«j *• Q- * •^ .12 i? 3 ^ J5 "i*^ IE 1 ^ h> CL ^W *S5 ^ o ; ! ^ $ : 1 ^ § in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. ^ After the Gospel is read, the Minister shall make this brief Exhorta- tion upon the words of the Gospel : Beloved, ye hear in this Gospel the words of our Saviom* Christ, that he commanded the children to be brought unto him ; how he blamed those who would have kept them from him ; how he exhorteth all men to follow their innocency. Ye perceive how, by his outward gesture and deed, he declared his good will toward them : for he embraced them in his arms, he laid his hands upon them, and blessed them. Doubt ye not therefore, but earnestly behave, that he wiU likewise favourably receive this present infant ; that he will embrace him with the arms of his mercy ; and that he will give unto him the blessings of eternal life, and make him 2')artaker of his everlasting kingdom. Where- fore, we being thus persuaded of the good will of om- heavenly Father toward this infant^ declared by his Son Jesus Christ ; and nothing doubting, but that he favourably alloweth this chari- table work of ours, in bringing this infant to this holy baptism ; let us faithfully and devoutly give thanks unto him, and say, Almighty and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks, that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowl- edge of thy grace, and faith in thee : increase this knowledge, and confirm this faith in us evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit to this infant ; that he may be born again, and be made a?i ?ieir of everlasting salvation, through om* Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen. 10 PUBLIC BAPTISM OF INFANTS. ^ Then shall the Minister speak unto the Godfathers and Godmothers on this wise : Dearly beloved, ye have brought tJiis child here to be bap- tized; ye have prayed that our Lord Jesus Christ ^vould vouchsafe to receive Imn, to release him from sin, to sanctify him with the Holy Ghost, to give him the kingdom of heaven and everlasting life. Ye have heard also that our Lord Jesus Christ hath promised, in his Gospel, to grant all these things that ye have prayed for ; which promise, he for his part will most surely keep and perforin. Wherefore, after this promise made by Christ, this infant must also faithfully, for his part, promise by you that are his sureties (until he come of age to take it upon himself) that lie will renounce the devil and aU his works, and constantly believe God's holy word, and obediently keep his commandments. ^ The Minister shall then demand of the Sponsors as follows; the ques- tions being considered as addressed to them severally, and the answers to be made accordingly. I demand therefore. Dost thou, in the name of this child, renounce the devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desii-es of the same, and the sinful desii-es of the flesh ; so that thou wilt not follow, nor be led by them ? Answer. I renounce them all ; and, by God's help, will endea- vour not to foUow, nor be led by them. Minister. Dost thou believe all the aiiicles of the Christian feith, as contained in the Apostles' Creed ? Ansioer. I do. Minister. Wilt thou be baptized in this faith ? Answer. That is ray desu-e. Minister. Wilt thou then obediently keep God's holy wiU and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of thy life ? Answer. I will, by God's help. t Then shall the Minister say, PUBLIC BAPTISM OF INFANTS. 11 MERCIFUL God, grant that the old Adam in this child may- be so buiied, that the new man may be raised up in him. Amen. Grant that all sinful affections may die in him, and that all things belonging to the Spuit may live and gi-ow in him. Amen. Grant that he may have power and strength to have victoiy, and to tiiumph against the devil, the world, and the flesh. Amen. Grant that whosoever is here dedicated to thee by om* office and ministry, may also be endued with heavenly vii'tues, and everlastingly rewarded, through thy mercy, blessed Loed God, who dost live and govern all things, world without end. Amen. Almighty, everliving God, whose most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of om* sins, did shed out of his most precious side both water and blood ; and gave command- ment to his disciples, that they should go teach all nations, and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holt Ghost ; regard, we beseech thee, the supplications of thy congi-egation ; sanctify this water to the mystical washing away of sin ; and grant that this child, now to be baptized therein, may receive the fulness of thy gi-ace, and ever i-emain in the number of thy faithful chilcken ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Ame7i. 'i Then the Minister shall take the child into his hands, and shall say to the Godfathers and Godmothers, 2^ame this child. ^ And then, naming it after them, he shall dip it in the water discreetly, or shall pour water npon it, saying, N". I BAPTIZE tliee in the name of the Father, and of the Sox, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 1 Then the Minister shall say, We receive this child into the congregation of Christ's Flock, 12 PUBLIC BAPTISM OF INFANTS. and do * sign him with the sign of » ji„, the Minister bUII maU a the cross ; in token that hereafter he crc. upon the chiW»Meh.'-^ons. and these thy servants^ adding, and these infants. Then the Minister shall proceed to the questions to be demanded in the cases respectively. After the im- mersion, or the pouring of water, the prayer shall be as in this service ; only, after the words, these persons, shall be added, rt?ic? these infants. After which the remaining part of each service shall be used ; first that for Adults, and lastly that for Infonts. ^ If any person, not baptized in their infancy, shall be brought to be baptized before they come to years of discretion to answer for them- selves, it may suffice to use the Office for Public Baptism of Infants; or, in case of extreme danger, the Office for Private Baptism ; only changing the word infant, for child, or person, as occasion requireth. % Cato^im ; THAT IS TO SAY, AN" INSTRUCTION, TO BE LEARNED BY EVERY PERSON BEFORE HE BROUGHT TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE BISHOP. Question. 1. "What is youi* name ? Ans. N. or M. 2. Quest. Who gave you tliis name ? Ans. My Sponsors in Baptism ; wherein I was made a mem- ber of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven. 3. Quest. What did your Sponsors then for you ? Ans. They did promise and vow three things in my name : First, that I should renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanity of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh ; Secondly, that I should beheve all the articles of the Christian faith ; And Thirdly, that I should keep God's holy wUl and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of my Kfe, 4. Quest. Dost thou not think that thou art bound to believe, and to do, as they have promised for thee ? Ans. Yes, verily ; and by God's help so I will : and I heartily thank om* heavenly Father, that he hath called me to this state of salvation, through Jesus Christ our Saviour : and I pray unto God to give me his gi-ace, that I may continue in the same unto my life's end. 6. Catechist. Reheai'se the articles of thy Belief. Answer. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth : And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord ; Who was con- 28 A CATECHISM. ceived by the Holy Ghost, Bom of tlie Virgin Maiy, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, "Was crucified, dead, aud buried ; He descended into hell ; The third day he rose from the dead ; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty ; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost ; The holy catholic Church ; The communion of saints ; The forgiveness of sins ; The resurrection of the body, and the Ufe everlasting. Amen. 6. Quest. What dost thou chiefly learn in these ai'ticles of thy Belief? Ans. First, I learn to believe in God the Father, who hath made me, and all the world. Secondly, in God the Sox, who hath redeemed me, and all mankind. Thirdly, in God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth me, and all the people of God. 1. Quest. You said that yom- sponsors did promise for you, that you should keep God's commandments. Tell me how many there are. A71S. Ten. 8. Quest. "VVTiich are they ? Answer. The same which God spake in the twentieth chapter of Exodus, saying, I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. I. Thou shalt have none other gods but me. II. Thou shalt not make to thyself any gi-aven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the eai-th beneath, or in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them : for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children, unto the thii'd aud fourth generation of them that hate me ; and A CATECHISM. 7iV show mercy unto thousands in them that love me, and keep my commandments. Ill, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain : for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. TV. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do ; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. Li it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man-servant, and thy maid-sei-vant, thy cattle, and the sti-anger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and eai-th, the sea, and aU that in them is, and rested the seventh day : wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it. Y. Honom* thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee VL Thou shalt do no murder. VIL Thou shalt not commit adulteiy. VIII. Thou shalt not steal. IX. Thou shalt not beai- false witness against thy neighbour. X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his. 9. Quest. What dost thou chiefly learn by these command- ments ? Ans. I learn two things ; my duty towai'd God, and my duty toward my neighbour. 10. Quest What is thy duty toward God ? Ans. My duty toward God is, to believe in him ; to fear him ; and to love him with all my heart, with aU my mind, with all my soul, and with all my strength ; to worship him ; to give him tliauks ; to put my whole trust in him ; to call upon him ; to honour his holy name and his word ; and to serve him truly all the days of ray hfe. 3* 30 A CATECHISM. 11. Quent. What is thy duty toward thy neighbour ? A)is. My duty toward my neighbour is, to love him as myself, and to do to ail men as I would they should do unto me: to love, honour, and succour my father and mother: to honour and obey the civil authority : to submit myself to all my goveraors, teachers, spiritual pastors, and masters : to order myself lowly and reverently to aU my betters : to hurt nobody by word or deed : to be true and just in all my dealings : to bear no maHce nor hatred in my heart : to keep ray hands from picking and stealing, and my tongue from evil speaking, lying, and slander- ing : to keep my body in temperance, soberness, and chastity : not to covet nor desu*e other mens goods ; but to learn and labour truly to get mine own hving, and to do my duty in that state of life unto which it shall please God to call me. 12. Catechist. My good child, know this, that thou art not able to do these things of thyself, nor to walk in the command- ments of God, and to serve him, without his special grace, which thou must learn at aU times to call for by diligent prayer. Let me hear, therefore, if thou canst say the Lord's Prayer. Answer. Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy ^Name ; Thy kingdom come ; Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven ; Give us this day om* daily bread ; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us ; And lead us not into temptation ; But deliver us fi'om evil. Amen. 13. Quest, What desirest thou of God in this prayer? Ans. I desu-e my Lord God, our heavenly Father, who is the giver of all goodness, to send his gi-ace unto me and all people ; that we may worship him, serve him, and obey him, as we ought to do : and I pray unto God, that he will send us aU things that are needful both for our souls and bodies : and that he will be merciful mito us, and forgive us om* sins ; and that it will please him to save and defend us in all dangers both of soul and body ; and that he will keep us fi-om all sin and wick- A CATECHISM. 31 ednes9, and fi-om oui* spu-itual enemy, and from everlasting death : and this I trust he will do of his mercy and goodness, through our Lord Jesus Christ ; and therefore I say, Amen : So be it Question, 14. How many Sacraments hath Christ ordained in his Church ? Ans. Two only, as generally necessary to salvation ; that is to say, Bajjtism, and the Supper of the Lord. 15. Quest. What meanest thou by this word Sacrament? Ans. I mean an outwai'd and visible sign of an inward and spiritual gi-ace, given unto us ; ordained by Christ himself ; as a means whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to assure us thereof 16. Quest. How many parts are there in a Sacrament? Ans. Two ; the outward visible sign, and the inward spiritual grace. lY. Quest. What is the outward visible sign or form in Bap- tism? Ans. Water ; wherein the person is baptized, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 18. Quest. What is the inward and spiritual grace? Ans. A death unto sin, and a new birth unto righteousness : for being by nature bora in sin, and the childi'en of wrath, we are hereby made the children of grace. 19. Qitest. What is required of persons to be baptized ? Ans. Repentance, whereby they forsake sin; and faith, whereby they steadfastly believe the promises of God made to them in that Sacrament. 20. Qicest. Why then are infouts baptized, when by reason of their tender age they cannot perform them ? Ans. Because they promise them both by their sureties ; which promise, when they come to age, themselves are bound to perform. 32 A CATECHISM. 21. Quest. Why "was the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper ordained ? Ans. For the continual remembrance of the sacrifice of the death of Christ, and of the benefits which we receive thereby. 22. Quest. What is the outwai'd part or sign of the Lord's Supper ? Ans. Bread and wine, which the Lokd hath commanded to be received. 23. Quest. What is the inward part or thing signified ? Ans. The body and blood of Christ, which are spiiitiially taken and received by the faithful in the Lord's Supper, 24. Quest. What are the benefits whereof we ai-e partakers thereby ? Ans. The strengthening and refi-eshing of oui* souls by the body and blood of Christ, as om* bodies are by the bread and wine. 25. Quest. What is requii-ed of those who come to the Lord's Supper ? Ans. To examine themselves, whether they repent thom tnily of their former sins, steadfastly pui-posing to lead a new life ; have a hvely faith in God's mercy, through Christ, with a thank- ful remembrance of his death ; and be in charity with all men. ^ The Minister of every parish shall diligently upon Sundays and Holy days, or on some other convenient occasions, openly in the church, instruct or examine so man}- children of his parish, sent unto him, as he shall think convenient, in some part of this Catechism. T"And all fathers, mothers, masters, and mistresses shall cause their children, servants, and apprentices, who have not learned their Cate- chism, to come to the church at the time appointed, and ohediently to hear, and to be ordered by the Minister, until such time as they have learned all that is here appointed for them to learn. ^ So soon as children are come to a competent age, and can say the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments, and can answer to the other questions of this short Catechism, they shall be brought to the Bishop. ^hen you have exhibited the working of Divine Grace upon your hearts, in your lives, then, and not till then, may you venture upon undertaking the duties of this new relation towards the baptized in Christ. To all, then, be it said, as you have any regard for the Church's good repute, as you value your own souls' salvation, as you value that of such as may be intrusted to your supervision and care, consider your responsibility, and meet it. For, even thus much depends upon your faithfulness, inasmuch as your unfaithfulness may contribute to the ruin of im- mortal souls. 