, Who according to the multi- tude of Thy mercies dost blot out the sins of those who do truly repent, and rememberest them no more: Look in pity upon this Thy servant who ear- nestly desireth Thy forgiveness. Preserve and con- tinue him in the unity of the Church; and forasmuch as he putteth his full trust only in Thy mercy, impute not unto hint his sins, but strengthen him with Thy blessed Spirit; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. For Use by the Afflicted O ALMIGHTY God, Who by Thy Son hast prom- ised forgiveness of sin and deliverance from everlasting death: Strengthen me, I beseech Thee, by Thy Holy Spirit, that my trust in Thy grace in Christ Jesus, may daily increase; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. OGOD, Whose strength is made perfect in weakness, and Who dost not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able : Grant that neither my own negligence, nor grievous temptation, nor the craft and subtlety of the devil, may separate me from Christ my Saviour, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. LESSONS AND PRAYERS FOR THE SICK 37 IV PATIENCE UNDER SUFFERING, AND TRUST IN GOD's HELP Psalms 13, 23, 27, 34, 42, 52, 63 : 1-8, 71, 91, 121. Lessons Luke 11 : 1-13; 18 : 1-8; Acts 3 : 1-10; Rom. 5 : 1-5; 8 : 18-27; Rom. 8 : 28-39; 14 : 7-9; 2 Cor. 1 : 3-7; 4 : 7-18; Jas. 5 : 7-11. Sentences COMMIT thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. Ps. 37 : 5. Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Ps. 50 : 15. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isa. 41 : 10. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench. Isa. 42 : 3. 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 overflow thee; for I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour. Isa. 43 : 1-3. Thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. Isa. 30 : 15. He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Isa. 40 : 29, 31. The Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted. Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they 38 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands. Isa. 49 : 13-16. Jesus said unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matt. 16 : 24. We are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8 : 37-39. Now for a season ye are in heaviness through mani- fold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might- be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1 : 6, 7/ 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 : 18. 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 may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4 : 12, 13. He that shall endure until the end, the same shall be saved. Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, con- tinuing instant in prayer. Matt. 24 : 13; Rom. 12 : 12. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. Heb. 10 : 3*6. He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear. Heb. 13 : 5, 6. LESSONS AND PRAYERS FOR THE SICK 39 Prayers OLORD of heavenly might, Who rulest over the bodies and souls of men, and in Thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ didst heal all manner of infirmities and cure all manner of diseases : Mercifully help Thy servant in body and soul, and free him from his sick- ness, if it be Thy will, that restored to health, he may with thankful heart bless Thy Holy Name; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. For Use by the Afflicted OGOD, the Father in heaven, Who art a faithful God, and sufferest no one to be tempted above that he is able, but with the temptation also makest a way of escape: Let not the cross be too heavy for me, but enable me to bear it with patience. O God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, Who for my sins didst endure the pain of the Cross: Have mercy upon me, forgive my transgressions, and suffer me not to fall from Thee. O God, the Holy Ghost, the Comforter : Strengthen my faith, grant me Thy peace, and uphold me in my last hour. Amen. PREPARATION FOR DEATH Psalm 90. Lessons Job 14 : 1-5; Isa. 38 : 1-8; 40 : 6-8; 2 Cor. 5 : 1-10; Phil. 1 : 21-30; Luke 2 : 25-32. Sentences ERE we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Heb. 13 : 14. H 40 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES There remaineth a rest to the people of God. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest. Heb. 4 : 9, 11. For we know that if our earthly house of this taber- nacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Cor. 5 : 1. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Cor. 5 : 8. I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day : and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly king- dom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. % Tim. 4 : 6-8, 18. Our Saviour Jesus Christ hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. 2 Tim. 1 : 10. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast re- deemed me, O Lord God of truth. Ps. 31 : 5. Prayers - OGOD of love and peace, Who didst give Thy Son to die for our redemption : Graciously receive my prayers, and bestow on me Thy mercy; that when my last hour shall come, the enemy may have no power over me, but that I may be among Thy saintS in everlasting light; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. ALMIGHTY God, Who through Thy Son, Jesus l Christ, hast overcome the sharpness of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers : Grant that when my last hour shall come, I may confidently LESSONS AND PRAYERS FOR THE SICK 41 commend my spirit into Thy hands, and trusting solely in the merits of Thy Son, may die in peace, and enter into the joy of Thy saints; through the same Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. OLAMB of God, that takest away the sin of the world: By Thy bitter Passion, and Thine Agony upon the Cross, have mercy upon me in the hour of my departure; sustain me by Thy presence, and receive me into everlasting life; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen. VI HOPE OF RESURRECTION AND ETERNAL LIFE Psalms 116, 126. Lessons John 5 : 24-29; John 14 : 1-14; Rev. 3 : 7-13; 7 : 13- 17; 21 : 1-7; 22 : 1-5. Sentences I AM the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. John 11 : 25, 26. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me : and I give unto them eternal life ; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 10 : 27, 28. Our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Phil 3 : 20, 21. 42 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES All things are yours r whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come: all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. 1 Cor. 3 : 21-23. I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. Rev. 14 : 13. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev. 2 : 10. The ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Isa. 35 : 10. Prayers OLORD Jesus Christ, Who hast overcome death, and brought life and immortality to light : Give us grace so to believe in Thee, the Resurrection and the Life, that we may not fear death nor dread the grave, but joyfully await the time w^hen, by Thine almighty power, our frail bodies shall be fashioned like unto the body of Thy glory, wherein Thou art exalted forever- more at the Right Hand of the Father; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen. OLORD Jesus Christ, Who wilt come again to judge the quick and the dead, and call forth all who sleep in the graves, either to the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation : I beseech Thee to be gracious to me, and to raise me up to life everlasting, that I may be and abide with Thee for ever; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. LESSONS AND PRAYERS FOR THE SICK 43 VII ADDITIONAL PRAYERS For the Sick ALMIGHTY and Immortal God, Giver of life and II health: We beseech Thee to hear our prayers for Thy servant, for whom we implore Thy mercy; that by Thy blessing upon him and upon those who minister to him of Thy healing gifts, he may be re- stored, if it be Thy gracious will, to health of body and mind, and give thanks to Thee in Thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. For a Sick Child O ALMIGHTY God and Merciful Father, to Whom belong the issues of life and death : Look in mercy, we beseech Thee, upon this sick child; visit him, O Lord, with Thy salvation; deliver him from his bodily pain, and, if it be Thy will, prolong his days, that he may live to Thee, and show forth Thy praise in a godly life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. After Recovery from Sickness 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 for- giveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy dis- eases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. OGOD, Thou Giver of life and health: Unto Thee do I give thanks that Thou hast been pleased to spare my life, and to restore my health. Make me sen- sible of Thy merciful goodness, and give me grace to devote myself to Thy service all the days of my life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 44 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES ORDER FOR THE COMMENDA- TION OF THE DYING If When a member of the Church is in peril of death, the following Order may be used. If no Minister is present it may be used by the head of the family or any other Christian, LORD, have mercy. J I?/. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. 1$/. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. I?