Thy soldiers grant, O Saviour dear,
Hereafter Thy sweet peace,
That we, who fight Thy battles here,
May then find sure surcease.

May eyes, which here have looked on Thee
In Sacrament of love,
Thy blessed hope's fruition see,
In heavenly courts above.

And tongues, which here have sung Thy praise,
Make always truth to speak,
Fill them with kindly words to raise,
Thy servants faint and weak.

O bring the feet which stood aright
Within Thy holy place,
To walk within the land of light,
Endued with heavenly grace.

Who on Thy living Body feed,
By that blest Food restored,
To newer life, be theirs indeed,
To dwell with Thee, dear Lord;

Where, reigning with the Holy Ghost
And Father evermore,
Thou livest King, th' angelic host
Unceasingly adore.

Newark, N. J.

PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION.
________

As questions are constantly arising concerning the formation and work of Altar Societies or Guilds, and details regarding Altar Linen, from Parishes where there is no organization especially for the care of the Altar and its appointments, it has been deemed advisable to publish this Manual. It is hoped that it will be found to contain all that is necessary for organizing an Altar Guild and helpful to those interested in the furnishing and care of Altar Linen. The following By-Laws (with slight local alterations) have been in successful operation in one Parish for eighteen years.

J. S.W.
MAY, 1892.

PREFACE TO TENTH EDITION.
REVISED AND ENLARGED.
________

SINCE the first publication of this little book, over eight years ago, many Altar Guilds have been formed, and from time to time a desire has been expressed for fuller details, especially concerning Altar work. Every Parish has needs and limitations peculiarly its own, and what would obtain in one would be unnecessary in another, therefore a work of this kind, to be helpful to all, can only be general and suggestive. In the matter of rules and regulations, and devotional exercises, each Guild must be guided by its local requirements and the discretion of its Rector. While all Church Vestments, both clerical and lay, come under the care of an Altar Guild, it is thought unnecessary to touch upon any except those of the Priest which pertain to the Altar service. The subject of vestments, and details of ceremonial, are aside from the purpose and beyond the scope of this Manual.

J. S. W.
JANUARY, 1900

EMMANUEL.
By Josephine Smith Wood

Noon-day splendor bathed the hills
Of Bethlehem at midnight hour,
And heav'nly heralds sweet,
Awoke the earth with bursts of song,
A newborn King to greet.

With joy they sang: "A Saviour King
Is born in royal David's town.
O shepherds, haste ye then,
To worship Him, 'tis Christ the Lord,
Who comes to dwell with men."

A little Child, with love-lit eyes,
And tender outstretched hand's, they find,
And low they bend the knee;
Nor heeds the humble cattle shed,
Nor rude-built manger see.

For oh, the glory that was there,
The rightness of that Christmas Day,
No pen, nor tongue can tell!
Nor can the heart its joy express,
Where dwells Emmanuel.

Newark, N. J.

_______

A HYMN TO OUR LORD.
_______

WHEN to Thy beloved on Patmos,
Through the open door in heaven,
Visions of the perfect worship,
Savour, by Thy love were given--
Surely there was truth and spirit,
Surely there a pattern shown
How Thy Church should do her service
When she comes before Thy throne.

'Tis for Thee we bid the frontal
Its embroidered wealth unfold
'Tis for Thee we deck the Reredos
With the colors and the gold;
Thine the floral glow and fragrance,
Thine the vesture's fair array
Thine the starry lights that glitter,
Where Thou dost Thy light display.

'Tis to Thee the chant is lifted,
'Tis to Thee the heads are bowed,
Far less deep was Israel's rapture
When the glory filled the cloud,
Oh, our own true God Incarnate,
What should Christians' ritual be,
But a voice to utter somewhat
Of their joy and pride in Thee!

Lord, bring home the glorious lesson,
To their hearts, who strangely deem
That an unmajestic worship
Doth Thy majesty beseem.
Show them more of Thy dear presence
Let them, let them come to know
That our King is throned among us,
And His Church is Heaven below!

