THOSE who read of the naming ceremonies of life-boats, but have not been present at one, may be interested to read also the service with which, before she is named, every life-boat is solemnly dedicated to her work. This service is used by the officiating clergy, with such special variations as they think suitable.

DEDICATION OF THE LIFE-BOAT.

HYMN.

" O God, our help in ages past." Let us pray.

Minister.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

People.

Christ have mercy upon us.

Minister.

Lord, have mercy upon us.

All together.

Our Father, Which art in Heaven . . . .

Minister.

The waves of the sea are mighty and rage horribly.

People.

But yet the Lord who dwelleth on high is mightier.

Minister.

Our help is in the Name of the Lord.

People.

Who hath made heaven and earth.

Minister.

Lord, hear our prayer.

People.

And let our cry come unto Thee.

Minister.

The Lord be with you.

People.

And with thy spirit.

THE LESSON.

Psalm 107 (Verses 23 to 31).

" They that go down to the sea in ships: and occupy their business in great waters." To the honour and glory of Almighty God and for the noble purpose of rescuing those in peril on the sea, we dedicate this Life-boat, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE LIFE-BOAT AND HER CREW.

Let us pray for this Life-boat and her Crew.

ETERNAL Father, Thou walkest upon the wings of the wind, Thou makest the clouds Thy chariot, Thou rulest the raging of the sea, Thou speakest and it is still. Vouchsafe Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, to this Life-boat, which we now present to Thee. Grant that it may come to the succour of those in peril on the sea.

We commend to Thee also the men of her crew. We thank Thee for the lives which, under Thy mercy, they have saved from destruction. We pray that they may go forth to the rescue, not trusting only in their own strength, but with Thy Spirit to comfort and support them. Grant that they may have the reward of Thy promise : " For as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." Bestow Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, not on them only, but upon all who share in this work of salvation in the spirit and for the sake of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

BENEDICTION.

THE Lord, the Lord God, Who divided the seas with His power, and brought His people over on dry ground; bless, protect, and deliver His servants on the deep, and lead them finally into that nlace which is called the Fair Havens, nigh whereunto is the City of the Lordr Amen.

HYMN.

" Eternal Father, strong to save.".