everlasting life; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth ever one God world without end."

The Second Collect is more general. It is a Prayer which includes the whole Congregation. We ask God in it to direct us in all our ways, and to protect us at all times"O Almighty Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy laws and in the works of thy commandments; that through thy protection both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

The Bishop then gives his parting Blessing, and the Service ends.

It is usual, at some time during the Service, for the Bishop to address the Young Persons who are assembled. And his words should come with special weight, when we consider that he is God's Minister, and our spiritual Father. We should greatly rever

ence him on account of his high and holy office, and listen with meek attention to his wise counsel.

Such is the ceremony of Confirmation; and a most solemn and important Ceremony it is. It is an ordinance which our Church insists upon, for Four reasons.

First, Because there was a like Ceremony in the Jewish Church. We are told that Jewish Children, at the age of Thirteen, were brought to the House of God, in order to be publicly examined: and if approved, they were then declared to be Children of the Precept. This name was given to them from their making a solemn promise to observe the precepts and laws of Moses.

Secondly, Because if we look into the Acts of the Apostles, we shall see that a kind of Confirmation was practised by the Apostles. In Acts viii. 14-17, and xix. 5, 6, we are told that they laid their hands on those who had been baptized. This was in order that they might receive some further gifts of God's grace, and be more fully strengthened by His Holy Spirit. Here then was a practice very

like our Confirmation, though not quite the same thing.

Thirdly, Because we learn that after the death of the Apostles the Ordinance of Confirmation was observed; and those who had been baptized were afterwards confirmed.

Fourthly, Because even if there was no scriptural authority for Confirmation, it is indeed a most useful and profitable Ordinance; and therefore one which the Church might well recommend for the benefit of her spiritual Children. It has proved a blessing to thousands; and many a serious person has looked back upon it as the season when he first heartily entered upon God's service.

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CHAPTER III.

THE SOLEMNIZATION OF MATRIMONY.

BEFORE examining this Service, there are one or two points on which it is well to touch.

In order to prevent improper marriages, the Church orders that the names of the Persons shall be read out in Church on three several Sundays beforehand. If this is not done the law directs that a Certificate be produced, which can be obtained on payment of a certain sum.

One or the other having been done, and no objection having been raised, the Clergyman is at liberty to perform the Service.

Within the last few years a law has been passed, allowing marriages to take place simply by making a declaration before the Registrar. But surely no right-minded person would ever dream of being married after this

fashion. It is true that such a union would be good in the eye of the law; but it would be most offensive to God. And indeed we should feel that to be but a poor marriage, which took place without even asking God's blessing. None, I should think, but unbelievers, or those who had reason to be ashamed of the step they were taking, would resort to such an ungodly and unchristian act.

The Marriage Service in the Church of England is indeed a noble Service; and I am sure that the more we examine it, the more we shall be struck with its beauty and fitness.

And now, the Persons to be married being assembled with their Friends, A GENERAL ADDRESS is given to all who are present.

In this opening Address marriage is spoken of as an honourable state, instituted or appointed by God Himself, in those early days when Adam and Eve were in the garden of Eden, and before they had sinned against God.

It is spoken of too as a kind of emblem