knew of it, such a person ought to take an opportunity of speaking to him on the subject. And, in general, those who are properly interested in the Confirmation as sincere members of the Church, ought to communicate freely with the minister on all matters which, in the least degree, may tend to the better result of the Confirmation in every case. I hereby invite every one of my parishioners to act thus, whenever circumstances require it; and I promise that I will never give any one occasion to regret that he did his duty in this particular.

III. Every one in the parish may do much good by speaking in a proper manner concerning the Confirmation. Young people are often put to shame by the laugh of the idle and wicked companions, merely because they have no encouragement from others. If a number of respectable persons made it a rule to converse in a serious spirit about Confirmation with the younger people whenever they met them, the laugh of the few idle ones would have no power, because well disposed lads or girls would find themselves supported in resisting it. All lightness upon the subject should be discouraged; and every one should be a worker together with the minister in making its seriousness and importance be felt. An interest should be shewn in the particulars of what is going on; the subjects of instruction should be noticed as they are brought forward; and inquiries made of the candidates as to their progress. Such a course of conduct as this might greatly improve the whole character of the rising generation, by influencing them for good just at the time when the most important step of their lives is to be decided on.

IV. But there remains still one important duty to be mentioned, which is within the power of every Christian, whatever be his condition or his influence; and by which still more good can be effected than by any of the other

means. It must be remembered that however decent and well-behaved young people may be at their Confirmation, it is neither their profession, nor the Bishop's blessing, that can convert their hearts, and make them really spiritual members of the Church of Christ. This is the work of the Holy Spirit alone. It is the gift of the Holy Ghost that brings well-instructed members to make a sincere profession, and to act up to it-It is the gift of the Holy Ghost that turns the hearts of the rebels, and teaches them to renounce the devil, the world, and the flesh-It is the gift of the Holy Ghost by which members are admitted into the true Church of Christ. How can this gift be obtained? BY PRAYER! and by God's great mercy it may be obtained through the prayers of one for another.

This blessed truth at once points out an important duty for every one who knows how to pray. They should frequently and earnestly lift up their hearts in secret prayer to God for a blessing upon the means afforded; and they should remember to bring the same subject before the throne of grace at their family prayer. I do not consider that I shall have obeyed the instructions contained in the Bishop's letter, unless I not only point out this duty to you, but assist you in the performance of it. For this purpose, I mean during the season of preparation, to attend at the School-room, at Wonston, every Monday evening, at seven o'clock; and at the Rector's room, at Sutton, every Thursday morning, at eight o'clock, to engage for a short time in prayer to Almighty God upon the subject, with such of the parishioners as may be able to meet me. Besides this I send you with this letter, a short prayer, which I earnestly desire may be used, until the confirmation has taken place, by every family in the parish at their morning and evening united prayers; in the full confidence that sincere prayer by the whole people, would

do more than anything else in bringing down God's blessing upon the occasion.

I cannot close this letter without warning all the parish against two mistakes, very commonly made concerning the certificate of approval which the minister is desired to give to those who are to be confirmed. The first mistake is that which people make who judge for the minister, and wonder how he could approve of this person, and of that person, that have received certificates; being (as they think) improper persons.. The second mistake is that which people make who imagine that when the minister gives a certificate of approval, he considers the candidates to be in a really Christian state. These are very great mistakes, which may be easily remedied by remembering what the church requires in her members.

A person baptised in infancy was admitted as a member of the church, in consequence of a profession and promise made for him by others. Being of proper age, he is called upon to continue a member, making the same profession and promise for himself. The church does not pretend to judge his motives, but requires him to make a public declaration, taking it for granted that he is honest and sincere. The minister of the church has only to take care that the candidate understands what he is about, and does not make his profession and promise ignorantly; and also, that there is no open scandal in his conduct, sufficient to prove that he cannot possibly be honest and sincere. The certificate therefore means this ;-' that I have examined the candidate, and believe him to know enough of the truths of religion, and of the nature of his promise, to be able to understand it; and further, that I am not acquainted with any notorious evil conduct on his part, which would make it a scandal for him to profess, what in his life he openly denies.' This is far from expressing an opinion concerning the state of the person's

mind, which may be a very proper subject for the minister's private conversation with the candidate himself, but which the minister is not warranted in acting upon whilst administering the public ordinances of the Church.

Commending you all to the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, and praying for the gift of the Holy Ghost upon you,

I remain your affectionate Pastor.

PRAYER TO BE USED DAILY,

Morning and evening, in every family in the parish, while the minister is preparing the candidates for confirmation.

O merciful God and Saviour, who hast given us thy Gospel, and sent the Holy Spirit to carry it to the hearts of thy people, that such as shall be saved may be added to the church daily, give thy grace at this time to the minister of this parish; that he may have wisdom to speak thy word in season, to those who have not yet confirmed their profession of faith, and their promises to live as becomes, thy Gospel. Give also a large blessing to this people. Daily renew with thy Spirit those who are true members of thy Church. Change the hearts of the careless and the wicked; and grant that those who now profess thy holy name may be so defended by thy heavenly grace, that they may continue thine for ever, and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, until they come unto thine everlasting kingdom. Amen.

SHORT WORDS OF PRAYER,

To be remembered and repeated at different times during the day, while the minister is preparing the candidates for confirmation.

O God! consider the parish at this time for good! give the Holy Spirit for Christ's sake!

OR,

Gracious Saviour! bless with thy Spirit the instruction of the minister at this time.

OR,

Merciful God! change the hearts of the people, and gather them into thy Church even now!

&c. &c. &c.

XXVIII.

A WORD FROM THE PASTOR TO HIS

FLOCK.

The present truth. 2 Pet. i. 12.

29 July, 1838.

A letter has been sent round the parish this week, to which your Pastor calls the particular attention of every one of his parishioners. Several persons, who have not yet been confirmed, did not give in their names last week. They are invited to do so. without delay. Those who have any difficulty in their minds upon the subject are advised to read the Confirmation Tracts No. I. & V., which were sent round the Parish in 1835. They had better also consult with the minister. An account of the general state of the Parish, as regards the number of persons confirmed and unconfirmed, will shortly be given, that the true state of the Church amongst us may be known.

The persons receiving confirmation instruction will be arranged in seven different portions or classes, each of which will attend the minister once a week: the instruction of each class will last for about an hour. For convenience sake, the classes will be numbered; the numbering has nothing to do