If any crime or impediment be objected, the Bishop shall surcease from ordaining that person unto such time as the party accused shall be found clear of that crime. Then shall be read the following collect.
THE COLLECT.
Almighty God, who by thy divine providence hast appointed divers orders of ministers in thy Church, and didst inspire thy apostles to choose into the order of Deacons thy first martyr, St. Stephen, with others: mercifully behold these thy servants, now called to the like office and administration; replenish them so with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn them with innocency of life, that both by word and good example they may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy name, and the edification of thy Church, through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and forever.
Amen.
Then the Bishop or one of the Elders appointed by him, shall read the Epistle.
THE EPISTLE. 1 TIM. iii. 8-13.
Likewise must the Deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre: holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a Deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the Deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a Deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Then shall the Bishop examine every one of those who are to be ordained, in the press of the people, after this manner following:
Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon you the office of the ministry in the Church of Christ, to serve God for the promoting of his glory and the edifying of his people?