And her saints shall shout aloud for

joy.

There will I make the horn of David to bud:

I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.

His enemies will I clothe with shame: But upon himself shall his crown flourish.

The Lesson. 1 Cor. iii,

9-23.

For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any

man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God: for it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men: for all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

Then shall follow the Sermon, or an Address suitable to the occasion, after which the contributions of the people shall be received.

Then shall the Minister, standing by the stone, exhibit to the Congregation a box to be placed in an excavation of the stone. It may contain a copy

of the Bible, the Hymn Book, the Discipline. the Church Almanac for the year, Church periodicals of recent date, the names of the Pastor Trustees, and Building Cominittee of the Church, with such other documents as may be desired. A list of these may be read, after which the Minister may deposit the box in the stone and cover it: and the stone shall be laid and adjusted by the Minister, assisted by the builder.

Then shall the Minister say:—

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we lay this corner-stone for the foundation of a house to be builded and consecrated to the service of Almighty God, according to the order and usages of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Amen.

The service may conclude with extemporary prayer, the Lord's Prayer, and the Benediction.

Dedication of a Church.

¶ 491. FORM FOR THE DEDICATION OF A CHURCH.

The Congregation being assembled in the Church, the Minister shall say,—

DEARLY BELOVED; The Scriptures teach us that God is well pleased with those who build temples to his name. We have heard how he filled the temple of Solomon with his glory, and how in the second temple he manifested himself still more gloriously. And the Gospel approves and commends the centurion who built a synagogue for the people. Let us not doubt that he will also favorably approve our purpose of dedicating this place in solemn manner, for the performance of the several offices of religious worship; and let us now devoutly join in praise to his name, that this godly undertaking hath been so far completed, and in prayer for his further blessing upon all who have been engaged

therein, and upon all who shall hereafter worship his name in this place.

Let one of the hymns 964-971 be sung, and extemporary prayer be offered, the Congregation all kneeling.

Then shall the Minister, or some one appointed by him, read

The First Lesson. 2 Chron. vi, 1, 2, 18-21, 40-42; vii, 1-4.

Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. But I have built a house of habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling forever.

But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built! Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee: that thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night, upon the place whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this