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The want of a Catechism of Sacred History, adapted tp the capacities ot young children, has long been felt by the Instructors of Youth. To fill this void, the present little work has been carefully arranged at the solicitation of several Educational Institutions. It is hoped, that it will meet the requirements, and receive a liberal patronage. To be followed by a Catechism of the New Testament as soon as com- pleted. CHILD'S CATECHISM OF SACRED HISTORY, Ques. What is History ? Ans. An account of important events that have happened in various coun- tries. Q. How is History divided? A. Into Sacred and Profane. Q. How far back does History ex- tend? ' A. To the Creation, which occurred about four thousand and four years be- fore Christ. Q. Where do we find an account of the Creation? A. In the Bible, or the most ancient book ever written. Q. How is the Bible divided ? A. Into the Old and New Testament. Q. Of what does the Old Testament, treat ? A. Of the Covenant which God made with the Israelites, in giving them the law of Moses. Q. "What does the New Testament contain? A. The Covenant which Jesus Christ has made with all mankind in giving them His Holy Gospel. .^ 1 i CHAPTER II. THE CREATION. Q. Who made the World and all it contains? A. God, Q. How did God make the World ? A. Of nothing, by His word only. Q. How long did God take to create the World? A. Six days, ov periods of time. Q. What did God do on the first day ? A. He created the light, and divided it from the darkness. Q. What did He create on the second day? A. The firmament, or atmosphere en- circling the globe. Q. What work did God on the third day? A. He separated the land from the water, and the earth was covered with vegetation. Q. What did God do on the fourth day? A. He made the sun, moon and stars, Q. What did God create on the fifth day? A. He created the birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea. Q. What did God create on the sixth day ? A. He created the beasts of the earth, and the things that creep on the earth. Q. What did God create last of all ? A. Adam, the first man, and He made him after His own image and likeness. Q. Did not God create spirits of a nature superior to man ? I ni A. Yes, he created the angels to love and serve Him in heaven. Q. Did all the angels prove faithful to God? A. No, some fell by pride and were condemned to hell. Q. By what name are these evil spirits known T A. They are called devils or fallen angels, and through envy and malice they make it their business to tempt men. Q. How did God create man ? A. He formed his body out of the slime of the earth, and his soul He cre- ated by breathing into him the breath of life. Q. What is a soul ? A. A being capable of knowing and loving God. :■ I i Q« Did God create any other being besides Adam ? A. Yes, He created Eve, the first woman. Q. How did God make Eve ? A. He formed Eve from a rib taken from Adam's side while he slept. Q. What was their home ? A. A beautiful garden, called the Terrestrial Paradise, and which was watered by four streams. Q. In what state were Adam and Eve created ? A. In a state of innocence. Q. Did they remain faithful in their innocence ? A. No, they were disobedient to God and were ignominiously expelled from Paradise. * being 3 first taken d the h was 1 and L their God . from . a' Q. How did our first parents fall from grace? A. By eating of the forbidden fruit. Q. Relate the story of their fall ? A. God permitted them to eat of all the fruits of the garden, except one tree, which was called the tree of knowl- edge of good and evil. Q. Why did God give them this com- mand ? A. To test their obedience. Q. What prompted their disobedi- ence? A. The devil appeared to Eve in the form of a serpent, and persuaded her to eat the fruit. Q. What did the devil promise her ? A. That her eyes and those of her husband would be opened, and that ■** H I! li i 8 they would become as God, knowing good and evil. Q. Did Eve eat the fruit ? A. Yes, and persuaded Adam to eat it also, which he did to please his wife. Q. What followed this disobedience ? A. God cursed the serpent, and con- demned man to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow. Q. To what other evils did God con- demn them ? A. To sickness and death. Q. What then befell the unhappy pair ? A. God drove them out of Paradise, and placed an angel with a flaming sword to guard it. Q. Did God leave them without hope? A. No, he promised to send them a Saviour. ^^ ' ii*«' Lowmg i to eat s wife, ience ? id con- by the )d con- y pair ? Tadise, iaming dthout ;hem a l^»: Q. How do we trace the first promise of a Deliverer ? A. " I will put enmities between thee and the woman and thy seed and her seed ; she shall crush thy head ^ and thou shall lie in wait for her heel." Q. How long before Christ was the promise of a Redeemer made ? A. Four thousand and four years be- fore Christ. Q. What else do you know of our first parents ? A. They lived many hundred years, and great numbers of children grew up around them. Q. Whom do the Sacred Scriptures mention ? A. Cain, Abel and Seth. Q. What crime did Cain commit ? A. He was lealous of his brother^ 10 whose sacrifice he thought was more ac- ceptable to God than his own, and through hatred killed him. Q. Did God punish him for his crime ? A. Yes, he was a wanderer, and de- spairing of forgiveness, he died im- penitent. Q. For what are the descendants of Cain noted? A. They discovered the use of metals, worked mines, made tools, invented tents and musical instruments. Q. What do we know of the de- scendants of Seth? A. They were less enterprising than those of Cain, but they were good, and ' served God. Q. Who were Enoch and Enos ? A. Sons of Seth. Enos first began the public worship of the Lord, and '>:? '^ .1 J 11 more ac- m, and ; crime ? and de- led im- 3ndants metals, L vented ;he de- ig than )d, and ' 3? began i, and Enoch was taken to heaven without dying. Q. Did the descendants of Seth re- main faithful ? A. No, they intermarried with those of Cain, and became wicked like them. Q. Was there anything remarkable concerning them ? A. They were of great stature and called Giants. Q. Did they all forget their duty to God ? A. There was found upon the whole earth but one just man. Q. Who was this just man? A. Noah. Q. What did the Lord do to punish their wickedness ? A. He resolved to destroy all man- f '"% 12 kind, with the exception of Noah and his family. Q. What order did he give Noah ? A. To build an Ark according to His directions which was to be 300 cubits in length, 60 in breadth, and 30 in depth. Q. How long was the Ark building ? A. 100 years. Q. When the Ark was completed what did Noah do ? A. He shut himself up in it with his family, consisting of eight persons, and a couple of every species of ani- mals. Q. How long did it rain ? A. Forty days and forty nights, until the waters covered the tops of the highest mountains, so that everything perished that was not in the Ark. oah and ^oah? ig to His )0 cubits i 30 in uilding ? >mpleted it with persons, 3 of ani- nights, ps of the erything «5 L'k. V6 Q. How long did they remain in the Ark? A. One year, and when the waters had subsided the Ark rested on Mount Ararat. Q. What did Noah on leaving the Ark? A. He raised an altar, and offered sacrifice in thanksgiving to God for having preserved himself and his family. Q. What sign did God give him that he would never more drown the earth ? A. He placed a rainbow in the heavens. Q, Did any change take place after the Deluge ? A. Yes, the length of human life was reduced, and men began to use the flesh of animals. Q. Who were the sons of Noah ? 14 i ! I A. Sem, Cham and Japheth. Q. What was their conduct towards their father ? A. Noah having partaken freely of the juice of the grape became uncon- sciously drunk, and fell asleep. Cham laughed at him. Q. What did Sem and Japheth ? A. They covered him respectfully with a cloak, and reprimanded Cham for his levity. Q. What did Noah on awaking ? A. He cursed Cham and his descen- dants, and blessed Sem and Japheth. Q. What race of the present day re- present the descendants of Cham and his son Canaan ? A. The African or Negro race. Q. What foolish attempt did the race of Noah make ? ■m 16 ;oward» eely of uncon- Cham h? 3Ctfullv t/ Cham descen- leth. day re- fill and lie race ■m. f A. To build a tower, the top of which would reach to heaven. Q. What ensued? A. A confusion of tongues, which prevented them understanding each other. Q. What was the tower called ? A. Babel, which means confusion. Q. Where was it to be erected ? A. On the plain of Shinar, near the river Euphrates, in Asia. Q. Where did the family of Cham settle ? A. In Egypt, Arabia and Palestine. The latter received the name, Canaan, from Cham's eldest son. Q. What great city was built by Kimrod, a descendant of Cham ? A. Babylon, which b of a mighty empir«. Q. What countries did the children of Japheth occupy ? A. Asia Minor, and a large portion of Europe. Q. Where did the race of Sem live ? A. They took up their abode in Me- sopotamia and Assyria. Q. What city was built by Asar on the Tygris ? A. Nineveh, capital of the great As- syrian empire. Q. What noted people are descended of Sem? A. The Hebrews or Israelites, also called Jews. Q. After the dispersion did mankind remain faithful to God ? A. No, they became blinded by the devil and their own passions, and began to worship the sun, moon and stars. 