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Un des symboles suivants apparaltra sur la dernlAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symboie -^ signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbols y signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc.. may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc.. peuvent Atre filmis A des taux de rMuction diff fronts. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul cliche, il est f ilmi a partir de I'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche i droite. et de haut en bas. en prenant le nombre d'images nicessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mithode. 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 ^ Si.*^^' ^ ■». VI t\ ^' ^^:: •■ .v'f . '• ? • * ^ ■> HELP TO CATECHISING, POR THE tJSE OF €Ur£[smen» Scjfiools, antr ^ribate JFamfUes. BT JAMES BEAVEN, D. D. raorsssoa or theology if thr uititerbitt of xiiro's ooLLxaSf TOROITTO. I ^ ** There is no one thing whereof I repent so much, as not to hare bestowed more hours in this public exercise of Catechism.'' Bishop Hall. . FROM THE SECOND LONDON EDITIO.V, WITH CORRBCTIorrs AND ALTERATIONS iDAPTIITO IT TO TBI V8B OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHUROR IN THE UNITED STATES NEW-YORK PUBLISHED BY THE OEN. PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL SUNDAY SCHOOIi UNION* 1 Entered according to Act ot Congress, in the year 1843, by John "W. Mitceeli, (as Treasurer of the General Prostestant Episcopal Sunday School Union) in the Office of tho Clerk of the United States' District Court for the Southern District of New York. 1% ■#• IN Vincent u dill, Stereottper TO THE BISHOPS OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN I the year 1843, by I General Prostestant B of the Clerk of the im District of New THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WITH THE OTHER CLERGY AND THE CATECHISTS OF THAT CHURCH, THIS FIRST AMERICAN EDITION OF THE HELP TO CATECHISING IS INSCRIBED BY ITS AUTHOR IM TOKEN OF THE HIGH RESPECT AND DEEP SYMPATHY HE HAS EVER FELT FOR THE COMMUNION #l.v TO WHICH THEY BELONG (I liUIJ(|Bi)ilil»(||i PREFACE It could not be otherwise than gratifying to the Author of this little work, to find that after the rapid sale of the first impression in England, it should have attracted so much attention in the new world as to render it probable that an Edi- tion, calculated for the use of the Church in the United States, would be equally acceptable there. It was the first intention of the Author to pub- lish such an Edition on his own accoun: but finding that the General Sunday School Laion of that Church, acting under its Bishops, was desirous of republishing the work, he gave up all idea of pecuniary advantage, and determined to co-operate with the Society in rendering it as suit- able as possible to the circumstances of the Church in the United States. For that purpose, he has consented to alter and omit portions not essen- tial in themselves, and which appeared to require change, in order to accomodate the work to the American Prayer-Book, and to the peculiar cir- cumstances of that Church : and he has likewise 4^ 'r PREFACE. ''«h Edition. HetrlJ ,r"' """ ^^"""d En.. ''>'-'wiiibeZnru\:;:f *^^^^ -'l Catechists in feel; J ^ /" '"' '''"^^ f °«\ with tlae pure rnilkjl """^ "'' <^™'«^'« '"»;'^-> in .J,e paseur o/s :r'' """ ^-''- ^e thinks it nr ^^^^vation. ^^^ P'- of c Jei:S„VXl V"«' ""°""* "^ ;-« church, for a eo„ l' ' '' ^"""^'^ " ^'^ fromtije Preface to the S I " ^""'■^' '^ken ^' -- inserted at the ea :T r^'''°"' '» -''-^ Ci^urch of England ' " <>f ^ P^-elate of the »^« plan .0 well propo7„L 7' ^^^""""^'l 'o questioning instruction un^ Introduction, of *''^ Catechisn,, ,».„ ^22 T' °"^ P"'-" « - q"e.ionin,ieoJ t; «"'^in-^o<,/, f « «« he has had onl' ^7^'" '" ^^"-'^• h'« control, and that coL f"^ ''^""^ ""^er '^J above twelve yearToT "' "'"'''^'^ ^«'- "Wiged to teach the ratef "'"' '^ '^^ »>-«» '» his q„,,,.„„, exa!;; :r''^*'»^«-wers «^« «o« instruction i, '''"^ '» '^Wch "«*'onal schools. 7 Z T^'^' *" <='--« » "• ^•'•y class repetition. If, h^; jgn^^L^^I^^ escaped his second Eng~ ^^cse aJtera- o the Clergy ' o^ Christ's ^y and Jead- account of s"ed in his '^''s, taken ^ in which ate of the lake such fitted to aeon Ba- ction, of point in church, *^ under en seJ- s been aswers which ses in Uhey 4 PREFACE. 7 were in a daily school, or of a higher age, or al- together more intelligent, that process would not be necessary ; and, indeed, he finds that those of the children who have been long under his instruction do not need it when the subject is pretty familiar to them. When they stand up in the church, after the Second Lesson of Evening Prayer, according to the Rubric, it is his custom either to preface the catechising with an introduction, or not, accord- ing to circumstances. Most frequently, how- ever, it is omitted; a portion of the Catechism itself is rehearsed, an4 the questions upon the point which forms the subject of the evening's instruction are either put altogether seriatim^ or divided into portions, at discretion.* The ques- tions are sometimes interspersed with explana- tions, remarks, or practical applications, and at other times followed by a lecture at the end 5 and the catechising sometimes gives occasion to the unfolding of several texts of Scripture, some- times to a continuous discourse upon one pas- * At first it was found that extemporary questions were sel- dom answered in a satisfactory manner ; but latterly it has been the custom to introduce them a little, so far as tht chil- dren have shown a better capacity for replying to them — a capacity which has grown by exercise. Preface. "« p-ion or s;;::;:'^^^^^^^^^^^^ •"""h as possible, withfolT:''"'"^"^^'''"'' -'I", pointed, pra;4':;7'"-t-io„, and application to ^.^own . ^''^quentiy homely ■^«is course ha<» K« -'henearest„p;ot;r''^''''^*''«Autho,. appears to have b e„ 1 Tj' •"»'« '» -ha and apparently at first w ,1 T"" *"" '"'«'''«««« j ^"^•"ented with pract" ^t '"' '°"^^-. Jeoome more attractive 'nd , / "'''"'''' ^as ^' ^^een from the fore.oin! It , ?"'"^- ^' -'■" « ''ariety .hich i„ a sermon^.''"'' """ " ««''"<'^ *'"»'• and one advantaTaVr"'. "''''«'"'- «»ns seldom are drowsy al th ' ''' "'"* ?<"•■ f-'*. persons in di^n'r fn^ T'''''"'- '- •h-r great obligation to hi" ^ ^^P'^^^ed -'^'n. them acquainted wi h 7' T""''^' '« Chnst,an knowledge and 1 , '"''""«"*« "^ --- and deta,ls of Christian "gfeater part oCv,h» he hadToT,^ "'°"^'' Is f. 1' ^ a considera- ' attended, as 'stration, and -ntiy homely cliiidren, as t^e Author, ike to what f^e Church, obedience ,• ceptabiJity however Jrcise has r- It wiJJ • It affords the ques- iiat per- "g-- In ^pressed rcise, in ents of in'stian PREFACE. 9 practice, which would not otherwise have been entered into so fully. Nor has the exercise been without its encour- agements and advantages to the Author himself. Independently of his increasing conviction that, when carried out with ordinary care and earnest- ness, it is far superior to a second sermon an a means of instruction, he feels that he has been led by it to form a better balanced theological system, and to understand and appreciate the teaching of the Church, and the mind of the Scriptures, in all their completeness and consist- ency, in a degree which nothing else could have led him to j for he has been taught to lay his foundations well and firmly, without which no superstructure can hold together permanently. July 31, 1843. without s arisen would \y > '^W^WW i( Sect. CONTENTS. PART I. 1 • . - Chnshan Blessing, 3. Christian Duties 4- Christian Resolution ' ' * MRT II. Sect i n , ^"® creed. 2. God the Father . 3. God the Son ' ' ' ' ■ • . . i'ART III. 2. The Ten Commr. °"""''n''««''fc' ■*• Dufy towards Man . " ' ' • ■PART IV. THAYER. '^"•i-s!,^-?'^rer PART ''WE TT^o SACTtAME. S^civi. The Nature^ the T . " 2. Baptism . ^^° Sacraments 3- The Lord's Supper ,\ • ' ' 1 ^ n 12 15 21 25 27 2& 39 41 52 55 58 68 76 • 89 • 95 99 . 102 108 )!$ M 1 s n 12 15 21 25 27 2S 39 41 52 55 58 68 76 :3l l^^lp t'' €atecl)t0ing. PART I. STfie €:|)rf0tran <8:obenant. SECTION I. THE CHRISTIAN NAME What is your name 1 N. or M. Is that your Christian name, or your surname? — 'My Christian name. Why is it called your Christian name ? — Because it was given me when I was made a Christian. What one word signifies made a Christian 7 — Christened. What is a Christian ? — ^A disciple or follower of Christ. Acts xi. 26 What should this name, then, put you in mmd of ?— The benefits I have received by being a Christian, and the duties I am bound to thereby. Col. iii. 17 f ■ •;n'5->; ' s?r""*i"4WPi 12 CHRISTIAN BLESSINGS. ^Ho ^ave yo„ this name ? "^*'^y sponsors in hnr^*- ^a^de a „.e,.ber of fe ^ -f--„ J ^,3 How so.'-Because thev , • °*''^ '"^^'"ds God. ^°^ many godfather J/^°"^'''"P as Christians. * Howmanygodfaiheraouffhtal,. , . And how mo^y godmoS IS: ° '''^^ •-^°- Whvis.i.- ""^ I was bap. In what ^ What were vm j -'"I'wsin. '"y baptism. ^ ^ '^^^ ^ '"ember of Christ, &c. ?-.in s«^^ CHRISTIAN BLESSINGS. 13 INGS. lerein I was iiJd of God, f heaven. you call spon- id godmothers, ■hey answer m nothers?— Be- 3s God. •nt, where -we sties. securities (o risfians. ■ tliere to be -Two. -Cbe. ^ was bap. •^Because which. V -n What were you before you were baptised ? — A member and child of Adam, and an heir of everlasting misery. But were you no better off than a heathen child ? — Yes ; 1 had a title to be baptised, because my parents were Chris- tians. 1 Cor. vii. 14. What were you made when you were baptised? — "A member of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven." What was \he first thing you were made when you were baptised? — "A member of Christ." 