4. That Ministry is threefold in its Orders. During Christ's Ministry-We have

(1) Himself, (2) the Twelve, (3) the Seventy;

And, after Pentecost, we have the three Orders, (1) Apostles (subsequently “Angels" or "Bishops”), (2) Priests or Presbyters, (3) Deacons.

5. There are two Sacraments. One of these (like Circumcision), applicable to Children, and appointed by Christ, called Baptism. The other, instituted by Christ into the place of the Passover, but to which baptized persons, only, are admissible.

6. Between these two Sacraments comes the rite of Confirmation, in which the person to be confirmed, declares his full consent and agreement to that covenant into which he had been baptized. This is a very similar proceeding to the presentation of the Jewish children in the Temple already alluded to.

7. The early Christians met daily in sacred service.

8. But the Lord's Day, which after Christ rose from the dead took the place of the Sabbath, is regarded as especially to be observed with especial sanctity.

We know from the Bible and from early Church history, that the celebration of the Lord's Supper formed the chief occasion of gathering together among Christians, and that the Services in which they then engaged, were especially solemn. To these Services alone indeed, accurately speaking, the term of " Liturgies" is applicable, though the word is often used with a wider meaning now.

A proper estimation by all of us, of every one of the means of grace, would doubtless lead to great advancement in religion. In the hope that the following" Counsels"

may tend to render a right and practical appreciation of the Supper of the Lord, as one especial means of grace, more common amongst us, they are now, after many hindrances, sent forth amongst those for whom Jesus died, and to whom He says, in regard to this Holy Communion," This do in remembrance of Me."

The notes which precede or which come after any part of the Liturgy following should be carefully read at home.*

The same observation applies, with equal propriety, to the Rubrics throughout the Book of Common Prayer.

*In this (Second) Edition the notes have been placed on the opposite pages to face those parts of the Liturgy to which they refer, and are numbered for the convenience of the reader.

as

This Sacrament is known by a variety of names. It ought never to be called "The Sacrament though there were but one, since JESUS appointed two Sacraments. It is termed in Holy Scripture "The Lord's Supper," [1 Cor. xi. 20]: "The Communion of the body and "the Communion of the blood of Christ," [1 Cor. x. 16]: "The Cup of the Lord;" and "the Lord's table," [1 Cor. x. 21]: "That one bread," [1 Cor. x. 17]: "My body, My blood," [St. Matt. xxvi. 26, 28]: "Eucharist" or "Thanksgiving," [St. Matt. xxvi. 27] and a means of "showing the Lord's death, till He come." [1 Cor. xi. 26.]

Surely no serious person can neglect this Holy Communion! CHRIST died for sinners, and appointed this Sacrament for all sinners who desire pardon through His complete work. It was "ordained for the continual remembrance of the sacrifice of the death of CHRIST, and of the benefits which we receive thereby." It was instituted on a most solemn and affecting occasion by CHRIST Himself, who said of it, "This do in remembrance of Me." He said also "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." It seems therefore that they who habitually absent themselves from their LORD'S table, do, in effect, proclaim that they love not CHRIST, for they keep not His command, and that they know better than CHRIST what is for their spiritual profit, for they use not a means of Grace, which is, beyond all dispute, specially appointed by their Saviour for their profit. It is grievous to observe how many neglect this Sacrament as though CHRIST did not intend it for all those who look for salvation through Him.

The Rubrics ought to be well studied, and

thoroughly carried out in their spirit and obvious meaning: even though they be not literally observed in every particular. Every Communicant ought to make himself known to his Parish Priest.

THE ORDER OF THE

ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S

SUPPER,

OR

HOLY COMMUNION.

So many as intend to be partakers of the holy Communion shall signify their names to the Curate, at least some time the day before.

¶ And if any of those be an open and notorious evil liver, or have done any wrong to his neighbours by word or deed, so that the Congregation be thereby offended; the Curate, having knowledge thereof, shall call him and advertise him, that in any wise he presume not to come to the Lord's Table, until he hath openly declared himself to have truly repented and amended his former naughty life, that the Congregation may thereby be satisfied, which before were offended; and that he hath recompensed the parties, to