/. Lord, have mercy. If Then shall all present say: OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 1f Then shall the Minister say: OLORD God, our Heavenly Father, we beseech Thee graciously to accept this Thy servant, for- give him all his sins, mercifully defend him in the hour of his death, and grant him everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. If Then may be said one or more Psalms or Scripture Lessons as given in The Lessons and Prayers for the Sick. Tf When the end is near, the Agnus Dei or the Nunc Dirnittis may be said. THE AGNUS DEI O CHRIST, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. ORDER FOR THE COMMENDATION OF THE DYING 45 O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, grant us Thy peace. Amen. THE NUNC DIMITTIS LORD, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in A peace: according to Thy word; For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation : which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles : and the glory of Thy people Israel. If Then may the Minister lay his hand on the head of the dying believer, and say: DEPART in peace, thou ransomed soul. May God the Father Almighty, Who created thee; and Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who redeemed thee; and the Holy Ghost, Who sanctified thee, pre- serve thy going out and thy coming in, from this time forth, even for evermore. Amen. If When the soul has departed, the following Prayer may be said: LORD Jesus, Thou Prince of Life, we thank Thee J that Thou didst keep this our brother steadfast in repentance and faith, and that Thou hast now taken him to Thyself. Comfort us who remain; help us to the end of life patiently to bear its burdens and trials; and when our last hour shall come, be Thou the strength of our heart and our portion forever; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen. THE Blessing of Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be with us all, evermore. Amen. * 46 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES ORDER FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 11 The Order for the Burial of the Dead is 'provided only for the burial of those who depart this life in the Christian Faith. T[ The death of a member of the Church should be reported immediately to the Pastor, and no arrangements for the burial should be made with- out consultation with him. If This Order may be used in the church, or at the house, before the burial. If When the burial precedes the Service held in the church, only the Order provided for use at the grave shall be used at the Committal, and the Order here following shall be used in the church. If When a brief Service is held at the house before going to the church, or to the grave, it may include a Hymn, a Lesson, a Collect or Prayer and a Benediction. 1f The Order of the Church herein provided shall in no case be interrupted by the exercises of secular organizations, and shall close with the Bene- diction immediately following the final Colled. If The Service may begin with a Hymn, after which the Minister shall say: IN the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.. % Then shall be said the Kyrie. LORD, have mercy upon us. J 1$. Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. BJ. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us. X?/. Lord, have mercy upon us. 1f Then shall be sung or said one or more of the Psalms here following. The Psalm may be preceded and followed by an Antiphon. ORDER FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 47 » Psalm 130. De profundis. Antiphon: If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? OUT of the depths: have I cried unto Thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice: let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities: O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with Thee : that Thou mayest be feared. I w^ait for the Lord, my soul doth wait: and in His Word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord, more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy: and with Him is plenteous redemption. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: As it w^as in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 90. Domine, refugium. Antiphon: So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. LORD, Thou hast been our dwelling place: in all J generations. Before the mountains w T ere 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, Re- turn, ye children of men. For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yes- terday when it is past : and as a watch in the night. Thou carriest them aw T ay as wkh a flood, they are 48 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES m as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass that groweth up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up: in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. For we are consumed by Thine anger: and by Thy wrath are we troubled. Thou hast set our iniquities before Thee: our se- cret sins in the light of Thy countenance. For all our days are passed away in Thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten, and if by reason of strength they be fourscore 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. Return, O Lord, how long: and let it repent Thee concerning Thy servants. O satisfy us early with Thy mercy: that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein Thou hast afflicted us : and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants: and Thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us : and establish Thou the work of our hands upon us, yea, the work of our hands establish Thou it. 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. ORDER FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 49 Psalm 23. Dominus regit me. Antiphon: Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commit my spirit. Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. 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 righteousness 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 for ever. 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. f Instead of these, Psalm 27, 39, 42, 116, 126, 139 or 146 may be used. If Then shall be read one or more of the following Lessons of Holy Scripture: I WOULD not have you to be ignorant, brethren, con- cerning 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. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 50 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Where- fore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thess. 4 : 13-18. 1ET not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, J 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. John 14 : 1-6. 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? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifleth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh inter- cession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor ORDER FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 51 height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8 : 31-39. THEN answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verity, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son like- wise. For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son : that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honour- eth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlast- ing life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself ; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5 : 19-29. THEN said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother 52 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life : he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live : and whosoever li veth and believeth in me shall never die. Belie vest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. John 11 : 21-27. A ND they brought young children to him, that he IK 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, Whosoever shall not re- ceive 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. AND it came to pass the day after, that he went into l a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, be- hold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. And this rumour OEDER FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 53 of him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the region round about. Luke 7 : 11-17. WHILE he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, he said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people w T ere put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. Matt. 9 : 18, 19, 23-26. FOR we know that if our earthly house of this taber- nacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this w^e groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven : if so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallow r ed up of life. Nov/ he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord : (for we walk by faith, not by sight :) we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore w^e labour, that, whether present or ab- sent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Cor. 5 : 1-10. 