TEGHi:S^ 
 
 R'S FART)
 
 THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 THE SUNDAY CATECHISM
 
 'Jo he used in conn fx ion with this Book : 
 
 The Catechist's Part (Price i,'- net), is fur 
 the use of the Clergyman or Cattchist only, 
 and contains full explanatory note for tlic 
 use of the book. The paper for each 
 Catechizing contains all the necessary material 
 for use in Church, so that the Clergyman 
 needs nothing in his hand but the paper, which 
 can be separately detached for each Sunday. 
 
 The Children's Part (Price i^</. each, or 
 lo/- net per loo), contains the jjortions for 
 repetition by the children, viz., the Four 
 points — the 'i'e.xl — and the verse of Hymn for 
 the fifty-four lessons. 'Po be detached and 
 given to each child for the ensuing Sunday.
 
 THE 
 
 SUNDAY CATECHISM 
 
 [THE TEACHER'S PART.] 
 
 REV. E. V. EUSTACE BRYAN, M.A., 
 
 VICAR OF sandgate; 
 
 SIX-PREACHER IN CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL. 
 
 WITH A PREFACE BY THE RIGHT REV. 
 
 THE LORD BISHOP OF CROYDON, D.D. 
 
 £onbon: 
 
 SKEFFINGTON c^- SON, 
 
 34, Southampton Street, Strand, W.C. 
 
 Publishers to Bis Majesty the King. 
 
 I 908.
 
 £f3f 
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 
 
 THE PREFACE. 
 
 
 INTRODUCTORY 
 
 i 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 
 NOTES ON 
 
 LESSON-MAKING AND LESSON-GIVING. 
 
 
 
 THE LESSONS. 
 
 
 
 
 Re 
 
 .No 
 
 Season. Sunday 
 
 of Lesson. 
 
 Advent 
 
 I 
 
 The Judgment 
 
 I 
 
 ,, 
 
 2 
 
 God's Book - - - . 
 
 2 
 
 ,, 
 
 3 
 
 God's Messengers 
 
 3 
 
 ,, 
 
 4 
 
 God's Chief Messenger 
 
 4 
 
 Christmas 
 
 I 
 
 The Reception of God's Chief Messenger 
 
 5 
 
 ,, 
 
 2 
 
 The Manifestation of Jesus to the People 
 
 6 
 
 Epiphany 
 
 I 
 
 Jesus Manifests Himself to the People - 
 
 7 
 
 ,, 
 
 2 
 
 The New Birth 
 
 8 
 
 ,j 
 
 3 
 
 Membership of Christ 
 
 9 
 
 ,, 
 
 4 
 
 Sonship of God 
 
 lO 
 
 „ 
 
 5 
 
 The Responsibility of Our Inheritance - 
 
 II 
 
 Septuagesima 
 
 
 The Creation 
 
 12 
 
 Sexagesima 
 
 - 
 
 Sin . - . . 
 
 13 
 
 QUINQUAGESIMA 
 
 - 
 
 The Way Back into God's Garden 
 
 14 
 
 Lent 
 
 I 
 
 The Lord's Prayer (i) 
 
 15 
 
 ,, 
 
 2 
 
 (2) 
 
 i6 
 
 „ 
 
 3 
 
 (3) 
 
 17 
 
 ,, 
 
 4 
 
 (4) 
 
 i8 
 
 (Passion Sunday) 
 
 5 
 
 (5) 
 
 19 
 
 (Palm Sunday) 
 
 6 
 
 The Death of Christ - 
 
 20 
 
 Easter Day 
 
 - 
 
 The Resurrection of Christ 
 
 21 
 
 
 I 
 
 The Great Forty Days 
 
 22 
 
 
 2 
 
 The Church's Materials for Teaching - 
 
 23 
 
 
 3 
 
 Baptism and Confirmation 
 
 24 
 
 
 4 
 
 The Christian Profession 
 
 25 
 
 
 5 
 
 Prayer . - . . 
 
 26 
 
 Sunday after ^^ 
 Ascension Day'^ ( 
 
 The Ascension of Christ 
 
 27 
 
 824G8G
 
 THE LESSOliS~Con/ntiie./. 
 
 
 
 Rel. No. 
 
 Sea toil. J 
 
 iiimUy. 
 
 ofl 
 
 .e>iSon. 
 
 Whitscn Day 
 
 - 
 
 The Descent of the Holy Spirit 
 
 28 
 
 Tkinitv Sf N'DAY 
 
 
 The Holy Trinity 
 
 29 
 
 ,, 
 
 I 
 
 The Sermon oil the Mount (i) 
 
 30 
 
 ,. 
 
 2 
 
 (2) 
 
 31 
 
 ,, 
 
 3 
 
 (3) 
 
 32 
 
 ,, 
 
 •1 
 
 (4) 
 
 33 
 
 „ 
 
 5 
 
 The Old Testament (i) The Patriarchs - 
 
 34 
 
 ,, 
 
 6 
 
 ,, ,, (2) Abraham's Test 
 
 35 
 
 ,, 
 
 7 
 
 (3) The Birthright 
 
 
 
 
 and the Blessing 
 
 36 
 
 ,, 
 
 S 
 
 (4) Jacob and God's 
 
 
 
 
 Providence 
 
 37 
 
 ,, 
 
 9 
 
 ., (5) God separates 
 
 
 
 
 His People 
 
 33 
 
 ,, 
 
 lO 
 
 ., ,, (6) God's Promise 
 
 
 
 
 Fulfilled 
 
 39 
 
 ,, 
 
 II 
 
 (7) The Division of 
 
 
 
 
 the Land 
 
 40 
 
 ,, 
 
 12 
 
 (8) God's People be- 
 
 
 
 
 come a Kingdom 
 
 41 
 
 " 
 
 13 
 14 
 
 (9) The Captivity - 
 (10) The Return from 
 
 42 
 
 
 
 Captivity 
 
 43 
 
 ,, 
 
 15 
 
 The New Testament (i) God Revealing 
 
 
 
 
 Himself 
 
 44 
 
 ,, 
 
 i6 
 
 12) The Pattern Life (rt) 45 
 
 I) 
 
 I? 
 
 (3) „ .. W46 
 
 ,, 
 
 i8 
 
 (4) Christ's Work Car- 
 
 
 
 
 ried on by Others 
 
 47 
 
 ,, 
 
 19 
 
 The Nature of a Sacrament 
 
 48 
 
 „ 
 
 20 
 
 Holy Communion (i) 
 
 49 
 
 .. 
 
 21 
 
 (2) 
 
 50 
 
 ., 
 
 22 
 
 (3) 
 
 51 
 
 „ 
 
 23 
 
 The Book of Common Prayer (i) 
 
 52 
 
 .. 
 
 24 
 
 ;. (2) 
 
 53 
 
 Sunday Next , 
 
 BEFORE ADVENT | ^^^ Church's Year - - - 54 
 
 ALPHABET OF THE CHURCH'S SEASONS.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 I GLADLY comply with the request to write a Preface to 
 " The Sunday Catechism," which Mr. Bryan has prepared. 
 My close connexion with Sunday School work, for over 
 thirty years, in all sorts of parishes enables me to appreciate 
 the advantage and the help which such a scheme and method 
 is likely to prove. The old-fashioned plans and ways will no 
 longer do. The great improvement in the teaching given in 
 the Day Schools has entailed the need of more thought, more 
 care, more preparation in our Sunday Schools. Amiability 
 and piety in the Teacher to-day are not enough. An earnest 
 personal faith, though the first essential in the Teacher, must 
 be supplemented by some kind of scientific education for the 
 work ; and how to give this to our Sunday School Teachers is 
 the problem we have to try and solve. They are busy people 
 for the most part, and one hour per week is probably all they 
 can devote to joint preparation for their duties. They need, 
 for their more private preparation, the help and the advice of 
 those who have had practice and experience. Mr. Bryan has 
 both these, and I believe that the method he here suggests 
 and the hints and illustrations he provides, will be most 
 helpful to those who wish to come to their duties as com- 
 petent as possible, but whose time for study is very limited. 
 The idea and thought which undermines " The Sunday 
 Catechism" may be summed up in the word " Edification." 
 Mr. Bryan aims at helping the Teacher to "edify," or
 
 lO 
 
 gradually build up the child in a progressive and intelligent 
 idea of the Church's course of yearly instruction, by putting 
 him in the way of grasping and realising it himself. The 
 illustrations provided and suggested in each Lesson are apt 
 and suitable, and they are clearly designed to stimulate and 
 evolve thought. From wock to week the sequence of in- 
 struction and the development of teaching is well maintained, 
 so that the interest in the new Lesson may already be 
 reckoned on from the memory of what has gone before. 
 The "Catechism" is not designed to enable the lazy 
 Teacher to avoid the trouble of preparation. It is written 
 with the clear intention of helping the conscientious and 
 inexperienced, and developing the interest both of Teacher 
 and of taught. 
 
 Such a scheme and method necessitates more care and 
 thought and trouble than some Teachers may have been 
 accustomed, hitherto, to give. But I venture to predict that 
 if honestly taken up, and conscientiously tried, it will make 
 the difference between the dulness and dreariness of an 
 unpleasant task perfunctorily discharged, and a happy and 
 delightful occupation, constantly growing in interest and 
 charm. I commend it to Clergy and to Teachers, and 
 earnestly wish it God-speed. 
 
 H. H. CROYDON. 
 iS, CoUingwood Place, 
 
 S.W.
 
 NOTE ON DISCIPLINE. 
 
 Can the art of keeping a School, or a Class, in good order be 
 acquired ? 
 
 We speak sometimes of " born disciplinarians," and some 
 of us are tempted hastily to conclude that, like the poet, a 
 good disciplinarian must be born, not made. 
 
 There can, however, be no doubt whatever that this 
 conclusion is a wrong one. Speaking from my own experi- 
 ence, I can confidently assure every faint-hearted Teacher 
 that the passage is possible from absolute incompetence to a 
 dependable ability to control the children. It may take 
 a long time, perhaps some years, to achieve this result. But 
 it is well worth the trouble involved, for no useful work can 
 be done until the art of maintaining good discipline has been 
 acquired. 
 
 The following hints may help to shorten the time of the 
 Teacher's probation in this matter. 
 
 I. "Discipline" stands for much. It implies that the 
 Scholars individually shall be absolutely ujider co7itrol, i,e^ 
 that each one shall obey the command of the Teacher and do 
 as he is told. It implies that the Scholars collectively shall 
 be well in hand, i.e. that all of them at the same time 
 shall be conscious of the Teacher's restraining influence, and 
 be obedient to any indication of his will. It implies further^ 
 that the Scholars shall be in good order, i.e. that they shall 
 of themselves fall into line and behave as reasonable beings
 
 reflecting from their own conduct the stron.c;er qualities of the 
 character and conduct of their Teacher. 
 
 This last consideration leads us at once to the first of the 
 three main features of our subject, viz. : — 
 
 SELF-CONTROL. — For there can be no question that 
 imitation is one of the most powerful factors in connexion 
 with tlie development of the young life. We do not teach 
 our children to speak our own language. They hear us speak 
 it and imitate the sounds we make. We do not teach our 
 little ones how to walk or run or use knives and forks, or, 
 later on, garden tools. They see how we do these things and 
 unconsciously copy us. Very frequently our little ones may 
 serve as a mirror, by looking in which we may see the 
 reflection of ourselves, sometimes to our great and endless 
 gain ; for the defects in character and conduct, which we are 
 slow to detect in ourselves, we can quickly see in those who 
 are, after all, only copying the example which we have been 
 affording them. 
 
 The first step, therefore, towards acquiring the Art of 
 Discipline is to take self as the subject of that discipline and 
 learn perfect self-control. 
 
 Indeed we may say that this is the foundation of the whole 
 matter. Without self-control no one can ever hope to 
 exercise control over others. 
 
 To be self-controlled is to afford very conclusive evidence 
 of the possession of a really superior force. And when we 
 come to close quarters with our class we shall find that the 
 whole question of Discipline hinges on this : " Who can exert 
 the superior force, the Teacher or the Scholars ? " 
 
 See, for example, what an evidence of power is afforded by 
 a man who, in the face of great provocation, can "keep his 
 temper," speaking only those words which are necessary — 
 none of which he would wish afterwards to recall. 
 
 Such a man at such a moment has not only set a good 
 example, but has made it clear that he has a reserve of power
 
 13 
 
 which immediately places him on a level above that of the 
 man who has allowed his anger to control and order his 
 speech. In other words, he is the man of the two to exercise 
 the superior force. Thus the ancient Scripture is true 
 always : " He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty ; 
 and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city " 
 (Proverbs xvi. 32). 
 
 Children are proverbially quick-sighted, mentally as well as 
 physically, and it does not take long for them to " size up " 
 the ability of their Teacher to control himself. Depend upon 
 it, power is lost the moment that the Scholars perceive that 
 the Teacher is lacking in this respect. 
 
 SYMPATHY is the second main feature of our subject. 
 But let it be at once clearly understood that sympathy and 
 pity are not interchangeable terms. The true meaning of 
 Sympathy is io feel with a person rather than to feel for him, 
 and children value the former while they dislike the latter. 
 What the cultivation of sympathy will lead us to do is to see 
 the other point of view. Conscious ourselves of the higher 
 level upon which our age, education, and power of self-control 
 have placed us, we shall be able, without loss of power, to be 
 continually descending to the level of our Scholars' lives in 
 order that we may see things as they see them, and the better 
 gauge the force of their temptations, the pleasure of their 
 mischief, and the limits of their intellectual capacity. 
 
 This ability to see the other point of view is, like self- 
 control, an evidence of the possession of superior force. See, 
 for example, how it works in argument, in exhortation, and in 
 rebuke. Enormous power is gained, and can therefore be 
 manifested, if the person concerned can be made to feel that 
 his or her position and point of view have been appreciated 
 and allowed for to the utmost of their value. 
 
 A potential opponent is often quickly disarmed by the 
 unexpected manifestation of this ability to see his point of 
 view. " So you threw your pen at him, did you? and made
 
 14 
 
 an excellent shot too! How yon must have enjoyed it, and 
 wanted another pen for somebody else, didn't you '? I can 
 remember when I was your age doing just the same, but I got 
 punished for it, aud so must you." To take this line with 
 children is to forge a link of the chain by which they become 
 presently bound to one, and gradually submissive to one's 
 every wish. 
 
 OKG.\NIZATION is the third main feature to be dealt 
 with in this brief review of some of those considerations 
 which make for Uisciplinc. 
 
 In the matter of Self-control, and also in the matter ol 
 Sympathy, we have seen that when they are present a 
 superior force is felt to be at work, aud thus the control of 
 a class becomes, by so much, a more probable achievement. 
 
 This third feature, viz., " Organization," has also a close 
 connexion with the underlying principle of the possession 
 and exertion of this superior force. 
 
 For the Px-eacher tells us in the Book " Ecclesiastes," that 
 " A three-fold cord is not quickly broken " (chap. iv. 12). 
 That is to say, the cord has strength because it is three-fold. 
 Now let us ask, "Why is the cord three-fold?" And the 
 simple obvious reply is, " // was so arranged" In other 
 words, the several strands or single strings came into the 
 hands of the Organizer, who so organized them as to make 
 them capable, when plaited, or otherwise arranged into one 
 strong cord, of resisting a considerable force, thus showing 
 that a superior force had, by their arrangement, been 
 imparted to them. 
 
 Organization, then, is not quite the bald and mechanica 
 thing which some people would have us consider it to be. 
 Granted it is not the life of the body ; but it is that through 
 which the body can best make its life felt, and a very real 
 means of the concentration of force, which in itself implies 
 added power. 
 
 It may be said, and with some show of reason, that this
 
 t5 
 
 matter of organization scarcely affects the Teacher as 
 such, but is rather exclusively in the hands of the Superin- 
 tendent of the School, or the Parish Priest, or both in 
 counsel together. 
 
 But it is almost startling to find what a very large amount 
 of the Organization of any School is really in the hands of 
 the Teachers themselves. Or, perhaps, the drift of this will 
 be clearer if we say it is startling to find how many things 
 there are that appertain to the office of a Teacher, upon 
 each one of which it is possible for the Teacher either to 
 bring the force of organization to bear, or to fail to bring it. 
 
 Take, for example the Lesson which it is the business of 
 the Teacher to teach. This at once provides the Teacher 
 with an opportunity, which he can either embrace or neglect, 
 for such organization as we are now speaking of. Granted 
 the arrangement of the Matter to be taught, and the decision 
 as to the method to be employed are not the real inward life 
 of the Lesson. But, nevertheless, they are just those things 
 by means of which the •' heart " of the Lesson may be 
 imparted most easily and effectively to the Scholars. 
 
 The " Note on the Art of Lesson-Making and Lesson- 
 Giving " which follows will make this abundantly clear. The 
 point urged just now is that careful " arrangement " both of 
 matter and method will make all the difference to the Lesson 
 and give it the strength of the "three-fold cord." 
 
 And what is true of the Lesson is true also of everything 
 that properly belongs to the Teacher's office. Earnest 
 thought, leading to wise arrangement, even of trifling 
 details, will make for good discipline. 
 
 These, then, are the three main features of our subject, 
 viz.. Self-control, Sympathy, and Organization. The first of 
 these takes us straight to our own life. The second to the 
 lives of our Scholars, and the third to the work which is to 
 form the bond of close fellowship between the two. 
 
 II. Apart, yet not altogether distinct from the foregoing
 
 i6 
 
 considerations, there are several single points with reference 
 to dealinj; with the young which now need mention it" the 
 equipment of a Teacher is to be such as shall enable him to 
 exercise that superior force of which we have spoken. 
 These may be simply and categorically stated : — 
 1. Quietness, leading, if need be, to silence. The loud- 
 voiced Teacher makes a noisy class. There are few 
 remedies for a disturbed condition of things more 
 effective than a " diminuendo " introduced by the 
 Teacher, and followed, if necessary, by a 
 "pianissimo," or perhaps a ''rest," and a "pause" 
 over the " rest." Never be flurried. 
 3. Rapidity, but not hurry. To hurry is a sign of weak- 
 ness or of nervousness. To be rapid is a sign of 
 ability and of strength. The " next thing" should 
 always follow without delay. Let there be no 
 awkward or unintentional pauses. The hymn must 
 not be chosen after the bell has been rung, and 
 likewise the matter for " Repetition " should be 
 found and in the hands of the Teacher before 
 *' attention " is called for the " Repetition" to begin. 
 
 3. Rules for movements. The Scholars should learn 
 
 to look for, and be guided by these as naturally as a 
 company in a regiment of soldiers. The first word 
 of the Officer is always " Attention," so that the 
 command which follows may be simultaneously 
 obeyed, 
 
 4. Never see what need not be seen. There is plenty 
 
 to find fault with, and it is so easy to acquire a 
 habit of perpetually " nagging." 
 
 5. But if seen (within the knowledge of the Scholars) 
 
 DEAL with it. 
 
 6. Never deal with any case on the spur of the 
 
 MOMENT. This is one of the surest safeguards 
 against loss of self-control, and, therefore, loss of
 
 17 
 
 power. Fifteen seconds' silence, while the Teacher's 
 mind is busy with concentrated thought, will enable 
 him to adjust the balance nicely between what is 
 "fair" and what is unjust. Every Scholar has a 
 right to demand that his Teacher shall be 
 scrupulously " fair" in his dealings. 
 
 7. Never threaten, except to state a sure and 
 
 CERTAIN consequence. The prospect of punish- 
 ment is, to some natures, a real deterrent ; and 
 a threat of this kind is a legitimate lever ; but to 
 use it, and then be unable to carry it out, if occasion 
 should arise, results in a loss of prestige and great 
 diminution of "force." 
 
 8. Keep your word, not only in regard to punishments, 
 
 but in regard to everything. If you have promised 
 a visit, a loan, or a gift, let the Scholars feel that the 
 promise is to be depended upon. 
 
 9. Punctuality. The first two minutes in School 
 
 frequently determine the " tone " of the class for 
 the whole time. Always take " first innings." 
 
 10. Teach all your scholars, not only those who 
 
 appear to be willing to listen. The Teacher who allows 
 the two outside Scholars to carry on a conversation 
 (however quiet) behind his back, has yet something 
 to learn in the matter of discipline. 
 
 11. "Esprit de Corps." Cultivate this, making it a 
 
 point of honour with the Scholars that the class, as 
 a whole, shall be a model to the School. 
 
 12. Be anxious to be friends. Conceal the position of 
 
 authority as much as may be possible, and reveal in a 
 corresponding degree the spirit of love. 
 Two thoughts by way of conclusion : — 
 I. Let us always remember that discipline in the ranks 
 demands discipline among the Officers. There must 
 be no insubordination among the Teachers. 
 
 B
 
 iS 
 
 Absolute loyalty and obedience to the Superinten- 
 dent and the Parish Priest must be the motto for 
 each Teacher. This is not always easy, and more- 
 over, does not always seem to be wise. The heroes 
 of Balaclava knew that " someone had blundered," 
 but it was their duty to obey orders, and on they 
 went. Those in authority are bound to make 
 mistakes sometimes, but the Teachers should keep 
 themselves, even then, under strict discipline. 
 Never forget that the real source of all power for our 
 work is Divine. There is no force which will expel 
 evil, save the sanctifying influence of the Holy 
 Spirit. The Power from on High is the Power 
 that is absolutely essential to success. Given this 
 Power, the other parts of our equipment will all be 
 helpful ; without that Power they will be of no use 
 whatever.
 
 NOTE ON LESSON-MAKING AND 
 LESSON-GIVING. 
 
 The first qualification essential to one who gives himself to 
 the work of Teaching is undoubtedly a thorough knowledge 
 of the matter he intends to teach. The second, and equally 
 essential qualification is a thorough knowledge of the art 
 of imparting that matter to his pupils. The successful 
 Teacher will be a man thus doubly qualified. To see this 
 and accept the principle as true is a point of the greatest 
 value. 
 
 Further, it must be next clearly seen that these two 
 qualifications are entirely distinct from each other, and 
 have to be independently gained by hard work on quite 
 different lines. The former demands the activity of the 
 assimilating and the retentive faculties of the brain ; the 
 latter makes a serious call on the imaginative, the organizing 
 and the scheming faculties. To acquire knowledge may be 
 a slow process, but to impart knowledge the brain must be 
 working at high pressure of speed. The key-word of the one 
 effort is " Matter," that of the other is " Method." 
 
 The experience of five-and-twenty years spent in the effort 
 to impart knowledge to other people, gained in the Sunday 
 School, the Day School, the Private School, and the Pulpit, 
 has taught the writer that teaching, to be successful, must 
 first attract the attention, next arouse the interest, and finally 
 rivet the thoughts of the persons to be taught. This implies
 
 30 
 
 piof^iession after the maimer of a Crescendo in music. Not 
 that the Teacher's voice will wax louder as he proceeds, or 
 that his manner will become more bustling; on the contrary, 
 he will be quiet and ever more so if he is on the right tack — 
 but he must achieve a progression in the sense of starting 
 from a point which is common ground, and working steadily 
 up to the new point it is desired to reach. It it just here that 
 some of the Hand-books of Lessons and Guides to Teachers 
 seem to fail of the purpose for which they are published. 
 The method frequently adopted is to divide the Lesson 
 into so many parts and to set out in heavy type 
 at the head of each part the kernel of truth which that 
 part of the Lesson is intended to teach. Then follows an 
 expansion of the truth so presented, or more frequently a 
 somewhat desultory lingering on that which has been 
 improperly, because too rapidly, arrived at. In these cir- 
 cumstances the rivet which should be binding the minds of 
 Teacher and Scholars together, works loose, the interest flags, 
 and the attention wanders, and all because the " progression " 
 has perforce had to give place to " marking time." Now if 
 we take the given divisions of any Lesson — always provided 
 that they are reasonably good ones, as they generally are — 
 and makeup our minds to place them — still in heavy type — at 
 the end of each part of the Lesson instead of at the beginniyig, 
 we at once abolish the ruinous plan of " marking time " and 
 always have before us the definite object of arriving at the 
 kernel of truth, which each part is intended to convey. 
 Progression — constant, persistent, yet full of variation — will 
 then be the order of the day. Each portion of the Lesson 
 will have its goal, and the path by which it seems easiest or 
 wisest to arrive at that goal, will afford the Teacher exactlj' 
 the opportunity for constantly moving on, which is the 
 sine qua non of holding his pupils. These goals or 
 "Objectives" as they will be called throughout this work, 
 when they have all been reached, will then be linked up
 
 2t 
 
 together to form the perfect whole of what it was originally 
 desired to teach. Without doubt, therefore, the fundamental 
 principle underlying the art of imparting knowledge is this, 
 viz. : To work tip to your points, not from or round them. 
 
