The Forme and Manner
of
Making, Ordeining,
and Consecrating
of
Bishops, Priests,
and
Deacons, According to the Order of
the Church
of
England

London

Printed by the Printers to the
Kings most excellt
Majestie.

    It is evident unto all men, diligently reading holy Scripture, and ancient Authors, That from the Apostles time, there have been these Orders of Ministers in Christs Church; Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. Which offices were evermore had in such reverend estimation, that no man might presume to execute any of them, except he were first called, tried, examined and known to have such qualities as are requisite for the same; and also by publique prayer with imposition of hands, were approved, and admitted thereunto by lawfull authority. And therefore to the intent that these orders may be continued, and reverently used, and esteemed in the Church of England; No man shall be accounted or taken to be a lawfull Bishop, Priest, or Deacon in the Church of England, or suffered to execute any of the said Functions, except he be called, tryed, examined, and admitted thereunto, according to the Form hereafter following, or hath had formerly Episcopall Consecration or Ordination.
    And none shall be admitted a Deacon, except he be twenty three years of age, Unless he have a Facultie. And every man which is to be admitted a Priest shall be full foure and twenty years old. And every man which is to be ordeyned, or consecrated Bishop shall be fully thirty years of Age.
    And the Bishop knowing either by himself, or by sufficient testimony, any person to be a man of vertuous conversation, and without Crime, and after examination and tryall finding him learned in the latine tongue, and sufficiently instructed in holy scripture, may at the times appointed in the Canon, or else, on urgent occasion, upon some other sunday or holy-day in the face of the Church, admit him a Deacon in such manner and form as hereafter followeth.

The Forme and Manner
of making of Deacons

¶ When the day appointed by the Bishop is come; after Morning Prayer is ended, there shall be a Sermon, or Exhortation, declaring the Duty, and Office of such as come to be admitted Deacons; how necessary that Order is in the Church of Christ; and also how the people ought to esteem them in their Office.

¶ First the Arch-Deacon or his Deputie shall present unto the Bishop (sitting in his Chair, near to the holy Table) such as desire to be ordeined Deacons; (each of them being decently habited) saying these words.

Reverend Father in God; I present unto you these persons present, to be admitted Deacons.

¶ The Bishop.

Take heed that the persons whom ye present unto us, be apt and meet, for their learning, and godly conversation, to exercise their ministrie duly, to the honour of God, and the edifieing of his Church

The Arch-Deacon shall answer.

I have enquired of them, and also examined them; and think them so to be.

Then the Bishop shall say unto the People.

Brethren; if there be any of you who knoweth any Impediment or notable Crime in any of these persons presented to be ordered Deacons, for the which he ought not to be admitted to that office; Let him come forth in the Name of God, and shew what the crime or impediment is.

And if any great Crime or Impediment be objected, the Bishop shall surcease from ordering that person, untill such time, as the party accused shall be found clear of that crime.

Then  the Bishop (commending such as shall be found meet to be ordered, to the prayers of the congregation) shall, with the Clergie and people present, sing or say the Letany, with the Prayers as followeth.
 

The Litany and Suffrages

¶ Then shall the Priest (and the people with him) say the Lords Prayer.

    Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be don in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses. As we forgive them that trespas against us. And lead us not into temptation: But deliver us from evil. Amen.

¶ Let us pray

We humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities; and for the glory of thy Name, turne from us all those evils that we most righteously have deserved; and grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness, and purenes of living, to thy honour and glory, through our only Mediatour, and Advocate Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ Then shall be sung, or said, the service for the Communion, with the Collect Epistle, and Gospel, as folluweth.

The Collect.

Almighty God; who by thy divine providence, hast appointed divers orders of Ministers in thy Church, and didst inspire thine Apostles to choose into the order of Deacons, the first Martyr, S. Steven, with others; Mercifully behold these thy servants now called to the like Office and Administration; Replenish them so with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn them with innocency of life, that both by word, and good example, they may faithfully serve thee in this office to the glory of thy Name, and the edification of thy Church; through the Merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth, and reigneth with thee, and the holy Ghost, now and forever. Amen.
 

The Epistle.

