designedly varied her phrases, in order that no room should be left to doubt of the Christian state of any person, duly entered by baptism into the visible fession of Christianity."

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SECTION XVI.

Of Frequent Communion.

"It is an easy matter for a man to say, I will not communicate, because I am otherwise hindered with worldly business. But such excuses are not so easily accepted and allowed before God."-From the Exhortation in the Holy Communion Office.

"The primitive Christians viewed it (the Lord's Supper) as replete with the greatest blessings. By its frequent use their minds were strengthened and refreshed. It prepared them for the conflicts they had to endure. It nerved their arm, it animated their hearts; and should we live to see it as duly appreciated as it was by them, and as frequently observed as it was in primitive times, that coldness and apathy which distinguishes Christians of the present day, would give place to a spirit of the most sublimating devotion; and the life and power of religion warm every heart. It is a fountain of spiritual life; let us use the medicated means. It is a well of salvation opened in the bosom

of the Redeemer; let us drink of the salutary stream and live for ever."-Bishop Moore of Virginia, Conv. Ser., p. 10.

Q. Of what is the mere occasional celebration of the Holy Communion proof?

A. Bishop White says,* "Its being attended to in our Churches only monthly, and on the three principal festivals, is one of the many proofs existing, that the piety of Christians is not so ardent as in the beginning. There are few facts more satisfactorily proved, than that of the eucharist having been administered in the primitive Church every Lord's day. Accordingly, it seems unaccountable, that in some religious societies, in which it is administered seldomer than among us, they even censure the administration of it more fre

* Comment. p. 195.

quently than is customary among themselves; and hold it to be contrary to Godly discipline."

SECTION XVII.

Of the Use of a Prothesis or Side Table for the Elements.

"And the Priest shall then place upon the Table so much Bread and Wine as he shall think sufficient." -Rubric in the Holy Communion Office.

"Let all things be done decently and in order."1 Corinth. xiv. 40.

Q. Is a Prothesis or side table for the Elements in the Lord's Supper, required?

*

A. Bishop White says, "This (the Rubric directing the elements to be placed on the altar just before the prayer

* Comment. p. 201, 202.

for Christ's Church militant) must have been in imitation of the primitive Church; in which there was a prothesis or side table, for the previous reception of the Elements. The priest's removing of them to the Lord's table was considered as an official act. It is not agreeable to the present writer's habits of thinking, to lay too much stress on matters of order; but as the provision now noticed was designed to be an act of devotion, although not accompanied by words, he wishes for the restoration of it, by the reducing of practice to the existing rule."

SECTION XVIII.

Of Catechising.

"The Minister of every Parish shall diligently, upon Sundays and Holy Days, or on some other convenient occasions, openly in the Church, instruct or examine

so many children of his Parish, sent unto him, as he shall think convenient, in some part of this Catechism." -First Rubric after Catechism.

"The Ministers of this Church who have charge of parishes or cures, shall not only be diligent in instructing the children in the Catechism, but shall also, by stated catechetical lectures and instruction, be diligent in informing the young and others in the Doctrines, Constitution, and Liturgy of the Church."-Canon xxviii. of 1832.

Q. Is Catechising one of the most important duties?

A. Bishop White says,* "The house of Bishops thought it expedient to make a solemn call on the attention of the clergy in relation to the 22d (now 28th of 1832) Canon, which enjoins on them diligence in catechetical instruction and lectures. The Bishops consider these as among the most important duties of clergymen, and among the most effectual means of promoting religious knowledge and practical piety."

* Memoirs, p. 41.