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Lea diagrammea auivanta illuatrent la m^thoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 1.0 I.I 1.25 m iti 3.2 16 Ao 12.0 1.4 1.8 1.6 MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST CHART NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIAL 1010a (ANSI and ISO TEST CHART No. 2) FEATURES OF OUR -> FAITH, POSITION AND PRACTICES PLAIN IXSTRUCTIONS, BY JOHN CHEYNE DAVIDSON, M. A , Rector of Peterborough, and Canon of St. Albans Cathedral. THIRD BDITION, RKVISKD AND IMPROVED HLKVKNTH THOUSAND ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA GENERAL SYNOD, ARCHIVES Introductory In every parish many persons of mature years will be found ivhOy while ready io present themselves for Confirmation, are prevented by circumstances from attending the pieparatory Classes. For them the following instructions are designed, though they may also be found helpful to others. One of the great incidental blessings of Confirmation is the opportunity thereby afforded of definite teaching in regard io the 'Catholic Faith ^ the practices of personal Religion, and the position of the Church. Where such information can be given, the fortunate recipients should have a clear undet standing henceforth of their Belief, Position, and Duty, and be equipped Jor all emergencies. For this purpose our Church sets forth her Catechism; and while older persons cannot be expected to learn it by rote, they should certainly investigate the different great truths expounded therein, viz : — The Christian Covenant, Christian Creed, Christian Duty, Christian Prayer, and Christian Sacraments. An attempt to deal practically with these points is made in the following pages, which should be read sloivly and thoughtfully, the scriptural references being carefully examined. NOTE— These Instructions may profitably be read by ALL PERSONS, without special reference to Confirmation, as brief- ly explaining Doctrines, Rites and Customs popularly misunder- stood. It is worth a little effort, to learn the truth about these things. CONFIRMATION. Confirmation means the Act of making firm — of strength- ening. It is this in two respects ; (i) God confirming us by His Holy Spirit, "the Comforter" or Strengtluncr : (2) we con- firming the promises made at Baptism. Of these the first is the more important and the Scriptural part : let us con- sider it. CHE GIFT OF CONFIRMATION Read Acts viii. 5-18. Notice here that a Deacon preaches Christ ; people believe and are baptised (v. 12). But this is not enough (v. 16), so the Deacon stands aside, and Apostles (now Bi-shops) confirm by means of tl.e laying on of hands* and prayer (v. 15-17). Result, the Holy Ghost is given, (v. 17). Another Confirmation. See Acts xix. 1-6. Same outward means u.sed, same result follows (v. h). But we have no instance of confirmation being administered by any but mem- bers of the highest order in the Ministry. See also Hebrews vi. 1-2, where the "Ivaying on of hands" is placed among the "princijiles of the doctrine of Christ." How can we reasonably accept the other live "foundations" enumerated here (Repentance, Faith, Baptism, etc.) and reject Confirmation ? See also Ephcsians i. 13. Why should we desire in Confirmation to reccve the Holy Ghost ? See What He does — convinces and guides (Jno. *N0TE — All throug' the Dible th* laying on if hands is used in connection with the conveyanc* of different blessing-. Sf-e C'.en. XLVIII. 9; 14; Num. XXVII. 18 ; Mk. X. 16, etc. 3 xvi. 7-14) ; leaches (xiv. 26) ; gives power (Acts i. 4-8) ; in- tercedes (Romans viii. 26-27); beautifies character (Gal. v. 22.) He conies first visibly into the Church-(Arls ii. 1-4) ; is given afterwards in confirmation (Acts viii. 19.) See our Lord's promise, (Lk. xi. 13) "shall give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him." At Confirmation, in addition to the prayer of the Divinely appointed officer, the prayers of the whole congregation are concentrated upon us. Then, surely, must we receive the promised Gift. Our Father, who knows and loves us, ofiers us this Divine help in Confirmation, coming down to support, guide and cheer us. Is it not a responsibility to reject this Heavenly Visitor, as if we did not want God's companionship, and could do without His help t THE RATIFICATION The second part of Confirmation (coming first in the ser- vice) is the ratification of our B ptismal vows. See Bishop's question "Do ye here ratify, ccc." This feature was added at the end of the Reformation period (1662) to Confirmation, which (as in the Bible narratives) would be complete without it. Still, it is a serious question, and requires thoughtful consideration. Baptism involved a Covenant between God and us with promises on both sides. Our promises were made provision- ally on our behalf. Now it is for us to ratify these-to 'put our own signature' to the covenant. Examine these pro- mises : — (a) Renunciation of the World, Flesh