THE CATHOLIC 



NATIONAL SERIES 






■ rgnrWTMhdM 



BIBLE Hp^i 





CONTAINING THE 

MOST REMARKABLE EVENTS 

OP 

THE OLD AND s> 
THE NEW TESTAMENT 

WITH A COMPENDIUM 

OF 

CHURCH HISTORY 



BENZIGER BROTHERS 

NEW YORK. CINCINNATI. 
CHICAGO 



«3£ 





Class _B>SkO<b 
.Qr5 



Book 



Copyright N° 



o 1904 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 




Wty$ fiingtrmtt ttp Jpmrtm h fxrr witty n% tfj 

St. Matt. xix. 14. 



BIBLE HISTORY 

CONTAINING THE MOST 

REMARKABLE EVENTS 

OF THE 

OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. 

TO WHICH IS ADDED A COMPENDIUM OP 

CHURCH HISTORY. 



FOR THE USE OF THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN 
THE UNITED STATES. 



RIGHT REV. RICHARD GILMOUR, D.D., 

Bishop of Clevetand. 




New York, Cincinnati, Chicago: 
BEN^IOER BROTHERS, 

PRINTERS TO THE HOLY APOSTOLIC SEE. 



LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Cooles Received 
JUN 8 1904 

^ Cooyrljrht Entry 
fcLASS 0-xXc. No. 



y<j h 




15 -^CA 



f!l! 1 A LETTER FROM 

His Holiness, Pope Leo XIII. 



-jfr*s£i&Y Vtf&vi**feA? SJlUfZJ pVW^V 

TRANSLATION. 

We have received with thanks the copy of The Bible History, 

together withthe expressions of denotio^whUk^efl^iXfev Brothers, 

Publishers , have s*ent ns^throug% 7ke Bis hop^qf 'fjtfseZ, and we give our 

Apostolic Benediction to them and to their labors^ that these may 

always tend to the good\of\Rdl^io^L* \ " „: - ; 

■ ' *: .'•••;> J ••• ■•* Leo'P. P. XIII. 

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by BENZIGER 
BROTHERS, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for 
the Southern District of Ohio. 



Copyright, 1881, by BENZIGER BROTHERS. 
Copyright, 1894, h BENZIGER BROTHERS. 
Copyright, 1904, by BENZIGER BROTHERS. 



APPROBATIONS. 

ffxom 3^Cs JBmintnit <£artrtnal gKifcfeous t 

Father Gilmour's Bible History, published by you, is a work that richly 
merits, as I am sure it will receive, the liberal patronage of the Catholic 
schools and academies throughout the country. I am delighted -with it. 

tfrom ptost 3&eb. 21?m. Jfy. 2EUrer, 30.10., gtrcpisfjop of (Cincinnati i 

The Bible History of Kev. Bichard Gilmour has been used in the Brothers' 
schools at Natchez almost ever since its first publication. . . . 

I congratulate Bev. Father Gilmour on the work itself, and also on the 
style in which it has been published : cheap enough for the school-room, and 
beautiful enough for a Christmas present. . . . 

jFrom U&ost &eb. $♦ m. jFe?i)an, 30*30., ^rcptsfjop of (Ejjtcacjo: 

I beg to thank you for your copy of Father Gilmour's Bible History. It 
is a most useful work, and I shall recommend it to the schools of the Diocese. 

jFrom JHost 2&eb* Stomas 2L €£race, 30*30«, &vcf)biBl)op of Stuma: 

. . . I need hardly say I was pleased with it. This History supplies 
a want in our schools and supplies it well. Upon my recommendation the His- 
tory has been introduced into our schools in St. Paul, and I trust the example 
will be followed in all the schools of the Diocese. 

jfvom piost Beb. Wm. 2^ ekross, <£ #< S<S.j&., 30.29., ^rcptsjop 

Of #T£QOtt <&it$x 

I most cheerfully give my approbation to your " Illustrated History of 
the Bible, 5 ' and most earnestly recommend it to the Beverend Clergy, to 
school-teachers, and to all the faithful of this Diocese. 

ffvom l&ost $Ub, Joftn ?§enness£, 30.30*, ^rcfjutsjop of 30ubuque; 

Please accept my thanks for a copy of Bev. Father Gilmour's Bible 
History. I find it so highly recommended that I shall be glad to see it intro- 
duced into the schools of this Diocese. ' 

jFrom a&tpjijt 3&eb. IBtrtoartr jFitjgeraUr, 30,30., ISfsfiop of Utttle 

aaocfe: 

The Sisters of St. Mary's Academy of Little Bock have examined Bev. 
B. Gilmour's Bible History, and consider it to be a very useful text-book. 
They purpose introducing it into their schools at the commencement of next 
school year. I beg to add my recommendation to theirs. 

JFrom 3^tfiftt Heb, SLouCs tre ©oesfirCaufcr, 30.30., 3Sfsf)op of 
IffttrUugtou: 

We use Bishop Gilmour's Bible History in our Perseverance Catechism 
in the Cathedral congregation; both our teachers and children are much 
pleased with it, and I cannot recommend it too much. 

5 



APPROBATIONS. 



jFrom foiQfjt &eb. milium jJttc€losfce£, IB.IS., 33isf)op oi 
Houfsbilie: 

. . . I take great pleasure in recommending it as one of the most 
admirable works of its kind ever published. 

iFvom Ht'Qfjt 2Ub. Eofcias j&ullcn, 13.19., aSisfjop of Hrie; 

. . . I have examined it with some care, and consider it admirably 
adapted for the use of Catholic Schools. It reproduces in a manner most 
attractive to children the whole inspired record of God's dealings with man- 
kind, while its illustrations are so striking and appropriate as to sustain the 
interest of the youthful reader and rivet his attention on the most important 
points in the sacred narrative. Although designed for children, it might be 
studie_d with advantage by persons of any age, and may then be very de- 
servedly assigned a place in the home-library as in the school-room. 

JFrom &tfi5r &cb. Strpfjcn V. ftsan, B.3E., Etsfjop of Buffalo: 

I have no hesitation in recommending Rev. R. Gilmour's Illustrated 
Bible History, already so highly and respectably recommended. As a com- 
pendium of Bible history, I deem it in every way a most desirable and useful 
book to be put into the hands of children. 






BISHOP GILMOUR'S BIBLE HISTORY 

nas also received the approbation of the following prelates, now deceased: 
His Eminence Cardinal McCLOSKEY, Archbishop of New York. 
His Eminence Cardinal MANNING, Archbishop of Westminster. 
Most Rev. J. B. PURCELL, D.D., Archbishop of Cincinnati. 
Most Rev. F. N. BLANCHET, D.D., Archbishop of Oregon City. 
Most Rev. JAMES F. WOOD, D.D., Archbishop of Philadelphia. 
Most Rev. IGNATIUS BOURGET, D.D., Archbishop of Montreal. 
Most Rev. NAPOLEON J. PERCHE, D.D., Archbishop of New Orleans. 
Most Rev. JOHN M. HENNI, D.D., Archbishop of Milwaukee. 
Most Rev. MICHAEL HEISS, D.D., Archbishop of Milwaukee. 
Most Rev. CHARLES J. SEGHERS, D.D., Archbishop of Oregon City. 
Right Rev. P. J. BALTES, D.D., Bishop of Alton. 
Right Rev. A. M. A. BLANCHET, D.D., Bishop of Nesqually. 
Right Rev. C. H. BORGESS, D.D., Bishop of Detroit. 
Right Rev. JOHN LOUGHLIN, D.D., Bishop of Brooklyn. 
Right Rev. FRANCIS McNIERNY, D.D., Bishop of Albany. 
Right Rev. L. Z. MOREAU, D.D., Bishop of St. Hyacinth. 
Right Rev. EUGENE O'CONNELL, D.D., Bishop of Marysville. 
Right Rev. JOHN QUINLAN, D.D., Bishop of Mobile. 
Right Rev. ANTOINE RACINE, D.D., Bishop of Sherbrooke. 
Right Rev. A. M. TOEBBE, D.D., Bishop of Covington. 
Right Rev. EDGAR P. WADHAMS, D.D., Bishop of Ogdensburg. 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



A.M. 1.1 



AGE I. 
FROM ADAM TO ABRAHAM. 

CONTAINING 2083 YEARS. 

1.— The Creation of the World. 



[A,C.40OO. 




1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the 
earth. The earth was void and empty, and darkness was on 
the face of the deep. Then God said: " Let there be light! " 
and light was made. This was the work of the first day. 

2. On the second day was created the firmament with all 
its expansive beauty. 



8 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

On the third da}- God gathered together the waters into 
one place, and commanded the dry land to appear; the 
waters He called sea, and the dry land earth. Thus were 
formed the fountains, the streams, and the rivers. 

3. Then God commanded the earth to bring forth plants, 
and green trees, and flowers of many various forms and dif- 
ferent colors. 

On the fourth day were made the great lights that shine 
in the heavens: the sun, the moon, and the stars. On the 
fifth day the fish that are in the waters, and the birds that 
are in the air were created. 

4. The sixth day God created all manner of living creat- 
ures that are upon the earth, each in its kind. 

At last He said: "Let us make man to our own image and 
likeness, and let him have dominion over the whole earth/' 
So God formed man out of the slime of the earth, and 
breathed into him an immortal soul, and called him Adam; 
that is, taken from the earth. God saw all the things that 
He had made, and they were good. So He rested on the 
seventh day, and blessed it. 

5. As God created man on the sixth day of creation, so on Good 
Friday, the sixth day of Holy Week, He redeemed him. And as the 
body of the first Adam was formed from the earth whilst it was yet 
pure and blessed, so was Jesus Christ, the second Adam, born of Mary, 
a virgin, pure and without original sin. 

2.— Happiness of Adam and Eve in Paradise. 

1. The heavens and the earth being finished, God planted 
a garden, a terrestrial paradise, in which were all manner of 
trees and precious fruits. In the midst thereof He placed 
two trees, one the tree of life, the other the tree of knowl- 
edge of good and evil. God then told Adam he might eat of 
the fruit of every tree in the garden, but " of the fruit of the 

Questions to Chapter 1.— What was done in the beginning? How was the earth 
created? What did God create on the first day ? What on the second ? What on 
the third ? What were the waters called ? What did the earth bring forth ? What 
was created on the fourth day ? On the fifth ? And sixth ? Why did God call the 
first man Adam ? What did God do on the seventh day ? 



THE PALL OF OUR FIRST PARENTS. 9 

tree of knowledge of good and evil he should not eat; for 
on the day he would eat, he should surely die." 

2. Then God brought before Adam all the beasts of the 
earth, that he might give to each its name. But for Adam 
there was not found a companion like to himself. And God 
said : " It is not good for man to be alone; let us make a help- 
mate like unto himself." So God cast a deep sleep upon 
Adam, and from his side took a rib, which He formed into 
a woman. When Adam awoke, God brought the woman to 
him, and he called her Eve; that is, the mother of all the 
living. 

3. Whilst Adam and Eve were in Paradise, God treated them as a 
father does his children, and they were happy; at the same time the 
tree of life preserved them from sickness and death. — The tree of life 
was a figure of the Sacrament of the Altar, of which it is written: " He 
who is fed by it shall live forever." 



3.— The Angels and the Fall of our First Parents. 

1. Besides the visible, God also created an invisible world, 
namely His angels. At first they were good and perfectly 
happy; but in time some became dazzled with their own 
perfections, and, yielding to pride, revolted against God. 
Michael, and the other angels that remained faithful, fought 
against them, vanquished and overthrew them, together with 
their leader, Lucifer, who is also called Satan. 

2. But Satan, fallen and lost, began to contrast his misery 
with man's happiness, and, raging with anger and envy, re- 
solved to seduce man from his obedience to God. For this 
end he made use of the serpent. 

3. One day, while Eve was looking at the forbidden tree, 
the serpent, coming near, asked her why she did not eat of 
its fruit. Eve answered, God had forbidden them to touch 
it, lest they should die. But the serpent artfully replied, 

Questions to Chapter 2.— What was placed in Paradise ? What are the names of 
the trees ? What was to happen if Adam eat the fruit ? What were brought before 
Adam ? What was not found ? Of what was the woman formed ? What does Eve 
mean ? What is said of Paradise ? And of the tree of life ? 



10 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



they would not die; on the contrary, their eyes would be 
opened, and they would be as gods, knowing good and evil. 
Eve looked again upon the tree; her curiosity was excited: 
the more she looked, the more the forbidden fruit appeared 
enticing. At length she stretched forth her hand, plucked 
the fruit, eat and gave to Adam, who also eat. This was 
their first sin. 




4. Immediately their eyes were opened, but far otherwise 
than they had expected. Covered with shame, they sewed 
together fig-leaves and made garments for themselves, and, 
trembling, hid among the trees. 

5. From one tree came ruin; from another, the tree of the cross, came 
redemption and victory over sin and the devil. 

Questions to Chapter 3.— What was created ? At first, what were they ? How 
did they fall ? What is said of Satan ? How did he tempt Eve ? Did he succeed ? 
What happened to Adam and Eve ? What is said of the tree and the cross ? 



THE PUNISHMENT OF SIN. 



11 



4.— The Punishment of Sin and the Promise of a 

Redeemer. 

1. In the evening God came into the garden and called 
Adam, who, trembling with fear, approached and acknowl- 
edged that he had eaten the forbidden fruit, but threw the 
blame on the woman. She, in turn, blamed the serpent. 




2. Then God cursed the serpent, condemning him to crawl 
upon the ground and to eat dust all the days of his life: be- 
sides, He said, enmity should exist between the serpent and 
the woman, but in the end the woman would crush his head. 

3. Then God told the woman she should bring forth her 
children in sorrow, and, for her disobedience, be subject to 
her husband. To the man He said: " Cursed is the earth in 
thy work: thorns and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; 
and in the sweat of thy brow thou shalt eat thy bread, until 
thou return to the earth from whence thou earnest : for dust 
thou art and unto dust thou shalt return." 

4. Then God made garments of skins, and clothing Adam 
and Eve in them, drove them out of Paradise. At the en- 



12 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

trance of the garden angels, with a fiery sword, were placed 
to guard against their return. 

a.m.128.] 5. — Cain and Abel. [a.c.3872. 

1. Adam and Eve had many children; of these, the 
eldest were Cain and his brother Abel. Cain was a husband- 
man, and wicked ; but Abel, a shepherd, was just and good. 
Both offered sacrifice to God — Abel, a lamb; Cain, of the 







fruits of the earth. God, who knew the secrets of their 
hearts, looked with favor on the sacrifice of Abel, but turned 
away His face from the sacrifice of Cain. 

2. When Cain saw this, his mind was filled with anger and 
jealousy against his brother. His countenance fell; and 
though God chid him in kindness, telling him if he did well 
he would be rewarded equally with Abel, yet Cain would not 
be appeased. 

3. So, nourishing his anger and giving way to his spite, 

Questions to Chapter 4.— Who called Adam ? What was said ? What curse did 
God pronounce on the serpent ? What curse did God pronounce on Eve ? On Adam ? 
Of what did God make clothing ? What happened to Adam and Eve ? What was 
placed at the gate of Paradise ? 



THE DELUGE. 13 

Cain one day asked Abel to go with him into the fields. 
There he rose up against his brother and slew him. As soon 
as the blood of the innocent Abel stained the ground, God 
cried out to Cain: " Where is thy brother? " but Cain, hard- 
ened in his crime, answered he did not know, nor was he 
his brother's keeper. 

4. But God, from whom nothing can be hid, told Cain 
that Abel's blood cried to Him for vengeance, and, because 
he had dared to touch his brother, he should be a fugitive 
and a vagabond on the face of the earth. When Cain heard 
this sentence of God, he gave way to despair, saying: " My 
sin is too great to be pardoned." So God set a mark upon 
him, and he went forth, a wanderer and a fugitive upon the 
face of the earth. 

5. The murdered Abel is a figure of Jesus Christ, while Cain is a 
figure of the traitor Judas and the Jewish people, who put our Saviour 
to death. 



a.m.1656.] 6. — The Deluge. [a.c.2sm. 

1. The descendants of Adam were divided into two classes 
— the good and the bad. To console Adam for the death of 
Abel, God gave him the pious Seth. Seth's posterity were 
known as the children of God, while the descendants of Cain 
were very wicked. 

2. By degrees mankind became corrupt, Nbe alone remain- 
ing just. God bade Noe build an Ark, for in a hundred 
years He would destroy by* a deluge every living creature on 
the face of the earth. The following are the dimensions and 
construction of the Ark: its length, three hundred cubits; 
its breadth, fifty ; and its height, thirty cubits. In the upper 
part was a window, and in the side a door. 

3. For a hundred years Noe labored on the construction of 
the Ark. During this time he preached penance to the 

Questions to Chapter 5.— What is said of Cain and Abel ? What were their 
sacrifices ? How did God receive them ? How did Cain act ? How did he answer 
God ? What was Cain's sentence ? What is said of Abel.and Christ ? Of Cain and 
Judas ? 



14 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



wicked, and warned them of the evils that were to come; but 
they heeded him not. Then God commanded him to go into 
the Ark and to take with him his wife, and his three sons 
and their wives; moreover to take with him of every animal 
two of a sort, and food sufficient. 

4. After seven days the deluge came. The fountains of 
the great deep were broken up, and the flood-gates of heaven 
were opened, but the Ark floated peacefully upon the waters. 
Overwhelmed with despair, men began to climb the trees, 







and in vain to ascend the hills. The waters continued to 
increase, until they had risen fifteen cubits above the tops of 
the highest mountains. 

5. Thus perished every living thing that then moved upon 
the earth: from man to the beasts of the earth; from the 
birds in the air to the reptiles on the ground. INToe and all 
that were in the Ark alone remained. 

Noe is a figure of Jesus Christ, as the Ark is a figure of the Catholic 
Church. 

Questions to Chapter 6. — How were men divided ? Who descended from Seth ? 
Who from Cain ? Who alone remained just ? What did Noe build ? How long 
was he building the Ark ? Who went into the Ark ? When did the deluge come ? 
What is said of the Ark ? What of men ? What perished ? 



THE SACRIFICE OF KOE, 



15 



A.M. 1657.] 



7. — The Sacrifice of Noe. 



[A.C. 2343. 



1. When the waters had covered the earth for a hundred 
and fifty days, God remembered Noe, and sent a warm wind, 
that by degrees abated the waters. Soon the mountains 
began to appear, and in the seventh month the Ark rested 
on the top of Mount Ararat, in Armenia. 

2. Noe, eager to learn if the waters had subsided, opened 




the window of the Ark and sent forth a raven, which did not 
return; then he sent forth a dove, which, not finding where 
her foot might rest, returned to the Ark. After seven days, 
Noe again sent forth the dove, which returned in the evening, 
carrying in its beak an olive branch. By this, Noe knew 
that the waters were abated upon the earth. At the com- 
mand of God, Noe and his wife, and his sons and his sons' 
wives, and every living creature that was with them, went 
forth from the Ark, after having been shut up in it for a 
whole year, 



16 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 






3. Filled with gratitude, Xoe built an altar, and, taking 
of the animals that were pure, offered sacrifice to the Lord. 
God was pleased with him for this, and set His rainbow in 
the heavens. Then God blessed Noe and his sons, and said to 
them: " Behold, I will establish my covenant with you and 
with your posterity. There shall be no more a deluge to 
destroy all flesh. While the earth exists, seed-time and har- 
vest, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease. 
And the arc that I have placed in the clouds shall be the 
sign of my covenant with you." 

4. The impenitent sinner is like the raven that returned not to the 
Ark, while the dove is like the faithful soul that finds its rest only in 
Jesus Christ and His Church. 

a.m. 1658.] 8. — The Sons of Noe. ea.c. 2^2. 

1. Noe had three sons — Sem, Cham, and Japhet. To- 
gether with them he tilled the ground and planted the vine. 
When the vintage came, not knowing the strength of wine, 
he drank too freely, and, becoming drunk, lay in his tent. 
Cham, finding him in this condition, laughed, and, going, 
told his brothers what he had seen. 

2. But they, rilled with reverence, and moved with filial 
love, took a cloak, and, putting it upon their shoulders, 
turned away their eyes, and, going backward, covered their 
father. When Noe awoke, and learned what had taken place, 
he cursed Cham, in his descendants, but blessed Sem and 
Japhet. 

A.M.1757J The Tower of Babel. [A.c.2243. 

3. Soon the descendants of Noe began so to multiply that 
they could no longer dwell together in the same place. In 
their pride, before separating, they resolved to build a city 

Questions to Chapter 7. — How long did the deluge continue ? Where did the 
Ark rest ? How did Noe know the waters were gone ? How long was Xoe in the 
Ark ? What did Noe offer f What covenant did God make ? What is said of the 
raven and the dove ? 



THE TOWER OF BABEL. 



17 



and a tower that would reach to heaven. But God easily 
confounded them in their foolish project. On a sudden their 
language was confused, and they could not understand one 
another. Before this there had been but one language; but 
now there were many. The city and the tower were aban- 
doned, and the people dispersed. 







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4. The posterity of Sem was spread over the greater part 
of Asia. From him are descended the Israelites, the chosen 
people of God. The descendants of Cham went to Africa, 
while the children of Japhet passed over to Europe. 

5. The pride of Babel led to the confusion of languages; while, on 
Pentecost, the humility of the apostles led to their union. 

Questions to Chapter 8. — What is said of Noe's sons ? What happened to Noe ? 
What did Cham do ? What did Sem and Japhet do? What did Noe do? What is 
said of the Tower of Babel ? What did God do ? What was confused ? Where 
did the people go ? Where did the descendants of Sem go ? Who are descended 
from Sem ? Who are descended from Cham ? And who from Japhet ? What is 
said of Babel and Pentecost ? 



END OF THE FIRST AGE. 



18 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

The Names and Ages of the First Ten Patriarchs, from 
Adam to Noe : 






A.M. 
Born. 


A.M. 

Died. 

930 


Age. 
930 


130 


1042 


912 


235 


1140 


905 


325 


1235 


910 


395 


1290 


895 



6. 


Jared . . 


A.M. 
Born. 
460 


A.M. 
Died. 
1422 


Age. 
962 


7. 


Enoch . . 


622 


987 


365 


8. 


Mathusalem 


687 


1656 


969 


9. 


Lamech . . 


874 


1651 


777 


0. 


Noe . . . 


1057 


2006 


950 



1. Adam . . 

2. Seth . . 

3. Enos . . 

4. Cainan. . 

5. Malaleel 

By this it will be seen to what an advanced age the early- 
Patriarchs lived. Adam lived 930 years; Lamech, Noe's 
father, was born in the year 874; so Noe's father lived 56 
years with Adam, and Noe himself lived 128 years with 
Thare, Abraham's father. Thus, from Abraham to Adam 
there were but three persons, and from Abraham to Moses it 
was very easy to hand down traditions. Hence, there was no 
difficulty in Moses writing about the creation and the early 
history of the world as we find it related in the Bible. 



AGE II. 
FROM THE CALL OF ABRAHAM TO MOSES. 

CONTAINING 430 YEARS. 



A.M. 2083.] 



9.— The Call of Abraham. 



[A.C. 1917. 



1. At Haran, in the midst of a wicked world, there lived a 
Chaldee named Abraham, a most upright man. God chose 
him, that through him the knowledge of the true God and the 
hope in the promised Eedeemer might be preserved among 
men. For this reason, the Lord commanded Abraham to 
leave his country and his kinsfolk, and go into a strange 
land. God moreover promised that Abraham should be the 
father of a great people, and that in him all nations should 
be blessed. 

2. Abraham obeyed, and, with Sarah his wife, and Lot his 
nephew, together with his servants and flocks, came into 
Chanaan, a land flowing with milk and honey. Here the 



THE VIRTUES OF ABRAHAM. 



19 



Lord appeared to Abraham, and promised to give him and 
his posterity that land. In gratitude, Abraham built an 
altar and offered sacrifice to the Lord. 

10. — The Virtues of Abraham^ 

1. His Love of Peace. — In time, because of the scarcity of 
pasture, quarrels arose between the herdsmen of Abraham and 
the herdsmen of his nephew Lot; so Abraham, who loved 
peace rather than gain, thought it better that he and Lot 
should part. He gave Lot the choice to go either to the right 
or to the left. Lot chose the country about the Jordan, and 
dwelt in Sodom, while Abraham remained at Hebron. 




2. His Disinterestedness. — Not long after this there came 
into that country strange kings, who pillaged the cities of 
Sodom and Gomorrha, took Lot captive, and carried off with 
them all his substance. When Abraham heard this sad news, 
he gathered together three hundred of his servants, and, pur- 

Qubstions to Chapter 9.— What is said of Abraham? Where did God send 
Abraham? Why? What did God promise? Where did Abraham come? What 
is said of Chanaan ? 



20 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

suing, defeated those kings, delivered Lot, and, recovering all 
his substance, led him back to his own country. 

3. It was on this occasion Abraham was met by Melchise- 
dech. King of Salem, and priest of the Most High, who, 
offering sacrifice of bread and wine, blessed Abraham. At 
the same time, the King of Sodom offered Abraham all the 
booty that had been taken, only to restore the captives, but 
Abraham would take nothing. 

4. In this victory over the foreign kings, we have a type of Christ's 
victory over the powers of hell. The sacrifice of Melchisedech in bread 
and wine was a symbol of the Sacrifice of the Mass, which is also offered 
under the appearances of bread and wine. 

5. Abraham's Faith. — One night God led Abraham to the 
door of his tent, and said to him: "Lift up your eyes to 
heaven, and count the stars if you can; thus shall your pos- 
terity be multiplied upon the earth." 

6. God again appeared to him, and confirmed His former 
promise, adding that He would make a covenant with him. 
In return, God required Abraham to serve Him faithfully. 
To confirm this covenant between them, God promised Abra- 
ham a son, whose name should be called Isaac. Abraham 
believed the word of the Lord, and his faith, confirmed by 
his works, was imputed to him. It was on this occasion that 
God prescribed the ceremony of circumcision. 

11.— Abraham's Hospitality. 

1. During the extreme heat of the day, three strangers ap- 
proached Abraham's tent. As soon as he saw them, bowing 
himself to the ground, he said to the most distinguished of 
them: " My lord, pass not by the door of: my tent: stop and 
rest under the shade of the tree, and I will set before you a 
little bread, that you may refresh yourself." 

Questions to Chapter 10.— How did Abraham show his love for peace ? What 
is said of Lot ? WTiere did he go ? Where did Abraham remain ? WTiat is said 
about Sodom and Gomorrha ? Who was taken captive ? W T hat did Abraham do ? 
Whom did he meet when returning ? What is said of Melchisedech's sacrifice ? 
What did God promise Abraham ? What did God make with him ? Who was 
Isaac ? What did God prescribe ? 



Abraham's hospitality. 21 

2. Then Sarah hastened to make flour-cakes upon the 
hearth, whilst Abraham chose a tender calf from the flock, 
and, hastening, gave it to the servants to dress and boil; 
then he took milk and butter, and the calf and the cakes, and 
set them before the strangers, while he stood by to serve 
them. 

3. When they had eaten, he who appeared chief among 
the strangers told Abraham that in a year he would return, 




and, by that time, Sarah his wife would have a son. When 
Abraham heard this, he knew that it was God Himself, accom- 
panied by two angels, whom he had entertained. 

4. Abraham's Love of his Neighbor. — When the three 
strangers departed, Abraham accompanied them some dis- 
tance on their journey to Sodom. On the way, the Lord told 
Abraham of the iniquity of Sodom and Gomorrha, and how 
He was about to destroy the two wicked cities. When Abra- 
ham heard this, full of charity for his erring neighbors, he 
besought the Lord not to destroy the just with the unjust. 

5. Pleading, he besought the Lord to spare the sinful cities 
of the plain, if there could be found in them fifty just. And 
when the Lord yielded to his prayer, he yet again and again 
urged, until the Lord agreed, if ten just could be found, not 



22 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



to destroy Sodom. But ten just could not be found; there- 
fore, on the following morning, came the punishment as ter- 
rible in its severity as it was strange in its novelty. 

6. The Lord having left the two angels, they came to Lot, 
in Sodom. On the morrow they led Lot, his wife, and his 




two daughters forth from the place; then the Lord rained 
down fire and brimstone on the unfortunate cities, destroy- 
ing them with all their inhabitants. But Lot's wife, forget- 
ting the command of the angels, looked back, and, for her 
curiosity, was on the spot turned into a pillar of salt. The 
country round about was turned into a sulphurous lake — now 
known as the Dead Sea — which will ever remain a monu- 
ment of the wrath of God for the sins of men. 



12.— Abraham's Spirit of Self-sacrifice. 

1. As had been foretold, the year after the destruction of 
Sodom, Isaac was born. His father loved him most tenderly, 

Questions to Chapter 11.— Who approached Abraham's tent ? What did Sarah 
and Abraham do ? What did the strangers promise ? Whom did Abraham accom- 
pany ? What did the Lord tell him ? For what did Abraham plead ? What came 
on the morrow ? Who were saved ? What happened to Lot's wife ? What were 
Sodom and Gomorrha turned into ? What is its name ? 



Abraham's spirit of self-sacrifice. 23 

because he had been born to him in his old age. One night 
God, that He might try him, commanded Abraham to take 
his beloved Isaac and to go up into Mount Moria, and there 
to sacrifice him. 

2. Without a word, Abraham rose, and cutting wood placed 
it on an ass, and, taking with him his son and two servants, 
went forth as the Lord had commanded him. On the third 
day, seeing in the distance the place whither he had been 
commanded to go, he ordered the servants to rest while he 
and Isaac would go up the mountain. 



3. Then Abraham put the wood on Isaac's shoulders, and 
they went on together. On the way, Isaac remarked that 
they had the fire and the wood with them, but they had no 
victim for the sacrifice. But his father assured him God 
would provide a victim. When they were come to the place 
God had showed them, Abraham built an altar, and, placing 
the wood upon it, bound Isaac and laid him also upon it; 
then he took the sword to sacrifice his much -loved son. 

4. Just as Abraham was about to strike, an angel touched 
his hand and told him not to harm the boy; that the Lord 
was satisfied, since, for His sake, he had not spared his only- 



24 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



begotten son. Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw behind 
him a ram sticking among the bushes; taking it, he offered 
it instead of his son. 

5. The angel spoke again to Abraham, telling him the 
Lord would bless him for this offering he had made; that his 
posterity would be as numerous as the sand of the sea; and 
that from him would be born one in whom all nations would 
be blessed. 



A.M. 2148.] 



13. —Isaac Marries Rebecca. 



[A.C. 1852. 




1. When Abraham had grown old, he became anxious to 
choose for his son a wife who feared God. Therefore, call- 
ing his faithful servant Eliezer, he sent him into Mesopo- 
tamia, that, amongst his own friends and kinsfolk, he might 
seek for a wife for Isaac. Eliezer took ten camels, and, load- 
ing them with his master's goods, departed for the city of 
Haran, where Abraham's brother, Nachor, lived. 

2. When Eliezer approached the city, he made the camels 

Questions to Chapter 12.— Who was born ? How did God test Abraham's faith ? 
What did Isaac remark ? What did Abraham do ? How was Isaac saved ? What 
promises did God make ? 



ISAAC MARRIES REBECCA. 25 

lie down by the wells, where the women were wont to draw 
water; then he prayed thus to the Lord: " Lord, this day 
come to my help and have mercy upon my master Abraham! 
Soon the young women of this city will come forth to draw 
water; grant, therefore, that the maid who shall say to me, 
' Drink, and I will give thy camels also to drink, 5 may be, 
Lord, the same whom Thou hast provided for Thy servant, 
Isaac! " 

3. Scarce had he finished, when there came from the city 
a young woman, named Eebecca, as modest as she was beau- 
tiful. On her shoulders she carried a pitcher. When she 
had filled it, Eliezer said to her, " Give me to drink." She 
answered, " Drink," and kindly offered him her pitcher. 
Then she said, " I will also draw water for your camels." 

4. When the servant heard this, he stood awhile in silent 
amazement, watching till she had given the camels to drink; 
then he gave her ear rings and golden bracelets, and asked 
whose daughter she was, and whether there was room in her 
father's house for him to lodge. In answer, she told him she 
was the daughter of Bathuel, the son of Nachor, and, more- 
over, there was room at her father's, together with plenty of 
straw and hay. When Eliezer heard this, he adored God, 
who had brought his journey to so successful an end. 

5. He then went to BathuePs house, but would neither eat 
nor drink till he had delivered his message. When they all 
heard for what he had come, and what had happened, Laban, 
Rebecca's brother, as also Bathuel, her father, said: "God 
had directed all these events, and that he should take Rebecca 
with him." 

6. Then Eliezer again adored God, and, bringing forth 
vessels of silver and gold, and rich garments, gave them to 
Rebecca. He also gave presents to her mother and her 
brothers. A banquet was prepared; they ate, drank, and 
made merry. In the morning Rebecca's parents and her 
brothers blessed her, and she left her father's home to become 
the wife of Isaac. 

Abraham lived to the advanced age of a hundred and 



26 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

seventy-five years. God blessed him in all his works, and he 
died full of grace and virtues. 

a.m.2168.] 14.— Esau and Jacob. [a.c.m» 

1. For twenty years Isaac and Kebecca lived together 
before God blessed them with children. They prayed to the 
Lord, and He gave them two sons — Esau, the first-born, and 
Jacob, the second. Esau was red and hairy, and rough in 
his manners; but Jacob was smooth, and of a gentle disposi- 
tion. Esau became a hunter and a husbandman, while Jacob 
was a shepherd. 

2. Isaac loved the bold and courageous Esau, and eat with 
delight the game which he brought from the chase; but 
Eebecca loved rather the smooth and gentle Jacob, because 
God had told her he would yet rule his elder brother. 