--Canon Bright

A Manual for Altar Guilds.
________

"Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house,
and the place where Thine honor dwelleth." PsA. xxvi. 8.

THE ARRANGEMENT AND ORNAMENTS OF THE CHURCH.

1. The Font is properly placed near the door, to show that Baptism is the gate by which we enter into the fold of Christ's Church.

2. It has been the rule in the Anglican (not Roman) Communion for centuries, that the Altar should be at the East, in token that Christ is the true "Sun of Righteousness," and in the belief that when He comes again it will be from the East. Hence also it always has been the custom to bury the dead with their feet toward the East, so that when they rise they may meet Him. See Hymn 243, Church Hymnal. The Altar end of the Church is considered, technically, the East, even if the Church building be not placed East and West.

3. The Altar is made conspicuous as the most sacred part of the Church, because it commemorates Christ crucified, and because it is used in the highest act of Divine Worship, the Holy Eucharist, in the which, by the Ministry of His Church, the all-prevailing merits of Christ's Sacrifice and Passion are pleaded before the Father.

[12] The Altar answers to the Altar and to the Mercy Seat in the Jewish Temple. It is elevated for its Divine purpose, beautified and adorned as the throne of the Great King and railed in to preserve it from irreverence. The place within the Chancel rail is called the Sanctuary.

4. Lights are used in some Churches at the celebration of the Holy Communion; the two Eucharistic lights are said to signify that "Christ is the True Light of the world, revealed to us in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments." They also typify His two natures, the Human and the Divine. When lighted for the Celebration, the light on the Epistle side is kindled first and extinguished last. Other lights on or about the Altar are used as symbols of spiritual joy in Christ's Redemption.

5. Flowers are used upon the Altar for the same reason, symbolizing spiritual joy, and in honor of Him who is the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley. Some care should be taken in the selection of flowers for the various seasons, as frequently the color of the flowers may be made to harmonize with the proper color for the day. No ornaments or adornments should be placed on the Altar proper.

"ON THE ALTAR"

is an expression used for convenience. Strictly speaking, nothing is placed on the Altar but the [12/13] Sacred Vessels with cloths of service and the Altas Desk, which holds the Service Book. The Altar Cross, vases for flowers, and candlesticks, are placed upon the re-table or in niches in the Reredos.

Psa. cxvi. 12-14.
I. Kings vii. 49-50.
Isa. lx. 13.

It is usual in many churches to vest the Altar in different colors to mark the various seasons of the Church. Thus at Christmas, Easter, and festivals other than the feasts of the Martyrs white is used. For Whitsunday and feasts of the Martyrs red is used. For Trinity Sunday white is used, but for Sundays after Trinity green. Violet is the color for Advent, the Innocents' Day, Lent, Rogation Days, and Vigils. In the Divine commands relative to the making of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, this verse occurs: "And they shall take gold, and blue, and scarlet, and purple, and fine linen."

[14] "The Lord is in His holy temple;
let all the earth keep silence before Him."--HAB. ii. 20.

ALTAR WORK.

Before entering upon work about the Altar, kneel a few moments at the Chancel rail, and, offering your work to God, ask Him to accept and bless it, and enable you to do it worthily as unto Him. It is a great honor and privilege to be allowed to care for the holy things in God's house, and a devout spirit and reverent demeanor should characterize those who are thus engaged.

Strict silence should be observed within the Chancel rail. "The place whereon thou standest is holy ground" (Exod, iii. 5). General conversation, planning and discussing of work, should be done in the Sacristy.

In Altar or Chancel decoration never make use of the Altar in any way, either to stand, or lean upon, or as a resting-place for tools or materials.

Everything about the Altar, Chancel, and Sacristy should be kept scrupulously clean and neat. The Sacred Vessels thoroughly clean and bright. The Vestments clean and ready for use. Ornaments for the Altar and Chancel polished, and each in its own peculiar place.

