FOR THE
p-SE OF LORD'S DAT SCHOOLS. T W O
SCRIPTURE CATECHISMS/
I. IT.
Children who are juft j For thofe about eleven or begun to read diftiniUy J | twelve years of age;
Both intended to prepare for the ufe of what Is more deeply Learned and Syftematical.
And thou (halt teach them diligently unto thy children, and fitted in thine houie, and wht v by the way, and when thou licit down, an
tip, Deut. vi. 7. Compare Pfalm Ixxviii. 5, 6, 7.
And that from a child thcu hail known the which are able to make thee wife unto filiation, through I'aitii which is in Christ Jesus, % Tim. iii. ij\
EDITION SECOND.
N. B. The Firft Edition, confifting of rrmrt
night up by the Inhabitants of the Town and I- ,yr ; and
tic greater £art, by thofe of pious benevolence, to le given away.
KILMARNOCK:
PRINTED BT J. IV I L S I
For Meflrs. J. Hunter and W. Neil, Teachers cf the Englifh Schools in Ayr.
m,dcc, LX XX VIII.
/ , (T, I CW^^H .
ABSTRACTING from confideratlon of all improvement, either when difcourfing myfUf, or hearing others upon great Sub- jects, I am beyond meafure delighted : but when I hear conven- tion of any other kind, efpecially the ufual difcourfe between you rich people, who are dill contriving to heap up money, I feel a te- dioufnefsin myfelf; and a concern for you, my Friends, who ima- gine you are employing your time to good purpofe, while you are »x)\y trifling. Sotratcs in Plato.
ScS^USi
li.
.1 ill i ii.. . .hi 1 1
PREFACE.
TH E human mind takes a tincture from objects with which it is at any time converfant. A flrong one, from objects to which it is habituated, or with which it has been long converfant ; but colours of the deepeft die, and maft durable, from objects with which it is furrounded at the time when itfelf is, next to void of all colour, and fufceptible of any; that is, the age of childhood. Whence it becometh of the utmoft confequence to familiarize them early with what is fair* comely, and beneficial. Train up a child in the way wherein he Jhould go> Prov. xxii. 6. and when he is old, he will not depart fro?n it. Science practical is then his proper bufmefs; or knowledge, which has a direct ten- dency to make him true, juft, companionate, and eve- ry way good : knowledge, in fhort, which conciliates human nature to the divine.; and fits it, afterwards, for more clofe and direct methods of approach, by other kinds of ftudies. Compared with this, knowledge of things foreign to practice, or which do not readily ad- mit of an obvious and ufeful application, is illiberal and fordid.
Instruction fhould be gradual, little in the begin- ning, a little and a little more as they advance; by
viii PREFACE.
which method, the Reader or Hearer is put npon think- ing for himfelf, and has his mind opened, too, by the fame degrees. They who, at one leap, would gain fum- mits of fcience and truth, will never benefit under the wifeft Teachers ; nor will the mod able Teachers be fuccefsful, who aim at fo rapid an advance. Certain neeeilary fteps by this means are overlooked ; or elfe the whole becomes, in a very little time, infupportably bur- denfome.
Conversation with youth who happen to have do- cile tempers and fair minds, calls forth the latent feeds of wifdom ; and has the air of joint inquiry, when ma- naged in an affable and familiar manner. Thus, the curiofity and zeal of the mere ftranger is excited ; that of the difciple is encouraged ; and, from one queftion naturally arifmg out of another, the mind is greatly aided and forwarded in the purfuit of truth. Hence, Solomon, as above, ufes the word train, or catechife, more literally, as will be found in the margin. The great Example of all Righteoufnefs, when he was only twelve years of age, was found in the Temple, Luke ii. ^6.Jit~ ting in the midji of the Doclors, both hearing them, and a/k- ing them Quejiiom. An anecdote of fignal ufe, if pro- perly attended to, for both parents and children.
Socrates' conflant rule, we are told, was, at the time when any man was fpeaking, to give him his at- tention, especially if he thought him a wife man, or much inclined to be fo ; and, as one defirous to com- prehend perfectly what -he meant, to interrogate after-
< i m , i ,, r , i n 1 1 m i m 7TT f 1 1 1 1 r i » rniTnTnrf
!T],I
PREFACE. ix
wards, and fift him thoroughly concerning all that he had faid : to confider of it over and over again ; and to compare his anfwers, m order to better mutual in- formation. By this method, people of infignificance, and leaft worth the regarding, foon come to be difca- vered. They are impatient of Catechi/ing; and, though not all at once to- be given over, the trouble of ajking Queflions, however pertinent, will not continue to be taken, even by the moil inclinable.
Tgnorance, of courfe, mud take place. And this darkens the foul; as vice, it's mod ordinary offspring, doth diforder and debafe. By fuch, Falfehood is taken for Truths and Evil for Good. They fancy Truth and Good to be where they are not ; and thus erring from their right mark, every thing goes amifs. Reafon and Pajjion are fet at variance. One paffion combats with another. The health of the foul is deftroyed. No le£s than complete wretchednefs doth follow. The light ef the body is the eye, Matth. vi. 22, 23. If, therefore, thine eye be Jingle, thy ivhtle body f 7 all be full of light. But, if thine eye be evil, thy whole body /ball be full of darknefs. If, therefore, the light that is in thee be darknefs •, hoiv great it that darknefs ?
In healing this difeafe, by fetting the mind right, a greater fervice is done, than would be by healing any diftemper of the body. Yet how few think. of it? In Religion, the cafe is alarming; for, if, by any means, a ferious turn come to be taken, owing to the want of foundation, unfteadinefs and ever- varying fentiments
x PREFACE.
.mud obtain. They are driven to and fro, backward and forward continually. They are children, when they fhould be men; and liable to be toJTcd by every wind of doc- trine, and cunning craftinefs of thofs who lie in wait to deceive, Eph. iv. 14. Says a great writer, * " Imagina- " tion operates without control, when it is not checked r with knowledge; the ignorant, at the fame time, are " delighted with wonder: and the more wonderful a " ftory is, the more welcome it is made." He adds, cc this may ferve as an apology for ancient Writers, " even when they relate and believe facts to us incre* M dible." A like apology may be made for believing doctrines, however incredible, when dictated with art, and a vociferous manner.
Science lies latent, till excited and brought to light by fair, diligent, and deep inquiry; and they who are not afhamed to learn, but who, with meeknefs andfear9 afk fui table queftions, poffefs an admirable quality. Of all others, they are fafeft from the above fatal confe- quences of ignorance and error. They are not apt to be entangled by cunning fallacies, and fly evaiions.
Speeches and Lectures, when long, are eafily forgot; and ferve not fo effectually the end, as by unaffuming converfe. Whilft the one is calculated to entertain, the other holds faf, and becomes the foundation of fettled 0- pinion. Human authority, in correfpondence with the divine Rule, fecures effect for the mod god-like ends.
* Lord Kaimes* Sketches of the Hiftory of Mail, B, 1. Sk. x.
PREFACE. xr
No judicious perfon, therefore, will find fault with joining two plain Scripture Catecblfms with the excel- lent views of thofe who did recommend the Shorter and Larger Ones more generally ufed in Scotland, for the benefit of Church Members : and to which, vaft multitudes, when come to years, have been greatly in- debted.
For one who has had long experience, the defire of keeping up a rehearfal from thofe mod accurate fyftems can never be blamed ; but the contrary. A judgement of difcretion, both among Minifters and Teachers of Youth in fchools, may be proper as to abridging certain of the anfwers, which, in their defign, may be, notwith- ftanding, quite complete. More advanced years will find little or no difficulty to become mailer of the whole. Till that happen, the profitable, or what conduces to produce mod good, fhould meet with no blame. Without being arrogant, one may prefume, that a purpofe fo be- neficial, uvi\z£s Jingularly defeclive, mould be encouraged. And, if defective, why not give room to others of equal- ly generous views, and with better abilities ? Let this be understood, and duly weighed, in the fight of an all- knowing and impartial judge. The facrednefs of Truth will never fuffer any to oppofe the man, who has the fuccefs of it obvioufiy upon his heart.
He who intends the bed benefit of thofe whom he endeavours to inftrucl, ought to have fome knowledge of human nature; and the various capacities, as well as difpofitions of his pupils. Nor ought he to forget
xii PREFACE.
the words of him who /aid, in fupport of a willing", though perhaps comparatively deficient actor, he who is not a- gainfi ??ie, is for me. He who is not with me at all, and yet obftructs a fincere and cordial defigner, is againft me. Blind pofitivenefs banifhes afar both reafon and truth. Random fpeeches, or readily deciding on points not thoroughly fifted, are no more to be allowed, than talking of things whereof we are ignorant, as if we knew them. It is not what a man wills only, but what he can, that entitles him to cavil, or reproach. Farts may ap- pear weak, or reprehenfible, which, to a mind compre- hending the whele, are not fo devoid of ufefulnefs, and even beauty or grace.
Annexed to the love of excellence, is the defire of generating, or (lamping upon other minds, fome like thoughts; and fhould his power attain fo high, of raif- ing up and nurturing an intellectual progeny of godly, generous fentiments and fair ideas. When the* foul is thus endowed, it cannot be unmindful of Him who hath made us lobe partakers of 'the inheritance of the Saints in tight; who hath delivered us from the power of darknefs, and hath tranjlated us into the kingdo?n of his dear Son : in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgive nefs of fins ; who is the image of the invtftble Xjod, the firfi born, chief or head of every creature; the firjl- born from the dead, that in all things he might have the pre-eminence, Col. i, 1 2, Z&c. Love of beauty fo glorious, fo confummate, feizes the pious breaft; and inclines him to be diftinguifhed, if it were only among babes, whofe conceptions at the time are low, but will not always be fixed to what is inferior.
PREFACE, xiii
Even among the wife ancients, meetings were deem- ed things folemn and important ; efpecially thofefor the purpofe of Converfation: becaufe in thefe, above every other, ought to appear the efTential character of man, as a rational and focial being. May Chriftian Parents* and even Houfeholders without children, apply this to their frequent opportunities at home ; and it is odds, but they improve, or ftand convicted. As they go along through life, and when they have mod leifure, with the cleareft call of Providence, they -will furely ftop from their ordinary employments, and grace the Lord's Days Evenings, with holding out to the neareft objects of their affection, the rich paternity of him who fo loved -the world, as to ghe his only begotten Son, that w&6/t
- .th en himjhould not perijh, bat have ever lifting life* .John iii. 16. Tins, this is the- work of God, chap. vi. 29.
A return of gratitude will make even of a daftardxiL cnthufiafti and difclofe him, in the end, to be born with a difpofitionthe moft excellent; or begotten to it, by the word of truth, which liveth andabideih, in the effects of it, for e- ver. Love of this fort rand endure, feeing united to that which is eternal. Covet earneftly the beft gifts. Strive to excel/in them. But booing a more excellent way fhewed us, and more in every one's power, let pure, fpiritual af- fection for kindred fouls never fail. Every fpecies of impiety is the ufual confequence of not attending to this.
And (hould it C^m to attract obfervation, with un- fuitable remarks, contraft thefe with this, that, as with- out the fenfe vfjhame attending bafe conduct, to, with-
B
.r-
xiv PREFACE.
out the fenfe of honour in doing what is honourable, nei- ther communities, nor private perfons, can execute • what is noble. Moreover, Blejfed are ye when men fo all revile you, and perfecute you, and [peak all manner of evil againjl yo u falfily for Christ's fake. Rejoice and be ex- ceeding glad, for great Is your reward in Heaven, Matth. v. if, 12. Thenfliall the righteous fhine forth as the fun, in the kingdom of their Father, Matth. xiii. 43. And they who turn many unto righieoufnefs, as the far s for ever and ever ', Dan.' xii. 3. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Examples finking fliould be produced at fir ft, or when your multiplied fives are fetting out, when at- tention is moil awake ; and, being ftrongly imprinted on the mind, they may eafily occur afterwards. That of Christ requires no nice and delicate felecYion from it :, for he did all things well. When occafions offer to recollect thefe, there can be no want, as to particulars, lefs danger of erring ; and, after proper Catechetical in* Jlruclion by tender love, not fo much difficulty as in for- getting the diftrefs of piouily meant, but extreme hard- ihips to memorial exercife upon what neither was, nor could be comprehended at the time. The young are curious, in proportion to the vigour of their faculties ; and it mould be the delight of mature age, to commu- nicate, to bepet and cherifli the ideas of ufeful know- ladge, to immortalize them: for the fake of which, a- bove every other, love to offspring is ftrong. If we know thefe things % happy are w, if we do them. Amen.