5*A 17 ildren ;ion of live? 11 Me- jar on ^\t As- 3nded , also ikind y the )egan 'S. Q. What did God to perpetuate his kin-gdom upon earth ? A. He resolved to raise up one par- ticular nation, of whom should be born the Saviour. Third Epoch. Q. Who was Abraham ? A. A descendant of the patriarch Sem whom Almighty God appointed to be the father of his chosen people. Q. Where did God wish Abraham to settle, and what did He promise ? A. In Canaan, and as a reward for his fidelity, he would bless and magni- fy his name. Q. Did Abraham believe the word of God? 18 departed from his country with his wife Sarah and his nephew Lot. Q. What was their life in Canaan ? A. Abraham, regarding himself as a stranger continued to live in tents, but Lot imprudently took up his abode in Sodom, a wicked city. Q. Did Lot live happily after his se- paration from Abraham ? A. No, war ensued, and Lot, his wife and family were carried away as cap- tives, with all his flocks and herds. Q. What did Abraham on learning of Lot's misfortune ? A. He pursued the invaders and res- cued Lot on the way to Damascus. Q. Who welcomed him on hi& xo- turn ? A. The King of Sodom and Melchise- dech, kingcj Splem, and priest of the 4i .^ 19 lis wife aan? If as a ts, but >ode in his se- is wife s cap- s. irning id res- s. is* le- chise- >i the Lord, who, bringing forth bread and wine, offered them as a sacrifice to God. Q. What did Abraham then do ? A. He gave tithes, or the tenth part, of a] I the spoils he had taken to Mel- chisedech. Q. How was Sodom punished for its wickedness ? A. It was consumed by fire from heaven. Q. Did Abraham entreat Almighty God to spare the guilty city ? A. Yes, and the city would have been spared if there could be found even ten just men. Q. How did Lot and his family escape the destruction ? A. Two angels under the form of men came to Sodom in the evening. Lot JBOCiilg tllUxU, a«Sl^UU. UilUlii tU AUU.g\5 U V Oi. Av^-l*"«*x ^^^Y r\^n Ill -tl ■ in 20 night at liis house, and this charitable act saved them from being burned, as they warned him of the danger. Q. What happened Lot and his family after leaving Sodom ? A. The ano^els warned them not to look back on the accursed city, and Lot's wife on looking back was changed into a pillar of salt. Q. Is the pillar still recognized by travellers ? A. Yes, near the shore of the Dead Sea. Q. What other cities were destroyed with Sodom? A. The three cities of the Plain. Q. In what year was Sodom destroy- ed? A. One thousand eight hundred and ^"^ ^ V\ £\ritT rn 4^ ^-y ^-N T> r^ jjiiicty-ocvuu jj. \j » i 21 Q. What was Circumcision ? A. A rite or mark of the covenant by which God wished the Jews to be dis- tinguished from all other races of men. Q. Who was Ishmael ? A. The son of Abraham by a bonds- woman. Q. Who was the son promised to Abraham from whose race the Messiah was to spring ? I A. Isaac, miraculously born to Abra- ham of his wife Sarah in her old age. Q. Did Ishmael and Agar continue to dwell in Abraham's tents ? A. No, Sarah having seen Ishmael treat Isaac unkindly whilst at play, re- quested Abraham to send himself and his mother away. Q. What befel Agar and Ishmael in the desert ? 'H n ijl I' Ml t i i 1 1.^ 22 A. Their provision of water became exhausted and they were in danger of perishing, but an angel appeared to them and caused water to flow froin the sand. Q. What message did the angel give Agar ? A. To take great care of her son, for that he would be the father of a great people. Q. Who are the descendants of Ish- mael ? A. The Arab tribes, who still lead a wandering life and live in tents. Q. What great trial did God give Abraham? A. He commanded him to sacrifice Isaac on the top of Mount Moria. Q. Did Abraham obey ? A. Yes, without hesitation, and Isaac 23 became Liiger of ired to Tom the gel give son, for a great of Ish- 1 lead a od give sacrifice ia. nd Isaac f larried the wood which was to consume Ihe victim. I Q. How was the sacrifice comple- led? i A. When Abraham was about to strike his son, a voice from heaven was heard telling him, that another victim :^ad been provided. Q. What was the victim offered ? A. A ram, whose horns had been en- .tangled in the bushes. I Q. Did God reward his fidelity I \ A. Yes; He renewed the promise, that of his race would be born the Saviour. Q. Whom did Isaac marry ? A. Rebecca, the grand-daughter of , Nachor, Abraham's brother. 5 Q. Who were the sons of Isaac ? A i li 24 Q. Did these two brothers grow up in love and friendship ? A. No, Jacob by a strategem deprived Esau of his birth-right, and Esau hated him. Q. Relate the circumstance ? A. Esau was a hunter, and returned home one day very hungry ; Jacob had prepared a mess of pottage which he sold him for his birthright. Q. Did Jacob obtain his father's bless- ing instead of Esau ? A. Yes, for Isaac was blind and when Jacob presented the venison prepared to his taste, he gave him his blessing. Q. How did Esau act? A. He was much enraged and formed a resolution to kill his brother after his father's death. Q. How was Jacob saved ? ow up m deprived au hated returned icob had rhich he r's bless- nd when pared to ing. 1 formed after his ■I 25 A. His mother Rebecca sent him to dwell for a time with her brother Laban in Messopotamia. Q. How was Jacob employed ? A. In tending the flocks of his uncle, who first gave him his daughter Leah in marriage. Q. Whom did he afterwards marry ? A. The younger daughter of Laban, Rachel, whom Jacob loved tenderly. Q. How many sons had Jacob, also called Israel ? * A. Twelve, viz., Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Dan, Juda, Nepthli, Gad, Aser, Issacher, Zebulon, Joseph and Benja- min. Q. Did Jacob return to Canaan, and how was he received ? A. Yes, after living twenty years in Messopotamia, he returned and was re- nillh. 2(5 eeived by his brother with four hundred men in arms. Q. What vision appeared to Jacob during the night ? A. An angel wrestled with him, leav- ing him the victory, and gave him ^ the name of Israel, signifying strong against Grod. Q. What did the Angel tell Jacob ? A. He told him that he who prevailed against God should not fear men. Q. What effect had the vision ? A. It encouraged him, so that he did not fear, and when Esau met him his anger died away, and he only thought of his long lost brother. Q. How old was Isaac when he died ? A. A hundred and eighty years, and was buried with Abraham and Sarah at Membre, near Hebron. 27 Q. Where did Esau live after his father's death ? A. He removed to Seir, the country around which was called Idumea, or Edom, which signifies red, the color of the pottage for which he sold his birth- right. Q. Did Esau prosper ? A. Yes ; he became rich and power- ful; his sons were called dukes, and a number of his race reigned Kings in Edom. • ' Q. Who was Job ? A. A holy man, the model of patience^ who was supposed to have been the King of Edom, and of the race of Esau. Q. Which of the twelve sons did Jacob love the most ? A. Joseph, the son of Rachael, his best beloved wife. ■ 4teJ!i-it>;t^w/»t"!^f?fe;- 'j^ag.i SfcABVi^if '**Wf-*^''l«iW»*^*4 **««- -»■■"• Q. Why did Jacob's other sons hate Joseph ? A. Because he was their father's favorite, and because of certain dreams which he related to them denoting his future greatness. Q. How did they revenge themselves? A. They sold him to some merchants who carried him into Egypt, and per- suaded their father that a wild beast had devoured him. Q. What did the Egyptian merchants do with him ? A. They sold him to Potiphar, a prin- cipal officer of the King of Egypt. Q. What befell Joseph in the house of Potiphar? A. He was falsely accused of a crime and cast into prison. 