3. One day Jacob had prepared a dish of lentil pottage, 
when Esau, who was returning from the chase, met him, and 
asked him for it. But Jacob refused unless Esau would sell 
him his birthright. So Esau, thinking lightly of the matter, 
sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. 

This transfer of Esau's birthright to Jacob was symbolical of the 
Jews, who, in the time of Christ, rejected the Gospel, and their rights 
were transferred to the Gentiles, who were chosen in their stead. 

4. When Isaac had grown old and his eyes were dim, he 
one day called Esau to his bedside, and told him to go into 
the fields, and, when he had taken some game, to make him 
a savory dish, that he might bless him before he died. Ee- 
becca overheard this conversation ; as soon as Esau had gone 
out she called Jacob, and bade him hasten and bring two kids, 
that she might prepare a dish for his father, that, carrying it 
in, he might get his father's blessing instead of Esau. 

5. At first Jacob objected, lest his father would discover 

Questions to Chapter 13. — What did Abraham -wish to choose? Whom did he 
send ? What was Eliezer's prayer ? How did it turn out ? What did Eliezer give 
Rebecca? What did she tell him? Where did Eliezer go? What happened * 
Where did Rebecca go ? How old was Abraham when he died ? 



ESAU AND JACOB. 



27 



the fraud, and thus, instead of a blessing, he would receive a 
curse. But Rebecca overcame his objection, and, clothing 
him in the skin of a kid, sent him to his father. 

Isaac doubted, but calling Jacob to him, and touching him, 
he said : " The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are 
the hands of Esau/' So he eat, and blessed Jacob. 




6. Scarce had Jacob gone out when Esau entered with 
what he had caught in the chase. When Esau heard what 
had been done, he became very angry, accusing Jacob of 
having first robbed him of his birthright, and now of his 
father's blessing. From that day Esau hated Jacob and 
threatened his life. Rebecca, seeing this, persuaded Jacob 
to go and stay for a while at Haran, with her brother Laban, 
until Esau's anger would be appeased. Jacob consented, and 
immediately started on his journey. 

Questions to Chapter 14.— What sons had Jacob and Rebecca ? What was 
Esau ? What was Jacob ? What had Jacob prepared ? Who asked for it ? What 
did Jacob ask him to sell? For what did Esau sell his birthright? Of what is 
this transfer of the birthright a picture ? How did Jacob get his father's blessing ? 
What was Jacob's objection ? How did he succeed ? When Esau discovered the 
fraud, how did he act ? Where did Jacob go ? 



28 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTA5IEXT. 






a.m.2245] 15.— Jacob's Flight and Sojourn i^am*. 

with Laban. 

1. Night overtook Jacob on his journey. Wearied, he took 
a stone and placed it under his head whilst he slept. In his 
sleep he saw a ladder whose foot rested upon the earth and 
its top reached up to heaven. He saw, besides, angels 
ascending and descending upon it, whilst the Lord leaned on 
its top. The Lord spoke to him and promised to give him, 
and his posterity after him, the land on which he then slept. 




2. When Jacob awoke, he took the stone on which he had 
slept and set it up for a title; then he poured oil upon it and 
called the place Bethel, that is, the house of God. 

[Bethel is a figure of the Church, where Jesus Christ Himself dwells, 
and in which the angels, more effectually than by this mysterious 
ladder, carry our prayers to God and bring again His graces to us.] 

3. Jacob continued his journey, and came to a well around 
which three flocks of sheep were lying. He asked the shep- 
herds if they knew Laban. They said they did, and pointed 
to Rachel, his daughter, who was driving her flocks also to 



JACOB'S ftETUKN. 29 

the well. When Jacob saw her, he hastened to take away 
the stone that covered the well, and helped her to give drink 
to her flocks. He then told her who he was. 

4. When Rachel heard that he was her cousin, she ran 
home to tell her father, who came in haste to meet Jacob, 
and, embracing him, led him into his house. Jacob remained 
twenty years with Laban, tending his flocks. In many ways 
Laban strove to lessen Jacob's wages; but as often as he 
strove to injure Jacob, God blessed him, until Jacob became 
immensely rich. In time, Jacob married Rachel, and also 
her sister Lea. 

am. 2265] 16. — Jacob's Return. [A.c.1735. 

1. Owing to Jacob's great wealth, Laban became extremely 
jealous of him. At the command of God, Jacob gathered to- 
gether all his servants, and his flocks of sheep and of goats 
and of camels and of asses, and went into his own country. 
When he arrived at the banks of the Jordan, a river that 
marks the limits of Chanaan, he began to fear the former 
anger of Esau. He then sent messengers to make peace 
with him; but without giving an answer, Esau came to 
meet his brother, accompanied by four hundred men. 

2. When Jacob heard this, he was much alarmed, and 
prayed God to deliver him out of his brother's hands. Dur- 
ing the night an angel appeared to him and wrestled with 
him till the morning. Before the angel left him, he changed 
his name from Jacob to Israel, that is to say, strong against 
God. 

3. This contest of the angel with Jacob is a lively figure of the 
Church. Pagan emperors, heresiarchs, and, above all, hell, have made 
constant war against her; but as Jacob was not overcome by the angel, 
neither has the Church been overcome, nor shall she be to the end of 
time. 

Questions to Chapter 15.— Describe Jacob's ladder. What did God promise ? 
What does Bethel mean ? What/ is said of Bethel and the Church ? Whom did 
Jacob meet at the well ? What happened ? How long did Jacob serve Laban ? 
Whom did he marry ? 



30 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

4. In the morning Jacob saw Esau coming towards him. 
He hastened to divide his children and his servants and his 
flocks into two companies; then, advancing to meet Esau, 
bowed himself seven times before him. The brothers em- 
braced and wept for joy; Jacob's children, also advancing, 
bowed themselves before Esau. 

5. After a short delay the brothers parted, and Jacob pur- 
sued his journey; penetrated with a lively sense of the divine 
protection, he came into the land of Chanaan. When his 
old father saw him he was much rejoiced, and gave God 
thanks that his son had returned. Isaac died at the ad- 
vanced age of a hundred and eighty years, and was buried by 
his sons Esau and Jacob. 



17.— Joseph in his Father's House. 

1. Jacob had twelve sons, of whom Joseph was the best. 
His father loved him above all his brothers; and when they 
saw the coat of many colors which his father made for him, 
they were filled with rage and envy. One day, while they 
were tending their flocks, his brothers committed a grievous 
fault. Joseph told his father, and by this only the more 
were his brothers enraged against him. 

2. On another occasion Joseph told his brothers a dream 
he had had. He appeared, he said, to be binding sheaves 
with them in the field, when suddenly his sheaf rose up, 
and theirs, standing round about, bowed down to his. His 
brothers asked him, "If he wished to be their king?" So 
they only hated him the more. 

3. Joseph had another dream, in which the sun and the 
moon and eleven stars seemed to worship him. This time 
his father asked him, " Whether he expected that he and 
his mother and his brothers should worship him?" But 

Questions to Chapter 16.— How did Laban act towards Jacob ? What did Jacob 
gather together ? What happened at the Jordan ? With whom did Jacob wrestle? 
What does Israel mean? How is Jacob's contest a figure of the Church? How did 
Esau and Jacob meet? How old was Isaac when he died? 



JOSEPH SOLD IKTO EGYPT. 



31 



then, reflecting upon the whole matter, Jacob thought God 
might have great things in store for his son. 



18.— Joseph Sold into Egypt. 



[A.C. 1714. 



1. Some time after this Jacob sent Joseph to see his 
brothers, who were feeding their flocks at Sichem, that he 
might bring him back word how they were. But when the 
brothers saw Joseph coming to them, they determined to kill 
him and cast him into a pit that was near by. When Kuben, 
the eldest brother, heard this cruelty of his brothers, he per- 
suaded them to let him down alive into an empty cistern 
that was there. This he did hoping he might rescue the boy 
out of their hands. 




2. As soon as Joseph arrived he was stripped of his coat 
of many colors and cast into the empty cistern. "Whilst his 
brothers were eating, they saw some Ismaelite merchants 
passing on their way to Egypt, their camels carrying their 
merchandise. Then Juda advised his brothers not to kill 

Questions to Chapter 17.— What is said of Joseph? Why did his brothers hate 
him? What were his dreams ? 



32 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

Joseph — for he was their brother — and it would be better to 
sell him; so they drew him out of the cistern and sold him 
to the Ismaelites for twenty pieces of silver. 

3. Ruben was absent when Joseph was sold, and, return- 
ing shortly after, sought the boy, and, not finding him, went, 
in much trouble, to the others to know what they had done 
with him; but they were indifferent to his inquiries. 

Then the brothers killed a kid, and dipping Joseph's coat 
in its blood, sent it to their father, pretending they had found 
it. _ Jacob knew the coat at once, and concluded a wild beast 
had killed his son. Rending his garments and putting on 
sackcloth, he would not be comforted. 

4. In many respects Joseph's life was a picture of the life of Jesus 
Christ. Joseph was hated by his brothers because of his great virtues; 
Jesus was hated for His doctrines and the prophecies that foretold His 
greatness. Joseph was betrayed, sold, and calumniated; so was Christ 
Joseph triumphed in the end; so did Jesus Christ. Joseph was made 
governor over Egypt; Jesus is King of heaven and earth. Joseph 
saved his brothers; Jesus Christ redeemed and saved mankind. 

a.m.2287] 19. — Joseph in the House of [A.c.m3. 

Putiphar. 

1. When the Ismaelites came into Egypt, they sold Joseph 
to Putiphar, the chief officer in Pharao's army. God was 
with Joseph, so that whatever he undertook succeeded. 
Soon he was placed in charge of Putiphar 's house. 

2. After some time Putiphar's wife strove to persuade him 
to commit a grievous sin, but he would not. However, she 
continued to press her wishes, until one day, when she was 
more pressing than usual, Joseph fled, leaving his cloak in 
her hands. 

3. Finding she could not succeed, her love was turned into 
hatred, and, seeing Joseph's cloak in her hands, resolved to 
ruin the innocent young man. Then, with well-affected 

Questions to Chapter 18.— Where was Joseph sent ? What did his brothers pro- 
pose ? What did Ruben say ? What was done with Joseph ? To whom was Joseph 
sold ? For how much ? How did Ruben act ? What was done with Joseph's coat ? 
How did Jacob act when he saw the coat ? How was Joseph's life a picture of the 
life of Jesus Chrigt ? 



Joseph ns; prison. 33 

horror, she began to cry out against Joseph; and when 
Putiphar came home, repeated her falsehoods and calumnies. 
Her husband believed her story, and, seeing the cloak be- 
came verv angry and cast Joseph into prison. 

a.m.2287.] 20. — Joseph in Prison. LA.c.nis. 

1. Joseph soon found favor with the keeper of the prison. 
Here, as before with Putiphar's house, Joseph was placed in 
charge of the other prisoners. Two of Pharao's officers, the 
cup-bearer and chief baker, were also cast into prison. 




2. On the same night they had each a dream that made 
them very sad. In the morning Joseph noticed their sorrow, 
and, asking why, they told him of their dreams, and that no 
one could interpret them. Joseph bade them tell them to 
him. 

3. The cup-bearer said: " I saw before me three branches 
of a vine, which, by degrees, grew and blossomed, and at 
length brought forth grapes. I took the grapes and pressed 
them into the king's cup, and gave him to drink." When 

Questions to Chapter 19.— To whom was Joseph sold ? How did Putipbar's 
wife act ? Who cast Joseph into prison ? 



34 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

Joseph heard this, he answered: " The three branches are yet 
three days, when the king will restore you to your former 
dignity, and you shall present the cup as heretofore. Ee- 
member me, and speak to the king for me, for though cast 
into prison, I am innocent/'' 

4. Then the chief baker said: "I carried on my head three 
baskets of meal. In the uppermost were all kinds of pastry, 
of which the birds came and eat. " Joseph answered: " The 
three baskets are three days, when the king shall cut off your 
head, and hang your body on a gibbet, where the birds shall 
eat your flesh." 

5. Three days after, everything happened as Joseph had 
foretold: the king restored the cup-bearer, and he presented 
the cup as before, but the baker he hanged on a gibbet. The 
cup-bearer, however, in his prosperity, forgot Joseph. 

a.m.2289.] 21. — Joseph's Greatness. ea.c mi 

1. After two years Pharao had a dream. He seemed to 
stand on the bank of the Nile, while seven fat kine came up 
and fed in the marshes; then there came up seven other 
kine, lean and ill-favored, that devoured the fat kine. After 
this the king awoke. 

2. Pharao slept again, and dreamt another dream: he saw 
seven ears of corn, full and fair, growing upon one stalk; 
than he saw seven other ears grow up, thin and blasted, and 
these eat up the first. So Pharao awoke. In the morning 
the king sent for all the wise men and soothsayers of Egypt, 
to whom he related his dreams, but no one could interpret 
them. 

3. Then the cup-bearer remembered Joseph, and told the 
king how, in prison, Joseph had interpreted both his and the 
chief baker's dream. Immediately Joseph was sent for. 
When the king related his dreams to him, Joseph told the 
king their interpretation depended not on him but on God. 

Questions to Chapter 20.— What position did Joseph hold in the prison ? What 
happened there ? What was the cup-bearer's dream ? What was the baker's ? 
How were they fulfilled ? Whom did the cup-bearer forget ? 



JOSEPH'S GREATNESS. 



35 



4, "This," said Joseph, "is the interpretation of your 
dreams : the seven fat kine and the seven full ears are seven 
years of plenty; the seven lean kine and the seven blasted 
ears are seven years of famine, which will follow and eat up 
all the abundance of the seven years of plenty. The famine 
shall be in all the land. -Let, therefore, the king choose a 
wise man, and make him ruler over Egypt; and let him, dur- 
ing the years of abundance, gather the crops into public 
granaries, that there may be food against the seven years of 
famine." 




5. This counsel pleased Pharao, and, admiring the wisdom 
and prudence that appeared in Joseph, he chose him. Then 
he took the ring from his own finger and put it upon 
Joseph's, and, putting upon him a silken robe, and round his 
neck a chain of gold, made him go up into his second chariot, 
while a herald went before, crying aloud: " Let all the people 
bow their knee before Joseph, who is made governor of 
Egypt. " Pharao also changed Joseph's name, and called 



36 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

him "Saviour of the world" Joseph was then thirty years of 



a.m.2290.] 22. — Joseph's Brethren go into la.c.170*. 

Egypt. 

1. During the seven years of plenty, Joseph stored up great 
quantities of wheat. As he had foretold, the famine came, 
and the people demanded bread from the king; but he sent 
them to Joseph, who opened the granaries and gave out 
wheat. 

2. The famine passed also into the land of Chanaan. Jacob, 
hearing there was wheat in Egypt, sent ten of his sons 
thither, that they might buy; but Benjamin, the youngest, he 
kept at home, lest any harm should befall him on the way. 
In time the brothers arrived in Egypt, and, coming to Joseph, 
humbly bowed themselves before him. He knew them, but 
they did not know him. 

3. Joseph began to charge them with being spies, but they 
declared their innocence, and how they had come only to 
buy wheat. They also told him that, originally, they were 
twelve brothers; that the youngest was at home with their 
father, but the other was not living. Joseph, that he might 
further try them, threatened to cast one of them into prison 
until the others should return and bring their younger 
brother, that he might see if they were men of truth or no. 

4. When the brothers saw themselves so harshly treated, 
they began to speak one to the other, not thinking that 
Joseph understood what they said, as he had spoken to them 
only through an interpreter. In their trouble they remem- 
bered how they had treated him, and acknowledged that their 
present treatment was a just punishment for their former 
cruelty to their younger brother. When Joseph heard this, 
going out, he wept. 

Questions to Chapter 21 .-What was Pharao's first dream ? What his second ? 
Who could not interpret the dreams ? Who could ? What was the interpretation 
of the dreams ? Who was made governor of Egypt ? What was Joseph called ? 



BENJAMIN GOES DOWN TO EGYPT. 37 

5. Then Simeon was cast into prison, while the sacks of the 
others were filled with corn, and their money put secretly 
in each man's sack ; provisions were also given them for 
the journey. When all was ready, the brothers loaded their 
asses and went their way. 

6. Coming to their father ? they told him all that had hap- 
pened; and, emptying their sacks, each found the price of 
his corn. Great fear came upon them. When Jacob heard 
what had happened, he began to lament his sad lot— how 
they would rob him of his children; Joseph was not, Simeon 
was a prisoner, and now they would take Benjamin away. 

a.m. 2297.] 23 — Benjamin goes down to [A.c.nos. 

Egypt. 

1. When their wheat was all eaten, Jacob ordered his sons 
to go again into Egypt; but Juda said it was useless unless 
they took Benjamin with them. After considering the 
matter well, Jacob at length consented. Taking with them 
Benjamin, and double money, they started again. 

2. When they arrived in Egypt, and Joseph saw Benjamin, 
he commanded his steward to bring them into the palace, 
that they might dine with him. The steward did as he was 
ordered. They, seeing what was done, became frightened, 
and began to think it was because of the money they had 
found in their sacks ; but the steward told them not to fear, 
and, going, brought Simeon to them. 

3. When Joseph came in to see them, they bowed down 
before him and presented the gifts they had brought. He 
saluted them kindly and asked for their father: if he yet 
lived, and if he were well. Having answered him, he turned 
to Benjamin, and, blessing him, went out and, for joy, wept. 

4. Washing his face, he returned and ordered dinner. 

Questions to Chapter 22.— After seven years what happened ? What did 
Joseph give the people ? What did Jacob do ? Who was kept at home ? How did 
the brothers appear before Joseph ? What did they tell him ? What did Joseph 
threaten ? What did the brothers say to each other ? What did Joseph do ? Who 
was cast into prison ? What was done to the others ? What did they tell their 
father ? What was found in each man's sack ? How did Jacob act ? 



38 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



When he seated them each in the order of his age, they 
wondered exceedingly. To each he gave a share, but Benja- 
min's was five times larger than that of any other. So they 
eat and drank and made merry with Joseph. 



24.— Joseph's Silver Cup. 

1. Joseph would again prove his brothers, to see if they 
were as jealous and hard-hearted towards Benjamin as they 
had been to himself; so, when the feast was ended, he bade 
his steward fill their sacks with corn, to put each man's 
money back into his sack, and his own silver cup into the 
sack of the youngest. The order was obeyed, and in the 
morning they departed. 




2. But scarce were they gone when Joseph sent his 
steward after them, charging them with returning evil for 
good in having stolen his master's silver cup. When the 
sons of Jacob heard the accusation, they were overwhelmed 

Questions to Chapter 23.— What did Jacob order ? What at first did Jacob re- 
fuse ? When they arrived in Egypt, what did Joseph command ? How did the 
brothers feel ? How did Joseph receive them ? How did Joseph act towards Benja- 
min ? How did Joseph seat his brothers ? Whose share was the greatest ? How 
did the brothers act ? 



JACOB GOES DOWN TO EGYPT. 39 

with fear, and declared that with whomsoever the cup would 
be found, he should die. Hastening, they opened their sacks, 
and the cup was found in Benjamin's. Confounded, they 
gazed on each other, and, rending their garments, returned 
to Joseph. 

3. They cast themselves at his feet, and Juda, in their 
name, said they had no excuse to make; that they were thus 
justly punished for their sins; and that hereafter they would 
be his slaves. Joseph, however, declared that only he with 
whom the cup had been found should be his slave; the 
others would be free to go. 

4. When Juda heard this, he drew near to Joseph and told 
him how much it had cost their father to let Benjamin go, 
how he had pledged himself for the return of the boy, and 
how, if they returned without Benjamin, he feared it would 
kill their aged father; then Juda offered himself to be slave 
instead of his younger brother Benjamin. 

5. Joseph could no longer restrain himself, but, bursting 
into tears, said to his brothers, " I am Joseph." They could 
not answer him, so great was their fear; but he spoke kindly 
to them, assuring them that all they had done to him had 
been directed by God. Then he asked how his father was, 
and commanded his brothers to hasten and tell him of his 
son's glory; to come down to Egypt, for there were yet five 
years of famine. 

When Pharao heard the news, he promised to give Jacob 
of the fat of Egypt. Then Joseph dismissed his brothers, 
sending with them chariots and provisions, costly robes and 
silver. 



am. 2298] 25. — Jacob goes down to Egypt. [A.o.im 

1. When Joseph's brothers came to their father and told 
him the news, — how his son yet lived, and was governor of 

Questions to Chapter 24.— What is said of Joseph's silver cup ? What did the 
brothers say ? In whose sack was the cup found ? What did Juda offer ? What 
message did Joseph send his father ? 



40 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

Egypt, — Jacob awoke as from a dream. At first he could not 
believe what he heard, but when he saw the chariots of the 
king, and received the rich presents sent by his son, his 
spirits revived, and he was satisfied, now that Joseph lived, to 
go down to Egypt, that he might see him before he died. 




2. Jacob gathered together all his possessions and, accom- 
panied by his sons and their wives and their children, — in 
all to the number of seventy, — began his journey. When he 
came to the borders of the land of Chanaan, the Lord ap- 
peared to him and told him to fear nothing, for He would go 
down with him, and would yet make of him a great nation, 
and in time would bring him back again. 

3. Juda went on before to tell Joseph that his father was 
coming. Joseph hastened to meet his father, and, seeing 
him, fell upon his neck and wept. "Now I die in peace/' 
said Jacob, " since I see your face/' 

In the same manner spoke the aged Simeon, seventeen hundred years 
afterwards, when, in the Temple of Jerusalem, he saw the true Joseph, 
Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. 

4. When Joseph presented his father to the king, he asked 
him his age. The old man said, "I am a hundred and 
thirty years of age; yet I am not as old as my fathers." 



THE DEATH OF JACOB AND JOSEPH. 



41 



Joseph gave his father and his brethren possessions in Ges- 
sen, because there was there great abundance of grass for 
their flocks. 



A.M. 2315.] 



26.— The Death of Jacob and 
Joseph. 



[A.C. 1686. 



1. Seventeen years after his arrival in Egypt, Jacob fell 
sick. When Joseph heard this he took his two sons, Ephraim 
and Manasses, and hastened to visit his father. When Jacob 
saw the two boys, he blessed them. 




2. Then he called together his sons, and told them God 
would yet lead them back to their own country ; but he 
charged them to bury him in the land of Chanaan. Then he 
blessed them, foretelling what would happen in the latter 
days. 

To Juda he gave the greatest blessing, saying: "You shall 
rule over your enemies; the sons of your father shall bow 

Questions to Chapter 25.— How did Jacob act when he heard Joseph was alive ? 
What did Jacob gather together ? Who appeared to him? What did the Lord 
tell him? Who told Joseph his father was coming? Describe the meeting of 
Joseph and Jacob. What is said of Simeon? How old was Jacob when he went 
into Egypt ? 



42 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

down to you, and the sceptre shall not pass from Juda till 
He cometh that is to be sent, ' the Expectation of Nations.'' " 

3. This celebrated prophecy, that so clearly marked the time when 
the Messias would come, was accomplished when Herod, the first 
stranger, ruled over Judea. In him the sceptre passed from Juda. 

4. When Jacob was dead, Joseph threw himself on his 
father's face, weeping and kissing him. Then he ordered the 
physicians to embalm the body, and when, according to the 
custom of the Egyptians, he had mourned for seventy days, 
he, with his brothers and an immense multitude, carried the 
body into the land of Chanaan. Thus was Jacob buried at 
Hebron. 

a.m. 2369.] 5. Joseph lived to the age of a ta.c. i63i. 

hundred and ten years, and saw his children's children to the 
third generation. When he saw his end drawing near, he 
called his brothers to him, and told them they would have 
trouble after his death ; to fear nothing, however, as God 
would surely lead them back to the land He had promised to 
their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Then, having 
charged them to take his bones up with them, he died, and 
his body was embalmed and laid in a coffin. 

27.— The Patience of Job. 

1. Contemporary with the patriarchs there lived in Arabia 
a man named Job. He had seven sons and three daughters ; 
for possessions he had seven thousand sheep, three thousand 
camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred asses, 
besides many servants. He was much esteemed on account 
of his great wealth, but much more so for his piety. 

2. On a certain day God said to Satan, " Have you con- 
sidered my servant Job, how there is none like to him on the 
whole earth ? " Satan replied that it was easy for Job to 
serve God, that he was rich and blessed in all his actions; but, 

Questions to Chapter 26.— How many years after his arrival when Jacob fell 
sick ? What were the names of Joseph's sons ? What did Jacob do before he 
died ? What prophecy was given to Juda ? Where was this prophecy fulfilled ? 
What was done with Jacob's body ? Where was he buried ? What did Joseph 
foretell ? What was done with his body ? 



THE PATIENCE OF JOB. 



43 



"Touch him," said Satan, "and he will curse you and 
abandon you." God gave Satan permission, only not to touch 
his person. 

3. Soon after this, while the sons and daughters of Job 
were eating and drinking together in the house of their eldest 
brother, there came a messenger to Job to tell him how the 
Sabeans had taken his oxen and his asses, and slain his ser- 
vants. The messenger had hardly finished when there came 
another, telling how fire had fallen from heaven and con- 
sumed his sheep and his shepherds. There came still a third, 
saying the Chaldeans had taken, his camels and slain his 
servants. And while he was yet speaking there came a 
fourth with the sad news that the house in which his chil- 
dren were feasting had been blown down by a wind and all 
were killed. 




4. When Job heard these things, rising up, he rent his gar- 
ments, and, falling down, adored God. " The Lord gave, and 
the Lord hath taken away," said he; " blessed be the name 
of the Lord." So Job sinned not, and God rejoiced in His 
servant. 

5. Satan again appeared before the Lord and said, if God 
would but touch Job's person, He would see Job would curse 



44 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

Him. God put Job in Satan's power. Then Satan struck 
Job with a grievous ulcer, so that he was covered with sores 
from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot. Job 
scraped his sores with a potsherd. 

6. Job's wife, seeing this, came and upbraided him for his 
folly. But Job answered, "If we have received good from 
the hand of God, why will we not receive evil ? " So again 
Job sinned not. 

7. When Job's friends heard what had. befallen him, three 
of them came to condole with him. Seeing him, they wept, 
and, sitting down, for seven days and seven nights no one 
spoke, for they saw how great was his grief. 

8. At length Job opened his mouth and began to lament 
his suffering; but his friends only reproached him with his 
faults. Job would not confess that he was guilty, but stoutly 
maintained his innocence and his confidence in God. 

9. This confidence was not misplaced, for Job was deliv- 
ered from his afflictions, and had possessions twice as great 
as before. Again he had seven sons and three daughters, and 
after this lived a hundred and forty years, and saw his chil- 
dren's children to the fourth generation. He died an old 
man, full of joy and happiness. 

10. Job is a figure of Jesus Christ, who, bruised from the top of His 
head to the sole of His foot, and scorned as a man covered with iniqui- 
ties, complained not. We see also in Job's case how far sometimes God 
permits the devil to exercise his powers. 

END OF THE SECOND AGE. 

Names and Ages of the Patriarchs from Noe to Moses : 



A.M. 
Born. Died. Age. 

1. Thare . . 1878 2083 205 

2. Abraham . 2008 2183 175 

3. Isaac . . . 2108 2288 180 



a.m. 

Born. Died. Age. 

4. Jacob . . . 2168 2315 147 

5. Levi . . . 2255 2392 137 

6. Moses. . . 2433 2553 120 



Questions to Chapter 27.— What is said of Job ? What did God say to Satan ? 
What did Satan say to God? Who were eating and drinking ? What did the first 
messenger tell Job? What the second? Third? And fourth? What did Job 
say? What power did God give Satan the second time? With what was Job 
struck ? What did Job answer his wife ? Who came to see Job ? What did they 
do? What did Job maintain? What reward did Job receive for his patience? 
Of whom was Job a figure ? How ? 



THE BIKTH OF MOSES. 



45 



A.M. 2433.] 



AGE III. 

FROM MOSES TO DAVID. 

28.— The Birth of Moses. 



[A.C. 1567. 



1. In Egypt the posterity of Jacob rapidly increased, and 
soon became a great people. In the mean time other kings 
arose, who knew not Joseph, and, seeing how great the Israel- 
ites had become, began to fear them; so they oppressed the 
children of Jacob, put heavy burdens upon them; and finally 
ordered the Egyptian midwives to cast into the Nile all the 
male children that would be born among the Hebrews. ( 




2. One of the Hebrew women bore a son, whom she loved 
most tenderly. For three months she hid him; but, finding 
it impossible to conceal him any longer, she made a basket of 
bulrushes, and, smearing it with pitch, laid the child in it, 
and placed the basket among the sedges by the bank of the 



4G HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

river. Then she sent his sister to watch what would come to 
pass. 

3. By the direction of God, Pharao's daughter came down 
to the river to wash herself, and, seeing the basket, sent her 
maid to bring it. When she opened it and saw the child, 
she knew it belonged to one of the Hebrew women. The 
sister approaching, Pharao's daughter sent her to bring a 
nurse. She ran and brought the mother. Pharao's daughter 
gave her the child to nurse, and, when he was grown up, 
adopted him, calling him Moses, that is, saved from the 
ivaters. 

4. Moses was a figure of Jesus Christ. Moses was saved from the 
river; Jesus, from Herod. Moses, when young, was wise in words and 
powerful in deeds; so also Christ, who, at the age of twelve, was the 
wonder of priests and doctors. Moses divided the waters of the sea ; 
Christ calmed the winds and the storms. Moses led the way to the 
Promised Land; Christ is the way to heaven. 

5. Moses, amid great miracles, gave the Old Law to the Jews; Christ 
with the most stupendous miracles, gave the Xew Law to the world. 
Moses abolished idolatry among the Jews; Christ, in the world. Moses 
gave civil liberty to the Jews; Christ, spiritual liberty to mankind. 

6. Moses fasted forty days on the mountain; Christ fasted forty days 
in the desert. Moses descended from the mountain with his face trans- 
figured; Christ was transfigured on the mountain. In the desert, Moses 
fed the people with manna; Christ feeds the world with His own body 
and blood. Moses confirmed the Old Law with the blood of bullocks; 
Christ sealed the New Law with His own blood. 

a.m.2513] 29. — The Call of Moses. [axluw. 

1. When Moses attained his fortieth year he resolved to 
share the miseries of his people. By his vigorous defence of 
the Hebrews against the cruelty of the Egyptians, he incurred 
the displeasure of the king, who resolved to put him to death; 
but Moses fled to Madian, in Arabia, where he lived for forty 
years, tending the flocks of his father-in-law, Jethro, a priest 
of that country. 

Questions to Chapter 28.— What is said of Jacob's posterity? How did the 
kings of Eg}-pt treat them ? What order was given to the midwives ? Tell the 
story of the birth of Moses and how he was saved. What does Moses mean ? Tell 
how Moses was a figure of Jesus Christ. 



THE CALL OF MOSES. 



47 



2. One day, when Moses had led his flock to the mountain 
of Horeb, God appeared to him in the midst of a turning 
bush. Moses was much astonished that the bush was not 
consumed, and approached to see what it could mean; but 
God commanded him to stand still and take off his shoes, for 
the place was holy. At the voice of God, Moses fell on his 
face. 




3. Then God told him how He had seen the afflictions of 
the Hebrews, and that He was about to deliver them; be- 
sides, He had chosen him to lead the people out of Egypt. 
At first Moses objected, alleging his weakness and slowness 
of speech ; but God promised to be with him, and gave him 
Aaron, his brother, as spokesman. 

4. Then Moses returned to Egypt, and Aaron with him, 
and, assembling the people of Israel, Aaron spoke to them all 
the Lord had commanded. When Moses had wrought mira- 
cles, before the people, they believed and adored God. 

Questions to Chapter 29.— How old was Moses when lie resolved to join his 
people ? Whose anger did he excite ? Where did he flee ? Whose flocks did he 
keep? In what did God appear to Moses? What did God command him to do? 
Who was given as spokesman ? Where did Moses and Aaron go ? 



48 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



A.M. 2513.] 



30. — The Ten Plagues of Egypt. 



[A.C. 1487. 



1. Moses and Aaron were both about eighty years of age 
when they first presented themselves before Pharao and com- 
manded him to let the Israelites go into the desert to sacrifice 
to the Lord. But Pharao refused, and commanded the Is- 
raelites to be oppressed more and more. Their tasks were 
also increased. 




2. Again Moses and Aaron presented themselves before 
Pharao. At the command of God, Aaron cast his rod before 
the king, and immediately it was changed into a serpent. 
Pharao only the more hardened his heart and would not let 
the people go. Then God sent ten plagues upon Pharao and 
his people. 

3. For the first, Aaron struck the Kile with his rod, and 
its waters were changed into blood, and corrupted. After 
seven days he again stretched his hand over the waters of 
Egypt, and there came up frogs that covered the whole land. 
Then, in turn, the dust of the earth was turned into flies and 
insects that tormented both man and beast. 



THE DEATH OF THE FIRST-BOKN", ETC. 



49 



4. In quick succession there followed a murrain amongst 
the cattle, and boils and swellings upon man and beast. For 
the seventh plague, God sent thunder and hail, and light- 
ning running along the ground. After this was added the 
plague of locusts to eat up what the hail had spared; and, at 
last, impenetrable darkness covered the land. 

But Pharao hardened his heart and would not let the 
people go as the Lord commanded; so God struck him with 
a tenth plague more terrible than all the rest. 

a.m.2513.] 31. — The Death of the First-born. — ea.c.i487. 
The Paschal Lamb. — The Departure from Egypt. 




1. Before God sent His tenth plague He wished to pre- 
pare the Israelites for it. Each family was therefore com- 
manded by Moses and Aaron to prepare a lamb without 
blemish, and on the fourteenth day of the month to sacrifice 
it, and to sprinkle their door-posts with its blood. They 
were further required to roast the lamb at the fire, and whilst, 

Questions to Chapter 30. — How old were Moses and Aaron when they went to 
Pharao ? What did they ask of him ? What did Pharao do ? What was done the 
second time Moses presented himself to Pharao ? What was the first plague ? 
What was the second, third, etc.? Did Pharao let the people go ? 



