certain sure witnesses, and effectual promise, although they be ministered signs of grace, and GOD's good will by evil men. toward us, by the which he doth Nevertheless, it appertaineth to the work invisibly in us, and doth not discipline of the Church, that inquionly quicken, but also strengthen and ry be made of evil ministers, and confirm our faith in him. that they be accused by those that have knowledge of their offences : and finally being found guilty, by just judgment, be deposed. There are two sacraments ordained of CHRIST Our Lord in the Gospel, that is to say, Baptism, and the Supper of the LORD. Those five commonly called Sacraments, that is to say, Confirmation, Penance, Orders, Matrimony, and Extreme Unction, are not to be count ed for Sacraments of the Gospel, being such as have grown, partly of the corrupt following of the apostles, partly are states of life allowed by the Scriptures; but yet have not like nature of sacraments with Baptism and the Lord's Supper, for that they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of GOD. pro ART. XXVII. Of Baptism. Baptism is not only a sign of fession, and mark of difference, whereby Christian men are discerned from others that be not christened: but it is also a sign of regeneration, or new birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive baptism rightly are grafted into the Church: the promises of the forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of GOD by the HOLY GHOST, are visibly signed and sealed: faith is conThe sacraments were not ordained firmed, and grace increased by virtue of CHRIST to be gazed upon, or to prayer unto GOD. The baptism be carried about, but that we should of young children is in any wise to auly use them. And in such only be retained in the Church as most as worthily receive the same, they agreeable with the institution of CHRIST. have a wholescine effect or operation: but they that receive them unworthily, purchase to themselves damnation, as St. Paul saith. ART. XXVI Of the Unworthiness of the Ministers, which hinders not the effect of the Sacraments. of ART. XXVIII. Of the Lord's The Supper of the LORD is not only a sign of the love that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another; but rather it is a sacrament of our redemption by CHRIST'S death: insomuch that to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith receive the same, the bread which we break is a partaking of the body of CHRIST; and likewise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of CHRIST. Although in the visible Church the evil be ever mingled with the good, and sometime the evil have chief authority in the ministration of the word and sacraments: yet, forasmuch as they do not the same in their own name, but in CHRIST'S, and do minister by his commission and author- Transubstantiation (or the change ity, we may use their ministry, both of the substance of bread and wine) in hearing the word of GOD, and in in the Supper of the LORD, cannot receiving the sacraments. Neither be proved by Holy Writ; but it is is the effect of CHRIST'S ordinance repugnant to the plain words of taken away by their wickedness, nor Scripture, overthroweth the nature the grace of GoD's gifts diminished of a sacrament, and hath given occa. from such, as by faith, and rightly, sion to many superstitions. do receive the sacraments minister- The body of CHRIST is given, ed unto them, which be effectual, be- taken, and eaten in the supper, only cause of CHRIST's institution and after a heavenly and spiritual man. ner. And the mean whereby the body of CHRIST is received and eaten in the Supper, is faith. The sacrament of the Lord's Sup per was not by CHRIST'S ordinance reserved, carried about, lifted up, or worshipped. ART. XXIX. Of the wicked, which eat not of the Body of CHRIST in the use of the Lord's Supper. The wicked, and such as be void of a lively faith, although they do carnally and visibly press with their teeth (as St. Augustine saith) the sacrament of the body and blood of CHRIST; yet in no wise are they partakers of CHRIST; but rather to their condemnation do eat and drink the sign or sacrament of so great a thing. ART. XXX. Of both Kinds. The cup of the LORD is not to be denied to the lay-people: for both parts of the Lord's sacrament by CHRIST'S ordinance and commandment, ought to be ministered to all Christian men alike. ART. XXXI. Of the one Oblation of CHRIST finished upon the Cross, The offering of CHRIST once made, is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin, but that alone. Wherefore the sacrifice of masses, in which it was commonly said, that the priest did offer CHRIST for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, were blasphemous fables, and dangerous deceits. ART. XXXII. Of the Marriage of Priests. Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, are not commanded by GoD's law, either to vow the estate of single life, or to abstain from marriage therefore it is lawful for them, as for all other Christian men, to marry at their own discretion, as they shall judge the same to serve better to godliness. ART. XXXIV. Of the Traditions of the Church. It is not necessary that traditions and ceremonies be in all places one, or utterly like; for at all times they have been divers, and may be changed according to the diversity of countries, times, and men's manners, so that nothing be ordained against GOD'S word. Whosoever, through his private judgment, willingly and purposely doth openly break the traditions and ceremonies of the Church, which be not repugnant to the word of GOD, and be ordained and approved by cominon authority, ought to be rebuked openly (that other may fear to do the like) as he that offendeth against the common order of the Church, and hurteth the authority of the magistrate, and woundeth the consciences of the weak brethren. Every particular or national Church hath authority to ordain, change, and abolish ceremonies, or rites of the Church, ordained only by man's authority, so that all things be done to edifying. ART. XXXV. Of Homilies. The second Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we have joined, under this Article, doth contain a godly and wholesome doctrine, and necessary for these times, as doth the former Book of Hemilies, which were set forth in the time of Edward the Sixth, and therefore we judge them to be read in churches by the min isters diligently and distinctly, that | ART. XXXVI. Of Consecration of they may be understanded of the people. Of the Names of the Homilies. 