29 s hate ■ather's dreams ing his selves? ^chants id per- L beast rchants a prin- >t. LOuse of I crime Q. What happened to him whilst in prison ? A. He interpreted correctly two dreams, one in which the King's chief baker was to be hanged, and the other, that the chief butler of the King's house- hold slioctld be restored to his place ? Q. How did Joseph obtain his re- lease ? A. King Pharaoh had some strange dreams, that none of his wise men could explain, and Joseph being sent for, in- terpreted the dreams so wisely that the King treated him with great kindness. Q. What did the dreams denote? A. Thcit they should have seven years of great plenty, and seven years of famine. Q. What did Joseph advise ? • jlUu ti^^u ill till ciit Oi a vviou guv- i :l 30 ernor who would provide during the years of plenty for those of famine. Q. Whom did Pharaoh appoint ? A. Joseph ; and in token of authority gave him his own ring. Q. What did Joseph, on being ap- pointed Grovernor? A. He gathered during the years of plenty into the King's granaries, the fifth part of the country's produce, which saved them during che years of sterility. Q. Was the famine confined to Egypt only? A. No, it extended to the neighboring countries, and Jacob was obliged to send his sons to Egypt to procure corn. Q. How did Joseph treat his brethren? A. At first, as though they were 81 strangers, then he pretended to treat them as spies, and cast them into prison. Q. How long were they in prison ? A. Three days, and Joseph, hearincf that they had an aged father and a younger brother at home, released them all except Simeon. Q. Upon what condition did he re- lease them ? A. Upon condition that they would bring Benjamin back with them. Q. What followed ? A. On opening their sacks they found the gold. They then told their father how Simeon had been detained, but the old man would not hear of Benjamin's going, least something might befall him. Q. Did Jacob keep his resolution ? A. No ; he was forced to allow Ben- i' . I 32 jamin to go, the following year, for a fresh supply of corn. Q. What did Joseph, when they re- turned with Benjamin ? A. He released Simeon, and treated Benjamin with marked distinction, be- ing his brother by the same mother. Q. What was the last trial Joseph gave his brethren ? A. He ordered the silver cup to be placed in Benjamin's sack, and when they were some distance on their jour- ney he sent a messenger charging them with having stolen the cup. Q. What happened then ? A. On searching the sacks, they were sorely troubled to find it in that of Ben- jamin. Q. Who offered to return in the place i. ji0CiijM*min ; 83 A. Juda; as he declared it would bring his father's gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. Q. What was the consequence ? A. Joseph on hearing this was ^much aJBfected, and with many tears assured them that he had forgiven them, urged them to bring their father, with their wives and children, as five years more of famine would follow. Q. How did Jacob receive the news that Joseph still lived ? A. At first he did not believe it, but seeing the rich presents which Joseph had sent him, he became convinced, and immediately set out for the jour- ney. Q. What happened on his way ? A. At a place called Bersabee he /^ rr£^l»/:kr4 cn\ /^t■*^ r-t r-x r\n 4-./-> -^l-* /-v 1 ./-vM^ ^ «^ «-J T> ^ ■>'. I .'J r> 'Ml • :i II 34 ing fallen asleep he beard the voice of God. Q. What were the words of the Lord? A. " I am the most mighty God of thy father ; fear not, go down into Egypt, for I will make a great nation cf thee there I will go down with thee thither, and will bring thee back again from thence ; Joseph also shall put his hands on thy eyes." Q. What was the number of Jacob's family when they arrived in Egypt ? A. Seventy. Q. Where did Joseph intend his kindred to live ? A. At Gessen, of which he was put in possession by order of the King. Q. How did the King receive Jacob ? A. Jacob, on being presented to the King, blessed him; whereupon, the 35 King said, " How many are the days of the years of thy life ? " Q. What was JacoVs answer ? A. Jacob answered, " The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years, few and evil ; and they are not come up to the days of the pilgrimage of my father's." Q. How long did he live in Egypt ? A. Seventeen years, and died at the age of one hundred and forty-seven. Q. To which of his sons did Jacob give his special blessing ? A. To Juda and Joseph. To the for- mer he promised, that from his seed would spring the desired of 7iations. To Joseph he assigned a double portion, and blessed his two sons. Q. Why did Reuben the elder forfeit his birthright. 1^ ^iJiWaMMWItt *m f 'I I.; i "K lit 36 A. On account of his sins. Q. Where was Jacob interred ? A. In the land of Canaan, beside Ra- chael's grave, according to the patri- arch's wishes. Q. Did Joseph's brethren fear his anger after their father's death ? A. Yes ; but he told them not to fear, for that great good instead of great evil, had come to him out of their unkind act. Q. What did Joseph foretell a little before his death ? A. That God would visit them after his death, and put them in possession of the land which He had promised to their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Q. How old was Joseph at the time of his death? A. One hundred and ten years, of 37 which he had been eighty years Govern- or of Egypt. Q, What promises did Joseph exact before his death ? A. That his children would bring his bones with them when they went to take possession of the promised land. Q. What happened the children of Israel after Joseph's death? A. Pharaoh, Joseph's friend, also died, and there was a new King in Egypt, who being jealous, treated them with great severity, hoping to repress their growth as a nation. Q. Did he succeed ? A. No, the more he oppressed, the more did God strengthen and prosper them. Q. What wicked command did he give? ■li ' 2\, X licit the J]jg J P ^^^^^ lUiU VV 1 V CO tl i ^ i ft ■ j; i! I 1] ■ e il 38 would kill all the Hebrew male children as soon as they were born ; but finding his order not obeyed, he decreed that they should be drowned in the Nile. Q. What noted Hebrew was rescued from the waters ? A. Moses, who was to deliver his peo- ple from the Egyptian bondage. Q. How was Moses preserved ? A. His mother hid him for three months, then placed him in a basket by the river side, sending his sister to watch what happened to him. Q. Who discovered the basket ? A. The princess, who came down to the river to bathe, and having compas- sion on the child, said: " This is one of the babes of the Hebrews." Moses' sis- ter offered to bring her a nurse, and ac- COrdinP*lv broncrTif. Vipr rwum mr\fTipT. 39 hildren finding )d that me. •escued lis peo- • ' three basket ster to ;? )wn to ompas- one of 3es' sis- md ac- Q. What did the princess do ? A. She said to the mother : " Take, and nurse this child for me, and I will pay thee thy wages/' and she called him Moses. Q. Where was Moses educated ? A. At the court of Pharaoh, in all the learning of the Egyptians, the most civilized nation in the world. Q. What was the religion of the Egyptians ? A. They worshipped animals, even vegetables, such ls leeks and onions. Q. How did Moses behave while at court? A. He preserved the worship of the true God; in which his mother had carefully instructed him. Q. What caused him to leave Egypt ? V i f I I I 40 killed an Egyptian whom he had seen strike a Hebrew. Q. Whither did he retire "^ A. To the land of Madia., ./here he was entertained by Jethro, the priest of the true God, whose daughter he mar- ried, and by whom he had two sons, Gersam and Eliezer. Q. How long did he remain in Madian? A. Forty years, when he was mira- culously admonished to return to Egypt. Q. Relate the occurrence ? A. Having charge of the flocks of Jethro, he had driven them near Mount Horeb, when suddenly the Lord appear- ed in a burning bush, and commanded him to deliver his people from the hands of Pharaoh. Q. Did Moses hesitate, and what did 41 ad seen here he )riest of he mar- sons, Radian? s mira- Egypt. ocks of Mount appear- [nanded e hands hat did A. Yes ; he feared the Hebrew peo- ple would not believe in his commis- sion, and he pleaded his slowness of speech which rendered him unfit to go on such a mission. Q. What did Almighty God say to him? A. " Who made man*s mouth, or who made the dumb and the deaf, the seeing and the blind, did not I ? Go, therefore, and I will be in thy mouth, and teach , thee what thou shall speak." Q. Did Moses still object? A. Yes; his humility was so great, that he could not be persuaded, even by God himself. Q. Did the Lord condescend to hear him? A. He did, and told him that his brother Aaron, being more eloquent 42 than he, should address the people for him, and that He himself would be with both. Q. What else did the Lord say to Moses? A. To take the rod in his hand, and work signs before Pharaoh, and to go without fear, as all who sought his life were dead. Q. Did Moses go ? A. Yes; he took his wife and his two sons, and returned to the land of Egypt. Q. Who met him on the journey ? A. His brother Aaron, by the Divine command. Q. How old was Moses when he un- dertook the deliverance of the He- brews ? A. Eighty years. . 