The Calendar divides the year into three main portions, in each of which the whole of the New Testament except the book of the Revelations is read through. The Old Testament with some few exceptions is read once in the year in the following order: The Editor is far from saying that it is necessary to edification to adhere to this order in family or private reading. There are times when it must be of great service to occupy a long time in reading carefully and slowly through a single book with a commentary or some useful reflections and instructions; but for those who wish to connect their ordinary family reading in some way with the appointed order, the following suggestions may be of use. 1. To read selections from the Gospels of S. Matthew, S. Mark, and S. Luke at the times appointed for those Gospels in the months of January, June, and October. The Gospel of S. John as comprising so much of our Lord's later discourses, during the latter part of Lent, and the weeks between Easter and Ascension. The Acts of the Apostles in the month of August. 2. Between the Gospels of S. Matthew and S. Mark selections from the Pentateuch and the historical books. This would be from the end of the Epiphany to the middle of Lent. After that of S. Mark, selections from the books of Job, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Before and after the Acts of the Apostles, selections from the Prophets, (and from the Apocryphal Books.) In Advent, the Prophecy of Isaiah. 3. The evening reading would be from the Epistles in their regular order. The Book of Revelations might be read during Advent instead of the General Epistles. In successive years parts which had been omitted one year could be read the following: the parables might be chosen at one course, the miracles at another, the discourses of our Lord at a third; always bearing in mind that it will probably conduce most to edification to read no more than one subject at a time, lest for the sake of reading a whole chapter, all be forgotten; but a judicious selection made upon some method of this kind would have the advantage of connecting the Family reading to a great extent with the lessons read in Church at the same time. It would bring the Gospel History before the 294 SUGGESTIONS FOR FAMILY READING. mind in every portion of the year. In the course of the year no large portion of Holy Scripture would be neglected, but if combined with some daily reading of Psalms; the History, Devotion, Prophecy, Evangelical records, and Divine and Apostolic Instructions of both Old and New Testaments, would during each year in turn form part of the daily food of a Christian Family. THESE WORDS WHICH I COMMAND THEE SHALL BE IN THY HEART, AND THOU SHALT TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY AND SHALT TALK OF THEM WHEN THOU SITTEST IN THINE HOUSE, AND WHEN THOU RISEST UP; SHEWING WHAT PARTS OF THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER ARE EMBODIED IN THE SERVICES, AND OTHER PARTS OF THE VOLUME, AND THE PLACES AT WHICH THEY ARE TO BE FOUND. Also shewing what Prayers are taken from other sources. O God, who art the Author of Peace, &c. O Lord our heavenly Father, Almighty O God, from whom all holy desires Prayer for the Queen for the Royal Family for the Clergy and People of St. Chrysostom The Grace of our Lord, &c. . THE ATHANASIAN CREED Page 291 3, 4 34, 50, 57, 66, 82, 98, 167 26 and daily 26, 34, &c. . 42 10 and daily 12 and daily 37, 52 27, and daily 28, 43 12 75, 233 108 84 36 52 116 28 and daily 29, 45 46 110 117 101 102 38 54 39 24, 40, &c. 4 |