The Epistle. 1 Tim. iii, 8–13.

Likewise must the Deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let

not

these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a Deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the Deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a Deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

Then shall the Bishop examine every one of those who are to be ordained, in the presence of the people, after this manner following:

Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost, to take upon you the office of the ministry in the church of Christ, to serve God for the promoting of his glory and the edifying of his people?

Answ. I trust so.

The Bishop. Do you unfeignedly believe all the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testament?

Answ. I do believe them.

The Bishop. Will you diligently read or

expound the same unto the people whom you shall be appointed to serve?

Answ. I will.

The Bishop. It appertaineth to the office of a Deacon to assist the Elder in divine service. And especially, when he ministereth the holy communion, to help him in the distribution thereof, and to read and expound the Holy Scriptures; to instruct the youth, and in the absence of the Elder to baptize. And furthermore, it is his office, to search for the sick, poor, and impotent, that they may be visited and relieved.-Will you do this gladly and willingly?

Answ. I will do so by the help of God.

The Bishop. Will you apply all your diligence to frame and fashion your own lives (and the lives of your families) according to the doctrine of Christ; and to make (both) yourselves (and them) as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples of the flock of Christ?

Answ. I will do so, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you reverently obey them to whom the charge and government over you is committed, following with a glad mind and will, their godly admonitions?

Answ. I will endeavour so to do, the Lord being my helper.

Then the Bishop, laying his hands severally upon the head of every one of them, shall say,

Take thou authority to execute the office of a Deacon in the church of God; In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop deliver to every one of them the Holy Bible, saying,

Take thou authority to read the Holy Scriptures in the church of God, and to preach the same.

Then one of them appointed by the Bishop shall read the Gospel. Luke xii, 35-38.

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding, that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching. Verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

[Then shall the Bishop proceed in the communion, and all that are ordained shall receive the holy communion.]

The communion ended, immediately before the benediction shall be said these collects following:

Almighty God, giver of all good things, who of thy great goodness hast vouchsafed to accept and take these thy servants into the office of Deacons in thy church: make them, we beseech thee, O Lord, to be modest, humble, and constant in their ministration, and to have a ready will to observe all spiritual discipline; that they having always the testimony of a good conscience, and continuing ever stable and strong in thy Son Christ, may so well behave themselves in this inferior office, that they may be found worthy to be called into the higher ministries in thy church, through the same thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; to whom be glory and honour, world without end. Amen.

Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son,

and the Holy Ghost, be among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

SECTION II.

The Form and Manner of Ordaining Elders. [When the day appointed by the Bishop is come, there shall be a sermon or exhortation, declaring the duty and office of such as come to be admitted Elders: how necessary that order is in the church of Christ, and also how the people ought to esteem them in their office.]

After which, one of the Elders shall present unto the Bishop all them that are to be ordained, and say,

I present unto you these persons present to be ordained Elders.

Then their names being read aloud, the Bishop shall say unto the people,

Brethren, these are they whom we purpose, God willing, this day to ordain Elders. For after due examination, we find not to the contrary, but that they are lawfully called to this function and ministry, and that they are persons meet for the same. But if there be any of you, who knoweth any impediment or crime in any of them, for the which he ought not to be received into this holy ministry, let him come forth in the name of God, and show what the crime or impediment is.