50 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

with unleavened bread and wild lettuce, they eat its flesh, to 
stand with their loins girt and staves in their hands. The 
Israelites did all they were commanded. 

2. About the middle of the night, the angel of the Lord 
struck all the first-born of Egypt, even from the first-born of 
Pharao to the humblest of the land : no family escaped. But 
the angel, seeing the blood on the door-posts of the Israelites, 
spared them. 

3. When Pharao saw this, he rose up and, calling Moses 
and Aaron, commanded them to go forth and to take the 
Israelites with them. The Egyptians also pressed them to 
go, fearing lest all would die. The Israelites went forth from 
Egypt, two hundred and fifteen years after Jacob had gone 
thither, to the number of six hundred thousand men, besides 
women and children. They carried with them the bones of 
Joseph. 

4. The paschal lamb was a figure of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, 
who was offered on the cross. By His blood we also are marked and 
delivered from eternal death. The deliverance of the Israelites from the 
bondage of Egypt is also a figure of man's delivery from the bondage of 
sin and hell. 

a.m. 25i3] 32. — The Passage of the Red Sea. [A.c.u87. 

1. God became the guide of the Israelites, leading them 
on their way by a cloud in the day and a pillar of fire in the 
night. In a few days they came to the Eed Sea. Meanwhile 
Pharao repented that he had let the Israelites go, and re- 
solved to gather together his horses and chariots and pursue 
them. When the Israelites saw the Egyptians behind them 
and the sea before them, they were seized with great fear. 
But Moses encouraged them, and assured them the Lord 
would fight for them. 

2. The cloud that had gone before the Israelites now went 

Questions to Chapter 31.— What did God command the Israelites to eat ? How 
was the paschal lamb to be eaten ? With what were the door-posts sprinkled ? 
What happened about the middle of the night ? Who were spared ? What did 
Pharao do ? How long were the Israelites in Egypt ? How many entered Egypt ? 
How many left it ? Whose bones w T ere carried out ? Of what was the paschal 
Iamb a figure ? 



THE PASSAGE OF THE RED SEA. 



51 



behind them, and become a wall of separation between the 
Egyptians and the Israelites. On the side of the former it 
was dark, but on the side of the latter it shone with a clear 
light* Thus the two armies were separated during the night. 
By command of God, Moses stretched forth his rod over the 
sea, and the waters were divided, rising as a wall to the right 
and to the left. 




3. During the night the Israelites passed through on dry- 
land. In the morning the Egyptians also followed, but, at 
the command of God, Moses again stretched forth his rod 
over the sea, and the waters returned to their place — Pharao 
and his whole army, his chariots and his horsemen, were 
swallowed up, so that not a single person escaped. 

4. The cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night were a figure of 
Jesus Christ. He is the light, in which those who walk will not perish. 
The Red Sea is also a figure of Baptism, since we must all receive it if 
we will enter heaven. 

Questions to Chapter 32.— Who became the guide of the Israelites ? What was 
seen in the day ? What in the night ? What did Pharao do ? What became of the 
cloud ? Tell how the Israelites passed the Red Sea. What happened to the 
Egyptians ? What was a figure of Jesus Christ ? How ? Of what was the Red Sea 
a figure ? How f 



52 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



33.— The Quails, the Manna, and the Water in the 

Desert. 

1. When the Israelites came into the desert they could 
find no bread; then they began to murmur against Moses, 
and to wish for the flesh-pots of Egypt. God promised them 
flesh to the full, and, in the morning, bread. In the evening 
there came into the camp an immense number of quails, 
which were easily caught; and in the morning the desert was 
covered with small white seeds that appeared like hoar-frost. 
"When the Israelites saw this they cried out Man-hu ! that 
is, What is this ? 




2. Then Moses told them it was the bread which the Lord 
had sent them. They were commanded to gather as much 
as each one needed. The people did so, and found the taste 
thereof like fine flour mixed with honey. 

3. For forty years God fed the Israelites with this bread, 
which was afterwards called manna. It fell no more after 
they came into the land of Chanaan. 



THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 



53 



This manna was preeminently a figure of the Sacrament of the Altar, 
in which Jesus Christ gives Himself under the appearance of bread 
and wine. 




4. Some time after this there was a scarcity of water, and 
the Israelites began again to murmur. God told Moses to 
take his rod, and to go to Mount Horeb and strike the rock. 
He did so, and immediately there came forth water in such 
abundance that the people quenched their thirst and were 
satisfied. 



34. — The Ten Commandments. 

1. Three months after their departure from Egypt the 
Israelites came to Mount Sinai. God called Moses, and he 
went up into the mountain. Here the Lord spoke to him, 
and bade him remind the people of all He had already done 
for them, and how He would continue to protect them if 
they would be faithful to Him, and that He would make 

Questions to Chapter 33.— In the desert what did the people do ? What did God 
send in the evening ? What in the morning ? What was the taste of the manna ? 
How long did God feed the Israelites on manna ? Of what was the manna a figure r 
How did God supply water ? 



54 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



them a chosen people. When Moses descended from the 
mountain and told the people all the words of the Lord, they 
cried out, " We will do all the Lord hath spoken." 

2. Then God commanded the people to purify themselves 
to-morrow and the next day, and to be ready for the third. 
On the morning of the third day it began to thunder and 
lighten; a thick cloud covered the mountain. The top of 
Mount Sinai was on fire, and it shook to its base. Then 
came the sound of a trumpet, that grew louder and louder, 
until the people trembled with an exceeding great fear. 




3. When Moses had led the people to the foot of the 
mountain, the Lord spoke thus: 

I. I am the Lord thy God. Thou shalt not have 

strange gods before Me. 
II. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God 
in vain. 

III. Eemember thou keep holy the Sabbath day. 

IV. Honor thy father and thy mother. 
V. Thou shalt not kill. 

VI. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 



THE GOLDEN CALF. 55 

VII. Thou siialt not steal. 

VIII. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy 
neighbor. 
IX. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife. 
X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods. 

4. When the people, who were camped round about the 
mountain, heard these things, trembling with fear and full 
of reverence, they promised to do all the Lord commanded 
them. Moses built an altar and offered sacrifice to the Lord. 
He took also of the blood of the victims and sprinkled it 
upon the people, as a sign of the covenant the Lord had that 
day made with them. 

5. As the covenant of the Old Law was established on Mount Sinai, 
so was the covenant of the New Law sealed on Calvary. There God 
showed His power; here, His mercy. Both covenants were sealed with 
blood; at Sinai with the blood of bullocks; on Calvary with the blood 
of Jesus Christ. 



35.— The Golden Calf. 

1. After this, Moses again went up into the mountain, and 
for forty days and forty nights remained conversing with 
God. The Lord gave him two tables of stone, on which were 
written the ten commandments. While Moses delayed on 
the mountain, the people began to murmur, and came to 
Aaron and demanded that he would make for them gods like 
to those of the Egyptians. Not thinking they would comply 
with his command, he said to them, " Bring me the golden 
earrings of your wives and daughters." 

2. Contrary to his expectations, they brought them, and, 
being a weak man, he had not courage to resist their wicked 
wish; so he cast them into a furnace and made a golden 
calf, and built an altar. Then the Israelites gathered to- 

Questions to Chapter 34.— When did the people come to Sinai ? Who was called 
up to the mountain ? What did God tell Moses ? What did the people say ? What 
were the people commanded to do ? What happened on the third day ? Repeat 
the ten commandments. What did Moses offer ? With what did he sprinkle the 
people ? What comparison between Sinai and Calvary ? 



56 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



gether and offered sacrifice, and, eating and drinking, rose 
up to play, after the manner of the pagans. 

3. When Moses came down from the mountain and saw 
these abominations, he was exceeding angry, and throwing 
down the tables on which the ten commandments were 
written, broke them. Seizing upon the golden calf, he 
burned it, and beat it into powder. Then he commanded the 
sons of Levi to unsheathe their swords, to march through the 
camp and return, and to put to death all whom they met. 
There were slain on that day about twenty-three thousand 
men. 




4. Moses again returned to the Lord on the mountain, and 
prayed for the pardon of the people. The Lord heard his 
prayer. Moses hewed two tables of stone like the first, and 
God again wrote on them the ten commandments. 

5. When Moses had finished speaking with the Lord, he 
descended from the mountain carrying with him the two 
tables of the Law. His face had become horned, and shone 
as the rays of the sun. When the Israelites saw this, they 



THE OKDISTANCES FOE, THE WORSHIP OF GOD. 



57 



dared not look upon him; so Moses was forced to put a veil 
on his face when he spoke to the people. 



36.— The Ordinance-s for the Worship of God. 

1. Besides the ten commandments which God gave Moses, 
He also gave many other ordinances. These latter related 
to the public worship, which, with extreme care, Moses estab- 
lished according as God commanded him. 




2. The Tabernacle. — Moses began by constructing a tent, 
whose supports were made of setim-wood and were so framed 
that they could easily be taken apart. The length of the 
tent was thirty cubits, and the height ten, and the breadth 
ten. The supports were overlaid with gold, and the whole 
was covered with most precious hangings. Within hung a 
veil of magnificent tapestry, which divided the Tabernacle 

Questions to Chapter 35.— How long did Moses remain on the mountain ? What 
did God give him ? What did the people ask of Aaron ? What did he make ? What 
did the people do? How did Moses act ? What were broken ? What did the sons 
of Levi do ? How many were killed ? Where did Moses go again ? What did he 
bring back with him ? What appeared on the face of Moses ? 



58 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



into two parts — the smaller called the Holy of Holies; the 
larger, the Sanctuary. 

3. Within the Holy of Holies was placed the Ark of the 
Covenant, a small box made of the most precious wood, over- 
laid with gold and surmounted by two cherubim. In the 
Ark were placed the two tables of the Law. 




"Within the Sanctuary were kept three objects consecrated 
to the w r orship of God* the Table of Showbread, on which 
were placed twelve loaves of bread, made of the finest flour; 
the Golden Candlestick, that, with its seven lights, shone 
during the entire night; and, lastly, the Altar of Perfumes, 
on which was burned the finest incense. 

4. Besides this, Moses constructed around the Tabernacle 
a grand portico which enclosed two other sacred objects : the 
Altar of Holocausts, and the Great Brazen Basin in which 
the priests were commanded to purify themselves before they 
performed any sacred function. 

5. This Ark was a figure of the tabernacle in Catholic churches; the 
Holy of Holies, of the altar on which is offered the sacrifice of the New 



THE ORDINANCES FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD. 59 

Law; the Sanctuary corresponded to the place the priests occupy; and 
the portico represented the body of the church, where the people now 
worship. 

6. The sacrifices of the Old Law were either Moody, in 
which were offered heifers and sheep and goats and doves; 
or unbloody, in which were offered cakes and unleavened 
bread and wine. 

The bloody sacrifices prefigured the bloody sacrifice of Christ upon the 
cross; the unbloody were a type of the sacrifice of the Mass. 

7. The Keligious Feasts were: 1st. The Pasch, on which 
the Israelites eat the flesh of a lamb, and for seven days un- 
leavened bread, in remembrance of their deliverance out of 
Egypt. 2d. The feast of Pentecost, celebrated seven weeks 
after the Pasch, in remembrance of the Law received on 
Mount Sinai. At this feast were also offered the first-fruits. 
3d. The feast of Tabernacles, in memory of their long so- 
journ in the desert. During this feast the Israelites were 
required to live in tents made from the branches of trees. 
4th. The feast of Expiation, on which the priest sacrificed a 
heifer for his own sins and a goat for the sins of the people. 
Then he entered into the Holy of Holies, carrying with him 
the golden censer and the blood of the victim: with the 
former he incensed the Ark, with the latter he sprinkled the 
pavement. 

8. The Ministers of Divine Worship were: 1st. The High 
Priest. To this office Moses consecrated Aaron, anointing 
him, and clothing him with the various vestments of his 
office. 2d. The Priests proper, who were the sons of Aaron, 
and whose office it was to offer sacrifice. 3d. The Levites, 
who were of the tribe of Levi, and who were charged with 
the lower offices within the Tabernacle. 

Questions to Chapter 36.— What besides the commandments did God give ? 
Describe the Tabernacle. What was the Holy of Holies ? What was placed in it? 
What was the Ark ? What three objects were kept within the Sanctuary ? What 
did the portico enclose ? Show how these different objects correspond to things in 
the Catholic Church. What kinds of sacrifices were in the Old Law ? What was 
the Pasch ? What was Pentecost ? What was the feast of Tabernacles ? Of Ex- 
piation ? Who was the High Priest ? Who were the Priests ? The Levites ? 



60 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



a.m.2514] 37. — The False Messengers. — The [A.c.use. 
Murmurs of the People.— God's Chastisements. 

1. The Israelites remained a year at Mount Sinai. When 
they started on their way, Moses chose twelve men, among 
whom were Josue and Caleb, to go into the Land of Promise. 
After forty days they returned, carrying with them speci- 
mens of the fruits of the country. Amongst these was an 
enormous bunch of grapes borne on the shoulders of two 
mem besides apples and pomegranates and figs. The land, 
indeed, said they, overflowed with abundance, but the inhab- 
itants were giants. 




2. Then the people wept, and again murmured against 
Moses and Aaron, wishing they had died in Egypt or in the 
desert. In vain did Josue and Caleb speak of the richness 
of the country and the weakness of the people. The multi- 
tude, led on by the others, would not listen, but cried out the 
more to return to Egypt. 

3. When the murmur was at its height, the glory of God 
was seen over the Ark of the Covenant. Then the Lord said 



CORE, DATHAK, AND ABIROtf. 61 

to Moses He would destroy the Israelites, for they were an 
incredulous people. The Lord even offered to make Moses 
ruler over a greater nation; but Moses, the meekest of men, 
only prayed the more that the Lord would pardon them. 

4. At his prayer the Lord again pardoned the people ; yet, 
as a punishment for their sin, He declared that not one of 
them that had attained his twentieth year should enter the 
Promised Land, Josue and Caleb excepted. Their children 
would enter, but for forty years should the people wander 
in the desert — a year for every day spent in exploring the 
country. 

5. This history of the Jews is similar to what happened in the time 
of Jesus Christ. The Jews would not understand the spiritual kingdom 
promised by Christ ; hence they rejected Him. On the cross he begged 
His Father to forgive them; but, as a punishment for their sin in hav- 
ing rejected Him, they are to-day wanderers on the earth, and will be 
to the end of time. 



A.M.25H.] 38. — Core, Dathan, and Abiron. [a.c. u». 

1. Some time after the events related in the preceding 
chapter, two hundred and fifty Levites, led on by Core, Da- 
than, and Abiron, revolted against Moses and Aaron, denying 
their authority. On the following day the Lord commanded 
the people to go out from the tents of these wicked men; 
not to touch anything belonging to them, lest they also 
would be involved in their sin. While the people were look- 
ing on to see what would come to pass, the earth opened 
under the feet of the three leaders and swallowed them down, 
with their tents and all their substance. Then a fire came 
out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty 
Levites. Moses and Aaron were that day vindicated. 

2. In modern times we often see similar revolts against the priests of 
God. Ambitious and wicked men wish to rule the Church; but, like 

Questions to Chapter 37. — How long did the people remain at Sinai ? Who were 
sent to Chanaan ? Who,t report did they bring back ? How did the people act ? 
Who spoke in rain ? What appeared orer the Ark ? What did God say He would 
dof What punishment did God decree ? What is said of the Jews ? 



62 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



Core and his companions, they will ever receive a just punishment for 
their pride and presumption. 



a.m.2552] 39. — The Hesitation of Moses, and 
the Brazen Serpent. 



[A.C. 1448. 



1. Water again failed, and the people began to murmur. 
Then the Lord commanded Moses to take his rod and strike 
the rock. Moses, for a moment, doubted; then struck the 
rock, when water gushed forth in great abundance. This 
momentary doubt greatly displeased God, and He declared 
that Moses, because he had not believed, should not lead the 
people into the Promised Land. 




2. Shortly after, the people rebelled again, and, murmuring, 
complained they had neither food nor water. When God saw 
this He sent among them fiery serpents, whose sting burned 
like fire. Many died amid the most cruel torments. When 
the people saw this they came to Moses, acknowledging their 

Questions to Chapter 38. — Who revolted ? How were they punished ? What 
do we see in modern times ? 



THE DEATH OF MOSES. 63 

sin, and begging him to pray to the Lord that He would take 
the serpents from amongst them. 

3. Moses prayed, when the Lord commanded him to make 
a brazen serpent and to set it up for a sign. He did so, and 
as many as looked upon it were healed. 

4. This serpent prefigured Our Saviour nailed to the cross; for as the 
Israelites were cured by looking upon the serpent, so are all who, with 
faith, look up to Christ cured of the wounds of sin caused by the bite 
of the infernal serpent. 

a.m. 2553.] 40, — The Death of Moses. [A.c.im. 

1. When, according to the course of nature, the time came 
that Moses must die, the Lord commanded him, in the pres- 
ence of the people, to put his hand upon Josue, that they 
might have no cause to disobey him. Then Moses told the 
people he was about to die; that he would not pass over the 
Jordan with them, nor enter the Promised Land. 

2. He then reminded them of all the Lord had done for 
them — how He had nourished them in the desert, and how 
He had watched over them; then he commanded the people 
to keep the commandments, to love the Lord, and to hearken 
to His voice. He also foretold them, in a spirit of prophecy, 
that the Lord would in time raise up a Pkophet like to hira, 
whom they should hear. He spoke of Christ. 

3. When Moses had finished speaking, he went up to the 
top of Mount Nebo, from which the Lord showed him the 
land of Chanaan. When Moses saw it he rejoiced; and, full 
of gratitude and thanks to God, died at the ripe old age of a 
hundred and twenty years. The Lord buried him in the 
valley of Phogor, but the spot no man knows. Israel 
mourned for him thirty days. There was never after a 
prophet like Moses. 

Questions to Chapter 39— What failed ? How was water supplied ? How did 
Moses act ? How did God punish him ? What did God send ? What happened ? 
What was set up ? Of whom was the brazen serpent a figure ? 

Questions to Chapter 40.— Who succeeded Moses ? What did Moses remind the 
people of ? What prophecy did Moses make ? Where did Moses die ? Where was 
he buried ? 



64 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



a.m.2553.] 41. — The Israelites enter the 

Promised Land. 






[A.C. 1447. 



1. After the death of Moses, the Lord commanded Josue 
to pass over the Jordan. The priests took the Ark of the 
Covenant and marched before; the people followed. When 
they were come to the banks of the Jordan, and the priests 
had touched the water with the soles of their feet, the waters 
above stood still, while the waters below ran down, leaving a 
dry passage for the people to pass over. 




2. When all had passed, the waters returned to their usual 
course. The people encamped near Jericho, where they cele- 
brated the feast of the Pasch. 

Jericho was a large and populous city, well fortified with 
walls. For six succeeding days the Israelites went round 
about it. On the seventh the priests carried with them the 
Ark of the Covenant, while seven priests sounded the trum- 
pets of Jubilee, and the people shouted with a great cry. 
All this was done by the command of God. At the sound of 



THE JUDGES. 65 

the trumpets and the shout of the people, the walls fell flat 
to the ground, and the Israelites entered and took the city. 

3. In time, Josue conquered all the country, and, by lot, 
divided it among the twelve tribes of Israel. Each tribe bore 
the name and was descended from one of the twelve sons of 
Jacob. Thus, after their long wanderings, had the Israelites 
arrived in the Land of Promise. 



42. — The Judges. 

1. Surely the Israelites owed a deep debt of gratitude to 
the Lord for the rich and magnificent country He had given 
them; but they were an ungrateful people, and were easily 
led astray by their pagan neighbors. Shortly after their ar- 
rival in the Promised Land they fell into idolatry. In pun- 
ishment for their crime, the Lord delivered them into the 
hands of their enemies. Servitude taught them repentance 
and their dependence upon God. Having humbled them- 
selves before Him, He sent pious men, called Judges, selected 
from among the people, to deliver them and to rule them. 

2. Their repentance was but of short duration; at the 
death of each Judge they returned to their sins and idolatry. 
For four hundred years this faithless and thankless people 
were in turn changing from God to the worship of idols — 
relapsing and repenting. The sixteen Judges sent during 
this time were: Othoniel, Aod, Samgar, Barac, Debbora, 
Gedeon, Abimelech, Tholar, Jair, Jephte, Abesan, Ahialon, 
Abdon, Samson, Heli, and Samuel. 

3. Amongst these, Samson was one of the most remark- 
able. So great was his strength that, on one occasion, by the 
mere power of his hands, he tore a furious lion into pieces. 
On another, he slew a thousand men with the jaw-bone of an 
ass. After this, while asleep, he was made prisoner by the 

Questions to Chapter 41.— Who led the people over the Jordan ? What hap- 
pened ? What feast was celebrated ? What was Jericho ? How was it taken ? 
Who conquered Chanaan ? How was the land divided ? 



66 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



Philistines, and bound with seven cords; but, when he 
awoke, he broke them like burnt flax. 




4. During his life, Samson waged a continual war upon 
the Philistines: at one time carrying away the gates of their 
city; at another, burning their crops. At length he was 
made prisoner and his eyes put out. While the Philistines 
were feasting and making merry over their victory, Samson 
was brought out to make sport for them. Wearied, he leaned 
against the pillars that supported the house in which the 
Philistines were assembled; then the Spirit of God came 
upon him, and, his strength returning, he shook the pillars, 
and the house fell, killing himself and three thousand of his 
enemies. 

The pious and humble Gedeon, who fought against the 
Madianites, was also very renowned. 

Questions to Chapter 42.— What did the Israelites owe the Lord ? How did they 
act ? What punishment did God send ? Who were the judges ? How many were 
there ? What is said of Samson ? Give some examples of his strength. Against 
whom did he make war ? How did he die ? 



th;e pious ruth. 



67 



A.M. 2708.] 



43.— The Pious Ruth. 



[A.C.1292. 



1. During the time of the Judges, a certain man of Beth- 
lehem went, with his wife and his two sons, into the land of 
Moab. His name was Elimelech, and his wife's name 
Noemi. His sons married women of Moab. In time, Elime- 
lech and his two sons died. Oppressed with grief, Noemi 
returned to Bethlehem, and her two daughters-in-law re- 
solved to accompany her. 

2. When they had come some distance on the way, Noemi 
strove to persuade her daughters-in-law to return to their 
own country. Orpha yielded, but Euth would not; so Euth 




came to Bethlehem with Noemi. They returned at the har- 
vest-time, and, being poor, Euth went into the fields to glean 
the ears of corn left by the reapers. 

3. Led by the hand of God, she went to glean in the fields 
of Booz, a man of great wealth, and a relation of Elimelech. 
During the day, Booz came into the fields to see the reapers. 
When he saw Euth and heard with what courage she had 
followed Noemi, and with what fidelity she served her, he 



68 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

spoke kindly to her, and told her to remain with his servants 
and to follow his reapers; besides, when she was thirsty, to 
go to the vessels and drink. Booz, moreover, commanded 
the reapers to let fall, now and then, handfuls of corn, that 
she might gather them without shame. 

4. Some time after this Booz married Euth. The Lord 
blessed them and gave, them a son, named Obed. He was 
the father of Isai, the father of David. From this family 
Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, descended. 

The Moabites were not Jews, but strangers and enemies; hence Our 
Saviour in descending from Ruth, a Moabite, wished to show that He 
was the Saviour not of the Jews alone, but of all mankind. 



A.M.2848J 44. — The Sons of Heli. [A.c.n52. 

1. Whilst Heli the high priest was Judge in Israel, there 
lived a pious couple named Elcana and his wife Anna. Anna 
had no children, for which she grieved very much. On a 
certain day she came to the tabernacle of the Lord at Silo, 
where, weeping and praying, she said: "0 Lord God of 
hosts ! if Thou wilt give me a son, I will consecrate him to 
Thee." God heard her prayer and gave her a son, whom 
she called Samuel. 

2. When Samuel was three years old his mother took him 
to Heli the high priest, at Silo. Here she consecrated him 
to God; and Samuel served the Lord in the tabernacle, and 
grew in favor with God and man. 

3. Samuel and John the Baptist are much alike in their histories. 
Both were a gift for the prayers of their parents; both were early con- 
secrated to God ; and both preached penance to the people. Samuel 
was the last Judge, and the immediate precursor of the great King 
David; John the Baptist was the last of the prophets and the pre- 
cursor of Jesus Christ, the Eternal King. Samuel anointed David; 
John baptized Jesus. 

Questions to Chapter 43 — Who went to Moab ? Who returned to Bethlehem t. 
Who accompanied her ? W T here did Ruth go ? Who met her ? What did Booz 
say ? WTio married Ruth ? Who was Obed ? Isai ? David ? From whom is. 
Jesus Christ descended ? 



THE SONS OF HELI. 



69 



4. Heli had two wicked sons — Ophni and Phinees. When 
the people came to Silo to sacrifice to the Lord, the two 
young men were wont to come and by violence take the flesh 
of the sacrifice. They committed also other abominations in 
the sanctuary. Heli reproved them but mildly. He did not 
chastise them as he should have done. 




5. One night, while Heli slept within the enclosure of the 
sanctuary, and Samuel near him, the Lord called Samuel. 
He, thinking it was Heli, rose and went to him ; but Heli told 
him he had not called him, and bade him go and sleep. This 
was repeated three times, when Heli understood it was the 
Lord who called. Then he bade Samuel answer Him and 
listen to what He would say. Samuel did so. 

6. On the morrow Heli called Samuel, who told him all 
the Lord had said ; how the Lord would punish him and 
his two sons — the father because he had not punished his 
sons, and the sons for their wickedness. When Heli heard 
this he bowed before the will of God. 

7. Some time after this there arose a bloody war between 
the Philistines and the Israelites. Of the latter, thirty thou- 
sand were slain, and among the dead were the sons of Heli. 



70 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

The Ark, that had been carried into the battle, was taken. 
When Heli heard this terrible news he fell from the stool on 
which he was sitting, and, breaking his neck, died. 

8. The Philistines carried the Ark into the temple of their 
god, Dagon. But the Lord afflicted them in many ways: 
their god was thrown down, their fields were overrun with 
mice, their cities were devastated by pestilence, until the 
Philistines were glad to send back the Ark to Israel. 

9. Samuel succeeded Heli in the office of Judge. He as- 
sembled the people and pointed out their sins. He also 
promised them, if they would repent, the Lord would deliver 
them out of the hands of the Philistines. The people fasted 
and confessed their sins. God gave them the victory, and 
for many years peace reigned over the land. 

a.m.2909.] 45. — Saul, the First King. [a.c.ioqi. 

1. When Samuel had grown old he appointed his sons 
Judges over Israel; but they walked not in the fear of the 
Lord. Then the people asked for a king. When Samuel 
heard this he was very angry, because he wished that God 
alone should be King of Israel. God, however, yielded, and 
Samuel anointed Saul king. He was a beautiful and valiant 
youth, from the tribe of Benjamin, and stood head and 
shoulders above any other man in Israel. 

2. In the beginning of his reign the Lord was with Saul, 
and gave him the victory over his enemies. On one occa- 
sion he unfortunately disobeyed God. 

He was commanded to cut off the Amalecites, and to spare 
nothing; but, in the pride of his power, he spared the best 
of the flocks, and, on his return, built triumphal arches to 
celebrate his victory. For this he was cut off from the 
throne of Israel, and his posterity forbidden to succeed him. 

Questions to Chapter 44.— When did Elcana and Anna live ? What was Anna's 
prayer ? When was Samuel consecrated to God ? How are Samuel and John the 
Baptist compared ? What is said of Heli and his sons ? What is said of Samuel ? 
How did Heli die ? How did his sons die ? What happened to the Philistines ?- 
Who succeeded Heli ? What did Samuel promise? What reigned over the land ? 



DAVID. 



71 



3. Saul was a figure of the Jewish Church. Chosen by God, at first 
she surpassed all others in her knowledge of God and the graces with 
which she was endowed. But, little by little, she fell. She forgot her 
obedience, her humility, her charity, and, in the pride of her insolence, 
trusted alone in her sacrifices. She also rejected the Christian Church, 
chosen to succeed her. Saul persecuted David; so did the Jews perse- 
cute Jesus Christ. David wept for the death of Saul ; so did Jesus 
Christ weep over Jerusalem. 



kM. 2934.1 



46. -David. 



[A.C. 1066. 



1. At the command of God, Samuel went to Bethlehem, 
to the house of Isai. When he arrived, David, the youngest 
of the sons of Isai, was in the fields tending his father's 
flocks. Samuel sent for him, and, taking a horn of oil, 
anointed him. As the Spirit of God came upon David, it 
departed from Saul. 




2. Saul became subject to fits of melancholy, and an evil 
spirit haunted him. On such occasions David was brought 

Questions to Chapter 45.— What did the people ask for ? Who was anointed 
king ? What is said of Saul ? How did he reign in the beginning ? For what was 
Saul cut off from the throne of Israel ? How was Saul a figure of the Jewish 
Church ? 



72 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

in to play upon his harp and soothe the troubled mind of the 
king. Thus David was introduced into Saul's house. More- 
over, Saul made David his armor-bearer, not knowing that he 
had been consecrated king. As often as David played, Saul 
was soothed. 



am. 2942.] 47.— David and Goliath. [A.c.1053. 

1. A new war broke out between the Philistines and the 
Israelites. The Philistines were encamped on one moun- 
tain, the Israelites on another directly opposite — a narrow 
valley lying between them. A giant, named Goliath, ad- 
vanced from the camp of the Philistines. His height was 
six cubits and a span; he had on his head a brazen helmet, 
and was clothed in a heavy coat of mail. The staff of his 
spear was like a weaver's beam. 

2. Thus arrayed, Goliath defied the armies of Israel, asking 
that a man be sent to fight him. For forty days this giant 
presented himself — to the shame of Saul and the terror of 
the Israelites, for no man dared to meet him. 

David came to the camp to see how it fared with his 
brothers. When he saw Goliath, and heard his taunts, his 
blood boiled within him, and, coming to Saul, he said, " I 
will fight this Philistine." 

3. At first Saul refused, but, on the representations of 
David, at length yielded. Then Saul clothed David in his 
own armor; but, unaccustomed to it, David put it off, and, 
choosing five smooth stones from the brook, took his sling 
and went forth to meet Goliath. 

4. When the giant saw him he despised him, asking if he 
thought he was a dog. But David feared not ; he went forth 
in the might and the power of God. When the two cham- 
pions drew near to each other, David chose one of the stones 
that he carried with him, and, casting it with his sling, 
struck the Philistine on the forehead with such force that 

Questions to Chapter 46.— Who was anointed king ? "Whose son was he ? With 
what was Saul attacked ? Who prayed for him ? What was David made ? 



JONATHAN'S LOVE AND SAUl/S HATKED FOR DAYID. 73 

he fell with his face to the ground. Then David ran and, 
drawing the sword of Goliath from its sheath, cut off his head. 




5. When the Philistines saw their champion was slain, they 
fled ; but the Israelites, shouting and pursuing, killed many 
of them, and pillaged their camp. 

This victory of David over Goliath was a figure of Christ's victory 
over the devil. As Goliath for forty days insulted the armies of Israel, 
so did the devil for four thousand years war against God's kingdom on 
earth; and as David conquered Goliath with a staff and five smooth 
stones, so did Jesus Christ conquer the devil by His cross and His five 
wounds. 



a.m.2944]. 48. — Jonathan's Love and Saul's [a.c. ioss. 
Hatred for David. 

1. When Saul and the army returned from their victory 
over the Philistines, the women of Israel came forth from 
the different cities playing and singing, "Saul hath killed 
his thousands, but David his tens of thousands/' When Saul 

Questions to Chapter 47.— What is said of the armies of the Israelites and Phi- 
listines ? Who was Goliath? What did Goliath do? Who killed him? How? 
What comparison between David and Christ ? And between Goliath and the devil ? 



74 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTA.MEXT. 



heard this he became exceedingly angry, and one day strove 
to strike David with his lance; but David escaped. 

2. Shortly after this Saul offered his daughter Michol in 
marriage to David, on condition that he would kill two hun- 
dred Philistines. Saul hoped that the Philistines would kill 
David. But David killed the Philistines, and was only the 
more loved by the people. When Saul saw this his hatred 
increased, and he became more decided on David's death. 




3. In proportion as Saul hated David, did Jonathan, the 
king's son, love him. David and Jonathan made with each 
other a covenant of peace. They often spoke to each other 
of Saul's hatred. Jonathan reasoned with his father, and 
spoke of what David had done against the Philistines. For 
the moment Saul was appeased. 

4. For the fourth time David went to war with the Philis- 
tines. His victory only aroused anew the anger and jealousy 
of Saul, who strove to strike him with his javelin; but David 
escaped for the second time. Again Jonathan pleaded for 
his friend: Saul's anger would not be appeased, and in his 
rage he even drew his sword to kill his own son. 

5. When Jonathan saw this he went to David, and told 



david's generosity to saul. — satji/s death. 75 

him what had happened, and advised him to flee. Weeping, 
Jonathan sent David away, but bade him never forget the 
covenant they had made, nor what they had sworn to the 
Lord. 



am. 29i9.] 49. — David's Generosity to Saul. — ca.cio5i. 
Saul's Death. 

1. For a while David's life was in constant danger from 
the hands of Saul; but he placed his confidence in God, who 
did not desert him. 




One day Saul pursued David with three thousand men. 
Wearied, Saul entered a cave in which David and his men 
lay concealed, but Saul knew it not. David's men would 
have killed Saul, but David would not allow them, contenting 
himself with cutting off the hem of Saul's robe. 