1. Of the right Use of the Church. 4. Of good Works: first of Fasting. enness. 6. Against Excess of Apparel. 7. Of Prayer. 8. Of the Place and Time of Prayer. 9. That Common Prayers and Sacraments ought to be ministered in a known Tongue. 10. Of the reverent Estimation of GOD'S Word. 11. Of Alms doing. 12. Of the Nativity of CHRIST. 16. Of the Gifts of the HOLY 17. For the Rogation-days. Bishops and Ministers. The Book of Consecration of Bishops, and Ordering of Priests and Deacons, as set forth by the General Convention of this Church in 1792, doth contain all things necessary to such consecration and ordering; neither hath it any thing that, of itself, is superstitious and ungodly: and, therefore, whosoever are consecrated or ordered according to said form, we decree all such to be rightly, orderly, and lawfully consecrated and ordered. ART. XXXVII. Of the Power of the Civil Magistrates. The power of the civil magistrate extendeth to all men, as well clergy as laity, in all things temporal; but hath no authority in things purely spiritual. And we hold it to be the duty of all men who are professors of the Gospel, to pay respectful obedience to the civil authority, regularly and legitimately constituted. ART. XXXVIII: Of Christian Men's Goods, which are not com топ. The riches and goods of Christians are not common, as touching the right, title, and possession of the same, as certain Anabaptists do falsely boast. Notwithstanding, every man ought of such things as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the poor, according to his ability. ART. XXXIX. Of a Christian [This Article is received in this Church, so far as it declares the Book of Homilies to be an explication of Christian doctrine, and instructive in piety and morals. But all references to the constitution and As we confess that vain and rash laws of England are considered as swearing is forbidden Christian men inapplicable to the circumstances of by our Lord JESUS CHRIST, and this Church, which also suspends James his Apostle: so we judge that the order for the reading of said Ho- Christian religion doth not prohibit, milies in churches until a revision of but that a man may swear when the them may be conveniently made, for inagistrate requireth, in a cause of the clearing of them, as well from faith and charity, so it be done acobsolete words and phrases, as from cording to the prophet's teaching in the local references.] justice, judgment, and truth. 23 OF MAKING, ORDAINING, AND CONSECRATING BISHOPS, PRIESTS, AND DEACONS, ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AS ESTABLISHED BY THE BISHOPS, THE CLERGY, AND LAITY OF SAID CHURCH, IN GENERAL CONVENTION, IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, A. D. 1792. THE PREFACE. 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 Christ's Church,-Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. Which offices were evermore had in such reverent 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 public prayer with imposition of hands, were approved and admitted thereunto by lawful authority. And therefore, to the intent that these Orders may be continued, and reverently used and esteemed in this Church, no man shall be accounted or taken to be a lawful Bishop, Priest, or Deacon, in this Church, or suffered to execute any of the said functions, except he be called, tried, examined, and admitted thereunto according to the form hereafter following, or hath had Episcopal Consecration or Ordination. And none shall be admitted a Deacon, Priest, or Bishop, except he be of the age which the Canon in that case provided may require. And the Bishop knowing, either by himself, or by sufficient testimony, any person to be a man of virtuous conversation, and without crime; and, after examination and trial, finding him sufficiently instructed in the holy Scripture, and otherwise learned as the Canons require, may, at the times appointed, or else, on urgent occasion, upon some other day, in the face of the Church, admit him a Deacon, in such manner and form as followeth. THE FORM AND MANNER OF MAKING 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 Carist, and also how the people ought to esteem them in their office. A Priest shall present unto the Bishop, sitting in his chair near to the holy table, such as desire to be ordained 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 ministry duly to the honor of GOD, and the edifying of his Church The Priest shall answer: I HAVE inquired concerning 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 ad mitted to that Office, let him come forth in the name of Gop, and show what the crime or impediment is. ye leave the word of GOD, and serve And the word ALMIGHTY GOD, who by thy divine Providence hast appointed divers orders of ministers in thy Church, and didst inspire thine Apostles to chose into the Order of Deacons the first martyr Saint Stephen, with others; mercifully be hold these thy servants now called to of GOD increased, and the number the like office and administration; so of the disciples multipled in Jerusareplenish them with the truth of thy lem greatly, and a great company of doctrine, and adorn them with inno- the priests were obedient to the faith. cency 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 for ever. Amen. The Epistle. 1 Tim. iii. 8. 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 these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a Deacon, being found blameless. Even so inust their wives be grave, not 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. Or else this, out of the sixth Chapter of the Acts vi. 2. THEN the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should Then shall the Bishop examine every one of those who are to be Ordered, 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 this office and minis tration, to serve GOD for the promot ing of his glory, and the edifying of his people? Answer. I trust so. The Bishop. |