FOR THE
USE OF LORD'S DAY SCHOOLS.
CATECHISM t
Q^i. WTHO is the Saviour of the VV world?
A. Jesus Christ. Q^ 2. Why is he called Jesus ? A» Becaufe he faves his people from their fins, Matth. i. 21.
ADVICE TO CATECHIST.
Make the child, or children, read that Jaft pa/Tage.
Q^ 3. And why is he called Christ ?
A. Becaufe that word fignifies anointed ; and he was anointed with the Holy Ghost, which is the power of %God \ Acts x. 38, Read.
CK 4. Has he any other name given him in Scripture ?
A. He is likewife ftyled Lord, or Mas* ter, John xiii. 13. Read.
i.6 CATECHISM ft.
(^ 5. Who was his Mother ? A. TJie Virgin Mary.
CATECHIST.
Let children fee the Hiftory of this, Luke i. chap, from verfe 26*.
Q/ 6. Where was he born ? A. in Bethlehem of Judea.
CATECHIST,
Let them fee and read the hiftory of this, Luke E. from the beginning,
(^ 7. In what Jl ate or condition was he born ? A* la a low, or poor ftate.
CATECHIST.
The above paffages may be read two or three times . during the currency of the week ; to fix upon their memories each of the texts, and their proper fenfe.
C>^ 8. How long did he 'live \wiih Mary, be* fore he began to preach publicly ?
A. About thirty years, Luke iii. 23.
Q^ 9. Who was his Forerunner?
A. John, called the Baptijii Luke i. 76.
(^ 10. How did John prepare his way ?
A. By exhorting men to repent ; and baptizing thofe with water, who confefled their fins, Matth. iii. 1 — 7.
CATECHIST.
Tell the children, as they read this paffage, that
CATECHISM I. 17
a Prophet is one whom Gor> enables to know tilings long before they happen. That If a tab f in particular, lived near 7©o years before Christ was born. That Jerufale77i was the greateft city in all Judea. That Judea was a country, and Jordan a river. In re- quiring an anfwer, afterwards, to each of thde, let the children be allowed to fpeak their own language,- and infift not for die precife words as they are printed,
Q^ 11. Was Jesus himf elf baptized? ' A, Yes; that he might be an example of all righteoufnefs, Matth. iii. 13, to the end,
C A T EC HI S T.
Tell the children, Christ had no fin to repent of, orconfefs; but, by fubmitting to be baptized, he own- *d John publicly to be a Prophet,
Q^ 12." What happened to him after his baptifm ?
A. The Spirit of God came down from Heaven upon him.
CATECHIST,
Tell them, that the Spirit o/Gcd, and ffofy Ghofi9 or Tciver of the Hightft, are the fame ; as in Quell. 3.
CK 13. Did he then immediately enter upon his office cf preaching the G of pel publicly ?
A. Not till he had gone through a great and remarkable trial. To be feen, and care- fully read, out of Matth. iv. j — 12.
CATECHIST.
Upon the natnre of the different temptations, as yet, Utile muft be iaid \ unlefs, that the devil can do no-
S3
iS CATECHISM I.
thing, without allowance from God; and that, as long as people are good, they have nothing to fear from him. He would have had Christ employ the power of God, which came down from Heaven upon him, to eafe his hunger ; to make a great and proud fhew with, before all the people, when they went into the Temple or Church ; and laft of all, to ferve bad ends. But Christ would not yield to him, no not for a moment ; and, by a right ufe of the Scripture, he completely conquered him. Talk of thefe things to them, in a plain agreeable way.
Q^ 14. How many Difciples did Christ choofe to be generally with him ?
A. Twelve, whom he named 'Apo/lks..*
C A TEC HI ST.
Tell the children, that the word difciple fignifies a fc'holar. That Christ has many fuch difciples or fcholars. And that the word apojlle figniftes a mef* fenger. That the Twelve were fent firft. with the mef- fage of Cbrift's Religion^ to all the people of Jndea ; and afterwards to the people of the whole earth: Their firft mefTage may be feen, and read, out of Matth. x. from the beginning ; and the laft mefTage, out of Matth, xxviii. from verfe 18.
Q^ 15. What do you mean by Christ's re- ligion ?
A. The good things which he would have all his Difciples or Scholars to do.
Q^ 16. Can you tell me fonie of the. chief of theft good things ?
A. Yes j That they who had been bad before, fliould be fo no more; but learn to do well : likewife pray to God, read his. word, and. give thanks to hime
CATECHISM I 19
CATECHIST.
Let them know, that the firft of the above is the fame with repenting. Tell how much they are oblig- ed to Almighty God for their life, meat, drinlc, friends, &e. Alfo, that they fhould love him, and all their neighbours. How good the Heavenly Father is ; and what a pleafant way cf living, to be quiet and peaceable, not eafily put into anger, and never to give bad names, far lefs flnke.
Q^ 17. What did Christ do, to confirm this wife and ufeful teaching ?
A. He gave fight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, fpeech to the dumb, foundnefs and ftrength to the lame, and even life to the dead.
G A T E C H I S T.
If this anfwer be too long, or indeed any of the a- bove, they may be eafily broken thus; What did Christ do for the blind? He gave them fight. What for the deaf? fcfr. t5V.
O^ 1 8. How are thefe great works named An Scripture ? A. Miracles.
CATECHIST.
Let the children read, for illuftrating thefe, Luke vii. from verfe 1 1. Explain the words widow, compaf- fion, bier or coffin, glorifying or praifing, rumour, region or country, difciples of John, why called Baptiji, gofpel% an old word for good news, or glad- tidings*
Q^ 1 9. Were the labours ofthofefew menfuc* tefsjul^info great and difficult an employment I
20 CATECHISM I.
A. Yes ; great multitudes believed the Go/pel, and were baptized, both men and women*
CATECHIST.
Let the children read Matth. iv. from verfe 23. to the end Tell them that Syria was a country. That people pojfejfed with devils were not to be cured, but by a power from God. That lunatics fignify fuch as are mad. And that the pat Yy takes away the ufe, and fome- times the feeling, of hands, feet, tongue, and whole bo- dy* To underftand fomething of the great numbers who followed Christ and his Apoftles, they may alfo read how many were fed by him at one time, out of Matth. xrv. 8, EsV. See now, if they mind the word Difciples, or fcholars. Compare with this John vi.
5 15. Obferve to them, what a kind heart Christ
has; \\vsX fragments are the fmall broken pieces of meat ; and that it is a great wrong to throw them a- *way, when fo many poor folk would be glad of them.
CX 2Q. Did Christ declare to all men their duty? -
A. Yes.
Q^ 21. Did he likewife correal their vices freely f
A. Yes,
CATECHIST.
Here let the children read Mark viii. 14 22.
with Matth. 23. from verfe 13. Tell them of the ufe of leaven among flour, or meal. That the Pharifees were great hypocrites, and fpread their bad opinions and manners, Mkt leaven, among the poor weak people; as did ihe flatterers of Herod, who was a very bad king. That the Scribes were men who pretended to have ft ill in Religion above all others j and, with the bale hyp©.
CATECHISM I. «i
critical Pharifeesy were beloved by the multitude. Ex- plain the examples there given of their vile falfehood ; at lea ft fome of the eaiieit to be underftood, fo far as verfe 13.
Q^ 22. How did the Scribes and Pharifees bear to befpoken to Jo honejily and boldly f
A. They were much provoked ; and, at length, did contrive how they might put him to death.
Q^ 23. Did they ever get this horrid dejtgn brought about ?
A. Yes; God allowed them, to fhew what great fufferings his beloved Son could bear, in defence of truth ; to confirm all his ho- ly Rules, and moll precious Promifes ; and to be an example of patience to his Follow- ers, in every future age of the Church* See John xviii. 37.
CATECHIST.
Tell them how dear to God truth is; and how ne- ceflary to mankind. That to fuffer for it, is the nobl- eft. degree of goodnefs, if people do not complain; and that this is true patience.
Q^ 24. By what means did they bring about the death of Christ ?
A. They prevailed upon one of his Dt- fciples^ by an offer of money, to betray him into their hands.
CATECHIST. Let the children read this melancholy hiftory out of
22 CATECHISM I.
Mark xiv. 43 — 46. compared with Matth. xxv*. 14 — 1 6. See it they understand what one of the twelve means. Let them know of Judas' other name Ifca- riot) to diilinguifli him from, another Apoftle of the fame name, who was the brother of Ja??ies. Explain the fad guilt of betraying a friend into trouble, by ap- pearing to love him; ami the fign of great love, which he then put on.
Q^ 25. Could Christ, if be bad chofen, have got away frGm them ? A. Very eafilyv
C A T E CHIST.
To prove this, let them read the noble account in John xviii. 1 .10. Explain the brook Cedror?, as ly- ing between two high hills, covered each with trees and brufhwood. Therefore, though it was moon-light, they needed lanthoms and torches ; which may eafily be diftinguifhed. Christ's enemies fell to the ground; and, when he allowed them to rife, he would not fuf- fer them to touch htm, till he had obtained leave, and Sufficient time for his weak and frighted Apojlles to go their <way. Jesus knew what Judas was carrying on ;, and chofe this private plaee^noc for fafetVj but to me* citate and pray.
Q^ 26. What was the nature of that death which Christ fuffered ?
A. It is called Crucifixion, or nailing to a Crofs.
Q^ 27. What like was the Jhape of the Crois ?
A. Like the large letter T ; and to the upper part, the hands were nailed ; as both feet, put together, were nailed to the long-
CATECHISM I. 23
eft; and then, the whole wooden Crofs was raifed up, and the imalleft end of it fix- ed in the ground.
Q^ 28. Mttfl not this have been very pain- ful?
A. Exceedingly fo ; becaufe, befides the weight of a whole body thus hung, it was deemed a curfe, and done only to the meaneft and wont of men,
C AT ETC HI ST.
Let the ch:ldren knew how full of little bones and "finews, both hands and feet are ; that the tearing of thefe afunder, produces the mod exquiiite torture ; that the blood, being confined by ihe large nails, could only drop ; and that, owing to this, the life was long kept in; fometimes for whole days and nights toge- ther, till hunger and third, as well as pain, did put an end to it.
Q^ 29. What became ^Christ's body, after he died ?
A. He was buried in a new grave, or fe- jmlclyre.
CATECHIST.
Let the children read this twice or thrice over from Matth. xxvii. 57 62. Arimathea was either the ci- ty of jfofeph's birth, or common rehdence; though, as a Cownfellor^ or great Magijlrate, he behoved fome- times to live in jerufalem. Pilate was the chief go- vernor of all jfudca ; but appointed to this high office, by sluguftus Cxfar, the emperor of Ro??;e. Sepulchres, in that, country, were hewed out of folid rock ; and ei- ther covered with a large ftone, or fhut up at the
54 CATECHISM I.
mouth by one, in the manner of a door. The Jews were often at great expence in burying their dead bo- dies, by taking out the bowels, and filling in rich fpices, and. gums, to keep them from rotting ; at lead tor a long time. Let them read John xix. 3B, to the end. Their gardens were their common burial-places, or without cities ; a much wifer method than ours.
(X 30. Did he continue in that grave ', fe- fulchre^ or tomb P
A. No. He arofe again, on the third day after his deaths
CATECHIST.
Let them read Matth. xxviii. 1 9. But queftions
tspon this to be delayed for another exercife.
CK 31. Of whom was he fcen after his re- furreffion ?
A. Of his Apoftles, and feveral others.
C AT E C H I S T.
