THE

CHURCH IN THE HOUSEHOLD;

A MANUAL OF

Family Devotions

SELECTED FROM

THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER,

BY THE

REV. GEORGE TUGWELL,

Oriel College, Oxford.

JOHN HENRY PARKER, OXFORD AND LONDON.

J. BANFIELD, ILFRACOMBE.

MDCCCLV.

138. L. 217.

Preface

VAST and insuperable distance separates the countless existing manuals of prayer from the Common Prayer Book of the Church of England.

The chief fault of the generality of ordinary compositions or complications seems to be their monotony. There is little division of subject-matter, and no break in the unvarying strain of wordy supplication to arrest the wandering thoughts of the worshipper.

A depth of devotional feeling and practical holiness, a fulness of Christian charity and moderation, combined with a terseness and simplicity of style, and a perfection of musical rhythm, characterize the Church's Liturgy, and render it indeed unapproachable.

George Herbert is not the only Christian who on his death-bed preferred to all other prayers, the prayers of his mother, the Church of England; and her Prayer Book contains such an inexhaustible fund of devotion, that there are no occasions in life, upon which we cannot thence derive the best of words to express our sense of need or of thanksgiving.

In the present selection the Prayers of the Church are arranged under different heads, and as far as possible in a connected train of thought, in accordance with the subjects appropriate to each day. Sunday, is devoted to prayer in reference to its special services. Monday, as commencing the week of work, to Baptism and Confirmation.

Tuesday, to prayer for Christian love, as the foundation of all practice of Baptismal vows.

B