THESE words occur among the salutations which close the Epistle of St. Paul to the Colossians. They are addressed to a fellow-labourer in the Gospel; and they contain an admonition that may well be appropriated by every minister of CHRIST, in whatever station the providence of GOD may have placed him. As such, they will not fail to be received by our Brother who is now to be consecrated to the highest order of the Ministry, by those who are to be the instruments in designating him to that holy office, as well as by our Reverend Brethren who are assembled on this interesting occasion.

The reasons on which this admonition is founded, may be deduced from THE DIGNITY AND IMPORTANCE OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY, and from THE QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE OF ITS DUTIES, These topics will constitute the theme of the present discourse.

[4] I. In the first place, then, we shall find, in THE DIGNITY AND IMPORTANCE OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY, a sufficient reason for the solemn charge of the Apostle.

It is a Ministry "received in the LORD," and not the device or institution of man. The laying on of hands, and the invocation of the HOLY SPIRIT, by which we are set apart to the sacred office, are not a mere empty show, but a most solemn act, performed by the authority of the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls. When the divine Redeemer had risen from the dead, and was about to ascend to the right hand of GOD, he selected from among his disciples and followers, the twelve Apostles, to be the heralds of his Gospel, and the spiritual fathers of his Church; and consecrated them to that holy office, by the most solemn ordination that the world has ever witnessed. "All power is given unto me," said he, "in heaven and in earth." "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." "Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and of the SON, and of the HOLY GHOST; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."

[5] The organization of the Church, and the orders of the Christian Ministry, established by these holy Apostles, acting under the authority of their divine Master, must be continued till his second advent in glory; and with this Ministry he has promised his gracious presence "to the end of the world." In the exercise of the apostleship committed to them under such circumstances of solemnity, we find these holy men zealously preaching the Gospel of their LORD, and gathering their converts into his Church by the sacrament of baptism. We find them ordaining Deacons in. this Church, who became Ministers of the Word, as well as Ministers of Tables. As they gathered together their flocks, in the various cities and countries through which they travelled, we find them appointing Shepherds, or Elders, over these folds, as dispensers of the Word, and of the sacraments of religion. And, in addition to this, we find them appointing other ecclesiastical rulers, who were to preside over these Elders themselves, and to discharge the peculiar functions of Apostles, by ordaining Elders in every city where they planted the Gospel, and ruling the Church according to the instructions prescribed to them. Thus is the sacred Ministry an office of divine appointment, and an honour which no man [5/6] taketh unto himself, but he that is called of GOD, according to the institution of the Saviour.

The Minister of the Gospel is to consider himself, therefore, as a messenger and ambassador of GOD. He is sent forth to a world lying in wickedness, and the import of his message is, "Be ye reconciled to GOD." It has pleased the divine Being to ordain that the preaching of the Gospel shall be the chief means by which his wisdom, power, and goodness, shall be proclaimed to men; and that through the same instrumentality the unbounded love of CHRIST shall be made known, and the glorious plan of salvation, promulgated. To the Christian Minister, then, is entrusted the honour of GOD, the mercy and grace of CHRIST, and the glad tidings of salvation. revealed in the Gospel. As the ambassador of heaven, he has so to portray the nature, the attributes, and the government of Gov, that men may worship, reverence, and love him. He has so to describe the person, the character, and the offices of CHRIST, that sinners may be induced to fly to his cross for pardon and salvation. In short, he has justly to explain and enforce the whole economy of the Gospel. He must show that all mankind are by nature the children of wrath, and are of themselves constantly inclined to evil; that by their [6/7] actual transgressions they are all guilty before GOD, subject to his just displeasure, and utterly unable, by any exertion of their own unassisted powers, to extricate themselves from misery and ruin. He must proclaim the meritorious atonement of the Saviour, who by his death upon the cross has become "a propitiation for the sins of the whole world," and "the author of eternal salvation to as many as believe on his name." He must declare the efficacious operations of the HOLY SPIRIT, which is "given to every man to profit withal;" which transforms and renews our natures, helps our infirmities, incites us to penitence and faith; and which through the sacramental channels appointed by GOD, and in other means of grace which he vouchsafes to his children, fits and prepares them for "the inheritance of the saints in light."