 Enough has already been said to show that Lesson-Giving is 
 largely dependent upon Lesson- Making. Before laying down 
 any of the secondary principles in relation to the former, let 
 us see what the several stages of the latter should be. And 
 we are at once met by the urgent necessity of the cultivation 
 of thought. The would-be Lesson-Maker must above all things, 
 and before all things, learn to think. By this is not meant the 
 consideration, however earnest, of ideas suggested from any 
 outside source ; but rather the concentration of the brain power 
 turned inwards upon itself so as to develop the creative force 
 of the human mind. At first its difficulty will appear so great 
 as to prove a serious danger to those who are not gifted with 
 perseverance, but there is in store for such as continue to try 
 a reward truly astonishing in its character, and there are few 
 joys of the diligent student to compare with the consciousness 
 of having, after much real and painstaking effort, originated 
 work that is good of its kind. The recognition, cultivation, 
 and development of the faculty of thought should, it is 
 maintained, have a far more adequate connexion with the 
 education of the young than it has now, or ever has had in 
 the past. 
 
 The subject of the Lesson to be taught being given, the 
 first stage of the Lesson- Maker's work in regard to it will be 
 to turn the whole brain power upon that subject in un- 
 interrupted, independent, concentrated thought. 
 
 The ultiniate result of this effort of thought, should, of course, 
 reveal the whole Lesson properly built up and perfect in its 
 parts, in its proportions, and in its points. But the first 
 result of this thinking will naturally be the decision as to the 
 main aim and object of the Lesson itself. This is generally 
 quite a distinct thing from the subject of the Lesson, and
 
 21 
 
 in most cases not dediicible from it. It has to be selected 
 and the sclectiiMi is (he first \vori< of this concentrated 
 thought. 
 
 " To find my main goa} " — " to determine upon the 
 particular definite portion of the truth 1 wish to impart to my 
 scholars" — this must be the guiding influence at the outset 
 of this effort of Lesson-Making. Therefore, take as the 
 second stage of the work in question, the simple direction, 
 " />■;/</ yoi/r goal ." 
 
 But if the Lesson is to convey a fair amount of knowledge 
 and to occupy a reasonable time in its delivery, the Teacher, 
 though he has found his goal, will be unable to get there all 
 at once. The art of making a Lesson is comparable to 
 undertaking a lengthy journey by road or rail with tlie 
 metropolis as our destination. We are acquainted with the 
 point of departure. It is, so to speak, common ground. We 
 have determined upon the point of arrival. It is the most 
 important point discoverable. But between these two points 
 lie the intermediate stopping stations — places important in 
 themselves, and important also as the necessary links that 
 make the chain of the journey complete. Each of these 
 stations brings us nearer to our goal. The third stage in the 
 work of Lesson-Making is therefore to find these intermediate 
 stopping stations. In finding them we must be careful to see 
 that they are such as shall be points of importance, easily 
 recognised when we reach them, and that they have sufficient 
 relationship to the final goal as to make it clear that we are 
 steadily proceeding onwards to our destination. 
 
 The illustration just used must not be pressed further, for 
 whereas in a journey such as that alluded to, we pass from 
 one intermediate station to another by a straight and 
 invariable course, the contrary will be found to be necessary 
 in the effort of making a good Lesson. The route to each 
 station, or objective, must be carefully thought out and 
 determined upon independently of the road already traversed,
 
 23 
 
 and of the road which has yet to be covered to reach the 
 objective next but one in order. In fact it may appear at 
 first sight that the Teacher has got off the line, for if he is to 
 do his work well he will so vary his utterance as to make it 
 difficult for a moment for his Scholars to see what connexion 
 his words at the opening of each stage of the Lesson have 
 with the objective last reached. But, while this will give the 
 life and change to the Lesson which are so necessary, it will 
 not be found to obscure, but rather illumine the whole ; for 
 the Teacher will work skilfully and rapidly from a new 
 beginning to the second, third, or fourth link (as the case may 
 be) in the chain of truth or reasoning, thus step by step 
 achieving his purpose. The fourth and final stage in the 
 work is therefore this, viz.: Having decided what your 
 several objectives are to be, determine your route to each. 
 
 To come before his pupils with a mind full of a Lesson 
 thus carefully worked up by the four stages just set out, will 
 give the Teacher a confidence that nothing else can bring 
 him, and will put him a long way on the road to a successful 
 result. For the Lesson will have been made in accordance 
 with the fundamental principle of imparting knowledge 
 already set forth : — That the Teacher in teaching must work 
 up to and not from or round his points- And that the two 
 elforts of Lesson-Making and Lesson-Giving should be in 
 harmony in this respect is of the very utmost importance. 
 
 It remains now to see what secondary considerations there 
 are in regard to the effort of imparting knowledge in addition 
 to the fundamental one just quoted. 
 
 I have already said that the faculty of thinking deeply and 
 well is an essential part of the equipment of a successful 
 Teacher. I now go further, and say that it is not enough 
 that the Teacher should cultivate and practice this power. 
 The Scholars must do the same. But it is the Teacher's 
 business in giving the Lesson to make them do it. Few 
 people, young or old, will do that which entails real effort, 
 whether of brain or body, unless there is a force at work
 
 u 
 
 which either compels or makes it a pleasure for them to do 
 so. It is next to impossible to lOinpel the eirort of the braiiit 
 which thinking derply implies, in anyone, but especially so in 
 the case of young people. Therefore the Teacher must make 
 it a pleasure for his pupils to " think," for " think " they must. 
 It seems to me as unreasonable to expect one's teaching to 
 be assimilated by the mind of another, while that other's 
 brain is perfectly passive, as it would be to expect a boy to 
 catch a cricket ball thrown to him without ever stretching out 
 his hands to receive it. What, then, must be done by the 
 Teacher in order that the Scholar may, so to speak, extend 
 the arms of his brain and be ready to catch and hold the 
 truths the Teacher wishes to impart ? What is it that will 
 make it a pleasure for the boy or girl to " think," and 
 therefore lead him or her to do so ? Chiefly good questioning. 
 That is, in my opinion, a point only second in importance to 
 the chief one mentioned above. It is of course said 
 continually by speakers and writers on this subject that 
 the Teacher should ask questions of his Scholars. But I 
 want to go to the root of things and make it plain why that is 
 the proper thing to do. It is that the Scholars may be 
 constantly "thinking," that their minds may never during the 
 course of any Lesson become mere targets for the more or less 
 successful shooting of the Teacher, but that the Scholar's 
 brain may be forced, or at least induced, not only to receive 
 what is truly aimed, but to attract to its centre what appears 
 to be badly aimed and going wide of the mark. The second 
 principle underlying the art of imparting instruction is 
 therefore, " Be perpetually questioning your Scholars." And 
 here there is just a word more to say. I have observed over 
 and over again a tendency in Books of Lessons to make 
 a feature of questioning the Scholars, but to reserve the effort 
 until the end of the Lesson, or at least until the end of the 
 several divisions of the Lesson. I want to point out how this 
 course, excellent as it is for testing the memory ot the young 
 people, does nothing at all towards making ihem ink.
 
 25 
 
 Therefore it seems to be necessary to say that the art of 
 imparting knowledge implies not only *' questioning," but 
 questioning during the whole Lesson, and further such 
 questioning as shall really demand " thought," and not such 
 as can be answered either from some known formula, or may 
 be capable of a quite obvious answer. 
 
 The frequent use of Illustrations and Parabolic forms of 
 speech — another of the secondary considerations in regard 
 to the Art of Teaching — comes under the same great principle 
 of awakening not only the interest of the hearer, but the 
 activity of his brain power. The interpretation of such 
 Illustrations should not, as a rule, be given. The 1-arable 
 should call for the thought of the Scholar to evolve its 
 meaning out of his inner consciousness, and thus do its 
 appointed and proper work of inducing an effort of his 
 understanding corresponding to the effort of the Teacher 
 himself. 
 
 The consummate artist will never minutely reveal every- 
 thing he wishes to be conveyed to the mind of one who sees 
 his picture. In painting it is a fault to tell too much. So 
 also is it with our work. The consummate Teacher will 
 always leave something to be reached by the activity of the 
 mind of him who listens. " You have given me something to 
 think about," is, to my mind, the highest praise of a sermon — 
 the verdict to be welcomed most highly. And something 
 of the kind should be felt to be possible also in the case of 
 the Lesson to Children. 
 
 Other points there are, many in number, such as inflexions 
 of the voice, change of manner, and the like, which all make 
 for the perfection of the art of imparting knowledge. 
 Enough, however, has been said to 
 
 (i) Suggest to the would-be-Teacher some of the lines 
 along which his earnest endeavours must go, and 
 
 (2) Enable him the better to use such portions of the 
 Lessons which follow, as shall appear to serve his 
 purpose and supply his need.
 
 a6 
 
 LESSON I. 
 
 First Siohfiiy in Advent. 
 
 THE J U DG M ENT. 
 
 Ask for chief buildings in a town, viz. : — Church, Schools, 
 and Town Hall. The use of last named, especially for 
 Magistrates. Describe Court of Justice — lead up to 
 chief person — the one in authoritv. Explain meaning of 
 this. 
 
 Take this word and show another in it, viz. : — Author = 
 one from whom a thing begins. (Illust. Book.) 
 
 All things begin from God ; He is their Author, there- 
 fore God has Author-ity over everything. 
 
 God, Who is our Judge, has Authority, 
 because He is the Author of everything. 
 
 Picture out crowd in street — disperses as we arrive — 
 inquire what has happened. 
 
 First man says, " Don't know, not here." 
 
 Second man makes statement, third man contradicts 
 this. 
 
 Fourth man saiu everything and therefore knows the 
 truth. 
 
 II. God, 'Who is our Judge, is perfectly Just, 
 because He sees and knows everything.
 
 27 
 
 Return to Court of Justice. Describe prisoner 
 pleading for mercy. Judge recognises one of his own 
 cliildren, so clianged from innocence of early life, a long 
 lost son. A great tide of love rises up in heart of judge. 
 He pays the fine for his son, and forgives him all the 
 past. Lay stress on the bond of affection between father 
 and son. This man's judge tuns his jather. 
 
 III. God, Who is our Judge, is Merciful, 
 because He is our Loving Father. 
 
 In a game or trial of strength, the side having the 
 greater number is generally the stronger. So also with 
 armies. Quote S. Luke xiv. 31. When a king can count 
 on very many thousands of people who will obey his 
 word we say the king is strong. 
 
 Ask about winds, waters, storms, and the like, and 
 teach how they fulfil God's word. 
 
 Mention the hosts of angels who do the same. The 
 stars. (Study Isaiah xl. 26, R.v.) 
 
 IV. God, Who is our Judge, is Strong, because 
 He rules the Universe. 
 
 Summarise thus: — 
 
 God has ( Authority. ^^^ j^ J Merciful, 
 
 i Knowledge. \strong. 
 
 We must all stand before His Judgment Seat,
 
 28 
 
 LESSON II. 
 
 Second Sunday in Advent. 
 
 GOD'S BOOK. 
 
 Ask what word was divided last Sunday. Recap, 
 connection between " Authority " and " Author." This 
 suggests a Book. All Baptized persons know that there 
 is one Book peculiarly holy. 
 
 The Bible written by men like any other book, but the 
 minds of its Authors guided by God, therefore we can 
 call it God's Book. God is the real Author, and 
 therefore it has God's Authority. 
 
 Tell parable of two friends — one much older than 
 
 the other — their intercourse. 
 The greater love and influence of the elder. 
 
 Day comes when younger has to go out into the 
 world. The other continues to help by writing 
 letters. These are carefully treasured. 
 
 Apply this especially to New Testament. 
 
 God's Book is a collection of letters from 
 God. 
 
 Ask for the reasons for expecting any letter : — 
 
 (i) Because have written to ask questions and want 
 an answer, e.g., for advice. We do this 
 when we pray. Very often we get our answer 
 out of the Bible. 
 
 (2) Because friend has left us and promised to let 
 us know what he is doing.
 
 29 
 
 II. God's Book will answer our questions, 
 
 and also let us know His plan. 
 
 Sometimes send telegram — when matter is urgent, or 
 are in danger. 
 
 Then watch and wait eagerly for reply, knowing that 
 when it comes it will show us a way out of the difficulty, 
 or help us to a state of safety. 
 
 III. God's plan is one of Safety or Salvation 
 for us all. 
 
 Tell story of the Annunciation (S. Luke i. 26-32), 
 leading up to the name Jesus. 
 
 Explain meaning of this Name. If so, God's Plan of 
 Salvation must be all about Jesus. 
 
 Show how the Bible is the life story of Jesus. 
 
 (a) The preparation for His coming. 
 
 (The Old Testament.) 
 
 (^) His coming and going. (The Gospel.) 
 
 (r) His work carried on by others, 
 
 (Life and Letters of the Apostles.) 
 
 IV. God's Book from beginning to end is about 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 The Holy Bible (God;s Letters to us. 
 ■^ , • -^God s Plan tor us. 
 
 (The Story of God's Love for us. 
 
 We must carefully and diligently read God's Book.
 
 30 
 
 LESSON III. 
 
 Third Sunday in Adi'ent. 
 
 GOD'S MESSENGERS. 
 
 Refer to the Bible as a Collection of Letters. We write 
 letters when we want to tell something to friends at a 
 distance. 
 
 Question the whole process out of your scholars. 
 
 (i) Letter written and posted. It contains a 
 message but it has no life. 
 
 (2) It lies in box till somebody having life comes to 
 
 take it out. 
 
 (3) Sent to destination, sorted at P.O. Still cannot 
 
 come by itself. 
 
 (4) Someone has to bring it. Letter contains a 
 
 Message. The man who brings it is a 
 Messenger. 
 
 I. Letters make it necessary to have 
 Messengers. 
 
 Tell the story of Nathan being sent to David 
 (2 Samuel xii. 1-8), pointing out 
 (i) That God sent him. 
 
 (2) That it was a hard task, but Nathan did it 
 
 because God sent him. 
 
 (3) That God told him what to say, and to whom to 
 
 say it. 
 
 (4) The King recognised that Nathan had been 
 
 properly sent by God. 
 Refer to Ordination of Clergy and Ember Days.
 
 31 
 
 II. God's Messengers must be properly sent 
 by Him. 
 
 Picture out Post Office, early morning, postmen starting 
 on round of delivery, in different directions. Scattered 
 parish. Some far-off lonely houses. Is it worth while to 
 go to these ? Depends upon whether there is a message 
 for the people there. 
 
 III. The Messengers must cover the whole 
 place. 
 
 Difference between our letters and God's. He sends to 
 everybody. We write to one. 
 
 God's Messages must be taken to every house. 
 Postman going up and down street = Home Missions. 
 Postman going to lonely far-off house = Foreign 
 Missions. (Explain each fully.) 
 
 Read S. Mark xvi. 15. 
 
 IV. Foreign Missions are necessary as well 
 
 as Home Missions. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 God's Messeueers 
 
 ,Mu3t deUver God's Messages. 
 I Must be first properly sent. 
 i Must be willing to go to far-off lands. 
 (Must not leave anybody out. 
 
 We must all help by prayer, persuasion, and money.
 
 32 
 
 LESSON IV. 
 
 Fourth Sunday in Adi'ent. 
 
 GODS CHIEF MESSENGER. 
 
 Ask what men God's Messages demand. 
 
 Tell vety briefly the story of Moses (concealing his 
 name till you reach the Objective). 
 
 (i) His early life. 
 
 (2) The Burning Bush and his commission. 
 
 (3) The Exodus. 
 
 (4) Mount .Sinai — a Message from God to the 
 
 People — how they were to live — what to do : 
 what not to do. 
 
 I. One of God's Messengers was Moses. 
 
 Do the same with Samuel, 
 (i) His duties when a boy in the Tabernacle. 
 
 (2) The Voice at midnight — a message. 
 
 (3) The anointing of Saul — of David. 
 
 II. One of God's Messengers was Samuel. 
 
 Do the same with S. John Baptist, 
 (i) His appearance, habits, and place of abode. 
 
 (2) His audience. 
 
 (3) His message about something to happen shortly.
 
 33 
 
 III. One of God's Messengers was S. John 
 Baptist. 
 
 These three were notable Messengers of God, but they 
 were only preparing for the work of God's Chief 
 Messenger. 
 
 Say a few words only about the birth of a little 
 Infant at Bethlehem. 
 
 Crowded out of inn. Laid in a manger. 
 
 His Message (S. John vi. 40). 
 
 IV. God's Chief Messenger was Our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 Moses the Lawgiver, "i 
 
 Samuel the Prophet, [ ^^^^ had a message 
 
 S. John Baptist the Herald, J ^^°^ ^°^- 
 
 Jesus Christ came with the Message of Salvation. 
 We must all learn His Message.
 
 34 
 
 LESSON V. 
 
 The Sunday aficr Christmas Day. 
 
 THE RECEPTION OF GOD'S CHIEF 
 MESSENGER. 
 
 Ask what men spoken of last Sunday, what title they 
 have ; Whose way they prepared and His title. 
 
 Tell story of the Shepherds seeking the new-born 
 Saviour. Walking about village at midnight. Lamp 
 swinging over door of inn. Someone tells them of cave 
 used as stable. Ask who they were, and why they were 
 there. They go into cave and see a little Babe. 
 
 I. God's Chief Messenger came as a Little 
 Baby Boy. 
 
 Leave the cave — go to a court — years after — Infant 
 now grown up — Someone being judged by High Priest 
 (S. Matthew xxvi. 57-65). 
 
 Notice Jesus answers but one question — specify — 
 dwell on our Lord's answer. 
 
 II. God's Chief Messenger was God's Own 
 Beloved Son. 
 
 Relate quickly the Parable of " The Wicked Husband- 
 men " (S. Matthew xxi. 33-44).
 
 35 
 
 Bring into prominence : — 
 
 Householder — vineyard — husbandmen — absence^ of 
 owner. Servants (Messengers) sent to receive 
 fruits. At last Son (Chief Messenger) sent for same 
 purpose — cast out and killed. 
 
 III. The Fruits of the Vineyard should have 
 been given to God's Chief Messenger. 
 
 Return to Bethlehem. Some other men, in daylight, 
 seeking same Infant. 
 
 When successful they open boxes, caskets, &c. The 
 Wise Men from the East do this because they want to 
 give costly gifts to Jesus. 
 
 IV. We must give the Best Fruits of our Life 
 to Jesus Christ. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 No room was found for Christ at His Birth. 
 
 No mercy was shown to Christ at His Trial. 
 
 No " fruits " were rendered to Christ as God's Chief 
 Messenger. 
 
 The Parable shows what was not done. 
 
 The Wise Men — what 7vas done. 
 
 We must learn to do as they did.
 
 36 
 
 LESSON VI. 
 Second Sunday after Christmas. 
 
 THE MANIFESTATION OF JESUS TO 
 THE PEOPLE. 
 
 Srinv S. John i. 19-29. 
 
 Picture out great crowd outside the King's palace, 
 which has caught fire. King himself conies out and 
 mixes with crowd. A stranger, just arrived in this 
 country, drives up, is told the King is in the crowd. Of 
 all the people there he wants to see him most, does not 
 know which man he is. Ask what the stranger needs— 
 sotneoJie to show him which man is the Kitig. 
 
 Picture out great crowd, strange-looking man preach- 
 ing, strange words uttered, see especially verse 26 {b). 
 S. John tells the crowd that the Christ was among them. 
 Ask what the people were needing. 
 
 I. The people needed someone to show them 
 which man was the Christ. 
 
 Picture out scene of following day (S. John i. 29-35). 
 In the midst of his work of preaching and baptizing 
 S. John suddenly breaks off and lifting his hand, points 
 to Jesus, Who passed by, and thus showed the people 
 which man was the Christ. 
 
 II. S. John Baptist manifested Jesus to the 
 people when he said, "Behold the Lamb 
 of God, which taketh away the sin of the 
 world."
 
 37 
 
 Explain how S. John knew who was the Christ. 
 Jesus and he had probably been boys together. 
 Separated for some years. One day recently Jesus had 
 come to him for a special purpose. 
 
 Describe the Baptism of our Lord. 
 
 (i) The sky— stream of blazing light. 
 
 (2) The form of a Dove. 
 
 (3) The Voice and what was said. 
 
 III. God showed S.John Baptist Who the King 
 was. 
 
 Picture out the scene of the third day (S. John i. 35-40). 
 The Baptist does the same thing again. Immediately 
 he loses two of his followers. Ask why they went away. 
 They had been shown which was the King. Therefore 
 they acted rightly. 
 
 IV. Wherever Jesus is we must try to be. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 God makes it plain to S. John Baptist that Jesus is 
 the Saviour of the World. 
 
 S. John Baptist makes it plain to the people that 
 Jesus is the Saviour of the World. 
 
 S. John the Evangelist makes it plain to us that 
 Jesus is the Saviour of the World. 
 
 We must leave all and follow Jesus without delay.
 
 38 
 LESSON VII. 
 
 Firs/ Sunday after Epiphany, 
 
 JESUS MANIFESTS HIMSELF TO THE 
 PEOPLE. 
 
 (i) Travelling in the East slow and difficult. Rich 
 people on camels — great companies — poor have to walk. 
 Roads often dangerous (illustrate by Parable of Good 
 Samaritan). 
 
 ('2) Companies of pilgrims travelling to and from 
 Jerusalem to attend the Feasts. On return of such a 
 company one day a Boy lost. 
 
 (3) Describe search (S. Luke ii. 45, &c.), successful 
 end, and what Jesus was doing. 
 
 I. Jesus, as a Boy in the Temple, was showing 
 His 'Wisdom and Knowledge. 
 
 Study S. Matthew iv. 1-12. 
 
 (i) Sometimes a person would for some reason or 
 other travel alone. We know of One Who did. He 
 walked alone until He got to a very lonely place, where 
 were large rocks and stones — the haunts of wild beasts. 
 
 (2) After some time there He becomes conscious of a 
 very powerful enemy whom He does not see, but whose 
 power against Him was tremendous. 
 
 (3) Three separate times this enemy comes to try his 
 strength against this lonely Man. 
 
 Ask who was fighting these battles and who gains the 
 threefold victory.
 
 39 
 
 II. Jesus, as a Man in the Wilderness, was 
 
 showing His Courage and Strength. 
 
 Refer very briefly to the following miracles : — 
 
 (i) Water made wine. (2) The leper healed. 
 (3) Centurion's servant healed. (4) The 
 storm quelled. (5) Lazarus raised. 
 
 III. Jesus, by His miracles, was showing His 
 
 Sympathy with the needs of men. 
 
 Picture out the day on which it was perfectly dark at 
 mid-day. The people's terror. A hill, and on the top of 
 it three Crosses standing out from the ground. Over the 
 middle one a white board. Words on this in three 
 languages, telling everybody Who it was hanging there 
 and showing " which was the King." 
 
 Quote S. John xv. 13. 
 
 IV. Jesus, on the Cross, was showing the 
 
 Love of God. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 Each life is like a picture being painted. It will be 
 a manifestation of many things. 
 
 We must pray that we may always manifest 
 
 I Wisdom \ 
 
 „ ^^, f in our life. 
 
 Sympathy 
 Love
 
 40 
 
 LESSON VIII. 
 Seconii Suiiil,iy ajio Epiphany. 
 THE NEW BIRTH. 
 