1 Cor. xii. 12, 13, 27. What is the meaning of the word member 7 — A part of the body. 1 Cor. xii. 14-18. What is a member a part of ? — 'The body. Whose body were you made a part of when you were baptised.'' — Christ's. What is Christ's body?— The Church. Eph. v. 29, 30; i. 22, 23. What do you mean by the Church.? — The society of Christians. Acts ii. 41-47. When were you taken into the Church ? — At my baptism. Whose body were you made a member of when you were taken into the Church ? — Christ's. What persons, then, have been made members of Christ ? — ^AU who have been rightly baptised. When you were made a member of Christ, what else were you made ? — " A child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven." What was the second thing you were made when you were baptised ? — " A child of God." John iii. 5. How does your being a member of Christ make you a child of God } — Because Christ is the Son of God.* John i. 12; XX. 17; Heb. ii. 11, 12. * See Bp. Beveridge's Exposition, S :<».;■ f....»4i:'it*j^?i.-. rr-irK^i^p.n^ijiKMR?*-'-^ ^ 14 011 l:r If CHBISTUN BLESSINGS. Are we (hen children nf n ^ • , --t-^o,. i„ , ,„t";^«od « .he .^e way that Chri, Then, as you are not (he !^-, f ^'' •~-^''°P«''ff me ;;7ou(hechildofG^°l!5yJf, / ^"^ 'y-^^Xo^ .2r^'^-^-P'.on.o.h.eh.d..-.Whe„,^ „.^r--'«-p-,o„.o.h..^,_^ -l.-_God/°''*^-^«^''.*en.fonhe.pportofyo. ■10 whom ovio-ht o ^v-ij »^^o corrects a chiW «,t, . o»8ht(odo«,. *""''^"''«''—ong..^ffi3 father • '^o corrects ««? in ♦! Jl eb.xii.5.6. ' '" '"^ -"««- of onr «„,3, f How does n„. 7:._.r . . ^^- I ih( i be: ' of i ^^ ve do 1 I «ow does our Vath^^ • i. "wr-,het..th ~^'"^^--^ ■;;Ani„h^,or<..heif„jr:rhr:^^^^^^ I P«'Per.yhedoes„otv^t:":2';"'°J'^ heaven." Horn. Viii. 17. yet possess » title to some tis 'l-Tf^--- '^'^^*' n d t] t 1 c c tne way that Christ ^hj;^ that was not 'Adopting me. ^ ^y nature, how ^^^or his child --^Vhenlwasi ■niaintenance.i CHRISTIAN DUTIES. 15 support of your *e matter of |rsof hissoul' this World .?-^ '0^ his soul? ~~-^Js father )uls.p.>^jod. % sending ^ haptisn, .? n-viii. 17, ' to some I .1 What, then, have you a title to by your baptism ?— To ; the kingdom of heaven. To whom does the kingdom of heaven naturally belong ? —To God. How, then, have you a title to it ? — Because I have been made a child of God. Gal. iv. 7. How does it follow that you are an heir of heaven.from being the child of God ? — Because a child is natiurally heir of his father's property. Rom. viii. 17. Who gave you a title to the kingdom of heaven ? — Our heavenly Father. Are you then quite sure of having the kingdom of hea- ven ? — No. How is thati* — I may forfeit it. Heb. iv. 1. How may you forfeit it ? — By not standing to what was done in my name when I was baptised. Heb. iii. 12, 14; 1 Cor. X. 2, 5, 11 SECTION III CHRISTIAN DUTIES. Who did any thing m your name when you were bap- tised ? — My sponsors. What did your sponsors then for you ? They did promise and vow three things in my name : First, that I should renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanity of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the flesh ; Secondly, that I should believe all the articles of the Christian faith ; And, third- ly, that I should keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of my life. KfTF- H I 16 CHRISTIAN DUTIES. How 80 ?-~-Benncn ^ i'ttsf ■--?-i"7^'•*• ^Vhy did fh ^' ^^>^« of ^ - -i* your ow^ Sir '* "-"^ ^•■'"- % to con ur ffodfafTio.. „„. ""^^ ^^e promises rv,oj. ^../ "^ ^^^ iirm When I -Ves bj' ^ caJJed upon to be con- ::-^ i t ?yTJ RENOUNCING THE DEVIL. 17 fy baptism, •■--^b bind Chris. ^ things without o them by being the way of sal- ^•38,- ICor.vi. sed for them ?^ e that they are ee. d renounce ihe ^ oi' this wick- •^e aJl the ar- , d's holy wiU ' the days of * name ?— pg- yseJf. ■^ they then ■s> or your. % to con- ^r you by I 1 to be con. baptismal What do you mean by being confirmed 7 — Going before the bishop to have his hands laid upon me. For what purpose will the bishop lay his hands upon you? — To assure me of God's favour.* And what do you say you would be required to do then ? — To confirm the promises made for me at my baptism. Why are you bound to confirm them ? — Because if I re- fuse to do it, I give up my title to salvation. Matt. x. 32, 33; Rom. x. 10. Repeat again the first thing they promised for you i- ** That I should renounce the devil," &c. The things you have to renounce, then, are divided into three heads ? — Yes. What is the first ? — " The devil and his works." What is the second ? — " The pomps and vanity of this wicked world." What is the third ?— « All the sinful lusts of the flesh." What do you mean by renouncing a thing? — Having nothing more to do with it. What is the first thing you must renounce ? What is the devil? — The prince of the wicked spirits. Matt. xii. 24; xxv. 41 ; Jude 8, 9. Was the devil always wicked ? What was the devil before he became wicked ? — A good angel. 2 Pet. ii. 4 ; Jude 6. Where was the devil when he was a good angel ? — In heaven. Rev xii. 7, 8. How came he to be cast out of heaven ? — Because he re- belled against God. 2 Pet. ii. 4. Where is his dwelling now ? — In hell. 2 Pet. ii. 4. Does he always stay there ? — No ; he wanders up and down the world. 1 Pet. v. 8. ♦ See the Collect after the Lord's prayer in the Confirmation Service. TTS, le CHRISTIAN DITTIES. ^i- waste "n^^;--^" ^- ■^'^""^^"'^^^"i'^^^^c usaJJ. '"""-^^e iirst woman am? ♦!.■ tians? Vpa ""una m an esnerini ^ Whyp p ^'''^^^^«er as Chris, "''fly.''— Because we arA ,« ^ came to desfmrr fi, members of riiv,- * I .1 ParticuJarJy works of John __ Ae devil -Pride * 'it t 1 poi ^ ma by ^ all ] Ro 6h( wl ■ • 11. thl lis ne or cl< til Ja n( th H ^^^P^s persons to '^'""'^^ tempted to "^ *e mother oi ^^^.^Because it 'y tempting Eve ^^e fruit 0/ the '''^ «^at if she ^^^ eaten it? ;'— They lost ^""th both in '^'•5,-Gen. ^^- aJJ but as Chris. •d Christ 8. -^ride, RENOUNCING THE WORLD. 19 disobedience, envy and strife, tempting others to sin,* false- hood, and murder. 1 Tim. iii. 6; Eph. ii. 2; James iii. 14, 15; John viii. 44. Wliat is the second thing you are to renounce ? — " The pomps and vanity of this wicked world." What do you mean by the world ? — The whole body of mankind. Why do you call the world ivicked 7 — Because we are all by nature inclined to be wicked. 1 John v. 19. Why are we all inclined to be wicked ? — Because we are all bom in sin. Ps. li. 5. How is this ? — Because we are all descended from Adam. Rom. V. 12. What do you mean by the pomps of this world ? — The show and finery, and sinful or excessive merry-makings, which ungodly people keep up and take pleasure in. 1 John ii. 16. What do you mean by the vanity of this world ? — The things which ungodly people seek their happiness in. Isa. lix. 4 ; Ps. iv. 2. What is the meaning of the word vanity 1 — Emptmcss. Why are those things which ungodly people seek happi- ness in called vanity ? — Because they have no real goodness or satisfaction in them. £ccl. i. 14. Mention some of them. — Money, and a gi-eat name, fine clothes, fine company, feastings, and the like. Why are we bound to renounce the pomps and vanity of tliis world ? — Because they draw oiu: hearts off from God. James iv. 4; 1 John ii. 15. Is there any particular reason why we are bound to re- nounce them as Christians ? — Because we are inheritors of of heaven, and they make us unfit for heaven. the kingdom Heb. iv. 1 : Col. iii. 2-6 * As he tempted our first parents. 20 <^^nisTUN Lvms, J^^^"' do you mean b^ ^ . ' '^^ , ^ „ Whal s,„fu] desires Z '"~^«s,>es _: flesh. ""J""" to renounce '-.IT. ^ Why are n ^-""^^y to Ae w>J] 0/ torn /,-:^°"»^'"-lde.-res sinful .^^Beeause fe 'here any special r. '^'^^"^ ^e ate ^^lat do von ,v,n 1^ "^•■— The f!-'anreiij:j,!!-fi.-ons in ,he .^rid besides .^ r''ciistir^„^7"'e Christian refeon, P ' know better iT «? '^"S'" to Miey!Tl,~:^'^'"^ ^ ^Vhat other ^/- '*'• *• 23- ' ''^*°«. ^ho S-n!.yw£?S;V*""'-S-««-itisae , God. ^"'"^ « JS the only tell^if .,. i Whv rf ^ " *^' eame iron, Heb 5. CHRISTIAN RESOLUTION. 21 renounce ?-^cc He i What do you mean by the articles of the Christian faith ? —The different parts of which the whole is composed, nee .'-—Those of th What is the third thing your sponsors inomiscd for you ? — That I should keep God's holy will and commandments, and walk in the same all the days of my life. You say "walk in the same;" the same what? — ^The same holy will and commandments of God. What do you mean by walking in the will and command- ments of God .' — Making a practice of doing them. Why are you bound to keep God's commandments ? — Be- cause God made me. Is there any special reason why you are bound to it as a Christian i* — Yes ; because I am a child of God. If you do not, what will be the consequence ? — I shall be cut off from Christ, and forfeit my title to the kingdom of heaven, ^ own nature. *^ our own nature? ^^y to the wiJJ of -Because we arc itians, we should ^e are children ed to the Jaw of cles o/?.^The -The Chris. , besides ihe ^6 Turk's rc -Because I y those, who le only xeii, came from Christian ^e beheye, I i SECTION IV CHRISTIAN RESOLUTION. Dost thou not think that thou art bound to believe, and to do as they have promised for thee'? . - Yes, verily ; and by God's help so I will. And I heartily thank our heavenly Father, that he hath called me to this state of salva- tion, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. And I pray unto God to give me his grace, that I may continue in the same unto my life's end. What, then, are you bound to believe 7 — All the articles of the Christian faith. What are you bound to do 7 — ^To renounce the devil, the world, and the flesh, and to keep God's holy will and com- mandments. 