43 Q. What did Moses and Aaron, on their arrival in Egypt ? A. They called the Ancients of Israel together, and Aaron told them what the Lord had said to Moses, and he wrought the signs before them. Q. Did they believe ? A, They did ; and falling down they adored the Lord God of Israel. Q. What did Moses and Aaron then do? A. They went immediately to the King, and told him : " Thus saith the Lord God of Israel : ' Let my people go, that they may sacrifice to me in the desert.' " Q. What was Pharaoh's reply ? A. " Who is the Lord, that I should hear his voice and let Israel go ? I know not the Lord, neither shall I let Israel go." M 44 Q. What did Aaro.j to convince Pha- raoh of the power of the Hebrews ? A. He cast the rod of Moses on the ground, and it was changed into a ser- pent. Q. Did this miracle convince the King ? A. No ; he called his magiciq,ns who casting their rods on the ground, they also became serpents. Q. What followed ? A. Aaron's rod devoured those of the magicians, whose power was thus set at nought. Q. Did Pharaoh still refuse to allow the Israelites to depart? A. He did, and Almighty God smote the Egyptians with ten successive plagues. Q. Which was the first plague ? 45 A. The turning of all the waters of Egypt into blood. Q. Which was the second ? A. The froggy which coming out of the river, covered the whole land. Q. Which was the third ? A. The cinephs^ a small flying insect produced from the dust. Q. Which was the fourth ? A. An infinity oi flies of all kinds, which terribly incommoded the people. Q. Which was the fifth ? A. A grievous murrain or pestilence amongst the cattle. Q. Which was the sixth ? A. Ulcers and hoils upon men and beasts. Q. Which was the seventh ? A. A frip-btfiil fttfOTTm n^ hail wif"h thunder, lightning, and fire. ll / 4r) Q. Which was the eighth ? A. Locusts, which devoured every green thing after the hail. Q. Which was the ninth ? A. Darkness which continued for three days. Q. Which was the last? A. The tenth and last plague, was the death of all the first horn of Egypt^ both of men and cattle in one night. Q. Were the Israelites involved in this last calamity ? A. No, they were miraculously pre- served by sprinkling the blood of the Paschal Lamb on the door-posts of their dwellings. Q. How was the memory of their de- liverance perpetuated amongst the He- brews ? A. By the yearly observance of the 47 festival of the Pasch, or passover, which is still solemnized by the Jews. Q. What effect had this awful visita- tion on the Egyptians? A. When, at midnight, the cry of death went forth, the people urged Moses to depart immediately ; they gave them gold, silver, and raiment to hasten their exit. Q. What was then the number of the Hebrew people ? A. Six hundred thousand men, be- sides women and children. Q. What did they carry with them ? A. The bones of the holy patriarch, Joseph, which they meant to bury in the land of Canaan with those of his father, Jacob, and his mother, Rachel. Q. How Ions' did the race of Israel _ ,_, - - - _ sojourn in Egypt ? I. ii 48 A. Four hundred and thirty years. Q. In what year did this event take place ? A. In the year of the world 2453. FOURTH EPOCH. Q. Did God command the Israelites to celebrate the passover ? A. Yes, every year, in memory of their deliverance from bondage. Q. What other precept did He give them? A. To consecrate to him their first- born sons, and the first-born of every beast. Q. How were the Israelites guided through the desert? A. By a cloud which preceded them durinsf the dav, and was turned into a pillar of fire for the night. 49 Q. Did Pharaoh regret having allowed them to depart ? A. He did, and raising a large army, he started in pursuit of them. Q. Where did he overtake them ? A. On the banks of the Red Sea. Q. Were they terrified at the sight of the Egyptians ? A. Yes ; but Moses told them not to fear — that God would protect them. Q. What happened in this emer- gency ? A. Moses stretched out his rod over the Red Sea : a passage opened, and the waters stood like a wall on each side, and the Israelites passed through. Q. Did Pharaoh follow with his army ? A. Yes ; they rushed forward be- tween the walls of water, but no sooner J 50 had the Israelites reached the farther shore, than Moses stretched out his rod again, and the waters closed and drowned the King with all his army. Q. Did Moses return thanks to God for having preserved them ? A. Yes ; with one accord they sang a canticle of praise, in which all the women joined. Q. What was the next noted occur- rence on the journey? A. They were three days without water, and when the water was to be had, it was so bitter they could not drink it. Q. What did God direct Moses to do? A. To take the bark of a certain tree, which, thrown in the water, rendered it sweet ? 51 Q. By what means were they fed? A. God sent among them a quantity of quails^ and showered down upon them in the morning a manna from heaven, which was made into a most delicious food. Q. How long were they fed with manna ? A. Forty years, until they ate the corn of the promised land. Q. Were the Israelites grateful to God? A. No ; they murmured continually, and longed for the flesh-pots of Egypt. Q. What other miracle did Moses perform for the benefit of the people ? A. When they were suffering from want of water, Moses struck the rock of Horeb, and instantly water flowed. Q. How did Moses displease God ? 52 A. By striking the rock twice with the rod, as if doubting that the water would come. Q. What people attacked the Israel- ites in the desert ? A. The Amalekites, but, by the prayer of Moses, they were overcome. Q. How did this occur ? A. When Moses held the rod up- raised, the Israelites were victorious, but when his hands sank the enemy gained; whereupon, Aaron and Hur held up his hands until the battle was gained. Q. When, and where did God give His law to the Israelites ? A. In the third month after they left Egypt, God gave His law amid thunder and lightning, from the top of Mount binai. Q. amids A. almig the c( Q. ror? A. behoh scene, with 1 Q. him? A. mount fastinc Q. ] people A. ' golden 53 Q. Why did He proclaim this law amidst so fearful a storm ? A. To fill the people with awe of His almighty power, and make them dread the consequences of disobedience. Q. What did the people in their ter- ror ? A. Dreading the voice of God, and beholding the awful splendor of the scene, they begged Moses to speak alone with Him. Q. Did Moses do as they requested him ? A. He did, and remained on the mountain, in communion with God, fasting, forty days and forty nights. Q. During his absence how did the people act ? A. They obliged Aaron to make a golden calf, round which thev danced I t! 1 : 54 / and sang, bowing down and wor- shipping. Q. What did Moses on coming down from the Mount? A. He threw down the tables of the law, which were broken to pieces in the fall. The idol he seized and beat to powder, and then putting the powder in the water, he made the people drink Q. Was he angry with Aaron ? . A. Yes ; he rebuked him for allowing such wickedness, and called on all who remained faithful to the Lord to range themselves beside him. Q. Who followed him ? A. The whole tribe of Levi, to which Moses and Aaron belonged. Q. What did Moses then do ? A. He ordered the sons of Levi to draw their swords, go through the camp and p met. Q. A. Q. A. coven tratin iovgvi Q. A. mandi stone '. Q. mouni A. face si people Q. : A. wor- down of the in the eat to owder drink owing LI who range which levi to 1 camp, 55 and put to death every soul whom they met. Q. How many Hebrews perished ? A. About twenty-three thousand. Q. What did Moses then do ? A. He begged of God to renew His covenant with His people, and, pros- trating himself before Him, asked His forgiveness. Q. Did God listen to his prayer ? A. He did, and gave him the com- mandments written on two tables of stone? Q. Did Moses remain as Jong on the mountp'n as the first time? A. Yes, and when he came down his face shone with such splendor that the people feared to look at him. Q. Did Moses cover his face? A. i es^ and hfi f^.v^f^v «iffovwc»T»rl UiUiU. Q- ^ ter of her mi prayer Q. ^ the pre A. i the coi scriptic Q. D A. 1 Josue ^ as beim < and the they wi Q. V A. T tilence, re- 59 Q What happened to Miriam the sis- ter of Moses? A. She was stricken with leprosy for her murmurings, but was healed at the prayer of Moses. Q. When the Israelites approached the promised land what did Moses do ? A. He sent twelve spies to examine the country and bring him back a de- scription. Q. Did they give a favorable account ? A. The}^, with the exception of two, Josue and Caleb, represented the people as being .