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THE CONSECRATION OF BISHOPS. bishop and to the Metropolitical Church command, that we should not be hasty of N. and to their Successors: So help in laying on hands, and admitting any me God, through Jesus Christ. person to Government in the Church of Christ, which he hath purchased with no less price than the effusion of his own blood; before I admit you to this Administration, I will examine you in certain Articles, to the end that the Congregation present may have a trial, and bear witness, how you be minded to behave yourself in the Church of God.
ARE RE you persuaded that you be truly called to this Ministration, accord
This Oath shall not be made at the Consecration of an Archbishop. Then the Archbishop shall move the Congregation present to pray, saying
thus to them:
BRETHREN Luke, that our the Gospel of Saint Saviour Christ continued the whole night in prayer, before he did choose and send forth his twelve Apostles. It is written also in the Acts of the Apostles, That the Disciples who were at Antioch dia fast and pray, before they laid hands on Paul and Barnabas, and sent them forth.
Let us therefore, following the example A Scriptures contain sufficiently all
you the
of our Saviour Christ, and his Apostles, first fall to prayer, before we admit, and send forth this person presented unto us, to the work whereunto we trust the Holy Ghost hath called him.
doctrine required of necessity for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? And are you determined out of the same holy Scriptures to instruct the people committed to your charge; and to teach or maintain nothing as required of necessity to eternal salvation, but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by the same?
Answer. I am so persuaded, and determined, by God's grace.
And then shall be said the Litany, as before in the Form of Ordering Deacons, save only, that after this place, That it may please thee to illuminate all Bishops,& c. the proper Suffrage there following shall be omitted, and this inserted instead of it;
THAT THAT it may please thee to bless this our Brother elected, and to send
The Archbishop.
thy grace upon him, that he may duly WILL you then faithfully exercise
execute
called, to the edifying of thy Church, and to the honour, praise, and glory of thy Name;
Answer. We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
Scriptures, and call upon God by prayer, for the true understanding of the same; so as you may be able by them to teach and exhort with wholesome Doctrine, and to withstand and convince the gainsayers? Answer. I will so do, by the help of God. The Archbishop.
Then shall be said this Prayer following.
away all erroneous and strange doctrine contrary to God's Word; and both privately and openly to call upon and encourage others
to the same?
ALMIGHTY God, giver of all good ARE you ready, with all faithful diliSpirit appointed divers Orders of Ministers in thy Church; Mercifully behold this thy servant now called to the Work and Ministry of a Bishop; and replenish him so with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn him with innocency of life, that, both by word and deed, he may faithfully serve thee in this Office, to the Name, and and well- governing of thy Church; through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.
Answer. I am ready, the Lord being my helper. The Archbishop.
WILL you deny all ungodliness and righteously, and godly, in this present world; that you may shew yourself in all things an example of good works unto others, that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing to say against you?
T Then the Archbishop, sitting in his chair, shall say to him that is to be Consecrated,
ing to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the order of this Realm?
Answer. I am so persuaded.
The Archbishop.
BROTHER, forasmuch as the holy
Scrioture ancient
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper. The Archbishop.
WILL you maintain and set forward, as much as shall lie in you,


