In the long season from Trinity to Advent we are taught to use practically the Faith in which we have thus been instructed, and "to follow the blessed steps of His most holy life."
In conjunction with this teaching there is also the thankful commemoration of "the wonderful grace and virtue declared in the saints who have been the choice vessels of God's grace and the lights of the world in their several generations." By a series of Saints'-days distributed throughout the year, and falling one or two in each month, we are kept in mind of how we are "knit together" with the blessed saints "in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of Christ our Lord," and are called to follow "the example of their steadfastness in the faith and obedience to God's holy commandments." There are days dedicated to the memory of the Blessed Virgin; the Apostles; the Baptist as the precursor, and St. Stephen as the { 118} protomartyr; to St. Mark and St. Luke as Evangelists; to St. Paul and St. Barnabas on account of their extraordinary call; to the Holy Innocents as the earliest who suffered for Christ's sake; to St. Michael and All Angels, to remind us of the benefits received by the ministry of angels; and to All Saints, as the memorial of all those who have died in the faith.
The advantages of thus making days and seasons the ever-recurring memorials of our Saviour, and of the virtue and example of the saints, are evident. Each year brings to mind the facts of our Lord's life and the great doctrines which He taught. Not a single essential truth of the Gospel is allowed to fall into practical neglect or to drift into forgetfulness. We are reminded to continue steadfast in this Faith and to live by it, and are instructed and encouraged in so doing by the example of the saints whose rest is won.
"And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, Steals on the ear the distant triumph-song, And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong. Alleluia."
"Hints on Church Furnishing," etc. "The Living Church Quarterly," 1892.
"Art Teaching of the Primitive Church." Tyrwhit.
"Signs and Symbols." "The Churchman," 1895.
"Calendar of the Prayer-Book." Parker & Co., London.
"Handbook of Christian Symbols." Clement.