54 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES AFTER this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude jt\ 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 tnrone, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanks- giving, 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 unto 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 tnrone shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waiters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Rev. 7 : 9-17. NOW if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrec- tion of the dead, then is Christ not risen : and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain: ORDER FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 55 ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 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 firstfruits 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 firstfruits; 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. 1 Cor. 15 : 12-26. 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 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 56 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES 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 in- herit incorruption. Behold, I show you a mystery : We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twink- ling 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 im- mortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorrup- tion, 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 stedfast, un- moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor. 15 : 35-58. U 1 Pet. 1 : 3-9, or Rev. 21 : 3-7 may also be read. IT Then may be sung a Responsory, or a Hymn, or a suitable Anthem. ORDER FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 57 RESPONSORIES I. Si bona suscepimus. SHALL we receive good at the hand of the Lord, and shall we not receive evil? The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. Verse: Blessed be the name of the Lord. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. II. Credo, quod Redemptor mens. 1KNOW that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and in my flesh shall I see God. Verse: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. And in my flesh shall I see God. III. Si credimus. IF we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. Wherefore sorrow not even as others w r hich have no hope. Verse: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Wherefore sorrow not even as others which have no hope. IV. Ecce, quomodo moritus Justus, BEHOLD, how the righteous dieth, and no man layeth it to heart; and the just are taken away, and none considereth. From the evil to come is he taken away; and his memory shall be in peace. Verse: In peace he rests in the earth, and in Zion is his habitation. His memory shall be in peace. V. In pace in id ipsum dormiam. 1WILL lay me down in peace and sleep. None of us liveth to him- self, and no man dieth to himself. Verse: Whether we live therefore or die, we are the Lord's. None of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. If Then may follow a Sermon or an Address. 1f Then may a Hymn be sung. If Then may one of the following Canticles be sung, and with it an Antiphon. I. NUNC DIMITTIS Antiphon: O how glorious is that kingdom wherein all the saints do rejoice with Christ. They are clothed with white rob es, and follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. 58 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES Or: Antiphon: I heard a voice from heaven saying, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. LORD, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in J peace: according to Thy word; For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation : which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles: and the glory of Thy people Israel. 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. II. BENEDICTUS Antiphon: He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Or: Antiphon: I am the Resurrection and the Life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. BLESSED be the Lord God of Israel: for He hath visited and redeemed His people; And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us: in the house of His servant David; As he spake by the mouth of His holy prophets: which have been since the world began; That we should be saved from our enemies: and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers : and to remember His holy covenant; The oath which He sware to our father Abraham: that He would grant unto us; ORDER FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 59 That we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies: might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him: all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto His people: by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God: whereby tne Dayspring from on high hath visited us; To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: to guide our feet into the way of peace. 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. III. THE BEATITUDES Antiphon: God shall wipe away all tears from the eyes of His saints. And there shall be no more sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away. BLESSED are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be com- forted. Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness : for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God, Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall be called the children of God. 60 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteous- ness' sake : for their's is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and per- secute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake: rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever sh?ll be, world without end. Amen, If Then shall the Congregation rise and the following Prayers, or other Prayers, shall be said: O GOD, the Father in heaven: RJ. Have mercy upon us. O God, the Son, Redeemer of the world: RJ. Have mercy upon us. O God, the Holy Ghost, the Comforter: I?/. Grant us Thy peace. ff Then shall all say: OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into tempta- tion; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, fo: jver and ever. Amen. If Then may the Minister say one or more of the following Collects: ALMIGHTY God, Who by the death of Thy Son l hast destroyed sin and death, and by His resurrec- tion hast restored innocence and everlasting life, in order ORDER FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 61 that we might be delivered from the dominion of the devil, and our mortal bodies be raised up from the dead : Grant that with our whole heart we may confidently believe this, and, finally, with all Thy saints, share in the joyful resurrection of the just; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. OGOD, our Heavenly Father, Who hast taught us by Thy holy Apostle not to sorrow overmuch for them that sleep in Jesus: Mercifully grant, that after this life, we, with all Thy saints, may be received into everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. ALMIGHTY God, with Whom do live the spirits of l 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 Thy grace bestowed upon Thy servants, who, having finished their course in faith, do now rest from their labors; and we beseech Thee, that we, with all who have departed in the true faith of Thy holy Name, may have our perfect con- summation and bliss, both in body and soul, in Thy eternal glory; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. ALMIGHTY and most Merciful God, Who hast ap- l pointed us to endure sufferings and death with our Lord Jesus Christ, before we enter with Him into eternal glory: Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Thy holy will, and to continue steadfast in the true faith unto the end of our lives, and at all times to find peace and joy in the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead, and of the glory of the world to come; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 62 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES A LMIGHTY and Everlasting God, the Consolation AK of the sorrowful, and the Strength of the weak: May the prayers of them that in any tribulation or dis- tress cry unto Thee, graciously come before Thee, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Thy manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. At the Burial of a Child ALMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus l Christ, within Whose arms little children were welcomed, and from Whose lips fell the gracious words that theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven: Help us stead- fastly to believe that this child, whom Thou didst receive in holy baptism, hath now been raised above the sorrows and temptations of this present world, to be kept by Thee unto everlasting life, and to share with all, who by Thy mercy serve Thee here, in the joyful resurrection of the just, and the bliss of the heavenly inheritance; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. Tf Special Prayers or Supplications may here be said, after which shall follow this Collect: OLORD Jesus Christ, Who wilt come again to judge the quick and the dead, and call forth all who sleep in the graves, either to the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation: We beseech Thee to be gracious to us, and to raise us up to life everlasting, that we may be and abide with Thee for ever; Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. 1f Then shall the Minister say: THE Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen. ORDER FOR THE BURIAL OF THE DEAD 63 THE SERVICE AT THE GRAVE If When the body has been committed to the grave, the Minister may say: I HEARD a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours. 