man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God: for it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The 'Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men: for all things are 'yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

Then shall follow the Sermon, or an Address suitable to the occasion, after which the contributions of the people shall be received.

Then shall the Minister, standing by the stone, exhibit to the Congregation a box to be placed in an excavation of the stone. It may contain a copy

of the Bible, the Hymn Book, the Discipline, the Church Almanac for the year, Church periodicals of recent date, the names of the Pastor, Trustees, and Building Committee of the Church, with such other documents as may be desired. A list of these may be read, after which the Minister may deposit the box in the stone and cover it: and the stone shall be laid and adjusted by the Minister, assisted by the builder.

Then shall the Minister say :

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we lay this corner-stone for the foundation of a house to be builded and consecrated to the service of Almighty God, according to the order and usages of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Amen.

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"The service may conclude with extemporary prayer the Lord's Prayer, and the Benediction.

Dedication of a Church.

T 501. FORM FOR THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH.

The Congregation being assembled in the Church, the Minister shall say,—

DEARLY BELOVED; The Scriptures teach us that God is well pleased with those who build temples to his name. We have heard how he filled the temple of Solomon with his glory, and how in the second temple he manifested himself still more gloriously. And the Gospel approves and commends the centurion who built a synagogue for the people. Let us not doubt that he will also favorably approve our purpose of dedicating this place in solemn manner, for the performance of the several offices of religious worship; and let us now devoutly join in praise to his name, that this godly undertaking hath been so far completed, and in prayer for his further blessing upon all who have been engaged

therein, and upon all who shall hereafter worship his name in this place.

Let one of the hymns 856-871 be sung, and extemporary prayer be offered, the Congregation all kneding.

Then shall the Minister, or some one appointed by him, read

The First Lesson. 2 Chron. vi, 1, 2, 18-21, 40-42; vii, 1-4.

Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. But I have built a house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling forever.

But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his sup plication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee: that thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this

place. Hearken therefore unto the sup plications of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear thou from thy dwellingplace, even from heaven; and when thou hearest, forgive.

Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness. O Lord God, turn not away the face of thine anointed: remember the mercies of David thy servant.

Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt-offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. And the priests

could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the