 Depict three scenes : — 
 
 (i) Great crowd of children in narrow street — we 
 are at window above, able to look down 
 upon all of them. Ask what they all have in 
 common, or the same. Explain : All these 
 children are Members of the Human Race. 
 
 (2) Look again at the crowd, suddenly hear, " I see 
 
 someone I know." Ask how that can be. 
 Explain : While all have that which is the 
 sa?ne, they all equally have that which is not 
 the same, viz., form of face, figure, &c. 
 
 (3) Crowd disperses. All go home. How know 
 
 where to go ? Each child a member of a 
 particular family, goes to the family to which 
 it belongs. But what decides this ? 
 
 I. Birth decides the family to which a child 
 belongs. 
 
 Relate incident of Nicodemus (S. John ii. 23; iii. 4). 
 Connect up with Jewish Deputation (chap. i. 19, 24, 26). 
 Nicodemus had been watching the signs done by Jesus, 
 and thinking about S. John Baptist's strange saying (i. 26). 
 He decides at last to go to Jesus, and offer to belong to 
 His Kingdom. Quote Christ's reply (chap. iii. 3).
 
 41 
 
 II. The New Birth decides that a person 
 
 belongs to the Family of God. 
 
 Depict crowd again. But tbis time not children only — 
 everybody — whole population of the earth, viz, (roughly 
 computed), 1,500,000,000 people. Try to get scholars to 
 realise this number by multiplying local population, 
 or population of London, &c. Out of this huge number 
 425,000,000 can claim the name of Christian. Ask the 
 reason of this. Quote S. John iii. 5. 
 
 III. All Baptized persons have been " Born 
 again." 
 
 Refer to hands, feet, &c., as members of body. Ask in 
 what sentence the word " member " occurs in the Church 
 Catechism. Explain : How close our connection with 
 Christ is. Refer to the Voice at Christ's Baptism and 
 Transfiguration. 
 
 IV. All Baptized persons are Children of God, 
 
 because they have first been made by 
 Baptism Members of Christ. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 A Family to belong to. 
 A Home to live in. 
 Parents to love and obey. 
 
 Our Baptism j" God's Family to belong to. 
 or New \ God's Kingdom or Church to live in. 
 Birth gave us ( A Heavenly Father to love and obey. 
 
 Our natural 
 birth gave us
 
 42 
 
 LESSON IX. 
 
 Third Siiiidiiv after Epiphany. 
 
 MEMBERSHIP OF CHRIST. 
 
 Recap. : The ^rc.it crowd of last lesson. Many 
 different things. One thing common to all, viz., all 
 belong to human race. Have human voice, face, form, 
 reason, &c. 
 
 Reiterate: Everything peculiar to men, women, and 
 children is called human. Must find a parallel word 
 with reference to God. 
 
 Teach : Everything peculiar to God is called Divine. 
 
 Jesus often taught by parables. Sometimes in a single 
 sentence, e.g., " I am the Door." Once He said He was 
 like something that grows. The Vine — a Tree. Where 
 does the life of a tree begin ? Jesus said that we were 
 part of the Tree. The Branches. All the branches 
 derive their life from root. Therefore 
 I. All Members of Christ have a share of the 
 Divine Life. 
 
 Ask for the name of the land in which Jesus was born, 
 lived, died, and rose again. By what name known to 
 Israelites in wilderness? The Promised Land. Why? 
 God had promised the land to His people. All God's 
 people were to have a share in that Land. This came to 
 pass. So also when Jesus came He inade promises, e.g. 
 (i) The Holy Spirit ; (2) That He Himself would be with 
 them even after His ascension into heaven ; (3) That if 
 anyone came to Him full of sadness, sorrow, or even sin, 
 He would give them rest. To how many did He make 
 these promises ? To all who would come to Him.
 
 43 
 
 II. All Members of Christ have a share in 
 the Divine promises. 
 
 What is the third petition in the Lord's Prayer? Thy 
 Will be done. How can we know anyone's will ? Only 
 by that one telling us. How can we know God's Will ? 
 Only by God telling us. How has God told us? By 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 (a) By what He did. See S. Luke ii. 49, S. John 
 
 iv. 34. 
 {l>) By what He taught. See parts of Sermon on 
 the Mount. 
 How many people are to do God's will ? 
 All who come to Jesus Christ. 
 
 III. All Members of Christ must help to carry 
 out the Divine Will. 
 
 Ask for Fourth Commandment. What is it about ? 
 A day and how to keep it. How did Jews keep that 
 day ? Temple and Synagogue Services. What did Jesus 
 do on that day ? Turn to S. Luke iv. 16. We are 
 Members of Christ. Foot must go with body where head 
 directs. Therefore 
 
 IV. All Members of Christ must join in 
 Divine Worsliip. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 Jesus is the Vine, ] irr t ^ r /-u • d rr 
 
 ^,r ,, 1 \ - We partake of Christ s life. 
 
 We are the branches, ) ^ 
 
 ^, • T 'f , f Promises to hope for. 
 
 J. Ills L^lIC n3.S 1 T^ A" J. „ r 
 
 I Duties to pertorm. 
 We must all keep from sin so as not to break off from 
 Christ.
 
 44 
 
 LESSON X. 
 
 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. 
 
 SONSHIP OF GOD. 
 
 Ask for last Sunday's points. Let all repeat third 
 point again. 
 
 Teach : Part of the Divine Will is the " Golden 
 Rule." Christ taught it when He said, " Thou shalt love 
 thy neighbour as thyself." This produced a question, 
 " Who is iny neighbour ? " See S. Luke x. 25 and 
 following verses. 
 
 Briefly tell the story of the Good Samaritan, con- 
 cluding thus : — There was one man in the parable 
 who acted as the Child of God. Which ? and why ? 
 Because He was kind. 
 
 We Act as Children of God when we are 
 kind one to another. 
 
 Picture out scene of Jesus being tried in inner court of 
 High Priest's palace. S. Peter in porch outside. Group 
 round fire, the question asked, and S. Peter's denial that 
 he knew Jesus. Whenever we are asked any question 
 we can do one of two things. Either speak the truth or 
 tell a lie. When S. Peter said that Jesus was the Son of 
 God he spoke the truth. When he said he did not know 
 Jesus he told a lie. When was he speaking as the Child 
 of God ? 
 
 II. We Speak as Children of God when we 
 are true one to another. 
 
 Our life is like a long line or road, always divided into 
 two parts, and the point of division constantly changing 
 by moving on. One part travelled. One part yet to 
 travel. We can give names to these, viz., (i) Memory,
 
 45 
 
 (2) Expectation. Teach that these two things are 
 distinct and yet always blending. Expectation is hourly 
 becoming memory. 
 
 While we move along the line of our life we must 
 always remember God. Think of Him in what we 
 expect, so that He may be in our memory. 
 
 III. We Think as Children of God when we 
 love to remember our Father ^Vho is in 
 Heaven. 
 
 Take the line of life again. When look back upon the 
 past behind (memory) what things are they which we 
 remember ? 
 
 we have | Thought-ThinkinI J P^'^""^' '*• 
 
 Every day we come to cross roads. Be careful never 
 to let life go down one of these unless it is part of God's 
 Will. The best "sign-post" is God's answer in our 
 conscience to our earnest prayers. He who keeps 
 straight on, or turns only at God's command is God's 
 Child. 
 
 IV. We Live as Children of God when we do 
 what our Father W^ho is in Heaven tells 
 us to do. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 / I. Must be kind and true. 
 The Child 2. Must think of God, and love to 
 of -l think of Him. 
 
 God ] 3. Must walk according to God's 
 Commandments.
 
 46 
 
 LESSON XI. 
 
 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany. 
 
 THE RESPONSIBILITY OF OUR 
 INHERITANCE. 
 
 Ask for Book next in vainc to Holy Bible — Booii 
 ot Common Prayer — Wiiat does it contain ? Many 
 sen'iies. So called becanscwhen we meet to offer praise, 
 &c., to God we scnie Him. Often speak of entering the 
 service of some master. We are the servants of God, 
 have entered His service. Emphasize these two 
 meanings of the word " service." Now find another 
 meaning: In onr streets and houses there are many 
 pipes — sometimes see them being laid down — what for ? 
 To bring water, gas, electricity, &c., to our houses. What 
 do we call these pipes ? The service pipes. Explain how 
 they are the means whereby we receive the water, &c. 
 Connect up with first meaning of the word and teach 
 that our " services " in church are also the means whereby 
 we get God's Grace. 
 
 We Act as Inheritors of the Kingdom of 
 
 Heaven when we use the means of 
 
 Grace. 
 
 Refer to Lesson VIII. (Summary.) Question out of 
 scholars the consequences of {a) our natural birth ; {b) 
 our new birth. Imagine a starving family in London or 
 
 ? Boy in street, offered good meal and other things 
 
 by kind person. If a good boy whom will he at once think 
 of? His mother, &c. Why? Because he belongs to 
 that family. 
 
 The Bible tells us that the family of God is called His 
 Kingdom. All Inheritors of God's Kingdom must think 
 of the other members of the same family. 
 
 II. We Speak as Inheritors of the Kingdom 
 of Heaven when we pray one for another.
 
 47 
 
 Last Sunday we thought of our life as a long line. 
 Work up again to point reached last week. Now add a 
 gate somewhere on " Expectation " (second part of line). 
 AH have to pass through that gateway, which is death. 
 Teach that the line does not stop at the gate. It goes 
 on. Beyond the gate there is " The life of the world 
 to come." 
 
 What part of the whole line will be the most beautiful, 
 most free from want or trouble ? How do we know 
 this ? God has promised it. We look forward to, and 
 think about, days when we expect great happiness. 
 
 III. We Think as Inheritors of the Kingdom 
 of Heaven when we love to remember 
 God's promises about the Church 
 Triumphant. 
 
 Ask a scholar what he is doing. The answer must be 
 the description of a thought, a word, or a deed. Dwell 
 on this and make your class see that the whole of our 
 personal life is summed up in thinking, speaking and 
 acting. 
 
 The way in which we think, speak and act depends 
 on what country we belong to. We love our own land, 
 and would fight for it if necessary. God expects us to do 
 this for the Kingdom of Heaven. Teach that the 
 Kingdom of Heaven is what the Creed calls the Holy 
 Catholic Church. 
 
 IV. We Live as Inheritors of the Kingdom ot 
 
 Heaven when we are loyal members of 
 Christ's Holy Catholic Church. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 i(j\ Wp f^"^^ ^°^'^ Grace. 
 In the Church p^^^ inherit ^^^ The means of get- 
 of which we are I ( ting God's Grace. 
 
 Members byl(2) We must help all the other 
 Holy Baptism, members all we can. 
 
 \(3) We must be true to our King.
 
 48 
 
 LESSON XII. 
 
 Septuagesima. 
 
 THE CREATION. 
 
 Trace a great many common objects back to their 
 source in Nature, thus showing that God made them all. 
 Ask the children to sug;j;est some, e.g. 
 
 (i) School-desks — wood — tree. (2) Coat — wool — 
 animal. (3) Window — glass — sand. 
 Show a watch, speak of a " watch-maker." Trace all 
 the parts to their original condition. Man works up the 
 material God created. 
 Teach : — 
 
 I. God Created the Heaven and the Earth 
 and all things that are therein. 
 
 Ask for the word used to describe the first stage of 
 aHy thing — " Beginning." 
 
 Ask for the Book in the Bible which has a title meaning 
 " Beginning " — (Genesis). 
 
 Teach : — God has chosen to make things very slowly, 
 so it takes a long time to get back to the beginning, e.g. 
 the way in which God makes coal. 
 
 Ask for the most companionable things God has made. 
 Stars, trees, animals, or people ? Why is this ? Because 
 there is something in another person that corresponds to 
 yourself more than there is in a tree, &c. 
 
 Teach : God made man in His own image, i.e. able to 
 correspond to Himself in many ways, so we may say : — 
 
 II. God Made Man to be His close com- 
 panion.
 
 49 
 
 Imagine (name the place you live in) with everyone 
 taken out of it. Everything else either with, or without 
 life, remaining in it. Ask what would happen in a short 
 time? 
 
 Streets become overgrown with weeds. 
 
 Church and houses become ruins. 
 
 Trees and shrubs grow up wild and unchecked. 
 
 Animals become wild and prey one upon another. 
 
 Teach : — All this would happen because man has been 
 removed. 
 
 Ask : Would this happen if anything else were 
 removed instead of man ? So wc learn (see Genesis 
 i. 28) :— 
 
 III. God Appointed Man to be lord over 
 every other creature in earth, air, and 
 sea. 
 
 Name some cathedral known to the children. 
 
 Trace its construction back through many stages until 
 you reach the beginning, viz., the first conception of 
 its design ifi the iiiind of the Architect. 
 
 Teach that thus every great building reveals the mind 
 of its Architect. 
 
 Do the same with a Book and its Author. The Book 
 reveals the mind of the Author. Letters from unknown 
 persons give some idea of tlieir character. 
 
 So also with God and all His works. Everything that 
 God made was first a design in His mind. Thus His 
 works reveal Him. 
 
 IV. God's Creation was intended by Him to 
 
 be a picture of Himself. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 God Almighty designed and created the Universe. 
 Man can use what God has created. 
 God made everything very good. 
 Our work must reveal God. 
 
 a
 
 5° 
 
 LESSON XIII. 
 
 Sexagesinia, 
 
 SIN. 
 
 Picture out vividly (carefully avoiding additions of 
 fancy and adhering strictly to the liible narrative), the 
 Garden in Eden, planted by God, evidently fenced 
 round and with a gate for exit and re-entrance. The 
 Garden is full of animal and vegetable life. 
 
 We notice especially : — 
 
 (i) Two Beings — God and man — for Whose fellow- 
 ship the Garden has been planted. 
 (2) Two trees — both in the midst of the Garden. 
 
 Follow out narrative — God's express command — 
 attractive fruit on the forbidden tree — "Why should I 
 not taste ? " 
 
 Teach : The knowledge of God's command and the 
 desire to disobey awoke conscience. Hence the name of 
 the tree. 
 
 I, If we disobey God, we commit sin. 
 
 Recap, narrative, and ask who had suggested to Eve 
 that she should disobey God? 
 
 Explain : The serpent is used as the symbol of Satan 
 because temptation comes to us like a serpent, i.e. swiftly, 
 with power to fascinate; noiselessly, with power to hold us 
 fast, and with poisonous bite. No place where serpent 
 cannot come. 
 
 Continue narrative: — With full knowledge of "good," 
 
 Eve did "evil." Adam joined in her sin. Ask for the 
 
 next step, viz., the desire to escape from the Presence 
 
 of God. 
 
 Teach : — 
 
 This separation from God is always the necessary 
 
 consequence of sin. 
 Man seeks to hide himself. God drives man out. 
 God remains where He was and what He was. Man 
 is not what he was and cannot stay where he was. 
 God is still Love, the fault rests entirely with 
 man. 
 
 II. If we commit sin, we cannot stay with 
 
 God.
 
 51 
 
 Go back to the narrative and ask for name of other tree. 
 To eat of this is to have Eternal Life. Hitherto Adam 
 and Eve had not learned about the virtue of the fruit of 
 this tree. Until they had lost the life by disobedience they 
 would not feel the need of the fruit of the other tree. 
 But now they would be seeking it, and with all their sin 
 upon them, might come to it and pluck its fruit. God 
 knows they need the fruit of this tree, but will suffer no 
 one to eat of it thus. He wants them to seek it, but now 
 that innocence is lost, the approach must be guarded. 
 And man is removed so that only by determination and 
 humble effort can he again come within its reach. 
 
 Teach: The Tree of Life is always in the Garden of 
 God, and 
 
 III. If we cannot stay with God, we cannot 
 eat of the fruit of the Tree of Life. 
 
 Think of the Garden once more. The Tree of Life did 
 not appear to be anything attractive. Quite like the 
 ordinary trees. 
 
 Ask what this tree means. This tree is an emblem of 
 the Incarnate Life of the Son of God. The fruit of the 
 tree = the result of the Sacrifice of Christ, especially of 
 His Death. 
 
 Teach : The world sees nothing in Christ's Life or 
 Death to attract it. The sinner conscious of his sin 
 begins to learn how much he needs this fruit. God 
 means him to eat of it, but not until he has fulfilled 
 certain conditions. Next Sunday's Lesson will show 
 what these are. 
 
 Read Revelation xxii. 2 and 14, and conclude 
 
 IV. If we do not eat of the fruit of the Tree 
 
 of Life, we cannot be saved. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 (I) (2) 
 
 Man.
 
 LESSON XIV. 
 
 Quitiqun^estjna. 
 
 THE WAY BACK INTO GOD'S GARDEN. 
 
 Rkc AT. briefly List Sunday's Lesson and ask what was 
 promised about this Lesson. 
 
 Picture out entrance to Garden carefully guarded by 
 the flame of a sword turning every way. 
 
 Read Genesis iii. 22, 23, 24, and make it clear why the 
 sword was placed there. 
 
 Picture out man longing to get back into Garden and 
 trying to avoid the thrust of the sword. 
 
 He finds this impossible. What, then, does this sword 
 mean ? Find the answer by reading S. John xvi. 7-12. 
 
 E.xplain very carefully that our Lord makes the result 
 of His work depend entirely upon the work of the Holy 
 Spirit in man's heart and life. 
 
 And teach : — 
 I. The Fiery Sword guarding the way to the 
 Tree of Life means the work of the Holy 
 Spirit. 
 
 Picture out again the sword, describing it as having 
 three blades, each very sharp, and each blazing with 
 light as if on fire. One blade pointing outwards from 
 Garden and the others pointing to either side. Which- 
 ever way man comes he has to meet this sword. More- 
 over, he will really have to meet all three blades if the 
 Holy Spirit is to do His full work, viz., to bring him to 
 the Tree of Life and keep him there. 
 
 Ask for the first step. Read again S. John xvi. 8 (a) 
 and 9. 
 Teach : — 
 
 The first step towards getting back is always to 
 
 realise our sin. 
 The worst sin is steadily and deliberately to refuse 
 
 to accept Christ as our Saviour. 
 But every sin needs this thrust. Does not kill. But 
 wounds deeply. Verv hard to bear. 
 IL The First Thrust ' of the Fiery Sword 
 convicts us of our sin.
 
 53 
 
 Refer to Parable of Good Samaritan — poor man Ij'ing 
 wounded — what does he need ?. Healing. 
 
 Good Samaritan comes along, applies remedies. 
 
 Teach : This is the next step in Holy Spirit's work. 
 See how it is described, viz., " To convict man of 
 Righteousness." See also the proof, " Because I go to 
 the Father," &c. 
 
 Explain that this means that Christ's work was 
 perfectly complete. God's Plan of Salvation had no flaw 
 or defect in it. " Righteousness " = God's Plan for man, 
 viz., sending Jesus, see S. John iii. i6. 
 
 But this is nothing else than the Tree of Life, or the 
 Cross of our Saviour. 
 
 The Holy Spirit heals us by teaching us this and 
 applying God's forgiveness to our wound. 
 III. The Second Thrust of the Fiery Sword 
 makes us know all about the Tree of 
 Life. 
 
 One more step has to be taken — one more thrust to be 
 met. Because, though man has got back again, there is 
 always the " serpent " in the Garden. 
 
 Explain : Temptation is always near. Man's life 
 must be strengthened to meet this. He must learn to 
 say " No," and have the strength to say " No." 
 
 See again how this is described : — " To convict man of 
 Judgment ; " and see the proof of this, " Because the 
 Prince of this world is judged." 
 
 Explain : Christ has conquered the Devil and Christ 
 is our Captain. The Holy Spirit is ready to give us a 
 share of Christ's strength. It is hard to say "no" to 
 Satan, but we know now that we can. 
 
 IV. The Third Thrust of the Fiery Sword 
 makes us know that we can conquer 
 Satan in Christ's strength. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 The sword of the Spirit. 
 
 He first wounds us. 
 
 Then He heals our wound. 
 
 Then He helps us to resist temptation.
 
 54 
 LESSON XV. 
 
 First Suniidv in Lent, 
 THE LORD'S PRAYER (i). 
 
 When wc want to know about a man's life what kind of 
 book do we look in ? Teach that for knowledge about 
 Christ's life we have to look in Bible (See Lesson IL, 
 Section IV). But especially the records of Christ's 
 Ministry on earth. How many? What are the men called 
 who wrote these records ? and why ? ( Evangelist = " bearer 
 of good news.") Ask for their names. Very little said 
 except about Christ's Ministry (from His Baptism to His 
 Ascension), lasting from two to three years. 
 
 Picture out this Ministry thus: — 
 
 Find some special times of prayer in this life, e.g. 
 Baptism, Temple, Synagogues, nights, Lazarus, 
 S. John xvii., Gethsemane, The Cross. Take one 
 or more of these, and show that — 
 
 Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He was on 
 
 earth, used to pray. 
 
 When Jesus used to teach and travel He was seldom 
 without companions in His work. Who were these? 
 How did they come to be there ? Christ had said two 
 words to some men. What ? " Follow Me." 
 
 Teach their meaning : — 
 (i) Live with Me. 
 (2) Do as I do. 
 Ever}' disciple of Jesus has to hear His call and to 
 learn its meaning. Repeat last " objective." Then " Do 
 as I do " means we are to pray too.
 
 55 
 
 II. Our Lord has told us to copy His example, 
 
 and to speak to God in prayer. 
 
 Ask for chief city of Holy Land. Jerusalem full of 
 all kinds of people. Some thought to be very religious. 
 Pharisees. Describe their habits. Texts on foreheads. 
 Standing at street corners (conspicuous position). Pious 
 attitudes maintained for long time. Show how these 
 men were doing right thing in wrong way. 
 
 Disciples come one day and say, " Lord, teach us to 
 pray." The Master then tells them some words to speak 
 to God. 
 
 III. Our Lord has given us a pattern prayer, 
 
 which we call the Lord's Prayer. 
 
 Picture out a child running home to find someone, 
 cannot see him. Calls out the name of person wanted. 
 
 Show that everything in prayer is to be as natural as 
 the conduct of a little child. So the first thing to be 
 done is to call out the Name of the One Whom we want 
 to find. 
 
 Christ's first step is to teach His disciples by what 
 name to call God when we pray. 
 Think what Names might have been chosen. 
 God made us. " Our Creator." 
 
 We are His subjects. " Our King." 
 
 We are His servants. " Our Lord or Master." 
 
 God will examine us. " Our Judge." 
 
 Jesus chose none of these, but chose something which 
 reminds us of our real Home, and the great Family we 
 belong to. 
 
 IV. The pattern prayer teaches us to speak 
 
 to God as our Heavenly Father. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 Jesus always spent some time in prayer. 
 
 Jesus says to us, " Follow Me." 
 
 Jesus has taught us how to pray. 
 We must always use the Lord's Prayer beginning 
 " Our Father which art in Heaven."
 
 56 
 
 LESSON XVI. 
 
 Sc'co/itf Sunday in Lent. 
 
 THE LORDS PRAYER (2). 
 
 Compare the way in which two children might learn a 
 lesson. One soon gives up. The other gets it perfect. 
 Or putting puzzle together ; all the pieces make it 
 perfect. 
 
 There are three numbers used in Bible to describe any- 
 thing that \s perfect, viz., " three," " seven," and " twelve," 
 e.^. Three Persons in Holy Trinity ; the seven churches, 
 seven golden candlesticks, seven stars, seals, &c. ; twelve 
 patriarchs, twelve apostles, twelve gates, twelve fruits 
 of Tree of Life, &c. 
 
 All Christ's Life was like top line of copy-book, quite 
 perfect. No mistakes, no sin. His conduct perfect and 
 His teaching perfect. 
 
 When Jesus taught His disciples to pray He taught 
 them a perfect prayer. 
 
 I. There are Seven Petitions in the Lord's 
 Prayer. 
 
 Ask how many Commandments there are — how 
 divided (four and six) and why. Because must know 
 (i) our duty to God, and (2) our duty to our neighbour. 
 
