PREFACE. Ir is once again our pleasing duty to address our readers from the Editorial chair, and to thank them for that kindly support which has enabled us to complete our seventeenth volume. And every time we do so address them, it is with increased satisfaction, since each time we feel that we can congratulate them upon the advancement of the principles of the Church, as continually evidenced in the contents of our Church News. A great and a mighty work is being done. In spite of opposition, coldness, or apathy, it goes on. Year by year advancement is made; and though there may be the strife of tongues around us -though men may band themselves together and rage furiously-yet truth is mighty, and will prevail. One cloud there is still hanging over us; one deep and solemn truth may yet, it is to be feared, be made the subject of discussion, and be brought before a tribunal incompetent to decide on spiritual matters; yet there is a rainbow in the cloud; there are signs and tokens that He Who has been with His Church hitherto, will not desert her now; and we may pray and hope still to be spared a decision which, on whatever side it may be given, could not but be attended with disadvantageous results to His branch of the Church planted in these realms. 2 And whilst we thus congratulate our readers upon the state of Church matters, and thank them for their past support, we would ask them to interest themselves to secure an extension of our circulation. It is important in these days that works of a sound religious character should be disseminated throughout the length and breadth of the land. People will read; and in the absence of healthy food for the mind, have recourse to that which is pernicious. It has been our constant aim to render our pages instructive, without being wearisome; lively, without being frivolous; and orthodox, without being dry. In fact, we have endeavoured to impart sound teaching in such a manner as would secure the attention of the several members of the Church. This will be still more our aim, and therefore we confidently appeal to Churchmen to increase the circulation of a periodical which we know has been already in some degree useful, and which we hope to make still more so. And if they will do this, we can only on our part promise that the greater time which the cares of a lesser parish leave at our disposal, shall be devoted to the improvement of the Companion, and, when we remember with gratitude the corps of writers by whom we are supported, we cannot doubt of success. W. B. F. The Rectory, Crawley, Holy Thursday, 1855. Anniversary of the Consecration of Markbeech Church, Eden- 71 Reopening of Newark Church 471 Synod in S. Ninian's Cathedral, Perth 160 Coheiress of Willingham Godfray's Disciples d'Emmaüs Heygate's Manual Journey Home, the Brechin's (Bishop of) Commentary on the Litany. Browne's Lecture on Symbolism Chamberlain's (Rev. T.) Letter to the Bishop of S. Andrew's, &c. Conversion de Zacchée Hughes' Sermon, The Sabbath made for Man Laying on of Hands: a Manual for Confirmation Macaulay's (Miss B. E.) Day in Nismes Murray's Sermon at S. Andrew's, Well Street. Neale's (Rev. J. M.) Lent Legends 234 464 462 78 Two Sermons on the death of Joshua Watson, Esq. by the Ven. The Legend of the White Cross 430 Use of the Litany in time of War 127 Verses for Children: The Young Boy's Appeal 288 |