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'?^WP«^W^fffl!8»SSS!!f^'r«!«W-^««W^^
THE LITURGY;
OR,
FORMULARY OF SERVICES
IN USE IN THB
gilcthodisit fihuvdi of C!!att»(lii»
f*i
<y 'b
TORONTO : SAMUEL ROSE, METHODIST BOOK-ROOM,
So KING STREET EAST. * 1875.
ir« iif iiii'ii I 1I
CONTENTS.
— -t- — ■
Page
The Baptism of Infants , 5
The Baptism of Adults 11
The Reckfiiow of Members 21
The Lord's Supper 27
The Solemnization of Matrimony 41
The Burial of the Dead 49
Church Dedication 55
Laying the Corner-Stone of a Church 66
HYMNS.
1. Descriring Death :
And am I born to die? 77
1 call the world's Redeemer mine 78
Shrinking from the cold hand of death 79
The morning flowers display their sweets 79
2. On Laying the Foundation of a Church :
Thou, who hast in Zion laid 80
3. On Opening a Place of Worship :
Great God, thy watchful care we bless 81
How pleasant, how divinely fair ! 81
4. The Lord's Supper :
Let all who truly bear 82
Come, all who truly bear 83
Jesu, at whose supreme command , 83
"The promise of my Father's love 84
5. Admission into Society :
Brethren in Christ, and well-belove 1 85
6. Children dedicated to Christ :
See Israel's gentle Shepherd stand 86
7. Baptism of a Child :
God of eternal truth and love 87
8. Baptism of Adults :
Come, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost 88
LITURGY.
THE
ORDINANCE OF BAPTISM.
INFANTS.
The Minister coiniiiff to the font, which is to br filled with pure water, shall use the folloioin^, or some other exhortation suitable to this
sacred office.
D
EARLY beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin, and that our Saviour Christ saith, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God, I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that having of his bounteous mercy redeemed \this child] by the blood of his Son, He will grant that [A^] being baptized with water may also be baptized with the Holy Ghost, received into Christ's Holy Church, and become [a lively member'] of the same.
Baptism of Infants,
Then shall the Minister say,—L\Ll us Prav.
A LMIGHTY and everlasting God, who of thy great mercy didst save Noah and his family in the ark from perishing Ly water; and also didst safely lead the children of Israel, thy people, through the Red Sea, figuring thereby thy holy baptism, and hast set apart water for this Holy Sacrament ; and who hast conde- scended to enter into gracious cove- nant with man, wherein thou hast included children as partakers of its benefits, declaring that '' of such is the kingdom of heaven ;" we beseech thee for thine infinite mercies, that thou wilt look upon \tliis cliild] ; wash IJiini] and sanctify {Iiwi] with the Holy Ghost ; that [A^], being delivered from thy wrath, may be received into the ark of Christ's Church, and being steadfast in faith, joyful through hope, and rooted in love, may so pass the waves of this troublesome world, that finally [lie] may come to the land of
Baptism of Infants. 7
everlasting life ; there to reign with thee, world without end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O merciful God, grant that the old Adam inf/Afs child'] may be so buried, that the lew man may be raised up in [Aim]. Amen.
Grant that all carnal affections may die in [/zim], and that all things be- longing to the Spirit may live and grow in [hint]. Amen.
Grant that [he] may have power and strength to have victory; and to triumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen.
Grant that whosoever is dedicated to thee by our office and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded through thy mercy, O blessed Lord God, who dost live and govern all things, world without end. Amen.
Almighty, ever living God, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ,
8
Baptism of Infants.
for the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood, and gave com- mandment to his disciples that they should go and teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; Regard, we beseech thee, our supplications, and grant that [this c/iilci]y now to be baptized, may receive the fuhiess of thy grace, and be found at last in the number of thy faithful and elect children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
T/ien shall the pco/>lr sfan.f uf> : aud flic Miin'sfrr shall read one or more of the fol'oiou!;^ poit nis of .Scripture :
Hear the words of thk Loud, wRiriKX in the Hook of Gkne.sis
(Chap. xvii. vcr.'-c 7) :
AND I will establish my covenant
between me and thee, and thy
seed after thee in their generation, for
an everlasting covenant, to be a God
unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
The Apostle Peter declares (Acts ii. 39) that : The promise is unto you,
* •
Baptism of Infants.
fif
and to your children, and to all that are afar off.
The Apostle Paul likewise saith, in the Epistle to the Galatians (Chap. iii. 13, 14, 29) : Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us : for it is written. Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree : That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs, according to the promise.
The Lord hath by his servant Eze- kiel (Chap, xxxvi. 25) said : Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean : from all your filthi- ness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
Hear also the words of the Gospei,, written by St. Mark, in ■I'liE loTH Chapter, ukginning at the 13T11 Verse:.
T^HEY brought young children to
Christ, that he should touch
them. And his disciples rebuked those
X %3t An.' ^nU
10
Baptis^n of Infants,
that brought them. But when Jesus saw it he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the httle child- ren to come unto me, and forbid them • not, for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you. Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
T/un the Minister shall take the child in his arms, and say to the parents
or fiiendi of the child,
" Name this Child,"
And then, naming it after than, he shall baptise the child, sayinc^,
N. I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
r/ien shall be saia, all hneclim:^,
O
UR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us
Baptism of Adults,
II
esus and
hild- them God. pever
God enter a his , and
'le patents
le of f the
iven, Thy e on this e us
our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but dehver us from evil. Amen.
The Minister may conclude with extempore prayer.
BAPTISM OF ADULTS.
The Minister shall use the foUoivmg, or some other exhortation suitable to this holy office.
T^EARLY beloved, forasmuch as all men are conceived and born in sin (and that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and they that are in the flesh cannot please God, but live in sin, committing many actual transgres- sions) ; and our Saviour Christ saith. None can enter into the kingdom of God, except he be regenerate and born anew of water and of the Holy Ghost ; I beseech you to call upon God the Father, through our Lord Jesus
12
Baptism of Adults,
Christ, that, of his bounteous good- ness, he will grant to [these persons'] that which by nature {they] cannot have ; that [tliey] may be baptized, not only with water but also with the Holy Ghost, and received into Christ's holy Church, and be made lively [jnembcrs'] of the same.
Then Jiall the Minister stiy^
A LMIGHTY and immortal God, the aid of all that need, the helper ol all that flee to thee for suc- cour, the life of them that believe, and the resurrection of the dead ; We call upon thee for [these persons] that [tlicy] coming to thy holy baptism, may Idc filled with the Holy Ghost. Receive [them], O Lord, as thou hast promised by thy well-beloved Son, saying. Ask, and ye shall receive ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you : So give now unto us that ask ; let us that seek find ; open the gate unto us that knock;
Baptism of Adults.
