2. FAITH, by which we confess our belief in the Name into which we are baptized—Father, Son and Holy Ghost, around which the articles of the Christian Faith as contained in the Apostles' Creed are grouped.
3. OBEDIENCE, by which we promise to serve God truly all the days of our life.
These three vows of Baptism cover the whole period of life—past, present and future, and are the basis of all godly and righteous living.
Over and above these vows of their Baptism members of Religious Orders make special vows to God,—vows {274} of poverty, obedience and chastity for the more efficient prosecution of the work they have undertaken for the glory of God and the benefit of souls.
W
Wafer Bread.—(See UNLEAVENED BREAD.)
Wardens.—(See CHURCH WARDENS.)
Warnings.—The Exhortations in the Communion Office announcing a future celebration are called "Warnings," and are intended to be a sufficient notification to the Communicants so that they may make their preparation for the receiving of the Communion. Where there are frequent celebrations, as on every Sunday and Holy Day, "the rubric does not seem to enjoin their constant use, but to require this form of exhortation to be used at those times when the Minister thinks it necessary to 'give warning,' that is, to exhort his people, respecting the celebration of the Holy Communion. The tone of the rubric and of the exhortations is plainly fitted to a time of infrequent Communion."
Water.—In the Church Catechism it is declared that the outward visible sign or form in Baptism is, "Water; wherein the person is baptized. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." By the rubric in the Office for Holy Baptism it is directed that the Font is to be filled with "pure water." It is thus the Church fulfils our Lord's command, following literally His words, "baptizing them with water." Water, therefore, is the essential element of Holy Baptism, just as the bread and wine are the {275} elements in the Holy Communion. Water as used in Holy Baptism signifies "cleansing," The amount of water to be used the Church has always regarded as matter of indifference.
Wedding Ring.—(See RING.)