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedie of filthy lucre: Holding the mysterie of the Faith in a pure Conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a Deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithfull in all things. Let the Deacons be 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.

Or else this out of the sixth of the Acts of the Apostles.

Then the twelve called the multitude of the Disciples unto them and said; It is not reason, that we should leave the word of God, and serve Tables. Wherefore bretheren, look ye out among you seven men, of honest report, full of the holy Ghost, and Wisdom: whom we may appoint over this busines: But we will give our selves continually to prayer, and to the Ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and of the holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a Proselite of Antioch; whom they set before the Apostles. and when they had praied, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the Priests were obedient to the faith.

And before the Gospel, the Bishop, sitting in his Chair, shall cause the oath of the Kings supremacy, and against the power and authoritie of all forreign Potentates, to be ministred unto every of them that are to be ordered,

The Oath of the Kings Soveraigntie.

    I A. B. do utterly testifie, and declare in my conscience, That the Kings Highnes is the only Supreme Govemour of this Realm and of all other his Highnesses Dominions, and countries, as well in all spirituall or ecclesiasticall things, or causes, as temporall: And that no forraign Prince, Person, Prelate, State, or Potentate hath, or ought to have any Jurisdiction, power, Superiority preeminence or authority ecclesiastical, or spiritual within this Realm. And therefore I do utterly renounce, and forsake all forraign Jurisdictions, Powers, superiorities, and Authorities; and do promise that from henceforth I shall bear faith and true Allegiance to the Kings Highnes, his heirs, and lawfull successors; and to my power shall assist, and defend all Jurisdictions, Priviledges, Preeminences, and Authorities, granted, or belonging to the Kings Highness his heirs, and successors; . or united, and annexed to the Imperial Crown of this Realm. So help me God, and the Contents of this Book.

Then shall the Bishop examine every one of them that are to be ordered, in the presence of the people, after this manner following.

Then the Bishop laying his hands severally, upon the head of everyone of them, humbly kneeling before him, shall say.

Take thou authority to execute the Office of a Deacon, in the church of God committed unto thee; In the Name of the Father, and of the son, and of the holy Ghost. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop deliver to every one of them, the New Testament: Saying.

Take thou authority to read the Gospell in the Church of God; and to preach the same, if thou be thereto licensed by the Bishop himself.

Then one of them, appointed by the Bishop shall read.

The Gospel.
 

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 immediatly; Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watcing. Verily I say unto you that he shall gird himself, and make them to sitt 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 ordered, shall tarrie, and receive the holy Communion the same Day with the Bishop. The Communion ended, after the last Collect, and immediatly 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 unto the office of Deacons in thy Church; Make them, we beseech thee, O Lord, to be modest, humble, and constant in their ministration; to have a ready will to observe all spiritual discipline: That they having alwayes the testimony, of a good conscience, and continuing ever stable, and strong in thy Son Christ, may so well behave themselves in this inferiour office, that they may be found worthy to be called unto 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 glorifie thy holy Name, and finally by thy mercy obtein 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 amongst you and remain with you always. Amen.

And heere, it must be declared unto the Deacon, that he must continue in that Office of a Deacon, the space of a whole year, (except for reasonable causes it shall otherwise seem good unto the Bishop) to the intent he may be perfect, and well expert in the things apperteining to the ecclesiastical Administration. In executing whereof, if he be found faithfull and diligent, he may be admitted by his Diocesan to the order of Priesthood, at the times appointed in the Canon; or else on urgent occasion, upon some other Sunday, or Holy-day in the face of the Church in such manner and form as hereafter followeth.
 

The Forme and Manner
of Ordering of Priests

When the Day appointed by the Bishop is come; after Morning Prayer is ended, there shall be a sermon, or exhortation, declaring the dutie and office of such as come to be admitted Priests: how necessary that order is in the Church of Christ; and also how the People ought to esteem them in their Office.

First the Arch-Deacon, or in his Absence one appointed in his stead shall present unto the Bishop, sitting in his chair, near to the holy Table, all them that shall receive the order of Priest-hood that day; (each of them being decently habited;) and say.

Reverend Father in God, I present unto you these persons present to be admitted to the Order of Priesthood.

The Bishop.

Take heed, that the persons whom ye present unto us, be apt and meet, for their learning and godly conversation, to exercise their Ministrie duly to the honour of God, and the edifying of his Church.

The Arch-Deacon shall answer.

I have enquired of them, and also examined them; and think them so to be.

Then the Bishop shall say unto the people

Good people, These are they, whom we purpose, God willing, to receive this day unto the holy Office of Priesthood. For after due examination, we find not to the contrary, but that they be lawfully called to their funtion and ministrie and that they be persons meet for the same. But yet if there be any of you, who knoweth any Impediment, or notable crime in any of them, for the which he ought not to be received into this holy ministrie; Let him come forth in the name of God, and shew what the crime or Impediment is

And if any great crime, or Impediment be objected, the Bishop shall surcease from ordering that person, unti11 such time as the partie accused shall be found clear of that crime.
    Then the Bishop (commending such as shall be found meet to be ordered, to the prayers of the Congregation) shall with the Clergie and people present sing or say the Letanie with the prayers, as is before appointed in the forme of ordering Deacons; save only that in the proper suffrage there added, the word [Deacons] shall be omitted, and the word [Priests] inserted in stead of it.
   Then shall be sung or said, the service for the Communion; with the Collect, Epistle and Gospel as followeth.

The Collect.

Almighty God, giver of all good things, who by thy holy Spirit hast appointed divers orders of Ministers in the church; Mercifully behold these thy servants now called to the office of Priesthood and replenish them so with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn them with innocency of life, that both by word and good example they may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy Name and the edification 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.

The Epistle.
 

Unto every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended vp on high he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended vp farre above all Heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministrie, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unitie of the faith, and of the knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect Man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ

After this shall be read for the Gospel part of the ninth Chapter of St Matthew, as followeth.
 

When Jesus saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them; because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepheard. Then saith he unto his Disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous; but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest

Or else this, that followeth out of the tenth Chapter of St John.
 

Verily, verily I say unto you, He that entreth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a Thief, and a Robber. But he that entreth in by the door, is the Shepheard of the sheep. To him the Porter openeth, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him; for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers. This Parable spake Jesus unto them, but they understood not what things they were, which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me, are Thieves, and Robbers; but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: By me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill. and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepheard: the good shepheard giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepheard, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolfe coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolfe catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepheard, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold: Them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepheard.

Then the Bishop, sitting in his chair, shall minister unto every one of them, the Oath concerning the Kings Supremacy, as it is before set forth in the form for the ordering of Deacons. And that done he shall say unto them as hereafter followeth.

