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EPISCOPAL CHURCH - Its Message for Men of Today BY GEORGE PARKIN ATWATER RECTOR OF THE CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR AKRON, Copyright, 1917 By George Parkin Atwater TO THE FAITHFUL PEOPLE OF THE CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR AKRON, OHIO WITH WHOM HE HAS SERVED THE TWENTY YEARS OF HIS MINISTRY THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED BY THEIR RECTOR No complex or very important truth was ever transferred in full development from one mind to another truth of that character is not a piece of furniture to be shifted it is a seed which must be sown, and pass through the several stages of growth. No doctrine of importance can be transferred in a matured shape into any mans understanding from without it must arise by an act of genesis within the understanding itself. De Quincey. Contents Page I. THE CHURCH AND PUBLIC WORSHIP 1 II. THE ACTIVE WORSHIP OF THE PEOPLE 18 III. THE PRAYER BOOK AND PUBLIC WOR SHIP 32 IV. BAPTISM AND CHURCH MEMBERSHIP 48 V. THE APOSTLES CREED 63 VI. THE HOLY COMMUNION 82 VII THE HISTORIC MINISTRY 97 VIII. THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH 110 IX. THE BACKGROUND OF WORSHIP 124 X. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR 138 XL THE CHURCH AND MEN OF TODAY 153 XII. THE APPEAL OF RELIGION TO MEN 169 PREFACE These apparent obstacles are, I am convinced, the result of misunderstanding and of the lack of definite information. When the Church is seen as a whole when its purpose in its services is fully made known when its reasons for its methods are made clear, the obstacles vanish. It is quite certain, as experience has taught many a minister of the Church, that there are many people who are adrift from religious affiliation because they believe they cannot con form to the practices, or fulfill the expectations, of churchmembership. To such the Episcopal Church has a message of deepest import. The Church presents a teaching and practice, which, when understood, have claimed the enthusiastic allegiance of many who have felt an uncomfortable isolation from religious associations. The faith of the Episcopal Church is sane, reason able, and of right proportions. Its practices are stimulating and satisfying and strengthening. Its methods are calm and healing. It has an atmosphere of joy and peace. Its purpose is to educate the people in the life of the Kingdom of God, and to do this with care, patience and with sympathy. The Church is not exclusive, but inclusive of every soul having a good intention. It is not the judge and the accuser of its people but their advocate and friend. This book is intended for those who would understand the Episcopal Church both its PREFACE spirit and practices. It considers chiefly the initial difficulties of those coming for the first time within the influence of the Church. It is not a manual of Christian doctrine, or a complete exposition of the Church. There are many such manuals, which should be read by any who wish a full statement To those who desire to gain a better knowledge of the Episcopal Church, I venture to offer a suggestion. Attend, for a time, the services of the Church with an effort to understand them. No great spiritual forces in actual operation can be understood and appreciated by study alone, without the corrective and broadening influences of experience in contact with those forces. A great book must be read to be appreciated. The critics can never give an adequate presentation of its charm and power. Appreciation of the Church is likewise a matter ofexperience. It is certainly worth time and effort to gain some knowledge of the Mother Church of the English speaking people. The services are not so involved as many imagine. An hours careful examination of the Prayer Book will make them plain. The Prayer Book itself should be in every home. Next to the Bible it has been the book of greatest influence in moulding the religious life of our race. The Church always welcomes the inquirer, and its ministers are ready to give him instruction...