"To honour God in his Saints": Hallowtide approaches
As Hallowtide draws near, words on the solemnity from Robert Nelson's A Companion to the Feasts and Fasts of the Church of England (1703), a reminder of the rich piety that could surround the Communion of Saints and All Saints' Day in 18th century Anglicanism. Nelson's work reached its 36th edition by 1827, an indication of the popularity of the work throughout the long 18th century. Q. What seems to be the Design of the Church in instituting this Festival? A. To honour God in his Saints. It being through the Assistance of his Grace that they were made conformable to his Will in this Life, and through the Bounty of the same gracious Lord, that his free Gifts are crowned with Happiness in the other ... Q. What Communion have the Saints here below with the Saints above? A. Those upon Earth are called Fellow Citizens with the Saints, and of the Household of God, of the same Family with those in Heaven. We bless God for them, rejoice at their Bliss, give Thanks for their La
