DAILY SERVICE. 66 Nicholas Ferrar tells us of Mr. Herbert, whose faithful discharge of his duties, was such as may make him justly a companion to the primitive Saints," that "his obedience and conformity to the Church and the discipline thereof was singularly remarkable: Though he abounded in private devotions, yet went he every morning and evening with his family to the Church; and by his example, exhortations, and encouragements, drew the greater part of his parishioners to accompany him daily in the public celebration of Divine Service." There may be many circumstances, under which it would not be possible to follow strictly this excellent practice: but we may always take the Prayer-book as our guide in private, and so in some degree join in the daily Service of the Church. Mr. Cecil observes: "I read the Scriptures to my family in some regular order: and I am pleased to have thus a lesson found for me. I look on the chapter of the day as a lesson sent for that day; and so I regard it as coming from God for the use of that day, and not of my own seeking." We shall find in the Prayer-book an admirable order of reading appointed for us, both of Psalms and Lessons; and if at the same time we make use of some of the Church collects and prayers, we shall be taking the best means of infusing into our private devotions the deeply reverential spirit of our public Liturgy. THE FESTIVALS. Christ our Saviour Himself hath honoured these times by His Blessed Birth, His Resurrection, and Ascension up into Heaven: at which time we honour Him, as at all times, so especially when we have feasts consecrated to a commemoration of His goodness towards us, when we in love and pious manner assemble ourselves. Sometimes we celebrate the mention of the Martyrs and Saints of God, who have lived in former times. And this we do for no other end, but only to set before us examples of repentance, of faith, of piety. Abuse taken away, we see the keeping of these feasts is a commendable and Christian custom. For the manner of keeping them: first, these duties of devotion, as prayer, hearing the Word of God, receiving the Sacraments, require our special care. Secondarily, at these times we extend, as we may, bounty unto others; and therefore saith St. Austin, "festival times should have liberality, which make many bless God for His benefits." Last of all, these solemnities orderly observed, they do sometimes call us away from the inordinate care of the world, and move in our hearts, many good and comfortable thoughts, in calling to mind the time will come, "when we shall keep the feast of feasts in Heaven."-Sutton's "Disce vivere," Ch. xxiv. See also " Hooker, B. v. Sec. lvi." "Bp. Taylor's Holy Living, Ch. iv." "Bp. Cosin on the Calendar." &c. PRAYER OF A CHILD. O heavenly Father, who hast made me Thy child in Baptism, I pray Thee for Thy grace, to enable me to keep those vows which were then Make me to love Thine own Day, made for me. and to behave with reverence in Thy house, and to observe all Thy commandments, that so I may not fear in due time to take those vows publicly upon me. I have in many ways disobeyed Thee, and been unthankful for Thy goodness, but I pray Thee to forgive me all that is past, and to give me grace to live better for the future: and this I ask for His sake who gave Himself a sacrifice for me, Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord.—Amen. PRAYER BEFORE CONFIRMATION. O God, in whom only is my trust, I pray Thee to make me thankful to Thee for all the ordinances of Thy Church; keep me from all irreverent use of them, and especially bless, I pray Thee, this holy Rite of Confirmation to the good of my soul. O Lord, increase my faith, and confirm my hope: enable me to confess the Faith of Christ crucified, and to give my heart to Thee. And, since of myself I can do nothing, give me strength to fight manfully under His banner against sin, the world and the devil, that I may so continue His faithful soldier and servant unto my life's end. Grant this, O Lord, of Thine infinite mercy, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. No. 13. SCRIPTURE TRACTS FOR THE FASTS AND FESTIVALS. St. Matthias. BY A LAYMAN. "The prophecy (of the Scripture) came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring ir damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."-2 Peter ii. 1. LONDON: J. G. F. AND J. RIVINGTON. STRONG, BRISTOL; COMBE, LEICEster. PRINTED BY H. AND A. HILL, CASTLE GREEN, BRISTOL. MDCCCXL. Price Three Halfpence, or 1s. 3d. per Dozen. HYMN. Who is God's chosen priest? He, who on Christ stands waiting day and night, Who hath learn'd lowliness From his Lord's cradle, patience from His cross; Whom poor men's eyes and hearts consent to bless ; To whom, for Christ, the world is loss; Who both in agony Hath seen Him and in glory; and in both In witness of his Lord, In humble following of his Saviour dear: Thou art Thy Church's spouse, Whose arm supports her, on whose faithful breast Sure pledge of her eternal rest. Who then, uncall'd by Thee, Dare touch Thy spouse, Thy very self below? Keble's "Christian Year." |