THE CONSECRATION OF BISHOPS.
of mind, and with many tears and temptations which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. And now behold, I go bound in the spirit unto not
shall befall me there; save that the Holy T first day of the week, when the doors
the
Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, That bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God. And now behold, I know that ye all, among whom 1 have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Where fore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost bath made you Overseers, to feed the Church
were shut where the disciples where assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus, and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his bands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then saith Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father bath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.
of JES
his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel; yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak; and to re
member the words of the Lord Jesus, how MOST Reverend Father in God, we he said, It is more blessed to give than to
present unto you this godly and well- learned man to be Ordained and Consecrated Bishop.
receive.
Then shall the Archbishop demand the King's Mandate for the Consecration, and cause it to be read. And then shall be ministered unto them the Oath of due Obedience to the Archbishop, as followeth.
Then another Bishop shall read the Gospel.
St. John xxi. 15.
339
my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?
unto
Peter was grieved because he said him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Or else this. St. John xx. 19.
Simon Simon,
son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon,
son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed
Or this. St. Matt. xxviii. 18. ESUS came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to bserve all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
After the Gospel, and the Nicene Creed, and the Sermon are ended, the Elected Bishop( vested with his Rochet) shall be presented by two Bishops unto the Archbishop of that province( or to some other Bishop appointed by lawful commission) the Archbishop sitting in his chair near the holy Table, and the Bishops that present him saying,
The Oath of due Obedience to the Archbishop.
God. Amen. I N.
chosen Bishop of the Church and See of N. do profess and promise all due reverence and obedience to the Arch