22 III ^^H^STUN KKSOWTIO^, # ^hen you .say .. on In ' I ^ ^ly do you sav u i„ ^ „ , . ^''^ When TusrJ '"'P °^ ^oJ- '"*°P ^<» "^Tt. r -"« ""Si's i fON. you mean? wri„ you will ause f "s; ui con. , ^° 'he bishop. "> 'he bishop f^ <^on,e ,0 years o/ 'f .(Catechism. .# "■'Sh'iy under. , ''«i";^d, and I s help. >^«" s^aJJ have °^ ^y head. "^ head when '■^ ^hich the e i'orm as the *^e pJace of i IS appointed •'--Because father; CHRISTIAN RESOLtfTION. How came you to be in a stjite of salvation ? — T was put in a state of salvation by being baptised. Tit. iii. 5. How so ? — I was made a member of Christ, a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven. How is this a state of siilvation ? — Because, by being in this state, I have been saved from the wrath of God, in which I was born, and have a title given me to eternal life, Tit. iii. 5, 7. Can you give a further reason ? — Because if I continue in the state in which I was placed by baptism, I am sure of being saved for ever. Heb. iii. 14. Is there yet another reason ? — Because I had the Holy Spirit given me, to help me to do what I could not do other- wise Acts ii. 38; 1 Cor. xii. 13. If, then, children are baptised, and die before they commit actual sin, are they undoubtedly saved .> — Yes. Why ? — They have done nothing to forfeit their privilege. Who called you to this state of salvation ? — God. 2 Tim. i. 8, 9. Through whom did he call you.' — ^Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Tit. iii. 6 ; 2 Tim. i. 9. How so ? — By making me a member of Christ. Why do you call Christ your Saviour ? — Because it 13 only through him that I am saved. Acts iv. 12. What do you pray to God to give you his grace for ? — " That I may continue in the same unto my life's end." That you may continue in the same what ? — In the same state of salvation. What is the meaning of the word grace ? — ^Favour. What do you mean by the grace of God ? — ^The help of the Holy Ghost. Why do you call that the grace of God ? — Because it is one of the greatest favours God can give. Why is it necessary to have the grace of God .' — Because 24 CHRISTIAN RESOLUTION. ! f without his grace I could not continue in a state of salva- tion. 1 Cor. XV. 10. Why do you pray to God to give it you ? — Because I have no right to expect it without asking for it. ■ But wliat reason have you to expect that by asking you will obtain it ? — He has commanded me to pray for it, and promised to give it if I do pray. Luke xi. 9, 13. Why do you wish to continue in this state ? — Because if I do not, I cannot be saved. But what if you have fallen into a haJbit of sin, have you no hope then of being saved ? — Not so long as I continue in it. But if you do not wish to continue thus, what must you do ? — I must humble myself before God, and confess my sins to him, and pray to him to restore me to his favour. Ps. xxxii. 3-5 ; 1 John i. 9. What benefit do you chiefly expect by being restored to his favour .'* — That he will give me renewed grace to keep the vows which I have broken. .Ps. li. 9-11. Through whom do you hope that he will thus restore you ? — Through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John ii. 1-2. Will having a part in Christ by baptism save you, if you fall into sin } — Not unless I repent of my sins. 1 Cor. x. 1-6. But what if you die in sin ? — I shall be lost for ever John viii. 21. you? M '•»* of salva- ^Because I [sking you I for it, and [Because if have you continue fnust you nfess my is favour. estored to to keep s restore -2. I, if you '. X. U6. or ever THE CREED. PART II ®!)e CrccTr. 35 What was the second thing your sponsors promised ior you? Rehearse the articles of thy belief. I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth : and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord ; who was con- ceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried ; he descended into hell ; the third day he rose from the dead ; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almigh- ty : from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost : the Holy Catholic Church ; the com- munion of Saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. SECTION I. GROUNDS OF THE CREED. We say, " Reheaxse the articles of thy belief : " why do we say, " thy belief ? " — It is the Christian belief, and I ain a Christian. Why do you believe the Creed .'—-Because it is taught me by the Church. 3 ;,-:-^^ 26 THE CREED. Why does the Church teach it to you ? — Because it is the same as the Gospel, put into few words. Why do we believe the Gospel ? — Because it came from God. How do we know that the Gospel came from God ? — ^Be- cause it was preached by Jesus Christ and his apostles. How do we know that what Jesus and his apostles preached was true ? — Because God confirmed it, by giving them the power to work many wonderful things. What sort of things had they the power to do ^ — ^They cured sick people, they gave sight to the blind, and they raised dead -people to life again. What other reason have we for believing what Ihey preached ? — Because they were willing to die to show that they spoke the truth. Have we any other reason ? — ^Yes ; because God raised up Jesus again after he was crucified. What reason have we for knowing that this really took place ? — Because holy men who saw these things wrote an account of them. Is there not a day which has been kept ever since in me- mory of it ? — ^Yes ; Easter-day. Give me one more reason for believing the Gospel. — ^Be- cause all men who live by the Gospel are good, and kind, and charitable, and honest, and the like. In what part of the Church-service do we repeal this creed ? — In the morning and evening prayer. By what nam_e is it there called ? — The Apostles' Creed. Is there any other creed in the Prayer Book ? — Yes. What is it called ? — The Nicene Creed. Is it used in divine serv^ice ? — Yes. In what part of the service is the Nicene Creed used .'— Instead of the Apostles' Creed, and sometimes in the com* munion-service, after the Gospel -^ar^ [cau^ it is tjjg it came from God ?^Be. apostles. ^»s apostles ^> ^y giving Jd, and they ' what ihey 3 show that God raised reaJJy took jS wrote an nee in me. speJ.-.Be. and Jcind, peat this ; Creed. es. ised.?-^ lecom. GOD THE FATHER SECTION II. GOD THE FATHER. 37 \ What is the iirst article of the Creed ? — " I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth." Whom do you believe in .' — In God. Why do you believe in God ? — Because I am taught to do so by those who are wiser than myself. What otVier reasons have you ? — Because my heart tells me that what they say is true What other reason have you ? — ^Because I can see the works of God every where. Rom. i. 20. What works of God can you see ? — Men and animals, trees and fields, hills and rivers, &c. Why do you say, God the Father ? — Because there are God the /Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Are there three Gods, then .' — No. Wlio is God the FatJier the Father of ? — Our Lord Jesus Christ. What is the meaning of Almighty ? — Able to do what- ever he pleases. What is God the Maker of ? — Heaven and earth. How many heavens are there ? — Three. 2 Cor. xii. 2. Which is the first heaven ? — The air, in which the clouds are. 1 Kings xviii. 45.* Which is the second heaven ? — ^The sky, containing the sun, and moon, and stars. Gen. i. 14-17. Which is the third heaven ? — The habitation of God and the holy angels. 2 Chron. vi. 21 ; Matt. xxii. 30 Who made the sun ? Who made the angels ? What do you mean by the earth, which you say that God made ? — ^The world we live in. * See Bishop Pearson on the Creed *^^ 98 THE CREED. 1 What words are added to this article in the Nicene Creed ? — " And of all things visible and invisible." What do you mean by things visible ? — Things which we can see What do you mean by things invisible ? — Things which we cannot see What things, then, beside the heaven and earth, is God the Maker of ? What visible things are there beside heaven and earth ? — Mankind, and the brute animals, and birds, and the like. What invisible things are there ? — ^The angels and devils. SECTION III. GOD THE SON What is the next article of the Creed ? — ** And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord '* Whose son is Jesus ? Are not Christians called children of God ^ — ^Yes. Are Christians children of God by nature 7 — ^No. How are they children of God ? — By adoption How was Jesus the Son of God ? — ^By nature. Was any one else the Son of God by nature ? — ^No. Who is God's only Son, then ? — Jesus Christ. What word is used in the Nicene Creed to say that Jesus Christ is the Son of God by nature 7 — Only-begotten. When does that creed say that he was begotten i* — ** Be- fore all worlds." What is the son of a man by nature ? — Man. What is the Son of God by nature ? — God. How is that expressed in the Nicene Creed? — ^We are told that he is " God of God," and " of one substance wi& the Father." Whose Lord is Jesus ? — Our Lord Why so? — Because he is God. Rev i. 11 Wl came US and' i THE OFFICES OF CHRIST. 29 *e Nicene ble." |hings which rhings which krth, is God ^nd earth ?-* the like. and devils. ' id in Jesus ^es. ^0. -No. that Jesus ten. -We aw ice with I What is the meaning of the name Jesus ? — A Saviour Why was the Son of God called Jesus? — Because he came to save us from our sins. How is that expressed in the Nicene Creed ? — " Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven." Where did he come from ? For what purpose did he come ? — For our salvation What do you mean by salvation ? — Saving us from sin and everlasting misery. What is the meaning of Christ ? — Anointed. Why is Jesus called Christ ? — Because he had three of- fices to which persons were formerly appointed by anointing What do you mean by anointing ? — Pouring oil upon Iheir heads. What were those three offices ? — Prophet, priest, and king Give an example of a prophet being anointed. — Elisha. 