Jean Calvin, Heinrich Bullinger and Martin Bucer did not toss the BCP. Why further objection? A “regulatory” hymnbook, “regulatory” Confessions, “regulated” educations, and a “regulatory” Book of Order. What’s the problem?
Or, the “unregulated” Baptists, Pentecostals, and other wildcats. Truth-time: you hate good order, discipline and direction.
Proverbs 12.1: “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.”
And, now, “recalibrations” from the Book of Common Prayer:
A few notes. (1) Aside from arguments from custom or order, we see no reason for a Bishop’s involvement, a senior administrative Presbyter, primes inter pares. (2) The child should be schooled in the Heidelberg and Westminster catechisms, not the awful thing in the BCP. (3) On prudential grounds, we would advocate for confirmation at ages 16-18. Our Episcopal parish practices later years, not age 12. (4) There is room for discussion here. This much, it advocates for solemn instruction before communication at the Table of the LORD. (5) Otherwise, the “form” is quite good, solemn, prayerful, biblical and wise; it reminds us of the reasons for good, solemn, thoughtful and dignified Prayer Book Churchmanship. (6) And, for non-lits, get some kneelers too, wouldya...sheesh.
The Order of Confirmation. Or Laying on of Hands upon Those That Are Baptized and Come to Years of Discretion.
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Upon the day appointed, all that are to be then confirmed, being placed, and standing in order, before the Bishop; he (or some other Minister appointed by him) shall read this Preface following.
TO the end that Confirmation may be ministered to the more edifying of such as shall receive it, the Church hath thought good to order, That none hereafter shall be Confirmed, but such as can say the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments; and can also answer to such other Questions, as in the short Catechism are contained; which order is very convenient to be observed; to the end, that children, being now come to the years of discretion, and having learned what their Godfathers and Godmothers promised for them in Baptism, they may themselves, with their own mouth and consent, openly before the Church, ratify and confirm the same; and also promise, that by the grace of God they will evermore endeavour themselves faithfully to observe such things, as they, by their own confession, have assented unto.
Then shall the Bishop say,
O ye here, in the presence of God, and of this congregation, renew the solemn promise and vow that was made in your name at your Baptism; ratifying and confirming the same in your own persons, and acknowledging yourselves bound to believe, and to do, all those things, which your Godfathers and Godmothers then undertook for you?
And every one shall audibly answer, I do.
The Bishop.
OUR help is in the Name of the Lord;
Answer. Who hath made heaven and earth.
Bishop. Blessed be the Name of the Lord;
Answer. Henceforth, world without end.
Bishop. Lord, hear our prayers.
Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.
The Bishop. Let us pray.
ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who hast vouchsafed to regenerate these thy servants by Water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given unto them forgiveness of all their sins: Strengthen them, we beseech thee, 0 Lord, with the Holy Ghost the Comforter, and daily increase in them thy manifold gifts of grace; the spirit of wisdom and understanding; the spirit of counsel and ghostly strength; the spirit of knowledge and true godliness; and fill them, 0 Lord, with the spirit of thy holy fear, now and for ever. Amen.
Then all of them in order kneeling before the Bishop, he shall lay his hand upon the head of every one severally, saying,
DEFEND, 0 Lord, this thy Child [or this thy Servant] with thy heavenly grace, that he may continue thine forever; and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, until he come unto thy everlasting kingdom. Amen.
Then shall the Bishop say,
The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
And (all kneeling down) the Bishop shall add,
Let us pray.
OUR Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.
And this Collect.
ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who makest us both to will and to do those things that be good and acceptable unto thy divine Majesty; We make our humble supplications unto thee for these thy servants, upon whom (after the example of thy holy Apostles) we have now laid our hands, to certify them (by this sign) of thy favour and gracious goodness towards them. Let thy fatherly hand, we beseech thee, ever be over them, let thy Holy Spirit ever be with them; and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of thy Word, that in the end they may obtain everlasting life; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
ALMIGHTY Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we 0 beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern, both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that, through thy most mighty protection both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Then the Bishop shall bless them, saying thus,
THE Blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be upon you, and remain with you for ever. Amen.
And there shall none be admitted to the holy Communion, until such time as he be confirmed, or be ready and desirous to be confirmed.
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