The Christian Minister is therefore a fellow-labourer, as well as an ambassador of GOD, in the work of man's salvation. By the preaching of the word, by the administration of the holy sacraments, and by his pastoral exhortations and instructions, he concurs with the divine Being in promoting the everlasting happiness of men. He is, indeed, but an humble instrument in the work. The "treasure is committed to earthen vessels; [7/8] that the excellency of the power may be of GOD." But, aided by divine grace, a holy, enlightened, and evangelical Ministry is the medium of precious blessings to the world. Through such an instrumentality, how many careless sinners have been made sensible of their danger, awakened from their impenitent state, and converted to truth and righteousness! Through such an instrumentality, how many humble Christians have been encouraged in their pious resolutions, supported in their trials, built up in the most holy faith, and prepared for the inheritance of everlasting life!

The Gospel is the efficacious remedy, prescribed by GOD, for all the evils which sin has brought upon the world; and the dispensing of this precious remedy he has committed to his Ministers. They are the stewards of his mysteries, and the shepherds of his flock. They deliver to men the word of reconciliation and of life, and feed them with the bread which came down from heaven, even the Gospel of salvation.

The Christian Minister is the intercessor, also, at the throne of grace, for the people of his charge. He pleads for the supply of their wants, the help of their infirmities, and the pardon of [8/9] their sins. And to these prayers, when offered with sincerity and fervency, and presented through the mediation of the Saviour, the ears of the Father are ever open. On all the labours of his ministry, when performed with fidelity and zeal, he may look with humble confidence for the divine blessing. Sinners will be awakened to a true sense of their condition, grace will be imparted to them, penitence will be excited, faith will be given, and hope will be revived. The proper fruits of love to GOD will be evinced in a faithful obedience to his laws, and a spirit of benevolence and charity towards men will be diffused on Society.

Such are the benefits of the Gospel Ministry. They are highly valuable when considered in regard to this life, but they are invested with infinite importance when considered in reference to eternity. They produce the most perfect happiness which the present world affords, and they become the earnest, as well as the procuring cause of endless felicity in the world to come.

But the considerations which have been adduced, while they evince the dignity and importance of the ministerial office, at the same time indicate the responsibility and the danger which [9/10] attend it. GOD forbid that we should seek to magnify our office through any spirit of boasting or vain-glory. Instead of arrogating to ourselves any personal consequence from it, rather let us magnify the grace whereby we are called. Let us bear in mind that He who sent forth his only Son, not. to be ministered unto, but to minister, has sent us forth, not as lords over his heritage, but as the servants of his Church. Let us bear in mind, that the more high and awful the source from which our commission is derived, the more does it become us to receive it with reverence and humility, and to perform its duties with diligence and zeal. It is, indeed, GOD himself who calls us to our labour, and sends us forth into his vineyard. It is the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls who bids us feed his flock, over which the HOLY GHOST has made us overseers. It is indeed GOD himself who has set us as watchmen to his people. But if he has assigned to us a post of honour, it is also a post of danger, and he will assuredly exact of us a strict account of our stewardship. The words of the LORD to the prophet Ezekiel may, therefore, be appropriated, as a solemn warning, by every minister of the Gospel: "Son of man, I have set thee as a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from [10/11] me. When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die, and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine hand."

II. The nature and responsibility of the Christian. Ministry having been briefly considered, we will now advert more particularly to THE QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THE FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE OF ITS DUTIES.

The prophet Malachi tells us that "the Priest's lips should keep knowledge, and that the people should seek the law at his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts." "Every scribe that is instructed in the kingdom of heaven," says the Saviour, "is like a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth, out of his treasure, things new and old." These passages of Scripture import that the Christian Minister should be well instructed in all those branches of human learning which enlighten and improve the mind; and in all that theological knowledge which shall enable him to understand and to explain the lively oracles of GOD. His duty, in this respect, will indeed be modified by the circumstances in [11/12] which he may be placed; but, in any event, he is to seek such attainments in knowledge as the nature of his occupations will permit, and such as will enable him to perform successfully the duties of the particular station in which the providence of GOD may have placed him. Above all things, however, he is to study with deep attention the sacred Scriptures, and to meditate on them by day and by night. He is to feed upon them, as the bread of heaven, and to imbibe their spirit, as the animating principle of his heart and his life.

