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which the Collect, Epiftle, and Gospel fhall be as follow

The Collect.

Almighty God, who of thy divine providence hast appointed divers Orders and Offices in thy Church, and didft admit thy fervant Phœbe and others into the order of Deaconeffes; mercifully behold this thy fervant now called to the like office and administration. Replenish her fo with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn her with innocency of life, that the may faithfully ferve thee in this office, to the glory of thy name and the benefit of thy holy church, through the merits of our Saviour Jefus Chrift, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, now and for ever. Amen.

The Epiftle. Rom. 16. 1.

Commend unto you Phoebe our fifter, who is a Deaconess of the church which is at Cenchræa:

that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh Saints, and that ye affift her in whatsoever business she hath need of you; for the hath been a fuccourer of many, and of my felf alfo.

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The Gofpel. S. Luke 2. 36.

ND there was one Anna a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Afer, fhe was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity. And the was a widow of about fourscore and four years, who departed not from the temple, but ferved God with fastings and prayers night and day. And the coming in at that inftant, gave thanks likewife unto the Lord, and fpake

fpake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerufalem.

After the Gospel and Nicene Creed are ended, the Bishop fitting in his Chair, fhall fay to her that is to be ordained.

Beloved, forafmuch as the Holy Scripture and the

ancient canons command, that we fhould not be hafly in laying on hands; before I admit thee to this administration, I will examine thee in certain articles, to the end that the congregation prefent may have a trial, and bear witnefs how thou art minded to behave thy felf in the discharge of thy office.

Doft thou think, that thou art truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jefus Chrift and the laws of the church, to the order and miniftry of Deaconeffes?

Anfw. I think it.

Bish. Doft thou unfeignedly believe all the Canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Teftament? And wilt thou diligently read the fame?

Anfw. I do believe them, and will diligently read them.

Bish. Wilt thou be diligent to frame and fashion thy life according to the doctrine of Chrift, and to make thy felf, as much as in thee lieth, an wholfom example to the flock of Christ?

Anfw. I will fo do, the Lord being my helper.

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Bish. It appertaineth to the office of a Deaconefs, to affift at the baptifm of women; to inftruct (in private) children, and women who are preparing for baptifm; to vifit and attend women that are fick and in diftrefs; to overlook the women in the church, and to correct and rebuke those who behave themfelves irregularly there; and to introduce any woman who wants to make application to a Deacon, Prefbyter, or Bishop. Wilt thou do all this faithfully, diligently, and willingly?

Anfw. I will fo do by the help of God.

Bish. Wilt thou reverently obey thy Bishop, following with a glad mind and will his godly admonitions, and submitting thy felf to his godly judgement?

Anfw. I will fo do, the Lord being my helper.

Then the Bishop ftanding up, fhall fay to the Deaconefs Elect,

ALmighty God, who hath given thee this will to do these things, grant alfo unto thee strength and power to perform the fame, that he may accomplish his work which he hath begun in thee, through Jefus Chrift our Lord. Amen.

Then the Elected Deaconess fhall kneel down (though it be Sunday) before the Bishop, who fhall fign her with the fign of the cross upon her forehead, and then laying his hands upon her head, he shall say,

WITH the fuffrage and confent of the People,

the Divine grace, which always healeth what is infirm, and fupplieth what is wanting, promoteth

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the fervant of God N. to the office of a Deaconess. Let us pray for her, that the grace of the most Holy Spirit may defcend upon her.

Anfw. Lord, have mercy: We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

Then the Bishop keeping his hands laid upon her head, fhall fay the following prayer.

O Eternal God, Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift, Creator of man and woman, who didft replenish Miriam, and Deborah, and Anna, and Huldah with the Spirit; who didft not difdain, that thy only-begotten Son fhould be born of a woman; and who in the tabernacle of the testimony and in the temple didst ordain women to be keepers of thy holy gates: Do thou now alfo look down upon this thy fervant, who is here fet apart before thee to the office of a Deaconess. Endue her with the Holy Ghoft, and cleanfe her from all filthinefs of flesh and spirit, that she may worthily discharge the work committed to her, to thy glory and the praise of thy Chrift; with whom to Thee and the Holy Ghost, be glory and adoration, for ever and ever. Amen.

Then the Bishop fhall take his hands off her head, and Shall fay the following prayer, the new-ordained Deaconess ftill kneeling.

ALmighty God, giver of all good things, who of

thy great goodness haft vouchfafed to accept and take this thy fervant into the office of Deaconeffes in thy church make her, we beseech thee, to be modeft, humble, and conftant in her miniftration, and to have a ready will to obferve all fpiritual difcipline;

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cipline; that he having always the testimony of a good confcience, may at length by thee be eternally. rewarded, through thy Son our Saviour Jefus Christ, to whom be glory and honour world without end. Amen.

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Then the new-ordained Deaconess fhall rife, and the Deaconeffes prefent fhall all falute her with the Kifs of Peace in the name of the Lord: After which the Bishop turning towards the People, Jhall pronounce this Benediction, the People reverently bowing their beads.

THE peace of God, which paffeth all underftanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jefus Christ our Lord, And the bleffing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghoft, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen,

Then the Bishop fhall proceed in the Communion

Service,

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