eason it is
ordered by the rubric that 'when any person is sick, notice shall
be given thereof to the Minister of the Parish'; Not when the
person is just expiring (as is too often done), but when the
disease first discovers its approach. To put it off to the last
scene of life, is to defer the Office till it can do no good.
For when the sickness is grown past recovery, to pray for his
restoration is only to mock the Almighty; and what spiritual
advantage can be expected from the Minister's assistance to one
who is unable to do anything for himself?"

Vow.--A promise made to God. Being brought into covenant with
God in Holy Baptism, the vows or promises made unto God in that
Sacrament are three in number:

1. RENUNCIATION, by which we renounce the three great powers of
evil,--world, flesh and devil.

2. FAITH, by which we confess our belief in the Name into which
we are baptized--Father, Son and Holy Ghost, around which the
articles of the Christian Faith as contained in the Apostles' Creed
are grouped.

3. OBEDIENCE, by which we promise to serve God truly all the days
of our life.

These three vows of Baptism cover the whole period of life--past,
present and future, and are the basis of all godly and righteous
living.

Over and above these vows of their Baptism members of Religious
Orders make special vows to God,--vows {274} of poverty, obedience
and chastity for the more efficient prosecution of the work they have
undertaken for the glory of God and the benefit of souls.

W

Wafer Bread.--(See UNLEAVENED BREAD.)

Wardens.--(See CHURCH WARDENS.)

Warnings.--The Exhortations in the Communion Office announcing a
future celebration are called "Warnings," and are intended to be a
sufficient notification to the Communicants so that they may make
their preparation for the receiving of the Communion. Where there
are frequent celebrations, as on every Sunday and Holy Day, "the
rubric does not seem to enjoin their constant use, but to require
this form of exhortation to be used at those times when the Minister
thinks it necessary to 'give warning,' that is, to exhort his
people, respecting the celebration of the Holy Communion. The tone
of the rubric and of the exhortations is plainly fitted to a time
of infrequent Communion."

Water.--In the Church Catechism it is declared that the outward
visible sign or form in Baptism is, "Water; wherein the person is
baptized. In the Name of the Father, and of the So