10 110 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. 5. QuaJiJications of Godfathers and Godmothers, {continued.) 2. As " Witnesses" in the case of Adults. Tliere is little to be added under this head, the exhortation to the " chosen witnesses" of Adults baptized, implying the same kind of fitness as has just been commended. It is supposed that, in prac- tice, these witnesses are more generally (if not al- ways,) communicants, than they who act as Sponsors for children. Although, it is hard to tell why this should be, since the strongest impressions of right instruction and a good example are made upon the young ; whilst, as Adults answer for themselves at Baptism, so do the duties of their Witnesses ordina- rily continue for a shorter space of time. For, ac- cording to the Rubric in this case, "It is expedient that every [adult] person thus baptized, should be confirmed by the Bishop, so soon after his Baptism as conveniently may be ; that so he may be admitted to the Holy Communion." The duties of the Wit- nesses as such then cease ; and previously may be considered as those only which one Christian may expect from another, the advantage of the relation between the two parties and for the time, being, that the general duty of caring for a Christian brother is, THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. Ill for a special purpose, transferred from the whole body of a church or congregation to certain of its members ; and is more likely, therefore, to be per- formed in a proper, profitable manner. And, to un- dertake it, with the determination to do as the Wit- nesses are exhorted, — the congregation having a pledge that what it owes to the newly-baptized will not be neglected, — is an act of Christian charity, than which there is none better adapted to promote " unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and, (may we not add ?) — righteousness of life." 6. Motives to undertaking Sponsorial duties. 1. The fact that, with a view to the bringing up of children — whose case again and finally comes under notice — " as becometh the Gospel of Christ,"* the* Church has seen fit to recognize the Sponsorial relation and appoint its duties, should be a first mo- tive to compliance with this part of Her discipline, in all Her members who have the prerequisite fitness for performing the duties of this relation. Even if the Church were to be regarded as only a Yoluntary Association of human origin, thus much would be ex- pected of Her members, as therefore bound by Her * Phil. i. 2T. 112 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. laws SO long as these were in force. On no other principle could the well-being — not to say the being — of any Society or State be preserved, or its effi- cient action continued. And, the same principle, as- suredly, is no less applicable in the Church of Christ, because its origin is held to be Divine. Nor, whilst Her members undoubtedly have the privilege of in- quiring whether Her laws and institutions accord with the law of God, in the Gospel, need they scru- ple to accede at once to the present point of disci- pline ; unless, indeed, it were contrary to God's law, which must be proved, not taken for granted. 2. The nature of the Sponsorial relation, together with the purpose for which it was designed, as con- tributing to the well-being of the Church, through the performance of the duties involved, calls up an- other motive for undertaking them, of no little im- portance. Are Her doctrines essential to salvation, as of God ? then should they be known. Is Her dis- cipline effectual to so good an end ? then should it be enforced. Is unity of sentiment and action in her members desirable ? then should there be instruction, leading to such effect. Are the most of Her mem- bers such, from childhood up ? then should these have THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 113 that instruction, " so soon as they are able to learn," in order that through them the Church's unity and efficiency may be the better secured, to the attain- ment of the objects designed in Her very institution. And what can contribute more to Her edification, to Her members growing up into a band of brethren, of one household, harmoniously acting together for their mutual good and the salvation of all men, than the Sponsorial relation, rightly understood, and faith- fully observed ; as constantly increasing, moreover, the number of those who are drawn into a close, brotherly, and spiritual communion, — ^faith working by love ? 3. Further, there is another motive which should make the members of the Church willing to enter upon this relation, in that, namely, it is an act of charity towards those, in whose favour it is under- taken. It has already been mentioned in this Hght,. as regards the witnessing for Adults. Much more is it so to be considered in the case of answering for Infants, who can not answer for themselves at their Baptism, can not instruct or train themselves in the way of salvation, but in this respect are helpless, at the mercy of every influence, and so far exposed to 10* 114 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. every temptation into error of faith, heart, and life. Shall they be left to themselves ? Will none care for their souls ? Or, shall they be trained for this world, but not for the next ? And especially is there a call for the exhibition of such charity, where parents are no more, to watch over their little ones, even if so disposed ; and where they are still living, but indifferent to their own and their children's true welfare ; or, in a manner de- structive of the salvation of them all. 7. Objections to becoming Sponsors, answered. Observing first that, generally, objections of this, or any similar, nature come with but an ill grace from members of the Church, who, in being such, are pledged to obey Her laws, yet, as objections may rise in the minds of those who would willingly and conscientiously do their duty in the present matter, could they see their way clear, somewhat may be added. 1. Thus, there is an objection to the Questions 'before Baptism, put to Sponsors, as answered '' in the name of this child," and as further stated and explained in the Third Answer of the Catechism, to which you are referred, in connection with what fol- THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 115 lows. — Now, no Churchman, and no one professing to be a Christian, can, it is thought, object, upon any rehgious ground whatever, to " renouncing the devil and all his works, &c.," so far as he himself is concerned ; or, to " believing in all the Articles of the Christian Faith, as contained in the Apostles' Creed;" or, if he believes in Baptism, to being " bap- tized in this Faith:" or, to " an obedient keeping of God's holy will and commandments, &c., all the days of his life,"* Nor, therefore, can any object to a child's thus renouncing, believing, being baptized, and obeying, for himself, could he act in reference to either or all of these points, " in his own name" or person. Wherefore, as respects the principle of the thing, there can be no objection to the lawfulness and propriety of that being done for him, which he ought to do for himself were he capable of it. 2. Here, however, it may be said, that whilst such would be the child's duty were he an adult, he ought not to be bound by any vows in which he has, and can have, no voice. And yet, in worldly mat- ters, to speak in the way of illustration, this objec- tion is set at naught, every day. And must be, as * See Quest, p. 10. 