Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 1.djvu/414

 eye of faith, and a real privilege; since took upon Him the nature of a servant.

Bishops and Priests, (saith St. Ambrose,) are honourable, on account of the sacrifice they offer. The power of the keys, and the exercise of that power; the due use of confirmation, and (previous to that) examination; a strict examination into the learning, lives, and characters, of such as are designed for Holy Orders, are matters of infinite and eternal concern.…

A man may be ruined by those very means which were designed to enable him to discharge his duty with more convenience. And Bishops have too often been put into such easy circumstances, as to forget that they were Bishops.…

Rev. i. 16. "And He had in His right hand seven stars." Make me, O, a shining star in Thy Church; support me by Thy right hand; guide and direct me by Thy light; let me never become a wandering star.

A primitive Bishop will be careful to avoid, as much as possible, worldly equipage and retinue, excess, pomp, and ostentation.…

Bishops are called angels in the Revelations, intimating that they should have no interest on earth at heart so much as that of the good of the Church and the honour of God.…

(Before the Service begins.)

May it please Thee, O, who hast called us to this ministry, to make us worthy to offer unto Thee this sacrifice for our own sins and for the sins of Thy people. Accept our service and our persons, through our, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the , one , world without end. Amen.

O, reject not this people for me and for my sins!

(Upon placing the alms upon the Altar.)

All that we possess is the effect of Thy bounty, O ! Of Thy own do we give Thee. Pardon all our vain expences; and accept of this testimony of our gratitude to Thee, our benefactor, for the ' sake.