2. On another occasion Saul pursued David into the desert 
of Hachila. While Saul and his general, Abner, together 

Questions to Chapter 48.— What did the women sing ? How did Saul act ? 
What did he try to do ? On what condition did Saul offer his daughter to David ? 
What is said of David and Jonathan ? How did Jonathan plead for David f What 
did Saul try a second time ? What did Jonathan advise David ? 



76 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

with the whole army, were asleep, David and Abisai entered 
the camp. Abisai would have run Saul through with his 
spear, but David forbade him. David, however, took the 
spear that was at the king's head. 

3. When they were gone some distance from the camp, 
David cried to the king, and he awoke. When Saul saw, by 
the loss of his spear, how he had been in David's power, and 
how, for the second time, David had spared him, he repented, 
and returned with his army, while David went his way. 

4. War again broke out between the Philistines and the 
Israelites. Saul assembled an army and went forth to meet the 
enemy. In the battle Saul was mortally wounded, and, 
fearing he might fall into the hands of the Philistines, fell on 
his own sword, and died. By his sinful death David was 
freed from danger, but he rejoiced not; he only saw the vir- 
tues and good qualities of the king. In this same battle Jon- 
athan was also killed. When David heard of his friend's 
death he wept bitterly, calling him brother, and comparing 
his love for him to the love of a mother for her child. 

END OF THE THIRD AGE. 



AGE IV. 
THE GRANDEUR OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. 

FBOM DAVID TO THE DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM UNDER 

ROBOAM. 

a.m.2949] 50.— The Great and Pious King [A.c.io5i. 

David. 

1. After Saul's death David was chosen king of Israel. He 
established his residence at Jerusalem, and, by the number 
of his armies and the brilliancy of his victories, was very re- 
nowned amongst the neighboring nations. He had twelve 

Questions to Chapter 49.— What is said of David's life ? How did David show 
his generosity ? How did Saul act ? How did Saul die ? Who else was killed ? 
How did David take Jonathan's death ? 



THE GREAT AND PIOUS KING DAYID. 



77 



generals, each with an army of twenty-four thousand men 
under him, and, over all, Abner was placed general-in-chief. 

2. During his long and turbulent reign David carried on 
many wars. In turn he subdued the Philistines, the Moab- 
ites, the Syrians, the Edomites, and the Ammonites. By 
his victories, immense treasures of gold and great quantities 
of booty were brought to Jerusalem. When David died he 
left a kingdom that extended from Egypt to the Euphrates. 
In every respect this was the most brilliant period in the 
history of Israel, as well for its victories abroad as for the 
wisdom of its legislation at home. 




3. David paid much attention to the administration of 
justice. He chose wise men for his counsellors and upright 
men to rule the people. He also appointed honest men to 
guard the royal treasures and manage the crown lands. 
Order was everywhere. 

4. David, moreover, strove, as well by his own example as 
by his influence, to cultivate and spread the worship of the 
true God among his subjects. On Mount Sion he built a 



78 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

magnificent tent in which to place the Ark of the Covenant. 
When all things were ready the Ark was carried thither with 
great pomp and show. In the procession were all the princes 
of the people, clad in purple robes, while the priests wore 
their richest vestments. Three thousand armed men served 
as a guard of honor, whilst the people attended in countless 
numbers. 

5. Those who marched before and those who immediately 
surrounded the Ark played upon lutes and harps, and on 
cymbals and trumpets. David himself walked before the 
priests, playing on his harp, while at every few steps a bull 
and heifer were offered in sacrifice to the Lord. 

6. After this David divided the priests into twenty-four 
classes, and each, in its turn, was commanded to serve before 
the Lord. From amongst the Levites were chosen four thou- 
sand singers, whose duty it was to chant, day by day, the 
praises of God, and to play on all manner of musical instru- 
ments. 



A.M.298L] 51. — The Revolt and Chastisement lac. 1019. 

of Absalom. 

1. David committed two grievous crimes : first, he persuaded 
Bethsabee to sin with him, and then, to hide her shame, 
caused Urias, her husband, to be murdered. But the Lord 
sent the prophet Nathan to him, who fearlessly reproached 
him with his crimes. David humbly acknowledged his faults 
and confessed his sins against the Lord. At the sight of his 
humiliation God pardoned him, but, as a punishment, sent 
him many trials. 

2. Of these the most severe was the revolt of his son Ab- 
salom, the most beautiful man in Israel. Absalom began by 
flattering the people and pandering to their prejudices. 
When he thought himself strong enough he openly revolted. 

Questions to Chapter 50.— Who was chosen king? What is said of him ? What 
of his armies? Who were subdued? What was brought to Jerusalem? What is 
said of David's reign ? What was built on Mount Sion ? What was placed in it ? 
How were the priests divided ? What was the duty of the Levites ? 



THE REVOLT AND CHASTISEMENT OF ABSALOM. 



79 



From all sides the people ran to his standard. When David 
heard this he left Jerusalem, and, passing over the brook 
Cedron, went, barefooted and his head uncovered, up the 
Mount of Olives, weeping on the way. 

3. A man from the house of Saul, named Semei, met David 
as he fled, and, throwing stones at him, cursed him, calling 
him a man of blood. Abisai, one of David's servants, wished 
to kill Semei, but David forbade him, hoping God might 
perhaps turn his curses into blessings. 




4. In the mean time Absalom pursued his father beyond the 
Jordan; the two armies met, and Absalom was defeated. 
While he fled, mounted on a mule, Absalom passed under a 
large oak-tree, in the branches of which his hair became 
entangled, and, the mule passing on, he was left hanging by 
the hair. When Joab, one of the king's generals, heard this, 
he ran and thrust three spears into the ungrateful heart of 
Absalom. He threw the body into a deep pit, and cast upon 
it a great heap of stones. 



80 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



5. When David heard of his son's death he was greatly 
afflicted, and, weeping, cried out, " My son Absalom, would 
to God I had died in your stead, Absalom, my son Absalom." 
After this David returned to Jerusalem, accompanied by 
his army and a great multitude of people who came forth to 
meet him. 




6. David is a figure of Jesus Christ — in his family residence, Bethle- 
hem ; in the obscurity of his youth; in his victory over Goliath ; in his 
sorrow when he passed over the brook Cedron; by his ascent of the 
Mount of Olives; in his generosity to his persecutors; and, finally, in 
his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 

7. As David had to contend against two enemies, Saul and Absalom, 
so have two enemies risen against Christ and His Church — the first, 
Judaism, which the Church replaced; the second, heresy, which has so 
often risen against the Catholic Church, and, by flattering the passions 
of men, succeeded in blinding the multitude and leading them astray. 

Questions to Chapter 51. — Whom did God send to David ? What did David do ? 
What great punishment did God send ? Who cursed David ? What happened to 
Absalom ? Where did David go ? Of whom is David a figure ? How ? 



THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON. 81 



am. 2986.] 52. — The Last Days of David. [a.c.iou. 

1. David reigned over Israel from his thirtieth to seven- 
tieth year. When he saw his end approaching he called 
together the princes and principal men of the nation, and 
told them how he had intended to build a Temple to the 
Lord; how lie had gathered together gold and silver, brass 
and iron, and wood and stone, but that God had forbidden 
him, as he was a man of blood and of many wars. God, 
however, would allow his son Solomon to build the Temple. 

2. Then David gave Solomon minute directions as to its 
construction, and warned him that it was not a house for 
man he was building, but a dwelling-place for the Lord. 
David, besides, told Solomon never to forsake the Lord, but 
to serve Him with a docile heart; and, further, to remember 
that, in the day he forsook God, God would forsake him. 

David died, and was buried on Mount Sion, and Solomon, 
his son, succeeded him. 

am. 2989] 53. — The Wisdom of Solomon. ca.c. ion. 

1. In the beginning of his reign Solomon loved the Lord, 
and walked in his father's footsteps. One night the Lord 
appeared to him, and bade him ask what he would. Solomon 
asked for wisdom, that he might rule with justice. When 
the Lord heard this He was much pleased, and gave Solomon 
not only the wisdom he had asked for, but also riches and 
honors and a long life. 

2. Besides, God gave him a true knowledge of all things 
in nature, so that he understood the admirable order of 
creation, the power of the elements, the course of the seasons, 
the position of the stars, the instincts of animals, and the 
thoughts of men, together with a knowledge of the diversity 
of plants, and the medicinal virtues of their roots. All 
nature was open to his mind, whence it came to pass that the 

Questions to Chapter 52. — How long did David reign ? What did he say about 
the Temple ? What did he say to Solomon ? 



82 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



wise men of the world and the princes of nations stood in 
admiration at the wisdom of Solomon. 

3. One day two women came to him demanding judgment 
in their case. The first said: " This woman and myself live 
together in one house. We have each had a child. During 
the night her son died. When she discovered this she rose, 
whilst I slept, and took my son from my side, and laid her 
dead son in his place. In the morning I saw the dead child, 
but, on a closer examination, I discovered it was not mine." 




4. In answer to this the other said, " Surely your son is 
dead, and mine lives." Bat the first answered, "It is not 
so." Thus the two women disputed before the king. Then 
Solomon ordered a sword to be brought and the living child 
to be divided, and half to be given to one, and half to the 
other. When the mother of the child heard this she was 
filled with dismay and overwhelmed with agony. Torn with 
a mother's love for her child, she cried out to the king, 
" My lord, give her the child alive; do not kill it." But the 
other said, "Let it be divided." 

5. Then Solomon ordered the living child to be given to 



THE BUILDING AND DEDICATION OF THE TEMPLE. 83 

the first: "for," said he, " she is the mother." Soon this 
judgment was known in all the land of Israel, and the people 
were filled with admiration for Solomon, because they saw 
the Spirit of God was in him. 



a.m.2992.] 54. — The Building and Dedication ca.c.ioo8. 
of the Temple of Jerusalem. 

1. In the fourth year of his reign Solomon began to build, 
on Mount Moria, in Jersualem, a Temple to the Lord. Dur- 
ing its construction seventy thousand men were employed to 
cut and bring the wood that was needed, while eighty thou- 
sand more were engaged in quarrying and dressing the stone. 
Besides these, thirty-six hundred overseers were needed to 
see that all was done according as it had been planned. Ten 
thousand Israelites were sent to cut down cedars and pine- 
trees on the mountains of Libanus. 

2. The building itself was of vast and magnificent propor- 
tions. Its length was sixty cubits, its height thirty, and its 
breadth twenty cubits. Besides this there were added porti- 
cos that ran round the main building, and also courts for 
the use of the priests and the people. The interior was lined 
with cedar, and ornamented with carvings representing 
cherubim, palm-trees, and all kinds of flowers. Everything 
needed in the Temple for the worship of God was of the 
purest gold, among which are enumerated ten tables, a large 
number of candlesticks, and a hundred chalices. 

3. At the end of seven years the Temple was finished, when 
the princes and ancients of the people assembled together, 
and carried the Ark from Mount Sion to the sanctuary pre- 
pared for it. The people walked before, while the Levites 
played upon cymbals and harps, and a hundred priests 
sounded their trumpets, and all the multitude sang, " Praise 
to the Lord, because He is good ; and His mercy endureth 

Questions to Chapter 53.— What is said of Solomon? What did God give him ? 
What else besides wisdom ? What is said of the two women ? What was Solomon's 
decision ? 



84 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

forever." On the way an innumerable number of oxen and 
sheep were offered in sacrifice. 

4. When the Ark was placed within the sanctuary, a cloud 
filled the Temple, and the multitude fell upon their knees. 
Solomon, lifting up his hands towards heaven, said: "Lord, 
the God of Israel! nothing can be compared to Thee; nor 
can the heavens contain Thee, much less this house : never- 
theless I have built it, that here Thou mayest listen to the 
prayers of the people, and mayest be merciful to them. " 

5. Whilst Solomon was yet praying and the people were 
round about adoring, fire came down from heaven and con- 
sumed the sacrifices. God again appeared to Solomon, and 
told him his prayer was heard; and this Temple he had built 
should ever be a place where the prayers of those who came 
to offer their vows would be heard. 

a.m. 3023,] 55. — The Magnificence of Solomon. [a.c.«7. 

— His End. 

1. For the first twenty years of his reign Solomon walked 
in the footsteps of his father David. His name and his 
greatness were known throughout the world. Nations paid 
him tribute, and his vessels whitened the seas from India to 
Spain, carrying gold and ebony and precious stones to his 
capital. 

2. In this general prosperity many cities were built through 
the land, and Jerusalem rose to the highest splendor and 
magnificence. Solomon built a palace of untold wealth; his 
throne was of ivory, overlaid with gold, while within the 
palace hung fifty massive bucklers of the same precious 
metal. 

3. The vessels, the chalices, the utensils, and everything 
"necessary for the service of the Lord, were of the purest gold. 
The people lived in peace, and neighboring nations sought 

Questions to Chapter 54.— What did Solomon build? How many men were en- 
gaged upon it ? Describe the Temple and the things needed for the worship of 
God. Describe the dedication. What happened when the Ark was placed in the 
sanctuary ? What did God promise Solomon ? 



THE DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM. 85 

Solomon's friendship. Even the Queen of Saba, dazzled by the 
splendor of his fame, came to visit him, that she might for 
herself see his magnificence and prove his wisdom. These 
were the days of Israel's glory. 

4. But Solomon did not end his reign as he began it. 
When he grew old he was led away from God by the blan- 
dishments of pagan women ; his heart became corrupted, and 
he fell into idolatry; nay, to please his women, he built a 
temple for their idols. When the Lord saw this He became 
exceedingly angry, and told Solomon, that, for his sins, the 
kingdom would be divided and given to another: " yet/' said 
the Lord, " for the love I bore thy father David, I will leave 
two tribes to thy son." 

5. Hurried on by his passion, and blinded by his sins, Solo- 
mon fell from his greatness. He oppressed his subjects, and 
scandalized his people, until discontent and revolt showed 
themselves everywhere. Amid general gloom, Solomon, the 
wisest of men, died — a sad example of the weakness and 
fickleness of man and the vanity of life. 



a.m.3029.] 56. — The Division of the Kingdom. ea.c.97l 

1. After the death of Solomon the people came to his son 
Eoboam, and asked him to lighten a little the burden which 
his father had imposed upon them. Eoboam bade them 
return in three days. In the mean time he consulted the old 
men, who recommended mercy and kindness; and then the 
young men, who advised harshness. Following the advice 
of the young men, Eoboam said to the people, on the third 
day: " My father put a heavy yoke upon you; I will make it 
heavier. My father beat you with whips; I will chastise you 
with scorpions." 

2. When the people heard this they became very angry 
and stoned Aduran, the king's messenger, and, choosing 

Questions to Chapter 55. — What is said of the first years of Solomon's reign T 
Describe Solomon's magnificence. What is said of the ornaments and vessels of 
the Temple ? Who came to see Solomon ? How did Solomon end his days ? 



86 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

Jeroboam, one of Solomon's servants, made him king over 
ten tribes. The two tribes of Juda and Benjamin adhered to 
Koboam. 

Thus, according as God had foretold Solomon, were the 
Jewish people divided into two kingdoms — Israel and Juda. 
Jerusalem remained the capital of Juda, while Samaria, at a 
later period, became the capital of Israel. 

3. This sinful separation of the ten tribes from their harsh yet lawful 
king is a figure of so many who by heresy and sin, separate themselves 
from the Catholic Church, God's true representative upon earth. 

Jerusalem represented truth; Samaria, heresy. At the former was 
the Temple, where alone sacrifice pleasing to God could be offered. 
There was the Ark of the Covenant, and there alone was the priesthood 
that God had established. 

4. The separated tribes, from which was formed the kingdom of 
Israel, were by far more numerous than the two that remained faithful. 
This mattered not. As with heresy, so with them; in a few years they 
entirely disappeared from history, leaving but a name behind them. 

5. To the two tribes God showed mercy, for from them came the 
Saviour of the world. So shall it be with the Catholic Church : she 
has seen the rise and fall of all forms of heresies, many of which for a 
time, seemed to threaten her existence; but they have passed away, 
while she remains, as she will remain to the end. 

END OF THE FOURTH AGE. 

Questions to Chapter 56.— How did Roboam treat the people ? What happened? 
What was Jeroboam made ? Who adhered to Roboam ? Into what were the Jews 
divided ? What were the capitals of the two nations ? What is said of the kingdom 
of Israel and of the kingdom of Juda ! What is said of the Catholic Church and 
heresy? 



A GENERAL VIEW. Si 

AGE y. 
DECLINE OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. 

FROM ROBOAM TO JESUS CHRIST. 

PART FIRST. 

THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL TO ITS DESTRUCTION 
BY THE KINGS OF ASSYRIA. 

57.— A General View. 

1. Soon after their separation from the Kingdom of Juda 
the people of Israel fell into idolatry. It happened thus : 
Jeroboam said to himself, " If my people go up to Jerusalem 
to offer sacrifice, as the law commands, they will soon return 
to Eoboam and abandon me/' So he made two calves of gold, 
and setting them up, said to the people, "Go not up to 
Jerusalem, for your gods are here." The people obeyed him 
and adored the idols. 

2. During his whole reign Eoboam made war upon Jero- 
boam ; nor was peace ever permanently established between 
the two kingdoms. So bitter became the strife that fre- 
quently the stranger and the pagan were called in to help the 
weaker side. 

For two hundred and fifty-three years Israel, whose capital 
was at Samaria, maintained a separate existence. During 
this time Israel had nineteen kings, most of whom came to 
the throne by violence or by the murder of their predecessors. 
Disorder, vice, idolatry, reigned supreme. 

3. To punish the kings and correct the people, and that He 
might leave them no shadow of excuse for their wickedness, 
God, from time to time, raised up saintly men called prophets. 
These prophets preached and wrought miracles, both in the 
kingdom of Israel and in the kingdom of Juda. 

4. God did everything to save his chosen people ; at one 
time humbling them by the hands of their enemies, at an- 



88 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTA ME XT. 



other cheering them on with the promises of the Redeemer. 
But they were a perverse and stiff-necked people, nor would 
they obey. Hence God could say to them, in all justice: 
" Israel! thy destruction is from thyself." 



a.m.3092] 58. — God sends the Prophet Elias. ucgos. 

1. Achab was one of the most wicked of all the kings that 
ruled over Israel. In concert with his pagan wife Jezabel 
he built a temple to the god Baal. He appointed four hun- 
dred and fifty priests to serve this false god, whilst at the 
same time he put to death all the priests of the true God he 
could rind in his kingdom. 




2. "When God saw the wickedness of this king, He sent 
Elias the prophet to him to tell him no rain should fall in 
Israel. When Achab heard this he became exceedingly 
angry, and secretly sought to put Elias to death. But God 
bade the prophet go to the torrent of Carith, where the 
ravens would feed him. 

3. Elias did as he was commanded, and night and morning 

Questions to Chapter 57.— How did the people of Israel fall into idolatry? What 
did Roboam do against Jeroboam ? How long did the kingdom of Israel lastP 
What was its character ? Who were the prophets ? What did they do ? 



ELIAS AND THE PEIESTS OF BAAL. 89 

the ravens brought him bread and flesh, and he drank from 
the torrent. In time the torrent also dried up, when the 
Lord told Elias to go to Serepta, in the land of the Sido- 
nians, where a widow would feed him. 

4. Elias went, and, as he was entering the city, he met the 
widow, from whom he asked a little water to drink. When 
she went to bring it Elias called after her to bring him also 
a little morsel of bread. But she answered, " I have but a 
handful of meal and a little oil in a cruse. I am gathering a 
few sticks wherewith to cook it for myself and my son, that 
we may eat it and die/' 

5. Elias bade her fear not, but to make a cake for him, 
and then to make one for herself and son: "For her meal 
would not fail, nor her oil diminish, until rain would fall 
upon the earth." The woman did as he commanded her, and 
her meal failed not, nor did her oil diminish. 

6. Some time afterwards the widow's son died, and at the 
prayer of Elias the child was restored to life. When the 
woman saw what was done she said to Elias: "Now I know 
you are a man of God." 



a.m.3096.] 59. — Elias and the Priests of Baal. i^am. 

1. For three years and six months no rain fell in Israel. 
Again Elias presented himself to Achab, who with much 
anger chid him for the distress that was then in the country. 
But Elias answered him that he had not plunged Israel into 
its present trouble, but the king himself by his sins and his 
idolatries. 

2. Then Elias bade the king assemble all Israel upon 
Mount Carmel, and also the four hundred and fifty priests of 
Baal. Achab did so, and went himself to the mountain. 
When they were all assembled Elias made the following 
proposition: "I am alone," said he; "the priests of Baal 

Questions to Chapter 58.— What is said of Achab ? What did he build ? Who 
came to him ? Where did Elias go ? How was he fed ? Where did God send him ? 
Tell what happened to the widow of Serepta ? 



90 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



are four hundred and fifty: let two bullocks be given us; 
let them choose one and I will choose the other; let them 
kill their bullock and I will kill mine; and let each of us 
lay our bullock upon wood, but put no fire under it; then 
let them call upon their gods and I will call upon my God ; 
and let the God that shall answer by fire be God/' The 
proposition pleased the people. 




3. The priests of Baal prepared themselves with great 
solemnity, and when they had dressed their bullock, laid it 
on the altar. From morning till noon they called upon Baal, 
but he heard them not. 

Then Elias began to laugh at them, bidding them: " Cry 
louder; perhaps Baal was asleep; or maybe entertaining 
himself with a friend ; or perhaps he might be on a journey 
and away from home." They continued to cry all the 
louder, but no Baal spoke. 

4. Elias built an altar also, and dressing his bullock laid 
it on it. He dug a trench round about the altar and filled 
it with water; he also poured water on the wood. Then he 



THE VINEYARD OF STABOTH. 91 

called upon the Lord to show his power, that the people 
might be converted. 

5. While Elias was yet praying fire came down from 
heaven and consumed the holocaust, as also the wood and 
the stones of the altar — nay, the very water in the trench. 
When the people saw this they fell on their faces and cried 
out: " The Lord, He is God, the Lord, He is the true God!" 

Then the priests of Baal were slain, and shortly after rain 
fell in great abundance. 

60.— The Vineyard of Naboth. 

1. A man named Naboth had a vineyard near the palace 
of King Achab. The king wished to buy it, but Naboth 
would not sell it : so Achab became very angry. When Jeza- 
bel, the queen, heard what had happened, she sent for false 
witnesses, who accused Naboth "of having blasphemed 
against God and the king." Naboth was stoned to death, 
and Achab took the vineyard. 

2. By the command of God, Elias came to Achab and told 
him because he had done this wicked thing, and unjustly 
taken the vineyard of Naboth, the dogs would lick his blood 
and eat the flesh of Jezabel. 

This prophecy was fulfilled to the letter. Three years 
after, Achab was mortally wounded in battle, and the dogs 
licked his blood; and some time after that, during the reign 
of Jehu, Jezabel, by the king's orders, was thrown from 
a window and trampled to death under the horses' feet. 
When, some hours afterwards, her friends came to seek for 
the body, it was found torn to pieces by the dogs. 

Questions to Chapter 59.— For how long did no rain fall ? What proposal did 
Elias make ? How did the priests of Baal act ? What did Elias do ? What was the 
result ? 

Questions to Chapter 60.— What is said of Naboth 's vineyard ? How did Achab 
get it ? What did Elias tell Achab ? How was the prophecy fulfilled ? 



92 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



61. — The Prophet Eliseus. 

1. By God's command Elias chose Eliseus for his suc- 
cessor. When the time drew near that Elias should go to 
God he strove to escape from Eliseus, but he could not; 
and, while they were walking together, Elias was parted from 
Eliseus by a fiery chariot and carried up into heaven by a 
whirlwind. The mantle of Elias fell upon Eliseus, and he 
was filled with the spirit and miraculous powers of his master. 




2. One day Eliseus was insulted by some rude boys, who 
mockingly called him " Bald head." The prophet threatened 
them in the name of the Lord, and at the same instant two 
hears came from the woods and tore forty of these wicked 
hoys to pieces. 

3. On another occasion, Naaman, a distinguished Syrian 
general, came to Eliseus to be cured of leprosy. "When he 
•came to the house where Eliseus was, the prophet sent him 
-word by his servant to go and wash seven times in the Jordan, 
and he would be clean. Naainan became exceedingly angry, 
because he thought he had been slighted by the prophet. 

4. However, at the earnest advice of his servants, Naaman 



THE PROPHET ELISEUS. 



93 



went, and, bathing seven times in the Jordan, was cured* 
When Naaman saw what was done he returned to Eliseus,. 
and acknowledged there was no God but the God of Israel. 
Then he besought the prophet to take a gift, but he would 

not. 

5. When Naaman was gone, Giezi, Eliseus' servant, ran 
after him and told him that two sons of the prophet's had 
just called upon his master, and he had been sent for a talent 
of silver and two changes of garments. Naaman gave him 
two talents of silver, and Giezi returned to his master. 




6. When Eliseus saw him he asked where he had been. 
But Giezi denied he had been anywhere. Eliseus became 
indignant at the lie, and said to him: " My spirit was 
with you when the man turned back from his chariot to 
meet you. Even now you have the silver and garments that 
were given you. As a punishment for your sin the leprosy 
of Naaman shall stick to you forever." And Giezi went out 
a leper, white as snow. 

7. After working many miracles, Eliseus died and was 
buried. Some time after his death a man died, and his 
friends came to bury him near the grave of Eliseus. But 



94 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



suddenly a band of robbers coming upon them, they threat 
the dead man into the grave where the body of Eliseus lay. 
Scarce had the dead man touched the bones of Eliseus when 
he came to life and stood upon his feet. 

This fact proves that even among the Jews God wrought miracles by 
the relics of His saints. 

a.m.3197] 62* — Jonas the Prophet. ia.c. m. 

1. After the death of Eliseus God chose Jonas for His 
prophet. One day God bade him go to Ninive and preach 
penance, for the sins of the people had become very great. 

Ninive was the capital of Assyria, and Jonas wished it to 
perish. Hence he fled to the sea, and embarked aboard a 
vessel going to Tharsis, thinking he would thus flee from the 
Lord. 




2. When the ship had pushed out from the land God 
sent a violent storm, so that the vessel was in danger of being 
lost. They cast lots to see who was the cause of the evil, 
and the lot fell upon Jonas. Then he told them what he 

Questions to Chapter 61.— Who succeeded Elias ? How did Elias go up to 
heaven? What fell upon Eliseus ? What happened to the rude boys ? Tell the 
story of Naanian. What happened to Giezi ? What happened to the dead man ? 



JOKAS THE PKOPHET. 95 

had done, and advised them to cast him into the sea. The 
sailors cast him overboard, and immediately the sea became 
calm. 

3. The Lord had prepared a great fish — a whale — which 
swallowed up Jonas. For three days and three nights the 
prophet was in the whale's belly. Then he prayed to the 
Lord for help. God heard him, and on the third day the 
fish vomited him out on dry land. 

4. Jonas was a figure of Jesus Christ. Jonas was cast into the sea 
that, by the loss of one, the crew might be saved. By the sacrifice of 
Christ the world was redeemed. Jonas was three days in the whale's 
belly ; Christ was three days in the tomb. 

5. God said to Jonas a second time : " Go into Ninive and 
cry, ' Yet forty days, and Ninive shall be destroyed/ " When 
the people heard these words they believed in God, and, 
fasting, clothed themselves in sackcloth and ashes. Even 
the king shared in the general penance, and by proclama- 
tion commanded every one to abandon his sins, that perhaps 
God would spare the city. When God saw the sincerity of 
their repentance, He heard the prayer of the people and did 
not destroy the city. 

6. Jonas, fearing he might be considered a false prophet, 
was displeased, and, going, built for himself a booth, outside 
the walls of the city. During the night the Lord caused an 
ivy to grow up, that it might shade the prophet from the 
heat of the sun. Jonas was much pleased; but in the follow- 
ing night God prepared a worm to strike the ivy, and it 
withered. 

7. Then there came a hot, burning wind, while the rays of 
the sun beat upon the head of the prophet. Scorched by the 
heat, discouraged and dejected, Jonas wished to die. But 
the Lord said* to him : " You are grieved and dejected for 
the loss of a miserable ivy that you neither planted nor made 
to grow : should I not spare Ninive, a great city, in which 
there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand men ? " 

Questions to Chapter 62.— Where was Jonas sent ? What happened to him ? 
How long was Jonas in the whale's belly ? How was Jonas a figure of Jesus Christ ? 
What did the people of Ninive do ? How did Jonas act? What did Jonas build? 
What is said of the ivy ? What became of Ninive ? 



96 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

a.m.3278.] 63. — The End of the Kingdom ULc.m. 

of Israel. 

1. Ninive, an idolatrous city, did penance, and found 
grace with God ; but Israel became daily more and more 
wicked. She set God at defiance, and despised His prophets, 
until, weary with her crimes, He resolved on her destruc- 
tion. 

2. Suddenly and unexpectedly, Salmanasar, King of As- 
syria, came with a powerful army, and laid siege to Samaria, 
the capital of Israel. After three years he took the city, and 
led the greater portion of the inhabitants captives into As- 
syria, while those who remained became mixed with the 
neighboring nations. 

3. The religion of the Samaritans was a compound of 
Judaism and paganism. The people of Judea hated the 
Samaritans, both because of their religion and because of 
their revolt. Hence, Our Saviour was called a Samaritan, 
because the Jews thought they could call a man no worse 
name. 

Those who were led away into captivity never returned, 
but becoming mixed with the people of Assyria and the sur- 
rounding nations, were lost to history, and perished as a 
people. Not a trace of the ten tribes remains to-day. 



a.m.3286] 64. — The Old Tobias. [a.c.7u. 

1. Among those who were led into captivity by Salmanasar 
was a God-fearing man, named Tobias. From his youth he 
had avoided the society of the wicked and kept the com- 
mandments. He spent much of his time in .-consoling his 
fellow-captives, and by his charities helping to relieve their 
wants. To feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, and in the 
night to bury the dead was his usual care. 

Questions to Chapter 63.— Who destroyed Israel ? How ? What became of the 
people? What was the religion , of the Samaritans ? W T hy was Christ called a. 
Samaritan ? 



THE COUNSELS OP TOBIAS TO HIS SON. 97 

2. One day, wearied and exhausted with burying the dead, 
he returned to his house, and, lying down by the wall, fell 
asleep. Whilst he slept the hot dung from a swallow's nest 
fell into his eyes, and he lost his sight. Tobias bore his 
affliction without murmur, and strove to purify himself by 
his trials. 

3. Tobias being rendered helpless by the loss of his sight, 
his wife Anna went out every day to weave, that she might 
help to support him. One day she received, over and above 
her wages, a little kid. When Tobias heard it bleating he 
began to fear lest it might have been gotten dishonestly, and 
not until he had been assured that it was a gift would he 
touch it. 



65. — The Counsels of Tobias to his Son. 

1. After Tobias had been proved in many tribulations he 
thought he was .going to die, .so he called his son to him, that 
he might give him some advice. 

" When I die," said he, " fail not to bury me. Honor thy 
mother, nor forget what she suffered for thee. When she 
dies bury her by my side. Fear God and never sin; keep 
pride from your heart, and seek the counsel of the wise man. 

2. " Do to another what you would wish him to do to you. 
Give alms according to your means: if you have much, give 
much ; if little, give little : but give with a good heart. We 
are poor, it is true; but, if we fear God and avoid sin, we 
will receive much." 

When the young Tobias heard his good old father speaking 
in this manner he fell upon his neck, and, weeping, promised 
to do all he had commanded. 

Questions to Chapter 64.— What is said of Tobias ? What did he do ? How did 
Tobias lose his sight ? What is said about the kid ? 

Questions to Chapter 65.— What counsels did Tobias give his sou ? How did 
the young Tobias act ? 



98 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



a.m.3300.] 66. — The Journey of the Young 

Tobias. 



[A.C. 700. 



1. After this advice, Tobias wished to send his son to a dis- 
tant city, called Rages, to collect a debt. Before he started 
the old man was very anxious to select for him a suitable 
companion — one who also knew the way. The young Tobias 
went out to seek one, and he found a beautiful young man 
standing girded and ready for the road. It was the Angel 
Eaphael, but Tobias knew it not. 




2. Tobias asked the stranger if he knew the road to Rages. 
He answered, " Yes. " Then he led him into the house, when 
the angel promised to lead the younger Tobias to Rages and 
back again. Tobias blessed them, and they departed. 

3. At the end of the first day's journey they came to the 
River Tigris. When Tobias wished to wash his feet a mon- 
strous fish rose up to devour him. The angel bade him fear 
not, but seize the fish and draw it out. Tobias did so. 
Then, according to the directions of the angel, he took out 
the heart and the gall and the liver, and put them away to 



THE RETURN OF TOBIAS. 99 

be used for medicine. They then roasted as much of the fish 
as they could eat; the rest they salted and took with them. 

4. When they drew near to a certain city the angel told 
Tobias that there lived there a man named Raguel, a near 
relation; that, moreover, he had a daughter named Sara, 
whom he must ask in marriage. When Raguel saw him and 
heard who he was, he was exceedingly glad, and readily gave 
him his daughter. Tobias remained with his father-in-law 
during the rejoicings for his marriage, but Raphael went on 
to Rages and received the money for which they had come. 



67. — The Return of Tobias. 

1. When Tobias had been with Raguel for some time he 
thought of returning home, lest his father might be uneasy at 
his delay. At first Raguel strove to persuade him to remain; 
but when he saw the young man resolved to go he divided 
his property, and gave him half as a marriage gift, and, 
blessing him and his daughter, dismissed them. 

2. After they had come some distance on the way, Raphael 
and Tobias, leaving Sara and the company to follow, went 
on before. By the advice of the angel, Tobias took with him 
the gall of the fish, which he had preserved. 

Meanwhile the parents of Tobias became very anxious at 
the long delay of their son. His mother wept unceasingty, 
and every day went to the top of a neighboring hill, from 
which she could see a great way off. 

