PREFACE. THERE is perhaps scarcely any occasion for a Preface to the following Addresses. They speak for themselves. In publishing them I am only deferring to a wish frequently expressed by those who heard them delivered, and who desire, in this less ephemeral form, to have at hand, for leisurely perusal, words which at the time they found, under God, helpful and encouraging. This little volume is in no sense a Manual of Devotion, nor is its object that so fully attained by the many valuable works recommended for the use of communicants. It is not in my thought to multiply these. These Addresses are published for the sake of the many, dear to heart, and cherished in memory, associated with the hallowed, indelible recollections of a "Mission," such as it has often been my privilege and happiness to conduct. To such may the perusal of these Addresses recall those happy hours! I have long thought that there is a want of detailed explanation of the conditions of worthy communion; and as I hold it to be an essential and integral feature of a Church of England "Mission" that there should be a daily celebration, the Address or Meditation then given affords a fitting opportunity for this detailed explanation. I have throughout sought to elevate Holy Communion to its true and proper position, as the highest of all ordinances, as the most full of blessing to all true believers in Jesus Christ; avoiding, I hope, on the one hand an exaggeration, and on the other hand too low an estimate of this holy ordinance. May this humble contribution to this great theme be owned of God; and, imperfect as are all our utterances, may these be blessed of Him by His Holy Spirit to those who shall read them, and be helpful in encouraging them to a more perfect participation in that holy ordinance, where Jesus makes Himself known in the breaking of bread! FRANCIS PIGOU. THE VICARAGE, HALIFAX, March 1877. |