ERAS OF LIFE.

BY MRS. A.F. LAW

(_See Plate._)

BAPTISM

"We receive this child into the congregation of Christ's flock, and do sign
her with the sign of the cross--in token that hereafter she shall not be
ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully fight under
his banner against sin, the world, and the devil; and to continue Christ's
faithful soldier and servant, unto her life's end."--BAPTISMAL SERVICE OF
P.E.C.

In the house of prayer we enter, through its aisles our course we wend,
And before the sacred altar on our knees we humbly bend;
Craving, for a young immortal, God's beneficence and grace,
That, through Christ's unfailing succor, she may win the victor race.
Water from _baptismal fountain_ rests on a "young soldier," sworn
By the cross' holy signet to defend the "Virgin-born."
May she never faint or falter in the raging war of sin,
And, encased in Faith's tried armor, a triumphant conquest win!
To the Triune One our darling trustingly we now commend,
And for full and _free_ salvation, from our hearts pure thanks ascend.

* * * *

COMMUNION.