AND

SACRAMENTAL ORDINANCES

OF THE CHURCH;

BEING A PLAIN EXPOSITION

OF THEIR HISTORY, MEANING, AND EFFECTS.

BY THE REV.

JOHN HENRY BLUNT, M.A. F.S.A.

AUTHOR OF 'THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF PASTORAL WORK,"
"HOUSEHOLD THEOLOGY," &c. &c.

RIVINGTONS:

LONDON, OXFORD, AND CAMBRIDGE.

BRIGHTON: G. WAKELING.

LONDON:

R. CLAY, SON, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS,

BREAD STREET HILL

PREFACE.

THIS

book needs to be introduced to the reader

with an apology for its size. The subjects with which it professes to deal extend over the whole range of Christian Theology, and of the Christian Life, and require many large volumes instead of one small one for their full elucidation. But the very extent of the ground which they thus cover has helped to hinder a condensed and comprehensive idea of their character from being formed by those who do not make Theology their study. The ground has been mapped out, indeed, but the map itself is a library so full of details, that it is in the power of very few to obtain the books

b

in which it is to be found, or to spare the time for accurately distinguishing between the leading and important features of it, and those which are of a more subordinate character.

The consequence of this has been that the

proportion of the faith" has in no case suffered so much as in that of the Sacraments, and of those analogous rites which are of a sacramental nature. Most incomplete and most indefinite notions have been entertained respecting them; and, too often, unimportant and outlying parts of the truth about them have been made to obscure vital and substantial doctrines, until the idea of a Sacrament was quite perverted, and a metaphysical theory of mental reaction replaced the the Divine system of supernatural grace.

This little work, then, is intended to be a sketch map of Sacramental Theology, and no more. It gives the leading lines of truth respecting the subjects of which it treats, and it leaves further

details to be sought for in much more voluminous treatises. But since many must feel, with the Author, how desirable it is that accurate knowledge of these leading truths should be more widely spread, it is hoped that the volume will be found an useful addition to our religious literature, not only as supplying information, but far more as helping to give "form" and "point" to practical devotion, and endeavours to lead a Christian life.

August 21st, 1867.