and the Bishops and Elders, or Priests, are spoken of by one or other title according as they are alluded to in their Episcopal or Sacerdotal character. But directly a Bishop was settled in the midst of a community of Christians, he began to ordain Priests under him. Thus S. Paul stationed S. Titus in Crete, and then required him "to set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain Elders in every city, as I have appointed thee." a It may be well to remark here that when in our English version of the New Testament occur the words "Overseers,” and "Elder," the Greek of the original for the first is Episkopos, which is the same word as our Bishop; the Anglo-Saxon form being Bishop. And for the second presbuteros, which was shortened in Old English to prester, and then to prest, and to priest.

" b

By arrangement of the Church, the Bishop exercises jurisdiction over a see, and the Priest over a parish. The Bishops are grouped under the presidence of Metropolitans or Archbishops, and the Archbishops under Patriarchs. But this organization is of ecclesiastical arrangement, sanctioned by God, but is not essential. Thus, a Bishop exercises jurisdiction by ecclesiastical consent, not by Divine order, whereas he ordains, not on the authority of Church consent, but of Divine power.

a Tit. i. 5. b Acts xx. 28. c Acts xi. 30; xiv. 23; xv. 4, 6, 23; xvi. 4; xx. 17; 1 Tim. v. 17; Tit. i. 5; S. James v. 14; 1 S. Pet. v. 1.

M

MATRIMONY.

ARRIED persons stand in need of special graces, adapted to their state; and our Redeemer has provided them in the sacrament of Matrimony.

Marriage as a natural contract, is the union of a man and woman till the death of one of them; with the view to be a mutual help, and to bring up children. This was instituted by God in the beginning. a At the establishment of christianity. this natural contract was raised to the dignity of being sacramental. Christ said in reinstituting it, "A man shall leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder," b

"b

The outward sign is the mutual consent of the parties expressed.

The inward grace is sacramental grace to enable the parties to discharge the duties and obligations of their state.

The proper minister is a Priest; a Deacon has no power conferred on him by God to marry; the giving of matrimonial benediction being part of the power of blessing lodged in the Priest.

Matrimony was instituted to be a perpetual bond; a union not to be dissolved, whilst both parties live, a

Certain conditions are required to render the celebration of a marriage lawful. (1) The proclamation of banns; (2) the celebration before 'witnesses; (3) the absence of impediment.

Impediments are such as render marriage null and void, or else unlawful.

These impediments render marriage null, or no marriage at all. (1) A solemn vow of chastity; (2) too close consanguinity; (3) close affinity; (4) one of the parties having been previously married to one still living; (5) If the woman be found not to be a virgin, the marriage may at once be declared void, for our Lord says that a man may not put away his wife saving for the cause of fornication; b b that is, a man takes to himself a wife with the understanding that she is a virgin, she allows him so to take her; if he finds that he has been deceived, the contract is void. This is what was especially provided for under the Levitical law.

The objects for which matrimony was instituted are well expressed in the English Prayer-book service. "First, it was ordained for the procreation of children, to be brought up in the fear and nurture of the Lord. Secondly, it was ordained for

a S. Mark x. 11, 12;

b S. Matt. v. 32;

1 Cor. vii. 10, 11; Rom. vii. 2.
xix. 9. c Deut. xxii. 20.

a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication; that such persons as have not the gift of continency might marry, and keep themselves undefiled members of Christ's body. Thirdly, it was ordained for the mutual society, help, and comfort, that the one ought to have of the other, both in prosperity and adversity."

Note. An excellent Tract on "The Seven Sacraments," is that published by Longmans, London, 1868, "Tracts for the Day," No. 3.. Price 1s. 6d.

Books on Baptism are "Hicks' View of Baptismal Regeneration." Masters. 9d. "Greuber's Holy Baptism." Masters.. 1s. 6d.

Confirmation. "Plain Instructions on Confirmation," by the Rev. G. R. Prynne. Masters. 1d. "Baptismal Ser vice Explained." Masters. 4d.

Holy Communion. "Prynne's Eucharistic Manual." Masters. 1s. "The Altar Manual." 1s. "The Real Pre

sence Tracts for the Day," No. 5. 9d.

Confession. 'Tracts for the Day," No. 1. 6d. "Gresley's
Ordinance of Confession." Masters. 6d.

V. A RULE OF LIFE.

ESUS Christ is the model that every Christian ought to copy, to the best of his power. As Jesus prayed in retirement, so must the Christian pray with collectedness, humility, and confidence. He must be accessible to the young, the poor, and the ignorant. He must be without pride, conceit, and pretensions. His conversation must be edifying, charitable, simple, and grave. He must not shrink from the meanest work that may be done for God, or for his brethren. He must be obedient to those set over him in Church, family, and state. He must be moderate and temperate at his meals. He must endure privations and tribulations with patience. He must bear affronts with meekness: sickness and death with resignation.

The following are excellent rules by which to regulate life :

I. Avoid occasions of sin.--Keep eyes, ears, tongue, and hands from what is dangerous. Keep away from bad company, public-houses, bad books, bad newspapers.

II.

Pray without ceasing.-See what has been recommended on the subject of prayer, on page 25.