For this reason we have the statement in the Preface to the ordinal: "It is evident unto all men diligently reading Holy Scripture and ancient Authors, that from the Apostles' time there have been these Orders of Ministers in Christ's Church,-Bishops, Priests and Deacons."
"The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia"
William James Miller
The ordinal being what it is, is very properly prefaced with a statement of the witness of history to the fact "that from the Apostles' time there have been these Orders of Ministers in Christ's Church-Bishops, Priests and Deacons."
"The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia"
William James Miller
The ordinal is also sometimes called "The Pontifical."
"The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia"
William James Miller