Each member, at the end of her term of service, [14/15] should leave the linen clean upon the Altar, upon the Credence, and in the drawers of the Sacristy.

In order that an accurate account of the linen may be kept, she should make a list of the same and submit it to the Guild each month, or whenever her term of service expires.

This rule, regarding a list of articles, is well to be observed, so far as practicable, by all committees of the Guild.

Each member should complete the work, for the time being, under her charge, before the next in turn assumes the duty.

Any member (of any committee) who finds she is unable to perform fully her duty should at once report to the Secretary, that another may be appointed in her stead.

Withered flowers should not be allowed to remain about the Altar, and when removed should be burned, and the water in which they have been placed poured on the ground.

All Altar linen should be rinsed in clear water before being regularly washed, and the rinsing water poured on the ground.

No starch or bluing should be used in laundering the linen.

The washing and ironing of Altar linen should receive the personal care of a member of the Altar Committee and should never be given into the hands of a laundress. (This does not refer to Vestments.)

[16] BEFORE SERVICE.

A member of the Committee on Altar Work should see that the Altar is properly vested, and that in the Sacristy all things are in readiness for the Priest at least ten minutes before the service.

A canister for breads, glass cruets for wine and water, a basin, and the mandatory should be placed on the Chancel Credence.

When the Priest bears the Sacred Vessels and cloths of service in to the Altar, and when (the service over) he bears them out, he arranges them in the following order:

The Chalice, on which put the Purificator; upon that, the Paten; upon that, the Pall; then, over all, the Veil; upon that lay the Burse containing the Corporal and the linen Chalice Veil. In this order the Sacred Vessels should be placed on the Sacristy Credence and the Priest's Vestments spread upon a table in the following manner: First, the Chasuble, front part downward, on the table; on this place the Maniple, Stole and Girdle, so arranged as to form the monogram

[17] On these lay the Alb, so conveniently folded that the Priest can readily draw it over his head. On top of all lay the Amice with strings crossed.

The Priest (already vested in Cassock) can thus easily and quickly robe himself for the service.

AFTER SERVICE

The cleansing and putting away of the Sacred Vessels and Altar linen should be carefully and reverently done, especially the rinsing of the Purificator.

The Vestments of the Priest must be neatly folded and placed in such drawers or closets as are provided for that purpose, and the Sacristy left in order.

SUGGESTIONS.

For the more complete and systematic carrying on of the work of an Altar Guild it has been found helpful to divide the Guild into special committees; each committee reporting monthly to the Guild; and its members taking in turn the oversight of the work of the committee to which she belongs.

The work may be divided as follows:

COMMITTEE ON ALTAR WORK.

The vesting of the Altar, the care of the linen and the Sacred Vessels.

[18] COMMITTEE ON METAL ORNAMENTS.

The cleaning and keeping in repair of the metal of the Altar, Font and Chancel.

COMMITTEE ON FLOWERS AND CANDLES.

The arranging, and keeping fresh flowers which are provided for the Altar. To note especially that flowers are provided for the greater festivals. The furnishing of candles; and renewing and keeping in tidy condition those in use on or about the Altar.

COMMITTEE ON VESTMENTS.

The furnishing and keeping in order of those of the Clergy.
The furnishing and keeping in order of those of the Choir, Servers and Acolytes.

COMMITTEE ON ALTAR LINEN.

The furnishing, making, and embroidering of the linen used on the Altar and Credence.

COMMITTEE ON EMBROIDERY.

The ornamentation of the Altar and Chancel hangings and of Vestments for the Clergy.

________

[19] PREFECT WORK.
(I. Cor. xiii. 3.)
________

A SCULPTOR once in olden time
Wrought with such love and care,
Lest any shadow of himself
Should mar his work so fair--
Upon his forehead placed a flame;
And its soft beams alone
Kept ever clear and pure the light
Upon his work of stone.
Devotion, skill, and patient thought
His memory enthrone.