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. If the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you. \ If the foregoing has not been used, the Minister may say the following: IN the midst of life we are in death. Of whom may we seek for succor, but of Thee, O Lord, Who for our sins art justly displeased? Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty, O holy and most merciful Saviour: Suffer us not, at our last hour, for any pains of death, to fall from Thee. If Then shall the Minister say: FORASMUCH as it hath pleased Almighty God of His great mercy, to take unto Himself the soul of our brother: we therefore commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ; Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working, whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself. 64 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES f Then may a Hymn be sung. % Then may the Minister say one or both of the following Collects: ALMIGHTY God, Who by the death of Thy Son, JiJL Jesus Christ, hast destroyed death, and, by His rest in the tomb, hast sanctified the graves of Thy saints, and by His glorious resurrection, hast brought life and immortality to light, so that all who die in Him abide in peace and hope: Receive, we beseech Thee, our un- feigned thanks for the victory over death and the grave which He hath obtained for us and for all who sleep in Him; and keep us, who are still in the body, in everlast- ing fellowship with ail that wait for Thee on earth, and with all around Thee in heaven, in union with Him, Who is the Resurrection and the Life, even Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. OLORD Jesus Christ, Who by Thy death didst take away the sting of death: Grant unto us Thy ser- vants so to follow in faith where Thou hast led the way, that we may at length fall peacefully asleep in Thee, and awake after Thy likeness; through Thy mercy, O our Lord, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. If Then shall the Minister say: THE Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. Or: NOW the God of peace, that 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. ORDER FOR MARRIAGE 65 ORDER FOR MARRIAGE If Before solemnizing a Marriage, the Minister shall diligently inquire: First, as to whether the union contemplated be in accordance with the Word of God; Second, whether it be in accordance with the Laws of the State. No Marriage shall be solemnized unless the Minister be con- vinced that God's blessing may properly be asked upon it. If The Minister may publish the Banns in the church, one or more Sundays before the day appointed for the Marriage, saying: N. N. and N. N. purpose to enter into the holy estate of Matri- mony, according to God's ordinance. They desire that prayer be made for them, that they may enter into this union in the Name of the Lord, and be prospered in it. If any one can show just cause why they may not be joined together, I exhort him to make known such objection before the day of marriage. If When a Marriage is solemnized in the church, a Hymn may be sung, and Psalm 67 or Psalm 128 may be sung or said, ending with the Gloria Patri. Tf When a Marriage is solemnized in the home, the rubrics pertaining to the Chancel and the Altar (page 67) shall be disregarded. If The Persons to be married having presented themselves at the entrance to the Chancel, the Man to the right of the Woman, the Minister shall say: IN the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. DEARLY Beloved: Forasmuch as Marriage is a holy estate, ordained of God, and to be held in honor by all, it becometh those who enter therein to weigh, with reverent minds, what the Word of God teacheth concerning it: THE Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. 66 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES Our Lord Jesus Christ said: HAVE ye not read that He which made them at the beginning, made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore, they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. The Apostle Paul, speaking by the Holy Spirit, saith : HUSBANDS love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. And although, by reason of sin, many a cross hath been laid thereon, nevertheless our gracious Father in heaven doth not forsake His children in an estate so holy and acceptable to Him, but is ever present with His abundant blessing. INTO this holy estate, this Man and this Woman come now to be united. If any one, therefore, can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let him now speak, or else forever hold his peace. If Then shall the Minister say to the Man: NWILT thou have this Woman to thy wedded 9 wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live? If The Man shall say: I will. ORDER FOR MARRIAGE 67 1f Then shall the Minister say to the Woman: NWILT thou have this Man to thy wedded hus- # band, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live? If The Woman shall say: I will. Tf If the Woman be Given in Marriage, the Minister shall now receive her at the hands of her father {or guardian or any friend), the Woman placing her right hand in the hand of the Minister. Then shall the Minister place the right hand of the Woman in the right hand of the Man. Then shall they loose their hands. If Then shall the Minister precede the Man and the Woman to the Altar. The Man shall take the right hand of the Woman and say after the Minister: IN., take thee, N., to my wedded Wife, and plight j thee my troth, till death us do part. i 1f Then shall the Woman, in like manner, say after the Minister: N. 9 take thee, A 7 ., to my wedded Husband, and } plight thee my troth, till death us do part. Tf If the wedding Ring be used, the Minister shall noio receive it and give it to the Man to put on the fourth finger of the Woman s left hand. If Then shall the MUn say, or if two rings be used, the Man and the Woman, in turn, shall say, after the Minister: Receive this Ring as a token of wedded love and troth. If Then shall the Minister say: Join your right hands. 1T Then shall the Minister lay his right hand upon their hands and say: FORASMUCH as N. and N. have consented to- gether in holy wedlock, and have declared the same before God and in the presence of this company, 68 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES I pronounce them Man and Wife, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. If Then may they kneel and the Minister may bless them, saying: THE Lord God, Who created our first parents and sanctified their union in Marriage: Sanctify and bless you, that ye may please Him both in body and soul, and live together in holy love until life's end. Amen. \ Then shall Jhe Minister say: Let us pray. ALMIGHTY and most Merciful God, Who hast l\. now united this man and this woman in the holy estate of Matrimony : Grant them grace to live therein according to Thy Holy Word; strengthen them in con- stant fidelity and true affection toward each other; sus- tain and defend them amidst all trials and temptations; and help them so to pass through this world in faith toward Thee, in communion with Thy Holy Church, and in loving service one of the other, that they may enjoy forever Thy heavenly benediction; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen, IT Then shall all say: OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. ORDER FOR MARRIAGE 69 1f Then shall the Minister say the Benediction: THE Lord bless you, and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen. \ If a simpler form is desired, the Order {page 66) may be as follows: NWILT thou have this Woman to thy wedded wife, to live • together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matri- mony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live? If The Man shall say: I will. 1f Then shall the Minister say to the Woman: NWILT thou have this Man to thy wedded husband, to live • together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matri- mony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live? % The Woman shall say: I will. If Then shall the Minister say: Join your right hands. % Then shall the Minister lay his right hand upon their hands and say: FORASMUCH as N. and N. have consented together in holy wedlock, and have declared the same before God and in the presence of this company, I pronounce them Man and Wife, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. If Then shall be said the Collect, the Lord's Prayer, and the Benediction. 70 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES ORDER FOR ORDINATION If Ordination shall be administered by authority of a Synod, and ac- cording to its appointment. If The Order for Ordination shall be conducted by the President of Synod, or, in his absence, by a Minister whom he shall appoint. \ One or more Ministers thereto appointed may participate in the Laying on of Hands. If The Service shall be used, with the following Introit, Collect, Epistle and Gospel. INTROIT THEY go from strength to strength: every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house: they will be still praising Thee. Ps. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed: shall doubtless come again with re- joicing, bringing his sheaves with him. Glory be to the Father, etc. COLLECT OLORD God, Which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy Word, that wonders of Thy grace may be wrought by the Name of Thy Holy Child Jesus, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. EPISTLE. Romans 10 : 6-15. THE righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, ORDER FOR ORDINATION 71 which we preach; that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine 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 confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they be- lieve in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent? as it is written, How beauti- ful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things ! GOSPEL. Luke 10 : 2-11, 16. THEREFORE said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth T 72 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. If After the General Prayer, the Hymn: Veni Creator Spiritus (No. l\2), or another Hymn of Invocation of the Holy Ghost, shall be sung. 1f Then shall the Secretary of Synod, or other Minister appointed, present the candidates for Ordination, saying: HE following brethren have been duly approved by [Here he shall name the Synod with the day and place 0} meeting] as those to whom the Ministry of the Gospel should be committed. By direction of the Synod, therefore, I present these brethren for Ordination to the Holy Ministry. If Here shall he read the names of the candidates, who shall then present themselves before the Altar. 1f The officiating Minister shall say: The Lord be with you. 1$. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. 'f. Create in me a clean heart, God: 1$. And renew a right spirit within me. OGOD 5 Who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of Thy Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. f. Their sound went into all the earth: B/. And their words unto the end of the world. GOD, the Giver of every good and perfect gift: Pour, we beseech Thee, upon these Thy servants o ORDER FOR ORDINATION 73 Thy heavenly benediction; and so replenish them with the truth of Thy doctrine and adorn them with holiness of life, that, meditating upon Thy law day and night, they may believe what they read, teach what they be- lieve, show forth in their lives what they teach, and, faithfully serving Thee in their office, may keep that which has been committed to their trust blameless unto the day of Christ Jesus, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world with- out end. Amen. If Then shall the officiating Minister say to the candidates: DEARLY Beloved: According to Apostolic usage you are now to be set apart to the Holy Ministry of the Word and Sacraments by the Laying on of Hands. HEAR, then, what our Lord Jesus Christ saith con- cerning this holy Office: Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saitlj^ unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost; whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them, and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained. All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Thus saith the Apostle Paul to Timothy: THIS is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach ; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy 74 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house; not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Thus also the same Apostle exhorteth the Elders of the Church at Ephesus : TAKE heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His blood. i THEREFORE ask you, dear Brethren, before Almighty God and this Congregation: ARE you now ready to take upon you this Holy L Ministry, and faithfully to serve in it? Will you preach and teach the pure Word of God in accordance with the Confession of the Evangelical Lutheran Church? «> Will you adorn the doctrine of our Saviour by a holy life and conversation? % Then shall the candidates answer in turn: Yes, with my whole heart, the Lord helping me through the power and grace of His Holy Spirit. Amen. If Then shall the candidates kneel. If The officiating Minister shall then lay his hands on the head of each, and shall say: I NOW commit unto thee the Holy Office of the Word and Sacraments; I ordain and consecrate thee a Minister of the Church: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. If Each one ordained shall say: Amen. ORDER FOR ORDINATION 75 If Then shall all present say: OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 1f Then shall be said: f. The Lord be with you. I?/. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. MERCIFUL God, Heavenly Father, Who through Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, hast said unto us, The harvest truly is great, but the labor- ers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He would send forth laborers into His harvest: We heartily pray Thee, give Thy Holy Spirit plenteously to these Thy servants, to us, and to all who are called to the Ministry of Thy Word, that we, with a great company, may be Thy true evangelists, and continue faithful and steadfast against the world, the flesh, and the devil, that Thy Name may be hallowed, Thy kingdom come, and Thy will be done; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lordj Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. If Then shall they rise, and the officiating Minister shall say: GO then, and feed the flock of God, taking the over- sight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the 76 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. THE Blessing of the Lord be upon you, that you may go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit may remain. If Then shall they answer: Amen. If Then shall follow The Holy Communion, beginning with the Preface. * ORDER FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR 1f // the Installation be .appointed for the morning, the Lessons: 1 Timothy 4 : 6-16 and John 10 : 1-15 shall be read before the Epistle for the Day; and the Lord's Prayer shall be omitted in the General Prayer. The Order for Installation shall follow the Gen- eral Prayer and conclude with the Benediction. If If the Installation be appointed for the afternoon or evening the Order for Vespers shall be used, including the following appointments: Psalm 121 or Psalm \1% with which may be used the Antiphon: Oh how I love Thy law: it is my meditation all the day; the Lessons: 1 Timothy 4 : 6-16 and John 10 : 1-15. The Order shall follow the Hymn after the Sermon, and shall be concluded as follows: The Salu- tation; the Collect for the Day; the Colled: Direct us, Lord (No. 19) ; the Versicle and Collect for Peace; the Benedicamus and the New Testament Benediction. If The officiating Minister shall say to the Congregation: DEARLY Beloved: Having been authorized to in- stall, as Pastor of this Congregation, the Reverend N. N., our fellow-laborer in the Gospel of Christ, I now ask for the certification of his call. ORDER FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR 77 % A Certificate signed by the Church Council or its Secretary, attesting the election of the Minister to be installed, shall then be placed in the hands of Die officiating Minister, to be read by him to the Congrega- tion. If The Pastor-elect shall then present himself before the Altar, and the officiating Minister shall say: HEAR the Word of the Lord concerning the Office of the Holy Ministry: Thus saith the Lord Jesus to His disciples : AS my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. jLjL Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained. All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things what- soever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Thus saith the Apostle Paul to Timothy: BE thou an example of the believers, in word, in con- versation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things ; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may ap- pear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doc- trine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. i ASK you, therefore, dear Brother, in the presence of God and of this Congregation: A RE you now ready to take upon you the office of ii. Pastor of this Congregation (Parish) and faith- fully to serve therein? 78 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES Will you preach and 4each the pure Word of God, and administer your office in accordance with the Confession of the Evangelical Lutheran Church? Will you adorn the doctrine of our Saviour by a godly life and conversation? If The Pastor-elect shall answer: Yes, I will, by the help of God. 1f Then shall the Congregation rise, and the officiating Minister shall say: DEARLY Beloved: You have heard the solemn vow taken by him whom you have called as your Pastor. I now ask you : WILL you receive him, and show him the love, honor and obedience in the Lord due to a shepherd and guide placed over you by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of souls? Will you honor and esteem him; as St. Paul exhorteth: Know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and esteem them very highly for their works' sake? Then answer: Yes, by the help of God. 1f Then shall the Congregation answer: Yes, by the help of God. 1f Then shall the officiating Minister say: UPON these your solemn promises I do now declare the Reverend N. N. the duly constituted Pastor of [Here he shall name the Congregation or Congregations]. Let us pray. OLORD Jesus Christ, Son of God, Who sittest at the Right Hand of the Father, and Who givest gifts unto Thy people : We thank Thee that Thou hast given unto this congregation a pastor and teacher, and ORDER FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A PASTOR 79 we pray Thee to enrich him with all needed grace, that faithfully fulfilling his ministry, his labors may be abundantly blessed to the saving of souls and the edi- fying of Thy people, and that he, with them, may receive the crown of righteousness from Thee, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, wT>rld without end. Amen. OLORD God, the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful: Visit this congregation, we pray Thee, with Thy love and favor; open their hearts to receive Thy Word; enlighten their minds continually with the light of the everlasting Gospel; increase in them true godliness; and, of Thy great mercy, unite them in the bonds of love and peace, that the good work which hath been begun may be performed unto the day of Christ Jesus; Who, with the Father and Thee, liveth and reigneth, ever One God, world without end. Amen. 1f Then shall all say: OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. If Then shall the officiating Minister say: THE Lord bless you that ye may bring forth much fruit, and that your fruit may remain. Amen. If Then shall a Hymn be sung, after which the Pastor, now installed, shall conclude the Service as appointed in the rubrics preceding this Order. 