INTRODUCTION. THIS Manual is intended for those young persons or children who are as yet unconfirmed, or who are directed to communicate seldom, but yet have opportunities-either as a privilege or as a dutyof frequently attending celebrations of the Holy Eucharist. It offers for their assistance, in addition to devotions for the time of the Service itself, a system of Preparation and Thanksgiving, that they may thus (1) form a habit of careful preparation, of which they will more fully realize the value when the time shall come for their preparations for their communions; and (2) as a guard against the attendance at the service becoming a mere duty, which is so often the danger to choristers when their services are required Sunday after Sunday at the Choral Celebrations. Still further, it cannot but be hoped that by the means of careful Preparation and Thanksgiving, the fact of attendance at this service being the Christian's highest privilege and act of worship, may be more fully realized, and the longing for communion and union with their LORD may be increased; bringing with it greater watchfulness and care in the daily life, while waiting for the gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT in confirmation; or, in the case of those already confirmed, but who are directed to communicate seldom, that the blessing they then receive may be carried on and kept fresh with gratitude and delight until the time returns for their next communion. One special point in the arrangement of the Devotions is an endeavour to accustom those who may use them to the advantage of bringing a special intention before GOD in their worship, so that in their communions they may realize the blessing of receiving with a definite object and purpose. The settling this intention beforehand is therefore made a point in the preparation, and recalling it in the thanksgiving, that it may be kept in mind and acted upon and by this means it is hoped that a pointedness and character may be given to the whole devotion—a definite object in prayer being a great help to its earnestness, especially with the young. CONTENTS. PAGE Evening of Friday, or of the second day before- Morning of Saturday, or of the day beforehand Evening of Saturday, or of the day beforehand DEVOTIONS DURING THE CELEBRATION: Prayers after Service Evening of Sunday, or Day of Celebration. INSTRUCTION ON THE HOLY EUCHARIST |