 Take the seven petitions of Lord's Prayer and divide 
 them up. Three and four make right division. Write 
 the first three out on paper before scholars, making the 
 word " Thy " very large. To Whom does " Thy " refer ? 
 {Thy Name, Thy Kingdom, Thy Will). Then we know 
 that
 
 57 
 
 II. The First Three Petitions have to do with 
 God and His glory. 
 
 Take three from seven. How many remain ? Write 
 out the last four petitions, making the word " Us " very 
 large. To whom does this refer ? (Give iis, forgive us, 
 lead us, deliver us). Then we know that 
 
 III. The Last Four Petitions have to do with 
 ourselves and our needs. 
 
 Try to draw from your class the two occasions of 
 using anyone's name, viz. (i) In speaking to him. (2) In 
 speaking 0/ him. When we speak of anyone we often 
 think and speak of things that belong to him, e.g. his 
 house, books, words, and works. 
 
 Apply this to God. We speak to Him, and we speak 
 of Him, and often of God's House, Book, Words, and 
 Works. 
 
 Ask for first petition in Lord's Prayer. Explain 
 " Hallowed " to mean, " Help us to keep holy," and 
 apply it not only to speaking to God, but also to 
 speaking of God, and of everything belonging to Him. 
 
 IV. W^e must always think and speak very 
 reverently of God and of everything 
 belonging to God. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 The Lord's Prayer is a perfect Prayer. 
 
 J, . /What God wants first. 
 It puts^^j^^^ ^g ^^j^^ j^g^^^ 
 
 The first thing God expects from us is reverence.
 
 58 
 
 LESSON XVII. 
 
 Third Sutithiy in Lent. 
 
 THE LORD'S PRAYER (3). 
 
 Ask for Names our Lord ini{,'ht have taught us to call 
 God by. (See Lesson xv.) Creator, Lord, Judge, King. 
 
 What sentence in the Lord's Prayer reminds us of the 
 title " King " ? Teach that Jesus does speak of God as 
 King. 
 
 God has been called Father. What is a father a 
 father of '? 
 
 God has been called King. What is a King a King of ? 
 
 What does a family imply? — A Home and people in it; 
 
 What does a Kingdom imply ? — A land and people 
 in it. 
 
 Relationship binds members of a family together ; 
 Membership binds subjects of a Kingdom together. 
 Birth decides Nationality, and Birth is the beginning of 
 life. The entrance gate. (See S. John iii., esp. v. 5.) 
 Being "born of Water and Spirit " = Holy Baptism — the 
 New Birth — Entrance into the Kingdom. But what 
 does Apostles' Creed call this Kingdom ? The Holy 
 Catholic Church. 
 
 I. God's Kingdom is the Holy Catholic Church, 
 
 of which we were made members when 
 we were baptized. 
 
 Describe what a foreigner must do to become a 
 naturalized Englishman, (i) Leave his country. (2) 
 Cross the water. (3) Find a home in the new land. 
 (4) Settle down to live in it. Apply : If anj-one wants 
 to come into God's Kingdom : (i) Alust leave Kingdom 
 of Darkness. (2) Must come to Water of Holy Baptism. 
 (3) Must find his home in new Kingdom. (4) Settle 
 down to live in the Kingdom of God for rest of his life. 
 
 How large is our Empire ? — One-fifth of people of 
 the earth. 
 
 But how large is God's Kingdom? — Intended for all 
 ■people. 
 
 See S. John iii. 16. " Whosoever," No limit to God's 
 Kingdom. 
 
 II. "Thy Kingdom come" is a prayer that 
 
 all people everywhere may be made 
 members of the Holy Catholic Church.
 
 59 
 
 Tell quickly and graphically the incident of the man 
 of Macedonia (Acts xvi. 9-10.) When that man said, 
 " Come over and help us " it was only another way of 
 saying, " God's Kingdom come." 
 
 There are two conditions which always make us feel 
 we must be up and doing what we can to help. 
 
 (i) When we hear someone calling for help, e.g. 
 the case just quoted. (2) When we don't hear the 
 appeal, but know of anyone's peril, e.g. Shipwreck 
 stormy day, vessel sinking, struck rock, crew simply 
 clinging to rigging, cannot signal, people on shore watch- 
 ing, see their pertly .• . must give help at once. 
 
 Apply the above to Missionary work. Some lands call 
 for help. Some lands are in peril but cannot call. 
 
 III. We must do all we can to help Mission- 
 ary Work, both at home and abroad. 
 
 Show that besides "people" and "land" a kingdom 
 has " Laws." Rules for people to live by. What are 
 the Laws of God's Kingdom ? Ten Commandments. 
 When did Christ explain their meaning ? In Sermon on 
 Mount, e.g. S. Matthew v. 21. 
 
 {The Ten Commandments, "j The 
 
 Our Lord's Teaching. [ = ^"^'f 
 
 What ought we to do about the King's Will ? — " Thy 
 Will be done.'' 
 
 Every day must do God's Will. So many begin well 
 in a race. So few finish. Must not drop out. No 
 foreigner could be said to become true Englishman 
 unless keeping the laws of th'^ country. If refuse to do 
 the King's Will, then not a true member of the Kingdom. 
 
 IV. "Thy W^ill be done" is a prayer that all 
 people everywhere may be true members 
 of the Holy Catholic Church. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 ih. Land. 
 An earthly Kingdom< People living in the land. 
 
 implies ( Laws for the people to keep. 
 
 The (The Holy CathoUc Church, | The Land. 
 Kingdom of] The Members of Christ. .- The People. 
 God implies (The King's Will. ) The Laws.
 
 6o 
 
 LESSON XVIII. 
 
 Fourth Sunday in Lent. 
 
 THE LORD'S PRAYER (4). 
 
 How many petitions in tlie Lord's Prayer? But more 
 
 than seven sentences. Pick out those which are not 
 
 petitions, e.i^. (1) The call of God's child — "Our 
 
 Father .... heaven." Find the second of such 
 
 sentences, viz. : — " In earth as it is in heaven." 
 
 Write out before scholars thus : — 
 
 (i) Hallowed be Thy Name, \ , ,, •, • • 
 
 )'v Tu , !•; , 1 „ In earth as it is m 
 
 (2) Thy kingdom come, \ Up^vpn 
 
 (3) Thy Will be done, I Heaven. 
 Teach that " In earth," &c., applies to each of first 
 
 three petitions. As a builder constantly uses his " foot 
 rule" as a standard of his work. Show a flower, pick it 
 to pieces, God made it perfectly. Think of sun, moon, 
 and stars. Never late, never slow — perfect work. Think 
 of Angels, sent on errands^/^<?^/^r/ work. 
 
 I. We are told in the Lord's Prayer to aim 
 at perfection in all that we do for God. 
 
 Ask why all [c.g) " tables " are not exactly the same ? 
 The maker chose to make them with a difference. So the 
 great Creator has not made everybody alike. God has 
 given us many gifts, but not each to all. What gifts do 
 the lame, blind, deaf, dumb want respectively? But all 
 these are wanted because they naturally belong to the 
 best and greatest gift of all, viz. : Life. 
 
 Think of some great cathedral. The cost of it. The 
 beauty of it. Richly carved and adorned. Why not 
 wish to be that instead of what we are ? Because we 
 have gift of life. The cathedral must decay and perish. 
 But life is immortal. 
 
 II. Our most precious possession is the gift 
 of life.
 
 6i 
 
 Refer to Parable of Good Samaritan. Anyone in 
 similar position. What is it he most desires to be spared? 
 Think of shipwreck or burning house. How precious our 
 possessions are when life is not in danger; but all 
 neglected when ship is sinking, or fire breaks out. All 
 efforts concentrated on preserving life. 
 
 What is that which we could least do without from 
 day to day? Bread { = Food), Why? Because without it 
 life of body must go. 
 
 What is first petition for ourselves in Lord's Prayer ? 
 
 .•. Teach : — 
 
 III. The first thing that we ask for ourselves 
 is that our life may be preserved. 
 
 How many birthdays have we in one year ? Two. 
 Why ? Because we have two births. The " natural 
 birthday," the " New Birth-day." The first is starting 
 point of life of body ; the second is starting point of 
 life of soul. Two anniversaries each vear — keep them 
 both. 
 
 What did we find just now the body needed to preserve 
 its life? Now find exactly the same wanted for life of 
 soul. How often ? Daily. .-. Teach : — 
 
 IV. "Our Daily Bread" means food for both 
 body and soul. 
 
 Summarize thus : 
 
 (i) Our reverence for God "j j^ . , _,p„f... „„ :. 
 
 Our work for God !- ^ P_ :„ ^^. P.^f^^*^* ^^ ^* 
 Our obedience to God 
 
 r is in heaven. 
 
 (2) The best gift of God to [ ^"^^^ 
 
 us is Life of J g^^JJ 
 
 (3) This whole life needs its daily food.
 
 63 
 
 LESSON XIX. 
 
 Fifth SunJay in Lent. 
 
 THE LORDS PRAYER (5). 
 
 Tell story of :— Precious golden vessels lost. Everj'- 
 body searches when loss discovered : do so for long time 
 with no result : known by certain marks upon them. At 
 last some one suggests might have been buried, and a 
 certain foul place suspected. Excavate, and find them 
 covered with mud and dirt, scarcely recognisable. 
 Hardly see marks upon them. Much too precious to 
 throw away. What want ? Washing and cleansing. 
 
 Apply : These vessels, with their great value, repre- 
 sent God's best gift to us, viz., life of body and soul, 
 so precious, with the marks of Holy Baptism upon it. 
 Sometimes gets buried in particularly foul place — sin. 
 Losing all appearance of Chistian life. What want? 
 Washing and cleansing. 
 
 I. "Forgive us our Trespasses" is a prayer 
 that God will cleanse our life. 
 
 Find third sentence in Lord's Prayer which is not a 
 petition, viz., "As we forgive," &c. Relate quickly (with 
 frequent questions) "The Parable of the Unmerciful 
 Servant" (S. Matthew xvii. 21 to end). Make clear the 
 responsibility involved in use of this sentence of Lord's 
 Prayer. 
 
 Reflect : The Lord's Prayer is the prayer for the 
 Child of God to use. 
 
 II. We are told in the Lord's Prayer that we 
 must forgive all persons who do us an 
 injury.
 
 63 
 
 Write down the two needs already found for our life, 
 viz., Preserving and Cleansing. Two needs are left. For 
 what about the future? Ever heard of "Pilgrim's 
 Progress"? What does progress mean? A man 
 wandering along road trying to get on. Suppose he is 
 blind, will want to know the way. We are blind about 
 the future because we cannot see it. Do not know the 
 way. Can see the beginning of many paths. Some 
 very attractive. Look easier than they are. Lead to 
 danger. Another peril: '* / can go near the edge 
 without falHng over " (elaborate this). Best to find a 
 guide and follow him closely. 
 
 III. "Lead us not into Temptation" is a 
 prayer that God will guide our life. 
 
 Add the third need (Guidance) to the other two. Now 
 find the fourth and last. 
 
 /Will not secure a safe journey. Other dangers 
 
 Food, besides missing the road. Enemies to meet. 
 
 Cleansing,) Some in ambush. Want a strong escort. (If 
 
 Guidance, I time, refer to Nehemiah ii. esp. verse 9.) Some 
 
 strong friend who will go with us all the way 
 
 ^ — to protect us. 
 
 IV. " Deliver us from Evil " is a prayer that 
 God will protect our life. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 n H 1 /'preserve'! 
 
 Father\as^ J cleanse | the life that He has given 
 prcnisedtc IpSnid^^J- 
 
 The Child of ( ask ]„. . , ,,• j jj 
 
 God must i trust /"^"^ ^° ^° ^his, and add 
 
 The Kingdom, \ c a 
 
 For Thine is \ The Power, \ ^"^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^^«'^- 
 And the Glory,J ^"^^"'
 
 64 
 LESSON XX. 
 
 Palm Sunday. 
 THE DEATH OF CHRIST. 
 
 Take the title ''Prime Minister^ Explain thoroughly 
 that it means "chief servant." All ministry is sc}i.iice 
 rendered to someone. What years of Christ's Life do we 
 call His " Ministry " ? (Refer to Lesson XV., Section L) 
 
 Sketch out the "service" of an average life of good 
 man. Education, profession, home, family, their support, 
 active work, illness, death. Death puts an end to his 
 "service" or "ministry." Teach that it is not so with 
 Christ. In His case the Death was a continuation of His 
 Ministry — a real and necessary part of it. 
 
 We die, and at moment of death our earthly work is 
 done. Christ died to finish His earthly work. .•. His 
 Death had a purpose. This purpose has to do with 
 Lord's Prayer. Quote last three petitions. What is first 
 of these three ? Our trespasses could not have been 
 forgiven if Christ had not died. 
 
 Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He died, made 
 it possible for our sins to be forgiven. 
 
 Ask for the second of these petitions (" Lead us," &c.). 
 What is this a prayer for? (see last Lesson). 
 Relate parable of Lost Sheep (S. Luke xv. 3-7). 
 N.B. — (i) Wandering from the path. The path of duty. 
 
 (2) The One who seeks the lost is the Good 
 
 Shepherd. 
 
 (3) The Good Shepherd leads the lost one back 
 
 again. 
 
 (4) Read S. John x. 11. The Good Shepherd lays 
 
 down His life for the sheep.
 
 65 
 
 II. Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He died, 
 proved Himself to be our Good Shepherd. 
 
 Ask for the third of these three petitions. (" Deliver 
 us," &c.). What is this a prayer for? (see last Lesson). 
 Read quietly and slowly S. John x. 12-19. 
 
 N.B. — (i) The Shepherd is always leading His sheep, and 
 never leaves them. 
 
 (2) The wolf = the constant enemy, on the watch to 
 
 kill the sheep. 
 
 (3) The Shepherd resists even unto death. In so 
 
 doing kills the e7iemy. 
 
 III. Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He died, 
 delivered us from the power of the Evil 
 One. 
 
 This part of Christ's Ministry, viz., His Death, shows 
 us His great Love. 
 
 Read "A Brother's Love," a ballad for Good Friday, 
 published by Church Printing Company, price \d., \s. td. 
 per 100, and if possible distribute to scholars. 
 
 IV. Good Friday ought to be kept holy. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 Jesus said, " I am among you as He that serveth." 
 Christ's Ministry includes Christ's Death. 
 
 (Forgiveness 
 Guidance 
 Protection. 
 
 We must not seek our own pleasure on Good Friday.
 
 66 
 
 LESSON \XI. 
 
 Eas/tr Day, 
 
 THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. 
 
 (N.B. — This section is simply statement of fact.) 
 Tell Narrative from nicniiii; of Good Friday : — 
 
 Friday evening and Saturday, for us, means the 
 finishing of week's work. Not so with Jews. Picture 
 out Jew's sabbath (began at 6 p.m. on Friday). Bazaars 
 (shops) closed. Everyone preparing to attend, or 
 actually going to, temple or synagogue, as case may 
 be. All days for them, as for us, not alike. This 
 particular day (after Good Friday) what they called 
 a High Day, or great Feast Day. Therefore, no bodies 
 allowed to remain on cross. Must be removed before 
 Sabbath began. General rule for rough men to take 
 down and bury bodies without any service or reverence 
 shown. This is probably what would have happened 
 if someone had not interfered. Who ? Who helped 
 him ? Follow out narrative to holy women's visit to the 
 tomb early on Easter Day. Relate what they found 
 there. 
 
 I. On the First Easter Day our Lord Jesus 
 Christ rose again from the dead. 
 
 Ask why w^e can move about and do things. Because 
 God has given us the Gift of Life. Sometimes we can't 
 do so — when we are ill. What has happened ? The 
 life is weakened. At last death comes. How much can 
 we do then ? Nothing. 
 Teach : — 
 
 Death is stronger than we. 
 Contrast with the above : — Jesus 
 (i) Let death come. 
 
 (2) Went on working. 
 
 (3) Took again His Body and raised it with beautiful 
 
 fulness of life (S. John x. 18). 
 Teach ; —
 
 67 
 
 II. Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He rose from 
 
 the dead, proved that He was stronger 
 than death. 
 
 When two people own the same thing they both have 
 a s/iare in it. 
 
 Emphasize this idea of " a share." 
 
 We share in knowledge by hearing news — Christ's 
 Gospel. 
 
 We share in house by living in it — Christ's Kingdom. 
 
 We share in power by receiving it — Christ's Miracles. 
 
 We share in goodness by being forgiven — Christ's 
 Cross. 
 
 .•. We can also share in Christ's strength. Repeat 
 last objective. And teach; — 
 
 III. Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He rose 
 from the dead, delivered us from the power 
 of death. 
 
 How do we know anyone has really come back when 
 has been away ? See him. The empty tomb would not 
 have been evidence enough of resurrection. Tell about 
 the Jews' plan to prevent this. Must .-. find if anyone 
 saw Jesus risen from the dead. 
 
 (i) Mary Magdalene. 
 
 (3) The Holy Women all together. 
 
 (3) The two disciples on way to Emmaus. 
 
 (4) S. Peter. 
 
 (5) The ten Apostles. And many others later on. 
 
 IV. Our Lord Jesus Christ, when He rose 
 from the dead, appeared to many of His 
 disciples. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 Death is stronger than we. 
 Christ is stronger than death. 
 Christ wants us to share in every part of His Life. 
 
 ,', We can overcome death.
 
 68 
 
 LESSON XXII. 
 
 First Sunday a 'to Easter. 
 
 THE GREAT FORTY DAYS. 
 
 Ask for reason given last Sunday why Christ appeared 
 to His apostles after His Resurrection. 
 
 Find another reason to-day. Read Acts i. 3. First 
 half of verse gives last Sunday's reason. Second half 
 of verse gives to-day's reason, viz., to speak about the 
 Kingdom of God. Repeat first point of Lesson XVII. 
 Think of architect going from place to place instructing 
 builders how to proceed. So Christ now instructs His 
 apostles about His Church. 
 
 Refer to second petition of Lord's Prayer — " Thy 
 Kingdom come." (i) In itself. (2) By conquest. 
 Explain by illustration of beautiful railway engine. 
 
 (i) It must be right in its parts. 
 
 (2) It must start and go on its journey. 
 
 I. Our Lord Jesus Christ, after His Resurrec- 
 tion, taught His Apostles what the work 
 of the Church was to be. 
 
 (a) Why can't all people speak all ^ Because 
 
 wru >i' n 1 1 something 
 
 Why can t all people make up ,- .^yanted— 
 
 medicines ? \ h r ^ 
 
 Why can't all people work machines ? ) '^"owien^e. 
 How can we get knovv ledge? Only through teaching. 
 .'. Church's work is first to teadi. 
 
 {b) Refer to t7vo birthdays in a year (see Lesson 
 XVIII., Section IV). One of these is the birth to the life 
 of an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven, viz., Holy 
 Baptism. .•. Church's work secondl)', is to baptize. 
 
 {c) When scholars in school have done exercise, must 
 have it corrected, Why? Mistakes. "Mistakes" in 
 Kingdom of God are called siirs. Need God's pardon. 
 .*. Church's work thirdly is to pronounce God's forgive- 
 ness to p'eople who are truly sorry for their sins.
 
 69 
 
 II. The Church's work is to teach and baptize 
 people, and to give them the message of 
 God's forgiveness. 
 
 Why won't anyone do for a teacher ? Must have 
 (i) Preparation, (2) Equipment. Explain by quoting 
 the case of a soldier, sailor, builder, &c. 
 
 No one can start a society by himself, to carry on the 
 work of God's great kingdom. The Church must have 
 the preparation and the equipment ; the power to enable 
 her to do her work in the world. For God's work seek 
 God's power. 
 
 After Christ's Ascension the Church had to wait 
 for this power before any work could be begun 
 (S. Luke xxiv. 49). 
 
 III. The Church's work cannot be done without 
 the Power of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 Question out of scholars : — 
 
 For education, go to school, college, &c. 
 
 To be a doctor, go to hospital. 
 
 To be an engineer, go to shops, works, mines, &c. 
 Apply : Many different offices in Church work. 
 
 For every kind of work, go to Confirmation. 
 
 For work of Deacon and Priest, go to Ordination. 
 
 For work of Bishop, go to Consecration. 
 
 IV. The Holy Spirit's Power for work comes 
 in Confirmation, Ordination, and Conse- 
 cration. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 The Church of Christ is to carry on the work of 
 
 Christ. This requires Divine power. 
 Divine Power is given to all at Confirmation. 
 Special Divine power is given to Clergy at 
 Ordination. 
 And again to Bishops at Consecration.
 
 70 
 
 LESSON XXIII. 
 
 Second Sunday tifte) Easter. 
 
 THE CHURCH'S MATERIALS FOR 
 TEACHING. 
 
 Ask for second objective of last Sunday's Lesson. 
 " Teaching'' : How is it done ? 
 
 Ask the children to describe what you are doing at 
 present moment. All teaching (oral) consists in handing 
 on knowledge from brain to brain. Emphasize the 
 process of knowledge (or news) possessed by one person 
 passing; across to brain of another by means of words 
 spoken. So we speak of " telling the news." The Bible 
 recognises this process (see Joel i. 3). Drive this home 
 by illustration of father of family, carpenter, skilled 
 workman possessing valuable tools, giving up business to 
 his son ; hands over tools with business. 
 
 The Church's work is to teach. The first way in which 
 it is done is by handing over the good news (Gospel) 
 from person to person. 
 
 I. The Unwritten Doctrine of Christ's Church 
 
 is called tradition. 
 
 [N.B. — "Tradition " = " patting across," and does not necessarily 
 imply Jiiiy unceitainty of the truth of what is thus "put across."] 
 
 Picture out man full of news, but cannot meet friend. 
 What must he do ? Write a letter. Tell the news in 
 that way. Another man with great deal of knowledge 
 wants to teach not only those alive now, but generations 
 to come. What must he do ? Write it all down. Then 
 gathered up and published as a book. 
 
 When we go to priest's or schoolmaster's study always 
 find bookshelves well filled, because no teacher can do 
 work without knowledge and the knowledge is contained 
 in books. Why is it safer to write down a message than 
 to tell it ? For fear of mistakes, something to refer to. 
 
 II. The Written Doctrine of Christ's Church 
 
 is contained in two books.
 
 71 
 
 When we hear of friends at distance being in danger, 
 we eagerly await tidings. If friends in safety we call it 
 " good tidings." One piece of news universally called 
 "The Good Tidings." Why? (See S. Luke ii. 6-15.) 
 
 The book that tells us the best news will be the best 
 book. What is it ? The Holy Bible is the chief Book of 
 Christ's Church, written under Divine direction by the 
 members of : — 
 
 (i) God's Ancient Church, and (2) Christ's Holy 
 Catholic Church. 
 
 The branch of Christ's Church to which we belong has 
 published another book as companion book to the 
 Holy Bible. What is it ? 
 
 III. These two books are the Holy Bible and 
 the Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 Ask for name of any article in common use, e,g. table, 
 chair. Why made ? To be used. Almost all things are 
 made for use of some kind. Even things which are also 
 beautiful have their special use. 
 
 Emphasize by illustration of bees extracting honey 
 from flower. 
 
 What are books made for ? We must be like the 
 bees. Honey = knowledge. 
 
 Teach that the knowledge of God and His Church 
 can be extracted from Holy Bible. 
 
 And that the knowledge of how to worship God can be 
 extracted from the Book of Common Prayer. But no 
 good to us unless we use them. 
 
 IV. These two books must always be in 
 
 constant use. 
 
 Summarize thus :— 
 
 The Church's duty is to teach. 
 
 The Church's knowledge is partly unwritten and 
 
 partly written. 
 The unwritten part is called the Church's Tradition. 
 The written part consists chiefly of the Holy Bible 
 
 and the Book of Conmion Prayer. 
 The unwritten part must always agree with what 
 
 is written.
 
 7* 
 
 LESSON XXIV. 
 
 Third Sunday after Easter. 
 
 HOLY BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION. 
 
 Ask what (Good Friday. \ Christ died and was 
 
 happened j Good Friday Evening. \ buried; the thirtl day 
 on (Easter Day. J He lose again. 
 
