THE CIRCLE OF MISSIONS.

JERUSALEM THE FIRST CENTER. ACTS I.-XII.

1. The Christians were chiefly Jews.

2. The Church was of a most noble and beautiful character.

3. For several years it was largely confined to or gathered around the city.

4. If this had continued the Church would have become selfish and narrow, as always must take place.

5. Persecution compelled them to scatter abroad, and so began the era of Domestic Missions throughout the country, chiefly to the Jews.

6. Although the history of the Jerusalem Church, as given in the Acts, does not extend beyond this, yet we learn from other sources that probably the Apostles carried the Gospel into other countries as far as Assyria, Persia, and India.

THE CIRCLE OF MISSIONS.

ANTIOCH THE SECOND CENTER. ACTS XIII.-XXVIII.

1. Antioch was the center of the Gentile Church. 2. It was the broadening of the Church into a world-wide organization.

3. It was the center of foreign missions.

4. Paul went on three long missionary tours. 5. He evangelized the leading cities of the civilized world.

6. He wrote thirteen epistles, making permanent the great truths of the Gospel.

7. The two great sources of power were the everliving Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

What would Jerusalem and Antioch have been had they kept their Gospel to themselves?

THE CHURCH THAT IS NOT A MISSIONARY CHURCH IS DYING.

PART IV.

Christian Prayer.

WE APPROACH GOD.

Catechist. My good Child, know this; that thou art not able to do these things of thyself, nor to walk in the Commandments of God, and to serve him, without his special grace; which thou must learn at all times to call for by diligent prayer. Let me hear, therefore, if thou canst say the Lord's Prayer.

Answer. Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Q. What desirest thou of God in this Prayer?

A. I desire my Lord God, our heavenly Father, who is the giver of all goodness, to send his grace unto me, and to all people; that we may worship him, serve him, and obey him, as we ought to do. And I pray unto God, that he will send us all things that are needful both for our souls and bodies; and that he will be merciful unto us, and forgive us our sins; and that it will please him to save and defend us in all dangers both of soul and body; and that he will keep us from all sin and wickedness, and from our spiritual enemy, and

from everlasting death. And this I trust he will do of his mercy and goodness, through our Lord Jesus Christ. And therefore I say, Amen, So

be it.

I.

2.

THE PRAYER BOOK.

What is Worship?

Worship in the highest sense is the offering of man's body, soul, and spirit to his Maker. How does the Church show that she cares for her worship?

The Church shows that she cares for her worship by her ceremonies.

3. To whom do we offer our worship?

We offer our worship to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. 4. With whom do we join in worship?

We join in worship with all the company of
Heaven, and all the faithful on earth.

5. Is it a duty for all Christians to go to Church?

Yes, it is a duty for all Christians to go to
Church.

6. Why do we go to Church?

We go to Church to worship God, especially in the Holy Communion, to make a public confession of our faith, and to hear God's Holy Word.

7. How are we enabled to worship in common with others?

We are enabled to worship in common with others by the use of a Book of Common Prayer.