116 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. is evident. Otherwise, no parent, having heirs with a natural right to his estate, could control this, to buy or sell, (except during the non-age of his chil- dren, ) binding them to obligations of his contracting, and to hold when they had reached their majority. Guardians could not act for their wards. Indeed, no one could be deputed to act for a principal. True, the civil law settles the course of action, here. But, on the very principle which binds a child through the action of his Sponsors. 3. Should it be urged, now, that this illustration does not come up to the point in question, because something more than worldly estates, even the spir- itual interests of a chUd are involved, let it be an- swered that, this fact can not overthrow the principle illustrated, unless the child be bound to what is wrong, or deprived of some right or privilege. For an illegal action in this world's matters, done by a parent to the prejudice of a child, there is a remedy; and so, doubtless, a child could not be bound to a false Creed were he baptized ever so often. His Baptism, if in other respects valid and lawful, could serve only to the true end of Baptism and bind him to a true Creed. Is there then any thing false or THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 117 nnscriptiiral in tlie Questions of the Baptismal Office and the Catechism, and their Answers, as now under notice ? Observe, too, that the principle, upon which these are based, is of Divine origin. It is as old, at least, as the institution of Circumcision. Was the circumcised child, from the days oY Abra- ham, bound to nothing when circumcised at his eighth day? Was he not bound to the terms of the Abrahamic, and then afterwards of the Mosaic, cov- enant? Did not the Law fix his Faith and regulate his morals? And now, should he not, might he not, have objected to the law, which, without his consent, when he was eight days old, made him keep the cove- nant,* taking away all supposable right to grow up as a Gentile, and thenceforward instructing him in the duties which God had imposed ? This requires no answer. Only, it may be stated, with a refer- ence back to the baptism of proselytes that, Jewish writers held that one may "privilege a person, though he be incapable of knowing it ; but one ought not to disprivilege a person without his knowl- edge." And according to the Gemara, " If with a proselyte his sons and daughters be made proselytes, * Gen. XTii. 14. 118 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. that which is clone by their father redounds to their good." And this applied to children " of never so Uttle age," whether baptized " upon the profession of the father," or "of the House of judg- ment."* 4. The preceding section naturally suggests a similar objection, not merely to our Creed and For- mularies, but to all whatever, according to which Sponsors might pledge themselves to instruct the children for whom they answered at Baptism, the proposed principle being that children's minds should not be biassed previous to their ability to choose a faith for themselves. The principle is plausible, and perhaps pleasing, but simply and utterly inapplicable in practice. And were it not so, consider whereto it would lead ; to ignorance of Creeds, of Morals, and of God. For, there is no possibility of limiting the principle without undermining it. Accordingly, the question is not between Creeds and none, but between true and false, good and bad. It must be so. For, no child can grow up in society without coming under religious and moral influences of one kind or another, from the best to the worst. And thus, * Wall, Introd. p. 15. THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 119 we are brought back to the point from which we started ; at most, to inquire into the conformity of the Baptismal Office and Catechism with the law of God as contained in His Word ; and this, it has already been assumed, is settled. 5. The main objection, with which we are here concerned, now takes this shape, that, even if nothing unlawful be imposed upon a child at his Baptism as ministered according to our Formularies; and supposing that a child's mind may be lawfully biassed in a certain direction, through instruction in the Catechism as agreeing with the Word of God ; yet, since there is no absolute certainty as to what said child will actually do, in the course of time, Sponsors ought not to pledge " in his name" that he will renounce, as doing it now, or that he will beheve and will obey. Now, one would suppose it a sufficient answer to this to say, that Sponsors promise only what the child ought to promise ; that the child is taught in the Catechism what is the intended effect of said promise, viz. : "that he should renounce," " should believe," " should keep," &c. ; is taught to " think" that he is " bound to believe, and to do as they (the Sponsors) have 120 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. promised for him."* Just as, in effect, a guardian says that his ward shall^ after his majority, ratify all that the guardian has done or pledged. In which case, should the ward, no longer under guardianship, refuse such ratij&cation, the civil law, by fine or other process of penalty, would compel him to his duty; indeed, to continue in the performance of that upon which he has already entered through his guardian acting for him, it being taken for granted, moreover, from the outset, that he is a reasonable and equitable being, willing to do what is right and legal in the premises. The cases, then, are strictly parallel, except that there is no other law compelling baptized children to keep theu' Sponsors' pledge, (which is none the less their own because taken "in their name,") than one of a moral force and nature, eventuating in eternal punishment for voluntary failure. Nor do Sponsors vow or promise, as " sureties," respecting what, children " when they come to age are themselves bound to perform, "f more than is promised by guardians for their wards. Only, the subject matter of the promise is different, being of a religious and spiritual, not of a worldly * Quest. Pub. Bap. of Infants. Quest 3, Catechism, pp. 10, 27. t Catechisna, Quest. 20, Ans. THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 121 and civil nature, whilst there need be no more hesitation to make the pledges in advance which are required, in the one case than in the other. Indeed, the advantage is here believed to be on the side of Sponsors. For, they act under Divine sanction. The obligations entered into at Baptism are of Divine origin, since they are set forth by the law which points out the way of eternal life. It is the way of Truth into which the child is introduced. He has thus made a ''beginning" whereof God approves ; has, at the least, *' been called into a state of salvation,"^ for attaining the full purposes of which God's Spirit, we may be well assured, is promised, and accordingly will be afforded. And, further, that the Baptismal vows are taken in no spirit of presumptuous self-confidence appears from this, that, whilst there is an absolute, unconditional renunciation of the devil, the world, and the flesh, yet the pledge is ''by God's help, to endeavour not to follow nor be led by them."f So, the promise to obey, again, is "by God's help." At the same time, when the baptized come to be taught, and to teach them is a duty, they are taught to " think themselves * Cat. Quest. 4, Ans. page 27. t Quest. Pub. Bap. of Infants, page 10. 