and Devil. The point at issue is this^are we content to drift along through life driven hither and thither by different impulses of these evil powers, or are we resolved to make a determined resistance 4 to them— to 'renounce' and give up what is wrong, as bidden by John Baptist (Matt. iii.). and after example of our Lord (Matt, iv.) ? (b) Our second promise— to believe all the articles of the Christian Faith. (See p. s) God has laid down a certain path of definite religious Faith— arc we resolved to walk in it ? (c) Thirdly we promised to obey Gods holy will and com- mandments. See the Ten Commandments (Kxodus xx.), the Sermon on the Mount (S. Matt, v., vi., vii.) etc., etc. In the Bible and through the promptings of conscience we are pointed to a definite path of duty to God above and man below. Are we resolved to walk in this path ? Whether we accept it or no, it is our duty and high privilege. Only in obedience to God's Holy Will and Commandments can we live a true and beautiful life. THE PRIVILEGES OF BAPTISM In Baptism we we i made (a) members of Christ (i Cor. X4i. 12, 27.) (b) Children of God (Gal. iii. 26, 27), (c) In- heritors of the Kingdom of Heaven (Rom. viii, 17) What does this mean ? That God, instead of letting us wander in darkness, placed us in the light-that instead of a bad start with all against us. He gave us a good one with much to help us : that He adopted us into His Family-the Church, and allowed us to grow up amid the blessed influences of the Divine Home. And although we may have not appreciated or used these privilcges^although we may have gone into a •far country,' we need not despair. We still belong to the Divine Family, and can say "I will arise and go to my It ia one thing to have been granted an inheritance, and 5 quite another thing to enjoy the actual possession of it. The Father has placed us in His Family, but if we would dwell there we must wear the white dress of the Family and share in its high and beautiful and holy I'fe. We must help to maintain the family honour, and to fight the family battles. God calls us now at Confirmation from an unthinking and careless or indolent life to understand our true position, enjoy its privileges, and face its responsibilities. Is this hard ? He comes down from Heaven (in the person of the Holy Spirit) to enlighten our eyes and make us strong to do His will. CONVERSION From the above it will be evident that Confirmation presents a priceless opportunity for "t king stock" of life, Us responsibilities and possibilitier. It is too often forgotten that the privileges of Holy Baptism are granted on the assumption of the baptized persons' Repentance and Faith, which are at first guaranteed by their Sponsors, but "which when they come of age, themselves are bound to perform." Have we ever "performed" this definite obligation by con- sciously realizing our sins, giving them up, and turning from them to GOD in a spirit of loving Faith ? These are two factors in what is sometimes called "Conversion" which is the great spiritual need of the thoughtless and the proud, the self-willed and the sinful. To our great loss in the past, this spiritual act (of Conversion) does not seem to have been comprehended as a pressing need for Church-men, who have too often remained cold, self-satisfied and unspiritual— re- pelled, perhaps by popular '^'stortions of this truth. And yet with us, as with otht , a definitely spiritual life is a reality and can be tcstea-"If any man be in Chnsl he is a new Creature" (2 Cor. -- . H-' As to the lin.t or occasion of Conversion we need have v.^ anxiety. The only (i»icstion is "What is mv attitude now? Am I now .to use I'rayer-book terms) in the attitude of rencuncing, believing a-.d ol)eying ?"' If we have not done so, now is our opportunity to turn to God at His call and with K.s help. As "the Way" there stands before us Our l.ord Jesus Christ vJno. -xiv. 6.) Very lovingly He calls us-"Comc unto Mc ; learn ol Mc" ^ (St. Matt. xi. 28, 29.) "Follow me (Matt. xvi. 24) "^o""^*^* me before men" (Matt. x. 32.) '1- a loviiu' ^avunir Who calls us ; 'tis a beautiful life to which nc ore alle<. ! And if it be not easy in obedience to thcc call to give, up our kind of life and to adopt, and continue >•. His life, we may in this Ordinance and henccfort. ^ .k auu obtain tin mighty aid of the Holy .Spirit wlu> "helpeth o-.ii inlirniitics (Rom. viii. 26.) PRAYER Members of the Divine Family are privileged to hold con- verse with their Father in prayer, and this converse must be suitable in (1) inward spirit, and (2) in outward form. In inward spirit cfiectual prayer must b. earnest (Lk. xi. 9), believing (Mark ii. 24), un.sellish {Our Father), according ^to the will of God (Matt. xxvi. 42), and such as wc van con- sistently ofier in the name of Christ, iJno. xvi. 23) The true spirit of prayer finds complete expression in the "Lord s Prayer" in which rising, as it were, to the throne ol God, we pray first for His glory and then for our own proper needs. In outward form we are to < 1 ) pray hu»^i>ly (realizing our unworthiness) Lk. xviii. 