and,
preferably, for marriages and burials. The Church's rule in reference
to Holy Baptism is that even children shall {14} not be baptized at
home "without great cause and necessity." This rule is laid down
because the decency and solemnity suited to so great a Sacrament can be
had better in the church, set apart and arranged for the purpose, than
in any private house, and in order that by the public ministration
others may be instructed by the service.

Of the Solemnization of Matrimony the Church says, "The persons to be
married shall come into the body of the church, or shall be ready in
some proper house, with their friends and neighbors." That the church
is named first as the proper place shows that it is to be preferred for
a marriage. It can be solemnized there in a more seemly and dignified
way than elsewhere, and those coming to plight their vows may be more
deeply impressed with the solemnity and importance of the step.

In the Office for the Burial of the Dead the church only (or the
churchyard) is named as the place. The Church evidently has no thought
of any other place as appropriate for the burial of her children. It
is the spiritual home of all the baptized. Christian consolations are
preeminently there imparted. These considerations, in addition to
those of reverence and convenience, mark this as the proper place for
the Burial Office.

{15}

The consecrated character of the church should have distinct
recognition in use and conduct. The building has been thereby
"separated from all unhallowed, worldly, and common uses." It is wrong
to use it for purposes of amusement or business. It has been given to
God. It has been consecrated for religious purposes. It is sacrilege
to treat it as a common thing.

It should be recognized also in personal conduct. A prayer should
always be said on entering. The manner should be reverent and quiet.
All light and useless talk should be restrained.

It should be recognized in conduct in reference to others. As "God's
house," all of His children have a rightful place there. This right
should be recognized by courtesy to others, especially to strangers and
to people in humble station.

Wherever possible, the church should be open every day and all day for
private prayer and meditation. Many must of necessity live in crowded
dwellings, or in circumstances in which quiet and privacy are hard to
obtain. But to all, whatever their circumstances, t