You have heard, Brethren, as well in your private examination as in the exhortation which was now made to you, and in the holy Lessons, taken out of the Gospel, and the writings of the Apostles; of what dignity, and of how great importance, this office is, whereunto ye are called. And now again we exhort you in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, That you have in remembrance into how high a dignitie, and to how weighty an office, and charge ye are called; That is to say, to be Messengers, Watchmen and Stewards of the Lord; to teach and to premonish, to feed and provide for the Lords familie; to seek for Christs sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for his children, who are in the midst of this naughtie world, that they may be saved through Christ for ever.
    Have alwayes therefore printed in your remembrance how great a treasure is committed to your charge. For they are the sheep of Christ, which he bought with his death, and for whom he shed his blood. The Church and congregation whom you must serve, is his spouse, and his bodie. And if it shall happen the same Church, or any member thereof to take any hurt or hinderance by reason of your negligence; Ye know the greatnes of the fault and also the horrible punishment that will ensue. Wherefore consider with your selves the end of your ministry towards the children of God, towards the spouse and bodie of Christ: and see that you never cease your labour, your care, and diligence until you have don all that lieth in you, according to your bounden duty, to bring all such as are, or shall be committed to your charge, unto that agreement in the faith and knowledge of God, and to that ripeness and perfectness of Age in Christ, that there be no place left among you, either for Errour in Religion, or for viciousnes in life.
    Forasmuch then as your Office is both of so great excellencie and of so great difficultie; ye see with how great care, and studie ye ought to apply your selves, as well that ye may shew your selves dutifull, and thankfull unto that Lord who hath placed you in so high a Dignitie; as also to beware that neither you your selves offend, nor be occasion that others offend. Howbeit ye cannot have a mind and will thereto of your selves; for that will and ability is given of God alone. Therefore ye ought, and have need to pray earnestly for his holy spirit. And seeing that you cannot by any other means compass the doing of so weighty a work pertaining to the salvation O( man, but with doctrine and exhortation taken out of the holy scriptures, and with a life agreeable to the same: Consider how studious ye ought to be in reading, and learning the scriptures, and in framing the manners, both of your selves and of them that specially pertain unto you, according to the rule of the same scriptures: and for this selfe same cause, how ye ought to forsake and set aside, (as much as you may) all worldly cares, and studies.
    We have good hope that you have well weighed, and pondered these things with your selves long before this time; and that you have cleerly determined, by Gods grace, to give your selves wholly to this office, whereunto it hath pleased God to call you: So that, as much as lieth in you, you will apply your selves wholly to this one thing, and draw all your cares, and studies this way; and that you will continually pray to God the Father, by the mediation of our only Saviour Jesus Christ for the heavenly assistance of the holy Ghost, that by daily reading and weighing of the Scriptures, ye may wax riper and stronger in your Ministrie; and that ye may so indeavor your selves from time to time to sanctifie the lives of you, and yours, and to fashion them after the rule and doctrine of Christ, that ye may be wholesom and godly examples and patterns for the people to follow.
    And now, that this present congregation of Christ here assembled, may also understand your minds and wills in these things; and that this your promise may the more move you to do your duties; Ye shall answer plainly to these things which we in the Name of God, and of his Church shall demand of you touching the same.
    Do you think in your heart, that you be truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the order of this church of England, to the order and ministrie of Priesthood?

Then shall the Bishop, standing up, say.

Almighty God, who hath given you this will to do all these things; Grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same; that he may accomplish his work which he hath begun in you, through Jesus Christ our Lord; Amen.

After this the Congregation shall be desired secretly in their prayers to make their humble Supplications to God for all these things: For the which prayers there shall be silence kept for a space.
After which shall be sung or said by the Bishop (the persons to be ordeined Priests all kneeling) Veni, Creator Spiritus; the Bishop beginning, and the Priests and others that are present, answering by verses, as followeth.

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with Celestial fire.
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
Who dost thy seven-fold guifts impart.
Thy blessed unction from above,
Is comfort, life, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetuall light,
The dulness of our blinded sight.
Anoint and chear our soiled face
With the abundance of thy grace.
Keep farr our foes: Give peace at home.
Where thou art guide, no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And Thee, of Both, to be but one.
That through the Ages all along.
This may be our endless song:
    Prayse to thy eternall Merit,
    Father, Son, and holy Sperit.
 

Or this.

Come Holy Ghost, Eternall God, proceeding from above,
Both from the Father, and the Son, the God of peace and love.
Visit our minds, into our hearts thy heavenly grace inspire,
That truth and Godliness we may pursue with full desire.
Thou art the very Comforter, in griefe and all distress,
The heavenly gift of God most high; No tongue can it express.
The fountain and the living Spring of joy Celestial :
The fire so bright, the love so sweet, the Unction spirituall.
Thou in thy gifts art manifold; by them Christs church doth stand.
In faithfull hearts thou writest thy law, the finger of Gods hand.
According to thy promise Lord, thou givest speech with grace;
That through thy help Gods praises may resound in every place.
O Holy Ghost, into our minds send down thy heavenly light;
Kindle our hearts with fervent Zeale to serve God day and night;
Our weakness strengthen and confirm (for Lord, thou know'st us frail.)
That neither devil, world, nor flesh against us may prevail.
Put back our enemy far from us, and help us to obtein
Peace in our hearts with God and man, (the best, the truest gain.)
And grant that thou being O Lord, our leader, and our guide,
We may escape the snares of sin, and never from thee slide.
Such measures of thy powerfull grace, grant, Lord, to us we pray.
That thou maist be our Comforter at the last dreadfull day.
Of strife, and of dissension, dissolve, O Lord the bands,
And knit the knots of peace and love throughout all Christian lands.
Grant us the grace that we may know the Father of all might,
That we of his beloved son may gain the blisfull sight.
And that we may with perfect faith ever acknowledge thee,
The Spirit of Father, and of Son, one God in persons three.

