A Prayer for those who are to be admitted into Holy Orders; to be used in the Ember Weeks.

O THOU Chief Shepherd and Bishop of souls, who didst commission thy Apostles and their successors to ordain faithful men to the ministry of thy word and sacraments, we beseech Thee to visit with thy special grace the Bishops and Pastors of our Church, who are now about to exercise this weighty function. Endow them with a large measure of thy Holy Spirit, and give them particular assistance in discerning and trying the spirits of them who come to be ordained by them; that they may lay hands suddenly on no man, but maturely, prudently, and piously may appoint only such as they trust will prove faithful ministers of CHRIST, and stewards of the mysteries of GOD.

And grant, O LORD, that all those who dedicate themselves to this holy service, may be inwardly moved by the Holy Spirit to take upon them so sacred a ministration. May their consciences testify to them, that by engaging in this holy calling,

their chief design is to serve Thee, to promote thy glory, and to edify thy people.

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May they not be led by ambition or covetousness, that neither the honours or the revenues that are annexed to this fession, may have any competition in their minds, with a fervent zeal for thy glory, and a desire to promote the salvation of souls. To this end, O Lord, grant that they may make thy Holy Word the chief subject of all their studies, and from thence instruct thy people committed to their charge, and silence gainsayers. May they faithfully and diligently administer thy holy sacraments; may they labour in season and out of season, by private and public admonitions and exhortations; may they maintain peace and love among all Christians, and frame themselves and their families according to the precepts of thy Holy Gospel. Give them the will, O Lord, to do their duty, and grace, wisdom, and strength, faithfully to perform the same, through JESUS CHRIST our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer in behalf of the Candidates for Confirmation.

O HEAVENLY FATHER, we desire to commend to thy special grace those young persons of this neighbourhood who are now preparing for the approaching Confirmation. Let them not be induced from mere custom, or any other inadequate motive, to undertake the solemn engagements of this Holy Rite; but grant that they may be actuated by serious and devout considerations. Give them a sincere and earnest desire to profit by the instructions of their Pastors; dispose them to read with care and diligence thy Holy Word; and lead them to earnest prayer for thy blessing on their undertaking.

Make them truly thankful, O Lord, that they were born of Christian parents, and dedicated to Thee in Holy Baptism. Give them a right understanding of the solemn engagements made for them at their Baptism, and dispose them to consider whether they are now prepared to ratify and con

firm them. Lead them seriously to examine themselves whether it is their sincere desire and purpose to renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanity of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh; whether they steadfastly believe all that is revealed in thy holy Word; and whether they are fully purposed to keep thy holy will and commandments, and to walk in the same all their days. If by this serious examination their consciences tell them that their hearts are not right with Thee, do Thou prevent them by thy restraining grace from making a false and sinful profession. But if they feel that, notwithstanding their own weakness and past transgressions, it is their humble but sincere and earnest desire to live in thy service, do Thou be pleased to strengthen and confirm this desire by the efficacy of thy grace. Enable them to be

lieve that thy commandments are not grievous; that it is really for their good to renounce the evil of the world, the flesh,

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and the devil; and that thy service is perfect freedom, and the yoke of CHRIST easy and light, giving rest to the soul. Grant, O Lord, that being thus enlightened by thy Holy Spirit, and depending upon thy grace, they may confirm their baptismal engagements with the humble confidence that Thou wilt bless the solemn act, and wilt continue thy grace and goodness to them through the rest of their lives, for the sake of JESUS CHRIST our only Saviour. Amen.