10. (2) pray ^efinUely -^^\ih definite aim, in definite place (Matt vi. 6), in definite words (Matt. 7 / vi. 9) with definite act of forgiveness (Matt. vi. 15,) (3) Pray per sever in^ly (Lk. xi. 5-8, xviii. 7.) The Constituent parts of Trayer are these : (a) Confession, (b) Praise and thanksgiving, (c) Petitions for all things necessary for souls and bodies, (d) Intercession for the Church, friends, etc. \11 these should find a place in our prayers. Note.— On consideration it will be seen that our PRAYER- BOOK is framed on the above principles. Observe the fol- lowing different parts— (a) Confession ; (b) Praise (Psalms, Canticles, etc.) ; (c) Instruction (the Lessons and ber- mon) ■ (d) Petitions (following Creed) ; (e) Intercessions (following 3rd Collect.) But its leading feature is that of humbly expressed but lofty praise coupled with petitions for God's glorv and the welfare of His Church. Ihe Prayer Book is" the manual of the Christian Army as- sembled on parade in honour of the Divine Commander. To ensure action which shall be proper, united and ellec- tive. each soldier is instructed as to what he is to say aod'do. Spirit, voice and body have each a duty to GoA and are expected to perform it reverently and heartily. But the outward form is valuable for what it enshrines. And the thoughtful, earnest worshipper will gradually come to perceive and 'catch' the spirit of calm, lofty and chastened devotion which lies behind the service, hidden from the formal and the unthinking. Omitting the Abso- lution, Morning or Evening Prayer may be said by a lay- man or by a woman. And particular parts of it may be profitably selected for private devotion. THE FAITH This is summarized in the Apostles' Creed, which is a chart indicating the chief truths contained in the Bible. I. Do I believe in God the loving Father and Creator? (Mai. ii. 10.) 2. In God the Son, our Saviour ? As having revealed God to man, and reconciled men to God, the largest part of the Creed deals with His wonderful life and work. (Sec the Gospel histories.) 3. In God the Holy Ghost, the Sanctilicr, (see p. 4) 4. The Holy Catholic Church. (See below.) 5. The Communion of Saints. (See p. n.) 6 The Forgiveness of sins (i Jno. i. 7-9) 7. The Resurrection " the Body (i Cor. xv. 22-23, Matt. vi. I4-) 8. The Life everlasting (Jno. v. 24.) THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH The Church was prepared by Jesus Christ as His Body in which all Christians should be united to Him, and through which He would continue His work in the world. As Adam s body was formed before the breath of life was breathed mto him, so the body of the Church was first formed by our Lord, and included the Apostles, the Seventy, and the Disciples. Then, after careful training, the commission was given "as my Father hath sent me even so send I you," (Jno. xx. 21.) Then the ranks of the Apostles were lllled up, (Acts i. 2b.) Then life was breathed into the Body by the Holy Ghost on Pentecost (Acts ii.) Then the Holy Ghost was given to new converts in Confirmation (Acts viii.) Then the Church thus filled with life, spread gradually to difiercnt parts of the world, mainly through the missionary work of St Paul (Acts x.-xxviii., etc.) Still, notice that it is one undivided Catholic Church with Branches in difierent countries, and not intended to be divided (i Cor. i. 13.) In the second or third Century the Church spread to Britain, whither another mis- 9 /' sion was afterwards sent from Rome under Augustine A.D. 597. These two missions worked in dillerent parts of Britain, and were finally utiited and organized as the National Church of England under Abp. Theodore, A.D. 673. During the middle ages the English Church was in conv munion with the Church of Rome, and was influenced by it. Protests continued to be made against Papal interference, and the first clause of Magna Charta (A.D. 1213) declared "The Church of England shall be free." In the 16th and 17th Centuries the Reformation was gradually accomplished. The whole body of the Church- Bishops, Priests, Deacons and People— united in purging the Church of accretions and superstitions, and in returning to a simpler and a purer faith. The Bible was translated, and the Prayer-book compiled from the Latin .service-books already in use, and the Church of England— the same identical Church as before, but reformed— ofiered in either hand to the Anglo- Saxon race the Bible and the Prayer-book. On the Continent of Europe and in Scotland, however, this great movement partook of the nature of a revolu'ion rather than of a reformation. Instead of the Church reforming her- self, the foreign Reformers felt themselves- compelled to go out of the Church, leaving behind great portions of the Christian heritage. Thus they lost the order ol Bishops with their authority to ordain and confirm, the