To God the Father laud, and praise, and to his blessed Son,
And to the holy Spirit of grace, Coequall three in one.
And pray we that our only Lord would please his spirit to send,
On all, that shall profess his Name from hence to the worlds end Amen.

That don the Bishop shall pray in this wise, and say

Let us pray.

Almighty God, and heavenly Father, who of thine infinite love and goodnes towards us, hast given to us thy only, and most dearly beloved sonn Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer and the author of everlasting life; who after he had made perfect our redemption by his death, and was ascended into heaven, sent abroad into the world his Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists Doctours, and Pastours, by whose labour and ministrie he gathered together a great flock in all the parts of the world, to set forth the eternall prayse of thy holy Name: For these so great benefits of thy eternal1 goodness; and for that thou hast vouchsafed to call these thy Servants here present, to the same Office and ministrie appointed for the Salvation of mankind, wee render unto thee most hearty thanks, we praise and worship thee; and we humbly beseech thee by the same thy blessed son, to grant unto all, which either here, or elsewhere call upon thy holy Name, that we may continue to shew our selves thankfull unto thee for these, and all other thy benefits; and that we may daily increase and go forwards in the knowledge and faith of thee, and thy Son, by the Holy Spirit. So that as well by these thy ministers, as by them over whom they shall be appointed thy Ministers, thy holy Name may be for ever glorified, and thy blessed Kingdom enlarged, through the same thy son Jesus Christ our Lord; who liveth and raigneth with thee, in the unitie of the same holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

When this prayer is done, the Bishop, with the Priests present, shall lay their hands severally upon the head of every one that receiveth the Order of Priesthood; the Receivers humbly kneeling upon their knees, and the Bishop saying.

Receive the Holy Ghost, for the Office, and work of a Priest, in the Church of God, now committed unto thee by the imposition of our hands. Whose sins thou dost forgive, they are forgiven; And whose sins thou dost retain, they are retained. And be thou a faithfull dispenser of the word of God, and of his Holy Sacraments; In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen

Then the Bishop shall deliver to every one of them kneeling, the Bible into his hand; saying.

Take thou Authority to preach the word of God, and to minister the holy Sacraments in the Congregation where thou shalt be lawfully appointed thereunto.

When this is don the Nicene Creed shall be sung, or said, and the Bishop shall after that, go on in the Service of the Communion, which all they that receive Orders shall take together, and remain in the same place where hands were laid upon them, unti11 such time as they have received the Communion
  The Communion being don, after the last Collect, and immediatly before the Benediction, shall be said these Collects.

Most mercifull Father; we beseech thee to send upon these thy servants thy heavenly blessing; that they may be clothed with righteousness, and that thy word spoken by their mouths, may have such success, that it may never be spoken in vain. Grant also that we may have grace to hear, and receive what they shall deliver out of thy most holy word, or agreeable to the same, as the means of our salvation; that in all our words and deeds, we may seek thy glory, and the increase of thy kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
    Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favour, and further us with thy continuall help: That in all our works begun continued and ended in thee, we may glorifie thy holy Name, and finally, by thy mercy obtein 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 amongst you and remaine with you alwaies. Amen

    And if on the same day the Order of Deacons be given to some, and the Order of Priesthood to others; The Deacons shall be first presented, and then the Priests: and it shall suffice that the Letanie be once said for both. The Collects shall both be used; first that for Deacons, then that for Priests. The Epistle shall be Eph: 4 : 7 : 13 : as before in this office: Immediatly after which, they that are to be made Deacons shall take the Oath of Supremacy, be examined, and ordeined, as is above prescribed. Then one of them having read the Gospel (which snail be either out of S. Matth. 9. 36-38. as before in this office. or else S Luke 12: 35-38. as before in the form for the ordering of Deacons) They that are to be made Priests shall likewise take the Oathe of suprremacy, be examined and ordeined as is in this Office before appointed.
 

