all these things. And, that they may have time to do so, it is appointed, that silence shall be kept for a space; the public services being for a while sus- pended, in order to give the congregation an oppor- tunity of pouring out their souls before God in behalf of the persons who are to be ordained.
What an idea does this give us of the sanctity of our office, and of the need we have of divine assist- ance for the performance of it ! and how beautifully does it intimate to the people, the interest they have in an efficient ministry ! Surely, if they felt, as they ought, their need of spiritual instruction, they would never discontinue their prayers for those who are placed over them in the Lord, but would plead in their behalf night and day.
After a sufficient time has been allowed for these private devotions, a hymn to the Holy Ghost is intro- duced ; (the candidates all continuing in a kneeling posture;) a hymn which, in beauty of composition and spirituality of import, cannot easily be surpassed. Time will not allow me to make any observations upon it ; but it would be a great injustice to our Liturgy, if I should omit to recite it : and it will be a profitable employment, if, whilst we recite it, we all adopt it as expressing our own desires, and add our Amen to every petition contained in it.
" Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, And lighten with celestial fire ! Thou the anointing Spirit art, Who dost thy seven-fold gifts impart ; Thy hlessed unction from above Is comfort, life, and fire of love. Enable with perpetual light The dulness of our blinded sight ; Anoint and cheer our soiled face With the abundance of thy grace ; Keep far our foes, give peace at home ! Where thou art Guide, no ill can come. Teach us to know the Father, Son, And Thee, of both, to be but One ; That through the ages all along, This may be our endless song, —
Praise to Thy eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ! "