The Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church
Its Message for Men of Today
by George Parkin Atwater
Morehouse Publishing Company, 1917.
 
[Page references and text quotations are those of the 1892 edition of the Book of Common Prayer, but the sense of the explanations applies also to the edition of 1928.]
 
“No complex or very important truth was ever transferred in full development from one mind to another; truthof 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 man’s understanding from without: it must arise by an act of genesis within the understanding itself.”
– De Quincey.
 
CONTENTS
 
Preface
I.  The Church and Public Worship
II. The Active Worship of the People
III.  The Prayer Book and Public Worship
IV.  Baptism and Church Membership
V.  The Apostles’ Creed
VI.  The Holy Communion
VII.  The Historic Ministry
VIII.  The History of the Church
IX.  The Background of Worship
X.  The Christian Year
XI.  The Church and Men of Today
XII.  The Appeal of Religion to Men
 
 
PREFACE
      This book is a seriouseffort to appeal to the minds and hearts of those who are becoming aware of the unique character and claims of the Episcopal Church.  The charm of the Church is being felt everywhere in our land.  Its breadth of sympathy for all conditions of men, its more satisfying point of view concerning the joys of life, its freedom from eccentricities of faith and practice, have brought the Episcopal Church tothe attention of many whose religious affiliations have been somewhat disturbed or weakened.
      There are certain apparent obstacles, however, which are preventing many from membership in the Episcopal Church.  The Church seems somewhat strange, or formal, or complex, or cold.  It does not seem to satisfy the conditions that early training has lead many to expect in a church.  Its services seemobscure and rigid; its methods elaborate; its practices unusual.  It seems to require a decision of a pronounced nature, for one to determine to find in the Episcopal Church his spiritual home.
      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 fullymade 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 conform to the practices, or fulfill the expectations, of church membership.  To such the Episcopal Church has a message of deepestimport.  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, reasonable, and of right proportions.  Its practices are stimulating and satisfying and strengthening.  Its methods are calm and healing.  It has an atmosphereof 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; bothits 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...