13
s
that [these personsi may enjoy the everlasting benediction of thy hea- venly washing, and may come to the eternal kingdom which thou hast pro- mised by Christ our Lord. Amen.
A
After whuh he shall say,
LMIGIITY and everlasting God, our heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks for that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace and faith in thee ; in- crease this knowledge and confirm this faith in us evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit to [tliese persons^, that [tlicy'\ may be made [Jieirs] of ever- lasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Iloly Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
O merciful God, grant that the old Adam in [these persons'] may be so buried that the new man may be. raised up in [them.] Amen.
14
Baptism of Adults,
Grant that all carnal affections may die in [/A^m], and that all things be- longing to the Spirit may live and grow in \theni]. Amen.
Grant that \they^ may have power and strength to have victory, and to triumph agafnst the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen.
Grant that [they\ being here de- dicated to thee by our office and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly virtues, and everlastingly rewarded through thy mercy, O bless- ed Lord God, who dost live and go- vern all things, world without end. Amen.
Almighty, ever living God, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, iov the forgiveness of our sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood, and gave com- mandment to his disciples that they should go teach all nations, and bap-
Baptism of Adults.
15
tize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Regard, we beseech thee, the, suppHcations of this congregation, and grant that \these persons'] now to be baptized may receive the fulness of thy grace, and be found at last in the number of thy faithful and elect children, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then shall the people stand up, a,ul the Minister shall say :
Hear the words ov the Gospel, written fev St. John, in the Third Chapter, beginning at the First Verse :
TPHERE was a man of the Phari- sees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God ; for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born V agb,:n, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him,
i6
Baptism of Adults,
How can a man be born when he is old ? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born ? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot ente.~ into the kingdom of God. That 'vvhich is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof; but canst not tell whence it cometh and whither it goeth ; , so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Hear the words of the Prophecy written by Ezekiel, (Chap, xxxvi. 25-27.)
T^HEN will I sprinkle clean water upon you and ye shall be clean : from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new Spirit will I put within you ; and I will take away the stony heart out of
Baptism of Adults.
17
your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and will cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my statutes, and do them.
Hear also the words of St. Paul, written in his Epistle to THE Romans (Chap. xv. 8, 9) :
]M'OW I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.
Th<H tJu 'MvUsier shall speak to the persons to be bapUzed on
this wise :
Tl/^ELL-BELOVED, who \lt(w^ come hither, desiring to re- ceive holy baptism, \^ye] have heard how the congregation have prayed that the Lord Jesus Christ would vouchsafe to receive you, and bless you, to release you of your sm^, to give you the kingdom of heaven and everlasting life. And our Lord Jesus 2
>."'
i8
ri i
Baptism of A dulls.
Christ hath promised, in his Holy Word, to grant all those things that we have prayed for ; which promise he for his part will most assuredly keep and perform.
Wherefore, after this promise made by Christ, you must also faithfully, for your part, promise before this whole congregation, that you will renounce the devil and all his works, and con- stantly believe God's Holy Word, and obediently keep his commandments.
T/ien shall the Minister demand r " each of the persons to be baptized^
severally :
Ques. T^OST thou renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so that thou wilt not follow or be led by them ?
Ans. I renounce them all.
Ques, Dost thou believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth ? and in Jesus Christ his
.r-'l
Baptism of Adults.
19
only begotten Son our Lord ? and that he was conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary ? that he suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried ? that he rose again the third day ? that he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, and from thence he shall come again, at the end of the world, to judge the quick and the dead? And dost thou believe in the Holy Ghost ; the Holy Catholic Church ; the communion of saints; the remis- sion of sins ; the resurrection of the body, and everlasting life after death ?
Ans, All this I steadfastly believe.
Ques, Wilt thou be baptized in this faith?
Ans, This is my desire.
Qiies. Wilt thou • then obediently keep God's holy will and command- ments, and walk in the same all the days of thy life ?
20
Baptism of Adults,
Ans, I will endeavour to do so, God being my helper.
Tien shall ths Minister ask the name of the Person to be baptised, and repeating the same shall baptize him, saying:
Ny I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then shall be said the Lords Prayer, all kneeling.
/^UR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Minister may conclude with extempore prayer.
\t.
i' .^
RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
FORM OF RECEIVING PERSONS INTO THE CHURCH
AKT^:R PROBATION.
upon the day appointed^ all that are to be received shall be called forward^ and the Minister addressing the congregation^ shall say :
r\EARLY Beloved Brethren, — The Scriptures teach us that the Church is the household of God, the body of which Christ is the Head, and that it is the design of the Gos- pel to bring together, in one, all who are in Christ. The fellowship of the Church is the communion which its members enjoy one with another. The ends of this fellowship are the maintenance of sound doctrine, and of the ordinances of Christian wor- ship, and the exercise of that power of godly admonition and discipline which Christ has committed to His Church for the promotion of holiness.
22 Reception of Members.
It is the duty of all men to unite in this fellowship, for it is those that be ** planted in the house of the Lord, that shall flourish in the courts of our God." Its more particular duties are to promote peace and unity ; to bear one another's burdens ; to pre- vent each other's stumbling ; to seek the intimacy of friendly society among themselves; to continue steadfast in the faith and worship of the Gospel ; and to pray and sympathize with each other. Among its privileges are pe- culiar incitements to holiness from the hearing of God's Word, and shar- ing in Christ's ordinances ; the being placed under the watchful care oi pas- tors, and the enjoyment of the bless- ings which are promised only to those who are of the household of faith. Into this holy fellowship the persons before you, who have already received the Sacrament of Baptism, and have ^been under the care of proper leaders
Reception oj Members, 23
for three months on trial,) come seek- ing admission. We now purpose, in the fear of God, to question them as to their faith and purposes, that you may know that they are proper persons to be admitted into the Church.
T/icn the Minister may address the applicants in the following or
similar language:
T^EARLY Beloved, — You come hither seeking the great privi- lege of union with the Church which our Saviour has purchased with his own blood. We rejoice in the grace of God vouchsafed unto you, in that he has called you to be his followers^ and that thus far you have d©««>^w^ well. You have heard how blessed are the privileges, and how solemn are the duties of membership in Christ's Church ; and before you are ^fully^ admitted thereto, it is proper that you do here publicly renew your vows, confess your faith, and declare your purposes, by answering the fol- lowing questions :
i
'
24 Reception of Members,
' Ques. Do you here, in the presence of God and of this congregation,
renew the solemn consecration of yourself to God, and take upon you the sacred obligations involved and set forth in the holy ordinance of Baptism, and do you purpose that in heart and life, in death and for ever, you will be a true servant of God and of Christ ?