80 THE OCCASIONAL SEEVICES ORDER FOR LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF A CHURCH I If The Service shall begin with a Hymn. If Then shall the Minister say: N the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. If Then shall be said or sung: OUR help is in the Name of the Lord; Jtf. Who made heaven and earth. How amiable are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts ! 1$. My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord. His foundation is in the holy mountains. Itf. The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. ty. Our feet shall stand within Thy gates, O Je- rusalem. Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. R?. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: R?. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. If Then shall the Minister say: Hear the Holy Scripture. THUS saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious ORDER FOR LAYING A CORNER-STONE 81 corner-stone, a sure foundation : he that believeth shall not make haste. Isa. 28 : 16. And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David, king of Israel. And they sang together by course, in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for- ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. Ezra 3 : 10, 11. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreign- ers, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the house- hold of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth into an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Eph. 2 : 19-22. IT Then shall all say the Apostles' Creed. I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ His only 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 hell; The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; The holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints; The Forgiveness of sins; the Resurrection of the body; And the Life everlasting. Amen. THE OCCASIONAL SEEVICES If Then may follow an Address, after which a Hymn may be sung. Tf Here mention may be made of the articles to be placed in the Corner- stone. % Then shall the Minister say: The Lord be with you. Bf. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. OLORD God, Heavenly Father, Whom the heavens cannot contain, but Whose will it is to have a house upon earth wherein prayer and praise to Thy Name may continually be made: Look graciously toward this place; and as Thou didst move Thine ancient people to build for Thee an house of worship, do Thou fulfill also the desire of our hearts, and bless *and prosper what we have undertaken in Thy Name. Amen. OLORD Jesus Christ, Thou Son of the Living God, Who art the elect and precious Corner-stone and the immutable Foundation of Thy Church: We pray Thee, let the stone which we here lay in Thy Name be a firm foundation; and as Thou art Thyself the Beginning and the Ending, be also the beginning, continuance, and completion of what we here com- mence for Thine honor and glory. Amen. OLORD God, Holy Ghost, Who makest the as- sembly of Thy saints Thy dwelling-place: Bless and prosper the building of this edifice, and grant that in like manner we also, as living stones, may be built up into a spiritual house and an abiding temple of Thy Glory; Who with the Father and the Son livest and reignest, One God, world without end. Amen. ORDER FOR LAYING A CORNER-STONE 83 Tf The Corner-stone having been placed, the Minister shall strike it with a troivel or hammer at the mention of each Name in the Holy Trinity, saying: IN the faith of Jesus Christ, I do now lay this Corner- stone: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; that here true faith, the fear of God and brotherly love may abide; and that this place may be set apart to the preaching of the Gospel, the administration of the Holy Sacraments, and the in- vocation and praise of the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever One God, world without end. If Then shall the Congregation sing or say: Amen. Amen. Amen. If Then shall all say: OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done ©n earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. If A Hymn may then be sung. If Then shall the Minister say: The Lord be with you. ?/. And with thy spirit. Bless we the Lord. ty. Thanks be to God. THE Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. 84 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES ORDER FOR THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH 1T The Ministers and the Congregation, having convened in a suitable place, shall go in procession to the door of the church, bearing the Holy Bible and the Sacramental Vessels. 1T The Hymn: Open now thy gates of beauty (No. If20), or another suitable Hymn, may be sung in procession. \ When the procession to the church is omitted, because of inclement weather or other reasons, the Ministers, Church Council and Choir, shall gather in the chapel, or at the entrance of the church; and the Service shall be as here ordered with the omission of Psalm 24. I 1f Having come to the door of the church, the Minister shall say: N the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. IT Then shall the Minister say: Our help is in the Name of the Lord : # I}/. Who made heaven and earth. 1f Then shall be sung or said: Psalm 24. Domini est terra. THE earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: the world, and they that dwell therein. For He hath founded it upon the seas: and estab- lished it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord: or who shall stand in His holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart: who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn de- ceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord: and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek Him: that seek thy face, O Jacob. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ORDER FOR THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH 85 ye everlasting doors : and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory: The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, even lift them up, ye everlasting doors : and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory: The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. 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. 1f Then shall the Keys of the Building be given to the Minister. 1f As he entereth the door, he shall say: Peace be to this House: I?/. And to all that enter therein. ^[ Then, moving slowly into the church, shall be sung or said the following: Psalm 122. Lcetatus sum. I WAS glad when they said unto me: Let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates : O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builded : as a city that is compact together; Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord: unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the Name of the Lord. For there are set thrones of judgment: the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls: and prosperity within thy palaces. 86 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES For my brethren and companions' sakes : I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God: I will seek thy good. 