First, the following is sung: Veni, Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit), and the Collecte is read. Then the superintendent reads the following texts:
So writes St. Paul in the first epistle to Timothy at the third chapter:
This is certainly true, if someone desires a bishop's office, he desires a delicious work. But a bishop must be blameless, a wife's husband, sober, temperate, sedentary, hospitable, and teachable; not a winebibber, not a biting man, not a dishonest man, but a gentle man; not a vindictive man, not a stingy man; a man who is well disposed over his own household, who has obedient children with all respectability. But if a man does not know how to take care of his own house, how will he take care of the church of God? Not a novice, lest he puff himself up and fall into the judgment of the blasphemer. But he must also have a good testimony.
from those who are outside, lest he fall into the blasphemer's shame and snare. (1 Tim. 3, 1. ff.)
Thus St. Paul exhorts the elders of the church at Ephesus:
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and unto all the host, among whom the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased by his own blood. For this I know, that after my departure there shall come among you grievous wolves, which shall not spare the flock. Even from among yourselves will arise men who will speak false doctrine to draw the disciples to themselves. Therefore be courageous, and remember that I have not ceased to exhort every man with tears day and night for three years. (Apost. 20, 28. ff.)
Here you hear that we, as bishops, that is, preachers and pastors are called and
We are not commanded to tend geese or cows, but the church which God has purchased by His own blood, that we should feed it with the pure word of God, and also watch and see that wolves and packs do not break in among the poor sheep; therefore He calls it a goodly work.
For our own part, too, we are to live chastely and honorably, keeping and raising our house, wife, child and servants in a Christian manner.
If you are willing to do this, say, "Yes.
Then the superintendent and the other ministers of the Word who are present lay their hands on the ordinand's head; then he speaks:
Let us pray.
Our Father who art in heaven etc.
Merciful God, heavenly Father, you have said to us through the mouth of your dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that the harvest is great, but the laborers are few; ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest. Out of such thy divine commandment, we beseech thee from our hearts, that thou wouldest abundantly give thy Holy Spirit to these thy servants, together with us, and to all who are called to thy word, that we may be thy evangelists with a great multitude, faithful and steadfast against the devil, the world, and the flesh; that thy name may be hallowed, thy kingdom increased, thy will done. Will you also finally control and put an end to the grievous abomination of Pabst and Mahomet and other mobs who blaspheme your name, destroy your kingdom, and oppose your will.
Such our prayer, because thou hast commanded it, taught it, and put it at rest, mayest thou graciously hear, as we believe and trust, through thy dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost for ever and ever, Amen.
Go ye therefore, and feed the flock of Christ, as ye are commanded, and see that ye do well; not compelled, but willingly; not for shameful gain, but of the heart; not as ruling over the people, but becoming models of the flock. Thus, when the Arch Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory, I Pet 5:2, 3, 4. Benedicat vobis Dominus, ut faciatis fructum multum (May the Lord bless you that you may bear much fruit), Amen.
Follows the Communion etc.
Mox post Communionem cantat Ecclesia (Immediately after Communion the congregation sings): Now we ask the Holy Spirit etc.
After the Communion and after this chant, the priest reads the Collecte: We thank you, Almighty Lord God etc.
And after the collecte the blessing: The Lord bless you and keep you etc.
Then the Benedicamus Domino (Let us praise the Lord) is sung.
And thereafter the ordained shall be given written or printed public testimonies, signed by the superintendent and some persons more, that it may be known that they are admitted to the preaching ministry and are not false teachers.
You can also read about this in:
I. Part, 1. B. Mos., 23. cap., § 67-71, of the maintenance and salary of the church servants.
II. part, 1. B. Mos., 31. cap., § 51-57, of the bad behavior against the church and church servants.
II. part, 1. B. Mos., 47. cap., § 84-89, of the maintenance of the preachers.
Part VIII, Executed. Explanation of Galatians, § 65-85, of entertainment of teachers and other necessities.