Or, the Manifestation of Christ to the
Gentiles.

COLLECT, EPISTLE, GOSPEL, AND LESSONS.

The word Epiphany in Greek means manifestation, and is used by the Church to signify the showing forth of our Saviour Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.

God manifested His Son to the Gentiles, that His grace might appear to all men. For as the Jews had notice from heaven of our Saviour's birth by the appearance of angels to the Shepherds, so the Gentiles received it now by the appearance and guidance of a star; thereby shewing that the time was come, wherein the wall of partition should be broken down, and that all nations should be one sheepfold, under one Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ.

We ought to commemorate the manifestation of our Saviour to the Gentiles, with great thankfulness of mind, because upon thus enlarging the way of salvation, we Gentiles become acquainted with the knowledge of Jesus Christ; we should also regard with feelings of compassion the miseries of those that still sit in darkness, and want the light of the glorious Gospel, and endeavour as far as we can, to send that blessing to them.

How were the wise men led to Jerusalem, and of whom were they in search? (Matt. ii. 1, 2.) To what city were they directed, and by what means were they led to the place where they found the infant Saviour? (Matt. ii. 8-9.) What gifts did they present to him, and what divine honour did they pay him? (Matt. ii. 11.) How were they instructed respecting their return to their own country? (Matt. ii. 12.)

Why should we commemorate the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles with thankfulness of heart? (Intro.)

What feelings connected with this festival should prompt us to support Christian missions? (Intro.)

What prophecies, in the first lessons for this day, shew that the Gentiles were to be favoured with the light of the Gospel? (Isaiah xlix. 6, and lx. 3.)

How are both Jews and Gentiles reconciled to God? (Eph. ii. 16-17.)

To what privileges does St. Paul say the Gentiles are admitted equally with the Jews in the Christian dispensation? (Eph. iii. 6.)

Who commissioned St. Paul to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles? (Acts ix. 15.)

How was St. Peter instructed that the Gospel was to be made known to all men?

15-18.)

(Acts xi.

Obedience to Parents.

GOSPEL, CATECHISM.

1. Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father. LEV. xix. 3.

2. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother. PROV. i. 8.

3. A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. PROV. X. 1.

4. And Jesus went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them. ST. LUKE ii, 51.

5. Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. EPH. vi. 1.

6. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long on the earth. EPH. vi. 2, 3.

Who are children required to fear? (Lev. xix. 3.) How are they to regard the instructions of their parents? (Prov. i. 8.)

In what words does the Catechism sum up the duties of children to parents?

What warnings are given in the Holy Scriptures against despising, defrauding or cursing parents? (Deut. xxvii. 16.-Prov. xxx. 17; xxviii. 24; xx. 20.)

Under the Levitical law, what punishment was to be inflicted on a stubborn and rebellious son? (Deut. xxi. 18-21.)

What promise is made to those who obey and honour their parents? (Eph. vi. 2-3.)

What does St. Paul term the fifth commandment? (Eph. vi. 2.)

In the Gospel for the day, how is our Lord set before children as an example? (Luke ii. 51.) How does our Lord condemn those persons who neglect to assist their parents in time of need? (Mark vii. 10-13.)

EXAMPLES OF GOOD CHILDREN.-Joseph: Gen. xlv. 9-11.-Ruth: Ruth i. 14-18.

EXAMPLES OF BAD CHILDREN.-Sons of Eli: 1 Sam. ii. 23-25; iv. 15-18.-Absalom: 2 Sam. xv. 13, 14; xviii. 14-17.

How to perform the duties of life.

COLLECT, EPISTLE, CATECHISM.

1. And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you. 1 THESS. iv. 11.

2. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. Roм. xii. 10, 11.

3. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your

own conceits.

ROM. xii. 16.

4. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. ROM. xii. 18.

5. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. ST. MATT. vii. 12.

6. And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. GAL. vi. 9.