Untitled - Rore Sanctifica

Introductory Essay.
Ixxiii
body has instituted a new order of
"
preachers,"
and has omitted the second order, that of
"
priests." But the invalidity
of the conse
cration to the Episcopate, of any one not already
ordained a is Priest, the general conviction of
the West.* No details are given as to those
who, in the ancient Church, were elected to the
Episcopate, being deacons or laymen. But we
know in the case of Photius, A.D. 858, who was
so chosen, that he went through all the orders
of reader, sub-deacon, deacon, presbyter, on
successive days.f This, which was done to
house of the LORD a regular consecration to the holy office
1
of a preacher. (Notice given of the "
ordination.) Merciful
GOD, loving FATHER, we thank Thee heartily for that Thou
through Thy SON JESUS CHRIST hast instituted on the
earth the preacher s office, and, until now, hast graciously
maintained it among us." (Public prayer for
"
those that
shall now take part in this office.") "I, N., who am now
called and received to the holy office of a preacher" (oath of
the candidate).
"
Almighty GOD strengthen and help you to
keep all this. And I, by virtue of those powers which are
in GOD S name intrusted to me by His Church for this
business, deliver unto you herewith the preacher s office, in
the name of the FATHER, &c." (the words said by the Bi
shops to the candidates generally). After this "the Bishop
and asslstentes array the candidates in the chasubles, and
the LORD S prayer is said over each individually with a
"
general laying on of hands." After the ordination, the
newly ordained clergy receive the titles of order (Prast-bref)
in which the Bishop attests their lawful appointment and
consecration to the holy office of a preacher. (Christ. Hem.
1. c. pp. 433-435).
* " Hoc indubitatum esse video inter omnes." Vazquez
in 3 p., Disp. 243; c. 2, p. 771, quoted by Palmer on
the Church, ii. 440. Mason (de min. Angl. Dedic. ad Ep.
Paris.) ; and Field (Of the Church, B. i. c. 39) "maintained
the same." Palmer ib.
+ Nicetae, Paphl. vit. Ignatii. Cone. T. x. p. 703, ed. Col.
f