Then the arehiiixhop, sitting in his chair, shall say to him that is to be consecrated: "Brother, forasmuch as the holy Scriptures and the ancient canons command that we should not 1)0 hasty in laying on hands, and admitting any person to government in the Church of Christ, which lie hath pur- chased with no less price than the effusion of his own blood, before I admit you to this administration I will examine you in certain articles, to the end that the congregation present may have a trial and bear witness how you be minded to be- have yourself in the Church of Cod. Are you persuaded that you be truly called to this ministration, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the order of this realm? An- swer. I am so persuaded. The Archbishop. Are you persua- ded that the holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrine required of necessity for eternal salvation through faith in Je- sus Christ? And are you determined out of the same holy Scriptures to instruct the people committed to your charge; and to teach or maintain nothing as required of necessity to
salvation but that which you shall be persuaded may be con- cluded and proved by the same? Answer. I am so persuaded and determined, by God's grace. The Archbishop. Will you then faithfully exercise yourself in the same holy Scriptures, and call upon God by prayer for the true understanding of the same, so as you may be able by them to teach and exhort with wholesome doctrine, and to withstand and convince the gain- sayers? Answer. I will so do, by the help of God. The Anli- bishop. Are you ready, with all faithful diligence, to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrine contrary to God's word ; and both privately and openly to call upon and encourage others to the same? Answer. I am ready, the Lord being my helper. The Archbishop. Will you deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, that you may show yourself in all things an example of good works unto others, that the adversary may be ashamed, having nothing to say against you? Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper. The Archbishop. Will you maintain and set forward, as much as shall lie in you, quietness, love, and peace among all men ; and such as be unquiet, disobedient, and criminous within your diocese correct and punish, according to such authority as you have by God's word, and as to you shall be committed by the ordinance of this realm? Answer. I will do so, by the help of God. The Archbishop. Will you be faithful in or- daining, sending, or laying hands upon others? Answer. I will do so by the help of God. The Archbishop. Will you show yourself gentle, and be merciful for Christ's sake to poor and needy people, and to all strangers destitute of help? Answer. I will so show myself, by God's help. Tlien the archbishop, standing up, shall say: " Almighty God, our heav- enly Father, who hath given you a good will to do all these things, grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same ; that, he accomplishing in you the good work which he hath begun, you may be fouud perfect and irreprehensible at the latter day, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Then shall the bishop elect put on the rest of the episcopal habit, and, kneeling down,\eni, Creator Spiritus, shall be said or sung over him, the presiding bisliop beginning, and the bisliops, with otfiers that are present, answering by verses, as followeth:
Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,
And lighten with celestial fire:
Thou the anointing Spirit art,
117io dost tliy s ■voifnld gifts impart:
Thy blessed unction from above.
Is comfort, life, and fire of love: etc.
Then follows prayer.
Then the archbishop and bishops present shall lay their hands upon the head of the elected bishop, kneeling be tore them on his knees, the archbishop sailing: " Receive tlie 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 arciibishnp shall deliver him the Uible, 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 doc- trine, and be diligent in doing them ; 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 outcasts, seek the lost. Be so merciful that you be not 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."