1 Kings xix. 16 And of a priest. — ^Aaron. Lev. viii. 12. And of a king. — Saul. 1 Sam. x. 1 What is the business of a prophet ? — To instruct men in the ways of God, and to foretell what is to come. How, then, was Jesus a prophet ? — He made known to us the way of God in the New Testament, and he foretold many things to come. Tell me something that he foretold. John ii. 19 ; Matt, xxiv What is the office of a priest ? — ^To offer up prayers and sacrifices on behalf of others. How, then, was Jesus a priest ? — He offered up himself a sacrifice on the cross ; Heb. viii. 3 ; ix. 14 ; and by virtue of the same sacrifice, he continually intercedes for us at the right hand of God. 1 John ii. 1 , 2. What is the office of a king ? — To give those who are subject to him laws to live by, to punish those who break the laws, and to defend his subjects from their enemies. ^^ i.:: t'-^ I ■'■ '-'i\L 30 THE CREED. Where can you find the laws which Jesus has given us to live by ? — In the Scripture. When will he punish those who break them ? — ^At the day of judgment. What enemies does he defend us from ? — The devil and his angels. What is the next article .'' — *' Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary." Where do you learn this ? — It is related in the Gospels. Luke i. 26-38 ; ii. 1-9, 21 In what way is it expressed in the Nicene Creed ^ — " He was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary." What is the meaning of incarnate 7 — Made flesh. What do you mean by saying that Jesus was made flesh ? — That he became of the same nature as ourselves. What holyday of the Church is kept in memory of the mcamation of Christ? — The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary What IS the meanmg of annunciation ? — Bringing a mes- sage. To whom was a message brought on that day ? — ^To the Virgin Mary. What was the message ? — That she was to be the mother of the Son of God Had Jesus any man for his father ? — No ^' Who was his father ? — God. What is the meaning of the word Ghost ? — Spirit. Who is the Holy Ghost ?— The Holy Sph-it of God. Who was the mother of Jesus ?— The Virgin Mary. Had Mary ever been married when she became his mo ther ? — ^No ; she had been only espoused. What is tliat ? — Solemnly engaged to be married. Who was her husband .' — Joseph the carpenter Was he the fa:ther of Jesus ? — No She] thei i >»r a\ Tfsr :?ay. children [ Whom was Jesus subject to when he was a child ? — To his mother and her husband. Luke ii. 51. Do you suppose that Jesus lived in idleness during the time of his hringmg-up ? — No. Mark vi. 3. What is the next article of the Creed ? — " Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried." Who was Pontius Pilate ? — Roman governor of Judea. Who were the Romans? — A powerful nation, whose chief city was Rome in Italy. What had they to do in Judea? — They had conquered the country. Was Pontius Pilate a Jew ? — No. What is the meaning of suffering under Pontius Pilate ? — Suffering at the time when he was govenior. Where did our Lord's sufferings first appear ? — In the gar- den of Gethsemane. Matt. xvi. 37-38. What caused his suffering there ? — The dread of what he had to undergo. In what words did he express this dread ? — " my Fa- ther, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me." What did he mean by " this cup ?" — The sufferings he was to undergo. Jer. xxv. 28, 29 ; Ezek. xxiii. 32, 33. What happened to his body to show how much he suf fered in his mind i" — ^His sweat was like great drops of blood Where was the next place of his suffering ? — In the pa lace of the high-priest. What did he suffer there ? — He was beaten, spit upon, and falsely accused. Did Jesus suffer any thing from Pontius Pilate hunself .' — Yes. By whose wish did Jesus suffer ? — By the wish of the Jews. Why did not the Jews put Jesus to death themselves .> — Because they were subject to the Romans /'■Mil I 84 THE CREED. '; !,!■} '^i;'.:M 'vM i t^ ;P -^.-..^ What did Pontius Pilate do to him ? — Scourged hiin, anil ordered him to be crucified What did he suffer from Pilate's soldiers ? — They mocked him, and put a crown of thorns on his head, and beat him, and spit upon him. Was he obliged to suffer what he did ? — No For what end did he do it ? — For our salvation Did he suffer willingly? — Yes. Matt. xxvi. 53, 54. Why did he consent to suffer ? — Because it was the will of God he should suffer, and out of love to men. Matt, xxvi. 53, 54; Heb. x. 9, 10; Eph. v. 2. Had he any thing to look forward to, if he suffered .' — Yes ; the joy set before him. Heb. xii. 2. What joy ." — Everlasting joy in heaven. By what outward act did he show that he suffered will- ingly .' — By the Lord's supper. Matt. xxvi. 26-28. How so ? — He gave his body and blood for mankind, in the presence of his twelve apostles. What do you mean by his being crucified ? — Being nailed to a cross. Through w^hat part of his body were the nails driven ? — Through his hands and his feet. For whom was he crucified } — For us. Repeat the passage in the Nicene Creed which says this. — " And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate." Why was he to suffer that particular death i* — To redeem us from the cuise of the law. Gal. iii. 13. How so ? — That kind of death was in a particular manner a cursed death Did he suffer only m his body ? — No ; he suffered in his mind as well. What words that he used upon the cross show that he suf- fered m his mind ? — " My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me ' " Matt xxvii. 46 Dil atone H^ deatl for Fc iTij :v''aESS ffl« ' ?'"'^ t" W ' *' "" THE DESCENT INTO HELL. 1 hijn, and ey mocked beat him, ' 54 s the will n. Matt. I lifered ? — ^ ired will- nd, in the ng nailed riven ? — ays this. Lte." ' redeem manner in his he sut- it thou Did he die upon the cross ? — Yes. Why was it necessary that he should die ? — To make an atonement for our sins. How so? — Because we were under sentence of eternal death, and there is no forgiveness without some one to sufTer for us. Rom. v. 12 ; Heb. ix. 22. For whom did he die ? — For all mankind. 1 John ii. 1,2; 1 Tim. ii. 6 ; Heb. ii. 9. What was done to his body after his death ? — He was buried. And where did his soul go ? — " He descended into hell." What is the meaning of descended ? What is the meaning of the word hell ? — The place of de- parted spirits, or the abode, of the souls of men between death and the resurrection. What other meaning has this word } — It signifies the place where the wicked will be punished for ever and ever. Matt. V. 22. But what do you say is its meaning when you «»v that Jesus descended into hell ? How do you know that he descended into hell ? — Because St. Peter tells us that he did. How do you show this ? — He says that David prophesied of Christ's soul not being left in hell, which shows that he went there. Acts ii. 29-31 ; Eph. iv. 9. To what place did our Lord himself say that he should go ? — ^To Paradise When did he say that ? — When he said to the penitent thief, " To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Luke xxiii. 43. What is paradise ? — That part of the place of the dead where the souls of the blessed rest from their labours, Luke xri. 22-26; Rev.xiv 13 86 THE CREED. lit t. Why should the soul of Jesus descend into hell ? — That he might in all points be made like to us. Is there any other reason ? — That he might triumph over the devil in ll\e place of his great power.* Why do you call the abode of the dead the place of the devil's power ? — Because the Scripture says that the devil "had the power of death." Heb. ii. 14. In what manner did he triumph over the devil in the abode of the dead ? — By coming back again from thence, and raising some of the saints with him. Matt, xxvii. 52, 53. What have we to do with this article of the Creed ? — ^We may learn not to be afraid for our souls to go where our Lord went before us.f On what day of the week was he crucified ? — On Friday How does the Church endeavour to keep this in mind ?— By appointing eveiy Friday to be kept as a fast-day. What do we call that particular Friday on which he was crucified .' — Good Friday. Why is it called Good Friday ? — Because of the great blessing we obtain by Jesus dying for us. What did he obtain for us by his death ? — Eternal life. Did Jesus continue dead ? What words in the Creed teach you that he did not con- tinue dead ? — " Tlie third day he rose from the dead." On what day after his death did he rise again ? — On the third day. On what day of the week did he rise again ? — ^The first. Mark xvi. 9. What is that day called ? — Sunday * Bp. Ken's Exposition. t Homily of the Resurrection : ** He passed through death and hell, to the intent to put us in good hope that by his strength we shall do the same ' \ I « THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. 37 Bll ?-That impli over ace of the t the devil vil in the m thence, i^ii. 52, 53. jed?— We where our >n Friday mind ?— h he was the grea( al life. not con- d.» —On the rhe first. \ What name has the Sunday in memory of our Lord's rising again on that day.' — Tiic Lord's day. Rev. i. 10. What particular Sunday in the year is kept in remem- brance of his rising again .' — Easter-day. For what purpf)sc did he rise again ? — For our justifica- tion. Rom. iv. 25. How is Christ's resurrection connected with our justifica- tion .' — It was God's own assurance that a full satisfaction had been made for our sins.