Our foreheads bear the sign of Him
Who is the world's great Light;
And he who keeps alive God's flame
Of love, will work aright.
Oh, may no shadows of ourselves
E'er prove our efforts naught,
But may the light of His great love
Show singleness of thought,
And work which "profiteth" because
With Charity 'tis wrought.

J. S.W.

________

[20] "Let everything be done decently and in order."

CONCERNING THE SACRISTY OR VESTRY.

To avoid the continual occurrence of confusion and mistakes, it is absolutely necessary that there be "a place for everything and everything in its place," therefore it is important that the Sacristy be provided with facilities for keeping in order, and tidy condition, the Altar, the Chancel, and the Sacristy, and proper furniture for the care of the Altar linen, Chancel hangings, Vestments, etc.

The Priest's Vestments should be kept in one place and those of the Choir in another. (A separate room for the Choir and its Vestments is desirable.) Albs, Amices and Girdles in one place and Vestments of silk or similar material in another. Altar linen, large and small, in a drawer or box by itself. Vestments of the same color should be kept together so far as possible.

Altar bread and wine, Candles, Brasses, Alms Basins, etc., all must have their separate and peculiar corners or spaces in drawers or cupboards. It [20/21] is impossible to give useful details concerning the construction of cupboards, closets, drawers, etc., because their form and dimensions depend necessarily upon the size and shape of the Sacristy.

Every Sacristy should have

A VESTING TABLE,

which is a table, or the top of a chest of drawers, employed for no other purpose than to arrange on it the Priest's Vestments; the drawers being used to contain Vestments and Altar linen. These drawers should be shallow, each one to hold the Vestments of one color only.

A SACRISTY CREDENCE.

A small stand or bracket on which to make ready the Communion Vessels before they are carried into the Church. Sometimes with this is combined a water faucet and a drain, for convenience in cleansing the Sacred Vessels and rinsing the Purificators. This drain, and that of the Font, should lead to the ground and not empty into the common sewer. Water from flower vases should be thrown elsewhere. Where there is no such drain a special basin should be kept for cleansing the Sacred Vessels and rinsing the Purificators. There should also be special towels for Altar use alone.

A writing-table or desk provided with stationery.

[22] A carafe of water for drinking and a tumbler; a large mirror, brush and comb, and a supply of pins and matches.

Conveniences for hand washing, basin, soap and towels.

A closet containing a carpet broom and dust pan, two feather dusters (one with long handle), a dusting brush and cloths for dusting, housecloths, pails, soap, etc. Materials for cleaning silver, and also for polishing the brasses which are not lacquered. Without these conveniences at hand it is impossible to keep things really clean and tidy, and those who have had long experience in Altar work testify to the importance of emphasizing these details.

________

SUGGESTIONS FOR ALTAR LINEN.

Linen, not damask, should be used.
No imitation lace for trimming.
French red and blue and white cottons or linens for embroidery.

The linen necessary for a correct celebration of the Holy Communion is as follows: A Fair Linen Cloth, a Corporal, a Purificator, a Pall, a Linen Chalice Veil, a Credence Cloth, a Mandatory, and a Burse and Veil, usually of silk. The number of pieces of each kind required must be determined [22/23] by the frequency of the Celebrations in a Parish. The following is sufficient for a Parish having only weekly Celebrations:

3 Fair Linen Cloths.
3 Corporals.
6 Purificators.
2 Palls.
2 Linen Chalice Veils.
2 Credence Cloths.
4 Mundatories.

THE FRONTAL AND SUPER FRONTAL.