Let them read the xx. and xxi. chapters of John; and the fine ftory of the two Difciples going* to Em- maujy Luke xxiv. verfe 13, &c*
Q^ 32. Was he feen by his followers at lei- fure^ and more than once ?
A. Yes. From the paffages formerly read, it appears that they did eat and drink with, and that they were allowed to touch, yea to handle him.
CATECHIST. Here the children fhould read AcYs I t, 2, 3.
CATECHISM I. 25
Obferve to them, that Arts fignify doings. That Luke, who wrote the gofpel, did alio write the Acts, or doings of the Apoflles. Infallible proofs, or iigns, were fuch as could not be miftaken. The kingdom ofGcJ on earth, is, his Gofpel ; and prepares men for the more glorious kingdom cf God in Heaven.
Ql 33* ^ot h°w t°nS a iime did he appear toy tind convcrfe with his Difciples ?
A. For the fpace of forty days. Read again, Acts i. 2, and 3. verfes.
Ch 34. Of what things did he chiefly dif- courfe with his Apoftles all that time ?
A. Chiefly of the work in which they were to be employed, after he fhould go to Heaven ; and the afilftances of the Holy Gho/l, which he would fend down upon them, from thence. Read Acts i. 4.
CX 35, How was the Holy Ghofl, or mighty power of God, to qfjiji them ?
A. Firlt, by bringing all things he had before fpoken, to their remembrance, John xvi. 1 2—14. And then, fecondly, by enabl- ing them, from that time forward, tofpeak every kind of language*
CATECHIST.
Here c.aiife them read with tenure and attention, the hiftory of that matter in Acts ii. r-« 14. Why clov- en? Becaufe Tongues were various. Why fiefiy ? Be-
car:fe the effefts were mo ft powerful. The wife ferv- ed only to awaken their notice.
C^35. Were the endeavours cfihofefeiv mm
26 C A T E C H I S M I.
fuccefful info extenfwe and difficult an employ- ment ?
A. Yes ; great multitudes received the word, and were baptized, both men and wom.en.
C A T E C H I S T.
Here fhould be read, with great care and ferioufnefs, .Acts ii. verfe 41, to the end. Let the children know, from thence, how lovely^ both in their tempers and lives, the earliefl converts to the Gofpel were. They were often in religions con verfe, or Jet /onv/h/p together. They prayed much at home, and attended Public Wor- ship. They frequently met to break bread in the Lord's Supper, agreeable to Matth. xxvi. 26, 27. They were chearful, contented, and charitable to one another. To prove all which yet farther, read Acts iv. verfe 31, to the end.
Q. 37. Did the Jews forfahe their old law of Rites and Ceremonies^ to embrace the pure fpi- ritual doctrine of Christ ?
A. Yes; even many of the griefs them- felves became obedient to the Fniih^ Acls vi. 7. That is, to the rules of the gofpbl.
CX 38. And were the gentiles., or heathens^ brought off from the woffhip of their falfe gods ?.
A. Yes, in vail multitudes ; fo that, ve- ry ibon, the Chrifii'an Religion prevailed throughout moil of the known and civi- lized nations of the world.
Q. 39. What became of thefe converts to the Chi iiiian Religion ?
C A T E C II I S M I. i7
A. They formed themfefves into reli- gious Societies, or Churches.
O. 40. And what were their employments,
ey met ?
A. It was to pray, praife, difcourfe pi- 011 fly, hear the ^ord of God ; and to cele* brate, as befbre faid, the Lord's Supper, by eating bread, and drinking wine, in re- membrance of Christ's broken body and Hied blood.
Q^ 4 1 . Upon what day of the week did they obferve their ordinary religious meetings ?
A. On thzfofl day of the week, called the Lord's Day, in commemoration of his tri- umphant refurreciion from the dead, 1 Cor. xvi. 2. Rev. i. 10.
Q^ 42. Who were appointed to dire 61^ crfu- ferintend, in thofe religious ?neetings ?
A. Men of moft improved integrity, and capacity ; named fometimes Bijhops, at o- ther times Elders, Paflors arid Teachers.
(^ 43. And upon whom was the chief care of the poor devolved ?
A. Upon fober and well known liberal men, called, from their office, Beacons , or miniftering fervants.
END O* CATECHISM 5*.
* O K THE
USE 0 F LO RDrS DAYSCHQO&S,
CATECHISM IL
Q^ I. r i *0 whom was the Virgin Mary ef* J[ poufed?
A. To a man in low circumftances, "whofe name was Jofeph.
Q^ 2, From what family were Jofeph and Mary defcended, vr come of?
A. From the family of David, who, ma- ny hundred years before this time, had been king of Ifrael.
CATECHIST.
Ifrael (ignifies the fame with jfe*ws ; becaufe old Ja- rob, the grandfon of Jlbraha??i> and who likewife was named If -ae/9 was the father of twelve fons, who were heads of the twelve Tribes. And the whole are called ffiwt from the land of Jiidea^ in which ihcy dwelt.
CATECHISM IT. 2$
Q^ 3. Who was king of Judea, when our bleffed Lord was born ?
A. Herod, a very wicked man, and not a Jew by birth.
CATECKIS7,
Put the children in mind of his murdering Both wives and fons ; partly from a cruel difpofuion, ?.i\d> partly irom fuipedling them to have too much the love of his iubjects.
CK 4. Were Herod and the Jews, at thh
time, under the power of any other emperor or king?
A. They were governed, in a good mea- fure, by Augujlus Cafar, the Roman empe- ror, then, the very greateil in the whole world
Q^ 5. Hozv do you know this ?
A. Augujlus ordered all the inhabitants of Judea to be taxed ; that is, to pay mo- ney every year as they were able. Read Luke ii. 1, 2.
Q^ 6. When was Jesus Christ born ?
A. At the very time when the names of •the Jewijh people were enrolled, or taken down in a book ; and the funis of mbney- likewife made mention of, that every per- ion after that fhould be obliged to pay, Read the above Luke ii. verfe 3. •
dX 7. Was the birth of Jesus attended with diny thing extraordinary P
A. The Angel of the Lard appeared in the C x
3o CATECHISM II.
night, to fome humble and induftrious fhepherds, not far from Bethlehem, and fpoke of it to them. Read again the lafl: cited chapter of Luke, from verfe 8.
CATECHIS TV
The Angels of the Lord are Spirits, who, for the good of men, were fometimes allowed to appear to them in their own form ; and* at other times, with a glory or light around them, as here. They are very powerful, and very good ; fee Pfalm ciii. 20, 2 J . We become like them, when we are diligent in God's fer- vice ; fee and keep this in mind, when you pray, as in Matth. vi. tq. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in hea- ven. If we obey like them, we mall, in another world, ; go to them, and he equal with them. See Matth. xxii. 3.0. For in the refurreclion, or future flate, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage ; but are as the Jingds of God in Heaven.
Q^ 8. Was the birth of Jesus followed with any thing extraordinary f
A: Yes; upon his being prefented in the Temple, according to the cuftom of the Jews, a venerable old man, whofe name was Simeon, took him in his arms, and faid great things concerning him ; as did, like- wife, Anna a Prophetefs. Read both thefe fine accounts flill, in the fame fecond of Luke, from verfe 22, to verfe .29.
CATECHIS TV
Vhc days of purification were days for women in child- bed to be kept very quiet, left their health mould Tuffer. Their iirft vifit was, to the HoufecfCod. A
CATECHISM II. 31
La??ih was an offering for rich people ; and the poor- er fort, were as acceptable with their low-priced pair of Turtle doves. Jofeph and Mary, no doubt, would give the beft they wsre able to afford. They muft, there- fere, have been poor ; and poverty is no mark of God's diflike. Simeon was juft in his dealing with men ; and a regutar devout worfhipper of God. The confoiation* or comfort cflfrael, which he expected, and waited for, was Christ the Saviour, The Holy Gboft, or wifdom of God, was upon him; and, by this means, he fore- told what fort of Saviour Christ would prove. Sal- nation, in verfe 30th, is put for him who fhould bring it to pafs. Light is knowledge. The Gentiles were i- dolatrous heathens. It was the glo*-y, or praife of If rael9 that Christ was come of them, and to preach to them in perfon. All people, both Jews and Hcathens> were to be faved by him. TkeJ'ews, who did not believe, grew every day worfe, or fell. They who did believe, rofe again to become good and happy. O what a heart* piercing fwerd would it be to Mary, to fee her excellent and moll dear Son hanging upon the Crofs !
Night and day fignify only very often ; or morn and even prayers, which no good young perfon fhould ne- glect : leaft of all, people who are grown up. This is a great eafe to an affiicled, or widowed foul. Re- demption is deliverance; and the greatefl of all deliver- ance is, from fin and mifery.
Another extraordinary thing which followed Jesus' birth, was, the vifit of the three wife men from the Eaft. Read the whole fecond Chapter of Matthew.
Thefe wife men were well acquainted with the places and motions of the heavenly bodies ; and they were rich, as appears from the prcfents made by them to Jofeph and Mary. They discovered a nevsftar, and cf an uncommon largenefs and beauty. But, with-
32 CATECHISM IT,
out more help than what was merely human, they could not have underftood the defign of it. At this time, throughout all the Eaft, a great king was ex- pected; as both Jevvifh and heathen hiftbrians do wit- nefs. The prophecies of the old Teftarment might lead to this ; and Almighty God might intimate to- thole great Scholars, that he was now born ; and, that the ftar would point him out. They, therefore, fought very early to make friends with him. At firft, the ftar flood over Jerufalsm ; and brought the iv/fe men thither. "This alarmed Herod's cruel jealoufy ; and troubled all the inhabitants of Jerufalem, left, as- did happen, he mould fhed much innocent blood.
Gbferve Herod's cunning, as>well as his cruelty, in; gathering the chief Priefts together, on a pretence of' religion. Likewife, the clearnefs of ancient prophefy,' as to the place of Christ's birth. Then, admire Pio- vidence, firft, in preventing the murder of the-X.0RD Jesus ; and next, in providing fuch a feafonable and nee efTary fup ply of money, to carry jofph, Mary, and the hltjfed Infant down to Egypt ; and to maintain-' them there, till Herod fhould die. None but a Herod could kill fo many poor babes, and make fo many ten- der-hearted fathers and mothers miferable. Let the Catechumens be directed to think of Rachel weeping for her children. This Rachel was old Jacob's favourite; wife, who was dead more than two thoufand years : - but fhe had been buried near to Bethlehem ; and Saint ; MattheiVy to exprefs the deepeft motherly forrow, fpeaks of the reft under her name, as did the prophet ■jftremiab before him, chap, xxxi^ij. becaufe fhe was i one of very ftrong natural arlcdions. Both of them . would feem to fay, that fo horrible a fpilling of infant- blood, was enough, as it were, to move the dead them- ieives.
Let this fad ftory teach every young foul to beware of cruelty. If Herod had nor begun early, and with sjinaller inftanccs, he would not have murdered -, but^
CATECHISM II. 33
laving once begun, he could eafily go on. Perhaps from killing flies, and torturing dogs and cats, he did fo harden his nature, as to kill and torture any thing. A good natured heathen faid, // ivas bttter to he He- bog% than his chili. Tell the reafon of this, from fwine's flefh being prohibited to the J*w*
Q. 9. JVJjat came of Jofeph, Mary, and the blefled Infant, after Herod's death ?
A. They returned to the land of Judea, and abode in one of the moft retired parts of it, named Galilee ; and where was the low and much defpifed town of Nazareth.
Q^ 10. JVho, at the time of their return, reigned in Herod's Jlead?
A. A fon of his, named Archelaus.
Q^ u* Is there any thing taken notice cf in the New Teftament, concerning the early part «/* Christ's life?
A. At the age of twelve years, he went up to yeriifalem, and gave very public proofs of uncommon knowledge.
CATECHIST.
