Catechisings on the Prayer Book (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1865. Excerpt: ... What is the distinction between the words, "godly, righteous, and sober life?"--" Godly" means with regard to our Maker; "righteous" with regard to our neighbour; "sober" with regard to ourselves. In these words we pray to love God faithfully with all our hearts; to love our neighbour as ourselves; and to keep our bodies in temperance, soberness, and chastity. The Absolution. What are the words of the rubric before the Absolution?--The Absolution, or Remission of sins, to be pronounced by the priest alone, standing; the people still kneeling. Why is the word Priest mentioned here, and not minister, as before?--Because " minister" refers to the three orders, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons; the word " Priest" is mentioned, because deacons have no authority given them to pronounce absolution. Why is the priest directed to stand when he repeats the absolution, and the people to kneel?--Because the priest is acting ministerially, declaring God's pardon to those who have true repentance and faith. Do the people repeat the absolution after the priest?--No; they listen to it, still kneeling; and if they come within the prescribed conditions, they may apply its gracious words to themselves to their great comfort; hence all should be very careful to come in good time to Church, that they may join in the confession, and hear the absolution. Does God by the mouth of His ordained minister, promise pardon to all the congregation?--" He pardoneth all them that truly repent and unfeignedly believe His holy Gospel," but there are no promises of forgiveness to the impenitent. In what way are the different persons of the Blessed Teinity brought before us in the absolution?--(1) The exceeding great love of the Fathee in wishing the salvation of all, in giving His Son to die f...