If only one Frontal is used throughout the year its color should be red. It is the ornamental cloth covering the front of the Altar, having embroidered designs upon it and a fringe along its bottom edge. The Super Frontal covers the top of the Altar, hanging down in front and at both ends about eight inches, and is finished with a fringe to match the Frontal, or it may be a strip of lace about eight inches wide, the exact length of the Altar, hanging down from the front edge over the Frontal, and sewed to a piece of linen which covers the top of the Altar. The Super Frontal may be used without the Frontal.

THE PROTECTOR

is a linen cloth, the length and width of the top of the Altar, which lies over the Fair Linen Cloth [23/24] when an Altar is continually kept vested for daily Celebrations.

It is sometimes made of a strip of green silk or baize, suitably lined and marked with five crosses.

THE CERE CLOTH,

sometimes called a protector, is a waxed linen cloth extended over the mensa, or top of the Altar, to protect the consecrated stone from damp, dirt, or irreverence. The consecrated stone is sometimes sewed up in this waxed linen Cloth.

The Altar is covered with three linen cloths, the first two are the exact size of the top of the Altar and the third is the Fair Linen Cloth.

THE FAIR LINEN CLOTH

is the exact width of the Altar top and hangs over each end eighteen inches or two feet. It may have five crosses worked upon it, one in the middle and one at each corner of the Altar, and the ends may be embroidered with suitable designs and trimmed with lace, or linen fringe. The Fair Linen Cloth represents the cloth which was wound around our Blessed Lord's Body at His Burial.

THE CORPORAL

is of fine linen twenty-one inches square, hem very narrow, no ornamentation of any kind except a small cross in red, in the centre of the front edge [24/25] near the hem. When laundered it should be folded right side in, three folds length-wise and three crosswise, making a square of seven inches. The Priest simply lays it upon the Altar and unfolds it to Celebrate on, and refolds it after the Celebration. To this fact it owes its name, and like the Fair Linen it represents one of our Blessed Lord's Burial Cloths. It is carried to and from the Altar inside the Burse. A Corporal, which has been used at the Altar, should be left in the Burse and not taken out and laid in a drawer, until after it has been washed. The Corporal should be washed with special care. It should be rinsed in clear water by the Priest himself, or an assistant, before being regularly washed, and the rinsing water poured upon the ground, where there is no vessel or drain, set apart for such use in the Sacristy.

THE PURIFICATORS,

of which there should be a number, are of fine linen, thirteen and a half inches square, with plain, narrow hem, and a white or red cross embroidered in the centre, or in one corner. Each Purificator should be folded in three like the Corporal, only right side out. They are used by the Priest to cleanse the Sacred Vessels at the Altar, and should be used only once, and carefully rinsed like the Corporal before being regularly washed.

THE PALL

is a piece of linen sewed tight, like a bag, over a piece of cardboard, eight inches square, or the diameter of the Paten, which it should entirely cover. Upon the upper side should be embroidered, or chain-stitched, in red, the letters I N R I surrounded by a crown of thorns. It is used to protect the Chalice during the Celebration. It should have a square of linen, with narrow hem, tacked upon the under side by a stitch at each corner. This lining should be changed frequently, but the Pall itself need only be taken to pieces at intervals when it needs washing. As the stains upon the Pall lining come from the consecrated Chalice it should be washed with great care and reverence. It should be rinsed twice in clear water by the Priest himself, or an assistant, before being regularly washed, and the water disposed of in like manner with that from the rinsing of the Corporal. It is much to be desired that each Sacristy were provided with proper facilities for this, as well as for washing the Sacred Vessels after Celebrations.

THE LINEN CHALICE VEIL

is of the finest cambric linen, eighteen inches square when finished, and should be trimmed with rich lace at least one inch deep. It may be elaborately embroidered and trimmed with wider lace. [26/27] It is used to cover the Chalice and Paten after the communion of the people.

When all have communicated, the Chalice should be placed in the middle of the Corporal; the Paten on the Chalice; the Pall on the Paten, and the Linen Chalice Veil over all until the ablutions, when the Priest rearranges the Sacred Vessels in the order in which they were brought into the Altar.