^erce and of a gigantic size, and they so terrilied the Israelites that they wished to return again into Egypt. Q. What did the Lord threaten ? A. To slay the entire people by pes- tilence, but at the intercession of Moses c iur^avu mem. 60 Q. To what did He, however, con- demn them ? • A. To wander forty years in the de- sert, and that none of them, save Josue and Caleb, should enter the promised land. Q. How were the Israelites and the ten spies punished ? A. B}'^ death. Q. What signal punishment befell Core, Da than and Abiron ? A. They were swallowed- up in the bowels of the earth for daring to offer incense to the Lord. Q. What other severe punishments were indicted on two of the Israel- ites? A. One man for gathering wood on 4he Sabbath daj^, and another for blas- Q. amp] A, law the I Q. the J A, from Pent of til Tabe in th( a mei creati Q. hood A. princ< ed w 61 Q. What do we learn from these ex- amples ? A. How wicked it is to violate the law of God, and how terrible will be the punishment. Q. What were the chief festivals of the the Mosaic law ? A. First, the Pasch, or deliverance from bondage; secondly, the Feast of Pentecost, or remembrance of the giving of the law ; thirdly, the Feast of the Tabernacles,in memory of the time spent in the desert ; fourthly, the Sabbath as a memorial of the Lord's rest after the creation. Q. How did God confirm the priest- hood to Aaron and his sons ? A. He commanded Moses to have the prince of each tribe give in a rod mark- ed with hia n^TYifi • fV»oL3/> -^^A KJULQ VV Ui' i/ 62 placed over night in the Tabernacle. Aaron*s rod was found covered with leaves, blossoms, and fruit. Q. What was Moses ordered by God to do with Aaron's rod ? A. To place it in the Tabernacle as a memorial of His having chosen Aaron and his sons for the priesthood. Q. Where did Aaron die ? A. On Mount Hor, near the land of Edom, in the hundred and twenty-third year of his age. Q. What did Moses when Aaron was about to die ? A. He went up to the Mount with him and his eldest son Eleazer, and stripping Aaron of the priestly garments he placed them on Eleazer and present- ed him to the people as the successor of Aaron. 63 of Q. Did the people murmur again af- ter the death of Aaron ? A. They did ; and in punishment of their ingratitude, the Lord sent amongst them fiery serpents that bit and killed a great number of persons* Q. How were they delivered from those fiery serpents ? A. By the prayer of Moses, who, on their acknowledging their fault, be- sought God to have mercy on them. Q. What did the Lord command him to do ? A. To make a brazen serpent and set it up in the sight of the people, by looking OH it they that were bitten should be healed. Q. Of what was the brazen serpent a figure ? A. Of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, 64 IM I \ I on the cross, for by Him the health of the soul is restored, and the bite of the infernal serpent, sin is healed. Q. Had the Israelites great difficulty in entering the land of promise ? A. Yes; they were successively at- tacked by pagan nations who dwelt on the borders of the desert, but by Divine assistance they overcame their enemies. Q. What command did God give the people on entering the land ? A. To make no alliance with any of the inhabitants, and to break the idols and cut down the groves, the scenes of their pagan rites. Q. When and where did Moses die ? A. On Mount Nebo, in sight of the promised land, just when the Israelites were about to enter into, and possess :4. •65 Q. Why was he not permitted to en- ter? A. In punishment of striking the rock twice to obtain water. Q. What did Moses do and prophesy before his death ? A. He wrote the history of the world and of the Jewish people up to that time, and prophesied the coming of the Messiah. Q. Who succeeded Moses by God's ap- pointment, to lead the people across the Jordan to the land of promise ? A. Josue. Q. Who was Josue ? A. A faithful Levite, who had served in the Tabernacle from his early j^outh, and one of the twelve who had been sent to view the promised land. 6 HI 66- Q. How did the people of Israel cross the Jordan? A. The priests carrying the Ark moved in advance of the people, and according as they touched the water it divided, leaving a dry passage ; at the other bank the Ark was moved off, and the water flowed back into its usual channel. Q. What noted miracle took place at the prayer of Josue ? A. The sun stood still to give him time to accomplish a victory. Q. How old was Josue when he died, and how long did he govern the people of Israel ? A. Josue was one hundred and ten years old when he died, having govern- ed the people twenty -five years. Q. Who led the Israelites after the 67 death of Josue, and did they continue faithful to God ? A. Caleb led the Israelites, and they remained faithful to the Lord, as long as the ancients who had seen the great wonders of the Lord, lived amongst them, and then they fell again into idol- atry. Q. What form of government did God appoint for the Israelites after their re- turn from idolatry ? A. He appointed wise and venerable men, called judges, to rule over Israel. Q. Who were the principal of these judges ? A. Gideon, Jeptha, Samson, Heli and Samuel. Q. Who was Gideon ? A. A man of the tribe of Manasses, KJX • • • • huiiible origin, but wise and valiant. 68 Q. What did God command Gideon ? A. To destroy the altar of Baal, and to offer holocausts to God. Q. What did the idolaters on discov- ering what Gideon had done ? A. They demanded that his father should give him up to have him put to death in expiation of the crime against their god, Baal. Q. What did Gideon's father do? A. He refused to give up Gideon, sajdng, " Let Baal revenge himself if he be able." Q. What did Gideon do ? A. Being assured by miracles that the God of Israel would assist him he led his army against his enemy's host. Q. Did Gideon bring his whole army ? A, God permitted him to take three nunc rout bytl Q. rash A. to m Q. perse A. secra man Q- A. armei a tho of an the c vent J 69 Hundred to the field, and this little band routed the immense army of the pagans by the mere sounding of their trumpets. Q. Who did Jeptha in fulfilment of a rash vow, offer as a holocaust ? A. His only daughter who came out to meet and welcome him. Q. Who was the next remarkable personage that ruled Israel ? A. Samson, of the tribe of Dan, con- secrated to God from his birth, and a man of great strength. Q. Relate some of his exploits. A. He encountered a furious lion un- armed, and tore him to pieces ; he slew a thousand Philistines with the jaw-bone of an ass ; he carried off the gates of the city which had been locked to pre- vent his escape. Q. How was Samson betrayed ? 70 A, He was betrayed into the hands of the Philistines by a woman, she having cut his hair while he slept, he was thus imprisoned and had his eyes pulled out. Q. Did his strength return, and how did he die ? A. As his hair grew his strength re- turned, and being brought into the tem- ple on exhibition, he seized two of the pillars, causing the building to fall, kill- ing himself with the immense crowd. Q. Who ruled Israel after the death of Samson ? A. Heli ; he was remarkable for his piety and virtue, but his two sons Ophri and Phinees were very depraved, and gave great scandal. Q. Was God displeased with Heli ? • J.XC vvdio , ai-iu. XLL puxiiolluiciii/ ucX' initte( his so slain, theP: Q. A. fell hi Q. A.' the hi to ser Q. A. vite, 1 all mi Q. A. secrat gover Spirit 71 mitted the Jewish army to be defeated ; his sons, who carried the Ark, were slain, and the ark fell into the hands of the Philistiaes. Q. What happened to Heli ? A. On hearing this dreadful news he fell backwards and broke his neck. Q. What became of the Ark ? A. The Philistines were so afflicted by the hand of God, that they were glad to send back the Ark to the Israelites. Q. In whose house was it placed ? A. In the house of Aminadab, a Le- vite, upon whose family it drew down all manner of blessings. Q. Who was the last judge of Israel? A. The prophet Samuel, who was con- secrated to God from his youth, and governed with great wisdom, by the Spirit of God. 72 m Q. Who rule^3 m Israel after Samuel? A. Saul, the iirst King of Israel. Q. Why did the people desire to have Kings ? A. Because Samuel's two sons deliv- ered justice unfairly, and took bribes for their decisions, so that the people demanded a King, like other nations. Q. Was God pleased with their de- mand? A. No. He represented how much more despotic the power of a King would be, and how he might oppress them. Q. Did He consent to their wishes ? A. Finding they still persisted, he instructed Samuel to anoint Saul, of the tribe of Benjamin, as their first King. Q. Was Saul's reign prosperous ? A. For the first three years he was very ] monit Amal Q. to be A. ekites peoph Samu( by Go contin Q. what A. in sac] dience peated Q. give t( sin of 73 muel? 1. ohave deliv- bribes people )ns. ir de- much King ppress ;hes? id, he of the Lllg. le was very prosperous. He defeated the Am- monites and the Philistines, also the Amalekites. Q. What did he do that caused him to be rejected by God ? A. He spared the King of the Amal- ekites, and the finest of the flocks of that people; in consequence of which, Samuel told him that he was rejected by God, and uiat his family should not continue to reign in Israel. Q. What ex( use did Saul make, and what was Samuel's rebuke ? A. Saul said he kept the flocj s to offer in sacrifice. Samuel declared that obe- dience was b-tter that sacrifice, and re- peated the command of God. Q. What other command did God give to Samuel whilst he mourned the sin of Saul ? 