* How did the resurrection of Christ show this .' — It assured us that it was the Son of God himself who had suHered foi them. Rom. i. 4 ; Acts xiii. 33 In what other way is the resurrection of Christ connccteil with our justification ? — It lays a firm foundation for that faith in him on our part through which we are justilied 1 Cor. XV. IT.f For what other purpose did Christ rise from the dead ? — To assure us that we should also rise again. 1 Cor. xv. 20-22. When shall we rise again .' — At the last day. What is the next article of the Creed .' — '< He ascended into heaven," &c. What is the meaning of ascended ? — Went up Where did he ascend to ? How long after he rose from the dead was it when he ascended into heaven ? — Forty days. Acts i. 3. What is the day called on which he ascended ? — ^Holy Thursday. How long is it before Whitsunday .' — Ten days. Who saw him ascend .' — The eleven apostles. Acts i. 2, 1 1 ;h death strength * Bp. Nicholson's Exposition; and Bp. Sherlock's Sermon on Rom. iv. 25. t St. Chrysostom, St. Jerome, and Theophylact. on Rom iv. 25. 4 38 THE CREED. Did only his soul go into heaven ? — No ; his body likewise. Where does Christ sit in heaven ? What do you mean by that ? — The most honourable place m heaven. Eph. i. 20, 21. What power has he there ? — All power in heaven and earth. Eph. i. 21. For what end is it given him ? — For the benefit of his Church. Eph. i. 22. What does Jesus do ior us at the right hand ot God ? — He intercedes for us. Rom. viii. 34 ; Heb. ix. 24 ; vii. 25. What is the meaning of interceding? — Speaking to our heavenly Father for us. What ])enefit have we by this ? — God for his sake hears our prayers, and foi'gives our sins, and helps our weakness. Heb. iv. 15, 16 ; x. 21,22 ; 1 John ii. 1 ; Heb. iv. 16 ; vii. 25. Will Jesus always continue at the right hand of God ? Repeat the words of the Creed to prove this. From whence will Christ come? When will he come ? What will he come to do ^ What do you mean by judging men ? — Calling them to account for what they have done What do you mean by the quick ? — Tlie livmg. 1 Thess. iv. 17. What will become of all people after they are judged? 2 Cor. V. 10. Where will good people go to ? Matt. xxv. 46 Where will wicked people go to ? Will people have any warning before Christ comes ? — No. 1 Tliess. V. 2 What shall we be judged according to ? Has God kept any account of all we have done ? — Yes. Rev. XX. 12. Can any one escape being judged ? 2 Cor v 1 |dy likewise. irable place ^ Iheavenand • ^nefit of his oi God?-^ ; vii. 25. fiing to our f t sake hears ^ weakness. 16; vii. 25. of God ? »g them to ^ 1 Thess. f« judged ? f, comes ?- e .'—Yes. THE HOLY GHOST. SECTION IV THE HOLY GHOST 39 \ What is the next article of the Creed? — "I believe in the Holy Ghost." Why is I believe repeated here ? — To express our belief in him as fully as in the other divine Persons. What is the meaning of the word Ghost ? — Spirit. Whose Spirit is the Holy Ghost ? 1 Cor. ii. 10, 13 Have we spirits ? Are our spirits different things from ourselves ? — No. Is, then, God's Spirit a diilerent thing from God ?-^No. 1 Cor. ii. 11; Acts v. 3, 4. What is he called m the Nicene Creed to signify that he IS God .'—" The Lord." Is he called so in Scripture .' — Yes. 2 Cor. iii. 17. Why do we call the Holy Ghost a Person 7 — Because we learn in Scripture that he does things which none but a person could do. Acts x. 19 ; xiii. 2; Rom. viii. 26; 1 Cor xii. 11 Is he the same Person as the Father and the Son ? — No Matt, xxviii. 19. From whom does the Nicene Creed tell you that he pro- ceeds? — "From the Father and the Son." John xv. 26; Gal. iv. 6. Is he the same God as the Father and the Son ? — Yes ; because there is only one God. Is he to be worshipped and glorified equally with the Fa- ther and the Son? — Yes; because he is God. Repeat the passage in the Nicene Creed which teaxihes you this * Why is the Spnit of God called the Holy Spirit ? — Be- *^ cause he is perfectly holy himself, and the author of all ho Imess m us Rom i. 4; Eph. v. 9 J M'iii' !n |ii 40 THE CREED. i ! Who is the wicked spirit ? What has the Holy Ghost done for us ? — He has made known to us all we know of religion. John xvi. 13. Where has he chicjly made it known.' — In the holy Scriptures. 2 Tim. iii. 15-17; 2 Pet. i. 21. What other name have you for the holy Scriptures ? — The Bible. Into what parts is the Bible divided .' — The Old and New Testament. By whose help were they written ? — By the help of the Holy Ghost. 2 Pet. i. 21 ; John xiv. 26. How is that expressed in the Nicene Creed? — "Who spake by the prophets." 2 Pet. i. 21 What do you mean by prophets? — Those who have made known to us the will of God. Has he done any thing else for us } — He has given new life to our souls. John iii. 3,5; Tit. iii. 5. How is this expressed in the Nicene Creed? — "The Giver of life." How has he done this ? — By dwelling in us, as in a tem- ple. 1 Cor. vi. 19. What good do we draw from his dwelling in us ? — He puts into our hearts every good thought and good feeling we have. Eph. v. 9. IMention some other benefit. — He fights against the evil inclinations which are natural to us. Gal. v. 16, 17. What duty do we owe to him in that respect .'' — We must he led by him, and work with him. Rom viii. 12-14. What benefit shall we derive from so doing ? — We shall conquer sin, and please God. Rom. viii. 1 , 2. How were the holy Scriptures given to us ? Who puts good thoughts into our minds ? What other good thing has he done for us ' — He gave the t li THE CHURCH. 41 has made the holy ■ptures ? — and New elp of the — « Who '"ho have ven new .'—"The in a tern- US?— He ieling we the evil Ve must 14. ^e shal] apostles the power to do the wonderful works they did. 1 Cor. xii. 8-11. I How does that affect us ? — It was by that means the Gos- pel spread aljroad and came to us. I "When did he give this power to the apostles ? — On the day of Pentecost. Acts ii. 1-4. What do we call it now ? — ^Whitsunday. Who were the apostles ? In what manner did he give them this power .' — By com- ing down upon them in the shape of tongues of fire. In what shape did he come down upon the apostles ? What was the immediate effect of his coming down upon them ? — They spoke with tongues. What do you mean 'by that.' — They spoke languages they had never learnt. Why were the aporUes enabled to speak all sorts of lan- guages ? — To enable tliem to preach the Gospel to all na- tions of the world. What other effect had the Holy Ghost upon the apostles ? — He enlightened and sanctified their minds. AVhat do you mean by enlightening their minds } — He in- structed them in the knowledge of the Gospel. John xiv. 26 I What title did our Lord give to the Holy Ghost ?— The I Comforter. Why has he that title ? — Because he stands by us and I helps us in trouble and difficulty. John xiv. 1 6-1 8 ; xvi. 7-11; Acts ix. 31 What is the meanmg of being sanctified? — Made holy SECTION V THE CHURCH AND HER PRIVILEGES. ave the What is the next article of the Creed ? — " The holy Ca- tholic Church." What do you mean by the Church? — The society of I 42 THE CREED. ■m those whom God has called out of the world, and united together in Christ. Col. i. 13; Eph. iv. 16. Who are the members of that society ? — All who have been truly baptised, and have not since been separated from the Church. Acts ii. 41-47; 1 Cor. xii. 13. What is the meaning of the English word chunk ? — The Lord's house. Why are all Christians considered as one body.' — Be- cause they are all united together in Christ. 1 Cor. xii. 12, 13. Why is it necessary to believe in the Church ^ — Because the promises of God in Christ are made only to the Church.* When are we made members of the Church ? — At our baptism. Does baptism entitle us to all the privileges of members ? —No. What is necessary in order to be entitled to all the privi- leges of the Church .' — To be confirmed. As the Church is a society, must it not have laws, and governors, and officers ? — Yes. Where shall we find its laws } — In the Bible. Has the Church any head or chief .'' — Yes. Who is the head of the Church .?— Christ. Col. i. 18. When Christ went up into heaven, did he appoint any one to take his place in governing the Church ? — Yes. Whom did he appoint ? — The apostles. Matt, xxviii. 1 8-20; John XX. 21. As the apostles are dead many ages ago, did they leave any to succeed them in governing the Church ? — Yes. Whom did they appoint .? — The bishops, f Rev. ii. iii. How do we know this ? — Because after they died, we ♦ Bp. Pearson on the Creed. t St Paul's Epistles to Timothy and Titus. I THE OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 48 nd united have been from the "^k ?— The y?— Be. tii. 12,13. -Because Church.* -At our nembers ? the privi- aws, and . IS. 3int any es. -y leave 3. • • • 111. ed, we find no Church, for many hundred years, vrnich was not under a bishop. What is the office of bishops ? — To keep up and govern the Church. How do they keep up the Church ? — By appointing clergy to bring members into the Church, and to keep them in it; and by confirming those who have been baptised. Tit. i. 5 What is appointing the clergy called .' — Ordination. Has any one a right to ordain besides a bishop ? — No Why not ? — Because none other have received authority to ordain How does confirmation contribute to keep up the Church ? If — By receiving the members of it mto complete union with it. f Has any one a right to confirm except a bishop ? — No. Why not ? — Because the laws of the Church forbid it. I 1 Cor. xi. 16; 2 Thess. ii. 15. How do the bishops govern the Church ? — By governing both clergy and people according to the lav/s of the Church. Can we be turned out of the Church } — Yesj 1 Cor. v. 4, 5 What is it called when a person is turned out of the Church ? — Being excommunicated. Who has the power to excommunicate a person? — A nishop. Tit. iii. 10. Can we turn ourselves out ? — ^Yes ; to a certain degree. How ? — By neglecting to be confirmed, by never going to the Lord's Supper, or by never going to Church, or by de- nying Christ. Can we deny Christ without denying him with our lips ? — Yes ; by wilfully persevering m the practice of sin. Is there no other way ? — Yes ; by forsaking him in our nearts. Will all those who are members of the Church go to hea- ven i* — Not those who are wicked. Matt xiii. 40-42. ; 44 THE CREED. W ' ■I : When Christians die, are they no longer members of the Church ?