The Veil represents the cloth which was wrapped about our Blessed Lord's Head at His Burial.

THE CREDENCE CLOTH

is of linen sufficient to cover the Credence, and hanging a little over the top all around. It may be ornamented with a design of wheat and fine leaves, or hemstitched, or trimmed with fringe.

THE MUNDATORY

is the linen napkin for the Priest's lavabo, and is made of linen diaper, twelve by eighteen inches, with narrow hem all around; it may have a lily, or a cross, embroidered with white, lengthwise in the centre.

THE BURSE

is the Corporal case, made of two pieces of cardboard, nine inches square, sewed together at one edge, with linen sides folding in as a pocket; is lined with linen and covered outside with silk, the color of the season, suitably embroidered on the front or upper side.

[28] THE CHALICE VEIL

is a square of silk or satin the color of the season, lined with linen, or some suitable material, embroidered with a cross in the centre of the front. It is usually twenty-two inches square, but its size depends upon that of the Chalice and Paten. It is commonly ornamented with a cross placed in the middle of one-third, presenting this appearance when opened out:

or this when covering the Sacred Vessels:

It must be large enough to touch the Altar on all sides when over the Sacred Vessels, which it is used to cover at the beginning and the end of the Service. It may have crosses at the corners and one in the middle of the front part, or it may be powdered all over with work. If only one Veil is used it must be of linen or lawn and of the larger size like the silk. It may be edged with lace and richly embroidered. The Altar hangings should be red where only one set is used, and also the Burse and Veil.

________

[29] PRIEST'S VESTMENTS.
________

For a Celebration of the Holy Communion the Priest is vested in Cassock, Amice, Alb, Girdle, Stole, Maniple, and Chasuble.

1. The Cassock is a long black garment, reaching almost to the ground, and made of serge or reps. It is said to represent the Spirit of Recollection which should be cherished by the Ministers of the Church. It has a narrow band at the neck, above which is seen the white rim of the plain clerical collar.

2. The Amice is an oblong piece of linen, having a stiff collar attached in the middle of the upper edge and two long tapes fastened to the corners of the linen on a line with the collar.

It is placed upon the head until the tapes have been crossed over the shoulders and breast and tied around the waist of the Priest, after which he allows it to slip down over his neck, where it remains in loose folds, the collar standing up and serving as a protection to the Chasuble. An "apparelled Amice" has a collar of silk, of the color of the season, tacked to the linen and changed at need. The Amice signifies the "Helmet of Salvation" and is also said to represent the cloth with which our Blessed Lord was blindfolded in the hall of Caiaphas.

[30] 3. The Alb is a long, white linen Vestment without fulness and with narrow sleeves. It touches the floor, and is drawn in at the waist by a linen girdle. It is sometimes enriched by Apparels, two oblong pieces of embroidered silk of the color of the season attached to the lower part of the Vestment, one in front and the other behind. The Alb signifies the Purity required by the Priesthood, and it represents the white robe in which our Lord was arrayed by Herod.

4. The Girdle is a cord about half an inch in diameter, and three or four yards long, crocheted or woven of coarse linen thread or cotton, and the ends finished with tassels or heavy knots. It represents the rope with which our Lord was bound, and signifies the Righteousness of the Priesthood, (Isaiah xi. 5.)

5. The Stole follows the color of the season. It should be longer than a preaching Stole, and is usually about three yards long, including the fringe, and should be crossed over the breast, being kept in place by the Girdle. The Stole signifies the yoke of obedience to Christ.

6. The Maniple corresponds with the Stole, of which it is a miniature. It is a little narrower than the Stole, and about three feet six inches long. It hangs upon the left wrist of the Priest, and is fastened by a loop in the middle to a button on the upper part of the cuff of the Alb sleeve. The Stole [30/31] and Maniple represent the cord with which our Blessed Lord was bound.