Ans, I do; — such is my purpose, by God's help.
Ques. Do you believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, as the only and all- sufficient propitiation for the sins of mankind; and do you look to Him for the remission of sin and eternal life?
Ans, Such is my faith and hope.
Ques, Do you believe in the inspi- ration and divine authority of Holy Scripture, and accept the same as a sufficient rule of faith and practice ?
Ans, I do.
Reception of Members,
25
Ques. Will you cheerfully be go- verned by the rules of the Methodist Church ,ofv i|^rt^4s^,. hold sacred the ordinances of God,* and endeavour, as much as in vou lies, to -Dromote the (welfare of your brethren and thej ad- vancement of the Redeemer's king- dom ?
Ans, I will.
Ques. Will you contribute of your earthly substance, according to your ability, to the j:upport of the Gospel and the various benevolent enterprises of the Church ?
Ans, I will.
Then the Minister, addressing the Churchy shall say i
T3RETHREN, you have heard the responses given to our enquiries. Have any of you any reason to allege why these persons should not be re- ceived into full membership in the Church ?
26 Reception of Members,
No objection being alleged, the Minister shall say to the candidates :
^\TrE welcome you to the Com- munion of the Church of God ; and, in testimony of our Christian affection and the cordiality with which we receive you, I hereby extend to you the right hand of fellowship; and may God grant that you may be a faithful and useful member of the Church militant, until you are called to the fellowship of the Church triumphant, which is " without tault before the throne of God."
Then shall the Minister o£^i extempore prayer.
, -,■. V.l'.. .1 , .^f .:> ■ .7';< V.
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
THE ORDER FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S
SUPPER.
Ques. Atc there any directions to be given concerning the administration of tl^e Lord's Supper ?
Ans. I. Let those who have scruples concerning the receiving of it kneel- ing, be permitted to receive it either standing or sitting.
Ans. g. Let no person who is not a Member of our Church, be admitted to the Communion, without examination, and some token given by the Minister.
Ans. 3. No person shall be admitted to the Lord^s Supper among us, who is guilty of any practice for which we would exclude a member of our Church.
While the collection for the poor is being taken up, the Minister shall -say one or more of these sentences :
T ET your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. — Matt. v. 16.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal ; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
28
The Lord's Supper.
neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. — Matt. vi. 19, 20.
Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do unto them, for this is the law and the prophets. — Matt. vii. 12.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. — Matt. vi. 21.
Zaccheus stood forth and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor ; and if I have done any wrong to any man I restore him four-fold. — Luke xix. 8.
He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly ; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Let every man do ac- cording as he is disposed in his heart; not grudgingly, or of neces-
The Lord's Supper.
29
sity ; for God loveth a cheerful giver. — 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7.
As we have therefore opportunity let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. — Gal. vi. 10.
GodHness with contentment is great gain ; for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. — i Tim. vi. 6,7.
Charge them that are rich in this w^orld, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy ; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to com- municate ; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. — i Tim. vi. 17, 18, 19. -h,,,.
3©
Th^ Lord^s Supper.
^ For God is not unrighteous to for- get your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. — Heb. vi.
10. •
But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.— Heb. xiii. i6.
But whoso hath this world's goods, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ? — i John iii. 17.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth to the Lord ; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. — Prov. xix. 17.
Blessed is he that considereth the poor ; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble— Psalm xli. i. •.
/
The Lord's Supper.
31
While these sentences are beinj read, some Jit person, appointea for that ')urpose, shall receive the alms for the poor ; and then hnug fhem to the Minister, who shall place them upon the table.
After which the Minister shall say :
"VE that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life, follow- inq: the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways ; draw near with faith and take this Holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God, meekly kneeling upon your knees.
Then shall this general confession be made by the Minister in the name of all those that arv minded to receive the Holy Communion^ both he and all the people kneeling humbly upon their knees and saying: ^.- ..
A LMIGHTY GOD, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all men : we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and
33
The Lord's Supper,
deed, against thy Divine Majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father ; for thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honor and glory of thy name, through Jesus Chrict our Lord Amen.
Th£H shall the Minister tay :
O
ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who for thy great mercy hast promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto thee ; have mercy upon us ; pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to
The Lord^s Stopper,
33
everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
T/te Collect.
^LMIGHTY God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid ; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy Holy Name, through Christ our Lord.
Then shall the Minister say :
TT is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto thee, 0 Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.
Therefore with angels and arch- angels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name, evermore praising thee and saying. Holy, holy, holy. Lord God of Hosts, heaven and earth 3
34
The Lord's Supper.
are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, 0 Lord most high. Amen.
We do not presume to come to this thy Table, 0 merciful God, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not wo. thy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose propert}/ is always to have mercy ; Grant us, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful souls and bodies may be made clean by his death, and washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.
TItcn the Minister shall offer the Prayer of Consecration as folloiveth :
A LMIGHTY God, our heavenly
Father, who of thy tender mercy
didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ
to suffer death upon the cross for our
redemption ; who made there (by his
The Lord's Supper.
35
oblation of himself once offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, obla- tion and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world : and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue a perpetual memory of that his precious death, until his coming again : hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee, and grant that we, receiving these thy creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed Bodv and Blood, who in the same night that he was betrayed took bread : and when he had given thanks he brake it and gave it to his disciples saying. Take, eat ; this is my body which is given for you; Do this in remembrance of me. Likewise after supper he took the cup ; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this ; for this
36
The Lord's Supper.
is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins ; this do ye, as often as ye drink of it, in remem- brance of me. Amen.
Then shall the Minister or Ministers first receive the Communion in both kinds : and then proijed to deliver the same to the people also, in order, into their uncovered hands. And when he de- livereth the bread he shall say :
npHE Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee^ preserve thy soul and body unto ever- lasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for theCy and feed on him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving.
And the Minister that dclivereth the cup shall say :
npHE Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee^ preserve thy soxd and body unto ever- lasting life. Drink of this in remem- brance that Christ's blood was shed for thee^ and be thankful.
The Lord's Supper.
