This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1832 edition. Excerpt: ... PART III. Of our Saviour's Ministry on Earth; of the Mysteries and Doctrines which he came among us to reveal; and of the Duties which he has commanded us to fulfil. Having, as we proposed, brought down the sacred history of the world from the creation, to the birth of our Saviour, we shall now proceed with the last part of our subject, which is, to give an account of his ministry on earth, and the revelation which he came to make to us. In order the more fully to appreciate the loving mercies of God, in sending his only Son to redeem us, let us cast a look behind, that we may be convinced of the many and multiplied instances in which His chosen people had provoked Him to abandon them. We cannot do this more effectually, than by reading the seventh chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, in which are recorded the words of St. Stephen, reproaching the Jews for their ingratitude, before he suffered martyrdom at their hands. This had all been laid before them from the time of Moses, (Deut. xxviii. Hosea ix. 17, ) and after him by a succession of prophets up to the time of Malachi, the last of them who flourished, about 420 B. C. And yet they had constantly disregarded and despised the mercies of God, so as to merit the reproaches of Stephen, who accused them (v. 51, 52, ) with being "stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ' &c. So unable were they to contradict him, that the same scripture goes on to say, (v. 54, ) "When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth." Here, then, we have at once a proof of the loving mercy of God, that inasmuch as it exceeded the sinfulness of man, "who in times past was suffered to walk in his own way," (Acts xiv. 16, ) he still mercifully determined to...

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This paperback volume contains the liturgy for all kinds of Christian Initiation. It includes the well-known rites of Baptism and Confirmation, as well as a range of associated services to help Christians in the various stages of their journey of faith. These associated services included Rites on the Way, designed to be used with adults who have recently found faith. These rites mark their coming to faith and help them on the journey towards baptism and confirmation. Also included are various Rites of Affirmation, designed for those who wish to mark or reaffirm a Baptism that has already taken place. Services of Reconciliation and Restoration are also included, as they draw individuals back into the full baptismal life of the Christian community. These include the Reconciliation of a Penitent (individual confession), and a corporate service of penitence for use during Advent and Lent or in preparation for mission or pilgrimage. Services included are: Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child Rites Supporting Disciples on the Way of Christ Holy Baptism Emergency Baptism Holy Baptism and Confirmation, including a Vigil Service Celebration after an Initiation Service outside the Parish Thanksgiving for Holy Baptism Admission of the Baptized to Communion A Form for the Corporate Renewal of Baptismal Vows Affirmation of Baptismal Faith Reception into Communion of the Church of England A Corporate Service of Penitence The Reconciliation of a Penitent A Celebration of Wholeness and Healing

Mark Allen found no suitable published book to prepare his son for First Holy Communion. First Holy Communion in the Roman Catholic Church is something of the greatest significance equivalent to confirmation in the Church of England or Bar Mitzvah for Jewish children. A lot of the material published is trite and worst of all tends to patronise the children for whom it is intended. To help parents and teachers answer questions about the ceremony Mark Allen offers readings and background from scripture and catechism. Children can be hard-headed tend to like stories and facts. The narrative of the Bible provides facts, events which happened, and along with them the objective truths of revelation. The Mass is our sacramental encounter with the person of Jesus. Preparation therefore should be based on him and on the Gospel story of His life. The preparation should reflect the unity of the mass, its liturgy of the Word and the Eucharistic Rite, the mystery of Christ in our community as Church. Routine is the key aid to progress. The course provided in this book is based on a series of half hour sessions for parent and teacher with the child. It is thus both practical and down to earth.