done decently and in order; and also have authority to open and shut with the keys committed to them the Kingdom of Heaven, according to the charge given them by God.

From these things may be learned what a glorious work the Ministerial office is; yea, how highly necessary it is for man's salvation: which is also the reason why the Lord wills that such an office should always remain. For Christ said, when He sent forth His Apostles to officiate in this holy function, "Lo! I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world;" where we see His pleasure is, that this holy office should always be maintained on earth. And therefore St. Paul exhorteth Timothy, to "commit the things that he had heard of him to faithful men who should be able to teach others :" as he also, having ordained Titus a Minister, further commanded him "to ordain Elders in every city."

Forasmuch therefore as we, for the maintaining of this office in the Church of God, are now to ordain a new Minister of the Word, and have sufficiently spoken of the office of such persons, therefore you, beloved brother shall answer to the following questions which shall be proposed to you, to the end

that it may appear to all here present that you are inclined to accept this office as it has been described.

"D°

you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice?

Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith of this Church, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures?

Do you approve of the government and discipline of the Presbyterian Church in these United States? Do you promise subjection to your brethren in the Lord?

Have you been induced, as far as you know your own heart, to seek the office of the holy Ministry from love to God, and a sincere desire to promote His glory in the Gospel of His Son?

Do you promise to be zealous and faithful in maintaining the truths of the Gospel, and the purity and peace of the Church: whatever persecution or opposition may arise unto you on that account?

Do you engage to be faithful and diligent in the exercise of all private and personal duties, which become you as a Christian and a Minister of the Gospel; as

:

well as in all relative duties, and the public duties of your office endeavouring to adorn the profession of the Gospel by your conversation; and walking with exemplary piety before the flock over which God shall make you overseer?

Are you now willing to take the charge of this congregation, agreeably to your declaration at accepting their call? And do you promise to discharge the duties of a Pastor to them, as God shall give you strength?

"The Candidate having answered these questions in the affirmative, the Presiding Minister shall propose to the people the following questions:

"Do you, the people of this congregation, continue

"D°

to profess your readiness to receive

whom you have called to be your Minister?

Do you promise to receive the Word of truth from his mouth, with meekness and love; and to submit to him in the due exercise of discipline?

Do you promise to encourage him in his arduous labour, and to assist his endeavours for your instruction and spiritual edification?

And do you engage to continue to him, while he is your Pastor, that competent worldly maintenance which you have promised; and whatever else you may

see needful for the honour of religion, and his comfort

among you?

"The people having answered these questions in the affirmative, (by holding up their right hands,) the Candidate shall kneel down in the most convenient part of the church. Then the Presiding Minister shall, by prayer, and with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery, according to the Apostolic example, solemnly ordain him to the holy office of the Gospel Ministry.

"As it is sometimes desirable and important that a candidate who has not received a call to be the pastor of a particular congregation, should nevertheless be ordained to the work of the Gospel Ministry, as an Evangelist to preach the Gospel, administer Sealing Ordinances, and organize churches, in frontier or desolate settlements; in this case, the last of the preceding questions [and the questions to the people] shall be omitted, and the following used as a substitute: viz.,

"Are you now willing to undertake the work of an Evangelist; and do you promise to discharge the duties which may be incumbent on you in this character, as God shall give you strength?"

Let us pray.

THE ORDAINING PRAYER.

LORD, to Whom all power is given in heaven and

in earth! Thou art the Eternal Son of the Fa

ther; Who hast so loved Thy Church, that to redeem and purify it Thou didst humble Thyself to the death of the Cross, and there shed Thy most innocent blood. And to retain this Thy most excellent benefit ? in memory, Thou hast appointed in Thy Church pas

tors and teachers, to instruct, admonish, and comfort

Thy people. Look upon us mercifully, O Lord, Thou only King, Teacher, and High Priest to Thine own flock; and send unto this Thy servant our brother, whom in Thy Name we set apart and ordain, such a portion of Thy Holy Spirit, that he may rightly divide Thy Word, to the instruction of Thy flock, and the overthrow of error and vice. Give unto him, good Lord, Thy grace and wisdom, whereby the enemies of Thy truth may be confounded, the blind and ignorant edified, and Thy sheep fed in the wholesome pastures of Thy most Holy Word. Multiply Thy graces upon him. Illuminate him with Thy Holy Spirit. Comfort and strengthen him in all virtue. Govern and guide his ministry, to the praise of Thy Holy Name, the promotion of Thy Kingdom, the comfort of Thy Church, and to the plain discharge of his own conscience in the day of the Lord Jesus: To Whom, with the Father and with the Holy Ghost, be all honour, praise, and glory, now and ever. AMEN.

"Prayer being ended, he shall rise from his knees; and the Minister who presides shall first, and afterward all the members of the Presbytery in their order, take him by the right hand, saying, in words to this purpose,

"WE give you the right hand of fellowship, to take

part of this ministry with us."