74 A. To go to Bethlehem, and anoint as King, a youth named David, the youngest of seven brothers of the tribe of Juda. Q. How did Samuel find David em- ployed ? A. Tending his father's sheep. Sam- uel having anointed him King, the spirit of God forsook Saul and came upon David. Q. What affliction then befell Saul ? A. He was seized with an evil spirit, which, only the sound of music could soothe, and David played and charmed the King, so that he made him his armor bearer. Q. What great exploit did David achieve after this appointment ? A. Goliah challenged any of the Is- raelites to meet him in single combat. Dav Goli Q. ridic pon ■ A. armo ofthi Q. A. struc] fell t his he Q. of Go: A. even s Q. by the 75 David accepted the challenge and killed Gohah, though armed only with a slino- Q. What did David say when Goliah ridiculed his youth, and the simple wea- pon which was his only defence ? A. " You come to me trusting in your armor but I come to you in the name ot the Lord of Hosts." Q. How did David slay Goliah ? A Patting a stone in his sling, he struck the giant on the forehead, who tell to the ground, and David cut off his head. Q. How did Saul act after the death of Goliah ? A. He became jealous of David and even sought his death. Q. Were all Saul's family actuated by the same feeliua- ' I \\ 76 A. No ; Jonathan loved David as a brother. Q. Did Sanl give David his daughter in marriage as he promised if he were victorious ? A. Yes, but not his eldest daughter; it was only after several other feats of valor, that he succeeded in obtaining the hand of Michol the youngest daugh- ter of Saul. Q. Did Saul then become reconciled to David? A. No. He still secretly plotted against his life and David had many narrow escapes from his wrathful father- in-law. Q. Did David entertain the same hatred for Saul? A. No. David being a man after 77 God's own heart, pitied Saul, returning }l 01 always good for evil. Q. How did Saul die ? A. He died fighting against the Phil- istines, he and his two sons, at the famous battle of Gilboe. Q. How did David receive the news of Saul's death ? A. He was much grieved and ordered the man that brought the news to be put to death, because he said he had killed Saul to please David. Q. Was David acknowledged King by all the Israelites ? A. No. It was only after the death of Isboseth, a son of Saul that he was acknowledged King by all the people. Q. What place did David choose for his royal residence ? A. The castle of Zion, in Jerusalem, I 78 which he had taken from the Jebusitee and around which he built the " city of David." Q. Did David overcome the Phihstmes? A. Yes, he gained a decisive victory over them, so that they troubled him no more. Q. How did David act when he found himself in peaceful possession of his Kingdom ? A. Desirous to promote the glory of God, and establish divine worship, he gave orders to convey the Ark to the royal city. Q. Why did not David receive the Ark into his own palace ? A. He caused it to be removed to the house of Obededom, fearing the fate of Oza, who was struck dead for touching it. 79 sites y of ines? jtorj'' him ound : his rv of p, he 3 the the :o the ite of ching Q. Did the Ark remain long at the house of Obededom ? A. Three months, and David hearing of the wonderful blessings accompany- ing it, had it translated to Jerusalem. Q. What other design did David form to honor God ? A. To build a temple, for it grieved him to dwell in a palace of cedar while the Ark rested in a Tabernacle covered only with skins. Q. Whom did he consult in the mat- ter? A. The prophet Nathan, who was admonished by the Lord to tell David that the building of the Temple was reserved for his son Solomon. Q. What grievous sins did David commit ? A A ^.,1i. - J J XI. ^LULlitUij ciiiU iuuiuyr. 80 Q. Did God rebuke David for those crimes ? A. Yes ; he sent the prophet Nathan, who brought him to repentance and told him, that though his sins were par- doned, he should be severely punished. Q. Was this prophecy fulfilled? A. Yes, by a continual warfare for twenty years, and by the rebellion ; and violent death of his favorite son Abso- lom. Q. How was David punished for his vanity in wishing to have a general census taken ? A. By '^. plague which the Lord sent amongst the people of Israel, and which killed in three days, seventy thousand of his subjects. Q. What did David on seeing the 81 the A. He clothed himself in sackcloth ajid ashes, and prostrating himself be- fore the Lord, besought him to pour his wrath upon him, but to spare his people. Q. Did the Lord hear his prayers ? A. Yes ; and commanded the destroy- ing angel to stop. Q. By whom was David succeeded ? A. By Solomon, his son, whom he caused to be anointed and j)roclaimed King of Israel. Q. What great work was executed in the reign of Solomon ? A. The building of a most magnifi- cent temple to the Lord. Q. How long was Solomon building the temple ? A. Seven 7et rs. Q. What remarkable event happened on its dedication ? li 82 A. A fire from heaven came down and consumed the holocausts and vic- tims, and the majesty of the Lord filled the temple. ) Q. For what was Solomon noted ? A. For his great wisdom which was a special gift from God. Q. Did he also prove ungrateful to God? A. From a foolish complaisance for his pagan wives, he fell into the sin of idolatry. FIFTH AGE OF THE WOBLD. Q. liow did God punish Solomon's great sin ? A. By permitting his Kingdom to be divided, and giving the greater part to Jeroboam. O, Who was Jeroboam ? 88 own vic- Llled ? rds a il to e for Ln of [nons to be irt to A, The servant of Solomon. Q. How long did Solomon reign ? A. Thirty-seven years from the death of his father David. Q. By whom was he succeeded? A. By his soji Roboam, a tyrannical man who oppressed the people of Israel. Q. Did they revolt ? A. Yes, ten of the tribes made Jero- boam their King, the tribes of Juda and Benjamin, alone remained faithful. Q. Did Roboam endeavor to recover what he had lost ? A. Yes, he made war on the revolted tribes, but Semeias, a holy man sent by God, admonished him that what had happened was by divine appointment, in punishment for Solomon's sins. Q. Did Roboam submit to the divine ordinances ? . . I a ; i S h > V ' 84 A. He did, and from that time his Kingdom was called Judah, that of Jer- oboam, the Kingdom of Israel. Q. How did the tribe of Levi act on the secession of the ten tribes ? A. Finding that Jeroboam would not permit them to exercise their functions, the Levites gave up their possessions and went to dwell in Judah and Jerusalem. Q. Did Roboam continue faithful to God? A. No, after three years he fell into idolatry like his father. Q, How was he punished ? A. By the invasion of his kingdom by Sesac, a king of Egypt, who took several cities of Judah, and entered Jeru- salem, which he sacked and plundered. Q. Did Roboam repent ? A. Yes, and God, softened by his 85 his humiliation and repentance, did not permit Sesac to destroy the Holy City. Q. How long did Roboam reign ? A. Seventeen years, and died at the age of fifty-eight. Q. By whom Vas Roboam succeeded on the throne of Israel ? A. By his son Abias, who reigned only three years. Q. What have you to remark of Abias ? A. In the beginning, Abias gained great victories -by invoking the Divine assistance, but also fell into sin. Q. What was the character of Asa, his successor ? A. Asa was a good and pious king. In his reign idolatry was banished from the land of Judah and Divine worship re-established. 86 Q. Who succeeded Asa ? A. His son Josaphat, a wise and vir- tuous prince, who persevered to the end of his life in the faithful service of God. ' Q. Did Jeroboam continue to wor- ship the true God ? A. No, he set up idols and drew upon himself the Divine vengeance. Q. Who succeeded the good King Josaphat on the throne of Judah ? A. His eldest son, Joram, a wicked and idolatrous prince,, who married Athalia, daughter of Achab. Q. Who was sent to rebuke Joram for his iniquity ? A. The prophet Elias, who foretold that he was soon to die of a painful and lingering disease. Q. Where was he buried ? 87 A. In the city of David, but without honors, after a rei^n f eight years. Q. Who was J Oram's successor to the throne of Ji ah? A. His only surviving son, Ochozias, as wicked and impious as his father. Q. How long r^ ' he reign ? A. He reigned but one ^ 3ar, being cut off with all his attendu nts by Jehu, on his way to visit the King of Israel. Q. What did Athalia, the mother of Ochozias, after the death of her son ? A. She ordered all his children to be slain, and took possession of the throne of Juda. Q. Did this wicked queen reign in peace ? A. No, Almighty God having care of the race from which was to be born the ^a IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) ,<.