Let pupils read this hi (lory in Luke 11. from verle 41. and obferve to them, firft, that though the parent* of Jesus are fpoken of, yet had he no earthly father; and therefore, he is called the Son of God. The world for a good while, however, knew not of this. He was underftood, by the Jew*) to be Jofeph* s fon, as well a3 Mary's. And becaufe Mary wras his undoubted mo- ther; therefore, in great modefty, he ofteneft fpeaks- of himfeif as the Son of Man. Secondly, obferve what the Pajfoverfeajl was inftituted in remembrance of. Third, the great piety of Jofeph and Mary. Fourth*., what an early example o£ the fame. thing our diviner
34 CATECHISM IT.
Saviour was. Fifth, that his religion was founded in diftinct knowledge. Sixth, that he gave his counte- nance and approbation to the ufeful work of catechiz- ing youth. Seventh, how tender and mild his mother Mary was. She does not complain cf what fhe thought a wrong thing, in rafh and harfl* words. Eight, the fuitablenefs of Christ's, reply : he had come to the feaft ; and would willingly fee all the days of it out. Ninthly, his amiable pattern of fubjeCllon. And, in the laft place, by the ihcreafe ofiyufdom which he fhew- ed, along with bodily Jlatv.re, how much giving evi- dence of the fame thing is bound upon others ; and how much this doth pleafe God certainly, and, for mod part alfo, pleafe men.
CX 12. How long did "Jesus continue with his parent, or parents ?
A. Till he was about thirty years of age; and till John Baptiji had fully prepared his way.
CATECHTST.
We read not of Jofeph at this time; dnd therefore prefume that he was dead.
Q^ 13. Whgfefon was John ? A. The fon of Zacharias, a Jewilh prieft?. by his wife Elizabeth.
CATECHTST..
Read the remarkable hiftory of his conception and birth, Luke i. from verfe 5, to the end of verfe 25* This happened in the days of the very wicked Hervd* There were many priefts, at that time, who had diffe- rent employments ; and many who were employed the fame way, had their different courfes, or turns, hack of wlach were named from their principal family. In*
CATECHISM II. 35
has a fweet fmcll ; and was, therefore, wfcd in timr to let the people know, how acceptable
this duty was to Almighty God. Though John's -pa- rents were both good, yet they were tried with the wan: of children, for moil part of their life. Into the Temple of God, no ot^ier than a good Angtl could nved to come ; and Zacharias, who was a prieft^ or minijier, fhould have known this. What he fuller- ed, however, for not believing, made the unexpected birth of his foa better known.
(X 14. To whom did John preach ?
A. To the Jews.
CX 15. Hozo much older vsas he than Christ ?
A. Only fix months*; as appears from Luke's hiftory, chap. i. verfe 26, read to verfe $j.
CATECHIST.
Efpcufcd, or contracted. Houfe, or family. Jesus, or Saviour. Reign ipiritual, and not temporal, or worldly, fuch as the Jepvs wifhed. -The word called is very often put for the very thing itfelf whrch is fpok- en of; witnefs, Matth. v. 9, 19. 1 John iii. 1. Christ reigns in Heaven, by the appointment of his Father, over angels, as well as men. Hcly Ghjt, or power of the KigheiL What a modelx, pious, and believing wo- man was Mary P
CX 1 6. Did John tnake known to the Jews the coming of our Saviour ?
A. lie did ; and that the kingdom of God, to be begun and carried on by him, was at
hand.
36 CATECHISM II.
CATECHIST.
Read this, Matth. iii. from verfe I. Called the king' do?n of God, becaufe the greateft that ever was, or fliall be upon earth ; and becaufe it was foretold feveral hundred years before this, by this name. See Dan. vii. 13, 14. Ancient cf Days , the Eternal, Alrnignty God. Son c/Man, Christ,
Q^ 1 7. What errors and fins were the Jews, at. that time, inoft commonly addidedto?
A, They trufted to their various nation- al religious privileges ; to the outward forms of worfhip ; and to their being de- fended from Abraham, the friend of God.
CATECHIST.
Read the laft cited iii. chap, of Matth. from verfe 7. The Pharijees were grofs hypocrites. The Sad- ducees did not believe another world, after death. They hated one another, and confirmed one another in their fatal errors.
CK 18. What did John do, to correal thefe fatal errors and crimes ?
A. He taught in very plain terms the ne* ceffity oi good works; and that, without thefe, they could not go to Heaven. Fruits lignify works.
Q^ 19. Did many of the Jews believe him to be a true prophet f
A. They did, and were baptized of him, confefTmg their fins.
CATECHISM IL
C A T E C H 1 S T,
Read John v. 33, 35. Li^rf, preacher. Sbiningf 1 and intelligible. Burning, powerful and effica- cious,
Q^ 2c. Wtis JiStns among the numb:r of thofe who were baptized?
A. He was, -though free from all fin, that he might bear witneis to John.
Q^ 21. vas Emperor cf Rome, when
John began to preach ?
A, Tiberius Ccefan
C A T E C H I S T.
Read Luke iii. 1. and cbferve, flrft, that the word
Tetrarck fignifies one who governed a fourth part.
iuj Pilate, who was an idolatrous heathen, had the
h&fiurth of the whole. The Tetrarcb of Galilee was
iV ibnj and, in many rdpecls, was too 'like
him.
Here the Catechiwcns may be made acquainted with that wonderful prophecy about Christ, in Gen. xlix. 10 They know who Jacob was; bkewife, that each of his children were heads of a Jenvijh Tribe. That of Judabvfzs to produce Kings and other chief Ma- gi ftrates, till Shilob cattie. That is Christ Messiah, or the great peiibn to be lent, as the word Shlhb fig- niries. Am len 7iat ions
was to be. Now Her ^d, the great cruel king, was not of the tribe of Judab, but an Idumean ; theref we, the Sref>lrf9 or kingly power, was. even in his time, begin- to move away from Juiah. In his foil's days, his kingdom was divided into four; and a Heathen era* verned the beii ©f them, with the full and only of putting evil doers to death. The Sceptre tveat fur-
-^8 CATECHISM II.
ther from Judah by this means, than before. And in leis than forty years after Christ's death, Jtrufakm, the whole Nation and Temple, were next to quite def- troyed. All this happened fome thoufand years after old Jacob's wonderful prophecy.
CX 22. How long did John continue t$ preach P
A. Till Jesus was baptized, and came in the power of the Spirit, which he at his bap- tifm received, to qualify him for preaching his gofpel, and for confirming it by mi- racles.
Ch 23. What became of John ?
A. He was caft into prifon, by Herod the T.etrarcby for reproving him ; and foon af- ter beheaded.
CATECHIST.
Let pupils read this affecling ftory, Mark vl, from verfe 14. Notice, flrft, how terrible a thing an evil con- ference is. Secondly, how hard an office, it is, to be an honeft Miniftw of religion. Thirdly, how cruel even a woman may become, if (he once deliberately allow herfelf to commit any one grefs urn Fourthly, how refpectable a thing goodnefs is, among the wicked themfelves. Fifthly, how dangerous a thing it is to get drunk. Sixthly, what an odds there is, between true and falfe honour, true and falfe religion. Final- ly, what praife and thanks is due to Almighty God, for being put under the inftruction of wife and good parents.
CX 24. Did John continue bearing witnefs for Jesus, till he died ? A. Yes.
CATECHISM IK 39
CATECHISt
Here read two very pleafant pa/Tages. The firft, in" John iii. from verie 25. Rabbi figniftes, matter. The Bridegroom is, Christ. His Friend, John. Next, read
Luk^vit. 19, &c, Obferve, that John well knew Christ before; but he would have his Difciples fatisfy them- felves, by fomething more than his own word. John was not like a r:ed% fickle and inconflant: he was not given to a foft and eafy manner cf life : he taught as a Prof>het> and he foretold as a Prophet. The kingdom cf God is the gofpel; and it is of more advantage for any of us to live und-r this gofpel, than to have beea prophets before, if we improve our advantages as \v€ ought.
(^ 25. When Christ began to preach, was f* he followed by any number cf difciples ?
A. Great multitudes followed him, and were aftoniihed both at the wifdom of his words, and the might of his works.
CATECKIS TV
Here read the beautiful heads of his difcourfe at Nazarethy Luke iv.- from verfe 16. and compare it with the ancient prophecy of f/alah, which is there re- ferred to, chap. lxi. from the beginning. A Leclure is explaining and improving a whole paiTige of Scrip- ture. A Sermon is ufually confined to a fingle text.' The firft of thefe is the mod ancient, and beft of the two. It has no lefs authority than that of Christ \ and clearly condemns the too frequent practice of ab- fenting Public Worfhip and Inftruclion, on the Lord's day forenoons. The poorejl in ftation may, and ought, to underftand Christ's doetrine. The broken foar ted with trouble, and the fsnfe of guilt, or fin, need Christ's doctrine much: likewife the captives or flaves of that fhameful and dangerous thing : likewiie, the
D 2
40 GATE C II ISM II.
blind with ignorance: and finally, thofe who are Indp eJ, as it were, with the bondage of meeting that death, and judgement after death, which no one can efcape. How acceptable mould this year, or life he, in which fo good a religion is preached unto us all ? But, if we do not welcome it, the next year, or life, will he one of fore and jull vengeance. Gracious nwrds are, fweet and ufe- ful ones. The thing which mould have led the people of Nazareth to believe, was that which did fooliihly and wickedly hinder them.
Q^ 16* Out of the number cf thofe difciplcs^ or followers, who were chofen to be the confiani wiineffes of his doilrine and miracles ?
A, Twelve.
CATECHIST.
See their names and their office fet forth, Matth. x. from the beginning. Unclean fpirits are ufually ac- companied -with the fevered bodily diforders ; fuch as palfesy epilepjiesy or the falling ficknefs, madneffes of e- very degree and kind. The Samaritans were a mixed people of Je<ws and Heathens ; and therefore, hated by the feivs, more than even the Heathens themfelves.. What the Ape files taught, was, ia fubftance, what their Mafler, and John before him, had taught. Their buii- nefs, before the fufferings of Christ, required quick difpatch : like wife generous love to ethers ; and con- tentment with few outward conveniences.
Q^ 27. Did they travel zvith him through the fever al parts of the country cf Judea ?
A. Yes ; and were often with him at jerufalem^ and in the time of the three great yearly feaits of the Jewifh nation*.
CATECHISM IL 4r
CATE.CH1ST.
Thefe were, the Paffover, or feaft of -unleavened bread, the Penticoft and Tabernacles. All of which young peo- ple fhould be taught the meaning of; as defigned to commemorate deliverance from Egyptian bondage ; giv- ing of the law from Mount Sinai; and dwelling in tents, while miraculoufly fubfifted through the wilderriefs, To the firft of thefe, under the gbfpel, anfwers the death of Christ, as the Lamb of Gcd. To the fe- cond, the defcent of the Holy Gb-fl, narrated Acts ii, from the beginning. Read and explain, cloven 9 to re- prefent the number of languages, in which thqy would be able to teach. Fiery, as powerful and efficacious. The Feaft cfTaber?iacles is anfwered by our living in frail bodies, like tabernacles, or tents, eafily hurt and liable to fall into pieces, or perifh, every new moment, Comparer Cor, v. from the beginning,
Q^ 28. Did Christ and his Apofiles preach the doarine of repentance ?
A. Yes; he came to call the very worft of tinners ; and to allure fuch, that, if they did repent, Almighty God would forgive them, .
CATECHtST,
Caufe the young learner to read here: two fine ex- amples, out of a great many. Matth. ix. from verfe 9. Luke vii. from verfe 36. The fpiritual pride of the Pharifees made them more backward to repent, than a- ny other. Read, to this purpofe. the beautiful parable in Luke xviii. from verfe 9.
Q^ 29. Did he teach men how to became blefled, or happy f A. Yes,
^3
42 C A T E C H I S M II..
C A T E C HI S T.
Direct young people to perufe often, and attentive- ly, Matth. v. i -12. Poor infpirity lignites the mo-.
deft and praying. Mourners for fin ; and even thofe whom Almighty God, for wife reafons, is pleafed to afflict. Meek under provocation: flow to anger, and ready to forgive. Rightecufnef may be juftice hare;, and, to hunger and thirjl after it, holds out a very flrong defire. The /merciful, who pity and relieve to the ut- ijioft all who are in want. The pure hate every kind and degree of obfeene thought, word, and deed. The peace-maker loves good order and harmony ; and they are the children of God> whom he dearly loves. To fiffer in a good caufe, is glorious; and the bed of all' caufts, is, for Christ and his religion. There are dif- ferent degrees of, glory in Heaven. For fuch noble fufxerers in their perfons, or goods, or reputation, the higheft degrees-are laid up.
CK 30. Do the laws of Christ Jestjs>, reach to- the heart cfman, as well as to the go- merriment of his outward condud ?
A, . Yes.
C A TE C HIS T.
Here, read with the young, Matth, v. from verfe 21 » anger is forbidden, as well as murder ; becaufe this leads to give bad names ; then blows ; and blows which very often end in death. Unlawful love is a great fin;: fo are minced oaths great crimes : likewife, the very defire of revenge. We muft love the word of people with pity and good- will. We muft fincerely pray for them. Read next, Matth. vi. from verfe 1. al?ns,faji- ing and prayers , in order to be praifsd for them by men, is bafe pride and hjpQuriJy,
CATECHISM It. 43
(^31. Hath Christ taught his fcholars k$w to pray ? A, Yes.
C A TECHIST.
Upon this fubject, read together, Matth. vi. 5— — 14. God, as a Father, made ns, preferves us, and hath redeemed us. He is a common father ; and we fhould ever be in a temper to pray for all his children. The name of Gcd, is God himfeif. Hallowed, honoured by worihip. The chief thing in his ki?igdo??: is, the gofpel, which fhews the nut// of God, and how to do it. Angels in Heaven do this «tu/7/ chearfully and con ft an t- ly ; and fo ought we. Bread, the moll neceifary of all food, is here put for every outward bleffing of life, They who fm, are debtors to God's jnftice, and deferve punifhment. It is needlefs to pray for pardon, if we are not heartily difpofed to pardon others. They who forgive not, feek, in effect, their own damnation. Al- mighty God tempts none; and none can /r;?/>/ us, . without his leave. He can deliver from all evil ; for his is the kingdom* a?id the power, and the glory. Un- lefs the heart confents to every petition, we do not pray : fo the word amen teaches ; which imports, thus let it be.
Q^ 3*2. What, then, according to the prayer taught by our blefled Lord, ought to be ourprin- clpal concern ?
A. The kingdom of God> and his righteouf- nefs, Matth. vi. 33, or, to enjoy Heaven, and, to be prepared for it.
(^33. What next?
A. The necefiaries for this world, with* ©ut being anxious for more*
44 CATECHISM IL
C^ 34, Will a good heart, and a good life, under the iiiflaence of Christ's Word and Spirit, certainly bring us to Heaven in the end?
A* Yes,
C A T ECH 1ST..
To this purpofe, read with great care, Luke x. from verfe 38. Both fifters were good ; but Mary feems to have been the graved, and moft improved of the two. Read alfb, John v. 24. To bear, is, to obey. Cod, even the Father Almighty ', lent Christ. Death eternal, or conde?nnation, is the deferved punifhment of fin. Great light is thrown upon thefe 'momentous fubjecls, by
John x. 27 31. To hear in this place, is, to un-
derftand. To fellow, is, to obey, and imitate. To be known of Chrijly is, to be loved of Chr.ist ; as, to be known of the Father, is, to be loved of him.' Com- pare Pfalm i. 6. and not to be known of Christ, is, to be difowned by him, and fhut out of Heaven. See Matth. vii. 22. The Father mid Chrift are of one mindy one ou/7/, one ajfeelion*
Q- 35. After what manner did Christ teach thefe excellent laws, and motives to virtue ?
A. Firfly With great authority, Matthc vii. 29.
C A TEC H 1ST.
He had in him the power of one, whofe right it was to command. Compare Matth. v. 18, 20, 22, 28, 34, 39, 44. Matth. vi. and vii, chapters throughout.
A. Second, In a plain, familiar way, for moft part
CATECHISM Ifc 4J
C A T E C H I S T.
Let young people perufe, with attention, Luke vii. i verfe 22. The poor were his mod numerous at- tendants. Compare with this, 1 Cor. i. from verfe 26. certain doctrines of the GMJiian Religion^ the jfenrT E unable to bear at the beginning, James ii. 5. Matth. xi. 25. and therefore, thefe were taught by the Lord Jesus in parables ; that is, by way of comparing fpiritual.and heavenly things, to outward and fenlible £b. Some fine examples of this fort, are to be met with in the xiii. chap, of St. Matthew; and the eafier kind of them, like that of the Jh<wcr% may be read.
(^36. xHczv were the multitude affeElei by his Difcourfes ?
A. They wondered even to q/ionijhmenu.
CATECHlST.
Lead the young people to perufe and understand the following beautiful examples, Luke iv. 22, 32. Gra- Cfetu Signifies both Jhvtet and merciful. Matth. vii. 2 ft, Even his enemies were convinced by them ; as in Joha vii. from verfe 45.
Q. 37. Did he work many miracles, to con* Jirmvis dedrme /
A. A great many, of different kinds, in an inftant, by a word or touch, and in the moft open manner. See Luke vii. from verfe 21. Here ought Christ's words, John v. 36. to be attentively confidered. Likewife John xv. 24.
Q^ 38. Were any ether proofs given, during the courfe of his Miniftry, to the truth of his_ doftrine and million ?
46 CATECHISM IT.
A. He was, • at different times, attefted by his Father from Heaven*
CATECHIST.
Here explain John v. 37. by what did happen at Ckrift's Baptifm, Matth iv. 1 7. At his Transfiguration, or moil extraordinary change upon the mount, Matth. xvii. from the beginning. And, lafl of all, John xii. verfe 28, fome little while before he fufFered. Re- mark now, that Chriji was glorified, or rather, the name cf Ged was glorified in him, by the ??iiracles which he wrought ; and afterwards, by the aftonifhing things which happened, even while he hung upon the crofs. Enlarge a little upon the ' fuper natural darknefs ; the rending of the veil of the Temple ; the earthquake.
Q^ 39. Did Christ know things that were done out of human fight ^ asid foretell any future events ?
A* He difcovered a clear knowledge of the thoughts and defigns of men ; and alfoj very often declared what fhould happen to himfelf and his Apoftles, his religion, and even to his enemies*
CATE.C HI ST.
Read Luke vi. from verfe 6: a withered, or palfied hand, and the right* or working one too. Their watch- ing was malicious ; and could not be concealed from the great miracle worker. The author of fuch power, was above all pofitive inflitutions ; as are a<5b of neceflity and mercy, in every age. See iikewife, Luke v. from verfe 27. Hypocrites are mod apt to cenfure. The parable of the mujlard feed, (he^s how the go/pel was to extend itfelf from fmall beginnings, Matth. xiif. 3 1 j JA. He often foretold hii own lad fuiferings, death*
CATECHISM II. 47
and refurreclion ; as in Matth. xvi. 21. John ii. from verfe 18. Alfo, thofe of his ApoiUes, Matth. x. from verfe 16. How his e?:e?nics were to be deflroyed, is prophehed of, with a moll wonderful particularity, in Matth. xxiv. throughout ; compared with Luke xxi. . from verfe 5. A few hints, at nrft, upon both thefe, will be fuirkient.
CK 40, Did the Prophets, under the Old Teftament, foretell the coming 0/* Christ, and the nature of his kingdom ?
A. Yes,
CATECHIST.
At firft, in a very general and dark manner, as in Gen. iii. 15. Afterwards, dill more and more clearly, as the age of the world increafed. Put young people in mind of John v. 39. wich a requeft to get that fmgle verfe by heart. Here recoiled the promife to Abra- hamy Gen. xii. 3. The prediction of old Jacob, Gen. xlix. 10. That of Mojes, in Deut. xviii. 15. When they have leifure for it, the following ilrikirg paffoges may be read, Pfalms ii, xxii, ex. Ifa. liii. JDan. vii. 13. ix. 25. Mic. v. 2. Mai. iii. 1. iv. 1. Yet thefe are no more than fpecimens. Then how John Baptiji point- ed him out with his finger, John i. 29. All, together, confirming old Zacharzas' defcription, from Luke i. 76, &?£. The gradually brightening order of prophecy was very like to that of a dawning day. The full fpring of it was, Christ.
Q^ 41. Did Jesus Christ, as other pro- phets, know things that were to come? A. Yes.
CATECHIST. And to the above named examples, add,' that mofl
*3 CATECHIS M II.
of his parahles were prophetic. Moreover, that cer- tain of thele were underilood by his enemies ; and that they ufed all poilible to defeat, but without effect Here, point out the fignal pains they took to hinder his rifihg forth of the frpulchre or grave, Matth. xxvii. from *erfe 62. Their induilry and zeal to oppofe truth be- came of great fervice to fupport it. Compare Pfalm vii. 14, 15. The evidences, or proofs for Christ's divine million, and the truth of his religion, may, for fome time, terminate in reviewing thefe arguments : obferving only, farther, that there are certain of his predictions fulfilling every day ; which may be confi- dered as a (landing miracle in the church.
Of this fort are, fir ft, the prefent ftate of the Jews, J aike xxi. 24. compared with Rom. xi. from verfe 1 1. When they would not yield to various and fui table means for their converiion, the Apaft{gsy and other teachers of the gofpel, turned to the gentile y or hea- then idolaters, to enlighten them ; and were amazing- ly fuccefsful. Next, fome few and clear things may be noticed relative to the exigence, progieis, and downfal of the Romifh Church, from 2 Thefl*. ik throughout the greater part.
What greater fa Hi Kg srivay, or apoftatizing from the fimple truth of Christ, could well be, than to autho- rize Jin, or to connive with it, by felling pardons for money ; and even indulgences to commit crimes after- wards ? Was nnt this eppojing and exalting h'nnfdf a- hove G<*d ; as well as above human law, Judges and Magijivatesi called, likewife, gods in Scripture? Was not this done in the Temple, or church of God ? Did not the taking heathen Roman Emperors out of the way, by the eftablifhment of Chrijlianiiy over all their empire, turn the heads of many both civil Rulers, and chief ecclefiaftical ones; and, by degrees, a flume this fright- ful form ? Did they not pretend to vindicate their Sa- Uenijh lies, by miraculous powers and Jigns ? And are
CATECHISM II. 49
'they not fnners, or a man off!n> by a title of deferved infamy, who could fpill fuch torrents of precious blood, in every ftage of their corruption, the better to efta- bliih iniquity by law? Some plain and affecting inftances fhould be fmgled out to tender minds, to im- prefs them early with an averfion to cruel meafures, even upon pretence of faith, or divine worfhip ; and what a privilege it is, to enjoy fweet and ufeful free- dom.
CK 42. How did, Christ behave toward his Difcipies ?
A, With the utmoft meeknefs and conde* fcenfion.
CATECHIST.
Explain meeknefs, by the words mild, foft or gentle. And, by way of example, let pupils read Mark iv. from verfe 36. They had feen him work miracles, and knew that he could not be drowned; or, they might and ought to have done fo, before he had flnilhed his work. Even after Peter had denied him thrice, and the reft forfook him and fled, he calls them brethren, Matth. xxviii. 10. His rebuke is wonderful, John xxi. from verfe 14. And his yielding to Thomas no lefs fo, John xx. from verfe 24. This explains condefcenfion s as does the great pains he took to inftruct two miftaken Difcipies about the nature of his kingdom, Luke xxiv. from verfe 13. How he looked upon Peter to convert him, was both meek and cendef ending, Luke xxii. 61.
Well might he fay to them, as in Matth. xi. 29. Read. And well might the Apoftles fay, as in 2 Cor. x. 1. Read. The hafiy and^ pafionate ihould blufh with con- fuiion, and dread to abide in fuch culpable tempers.
Q^ 43. How did Christ behave toward his enemies ?
E
50 CATECHISM II. .
A. Such of them as were wilful and ob- ftinate, he reproved with a bold and con- stant fpirit.
CATECHIST.
