The Form and Manner of Making, Ordaining, and Consecrating of
Bishops, Priests, and Deacons,
According to the Order of The Church of England.
The Preface.
And none shall be admitted a Deacon, except he be Twenty-three years of age, unless he have a Faculty. And every man which is to be admitted a Priest shall be full twenty-four years of age, unless being over twenty-three years of age he have a Faculty. And every man which is to be ordained or consecrated Bishop shall be full thirty years of age.
And the Bishop, knowing either by himself, or by sufficient testimony, any person to be a person of virtuous conversation, and without crime; and, after examination and trial, finding him to possess the qualifications required by law and sufficiently instructed in holy Scripture may on the Sundays immediately following the Ember Weeks or on the Feast of Saint Michael and All Angels or of Saint Thomas the Apostle, or on other such days as shall be provided by Canon, in the face of the Church, admit him a Deacon in such manner and form as hereafter followeth.