But knowledge, of itself, will be insufficient, unless it be guided by wisdom and discretion. The Minister of the Gospel will be brought into many trying situations, and nothing but a full measure of these qualifications can conduct him through them with safety and success. "Be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves," said the Saviour to his disciples; and every Minister of CHRIST should seek the aid of wisdom and discretion, in the performance of all his duties. Assisted by the divine blessing, they will conduct him through all his difficulties, and crown all his labours with success. They will teach him to adapt his public discourses to the circumstances and the wants of his hearers, and to frame them [12/13] with such caution that they neither offend the weak, nor afford advantage to the malicious. They will teach him properly to regulate his conduct and deportment; carefully observing as well what is expedient, as what is lawful, so that he shall not only avoid the commission of sin, but escape the very appearance of evil. They will teach him to govern prudently his own household, so that neither they themselves offend, nor be the occasion that others offend. They will teach him to understand the true state of his flock, and to adapt his instructions, his admonitions, and his counsels, as well to their various tempers and dispositions, as to their spiritual wants.

But, in discharging the duties of the Christian Ministry, the profoundest learning, and the greatest wisdom and discretion, will be of little avail, unless they are accompanied with personal piety. The Priest should be "clothed with righteousness," and "holiness to the LORD," should be written on the frontlet of his forehead, and on the tablet of his heart.

The clerical profession, as it exists in this country, holds out few temptations to worldly views; yet every man, before entering on its sacred functions, should carefully try and [13/14] examine himself. He should look into his heart, and scrutinize his motives, and ascertain whether he is actuated by the desire of obtaining a respectable station in life, or by a supreme regard to the glory of GOD, and the salvation of souls:--whether he is seeking the sacred office with a view to the respect and esteem of his fellow-men, or whether he is "truly called and moved thereto by the HOLY GHOST."

Without an ardent and devoted personal piety, and a deep sense of the sacredness, and the awful responsibility of the ministerial office, it is in vain to expect that any one can discharge its holy functions with pleasure to himself, or with advantage to his flock. He who keeps not alive in his own heart the spirit of his calling, by prayer, by devout meditation, and by a life of sanctity; how shall he think to withdraw the affections of others from their attachment to the world, and fix them on the things of GOD! He who performs his sacred functions without zeal, and without interest; how shall he presume to look for the divine blessing on his labours! He who proclaims the solemn truths of the Gospel, without feeling their force or influence; how can he expect to inspire his hearers with a lively concern for their salvation! The coldness of [14/15] his heart must chill the words upon his lips; and it is not possible that he should excite in the souls of others the ardour of devotion, and the divine fire of the love of GOD, when he feels not a spark of it glow within his own bosom! They who "preach CHRIST crucified," must, like the holy Apostles, be "crucified with CHRIST." They must be crucified to the world, and the world to them. Having devoted themselves to the service of GOD, they must extinguish in their hearts all undue attachment to the pleasures and vanities of the present world, and "fix their affections on things above."

It is "out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaketh." Counterfeit zeal rarely imposes on the world, and then only for a season. But could it do so, the effort would be almost as irksome to the impostor, as it is hateful in the sight of GOD. In order to affect the heart of the hearer, the lesson of piety must spring warm from the heart of the preacher. It is in vain to suppose that he can inculcate, with zeal and effect, those evangelical graces which pertain to the Christian character, when he is all the time conscious that they exert no influence on his own heart. No; in order to inspire others with the love of GOD, we must feel that love [15/16] ourselves; and in order to impress our hearers with a sense of their Christian duties, the same sentiments of duty must be deeply engraven on our own minds. Without personal holiness, and a deep sense of the solemn truths of religion, all our eloquence will be no better than the idle declamation of the theatre, and all our learning will be "as sounding brass, and a tinkling cymbal."