Read a good part here of Matth. xxiii. from the be- ginning. Mofes' Seat fignifiesas they read out of Mofes9 La<w. Their heavy burdens were moil of them contriv- ed laws of their own. They had no Scripture autho- rity for them ; but pretended that they were cuitoms of their fathers. An example of the great danger of trufting to any thing in religion, but what is written. They affected a kind of infallibility* which, either in yews or Chrijiiatfiy is vain and dangerous. Hypocrites may be fufpeeted from a great likenefs to the manners of ancient Scribes and Pbarifces ; but, to be fure of them, in every cafe, would require that we knew mens hearts, as Christ did ; which belongs not to any.
CX_ 44. Who, among the Jews, were mojl wilful and ob/iinate in their oppofition to Christ ?
A. The chiefs of their nation, both in church and ftate ; particularly, indeed, the former.
CATECHIST.
Direct the young to John vii. from verfe 45. How finking a contrail: between the Rulers and their inferior Officers ! Yet, they were not all alike bad. Read, like- wife, John xi. from verfe 47. The Priefts and Pbari- fees own the many w. trades performed by Jesus; and yet they take coumil againft him, that be Jhould dief' however much he had the countenance of the Al- mighty.. No proofs can be more direct, of what a cor- rupt people, in the bed employments of life, will do.
O. 45. Did they continue his enemies to the
CATECHISM II. 51
A. They could not reft, till he was put
to death.
O. 46. What were the principal caufes of their hatred and cruelty ?
A. Envy, and the love of this world.
CATECHIST.
Remind pupils of examples under Queft* 34. and add thereunto Pilate's char conviction of their un- rightcoufncfe, Match, xxvii. 13, 14. Luke xxiii. 4. Mirk xv. 10.
Q^ 47. Did Christ know, before hand, the time of his departure out of this world?
A. Yes, as appears from John xviii. 4. and he prepared himfelf for it.
Q. 48. As how did he prepare himfelf?
A. Fir/l, He took an aife&ionate leave of his Difciples.
CATECHIST.
Read with pupils^ John xiii. 33. Christ was foon to die ; but they were to live after hirn under trial, and would need each others beft help.
A. Second, He inftru&ed them how to be mutually ferviceable, John xiii. 34, 35. likewife, how to bear fo great a trial other- wife.
CATECHIST.
Here the xiv, xv, and xvi. chaps, of John flnuld be much recommended ; and the advantages of faith in divine alliltance, with the clear hope of a future and Letter world, fet before young minds.
52 CATECHIS M IT.
A. Thirds He inftituted a memorial of himfelf, and of his laft fevere fufierings.
CATECHIS?,.
Read Matth. xxvi. 26, 27. Mark :dv. 22, 23, 24- Luke xxii. 19, 20. Shew how much, in fubftance, they are the fame. Taking breads breaking and eatings are natural actions ; as are, taking the cup of wine, giving it to the difciples, and their drinking of it. The fpi ritual action, which went before each of them, was blejjing God ; or giving thanks to hi?M ; for fo the different ac- counts compared, do plainly reprefent that matter. The little word it, has no word in the original Greek, to nnfwer thereunto ; and the true tranflation of the whole in St. Matthew, is, hie blejfmg, viz. God;- not, he llejjcd. Thofe actions, both natural and fpiritual, are explained, firft, by declaring, with relation to that per* iormance, this is my. body which is given for you /. and this is my blood of the New Tcf anient, which is Jhcdfor- wany, for the rcmijfion of fins : or, this is the New Tefla* vient in my blood, which is fhocd fr y<nt. Secondly, by tile command of it's divine Inftitutor, in thefe words; Take, eat ; and do tins in remembrance of me. The words Tef t anient, and Covenant, are of the fame import;, and: hold out the injlitution of Chrift*s religion. Compare 2 Cor. ili. 6. Heb. ix. 8, 15. Exod. xxiv. £v.xxxiv. 28. The Jewtfh injlitute was the firft, and the Old Covenant;; and the Ghrijlian is called the Second or New. By hlcod of the New Covenant , and by the New Covenant in ■that blood, is meant the fame thing. So the blood cf Jlain beafls, Exod. xxiv. 8. is called the blood of that . Covenant. Body and blood, together, fignify death,. 1 Cor. xi. 26, 27. and Rem. vii. 4. compared. This is the memorial, then, of Christ's death, in confirma- tion of his New Covenant; the fubftance whereof is, repentance and remifion of fins : the one allured, by the awful dying feal of our divine Saviour ; and the other folcmnly obliged to, by the fame dying feal, and this mod facred memorial of it. Nothing can more pow- erfully affect the confeiences of men, than fuch an ar-
CATECHISM II. si
gument ; and fuch is the ufe we are to make of this eucharijlkaly or thank/giving ordinance. If any thing can prevail upon men, to be faithful in obeying the new Covenant, it mull be devoutly remembering the terms, and privileges, as above fet forth. As Christ is all in all to us ; fo the remembrance of him (whofe hifto- ry, under grace, works upon our minds by knowledge and confideration) is an excellent mean for promoting cverlafting righteoufnefs, and univerfal virtue : and giving it an eftablifhment, fovereignty and empire, in our fouls and lives. O ye young, be difpolcd thus to pray, " Suffer me never to forget him, who loved my " foul unto die death; and whofe blood is the price " of my redemption : and let the remembrance of u what he has done and fufTered for me, engage my Bl heart to love and ferve him for ever."
N. B. The preparation for the whole was, our bleff- cd Lord9s obfervance of the Jewifb Puffier with his difciples. Read Luke xxii. 15, &<:. After the clofe whereof, in which they were wont to eat breads and drink ivine with thank/giving, he did apply that pious cuftom unto the new Tefiament. Covenant, or (late of religion, to be fet up in his death ; and fo fome explain verfe 18 Thus, as baptifm was taken up from a like ufe of baptifm among the Jews., fo was the other. It was the4ame rite ; but with a new, and infinitely more excellent appropriation, under the pure fpiritual king- dom of God begun, and to be carried on while the world lafts, under the great Meffiah. BlefTed be Gon, that this mod perfect (late of religion is come! Let all whom it prevails upon to live religioufly, come to his holy Table, and fay; " I eat this in remembrance of * " Christ ; and give thanks to the name of his and our u heavenly Father for the go/pel Covenants and for the " fure hope of falvatlon by it's glorious Author. In li the fame way, do I drink this, in remembrance of *' his death. I commemorate an obligation, eftablifh- u ed by the blood of Jtfas ; and renew the dedication *< of myfelf, foul and body, to his iervice. Amen.
E3
54 CATECHISM IK
" Bleffing, honour, and glory be unto the mcfl high
" God, through Jesus Christ, who hath redeemed
" men of all nations of the earth, from fin and mifery,
w by his blood : and may our fin-cere celebration of
lt both Father and Son here upon earth, be completed
** in the higheft tranfports of thankfgiving, praife, and;
u adoration in Heaven, for ever and ever/' Amen*
A. Fourth , He retired, for prayer and me? Citation, into a private place.
CATECHI ST.
Read with young and tender fouls, Luke xxil. fronr- verfe 39. He^ chofe to do this under cloud of night, to prevent commotions. His compofure, throughout, is aftonifhing ; for he knew all things that Jhould come upon him. He might have drawn a veil over the whole fcene ; but he was at an infinite diftance from ciifil^ mulation and difguife. To open up the heart to Gory, -by prayer, we muft fhut it up t© men. Our mod inti- mate Friends have a claim to fhare in our deepeft for* rows. Behold, and fee, if ever any for row was like unto this forrow ! Here is no ftoical feellefsnefs. Govd Godt • how affecting to fee the divine Saviour of the world,., and lover of fouls, in this extreme horror of mental diftrefs ! What ought we not, as true believers in him-, to facriflce to it? How fubmiffively ihould we hear our heaviefl griefs? Even while Omnipotence afflixftsy. he is to be invoked as a Father. Be ftill, and vene- rate the unknown caufes of a profufe and cloVLt&fweat, like unto bl&od. The mod perfect characters may yet be fimilarly tried ; and fo great an example, they ihould be ambitious to imitate in the beft manner poffible.
Q^ 49. How was Christ found out by his enemies ^ in that retirement?
A. He was betrayed into their hands by
Judas Ifcariot*
CATECHISM II. 55
CATECHIST,
Read with pupils, Matth. xxvi. 14,15, 16. The word betray fignifies, bringing any one into trouble, by an outward appearance of friendftiip. He made the firft mocking propofal ; and his bafe motive was, the love of money. His proud wrath alfo took offence, at a fair warning afterwards. Read likewife, Matth. xxvi. 47 — 50. and Luke xxii. 48. The mind of Je3US appears great, even to aftonifhment, by the manner in which he receives Judas. This was furely a mod af- fecting trial. It would appear, at the time, a fad prejudice to our Saviour's reputation. It would have funk or irritated any other to a great degree. EiK his reproof was mild and piercing.
Q. 50. Did Christ attempt to relieve him-
A. No ; but he fliewed his enemies, that they could not lay hold of him without his own confent*
CATECHIST.
Read with the young, John xviii. from the begin- ning. A bro:k is a frnaH rivulet, in common. That of Cedron> at the bottom of a deep glen, between the mount on which the Temple flood, and that of Olivet. The fides of both were covered with trees and brufh- wood : therefore, though it was full moon, they need- ed Lanthoms, life. The enemies of Jesus fall to the ground, upon his uttering two words. Here he could have kept them; and when they were allowed to rife, he provided for the fafety of his yet fearful Apcjlles. Then he yielded up himfeif. Compare, and enlarge upon the juftice and beauties of John x. 17, 18. with Phil. ii. from verfe 7. What great prefence of mind, and compofure of thought ! He was innocent, •and fpeaksout from confeious intregity j fo that, they
S6 CATECHISM II.
were ftruck as with lightning. Let us herein ad- mire at once the dignity and condefcenfion of the Lord Jesus. He is able to fave ; and yet refigns himfelf to fuffering, agreeable to the Father's will.
Q^ 51. Whither was he led?
A. To the chief Priejis and council of the Jewifli nation, who examined and con- demned him.
CATECHIST.
Read John xviii. from verfe 13. Caiaphas was a man of no confcience; as appears from John xi. 19, life. His queftion which he put to Jesus, John xviii. 19. was quite unfair ; and (hewed him to be very careleis about religion. Christ's reply is calm, meek, and full of dignity. His words to the officer cannot be fuf- ficiently admired. They hold out to us a great ex- • ample of Matth. v. 39. As he had been tender of his friends, fo he would not now facrifice to illegal ufage any clear, juft human right. He would oblige accus- ers to direct themfelves by proof. Every one mud be fenfible of this propriety.
Qj 52. Was the Jewi{h.€endemnationfuffici- ent to put Christ to death ?
A* No : they accufed him and profecut- ed Mm before Pontius Pilate.
CATECHIST.
Read John xviii. from verfe 28. Obferve, firft, the J<etwijh fuperjiition ; fecond, their rage; third, how much better the heathen Judge did behave than they ; fourth, what a noble witnels to the Truth Christ was ; and, lait of all, the pure and excellent nature of his kingdom. He wovild not be liberated ; read and compare thofe liighly inflru&ive pafiages which follow:
CATECHIS M II. 57
John xviii. 10, It. Matth. xxvi. 52 — 54. Luke xxif. 51, 52. He is apprehended as a thief, or other kind cf infamous malefahor* Compare John xviii. 12. Matth. xxvi. 5 5 y 56. Luke xxif. 52, 5$. How feniible was our Lord's frame, and yet, how ferene ! How hard and obltinate the hearts of his enemies ! Let us not neglect the earliell rebukes of conference ; but fubmit to ad- monition. If we enter into wrong defigns, let us not perfift in them. Unrighteous Judges rnay affecT: a regu- lar procedure. See Matth. xxvi. 59 62. The fi-
lence of our Lord in midft of falfehoods, and unmerit- ed outrages, was highly becoming. Yet there was a time to fpeak ; and he- nobly laid hold of it, Matth.
xxvi. 63 66. M Thou haft faid ;" or, // is as thou
h'ajl /aid. My claim and character, hereafter, will be fignally juftified. Truth a?id Courage enn-oble human nature. Being put upon oath, we mud not hefitate to declare, from dread of perfonal confequences. A flranger mifmformed is peculiarly pitiable> and foon to be fet right. Mark the juftice of Paul's obfervation, 1 Tim. vi. 13. The partial and unequitable have no fuch title ; fee and admire the lover of truth, Matth. xxvii. 12 — 14. Luke xxiii. 4 11. Confpicuous in- nocence, among fuch, is it's own nobleft defence. Was it pofllble to work a reform, where Bar abbas had the preference to one whom they could convict of no fin; and whofe miniiiering had been fo ufeful ? Be aftonifh- ed at the accounts given \ Matth. xxvii. 16, &c. Mark xv. 7, f$c. Luke xxiii. 25, &c. John xviii. 40. " Silence ** here," fays one moft fignificantl/, " was greater " than all words."
