Where thou art Guide, no ill can come. That ended, the Bishop shall say, Lord, hear our Prayer. Almighty God and most merciful Father, who of thine infinite goodness hast given thine 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 pastors, and doctors, to the edifying and making perfect his church: grant, we beseech thee, to this thy servant such grace that he may evermore be ready to spread abroad thy gospel, the glad tidings of recon ciliation with thee, and use the authority given him, not to destruction, but to salvation; not to hurt, but to help; so that as a wise and faithful servant, giving to thy family 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 Bishops and Elders present, shall lay their hands upon the head of the elected person, kneeling before them upon his knees, the Bishop 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 Bishop shall deliver him the Bible, saying, Give heed unto reading, exhortation, and doctrine. Think upon the things contained in this book. Be diligent in them, that the increase coming thereby may be manifest unto all men. Take heed unto thyself, and to thy doctrine; for by so doing thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee. Be to the flock of Christ a shepherd, not a wolf: feed them, devour them not. Hold up the weak, heal the sick, bind up the broken, bring again the outcast, seek the lost, be so merciful that you may not be too remiss; so minister discipline that you forget not mercy; that when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, you may receive the never fading crown of glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [Then the Bishop shall administer the Lord's Supper; with whom the newly ordained Bishop, and other persons present, shall communicate.] Immediately before the Benediction, shall be said the following prayers. Most merciful Father, we beseech thee to send down upon this thy servant thy heavenly blessing, and so endue 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 whole some example in word, in conversation, in love, in faith, in chastity, and in purity; that faithfully fulfilling his course, at the latter day he may receive the crown of righteousness 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 gracious favour, and farther 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. 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. END OF THE SPIRITUAL PART. |