The pious and faithful minister of the Gospel will be much engaged in devotion. He will feel his own insufficiency for the weighty charge that rests upon him, and he will look steadfastly to the throne of grace, where all-sufficiency resides. By careful meditation he will seek to become acquainted with the spiritual wants to which he is exposed by the infirmities and frailties of his nature, and with the extent and binding force of those obligations and duties, which are imposed on him by his sacred office; and by secret, and fervent, and frequent prayer, he will invoke the aids of the HOLY SPIRIT, for the sanctification of his heart, and the furtherance of his labours. The spirit of prayer gives ardour and efficacy to all his ministrations, and supplies him with hope and consolation in all the difficulties and trials which beset him. If this spirit be [16/17] extinguished in his heart, either by the corruptions of his nature, or by the allurements of the world, he has no right to look for the divine blessing on his labours. We know, indeed, that with the planting of Paul, and the watering of Apollos, all the increase is from GOD. We know also, that it- does not comport with the economy of Divine Providence always to grant an immediate success commensurate with the piety and zeal which are exerted; but seldom does the divine blessing attend the labours of the unfaithful Minister. He sows, but GOD gives no increase. He preaches, but his words return to him void. He recites the praises of GOD with his lips, but his heart is far from him. . He performs the offices of religion as the hireling performs his task. He mocks the ALMIGHTY "with a solemn sound upon a thoughtless tongue." He draws down the divine displeasure on himself, and weakens or destroys the efficacy of his ministrations.

But the faithful Minister of CHRIST is animated with a supreme desire for the promotion of his Master's glory, and for the salvation of immortal souls; and though he may witness no visible fruits of his ministry, he faints not nor falters in his duty. He knows that GOD may withhold all [17/18] visible tokens of success, lest man should arrogate to himself those effects which should be ascribed solely to the efficacy of divine grace. He knows too, that "bread cast upon the waters may return, after many days." He knows that the word of GOD, which he preaches, may work its way in secret, when our sagacity can discover none of its results. He knows that the holy seed, which is cast upon an ungenial soil, may at length be quickened, and in some propitious season yield an abundant harvest. For ourselves, we have faithfully to perform our duty, and leave the result to GOD. His SPIRIT works when and where he pleases like the wind, which bloweth where it listeth. It is only in special cases that we can discover the effects which are produced, while the manner in which they are brought to pass is ever hidden among those mysteries of providence and grace, which will never be revealed till the great day of the LORD. The divine commands to us are, "Preach the Gospel,--reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and patience." To GOD alone is reserved the prerogative of giving efficacy to our labours. But he has held out to us the gracious encouragement that, "in due time we shall reap if we faint not."

[19] To the qualifications of knowledge, prudence, and piety which have been briefly considered, as essential to the character of the Christian Minister, there should be added great self-devotion, and an ardent zeal in the cause of his divine Master. Consecrated, and set apart by the very nature of his office, to promote the glory of GOD, and the salvation of his fellowmen, these high objects should constitute the chief theme of his meditations, and the chief end of all his exertions. He should think little of himself:--little of his own ease and comfort; little of worldly gratifications; little of worldly remuneration for his labours. The blessed Apostles have left a noble example for our imitation, as well as for our encouragement. Set apart to the same sacred ministry, their zeal led them to put forth their highest powers for its advancement. They went from city to city, and from nation to nation; spreading the knowledge of the LORD to the remotest corners of the earth. They preached the foolishness of the Cross to the philosophers of Athens and Rome, and diffused the light of the Gospel among the most barbarous nations. Their zeal surmounted every obstacle and removed every difficulty; and, though the whole world was arrayed against them, they shrunk not from their duty. "The [19/20] love of CHRIST constraineth us," said they, "and we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."

We, my Right Reverend and Reverend Brethren, may not be called upon, in the allotments of Providence, to preach the Gospel to the Heathen. Yet I would to GOD that the same missionary zeal which animated the holy Apostles, might still glow in the breasts of all their successors in the Ministry; and, especially, that it might rule the hearts of those who are called to the more peculiar functions of the Apostleship. There are yet many Heathen lands to be converted to the knowledge of the truth, and many waste places in our own country to be built up. May it be our earnest desire and endeavour to send the word of GOD, and establish the Church of GOD, in these destitute portions of our land; and to perform our part, according to our ability, in the noble work of evangelizing the world. When the prophet Elijah ascended to heaven, in a chariot of fire, his mantle and his zeal fell upon his disciple Elisha. May the spirit of the blessed Apostles rest upon all their successors in the ministry of reconciliation. May the same love towards GOD, and charity . towards men, warm all our hearts, animate our zeal, and .invigorate our exertions.