7. The Chasuble is the last Vestment put on by the Celebrant. It is a species of mantle which, in the primitive Church, was circular in shape, but it is now usually pointed at the bottom both before and behind, and it has no opening except for the head. It represents the seamless robe of Christ, and like it signifies the Unity of the Church and the all-embracing Charity of the Redeemer. The Chasuble also represents the purple robe with which our Lord was clothed in mockery, and is, therefore, a suitable Vestment for the Priest to wear when commemorating His sacred Passion and Death.

The Chasuble may be of linen or silk, or any other material. Unless of linen it should follow the color of the season. It is usually ornamented with Orphreys, i.e., strips of material from three to four inches wide, put on in the shape of what is called a Y Cross, both in front and behind. The main line of the Cross extends down the middle from the neck to the bottom of the Chasuble; the arms, springing from the breast in front and a corresponding point at the back, slope upward and meet on the shoulders. The Orphreys are generally richly embroidered either the entire length or at the intersection of the arms of the Cross.

Sometimes the Cross is put only on the back of the Chasuble, the front being ornamented with a [31/32] straight strip of material, embroidered, called a Pillar.

The linen Chasuble may be merely hemmed around the edge, if great simplicity be desired. The Orphreys may be indicated by a line of chain stitching only, but the effect is improved by a floriated cross, or monogram, at the intersection of the arms of the Cross.

The Chasuble is the Eucharistic Vestment and should never be worn at any other service. If the Celebrant takes off his Chasuble before the sermon, to resume it again directly afterwards, he lays it upon the Epistle side of the Altar. The Chasuble is the only ornament of the Priest which it is permitted to lay upon the Altar.

Each set of Vestments should have its own Burse and Chalice Veil.

________

[33] BY-LAWS
________

I. NAME, MEMBERSHIP, AND OBJECTS

This Association shall be known as "The Altar Guild of . . . ." and shall consist of active, associate, and honorary members. The active members shall be women communicants of the Church of . . . . and those desirous of becoming communicants. Associate and honorary members may be elected by a vote of a majority of all the active members; and the honorary members shall not be liable for dues or fees of any kind. The Clergy of the Parish shall be ex officio, honorary members.

The objects of the Guild shall be:

1. To provide for the suitable furnishing and decorations of the Altar and to take due and reverent care of its appointments.

2. To furnish and care for the vestments of its ministers, both clerical and lay.

3. To keep the Font in order, and to have a general charge and oversight of the proper cleansing of the Church.

[34] II. OFFICERS.

The officers of the Guild shall be:
A Directress;
A Sub-Directress;
A Treasurer;
A Secretary; and
A Committee of Management composed of five active members, of whom the Directress shall ex officio be one.

These officers shall be elected annually on or within the octave of the anniversary day of the Guild.

III. THE DIRECTRESS AND SUB-DIRECTRESS.

The Directress shall convene and preside at all meetings, both of the Guild and the Committee of Management. In the absence of the Directress, the Sub-Directress shall take the chair, and, failing the presence of these officers, a member of the Committee of Management shall be chosen to preside. The Directress shall from time to time report the general proceedings of the Guild to the Rector of the Parish.

IV. THE TREASURER.

The Treasurer shall keep accurate account [34/35] of all moneys received and paid out, and shall report to the Guild, at each monthly meeting, the exact condition of its financial affairs. On All Saints' Day (or day chosen for the anniversary day) she shall make a detailed statement of the condition of the funds and effects of the Guild; and shall render an account of all sums received and expended by or on account of the Guild since the last annual report. She shall receive from the Guild the necessary postage and stationery for her work, and shall notify quarterly those members who fail to pay their monthly dues.

V. THE SECRETARY.

The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of the transactions of the Guild; shall preserve the records and papers belonging to the same; shall give notice of all meetings; shall notify officers and members of their election; shall keep a correct list of all the members of the Guild, its officers and committees; shall keep an accurate list of all the furniture of the Altar, and of the vestments, both clerical and lay; and shall perform such other duties pertaining to her office as the Guild may direct. The Guild shall provide the necessary postage and stationery for the work of the Secretary.

