ness with unrighteousness? And Then shall be said or sung the 100th Psalm what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath ¶ Here shall follow the Sermon. ceed in the service for the Communion, if it is to A After the Communion, or if it is not administered at that time, after the Sermon, and immediately before the final blessing, the Bishop shall say the following Prayer. BLESSED be thy name, O and I will be their God, and they God, for that it hath shall be my people. pleased thee to have thy habitation The Gospel. St. John ii. verse 13. among the sons of men, and to ND the Jews' Passover was dwell in the midst of the assembly at hand, and Jesus went up of the saints upon the earth; bless, to Jerusalem, and found in the we beseech thee, the religious pertemple those that sold oxen, and formance of this day, and grant that sheep, and doves, and the chan- in this place now set apart to thy gers of money sitting: And when service, thy holy name may be he had made a scourge of small worshipped in truth and purity cords, he drove them all out of the through all generations, through temple, and the sheep, and the ox-Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. en, and poured out the changers of HE peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep and said unto them that sold doves, your hearts and minds in the know"Take these things hence; make ledge and love of God, and of his not my Father's house an house of Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and merchandize." And his disciples the blessing of God Almighty, the remembered that it was written, Father, the Son, and the Holy The zeal of thine house hath eaten Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen. me up. A PRAYER TO BE USED AT THE MEETINGS OF CONVENTION. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, by thy Holy Spirit didst preside in the councils of the blessed Apostles, and hast promised, through thy Son Jesus Christ, to be with thy Church to the end of the world; we beseech thee to be present with the council of thy Church here assembled in thy name and presence. Save them from all error, ignorance, pride, and prejudice; and of thy great mercy vouchsafe, we beseech thee, so to direct, sanctify, and govern us in our present work, by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost, that the comfortable Gospel of Christ may be truly preached, truly received, and truly followed, in all places, to the breaking down the kingdom of sin, satan, and death; till at length the whole of thy dispersed sheep, being gathered into one fold, shall become partakers of everlasting life, through the merits and death of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. AN OFFICE OF INSTITUTION OF MINISTERS INTO PARISHES OR CHURCHES, Prescribed by the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America; established in General Convention of the Bishops, the Clergy, and Laity, 1804; and set forth, with Alterations, in General Convention, 1808. ↑ The Bishop having received due Notice of the Election of a Minister into a Parish or Church, as prescribed by the Canon "concerning the Election and Institution of Ministers," and being satisfied that "the Person chosen is a qualified Minister of this Church," may transmit the following Letter of Institution, for the proposed Rector, Associated Rector, or Assistant Minister, to one of his Presbyters, whom he may appoint as the Institutor. ? In any State or Diocese the concluding Paragraph in the Letter of Institution may be omitted, where it interferes with the Usages, Laws, or Charters of the Church in the same. To our well-beloved in Christ, A. B. Presbyter, Greeting. Sigillum. WE do by these Presents give and grant unto you, in whose Learning, Diligence, Signat. sound Doctrine, and Prudence, we do fully confide, our License and Authority, to perform the Office of a Priest in the Parish [or Church] of E. And also hereby do institute you into said Parish [or Church,] possessed of full power to perform every Act of sacerdotal Function among the People of the same; you continuing in communion with us, and complying with the rubrics and canons of the Church, and with such lawful directions as you shall at any time receive from us. And as a canonically instituted Priest into the Office of Rector [Associated Rector or Assistant Minister, as the case may be] of Parish [or Church,] you are faithfully to feed that portion of the flock of Christ which is now entrusted to you; not as a man-pleaser, but as continually bearing in mind, that you are accountable to us here, and to the Chief Bishop and Sovereign Judge of all hereafter. 1 And as the Lord hath ordained, that they who serve at the altar should live of the things belonging to the altar; so we authorise you to claim and enjoy all the accustomed temporalities appertaining to your cure, until some urgent reason or reasons occasion a wish in you, or in the congregation committed to your charge, to bring about a separation, and dissolution of all sacerdotal relation between you and them; of all which you will give us due notice: and in case of any difference between you and your congregation, as to a separation, and dissolution of all sacerdotal connection between you and them, we, your Bishop, with the advice of our Presbyters, are to be the ultimate arbiter and judge. In witness whereof we have hereunto affixed our Episcopal seal and signature, at year of our consecration. day of A. D. and in the this In the case of a Minister to be instituted in a State or Diocese in which there is no Bishop, the Clerical Members of the Standing Committee shall send the following Letter of Institution, for the proposed Minister, to the Presbyter whom they