11 122 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. bound to believe and to do as their Sponsors prom- ised for them ;" to say that they " will, by God's help;" to " thank Him for calling them into this state of salvation ;" and to " pray that He would give them His grace that they may continue in the same unto their lives' end."* And now, whilst the baptized are undoubtedly bound by the vows and promises in their names, the Sponsors themselves are bound only to the duty of giving such instruction and using such efforts as are calculated, and therefore appointed, to contribute to the keeping of the above vows and promises. Wherefore, then, need any hesitate to act in the Sponsorial capacity, as presented to view in the Baptismal Office and the Catechism, merely because children may not, perhaps, keep their vows ? Is this our faith in the efficacious working of God's Spirit ; in His Institutions ; in the evidently Scrip- tural promise that the religious training of the young shall be blessed ? ^or say, that many children of pious parents do not live in accordance with the pious care that has been bestowed upon them. " Let God be true, and every man a liar,"f * Catechism, Quest, 4, Ana. t Eom, iii. 4. THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 123 and rather suppose some defect and omission in this case, than assume that His word can fail. For, it is against Him that you are thus arguing. Mean- while, it is enough for you, as Sponsors, to be faithful and confidently to leave the results to Him, belie\ang that these, after all allowances made for the perversity of the human heart, will be such as to encom-age your present entering into a relation so holy, and upon duties so important. 6. Some have objected, again, to undertaking for children, upon the supposition that this involved some provision for their temporal support. This objection, connected as it may be with an occasional expectation in parents of gifts from Sponsors to their children, is without foundation. And it is enough that any are found willing to undertake this office. It is their best gift. Still, there is one case, that of the poor orphan, in which something should be done for the body as well as the soul. But, this double duty does not rest upon Sponsors, as such. They can often do something, as others can, individually, for such support of the young " member of Christ" as will withdraw him from temptation, through his necessities. Nevertheless, this belongs to the 124 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. Church ; and, is only mentioned in this connection, for the purpose of adding one more voice to an ah'eady swelling note of appeal to all those Church- men who have not hitherto helped Her on, as they might and should have done, in this Her work. Where are Her Houses of Refuge, Her Asylums, and Her Parish Schools ? And where, the means of establishing and supporting them ? T. Another objection there is, which may deter some from becoming Sponsors. And, whilst it ought to have come from the thoughtless, formal, fashionable Sponsor, with such an effect, it may have weight with those who, being more impressed with a sense of the duties involved, ought to be among the last to raise it, or to be influenced by it. Namely, that there are involved so much care, trouble and responsibility. It is so. The fact must not be denied, even to add but one to the list of Sponsors, as supposing it otherwise. But, what an objection is this ! As well object at once to being a Christian. The way in which he has to walk is " straight" and '' narrow." It abounds in difficulties, is surrounded by dangers, compels him to care, leads him under many a responsibility, to where he will THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 125 be held strictly accountable at last. Would you, therefore, deny your Master, and the faith, or willingly give up all hope of Heaven ? No ? And shall, then, any such reason — or any reason as inter- fering with a duty — withhold you from undertaking a labour of love, in behalf of the little ones of Christ's fold, for their good, not excluding your own ? 8. Finally, there is here remembered but one other objection to the Sponsorial system, that. Sponsors and their office of instructing the baptized are made a substitute for God's Spirit. How unreasonable and how unwarranted such a supposition or assertion is, an examination of our Formularies touching the matter in hand must clearly show. Sponsors are to do the work set for them, but are in no wise re- garded as substitutes for the Spirit of GrOD. Nor is the moral influence of their office, or of its instruc- tions, to be considered as instead of the influences of Divine Grace, acting directly, or through ap- pointed instrumentalities, upon Its subjects. However, to illustrate. The " baptized into Jesus Christ" — says St. Paul — are ''planted together in the Ukeness of His death," that they may be so 11* 126 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. " also in the likeness of His resurrection," to the end that they " should not serve sin" but " walk in ne^\Tiess of life." Does any one suppose that, when a tree newly planted is staked and so fastened, the stakes are the hfe of the tree, or instead of the soil in which it stands, or of the rains, and air, and light, and heat of Heaven ? They hold it fast until firmly rooted, and then are taken away. — Again, Baptism may be likened to grafting. The ingrafted branch is secured firmly upon the stock into which it is in- serted, and protected against whatsoever might hin- der its life.* Are these guards the life ? And yet, would the new branch be likely to stand and live, becoming incorporated as part of the tree upon which it stands, were it only inserted ? Once more. Look at a spire of corn as it springs up from the ground until the full ear is ripened. Tilie ear does not grow up out of the stock, unprotected. The husk surrounds, and grows with, it. Remove the husk, and the ear dies, or will not become perfect. Leave it until the ripened ear no longer needs it, and it is taken away, becoming food for cattle, but the corn for man. So, with Sponsors in like wise. They are mere * Kom. Ti. 3-6; xi. 16-24. THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 127 instruments in the hand of God. — They guard the young " member of Christ," that it may stand firm, take root, and flourish, " like a tree planted by the rivers of water."* — They protect it in its place, until it becomes so incorporated with the Tree — the Ti'ue Yinef — into which it has been grafted, as that it can stand, without their help. — They serve the purpose appointed them while the ear is growing, growing themselves the while, and then are removed. Of this nature is the design of their present relation to the baptized, of their nurturing care, instruction, and training, until when these their children or wards shall renew and confirm the vows, once taken by them, through others acting in their names. Will, then, any say that Sponsors are considered substitutes for God's Spirit, to any extent or in any manner, when, after rehearsing the Command- ments, (in keeping of which, as including the fear of God, is the whole duty of man, ) every baptized child is taught, " Know this, that thou art not able to do these things of thyself, nor to walk in the command- ments of God and to serve Him, without His special grace, which thou must learn at all times to call for * Ps. i. 3. t Eom. xi. 16-24: John xv. 1. 128 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. by diligent prayer ?"