3. At length she saw him in the distance and recognized 
him at once. Then she ran back and told her husband that 
their son was coming. The old man, led by the hand, has- 
tened to meet his son, and, kissing him, they both wept for 
joy. In the mean time the dog that had accompanied the 
younger Tobias on his journey ran on before, wagging his 
tail and jumping with delight. 

4. When they had all thanked God for His mercies, Tobias 

Questions to Chapter 66.— Tell the history of Raphael. What is said about the 
fish ? What is said of Raguel ? 

L cfC. 



100 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

anointed his father's eyes with the gall of the fish which he 
had brought with him, and immediately the old man re- 
covered his sight. Falling on his knees, he praised God — 
as well because He had afflicted him with blindness as now 
because He had cured him. 

Seven days after this, Sara arrived, and, with her, the ser- 
vants, the flocks, and the camels her father had given her, 
besides the money which Gabelus had paid. A great feast 
was made, and they gave themselves up to rejoicing. 

5. When the days of the feast were finished Tobias asked 
his father what reward they would give the young man that 
had accompanied him, or what recompense could be sufficient 
for all he had done for them. After consulting they called 
the angel and offered him half of all they possessed, but he 
refused. Then he bade them rejoice and give thanks to God 
for His mercies to them, to pray and to fast, and to fear not; 
"for/' said he, " I am Raphael, one of the angels that stand 
before God, and have been sent by the Lord to heal you/' 

6. When they heard this they were much troubled, and 
fell with their faces to the ground. But the angel said to 
them: "Fear not; it was God's will I should be with you; 
bless Him and sing His praise." Then he disappeared, but 
they continued to praise God and to publish all His wonders. 
At a good old age they were both gathered to their fathers, 
full of grace before God and men. 

PART SECOND. 

THE KINGDOM OF JUDA FROM THE YEAR 975 TO 
THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST. 

a.m. 3025] 68. — A Summary of the Principal [A.c.975. 

Events. 

1. From the death of King Koboam to the year 588 before 
Christ, eighteen princes of the house of David successively 

Questions to Chapter 67.— What did Raguel divide ? What is said of the meet- 
ing of the old and young Tobias 1 How did Tobias recover his sight ? What is 
said of Sara ? What was offered to Raphael ? What did he say ? 



THE KINGS OF JUDA FROM ROBOAM TO EZECHIAS. 101 

governed Juda. Some of them were men of wisdom, who, 
fearing God, listened to the prophets that were sent to them; 
but many of them were wicked and perverse, who gave them- 
selves up to idolatry and led the people into sin. 

2. To punish these latter, in the year 606 God permitted 
Jerusalem to be taken by the Babylonians, and the principal 
men among the Jews to be led into captivity. Eighteen 
years afterwards — that is, in the year 588 before Christ — the 
entire population of Juda was carried into Babylon, and the 
kingdom of Juda destroyed. 

3. For seventy years the Jews remained captives in Baby- 
lon, until they learned to humble themselves and acknowl- 
edge their sins.. During their captivity their faith was 
strengthened by the words of the prophets, and by their 
piety they edified their conquerors, and spread amongst them 
a knowledge of the Redeemer. 

4. At the end of seventy years — 536 before Christ — God 
led the Jews back to their own country. They immediately 
rebuilt Jerusalem and the Temple, and for two hundred years 
lived in peace and contentment. 

After the death of Alexander the Great — 323 years before 
Christ — they were again persecuted by different nations, until 
Herod, a stranger, ascended the throne of David. Then, 
according to the prophecy of Jacob, the time was come when 
Christ should be born. 

69.— The Kings of Juda from Roboam to Ezechias. 

1. Abia, a brave but wicked prince, succeeded his father, 
Koboam, on the throne of Juda. In turn he was succeeded 
by Asa, who, in the beginning, ruled with justice, and by his 
many brilliant victories added to the glory of Juda, but at 
last ended in forgetting God. 

2. Josaphat, who succeeded him, was better than any of 
his three predecessors. He abolished idolatry, and appointed 

Questions to Chapter 68. — What is said of David's successors ? When were the 
Jews carried into Babylon ? How long did they remain in captivity ? When did 
the Jews return ? What was rebuilt ? 



102 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

God-fearing men to judge the people and teach them the law 
of God. For his piety, God gave him the victory over his 
enemies. 

3. Josaphat was succeeded by his son Joram, a cruel and 
idolatrous prince, who, in turn, was succeeded by Ochozias, 
as wicked as his predecessor. Ochozias was succeeded by his 
wife, Athalia, who, for seven years, committed all kinds of 
abominations in Juda. 

She murdered all the children of the royal family, Joas, 
the grandson of Ochozias, excepted, who was hidden by 
Joiada, the high priest. He afterwards ascended the throne, 
and, during the lifetime of Joiada, was a virtuous and pious 
prince, but after the death of the high priest, like so many 
of his predecessors, fell into idolatry. 

4. Amasias, Ozias, and Joatham successively reigned in 
Juda. In some respects they were better than their prede- 
cessors ; yet they often fell into idolatry. 

Once Ozias wished to usurp the duties of the priesthood, 
and, entering into the Temple, insisted upon burning incense 
before the Lord. The priest boldly resisted him, and ordered 
him to leave the sanctuary. 

5. Ozias became exceedingly angry, and threatened to 
strike the priest with the censer he held in his hand. On 
the instant he was struck by the hand of God, and covered 
with a leprosy that never left him. Until the day of his 
death, Ozias remained a public example of how God punishes 
the presumption of a layman who assumes the duties of a 
priest. 

a.m.3301.] 70. — The Pious King Ezechias. [a.c.699. 

1. The noble and pious Ezechias ascended the throne of 
Juda after the death of Achaz, the wicked and idolatrous son 
of Joatham. Like David, he was a man according to God's 
own heart. He purified the Temple and abolished idolatry, 

Questions to Chapter 69.— What is said of the successors of Roboam ? What is 
said of Ozias ? 



KINGS PRECEDING THE BABYLONTSH CAPTIVITY. 103 

for which God blessed him, and Juda rose in power and in- 
fluence. 

2. During his reign, Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, 
laid siege to Jerusalem, but Ezechias feared not. While the 
Assyrians lay round about the city, Ezechias went to the 
Temple and prayed to the Lord. He also sent the priests, 
clad in their robes of mourning, to Isaias the prophet, beg- 
ging him also to pray in their behalf. The Lord heard his 
prayer, and in the night sent His angel into the camp of the 
Assyrians, and there were slain ere the morning a hundred 
and eighty thousand of the enemy. The rest perished in 
their flight. 

3. About this time Ezechias fell seriously ill, and the 
prophet Isaias came to him and warned him to arrange his 
affairs, for he was about to die. When the king heard this 
he became greatly alarmed, and, turning his ,face to the 
Temple, prayed earnestly to the Lord. His prayer was heard, 
and fifteen years were added to his life. His reign was one 
of the most glorious in the history of Juda. 



71.— The Kings immediately preceding the 
Babylonish Captivity. 

1. Manasses succeeded his father, Ezechias, on the throne 
of Juda. He was a wicked prince, and wantonly shed the 
blood of the innocent. He rebuilt the altars of the false 
gods which his father had destroyed; and, influenced by his 
bad example, the people became more sinful than even the 
pagans. As a punishment for his crimes, God permitted this 
wicked king to fall into the hands of the Assyrians, who led 
him a captive to Babylon. 

2. In his captivity he learned to acknowledge his faults 
and to do penance for his sins. God took compassion on him 
and brought him back to Jerusalem, where, in his latter days, 
he strove to repair the scandals of his early reign. 

Questions to Chapter 70.— What is said of Ezechias f How was Sennacherib 
defeated ? How many were killed ? What was added to the life of Ezechias ? 



104 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

3. His son Amon succeeded him, only to imitate him in 
his wickedness; but his grandson Josias strove to follow the 
example of his latter days. During the reign of Josias, idol- 
atry was rooted out and religion restored. That he might 
not see the evils that were about to come upon the kingdom 
of Juda, God took him to Himself after a short reign of nine 
years. 

4. He was succeeded by Joachaz, Joachim, and Sedecias, 
all wicked princes, who led the people away from God, and, 
by their idolatries, brought about the captivity of Babylon. 
With but few exceptions, Juda was cursed with bad kings. 
Her history is sin and its punishment, until, at length, she 
ended in crucifying Jesus Christ and being cast off by God. 

72.— The Prophets. 

1. From the beginning of the reign of Eoboam to the cap- 
tivity of Sedecias, God raised up men gifted with special 
powers, and into whom He breathed His own Spirit. These 
were the prophets, whom He sent to preach penance to the 
people, and to threaten kings with the judgments that 
awaited them if they continued to forget God. 

2. The most renowned of the prophets who arose during the 
early history of Juda were Joel, Micheas, and Isaias. These 
prophets were generally poor men, but bold in the power of 
God; nor did they fear to resist kings, or to cry out against 
their sins. 

3. At their preaching many repented and for a while re- 
turned to God. For their fearless war against sin, and their 
open denunciations of both kings and people, some of them 
were put to death. Though dead, their words lived in the 
hearts of the just, among whom the true faith was preserved, 
and by whom the hopes and promises that had been made of 
the Eedeemer that was to come were handed down to cheer 
the world. 

Questions to Chapter 71.— What is said of Manasses ? How did God punish 
him ? How did he end his days ? What is said ot Josias ? What is said of Juda ? . 

Questions to Chapter 72. — Who were the Prophets ? Who were much re- 
nowned ? What did they preach? How did some of them die ? 



THE CAPTIVITY OF BABYLON. 105 

73.— The Captivity of Babylon. 

(from 606 to 536 years a.c.) 

1. After the death of the pious King Josias, Nebuehodo- 
nosor, King of Babylon, came and besieged Jerusalem. When 
he had taken the city he carried back with him to Babylon 
the principal men of the nation, together with a part of the 
sacred vessels of the Temple. This happened in the year 606 
before Christ, and was the beginning of what in history is 
known as the " Babylonian Captivity." 

2. Three years after this Nebuchodonosor returned to Je- 
rusalem, and carried Jechonias, the king, back with him to 
Babylon. He also, on this occasion, carried with him into 
captivity a great part of the people, besides immense treasures. 
He left Sedecias to rule over the remnant of Juda. 

3. Sedecias revolted, and Nebuchodonosor returned for the 
third time, and destroyed Jerusalem, and burned the gorgeous 
and magnificent Temple of Solomon, carrying with him nearly 
the entire Jewish people. He put out the eyes of Sedecias, 
and, loading him with chains, carried him a captive to Baby- 
lon. This happened in the year 588 before Christ. 

4. At this time lived Jeremias the prophet, who, long 
before, had warned the people of the destruction that was 
about to come upon them. Alone and in sorrow, he contin- 
ued to weep over Jerusalem, and at times presented himself 
to the people with a chain round his neck, as a sign of the 
captivity that was near at hand. But his warnings were re- 
ceived with curses and persecutions. 

5. When at length Jerusalem was destroyed, Jeremias re- 
mained to console the remnant of the nation that was left, 
and to weep amid the ruins of the once glorious city. 

In his grand Lamentations, Jeremias cries out from the 
depth of his sorrow: " How sorrowful, alas! are the ways 
that lead to Mount Moria; there are now none to come to 
the feast. The gates of the city are destroyed; the priests 
weep; the virgins are without ornament. you who pass 
by the way, see if there is sorrow like unto my sorrow! Alas! 



106 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

is this the city of magnificence, the perfect in beauty, the 
joy of the world ? " 

6. During their captivity the Jews did penance for their 
sins and became sincerely converted to the Lord. Nebucho- 
donosor was kind and considerate to them; but they wept 
and sighed to return to their country. *' By the rivers of 
Babylon," cried they, " we sat, and wept when we remem- 
bered Sion. On the branches of the willow-trees we hung up 
our harps; for how could we sing the songs of Sion in a 
strange land ? " 

A.M.8410.] 74. — Daniel and the Three Young la.c. 590. 

Men. 

1. Amongst the captives at Babylon were several youths of 
the royal race. Amongst these were Daniel and his three 
companions, Azarias, Ananias, and Misael. By the command 
of King Nebuchodonosor, they were selected, as well for the 
beauty of their persons as for their intelligence, and orders 
were given to feed them daily from the royal table. 

2. But by the Jewish law several kinds of meats were for- 
bidden to be eaten. These young men, fearing they would be 
required to eat of these forbidden meats, came to the chief 
eunuch of the king and begged him to let them for ten days 
be fed on pulse and to drink water only, and then if they 
were not fatter and fairer than those who were fed from the 
king's table, they would submit and eat what he wished. 

3. The proposition pleased Malasar, the chief eunuch, and 
at the end of ten days their faces were fatter and fairer than 
those who had been fed from the king's table. From this 
time forward they were fed on pulse and water only. 

4. God gave them, besides comeliness of person, great abun- 
dance of wisdom, so that when some time afterwards they 
were called before the king, none were found equal to them. 

Questions to Chapter 73.— What is said of Nebuchodonosor ? When did he re- 
turn ? What did he carry back with him ? Who was left ? What happened to 
Jerusalem and the Temple ? What is said of Jeremias ? What is said of the 
Lamentations ? What is said of the Jews in captivity ? 



DANIEL SAYES SUSANNA. 107 

Thus they were selected and placed in the service of Nebu- 
chodonosor. 

a.m.3410.] 75. — Daniel saves Susanna. [A.c.290. 

1. Among the Jewish captives at Babylon was a man 
named Joachim, as distinguished for his goodness as his 
wife, Susanna, was for her beauty and her virtue. Many 
of the Jews came to his house, for there two of the ancients 
were wont to administer justice. 

2. Joachim had an orchard near his house, where his wife, 
Susanna, was accustomed to walk at mid-day. The two 
judges, who were wicked men, knew this, and one day con- 
cealed themselves in the orchard. According to custom 
Susanna came in to walk, when they came to her and strove 
to persuade her to commit sin with them, but she refused. 
They then threatened to accuse her before the people. 

3. When Susanna saw herself thus straitened on every side, 
she knew nob what to do. " If I yield," said she, " I am 
ruined before God; and if I do not, I will not escape your 
hands. However, it is better to fall into your hands inno- 
cent than to sin against God." 

So she cried with a loud voice, and the old men cried also. 
When the people were come together the two men accused 
Susanna. 

4. On the morrow Susanna was cited before the tribunal. 
She came accompanied by her parents and friends, all weep- 
ing for the disgrace that had happened to them. The old 
men renewed their charge, and faith was placed in their 
words. Susanna was condemned to death, but she prayed to 
the Lord and He heard her. 

5. When they were leading her forth to be stoned, Daniel, 
enlightened by the Spirit of God, cried out: " Let there be 
another trial ; these men have borne false witness ! " The 
people, hearing this, returned in haste. 

6. Then Daniel commanded the two old men to be sepa- 

Qubstions to Chapter 74.— Tell the history of Daniel and his companions. 



108 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



rated one from the other. When this was done Daniel 
asked the first under what tree he had seen Susanna. He 
answered: " Under a mastic-tree. " He was then put aside 
and the other asked under what tree he had seen the woman. 
He answered: " Under a holm-tree." 




7. When the people heard their contradictory stories they 
saw how false had been their accusation against the virtuous 
Susanna, and praised God, who thus preserved those who 
trusted in Him. 

From that day Daniel was great in the eyes of the people. 



A.M.3ii7.] 76. — The Three Young Men in the la.c.583. 
Fiery Furnace. 

1. Nebuchodonosor made a statue of gold, and setting it 
up, commanded the grandees and people of his kingdom to 
fall down and adore it. Every one obeyed — Ananias, Misael* 
and Azarias excepted. Daniel was not present, or he also 
would have disobeyed. The Babylonians, seeing that the 

' Questions to Chapter 75.— Tell the history of Susanna. Where was Susanna 
cited on the morrow ? To what was she condemned ? Who saved Susanna ? How? 



THE THREE YOUNG MEN IN THE FIERY FURNACE. 109 

three young men would not adore the idol, accused them to 
the king. 

2. When Nebuchodonosor saw that even he could not in- 
duce them to adore his statue, filled with fury, he ordered a 
furnace to be heated seven times more than usual, and the 
young men to be thrown into it. His order was immediately 
obeyed. However, the men who threw them in were burned 
to death. 




3. An angel descended with the three young men, whilst 
God sent a soft, dewy air, that blew within the furnace like 
an evening breeze. Not a hair of their heads was singed, 
nor were their clothes touched by the fire. 

4. When the king heard this wonder he came and looked 
into the furnace himself. " Did we not," he asked, " cast 
three men, bound, into the fire ? Behold ! I see four 
loose, and unhurt; and the fourth is like the Son of God." 
Then the king cried out : " Servants of God, come forth! " 

5. They obeyed; and when the king saw there was no sign 
of fire upon them, he thanked God, who had thus saved His 
servants, because they had preferred to die rather than sin. 



110 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

Nebuchodonosor also published a decree that no one should 
blaspheme against the God of the Jews. The young men 
were advanced to the highest dignities. 

A.H.S4M.J 7*7.— Daniel and King Baltassar. ux?.sat 

1. After Nebuchodonosor's death, his grandson, Baltassar, 
reigned in Babylon. He made a great feast for his nobles 
and their wives. When they were all full of wine, the king 
ordered the golden vessels which his grandfather, Nebucho- 
donosor, had brought from the Temple of Jerusalem, to be 
brought in, that he and his guests might drink from them. 
Whilst they were drinking a hand appeared upon the wall, 
and wrote certain words. 

2. When Baltassar saw this he became greatly troubled, 
and, trembling with fear, sent for his soothsayers; but no 
one could interpret the handwriting. Then Daniel was sent 
for. 

He said: "These are the words: Mane, Thecel, Phares; 
and this is the interpretation: Mane — the days of thy king- 
dom are numbered, and it is at an end; Thecel — thy merits 
are weighed in the balance, and thou are found wanting; 
Phares — thy kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and 
Persians." 

3. That same night this prophecy was fulfilled. The 
Medes and the Persians, by turning the bed of the river 
Euphrates, entered Babylon during the night, and Baltassar 
was slain and his kingdom divided. Darius the Mede suc- 
ceeded to the kingdom of Babylon. 

78.— Daniel and the Idol Bel 

1. Cyrus, King of Persia, soon made himself master of 
Babylon. He showed much attention to Daniel, and often 
invited him to his table. One day Cyrus asked Daniel why 

Questions to Chapter 76.— Tell the history of the golden statue. What was 
done to the three young men ? How were they saved ? 

Questions to Chapter 77.— What happened to Baltassar ? What was the hand- 
writing ? Who interpreted it ? Was it fulfilled ? How ? 



DANIEL IN THE LIONS* DEN. Ill 

he would not adore Bel, the god of the Babylonians. Daniel 
answered that he adored only the living God, by whom all 
things were created. 

2. But the king said: " So is Bel a living god; he eats 
daily a dozen measures of flour and forty sheep, and, besides, 
drinks six pitchers of wine." But Daniel only laughed at 
him, and bade the king not to be deceived : " for clay and brass 
could not eat." Then Cyrus sent for the priests of Bel, and 
told them what Daniel had said. 

3. The priests proposed that the king should himself place 
the meats before Bel, and seal the door of the temple, and if, 
on the morrow, they were not eaten, then they would will- 
ingly suffer death. This proposition pleased Cyrus. 

4. When Cyrus had put the priests out of the temple, he 
set the meats before Bel. But Daniel, in the presence of the 
king, sifted fine ashes on th6 floor of the temple. They then 
closed the door, and sealed it with the king's ring. 

During the night, as was their custom, the priests entered 
the temple by a secret door, and, together with their wives 
and their children, eat up the sacrifices that were placed 
before the idol. 

5. Early in the morning, Cyrus and Daniel came to the 
temple and found the seals unbroken. When they entered, 
and the king saw the empty table, he cried out: "Great is 
Bel, and he cannot be deceived ! " But Daniel pointed to the 
footprints that were upon the pavement. Having examined 
the place a little closer, the secret door was found under the 
table on which the meats had been placed. When the king 
saw how he had been deceived he killed the priests, and 
Daniel destroyed the god Bel and burned his temple. 

a.m.3466.] 79.— Daniel in the Lions' Den. [axmsm. 

1. Besides the god Bel, the Babylonians also adored a great 
dragon. Cyrus said one day to Daniel: "However, you can 
not say this is not a living god." Daniel, without discussing 

Questions to Chapter 78. -What is said of Bel ? How did Daniel undeceive 
Cyrus? 



112 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



the king's words, proposed to kill the dragon without sword 
or club. When Cyrus consented, Daniel boiled pitch and fat 
together, into which he mixed hair. He then made balls of 
the mixture, and, putting them into the dragon's mouth, the 
so-called god burst asunder. 

2. When the Babylonians heard what had happened, they 
came, in great fury, and demanded that Daniel be delivered 
up to them. At first Cyrus refused, but at length yielded 
to the fury of the mob. Daniel was delivered to them, and 
they cast him into the lions' den. On purpose no food was 
given to the seven furious lions that were there confined, with 
the hope that Daniel would be the sooner devoured; but 
Daniel remained unhurt. 




3. After six days Daniel was hungry. Now, at this time, 
there lived amid the ruins of Jerusalem a prophet, named 
Habacuc. He had boiled some pottage, and was carrying it to 
the reapers that were in the field. 

While on the way an angel appeared to him, and ordered 
him to carry the dinner he had in his hands to Daniel, who 
was then in the lions' den. Habacuc answered: "He had 
never been in Babvlon, and did not know the den of which 



THE JEWS RETURN FROM CAPTIVITY. 113 

he spoke/' The angel took Habacuc by the hair of the head 
and, with the rapidity of lightning, carried him to Babylon, 
and placed him over the den where Daniel was. 

4. When Daniel had eaten the dinner thus so miraculously 
sent him, he thanked God, who had not forgotten him in his 
distress. But the angel carried back Habacuc, and placed 
him where he had found him. 

5. On the seventh day the king came to the lions' den, and 
found Daniel quietly sitting in the midst of the wild beasts. 
When Gyrus saw this he was much astonished, and imme- 
diately caused Daniel to be drawn out and his persecutors to 
be thrown in. Before these wicked men had fallen to the 
bottom of the den they were torn to pieces and devoured by 
the starved and angry lions. The king also published an 
edict, in which he commanded all to venerate and fear the 
God of Daniel, because He was the Savior, working signs and 
wonders upon earth. 

6. The young men in the furnace and Daniel in the lions' den were 
figures of Christ. Daniel came forth from the lions unhurt; Christ rose 
from the tomb glorious and immortal. Daniel remained with the Jews 
during their long captivity to console and cheer them; so does Christ 
remain with His Church to guard and protect her against her enemies. 

A.M.3468] 80.— The Jews Return from Captivity. [A.c.532. 

1. When the seventy years of captivity foretold by the 
prophets were finished, God moved the heart of Artaxerxes, 
King of the Medes and Persians, with compassion for the 
captives. In the year 532 before Christ Artaxerxes published 
an edict that the Jews might return to Jerusalem and re- 
build the Temple of the Lord. 

2. Under the leadership of Zorobabel, a prince of the peo- 
ple, more than forty thousand Jews returned at this time. 
Artaxerxes was very kind to them, giving them money, and 
restoring the vessels of gold and silver Nebuchodonosor had 

Questions to Chapter 79.— How did Daniel kill the dragon ? What was done to 
Daniel ? Who brought food to Daniel ? How was Daniel delivered ? Who were 
figures of Christ ? How ? 



114 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

taken away. When the people arrived at Jerusalem they 
built an altar, until the Temple could be finished. For twen- 
ty-one years they labored upon the new Temple. When it 
was finished, and the old men came to see it, they wept and 
lamented; for its magnificence was not to be compared to the 
Temple of Solomon. 

3. Twenty years after Zorobabel had gone to Jerusalem, 
Esdras, a holy priest, gathered together many of the Jews 

| that still remained in Babylon and led them back to their 
own country. Here, with the aid of his saintly friend, Ne- 
hemias, he strove to instruct the people in the law of God, 
and purify them from the abominations which they had con- 
tracted among their pagan masters. 

4. Nehemias moreover urged the people to rebuild Jerusa- 
lem. With ready willingness they followed his example, and, 
from the high -priest to the least among them, each put his 
hand to the work. 

When the Samaritans saw with what rapidity the city rose 
from its ashes, fearing for their own safety, they strove by 
plots and falsehoods to stop the work; but they failed. So 
earnestly did everybody work, that at the end of fifty-two 
days the walls of Jerusalem and the gates and the towers 
were finished. In time the city also was built up. 

81. — The Prophets after the Captivity. 

1. During the long captivity of Babylon, the prophets 
Jeremias, Daniel, and Ezechiel instructed and sustained the 
Jews by their prophecies. After their return to Jerusalem, 
God raised up others to cheer and encourage His people. 
Amongst these latter were Aggeus and Zacharias, by whose 
prophecies that the Messias would one day enter this new 
Temple, the people were strongly encouraged to push on the 
work. It was in this sense they said, " The glory of the 
second Temple will be far greater than the glory of the first. " 

Questions to Chapter 80.— Under whom did the Jews return ? What did they 
build ? What is said of the new Temple ? Who led many of the Jews back ? What 
did Esdras and Nehemias do ? What did the Samaritans strive to do ? 



ESTHEK. 115 

2. The last of the prophets whom God raised up among* 
the Jews was Malachias, who lived about four hundred years 
before Christ. He preached against the hypocrites of his 
day, and more especially against the priests. Malachias is 
remarkable for his celebrated prophecy: "That God would 
reject the sacrifices of the Old Law, and in their place insti- 
tute a New Sacrifice, that would not cease from the rising to 
the setting of the sun/' This prophecy is fulfilled in the 
Sacrifice of the Mass. 

3. About the year 277 A.c. the Old Testament was trans- 
lated from the Hebrew into Greek. This translation is 
known as the Septuagint. When this was done Greek was 
spoken everywhere; hence by this translation a knowledge 
of the Sacred Scriptures, and more particularly of the proph- 
ecies concerning the Messias, was scattered among the pagan 
nations. 

4. About the same time also, under the inspiration of God, 
a Jew named Jesus, the son of Sirach, wrote a book of pious 
sentences. The object of the book was to teach men truth 
and lead them to God. This book is known as the book of 
Ecclesiasticus. 

a.m. 3495.] 82. — Esther. [a.c. 505. 

1. The great kindness shown by the kings of Persia to the 
Jews induced many of them to remain in Babylon. Amongst 
these was Esther. 

During the reign of Assuerus, Esther lived with her uncle, 
Mardochai. By chance the king saw her, and, being mucli 
pleased with her, made her his queen. 

2. Her uncle, Mardochai, became very uneasy lest any- 
thing would happen to his adopted daughter; hence he 
stood daily before the king's palace. While Mardochai thus 
watched over the interest of his adopted child, he one day 
discovered a conspiracy by which two officers intended to 

Questions to Chapter 81. — Who were the prophets during the captivity ? Who 
were after ? What is said of Malachias ? What is the Septuagint ? Who wrote 
the book of Ecclesiasticus ? 



116 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

kill the king. Instantly he warned Esther, who told As- 
suerus, The officers were put to death, and the event put in 
the annals of the kingdom. 

3. Some time after this the king raised Aman to the 
highest dignities in the state. All the king's servants bent 
the knee before him, Mardochai excepted. When Aman 
noticed this he became exceedingly angry, and resolved on 
the destruction of the obstinate Jew. 

4. That he might the better accomplish his object, Aman 
pretended that the Jews were about to revolt, and succeeded 
in persuading the king to publish an edict that all of them 
that were in his kingdom should on the same day be put to 
death, together with their wives and their children, and all 
their possessions be confiscated to the crown. 

5. When Mardochai heard the news he hastened to Esther 
and urged her to plead for her people. But there was a law 
forbidding any subject to present himself before the king 
unless called. Esther resolved to brave the danger. She 
clothed herself in her most gorgeous apparel, and, begging 
God to bless her mission, presented herself to the king while 
lie was sitting on his throne. 

6. Esther threw herself at the king's feet, but fainted at 
sight of his angry look. When Assuerus saw the distress of 
his queen, he relented, and, descending from his throne, 
raised her up, and supported her till she recoveied. Then 
the king said to her: "Fear not, Esther; you shall not die. 
What do you wish ?" The queen merely asked him to bring 
Aman with him, and come the following evening to the ban- 
quet she had prepared. The king promised to come. 

7. During the night the king could not sleep, and, to 
amuse himself, ordered the annals of his reign to be read for 
him. When it came to the conspiracy which Mardochai had 
discovered, the king asked what reward Mardochai had re- 
ceived for what he had done. Being answered, "None/' 
Assuerus sent for Aman, and asked: "What ought to be 
done to the man whom the king wished to honor ? " 

8. Aman, thinking the king wished to honor himself, said: 



ESTHER. 



117 



" The man whom the king would honor should be clothed in 
the royal robes, and be placed on the king's horse, and the 
first of the king's princes should walk before him and cry 
aloud : ' Thus shall he be honored whom the king wishes to 
honor/ " The king then bade Aman go and do to Mardochai, 
the Jew, as he had counselled. Aman dared not disobey the 
king. 



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9. In the mean time the hour for the queen's feast came on, 
and Aman hastened to attend. During the feast the king 
asked Esther what she wished, promising to give even to the 
half of his kingdom. The queen asked but for her life and 
the lives of her people. When the king heard how his con- 
fidence had been abused, and how, under false pretences, the 
Jews were about to be destroyed, he became angry and asked 
who had dared to do this thing. Esther answered, " Aman." 

10. The king rose in great fury, and, calling together his 
eunuchs, asked what he should do. But one said, "Aman 
has prepared a gibbet fifty cubits high on which to hang 
Mardochai." Then the king said, "Hang Aman on it/' 

That very hour Aman was hung, and Mardochai invested 



118 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

"with his dignity. The edict against the Jews was revoked, 
and many of the pagans were converted. 

11. Queen Esther was a figure of the Blessed Virgin. Esther was 
alone exempted from the rigors of the Persian law; the Blessed Virgin 
was alone exempted from original sin. Esther saved her people; Mary 
gave a Savior to the world. 

Mardochai was the faithful guardian of Esther; Joseph was the 
guardian of Jesus and Mary. Mardochai was placed in the highest 
office of state; Joseph holds one of the highest places in heaven. 



83.— Judith. 

1. When the Jews were reestablished in their own country, 
God, in a most wonderful manner, again delivered them by 
the hands of a woman. Holof ernes, an Assyrian general, 
advanced into Judea with a powerful army. He took many 
of the cities, and treated the inhabitants with extreme cruelty. 
At length he laid siege to Bethulia, and, cutting off the 
aqueduct by which the city was supplied with water, the 
inhabitants were soon reduced to the last extremity. 

2. When they saw themselves in this condition they agreed 
to surrender if within five days they received no help. 
There was within the city a young widow named Judith, of 
great wealth and beauty. When she heard the resolution to 
"which the leaders had come, she laid aside the garments of 
her widowhood, and, anointing herself, put on her richest 
ornaments. 

3. Thus arrayed, she went, accompanied by her servant, to 
the Assyrian camp. God also added to her beauty. When 
Holofernes saw her he received her most kindly, and gave 
orders to his servants to permit her to come and to go at her 
pleasure. 

4. Four days after her arrival in the Assyrian camp, Holo- 
fernes gave a great banquet to the officers of his army. Late 
in the night he threw himself upon his bed, and, being 

Questions to Chapter 82. — Tell the history of Esther. What did Mardochai do ? 
"What is said of A man I What did Esther do ? What was the result ? What coun- 
sel did Aman give ? Where did Aman hasten to go ? What happened to Aman ? 
"What happened to Mardochai ? How is Esther a figure of the Blessed Virgin ? 



JUDITH. 



119 



drunk, slept heavily. Judith drew near the bed on which 
Holofernes lay, and, praying to God to strengthen her arm, 
took the sword that hung at the top of the bed and cut off 
his head. 

5. Then she put the head in a bag and gave it to her ser- 
vant, and, hastening from the Assyrian camp, came to 
Bethulia. When she had assembled the leaders and the 
people, she showed them the head of Holofernes, and bade 
them praise the Lord, who had protected her from sin, and, 
by her hands, killed their enemy. 




6. The Jews, seeing how God had thus fought for them, 
hung the head of Holofernes from the walls of the city, and, 
going forth, attacked the Assyrians, who, without a leader, 
were easily overcome, and many of them slain. 

Judith was much esteemed, not only by the inhabitants of 
her native city, but by all Judea; and when she died all the 
people wept. 

Questions to Chapter 83.— What is the history of Judith? Whose head did she 
cut off ? What did the Jews do ? What was done at the death of Judith ? 



120 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



a.m.3837.] 84, — Eleazar the Martyr. u.c.m. 

1. In the year 333 before Christ, Alexander the Great put 
an end to the kingdom of Persia, which had ruled over the 
Jews since the time of Cyrus. After this they fell into the 
power of the kings of Egypt, and finally under the power of 
the kings of Syria. 

2. Among these latter, Antiochus was very cruel. He 
burned the sacred books, and forbade, under pain of death, 
any one to observe the Law. Many basely apostatized, while, 
on the other hand, many remained faithful, preferring death 
to sin. 

3. Among these latter was the venerable Eleazar, an old 
man of ninety years of age, and much esteemed for his 
knowledge of the Law. Antiochus commanded him to eat 
the flesh of swine, threatening him with death if he refused. 
But his religion forbade him to obey, and the brave old man 
would rather die than offend God. 

4. His friends strove to persuade him to yield, nay, even 
urged him to save his life by pretending to eat the forbidden 
flesh, though he did not. But Eleazar scorned deceit: "I 
may deceive men," said he, "but I cannot deceive God, and 
my example might lead others astray." The old man suf- 
fered a cruel death, but truth triumphed in his sufferings. 

a.m.3837.] 85,— The Martyrdom of the Seven [A.c.i63. 

