When our Saviour sent forth His Apostles to preach the Gospel_ Britain had already come under the power of the Roman Emperors. In the designs of God's providence this vast empire was destined to aid in spreading far and wide the Christian faith. And so it came to pass that this distant island and Jerusalem, where by Christ's death on the cross the redemption of the world was accomplished, then formed parts of a worldwide organised system of government whose centre was at Rome.