The Forme of
Ordeining or Consecrating
of an Arch-Bishop or Bishop which
is alwaies to be performed upon
some Sunday, or Holy-day.

When all things are duly prepared in the Church, and set in order; after Morning Prayer is ended, the Arch Bishop, (or some other Bishop appointed,) shall begin the Communion-service; in which this shall be

The Collect.

Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy holy Apostles, many excellent gifts, and didst charge them to feed thy flock; Give grace, we beseech thee, to all Bishops, the Pastours of thy Church, that they may diligently preach thy word, and duly administer the godly discipline thereof; and grant to the people, that they may obediently follow the same, that all may receive the crown of everlasting glory through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And another Bishop shall read.

The Epistle.
 

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 behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach, Not given to wine, no Striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetuous, One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection, with all gravity: (For, if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 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

Or this for the Epistle.
 

From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus, and called the Elders of the Church. And, when they were come to him, he said unto them; Ye know from the first day, that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you, at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility 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 goe bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things, that shall befall me there; save that the holy 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 my selfe, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministery, which I have received of the Lord Jesus to testifie the Gospel of the grace of God. And now behold I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore 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 councel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the holy Ghost hath made you Overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with 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 mans silver, or gold, or apparell. Yea, you your selves know, that these hands have ministred 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 remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, Jt is more blessed to give, then to receive.

Jesus said to Simon Peter; Simon, Son of Jonas, lovest thou me more then 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 saieth unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee, He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He said unto him the third time, Simon, Son of Jonas, Lovest thou me? Peter was grieved, because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? and he said unto him; Lord thou knowest all things thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep

Or else this.
 

The same day at Evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut, where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jewes, 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 hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, 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 saith unto them, Receive ye the holy Ghost. Whose soever sins ye remitt, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Or this.
 

Jesus came, and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven, and earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all Nations, baptising 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 loe, 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 Rotchet) shall be presented by two Bishops unto the Arch-Bishop of that Province (or to some other Bishop appointed by lawfull Commission) the Arch-Bishop sitting in his chair near the holy Table, and the Bishops that present him, saying,

Most reverend Father in God, we present unto you this godly, and well learned man, to be ordeyned, and consecrated Bishop.

Then shall the ArchBishop demand the Kings Mandate for the consecration, and cause it to he read. And the oath touching the acknowledgement of the Kings supremacy shall he ministred to the persons elected, as it is set down before in the forme for ye ordering of Deacons. And then shall also be ministred unto them the Oath of due obedience to the ArchBishop as followeth.

    The Oath of due Obedience to the ArchBishop.

In the Name of God. Amen. I, N. chosen Bishop of the church and See of N. do profess and promise all due reverence and obedience to the ArchBishop, and to the Metropoliticall church of N. and to their Successors. So help me God, through Jesus Christ.

This Oath shall not he made at the consecration of an ArchBishop.

Then the ArchBishop shall move the congregation present to pray; saying thus to them.

Brethren, it is written in the Gospel of S. Luke, That our 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, did fast and pray before they laid hands on Paul and Barnabas, and sent them forth. Let us therefore following the example of our Saviour Christ and his Apostles, first fal to prayer, before we admitt and send forth this person presented unto us, to the work, whereunto we trust the Holy Ghost hath called him.

And then shall be said the Letanie 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 it may please thee to bless this our brother elected, and to send thy grace upon him, that he may duly execute the office whereunto he is 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.

Then shall be said this prayer following.

Almighty God, giver of all good things, who by thy holy Spirit hast 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 glory of thy Name, and the edifying 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.

Then the ArchBishop sitting in his chair shall say to him that is to be consecrated.

Brother; Forasmuch as the holy Scripture, and the ancient Canons comand that we should not be hasty in layin on hands, and admitting any person to Government in the church of Christ, which he hath purchased with no less price then the effusion of his own blood: before I admitt you to this Administration, 1 will examine you in certein Articles, to the end that the congregation present may have a tryal, and bear witness, how you be minded to behave yourself in the church of God.
 

Then the ArchBishop standing up, shall say.