37
If the comecrnled head or wine be all spent before all have com-, mtiuuated, the Minister ntay cotuecrate more by repeating tht prayet of Consecration.
When all have communicated, the Minister shall return to the Lord's Table, and place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated elements, covering the same with a fair linen cloth.
Then may t/tc Minister say the Lora^s Prayer: the people repeating after him every petition.
/^UR Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name ; Thy Kingdom come ; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven ; Give us this day our daily bread ; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us ; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil ; For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
After which may be said as followeth :
r\ LORD, our heavenly Father, we ^^^ thy humble servants desire thy Fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanks- giving ; most humbly beseeching thee to grant that, by the merits and
38
The LorcTs Supper.
death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and thy whole Church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy and lively sacrifice unto thee ; humbly I /eseeching thee that all we who are partakers of this holy Communion, may be filled with thy grace and heavenly b'^nediction. And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee anv sacrifice, vet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service ; not weigh- ing our merits but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord : by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.
7 r-
The Lord's Supper
39
Then may be said .
/^LORY be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest awav the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord ; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the Glory of God the Father. Amen.
40 . The Lord's Supper,
Then the Minister, if he see it expedient, may offer an extempore prayer s and afterwards shall let the people depart with this
blessing :
TV/JAY the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the know- ledge and love ot God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord ; and the bless- ing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.
N.B. — If the Minister be straitened for time, he may omit any part of the Service, except the Prayer of Consecration,
rt
;H..
THE FORM OF SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY.
Ft'rsf, the banns of all that are to be married must be f>ublished in the Congregation, according to law, (unless in cases where special license has been obtained).
At the time appointed for the solemnization of Matrimony, the Persons to be marrieu, standing together, the man at the right hand of the woman, the Minister shall say :
Tr\EARLY beloved, we are gathered together here, in the sight of God, and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony, which is an honourable estate, insti- tuted of God in the time of man's innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and the first miracle •that he wrought in Canr of Galilee, and is commended of St. Paul to be honourable among all men; and there- fore is not by any to be enterprised or taken in hand unadvisedly, but
43
Matrimony,
reverently, discreetly, advisedly, and in the fear of God.
Into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore, if any one can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for- ever hold his peace.
Aita also speakip^ unto the persons that are to be mat ried, he
shall say:
I
REQUIRE and charge you both (as you will answer at the dreadful day of judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed), that il either of you knovv^ any impediment why you may not be lawtully joined together in Matrimony, you do now confess it. For be ye well assured, that so many as are coupled together otherwise than as God's word doth allow, are not joined together by God, neither is their Matrimony lawful. ^^^
I
Matrimony.
43
i
If MO impediment be alleged, then shall the Minister say unto
the Afan:
My Wilt thou have this Woman to be thy wedded Wife, to live together after God's ordinance, in the holy estate of Matrimony ? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health ; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live ?
The Man shall answer:
" I WILL."
Then shall the Minister say unto the Woman :
Ny Wilt thou have this Man to be thy wedded Husband, to live to- gether after God's ordinance, in the holy estate of Matriinony ? Wilt thou obey him., serve him, love, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health ; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live ? - v^
44
Matrimony,
Tin Wontatt shall ansTven
*' I WILL."
T/ien the Mhiister shall cause the Man luith his right hand to take the IVoman by the right hand, and to say after him as followeth :
T M, TAKE thee A^, to be my wedded ' Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance ; and thereto I plight thee my faith.
Then shall they loose their hanas, and the IVoman, with her right hand, taking the Man by his right hand, shall likewise say after
the Minister :
J N, TAKE thee M, to be my wedded ''' Husband, to have and ^o hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sick- ness and in health, to love, cherish, and obey, till death us do part, ac- cording to God's holy ordinance ; and thereto I give thee my faith. ^ \ ,,/
;, •" I' I
Matrimony.
45
W^eH the parties desire to be married with a ring, the following form may be used : — The Man, placing- the ring upon the fourth finger of the Woman's left hand, shall say after the Minister:
\T[riTH this Ring, a token and pledge of the Vow and Co- venant now made between me and thee, I do thee wed, in the Name of the Father; and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Then shall the Minister say f
LET US PRAY.
Q ETERNAL God, Creator and Preserver of all Mankind, Giver of all Spiritual Grace, the Author of Everlasting Life; send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this Man and this Woman, whom we bless in thy name ; that as Isaac and Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live ac- cording to thy laws, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
46
Matrimony.
Then shall the Minister say :
r\ GOD of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob bless this Man and this Woman, and sow the seed of eternal life in their hearts, that what- soever in thy holy word they shall profitably learn, they may indeed fulfil the same. Look, O Lord, mercifully on them from heaven, and bless them. And as thou didst send thy blessings upon Abraham and Sarah, to their great comfort; so vouchsafe to send thy blessings upon this Man and this Woman, that they, obeying thy will, and always being in safety under thy protection, may abide in thy love unto their lives' end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who at the begin- ning didst create our first parents, Adam and Eve, and didst sanctify and join them together in marriage, pour upon you the riches of his grace, sanctify and bless you, that ye may
Matrimony.
47
please him both in body and in soul, and live together in holy love unto your lives' end. Amen.
77ten shall the Minister Join their tight hands togtther and say:
"THOSE whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder. Forasmuch as M. and N, have con- sented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have pledged their laith either to other, and have declared the same by joining ot hands, and by the giving and receiving of a ring, I pro- nounce that they are husband and wife together, — In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Ana the Minister shall add this blessing
r^OD the Father, God the Son,
God the Holy Ghost, bless,
preserve, and keep you; the Lord
mercifully with his iavour look upon
48
Matrimony.
I
you, and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life that in the world to come ye may have life ever- lasting. Amen.
Then shall the Minister say :
/^UR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
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THE ORDER OF THE ! |
BURIAL OF THE DEAD.
[N.B. The following or some other solemn service shali*
BE USED.] T/ie Minis fer meetin(j; the corpse^ and s^oing btfore it, shall say:
T AM the resurrection and the Hfe, saith the Lord ; he that beHeveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live ; and who';oever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die. John xi. 25, 26.
I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth ; And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God : whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not an- other. Job xix. 25, 26, 27. 4
i.
5^
Burial of the Dead.
We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord, i Tim. vi. 7 ; Job. i. 21.
At the gravey when the corpse is laid in the earth, the Minister
shall say :
\/rAN that is born of a woman, hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up and is cut down as a flower; he fleeth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one stay.
In the midst of life we are in death ; of whom may we seek for succour, but of thee, O Lord, who for our sins art justly displeased.
