God. He is also declared to be "light of light"—that is to say, He is the great Light of the World, and comes from Him who is also Light. He is likewise declared to be very God of very God"-that is to say, truly and really God.

The last clause is much like that in the Apostles' Creed. You will observe that the Holy Ghost is here said to have "spoken by the Prophets." Thus then Holy Scripture is declared to be inspired, according to those words of St. Paul, "All scripture is given. by inspiration of God"; and of St. Peter, "Holy men of God wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

Here follows the Sermon. After which certain SENTENCES are read, whilst the Congregation are invited to give their "alms and oblations."

When this is over, the Minister says, "Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church Militant here on earth"; and then follows THE PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH MILITANT. You may not perhaps understand the meaning of the word "militant." It means war

ring or fighting. A portion of Christ's Church or People are already at rest in heaven. Their warfare is over, and they have gained the victory through the blood of the Lamb. But another portion (ourselves for instance) are now fighting the good fight of faith here below. They are in the midst of their struggle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. Now, it is for these, our Brethren, that we are invited to pray-namely "for the Church Militant here on earth.”

In this Prayer we intercede for a variety of Persons-for the Queen and her Counsellors; for all in authority; for Bishops and Clergymen; for all God's people; for our own Congregation, and for the Sick and Afflicted among them. And then lastly, we lift up our hearts in thankfulness to God for those who have died in His fear and love.

When we mention those "who have departed this life in God's faith and fear," you will observe we do not pray for them. We cannot pray for the dead. But we bless God for all those who have served Him here, and have now joined the Church Triumphant, being gathered into His kingdom above.

When the Holy Communion is administered, a break is usually made either before or after the Church Militant Prayer, to give those an opportunity of going out who do not desire to communicate. But it is sad that any break should be necessary. For why should not all (all at least who have been confirmed) partake of the best and most blessed portion of this Service? Why should any feel disposed to retire from Church when the Saviour's Table is spread? We are all Christians in name. We have all received a command to " do this in remembrance" of our Lord. We are all invited to the Feast. And who can tell how much those are losing who refuse so gracious an invitation? Who can tell the sin of thus cutting themselves off from Christ, and shutting themselves out from this means of grace, which He has so lovingly provided.

Why then is it that we refuse? Ah, is it not that the conscience of many whispers that something is wanting in them? We are not altogether Christ's, or we should not for a moment hesitate to draw near to Him in this most heavenly Ordinance.

But if you know of the blessedness of this

I

may

Service by often joining in it, I trust that be able to give you some little help, so that you may understand it better, and see fresh beauties in it. May the time come, when instead of only here and there one being a regular communicant, there may be only here and there one in the congregation who cuts himself off from so great a blessing!

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CHAPTER VIII.

THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE HOLY

COMMUNION.

We now come to that part of the Service which belongs more especially to the Administration of the Holy Communion.

After the conclusion of the Prayer for the Church Militant, which we spoke of in the last chapter, the Congregation rise from their knees, and the Minister delivers an EXHORTATION to them, on the subject of that holy Sacrament which they are presently to partake of. He especially warns them against the sin of receiving it unworthily—that is, of receiving it carelessly, as if they were sitting down to a common feast. He tells them that by doing so they would eat and drink their own damnation and condemnation; they would obtain a curse, instead of a blessing; they

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