[21] After these observations on the importance of the ministerial office, and the qualifications required for its faithful performance, I feel myself called upon to address a few words more particularly to the Laity.

If the duties of the Ministry are so arduous and important, there are corresponding duties on the part of the hearers. Let me exhort you then, my brethren, constantly to bear in mind these solemn responsibilities. When your pastors preach to you the word of GOD, it is to imbue you with all spiritual knowledge, that you may be enabled clearly to discern your duty. Let it be your part, therefore, to "take heed how you hear." When they administer to you the holy sacraments, you are duly to appreciate these sacred ordinances,--you are to supplicate the influence of that quickening SPIRIT which attends them, that you may be filled with all spiritual benediction and grace, and be enabled to walk in newness of life.

Your Ministers are appointed by GOD, as guides, to conduct you on your way to heaven; as watchmen, to guard you against the errors that may deceive you, or the dangers that may surprise you; as stewards, to bring you into the [21/22] household of CHRIST, and feed you with the bread of life:--Let it be constantly impressed on your minds, then, that it is your concern cheerfully to pursue the path of duty which they point out to you; sedulously to guard against the errors and dangers of which they warn you; and with a glad mind and will to unite yourselves with that Christian family to which they bid you welcome, and partake with gratitude of that heavenly food which they are appointed to dispense to you. In all their ministrations you are to regard them as "Ambassadors of CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you by them," for they pray you, "in CHRIST'S stead," to be "reconciled to GOD."

In this interesting and high station, it will be your especial duty to regard our Reverend Brother, whom you have called to preside over you in the highest Ministry of the Church, and who is now to be consecrated to that holy office. You will respect and support his just authority, for it is derived from the institution of the divine Head of the Church. Bearing in mind that he is "over you in the LORD," you will "esteem him very highly for his work's sake." Duly estimating the arduous nature and high responsibilities of his station, you will be ever ready to [22/23] strengthen his hands, encourage his heart, and aid him in his labours of love.

This generous aid and co-operation will be especially expected from the Clergy of the Diocese. Having, by their suffrages, elected him to his high trusts and arduous duties, and having by their vows of ordination, promised a reverent obedience to his spiritual authority, they will feel it their incumbent duty to support him in the exercise of his official functions, to facilitate his labours, and to "follow with a glad mind and will his godly admonitions" and advice.

To you, my Reverend Brother, I trust I need add no exhortations concerning the nature of your holy office, or the interesting relations in which it places you. The observations which have already been made upon the dignity and importance of the Christian Ministry, and the qualifications required for the faithful performance of its duties, have long been familiar- to your mind; and your reflections on the solemn responsibilities of the office to which you are now to be consecrated, will not have failed to give emphasis and force to the admonition of the Apostle, contained in our text;--"Take heed to the Ministry which thou hast received in the LORD, that thou fulfil it."

[24] You will exercise an unwearied circumspection, in regard to yourself, and a conscientious fidelity in the discharge of your episcopal duties. The example of your revered and beloved predecessor will be continually before you. You will emulate his virtues;--his benevolence, his zeal, his vigilance, his promptitude; his generous hospitality, his affectionate attachment to the Clergy and people of his charge, and his honourable frankness towards all men. You will follow his example, in his ardent love of the Church, and his unceasing labours for her welfare; in his truly evangelical faith, and in his unaffected and devoted piety. You will fix your eyes on the still higher example of your divine Master, and the holy Apostles. You will take their heavenly precepts as the rule of your conduct, and the guide of your life; and you will constantly and earnestly seek the aids of divine grace, to enable you to discharge your duties with faithfulness and success. And now may the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls take you into his holy keeping:--may he enlighten you by his. heavenly wisdom, protect you by his , almighty power, and sanctify you to his service, by the inspiration of his HOLY SPIRIT.

APPENDIX.

