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However opinions may differ as to the use of forms in public worship and in sacramental observances, the demand for such forms among ministers of the non-liturgical churches is a growing fact; and, in the Presbyterian church, the demand has been distinctly and publicly formulated by some of her most honored leaders and teachers.
The present Manual is an attempt to meet this demand, in part at least, on the side where it is most urgent; namely, the administration of the sacraments, and the special services of marriage, burial, and the ordination of the members of church sessions.
The peculiarities of the “Handbook” are mainly these:

1. The forms for the ordination of elders and deacons. These are based upon the Presbyterian directory, and will be found, it is hoped, not only convenient, but tending to give more emphasis and character to these important offices in the eyes of the people.
2. In the burial service, while the solemn lesson of mortality is not overlooked, it takes its place behind the lessons of divine consolation and hope,—in the true Christian order of thought which emphasizes life and immortality and heavenly comfort above the stern fact of nature which asserts itself so sharply in all the circumstances of the funeral occasion.
   The scripture selections for funerals have been largely increased in number. Death has other teachings besides those of mortality and resurrection, which are the two principally contemplated in the Episcopal liturgy, to say nothing of the numerous cases in which the fifteenth of First Corinthians is inappropriate.
   These selections, moreover, are classified, and consist of continuous lessons, and not of single verses indiscriminately strung together from every part of scripture.
3. For the celebration of marriage, two forms are given. Our pastors are so frequently asked to use the Episcopal liturgy on such occasions that it has seemed best to insert it entire; while for those who prefer a shorter form, another has been added.
4. The selections for the sick-room have been arranged with a view to the convenience of pastors in their visitations, and classified under those general topics which naturally suggest themselves in connection with affliction.
   CHURCH OF THE COVENANT,
   March 14th, 1882.