^'^,^ . ^cr .0 I.I I4S|28 "«I2.5 I ^ IIS I lis 11 10 Ilk25 ill 1.4 1.6 *^'V c/i Sdences Corporation \ <^ ^' V :\ \ m^ '^c^'■ V-/^ rv \ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 87i2-4503 ^ 88 Messiah, saved one of the children named Joas. Q. What did Joas do on recovering the throne ? A. He put to death the unnatural mother of his father. Q. Did Joas remain faithful to God ? A. As long as Joiada, the high-priest, lived, he was faithful, but after his death he chose other counsellors and fell into idolatry. Q. What wicked act was done by Joas after the high-priest's death? A. Zacharias, the son of Joiada, hav- ing reprimanded Joas for his sin in neg- lecting the service of God for idols, was ordered to be stoned to death by that wicked king. Q. What was the end of Joas ? A. He was murdered by two of his own servants, and was not buried in the royal sepulchre of Juda. Q. What kings reigned in Israel dur- ing the time that Josaphat, Joram, Ochozias, and Joas reigned in Juda ? A. Achab, Ochozias, Joram, Jehu, and Joachas. Q. Who was Achab's wife? A. A wicked woman, named Jezabel, who begun with her husband the wor- ship of Baal. Q, What was the end of Achab and Jezabel ? A. Achab was killed in battle, and Je- zabel, thirteen years after, was thrown from a window by the orders of Jehu, and devoured by dogs in the place where she fell. Q. What prophet had foretold their fate? rr 90 A. Elias. Q. What did the prophet Elias do when he found idolatry spreading throughout the land ? A. He prevented the rain from fall- ing for three whole years, so that fam- ine ensued. Q. How was Elias fed during the famine ? A. He was fed by ravens who gave him food morning and evening, and afterwards by a poor widow, inspired by God. Q. Whither did Elias flee to avoid the vengeance of Jezabel ? A. He fled to Mount Horeb, by the commands of an angel, who gave him food, enabling him to walk forty days and forty nights throtigh the desert. Q. Did Elias die ? 91 A. No ; he was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot, and is to come before the end of the world, to assist the faithful against Antichrist. Q. On whom did the spirit of Elias descend ? A. On his disciple Eliseus, upon whom his cloak fell when he ascended into heaven. Q. What miracles were performed by Eliseus before, and even after his death ? A. The raising to life of a dead child, the son of a poor widow, also of a dead man, who accidentally came in contact with the bones of the prophet. Q. Who succeeded Joas in the king- dom of Juda ? A. His son, Amasias, who, like his father, served God in the earlier part of 92 « his reign, but fell into the same sinful ways in his later years. Q. What befell Amasias ? A. He had been prosperous so long as he was faithful to God ; but when he fell into idolatry, God deserted him and he was defeated by Joas, king of Israel. Q. Who was Jonas ? A. Jonas was a prophet, who lived during the reign of Amasias, under Jeroboam II., king of Israel. Q. What do you know of the pro- phet Jonas ? A. He was commanded to preach to the people of Nineveh, and threatened their city with destruction, unless they repented for their crimes. Q. Was Jonas afraid^ to obey the com- mand of God ? 93 A. Yes, and to avoid the mission he set sail for Tharsis. Q. Did the weather prove favorable ? A. No ; a great storm arose, and the crew having cast lots to know who had excited the auger of God, the lot fell on Jonas, who was thrown into the sea. Q. What then befell Jonas ? A. He was swallowed by a whale, in whose belly he remained three davs and three nights. Q. Did God pardon him ? A. Yes, on bewailing his disobedience, God pardoned him, and caused the whale to cast him on shore. Q. Did he then obey the Lord's com- mand ? A. Yes, and going to Nineveh preached to the people of that great city, who did il t i 94 penance in sackcloth and ashes, where- upon God forgave them their sins and spared their city. Q. Who founded the first empire of Assyria ? A. Nabuchodonosor, first King of Ninevah. Q. Who was Holofernes ? A. A general in the army of Nabucho- donosor, who was sent to besiege the city of Bethulia, and to bring the people of God under subjection. Q. By whom was Holofernes slain ? A. By Judith, a woman of extraordi- nary piety and virtue, who, to save her people, cut off the head of the tyrant. Q. What was the result of Judith's exploit? A. Encouraged by the sight of the head, and the exhortations of Judith, the of 95 Bethulians determined to resist, and aided by God, they defeated the Assyr- ians. Q. What king reigned next in Ju- clah ? A. Azarias, sometimes called Osias, the son of Amazias ; he was sixteen when he ascended the throne, and reigned fifty-two years. Q. What happened during his reign ? A. He fortified Jerusalem, built seve- ral cities, and prospered until he at- tempted to offer incense himself in the Temple, when he was stricken with a leprosy, from which he never recovered. Q. What kings reigned in Israel whilst Amazias and Osias occupied the throne of Judah ? A. Joas, Jeroboam II., Zacharias, Sellum, Manahem, and Phaceia ; with 96 Sellum ended the race of Jehu, to whom God had announced tha^ his family would rule in Israel to the fourth gene- ration. Q. Who succeeded Osias, king of Judah ? A. His son, Tonathan, a good and pious king. Q. Who succeeded Jonathan ? A. Achaz, his son, a wicked and idolatrous king, who died impenitent, after a reign of sixteen years. Q. Who was the next king of Judah ? A. Ezechias, son of Achaz, a prince of great piety and virtue. Q. What is related of him ? A. He opened the Temple, which his fathers had closed, and invited all the children of Israel to celebrate the Pasch. I 97 Q. Did the Israelites unite with their brethren of Judah in that solemn wor- ship? A. Many of them did, although the majority of them mocked the holy king, but all Judah joined with one heart in its celebration, which was greater than in the days of Solomon. Q. Was the reign of Ezechias pros- perous ? A. Yes, he restored religion and totally abolished idolatry. Q. Who was the last king of Israel? ^ A. Osee, who had murdered Phacee nine years before. Q. How long had the Kingdom of Israel existed ? A. Two hundred and sixty years. Q. What had been the prevailing sin of the Kings and people of Israel ? 98 A. The heinous sin of idolatr3^ Q. Were there no believers amongst the people of Israel after their separa- tion from Judah ? A. Yes; but they were at all times comparatively few. Q. Did God abandon these tribes of Israelites to their own evil ways ? A. No ; being desirous to save them on account of their fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, he raised prophets at different times whom he sent to rebuke them. Q. What prophets lived in Judah and Israel from the reign of Amazias in Judah, and Jeroboam II. in Israel till the Babylonian captivity ? A. Jonas, Amos, Osee, Isaias, Michaes, Joel and Abdias. Osee and Isaias pro- phesied for nearly one hundred years. 99 Q. Of what did Isaias prophesy ? A. He foretold tl Assyj J -"in captivity ; and he clearly predicted the coming of the Redeemer, his life and passion, even m its most minute details. Q. What holy man lived in Israel durmg the time of the captivity ? A. Tobias, whose family histcxy is preserved in one of the books of the Old Testament, which bears his name. Q. Who was Tobias ? A. Tobias was a just and holy man of the tribe of Nephtali. Q. What proof of his fidelity did he give ? A. He went every year to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices, and never defiled himself with idolatry or superstition. Q. What great prophet was counsellor to Ezechias ? 100 i I I' ' iii ii I it i i i A. Isaias, who began to prophesy in the reign of Azarias, and continued during the reigns of Joathan, Achaz, and Ezechias. . Q. By whom was Ezechias succeed- ed? A. By his son Manasses, a cruel prince, who built up again the idolatrous temples which his father had destroyed. Q. Whom did he put to death ? A. Many just persons, among whom was the gxeat prophet Isaias. Q. What was the manner of his death ? A. According to Jewish tradition, he was sawed in two, by order of that wicked prince. Q. Did Manasses continue wicked till the time of his death ? A. No, being carried captive to 101 his to Babylon, in his distress he invoked the assistance of God, who heard his prayers and restored him to his kingdom. Q. Who succeeded Manasses ? A. His son Amon, who imitated the wickedness of his father but not his re- pentance. Q. Who was the next King of Judah? A. Josias, a good and pious prince. Q. Who were the last Kings of Judah ? A. Joachas, Joakim, Jechonias, and Sedecias ; they were wicked and all died miserably, and the Assyrian King carried their people into captivity. Q. Who was king of Assyria at this time ? A. Nabuchodonosor, a wicked prince who erected a golden statue of himself ordering it to be adored as a god under pain of being cast into a fiery furnace* 102 Q. What does scripture record of the three Hebrews who refused to obey ? A. They were cast into the fiery furnace, but walked unhurt in the midst of the fire, although the men who threw them in were consumed. ^ Q. What awful