Yet, O Lord God most holy, O Lord most mighty, O holy and most merciful Saviour, deliver us not into the bitter pains of eternal death.
=Ls;im-/--T:3; JWr-.-.i
Burial of the Dead.
51
Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of
our hearts ; shut not thy merciful ears to our prayers, but spare us, Lord
most holy, O God, most mighty, O holy and merciful Saviour, thou most worthy Judge eternal, and grant us at our last hour, such divine comfort and strength that, amid even the pains of death, we may glorify thee.
Then, while the earth shall be cast upon the body by som« standing by^ the Minister shall say :
pORASMUCH as it hath pleased Almighty God in his wise provi- dence, to take out of the world the soul of the departed, we therefore com- mit [Azs] body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust ; looking for the general resurrection in the last day, and the life of the world to come, through our Lord Jesus Christ ; at whose second coming in glorious majesty to judge the world, the earth and the sea shall give up their dead ; and the cor-
53 ' Burial of the Dead.
ruptrole bodies of those who sleep in him shall be changed and made like unto his own glorious body; accord- ing to the mighty working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself.
T/ien shall be said :
T HEARD a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors ; and their works do follow them.
Then shall the Minister say :
Lord have mercy upon us, Christ have mercy upon us, Lord have mercy upon us,
I^UR Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us
^f
in
Banal of the Dead.
53
our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us« And lead us not into temptation ; but dehver us from evil. Amen.
The Collect,
Q MERCIFUL God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life ; in whom whosoever beliei^eth shall live, though he die ; and whosoever liveth and believeth in him shall not die eternally ; we meekly besc^xh thee, O Father, to raise us from thti death ot sin unto the life of righteousness; that when we shall depart chis life we may rest in him ; and, at the general resurrection on the last day, may be^ found acceptable in thy sight, and re- ceive that blessing which thy well- beloved Son shall then pronounce to all that love and fear thee, saying, Come ye blessed children of my Father, receive the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the
54
Burial of the Dead.
^ world. Grant this, we beseech thee, 0 merciful Father, through Jesus Christ L ir Mediator and Redeemer.
Amen.
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
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IX
FORM FOR THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH.
T/ie Congregation icing assembled in the Church, the Minister shall
say:
"T^EARLY beloved, The Scriptures teach us that God is well pleased with those who build Temples to His name. We have heard how He filled the Temple of Solomon with His glory, and how in the Second Temple He manifested Himself still more gloriously. Let us not doubt that He will approve our purpose of dedicating this house for the performance of the several offices of religious worship ; and let us now devoutly join in pxuise to Almighty God that this godly un- dertaking hath been so far completed; and in prayer for His further blessing upon all who have been engaged therein, and upon all who shall here- after worship in this place.
55 Dedication of a Church,
Let an appropriate Hymn be sung, and extemporary prayer be offered, the Congregation all kneeling during the prayer.
Then shall the Minister, or some one appointed by him, read — The First Lesson (2 Chron. vi. i, 2, 18-21, 40-42, vii. 1-4) :
T^HEN said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. But I have built a house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling forever.
But will God in very deed dwell Vv'ith men on the earth ? Behold heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee, how much less this house which I have built ! Have respect, therefore, to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee : that thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said thou v/ouldst put thy name there ; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place. Hearken, therefore, unto the upplications of thy servant, and of
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Dedication of a Church,
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thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place, hear them from thy dwelling-place, even from heaven ; and when thou hearest, for- give.
Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. Now, therefore, arise, O Lord God, into thy resting-place, thou, and the ark of thy strength : let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints re- joice in goodness. O Lord God, turn not away the face of thine anointed ; remember the mercies of David thy servant.
Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt- offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the
58 Dedication of a Church. *
glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth forever. Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord.
The Second Lesso7t (Heb. x. 19-26) :
TJAVING therefore, brethren, bold- ness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having a High Priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart, in full assur- ance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our
'
'■■>. f ■
Dedication of a Church. 59
faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; not forsoking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is ; but ex- horting one another; and so much the more as ye see the day approach- ing. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacri- fice for sins.
•A
T/ien shall a hymn be sung, after which the Minister shall deliver a Sermon suitable to the occasion, and after the Sermon the contributions of the people shall be received.
TJun shall the Minister reaa tlie following Psalm, or the Mir.istcr and the Congregation shall read it alternately j the pa, ts in italics to be read by the Congregation :
Psalm cxxii.
T WAS glad when they said unto me. Let us go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand within thy gates, 0 Jenisalem,
Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together.
6o Dedication of a Church.
nt
Whither the trbes ^o up, the tribes of the Lord,
Unto the testimony of Israel to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.
For there are thrones of judgment ^ the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem :
They shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls.
And prosperity within, thy palaces.
For my brethren and companions i^akes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
' Bricause of the house of the Lord, oar God I will seek th> good.
Then let the Trustees stand np before the Minisier, and one of them, or some one in their behalf say unto him :
TTTFy present unto you this building, to be dedicated as a Church for the worship and service of Al- mighty God,
^1.
Dedication of a Church.
6i
of .
Then shall the Minister request the Congregation to stand, while he
repeats the jollowing
DECLARATION. ' '
T^EARLY beloved, It is meet and right, as we learn from the Holy Scriptures, that houses erected for the public worship of God should be specially set apart and dedicated to religious uses. For such a dedication we are now assembled. With grati- tude, therefore, to Almighty God, who has signally blessed his servants in their holy undertaking to erect this Church,, we dedicate it to His service, for the reading of the Holy Scriptures, the preaching of the Word of God, the administration of the Holy Sacra- ments, and for all other exercises of relip*ious worshin and service, accord- ing to the Discipline and usages of theWesleyan Methodist Church. And, as the dedication of ihe temple is vain without the solemn consecration of the worshippers also, I now call upon you all to dedicate yourselves anew to
63 Dedication of a Church,
the service of God. To Him let our souls be dedicated, that they may be renewed after the image of Christ. To Him let our bodies be dedicated, that they may be fit temples for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. To Him let our labors and business be dedicated, that their fruit may tend to the glory of His great name, and to the advancement of His kingdom. And that he may graciously accept this our solemn act, let us pray.