- -Those who depart in Christ continue members of it. Heb. xii. 22, 23. By what name are bishops called in the New Testament ? — At first they had no separate name ; aftenvards they were called angels. Rev. ii. 1. What oilier orders of clergy are there besides bishops ? — Priests and deacons. What are priests called in the New Testament.' — Elders and bishops. Tit. i. 5, 7. What is the office of priests ? — To govern the people un- der tjie bishops, and to perform all acts of the ministry which are not reserved to the bishops. 1 Tim. v. 17. What is the office of deacon ? — To baptise, to preach, if appointed by the bishop, and to assist the bishops and priests in their ministry. Acts viii. 5, 12 ; Acts vi. 2. How do peisons remam in union with the Church ? — By continuing in union with Christ's ministers and people. Acts ii. 42. How are we* to unite with them when we are children ? — By coming reverently to be instructed by our spiritual pastor. How are we to unite with them when we become some- what older ? — By coming to the bishop to be confirmed. Why are we called to come to the bishop in particular ?— Because the bishop is our chief pastor under Christ. How are we to continue united with them ever aftersvards ." — By receiving the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in union with them. 1 Cor. x. 17. Are no persons members of the Church who neglect this ? — They are not true members. Are those persons doing right who separate from their appointed pastors and choose teachers for themselves ? — reatest necessity c 3 ing gr( justify 17; Rom. xvi. 17 THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. 45 \ rsof the imbers of stament ? Iiey were hops ? — —Elders ople un- ministr)'^ 7. reach, if (1 priests !h ?— By people. (Iren ? — 1 pastor. e some- led. ular .'— wards ? 1 union neglect n thefr ves ? — ;b. xiii. What kind of necessity would justify it ? — If we could not continue in union with them without committing sin. If persons, then, without this great necessity, separate from those pastors whom Christ has appointed, and choose teachers for themselves, arc they still members of the Church i"^ — ^They by that very act withdraw from the Church. Why is the Church called holy ? — Because all its mem- bers are made holy to God. 1 Cor. iii. 17. How do you mean ? — We are all set apart to serve God by the gift of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. iii. 16. When was this done ? — When we were baptised. 1 Cor. xii. 13 Is there any other reason for calling the Church holy? — Yes: because the ordinances she observes are holy. How so ? — ^If they are followed sincerely, they will make men holy. Is there any other reason ? — Yes ; the Church does better works than mankind do who are not in the Church. 1 Cor. vi. 9-11. Are all the members of the Church holy in their lives ? — No Did Christ intend to permit this ? — Yes. Matt. xiii. 30. When will the good and bad be separated .' — At the last day. Malt. xiii. 39-43, & 49. You speak of the Catholic Church ; what does the word Catholic mean .' — All over the world. What, then, do you mean by calling the Church Catho- lic ? — I mean that it is not confined to one place or country, or to any union ordained by man. Whom, then, does the Catholic Church take in ? — All those persons, in all parts of the world, who are united to- gether in Christ. Matt, xxviii 19 ; 1 Cor. xii. 13; Eph. ii. 21; iv. 16. What do you mean by bemg united together in Christ .'— ^H ■ ■ / 46 THE CREED. « ■ li -i i' If*-' United under Christ's true ministers, in the profession of the same faith, and in tlie ol)servance of the same Sacraments. Are there any Churches wiiicli are confined to one place ? — Tlicre were such in the apostles' times. 1 Cor. i. 2; 1 Thcss. i. 1. JMention some. Are there any Churches which are confined to one coun- try ? — Yi^s ; such [IS the Church of England. Are there any other Cliurches united in honds ordained by man .' — Yes ; such as the Church of Rome and the Greek Chin'ch. How are all these kinds of Churches related to the Ca- tholic Church ? — ^They are parts of it. What did the apostles mean when they spoke of the Church in such a one's house .' — The Christians w^ho united there in the service of God. Rom. xvi. 5 ; 1 Cor. xvi. 19. What do you mean hy the word church, when you say, " I am going to church .'" — A place set apart for Cliristians to worship God in. What do we learn by the Church being Catholic ? — That Christians ought not to be divided into sects and parties. 1 Cor. i. 10-12 And what else } — That every particular Christian ought to strive and pray for a general union of all Churches. Can you mention any thing further ? — That all Christians should feel for each other, and help each other. 1 Cor. xii. 25, 26. What is the next article in the Creed i" — " The commu- nion of saints " What do you mean by saints ? — All good Christians What do you mean by communion? — Having a joint share in a thing. What do you mean by the communion of saints ? — That good Chnstians join together in heart and open deed, and COMMUNION OF SAINTS. 47 isioii of the craments. " one jilace ? Cor. i. 2 ; ) one coun- s ordained the Greek to the Ca- )ke of the who united . xvi. 19. n you say, Cliristians •lie ?— That lid parties. jtian ought rches. Christians 1 Cor. xii. le commu- istians ng a joint Its?— That deed, and share God's benefits with each other. Eph. ii. 19; iv. 4-6, 16; Rom. xii. 4, 5 I shf What sort of things do they join together in a with each other.' — In pvaycrs and thanksgivings, in the Lord's Supper, in hearing God's word, and in charity. Acts ii. 42,44; Gal. vi. 10. How are we to show our belief in the cmnnriunion of saints .' — By openly uniting in these things with the Church of Christ. Ileb. x. 25. ' Where are we required to unite openly with the Church of Christ .' — In the house of God. What is the chief means of keeping up the connnunion of saints? — The Lord's Supper. 1 Cor. x. 17. Mention som.e other thinars in which we bear witness to that communion. — In the public administration of baptism., in public catechising, "n the churching of women, &c. How may Christians at a distance from each other testify their mutual communion ? — By praying for each other, and helping each other m trou])le or diiRculty. How may distant branches of the Church testify their mutual communion ? — By allowing each other's members to join them in the Lord's Supper. Are the saints departed cut off from the communion of saints ?— No. Heb. xii. 22, 23. How may saints on earth testify their communion with saints departed? — By remembering them with honour. Heb. xi. In what way does the Church teach us to remember them with honour.' — By mentioning them in the prayer for the Church militant. Repeat the words in that prayer in which the saints de- parted are mentioned. In what other way does the Church teach us to remem- 48 THE CREED. 11 l! I ber the saints with honour ? — By appointing special days in memory of tlicm What are those days commonly called ' — Saints' days. Mention some of them. In what other way may we testify our communion with saints departed ? — By following their good example. James V 10, 11. Can you mention any other way.' — By praying to be united with them in endless happiness. Does the Church teach you to do this .' — ^Yes. Where ? — In the first prayer in the Burial-service. Mention the words. What is the next article of the Creed .' — " The forgive ness of sins." What do you mean by sin? — Whatever offends God. 1 John iii. 4; v. 17. Can you sin against God, even if you do not commit any wrong action ? — Yes ; I may sin in my words, or in my thoughts. Matt. xii. 36, 37 ; Prov. xxiv. 9 Is a disposition to sin offensive in God's sight, before it shows itself in thoughts ? — Yes. Rom. v. 12, 14 ; Gal. iii. 22. Whom do you offend when j^ou commit sin .' Why is forgiveness necessary ? — Because without it we are under the wrath of God, and liable to eternal misery. Eph v. 6 ; Mark iii. 29 Whose forgiveness must you have before you can be saved ? Mark ii. 7 If you are not forgiven, what will become of you when you die ? Is God willing to forgive our sins ? How do you know that he is willing ? — He sent his Son to make atonement for our sins. 1 John iv. 10. Have we any right by nature to expect him to forgive us ?— No Car God ?- For Jesus 1 Wl tered HoH membj Wl] Wd THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. 49 ial dvLjs in 3' days. mion with e. James uig to be !e. B forgive ids God. nmit any T in my before it 1. iii. 22. it it we misery. can be u when lis Son forgive Can we do any thing of ourselves to recommend us to God ?— No. Ps. cxliii. 