[36] VI. THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT.

The Committee of Management shall assist the Directress with their counsel and shall be active in practically carrying out the objects and instructions of the Guild.

VII. MEETINGS

A regular meeting of the Guild shall be held on . . . . at . . . . P.M. The Directress, or in her absence the Sub-Directress, may call meetings at any time, of which the Secretary shall give due notice. Five active members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business, except the election of new members. At every meeting before commencing business the presiding officer shall repeat the invocation, "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost;" the collect, "Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Thy most gracious favour, and further us with Thy continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in Thee, we may glorify Thy holy Name, and finally, by Thy mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Followed by the Lord's prayer, in which all members present shall join.

[37] An annual meeting of the Guild shall be held on the anniversary day or within its octave, for the election of officers, including a Committee of Management; for hearing reports, and for the transaction of such other business as may be necessary.

VIII. THE FUNDS OF THE GUILD.

The funds of the Guild shall consist of the dues and doles of the active and associate members, and of voluntary offerings from any person. Every active and associate member shall make a voluntary offering upon the anniversary day, and shall pay to the Treasurer . . . cents at each monthly meeting. All moneys so paid in, and all special and voluntary gifts of money for any purpose, shall be paid to the Treasurer, and in all cases shall be enclosed in an envelope marked "For the Altar Guild," and placed by her in the alms basin at the first regular offertory thereafter; said envelope to be returned to her by the Parish Treasurer. Special gifts may also be offered by the donor in an envelope marked as above, to be returned to the Treasurer of the Guild by the Parish Treasurer.

IX. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GUILD.

The Guild shall be responsible only for [37/38] expenses incurred under the direction of the Committee of Management, and duly approved by the Directress.

X. DECORATION OF THE ALTAR.

No special donations shall be used, or individual taste exercised, in the ornamentation or decoration of the Altar, Sanctuary, Chancel, Font, or Choristers without the consent of the Rector.

XI. AMENDMENTS.

These By-laws shall not be amended, added to, or rescinded, unless with the consent of the Rector and a majority of the active members at a regular meeting of the Guild.

XII. ORDER OF BUSINESS.

The regular order of business shall be as follows:

1. Opening devotions.
2. Calling the roll.
3. Reading the minutes.
4. Report of the Treasurer.
5. Report of the Committee of Management.
6. Report of Special Committees.
7. Election of new members.
8. Unfinished and miscellaneous business.

[39] PRAYERS WHICH MAY BE SAID BY THE MEMBERS
OF AN ALTAR GUILD.
________

ALMIGHTY and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that Thy faithful people do unto Thee true and laudable service, Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may so faithfully serve Thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain Thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

GRANT, O Lord, that there may be in me and in every member of the Guild, a love of the truth, a pure mind, a clean heart, right judgment, and ghostly strength, that having finished our course and run the race that is set before us we may be received into Thine Everlasting Kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O GOD, forasmuch as without Thee we are not able to please Thee; mercifully grant that Thy Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The splendor of the setting sun
With blessing shines on labor done;
With no regret dies day from sight
Into the calm, sweet peace of night,
For consciousness that it shall rise,
And glory once more fill its skies.
The light of day through night is still
Following the sun, his way and will;
The light is ever shining on
The earth that turning seeks the sun.

Ah! may the Sun of Righteousness,
My labors o'er, my dying bless;
And when the light has left my day,
And in death's night my form shall stay,
Then may my soul still keep in sight
Her living Source, her King's fair light,
And follow on the heavenly ray
Till lost in bliss of "perfect day,"
That ever lasts, is ever bright,
Where soul and body reunite,
Resplendent in that land of love,
Where dwells the Lamb, "the light thereof."

--The Living Church.

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