punishment was in- flicted upon Nabuchodonosor ? A. He was compelled to walk upon his hands and feet, and to hold com- panionship with beasts for seven years. Q. Was he ever restored to his former position ? A. Yes. God heard his prayer and restored him to his Kingdom with more glory than ever. Q. What do you know of Balthazar the successor of Nabuchodonosor ? A. He gave a great banquet and caused the sacred vessels that had been m- 103 taken by his father from the temple of Jerusalem, to be employed for the uso of himself and his guests. Q. What followed this sacrilegious act? A. When the guests began to drink from the sacred vessels, the fingers of a hand were seen writing on the wall. Q. What words were written, and who explained them ? A. The words were Mane, Thecel, Phares — which Daniel explained. Q. What does Mane signify? A. It signifies, " God hath num- bered thy kingcJom, and it is at an end." Q. What does Thecel mean ? A. Thecel means, '' Thou art weighed in the balance and found wanting." Q. What does Phares mean? A. Phares means, '^ Thy kingdom is 104 giyen and divided an< Persians." Q- Was the prophecy fulfilled ? A. Yes, that very night Cyrus took the city of Babylon, put the king to death, and possessed himself of his kingdom, which afterwards formed a part of the great Persian empire. Q. What occurred to the prophet Daniel in the reign of Darius, first king of Persia ? A. Daniel, being envied by the king's courtiers, was thrown into a lion's den, but the lions did not harm him. Ha- bacuc, a strange prophet, brought him food to eat. Q. How long did the Babylonian captivity of the Jews last ? A. Seventy years, according to the prediction of the prophet Jeremiah. and 106 took ig to ■ his Led a )phet king ing's den, Ha- him nian the SIXTH AGE OF THE WORLD. Q. At whose command was the Tem- pie of Jerusalem rebuilt ? A. At the command of Cyrus in the first year of his reign. Q. Who opposed the rebuilding of the Temple ? A. The Samaritans ; at first they wQre willing to assist the families of Judah and Benjamin, but their services not being accepted, they did everything to impede its progress. . Q. What befell the Jews who remain- ed in captivity ? A. They were persecuted by a wicked man named Aman, by whose malice they y\re in great danger of beino* entire! ■w v.*. V T-rJUl,. 106 Q. Whom did God raise to protect his people ? A. Esther, a beautiful and virtuous woman of their own race who was mar- ried to the King Assuerus. Q. What influence did Esther exer- cise ? A. Her influence restored peace to the Jews in Babylon, many who had feared to acknowledge themselves Jews now openly professed their faith in the true God. Q. Who was Nehemias? A. He was cup-bearer to Artaxerxes, and an upright and God-fearing man, as well as a great benefactor to the poor. Q. What prophet lived after the re- building of the temple ? A. Malachias, the last of the proph- ets. [•otect tuous ' mar- exer- ce to had Jews 1 the rxes, man, 30or. i re- 107 Q. Whose coming did he foretell ? A. The coming of John the Baptist. known^'" "'"^ '"'^ '' P^^P^«^« -- p4'hel" ' "^^ '''^' -^ -- Q. Who were the great prophets ? A. Isaias, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Q. Who were the minor prophets ? .. AT r^'' ^'''' '^"'^«' ^bdias, Mich- Aggeus, Zacharias, and Malachias. ^ Q. How did Nehemias obtain conse- T^mplef "■ *'' ^'^'"^^^^°^ '' *he A. He sent some descendants of the priests, who had concealed the sacred lire to fiPoT^ u oph- I fire to seek it m m ^» VY as the search successful 108 A. No, they only brought him thick water, Nehemias, having sprinkled the altar and the victim, it ignited, and con- sumed the sacrifice. * Q. How was the Kingdom of Judah governed after the death of Nehemias ? A. By the high priests, of whom a regular succession had been maintained from the daj^s of Aaron. Q. To whom was Judea then subject ? A. To Persia. Q. Did the people of God enjoy peace under the Kings of Persia ? A. Yes, they had full liberty as to the exercise of their religion. Q. Who was Seleucus Philopator ? A. A king of Syria, who, by the con- nivance of a wicked man, named Simon, sent Heliodorus to seize money which had been deposited in the Temple ? 109 Q. Did Heliodorus succeed in ob- taining this treasure ? A. No, the high priest Onias be- sought God to save the Temple, and . (xod sent his angels to protect the sane- tuary. Q. Who was Antiuchus ? A. A wicked king of Asia, who op- pressed the Jewish nation. Q. What sacrilegious act did Anti- ochus commit ? A. He usurped the office of high- priest and robbed the Temple. Q. What orders did Antiochus give the governors of Judea ? A. To persecute the people of God • he afterwards sent a large army to kill all the men and sell the women and children as slaves. 110 Q. What other edict did Antioehus publish ? A. Efe obliged the people to sacrifice to idols, or to suffer death without mercy. Q. Mention some of the victims of this persecution. A. Eleazer, a holy old man, ninety years of age, and a whole family called the Maccabees, consisting of seven brothers and their pious mother. Q. In what other way did Antio- ehus show his hatred of the Jewish re- ligion ? A. He destroyed what he could of the sacred writings, and put to death whoever were possessed of them. Q. Who was sent b}^ God to assist His people ? A. A holy priest named Mathathias, of 111 whose family and kindred were all faithful to God. Q. What did Mathathias do ? A. Placing himself at the head of an army, he gained several victories over the idolaters and destroyed their altars. Q. How many sons had Mathathias? A. Five, viz. : Judas, Eleazer, John, Jonathan, and Simon, all of whom were wise and valiant. Q. Which of the sons did their fa- ther appoint to succeed him in the gov- ernm'ent of God's people ? A. Judas Machabeus, the youngest. Q. Was Judas victorious over the enemy ? A. Yes; the valiant Judas defeated them in every engagement, and finally drove the idolaters out of Judea. 112 Q. What did Judas Machabeus after driving the enemy from his country ? A. He purified, repaired, and refur- nished the Temple, erected a new altar, collected the sacred writings and caused the sacrifices to be offered as of old. Q. How did he prepare for battle ? A. By fasting, prayer, and humilia- tion, which drew upon him and his arms the blessing of God. Q. What other pious practice of Judas Machabeus is recorded in Scrip- ture ? A. That of sending money to Jeru- salem, to have sacrifices offered up for the soldiers who had he^m slain in battle. Q. riow did Judas Machabeus die ? A. He died nobly, fighting at the 113 head of a smal band of devoted follow- ers. Q. What reply did Judas Machabeus make to those who wished to deter him from fighting ? A. He said, " If our time be come let us die manfully for our brethren ;" the greater part of his army fled through fear. Q. Who was chosen his successor in the government of Judea ? A. His brother Jonathan, who was so honored at home and abroad that langs sought his friendship. Q. With what nations did Jonathan renew treaties of peace and what after- wards befell him ? A. With the Romans and Lacede- monians ; he was taken prisoner by an 8 114 1 ■. i ambitious man named^ryphon, who put him, and his sons to death. Q. How long did his brother Simon govern Judea ? A. Nine years, during which time he restored the temple and the city to most of its former splendor. Q. How did Simon die ? A. He was murdered with two of his sons by the contrivance of Ptolemy, who hoped to rule in his place, but was disappointed. Q. Who succeeded him ? A. His son, John Hyrcanus, whom his father had appointed general of the army. Q. What is said of John Hyrca- nus ? A. He was brave and pious like his father, and gained a great victory over put limon ne he by to of his lemy, t was whom Df the lyrca- ke his Y over 115 a large army sent by Antiochus to in- vade Judea. Q. How long did John Hyrcanus govern, and who succeeded him ? A. He governed about thirty-one years, and was succeeded by his son Aristobulus, a wicked man who reigned but one year. Q. Who succeeded Aristobulus ? A. His brother Alexander Jannceus, who died a natural death after a reign of twenty-seven years. Q. To whom did Alexander leave the sovereign power ? A. To Alexandra his queen, who caused her younger son Hyrcanus to be made high-priest. Q. How did the Jews lose their inde- pendence? A. The Romans having assisted 116 I 4\ Hvrcanusto recover the throne, Herod, an Idumean by birth, taking advant- age of the troubles of the Jews, in- vaded the Gountry and usurped the throne. Q. By whom was his usurpation sanctioned ? A. By the Roman Emperor Augus- tus. Q. What remarkable prophecies were fulfilled by this usurpation of Herod ? A. That Esau or Edom should one day shake off the yoke of his brother Jacob or Israel, and that the Messiah should come when the sceptre departed from Juda. Herod, idvant- ws, in- 3d the :pation iugus- s were rod? Id one rother [essiah parted