2 For whose sake does God forgive us ? — For the sak6 of Jesus Christ ? Acts x. 43. What did Jesus do to obtain forgiveness for us ? — He suf- lered and died on the cross. Rom. v. 8, 9, 19. How have we any right in Jesus ? — By being made his members. When had we a right given us in Jesus ? — At our baptism. Was any sin forgiven to us in baptism ? — Yes. Acts ii. 38 ; xxii. 16 What sin ? — Whatsoever sin we had. How does the Nicene Creed teach us that baptism is ap- pointed for the forgiveness of sin i — " One baptism for the remission of sins." What sin have infants to be forgiven? — Original sin. Ps. li. 5. What do you mean by that ? — The inclination to evil which we have from Adam. But can we not be forgiven any sm afterward ? — Yes ; by God's mercy we may. 1 John ii. 1 ; Ps. xxxii. 5. Is any thing required of us before we can be forgiven ? — Yes. What IS required ? If you had offended your parents, could you expect them to forgive you, if you would not confess your sin ? 1 John i. 9 Or if you refused to beg pardon ? Acts viii. 22. Or if you were not sorry for what you had done, and showed no sign of wishing to do better for the future? Isaiah i. 16-18. What must you do, then, if you wish for God's forgive... ness ? W^hen you wish him to forgive you, in whose name J4 i 'ii^ II: ■3; !|ii^i '" -:,|ii 50 THE CREED. must you hog forgiveness ? — In the name of Jesus Christ Luke xviv. 47. Can you be sure that you shall lie able to repent when- ever you j)lf'Mse? — No. 2 Tim. ii. 25, 26. Why not? — Because the grace to repent is the gift of God. Is every person absolutely sin^e of forgiveness by praying for it? — Xo; but evtny sinner should pray in hope of for- giveness. Acts viii. 22. What persons are authorised to reconcile sinners to "Gal? —The niinislers of the Church. 2 Cor. v. 18, 19; John XX. 23. AVhat is the next article of the Creed } — " The resun'ec- tion of the body.'' What is the meaning oi resui'rection. .' — Rising again from the dead. What body do you mean wlicn you say — "Iho resuiTec- tion of the body?" — Our bodies which die and are buried. Where will the body rise again from ? When you say that you believe in- the resurrection of the body, v/hat do you mean ? — I'hat all our bodies will rise again out of their graves. Jolm v. 28, 29. When \^-ill oiu' bodies rise acrain out of their crravcs ? — At tho last day. John xi. 2-1. What will our bodies be joined to when they rise agahi r — To our souls. Job xix. 26. Have our bodies the power to raise themselves up again . —No. Who will raifse us.' — God. Rom. viii. 11 ; 1 Cor. vi. 14. For whose sake will our bodies be raised up again ? — For tlie sake of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. iv. 14; John xi. 25. What divine Person will call the dead from their graves ( — Jesus Christ John v 28. THE LIFE EVERLASTING. 51 ns Christ lont when- |l)c gift of j>y praying [)pe of for- rs to -God ? 19; John ! resiirrec- igam from :! rosuiTec- ; huried tion of the i will rise ivcs ? — At se again r ip again . )r. vi. 14. in ?~For 25. r graves r By what divine Person will they he raised up ? — By the Holy Gh().st. Hum. viii. 11. Will all persons rise again ? — Yes. Have all mankind o!)laincd, lluoiigli Christ, the privilege of rising again .' — Yes. 1 Cor. xv. 22. But is it any privilege to the wicked to rise again ? — It was a hlessing; hut those who die in sin have forfeited the blessing of it. John v. 29. What honour will those who are dead in Christ liave tbove others? — They will rise fir.st. 1 Thess. iv. 16. For what purpose will all men rise again .' — That they njay be judged accc^ding to their works. What do we do with dead bodies to testify our belief in this article ? — We bury them in holy ground, with prayer and thanksgiving. What is the last article of the Creed? — " The life ever- lasting." What is the life of the soul ? — Peace and joy in Gad. Ps. XXX. 5; John v. 24; 1 John v. 12. What do you mean by everlasting ? — Never coming to an end. What, then, do you mean by the life everlasting you be- lieve in ? — Peace and joy in God which shall never come to an end. Ps. xvi. 11. Where do you look to have this life ? — In heaven. Have we any beginnings of it in this life } — ^Yes. What gives them to us ? — The Holy Spirit. 2 Cor. v. 4, 5 ; Eph. i. 13, 14; Rom. viii. 15. When shall we have it completely ? — At the last day. Have we a right by nature to life everlasting ? — No. Why not ? — Because we are born in sin. What sort of persons will live for ever in heaven.? — Those who serve God aright. Rom. ii. 6-8. What will be our lot, if we forfeit our title to everlasting ^ i,^^' 52 THE CREED. ;II! :P' life/ — We shall be doomed to everlasting death. Heb. ii 2, 3 ; X. 26, 27. What is the death of the soul ? — Being cut off from God 2 Thess. i. 8, 9. What is tlie effect of it ? — Misery, an^ish, and despair Rev. xiv. 10; Luke xiii. 28. What must we do to avoid this wretched doom ? — W( must hold fast our hope of eternal life. Heb. ii. 1 ; iii. 6. What must we do to hold it fast ? — We must strive to b< fit to enjoy it. Heb. iv. 11; 1 John iii. 3. What is the meaning of Amen at the end of the Creed — TTiat I firmly believe all of it. Why do you firmly believe all that is in the Creed ? — Be- cause it has been confessed by all Churches from the begin- ning. Have you any other reason ? the Bible. Because it is agreeable to . SECTION VI. SUMMARY OF THE CREED. What dost thou chiefly learn in these arti- cles of thy Belief's First, I learn to believe in God the Father, who hath made me and all the world. Se- condly, in God the Son, who hath redeemed me and all mankind. Thirdly, in God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth me and all the people of God. Repeat the words of the Belief in which you profess to believe in God the Father.' What do you say that God the Father made ? I 1 ■.( r;^ THE HOLY TRINITY. 53 I. Heb. ii from God [nd despair )om ?— W( ; iii. 6. ftrive to b. the Creed •eed ?— Be- the begin- ?reeable to ise arti- Father, 1. Se- leemed od the ill the rofess to What do you me'Mi by all the world ? — E ery thing every where Is there any thing that God did not make ? Who is God the Son ? — Our Lord Jesus Christ. Repeat the words of the Creed in which you are taught to believe in God the Son. Whom did God the Son redeem ? What do you mean by all mankind ? What do you mean by redeeming them ? — Delivering them from the pov>Tr of Salan and from everlasting death From whose power did he redeem mankind ? What did he redeem us from ? What did he do to redeem us ? — He bought us with his own blood. 1 Pet. i. 18,19. Repeat the words of the Belief in which you express your belief in God the Holy Ghost. What other name signifies the same as Holy Ghost ? — Holy Spirit. Whom does the Holy Ghost sanctify ? What do you mean by sanctifying? — Making them holy. Who are the people of God ? — All the members of the Church of Christ. 1 Thess. i. 1, 4; Eph. i. 3, 4. What are they chosen out of? — Tlie world. John xv. 19. Into what?— The Churcli. 2 Tim. ii. 10; Col. i. 24. For what purpose has God chosen them? — That they might be sanctified by the Holy Ghost, and be inheritors of heaven. 1 Pet. i. 2-4. What is the sign of then' being chosen ? * — Baptism * See the prayer in the Baptismal Service, that the person there baptised '' may remain in tlie number of God's fiiithful children ;" which implies that whoever is baptised is chosen to be among that number. See aUo John iii. 5. 54 THE CREED. it,' How does he sanctify them ?— By making them the tern- pie of God. 1 Cor. iii. 16, 17. In what further way ? — By planting in their souls the seed of all goodness. Gal. v. 22. Can any of those who are chosen to be God's people, perish everlastingly? — ^Yes. John xvii. 12; Rev. xxii. 19; 1 Thess. ii. 5. What will cause them to perish ? — Living and dying in sin; 1 Thess. ii. 5. How may we make our calling and election sure ? — By being diligent in serving God and denying ourselves. 2 Pet. i. 5-10; 1 Cor. ix. 27. You believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, — are these three Gods ? — No. What are we taught to call them ? — Three Persons in one God. Which are the three Persons ? When we use the wai'd Person in speaking of God, do we mean exactly the same as we do in speaking of man ? — No. Why do we use the word ? — Because we have no better. Can you understand how there are three Persons in one God .'—No. Have you any right to expect to understand all about God ?— No. Job xi. 7, 8. Why must you believe it ? — Because we are taught it by the Church, and because it is confirmed by the holy Scrip- tures. What other expression is used to signify the three Per- sons of the Godhead ? — The Trinity. What day in the year is particularly appointed to call to mind the Trinity? — Trinity Sunday. the tem. souls the rs people, xxii. 19; dying in e?— By s. 2 Pet i God the ersons in God, do ' man ?— 10 better. IS in one U about :ht it by y Scrip- 26 Per- cal] to I THE COMMANDMENTS, 55 PART III STj^e Commantiincnts. SECTION I. HISTORY OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS You said, that your sponsors did promise for you, that you should keep God's command- ments. Tell me how many there are 1 Ten. Which are they 1 The same which God spake in the twenti- eth chapter of Exodus, saying, I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. I. Thou shalt have none other gods biit me. IT. Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth be- neath, or in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them : for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and show mercy unto thousands in them that love me, and keep my commandments. in. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain : for the Lord will not Hi! 56 THE COMMANDMENTS. n iiold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. IV. Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do ; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, thy cattle, and the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day ; wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it. V. Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. VI. Thou shalt do no murder. Vn. Tbou shalt not commit adultery. VIII. Thou shalt not steal. IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is his. Who promised for you that you should keep God's com- mandments ? When did they promise it ? — In my baptism. HISTORY OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 67 ame in ly the ur, and eve nth )d. Jn )n, and srvant, id the in six h, the 3d the ed the r, that ch the ffainst bour's 3onr's )r his s com- You say the same which God spal^e; the same what? — The same commandments. Who spake them. ? To whom did he speak them ? — To the children of Israel. In what part of Scr'pture are they written ? Is Exodus in the Old Testament or the New ? Which book ot the Bible is it ? Who wrote it ? — Moses. Which is the first book in the Bible ? You say, " The same which God spake in the 20th chap- ter of Exodus, saying," — who said ? — God. * He said, " I am the Lord iky God :" whose God does he say he is ? — The God of the children of Israel. He said, " I am the Lord, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt :" whom did he bring out ? — The children of Israel. Why did God give these commandments to the children of Israel ? — Because they were his people. Are these commandments only given to the people of Israel ? — No : they are given to all God's people. What does God call himself ? — The Lord. What does the name Lord signify ? — That he is the own- er and master of every thing and every body. What does the Lord signify ? — That there is no other such as he. Whose God does the Lord say that he is ? What had 'he lately done for ihem when he gave them these commandments ? — He had brought them out of Egypt What does he call the land of Egypt ? What is called " the house of bondage ?" What is the meaning of bondage ? — Slavery. Who kept the Israelites in bondage ? — The Egyptians. Whom did God send to bring them out of bondage ? — Moses. Ps. cv. 26. 58 THE COMMANDMENTS. How did he bring them out ? — By plaguing the Eg}^-p- tiajis witli dreadful plagues till they let them go. Ps. cv 26-36. Where did God bring them to .' — To the land of Canaan. Josh. V. 12. Why lid he do this? — Because he had promised it to their forefa^iier.^'. Where were they v. ' • 'ise commandments were spoken ? Exod. xix. XX. What mountain di • • come down upon when they were spoken ? * What were these commandments written upon? — Two tables of stone. Exod. xxxii. 15, 16; xxxiv. 1, 28. Where do y(iu see the commandments written upon two tables ? — In some churches. SECTION II. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Eepeat the first commandment. — " I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage : thou shalt have none other gods but me." What does this commandment require of you ? — To have the Lord for my God. What does it forbid you to do ? — To have any other god. Why was this commandment first given ? — Because it is tlie foundation of all religion. Can you give any other reason ? — Because men had for- saken the Lord, and chosen them gods of their own. Mention some of these gods. — Some worshipped the sun, moon, and stars. Deuf. iv. 19. Mention some more. — Baal, Dagon, Milcom, Chemosh, Molech, Nebo, &c. Judg. ii. 13; Judg. xvi. 23; 1 Kings xi. 5 ; Judg. xi. 24; Lev. xviii. 21 ; Isaiah xlvi. 1. Were they really gods ? — No : they were the work of THE SECOND COMMANDMENT. 59 he Egy-p. Ps. cv Canaan. ised it to e spoken ? hen they 1 .'—Two I. ipon two thy God, le house e." ro have her god. Jse it is lad for- 'le sun, Jmosh, Kings orkof men's hand?, wood and stone, which could neither hear, nor sec, nor move. Dout. iv. 28 ; Isaiah xlvi. 7. Are we in danger of breaking this commandment.' — Yes: if we look to other things to give us happiness, and forget God. Jer. ii. 13. What things arc persons apt to set in the place of God ? — Money and pleasure, &c. Eph. v. 5 ; Col. iii. 5 ; 2 Tim. iii. 4; Phil. iii. 19. Suppose I should pray to some departed saint for what God alone could give, would it be breaking this command- ment .' — Yes. Why .' — Because it would be making the saint equal with God. Why is praying to departed saints altogether contrary to this commandment.' — Because it appears to suppose that they can hear every one's prayers at all times and in all places. Repeat the second commandment. — "Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth bcnealh, or in the water under the earth. Thou 5^halt not bow down to them, nor worship them : for I the Lord thy God am a jeal- ous God, and visit the sins of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, and show mercy unto thousands in them that love me and keep my commandments." What do you mean by a graven image .' — An image cut out of wood, or stone, or any metal. What do you mean by the likeness of any thing.' — Any image or picture like it. What must you not make a likeness of .' — Any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. What do you mean by heaven above ? i v.. I II I ill' t If:; m ; k 11* it : 60 THE COMMANDMENTS. What Is there In heaven above that you can make a like- ness of ? — God, or the angels. Did persons ever pretend to make images to represent God himself ? — Yes. Give an instance. — The Israelites in the wilderness. What kind of image did they make to represent God ? — The image of a calf. Neh, ix. 18. , What do you mean by the earth beneath 7 — The earth upon which we live. Beneath what is the earth ? — Heaven. What is there in the earth beneath that you can make a likeness of ? What do you mean by the water under the earth! — The seas and rivers. How are the seas and rivers beneath the earth ? — They are all lower than it in the places where they are. What is there in the waters that you can make a like- ness of } Were people ever so foolish as to make images of four- footed beasts and creeping things to worship them ? — Yes • particularly the Egj-^ptians. Rom. i. 23. What is the meaning of the expression, " thou shalt not make to thyself r — That they might not do it at their own pleasure or fancy. Did God ever command them to make images of things ? — ^Yes; the brazen serpent, and the figures of cherubim, and palm-trees, and pomegranates. Exod. xxv. 18; Num. xxi. 8. Does this commandment refer to making images or pic- tures of our friends or other things to remember them by ? — No ; it only relates to making them for worshipping. What must we not do to the images or likenesses of things ? — Bow down to them or worship them. thei WOT' whej r\ cross mg m THE THIRD COMMANDMENT. 61 ike a like- resent Goil less. It God ?^ rhe earth 1 make a h ?— The ?— They J a like' of four- ?— Yes- halt not ;ir own things ? irubim, Num. or pic- ises of Does the commandment only tell you not to worship them What does it teach them besides worshipping them ? — It forbids me to bow down to them, whether I worship them or not. Then is it right to bow down to images of Christ on the cross, or of the Virgin Mary and other saints ? What reason does the commandment give for cur not do- mg these things i What do you mean by saying that God is jealous ? — He is displeased when the honour which belongs to him only is given to any created thing. What honour will he not have us give to graven images, but chooses to keep for himself ? — Worship. Who is it that visits the sins of fathers upon children ? What do you mean by visiting the sins of fathers upon children ? — Causing children to suffer in consequence of the sins of parents. Give an instance of it out of the Bible. 1 Kings xv. 29, 30 ; xxi. 29. Can you give any instance of children suffering for the sins of their parents, even now ? — ^Yes ; if a father or mo- ther is drunken, or idle, cr extravagant, or forsakes the church, the children suffer for it. Upon whom does God visit the sins of parents ? How long does he visit them ? — Unto the third and fourth generation. What is the meaning of that ? To whom does God show mercy ? — To those that love him and keep his commandments. What is the third commandment ? — " Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain : for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." Whose name are you not to take in vain ? 6 62 THE COMMANDMENTS. m K,':: I'- ll m What do you mean .by taking it ia vain ? — Using it lightly or profanely. Give me an instance of what you mean. — If I take an oath to speak the truth about any matter, and I keep back part of the truth. How is this taking God's name in vain } — Because when persons take an oath the name of God is made use of. Give me another instance. — If I cry out, " Lord ! God! Jesus!" and the like, about common matters or hi play. What do you mean by not holding guiltless? If you say your prayers without thought, do you take God's name in vain .' What is the fourth commandment ? — '* Remember that thou keep holy the Sal)l)ath-day. Six days shaft thou la- bour, and do all that thou hast to do ; but the seventh day is the Sa])bath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, thy man-sen'ant, and thy maid-seiTant, thy cattle, and the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day ; wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day, and hallowed it." What day are you to remember more than any other .^ What day of the week is the Sabbath-day ? — The seventh. What is the name of the day which we keep for a Sabbath ? Is not that the fust day of the week ? — Yes. What, then, do you mean when you say tliat the Sabbath is the seventh day ? — ^It is one day in seven. For what end are we to remember the Sabbath-day ? — To keep it holy. Who appointed the seventh day to be kept holy ? Repeat the words in the commandment which teach you that God made the seventh day holy.