Machabees. 

1. Amongst others that were brought before Antiochus 
were the seven Machabees and their mother. When they 
were ordered to eat the forbidden flesh of the swine they re- 
fused, and said they would rather die than break the laws of 

God/ 

2. When the king heard this he became very angry, and 
ordered the seven brothers to be beaten with rods. But the 

Questions to Chapter 84.— Into whose power did the Jews fall ? What is said of 
Antiochus ? What is said of Eleazar ? 



THE MARTYRDOM OF THE SEVEK MACHABEES. 



121 



heroic youths still refusing to obey, Antiochus commanded 
frying-pans and brazen caldrons to be made hot. Then the 
executioners seized the eldest and cut out his tongue; after 
this they tore off the skin from his head, and chopped off his 
hands and his feet, and at last threw him into the red-hot 
frying-pan. His mother and his brothers stood encouraging 
him and exhorting him to persevere. 




3. When the first was dead, the second eldest was brought, 
and the skin of his head also pulled off. He, too, was asked 
if he would eat the forbidden meat; but he boldly answered, 
"No." He was tormented as his brother had been. The 
third and the fourth, as also the fifth and the sixth, willingly 
offered themselves to the executioners, and died proclaiming 
their faith in God and their hopes of eternal happiness. 

4. The youngest still remained. The king hoped by kind- 
ness to win him over. He promised him honors and riches, 
even his own friendship, if he would renounce the Jewish 
religion; but he would not yield. Then the king exhorted 
the mother to persuade her son to save his life, but she only 



122 HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 

the more encouraged her child to be a worthy successor of 
his six martyred brothers. 

5. While his mother was yet speaking to him, he boldly 
cried out: " I will not obey the king, nor will I break the law 
of God." When the king heard this he was greatly incensed, 
and ordered him to be more cruelly tormented than any of 
the rest. Last of all the mother suffered death with the 
same heroic constancy that had marked the sufferings of her 
seven noble sons. 



a.m.3838.] 86.— Mathathias and Judas [a.ci«. 

Machabeus. 

1. During the reign of Antiochus there lived in Judea a 
priest named Mathathias, who had five sons. W r hen he saw 
the abominations that were committed against the Law, and 
the cruelties with which the people were oppressed, he re- 
solved to free his country. Calling upon all those who would 
defend the Law of God to follow him, he fled with his sons 
and many others into the mountains. 

2. At first he was content with overthrowing the idols and 
the altars of the pagan gods ; then, as his numbers increased, 
he began to make war on the enemies of his country. 

After his death the leadership fell upon his son Judas, 
who, because of his invincible courage, was called Machabeus. 
Bold as a lion, he met and vanquished the generals of An- 
tiochus one after another. 

3. He also retook Jerusalem and purified the Temple. The 
altar was consecrated anew, amid the sounds of harps and 
lutes and cymbals ; the sacrifices were restored ; and a great 
feast was appointed to celebrate his victories. 

4. When Antiochus heard of the success of the Machabees 
he became very angry. Gathering together an immense 

Questions to Chapter 85.— What is said of the Machabees ? How was the eldest 
brother put to death ? How was the second eldest ? How did the others die ? How 
did the king act towards the youngest ? What was done to the mother ? 



MATHATHIAS AND JUDAS MACHABEUS. 



123 



army, he resolved to lead it himself against Jerusalem, and 
forever destroy the place; but God's judgments overtook him 
on the way. 

One day he fell from his chariot and hurt himself very 
badly. His sores putrefied, and worms began to crawl out of 
his wounds; the flesh fell off from his bones, and the whole 
body sent forth a stench insupportable to himself as well as 
all around him. 




5. When Antiochus saw how grievously he suffered, he 
acknowledged the hand of God in his punishment, and, hoping- 
to escape death, humbled himself and lamented his cruelty. 
He even promised to repair, as far as he could, the evils he 
had done. But his repentance was insincere, and God lis- 
tened not to his prayer. He died amid the most cruel tor- 
ments, leaving to the world a frightful example of the justice 
of God. 

6. After his death his son strove to reconquer Judea; but 
the Machabees, trusting in God, assembled their followers 



124 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



and went forth to battle. In the heat of the engagement 
suddenly there came from heaven five men, whose armor 
shone as the sun, and whose horses were covered with golden 
harness. Two placed themselves on either side of Judas, 
whilst the other three hurled darts on the enemy: at the 
same time the lightning flashed in the faces of the Syrians. 
Stunned and confounded, many fell to the ground, whilst the 
others turned and fled. The enemy left twenty thousand 
infantry and six thousand cavalry dead upon the field. 




7. After many victories Judas established the independence 
of his country; yet not without loss. Many of the Jews were 
tilled ; but on examining the bodies of the dead there were 
found concealed under their coats offerings that had been 
stolen from the temples of the pagan idols. Then all knew 
the cause of their death. 

8. When Judas saw why they had been punished, he did not 
despair, but, trusting in the power of prayer and the mercy 
of God, sent twelve thousand drachmas of silver to Jerusalem, 



FROM THE MACHABEES TO JESUS CHRIST. 125 

that sacrifices might be offered for them, saying: "It is a 
holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead." 



87. — From the Machabees to Jesus Christ. 

1. After the death of the pious and heroic Judas, his 
brothers, one after another, were placed at the head of the* 
nation. Under their wise guidance many victories were won 
and peace established, and Judea began again to flourish* 
Unhappily, their successors did not walk in their footsteps^ 
and gradually the inconstant Jews fell again into sin. 

2. The nation, however, still recognized the one true God, 
and exteriorly observed the forms of the Law ; but the hearts 
of the people were far from God. 

Two sects rose up among them : one, the hypocritical Phar- 
isees ; the other, the incredulous Sadducees. The former 
placed all perfection in the exterior observance of the Law; 
the latter denied much that was in the Law, more particularly 
the resurrection of the dead. 

3. Beyond Judea the world was buried in idolatry and 
abomination; cruelty and oppression were everywhere, and 
mankind longed for the coming of the Messias. There re- 
mained but one thing more, — the fulfilment of the prophecy 
made by Jacob to his son Juda, — and this was not long de- 
layed. 

4. The successors of the Machabees lived in continual war, 
civil as well as foreign; brother fought against brother; mur- 
der and rapine replaced peace and honesty. As a last hope,, 
the Romans were called in to arbitrate between the parties.. 
Soon they filled the country with their armies; the govern- 
ment was seized upon, and Herod, a stranger, appointed king: 
of the Jews. Thus perished the kingdom of Judea; the* 
sceptre had passed from the tribe of Juda; the time was 

Questions to Chapter 86. — What is said of Mathathias? What is said of Judas 
Machabeus ? How did Antiochus die ? How was the son of Antiochus defeated ? 
What did Judas send to Jerusalem ? Why ? 



126 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



come when the Messias, the Savior, Our Lord Jesus Christ, 
should come to bless the world and save mankind, to whom 
he praise and benediction forever and ever. 

Questions to Chapter 87.— What is said of the later history of the Jews ? Who 
were the Pharisees ? Who were the Sadducees ? What is said of the world in gen- 
eral ? What alone was wanting ? Who were brought into Judea ? Why ? Who 
was made king ? For whom was the time come ? 



END OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 








HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



PART FIRST 
THE HISTORY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 

1.— The Birth of John the Baptist Announced. 

l f During the reign of King Herod there lived in the 
mountains of Judea an aged priest, named Zachary, and his 
wife, Elizabeth. Though just before God and otherwise 
happy, there was one drawback — they had no family. They 
had often asked for a son, but their prayers seemed unheard. 

2. One day while Zachary, according to the custom of the 
priests, was burning incense within the sanctuary, suddenly 
an angel appeared at the right of the altar. Zachary was 
much frightened, but the angel bade him fear not. Then 
the angel told him his prayer had at length been heard, and 
his wife, Elizabeth, in her old age, would bear him a son, and 
he should call his name Jolm. 

3. When Zachary heard this he began to doubt, and to 



128 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



reason with himself, saving he was old and his wife was old. 
In answer to his objections the angel said to him : " Because 
you have doubted and have not believed my word, you shall 




be dumb till what I have announced to you come to pass." 
The angel disappeared, but Zachary was struck dumb from 
that moment. 



2.— The Birth of Jesus Announced. 

1. Six months after the events above related, the angel 
Gabriel was sent to Nazareth, a little town in Galilee, to a 
virgin called Mary. Though of the royal family of David, 
she was very poor in this world's goods; but in virtues she 
was exceedingly rich. A short time before the angel ap- 
peared to her she had been married to a poor carpenter, 
called Joseph, who, like herself, also belonged to the house 
of David. 

2. While this humble virgin was deeply absorbed in prayer, 

Questions to Chapter 1.— What is said of Zachary and Elizabeth f What hap- 
pened to Zachary at the altar ? 



THE BIRTH OF JESUS ANNOUNCED. 



129 



suddenly the angel Gabriel entered her chamber, and said to 
her: " Hail, full of grace! the Lord is with thee; blessed art 
thou amongst women! " 




3. When Mary heard these strange and, to her, startling 
words, she became exceedingly troubled, not knowing what 
they could mean. But the angel hastened to relieve her 
anxiety by telling her that God had sent him to announce 
the coming of the Messias, and that she had been chosen to 
be His mother. When Mary objected that she was a virgin, 
and knew not man, the angel bade her fear not: "for the 
Holy Ghost would come upon her, and the power of the 
Most High would overshadow her, and the Holy One that 
should be born of her should be called the Son of God." 

4. To confirm his words Gabriel told her that her cousin 
Elizabeth had also conceived. When Mary understood the 
great things God proposed to do in her she no longer op- 
posed the divine will, but gave her consent. The same mo- 
ment she consented she became the Mother of God. In her 
was thus fulfilled the promise made in the garden of para- 



130 HISTOEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

dise, that the woman should crush the serpent's head. The 
Son of Mary has indeed conquered the devil. 



3. — Mary visits Elizabeth. 

1. After the angel left her, Mary hastened to visit her 
cousin. When she entered the house, Elizabeth was sud- 
denly filled with the Holy Ghost, and, in an ecstasy of joy, 
cried out: " Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is 
the fruit of thy womb ! " 




2. Mary was also carried away with the fulness of the grace 
that was within her, and burst forth into that magnificent 
canticle the Church daily sings, and is so well known as the 
Magnificat, viz.: 

" My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath re- 

Questions to Chapter 2.— Who came to Mary ? Who was she ? What is said of 
Mary ? What did Gabriel say to her ? How did Mary act f To confirm his words, 
what did Gabriel tell Mary ? 



THE BIKTH OF JOHK THE BAPTIST. 131 

joiced in God, my Savior; because He hath regarded the 
humility of His handmaid. Behold, from henceforth all 
generations shall call me Messed " * 

3. Mary remained about three months with Elizabeth; 
after this she returned to her own humble home, at Nazareth, 
where she gave herself up to prayer and to the duties of her 
house. 

4.— The Birth of John the Baptist. 

1. When the time was come Elizabeth brought forth a 
son. It was customary among the Jews to give a name to 
the child at its circumcision. Now when the neighbors 
gathered together to do for the child as the law required, 
they thought to call him by his father's name. But Eliza- 
beth objected, and ordered him to be called John. 

2. Some hesitating, they asked the father; but he, being 
dumb, took a pen and wrote, " John is the name." On the 
instant Zachary recovered his speech, and began to praise 
God and to publish His works. 

Fear came upon all when they saw and heard what had 
happened; and, wondering, they asked: "What -would the 
child become, for the hand of God was with him ? " 

3. Soon the news of these wonders was spread through the 
mountains of Judea, and excited in some hopes, in others 
fears, according as each regarded it. 

The child grew, and the Spirit of God was in him. At a 
tender age John went into the desert, where he remained in 
prayer and penance, until God bade him come into Judea 
and preach to the people of Israel. It was of him the prophet 
Malachias said, " I will send My angel, who will prepare the 
way before Me." 

Questions to Chapter 3.— Where did Mary go ? What happened when Mary 
met Elizabeth ? What is said of the Magnificat ? How long did Mary stay with 
Elizabeth ? 

Questions to Chapter 4.— What happened at the birth of John ? What at his 
circumcision ? How was John regarded ? Where did he go ? 

* For eighteen centuries has this prophecy been fulfilled in the Catholic Church 
by the daily recital of the " Hail Mary." 



132 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

a.m.4000.] 5.— The Birth of Jesus Christ. u.d.i. 

1. When Joseph discovered the condition of his wife Mary, 
he was very much troubled, and, not understanding the deep 
mystery that surrounded her, resolved to put her away se- 
cretly. Whilst he was thus debating the matter with him- 
self, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in sleep and told 
him to fear not, for Mary had become a mother by the over- 
shadowing power of God; and, moreover, the angel bade him 
call the child that would be born of her Jesus — that is to 
say, Savior. Joseph did as he was commanded. 

2. Soon after this, Augustus, the Roman Emperor, pub- 
lished an edict that the whole world should be enrolled. This 
enrolment first began in Judea, and every one was required 
to go to his family city, there to be enrolled. It was thus 
Joseph and Mary, being descendants of David, were forced to 
go to Bethlehem, the city of David. 

3. When they arrived the city was full of strangers, and 
they could find no place in the inns or among their friends, 
and so were forced to seek for shelter in a poor stable, near by 
the gates of the city. It was in this wretched place, that but 
poorly served as a shelter for the ox and the ass, that Jesus 
Christ, the Son of God, and the Master of all things, was 
born. With holy joy and tender care, Mary, the Virgin 
Mother, wrapped her child in swaddling-clothes and laid Him 
in the manger. 

4. The prophecy of Micheas was accomplished : "And 
thou, Bethlehem, art the least among the cities of Juda, but 
out of thee shall come the Ruler of Israel." 

6.— The Shepherds. 

1. On the night Christ was born a few shepherds were 
watching their flocks a short distance from Bethlehem. Sud- 
denly an angel of the Lord appeared to them and a bright light 

Questions to Chaptbr 5.— What is said of Joseph? How was he prevented froth 
sending Mary away ? What is said of Augustus ? Why did Mary and Joseph go to 
Bethlehem ? Where was Christ born ? What prophecy was fulfilled ? 



THE SHEPHERDS. 



133 




shone round about them. Great fear came upon them; but 
the angel bade them fear not, for he came to announce to 




them tidings of great joy. Then he told them that in the 
neighboring city of Bethlehem a child had just been born, 



134 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



who was Christ the Lord and the Savior of the world; 
and, as a sign of the trutli he told them they would find the 
child wrapped in swaddling-clothes and laid in a manger. 
While he was yet speaking a great multitude of angels sud- 
denly appeared and began to sing, " Glory to God in the 
highest, and peace on earth to men of good-will ! ' 

2. When the angels disappeared the shepherds hastened 
to go over to Bethlehem, where they found the child lying in 
the manger. Wondering, they told Mary and Joseph all they 
had heard, and, having adored the infant King, returned, 
glorifying God. 

Eight days after this the child was circumcised and re- 
ceived the name of Jesus. 

7. — The Kings from the East. 




1. Some time after the birth of Christ there came into 
Jerusalem three Eastern kings, asking where they could find 

Questions to Chapter 6. — What is said of the shepherds ? What sign was given 
the shepherds ? Where did they find the child ? When was Jesus circumcised ? 



JESUS PRESENTED IK THE TEMPLE. 135 

the new-born King of the Jews, for they had seen His star 
in the east, and were come to adore Him. When Herod, 
the king, heard this he was very much troubled, as was 
also all Jerusalem. Then he called together the chief priests 
and doctors of the law and asked where Christ should be 
born. They promptly answered at Bethlehem. 

2. When Herod heard this he called the three kings 
privately to him, and bade them go and search for the child, 
and when they had found Him, to come and tell him. So he 
dismissed them. They had scarcely left Jerusalem when the 
star they had seen in the east again went before them, until 
it stood over where the child was. Entering, they found the 
infant Savior, and, falling down, adored Him. They then 
presented gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. 

3. In the night God warned them in a dream not to re- 
turn to Herod, for he meditated mischief to the child. They 
therefore returned another way into their own country. 

We have also a star, that leads us to the heavenly Jerusalem, namely, 
the grace of God, by which we are enlightened and led on to the truth 
taught us by the Church. 



8. — Jesus presented in the Temple. 

1. Forty days after the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph 
carried the child to the Temple, that they might present Him 
to the Lord. They also took with them the usual offering 
of the poor, — tiuo turtle-doves, — according as the Law pre- 
scribed. 

2. At this time there was living at Jerusalem a man named 
Simeon. He was very pious, and the Holy Ghost had re- 
vealed to him that he should not die until he had seen the 
Savior. When Mary and Joseph entered the Temple, Sim- 
eon, led by the Spirit, also entered. Seeing the child, he took 
Him in his arms and cried out: " Now, Lord, dismiss 

Questions ro Chapter 7. — Where did the wise men come from ? How did 
Reroa act towards them? What again appeared? What did they find? What 
did they offer ? How did they return to their own country ? 



136 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



Thy servant in peace, because my eyes have seen Thy salva- 
tion." 

3. After this he blessed Mary and Joseph; but he warned 
her that a sword of sorrow should one day pierce her heart. 




While Simeon was speaking, a prophetess named Ann 
entered the Temple. She also took the child in her arms, 
and, praising God, went forth, publishing the news to all who 
were looking for the redemption of Israel. 



9. — The Flight into Egypt 

1. Herod, seeing the Magi did not return to him, became 
very angry, and, resolving to destroy this new-born King, 
ordered all the children in Bethlehem and the country round 
about to be put to death. He foolishly thought Jesus would 
surely be killed among the rest, little dreaming how easily 
God could shield Him. 

2, Whilst Herod was preparing for the murder of the holy 
innocents, an angel appeared to Joseph in his sleep, and told 



Questions to Chapter 8. — When was Jesus presented in the Temple ? 
happened ? What did Simeon do and say ? What did Ann do ? 



What 



THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT. 



137 




him to take the child and its mother and flee into Egypt, 
and to remain there until told to return. Without a word of 




complaint, Joseph rose, and, taking the child and its mother, 
went into Egypt. 



138 



HISTORY OF THE XEW TESTAMENT. 



3. He had scarce gone, when Herod's messengers came to 
Bethlehem, and, tearing the children from their mothers' 
arms, murdered them. Every house was filled with lamenta- 
tion and sorrow, and the prophecy of Jeremias was fulfilled : 
" Eachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, 
because they were not." As a punishment for his cruelty, 
Herod died, some years after, amid the most horrid torments. 

4. Again the angel appeared to Joseph, and commanded 
him to return to Judea, because Herod was dead. Joseph 
rose, and, taking the child and Mary, returned, and dwelt in 
Nazareth. Thus it came to pass that Christ was called a 
Nazarene. 

Jesus, the Savior of the world, was saved by a miracle ; so was 
Moses, the savior of the Israelites, saved by a miracle. 

10. — The Child Jesus in the Temple. la.d.12. 





1. In accordance with the custom of the Jews, Mary and 
Joseph went up every year to Jerusalem to celebrate the 
feast of the Pasch. At the age of twelve years Jesus also 



Questions to Chapter 9.— What did Herod order? 
What was done to the children ? How did Herod die ? 
after his return from Egypt ? 



How was Jesus saved ? 
Where did Joseph dwell 






THE PREACHING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST. 139 

went np to Jerusalem with His parents. When the celebra- 
tion was over, Mary and Joseph, together with their friends, 
returned to their homes; but Jesus remained in Jerusalem. 

2. Not finding the child in their own company, His parents 
thought He was with some of their friends, and so continued 
the journey. But, when at night they sought Him and could 
not find Him, they were filled with much anxiety, and has- 
tened back to Jerusalem. 

3. After a search of three days they found Him in the 
Temple, in the midst of the doctors, listening to them and 
asking them questions. All were astonished at His wisdom 
and His answers. 

His mother, approaching, asked Him why He had acted 
thus towards them. In a kindly manner He told them He 
was there engaged about His Father's business. In obedience 
to their wishes He returned to Nazareth, and was subject to 
them. He also grew in age and wisdom and grace before 
God and men. 

THE PUBLIC LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST. 
11. — The Preaching of John the Baptist. 

1. For thirty years Jesus lived in obscurity at Nazareth. 
When the time was come that He should begin His public 
life, He commanded John the Baptist to come forth from the 
desert, where, from his childhood, he had lived, and to preach 
to the people. John obeyed, and came into the country about 
the Jordan. 

2. Soon the fame of John's preaching was spread far and 
near, and great crowds from Jerusalem and Judea came to 
him by the banks of the Jordan. Here they saw a man of 
most austere manners, with a leathern girdle round his waist, 
whose food was the wild locust, and whose cry was, " Do 
penance, for the kingdom of God is at hand." Many were 
baptized, confessing their sins. 

Questions to Chapter 10.— What happened when Jesus was twelve years old f 
Where was He found ? How did He act towards His parents ? 



140 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



3. When John saw the Pharisees and Sadducees amongst 
the multitudes that came to hear him, he cried out to them : 
11 Do penance, and trust not to your descent from Abraham, 
for the axe is about to be laid to the root of the tree/' 




John the Baptist made a great impression on his hearers, 
and many thought he was the Messias. But he said he was 
not; on the contrary, he was but the voice of one crying in 
the wilderness. 



12. — Jesus is Baptized and Tempted. 

1. Jesus also came to John, at the Jordan, to be baptized. 
At first John refused, saying he was not worthy to do so 
great an act. But when Christ bade him do it, that thereby 
"they might fulfil all justice," John yielded, and baptized 
Jesus. Immediately the heavens were opened, and the Holy 
Ghost descended in the form of a dove, and rested on Jesus, 
whilst a voice from heaven was heard, saying: " This is My 
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 

Questions to Chapter 11.— How long did Jesus live at Nazareth ? What is said 
of John the Baptist ? What was his cry ? What did John say of himself ? 



JESUS IS BAPTIZED AND TEMPTED. 



141 



2. After His Baptism Jesus was led by the Spirit into the 
desert, there to be tempted by the devil. After He had fasted 
forty days and forty nights, the devil came to Him, and 
strove to persuade Him, as a proof of His divinity, to turn 
the stones into bread; but Jesus would not. 




3. Again the devil dared to tempt Him, by carrying Him 
to Jerusalem, where he placed Him on the pinnacle of the 
Temple, telling Him to cast Himself down: " For if He were 
the Son of God the angels would protect Him." But Jesus 
said, "Tempt not the Lord thy God." 

4. A third time Satan came, and, carrying Jesus Christ up 
into a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the 
earth, promising to give them to Him, if He would fall down 
and adore him. But Jesus, with a holy anger, bade him " Be- 
gone, for the Lord only should be adored." Then Satan left 
Him, and angels came and ministered to Him. 

In the deluge, water cleansed the world from its corruptions; in Bap- 
tism, water cleanses the soul from its sin. 

Questions to Chapter 12.— What happened at the Baptism of Jesus ? What hap- 
pened after His Baptism ? Describe Christ's temptations. 



142 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



13.— Jesus the Lamb of God. 

1. Some time after His Baptism, Jesus came into the coun- 
try where John was baptizing. When John saw Him, point- 
ing to Him, he exclaimed: "Behold the Lamb of God, who 
taketh away the sins of the world. This is He of whom I 
have already spoken when I said, € There is one who will 
come after me, who is preferred before me; ' and He is the 
Son of God, for at His Baptism I saw the Holy Ghost descend 
from heaven in the form of a dove, and rest upon Him." 

2. Under the Jewish religion every day there was offered on the altar 
of holocausts a lamb to the Lord ; under the New Law Jesus Christ is 
this Lamb of Sacrifice, that was once offered on Calvary, and is now 
daily offered in the Sacrifice of the Mass. 

14. — The First Disciples of Jesus Christ. 

1. On the following day, as Jesus was walking on the 
banks of the Jordan, two of the disciples of John the Baptist, 
named Andrew and John, saw Him. They remained with 
Jesus during the day. Toward the evening Andrew brought 
Simon, his brother, to Jesus. As soon as Jesus saw him, He 
said, "Thou art called Simon, son of Jona : hereafter thou 
shalt be called Peter/' 

2. The next day Jesus saw Philip and said to him, 
"Follow Me." When Philip had listened for a while he 
hastened to seek his brother Nathaniel. Finding him under 
a fig-tree, he told him that at last the Messias was come, and 
Jesus of Nazareth was the person. At first Nathaniel was 
inclined to be incredulous, owing to the prejudice that ex- 
isted against the Nazarenes, but at last he yielded and went 
with his brother. 

3. When Jesus saw him coming, He said: "Behold, an 
Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile." But Nathaniel's 
astonishment knew no bounds when Jesus told him how 
Philip had found him under the fig-tree, and how He had 

Questions to Chapter 13.— Tell what John said when he saw Jesus the second 
time. What is said of the lamb in the Old Law, and what in the New 1 



THE MARRIAGE AT CANA. 



143 



known him long before. Filled with awe, Nathaniel bowed 
himself before Jesus, and acknowledged Him to be the Son 
of God. Nathaniel afterwards became one of Christ's dis- 
ciples under the name of Bartholomew. 

15, — The Marriage at Cana. 

1. Three days after Jesus had called Philip and Nathaniel 
to follow Him, a marriage-feast was celebrated at Cana of 
Galilee. Jesus and Mary were there, as also the newly- 
chosen disciples. During the feast the wine failed, when 
Mary, coming to Jesus, mentioned the fact to Him. At 
first Jesus seemed inclined to do nothing to remove the 
embarrassment of the master of the house; but Mary, who 
knew the kindness of her Son, came to the servants and bade 
them do whatever He told them. 




2. There stood six stone pitchers, each containing from two 
to three measures. Now Jesus came to the servants and told 
them to fill them with water; then to draw out and carry to 
the chief steward. When the steward had tasted the water 

Questions to Chapter 14.— Who were the first disciples of Christ ? What did 
Christ say to Peter ? What is said of Thilip and Nathaniel ? By what name is 
Nathaniel also known ? 



144 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



made wine, he was much astonished, and, calling the bride- 
groom, chid him for having kept the best wine to the end of 
the feast. 

This was the first public miracle Jesus wrought, and those 
who saw it not only were astonished, but believed Jesus was 
the Son of God. 

3. It was at this feast of Cana that Jesus sanctified marriage, and 
raised it to the dignity of a sacrament. And this change of water into 
wine was emblematic of that still greater change in the Sacrifice of the 
Mass, where wine is changed into the blood of Jesus Christ. 

THE FIRST YEAR OF CHRIST'S PUBLIC MINISTRY. 

16. — Christ's Zeal for the Sanctity of the [a.d.si. 

Temple. 




1. About this time Jesus went up to Jerusalem to cele- 
brate the feast of the Pasch. Entering the Temple, He found 

Questions to Chapter 15.— Who were at the marriage -feast ? What failed ? 
How was the wine supplied ? What was the first public miracle Jesus wrought ? 
When was marriage instituted ? 



NICODEMUS COMES TO SEE JESUS. 145 

many who were there selling oxen and sheep and doves, 
while the money-changers sat at their tables. Animated 
with a holy zeal, He made a whip of cords and drove out 
those who thus profaned the house of God. No one dared to 
resist Him, and soon the place was empty. 

2. The few who remained asked by what authority He 
assumed to act as He had done. His only answer was, 
" Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 
He meant His body, but the Jews thought He meant that 
grand and gorgeous temple that had cost their forefathers 
forty-six years of labor and an immense treasure of gold 
and silver. 

3. During the celebration of this Paschal feast Jesus 
wrought a great many miracles in and near Jerusalem. 
Many, when they saw His works and heard His words, were 
led to believe in Him. 



17.— Nicodemus comes to see Jesus. 

1. "Whilst Jesus was at Jerusalem celebrating this feast 
of the Pasch, Nicodemus, a member of the great Jewish 
Council, came to Him in the night-time and said: "Master, 
we know Thou art a teacher from God, for no man can do 
what Thou doest if God were not with him." 

2. After they had talked together for a while, Nicodemus 
asked what he must do to be saved. Jesus answered, " He 
must be born again of water and the Holy Ghost." When 
Nicodemus heard this he was much puzzled to understand 
what he had heard; but Christ only repeated His words, and 
added, "That God had sent His only-begotten Son into the 
world, that the world might be saved through Him." 

3. It was at this interview that Christ taught the necessity of Bap- 
tism. The Catholic Church not only teaches this doctrine to-day, but 
insists that all her children shall be baptized. As the Israelites were 

Questions to Chapter 16.— How did Jesus purify the Temple ? What did Jesus 
say to those who remained ? 



146 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



saved from the slavery of Egypt by passing through the Red Sea, so 
are Christians freed from the slavery of sin by the waters of Baptism. 



18.— Jesus at the Well of Jacob. 

1. When the feast of the Pasch was over Jesus passed 
through Judea, baptizing as He went. On His way to Kaza- 
reth He came to a city called Sichar, in the country of 
Samaria, Being weary, He sat down near a well which for- 
merly Jacob had dug, and which was much visited by the 
people, because it was near the gate. His disciples, leaving 
Him, went into the city to buy bread. 




2. While Jesus was sitting by the well, a woman came to 
draw water. Jesus asked her for a drink. Xow the Jews so 
hated the Samaritans that they would have preferred to die 
rather than ask a favor from them. So, when the woman 
heard the request, she was very much astonished, and asked 
how it came that He, who was a Jew, asked her for a drink. 

3. Jesus said to her, if she knew who it was that asked 
her for a drink, maybe she would ask Him for a drink; for. 

Questions to Chapter 17.— Who came to see Jesus ? What did Xieodemus say- 
to Jesus ? What answer did Jesus give ? What did Christ teach at this interview? 



JESUS PREACHES AT NAZARETH. 147 

He would give her living water. When she heard of living 
water, and how those who drank of it would not thirst again, 
she asked for it, that she might be saved the trouble of com- 
ing so often to draw water. Then Jesus revealed to her the 
secret sins of her life. Being struck at the Spirit of God, 
which she so clearly saw in Him, she said: " Sir, I see Thou 
art a prophet." 

4. The Samaritans had built a temple on Garizim, a moun- 
tain near the city of Sichar, where they were accustomed to 
offer sacrifice, as the Jews did at Jerusalem . The woman 
asked, " Who was right, the Jew or the Samaritan?" But 
Jesus said: " The time will come — nay, was come — when 
men would worship God neither on Mount Garizim nor at 
Jerusalem." 

5. Jesus also said to her that He was the Messias. When 
she heard this she left her water-pot, and, hastening into the 
city, told the inhabitants all that had happened. The Samar- 
itans came to Jesus, and asked Him to remain with them. 
He stayed two days, teaching and instructing them, many 
believing in Him. 

6. The water which Jesus gives is interior light to guide the soul, 
and grace to overcome the passions. Those who will truly serve God 
must offer Him not the appearances of piety, but humility, faith, and 
charity. These are the fountains from which all true religion springs. 

19.— Jesus preaches at Nazareth. 

1. After Jesus left Sichar He returned to Nazareth, His 
native city. It was His custom to go frequently into the 
synagogue. One day, while many of the people were assem- 
bled, Jesus rose up to read. The book of Isaias was given 
Him, and, opening it, He read from the place where it is 
written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me; He hath 
anointed Me, and sent Me to preach the Gospel to the poor, 
and to heal the contrite of heart." 

Questions to Chapter 18.— Tell what happened at the well of Jacob. What 
did Jesus ask for? What astonished the woman? What did Jesus reveal to her? 
What did the woman tell the people of the city? What did the Samaritans do? 
How did Jesus act? 



148 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

2. Having shut the book, He returned it to the doctors. 
All eyes were fixed upon Him, and wonder and doubt filled 
their minds when He began to show them what the prophets 
had said of the Messias. But they were confounded when 
He referred these prophecies to Himself, and clearly proved 
He was the Messias. 

3. "Is not this, " said they, " the son of Joseph the carpen- 
ter ? " In answer, Jesus said, " It was not wonderful that He 
was not believed, for a prophet had no honor in his own 
country. Even/' said He, " Elias was rejected by his own, 
and was forced to confer his favors upon the pagan widow 
of Sarepta." 

4. When the people heard this they were filled with rage, 
for they saw He referred to them. They finally forbade Him 
to speak any more, and, thrusting Him out, brought Him to 
the brow of the mountain on which the city was built, in- 
tending to cast Him down. But Jesus, when He saw Himself 
on the edge of the precipice, turned, and with a calm dignity, 
that utterly confounded and paralyzed His enemies, passed 
through their midst. 

20. — The Miracle of Jesus at Capharnaum. 

1. From Nazareth Jesus went to Capharnaum, where He 
taught on the Sabbath days. All were in admiration and 
astonishment at His doctrines; for He spoke as no man had 
ever spoken, and His words penetrated into the inmost 
recesses of their hearts. 

2. One day, while He was speaking, a man who was pos- 
sessed by a devil cried out: " Let us alone! What have we 
to do with Thee ? I know Thou art the Holy One of God." 
But Jesus rebuked the devil and drove him out of the man. 
When the people saw this, fear came upon them, and they 
knew not what to think. 

3. Going out of the synagogue, Jesus entered the house 

Questions to Chapter 19.— What did Jesus do at Nazareth? What confounded 
the people ? What question did they ask? How were they answered? What 
did they propose to do to Jesus? How did He escape? 



THE MIRACULOUS DRAUGHT OF FISHES. 149 

of Simon and Andrew, his brother. Simon's mother-in-law- 
was very sick. Her friends asked Jesus to do something for 
her. He approached the bed on which she lay, and, taking 
her by the hand, lifted her up. Immediately the fever left 
her, and, rising, she began to minister to Him and His 
disciples. 

4. During the evening of this same day the inhabitants of 
the city came to Peter's house, carrying with them the sick 
and those that were possessed. Jesus went to the door and 
cured the sick and drove out the devils. On the next day 
He went into Galilee, where He also cured the sick and the 
infirm. 

