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.
-F
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 ?
F 2
£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
F 3
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.
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