264 Deuteronomy, V. 28, 29. [193.

Sponsors, that we shall be brought up in the true faith and fear of God ; and how earnestly does she lead us to pray for a progressive, total, and perma- nent renovation of our souls ! No sooner are we capable of receiving instruction, than she provides for us, and expressly requires that we be well in- structed in, a Catechism, so short that it burthens the memory of none, and so comprehensive that it contains all that is necessary for our information at that early period of our life. When once we are taught, by that, to know the nature and extent of our baptismal vows, the Church calls upon us to renew in our own person the vows that were for- merly made for us in our name ; and, in a service specially prepared for that purpose, leads us to con- secrate ourselves to God; thus endeavouring to confirm us in our holy resolutions, and to establish us in the faith of Christ. Not content with having thus initiated, instructed, and confirmed her mem- bers in the religion of Christ, the Church embraces every occasion of instilling into our minds the know- ledge and love of his ways. If we change our con- dition in life, we are required to come to the altar of our God, and there devote ourselves afresh to him, and implore his blessing, from which alone all true happiness proceeds. Are mercies and deliverances vouchsafed to any, especially that great mercy of preservation from the pangs and perils of childbirth? the Church appoints a public acknowledgment to be made to Almighty God in the presence of the whole congregation, and provides a suitable service for that end. In like manner, for every public mercy, or in time of any public calamity, particular prayers and thanksgivings are provided for our use. In a time of sickness there is also very particular provision made for our instruction and consolation : and even after death, when she can no more benefit the deceased, the Church labours to promote the benefit of her sur- viving members, by a service the most solemn and impressive that ever was formed. Thus attentive is she to supply in every thing, as far as human