CK 53. Was he accordingly crucified?"
A. Yes ; near Jeni/alem, in the common
place of execution, and between twa.
thieves.
CATECHIST, Read Lute xxiii. from verfe 39. John six. 13, i&*
58 CATECHISM II.
The fentence is in few words, and could never warrant the various uanatural and fhocking intuits which, fol- lowed upon it, Mark xv. 15 20. and compare, 1
Pet. ii. 23. He ufes no expoftulations nor complaints, on his own account; and yet laments with dc&p dif- trefs, the guilt, and impending miferies of the Jcivi/h nation. Dwell in thought, upon Luke xxiii. 26, &c. How excellent a temper ! He would receive nothing to ftupify his fenfe of pain, Mark xv. 22, 23. His deter- mination was, to give a complete example of patience. Forgivenep keeps pace with generous fe if denial* Luke xxiii. 32—34. when tortures were moft acute, the prayer of companion is uttered ; and it was a prayer of firm faiths no lefs than benevolence. Scoffs, though- very trying, are meekly to be born ; compare Matth. ixvii. 39, 42, 43. Luke xxiii. 35, 36. Think now of that beautiful iimilitude, in Ifa. liii. 7.
On the Crop, our blejfed Lord hears and is moved with the petition of a humble penitent, Luke xxiii. 43. The great behavicur of Jfsus under fufFering did, n© doubt, add to the probable faith and love which he had before this. Affliction is fanctified, even to a great fmner. The knowledge of Cbrift makes an entire con- vert of him. He profeffes belief, amidft numerous and cruel enemies. He has refpecl: to a future kingdom, and is approved. Paradife in that very hour, or day, is with full authority promifed to him. How great is Jesus here! He triumphs every where, fays one. And how glorious is this triumph ! To the laft, he carries on, and accomplifhes his great defign of con- verting and faving finners. Few apparent death- bed penitents have fuch advantages, and attain fo high. Under every divine teftimonial which accompanied the crucifixion, the other thief hardens.
CK 54. Was any thing elfe worthy of peculiar noticed/aid or done by Jesus, while he hung up- on the Crofs ?
CATECHISM II. 59
A. Another very obfervable, towards his mother Alary.
CATECHIST.
Caufe the following fhort hiftory to be read, with
leifure and great care, John xix. 25 27. It was foe
her honour, that (he could be prefent at fo mournful a fcene; as it was for the honour of our hlejfed Lord, that he took fuch notice of her. Mary* s fortitude and zeal, like thofe of John, were noble. To John, the love of Jesus was peculiar, compare John xiii. 23. xxi. 2©, 24. It was that oi n. bofim friend. Simple, and yet ref- pectful, was the addrefs of, woman. Behold one who fhall henceforth care for you, as if he were thy own dear Son, Bcboldhcv, whom, in all time coming, thou art to refpect and care for as thy own affectionate Mo- ther. How amazing is this compofure, and filial re- gard ! How blifs fully communicative is a fpirit of pure friendfhip! Such a legacy is, to the bed of all hu- man affections, a legacy of high honour and profit.
Ql 55' WTbat were the extraordinary things which happened, during the crucifixion cf Jesus? A. Firfl, Three hours darknefs.
CATECHIST.
See and compare Matth. xxvii. 45. Mark xv. 33, Luke xxiii. 44, 45. From the fixth to the ninth* accord- ing to the computation of thofe times, was, from twelve at noon till three afternoon. It might refemble that of a total eclipfe of the fun, in which there is light to a certain degree, and reached over all judea. Bein^ now Pajbver time and full moon, the darknefs muit have been fupernatural. Very affecting, iureiy, where Christ had preached, and wrought to many miracles, as a fign of Divine difpleafure !
A. Second^ Rending the veil of the Temple*
60 CATECHISM IL
CATECHIST.
See Matth. xxvii. 51. Mark xv. 38. Luke xxiii. 45. This veil did feparate between the holy place, or the fanctuary, and the holy of holies, Keb. ix. 3. compare with this, the defcription of Exod. xxvi. 31 — 33. It was of the ftrongeft contexture, as well as rich. There can be no doubt but many of the jfenvijh Priefls muft have feen this ; which did forefignify the fudden de- ftruction of the Te?)?ple, and fpeedy abolition of the rites of the, Mofaic Law.
A. Third, An Earthquake at yerufalem9 but efpecially at Mount Calvary, where our blejfed Lord was crucified.
CATECHIST.
See Matth. xxvii. 51. and how it was underftood, verie 54. The effects of this extraordinary event are ftill to be difcerned, in the rock which then rent.
A. Fourth, The opening of fepulchres or graves.
CATECHIST.
Read Matth. xxvii. $c — 53. The holy city means fe- rufale??i, Matth. iv. 5. Luke iv. 9. By concuflion from the earthquake, they might be thrown open Compare Matth. xxvii. 58 — 60. John xix. 41. The faints do not appear to have been eminent ancient pa-
triarchs or prophets, becaufe of Acts xxiii. 25' 3 1 :
but more probably good men, who had lately died ; and who, upon going into Jerusalem, would be well known to their friends ftill living. Sa'mts, in the r.eiv TeJlamenU often denote difciples of Jesus, Acts Jx. 13 » 32. compare chap. xxvi. 10. Rom. xv. 25, 26. They did not come out of their graves, till after Ch r ist'js refurrection ; or early in the morning of that fame firft
C A T E C H I S M IF. Ci
day cf the week. Many friends and acquaintance, though poffibly , afterwards, to others'. Tl
for a while, as Lazarus did, remain examples of mo- dell undL'fembled piety. Some have thought, that to this important fact, John v. 25. might have a reference, by prophefy. Doubtlefs the miracle mud have beta of great advantage to fome, to confirm their faith, an I animate them under fubfequent trials and difficulties. The death of Jesus, even as his life had been, was full of wonders, and all beneficent. We owe to him, therefore, all honour and reverence. He is to be obey- ed, in the face of every oppohtion.
Q^ 56. What became of hh dead body ?
A. It was buried in a new fepulchre^ or
grave.
CATECHIST.
Read John xix. from verfe 38. Jofcph came With his fervants, and took down the body. It was *wound up much as childrens are, foon after they are born. Sepulchres for the rich, were hrge enough to receive~many dead bodies ; and the only entrance to them was, by the door; being, for moil part, a /great Jlene7 and not easi- ly removed. Compare Ifa. xxii. 16.
CX 57. Haw long did the body of CHRIST remain in the grave ?
A. Three days, in the Jewifli way of fpeaking, or a part of them ; that is, from Friday afternoon, till early on the iirft day of the week, now termed the Lord's Day.
Q^ 58. Why fo called?
A. Becaufe he then roie, according to the Scriptures.
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6t C A T E C H I S M II.
C A T E C H I S T.
Read Acts ii. from verfe 24. Pains, bands or cord? of death. It was not pofible, that he fo holy, and eve- ry way acceptable to the Father, fbould be holden a clofe ptiioner in the grave, compare John x. 17, 18. nor could his eternal truth, in prophefy, be contradicted. David, in fpirit, fbrifaix} the Lord Chriji, and did (peak ol his refurreftion. Compare Ads 13. from verfe 33.
Q^ 59. Did Christ foretell his own rifing again ?
A. Yes ; and that often.
CATECHIST.
Lead pupils to compare Matth. xxvi. 6(. with John ii. 18, &c. Hence it appears, that the Jews them- {elves understood his meaning j though they were much inclined to pervert his words. See, alfo, Matth. xii. from verfe 38. chap, xxvii. from verfe 62. Now did Christ's enemies, but without defigning it, contribute to evince the truth.
Ch 60. Of whom was he feen ?
A. Of the Apo/iks, andfeveral others.
CATECHIST.
Read with young people, Matth. xxviii. from the beginning ; like wife John xx. from the beginning. Obfexve, that none of all the four Evangelifts give the precife order of Christ's appearances ; becaufe, each of them chofe what particulars were moft agreeable to their own tade, or fituation. What items mod pro- bable, is, hrft, that the women, upon feeing the (lone, when they were at a little diftance from the fepulchre, rolled away, agreed to fend part of their number back to Jenifakw, for the fake of Peter and John ; who <*ajfce, and found the body to be removed, but faw not
CATECHISM II. 63
Jesus. Second, that: not being fife for them to con1 there, for fear of the Jenvr, they returned, a-: women. Third, fome part of thefe foon cid, as Petet and John had done before them. Mean while, fourth, Mary Magdalene % an affectionate difciple, could not bit brought away with ibqm ; and the Lord rewarded her love with a view of h:m, before the reft. He next ap- peared to the other women, in their way home. They all met at Jcrufalem% and informed the A fifties. Two of the Difciples, that fame day, met with him, on their way lo Evimaus ; as may be feen at large, Luke xxiv. In the evening he made himfelf known to all ihe A- pofties. Probably Peter had a fpecial vifit by himfelf, to encourage his repentance, and preferve his afflicted foul from defpair. Compare ( Cor. xv. from the be- ginning, with Ads i. 3. ii. 33. xai. 28, &c*
CX 61. Was he fee;:- by ihem at lelfure^ and ?ncre than once ?
A. Yes; and for forty days, at different. times, they did touch his perfect, eat an > drink with him, .
C A T E C 1 1 I 5 T,
Per ufe with en re, John tx. 24 29. Tien/as, xrpnn
the wholey was affectionate ; but (till more {o was his Lord and Saviour. Evidence, below that of fight, mar be a fufficient ground of belief and action ; and there is a peculiar bleMcanefs annexed to fuch obedient belief*; as it faews great love for truth, and defire of religious knowledge ; : manifests a humble teachable temper; and, neceffarily, raufl reach to numerous principles, Perufe, likewife, A&s i. from the beginning. Paffion denotes fuffering, and includes death. What more infallible or convincing proofs could be, than feemg, fpeaking, handling, and bellowing fuch a promife as that of manifold miraculous gifo, £0 foon fulfilled »£« terwards ?
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£4 C A T E CHI S M II.
CK 62. Do not the Jews allcdge, that the difcipks of Jesus came by night, and jlok the dead body away ?
A, They did then, and ftill continue, it h probable, to do.
C A T E C H I : S T.
Read with your young, Matth. xxviii. 1 t — 1 5. The preparations for Christ's riling out of the fepulchre were gradual. See what immediately goes before this juiTage. When the body was gone, the guard, un- rfoubtedly, had no farther bufmefs at the Sepulchre. It would require time to recover from their confirmation; nnd in that fpace, the Apoftles and other difciples would Lave much diicourfe among themfelves, about what had happened, and might relate them to feveral. Pof- iibly t\ltfoldiers9 who went not to the chief priefh, for jheiv:;g all the thing? that nvere done, would /peak of iheit to others. Compare Matth. xxviii. 1 1. Can we Fiig- J^ofe, that the Priefls and Pharifces were not at pains to examine where \\\z Apoftles had been all night? Their very feeming to neglect, and decry the impollure, is a- gainft them. How unlikely, that a guard of Roman ftldkrs fhould fleep upon duty ? Difcipline among them was extremely Arret. Their attendance was not long. How can men fay what is done, when they are not a- wake ? The operation of robbing a n&w tom% 8frwn ont if a rock, and a large flone laid at the door of it, mull have been with great noife. The burial clothes were not re- moved, Luke xxiv. 12. John xx. i« 8. but laid to- gether with cle^ar marks of leifure and compofure. A clandeftuie removal would have anfwered no good pur- pofe in the world. Such an offence could expect no fupnort, either from God or from men. The /)/'- fciplss themfelves feem not to have expected the refur- rection ; compare Luke xxiv. 9 — 11. They were all thrown into a irate of dejection and defpondence. No guniftiment was inflicted upon any, for taking away the
CATECHISM II. CS
tody. Upcn the whole, the tcflimony of the difciples concerning Christ's refurreclion is true and credible ; thcjayi/tg among the Je<wsi falfe and exceeding impro- bable.
