of a Deacon to assist the Elder in divine service; and especially when he ministereth the holy communion, to help him in the distribution thereof, and to read and expound the Holy Scriptures; to instruct the youth, and, in the absence of the Elder, to baptize. And furthermore, it is his office to search for the sick, poor, and impotent that they may be visited and relieved. Will you do this gladly and willingly?

Answ. I will do so by the help of God.

The Bishop. Will you apply all your diligence to frame and fashion your own lives (and the lives of your families) ac cording to the doctrine of Christ; and to make (both) yourselves, (and them,) as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples of the flock of Christ?

Answ. I will do so, the Lord being my helper.

The Bishop. Will you reverently obey them to whom the charge and government over you is committed, following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions?

Answ. I will endeavor so to do, the Lord being my helper.

Then the Bishop, laying his hands severally upon the head of every one of them, shall say,

Take thou authority to execute the office of a Deacon in the Church of God; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop deliver to every one of them the Holy Bible, saying,

Take thou authority to read the Holy Scriptures in the Church of God, and to preach the same.

Then one of them appointed by the Bishop shall read the Gospel.

Luke xii, 35-38.

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding, that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching. Verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second

watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

[Then shall the Bishop proceed in the communion, and all that are ordained shall receive the holy communion.]

The communion ended, immediately before the benediction shall be said these collects following.

Almighty God, Giver of all good things, who of thy great goodness hast vouchsafed to accept and take these thy servants into the office of Deacons in thy Church; make them, we beseech thee, O Lord, to be modest, humble, and constant in their ministration, and to have a ready will to observe all spiritual discipline; that they, having always the testimony of a good conscience, and continuing ever stable and strong in thy Son Christ, may so well behave themselves in this inferior office, that they may be found worthy to be called into the higher ministries in thy Church, through the same, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; to whom be glory and honor, world without end. Amen.

Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favor, and further 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 among you, and remain with you always. Amen.

PART IV.

RELIGIOUS AND BENEVOLENT INSTI

TUTIONS.

SECTION I.

Sunday-schools and the Religious Instruo tion of Children.

Quest. 1. WHAT shall we do for the moral and religious instruction of the children?

Answ. 1. It shall be the special duty of Preachers having charge of circuits or stations, with the aid of the other Preachers, to form Sunday-schools in all our congregations where ten children can be collected for that purpose, and to engage the cooperation of as many of our members as they can, to visit the schools as often as practicable, to preach on the subject of Sunday-schools and religious instruction in each congregation at least once in six months, and to form Bible classes wherever they can for the instruction of larger chil dren, youth, and adults; and where they