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. If Entering the Chancel, the Ministers shall place the Holy Bible and the Sacramental Vessels, and the officiating Minister, proceeding to the Altar, shall say: 1WILL go unto the altar of God, unto God my ex- ceeding joy. O send out Thy Light and Thy truth: let them lead me: let them bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to Thy tabernacles, that I may go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy, and praise Thee, O God, my God. If The Hymn, Veni Creator Spiritus (No. 11$), shall then be sung. If The Lessons shall then be read. 1 Kings 8 : 12-30; Hebrews 10 : 19-25; Eph. 2 : 13-22; 1 Cor. 3 : 9-17, or other suitable Lessons of Holy Scripture, may be used. Tf Then the Minister, standing at the Altar, shall say: Let us pray. ALMIGHTY God, the Father of mercies and God of L all comfort, ever nigh unto all them that call upon Thee in truth: Sanctify and bless this House, we beseech Thee, with Thine especial presence, according to Thy promise made through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, that they who gather here in Thy Name may be en- lightened, comforted and strengthened by Thy manifold gifts of grace, and made meet for the inheritance of Thy saints in light. O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou great High Priest, Who ORDER FOR THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH 87 hast entered into the sanctuary on high to appear ever- more before God for us: Separate unto Thyself here a true spiritual priesthood of faithful and believing people, to offer unto Thee within these courts their sac- rifices of prayer, praise and thanksgiving. O Holy Spirit, Who makest the minds of the faithful to be of one will: Dwell, we beseech Thee, in those who shall worship here, making them Thine own temples, and uniting their hearts in faith and love, and in zeal for the progress of the Gospel among all men. O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, of Whom and through Whom and to Whom are all things: Have respect unto the prayers of Thy servants, which they pray unto Thee this day, that Thine eyes may be open night and tlay toward this House, built for Thy Name; and grant that Thy Word may ever be preached here in its purity and fulness, to the joy and edifying of Thy believing people, and to the deliverance of burdened souls from sin. Grant that they who shall be baptized at this Font may abide in their baptismal covenant, walk in newness of life, continue steadfast in the fellowship of Thy Church, and ever love the habitation of Thy House and the place where Thine honor dwelleth. Grant that they who shall partake at this Altar of the Holy Sacrament of the Body and Blood given for their redemption, may receive into penitent and believing hearts the promise of forgiveness of sins, life and sal- vation. * And so prepare Thy servants who worship here, that when their earthly pilgrimage is ended, they may be received into the House not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, there to behold Thy glory, O Everlasting God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to adore and praise Thee, One God, world without end. Amen. i If Then shall the Minister say: DO now set apart this Evangelical Lutheran Church as a House of God; 88 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES and dedicate it to the glory and honor of Almighty- God, and to the service of His holy Church: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Tf The Congregation shall sing or say: Amen. Amen. Amen. 1f The Service, beginning with the Introit for the Day, shall then follow. The Nicene Creed shall be used. % The Holy Communion may be celebrated, in which case the Order for Confession shall be held on a preceding day. If Announcement of Gifts, Memorials, and other matters concerning the Building, shall follow the General Prayer. Tf The following Prayer may be used in place of the Prayer (p. 86), or at Vespers of the Day of Dedication. ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Whom the jljl Heaven of heavens cannot contain, yet Who art willing to have an House fashioned by man, wherein Thine honor dwelleth and where men may worship Thee : Of Thy love and mercy, we beseech Thee, vouch- safe Thy presence here that this Church which we have reared to the glory of Thy Name, and do now wholly devote and dedicate to Thee, may by Thee be accepted and hallowed, to the end that souls may here be gath- ered, nourished in Thy love, and made fruitful in Thy service; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who hast called L men to the service of Thy Sanctuary: Vouchsafe to all who here minister before Thee the direction, aid and counsel of Thy Holy Spirit, that they may serve Thee with pure hearts and holy lives; preach Thy Word according to Thy loving purpose in Christ Jesus; humbly and devoutly administer Thy Sacraments; and be found acceptable to Thee as good and faithful stew- ORDER FOR THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH 89 ards of Thy grace; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. MOST Merciful Father, Who hast revealed Thy love in Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, and through Thy Holy Word dost announce the precious message of sal- vation in Him: Vouchsafe Thy love to all who hear Thy Word read and preached in this place, that, called to Thy service, they may hold fast the Truth, and faith- fully bear unto the end the yoke of Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, our Lord. Amen. A LMIGHTY God, Heavenly Father, Who through l\ the washing of regeneration by water and the Word 9 hast ordained a sacramental means of entrance into Thy Kingdom: Vouchsafe to all who shall be con- secrated to Thee at this Font by Holy Baptism ever to remain true to this blessed covenant, and finally to at- tain everlasting Life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen, MOST Merciful Father, Who in Thy dear Son, hast given us the Way, the Truth and the Life, and through Him dost call all men to give Thee heart and soul and strength and life: Vouchsafe to all, who, here before this Altar, confess the Lord Jesus before men 2 the blessing of Thy Holy "Spirit, that in Thy Church they may be living stones, elect and precious; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. ALMIGHTY God, Everlasting Father, Who dost l refresh us as we have need, and dost strengthen our faith with heavenly food, so that we go from strength to strength : Vouchsafe to all who receive at this Altar the Holy Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Thy dear Son, to approach this holy Mystery with pure hearts, believing desire, and devout thanksgiving, that, com- forted with Thy eternal love and goodness, they may be 90 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES nourished and strengthened in faith, live in love and to the praise of Thy Holy Name, and finally attain to Thy presence in eternity; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. OGOD, Who dost call all men to Thee, and Who dost graciously receive all them that come: Vouchsafe Thy pardon to all those who here confess their sins; bestow the comfort of Thy Spirit on those who humbly and faithfully bring Thee their needs and sorrows; accept the praise and worship that are offered here; and grant that many may find Thee in this place, and finding Thee, be filled in soul and body with all things needful; and finally, with all Thine own, be united in that communion with Thee which is eternal in the heavens, where Thou livest and reignest, ever One God, world without end. Amen. ORDER FOR THE OPENING OF SYNODS Tf Conventions of Synods of the Church, and of other Bodies representing Synods, shall be opened with The Service, including a Sermon and the Holy Communion. If The first Business Session shall open with a Hymn of Invocation of the Holy Ghost, after which the President shall offer Prayer, as here followeth; if the first Business Session be held immediately after The Service, this Order shall begin with the ivords: I do now declare, etc. A f 1f The President shall say: S there are many members in one body: B?. So we, being many, are one body in Christ. Let us follow after the things which make for peace: Iff. And things wherewith one may edify another. ORDER FOR THE OPENING OF SYNODS 91 Where two or three are gathered together in My Name : B/. There am I in the midst of them. Behold, I have set before thee an open door : I}/. And no man can shut it. I beseech you to walk worthy of the vocation where- with ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness: BJ. Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: Bf. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The Lord be with you. BJ. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. 1f Then shall be said one or more of the following Collects, or any other suitable Prayer. OGOD, Who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of Thy Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. ALMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus ±\. Christ, of Whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named: Grant, we beseech Thee, unto Thy Church here assembled, the presence of the Holy Spirit, that in our deliberations we may be guided into all truth, preserved from strife and vainglory, and, one in Thee, may constantly abide in that Christian unity which is well pleasing in Thy sight; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 92 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES ALMIGHTY God, Who, in Thy Holy Word, hast l given us a rule of faith and life: Grant us by the teaching of the same to have courage and wisdom to devise, and grace and strength to act, to the end that Thy ministers and congregations may be established and comforted, Thy Gospel everywhere purely preached, Thy kingdom among men extended, and ^hy people, knowing the riches of their heavenly calling, may be one in the faith and confession of Thy saving truth, and in communion with one another; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. ALMIGHTY God, Heavenly Father, Who hast prom- l ised by Thy Son, Jesus Christ, to be with Thy Church unto the end of the world, and that the gates of heir shall not prevail against it: Graciously make Thy strength perfect in our weakness, and according to Thy promise, be present with us, Thine unworthy servants, and grant us Thy merciful help; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. DIRECT us, O Lord, in all our doings, with Thy most gracious favor, and further us with Thy con- tinual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy Holy Name; and finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. If Then shall the President say: I DO now declare this Convention of the . open : In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. A ND now may the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath called us with an holy calling, and hath ORDER FOR THE OPENING OF SYNODS 93 committed to our trust the glorious Gospel of the grace of God, make you to increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all men, that you may be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. If Then shall all say: Amen. % The following Prayer may he used in churches on the Sunday, or during the week, before the meeting of a Synod, General Body, or Conference, or during its sessions. OLORD, the only Source of all true Wisdom: We invoke Thy blessing upon the about to assemble (now assembled) in Thy Name, to deliberate upon those things which make for the main- tenance, the well-being and the extension of Thy Holy Church among us and throughout all the world; and as Thou hast promised to send Thy Holy Spirit to lead Thy people into all truth, so rule the hearts and guide the counsels of the representatives of the Church, that, protected from the errors of human frailty, they may seek only Thy glory and the welfare of those whom Thou hast redeemed by the death of Thy Son; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. 94 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES ORDER FOR THE CLOSING OF SYNODS If A Hymn of Praise or Thanksgiving may be sung, and the Litany or the Bidding Prayer may be used. Tf The President shall offer Prayer as here followeth; but if the Conven- tion closes with a Service, this Order shall begin with the words: Now unto Him, etc. If The President shall say: OLORD, save Thy people: X$/. And bless Thine inheritance. My word shall accomplish that which I please : BJ. And it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Ye shall be witnesses unto Me: I$7. Unto the uttermost parts of the earth. I have chosen you, and ordained you: 15/. That ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. And lo, I am with you alway: B/. Even unto the end of the world. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost: I?/. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. The Lord be with you. I$7. And with thy spirit. Let us pray. If Then shall be said one or more of the following Collects, or any other suitable prayer. ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Who alone doest l great wonders: Send down upon Thy Ministers and upon the Congregations committed to their charge, ORDER FOR THE CLOSING OF SYNODS 95 the healthful Spirit of Thy grace; and, that they may truly please Thee, pour upon them the continual dew of Thy blessing; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. GRANT, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, unto Thy Church, Thy Holy Spirit, and the wisdom which cometh down from above, that Thy Word, as becometh it, may not be bound, but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christ's holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve Thee, and in the confession of Thy Name abide unto the end; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. OGOD, Who restorest to the right way them that err, Who gatherest them that are scattered, and preservest them that are gathered: Of Thy tender mercy, we beseech Thee, pour upon Thy Christian people the grace of Unity, that, all schisms being healed, Thy flock, united to the true Shepherd of Thy Church, may worthily serve Thee; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. OGOD, Who hast called us to Thy service, and laid upon us the care of Thy churches: Help us, by Thy Spirit, that in our several fields of labor we may have the courage consistently to declare and teach, and the wisdom and strength faithfully to perform, what we have here resolved in Thy fear and for Thy glory; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord. Amen. ALMIGHTY God, Heavenly Father, Who, through l Thy Son, Jesus Christ, hast given commandment unto Thy disciples to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature: Grant us a ready will to obey Thy Word; and as we have entered into the labors of other men, help us to serve Thee, that others may enter into our labors ; and that we with them, and they 96 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES with us, may attain unto everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen. If Then shall all say: OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us: And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. If Then shall the President say: NOW unto Him that is able to do exceeding abun- dantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us; unto Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. I DO now declare this Convention closed: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. LET us stand fast in the love of Christ, that, when J He cometh in His glory, we may rejoice before Him with exceeding joy. If Then shall all say: Amen. If Then shall the President say: THE Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. ORDER FOR INSTALLATION OF CHURCH COUNCIL 97 ORDER FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A CHURCH COUNCIL If The Order for the Installation of a Church Council may be used at The Service or at Vespers. If When used at The Service, it shall follow the General Prayer (the Lord's Prayer being omitted) and conclude with a Hymn and the Benediction. If When used at Vespers, it shall follow the Hymn after the Address, and conclude with a Hymn, after which shall be said the Collects, the Benedicamus and the Benediction. If The Minister shall announce the names of those who have been elected to office, and they shall then present themselves before the Altar, If Then shall the Minister say: DEAR Brethren: Hear what the Word of God saith concerning the institution of the office to which you have been called: THEN the Twelve called the multitude of the dis- ciples unto them, and said. It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Where- fore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. HEAR the duties of the office to which you have been elected by this Congregation. It will be your duty to see : That the services of God's House be held at the proper times, and conducted in accordance with the Order of the Church; that the pure Word of God be preached, as the Church confesses it, and only by those duly authorized according to the Constitution of this Congregation; that provision be made for the Christian instruction of the young; that strict discipline be maintained, the erring admonished and impenitent offenders excluded from the communion 98 THE OCCASIONAL SERVICES of the Church; that the property of the Congregation be cared for, and all that relates to its worldly affairs properly administered. It will furthermore be your duty: To assist the Pastor in the care of the sick and needy, in the cultiva- tion of harmony among the members, in the promotion of the general welfare of the Congregation, and in the furtherance of Christ's Kingdom, at home and abroad. Nor should you be unmindful that, while holiness of life and conversation is required of all who name the Name of Christ; it is especially incumbent upon those who have been called to be office-bearers in His Church to show themselves in all things, by word and example, a pattern of good works. I ASK you, therefore: Do you accept the office to which you have been called, and do you promise to discharge its duties faithfully, in the fear of God, and in accordance with the Constitution of this Con- gregation, and the principles and usages of the Church? 1f Then shall the Officers-elect answer: Yes, by the help of God. Tf Then the Minister, taking the right hand of each one, shall say: ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, Who hath L called you to the service of His Church, en- lighten and strengthen you in your office, that you may prove a good and faithful steward, to the glory of His holy Name. Amen. 1f Then shall the Minister say: Let us pray. LORD God, Heavenly Father, Who according to J Thy gracious will, hast established within Thy Church on earth, besides the Ministry of the Word, ORDER FOR INSTALLATION OF CHURCH COUNCIL 99 other offices for the ministration of Thy manifold gifts of grace : We thank Thee that, in this place, Thou hast provided men of honest report, ready to serve this Congregation for Thy sake; and we humbly pray Thee to enrich them abundantly with Thy Holy Spirit, that they may have wisdom and strength for the service unto which Thou hast called them. Let Thy blessing rest also on this Congregation, not only in that w^hich pertaineth to its temporal affairs, but, above all, in spiritual and heavenly gifts. Strengthen the faith, quicken the love and enkindle the zeal of its members, that Thy Name may be glorified, and that, both here and in all places, the Kingdom of Thy dear Son may be advanced; through Whom we pray: If Then shall all say: OUR Father, Who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; iVnd forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil; For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. If Then shall the Minister say: THEREFORE be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Amen. Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 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