sequence of this, it was found wise to order that the Sacrament should always be celebrated in the morning. But, as to fasting, God does not lay upon us any rule. We may be glad that the Holy Communion should be the first food. of the opening day, just in the same way that we may be glad it should be the first thought and the first act of the opening day; but no one's conscience should be troubled, if it be found needful to take some sustenance first. We cannot do better than quote the words of Samuel Wilberforce, Bishop of Winchester, in his last charge: "Come to early Communion as giving the first of the day, the freshness of the spirit, the unbrokenness of the heart, to that great Service. But if you cannot come in the early morning, have no scruple about taking ordinary food before you communicate." LONDON: PRINTED BY JAS. TRUSCOTT & SON, Holy Communion. BY W. WALSHAM HOW, Rector of Whittington, &c., &c. Part II. PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE TRACT COMMITTEE. LONDON: SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE; 77, GREAT QUEEN STREET, LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS; AND BY ALL BOOKSELLERS. NEW YORK: POTT, YOUNG & CO. Holy Communion. Part II. COMPANION. a HIS little book is meant to be used in Church "COMPANION," because it is to go with you, to help you to understand the Service and to use it to your profit. You will not use the Service to your profit unless you have prepared yourself well for it. The former part of this little book is meant to help you in that, and I shall take it for granted that you have tried, by self-examination, and confession, and very earnest prayer, to fit yourself for the high blessing and privilege you are now to enjoy. I must take it for granted. Yet I am almost Oh, so much depends on this the time of preparation is past. afraid to do so. preparation! But What we have to do now is to try to join in the holy Service as profitably as we can. Yet there may be time for something even now. Let me try to advise you how to spend these precious minutes. BEFORE THE SERVICE BEGINS. Come in good time to Church, kneel down, and say this short prayer :— O GOD, I am in Thy presence. Shut out the world and all worldly things from me. Send Thy Holy Spirit to help my infirmities, and bless to me this holy Service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Then ask yourself these short questions: Have I prepared myself well for this Communion? Have I examined myself carefully and thoroughly? Have I confessed my sins humbly and earnestly? Am I really sorry for having sinned? Do I really look to my Saviour in faith for mercy and pardon? Am I resolved to strive hard to do better? Then say very solemnly to God: LORD, I repent: help Thou mine impenitence. Lord, I believe help Thou mine unbelief. Lord, I love Thee help Thou my want of love. Amen. |