 Sketch out : — 
 
 " Buried " — Let down — Death 
 " Rose again " — Rising up — Life 
 Apply by reference to S. John Baptist at Jordan: 
 Going down into water — Death to old life of sin. 
 Coming up from water — Rising to new life of goodness. 
 Tell quickly narrative of Philip and Queen Candace's 
 Ethiopian treasurer (Acts viii. 26, &c.), dwelling 
 especially on incident of Baptism. 
 
 Why did the man want to be Baptized ? 
 
 (i) Because he wanted to be admitted a member of 
 Christ's Kingdom. 
 
 (2) Because he wanted to be good. 
 
 (3) Because he wanted to have God's help to make 
 
 and keep him good. 
 Repeat third point of Lesson XXIL God's help freely 
 given is called in one word Grace. 
 
 I. Holy Baptism is the first great means of 
 grace. 
 
 Speak of : — 
 
 (i) A little child. Its coats. Why not able to wear 
 the same at six years old as at three ? 
 
 (2) School books. Why not use the same at 
 
 twelve years as at six ? 
 
 (N.B. In each case explain that growth of 
 child brings its special need.) 
 
 (3) Scaffolding set up against great cathedral, or 
 
 ancient church. Why ? Storms and weather 
 have made building weak. Needs strengthen- 
 ing. How is this done ? 
 New cement, mortar, material,"! 
 Taking out worn parts, putting !■ Call this a Renewal. 
 
 in new j 
 Infant brought to Holy Baptism receives beautiful 
 gifts. But as child grows up the brightness of these 
 beautiful gifts wears off. Because of sin. Not really 
 worn out, but appear to be. Must be renewed. We ask 
 God to do this at a special time.
 
 73 
 
 II. Confirmation is the renewal of the "Grace 
 
 of Baptism." 
 
 Ask scholars what they would do before going on long 
 journey. Collect tilings and pack them. 
 
 Ask scholars what they would do before going in for 
 exam. — Many days of hard study. 
 
 Ask scholars what they would do before choosing a 
 profession. Careful thought and many inquiries. 
 
 All of which teaches us everything of importance must 
 be carefully prepared for. 
 
 Apply : God wants some preparation for Holy Baptism 
 and Confirmation. He is going to give His Grace. But 
 we must do something first. 
 
 Ask for answer in Church Catechism to " What did 
 your godfathers," &c., and teach : — 
 
 III. Before Holy Baptism vows of repentance, 
 faith, and obedience must be made. 
 
 Recapitulate second section, laying stress on the fact 
 that what God does for us in Holy Baptism He 
 strengthens iti Cofifiniiation. 
 
 Then teach : — 
 
 What we do before Baptism we must strengthen 
 before Confirmation. 
 
 In passing to the next objective show how the 
 Church's act in making the promises for us was really 
 our own act, but is weak until we strengthen it by 
 making the promises ourselves. 
 
 And conclude : — 
 
 IV. Before Confirmation these three vows 
 
 must be renewed. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 (i) The first thing we 
 do is to make 
 promises to God. 
 
 (2) Our infancy pre- 
 vents our knowing 
 anything about , 
 what we do. 
 
 (3) We .•. renew the 
 promises and 
 thus 
 
 confirm ) ,, 
 strengthen | ^^^^^^ 
 
 / (i) The first Grace God 
 gives is that of the 
 New Birth. 
 (2) Our growth makes us 
 want more help. 
 
 (3) God .". renews His 
 Grace, and thus 
 
 confirms 
 strengthens
 
 74 
 
 LESSON XXV. 
 
 Fointh Suiuftiy aftt') Easter. 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN PROFESSION. 
 
 Show a map with course of big river. Trace it up from 
 sea to source. Then start down again, comparing its 
 course to that of our life. Thus : source (birth), trickHng 
 stream (infancy), broader stream or brook (childhood), 
 little river (youth), big river flowing out to sea (manhood). 
 
 How gradually these stages develop ! 
 
 When in last stage then navigable (explain). 
 
 So also with life in manhood's stage — go out to work. 
 Become useful, choose and follow a profession. 
 
 I. Every Christian has a profession to follow. 
 
 Describe the difference between education at school 
 and afterwards. When leave school stop learning 
 something of everything, and try to learn everything 
 of something. Explain by illustration of boy leaving 
 school to be mechanical engineer — all efforts concentrated 
 on machine and how to apply force, &c. 
 Never succeed unless: — 
 (i) Concentrate attention. 
 (2) Copy those who have done well. 
 Apply by showing that God teaches us : — 
 
 (i) To attend to our profession as a Christian above 
 
 all things. 
 (2) To copy the only Perfect Example. 
 
 II. The profession of every Christian is to 
 follow the example of Christ, and to be 
 made like unto Him. 
 
 Picture out children going to school. How know one 
 from another? Different faces, figures, sizes, walk, &c. 
 But that not all. Each one has different abilities, talents,
 
 75 
 
 powers, gifts from God. Cannot know them at first any 
 more than can judge what the exact course of great river 
 is to be from httle brook. But a time comes when in 
 both cases this can be seen. 
 
 Sketch out two waj^s of taking up a profession, viz. : — 
 (i) Because someone says " you must." 
 (2) Because you say " I want to." This is most 
 likely to succeed. 
 So God wants us to deliberately choose and say " we 
 want " to follow Christ. 
 
 III. We undertake the Christian profession 
 when we say "I do," before our Confir- 
 mation. 
 
 When boy has left school and made his choice, then 
 what ? Must wait for : — 
 
 (i) Work to be provided. 
 (2) Authority to begin it. 
 {3) Knowledge and power to do it. 
 Refer to Parable of Labourers in Vineyard (S. Matthew 
 XX. especially verses 6 and 7). 
 
 A time comes when God says to each, "Go work in My 
 vineyard." 
 
 (i) The work is provided. 
 
 (2) God says we may do it. 
 
 (3) God gives us knowledge and power to do it. 
 
 IV. At our Confirmation the great King gives 
 us our commission as soldiers in His 
 army. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 We all have the same profession. This is to be a 
 
 true Christian. 
 The real work of our profession begins when we are 
 
 confirmed. 
 
 We then have | p^^g^f^^^ } given us to do it.
 
 76 
 LESSON XXVI. 
 
 Rogation Sttni/ay. 
 
 ROGATION-TI D E. 
 
 Point to clock or watch, face has many dividing lines, 
 what for? To divide Time. Ask for the different 
 divisions of Time ? Year, season, month, day, &c., &c. 
 
 Teach : The Church has a year with many divisions, 
 seasons, &c., too. What is the starting point? 
 
 Advent — season of expectation. 
 
 See also : Christmas — season of gladness. 
 
 Lent — season of repentance. 
 
 Easter — season of joy. 
 
 We begin to-morrow a " season " of three days called 
 " Rogation " or " Asking Days." Thus we see 
 
 I. The Church has made provision for a 
 
 special time for prayer. 
 
 Many words have peculiar way of at once implying the 
 opposite. Find some. e.o. cold (heat), winter (summer), 
 &c. Carry this on to some extent leading up to " Time " 
 and " Eternity,' then fully explain use of the correspond- 
 ing adjectives (temporal, eternal). 
 
 Refer to "line of life" (see Lesson X., Section IIL), 
 sketch it again with gate of " Death " (XL, IIL) 
 
 Our wants differ according to place we are in. 
 
 While on earth we need chiefly food, clothing, shelter, 
 education. The Church teaches us we may pray to God 
 our heavenly Father about all these things. 
 
 II. The Rogation Days are days when we 
 
 ought to pray for temporal blessings.
 
 n 
 
 Ask for the four chief needs of earthly life again (see 
 last Section). 
 
 What must we have to secure these things ? Money, 
 
 By what other name is money sometimes known ? 
 Wages. 
 
 When is it called " wages" ? After work. 
 
 So again : Nothing can be provided without work. 
 
 Trace out the provision of food, clothing, &c., and show 
 the work involved in each case, e.g. agriculture, 
 manufactures, &c. Teach that : — 
 
 III. "Work must go hand in hand with prayer. 
 
 Tell scholars about S. Augustine's College, Canterbury, 
 for the training of missionaries. If ask one where he is 
 going, his reply is, " Where I am sent." 
 
 But must know his future before getting his outfit. If 
 Hudson's Bay, very cold. If Central Africa, very hot. 
 Unless he knows his future he will be asking for things 
 that will be of no use to him, only a burden and 
 hindrance. Sure to make mistakes. 
 
 Apply to our prayers : We often feel quite sure we 
 know what we want. But we don't know our future. 
 God alone knows that. Always say, " If it be Thy Will," 
 or " As Thou seest best for us." 
 
 IV. We must pray and work according to 
 God's Will. 
 
 Summarize thus: — 
 
 " Rogation " means " asking." 
 Jesus said, " Ask and it shall be given you." 
 We must work as well as pray. 
 Remember that God knows best.
 
 78 
 
 LESSON XXVIl. 
 
 Sunday after Ascension Day. 
 
 ASCENSION-TIDE. 
 
 Make use again of the straight line to illustrate course of 
 Life. Show seven points, thus : — 
 
 „. I" i '\ r i j I 
 
 Buth. New Work Gate Resur- Ascen- Service 
 Birth. on of rection. sion. in 
 
 earth. Death. heaven. 
 
 Follow these out in Life of Christ, showing that the 
 second point does not apply to our Lord, Who required 
 no New Birth. Also that in His case the first point 
 (Birth) was not the beginning of life as it is with us. 
 
 Ask where we are now in Christian year, and tell 
 narrative of the Ascension (See S. Luke xxiv. 50-53 ; 
 Acts i. 6-12). 
 
 I. Forty days after His Resurrection, our Lord 
 
 Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven. 
 
 Compare two pieces of work — one very small, e.g. 
 making a little box, and the other very great, e.g. building 
 a cathedral. 
 
 How do they differ? Chiefly in number of workmen 
 required. Which of these is best illustration of Christ's 
 work of setting up Kingdom of God on earth? 
 
 Then many workers will be required. Show that this 
 is true (S. Mark iii. 13, &c. ; S. Luke xxiv. 48). 
 
 Refer again to building a cathedral. Very many 
 workmen — some foremen — one architect. 
 
 The architect will often be there to watch progress of 
 the work and give instructions. 
 
 The workmen are not left alone to build how they 
 choose. Read and explain S. Matthew xxviii. 19-20. 
 
 II. Our Lord Jesus Christ still rules and 
 
 directs His Church on earth.
 
 79 
 
 Study very thoroughly the ceremonial set forth in 
 Leviticus xvi. 1-16. Describe this vividly but quickly. 
 
 Explain how this annual entry of the High Priest into 
 Most Holy Place beyond the Veil foreshadowed the 
 Ascension into heaven of our Lord (see Hebrews ix. 
 6-13 and 24). 
 
 Emphasize : Shedding of animal's blood not enough. 
 // must be sprhik/ed within the Veil. So Christ re-enters 
 heaven with the Marks of His Passion upon Him (see 
 Revelation v. 6). 
 
 Thus Christ's Presence there is a Perpetual Memorial 
 of His Sacrifice. 
 
 III. Our Lord Jesus Christ makes a continual 
 
 memorial in Heaven of His sacrifice on 
 
 earth. 
 
 When friendship very close between people it is sad to 
 have to part. 
 
 But sometimes necessary, and sometimes also for the 
 best. Quote S. John xiv. 1-4. 
 
 The purpose of His going made all the difference. 
 Teach : — 
 
 (i) Christ's great desire (S. John xvii. 24). 
 
 (2) Christ's work for this (S. John xiv. 2). 
 
 (3) Our work for this (S. John xii. 26). 
 
 IV. The return of Christ into Heaven makes 
 it clear that it is possible for us to 
 follow Him there. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 / ./Jesus, King of Glory, Jesus, King of Love, 
 ^ ''\Is gone up in triumph, to His Throne above. 
 , V j Praying for His children, in that blessed place, 
 ^ ' I Calling them to glory ; sending them His grace. 
 
 / ^/Hi 
 
 is bright home preparing, faithful ones for you; 
 esus ever liveth, ever loveth too.
 
 8o 
 
 LESSON XXVIII. 
 
 W/iitsun Day. 
 
 WHITSUN-TIDE. 
 
 Refer to beginning of Section IV. of last lesson, viz., 
 parting of friends, sometimes for the best. 
 
 Find another reason for this to-daj'. Read S. John 
 xvi. 6, 7. This is a promise. 
 
 Show how a promise is a " beginning," not an " end." 
 If never fulfilled, then an added disappointment. Illus- 
 trate by case of headmaster promising a holiday. 
 
 Some promises definite — some indefinite. 
 
 Explain how this promise of Christ was both. Viz.: 
 Definite as to the nature of promise. 
 Indefinite as to the time of fulfilment. 
 
 The apostles were to wait patiently. Tell about the 
 ten days of waiting, and describe graphically the scene 
 on morning of Day of Pentecost. 
 
 Ten days after His Ascension into Heaven 
 our Lord Jesus Christ sent the promised 
 Comforter to His Apostles. 
 
 Picture out what kind of " Comfort " Christ might have 
 sent, e.g. 
 
 (i) A letter or a message. This is great comfort 
 
 to man}-. Son awaj' at war writes home. 
 (2) A collection of messages, enough to make a 
 book. 
 But when lonely or in trouble or danger, what do we 
 need most ? Letter, message, book, or a person to be 
 our friend and companion ? 
 
 The Comforter Whom Christ sent was a Person. 
 
 II. The Comforter Whom Christ sent was 
 God the Holy Ghost.
 
 Read S. Luke xiv. 28-33. 
 
 Picture out king needing men. | ^^^ ^^^^^j^^ i^ 
 
 Picture out man buudmg tower need- ,- ,, A j , ,, 
 ing money. ) 
 
 Apply: /'tfw^r is needed. 
 
 Show that another question comes iu, viz., " May I ? " 
 " Have I the right to do it ? " 
 
 Apply: ^/^//^cr//}' is needed. 
 
 Explain carefully this difference between " Power " and 
 "Authority," and teach 
 
 III. The Holy Ghost gave the Apostles both 
 power and authority for their work. 
 
 Return to scene in Upper Room. Realise details of 
 events. 
 
 (i) The noise of rushing wind. Air maintains life. 
 (2) The appearance of flame of fire. The flame 
 gives h'j^/i/. 
 Go back to Christ's Baptism — dove — and further back 
 still to Noah's ark. Dove brings back olive leaf, emblem 
 of peace. 
 
 IV. The Holy Ghost gives the Church life, 
 
 light, and peace. 
 
 Summarize thus: — 
 
 The Promise. 
 Our blest Redeemer, ere He breathed 
 
 His tender last farewell, 
 A Guide, a Comforter, bequeathed 
 With us to dwell. 
 
 TJie Fiiljilinent. 
 He came sweet influence to impart, 
 
 A gracious willing Guest, 
 While He can find one humble heart 
 Wherein to rest. 
 
 Our Constant Prayer. 
 Spirit of purity and grace. 
 
 Our weakness, pitying, see ; 
 O make our hearts Thy dwelling-place. 
 And worthier Thee.
 
 ga 
 
 LESSON XXIX. 
 
 Trinity Sun^iay. 
 
 THE HOLY TRINITY. 
 
 Produce a piece of string. There it is by itself. Add 
 another piece ol equal length. Twist them and leave 
 go one end. Two pieces, but will not staj' together. 
 Add a third piece. Plait them, and leave three ends 
 to which three separate weights could be attached. 
 What is result? 
 
 (i) One strong cord — cannot come apart. 
 
 (2) Three pieces of string, each available for special 
 purpose. 
 
 Apply : This is a little help to understand how an)'- 
 thing cau be one and yet three. 
 
 ■Ask tor the name of to-day. The word " Trinity " has 
 to do with God, .*. speali of Holy Trinity. 
 
 Teach : — 
 
 I. The Holy Trinity means Three Persons in 
 
 One God. 
 
 Ask for name of last book in Bible. How does it 
 differ from other titles'? e.g. Isaiah, Ezra, &c. " Revela- 
 tion " tells us at once what the Book is about. Why '? 
 To reveal = to make clear or plain. How many people 
 saw those wonderful visions '? Only one. Who ? S. 
 John tells us that a door was opened in heaven, and he 
 tells us what he saw there. 
 
 There are three parts in this wonderful Book that 
 tell us how God appeared to S. John. 
 
 The first vision of Heaven : Revelation iv. 1-2. One 
 sitting upon the Throne = God the Father. 
 
 Repeat Creed as far as " Heaven and earth," and get 
 first portion of answer to " What dost thou chiefly 
 learn," &c. 
 
 II. The First Person in the Holy Trinity is 
 
 God the Father, Who made me and all 
 the World.
 
 83 
 
 S. John looks again, sees more (Revelation v. 6). 
 Notice two points : — 
 
 (i) The Lamb bore marks of having been 
 
 " slaughtered" (sacrificial term is used). 
 (2) The Lamb was standing full of life. 
 Ask why lambs were ever slaughtered. (For sacrifice). 
 Refer to the " Passover Lamb." 
 
 Explain that this Lamb in heaven is the " Lamb of 
 God." Who is He? When did He die? Why did He 
 die ? How is He alive ? 
 
 (N.B. — Christ's Person is full of glory. The vision is 
 that of a Lamb, because under that symbol the 
 truth is most easily seen.) 
 
 III. The Second Person in the Holy Trinity 
 is God the Son, Who redeemed me and 
 all mankind. 
 
 Ask for name of last Sunday. What was lesson 
 about? How did we think of Holy Ghost's work? 
 The Wind — Life. The Flame — Light. The Dove — 
 Peace. 
 
 S. John looks again, sees more still (Revelation xxii. i). 
 
 The beautiful clear river proceeding from the Throne 
 of God and of the Lamb. Here we get the symbol of 
 Wafer. 
 
 ( Cleanses. 
 
 We need both. The River = The Holy Sprit. The 
 Source = God Himself. The outlet = Human Life. 
 
 He is willing to come. But we must be willing too. 
 Our door must be open. 
 
 IV. The Third Person in the Holy Trinity is 
 
 God the Holy Ghost, Who is able and 
 willing to make me and all the members 
 of Christ's Church holy. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 There is only One God. 
 
 There are Three Persons in the One True God. 
 The Father made me. The Son redeemed me. The 
 
 Holy Ghost makes me holy. 
 God loves me. 
 I must love and worship God.
 
 84 
 
 LESSON XXX. 
 
 First Sii/iifny <ifttr I'liniiy. 
 
 THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (i). 
 
 PicTiRE out great procession — watch it — at last see 
 herald — hear trumpets — know he goes before the king. 
 
 Apply: S. John Baptist was a heralii. His message 
 (see S. Matthew iii. 2). 
 
 Jesus Christ then came as King, to set up a Kingiiotn, 
 
 If so, find His teacliing about this Kingdom. 
 
 Every kingdom has its charter, in evidence of the 
 contract between the king and his people ; the guarantee 
 from the sovereign of rights and privileges of his 
 subjects. 
 
 The Charter of the Kingdom of Heaven may be found 
 in S. Matthew v., vi., and vii. (Sermon on the Mount). 
 
 [. The Sermon on the Mount is the charter 
 
 of the Kingdom of Heaven. 
 
 Ask about Christ's Life, <?._4'- 
 quickly over nine points 
 Beatitudes ") : — 
 
 Jesus : 
 
 (i) Led a simple life. \ 
 
 How did He come? Run 
 Apply (quoting " the 
 
 (2) Had many sorrows. 
 
 (3) Was meek before 
 His judges. 
 
 Was ahvaj's hungry 
 to do His Father's 
 Will. 
 
 Was very merciful. 
 
 Did no sin. 
 
 Was a peacemaker. 
 
 (4) 
 
 (5) 
 (6) 
 (7) 
 
 (8) Endured persecu- 
 
 tion. 
 
 (9) Was condemned by 
 
 men. 
 
 '(i) Blessed. 
 
 (2) „ . 
 
 (3) .. • 
 
 (4) » • 
 
 (9) 
 
 ..poor in 
 
 spirit. 
 ..mourn. 
 ,.meek. 
 
 ..hunger, &c. 
 
 (5) , 
 
 ...merciful. 
 
 (6) , 
 
 ...pure. 
 
 (7) . 
 
 ...peace- 
 
 
 makers 
 
 (8) , 
 
 ...persecuted 
 
 .reviled.
 
 8s 
 
 The Charter begins by showing the character of the 
 citizens. 
 
 II. The citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven 
 must be like their King. 
 
 Why are some days darker than otliers ? — Clouds 
 between us and sun. What does darlcness prevent ? — 
 Seeing our way. Clouds like ignorance. Want more 
 light. Lantern, in darkness, shows us the path. 
 
 Refer to Lesson XXVI IL, Section IV. Holy Spirit 
 comes (as flame) to give light. 
 
 Teach : Every Christian is to be a candle, to give 
 light, i.e. to show others how to be Christians too. 
 
 III. Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that 
 we are to be the light of the world. 
 
 Refer again to days that are dark. Clouds, bringing 
 darkness, are sometimes not ignorance, but sin. Bad 
 apple corrupts others and spreads decay. Something 
 needed to prevent corruption. 
 Teach : — 
 The Bible symbol for this is salt. Salt keeps things 
 pure and good. One bad boy or girl can do much 
 harm. So also one good boy or girl can do much 
 good, and help to keep others pure. 
 
 IV. Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that 
 we are to be the salt of the earth. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 We are, by Holy Baptism, Members of Christ's 
 
 Kingdom. 
 
 Our life must be like the King's life. 
 
 Trials now, happiness hereafter. 
 
 " Lieht " 1 
 
 " S 1 1 " ( ''^i^i'^d us of our duty.
 
 86 
 LESSON XXXI. 
 
 Second Sitndirv lifter frifiity. 
 
 THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (2). 
 
 Ask tor the cliief need in following cases: — Time of war 
 (generals) ; trial (judges) ; some great scheme (master) ; 
 country to be governed (Parliament). 
 
 But not so in the East, k'i/ig did all this. Authority 
 absolute. Not questioned by anybody. 
 
 When anything is said generally three points to 
 consider, viz. : — 
 
 (i) What is said. \ Apply to Sermon 
 
 (2) Who says it. [ on the Mount (see 
 
 (3) What right he has to say it. J S.Matt. vii.28, 29). 
 
 Our Lord Jesus Christ taught the people as 
 One Who had the authority of an Eastern 
 King. 
 
 Our police. Why are they with us ? When fear 
 them ? When not ? Read and explain Romans xiii. 1-5. 
 
 Teach : The citizen's first duty is to keep his country's 
 laws. Refer to the title " Charter of Kingdom." Will 
 have reference to the country's laws. 
 
 So now find Jesus going straight to the Old Lazu. 
 Whose ? When given ? By whom ? What does Christ 
 say about this ? S. Matthew v. 17 ("fulfil " = "fill full," 
 e.g. of meaning.) 
 
 So different from some new masters, who sweep away 
 all old regulations. Christ confirms God's law. 
 
 II. The first duty of a citizen of the Kingdom 
 of Heaven is to keep the King's 
 Commandments.
 
 87 
 
 When things are difficult in school, want explanatioti. 
 Two things always necessary: (i) to know, and (2) to 
 understand. Apply to " Commandments," and show 
 that each Commandment stands upon something larger, 
 viz., the Will of God. .•. To " understand " the 
 Commandment we must reach the Will of God. 
 
 Show how Christ takes the Commandments and 
 explains them, thereby revealing God's Will^ e.g., ch. v. 
 21 and following verses. 
 
 Explain by illustration of road, starting point = 
 "anger," the end = " murder." 
 
 God's Will = not to travel at all on this road. 
 
 Teach : Every sin starts by the person thinking about 
 it. Refer to third baptismal vow. 
 
 Ill, The King's Commandments must be kept 
 in thought as well as in act. 
 
 Sometimes we say " Eleven Commandments." Why ? 
 A new one, see S. John xiii 34. 
 
 Example is a better teacher than precept. 
 
 Relate incident told in S. John xiii. 1-18. 
 
