The Star Book for Ministers

There are various works now in use, intended especially to aid pastors in the incidental duties of their profession. These hand-books are convenient, and some of them valuable, as being well adapted to the purpose for which they were designed. But the conviction that one could be prepared which should be more largely serviceable for such purposes, than anything now accessible, has led to the preparation of the following pages. Whether this purpose has been realized, those who use it must decide for themselves.

The Scripture Selections for funeral and other occasions, constitute a leading feature in all such compilations. Clergymen who use an authorized liturgy will not need these; but for all others they will be found entirely sufficient, and it is hoped entirely satisfactory. The compendium of Parliamentary Rules will be sufficiently full for all occasions in which clergymen are likely to take part. The rules given and statements of principles involved in the proceedings of deliberative bodies, are believed to be accurate and reliable, and in harmony with the best standards.

The forms of Marriage Service, including some long used by distinguished clergymen, have been given as at least suggestive to those who may still prefer to use their own - as very many ministers do. The forms of both marriage and burial Service, of the Episcopal Church, have been introduced for the benefit of those who, from personal preference or by special request, may have occasion to use, in whole or in part, these admirable forms.

The Scripture Proper Names, with their pronunciation and magnification, will be a special help to clergymen who may at times have been subjected to peculiar perplexity foi want of the information conveniently at hand, which this table furnishes.

The Forms and Blanks will be helpful to young ministers particularly, in the correct arrangement of ecclesiastical matters, which they have frequent occasion to direct.

The tables of Facts and Figures constitute a new feature in works of this kind. They have been compiled with considerable difficulty and with much care, and will be found as near to positive accuracy as the subjects admit of attaining. Such facts and figures, conveniently accessible, will be suggestive of thought and remark, and furnish both argument and illustration, especially welcome to clergymen on many occasions besides those of their regular ministrations. The work is commended to those for whom it has been prepared, in the hope that it may be a help to them, in the many and varied, and often laborious duties of their sacred calling...

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