* As well plant your tree upon a rock, and though you stake it fast, or in a good soil, yet taking away all moisture, and air, and light, and heat, and expect it to live ; or, your graft upon a dead tree, or your corn in a barren ground ! Nay, here also is it true, that " Paul plants and Apollos waters, but God gives the in- crease."f 8. Conclusion. In thus committing the present Manual to the members of the Church for their examination, and for its perusal and use for such as are, or contem- plate becoming, Sponsors, every other intention than that of, in some measure, aiding all such in their work of charity, is disclaimed. That, every thing possible to be said has been thus written ; or that, the preceding pages contain all, in due measure, which may naturally fall within their scope, is neither claimed nor supposed. Or, should it be thought that, more than necessary space has been given to the subject of Baptism, let it be answered that somewhat of this nature seemed necessary to * Cat. Quest. 12 ; Eccles. xii. 18. + 1 Cor. iu. 6. THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 129 the contemplated design, — to give a continuous view of the Sponsorial office in connection with the cove- nant of grace, not exclusively but chiefly, as exhib- ited in the Church of the 'New Dispensation. In view, therefore, of this connection as it appears more especially in our Formularies, the attempt has been made to present this office or relation to notice as, following the Book of Common Prayer, we have, or should have, it presented to us, in practice ; to suggest points of responsibiUty incurred by those who act in it ; and, through such suggestions, to contribute to a studious and faithful undertaking of its duties. Be not discouraged, however, by any thought of trouble, or care, or even of the great responsibility attending it. The work is not yours, nor yours the production of results. You must expect here, like- wise, to meet with many obstacles in your way, raised by imperfections in yourselves and in the young. But, where will you not find them in the course of your pilgrimage, which is also a warfare ? And, where can you hope to find obstacles, fewer in number, less difficult to overcome, than in the case and care of those, concerning all of whom, Christ Himself hath said, " of such is the kingdom of 130 MANUAL FOR SPONSORS. God ;"* whom, as little children, He once blessed, hath, blessed even now, and will continue to bless ? Begin then. Go on. With a willingness to devote time, and study, and effort, as circumstances may require, to this noble and charitable work of pre- paring souls for Heaven. In many respects, it is admitted, the time might be more agreeably em- ployed, although not more profitably, if " by teaching we learn." And what study more noble than that of characters yet unformed, so that, their predis- positions, their peculiarities, and their needs being seen, they may be formed after " the mind of CHRisT,''f as this is manifested in the written Word through His teaching and example therein described ? Or, what effort is there that you should be more willing to make than this, so praiseworthy as to its object, so promising of success, so clearly acceptable to God, and so likely to be rewarded ? For, '' they that be wise [or, teachers,'] shall shine as the bright- ness of the firmament ; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars, for ever and ever." Only, remember to seek for yourselves that ''grace" which *' is sufficient for you," as it is necessary for all the * Mark x. 14 ; Luke xviii. 16. t 1 Cor. ii. 16. THE SPONSORIAL OFFICE. 131 children of God. Then, persevere, knowing Who hath said, " They that seek Me early shall find Me," and, " him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out."* * Daniel xil. 3; 2 Cor. xii. 9 ; Proy. yiii. IT; John vi. 37. Cclkcte. Such as may he appr^opnately used hy Sponsors in their own he- half^ and for^ as well as by, children for whom they answered at baptism. Indeed, most of the Collects may he thus adafted^ in the manner following. Blessed Lord, Who hath caused all holy Saipturea to be written for our learning ; gi-ant that we [with this child] may in such wise hear them, read, mark, leam, and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of Thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which Thou hast given us in om* Saviour Jesus Christ. • [Second Sunday in Advent. Almighty God, Who hast given us Thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon Him, and ** to be bom of a pure Virgin ; gi-ant that tve [this child] being regenerate, and made Thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by Thy Holy Spirit, through the Same, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. [Nativity of our Lord. Almighty God, Who out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast ordained strength, and madest infants to glorify Thee by their deaths ; mortify and kill all vices in us, and so sti-engthen us by Thy gi-ace, that by the innocency of orir lives and constancy of our faith even unto death, we may glorify Thy holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Holy Innocents' Day. 12 134 COLLECTS. Almighty God, Who madest Thy Blessed Son to be cii-cum- cised and obedient to the law for man ; grant tcs [this child] the true circumcision of the Spirit, oui* hearts [his heart] and all our [his] members being mortified from all worldly and carnal lust, toe [he] may in all things obey Thy blessed will, through the Same, Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. [The Circumcision of Christ. O God, Who, thi'ough the preaching of the blessed Apostle Saint Paul, hast caused the hght of the Gospel to shine through- out the world ; grant, we beseech Thee, that ive, having his won- derful conversion in remembrance, may show forth our thank- fulness unto Thee for the same, by following the holy doctrine which he taught, through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Conversion of St Paul. Almighty and everUving God, we humbly beseech Thy I^ivine Majesty, that as Thy only-begotten Son was presented in the Temple in substance of our flesh, so we may be presented unto Thee with [a] pure and clean hearts, by the Same, Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. [Presentation. Lord God, Who seest that we put not our ti'ust in any thing that we do ; mercifully grant that by Thy power we may be defended against aU adversity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Sesagesima Sunday. Almighty and everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of aU those who are penitent ; create and make in ics new and contrite heai*ts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretched- ness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remis- sion and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Ash-Wednesday. COLLECTS. 135 Grant, Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of Thj Blessed Son our Savioui* Jesus Christ, so by continual mortify- ing (Mr corrupt afifections, we may be buried with Him ; and that through the grave and gate of death we may pass to our joyful resurrection, for His merits, Who died and was buried, and rose again for us, Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. [Easter-Even. Almighty God, Who thi'ough Thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death and opened unto us the gate of everlasting hfe; we humbly beseech Thee, that as, by Thy special grace preventing us, Thou dost put into our minds good desires ; so by Thy continual help loe may bring the same to good effect, thi-ough Jesus Christ our Lord, Who Uveth and reigneth with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. [Easter-Day. Almighty God, WTbo alone canst order the um-uly wills and affections of sinful men ; grant unto Thy people, that they may love the thing which Thou commandest, and desii-e that which Thou dost promise ; that so, among the sundry and mani- fold changes of the world, oriir hearts may surely there be fixed, where ti"ue joys are to be found, through Jesus Christ our Lord. [Fourth Sunday after Easter. God, Who *** didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful peo- ple, by sending to them the light of Thy Holy Spirit ; gi-ant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort, through the merits of Jesus Christ oui- Saviour, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. [Whit-Sunday. 