topics as circumftances may indicate and allow; and if, after all proper explanations, the fufferer continues to defire the Eucharift, I fhould think it a want of Chriftian charity to refufe it. A mistake of this kind committed through tenderness and compaffion, though it may be feverely cenfured at the tribunal of human criticism, will be viewed with indulgence at the throne of fupreme wifdom and mercy.

Be it ever remembered, that in extreme cafes, like that which I now fuppofe," the hopes of pardon are to be held out in proportion to the apparent penitence;" fo fays the judicious prelate above cited; but he does not fay, nor will any man of a feeling heart fay, that in fuch extreme cafes the Sacrament is to be refufed to the fick and dying when they eagerly defire it. Far from the bed of affliction, fickness, and death, be such wretched comforters, fuch fevere and auftere priefts, as, relying on their own SELF-CONCEIT, would deny the last confolation, when earnestly requested by an agonizing fellow-creature.

L4

SECTION XXVI.

Of communicating internally, or fpiritually, in private, without the Affiftance of a Prieft, in certain Cafes of Neceffity.

CIRCUMS IRCUMSTANCES may arife in which perfons of great piety and devotion muft wish to communicate with Chrift, and their fellow-Chriftians; and yet be unavoidably prevented from doing it in the established manner, by the want of a church, a minifter, the elements, or a convenient opportunity. Perfons on their travels into foreign countries where a different perfuafion prevails; in fhips making long voyages; in prifons among enemies in exile; in fudden fickness ; in unforeseen accidents; in diftrefs of mind requiring immediate relief, and at the approach of death, may defire the affiftance of a paftor, and the facramental ordinance of the

Church,

Church, without the poffibility of obtaining either in due time. Is there no way opened for thefe to procure fatisfaction to their minds, if they are convinced that the participation of the Sacrament is neceffary to their prefent peace and future welfare?

I venture to affure them, that in cafes like these and all others of abfolute heceffity, they may receive the Communion fpiritually by adminiftering it to themselves, with humble but reasonable confidence, that they shall derive the benefits of grace and pardon.

But becaufe in cafes of great importance my mind feels relieved by calling on the support and authority of others, I will quote the words of Bifhop Taylor on the fubject:

"Such perfons as thefe, if they duly prepare themselves, and earneftly defire that they could actually communicate, may place themselves upon their knees, and, building an altar in their heart, celebrate the death of Chrift; and in holy defire, JOIN

JOIN with all the congregations of the Christian world, who that day celebrate the Holy Communion; and they may ferve (or promote) their devotion by the form of prayers and all actions euchariftical, changing only fuch circumftantial words as relate to the actual participation.

"Concerning which I only add the pious advice of a religious perfon: let every faithful foul be ready and defirous often to receive the holy Eucharist to the glory of God; but if he cannot so often communicate facramentally as he defires, let him not be afflicted, but remain in perfect refignation to the will of God, and difpofe himself to a fpiritual Communion; for no man and no thing can hinder a well-disposed foul, but that by holy defires she may, if she please, communicate every day.

"To this nothing is to be added, bur that this way is never to be used but upon NECESSITY; not upon peevishness and spiritual pride; not in the spirit of fchifm and

fond

fond opinions; not in defpite of our brother, or contempt or condemnation of the holy congregations of the Lord; but with a living faith and an actual charity, and great humility, and with the spirit of devotion, and that fo much the more intenfely and fervently as the perfon (thus administering to himself) is really troubled for the want of actual participation in the communion of faints; and then that is true which St. Austin faid, (crede et manducafti,)" Believe, and thou haft. eaten."

That the above doctrine is countenanced by our Church may be concluded from a liberal conftruction of the Rubric affixed on the Liturgy to the office for the Communion of the Sick:.

"If a man either by reason of fickness,, or for want of warning in due time to the curate, or for lack of company to receive: with him, or by any other juft impediment, do not receive the Sacrament of Chrift's body and blood, the curate fhall inftruct him, that if he do truly repent L.6 him: