THE WORLD-WIDE CHARITY OF THE CHRISTIAN

CHURCH.

What church sent the first missionaries to the whole world?

Ans. 1, 2, 3.

The church at Antioch. ACTS xiii.

Had this church been noted for its charity?

Ans. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea. Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. ACTS xi. 28, 29, 30.

Where did the missionaries of this church plant churches?

Ans. In different nations, among peoples who spoke different languages.

What language was used by the churches in the Holy Land.

Ans. The Hebrew language.

What language was used by the churches in Ephesus, Philippi, Thessalonica, Colosse, and Corinth?

Ans. The Greek language.

What language was used in Rome?
Ans. The Latin language.

Had the people of these different nations had much intercourse with one another?

Ans. They had not. Communication was difficult, uncertain, and costly.

Had the people of these different nations suspected that they were all members of one family?

Ans. They had not.

Who first taught them this truth?

Ans. The missionaries of the church at Antioch.

What was Paul's statement of it at Athens?

Ans. God hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the xvii. 26.

earth. ACTS

Mention one effectual means by which St. Paul made this truth a reality to the believers in the different nations?

Ans. By a great charity in which men of all nations and tongues united together.

What did St. Paul write to the Corinthian church respecting this great charity?

Ans. Now, concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 1 COR. xvi. 1.

Who were the saints mentioned in this verse?

Ans. The poor believers in Judea.

Which churches did St. Paul assure the Romans had already made collections?

Ans. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. ROM. xv. 26.

What obligation to contribute to this charity did he urge upon the Roman church?

Ans. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For, if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. Rom, xv. 27.

How often were the members of the churches to contribute?

Ans. Upon the first day of the week, let every one of you lay by him in store. 1 COR.

xvi. 2.

How much was each person to lay by each week?

Ans. As God hath prospered him. 1 COR.

xvi. 2.

What argument did he present for generous giving?

Ans. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 2 COR. ix. 6.

With what feeling were they to give?

Ans. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 COR. ix 7.

For how long a time did the members of the churches contribute?

Ans. For more than a year.

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: for I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago. 2 Cor. ix. 1, 2.

Who would carry this large charity of the different churches to Jerusalem ?

Ans. Such persons as each church might appoint.

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. 1 Cor. xvi. 3.

Who accompanied St. Paul upon this blessed mission?

Ans. And there accompanied him into Asia, Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. LUKE; ACTs xx. 4.

What shall we say of the action of this company of men of different nations and churches, uniting in love, and travelling together more than a thousand miles over sea and land, to carry the charity of all nations to a strange people?

Ans. That it is one of the most important and remarkable events in history.

At what place did they land in Palestine? Ans. Cæsarea. ACTS xxi. 8.

In whose house were they entertained? Ans. And the next day, we that were of Paul's company departed, and came upon Cesa