Almighty God our heavenly Father, who hath given you a good will to do all these things; Grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same: That he accomplishing in you the good work which he hath begun, ye may be found perfect and irreprehensible at the latter day, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop elect put on the rest of the Episcopal habit. and kneeling down [Veni creator Spiritus] shall be sung or said over him; the ArchBishop beginning, and the Bishops, with others that are present, answering by Verses, as followeth.

Come holy Ghost, our souls inspire;
And lighten with celestial fire.
Thou the anointing spirit art,
Who dost thy seven-fold guifts impart.
Thy blessed Unction from above
Is comfort, life, and fire of love.
Enable with perpetual light
The dulness of our blinded sight.
Anoint, and chear our soiled face,
With the abundance of thy grace.
Keep far our ffoes; Give peace at home;
Where thou art Guide, no ill can come.
Teach us to know the Father, Son,
And Thee, of both, to be but One.
That through the ages, all along,
This may be our endless song.

Praise to thy eternal Merit,
Father, Sonne, and Holy Spirit.

Or this.

Come holy Ghost, Eternall God &c
    as before in the forme of ordering Priests.

That ended, the ArchBishop shall say

    Lord, hear our prayer.

Answer.

    And let our crie come unto thee

Let us pray.

Almighty God, and most mercifull Father, who of thine infinite goodness, hast given thy only, and dearly beloved son Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer, and the Author of everlasting life; Who after that he had made perfect our Redemption by his death, and was ascended into heaven, poured down his gifts abundantly upon men, making some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Pastours and Doctors, to the edifying, and making perfect his Church ; Grant we beseech thee, to this thy servant, such grace, that he may ever more be ready to spread abroad thy Gospel the glad tidings of Reconciliation with thee; and use the authoritie given him, not to destruction, but to Salvation; not to hurt, but to help. So that as a wise, and faithfull servant, giving to thy Familie their portion, in due season, he may at last be received into everlasting joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee, and the holy Ghost liveth and reigneth one God, world without end. Amen.

Then the Arch-Bishop, and Bishops present shall lay their hands upon the head of the elected Bishop, kneeling before them upon his knees: the ArchBishop saying.

Receive the holy Ghost, for the office and work of a Bishop in the Church of God, now committed unto thee by the Imposition of our hands, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost, Amen. And remember that thou stir up the grace of God which is given thee, by this Imposition of our hands: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and love, and soberness

Then the ArchBishop shall deliver him the Bible: saying,

Give heed unto reading, exhortation, and doctrine. Thinke upon the things conteined in this Book. Be diligent in them that the increase coming thereby may be manifest unto all men. Take heed unto thy selfe, and to doctrine, and be diligent in doing them; . for by 50 doing thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee. Be to the flock of Christ a Sheppard, not a wolf; feed them, devour them not. Hold up the weake, heal the sick, bind up the broken, bring again the outcasts, seek the lost. Be so mercifull that ye be not too remiss; so minister discipline, that you forget not mercy: that when the chief sheppard shall appear, ye may receive the never-fading crown of glory, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Then the ArchBishop shall proceed in the Communion service: with whom the New-consecrated Bishop (with others) shall also communicate.
And for the last Collect, immediately before the Benediction shall be said these Prayers.

    Most mercifull Father, we beseech thee to send down upon this thy servant thy heavenly blessing: and so indue him with thy holy spirit, that he preaching thy word, may not only be earnest to reprove, beseech, and rebuke with all patience, and doctrine; but also may be to such as believe, a wholesom example in word, in conversation, in love, in faith, in chastitie, and in purity: that faithfully fullfilling his course, at the latter day he may receive the crown of righteousnes, laid up by the Lord, the righteous Judge: who liveth and reigneth one God, with the Father, and the holy Ghost. world without end. Amen.

    Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gratious favour, and further us with thy continuall help; That in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in thee we may glorifie thy holy Name, and finally by thy mercy obtein 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 sonne Jesus Christ our Lord. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you alwayes. Amen.
 

The Forms of Prayer for y^e v. of November, ye xxx. of Januarie, & for y^exxix. of May, are to be printed at y^e End of this Book.