ancient Liturgy, the Festivals and Fasts of the Christian year, and other treasures. On the other hand the Roman Church in the Council of Trent opposed the Reformation, and daringly added new superstitions. The Church of England, therefore, took a middle position between the corruptions of Rome and the Revolutionary reaction of extreme Protestantism. She reformed herself and took a Prote.stant stand against ID corruption, preaching the Word of God in its simplicity At the same time She remained a true Branch of the Church of all ages, retaining the three-fold Ministry, the 1^^^^^^' ^'^^- raments and other priceless possessions oi the Lhurch Catholic. We cannot now recount the subsequent history of the Church u-ith all its eventful vicissitudes. Her life has been like that of a human being, not always up to the same stand- ard but variable-sometimes weak and depressed, at otliers strong and vigorous. But, whether strong or ^v^^^' ^^^^ »°^ Spirit has alwavs dwelt within Her, bringing the life of G«^ into sonu contact with all members in vital connection with Her Tn this Church the hands of the Lord Jesus are up- raised through the ages in strengthening and blessing those who look to Him. The Church is indeed marred by many defilements, but the Fount of cleansing is ever llowing in Her midst, and one dav She shall be presented to Her Lord a glorious Church, without spot or wrinkle or any suJi thing. (Ephes. v. 27). THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS After lixing our attention on the Church as a whole, we pass, in the next article of the Creed, to the relationship existing between individual members. And we are called upon to believe that there is a living connection between all God's children, whether members of His Church here, or in Paradise. "One family we dwell in Him One Church above, beneath.' 1 1 ./ A realization of this relationship brings us into inspiring contact with the saintly and heroic lives of every age and €verv country. In the great Service of Christian Fellowship we closely unite "with Angels and Archangels and all the company of Heaven." Helped by those on the heights above we stretch out a helping hand lo those around and below us. Under this head comes the duty of CHRISTIAN FELLOW- SHIP, so loudly called for to-day. This attitude is an in- tegral part of Religion (l John i 7) and should find practical expression of all kinds. Our Lord Himself has made the application to salutations (S. Matt v. 47) ; to hospitality (S. Luke xiv. 13) ; and to small acts of kindness (S. Matt. X. 42). As a Religious duty, then, strive to put away coldness of heart, and stiifness of demeanour ; and enter into the spirit and practice of Christian Fellowship. But remember that, while a realii^ation of our common membership in the Church ,does call for such actions, it does not depend on them. The Church is not a Social Club, and the fellowship of the Church is, after all, not that of the ball-room with its superficial courtesies. Rather is it the more undemonstrative but deeper comradeship of the Naval and Militarv Service. As a soldier in the Divine Army look to the great Captain, and be content to follow him even though the path be lonely. While careful to do your duty to others, do not weakly depend on their attitude to you. Our Religion should have its foundation not on man, but on God. 12 THE HOLY COMMUrnON In ancient times God taught man that HISTOmr jjj „„„t be approaclicd tlirmigh drilcrcnt sacrifices. The greatest of these «^s that of the Passover (Ex xii 3) which commemorated the salvation ot the first £rn and the deliverance from Egypt. This great sacr.fic. Jesus Christ transformed >nto the Holy Connunnu.u (U^ «ii .5-20) which henceforth became the great scrvcc of the Go pel, celebrated every Lord's day (Acts ... 7.) ^ was regard d as the hearthstone of the Chr.sfan fam.ly arounj which all members gathered in loving commnnum ■.•>th God Ind with one another. In later age, o ■''P'"'-! '-; >' ^^ drought this great Service was neglectfully allowed - smk into the baek-ground, and its place taken by ether services nlrnhg and 'Evening Prayer) which had been or.g.nally comoilecf for daily use in religious communUies, in subord na- tr„ to tL grea[ Divine Service of Holy Co,mnun,o„ » neh Zul the lundays. Though this custom ,s st, 1 prev..lent the Holy Communion is gradually bemg restored to ,ts p. ..per nlLfald in increasing numbers the Father's ch.ldre,, gather. Tile ;he Disciples of oil, to celebrate the weekly Euchar.st. This is not now possible in all Churches, espec.ally m rura districts, but, in so far as their P"viWes w,l a low al new Co.nmnnicants should in this as m other ma te s a^ opt regular systematic habits founded on Scriptural truth rather "wLrT:: tr::;.mu„icate — ->, - j-i;^- however, the main P"- ;;.