Q^ 63. After the [pace of forty days from Je- sus' ri/ing, what did happen ?
A. He then fpake to his Apcftles^ as in Matth. xxviii. 18, 19, 20. and renewed to them the proniife of the Holy Ghojh
CATECH1ST, -
Read over that great and co^nprehenf ve paflage witb care. Creature^ put for rpan. Preach as my ambaffa- dors, and under the dficacious influence of divine pow- er, A els i. 8. In the vam?\ or belief of the Father, &e. Baptifm was a rite adopted from the Jewifh method of admitting- profelyted heathens into their woxfhip ; and fitly emblematical of fubfequent pure lives. Teaching both by example and precept* The way cf life is now open to all, aad it is but one, .
CK 64. What followed next?
A. He was parted from them who had been his conftant attendants, and received into Heaven, .
CATECHIST.
Read Mark xvi. 20, 21. Luke xxiv. 50, '&V. Acls i. 9, life. Here he had poured forth many prayers and tears. Here he would he better feen, and without any -interruptitm. Prom this time forth, he obtained full pofleffion of the kingdom prepared for him by the Fa- ther. Compare Heb. viii. 1, 2. ix. 24. 1 Pet. iii. 22 > Christ, as ch\t\jhepherd and Bijhip, affectionately hlejf- >ed and prayed for his immediate fuccefiors, compare Lev. ix. 22. Thus did the meetings for divine *uw
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65 CATECHISM II.
/hip in the primitive church begin and end. Frona the excellent doctrine taught by Christ, his hav- ing all along been mighty in deed, as well as ward; the fignal tcftimonies which were given to him from Heaven, in the time of his miniftry, and during the ttme of his crucifixion, and at his death, the refurrec- tion and aicent, are glorioufly confident.
(JK 65. How. was the vacancy made by ihe a* fojiafy mid death of Judas fupplied ?
A. Through the addition of Matthias, to the eleven Apoftles^by divine appointment,,
C A T E € H I S T. '
Read Acls i. i£, £sV. It was fcji efTential reqnifite in an Apofdcy\.Q be a witnefs of Chr^t's rcfurfcclion ; and to have companied with the reft during his miniftry. No bad names are given to Judas ; which is^reatly in favour of thole whom, by tranfgreffion, he left.
Q^ 66. When was the Holy G'hoft, accord* ing to promife, be/lowed upon .the Apoftles ?
A. AVl\\c Pent ecojl next following the Pajf- over, at which Jesus had been crucified* ,
C A T E C H I S T.
Read Acls ii. from the beginning. From this time* the Apofilisi and the men who were with them, began . to fpeak with divers tongues, and were qualified to preach xhtgofpel to all nations, Befides the flated in* habitants of Jerufalem, there were, at this time, Jews and profelytes of the Jcnvijh religion from different and widely dilbmt parts of the world : men -of great zeal* underftanding, and prudence, who, when they heard them fpeak the wonderful works of God, in the languages of the feveral countries in which they refided, were 2-
C A T E C HI S M IT. «?/
mazed and marvelled. Peter nvith the eleven informed them, how that matter came to pais ; an J thus, in eF- feft, did Jesus appear to an innumerable multitude. Confider well, Acts ii. 36, 37, 38, &c.
Q^ 67 What followed from ibis difccurfe, and tbefe exhortations ?
A. Many gladly received the word, and were baptized. Ads ii. ,u. Signs and wonders were alfo wrought among the people. Compare A<5ts v. 12, 14.
CK 68. How did thofe vajl multitudes Hie-to* get her ?
A. In the greateft harmony,
C A T E C H I S T.
See Acts iv, 34,, 35. ii. 41, toe. They vrzrejledfpjft to
what the Apoftles taught ; united in clofe felioivjhip with them : hrakebread together at the Lord's Table; and were much given to prayer. They were mod eminently- charitable, chearful, and firnple in their whole man- ners ; and were much in favour even with thofe who did not fully believe. By all which means, they con- tributed not a little to enlarge the Cbriflian church.
Q^ 69. - How did they manage their public be~ nef actions, or alms ?
A. By men of good report, as well as emi- nent "gifts, who were chofen to this one thing.
CATECHIST.
Read with young people AcIsti. 1 9. Daily mat -
T\iftering to the poor, though a noble and pleafant fer- -vice, would have obftructed the main preaching work
6$ CATECHISM II.
of the Apcjlla too much ; efpecially, as the word of" Cod increajld the number of the Difciples.
Q^ 70. Did the number of Difciples increafe beyond the bounds of Jerufalem ?
A. Befides the great company of believers there, in a fhort time, feveral churches of the faithful gathered throughout Judea, Ga- lilee, and Samaria,
CATECHIST,
Compare Acts ix. 31. viii. 14, feV. On thofe who-"* believed were bellowed the gifts of the Holy Gb&ft, by • prayer, and laying on the hands of the Apojlles* Hence, edification, ingenuous refpecl for Almighty GwD, and comfort to a high degree, did prevail.
Q^ 7 1 . Were thefe Apoftles and Believers unnoticed by the Jews and others, ivho hadcru- cified their Mailer ? .
A. Far from it. Even in the beginning, , and much more during the progrefs of their doftrine, they went through many fe- vere hardships and fufferings.
CATECHIST.
Direct young people to read, by way of ill.uftration, Acrs iv. from the beginning. How great was the combined force of violence from ignorant people, art- ful, malicious pric/Is, and unbelieving Sadducees<? What a change in the Sipojilcs, from their late timorous and dejected behaviour? Now they are knowing, difcreet* . intrepid. They glory in diftrefs, for Christ's fake. They infpire the like fentiments in others. They could not be brought to diibwn or conceal a teftimony
CATECHISM II. 69
ei divine truth. As Jesus had foretold, y? thy Jit upon twelve thicr.es* as it weiv ; the twelve tribes cf
Ifrcel, Matth. iix. 28. Luke xxii. 30. compared. Sad is the condition of a people, when their Rulers and Teachers practife themfelves, and recommend to others, falfehood, prevarication, and other wickednefs ! An inordinate love of worldly gain, and prevalence of any bad principle in the heart, arc of the moll danger- ous confequence. Guard agamft every temptation, in particular, to falfefy or lie. Admire and imitate >lical diligence and zeal.
Q^ 72. Were any of the leading Jews con- verted to the true Faith ?
A. Yes; Saul, called alfo Paul, who had been of the feci of the Pharifees, and edu- cated by Gamaliel, a celebrated Jezvijh doc* tor, from being a warm and violent oppo- fer and perfecutor of the Difciples of Jesus, was converted to the fame faith, by an ex- traordinary appearance.
C A T E C H I ST.
Read an account of this, A£b ix. throughout ; and compare, afterwards, chap. xxii. He received, imme- diatelyuponthe back of this, thefullknowledgeofthe doc- trine of the gofpel byfpecial-revelation; and was appoint- ed an ApoJHe% by Jesus CHRis-rhimfelf. See Gal. i. i-^-f 2. p.ph. iii. 3, As the other ApoJJles had done, he alfo fpoke with tongues, wrought miracles in great variety and abundance, and conferred gifts of the Holy Ghcjl upon his converts. By him, in company with Barna- has,* the gfpel was boldly taught both to Jews ar.d Gentiles. Obferve, by way of example, Acls xiii. i& 41. Likewife chap. xyii. 16 3*.
70 CATECHISM II.
Q. 73. Was his fuccefs in particular very re* warkable ?
A. It was indeed: for, having ftrenuonf- ly afferted the acceptance of the gentiles, and their right to all the privileges of the church and people of Gon, without the ob- fervation of the rites of the law of Mofes> he formed congregations of Chrijlians in many places from among the moft ignorant and vicious idolaters,
CATECHIST.
Lead young people to underftand how thefe focieties were formed. Each perfon in them was, firft, bap- tized, Ads ii. 41. viii. T2. Rom. vi. 3. 1 Cor. i. 13 — 16. then, they met together, and worfhipped Almigh- ty God, by prayers and praifes, compare Gal. i. 2. 1 Cor. xiv. 33. xvi. 19. 2 Cor. viii. Acts i. 14, 24. ii. 42. vi. 4. 1 Cor. xiv. 14 17. They had difcourfes, like- wife, and exhortations, and readings of the facred writings, 1 Cor. xiv. throughout, Acts xviii. 1 1. xx. 7. Gal. vi. 6. Heb. xiii. 7. Col iv. 16. 1 Theff. v, 27. As faid before, they celebrated the memory of the death" of Jesus Christ,. by eating together bread, and drink- ing wine in a iblemn manner, Acts ii. 42. xx. 7. 1 Cor. xi. 23.
Q^ 74. Upon what day of the week did the primitive Chriflians ordinarily meet for reli- gious worfliip ?
A. Upon theyfr/?, called the Lord's Day, in memory of the refurre&ion of Jesus from the dead, A&s xx. 7.
Q^ 75. How did they behave them/elves^ toward Kings and Governors ?-.
CATECHISM IL yt
A. They were dire&ed by the Apojiles to pray for them ; and otherwife to behave in the moft prudent, quiet and orderly man- ner, i Tim. ii. 1,2. 1 Pet. ii. 13 18.
Q. j6. Did the Lord Jesus favour ttiofefo- lemn meetings ?
A. Yes, by his fpecial prefence, Rev. i. 10. and giving them the high pleafure of contributing to the relief of their necelli- tous brethren, 1 Cor. xvi. 2,
C^ 77. By whom were they conduced? |
A. By Minifiers, called Bijhops, or Eldenf or Pa/i$rs, or Teachers, and Deacons.
C ATECHI S T.
Direct the young how to conceive of this decent and orderly manner for inltruction in the principles and practice of piety, from 1 Cor. xiv. 32. Gal vi. 3. 1 Theff. v. 12. Phil. i. 1. Likewife, that the neceffities of each member might be duly provided for, Acts xr. 28, with 1 Pet. v. i, and the Epiftles to Timothy and Titus may be recommended to private perufal.
Q^ 7$. From -what tlafs of men were thefe officers of the church chofen ?
A. From thofe who had been before ap- proved, as perfons of integrity and capacity for the work to which they were appoint- ed, 1 Tim. iii. 10. Acts vi. 2.
CX 79. Be fides teaching, and making a pru- dent and faithful difiributwn of the flock of the feisty, was any thing elfe expected from them ?
CATECHIS M II.
A. That they fhould be examples of all virtue to the reii of the Chrijiian Societies, in which <hey prefided and miniftered ; as thefe :■• Societies themfelves were to be ex- amples to the world around them, Matth. I \v 13 — 16. Read.
Q^ So. Did the Apoftles of Christ, toge- ther with their companions and fellow-labourers ', evangelijls and others, leave the world much re- ;fm*med ?
A. Before this, they had ere&ed Societies or Churches of Chrijiicns, in moft parts of the Roman Empire ; e\ en the largeft and mofl civilized countries and cities.
CX 8i. Doth this Church of Christ JIM
A. It doth ; and, according to his ex- prefs ailurance, ever will, Matth. xvi. 16.
C A T E C H 1 S T.
See, for the foundation, Eph. ii. 19, IzSc. Expln'n the gates of Hell y by the oppofition of adveffe powers, even to tortures and deaths of the ex uelleft kinds.
f 1 .n 1 s.