PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. MOST clergymen who have been engaged in parochial work must have felt the want of some simple Manual for the Blessed Sacrament, which they could, with entire satisfaction, put into the hands of their people, as neither falling short of the true standard of Christian doctrine on that most awful and blessed Mystery, nor deficient in the depth and tenderness of devotion which belief in such a doctrine necessarily demands. It is no disparagement to such admirable publications as the "Guide to Confession and Communion, by a Layman," to say that they are, both from structure and expense, unsuited to popular use, especially among the poor.* The present, then, is an attempt to apply, for practical and devotional purposes, those great and consoling verities which are taught in our Catechism, and have been so ably vindicated in Archdeacon Wilberforce's recent work on "The Doctrine of the Holy Eucharist." The devotions, it is scarcely needful to observe, are not original. They have been compiled from various sources not generally accessible, and carefully adapted to the structure of our English. Communion Office, for the use as well of Communicants as of those who attend the Holy Sacrifice without receiving, (a small, but, it is believed, increasing class). In conclusion, the *Since this was written the book has been reduced in price. Editor would only pray, that He Who vouchsafes to be in the Holy Eucharist our Food and our Sacrifice, may bless this little work for the honour of His Own dear Sacrament and the edification of His people. And, if any find it useful to their own souls, he would entreat their prayers for him before the Altar, lest having ministered to others, he should himself become a castaway. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. THE sale of a large First Edition of this Manual, together with the kindly notices it received from so many quarters, both public and private, on its first appearance, as well as the demand which from time to time has been made for it since it was out of print, are the reasons which have led to the issue of a Second Edition. The original compiler having transferred the copyright to the writer of these lineswho hereby acknowledges his sincere obligations for the same-it has devolved on him simply to correct a few errors of the press, and to add some additional |