ments;-lastly, it is especially understood that they are sincerely desirous of becoming partakers of the Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood. Q. If a person is growing old, and has taken the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, ought he still to be confirmed? A. Yes, certainly for Confirmation brings its own special grace with it. Each rite of the Church is necessary for its own sake. it? Q. Does Confirmation bring any duties with A. Yes, several: for we then, with our own mouth and consent, openly before the Church, declare that WE DO ratify and confirm the solemn vow, promise, and profession which we made (by our Godfathers and Godmothers) at our Baptism. We therefore stand pledged to renounce the devil and all his works; the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so as not to follow or be led by them :-stedfastly to believe all the Articles of the Christian faith and obediently to keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of our life. Those who have been thus a second time sealed by the Holy Spirit, : are bound to particular innocency of life. They should aim at living in such a manner as to be at all times fit and ready to partake of the Lord's Supper. Q. Can you mention any public duty? A. Persons who, after Confirmation attend either the Meeting-house, or the Romish-chapel, incur the greater peril by so doing. Their conduct is doubly sinful; for they have shown, by coming to the Bishop for Confirmation, that they know the blessing and advantage of Churchmembership. They are therefore without excuse, in thus making light of their privilege; and, as far as in them lies, in forfeiting it. Besides which, they are now about to receive the Lord's Supper; and, of course, no one who comes to that blessed Sacrament, can set an example of division within the Church, and be blameless. Q. May a person escape the duties you spoke of just now, by putting off his Confirmation? A. No, nothing is escaped. A person does but offend God by keeping away. In God's eyes he is bound just as much to keep the promises which were made for him at his Baptism; and he is depriving himself of that supply of spiritual strength which Confirmation procures to enable him to do so. Above all, he is cutting himself off from the Lord's Supper, which is the highest of Christian privileges,the chief means of grace,-and a blessing unspeakable. So that no man ought to delay his Confirmation, wilfully. Q. What should be our course then, when a Confirmation is going to be held in the neighbourhood, and we are invited to be partakers of that blessed rite? A. We should close with the offer gladly; and improve the interval, to the best of our ability, in preparing for the Bishop. We should be doubly watchful over our thoughts, words, and actions above all, we should seek by frequent, and earnest prayer, to draw down on ourselves a blessing from the Most High; that so, the day of Confirmation may be the beginning of a new life. : During the days of preparation, you will do well to add to your daily prayers the three following collects. GOD, whose blessed Son was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life; grant us, we beseech Thee, that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves, even as He is pure, that when He shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto Him in His eternal and glorious kingdom; where with Thee, O Father, and Thee, O Holy Ghost, He liveth and reigneth ever one God, world without end. Amen. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. GOD, forasmuch as without Thee we are not able to please Thee; Mercifully grant, that Thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. JOHN HENRY PARKER, OXFORD AND LONDON. THE WIDOWER. RICHARD STEVENS was returning from his daily work as a labourer on a fine evening in March, and, as he passed the gate which led from the lane into the churchyard, he stopped and leaned upon it. The sun was throwing his setting beams upon the windows of the old Church, and they fell too upon a humble grave, over which the green turf sods were freshly laid. Richard leant to rest longer upon the gate than a labouring man, who has home close at hand, usually does, but he was thinking too much of the beloved wife and mother of his children, who was lying under that green tomb, to care, at the moment, for any thing more than the desire he felt of again looking upon her last earthly resting place. A quarter of an hour had passed, when Richard's shoulder was gently touched, and the curate of the parish, Mr. Cotton, said, “I think, Stevens, my man, you had better be at home taking a comfortable supper after your |