136 COLLECTS. Lord of all power and might, Who art the Author and Giver of all good things, graft in oicr hearts the love of Thy Name, in- crease in xis time religion, nourish xcs with all goodness, and of Thy great mercy keep us in the same, thi-ough Jesus Chebt our Lord. [Seventh Sunday al'ter Trinity. Lord, xce pray Thee, that Thy grace may always prevent and follow us ; and make us continually to be given to all good works, thi-ough Jesus Christ our Lord. [Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity. Almighty God, Who hast built Thy Chui'ch upon the foundation of the Apostles and Pi-ophets, Jesus Christ HimseK being the head corner-stone ; gi-ant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their docti-ine, that we jnay be made an holy temple acceptable unto Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. [SS. Simon and Jude, Apostles. O Almighty God, Who hast knit together Thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of Thy Son, Christ our Lord ; gi-ant us gi-ace so to follow Thy blessed Saints in all virtue and all godliness of living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which Thou hast prepared for those who unfeignedly love Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. [All Saints' Day. " The Lord bless ws and keep us : The Lord make His fece to shine upon us, and be gracious imto zas ; The Lord lift up His countenance upon us, and give us peace, both now and ever- more. Amen'' i k .^ SUITABLE TO BE STUDIED OE EEAD IN CONNECTION WITH " THE SPONSORS MANUAL:' DAILY STEPS TOWARDS HEAVEN; or, Practical Thoughts on the Gospel History, and espe- cially on The Life and Teachings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, for every day in the year, according to the Christian Seasons, tvith Titles and Characters of Christ, and a Har- mony of The Four Gospels. 456 pp. 32mo. BISHOP PATRICK'S BOOK FOR BEGINNERS; a Help to Young Communicants, that they may be fitted for the Holy Communion, and receive it with profit. 108 pp. 18mo. THE SACRAMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY; or. Testimony of Scripture to the Teaching of the Church on Holy Baptism, ivith especial reference to the case of In- fants, and answers to objections. 65 pp. 12mo. HELEN MORTON'S TRIAL. By Mrs. Alice B. Neal. 192 pp. 16mo. WATCH AND PRAY. A Sequel to Helen Morton^s Trial, By Mrs. Alice B. Neal. 248 pp. 16mo. MY MOTHER'S JEWEL; or, Happy in Life, Happy in Heath. By Jane E. Eames. 222 pp. 16mo. FRANCIS LUCAS; or, Thy Vows are upon Me. 132 pp. 18mo. Published hj the General Protestant Episcopal S. S. Union. VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF "THE UNION. iailg %U)^s Mtrar^s Ifeabfii. " The plan of this work is to bring before the mind of the reader, every day, some one doctrine of our holy religion in connection with some fact or event in the life of oui* Blessed Lord. Each page contains a direction to some passage of Holy Scripture to be read; three short texts follow, fi-equently taken from the passage to be read ; each of these is followed by a brief meditation, tending to lead the mind to self-examination ; at the bottom is some striking text. At the foot of many of the pages there are brief notes, referring to other parts of the book, or giving other desirable information. Provision is thus made for four hundred and four days ; that being the number of pos- sible days in the Church's view of the year. * * * * -sfr The completeness of the provision thus made is unusual, and we mention it because we observe in every thing the same character in this little book. Its distinguishing feature is co7ti- pleteness. The meditations, so far as we have examined them, are pious, sound, and free from any tendency to extreme doc- trine in any dii-ection. There are few books which we think more hkely to be useful than this." [The True Catholic. "We have not seen for a long time a book that we can more confidently recommend as well worthy of a place in eveiy Christian family. It is pre-eminently a Scriptural book. It is designed for the promotion of practical Christianity — the in- crease of true religion in the heart, and the manifestation of a real righteousness in life. It is a most safe and profitable vade inecum for the Chi-istian, and we wish every member of the Church might be supplied with a copy. This is the kind of reading which the Christians of this age need. We want less of religious fictions, and more of Scriptural instruction." [The Christian Witness. (3) VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF "Daily Steps towards Heaven is an elegant manual of practical thoughts on the Gospel history, and the Life and Teaching of om* Saviour, arranged for every day in the year, according to the seasons of the Church. It presents a series of rehgious exercises intimately connected with the very words and actions of our Lord, and affording important aids to devout reflection and meditation." [The Protestant Churchman. " We have seen nothing which appears so admirable ; and the fact that it has already reached a third edition in England is a strong indorsement. We ask attention to it with those who would commune with their own heai'ts, and with the Father of their spirits." [The Church Review. " This is a very admirable volume, and one calculated to be peculiarly acceptable to the devout Christian. In depth and spirituahty of tone, in fervor of devotion, in soundness and clearness of doctrine, in vigor of thought and expression, and in a most happy and harmonious presentation of truth, ' according to the proportion of faith,' it is unsurpassed if equalled by any work of the present day, and reminds one veiy forcibly of the times of our Andi-ewes and Kens and Wilsons and such like worthies. The year of the Church is followed in the arrange- ment of the volume, and day by day, and step by step, through every season the faithful worshipper is helped onward to med- itation on God's goodness and mercy, the Saviour's sacrifice, merits and intercessions, and the Holy Spirit's manifold gifts and graces. We cannot wish our readers to be more profitably occupied than in the daily use of these ' Steps towards Heaven^ for God's Holy Word is the constant theme of meditation and of holy resolves, and the wonders of redeeming grace are the sum and substance of each day's lessons and incitements and hopes. * * * The ' Characters and Titles of Christ,' the tables suggesting 'Thoughts for Special Occasions,' and the excellent • Harmony of the Gospels,' are very valuable append- ages to the book, and will commend it the more to the devout worshipper." [The CJiurchman. (4) VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF " THE UNION. C|« Saa'aineiit of llfSj^aitsiMliti] " This is a most valuable and important pamphlet. In the space of 65 pages, it comprises the pith and substance of the whole Baptismal controyersy, brought, by the use of plain and perspicuous language, within the comprehension of every one. "We know no work, the chculation of which we should more iinresei-vedly recommend. We need say no more, except that it is remarkably free from those expressions which sometimes startle persons who discover in them some extreme of doctrine which the wiiter, perhaps, never meant to teach." [The Church Times. " "We ai*e happy to announce this fii'st and beautiful American edition of a Tract which in England has rapidly passed through six or seven. In both countries, om* wisest and soundest Divines have pronounced it decidedly the best treatise on the subject that has appeared for many years." [Banner of the Cross. "An EngHsh pamphlet, republished by IMi*. Dana, of New York, which, within a veiy moderate compass, includes one of the ablest, most practical and sound views of the Baptismal question which has faUen under om- observation." [The True Catholic. (5) VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF dtn ^qxUm'b Crial BY COUSIN ALICE. " We leara, from the ' Short Letter of Introduction,' that the full name of ' Cousin Alice' is Alice B. N'eal. It is one which will not soon be forgotten, for we hope that the beautiful tale which she has produced may be only the first of a long series. We can assure those who are interested in the welfare of chil- dren, and looking round for ' Christmas presents,' that they will not readily find one which a Christian friend or parent ought to prefer to ' Helen Morton's Trial.' " [The True Catholic. •' It is a tale of exquisite sentiment and pathos, replete with sound religious instruction, and written in a true Church spirit. The authoress is Mrs. Joseph C. JSTeal, and we trust that this is but the beginning of goodly things from her pen for the little ones of Chiist's flock. Such works wUl always be most wel- come," [The Churchman. "We have received from the Depository of the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union, two beautiful vol- umes with the following titles: — Helen Morton's Trial, The Revellers, The Midnight Sea, and the Wanderer. The first is a sweet, interesting story, full of wisdom for the young ; and the second contains three allegories, which possess a charm and sim- plicity not very often or easily attained in that difficult class of composition. The handsome binding, gilt edges, and nice plates of these little works, make the setting quite worthy of such gems of juvenile narratives." [The Protestant Churchman. (6) VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF "THE UNION. A SEQUEL TO "HELEN MORTON'S TRIAL." BY COUSIN ALICE. " This little volume is introduced by an ' Introduction' from the pen of the Bishop of Rhode Island, giving just and high commendation of the work ; in every word of which we heartily concur. It is a book which we desire to see widely circulated, for it is full of soimd principles, and written with much skill, so as to be at once in a veiy high degree pleasing to those for whom it is designed." [The Tribe Catholic. " This work, which is warmly recommended by Bishop Hen- shaw, is both written and pubhshed with great beauty. It is a gem of a book." [The Church Review. " It is exquisitely printed, embellished and bound." [Philadelphia Paper. *' Watch and Pray contains some exquisite passages, full of feeling and description, and yet easy to be understood, even by a child, and to animate it to the pursuit of better things to come." [Christian Intelligencer. " This book is written in the very happiest manner of the author, and is full of tenderness, pathos and beauty." [SoutheiTi Literary Gazette. " Cousin Alice is the pseudonym of Mrs. Alice B. Neal, who has evinced a rare faculty for wi-iting tales adapted to the ca- pacities of childi'en. In this department of literature, the most difficult, perhaps, that .has been attempted, she promises to rival the Edgeworths, the Sherwoods, and the Howitts, The present tale is strictly religious in its tendency, and yet we shall be much mistaken if the 'children of the Church' alone find it interesting.'' [Hartford Times. (1) VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF LOOKING FOR THE CHURCH. BY ONE OF THREE HUNDRED. " This is a very curious and interesting work. It shows the ■workings of an earnest and pious mind, discovering by degrees the effects, not so much of Presbyterianism, as of that system of popular religion, miscalled Evangelical and Spiritual, which is eating out the heart, as well of Presbyterianism as of all other sects in tlie land ; a religion, the ' downward tendencies' of which conduct directly to infidehty, through the gradations of various heresies." [True Catholic. " It is %vi'itten in a clear and \'igorous style, and affords evi- dence that its author is a man of no ordinary ability. It gives the author's experience, as its title implies, while looking for something, which, like hundreds of others, he was conscious that he did not have. There may be, on the part of the wi'iter, a tendency which has become common, and may be considered, perhaps, natural, to go to the opposite extreme, after having been so long locked up in the iron arms of Calvinism. Most of those who enter the Church fi-om other denominations, seem to come with a reacting impulse, which sends them to the highest point of what may be termed sound Church views. It is not, however, invariably so. " The book before us is valuable, as affording an insight into the workings of the Presbyterian system. It will, we have no doubt, prove interesting to all, and profitable to many, who will read it." \_Christian Witness. " The sheets of this long-expected work are now before us, complete ; and we ai-e happy to assure our readers that, at last, it will be issued from the Press of the Sunday School Union by the 10th inst. The extraordinary delay which has occurred in its appearance, has been owing to the long illness, and at length the death of its fei-vid and devoted author ; of whom a brief and appropriate memorial, by a friendly hand, is prefixed to the foithcoming volume. Of the value of the work itself we need (8) VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF "THE UNION. not speak at large. The First Part, published some two or three years ago, made its mark ; and the Second Part, -while it adds more than double to the fullness and richness of the whole, abates nothing from the interest or force of argument. Nor is there any flagging in that rapid, earnest, glowing style with which the author pours out the whole river of his thoughts, feelings, self-conflicts, convictions, and final triumphs ; nor any flinching in carrying out to the full those clear and irrefragable conclusions, from which no serious, intelUgent, and unbiased mind can escape. Page after page rolls freely on, as if the author were himself talking to the reader ; as if his very voice could be heard, rising and falling with the interwoven tissue of argument, illustration, warning, entreaty, and tender considera- tion for ignorance and prejudices. At one time, he marches straight at the adversary, meets him face to face, gives him choice of his own weapons, and of time, place and circumstance : then fights him a pitched battle, unmasking all his specious defences, striking home at once, aud following up with blow on blow redoubled, until the enemy is not only defeated but anni- hilated. At another, he gently binds him about with cords that seem slender and weak at the first, but one after another they follow, growing thicker and more numerous, they wind around and around, until the opponent finds himself at length, and almost imperceptibly, bound hand and foot, and compelled to surrender at discretion. Not in vain has the gifted author suf- fered for years in the struggle, through which he has returned unto the Chui-ch from which his ancestors, in an evil day, went out. If his own heart had not been so deeply wrung, he would never have known how to reach so surely the hearts of those who, though now what he was once, are yet alarmed by the downward tendency of every thing around them, and are begin- ning to search for ' a more excellent way.' The learned and accurate theologian might prefer a treatise more condensed and more technical ; but for the many, we are satisfied that this is by far the best work on the controversy with Presbyterians (including questions fundamental to all Protestant sects) that has ever yet been written. It will be read by thousands and tens of thousands, to whom other books on the same subject would seem too dry to be either i-ead or inwardly digested. The First Part, incomplete as it was, has brought numbers into the Church. Now that the whole is out, we shall find our harvest but begun. The work, as a populai* argument for the Church, cannot be fairly answered ; nor do we believe that an aoswer will be attempted." [The Church Journal. (9)