5. Under the Jewish dispensation, the saints and the prophets also 
wrought miracles, but in the name of God, from whom they had their 
authority. Jesus, on the contrary, wrought His miracles in His own 
name, and by His own authority, thus distinguishing Himself from 
those who went before Him and from those who came after Him. 

21.— The Miraculous Draught of Fishes. 

1. Jesus passed over from Capharnaum to Lake Genesa- 
reth. Here the multitude pressed to see Him and to hear 
His words. By the shore were two vessels; the nearest, 
Peter's. Into this Jesus entered, and requested Peter to push 
out a little from the land. Then He sat down and taught 
the multitude. 

2. When Jesus had finished speaking, He told Peter to 
launch out into the deep and to let down his net. Peter 
answered that he and his partners had been fishing all the 
night, but had caught nothing; yet, as He wished it, they 
would let down the net. Scarce had they done so when the 
net was filled with such a quantity of fish that it was nearly 
breaking. They made signs to their partners to come and 
help them, and both ships were filled, so that they were 
almost sinking. 

3. When Peter saw this he fell at the feet of Jesus and 

Questions to Chapter 20. — What did Jesus do at Capharnaum ? What mira- 
cles did He do ? What did the saints and prophets do ? 



150 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



said, u Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." 
But Jesus answered, " Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt 




be taking men." Having brought the ships to the shore, 
Peter and his companions left all and followed Jesus. 

4. Jesus chose Peter's ship from which to teach. In the Roman 
Catholic Church, of which Peter's ship was a figure, Jesus Christ cofn- 
tinues to teach through the Popes, who are the lawful successors of 
Peter. 

The miraculous draught of fishes was also symbolic. The sea is the 
world, the net the Church. The fishers are the bishops and priests; the 
fish are the faithful who voluntarily enter the Church, that thereby 
they may be saved. 

22.— The Paralytic. 

1. One day, while Jesus taught in a certain house of 
Capharnaum, surrounded by the Pharisees and doctors, who 
had come from Galilee and the surrounding towns to hear 
Him, a man sick of the palsy was brought to the door. 
When those who carried the sick man found, because of the 
multitude, they could not reach Jesus, they went up on the 

Questions to Chapter 21.— What did Jesus do at Lake Genesareth ? What 
miracle did he work ? What is said of Peter's ship ? 



THE SERMON ON THE MOUNTAIN 151 

roof of the house, — which, according to the custom of the 
East, was flat and had an opening in it, — and let the sick 
man down into the midst of the crowd. 

2. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the sick man: "Thy 
sins are forgiven/' When the doctors and the Pharisees 
heard this they said: "This man blasphemes. Who can 
forgive sins but God alone ? " Jesus, who knew the thoughts 
of their hearts, asked them whether it was easier to forgive 
sins than to cure the man. "But that you may know/' 
said He, "that the Son of Man has power to forgive sins, I 
say to this sick man : Arise, take up thy bed and go into thy 
house." And the sick man rose, and took up his bed, and 
returned to his house, praising God. 

3. All those who saw this palpable miracle were con- 
founded and astonished. They had heard Jesus say, "Thy 
sins are forgiven," and, in proof of His power to forgive sins, 
they had seen Him cure the man. Hence it was not aston- 
ishing that, being unable to explain the mystery, they simply 
cried out, " We have seen wonderful things to-day! " 

23. — The Sermon on the Mountain. 

1. Jesus, seeing a great multitude come to Him, went up 
into a mountain and sat down. His disciples came to Him, 
and the multitude stood round about, on the sides of the 
mountain, listening in silence. Jesus thus began: 

TJie Eight Beatitudes. 

2. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom 
of heaven. 

Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the land. 
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. 
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice, for 
they shall be filled. 

3. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 

Questions to Chapter 22.— What did Jesus say to the man sick of the palsy t 
What did the doctors say ? What did Jesus do ? What effect had this miracle on 
the multitude ? 



152 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the 
children of God. 

Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice" sake, 
for theirs is the kingdom of God. 




The Dignity and Duties of the Apostles. 

4. After Jesus had spoken thus to the people, He turned to 
His apostles, and told them they were the salt of the earth 
and the light of the world; and that if the one lost its savor, 
or the other was put under a bushel, each was equally worth- 
less. 

The Duties of Christians. 

5. Again turning to the people, Jesus said to them that 
their "justice should be more than that of the Scribes and 
Pharisees; neither should they kill, nor call another fool; 
nor should they offer a gift to God whilst they were in anger 
with their brother." Besides these grand maxims of justice, 
He taught them to love their enemies, to do good to those 
that hated them, and to pray for those that persecuted and 
calumniated them. 



THE SERMON ON THE MOUNTAIN. 153 

The Sanctity of Marriage. 

6. Having thus spoken of the general duties of Christians 
one to another, Jesus gave the following very clear and de- 
cided command concerning the nature and sanctity of mar- 
riage, to wit, " Let no man put away his wife; for what God 
has joined together, let no man put asunder." Then He 
added that, in all their actions, they should have purity of 
intention, nor do anything for the applause of men. 

The Works of a Christian. 

7. After this, Jesus spoke to the multitude of the vanities 
of life and the folly of laying up treasures on earth. He 
bade them rather lay up treasures in heaven, where neither 
the moth nor the rust could consume nor the thief steal. He 
also told them not to be anxious for the things of life — how 
they should be clothed or what they should eat; for the birds 
neither sowed, nor did they gather into barns, and yet God 
fed them. 

8. "Consider," said He, "the lilies of the field: they 
labor not, neither do they spin; and yet Solomon in all his 
glory was not arrayed as one of them." He added: "No 
man can serve two masters: you cannot serve God and 
mammon." 

The End of the Sermon, 

9. Besides these and many other exhortations, Jesus said: 
"Swear not: let your words be yea, yea; no, no; do unto 
others as you wish them to do unto you; judge not, that you 
be not judged." 

10. Then Jesus concluded with that beautiful similitude 
that has been so often quoted: that those who did as He 
had commanded " would be like a house built on a rock: the 
winds blew and the floods came, but the house fell not; but 
those who kept not His words would be like a house built on 
the sands: when the winds blew and the floods came, it fell." 

11. When the people heard all these words they were in ad- 
miration not only at the doctrines they heard, but also with 



154 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

Jesus Himself, for He spoke to them not as the Scribes and 
Pharisees, but as one having authority. 



24. — The Leper. — The Centurion's Servant. 

1. When Jesus came down from the mountain, a leper 
came to Him and, adoring, asked to be cleansed. Jesus 
stretched forth His hand and touched him, and immediately 
he was cleansed. Then He commanded the leper to go to the 
priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses. 

2. Among the Jews, when a leper was cured, he was required to 
show himself to the priest, who, having examined him, declared him 
cleansed, and removed from him the restrictions imposed by the law of 
Moses. This declaration of the Jewish priest was a figure of the sacra- 
mental absolution of the Christian priest, who, absolving sinners, may 
be justly said to cleanse them from a spiritual leprosy. 

3. Jesus came again into Capharnaum, where a Eoman 
centurion approached Him and told Him that his servant 
lay dangerously ill. Jesus offered to go and cure him, but 
the centurion said: "Lord, I am not worthy that Thou 
shouldst enter under my roof; say only the word, and my 
servant shall be healed." 

4. When Jesus heard this He declared He had not found 
such faith in Israel; nay, that many would come from the 
east and the west, and sit down with Abraham and Isaac 
and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the Jews them- 
selves would be cast forth, because they would not believe. 

5. Then He turned to the centurion and said: "As you 
have believed, so be it done;" and immediately the servant 
was cured. 

The Jews did not receive Christianity as willingly as the Gentiles ; 
in like manner Joseph's brethren despised him, whilst the Egyptians 
admired him. 

Questions to Chapter 23.— What was the first part of the Sermon on the Mount 
aiu ? Repeat the eight beatitudes. What did Jesus say of the apostles ? What 
was said of Christians in general ? What was said of marriage ? What other 
lessons did Jesus give ? What effect had Christ's words on the multitude ? 

Questions to Chapter 24.— What is said of the leper ? What was a custom 
among the Jews ? W T hat was it a figure of ? What happened at Capharnaum ? 



THE WIDOW S SON OF NAIM. 



155 



25.— The Widow's Son of Nairn. 

1. Once when Jesus was entering the city of Nairn, accom- 
panied by His disciples and a great multitude, He met a 
funeral procession in which a widow's son was carried out to 
be buried. Jesus, seeing the great sorrow of the mother, and 
the many friends that were with her, came and said, " Weep 
not." 




2. Then He approached the bier on which the dead man 
lay, and, touching the body, said, " Arise;" and the young 
man rose up and began to speak. Jesus presented the son to 
the mother. When those who were present saw what was 
done, great fear came upon them, and they began to glorify 
God, because " a great prophet had arisen amongst them." 

3. This miracle is symbolic of the future resurrection, when God will 
raise up all men from the grave. Even now it has its fulfilment in 
the Sacrament of Penance, where Jesus Christ, through His priests, 
raises up the sinner from the spiritual death of sin. 

Questions to Chapter 25.— Tell how Jesus raised the widow's son. 



156 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



26. — Mary Magdalene. 

1. A certain Pharisee, named Simon, invited Jesus to come 
and eat with him. Jesus went, and, while He was at table, 
Mary Magdalene came and brought with her an alabaster 
box filled with precious perfume. Entering the house, she 
cast herself on her knees, and began to wash the feet of Jesus 
with her tears, and to wipe them with the hair of her head; 
then, kissing them, she anointed them with the precious per- 
fume she had brought. 




2. When the Pharisee saw this he began to doubt in Jesus, 
saying to himself: "Were this man a prophet, He would 
surely know this woman is a sinner." 

Jesus, knowing his thoughts, spoke to him as follows: 
"A certain man had two debtors: one owed him five hun- 
dred pence; the other, fifty. As neither could pay him, he 
forgave them both. Which, do you think, loved him most ? " 
The Pharisee said: " I suppose he to whom he forgave most." 

3. "You see this woman," said Jesus. "I entered your 
house, and you gave Me no water for My feet; yet she has 
washed them with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. 



JESUS CURES A MAN SICK FOR THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS. 157 

You did not anoint My head, bu+- she has anointed My feet. 
I say to you many sins are forgiven her, because she has 
loved much." 



27.— The Messengers of John the Baptist. 

1. Owing to the poverty and obscurity of His life, many 
thought Jesus was not the Son of God, and could not be the 
Messias. John the Baptist, not that he doubted, but that 
he might afford Jesus an opportunity of publicly proclaiming 
His divinity, sent two of his disciples to ask Him if He were 
the Messias or not. 

2. Jesus, without saying yes or no, simply referred to the 
miracles He had wrought and the evils He had cured, and 
told the messengers to say to John: " The blind see, the 
deaf hear, the dead rise, and the poor have the Gospel 
preached to them." These things had been long before 
prophesied of the Messias by Isaias. 



THE SECOND YEAR OF CHRIST'S PUBLIC MINISTRY. 

28. — Jesus cures a Man who had been Sick Thirty- 
eight Years. 

1. In the second year of His public preaching, Jesus went 
up to Jerusalem to assist at the Paschal solemnities. There 
was at Jerusalem a pond, called Bethsaida, having around it 
five porches. In these porches lay many sick, such as the 
blind, the lame, and the paralytic. 

2. At certain times an angel came down into the pond and 
moved the waters, and he who first entered after the waters 
had been disturbed was cured of whatever disease he might 
have. 

Questions to Chapter 26.— Give the history of Mary Magdalene and the anoint- 
ing of Jesus. 

Questions to Chapter 27.— For what did John send messengers ? What answer 
did Jesus give John's messengers ? 



158 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



3. Now there lay in one of the porches a man who had 
been sick for thirty-eight years. Jesus came to him and 
asked him if he would like to* be cured. The poor man 
answered he had little chance, for he had no one to put him 
in after the angel had troubled the waters. Jesus said to 
him: " Arise; take up thy bed and walk." The man rose 
and, taking up his bed, walked. 




4. The Jews, seeing what Christ had done, began to 
murmur, because He had cured the sick man on the Sab- 
bath. When Jesus met their objections by telling them that 
not only His Father worked, but that He also worked, they 
became exceedingly angry; for they saw by this He made 
Himself equal to God. 

5. They then strove to kill Him, but He all the more de- 
clared Himself the Son of God, and that in Him, and through 
Him, were men to be saved. Then He appealed to the works 
He did as the best testimony that His Father had sent Him. 



Questions to Chapter 28.— Tell the history of the man who had been sick for 
thirty-eight years. How was he cured ? What did the Jews complain of? What 
did they strive to do ? What did Christ declare ? 






THE SEVEN PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 159 



29.— The Seven Parables of the Kingdom of God. 

1. Jesus came again to Lake Genesareth, and, entering a 
ship, taught the multitude that stood on the shore. 







2. The Parable of the Sower. — A man went out to sow 
seed. Some fell by the wayside, and the birds picked it up; 
some fell on stony ground, and, springing up, soon withered 
away, because it had no root; some fell among thorns, and was 
soon choked; but others fell upon good ground, and brought 
forth fruit — some a hundred, some sixty, some thirty-fold. 

3. Jesus afterwards gave this explanation of the parable to 
His disciples: The seed is the word of God: that by the way- 
side are those who hear; but the devil comes and takes the 
word out of their hearts, lest, believing, they should be saved. 
The seed that fell upon the rock are those who, at first, joy- 
fully receive the word, and for a while believe, but, having 
310 roots in time of temptation easily fall away. 

4. That which fell among thorns are those who hear, but, 



160 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



going away, are choked with the cares and pleasures of life, 
and yield no fruit. But the seed that fell on good ground 
are those who, hearing the word with a good heart, keep it, 
and bring forth fruit in patience. 




5. TJie Parable of the Cockle. — Jesus spoke another 
parable: A man sowed good seed in his field, and when he 
slept his enemy came and sowed cockle. When the blades 
sprang up the cockle appeared; but the master bade the ser- 
vants let both grow until the harvest, when he would tell the 
reapers to gather the cockle into bundles and burn it, but to 
gather the wheat into his barn. 

6. The following is the interpretation of this parable: 
The sower is the Son of God; the field is the world; the 
seed is the good; the cockle is the bad; the enemy that 
sowed the cockle is the devil; the harvest is the end of the 
world; and the reapers are the angels. As the cockle was 
gathered and burned, so shall the wicked be in the day of 
judgment. 

7. The Parable of the Mustard-seed. — Jesus spoke another 
parable : The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mus- 



THE SEVEN PARABLES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD. 161 

tard-seed: it is the least of all seeds; but when it grows up 
and becomes a tree, the birds can rest in its branches. 

8. The Parable of the Leaven.— A. woman took leaven and 
hid it in three measures of meal, until the whole was leav- 
ened : so is the kingdom of God. 

9. The Parable of the Treasure. — The kingdom of heaven 
is like to a treasure hidden in a field : when a man finds it, 
he goes and sells all he has and buys that field. 

10. The Parable of the Pearl. — The kingdom of heaven is 
again like to a merchant seeking pearls : he finds one of great 
price; then he goes and sells all he has and buys it. 




11. The Parable of the Good and Bad Fishes. — Again the 
kingdom of heaven is like a net cast into the sea: it gathers 
all kinds of fishes; but, when it is drawn out, men select the 
good and cast away the bad : so shall it be at the end of the 
world — the angels shall separate the just from the unjust. 

Questions to Chapter 29.— What is the parable of the sower ? Tell the parable 
of the cockle. What is its interpretation ? What are the other parables ? 



163 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



30.— The Tempest Calmed. 

1. After Jesus had finished speaking to the people, He 
said to His apostles: " Let us pass over to the other side." 
Before they started, a Scribe came to Him and proposed to 
follow Him; but Jesus, knowing how selfish his heart was, 
simply answered : " The foxes have holes, and the birds have 
nests, but I have not whereon to lay My head/' When the 
Scribe heard this he went away. 




2. Shortly after the ship left the land a violent storm 
arose. The waves covered the ship, but Jesus slept. The 
storm increasing, the disciples came to Jesus and told Him 
they feared all would be lost. Then Jesus rose and, chiding 
them for their want of faith, calmed the winds and the sea. 
When the disciples saw this a great fear came upon them. 

3. The stormy sea is the world; the ship is the Church, which rides 
safely amid the tempest, for Christ is with her. 

Questions to Chapter 30.— What is said of the Scribe ? Tell the story of the 
tempest. 



THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS. 



163 



31. — The Daughter of Jairus. 

1. When the ship landed, a multitude of people came and, 
with great joy, welcomed Jesns. Among those who met Him 
was a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, who 
begged Him to come and heal his daughter, who lay danger- 
ously ill. Jesus went with him. 




2. As Jesus was passing through the crowd, a woman who 
had been sick for twelve years, and had in vain sought relief 
from many physicians, came behind Him and touched His 
garment. She was immediately cured. 

3. Whilst they were on the way, a servant came to Jairus 
and told him his daughter was dead, and it was useless to 
trouble himself any further. But Jesus said to him: "Fear 
not; only believe." 

4. When they came to the house where the young woman 
was, they found a great crowd weeping and lamenting. But 
Jesus, approaching, said: "Weep not; she is not dead." 
They laughed at Him, for they all knew too well she was 
dead. 



164 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

5. Then Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John 
and the parents of the girl, and went into the room where 
she lay. Taking her by the hand, He said: "Arise!" and 
immediately she rose and began to walk through the house. 

32. — Jesus chooses His Apostles. 

1. Every day crowds of people came from far and near to 
hear Jesus. He was moved with great compassion for them. 
Seeing them wandering about like sheep without a shepherd, 
He said to His disciples: "The harvest is great, but the 
laborers are few." 

2. The following night was spent in prayer. In the morn- 
ing Jesus called His disciples, and from amongst them chose 
twelve, whom He called apostles — that is, sent. Their names 
were Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip and Bar- 
tholomew, Thomas and Matthew, James the Less and Thad- 
deus, Simon Zelotes and Judas Iscariot. 

3. When Jesus had chosen them, He gave them power to 
heal the sick, to raise the dead, and to drive out devils. 
Then He sent them forth to preach, but forbade them to 
take anything with them but their staff. They were thus 
taught to put their trust in God, and not to hope for success 
through human means. 

4. He moreover told them they must suffer for His sake — 
nay, that they would be scourged and put to death. "But," 
said He, "the disciple is not above the master; and if they 
do these things to Me, how much more to you ? " 

5. But He consoled them by the promise that He would be 
with them, and speak through them; and that those who 
heard them heard Him, and that those who despised them 
despised Him. 

6. The apostles went forth two by two, preaching and 
driving out devils and healing the sick. Some time after 
this Jesus added seventy disciples, whose duties were to help 
the apostles, and go before Christ as the apostles had done. 

Questions to Chapter 31 —What did Jesus do to the daughter of Jairus ? What 
happened to the woman in the crowd ? 



JOHN THE BAPTIST BEHEADED. 



165 



7. The blessing which Our Lord gave by His doctrines was spread 
through His apostles, as the blessing given to Abraham long before de- 
scended to the sons of Jacob. As Gideon with his little band vanquished 
his enemies, so did the apostles with their staff change the face of 
society and subdue the world to the yoke of Christ. 



33.— John the Baptist Beheaded. 

1. Herod, tetrarch of Galilee, had married Herodias, his 
brother's wife. John the Baptist came to him, and told him 
it was not lawful for him to have his brother's wife. When 
Herod heard this he became exceedingly angry, and cast 
John into prison, hoping thus to silence him. 




2. Now it happened that Herod, on his birthday, gave a 
grand feast to the princes of Galilee. During the feast the 
daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his court. The 
ting was much pleased, and promised to give the young 
woman whatever she would ask, even to the half of his king- 
dom. He confirmed this promise with an oath. 

Questions to Chapter 32.— Who were the apostles ? What powers did He pive 
them ? Where did He send them ? How did He console them ? What did the 
apostles do ? Whom did Jesus add to the apostles ? 



166 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



3. The damsel hastened to her mother, who advised her to 
ask for the head of John the Baptist, that thus they might be 
revenged on him for what he had said. The daughter re- 
turned and asked for the head of John. 

4. When Herod heard this he was very sad, but, because of 
his oath, he sent and had John beheaded. The head was 
placed upon a dish and brought to the young woman, who 
carried it to her mother. 

5. Like John the Baptist, the saintly and fearless prophet Elias had 
presented himself, on a similar occasion, before King Achab. Like 
Herod, Achab also hated the truth, and strove to put the man of God to 
death, but failed. 



34.— The Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes. 




1. About the time of the Pasch, the apostles returned from 
their first mission. Coming to Jesus, they told Him what 
they had done and what they had taught. Jesus then took 
them w T ith Him, and they crossed the Sea of Galilee, and 
went into the desert. A great multitude followed them. 

Questions to Chapter 33.— For what was John the Baptist cast into prison ? 
How did he die ? 



THE PROMISE OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 167 

When Jesus saw how many had come, He began to teach 
them and to heal their sick. 

2. About the evening, the apostles proposed to send the 
multitude home, as they had nothing to give them to eat. 
Jesus asked what they had. The apostles answered, "Five 
loaves and two fishes." 

3. Then Jesus commanded the people to sit down on the 
grass, and, having taken the loaves and the two fishes, blessed 
them and gave them to His apostles, who distributed them 
amongst the people. There were about five thousand men, 
besides the women and children, and yet there was enough 
for all. When they were done, twelve baskets of fragments 
were gathered up. 

4. When the people saw this stupendous miracle they were 
filled with admiration, and wished to make Jesus their king. 
But He, knowing their design, hid Himself, and during the 
night passed with His disciples over to Capharnaum. 



35.— The Promise of the Blessed Sacrament. 

1. The day after the miracle of the loaves and fishes, the 
people came to Jesus in the synagogue of Capharnaum. 
When He saw how they came to Him, because they had eaten 
of the miraculous bread, He told them not to labor for per- 
ishable bread, but for that bread which never perished, and 
which He could give. 

2. Then He told them that He was the living bread, and 
that this bread was His flesh. When the Jews heard this 
they were scandalized, and asked: " How could He give them 
His flesh to eat." But Jesus only repeated His former asser- 
tion in a stronger and more emphatic manner, and concluded 
with these clear and decided words: "Unless you eat the 
flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, you shall not 
have life in you. For My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood 
is drink indeed" 

Questions to Chapter 34. -What is said of the return of the apostles ? Tell the 
history of the loaves and fishes. What effect had this miracle on the people ? 



168 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

3. Many of the disciples, when they heard these words, 
were very much troubled, and because they could not under- 
stand how Christ could give them His body to eat and His 
blood to drink, went away, and walked no more with Him. 

4. But Jesus continued to affirm this incomprehensible 
mystery all the more, and at last turned to Peter, and asked 
him if he would also go away. But Peter, who could under- 
stand the doctrine no better than the others, declared he 
would not, but would believe it; not that he understood it, 
but because Jesus Christ had said it, and " He had the words 
of eternal life." 

5. As the manna fell from heaven to support the Israelites in the 
desert, so is the Blessed Sacrament daily present upon our altars to 
feed and nourish the soul in the battle of life. 

36. — The Woman of Chanaan. 

1. Jesus went into the country of Tyre and Sidon, and a 
pagan woman of Chanaan came to Him, asking Him to cure 
her daughter, who was possessed by a devil. But Jesus made 
her no answer. The woman continued to urge her request, 
until the disciples thought of putting her away, but Jesus 
forbade them. 

2. The woman coming near, adored Jesus, when He said 
to her, "It is not good to give the bread of the children to 
the dogs." But she answered, " The whelps sometimes eat 
the crumbs that fall from the tables of their masters." When 
Jesus heard this He was much struck with her faith, and 
cured her daughter. 

Jesus found faith among the pagans of Sidon, as, on a former occa- 
sion, Jonas had found it among the pagans of Ninive. 

Questions to Chapter 35.— What happened on the day after the miracle of the 
loaves and fishes ? How did the Jews receive the words of Jesus ? How did Jesus 
meet their objection ? What did many do ? How did Peter act ? What is said of 
the manna and the Blessed Sacrament ? 

Questions to Chapter 36.— What is said of the woman of Chanaan ? 



THE PRIMACY CONFERRED ON PETER. 



169 



37. — The Primacy conferred on Peter. Cad. 32. 

1. Jesus came to the city of Cesarea Philippi, and that He 
might try His apostles, asked what the people generally 
thought of Him. The apostles answered there was great 
difference of opinion ; some taking Him for Elias, some for 
Moses, and some thought He was a prophet. Then Jesus 
asked them what was their own opinion on the matter. 
Peter answered in the name of all: "Thou art Christ, the 
Son of the living God/' 




2. When Jesus heard this unqualified acknowledgment of 
His divinity, He said to Peter: "Blessed art thou, Simon 
Bar-Jona. Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build 
My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against 
her. I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, 
and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound also 
in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth shall 
be loosed also in heaven." 

3. Peter was thus the first of the apostles who made a public profes- 
sion of the divinity of Jesus Christ, and, for his faith, Jesus made him 



170 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



the chief among the apostles, and the future visible head of the 
Church. For eighteen hundred years, the Popes, who are the legiti- 
mate successors of St. Peter, have been placed at the head of the Chris- 
tian world. 



38.— The Transfiguration. 

1. After six days, Jesus took Peter and James and John 
with Him up into a mountain. There he was transfigured 
before them. His face shone as the sun, and His garments 
became white as snow. Moses and Elias also appeared, and 
began to talk with Him. 




2. When the apostles saw the ravishing beauty of Christ's 
person, they proposed, in their joy, to build three tabernacles : 
one for Him, one for Moses, and one for Elias. Whilst they 
were speaking a voice from heaven cried out, "This is My 
beloved Son : hear ye Him ! " 

Questions to Chapter 37.— What did Jesus do at Cesarea Philippi ? What was 
the opinion of the people about Him ? What did Peter say ? What power did 
Christ confer on Peter ! What is said of the Popes ? 



JESUS THE FRIEND OF CHILDREN. — SCANDAL. 171 

3. At these words the apostles fell flat on the ground, 
nor did they look up until Jesus came and bade them rise. 
When they lifted up their eyes they saw no one but Jesus, 
who commanded them to tell the vision to no one till after 
He had risen from the dead. 

4. Jesus, transfigured, appeared between the two greatest men of the 
Old Law-Mos.es, the lawgiver, and Elias, the miracle-worker. In His 
glory He infinitely surpassed both the one and the other, proving 
clearly that He was the centre of majesty as well as the origin of power, 
both in the Jewish and Christian dispensation. 

39.— Jesus the Friend of Children.— Scandal. 



1. One day, after teaching, Jesus sat down to rest, when 
the women brought their children to Him, that He might 
bless them. The apostles, anxious to spare Him, strove to 
keep back the crowd; but Jesus said to them, " Suffer little 
children to come to Me, for in their innocence they are like 
the angels in heaven." Then Jesus laid His hands upon the 
heads of the children and blessed them. 

Questions to Chapter 38.— Tell the history of the Transfiguration. 



172 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

2. On another occasion the apostles asked Jesus who was 
the greatest in heaven. He called a little child, and, placing 
it in their midst, said, "That to become great in heaven, we 
must on earth become innocent and humble as children." 

3. It was on this occasion Christ pronounced a woe upon 
those who scandalized the young, or led them into sin; and 
the reason He gave was, " their angels were ever before the 
face of God/' 

As Tobias was protected by an angel, so have we angels to guard us, 
though with the eyes of the body we cannot see them. 



40.— The Pardon of Injuries.— The Unforgiving 

Servant. 

1. One day Peter asked Our Savior how often he should 
forgive his brother. Jesus said, " Till seventy times seven; " 
by which is meant an indefinite number. 

2. To confirm His words to Peter, Jesus related the follow- 
ing parable: A king wished to take an account of his affairs, 
so he called his servants. One came who owed ten thousand 
talents, and, being unable to pay, the master ordered him and 
his wife and his children to be sold. The poor man, when 
he saw the misfortune that was come upon him, fell upon his 
knees and begged for time, promising to pay all. The mas- 
ter, taking pity on him, forgave the debt. 

3. When this servant left the master, he met a fellow- 
servant who owed him a hundred pence. Seizing him by the 
throat, he demanded immediate payment. The servant 
begged for a little time. He would not give it, but cast him 
into prison. 

4. When the other servants saw what was done, they told 
the master, who, calling the unforgiving servant to him, chid 
him for his harshness, and then cast him into prison until his 
own debt should be paid. Christ concluded with these 
memorable words: "So also shall My heavenly Father do 

Questions to Chapter 39. —What is said of little children ? 






THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN. 173 

unto you, if you forgive not every one his brother from your 
hearts." 



41. — The Power of the Keys given to the 
Apostles. 

1. At the time St. Peter made his glorious profession of 
faith in the divinity of Christ, he received, besides the 
primacy in the Church, a special power of binding and loos- 
ing on earth. About the period we are writing, Jesus ex- 
tended the same power to the other apostles. 

2. The words in which this power was conferred were as 
follows: u Amen, I say to you, whatsoever you shall bind 
upon earth shall be bound also in heaven ; and whatsoever 
you shall loose on earth shall be loosed also in heaven." 
And in order that there might be no doubt as to the authority 
of the apostles when they went forth to preach, Christ 
added: "He that hears you hears Me: and he that despises 
you despises Me." 

42. — The Parable of the Good Samaritan. 

1. Once, while Jesus was teaching, a lawyer came to Him, 
and asked what he must do to be saved. Jesus answered: 
"Love God with your whole heart, and love your neighbor as 
yourself." When the lawyer heard of his neighbor, he 
thought he would entrap Our Savior, and asked, " Who is 
my neighbor ? " 

2. In answer Jesus narrated the following parable: A man 
went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he 
fell among robbers, who stripped him, and wounding him, 
left him half-dead. Shortly afterwards a priest came by the 
same way, and, though he saw the helpless condition of the 

Questions to Chapter 40.— What is the lesson on forgiving injuries ? What is 
said of the two servants ? How did the master act ? What conclusion did Christ 
draw ? 

Questions to Chapter 41.— What power was granted the apostles ? What are the 
-words in which Christ conferred this power ? 



174 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



wounded man, passed on. In like manner, a Levite also 
passed. 

3. But a Samaritan, passing, saw the wounded man, and 
coming, bound up his wounds, and placing him on his own 
ass, took him to the inn. The next day he took two pence 
and gave to the host, bidding him take care of the wounded 
man, and promising to pay on his return whatever addi- 
tional expense would be incurred. 




4. When Our Savior had finished, He asked the lawyer, 
" Who was neighbor to the man who fell among robbers ? " 
The Doctor answered: "He that showed mercy." Then 
Jesus said : " Go and do in like manner." 



43.— Mary and Martha. 

1. After this Jesus came to a town called Bethania. Here 
a woman, named Martha, received Him into her house. 
Martha gave herself much trouble, arranging and fixing the 
house, that she might show her respect for her guest; but 

Questions to Chapter 42.— What did the lawyer ask ? What answer did he get? 
Relate the parable of the Good Samaritan ? W T hat conclusion is drawn from the 
parable ? 



THE LORD S PRAYER. 



175 



her sister Mary went and sat down at the feet of Jesus, and 
listened to His words. 




2. When Martha saw that Mary left all the care of the 
house to her, she came to Jesus and requested Him to speak 
to her sister, that she might help her. But Jesus told Martha 
not to trouble herself about many things — one thing tvas 
necessary; and, as Mary had chosen the better part, He would 
not disturb her. 

44.— The Lord's Prayer. 

1. One day, after Jesus had been praying in a retired spot, 
one of His disciples came to Him, and asked Him to teach 
them to pray, as John had taught his disciples. Jesus said : 
" When you pray, say: Our Father, who art in heaven; hal- 
lowed be Thy name ; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done 
on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread ; 
and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who 
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but 
deliver us from evil. Amen/' 

2. Jesus said besides, " Come to Me, all you that labor and 

Questions to Chapter 43.— What is said of Martha ? Wliat is said of Mary ? 
Whose conduct was preferred ? 



176 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

are heavy ladened, and I will refresh you. My yoke is sweet, 
and My burden is light. Learn of Me, because I am meek 
and humble of heart." 

45. — The Lost Sheep and the Good Shepherd. 

1. At the feast of Tabernacles, Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 
where He taught. Many of those who came to hear Him 
were publicans and sinners. When the Scribes and Phari- 
sees saw this they began to murmur. That He might the 
better illustrate His own character, and at the same time 
teach them a lesson, Jesus gave the following parable: 




2. " What man having a hundred sheep, and losing one, 
does not leave the ninety-nine and seek for that which was 
lost until he find it? When he has found it, does he not 
call together his friends and neighbors, and say to them, Re- 
joice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost ' ? 
As a man does with his lost sheep, so does God with the 
sinner that repents." 

Questions to Chapter 44.— Tell the history of the Lord's Prayer. What other 
maxims did Jesus give ? 



THE PRODIGAL CHILD. 



177 



3. "I am the good Shepherd," said Christ. "The good 
shepherd gives his life for his flock; but the hireling, when 
he sees the wolf, flies. I lay down My life for My sheep. I 
have other sheep that are not yet of this fold; them also I 
must bring. There shall be but one fold and one Shepherd." 



46.— The Prodigal Child. 

1. After Jesus had given the above parable, that so beauti- 
fully explains what a good shepherd should be, He spoke 
another, to illustrate the forgiving character of His Father 
towards a repenting sinner. 




2. "A certain man/' said He, "had two sons. The 
younger asked his father for his portion, and, having received 
his share, went into a far country. He was not long there 
till he spent what his father had given him, and the compan- 
ions of his folly abandoning him when they found he had no 
more to spend, he was reduced to extreme want. 

Questions to Chapter 45.— What gave occasion for the parable of the good 
shepherd ? Relate it. What does Christ say of Himself ? 