 Remember: Jesus always "shows us how." 
 
 Tell very briefly the way in which Christ has shown us 
 how to forgive. S. Luke xxiii. 33, 34. 
 
 IV. Our Lord Jesus Christ has shown us how 
 to forgive our enemies. 
 
 Summarize thus: — 
 
 i(i) Rules His Kingdom Himself. 
 (2) Fills the Ten Commandments with new 
 meaning, lire, and power. 
 (3) Adds one new Commandment. 
 (4) Shows us how to keep them.
 
 88 
 
 LESSON XXXII. 
 
 Third Sunday nftei Trinity. 
 
 THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (3). 
 
 Picture out vividly: 
 
 (i) Temple treasury, chests with trumpet-shaped 
 mouths. Rows of them. What for? Sec S. Mark xii. 41. 
 
 (2) The aspect of Jerusalem in our Lord's time. 
 Verj^ narrow streets, archways, camels laden with mer- 
 chandise. Street corners the most conspicuous position. 
 See some men standing with uplifted hands, remaining 
 long time, "saying prayers." Bni why f here ? 
 
 (3) Men walking about city with drawn faces, un- 
 washed, traces of suffering as though half-starved. 
 What doing ? Fasting ? Not really. All these 
 pretending to do these things. We call such people 
 hypocrites. 
 
 Teach : God sees through pretence. He wants all our 
 service to be real. 
 
 I. The citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven must 
 serve God with his whole heart. 
 
 Take the above three thoughts again in this way : — 
 
 (1) God has given us many \ God must have His 
 
 gifts. I portion of all. 
 
 W' e have got other things :" The tenth is God's, 
 by our efforts. ) = our almsgiving. 
 
 (2) Conversation is only possible when we are with 
 
 people. Prayer is only possible when we 
 realise God's Presence. 
 
 (3) Our desires {"■ I tuant''), like wild \ 
 
 horses, must be broken in. f Discipline. 
 
 Our appetites and passions, like ;" Fasting, 
 wild horses, must be broken in. j 
 
 II. Almsgiving, prayer, and fasting are three 
 important parts of the duty of every 
 Christian.
 
 89 
 
 Imagine a contest, number of people, a distant object, 
 e.g: a telegraph pole. Who can walk straightest to it ? 
 What would be necessary ? Keep your eyes fixed on the 
 pole all the time. The moment you look at something 
 else you swerve in your course. " The lamp of the 
 body is the eye." 
 
 Teach : The soul has an eye too, viz., the will or 
 intention. Whatever you set out to ^o,go straight for it., 
 i.e. let your intention be to do that one thing. Fix your 
 will on it. 
 
 III. Every act of every Christian must have a 
 right motive to start with. 
 
 Consider three things : — 
 (i) Birds and their habits. Tell some bird stories, 
 or show portion of old bird's nest. 
 
 (2) Flowers and their beauty. Show a rose. 
 
 (3) Grass and its abundance. In Eastern countries 
 
 grows rank and tall. One day green and 
 growing, then cut, dried, and used as fuel for 
 heating oven. 
 Teach : God cares for all these. How much more for 
 us. Have no anxious care. 
 
 IV. The birds, the flowers, and the grass all 
 teach us to trust our Heavenly Father to 
 provide for our needs. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 / (i) Give a tenth part of our money to God. 
 
 (2) Pray earnestly and sincerely to God. 
 
 We J (3) Keep ourselves under discipline by self- 
 must I denial. 
 
 (4) Do everything to God's glory. 
 
 (5) Not be anxious about the future. 
 
 Remember : God cannot bear any pretence.
 
 90 
 
 LESSON XXXIII. 
 
 Fourth Sunday after Trinity. 
 
 THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (4). 
 
 Shew how many common objects Christ made use of in 
 His teaching, especially in this sermon, e.^r. salt, light, 
 candle, bushel, eye, hand, footstool, hair, coat, cloak, 
 rain, trumpet. 
 
 To-day take another, viz. : wood. 
 
 Question out of scholars some of the many different 
 ways in which wood is used. 
 
 |(i) Great oak girder = j 
 
 ,,, , . J the beam. L S. Matthew 
 
 Work up to 1^^^ Little tiny splinter = vii. 3. 
 
 ^ the mote. -' 
 
 Our Lord imagines two men ("brothers" in widest 
 sense of the word). 
 
 Teach: The wood = what is wrong in each life. The 
 beam judges (or blames) the mote (splinter). 
 
 Let us first look within, and clear away the beam. 
 
 I. Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us that 
 
 before condemning others we should 
 examine ourselves. 
 
 This wonderful sermon takes us next to two anitnals. 
 
 Must firpt remember that the Jews had been taught 
 ages before to make a difference between animals. 
 Some were " clean," others " unclean." Among the 
 latter were dogs and swine (hence Gentiles called 
 "dogs"). 
 
 Christ thinks of these animals as representing people, 
 but not different jiaiions. 
 
 The distinction drawn is between reverent and 
 irreverent people. 
 
 God cannot trust His belongings to irreverent people 
 (see S. Matthew vii. 6). 
 
 II. We ought always to be very reverent 
 
 when we use sacred words or things.
 
 91 
 
 in school life have inspections and 
 Something for children to 
 
 Because examiner wants 
 
 Every year 
 examinations. 
 
 How are they conducted ? 
 write, or say, or do. 
 
 Ask: Why not to think? 
 outward signs of knowledge. 
 
 Apply : God also demands outwara signs of our 
 Christianity. 
 
 Every good tree bears fruit (S. Matthew vii. 17). 
 Each Christian's life is a Bible to the world. 
 
 If we believe in God and love Him, we must show it 
 openly by " saying " and " doing." 
 
 III. Every Christian is judged by God and 
 men according to his works. 
 
 All days and times are not alike for any kind of work. 
 Think of pushing a barrow. Uphill or downhill makes 
 a great difference. 
 
 Apply : There are times of difficulty in trying to do 
 good (read S. Matthew vii. 24-28). The "storms" 
 — " wind "— are times of temptation (trial). 
 
 Teach : To build upon the Rock means to be honestly 
 trying to do what Jesus tells us we ought to do. 
 
 IV. The only way to be safe is to try to 
 carry out the teaching of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 Summarize thus :-
 
 92 
 
 LKSSON XXXIV. 
 
 Fifth Stifuiiiy iiftcr Tnttity, 
 
 THE OLD TESTAMENT: (i) THE 
 PATRIARCHS. 
 
 Recap, briefly Lesson II., drawing out from scholars the 
 four chief points. 
 
 The Church's seasons have caused us to be learning 
 much about our Saviour. 
 
 Since Trinity Sunday we have been learning about 
 Christ's Kingdom. 
 
 Now we go back to the beginning and see the pre- 
 paration for all this. 
 
 What nation did Christ belong to ? Every nation has 
 its beginning ; its history can be traced back to some 
 notable men who were the fathers of the race. 
 
 Teach: Such men are called " Patriarchs " = Chief 
 Fathers. 
 
 The chief patriarchs of the people of God 
 are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 
 
 Produce map of Babylonia and Syria (or make rough 
 sketch of map in class). Ur was the capital and also the 
 holy city of Chaldea to the south of Babylonia. 
 
 Describe : (i) Verj' busy city — rich fertile district — 
 said to be the only place in the world where wheat grows 
 wild — network of canals — people enriching themselves — 
 very wrong ideas about religion — many astronomers — 
 worshipped the heavenly bodies — offered human sacri- 
 fices — many forms of idolatry. 
 
 (2) Emigration of Terah and his family to Haran 
 (400 miles north), now a village called by same name, 
 inhabited by a few Arabs. 
 
 Teach : There God teaches Abraham to think about 
 Himself.
 
 93 
 II. Abraham learned to believe in one God. 
 
 One day Abraham heard God's Voice telling him great 
 tidings about his t'ature. 
 
 (i) Something that he was to do. 
 (2) Something that he was to be. 
 (i) He was to go away and find Canaan, where 
 
 Jesus was to be born one day. 
 (2) He was to be the ancestor (explain) of a great 
 
 nation, which was to learn God's will, and be 
 
 prepared for the family to come of which 
 
 Jesus was to be a member. 
 
 III. God called Abraham to begin to prepare 
 for the coming of Jesus Christ. 
 
 Abraham left Haran at once and arrived at place 
 (Canaan) indicated by God (show map). 
 
 No s joner settled there than famhie occurred. Then 
 to Egypt. But soon back again. This time to stay. 
 
 Apply : So often there is something God calls us to 
 leave. It is hard to give it up — we need courage. 
 
 We can't see the good of it now — we need faith. 
 
 IV. We must try to have the courage and 
 faith of Abraham ourselves. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 The whole of the Bible consists of God's plan of 
 
 salvation. 
 The Old Testament history is the preparation for 
 
 the Coming of Christ. 
 The Jewish nation begins with Abraham. 
 God sent Abraham to the Holy Land, 
 Abraham had courage and faith to obey God.
 
 94 
 
 LESSON XXXV. 
 Si.v//t Stniiiiiv after Triiiify. 
 
 THE OLD TESTAMENT: (2) ABRAHAM'S 
 TEST. 
 
 Ask about last Sunday's lesson. Question out of 
 scholars the early features of Abraham's life. Why did 
 God call him ? How did he show his (i) courage ; 
 and (2) faith? 
 
 Supppose it is desired to lift heavy weight, c.o. great 
 blocks of stone, or a " lift " full of passengers. Must 
 have a chain. Chain must be strong enough. Should 
 be tested. New chain no use, not safe until this has 
 been done. 
 
 Tell the story of David and Saul's armour (i Samuel 
 xvii. 38-39). 
 
 I. We can only be sure of anything being 
 very strong when it has first been put to 
 a really great test. 
 
 Tell the narrative of Genesis xxii. to verse 11. Make it 
 vivid and real. 
 
 Teach : Abraham's obedience was tested by the nature 
 of God's command. 
 
 Abraham's faith was tested by the fulfilment of God's 
 promise being only possible if Isaac lived (see Genesis 
 xvii. 19, 20, 21). 
 
 II. God tried Abraham's obedience and faith 
 by the greatest possible test. 
 
 Continue the narrative from verse 11 to verse ig. 
 Note :— 
 (i) The trial was a great one, but Abraham bore it 
 well.
 
 95 
 
 (2) God " proved " him to be His faithful servant. 
 
 (3) God rewarded him by providing deliverance 
 
 from death for his son. 
 
 III. The ram that Abraham sacrificed was a 
 type of Christ's death upon the Cross. 
 
 Ask why anyone should ever go to school. 
 Dwell on this and get several answers, making scholars 
 realise the condition of things without any school-time. 
 
 f(i) Because of the life that is to 
 follow. 
 (2) Because of the place to be taken 
 m the world. 
 1 (3) To make us fit for service. 
 Take again the illustration of " Line of Life." 
 
 First part of line = preparation for all that lies beyond 
 death. 
 
 Apply : This preparation is like school. Full of 
 " trials " and examinations. 
 
 ((i) For the life to follow. 
 (2) For the place we are to take in heaven. 
 (3) To make us fit for service. 
 
 IV. We must be ready to be tested by what- 
 ever trial God may think well to send us. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 I (i) Loved Isaac. 
 
 Abraham J (2) Looked to Isaac to continue the 
 
 ( race. 
 
 Au u ™) f Obedience was greater than his love. 
 Abrahams h t- -tu ^ j.u u- 
 
 \ Faith was stronger than his reason. 
 
 God was testing Abraham. 
 
 God will test us too.
 
 96 
 LKSSON XXXVI. 
 
 Seventh Su/ii/ny after Trinity. 
 
 THE OLD TESTAMENT: (3) THE 
 BIRTHRIGHT AND THE BLESSING. 
 
 Give an instance ol succession to throne ; or some local 
 
 succession to title, or property. 
 
 Why ? Because of Birth. It is the " Birthright^ 
 Teach : In times of Israelites this birthright was of 
 
 very great importance. If father was dead (or away) the 
 
 eldest son was unquestionably great, ^.i^. 
 (i) He was the ruler of the family. 
 
 (2) He was the heir to twice as much as any other 
 
 son. 
 
 (3) He was the one to speak to God, and for God = 
 
 the priest of the family. 
 
 (4) He was (in Abraham's and Isaac's line) One more 
 
 link to Jesus Christ. 
 So many precious things — all to be valued very highly. 
 
 I. The Birthright of the eldest son was a very 
 sacred possession to be kept with the 
 utmost care. 
 
 Show that everyone has something of a birthright, viz., 
 claim on parents for food — clothing — education — shelter. 
 
 Show that ive have a second birthdav (see Lesson 
 XVIII., Section IV.) and .-. another Birthright. 
 
 What is this? We can claim from our Heavenly 
 Father the spiritual food — clothing (armour) — teaching 
 — home — of Christ's Church. 
 
 Besides: A new relationship — God's adopted child — 
 one of the family. Nothing can be so precious. It must 
 be kept, and not lost.
 
 97 
 
 II. Our Birthright as Baptized persons is to 
 be held sacred, and preserved at all costs. 
 
 Tell some story of a watch, or jewels, being stolen 
 or lost. 
 
 Make your class realise how easy it is to lose precious 
 things (jewels, or character, &c.). 
 
 Then take the narrative in Genesis xxv. 27 to end. 
 
 Describe the scene as vividly as possible, dwelling on 
 it and pointing out that the natural desire of the flesh 
 became a " sinful lust," thus working up to the third 
 objective : — 
 
 III. Esau thought little of his birthright and 
 sold it to satisfy his hunger. 
 
 Teach : Every sin has not only its consequences now, 
 but also its loss to us hereafter, if not sincerely 
 repented of. 
 
 Sometimes we can never make things quite right again, 
 e.g. lost opportunities. 
 
 Tell narrative of Genesis xxvii. 1-37 quickly. 
 
 Teach : All this was permitted by God because Esau 
 had despised his birthright. 
 
 No man can lose his birthright and yet have His 
 blessing. 
 
 IV. If we despise our birthright now, we shall 
 lose our Heavenly Father's blessing here- 
 after. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 Our baptism was a new birth. 
 Our new birthright is very precious. 
 If we lose it we lose God's blessing. 
 We must constantly renounce all the sinful lusts of 
 the flesh. 
 
 G
 
 98 
 
 LHSSON XXXVII. 
 
 Eii^hth Si/nii,iy afler Trinity. 
 
 THE OLD TESTAMENT: 4) JACOB AND 
 GODS PROVIDENCE. 
 
 Ask for " perfect numbers" in Bible (see Lesson XVI., 
 Section I.). 
 
 Ask for subject of last Sunday's lesson. Two men. 
 One sold something to the other. 
 
 Teach: Jacob became possessor of birthright and 
 .-. was the link to coming of Christ. 
 
 Must follow up his history. 
 
 Describe very briefly Jacob's wanderings — in exile 
 fourteen years — his return — at last able to settle down 
 and have a home — later on had a large family. 
 
 Ask again for third perfect number, viz. : twelve. 
 Jacob had twelve sons. What was title given to the chief 
 or ruling fathers .'- Patriarch. 
 
 I, Jacob had twelve sons who became Patriarchs 
 of the Israelites. 
 
 Tell the story of Genesis xxxvii. 
 
 (i) Describe very briefly verses 1-12. 
 (2) Describe vividly and fully the rest of chapter, 
 dwelling especially on Joseph's dcHverance 
 from danger. 
 Apply to ourselves and teach : — 
 
 II. God can take care of us, even when we 
 are in great danger 
 
 The scene is changed. Joseph now a great man. 
 Second only to king.
 
 99 
 
 Tell story of Genesis xlii. and note 
 
 (i) That if Joseph had not gone to Eg}'pt there 
 would have been no storing up of corn. 
 
 (2) It was Joseph's gift of interpreting dreams, and 
 
 his wisdom in making great stores of corn, 
 that enabled him to save the lives of those 
 who came to him. 
 
 (3) That Jacob and his other sons were really at 
 
 the last extremity for food. 
 
 (4) That upon Jacob's family depended the con- 
 
 tinuance of the Blessing (The coming of 
 Christ). 
 
 III. God's providence orders all things for the 
 safety and welfare of His people. 
 
 A little later— Great procession of waggons going to 
 Canaan to fetch Jacob and his belongings. All his sons 
 and their relations — much cattle also. Picture out their 
 journey and arrival. Joseph drove to meet them. The 
 greeting and the arrangement made for them to live in 
 land of Goshen. There they lived for some centuries. 
 Now go back and show that the first stage of journey 
 brought Jacob to his Jirs^ home (Beer-sheba). 
 
 What memories of his sin there ! But God appeared 
 in a dream and comforted him (see Genesis xlvi. i, 2, 3). 
 Read what God said to Jacob. 
 
 IV. The Israelites in Egypt grew into a great 
 nation to prepare for the coming of Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 God's promises always come true. 
 
 God has promised to take care of His children. 
 
 God knows best how to do this. 
 
 We need never be afraid.
 
 100 
 
 LESSON xxxvm. 
 
 Nintli Sunday aj/rr Trinity. 
 
 THE OLD TESTAMENT : 
 (5) GOD SEPARATES HIS PEOPLE. 
 
 Ask how the people of God came to settle in Ep;ypt, 
 and let the scholars tell you the leading points of last 
 lesson. 
 
 That Pharaoh had been kind to them. But long after- 
 wards another Pharaoh was cruel — used them as slaves 
 — Cruel bondage. 
 
 It was impossible to "serve God" while they were in 
 this condition. 
 
 Shew how God helped them by sending a man — Moses. 
 
 Describe briefly : — 
 (i) The early life of Moses (Exodus ii). \ And see 
 
 (2) His call (Exodus iii). ' also 
 
 (3) The exodus from Egypt (Exodus vii. f Acts. 
 
 to XV.) J vii. 
 
 The first thing God did for His people was 
 to make them free from their bondage to 
 another master. 
 
 A child in locked-up room. 
 
 A prisoner in a prison. [What is the matter with 
 
 A fly in a spider's web. I all these ? 
 
 A dog chained up. J 
 
 Teach : They cannot live their true life until released. 
 Must be set free from bondage. 
 
 The first prayer in Office for Holy Baptism speaks of 
 this deliverance (quote). 
 
 See also Psalm cxix. 32 (Praj'erBook Version). 
 
 Apply : We must be set free from our bondage to 
 Satan. 
 
 II. The passage of the Israelites through the 
 Red Sea is a type of Christian Baptism.
 
 Show how changed the conditions were as soon as the 
 Red Sea had been crossed. 
 
 No king whom they must obey save God. 
 
 No work which they tnust do save what God told them 
 to do. 
 
 But how should they learn God's Will for them ? 
 
 Describe fully the magnificent scene of the giving of 
 the Law (Exodus xix. and xx). 
 
 Tell your class of the many chapters of detailed 
 instructions for the life of the people which follow. Give 
 a few instances. 
 
 III. The second thing God did for His people 
 was to give them laws which were to 
 guide their life. 
 
 When the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea were they 
 at home? No, far from it — they were only just starting 
 out for their real home. 
 
 The Promised Land was to be very different from the 
 wilderness. But they should reach it if they would keep 
 God's laws. 
 
 Go back again to Holy Baptism. This set us free and 
 enabled us to make a start. But we are never to feel 
 really " at home " on earth. Only travellers to a better 
 land. We shall reach it if we do as God tells us. 
 
 IV. We cannot come to the Heavenly Canaan 
 unless we keep our baptismal vows. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 God's people were ( We were in bondage, 
 
 in bondage. 
 
 /(i) Deliverance 
 vj^,^ I from Satan's 
 God gave | (i) Freedom, j has ] kingdom. 
 
 them ( (2) Laws. , given \ (2) Command- 
 
 ments to 
 guide our 
 life. 
 
 They gained these by cross- We gain these by being 
 ing the Red Sea. \ Baptized.
 
 LESSON XXXIX. 
 
 Tenth Sunday <tftt-r Trinity. 
 
 THE OLD TESTAMENT: (6) GOD'S 
 PROMISE FULFILLED. 
 
 Ask again about tlie great purpose of God's promise to 
 Abraham, viz., to malic ready a Nation from whom 
 sliould come the Saviour. Trace the progress of this 
 purpose so far: (i) Abraham called out; (2) the three 
 patriarchs; (3) the twelve patriarchs ; (4) the nation. 
 
 Ask what God had done for the nation (see last lesson). 
 Freedom and Laws. 
 
 Now one more thing is necessary for God's promise to 
 be really made good. 
 
 Think of " our home." How we love to get to it when 
 sick or weary. 
 
 The people must have a home. God's promise to 
 Abraham included this. 
 
 I. The third thing God did for His people was 
 
 to give them a land to dwell in. 
 
 Show the children two maps of Canaan, viz., before 
 and after conquest of country. 
 
 Point out the difterent names of districts in the two 
 maps. 
 
 Describe the kind of scenerj- — very fruitful laud. 
 
 Suppose we arrive at beautiful park with house. 
 Expect to find an owner — probably somebody there. 
 
 Explain : When Israelites crossed Jordan, they did 
 not find the land empty. If was full of strong men, 
 some of them giants ; and they had to fight for every 
 bit of the land if they wished to have it and keep it. 
 
 Apply : So in Church of Christ, we find manj' great 
 spiritual enemies to fight against. 
 
 II. The land that God gave to His people was 
 
 full ot strong men, whom they had to 
 overcome.
 
 103 
 
 Picture out : — 
 A home needs father and mother. ] So also a wat 
 A business needs master. needs a 
 
 A court of law needs judge. j general. 
 
 Teach : — 
 
 God had sent Moses before (the Lawgiver), now He 
 sends Joshua, the great general. 
 Study carefully Joshua vi. 1-21, and tell the narrative 
 to your class, making the perseverance and confidence 
 of the people the chief points. 
 
 Day after day with no result. Yet they trusted God to 
 do it. God would teach them that all victories come 
 from Him. 
 
 III. The first engagement with the enemy 
 was a lesson to the Israelites in faith. 
 
 See Joshua's directions to people about the spoil (verses 
 17, 18, igi. Think of the thousands of his troops. Yet 
 one mafi who had disobeyed these orders was speedily 
 found out. 
 
 Study carefully Joshua vii., and tell narrative briefly. 
 Note the chief point, viz., God cannot fight for His 
 people when sin is in their midst. 
 
 We must obey God if we want His help. 
 
 IV. The second engagement with the enemy 
 was a lesson to the Israelites in 
 obedience. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 God gave His people \ Christ's Church is our 
 
 a home. 
 This home contained 
 
 home. 
 There are many enemies. 
 
 many enemies. 
 The enemies could be I We can overcome them 
 
 driven out by faith by faith and obedi- 
 
 and obedience. j ence.
 
 104 
 
 LESSON XL. 
 
 Eltiienth Sunday after Trinity. 
 
 THE OLD TESTAMENT: (7) THE 
 
 DIVISION OF THE LAND. 
 
 Picture: out I'eople of God trying to conquer the 
 inhabitants of Canaan. Who was leading thcni ? What 
 were the conditions of success ? Faith and obedience. 
 (See last lesson.) 
 
 Produce map or sketch. Show Jericho and Ai, and 
 then describe how the conquest spread until it was 
 practically finished. 
 
 Ask : What was to be done now ? Whose was the 
 laud ? Belonged to People of God. Yes, but cannot 
 settle matters like that. Evetyone has to have his 07vn 
 house, and then living becomes possible. So Joshua had 
 to divide the land. 
 
 Explain : So much to each tribe. The tribe would 
 divide it up again, and so on. 
 
 Apply: It is the same with our lives: — Church, 
 province, diocese, deanery, parish, home, special work. 
 
 I. Every member of Christ's Kingdom has 
 
 his own place given to him. 
 
 Take an instance of our armies going against foreign 
 foe — victory — land annexed. Difficult to expel all old 
 inhabitants, and to abolish all old customs and 
 associations. 
 
 Apply to Joshua : many enemies still left, many idols, 
 altars, &c. All these still to be dealt with. 
 
