Several of these pieces have been borrowed from other compilations. According to a common practice, devotions have been provided for several days before Communion: but the Compiler would be sorry, if this should encourage in any the mistaken notion, sometimes met with among the ill-instructed, that a long preparation is in all cases essential to the worthy reception of the Lord's Supper. To use the words of Bishop Beveridge: "It requires no great parts, or learning, or time either for a man to look into his own heart, to review his life, to consider wherein he hath hitherto done amiss, and to resolve, by God's blessing, to do so no more, but to endeavour all he can to lead for the future a new and holy life, as becomes the Gospel of Christ. This is no more than what many do every day, or at least very often, whether they are to receive the holy Sacrament or not: and so are always ready, whensoever they can get an opportunity to receive it, especially if they have been long accustomed to it." This Manual is intended chiefly for such as do not communicate oftener than once a month. Those who are so happy as to partake more frequently may adapt it to their own use, by omitting such portions as are not required; in which case they will do well to select and arrange in such a manner, as to make use of every prayer in its turn, and thus go through the whole book within a certain time. CONTENTS. I. DEVOTIONS BEFORE COMMUNION; PAGE STEPS TO THE ALTAR. THE attention of those about to become communi. cants is especially called to the following decree of the Church, which, notwithstanding its importance, as grounded on the very nature of the Sacrament, is sometimes found to escape the knowledge of Christians otherwise well informed, and sincerely anxious to do right: There shall none be admitted to the Holy Communion, until such time as he be confirmed, or be ready and desirous to be confirmed. Rubric after the Order of Con firmation. THE SUNDAY BEFORE. You should begin your preparation for a devout and profitable reception of the Holy Communion, as soon as notice is given in church of its intended celebra tion. Therefore, on the evening of the same day, when your usual prayers are over, and you are still upon your knees, set before your mind the great work you have in hand, and the great blessing you will soon receive, by meditating seriously and devoutly on the following passages of holy Scripture: "From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same, My Name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto My Name, and a pure offering; for My Name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of Hosts."-Mal. i. 11. "Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood, hath eternal life and I will raise him up at the last day." "As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father; so he that eateth Me, even he shall live by Me."-St. John vi. 53, 54, 57. "Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and |