Tlie Congregation kneeling, the Minister shall offer the following
prayer :
C\ MOST glorious Lord, we acknow- ledge that we are not worthy to offer unto thee anything belonging unto us ; yet we beseech thee, in thy great goodness, graciously to accept the Dedication of this place to thy service, and to prosper this the work of our hands; receive the prayers and intercession of all thy servants who shall call upon thee in this house;
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Dedication of a Church, 63
and give them grace to prepare their hearts to serve thee with reverence and godly fear ; affect them with an awful apprehension of thy Divine Majesty, and a deep sense of their own unworthiness ; that so approaching thy sanctuary with lowliness and de- votion, and coming before thee with pure hearts, bodies undefiled, and minds sanctified, they may always perform a service acceptable to thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Regard, O Lord, the supplications of thy servants, and grant that who- soever shall be dedicated to thee in this house by Baptism, may be found at last in the number of thy faithful children. Amen.
Grant, O Lord, that whosoever shall receive in this place the blessed Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, may come to that holy ordi- nance with true repentance, laith, and charity; and being filled with thy
i 1
64 Dedication of a Church,
grace and heavenly benediction, may obtain remission of their sins, and all other benefits of his death. Amen.
Grant, 0 Lord, that by thy Holy Word, read and preached in this place, and by the Holy Spirit grafting it inwardly in the heart, the hearers thereof may perceive and know what things they ought to do, and may re- ceive power to perform the same. Amen.
Now, therefore, arise, O Lord, and come unto this place of thy rest, thou and the ark of thy strength. Let thine eye be open toward this house day and night ; and let thine ear be attent to the prayers of thy children, which they shall offer unto thee in this place : and do thou hear them 'from heaven, thy dwelling-place, and when thou hearest, iorgive. O Lord, we beseech thee, that here and else- where thy ministers may be clothed with righteousness, and thy saints re-
Dedication of a Church. 65
joice in thy salvation. And may we all, with thy people everywhere, grow up into a holy temple in the Lord, and be at last received into the house not made with hands, eternal in the ; heavens. And to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be glory | and praise, world without end. Amen.*'
Th4 siTvices may conclude -with the Doxology and the Benediction,
■ <
• i
FORM FOR LAYING THE CORNER STONE OF A CHURCH.
Tke Minister, standing n'r.r the oiace where the stone is to be laid, shall
say unto \he Congregation :
T^EARLY beloved, We are taught ^^ in the Word of God, that, although the heaven of heavens can- not contain the Eternal One, much less the walls of temples made with hands, yet His delight is ever with the :^ons of men, and that, wherever two or three are gathered in His name, there is He in the midst of them. In all ages His servants have separated certain places for His wor- ship; Jacob erected a stone in Bethel for God's house; Moses made a taber- nacle in the desert ; and Solomon builded a temple for the Lord, which He filled with the glory of His pre- sence before all the people. We are now assembled to lay the corner-stone
. ?.
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Laying a Corner-Stone. 67
f
of a new house for the worship of the God of our Fathers. Let us not doubt that He will favorably approve our godly purpose, and let us now de- voutly unite in singing His praise, and in prayer for His blessing on our undertaking.
Lei an appropriate hymn be sung, »
Then shall the Minister say :
t Let us pray.
IV/TOST Glorious God, heaven is Thy throne and the earth is Thy footstool : what house then can be builded for Thee, or where is the place of Thy rest? Yet,, blessed be Thy name, O Lord God, that . it hath pleased Thee to have Thy habitation among the sons of men, and to dwell in the midst of the assembly of the saints upon the earth. And now^ especially, we render thanks to Thee, 0 God, that it hath pleased Thee to put it into the hearts of Thy servants to erect in this place a house for Thy
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68 Laying a Corner-Stone.
worship. We thank Thee for Thy .grace, which has inclined them to contribute of their substance for the glory of Thy name : and we pray Thee to continue Thy blessing upon their pious undertaking. Amen.
May many unite with them in their holy work, until this habitation of Thy house shall be completed, and ready for dedication to Thy service, free from all debt or claim of man. Amen.
May peace and harmony prevail in the counsels of Thy servants. May the work of this building be accom- plished without hurt or accident to any person. And when Thou shalt have prospered the work of their hands upon them, and this house shall be prepared for Thy service, grant that all who shall enjoy the benefit of this pious work may show forth their thankfulness, by making a right use of it, to the glory of Thy blessed
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Laying a Cornerstone, 69
name; through Jesus Christ our.Lord.
Amen. ■• "'"''• ■•• ''^'''^
Grant that all who shall hereafter worship Thee in the temple here to be builded, may so serve and please Thee in all holy exercises of godli- dess, that in the end they may come to the holy place, made without hands, whose builder and maker is God, Amen.
Hear us, 0 Lord, for Thou art our God in whom we trust. And when we shall cease to pray unto Thee on earth, may we, with all those who in like manner have erected such places to Thy name, and with all Thy glorified saints, eternally praise Thee for all Thy goodness vouchsafed unto us on earth, and laid up for us in heaven. Amen,,
Accept these our prayers, we be- seech Thee, for the sake of Thy dear Son, who has taught U3 when we pray
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70 Laying a Corner-Stone.
to say, "Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Amen.
TAen shall the Minister read the following Psalm, or the Minister and people may read it in alternate verses; the parts in italics to b» read by the people:
Psalm cxxxii.
T ORD, remember David, and all his afflictions :
How he sware unto the Lord, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;
Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;
/ will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,
' Until I find out a place for the Lord,
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Laying a Corner-stone. 71
A habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah : we found it in the fields of the wood.
We will go into his tabernacles; we will worship at his footstool.
Arise, O Lord, into thy rest ; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness ;
And let thy saints shout for joy.
For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David ; he will not turn from it ;
Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. ,
If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.
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72 Laying a Corner-Stone.
. For the Lord hath chosen Zion ; he hath desired it for his habitation.
This is my rest forever ; here will I dwell ; for I have desired it. / will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
/ will clothe her priests with salva- tion : . .
And her saints shall shout aloud for
joy-
There will I mak-e the horn of David to bud :
I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
His enemies will I clothe with shame:
But upon himself shall his crown flourish.
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The Lesson, i Cor. iii. 9-23.
170 R we are labourers together with God : ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid
Laying a Corner-stone, 73
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the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire ; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss : but he himself shall be saved ; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you! If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy : for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise
74 Layi ff r Corner-Stone.
in this woild, i :^i -vm become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. There- fore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come ; all are yours ; and ye are Christ's ; and Christ is God's.
TAett shall follow the Sermon, or an Address suitable to the occasion^ after which the contributions of the people shall be received.