 Joshua charged the people to cleanse their own bit of 
 land from these, and keep it for God. Each tribe was to 
 be responsible for their portion (see Joshua xxiii and xxiv). 
 
 Apply to ourselves : Our place in life is a responsibility. 
 W'e are stewards. We must (1) expel evil; {z) keep our 
 part true to God. 
 
 II. The place that God gives us is to be 
 
 kept carefully as part of His Kingdom.
 
 105 
 
 Go back to Israelites in Wilderness, and picture out 
 the people's tents. There was one tent that no man 
 lived in. It was for God's Presence = " Tabernacle." 
 The people used to assemble outside this tent to " go to 
 church." 
 
 Now that the Promised Land was reached, this tent 
 was fixed at Shiloh, and people used to come to Shiloh 
 from every part of the land as often as they could. 
 
 Apply thus : Draw a circle, mark the centre, and make 
 strokes from circumference to centre. The centre 
 represents God's House. 
 
 A wheel cannot do its work if spokes be broken. We 
 cannot do our work if we are not in close connexion 
 with God. 
 
 III. "Wherever we may be we are always to 
 be continually drawing near to God. 
 
 Show map again, point out portion allotted to Reuben, 
 Gad, and half of Manasseh. 
 Study carefullj' Joshua xxii. 
 
 Tell the narrative quickly, noticing especially : — 
 (i) The Israelites' wrong impression. 
 
 (2) Their indignation and resolve to go to war. 
 
 (3) Their immense relief at finding out their 
 
 mistake. 
 
 (4) The importance to Christians of being one 
 
 outwardly as well as inwardly. 
 
 IV. When we worship God publicly we 
 should try to meet all together in one 
 place. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 (i) The world must be conquered for God. 
 
 (2) We are to do it with Christ as our Captain. 
 
 (3) Each member of Christ's Kingdom must do his 
 
 little bit. 
 
 (4) We find our little bit wherever our life is placed. 
 
 (5) To accomplish it we must work together. 
 
 (6) To work together we must worship together.
 
 io6 
 
 LESSON XLI. 
 
 Tvflft/i Sunday after Tn'ttify. 
 
 THE OLD TESTAMENT : (8) 
 GODS PEOPLE BECOME A KINGDOM. 
 
 Produce map. Point out (i) Haran, (2) Egypt, (3) 
 Wilderness, (4) Canaan. Ask for chief events (mentioned 
 in recent lessons) connected with these places, and what 
 part these events play in " Goifs Plan of Rt'demption." 
 Especially dwell on these three facts, viz. : — 
 (i) The deliverance from bondage. 
 
 (2) The giving of the Law. 
 
 (3) The conquest and division of the Promised 
 
 Land. 
 
 I. God gave to His people (i) Freedom ; (2) Laws 
 to live by ; (3) A Land to live in. 
 
 Ask what we call persons who are alwaj's wanting 
 what they have not got — discontented. 
 
 Show that the Israelites were like this. Many times in 
 wilderness they " murmured " — wanted meat, water, &c. 
 
 So now, after they had settled down in Canaan, and 
 God had helped them to conquer all their enemies, they 
 " murmured " for a king: 
 
 Tell the children about Samuel, his life (very briefly), 
 especially i Samuel viii. 4 to end. 
 
 Teach : It was part of God's plan that Jesus should be 
 born of a Royal Family. 
 
 II. The people of God became a Kingdom, 
 with a King: to rule over them. 
 
 Take the lives of any two (or more) kings, e.g., Saul, 
 David, Ahab, Hezekiah.
 
 107 
 
 Study those you select, and show that victory in battle 
 never once depended upon earthly power, but only upon 
 moral character. Show again that it was the same with 
 "prosperity" as with "power," e.g. Solomon (see 
 I Kings iii. 4-16). 
 
 Riches, plenty, everything of this kind, was the 
 consequence of loyalty to God. 
 
 III. The power and prosperity of the Kin,g are 
 great if he obey God, but little if he 
 disobey Him. 
 
 "To be a king." The first thought generally is that it 
 means " I can do what I like." "There is no one above 
 me to say ' No.' " Describe how this was especially the 
 case with Eastern monarchs. Authority absolute, no 
 questioning king's decision — power of life and death, 
 &c., cSrc. 
 
 Apply to ourselves : Each " self" is a kingdom, ruled 
 over by king, our own will. 
 
 Teach : We cajt do what we like. God does not 
 co))ipel anyone to be good. 
 
 But remember our happiness depends upon our not 
 doing what we like, but what God likes. 
 
 IV. Our will is like an Eastern King, but it 
 ought always to be ready to give way 
 to the Will of God. 
 
 Summarize thus :^ 
 
 (i) God allowed His people to have an earthly king. 
 
 (2) God permits us to have a will of our own. 
 
 (3) God promises us His blessing so long as we 
 
 obey Him. 
 
 (4) Always pray " Thy Will be done."
 
 io8 
 
 LESSON XLII. 
 
 Thirteenth Sunday after T?!nify. 
 
 THE OLD TESTAMENT: (9) THE 
 CAPTIVITY. 
 
 Ask where been spending holidays. Some been out in 
 country. See great waggons loaded up with r.orn of all 
 kinds, wheat, barley, oats, beans, &c. Meet these 
 waggons on road going from field to farmyard. Crops 
 stacked and thatched, pretty to look at, but no use yet. 
 Later on stack broken up. Threshing machine set going. 
 Why ? Because grain must be got out. All other parts, 
 such as straw and chalT, separated off. 
 
 (If teaching town children try to secure a few pictures 
 of above scenes.) 
 
 I. Harvest time reminds us that the chaff 
 must be separated from the grain before 
 the corn can be used. 
 
 Return once more to the " wanderings in the wilder- 
 ness." When God's people were there they all had 
 wonderful privileges. Study i Corinthians x. 1-6, emphasis 
 is on "■air'' in each sentence. No one was left out when 
 God worked His wonders by Moses in giving water, 
 manna, &c. 
 
 But explain: All God's people were not reaWy people 
 of God. Many were like the straw and chaff. These 
 jnust be weeded out. 
 
 Show : God's method of separating chaff from grain is 
 through discipline. 
 
 All through history of Israel we find this discipline, e.f;: 
 famine, defeat in battle, plagues. 
 
 II. God sifted His people by trials and punish- 
 ments of many kinds.
 
 log 
 
 Ask about last Sunday's lesson, especially second and^ 
 third points. So many kings were disobedient, and people 
 too. God saw that most of the people were like chaff. 
 
 So He sent prophets to { ^P^^|; [°^^j^ ^^^^^^ | Him, 
 
 e.g. Elijah, Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah. 
 
 Consult Bible Dictionary and tell scholars a little 
 about these men. 
 
 These prophets warned the people that the Great Trial 
 was coming. But they took no heed. 
 
 Describe : Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon (show 
 map), came, made Jerusalem a ruin, destroyed the Temple 
 also, and carried God's people away to his own land. 
 
 III. The greatest trial the people of God had 
 to bear was the captivity. 
 
 One great prophet left behind, viz., Jeremiah. 
 Ask for the Book in the Bible with most sorrowful title. 
 The Book of Lamentations, written at this time. 
 Jeremiah was one of the saddest men that ever lived. 
 Teach : 
 
 (i) For sixty or seventy years the people of God 
 were away in captivity. 
 
 (2) God was " weeding them out." 
 
 (3) They were soon divided into two classes : 
 
 {a) Some quickly forgot all about God's 
 promises and God's great plan for 
 them, and joined iu all that went on 
 around them. 
 
 ib) Others were different. Never forgot (see 
 Psalm cxxxvii.). These were "the grain." 
 
 IV. In Babylon, those that were true among 
 the people of God were always thinking 
 of Jerusalem and longing to go there. 
 
 Summarize thus : 
 
 God sifts His people by discipline. 
 
 The temptations \ 
 
 The sufferings j- of our life are to prove us. 
 
 The sorrows J 
 
 We must be the " grain."
 
 LESSON XLIII. 
 
 Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity. 
 
 THE OLD TESTAMENT: (lo) THE 
 RETURN FROM CAPTIVITY. 
 
 Picture out the Jews in Babylonia, showing that even 
 there God cared for them by sending them messages 
 thronf,'h His prophets. 
 
 Think of Ezekiel and his work, and Daniel. 
 Recap, last Lesson (Section IV.) about the " weeding 
 cut" that was going on. 
 
 / {a) Those who were content with their 
 The two ,,, _fesentlife. . . ^ 
 
 Classes 1 ^ -^ Those who were longing to go to 
 worship and serve God in the old 
 ^ country. 
 
 Ask which group would be ready when the day oi 
 release came. 
 
 Illustrate from Parables of "Ten Virgins" and 
 " Talents " (S. Matthew x,\v,). 
 
 Apply : The little things of life all go to decide what 
 the end shall be. 
 
 The people who returned from Babylon to 
 Jerusalem were people who wanted to 
 serve God truly. 
 
 Teach : There were three distinct companies that 
 left Babylon for Jerusalem, separated by an interval of 
 some fifty years, viz. : — (i) Under Zerubbabel and Joshua. 
 (2) Under Ezra. (3) Under Nehemiah. Study Ezra viii. 
 2i-end,and relate vividly the narrative, dwelling upon 
 
 (1) The prayer for protection. 
 
 (2) The weighing and disposal of the treasure at the 
 
 beginning of the journey. 
 
 (3) The testing .of the weight at the end of the 
 
 journey. 
 Apply : This is a type of our journey to the heavenly 
 country. God has entrusted to us many talents. There 
 will be an examination at the end.
 
 II. On our journey to the heavenly country 
 we have many precious things to take 
 care of. 
 
 When a child begins to be taught his letters, he learns 
 three or iour and thinks he knows all. Everything of 
 value is acquired by slow growth and many stages. 
 
 Trace out quite briefly ihe stages of God's plan, again 
 beginning with Abraham. 
 
 See how many stages ! and even yet the Promise is 
 not fulfilled, surely it would be now ! But no, God's 
 time was not yet. The land had to be tilled, Temple 
 rebuilt, cities restored. 
 
 Most of the people had to be taught from the 
 beginning how to worship God. 
 
 Apply : We are often in such a hurry for God to 
 answer prayer. Be patient, and keep on praying. 
 
 III. We must always be ready to wait God's 
 time for what we want. 
 
 Refer to the two Parables (see above) again. 
 
 Teach : There were two things necessary for those 
 who were waiting, viz. : — 
 
 (i) To use the waiting time well. 
 
 (2) To recognise the Great King when He arrived. 
 
 So after years and years of waiting at last God's plan 
 began to be fulfilled and the Redeejner came. 
 
 Some were waiting and using their time well, e.g. 
 Simeon and Anna. These could recognise Jesus and 
 greet Him. 
 
 IV. We must try to be among those who 
 
 can recognise Jesus when He comes to 
 us. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 No one is delivered from Satan's power unless he 
 really wish it. 
 
 Even then we have a long and difficult journey to the 
 
 heavenly country. 
 
 T . , I ( When He meets us in church. 
 
 Let us be ready ^^^_^ ^ i^ ^^. j^ 
 
 to greet Christ [ ^j^^.^^ ^
 
 112 
 
 LLSSON XLIV. 
 
 Fifteenth Sunday after Tyinity. 
 
 THE NEW TESTAMENT : (i) GOD 
 
 REVEALING HIMSELF. 
 
 Debckihi^ a great library — explain what for — how men 
 seeking knowledge go to books. The Book that tells us 
 about God is the Holy Bible. 
 
 Explain: The Bible contains two parts — Old and New 
 Testaments (Covenants)— a// Goits Plan. 
 
 The Old is the preparation for the New. 
 
 Prove this by reference to 
 
 ^I) Abraham. (2) Patriarchs. (3) Nation or People 
 of God. (4) Laws. (5) Land. (6) Discipline. 
 
 Imagine palace in great park —many people. Hving round 
 about — never able to get to palace — messengers come 
 out sometimes to tell the King's will — but people cannot 
 see the King. They want to know more about Him — to 
 hear His Voice. 
 
 L Part of God's great plan for us was to let 
 
 us know all about Himself. 
 
 Refer to last lesson, and teach that when the New 
 Testament begins everything was ready for God's Plan 
 to be fully known. This Plan was in God's mind all the 
 time. 
 
 The words you speak reveal what is in your mind, so 
 the Word of God was needed now to reveal His plan 
 (see S. John i. i and 14). 
 
 Explain : The Living Word of God is God's Son, 
 Jesus Christ. This Living Word came out of the great 
 palace of the King — to tell us what was in God's Mind, 
 and all about God. 
 
 Describe the stages of Christ's Life — first an infant, 
 &c., &c., up to the beginning of His Ministry. 
 
 II. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived on 
 earth as a man and told us all about 
 God.
 
 "3 
 
 Picture out two ways in whicli two persons maj^ be like 
 each other. 
 
 (i) Exactly alike in form — they look the same, 
 
 cannot distinguish them. 
 (2) Quite different in form, but they speak and act 
 exactly alike. 
 Teach : The second of these two ways is how Jesus 
 showed God to us. God's Form was too glorious to be 
 seen by men. Therefore God takes another/(7r;« — man's 
 — and then 
 
 Speaks the words j ^^ ^^^^ 
 Does the works J 
 
 III. The way in which Jesus told us about 
 
 God was both by His words and deeds. 
 
 Ask for the name we give to people who paint pictures. 
 Describe how artists love beautiful scenery, &c. 
 
 Every time they come to a beautiful sight it calls to 
 them with two voices, viz. : — (i) Look at me. (2) Copy 
 me. 
 
 Apply : When we see anything beautiful it is useful in 
 these two ways. 
 
 (i) We can admire it — helps to make us happy. 
 (2) We can try to imitate it — helps to make us 
 good. 
 Teach : The whole of Christ's Life is a beautiful thing. 
 Not one fault. We must 
 (i) Be glad about it all. 
 (2) Try to make a copy of it. 
 
 IV. God has revealed Himseif to us in order 
 
 that we may try to be like Him. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 God wants man to know all about Himself. 
 Jesus Christ came to tell us. 
 
 ,■,, , 1 Look at Him. 
 
 We must \ (.^py Hi^^ 
 
 H
 
 "4 
 
 LESSON XLV. 
 
 Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity. 
 
 THE NEW TESTAMENT: (2) THE 
 PATTERN LIFE (a). 
 
 Recap, last Lesson, Section I\'., viz. : — 
 
 _,, . ( perfect ) thine; in the world is the Life 
 
 The most j K,^,,tiful J of Christ, 
 (i) Look. 
 • ■ (2) Copy. 
 
 Describe tully the temptation of Christ, combining the 
 records of SS. Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and dwelling 
 upon the circumstances and the scene of the conflict. 
 
 Explain the assault made upon : 
 (i) Christ's physical weakness and bodily need. 
 
 (2) His loyalty to God. 
 
 (3) His ability to act so as to compel men to 
 
 acknowledge Him. 
 If time, refer to Gethsemane. 
 
 Teach : The result of looking at Christ's life must be 
 that we try to copy it. 
 
 I. The life of Jesus Christ teaches us to say 
 "No" to the devil every time. 
 
 Ask for some really important occasions in life, e.£^. 
 Baptism, Confirmation, choosing one's profession, &c., &c. 
 
 Also for important days, e.g. every Sunday. Days of 
 great trial, &c. 
 
 Lead the children to look at Christ's life at such times. 
 
 Especially : 
 
 (i) Baptism. S. Luke iii. 21. ^ 
 
 (2) Choosing the apostles. S. Luke 
 
 vi. 12, &c. 
 
 (3) Sabbath worship. S. Luke iv, 16 ; 
 
 S. John xviii. 20. 
 
 (4) In temptation. S. Luke xxii. 41-44. 
 But also at ordinary times. S. John xviii. 2 ; S. Mark 
 
 vi. 46. 
 
 In each 
 
 case we 
 
 see Christ 
 
 at prayer.
 
 II. The life of Jesus Christ teaches us to be 
 
 regular and earnest in prayer, both at 
 home and in Church. 
 
 Describe how the sun shmes and the refreshing rain 
 falls on all the gardens in any one place. See S. 
 Matthew v. 44, 45. 
 
 This brings us to another picture of Christ's life. 
 
 Picture out the kindness of Jesus to : — 
 (i) Malchus. S. Luke xxii. 50. 
 
 (2) His executioners. S. Luke xxiii. 34. 
 
 (3) The penitent thief. S. Luke xxiii. 43. 
 
 III. The life of Jesus Christ teaches us to be 
 kind to our enemies as well as our 
 friends. 
 
 Look once more. Imagine yourself waiting to see 
 Christ pass by. He comes. What marks are there on 
 His face ? Traces of what ? Hard work. Read S. Mark 
 vi. 31, and describe how busy this life was. 
 
 Ask who can judge best of the character of any life — 
 surely those who live with that life. See what the 
 Apostle says, Acts x. 38. 
 
 IV. The life of Jesus Christ teaches us to 
 
 spend our lives in hard work trying to 
 do good. 
 
 Summarize thus : 
 Our Saviour's life has two voices for us. 
 (i) Look at Me. 
 (2) Copy Me.
 
 ii6 
 
 LESSON XLVI. 
 
 Sn'cuttcnth Sunday aftir Trinity. 
 
 THE NEW TESTAMENT: (3) THE 
 PATTERN LIFE (b). 
 
 Gathkk up the features found last Sunday : — 
 (i) Moral courage. 
 
 (2) Regular worship. 
 
 (3) Kindness. 
 
 (4) Constantly at work. 
 
 Picture out old castle, fortress, watch-tower, the 
 watchman looking out ahead on behalf of those who 
 cannot see from where they are. 
 
 Apply: Our Heavenly Father thus looks out ahead on 
 behalf of all His children. 
 
 Teach: We call this GocTs Providence (provision = 
 seeing in advance). 
 
 Refer to S. Matthew vi. 25 to end. 
 
 All the little trials of early life make us ready for the 
 battle of life when we grow up. 
 
 I. The life of Jesus Christ teaches us to see 
 
 the Providence of God in all that 
 happens to us. 
 
 Ask what it is that helps so much when there is difficult 
 or dangerous task to be done. 
 
 What a relief if one or more will join in. The heart 
 cries out, " Come with me, I don't want to be alone." 
 
 Picture out a few instances of this, e.g. little child 
 going errand on dark night. 
 
 Teach : Many of our temptations, and most sorrows 
 come to us so that we have to bear them alone. No two 
 people feel trials of any sort quite in the same way. 
 
 Think of Christ and His temptations, His sorrows, no 
 one could really share these. 
 
 But see : S. John viii. 29 and xvi. 32. 
 
 Read to scholars: S. John xiv. 16, 17, 18. 
 
 II. The life of Jesus Christ teaches us to 
 
 know that we are never really alone.
 
 117 
 
 Ask what makes a child sob very bitterly, and find 
 three answers : — 
 
 (i) Through bodily pain, cruel blows. 
 
 (2) Through sense of disappointment, eagerly 
 
 looked forward to something. 
 
 (3) Through lack of shelter, a waif and stray, no 
 
 home. 
 Sum up in one word : The child in each case siiffers. 
 Teach : When grown up these do not make a man cry 
 bitterly, but are felt all the same. 
 Picture out : Christ suffered 
 (i) Bodily — His passion. 
 
 (2) S. Mark iii. 5 ; vi. 6 ; and S. John v. 40. 
 
 (3) S. Matthew viii. 19, 20. 
 
 Ask why Jesus suffered these things. 
 
 III. The life of Jesus Christ teaches us to be 
 ready to suffer for the sake of doing 
 God's Will. 
 
 Make use again of " the Line of Life's course " as in 
 Lesson XXVIL Section L 
 
 Ask which side of the " Gate " is the best, and paint 
 in true colours, using the words that conclude the several 
 " Beatitudes." S. Matthew v. 3, &c. ontrast the words 
 " here " and " hereafter." Teach that hereafter we shall 
 have knowledge of all things. See S. John xiii. 7. 
 
 Read S. Luke xxii. 69, and conclude : — 
 
 IV. The life of Jesus Christ teaches us to 
 look forward to the glory of the world 
 to come. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 Our Saviour's life 
 
 (1) Helps us to realise ( ^°J^ provision for us. 
 
 ^ ' ^ I^God s presence with us. 
 
 (2) Teaches us to I endQre suffering on earth. 
 
 ^ ' \ expect happmess m heaven.
 
 n8 
 LESSON xr.vii. 
 
 Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity. 
 
 THE NEW TESTAMENT: (4) CHRIST'S 
 WORK CARRIED ON BY OTHERS. 
 
 (i) Refer to Lesson XXXVIIL, Section IIL, dwelling 
 on the people's need of laws to guide their conduct. God 
 knew this, and it was His Will to supply these laws. 
 Ask how God did this, laying stress on the fact that 
 Moses was used by God as His Lawgiver. 
 
 (2) Describe how God used Samuel to appoint David 
 to the position of King (i Samuel xvi. 1-14). 
 
 (3) Describe how God used Nathan to tell David of 
 his sin (2 Samuel xii. 1-7). 
 
 Explain : When one person acts for another we call 
 the former " the Agent " of the latter. 
 
 I. God has always chosen to use men as His 
 
 Agents. 
 
 Ask about the men who were most often with Jesus 
 during His Ministry. Who were they? Their names, 
 occupation, titles. 
 
 Teach: "Disciple" = "One who follows to learn." 
 " Apostle " = " One who is sent to teach." 
 
 Describe the scene when the latter title was bestowed. 
 S. Luke vi. 12, and following verses, (i) The night of 
 prayer. (2) The solemn summons of many disciples. 
 (3) The selection of the Twelve. (4) The Pastoral 
 Charge. See S. Matthew x. Read S. Luke xxiv. 4.1.-50. 
 
 II. Our Lord Jesus Christ selected and trained 
 His Apostles to carry on His work after 
 His Ascension.
 
 119 
 
 Recall the death of Queen Victoria. A great kingdom 
 without the " one who had ruled it for so many years." 
 How could the kingdom continue and its work go on ? 
 Someone ready to take up Sovereign's duties. No 
 interval. New King on the throne. All goes on as 
 before. New plans added. 
 
 Apply: Jesus ascended. No more visible fellowship 
 with men. Kingdom remains. No new King, because 
 King lives for ever. But King's Ministers take charge, 
 always seeking guidance and strength from Invisible 
 King. 
 
 Write down word "Organize," and explain = " To 
 arrange." Explain " extend " = to draw out so as to 
 make larger. 
 
 III. The Apostles' work was to Organize and 
 Extend their Master's Kingdom. 
 
 Refer to Lesson XLIV., Section IV. Two things to 
 remember about Christ's life — (i) Look at Me. (2) Copy 
 Me. 
 
 Teach : The great aim of the apostles was to copy 
 their Master and do as He did. Therefore, they did 
 to others just as He had done to them (recap. Section II. 
 above). Refer to (i) Acts i. 21 to end. (2) Acts xiv. 
 21-24. 
 
 IV. The Apostles selected and trained other 
 men to continue their work after their 
 death. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 Men are to be God's Agents. 
 Some men are to be the Officers of His Kingdom. 
 These Officers are to carry on Christ's work. 
 They must be chosen, trained, and sent out. 
 With prayer and by proper authority.
 
 lao 
 
 LESSON XLVIII. 
 
 Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity. 
 
 THE NATURE OF A SACRAMENT. 
 
 Instance a few cases oi" people living subject to rules, e,^. 
 (i) Children at home — The parents' words and acts 
 are the most important. 
 
 (2) Children at school — The headmaster's words and 
 acts are the most important. 
 
 (3) People in a town — The King's words and acts are 
 the most important. 
 
 Show how in each case there may be many customs and 
 many rules, but anything especially necessary and 
 important is always commanded by the supreme 
 authority. 
 
 Apply to our religion. There are many services, 
 ceremonies, and rites (explain). The most important 
 are called Sacraments, and are commanded by God 
 Himself. 
 
 I. Every Sacrament must be Ordained by 
 God. 
 
 Write down the word " Sacramentum." This Latin 
 word, from which our word Sacrament comes, means the 
 oath of allegiance taken by the Roman soldier to his 
 country and his general. 
 
