erians in the
matter of Church membership." These last two items refer only to
New York, but it is a well established fact that the Church is
growing rapidly in all parts of our land. To-day there is not a
State or Territory where the Episcopal Church has not its Bishop or
Bishops and body of Clergy and faithful people; even in far away
Alaska the Altar and the Cross have been set up, and the rate {131}
of increase throughout the United States is larger than that of any
other religious body in this land. Moreover, it is a striking fact
that the Episcopal Church is the only religious body in the United
States (except the Roman Catholic) which covers the entire country.

Guardian Angels.--(See HOLY ANGELS.)

Guild.--An organization or society. A name given to a society in
the Church, having for its object the welfare of the Parish to
which it belongs, or the promotion of some special church work.
Usually the purpose of a Church Guild is to bring the members
together in devotion of spirit and in cooperative work under the
direction of the Rector; and in every way to bring the full Church
system to bear on the hearts and lives of all.

H

Habit.--The name given to the garb worn by the clergy, _e_. _g_.,
the robes worn by a Bishop are frequently called the "Episcopal
habit"; also, the garb worn by members of a religious order, such
as the Sisters of Charity, etc.

Hades.--The Greek word for the place of departed spirits, translated
in the English Bible and, also, in the Creed by the word "Hell,"
not, however, the place of torment. (See DESCENT INTO HELL, also
INTERMEDIATE STATE.)

Hallelujah.--A Hebrew word, meaning "Praise the Lord"; same as
ALLELUIA (which see). {132}

Heaven.--The final abode of the righteous, where after the general
Resurrection they find their perfect consummation and bliss, both
in body and soul, in God's eternal and everlasting glory.

Hell.--The final abode of the wicked and impenitent. Justin Martyr,
an ancient Father of the Church, who lived A.D. 150, describes
Hell as "a place where those are to be punished who have lived
wickedly, and who do not believe that those things which God hath
taught us by Christ will come to pass." The original Greek word
for "Hell," as the place of torment, is GEHENNA (which see).

Heresy. Heretic.--The word "heresy" is derived from a Greek word,
meaning "a choice," and is applied to doctrines or beliefs that
are contrary to Divine Revelation as wi