THE consecration of the Reverend BENJAMIN T. ONDERDONK, D. D., the Bishop elect of the Diocese of New-York, took place by appointment of the Presiding Bishop, at St. John's Chapel, in the city of New-York, on Friday the 26th November, 1830. There were present, the Right Rev. William White, D. D., Bishop of Pennsylvania, and Presiding Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States, by whom the solemn act of consecration was performed; and the Right Rev. Thomas C. Brownell, D. D., LL. D., Bishop of Connecticut, and the Right Rev. Henry U. Onderdonk, D. D., Assistant Bishop of Pennsylvania, who presented the Bishop elect, and united in the "laying on of hands." Morning prayer was read by the Rev. Thomas Lyell, D. D., Rector of Christ Church; the lessons by the Rev. James Milnor, D. D., Rector of St. George's Church, New-York; and the sermon preached by the Right Rev. Bishop Brownell. The Bishop elect was accompanied to his place in front of the chancel, by the Rev. Dr. Wainwright and the Rev. Mr. Richmond, who assisted in investing him with the episcopal robes. The certificate of his election and the testimonial of the Convention of the Diocese of New-York, were read by the Rev. Levi S. Ives, the assistant Secretary of that body; the testimonials of the Standing Committees of the several Dioceses in the United States, by the Rev. George . Upfold, M. D., the Secretary of the Standing Committee of New-York; and the consent of the Bishops to the consecration, by the- Rev. William Berrian, D. D., the President of the said Committee. Immediately after the imposition of hands; and before proceeding to the Communion Service, the Right. Rev. Bishop White, the presiding Bishop; delivered the following

ADDRESS:

BRETHREN--It is trusted by the Presiding Bishop, that he will be borne with, while with brevity he gives vent [25/26] to the sensibilities which possess him on this interesting occasion.

It will easily be believed, that the duty of the day cannot have been discharged without the tenderest recollection of a friend, for whom there has been cherished an affection from his very early years. [The late lamented Right Reverend Bishop HOBART.] With the grief occasioned by his decease, there is the consoling recollection of the virtues, and of the services which embalm his memory in the estimation of his friends, of the churches which have been under his superintendence, of our Church generally, throughout the Union, and of that large portion of society who knew him only as a man, as a fellow citizen, and as a Christian minister, exterior to their respective pales.

It is within a few months of twenty years, since, in Trinity Church, in this city, he was consecrated to the Episcopacy by the imposition of the hands of the present speaker. On that occasion, as may be seen in his printed sermon, the consecrator, affirming an intimate knowledge of the subject of the ceremony, probably more exact than that of any other individual then present, did not hesitate to anticipate an abundant measure of usefulness. At the same time, he indulged the expectation, grounded on the disparity of years, that when called from this earthly scene, he would leave behind him such a labourer in the vineyard of the LORD. The anticipation of usefulness has been amply realized. The expectation of survivorship was not unreasonable; but has been disappointed by the sovereign disposal of the great [26/27] Being whose ways are unsearchable, and in whose hands are the "issues of life."

Brethren--There has been the expression of these sentiments, partly from the wish to mingle the sorrow of the deliverer of them with that of the bereaved diocese, and partly to felicitate it on the choice of a successor, to whose merit it cannot but be a powerful testimony, that he is the individual, on whom the deceased Bishop would have wished the choice to fall; a fact, known to him who now affirms it; and who anticipates, as confidently as is consistent with the uncertainty of all human affairs, a verifying of the opinion of your late Diocesan, and that of the lately assembled representatives of your diocese.

That this may be the result, will, it is to be expected, be a subject of your prayers.

Know all men, by these presents, that we, WILLIAM WHITE, D. D., Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of 'Pennsylvania, Presiding Bishop; THOMAS CHURCH BROWNELL, D. D., LL. D., Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of Connecticut; and HENRY USTICK ONDERDONK, D. D., Assistant Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of Pennsylvania; under the protection of Almighty GOD; in St. John's Chapel, in the city of New-York, on Friday the twenty-sixth day of November, in the year of our LORD one thousand eight hundred and thirty, did, then and there, rightly and canonically consecrate our beloved in CHRIST, BENJAMIN TREDWELL ONDERDONK, D. D., an assistant Minister of Trinity Church in the City of New-York, of whose sufficiency in good learning, soundness in the faith, and purity of manners, we were fully ascertained, into the office of Bishop; to which he hath been elected by the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of New-York.

Given in the city of New-York, this twenty-sixth day of November, in the year of our LORD one thousand eight hundred and thirty.

WM. WHITE, (L. S.)
THOMAS C. BROWNELL, (L. S.)
H. U. ONDERDONK. (L. S.)

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