^':, ^r^lfa on^of \t ehief ^Iv^nTySleTlnltren^rin'the Divine Workshop .0 tlir gradual moulding of human character and the glor.fy.ng of God. ira NATURE The Holy Communion is a Memorial of Christ's Sacrifice, by which we bring it before ourselves, our fellow-men, and chiefly before God. In it we plead with Him, that for the sake of the crucified Saviour our sins may be forgiven and we ourselves made more fit for His life and service here and hereafter : "For lo, between our sins and their reward We set the Passion of Thy Son, our Lord." We often say that acts are more effect ive than words. This is not only a solemn Act, but also one designed and com- manded by God (I. Cor. xi. 24-26). It is a 'translation, into action of the words "through Jesus Christ our Lord." Again, the Holy Communion is a direct means by which we become united to .Tcsus Christ, "one with Him and He with us" (vSee Jno. vi. 51). In eacli Communion, as we bend in lowly adoration before the loving Saviour, we should absorb more and more of His character, His spirit. Lastly this .service is intended to be the strongest bond between members of the Christian family, the highest expression of the Communion of Saints" (i Cor. x. 17.) Drawing nearer to God we are to draw nearer to our lirethren. We are to "examine" ourselves (i Cor. xi. 28) whether — (a) wy truly repent of past sins : (b' have a lively faith in God's power and willingness to forgive those sins, and (c) are in charity with all men. If are not in charity with any one, it is our duty to forgive hiii 'which surely in view of the example of Jesus Christ we should be able to do) and to make a personal eflort towards reconciliation (Matt. v. 23, 24.) As a further evidence of charity the Church expects every communicant to bring some offering of money, however small, which is usually given to the poor. »4 PREPARATION Suitable prayers in prepa ation for the Holy Comnmnion are the first . Collect in the Service (for purity) and the "Prayer of humble access" beginning "we do not presume to come to this Thy Table." Receiving the sacred elements, think of your Saviour on the cross, plead His sacrifice on behalf of yourself and others, hold communion with Him in spirit, and olTer praise and thanksgiving. Then, if there be time, read part of the Gospels for Holv Week or Communion hymns. All should obtain for further help a "Communicants Manual," such as that by Bishop How (20c). It the course of preparation in these manuals be thought too long, certain portions, which are found helpful, may be selected and marked lOr use. THE LAYMAN'S COMMISSION Confirmation is really an ordination to the Triesthood of the laity (i Pet. ii. 4, 5.) Henceforth you arc commissioned and empowered to take your full part, particularly in the great Service of the Holy Communion, and generally in the main- tenance and extension of Christ's Kingdom on earth. Do not speak of what "they should" l)ut "of what we shall do." In humble confidence take your position and keep it You have been appointed an agent for the Church. Gird your self for the work. Give your Clergyman yojtr active sym- pathy and support. Give a regular weekly contribution by Envelope. Exercise your ministrv in the Choir, the Sunday- school, or beside the sick-bed. Do not be afraid at times to speak for Christ and his cause — for the right and against the wrong. Invite and call for your neighbours to attend the services of the Church, and .say or do something to make strangers feel at home in the Father's House. In places or «5 families where no service is held say Morninj and Evening Prayer or at least ijortions of the services yourself, and ask others to join yon. And while you are thus doing your work for the Kingdom at home, do not forget its extension abroad. You are also conmiissioncd to take some part in preaching the Go.spel of Christ to all nations (Mtt. xxviii. 20.) If you cannot go yourself, support by your prayers and offerings those who have gone to do a great work which is yours as well as theirs. PRAYER TO BE USED BEFORE CONFIRMATION O GOD, by Whose merciful Providence the Holy Church continues to observe the doctrine ot Baptism and the lyaying- on of hands, we beseech Thee to be with Thy servant, our Bishop, when, after the example of Thy Holy Apostles, he shall administer in this parish the Holy Rite of Confirma- tion. Help us, we beseech Thee, truly to prepare for this, great Blessing, and to receive it aright ; that being strength- ened with might by Thy vSpirit in the inner man we may never be ashamed to confess the faith of Chrfst crucified, but may more earnestly fight under His banner against sin, the world and the Devil, and continue His faithful soldiers and servants unto our life's end ; through the same Jesus Christ jur Lord. Amen. TO THE READER.— In the above pages there have beea brought before you important Truths, many of which are hidden from multitudes to their great loss. If yon believe these Truths, speak and read about them to others, as you can find opportunity, and thus begin your privileged work a& a Commissioned Agent of the Church of the living God 16