may appoint as Institutor. To our well-beloved in Christ, A. B. Presbyter, Greeting. Sigillum. W the Parish [or Church ] of E. And by virtue of the power vested in us, do by these Presents authorise and empower you to exercise the office of a do institute you into said Parish [or Church,] possessed of full power to perform every Act of sacerdotal Function among the people of the same; you complying with the rubrics and canons of the Church. And as a canonically instituted Priest into the office of Rector [Associated Rector, or Assistant Minister, as the case may be] of Parish [or Church,] you are to feed that portion of the flock of Christ which is now entrusted to you; not as a man-pleaser, but as continually bearing in mind that you are accountable to the ecclesiastical authority of the Church here, and to the Chief Bishop and Sovereign Judge of all hereafter. And as the Lord hath ordained that they who serve at the altar should live of the things belonging to the altar; so you have our authority to claim and enjoy all the accustomed temporalities appertaining to your cure, until some urgent reason or reasons occasion a wish in you, or in the congregation committed to your charge, to bring about a separation, and dissolution of all sacerdotal connection between you and them; of all which you will give us due notice: and in case of any difference between you and your congregation, as to a separation and dissolution of all sacerdotal connection between you and them, the ecclesiastical authority of the Church in this diocese (taking the advice and aid of a Bishop) shall be the ultimate arbiter and judge. In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals, this in the year day of The day being appointed for the new Incumbent's Institution, at the usual hour of Morning Prayer, the Institutor, attended by the new Incumbent, and one or more Presbyters appointed by the Bishop, (or, where there is no Bishop, by the Clerical Members of the Standing Committee) for that purpose, shall enter the Church: Then, all the Clergy present standing without the rails of the Altar, except the officiating Priest, who shall go into the desk; the Wardens, (or, in case of their necessary absence, two Members of the Vestry) standing on the right and left of the Altar, without the rails; the senior Warden, (or the Member of the Vestry supplying his place) holding the keys of the Church in his hand, in open view, the officiating Priest shall read Morning Prayer. Proper Psalms are, Let us pray. Psalm cxxii. Psalm cxxxii. Psalm DIRECT us, O Lord, in all our Proper Lessons. First. Ezek. Chap. xxxiii. verse 1 to verse 10. Second. St. John, Chap. x. verse 1 to verse 19. ¶ Morning Prayer ended, the Priest who acts as the Institutor, standing within the rails of the Altar, shall say, DE 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; who hath EARLY beloved in the Lord, taught us to pray unto thee, O we have assembled for the Almighty Father, in his prevailing purpose of instituting the Rev. A. name and words, B. into this Parish, [or Church] as Our Father, who art in HeaPriest and Rector for Associated ven, Hallowed be thy Name; Thy Rector, or Assistant Minister] of Kingdom come; Thy Will be the same; and we are possessed of done on Earth, as it is in Heayour vote that he has been so elect- ven; Give us this day our daily ed; as also of the prescribed Let- bread; And forgive us our trester of Institution. But if any of passes, as we forgive those who you can show just cause why he trespass against us; And lead us may not be instituted, we proceed not into temptation; But deliver no further, because we would not us from evil: For thine is the Kingthat an unworthy person should dom, and the Power, and the Glominister among you. ry, for ever and ever. Amen. Then shall the Priest who acts as the Institutor receive the Incumbent within the rails of the Altar, and present him the Bible, Book of Common Prayer, and Books of Canons of the General and State Convention, saying as follows: ¶ If any objection be offered, the Priest who acts as the Institutor shall judge whether it afford just cause to suspend the service. No objection being offered, or the Priest who acts as the Institutor choosing to go on with the service, he shall next ECEIVE these books; and read the Letter of Institution; and then shall the senior Warden, (or the Member of the Vestry let them be the rule of thy supplying his place) present the keys of the Church conduct in dispensing the divine word, in leading the devotions of to the new Incumbent, saying, IN 'N name and behalf of Parish (or Church], I do receive the people, and in exercising the and acknowledge you, the Rev. A. discipline of the Church; and be B. as Priest and Rector [or Asso-thou in all things a pattern to the ciated Rector, or Assistant Minis-flock committed to thy care. ter] of the same, and in token thereof, give into your hands the keys of this Church. ¶ Then the new Incumbent shall say, Then shall be said or sung the following Anthem. Laudate Nomen. PRAISE the Lord, laud the name of the Lord: praise it, O ye servants of the Lord. A. B. receive these keys of Psalm cxxxv. verse 1. ye the house of God at your 2 Ye that stand in the house of hands, as the pledges of my Insti- the Lord; in the courts of the house tution, and of your parochial recog- of our God. Verse 2. nition, and promise to be a faithful 30 praise the Lord, for the Shepherd over you, in the name of Lord is gracious: O sing praises the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. ¶ Here the Instituting Minister shall begin the Min. The Lord be with you. unto his name, for it is lovely. Verse 3. 4 The Lord is gracious and merciful, long suffering and of great goodness. Psalm cxlv. verse 8. 