In the Ordination Service the use of the words “receive the Holy Ghost” gave rise to much discussion, as a command to receive involves the possession on the speaker’s part of a power to bestow; and Burnet contended that such a use could not be traced back above 400 years, it having been introduced in the Middle Ages for the purpose of exalting the priesthood. The form was originally, that of a humble prayer, not of an absolute bestowment. Thus it appeared in the Apostolical Constitutions, in the writings of Dionysius the Areopagite, and in the Canons of the Councils of Carthage--the alteration being the fruit of Hildebrand’s time. The Bishop of St. Asaph and Dr. Scot, however, vindicated the Church of England in her employment of the Saviour’s words, and asserted that if they be not retained, “there is no form of ordination authoritatively,”--a very unfortunate ground of defence, for, as it was justly said, if so, then, the words not being used in the absolute form until within the previous four centuries, no valid ordinations had previously taken place. Tillotson selected a quotation from St. Augustine,[158] proving Christ to be God, because He bestowed the Holy Ghost; thus suggesting the argument that the Church could not authoritatively confer the celestial gift, but only pray that it might be conferred by the Divine Being. The rest of the time was spent in revising the Daily Prayer, the Communion and Confirmation Services, the Catechism, and other formularies, and in preparing new Collects. [Sidenote: 1689.] The second paragraph of the general rubric at the beginning of the order for Morning and Evening Prayer was struck out, and the following passage was inserted instead:--“Whereas the surplice is appointed to be used by all ministers in performing divine offices, it is hereby declared, that it is continued only as being an ancient and decent habit. But yet, if any minister shall come and declare to his Bishop that he cannot satisfy his conscience in the use of the surplice in divine service, in that case the Bishop shall dispense with his not using it, and if he shall see cause for it, he shall appoint a curate to officiate in a surplice.” The new paragraph was afterwards scored down the side, the following memorandum being appended:--“This rubric was suggested but not agreed to, but left to further consideration.” Another memorandum followed in these words, “A Canon to specify the vestments.” Numerous verbal alterations were introduced into the Litany,--“sudden death” being altered into “dying suddenly and unprepared;” and new versicles and responses were inserted, “From all infidelity and error, from all impiety and profaneness, from all superstition and idolatry,--Good Lord deliver us.” With the Litany it was proposed to connect the rehearsal of the Ten Commandments, and the response, “Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.” [Sidenote: COMPREHENSION.]