Then shall the Minister, standing by the stone, exhibit to the congre- gation a vessel to be placed in an excavation of the stone. [It may contain a copy of the Bible, the Hymn Book, the Discipline, Church periodicals of recent date, the names of the Pastor, Trustees, and Building Committee of the Church, with such other documents and articles as may be desired. A list of these may be read.] After which the person thereto appointed shall deposit the vessel in the stone and cover it J and sliall lay the stone, assisted by the builder, saying :
TN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, I lay this corner-stone for the foundation of a house to be builded and con-, secrated to the service of Almighty
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Laying a Corner-Stone. 75
God, according to the order and usages of the Methodist Chi^rch.
Amen.
The service may conclude with extempore prayer, the lr--d. prayer and benediction.
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A COLLECTION OF HYMNS.
DESCRIBING DEATH.
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HYMN 43. S. M.
ND am I born to die ? * To lay this body down ? And must my trembling spirit fly Into a world unknown ? — A land of deepest shade, Unpierced by human thought ; The dreary regions of the dead, Where all things are forgot
2 Soon as from earth I go, What will become of me ?
Eternal happiness or woe Must then my portion be : Waked by the trumpet's sound, I from my grave shall rise,
And see the Judge with glory crown'd, And see the flaming skies.
3 0 thou that wouldst not have One wretched sinner die ;
Who diedst thyself, my soul to save
From endless misery !
Show me the way to shun
Thy dreadful wrath severe ; That when thou comest on thy throne,
I may with joy appear !
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DESCRIDIXO DEATH.
4 Thou art thyself the way ;
Thyself in me reveal : So shall I spend my life's short day
Obedient to thy will :
So shall I love my God,
Because he first loved me, And praise thee in t)iy bright abode,
To all eternity.
HYMN 718. 6-8'8. " / know that my Redeemer liveCh."
1 T CALL the world's Redeemer mine ; J- He lives who died for me, I know; Who bought my soul with blood divine,
Jesus, shall re-appear below, Stand in that dreadful day unknown. And fix on earth his heavenly i.'irnne.
2 Then the last judgment-day sludl come ;
And though the worms this skin devour, The Judge shall call me from the tomb.
Shall l)id the greedy grave restore, And raise this individual me, God in the flesh, my God, to see.
3 In this identic body I,
With eyes of flesh refined, restored, Shall see that self-same Saviour nigh.
See for myself my smiling Lord, See with ineffable delight ; Nor faint to bear the glorious sight.
4 Then let the worms demand their prey.
The greedy grave my reins consume; With joy I drop my mouldering clay,
And rest till my Redeemer come; On Christ, my life, in death rely. Secure the*; I can never die.
DE8CBIBIN0 DEATH.
HYMN 45. L. II
1 OHRTNKING from the cold hand of death, kJ I too shall gather up ray feet ;
Shall soon resign this fleeting breath, And die, my fathers' God to meet.
2 Number'd among thy people, I
Expect with joy thy face to see : Because thou didst for sinners die, Jesus, in death remember me I
3 0 that without a lingering groan
I may the welcome word receive ; My body with my charge lay down, And cease at once to work and live ?
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HYMN 46. L. M.
1 rPHE morning flowers display their sweets,
-I- And gay their silken leaves unfold. As -careless of the noontide heats. An fearless of the evening cold.
2 Nipt by the wind's unkindly blast,
Parch'd by the sun's directer ray, The momentary glories waste, The short-lived beauties die away.
3 So blooms the human face divine.
When youth its pride of beauty shows : Fairer than spring the colours shine. And sweeter than the virgin rose.
4 Or worn by slowly-rolling years,
Or broke by sickness in a day, The fading glory disappears, The short-lived beauties die away.
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ON LAYING THE FOUNDATION OF A CHURCH.
6 Yet these, new rising from the tomb, With lustre brighter far shall shine ; ^Eevive with ever-during bloom, Safe from diseases and decline.
6 Let sickness blast, and death devour, If heaven must recompense our pains : Perish tlie grass, and fade the flower, If firm the word of God remains.
ON LAYING THE FOUNDATION OF A
CHURCH.
HYMN T8T. 7's & 6's.
1 nPHOU, who hast in Zion laid
JL The true foundation-suone, And with those a covenant made.
Who build on that alone : Hear us, Architect divine ! Great Builder of thy Church below; Now upon thy servants shine, Who seek tliy praise to show.
2 Earth is thine ; her thousand hilla
Thy mighty hand sustains; Heaven thy awful presence fills;
O'er all thy glory reigns; Yet the place of old prepared By regal David's favour'd son Thy peculiar blessing shared.
And stood thy chosen throne.
3 We, like Jesse's son, would raise
A temple to the Lord; Sound throughout its courts Hie praise,
His saving name record; Deaicate a house to Him, Wlio, once in mortal weakness shrined, Sorrow'd, suffer'd to redeem,
To rescue all mankind.
ON OPENING A PLACE OF WORSHIR
4 Father, Son, and Spirit, send
The consecrating flame ; • Now in majesty descend, Inscribe the living name ; That great name by which we live Now write on this accepted stone ; Us into thy hands receive, Our temple make thy throne.
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ON OPENING A PLACE OF WORSHIP.
HYMN 736. L. M.
1 / '^ REAT God, thy watchful care wc bless, VJT Which guards these sacred courts in peace; Nor dare tumultuous foes invade
To fill thy worshippers with dread
2 These waUs we to thy honour raise, Long ma> they echo to thy praise ! And thou, de'icending, fill the place With choicef,t tokens of thy grace.
3 And in the great decisive day, When God the nations shall survey, May it before the world appear, That crowds were ''Orn to glory here.
HYMN 738. oJ^ M.
1 TTOW pleasant, how divinely fair, XX 0 Lord of Hosts, thj^ dwellings are ! With strong desire my spirit faints
To meet the' assemblies of thy saints.
2 Blest are the saints that sit on high, Around thy throne of majesty ;
Thy bi'ightest glories shine above, And all their work is praise and love.
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FOR THE lord's SUPPER.
3 Blest are the souls that find a place "Within the temple of thy graoe ; Here they behold thy gentler rays,
And seek thy face, and learn thy praise.
4 Blest are the men whose hearts are set To find the way to Sion's gate ;
God is their strength, and through the road They lean upon their helper God.
5 Cheerful they walk M'ith gro^^■ing strength, Till all shall meet in heaven at length ; Till all before thy face ap})eai',
And joiii in nobler worshi}) there.
FOR THE LORD'S SUPPER.
HYMN 753. S. M.
1 T ET all wlio truly bear
JLi The bleeding Saviour's name, Their faiLliful hearts with us prepare, And eat the Paschal Lamb.
