The Lawful Calling (3): The Public Ordination

A. Its Meaning A. Its Meaning The public ordination of a candidate to the office of the ministry of the Word and the Sacrament is, in­deed, a solemn occasion. Dr. H. Bouwman says that the ordination is the crown upon the calling. For the minister-elect it means the realization of his heart's desire and the entrance upon his life's calling. To the church the ordination of her minister marks the answer to her prayer, "Come over and help us". There is then abundant reason for solemn joy and...