ation. And though not without merit, some of them very great-instance Bishop Meade's "Candidate for Confirmation Self-examined,”*—still with none of this class has he felt satisfied until he became acquainted with the " Manual," here presented to the reader. He trusts that it will be found, in doctrine, tone, style, and compass, all that one can reasonably desire. Its wide diffusion in the Church, accompanied with faithful pastoral exhortation and instruction, could not fail to produce such a "turning of the hearts of the fathers unto the children," and of the children to the Church's altars, as would fill all hearts with gladness, and, in the midst of a contentious and unbelieving age, inspire the faithful with fresh hope. Unwilling to obtrude many words of his own, the Editor would limit himself to this one earnest appeal to all, whether parents, sponsors, or pastors, who (in their appointed way and station) watch for souls, to try the use of this Manual in preparing candidates for confirmation. Experience is the best test of fitness. May God prosper every lawful attempt to establish the children of the Church in His holy ways who condescends to carry Lambs in his bosom." 24 VESEY-STREET, N. Y. 21st January, 1848. M. P. P. Stereotyped by the New-York Protestant Episcopal Tract Society. NOTICE. THE Prayers and Meditations in the following Manual are compiled mostly from Bishop Wilson; some few have been taken from other approved writers of our own Communion. A little thing will fill a child's head; Teach them to say their prayers, tell them stories of the life and death of Christ, cause them to love the holy Jesus with their first love, make them afraid of a sin; let the principle which God hath planted in their very creation, the natural principles of justice and truth, of honesty and thankfulness, of simplicity and odedience, be brought into act and habit and confirmation, by the holy sermons of the Gospel. If the guides of souls would have their people holy, let them teach holiness to their children, and then they will, at least, have a new generation unto God, better than this wherein we now live. BISHOP JEREMY TAYLOR. CONTENTS. V. Morning and Evening Prayers for every day of the week before Confirmation; each Morn- ing Prayer being for one of the seven gifts of HYMN. Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, Thy blessed Unction from above Anoint and cheer our soiled face Teach us to know the Father, Son, Praise to Thy eternal merit, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. |