2 This eucharistic feast Our every want supplies ;
And still we by his death are Ijless'd, And share his sacritice.
3 Who thus our faith employ, His sufferings to record,
Even now we mournfully enjoy
Communion with our Lord. »
4 We too with him are dead, And shall with him arise ;
The cross on which he bows his head Shall lift us to the skies.
FOR THE LORD.S SUI'PET?.
HYMN 546.
S. M.
1 /^OME, all who tnily bear
yy Tlic name of Christ your Lord, His last mysterious supper sliare,
And keep liis kindest word.
Hereby your faith appro^■o
In Jesus crucified : " In memory of my dyin,L> love,
Do this," — he said, — and died.
2 The badge and token this, Tlie sure confirming seal,
That he is ours, and we are his,
The servants of his will ;
His dear peculiar ones,
The purchase of his blood ; His blood which once for all atones,
And brings us now to God.
3 Then let us still profess Our Master's honour'd name ;
Stand forth his fiiithful witnesses,
True Ibllowers of the Lamb.
In prool' that such we are.
His saying we receive, And thus to all mankind d(k;lare
We do iu Christ believe.
HYMN 549. C. M.
1 TESU, at whose supreme command, V We now ai)proach to God, Betbre us in tliy vesture stand,
Thy vesture dipp'd in Idood ! Obedient to thy gracious wDvd,
We Ijreak the hallow'd bread, Commem'rate thee, our dying Lord,
And trust on thee to feed.
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2 Now, Saviour, now thyself reveal,
And make thy nature known ; Affix thy blessed Spirit's seal,
And stamp us for thine own : The tokens of thy dying love
0 let US all receive ; And feel the quick'ning Spirit move,
And sensiljly believe !
3 The cup of blessing, bless'd by thee,
Let it thy blood impart ; Ihe oread thy mystic body be,
And cheer each languid heart. The grace which sure salvation brings
Let us herewith receive ; Satiate the hungyy with good things,
The hidden manna give.
4 The living bread, sent down from heaven,
In us vouchsafe to bo : Thy flesh for all the word is given,
And all may live by thee. N"ow, Lord, on us thy flesh bestow,
And let us chink thy blood. Till all our souls are fill'd below
With all the life of God.
HYMN 751. C. M.
I "fl'HP' promi.-'^ of my Father's love I Shall staad for over good," Hf- saiO , and gave his soul to death, And seal'd the jirace witli blood.
2 To this sure (covenant of thy word I set my worthless name ; 1 seal th' engagement to my Lord, And make my humble claim.
ADMISSION INTO SOCIETY.
3 Thy light, aud strength, and pM'doning grace,
And glory shall be mine : My life and soul, my heart and flesh. And all ray powers are thine,
4 I call that legacy my own,
Which Jesus did bequeath ; 'Twas purch; ^ed with a dying groan, And iiitifie^ in death.
f) Sweet is the memory of his name, Who blest us in his WiU, And to his Testament of love Made his own life the seal.
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ADMISSION INTO SOCIETY.
HYMN 756. L. M.
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1 "ORETHRKN iu Christ, aud well-beloved, X-l To Jesus and his servants dear. Enter, and show yourselves approved,
Enter, and find that Crod is here.
2 Welcome from earth : lo, the right hand
Of fellowship to you we give ! With open hearts and hands we stand, And you in Jesu's name receive.
.3 Say, ai-e your hearts resolved as ours ? Then let them burn with sacred love ; Then let them taste the heavenly powers, Partakers of the joys above.
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• 4 Jesus, attend, thyself reveal !
Are we not met in thy great name ? Thee in the midst we wait to feel, "We wait to catch the spreading flame.
5 Thou God that answerost ])y fire,
The Spirit of burning now impart ; And let the flames of pure desire Rise from the altar of ouv heart.
6 Truly our fellowship l)elow
With thee and with the Father is : In Thee eternal life we know, And heaven's imutterable bliss.
7 In part we only know Thee here,
But wait thy coming from above ; And we shiiU then behold Thee near, And we shall all be lost in love.
CHILDREN DEDICATED TO CHRIST
HYMN 743. S. M.
1 C1KE rsrael's trentle Sheplienl stnnd kj With !ill-OTioiininn' ('lianiii^ :
Hark how b':, calls the tender lambs,
And folds them in liis arms !
2 " Permit tliem to a])i)r(iaclj," lu^ cries,
" Nor scorn their hiimV)Ui name : For 'twas to bless such souls as those Tb<j Lord of anj^els camo."
:> Wo l»rin<4 ilieiii, Lord, in thankful liands, And yield liiem up to thee; .loyful tliat \vu ourselves are thine, Tliine let our offspring be.
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AT THE BAPTISM OF A CHILD.
HYMN 740. G-8'.s.^
GOD of eternal truth and love, Vouchsafe the promised aid av clean, Thii^i own great in'dinance approve, The child Impti/ed into thy name Partaker of thy nature make, And give him all thine image back.
2 Father, if such thy sovereign will. If Jesus did the rite enjoin, Annex thy hallowing Spirit's seal,
And let the grace attend the sign ; The seed of endless Life impart, Take for thine own this infant's heart
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3 Answer on him thy wisdom's end. In present and eternal good; Whate'er thou didst for man intend,
Whate'er thou hast on man bestow'd. Now to this favour'd child be given, Pardon, and holiness, and heaven.
4 In presence oi" thy heavenly host, Thyself we faithfully require : Come, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
By blood, by water, and by fire, And fill up all thy human shrine, And seal our souls for ever thine.
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AT THE BAPTISM OF ADULTS.
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HYMN 476. L. M.
1 piOME, Father, Son, and Holy Glio'jt,
V J Honour the means oidain'd by ti.cc ! IMakc good our apostolic Iwast, And own thy glorious niinfetry.
2 We now thy promised presence claim,
Sent to disciple all mankind, Seat to baptize into thy name, We now thy promised presence find.
3 Father ! in these reveal thy Son :
In these, for whom we seek thy iace, The hidden mysteiy make known, The inwawl, pure, baptizing grace.
4 Jesus ! with us thou always art :
Effectuate now the sacred sign ; The gift unspeakable impart, And bless the ordinance divine.
5 Eternal Spirit! descend I'rom high,
Baptizer of our spirits thou ! The sacramental seal apply, And witness with the water now t
6 O that the souls baptized therein
May now thy truth and mercy feel ; May rise and wash away their sin ! Come, Holy Ghost, their pardon seal !
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