5 The Lord is loving unto every Church; give thy grace, we beman; and his mercy is over all his seech thee, to thy servant, to works. Verse 9. whom the charge of this congre6 All thy works praise thee, O gation is now committed; and so Lord; and thy Saints give thanks replenish him with the truth of unto thee. Verse 10. thy doctrine, and endue him with 7 The Lord doth build up Je- innocency of life, that he may rusalem; and gather together the faithfully serve before thee, to the outcasts of Israel.. Psalm cxlvii.glory of thy great name, and the verse 2. benefit of thy holy Church, through 8 He healeth those that are Jesus Christ, our only Med broken in heart; and giveth medi- and Redeemer. cine to heal their sickness. Verse 3. 9 The Lord's delight is in them that fear him, and put their trust in his mercy. Verse 11. 10 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion Verse 12. Mediator HOLY Jesus, who hast pur chased to thyself an universal Church, and hast promised to be with the ministers of Apostolic & Succession to the end of the world; be graciously pleased to bless the ministry and service of him, who 11 For he hath made fast the is now appointed to offer the sabars of thy gates; and hath bless crifices of prayer and praise to thee ed thy children within thee. Verse in this house, which is called by A pot thy name. May the words of his 12 He maketh peace in thy bor-mouth, and the meditation of his ders; and filleth thee with flour heart be always acceptable in thy of wheat. Verse 14. 13. P 13 He is our God, even the God sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. Amen. of whom cometh salvation; God is the Lord by whom we escape GOD, Holy Ghost, Sanctideath. Psalm Ixviii. verse 20. fier of the Faithful, visit, we 14 O God, wonderful art thou pray thee, this congregation with in thy holy places, even the God thy love and favour; enlighten of Israel; he will give strength their minds more and more with and power unto his people. Bless-the light of the everlasting Gospel; graft in their hearts a love of the Glory be to the Father, and to truth; increase in them true rethe Son, and to the Holy Ghost; ligion; nourish them with all goodAs it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world ed be God. Verse 35. without end. ness; and of thy great mercy keep Min. The law was given by Min. & Peop. Who is God over all, blessed for evermore. Amen. Benediction. 133 en THE God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through TOST gracious God, the giver the blood of the everlasting Coveof all good and perfect gifts, nant, make you perfect in every who, of thy wise providence hast good work to do his will, working appointed divers orders in thy in you that which is well pleasing Let us praye Altar to present his supplication for himself-in this form: in his sight, through Jesus Christ; the foundation of the Apostles and to whom be glory for ever and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself beever. Amen. ing the Chief Corner Stone; grant Then shall the instituted Minister kneel at the that, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, all Christians may be so LORD my God! I am not joined together in unity of spirit, worthy that thou shouldest and in the bond of peace, that they come under my roof; yet thou may be an Holy Temple accepthast honoured thy servant with able unto thee. And especially, appointing him to stand in thy to this congregation present, give House, and to serve at thy Holy the abundance of thy grace; that Altar. To thee and to thy ser- with one heart, they may desire vice I devote myself, soul, body, the prosperity of thy holy Aposand spirit-with all their powers tolic Church, and with one mouth, and faculties. Fill my memory may profess the faith once deliverwith the words of thy law; en-ed to the Saints. Defend them lighten my understanding with the from the sins of heresy and schism; illumination of the Holy Ghost;"let not the foot of pride come and may all the wishes and desires nigh to hurt them, nor the hand of of my will centre in what thou the ungodly to cast them down." hast commanded. And, to make And grant that the course of this me instrumental in promoting the world may be so peaceably ordersalvation of the people now com-ed by thy Governance, that thy mitted to my charge, grant that I Church may joyfully serve thee may faithfully administer thy holy in all godly quietness; that so they Sacraments, and by my life and may walk in the ways of truth doctrine set forth thy true and live- and peace, and at last be numberly word. Be ever with me in the ed with thy Saints in glory everperformance of all the duties of lasting, through thy merits, Oblessmy ministry; in prayer, to quick-ed Jesus, thou gracious Bishop and en my devotion; in praises, to Shepherd of our souls, who art, heighten my love and gratitude; with the Father and the Holy and in preaching, to give a readi- Ghost, one God, world without ness of thought and expression end. Amen. suitable to the clearness and excellency of thy Holy Word. Grant this for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Saviour. Then shall follow the Sermon: and after that the instituted Minister shall proceed to the Communion Service, and to administer the holy Eucharist to his Congregation and after the Benediction, (which he shall always pronounce) the Wardens, Vestry, and others shall salute and welcome him, bidding him God speed. When the Bishop of the Diocese is present at the institution of a Minister, he shall make to him the address prescribed in this Office in the form of a letter; and may perform such other duties herein assigned the Instituting Minister as he may choose. |