 Explain simply that the Roman soldier zuas entering 
 into an agreement with his Sovereign and his captain to 
 fight against his country's enemies, and to be true to his 
 King. The King, on his part, undertook to maintain the 
 soldier and to give him certain privileges. 
 
 Teach : God has graciously told us that He is ready 
 to enter into an agreement with us. We are to fight 
 against Satan, the world, and the flesh, and be true to 
 God. God on His part will enlist us in His Army, 
 maintain our life, and give us His protection. 
 
 Show that all God's dealings with us are based on this 
 agreement or covenant. .'. The Services, or Sacraments, 
 which God has ordained will have to do with this 
 agreement. 
 
 II. Every Sacrament must be of the nature of 
 a Covenant between God and man.
 
 121 
 
 Ask the scholars how Noah knew that the flood 
 was abated, and the water disappearing. The dove with 
 the oUve leaf was a sign to Noah of these things. 
 
 Explain : A sign is something we can see, or touch, 
 or hear (sometimes all three) to make us know that 
 something else is true. 
 
 Refer to Christ's Baptibm. Question out the three 
 signs. Show that one of these was a sign that was a 
 real picture of what vvas going on, viz.. The Dove, 
 representing the descent of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 Teach : This kind of sign we call a symbol. The 
 cross is the symbol of the Christian religion, because 
 every cross is a picture of the cross upon which Jesus 
 died for us. God has always used symbols in the 
 services or Sacraments which He has ordained. 
 
 The symbol is the pledge of the truth of His Covenant 
 with us. 
 
 III. Every Sacrament must be Symbolic in form. 
 
 Recap, the three objectives already reached. 
 Simplify by stating them thus : — 
 (i) God has ordered it. 
 
 (2) God and man are both to do something. 
 
 (3) There is to be something we can see, hear, or 
 
 touch, as the symbol. 
 Illustrate by Holy Marriage : — 
 (i) God has ordained it. 
 (3) The Ring. 
 
 [(2) is not fulfilled, because the covenant here is 
 between the man and his 'wife.'\ 
 Illustrate by Confirmation : — 
 
 (1) The apostles practised it. 
 
 (2) God gives His Holy Spirit. Man renews his vows. 
 
 (3) The laying on of hands. 
 
 Teach : In Holy Baptism it is quite complete, 
 (i) God ordained it. 
 
 (2) The Baptismal Covenant. 
 
 (3) Water. 
 
 So also in Holy Communion it is quite complete. 
 (Reserve details of this till next Lesson). 
 
 IV. These two Sacraments of Holy Baptism 
 
 and Holy Communion are necessary to 
 salvation. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 We must live by God's Laws. 
 God has ordained two great Sacraments. 
 We must come once to Holy Baptism. 
 We must come often to Holy Communion.
 
 LliSSON XLIX. 
 
 T:vfiifit'//i Snndnv after Trinity. 
 
 HOLY COMMUNION (i). 
 
 Go carefully over the first three " Objectives " of the last 
 Lesson, driviuj; it home that every Sacrament necessary 
 to salvation must answer to all three conditions. 
 
 Question out of scholars how Holy Baptism fulfils 
 these conditions. Ask for the first point to be proved in 
 the case of Holy Connnunion, viz., That it was ordained 
 by God. 
 
 Read slowly : — 
 (i) S. Matthew xxvi. 17-31, describing the occasion 
 
 as vividly as possible. 
 (2) I Corinthians xi. 23-27. 
 Lay stress on the latter passage as showing that Jesus 
 must have speciall}' revealed this to S. Paul, and 
 conclude : — 
 
 I. Holy Communion was ordained by our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Ask for the next point to be proved, vi^., " Of the 
 nature of a covenant between God and man." 
 
 Teach : Man can never make any agreament or 
 covenant with God. But God has been graciously 
 pleased to make an agreement or covenant with man. 
 It is man's duty and privilege to enter into the covenant 
 which God offers. 
 
 In every agreement there must be two parties at least. 
 Each of these has his part to take. 
 
 God's covenant with man is this : " Come to me with 
 repentance for sin, and faith in the sacrifice of My Beloved 
 Son, and I will give you everlasting life." 
 
 In Holy Communion we do something towards God 
 and God does something for us. 
 
 Explain that the next Lesson will make this clearer 
 still, and conclude : —
 
 123 
 
 II, Holy Communion is of the nature of a 
 Covenant betwen God and man. 
 
 Ask for the next point to he proved, viz., Symbolic in 
 form. Ask again for the symbols in 
 (i) Marriage. 
 
 (2) Confirmation. 
 
 (3) Holy Baptism. 
 
 Show the force of the meaning of these symbols : 
 (i) The ring — endless love and union. 
 
 (2) Laj'ing on of hands — God's blessing and power 
 
 descending from above. 
 
 (3) Water — cleansing. 
 
 So also Holy Communion has the two symbols of 
 Bread and Wine. 
 
 Notice now that these are 
 (i) Food to eat and drink. 
 (2) The simplest and the richest of their kind. 
 We can see, touch, and taste the symbols in Holy 
 Communion. 
 
 III. Holy Communion is Symbolic in form. 
 
 Relate the Parable of "The Great Supper" (S. Luke 
 xiv. 15-24). 
 
 Apply : Explaining the invitation to the Supper to mean 
 " God's offer to receive man into a new covenant with 
 Himself." 
 
 Teach : This covenant is sealed and made sure only at 
 Holy Communion, and conclude, 
 IV. It is binding upon all Christians to come 
 to Holy Communion. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 Jesus ( (i) Ordained Holy Communion. 
 Christ -j (2) Spoke of it as the New Covenant. 
 Himself i. {3) Chose the symbols of Bread and Wine. 
 We must accept His invitation.
 
 124 
 
 LESSON L. 
 
 Twenty-first Sunday after Trinity. 
 
 HOLY COMMUNION (2). 
 
 Show how frnm the very beginning God's Plan for man's 
 Redeinption involved the shedding of blood, e.g. Man's 
 provision to clothe hiinsclt', when first conscious of sin, 
 was a garment made from a tree. God's provision for 
 him was to slay an animal and clothe him with its skin. 
 
 Show also how from the very beginning the offering 
 acceptable to God involved the shedding of blood, 
 e.i;: the sacrifices of Cain and Abel. 
 
 Picture out the long line of centuries from Moses to 
 Christ. Depict vividly how all the way is marked by 
 the offering up of animals as sacrifices. 
 
 Ask why this was so, and explain that it was wholly 
 owing to God's Plan of sending His Son to die for us 
 (see Hebrews x. 4), and teach that every sacrifice was 
 a picture lieforehand of Christ's death. We often do 
 things in anticipation of a great event. God ordained 
 these sacrifices /// anticipation 0/ Christ's Death. 
 
 I. At every Sacrifice of the Old Testament 
 
 the Death of Christ was foreshadowed. 
 
 Picture out scene in Upper Room when Holy Com- 
 munion was instituted by Christ. Let scholars repeat 
 Christ's Words, "This do in remembrance of Me." 
 
 E.xplain that this means, "This do as My Memorial." 
 When the great event is over we cannot any longer do 
 anything in atiticipation of it. But we can do something 
 as a memorial of it. 
 
 Teach that by His Words Christ put an end to all 
 the old Sacrifices and put Holy Communion in their 
 place. 
 
 There is only one fact in the world's history that 
 can atone for sin, viz., Christ's Death upon the Cross. 
 
 God the Father looks upon every service of Holy 
 Communion as the Divinely appointed Memorial of this 
 Death. 
 
 Sketch out thus : — , 
 
 The Old Testa- | .^^__>+,. f The Holy Com- 
 
 ment Sacrifices j ^ | 1 munion. 
 
 II. At Holy Communion we make a Memorial 
 
 before God the Father of our Saviour's 
 Death upon the Cross.
 
 12S 
 
 Study very carefully the ceremonial directions in 
 regard to Peace-Offerings (see Leviticus iii. 1-17; vii. 11-34; 
 xix. 5-8 ; xxii. 21-25; Deuteronomy xii. 6, 7, 17, 18). 
 
 Make yourself thoroughly acquainted with the ritual 
 ordered, and thus be able to explain quite simply to your 
 class what was done, omitting all unnecessary details. 
 
 Notice especially : — 
 
 (i) The offerer had to prepare himself, 
 
 (2) The offerer had to bring an animal and shed its 
 
 blood (life taken). 
 
 (3) The Priest gave a portion of the animal back to 
 
 the offerer. 
 
 (4) The offerer and his friends partook of a joyful 
 
 feast thereof in God's House. 
 
 III. At every Sacrifice of Peace-Offerings the 
 Victim was given back by God to provide 
 a Feast, of which the offerers were invited 
 to partake in God's House. 
 
 Show again the diagram in Section II. of this Lesson. 
 
 Make it clear that there is a correspondence between 
 the Offe7'ings made before Christ's Death and the 
 Offering made now. 
 
 Teach that there is also a corresf>ondence between the 
 Feast provided then and the Feast provided now. 
 
 Ask what the Offerer of a Peace-Offering was invited 
 to feed upon — The slain victim. 
 
 This is true now. Refer again to Upper Room. Quote 
 Christ's Words, " Take, eat, this is My Body," &c. But 
 it is the Risen Life of the Lamb of God once slain that 
 we feed upon. 
 
 IV. At Holy Communion we are invited by 
 
 God to partake, in His House, of the 
 Body and Blood of our Saviour Christ. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 At Holy Communion 
 (i) The offerer must have prepared himself (leave 
 details for next Lesson). 
 
 (2) The offerer must show forth before God the 
 
 Death of Christ. 
 
 (3) God gives each Communicant a share of Christ's 
 
 Life. 
 
 (4) The Communicants partake of this joyful Feast 
 
 together in God's House.
 
 126 
 
 LESSON LI. 
 
 Tu'fnty-second Sutttliy after Tn'nity. 
 
 HOLY COMMUNION (3). 
 
 Refer to last lesson and ask for first point iu the 
 summary. 
 
 Read slowly or relate the Parable of the Wedding 
 Garment (S. Matthew xxii. 1-15). 
 Emphasize : — 
 (i) The king earnestly wished all to accept his 
 invitation. 
 
 (2) The preparation required was definite, simple, 
 
 and possible. 
 
 (3) The marriage garment = the preparation for the 
 
 king's presence. 
 
 (4) The man who did not thus " prepare himself " 
 
 was expelled from the king's presence. 
 
 No one should come to Holy Communion 
 without first making a very careful 
 preparation. 
 
 Ask question in Church Catechism beginning " What 
 is required of them who come," &c. 
 
 Question out the story of the Prodigal Son (S. Luke 
 XV. 11-25). 
 
 Show how the prodigal had repentance : — 
 (i) He was sorry — contrition. 
 
 (2) He said he was sorry — confession. 
 
 (3) He wanted to serve his father — amendment. 
 Show how the Prodigal had faith : — 
 
 (i) He realised his father's ample store. 
 (3) He believed his father would forgive him. 
 (3) He went back expecting to get that blessing. 
 II. No one should come to Holy Communion 
 without repentance and faith. 
 
 Refer to Lesson VL, Section IL, and repeat altogether 
 S. John Baptist's words about Jesus. 
 Teach : —
 
 127 
 
 The great object of our faith in Jesus is that we 
 
 may have our sins forgiven. 
 The great object of our coming to Holy Communion 
 is that we may have our sins forgiven. 
 But see S. Matthew vi. 12-16. There is a condition 
 attached to our prayer for forgiveness. 
 
 Relate very driejly the Parable of the Unmerciful 
 Servant (S. Matthew xviii. 21 to end). 
 
 Emphasize the last verse of this chapter, and explain 
 that " not to forgive " means " not to be in charity with." 
 
 III. No one should come to Holy Communion 
 who is not in perfect charity with all 
 people. 
 
 Ask again for the Church Catechism answer (see 
 above). Whajt have we left out ? " Steadfastly pur- 
 posing to lead a new life." 
 
 Show how all time (or anyone's life) can always be 
 divided into three portions, viz. : — (i) The past. (2) 
 The present. (3) The future. 
 
 The past requires repentance. 
 
 The present requires faith and charity. 
 
 The future requires good resolutions. 
 
 Teach : We must really mean to try to be good. This 
 involves obedience to Holy Spirit's speaking through 
 conscience. 
 
 IV. No one should come to Holy Communion 
 who does not mean to obey the com- 
 mands of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 Summarize thus : 
 
 ^e7/e,
 
 ia8 
 
 LESSON Lll. 
 
 T:i-i''ify-T/u/ii S///tif,iy after T)iuHv. 
 
 THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER (i). 
 
 Ask for the first petition in the Lord's Prayer (see Lesson 
 XVL, Section IV.). E.xpand the explanation there given, 
 and teach that this petition is a prayer that we may 
 really worship God lightly. 
 
 Find the first mention of worship in the Old Testament 
 (Genesis xxii. 5). Describe briefly the occasion. 
 
 Find the first mention of worship in the New 
 Testament (S. Matthew ii. 2). Describe briefly the 
 occasion. 
 
 In each case the worshippers had an offering to make 
 to God. 
 
 Show from heathen and idolatrous customs that 
 " worship " is an instinct in man. 
 
 We are what God has made us. God means us to act 
 accordingly. 
 
 Read S. John iv. 23, 24. Emphasize the fact that God 
 seeks worshippers. 
 
 I. The chief duty of man is to worship God. 
 
 Instance one or two words which are used in two 
 senses, e.g. " intelligence," " meet," " ill." 
 
 Write down " common," and show that when we use 
 it we most often mean " of Uttle value." 
 
 Explain that its first and real meaning is " belonging 
 to more than one." 
 Illustrate by 
 
 (i) Two poor students buying books together. The 
 books do not belong to either of them but are 
 common to both. 
 
 (2) Two or more people buy a property (house or 
 
 land) it is then " common to all." 
 
 (3) The village green or common = land common to 
 
 all who live in the village. 
 Ask for the full title of the Prayer Book — " The Book 
 of Common Prayer," and teach 
 
 II. "Common Prayer" means prayer in 
 
 which all the members of the Church 
 may have a share.
 
 129 
 
 Teach : — 
 
 (i) The real heart and centre of the Prayer Book 
 is the Service of Holy Communion. 
 That is, of course, the oldest part of all, because 
 it is Christ's Own Service. Teach, however, 
 that the words of the prayers were not fixed 
 until some centuries after the Ascension. 
 (2) All the other services in the Prayer Book have 
 grown up, so to speak, round the greatest act 
 of worship. Something like the way that 
 houses have been built round great cathedrals. 
 Trace out the course of an average life from cradle to 
 grave, thus: (i) Birth. (2) Education. (3) Going out to 
 work. (4) Marriage. (5) Sickness. (6) Death and 
 Burial. 
 
 Every part of our life should be brought into connexion 
 with God to receive His blessing. 
 
 Explain how the Prayer Book does this : — 
 (i) Baptism. {2) Catechism. (3) Confirmation. 
 (4) Marriage Service. (5) Visitation of Sick. 
 (6) Burial Service. 
 Teach therefore that 
 
 III. The Book of Common Prayer provides 
 for the consecration of each stage of the 
 journey of life. 
 
 Ask how the Prayer Book begins. Get the full titles, 
 vi2., "The Order of Morning (and Evening) Prayer to be 
 said daily throughout the year." 
 
 Make it quite clear that these are not " Sunday 
 Services," but " Daily Services." Drive this home by 
 a reference to the Psalms dated for each day of the 
 month. 
 
 Point out that we must consecrate every day to God's 
 service, whether by worship or work. 
 
 .-. The Book of Common Prayer ought to make provision 
 for this. And we accordingly find " Daily Services " 
 in it. 
 
 IV. The Book of Common Prayer helps us to 
 
 consecrate each day to God's service. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 God wants us to worship Him. 
 We must all take our share in the worship of God. 
 The Book of Common Prayer helps us to do this. 
 We ought to use this book every day. 
 
 I
 
 •3° 
 LESSON LIII. 
 
 T'Citty- Fourth Surttitty atftr Trinitv. 
 
 THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER (2). 
 
 Relate the Miracle of the Cleansing of the Ten Lepers (S. 
 Luke xvii. 11-20). 
 Emphasize : — 
 
 (1) The tremendous difference it made to these 
 
 men to be cured. 
 
 (2) How strange that only one should have 
 
 returned to give thanks. 
 Apply :— 
 
 (i) It makes all the difference to us to have God's 
 
 love and forgiveness. 
 (2) How strange we are not more thankful. 
 Teach : That thanksgiving is most naturally the first 
 utterance of man to God. 
 
 Illustrate by referring to what we do on meeting anyone 
 who has just sent us a present. 
 
 I. The Services of the Church enable us to 
 thank God for all that He has done for 
 us. 
 
 Show briefly that in the Holy Bible we find a wonderful 
 library. There is history, poetry, biography, &c., Ac. 
 
 Teach : There is something like this in the Book of 
 Common Prayer. We can go to it and find very many 
 kinds of worship provided for. 
 
 Take one of these, viz.. Praise. 
 
 Teach : Praise differs from thanksgiving. We thank 
 God for what He does, and has done, for us. 
 
 We praise God for what He is, and always has been. 
 
 Every morning and evening and at Holy Communion 
 there is a provision made for praising God. 
 
 Ask what this is, and explain that it is by reciting the 
 
 Creed. This sets forth what God is. Give other 
 
 instances, e.^. Te Deum laudamiis, Gloria in excelsis, &c. 
 
 II. The Services of the Church enable us to 
 
 set forth God's praise.
 
 131 
 
 Ask what is happening when people in church are 
 sitting down. The people are listening to a message 
 from God, This also is a part of the worship of God. 
 
 Look at the table of Lessons in Prayer Book. Where 
 can we find these Lessons ? 
 
 Show how the priest is God's Messenger — to deliver a 
 message. 
 
 (i) From the Old Testament. (2) From the New 
 Testament. (3) From the Epistles. (4) From 
 the Gospel. Explain that during the reading 
 of the Gospel the people stand to show 
 honour to our Saviour, about Whose life the 
 Gospel speaks. (5) In the sermon. 
 
 III. The Services of the Church enable us to 
 
 hear God's Holy Word. 
 
 Refer to Christ cleansing the Temple, and ask what He 
 said ought to be the description of God's House ? (See 
 S. Markxi. 17.) "The House of Prayer." This brings 
 us to the fourth part of our worship of God. 
 
 When we approach the Presence of our Heavenly 
 Father, we come with many wants. God wants us to 
 tell Him about these, and He will supply them as He 
 sees best for us. 
 
 Note the order of the petitions in the Lord's Prayer 
 (see Lesson XVI., Sections II. and III.). 
 
 Show that the order of these four parts of worship 
 follows the same rule. 
 
 God first — Thanksgiving and praise. 
 Man second — Listening and asking. 
 
 IV. The Services of the Church enable us to 
 
 ask God for those things which our souls 
 and bodies need. 
 
 Summarize thus : — 
 
 When we come to Church the Book of Common Prayer 
 helps us 
 
 Thank God for His mercies. 
 ^ J Praise God for His goodness. 
 ° Hear God's messages. 
 
 Ask God for what we want.
 
 132 
 
 LESSON LIV. 
 
 Su/iiiay ticxt before Advent. 
 
 THE CHURCH'S YEAR. 
 
 PiCTi'RE out two men starting on a journey. One 
 d«'tcrmines to p;o straight on, always making tor new 
 places, not intending to return. The other selects a 
 lew very important places to visit, and keeps on going 
 from one to another, always in the same order, and 
 learning something new about each place at each visit. 
 
 Applj' : The second of these two men does just what the 
 whole world is always doing in Nature, and also what 
 church-people are always doing about their faith. 
 Explain : — 
 (i) The rotation of the seasons in Nature (see 
 Genesis viii. 22). It is God's will that it 
 should be so. 
 {2) The rotation of the Church's seasons in the 
 Church's Year. 
 Both these are continually bringing us to an end, and 
 then to a new beginning. Draw a circle to represent the 
 whole year and divide it equally, viz. : — 
 (i) Advent to Trinity Sunday. 
 (2) First Sunday after Trinity to Advent. 
 
 I. The Church's Year is divided into two 
 
 equal portions. 
 
 Draw attention to the lowest point touched by the 
 circumference of the circle just drawn, and begin to 
 work upwards to the left, making dots here and there. 
 These dots represent the chief days or seasons of the 
 Christian Year. 
 
 Ask the children for the names to be written down 
 against the dots, and get them all in their proper order, 
 reaching " Trinity " at the highest point of the circle. 
 (See the " Alphabet of the Church's Seasons " at the end 
 of Book). 
 
 When all the names have been written, talk about 
 them, and connect up with the great facts of Christ's 
 life, which are the foundation of these Seasons. 
 Returning again and again to these facts helps us never 
 to forget them, and gives us special times for thanking 
 and praising God. 
 
 II. The first half of the Church's Year teaches 
 
 us to remember the great facts of Christ's 
 Life.
 
 133 
 
 Continue to retrace the circle at the point where you 
 left off. Make more dots as you come down the 
 circumference until you reach the place where you 
 began. These dots stand for the duties which we learn 
 we must perform because the facts commemorated 
 earlier are all true. 
 
 Ask the children for the names of some of the 
 common duties of disciples of Jesus Christ, e.g., love, 
 faith, hope, charity (almsgiving), trust, obedience, 
 renunciation of evil, &c., &c. Write these down. Link 
 some of them up with their foundation facts (e.£: 
 " Hope" with Ascensiou-tide). 
 
 Teach : These tweuty-six weeks (more or less) make 
 our Lord's words and deeds very clear to us as being 
 those which we should imitate. 
 
 III. The second half of the Church's Year 
 teaches us what our lives should be like. 
 
 Refer again to the natural year with its seasons. 
 Suppose a farmer were to refuse to take any notice of 
 them, and to decide to sow his seed, &c., just when he 
 felt inclined. Who would be to blame if he had no 
 crops ? 
 
 Apply : The general consent of the Church and the 
 concentration of thought involved make these seasons 
 times of real spiritual gain. We must not think we 
 can get the same, or just as good, at afiy time we like. 
 
 Remember the frost has its uses. So also the Fasts 
 have their most necessary place. Loyalty to our 
 Church is often tested in this way. 
 
 IV. All the Members of the Church should 
 keep the Fasts and Festivals of the 
 Church's Year. 
 
 Summarize thus: — Psalm xlviii. ii, 12. 
 Walk about Zion. Go round about her. 
 
 Tell the towers thereof. Mark well her bulwarks. 
 Set up her houses. 
 That ye may tell them that come after.
 
 134 
 
 ALPHABET OF THE CHURCH'S SEASONS. 
 
 " Y'e arc come unto Mount Zion .... to the general 
 assembly and church of the firstborn, who are enrolled in 
 heaven." (Hebrews xii. zz, 23). 
 
 "Walk about Zion, and go round about her: and tell the 
 towers thereof. Mark well her bulwarks, set up her houses." 
 (Psalm xlviii. 12). 
 
 Advent ... 
 
 Birth ... 
 
 Circumcisiou 
 
 Dedication 
 
 Epiphany 
 
 Fasting 
 
 Good Friday 
 
 Hades ... 
 
 Immortal, Incorruptible, Invincible 
 
 Joy at seeing the Risen Lord 
 
 King 
 
 Longing for the ... 
 
 Manifestation of the 
 
 New 
 
 One 
 
 Pentecost 
 
 Quite ... 
 
 Ready to 
 
 Start ... 
 
 Trinity ... ... . 
 
 United 
 Vigilant 
 Warlike 
 Extol the 
 Year of our 
 Zion. 
 
 A(h>ent. 
 Christmas. 
 
 Epiphany. 
 Lent. 
 
 Easier. 
 Ascensiontide. 
 
 Whitsuntide. 
 Trinity. 
 
 Three marks of the Holy Catholic Church. 
 
 A motto for all members of the Church.
 
 Jarrolo & SoN3, Ltd., 
 
 Printers. 
 
 The Empire Press, Norwioh.
 
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