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 his 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 vessel to be placed in an excavation of the stone. [It may contain a copy of the Bible, the Hymn Book, the Discipline, Church periodicals of recent date, the names of the Pastor, Trustees, and

Building Committee of the Church, with such other documents and articles as may be desired. A list of these may be read.] After which the person thereto appointed shall deposit the vessel in the stone and cover it; and shall lay the stone, assisted by the builder, saying:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, I 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 Church. AMEN.

The service may conclude with extempore prayer and the benediction.

IX.

DEDICATION OF A CHURCH.

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. Let us not doubt that He will approve our purpose of dedicating this house for the performance of the several offices of religious worship; and let us now devoutly join in praise to Almighty God 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 in this place.

Let an appropriate Hymn be sung, and extempore prayer be offered, the Congregation all kneeling during the prayer.

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 an 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 Thou wouldst put Thy name there; to hearken unto the prayer which Thy servant prayeth toward this place. Hearken, therefore, unto the supplications of Thy servant, and of Thy people Israel, which they shall make toward this place: hear Thou from Thy dwelling place, even from heaven; and when Thou hearest, forgive.

Now, my God, let, I beseech Thee, Thine eyes be open, and let Thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. Now therefore arise, O Lord God, into Thy resting place, Thou, and the ark of Thy strength: let Thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let Thy saints rejoice in goodness. O Lord God, turn not away the face of Thine anointed: remember the mercies of David Thy servant.

Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the Lord, saying, For He is good; for His mercy endureth forever. Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord.

The Second Lesson. Heb. x. 19-26.

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works; not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.

Then shall a hymn be sung, after which the Minister shall deliver a Sermon suitable to the occasion, and after the Sermon the contributions of the people shall be received.

Then shall the Minister read the following Psalm, or the Minister and the Congregation shall read it alternately; the parts in italics to be read by the Congregation:

PSALM CXXII.

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,

Unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.

For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

They shall prosper that love thee.

Peace be within thy walls,

And prosperity within thy palaces.

For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.

Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.

Then let the Trustees stand up before the Minister, and one of them, or some one in their behalf, say unto him,

We present unto you this building, to be dedicated as a church for the worship and service of Almighty God.