178 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

3. " Seeing nothing but starvation staring him in the face, 
he went and hired himself to a farmer, who sent him to feed 
swine. When the young man saw the condition to which he 
was reduced, entering into himself, he rose up and returned 
to his father. 

4. "The kind-hearted father was watching, and when he 
saw his poor prodigal son returning to him, hastened out to 
meet him, and, falling on his neck, kissed him, and welcomed 
him back to the home of his childhood. The son said: 
' Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before thee. I 
am not worthy to be called thy son. ' 

5. " But the father ordered the servants to bring forth the 
best robe in the house and put it on him, and to put a ring 
on his finger, and shoes on his feet. Then he commanded 
them to hasten and bring the fatted calf, that they might kill 
it and make merry. 

6. "The eldest son was in the fields, and when he returned, 
and heard music and dancing, and learned the cause, he was 
very angry. Calling his father, he complained that he had 
made so much of his disobedient and dissipated brother, 
whilst he had never received anything, not even a kid, with 
which to make merry with his friends. But his father said 
it was but right to rejoice, for his brother that was dead had 
come to life, and he who had been lost was found." 

7. In this parable Jesus Christ taught the doctrine of penance. First, 
the prodigal child recognizes his sins, repents, and returns to his father. 
Secondly, he confesses, and is ready to make satisfaction for what he 
has done. In the same manner the sinner recognizes his sins, repents, 
and confesses them ; then willingly accepts the penance imposed on 
him; and lastly, the absolution of the priest reconciles him to God. 

47. —The Rich Man and Lazarus. 

1. Jesus, continuing to preach, spoke as follows: " There 
was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine 
linen, and feasted sumptuously every day. There was also a 

Questions to Chapter 46.— Relate the parable of the prodigal child. What does 
the parable of the prodigal child teach ? How ? 



THE KICH MAK AND LAZARUS. 



17» 



certain beggar, named Lazarus, who lay at the rich man's 
gate, begging for the crumbs that fell from his table; more- 
over, the dogs licked his sores. 

2. " In due time the beggar died, and was carried to Abra- 
ham's bosom. The rich man also died, but was buried in 
hell. Here, lifting up his eyes, he saw Lazarus, and begged 
Abraham to send him to him, that he might dip his finger in 
water and cool his tongue. But Abraham reminded the rich 
man how it had been with him and Lazarus in life, and how 
just it was that he, who had feasted on good things, should 
now suffer, whilst he who had suffered should be rewarded. 




3. " ' Besides,' said Abraham, ' there is between us a great- 
lake, so that no one can pass from us to you, nor from you 
to us.' 

" As a last appeal, the rich man begged Abraham to send 
Lazarus to his five brothers, that they might be kept out of 
hell; but Abraham refused, saying: ( They have Moses and. 
the prophets: let them hear them."' 

Questions to Chapter 47. — What is said of the rich man ? What is said of Laza- 
rus ? What did Abraham say? What last appeal did the rich man make ? How- 
was he answered ? 



180 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



48.— The Cure of the Man Born Blind. 

1. Whilst Jesus was celebrating the feast of Tabernacles, 
He went out from the Temple on the Sabbath day. He met 
a man who had been blind from his birth. The disciples 
asked if it was because of any fault in the blind man him- 
self, or in his parents, that he had been born blind. Jesus 
answered that the blindness was neither because of any 
iault in the man, nor in his parents, but simply to manifest 
the works of God. 




2. Jesus spat on the ground and made clay, and spread the 
clay on the eyes of the blind man. Then He bade him go 
and wash in the pool of Siloe. The blind man went, washed, 
and returned seeing. 

3. When those who had formerly known him saw him, they 
-were confounded, and took him to the Pharisees. They asked 
Trim how he had been cured. He told them. When they 
"heard how Jesus had cured him on the Sabbath, some said 
He was God, and some said He was a sinner, whilst others, 
said, " A sinner cannot do such miracles; " and there was a 
division. 



THE TEN" LEPERS. 



181 



4. There were some also who would not believe the man 
had been blind; so they sent for his parents, who testified 
that he had been born blind, and that it was their son. When 
the blind man began to reason, and to show that none but 
God could restore sight to the blind, the Pharisees became 
very angry, and cast him out. 

5. Some time after this Jesus met him, and asked him if 
he believed in the Son of God. When, to his question, Jesus 
told him He was the Son of God, the man who had been 
blind fell on his knees and adored Jesus, saying: "Lord, I 
believe." 

6. In this miracle we have a remarkable fulfilment of the words of 
the prophet Isaias concerning Christ, that in His time ' ' the eyes of the 
blind should be opened." Such a miracle could only be done by God ; 
hence the anger and rage of unbelieving Pharisees when they could 
neither disprove nor gainsay the cure of the man who had been born 
blind. 

49.— The Ten Lepers. 




1. After the feast of Tabernacles, Jesus passed through 

Questions to Chapter 48. — What is said of tbe blind man ? How was he cured? 
How did the Pharisees act ? Who were called ? What was done to the blind man ? 
Why ? What happened to him afterwards? 



182 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



Samaria and Galilee. On the way He met ten lepers. By 
the law of Moses, lepers were forbidden to live in the towns 
or cities, or to mingle among the people, and were required 
to live in the country, apart by themselves. When Jesus saw 
the ten lepers, He commanded them to go and show them- 
selves to the priest. Whilst they were going they were 
cleansed. 

2. One of them, when he saw what had happened, returned, 
and cast himself at the feet of Jesus; and this man was a 
Samaritan. Jesus asked if the other nine had not also been 
cleansed, and how came it that only the stranger returned to 
give thanks ? Then Jesus, to console the grateful leper, said : 
46 Kise: thy faith hath made thee whole." 

50. — The Publican and the Pharisee. 




1. When Jesus saw how some trusted in their own works and 
despised others, He spoke the following parable : " Two men 
went up to the Temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, the other 
a publican. The Pharisee, standing, prayed thus: '0 God, 
I thank Thee that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, 

Questions to Chapter 49.— Tell the history of the ten lepers. 



THE KICH YOUNG MAN. 183 

unjust, adulterers; nor am I like this publican. I fast twice 
a week, and I give tithes of all I possess/ 

2. "But the publican, standing afar off, would not so 
much as lift up his eyes, but struck his breast, saying : ' 
God, be merciful to me, a sinner.' 

" I say to you, the publican was justified, but the Pharisee 
was not; because he that exalteth himself shall be humbled, 
and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." 

51.— The Rich Young Man. 



1. A rich young man came to Jesus and asked what he 
must do to be saved. Jesus bade him keep the command- 
ments. But the young man, hesitating, asked, "What com- 
mandments ? " Jesus said: "Kill not, steal not, neither 
shalt thou bear false witness. Honor thy father and thy 
mother." The young man, hearing this, answered he had 
kept all these from his youth. 

2. Jesus then turned to him and said : " If you will be 

Questions to Chapter 50,— Relate the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. 
What did the Pharisee do ? What did the publican do ? Which was justified ? 



184 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

perfect, sell all you have and give it to the poor, and come 
and follow Me/' But the young man went away sorrowful. 
"When he had gone, Jesus turned to His disciples and re- 
marked how difficult it was for a rich man to part with his 
wealth, and very few of them would enter heaven. 

52.— The Laborers in the Vineyard. 

1. After Jesus had spoken to His disciples of the rewards 
that awaited the faithful servant, He gave the following para- 
ble: " The kingdom of heaven is like to the master of a vine- 
yard. In the morning he went out to hire laborers; and, 
having agreed to give them each a penny a day, sent them 
into his vineyard. 




2. " He went out at the third and the sixth and the ninth 
hours, and seeing men standing idle, sent them into his vine- 
yard, telling them he would give them what was right. He 
did the same at the eleventh hour. 

3. " In the evening the master called the laborers, and paid 

Questions to Chapter 51 .—What is said of the rich young man? Describe his 
interview with Jesus. What is said of the rich ? 






THE KESUKRECTKW OF LAZARUS. 185 

them each a penny. But when those who had labored from 
the morning came, and received only a penny, they began to 
complain because the others, who had not labored as much 
as they, had been made equal to them. 

4. " The master answered, they had agreed for a penny; he 
had paid them, and he did not see why they should complain 
because he was generous." 

Then Jesus said: " So shall it be in heayen: the last shall 
be first, and the first last; for many are called, but few are 
chosen." 

5. Two thousand years before the coming of Jesus Christ, the Jews 
were called to be the chosen people of God. They despised this call, and 
so comparatively but few of them have been chosen to have a part in the 
kingdom of Jesus Christ. When the Jews denied and rejected Jesus 
Christ, He turned to the Gentiles, who, in immense numbers, enrolled 
themselves under His banner, and thus they who were last have become 
first, and the Jews, who were first, have become last. 

53, — The Resurrection of Lazarus. 

1. Whilst Jesus was assisting at the feast of the dedication 
of the Temple, He openly taught that He and the Father 
were one. When the Jews heard this, and saw that He thus 
made Himself equal to God, they became very angry, and 
determined to stone Him. But hearing of their intentions, 
Jesus quietly left Jerusalem and went into the country about 
the Jordan. There He received a message from the two 
sisters Mary and Martha, of Bethania, telling him their 
brother Lazarus was very sick. 

2. But He remained two days longer, remarking to His 
disciples that Lazarus was dead. When He came to Bethania 
Martha met Him, and complained that He had been so slow; 
but Jesus bade her have courage, for her brother would again 
come to life. 

3. Martha called Mary, who was at home weeping. She 
rose and hastened to meet Jesus, who was yet outside the 

Questions to Chapter 52.— Tell the parable of the laborers in the vineyard. 
What is said of the Jews and Gentiles ? 



186 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



town, and, casting herself at His feet, said: "Lord, if you 
had been here, my brother had not died." 




4. When Jesus saw her weeping, and saw the other Jews 
who accompanied her also weeping, He asked where they had 
laid Lazarus. They brought Him to the sepulchre. He 
commanded them to take away the stone that lay over the 
door; then He lifted up His eyes to heaven, and praying, 
cried out: "Lazarus, come forth." Immediately Lazarus 
rose and came forth from the grave, bound in the napkins 
and grave-clothes in which he had been buried. Many of 
the Jews believed in Jesus, but others went and told the 
chief priests and Pharisees what had happened. 

54.— The Jews Seek to Kill Jesus. 

1. When the Pharisees and Scribes heard of the resurrec- 
tion of Lazarus, and how the people were following Jesus, 
they said: "If we let Him alone, everybody will believe in 

Questions to Chapter 53.— What did Jesus teach concerning Himself and the 
Father ? Where did He go ? What message did He receive ? What happened 
when Jesus came to Bethania ? 



ZACHEUS, THE CHIEF OF THE PUBLICANS. 



187' 



Him." They asked Caiphas, who was high priest that year,, 
what he thought of the matter. But he answered: "It is. 
expedient that one man die for the people, that the whole- 
nation perish not." This he said by inspiration. 

2. From that day they sought to put Jesus to death. For 
this reason He walked no more openly among the Jews, but, 
going away, dwelt in the city of Ephrem. The Jews hated 
Jesus because His works proved His divinity; and Cain- 
killed his brother because God loved Abel. 

3. Six days after the resurrection of Lazarus, Jesus said to 
His apostles: "We are about to go up to Jerusalem, and I 
shall be betrayed and condemned to death; then I shall be 
scourged, and at last crucified ; but I shall rise again on the 
third day." This remarkable prophecy was fulfilled to the 
letter in the passion and death of Christ. 

55. — Zacheus, the Chief of the Publicans. 




1. There lived in Jericho a man named Zacheus, the chief 
of the publicans. He strove to see Jesus when He passed 

Questions to Chapter 54.— When the Pharisees heard of the resurrection of 
Lazarus, how did they act ? What did the high priest say ? What did the Jews 
try to do ? What prophecy did Jesus give ? 



188 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

througn the city, but, being a man of small stature, he could 
not on account of the crowd. He then ran on and climbed 
up a sycamore-tree. When Jesus came to the tree, he lifted 
up His eyes and said to Zacheus: " Make haste and come 
down, for to-day I must abide in your house. " Zacheus 
hastened, and with great joy received Him into his house. 

2. When the others saw this they began to murmur be- 
cause Jesus had gone into the house of a publican, who 
from his profession was considered a sinner. Jesus said to 
Zacheus: "This day salvation is come into this house, for 
the Son of Man has come to seek and save that which was 
lost." 

56. — Mary Magdalene Anoints Jesus. 

1. From Jericho Jesus went to Bethania, where Simon the 
leper made a supper for Him. Lazarus was one of the guests, 
and Martha, his sister, helped to wait upon them. Now, 
while they were all sitting at supper, Mary Magdalene took a 
box of precious ointment, and, coming into the house, knelt 
down and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped them with 
the hair of her head. The house was filled with the sweet 
odor of the ointment. 

2. When Judas Iscariot saw this he began to complain and 
to murmur at the waste. He asked why they had not sold 
the ointment and given the price to the poor — not that he 
cared for the poor, but because he carried the purse and was 
a thief. 

3. Jesus bade them let the woman alone, for she had done 
a good work in embalming His body for the tomb. He said 
also that wheresoever His Gospel would be preached, the 
piety of Mary Magdalene would be proclaimed. 

4. Like Judas, many nowadays cry " Prodigality ! " if they are asked 
to contribute for the beauty of the church or the splendor of divine wor- 
ship. They also say, "Let it be given to the poor," but Jesus says, 
"'Do both : ornament the church and help the poor." 

Questions to Chapter 55.— What is said of Zacheus ? 

Questions to Chapter 56.— From Jericho where did Jesus go ? What happened ? 
What did Mary Magdalene do ? What did Judas say ? What did Jesus say ? 
What do many nowadays say ? 



Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 189 



5?. — Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. 

1. On the following day Jesus came to Jerusalem, but y 
before entering, stopped at Mount Olivet, just outside the 
walls of the city. From there He sent His disciples to Beth- 
phage, a little town close by, and bade them bring the ass 
which they would find tied by the way. 

2. The disciples did as He commanded, and, bringing the 
ass, put their garments on it; then they placed Jesus thereon 
and led Him into Jerusalem. On the way great multitudes 
of the people met Him. Some spread their garments on the 
ground, some cut down branches from the palm-trees and 
strewed them before Him, whilst all cried: " Hosanna to the 
Son of David! blessed is He that cometh in the name of the 
Lord!" 




3. Many of the Pharisees were also in the crowd. When 
they heard the people shouting, and saw the honors that 
were paid to Jesus, they asked Him to rebuke His disciples, 
and to tell the people to hold their peace; but He would not. 

4. As Jesus drew near the city, looking upon it, He wept; 
then He cried out: "0 Jerusalem! if you had known the 



190 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

things that are for your peace; but now they are hidden from 
your eyes. The days shall come when your enemies shall 
compass you about, and shall beat you flat to the ground, and 
there shall not remain of you a stone upon a stone/' 

5. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He went , directly to the 
Temple, where from every direction the sick, the blind, and 
the paralytic were brought to Him, and He cured them all. 
At last the people became very much excited, and even the 
children caught up the general enthusiasm and cried out: 
" Hosanna to the Son of David! " 

6. When the Pharisees heard this they became more and 
more enraged, and, coming to Him, asked if He heard what 
was said. Jesus answered, "Yes; but/' said He, "have you 
never read what was written by the prophet: Out of the 
mouths of infants and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise ? " 

7. Long before had Zacharias the prophet foretold the en- 
trance of Christ into Jerusalem, when he said: "Rejoice, 
daughter of Sion, and shout, daughter of Jerusalem; be- 
hold, thy King will come to thee: He is poor, and riding 
upon an ass." 

8. Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on the very day the 
Jews were required by the law of Moses to procure the Pas- 
chal lamb. How significant His every act! The Paschal 
lamb was offered for the Jewish people; but Jesus, who is the 
true Paschal Lamb, was offered, not for a people, but for a 
world. 

58.— The Parable of the Marriage Feast. 

1. On the next day, while Jesus was teaching in the Tem- 
ple, He said: " The kingdom of heaven is like to a king who 
made a marriage feast for his son. He sent his servants to 
call those who had been invited, but they would not come. 
He sent a second time, but they not only refused, but, seizing 
his servants, put them to death. 

Questions to Chapter 57.— What is said of Christ's entry into Jerusalem ? What 
•did the multitude do ? How did the Pharisees act ? What did Jesus say of Jerusa- 
lem ? What was done in the Temple ? How did Jesus answer the Pharisees ? 
What did Zacharias prophesy ? On what day did Jesus enter Jerusalem ? 



THE TRIBUTE TO C^SAE. 191 

2. " When the king heard this he became yery angry, and, 
sending his armies, destroyed the murderers and burnt their 
city. 

" That his marriage feast might not be without guests, the 
king sent his servants into the highways and invited all, the 
good as well as the bad, to come. 

3. " The king, going into the banqueting-hall, found a 
guest who had not on a wedding-garment. When asked why 
he had neglected to put on a wedding-garment, he was silent. 
Then the king ordered him to be bound hand and foot, and 
to be cast into exterior darkness." 

4. In the East it was customary for kings to supply their guests with 
wedding-garments ; hence the crime of the unfortunate man, who, 
through carelessness, had neglected to put on the proper garment, even 
though provided for him. 

59. — The Tribute to Caesar. 

1. When the Scribes and Pharisees heard the parable of the 
marriage feast, they knew Jesus meant them by the guests 
who had refused to come. In consequence they were very 
angry, and began to plot how they might entrap Him in His 
words, that thereby they might have a pretext to condemn 
Him. 

2. For this purpose they sent some of their own disciples, 
together with some of the friends of Herod, to Him. They 
began by flattering Him and praising Him for His bold and 
fearless declaration of His opinions. When they thought 
fchey had deceived Him as to their intentions, they, with deep 
cunning, asked Him " whether it was lawful to give tribute 
to Caesar or not." 

3. Jesus knew very well what their motives were, and the 
treacherous plot by which they hoped to entrap Him; for if 
He said " Yes," the Jews would hate Him as being an enemy 
to their country, and if He said "No/' Herod would seize 
upon Him for resisting the government. 

Questions to Chapter 58.— Tell the parable of the marriage feast. What was 
done to the dumb guest ? What was a custom in the East ? 



192 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

4. Jesus asked for a penny. When it was presented to 
Him, He asked " whose image was on it." They said, 
" Caesar's." Then said Jesus: "Render to Caesar the things 
that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." 

When they heard this their malice was forced to yield in 
admiration to His wisdom. Going away, they dared ask Him 
no more questions. 



60— Christ Foretells the Destruction of Jerusalem 
and the End of the World. 

1. After Jesus had finished speaking, He rose to leave the 
Temple. As He was passing out, His disciples began to ad- 
mire its magnificence and solidity; but Jesus told them not 
to trust too much to appearances; that that Temple which 
they now so much admired, and of which the Jews were so 
proud, would ere long be destroyed; nor would there remain 
of it so much as a stone upon a stone. 

2. When He came to Mount Olivet, that stands but a short 
distance from the city, He sat down and began to speak to 
His disciples of the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of 
the world. They asked Him when these things would take 
place. 

3. In answer to the first question He said: "When you 
shall see an army encompass Jerusalem about, know that her 
destruction is at hand. Then let those that are in Judea 
flee to the mountains, and those that are in Jerusalem hasten 
to depart, for the days of vengeance and tribulation are come : 
many shall fall by the sword, many shall be led away captives 
among the nations of the earth, and Jerusalem shall be de- 
stroyed." 

4. To the second question He said: " Be not deceived: My 
Gospel shall be preached in the whole world, and then shall 
the end come. There shall be tribulations such as have not 
been; false Christs shall arise, and false prophets shall come, 

Questions to Chapter 59.— How did the Scribes try to entrap Jesus ? How did 
He answer them ? What did they do ? 



THE FIVE WISE A3N T D THE FIVE FOOLISH VIKGIKS. 193 

doing wonders and showing signs, so as almost to deceive the 
elect. But the end is not yet. 

5. " Other signs shall appear: The sun shall be darkened., 
the moon shall not give her light, the stars shall fall from 
heaven, the earth shall be moved, the sea shall roar, and men 
shall wither away for fear of the things that are to come. 
Then shall the sign of the Son of Man appear, and He Him- 
self shall come in His majesty; the angels shall gather to- 
gether the elect from the four winds. But no one knows 
either the day or the hour, but the Father alone." 

6. Thirty-seven years after this remarkable prophecy con- 
cerning the destruction of Jerusalem, Titus, a Eoman gen- 
eral, came with an army and laid siege to Jerusalem. The 
prophecy was fulfilled to the letter: the walls were beaten 
down, the city was taken, the Temple burned, and the Jews 
were. carried into captivity, never to return. 

In its own time will the prophecy concerning the end of 
the world be also fulfilled. 



61. — The Parable of the Five Wise and the Five 
Foolish Virgins. 

1. Jesus continued to speak to His disciples, saying : " The 
kingdom of heaven is like to ten virgins who took their lamps 
and went forth to meet the bridegroom. Eive were wise and 
five were foolish. The foolish took no oil with them but the 
wise took oil in vessels together with their lamps. 

2. " Whilst the bridegroom tarried, they all slept. During 
the night the bridegroom came, and they rose and went forth 
to meet him. But soon the foolish virgins found their lamps 
had gone out, and, while they went to buy oil, the bridegroom 
entered, and the doors were shut. 

3. "At length the foolish virgins came, but could not 
enter. When they cried out to open for them, the bridegroom 

Questions to Chapter 60.— What did Jesus say concerning the Temple ? Of what 
did Jesus speak when He came to Mount Olivet ? When was Jerusalem to be de- 
stroyed ? What did Jesus say about the end of the world ? Who destroyed Jeru- 
salem ? When ? 



194 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 




answered, 'I know you not. 
the Son of Man shall come/ 



Watch, for you know not when 



62, — The Parable of the Talents. 

1. Again Jesus gave another parable: "The end of the 
world is like to a man who went into a far country. He called 
together his servants, and delivered to them his goods. To 
one he gave five talents; to another, two; and to another, 
one. Then he started on his journey. 

2. "Now he that had received the five talents went and 
traded with them till he gained other five talents. In like 
manner he that had received the two gained other two; but 
he that had received the one talent went away and buried his 
lord's money. 

3. "After a long time the lord returned; and he that had 
received the five talents came and brought with him the other 
five. When the lord saw this he said : i Well done, thou 
good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful 
over a few things, I will set thee over many things : enter 
thou into the joy of thy lord. ' In like manner the lord spoke 
to him that had gained the two talents. 

Questions to Chapter 61.— Tell the parable of the virgins. 



THE LAST JUDGMENT. 195 

4. " But he that had received the one talent came and said: 
' Lord, I knew thou wert a hard man, and, being afraid, I hid 
thy talent in the ground. Here is what is thine. ' The lord 
reproached him for his sloth, and, taking the talent from 
him, gave it to him who had the ten talents. Then he com- 
manded the unprofitable servant to be bound hand and foot 
and cast into exterior darkness." 

63. — The Last Judgment. 

1. Among the last of the public instructions Christ gave 
the people was a discourse on the Last Judgment, and an ex- 
hortation to His disciples to prepare for it. The negligence 
of men, and the little influence that the mere love for God 
has to change the mind, rendered it necessary to add fear to 
the other motives for serving God. 

2. Jesus began by a description of the commotions that 
would beforehand take place in the heavens and on the 
earth; telling how the sun and the moon and the stars would 
change, and the earth tremble, and how after this an angel 
would sound the last trumpet and call the dead to judgment. 
Then would come the Son of Man, surrounded by His angels 
and seated on a cloud, while all the nations of the earth 
would be gathered before Him. 

3. When all mankind shall have been thus gathered before 
Him, Jesus Christ shall send out His angels to separate the 
good from the bad, placing the former on His right hand and 
the latter on His left. Then shall Christ turn to the good 
and say to them: " Come, ye blessed of My Father, possess 
the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the 
world." 

4. But He shall turn to the wicked and, with an angry 
countenance, say: "Depart from Me, ye accursed, into ever- 
lasting fire, which was prepared for the devil and his angels." 
And these shall go into everlasting punishment, but the just 
into life everlasting. 

Questions to Chapter 62.— Tell the parable of the talents. 



196 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

5. At His first coming Jesus appeared in poverty and weakness, but 
at His second He shall appear as a judge, surrounded by His majesty, 
and backed by His power. The cross, now so much despised, will then 
be the sign of His glory. 



THE PASSION AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST. 

64.— The Paschal Lamb. 

1. On the first day of the Azymes the Jews were com- 
manded by the law of Moses to sacrifice the Paschal lamb, 
and for eight days to eat unleavened bread. On that day 
Jesus told Peter and John to go and prepare the Pasch for 
Him and His disciples. 

2. They went into the city, and, as Jesus had bidden them, 
prepared the Pasch. When the evening was come Jesus sat 
down to table with His twelve apostles, declaring how much 
and how long He had desired to eat that supper with them. 

3. The Jewish Paschal lamb was a figure of Jesus Christ, the true 
Paschal Lamb; for this reason Christ was by His own will put to death 
on the cross on the same day and at the very hour that year by year 
the Jewish Paschal lamb was offered in the Temple. 

65.— The Washing of Feet. 

1. When they had all eaten, Jesus rose from the table and 
girded Himself with a towel. Then pouring water into a 
basin, He began to wash the feet of His disciples and to wipe 
them with the towel. 

2. When He came to Peter, the brave apostle declared 
never should his Lord wash his feet; but when Jesus told 
him it was necessary, if he would have share with Him, Peter 
yielded. 

3. After Jesus had washed the feet of the apostles, He 
again sat down and began to discourse to them on what He 

Questions to Chapter 63.— Besides love, what else is needed to serve God ? 
Describe the Last Judgment. What shall be done to the good ? What to the bad f 
What is the difference between the first and the last coming of Jesus Christ ? 

Questions to Chapter 64.— What was done on the first day of the Azymes ? 



CHRIST INSTITUTES THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 



197 



had done. " The servant/' said He, " is not greater than the 
master; and if I, who am Master, have washed your feet, you 
also ought to wash one another's feet/' 




4. When Jesus said the washing of feet was necessary, He wished to 
show how necessary Baptism and Penance were. By these, sins are 
washed away through the merits of Christ; so was the washing of feet 
at the Last Supper a symbol of these sacraments. 



66. — Christ Institutes the Blessed Sacrament. 

1. After the washing of the apostles' feet came that sacred 
and solemn moment Christ had so long desired. He was 
about to enter on His Passion, and must fulfil that promise 
He had before made, that " He would give His body to eat 
and His blood to drink/' 

2. Therefore, while they were all sitting at the table, Jesus 
took of the bread that was before Him, and, holding it in His 
sacred hands, lifted up His eyes to heaven; then He gave 
thanks, and, blessing the bread, gave it to His disciples, say- 
ing: "Take ye and eat; this is My body, which is given 

Questions to Chapter 65.— Describe the washing of feet by Jesus. What did 
Peter do and say ? Of what was the washing of feet a symbol ? 



198 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



for you." By these words Jesus changed the bread into His 
adorable body. 

3. Then He took the chalice, in which was a part of the 
wine that had been used at the supper, and, giving thanks, 
blessed it, and gave it also to His disciples, saying : " Drink 
ye all of this, for this is My blood of the new testament, 
which shall be shed for many for the remission of sins. Do 
this for a commemoration of Me." 




4. By these words Jesus changed the wine into His blood; 
and by the words, "Do this for a commemoration of Me," 
He ordained the apostles priests, and instituted for all time 
the august Sacrament of the Altar. 

Jesus is the Melchisedech of the New Law, who, as King and Priest, 
offered Himself under the appearances of bread and wine. 

67.— Jesus Foretells the Treason of Judas and 
the Denial of Peter. 

1. After the institution of the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus 
became depressed and very much troubled. He knew that 
Judas Iscariot was about to betray Him for the paltry sum of 
thirty pieces of silver. 

Questions to Chapter 66.-Describe the institution of the Blessed Sacrament. 
What did Christ do ? What did He say ? What is Jesus in the New Law ? 



CHRIST'S LAST DISCOURSE TO HIS APOSTLES. 199 

2. That the traitor might have no excuse, Jesus publicly 
declared "one of them was about to betray Him/' Instantly 
there was a commotion among the apostles, and each began 
to ask: "Is it I?" 

3. John, whom Jesus loved most tenderly, was sitting by 
His side. Peter made a sign to him to ask Jesus of whom He 
spoke. John, leaning on the bosom of Jesus, did so. Jesus 
answered: "It is he to whom I shall reach bread dipped ; " 
and, immediately dipping the bread, He handed it to Judas. 
As soon as Judas had eaten the morsel, Satan entered into 
him, and, going out, he consummated his treason. 

4. When Judas was gone Jesus said, in a very solemn man- 
ner: "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified 
in Him; I will be with you only a little while." Peter, hear- 
ing this, asked "where He would go." Jesus answered: 
"Where I go, thou canst not follow now." Peter became 
very much excited, and, with great vehemence, asked " why 
he could not follow now, as he was ready to lay down his life 
for Him." 

5. But Jesus, turning to him, said: "Amen, amen, I say 
to thee, this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny 
Me thrice." 

Joseph was sold by his brothers, that he might save them in the time 
of famine; Jesus was sold by Judas, that He might redeem and save 
mankind. 



68. — Christ's Last Discourse to His Apostles. 

1. After Judas left the supper-room, Jesus, turning to the 
other apostles, said : "I am about to leave you, but before I 
go I give you a new commandment : Love one another. Be 
not troubled: I will not entirely leave you; at present I go 
to prepare a place for you in My Father's house; I will come 
again and take you with Me. 

2. "I will also ask My Father to give you another Paraclete, 

Questions to Chapter 67.— After the institution of the Blessed Sacrament what 
happened to Jesus ? How did Jesus act towards Judas Lscariot ? What did Judas 
do ? What did Jesus say to Peter ? 



200 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



who will teach you all things, and abide with you forever. I 
am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one can come to 
the Father hut through Me. lam the vine; My Father is 
the husbandman: he that abideth in Me, and I in him, shall 
bear much fruit. My peace I leave you; My peace I give 
you." 

3. When Jesus had finished with these grave and affection- 
ate words, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said: 
"Father, the hour is come, glorify Thy Son. I pray for 
Mine; sanctify them. I pray not for Mine only, but for 
those also who, through their word, shall believe in Me, that 
they may be one with Me, as Thou, Father, art in Me, and 
I in Thee/' 

69. — Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemani. 




1. When Jesus had finished His prayer, He went with His 
disciples to the garden of Gethsemani, near Mount Olivet. 
Having entered, lie bade His disciples sit down and rest, 
while He went to pray. Taking with Him Peter and James 
and John, He went away a little distance. Oppressed with; 

Questions to Chapter 68.— What -was Christ's last discourse to His apostles ? 



JESUS DELIVERED UP TO HIS ENEMIES. 201 

grief, He said: " My soul is sorrowful even unto death: stay- 
here and watch/' 

2. Leaving the three apostles, He went forward a little 
distance, and, falling flat on the ground, prayed thus: "0 
My Father! if it is possible, let this chalice pass from Me: 
nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt." Then, rising, 
He came to the apostles; but they were asleep. Jesus left 
them, and went again and prayed as He had done before. 
For the third time He prayed in the same manner, saying 
the same words. 

3. When Jesus had finished His prayer, and for the third 
time had submitted Himself to the will of His Father, He 
began His agony. Oppressed with the load of sin that was 
placed upon Him, and overwhelmed with grief, His sweat 
became as drops of blood trickling on the ground. His 
Father sent an angel to comfort Him. When His agony was 
over, Jesus rose, and, coming to His disciples, said, i( Arise, 
let us go; he that shall betray Me is at hand. " 



70. — Jesus Delivered up to His Enemies. 

1. Whilst Jesus was still speaking to His apostles, a great 
multitude of the priests and people came into the garden. 
Some carried swords in their hands; others carried clubs and 
torches. Judas Iscariot walked at their head. When Judas 
came to Jesus he said, " Hail, Rabbi," and kissed Him. 

2. Jesus advanced towards the multitude and asked them 
whom they sought. They said, "Jesus of Nazareth." He 
simply answered, "I am He;" when the multitude, over- 
come with fear, went back and fell to the ground. Then 
Jesus said, "You have come to seize Me as if I were a thief: 
whilst I was daily in the Temple, you did not touch Me." 

3. As soon as Jesus had said this, the soldiers advanced and 
seized Him. Peter, seeing w r hat was done to his Master, 
drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malchus, the servant of 

Questions to Chapter 69.— What happened in the garden of Gethsemani ? What 
was Christ's prayer ? What is said of H is agony ? 



202 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



the high priest; but Jesus bade him put back his sword into 
the scabbard, saying that, if He needed help, His Father 
would send Him more than twelve legions of angels. 




4. Jesus touched the ear of Malchus and healed it; then 
He delivered Himself into the hands of the soldiers, who 
bound Him. The disciples, seeing this, fled; Peter and John 
alone following at a distance. 



71.— Jesus before the High Priest. 

1. The multitude led Jesus to the house of Annas, one of 
the priests. There He was asked concerning His doctrines 
and disciples. Jesus simply answered, He had taught openly; 
His words and actions were well known. For this, one of 
the servants struck Him, asking how He dared to answer 
thus. 

2. After much abuse, Annas sent Jesus to Caiphas the 
high priest. Here were assembled the priests and the 
Scribes and a great multitude of the people. Christ was led 

Qitestions to Chapter 70— Who betrayed Jesus ? With what ? When the 
soldiers seized Jesus what did Peter do ? Who alone followed Jesus ? 



PETER DENIES JESUS. 



203 



into their midst; false witnesses were brought in, and all 
manner of accusations were made against Him; they were 
determined to put Him to death. 

3. When the witnesses had been examined, Caiphas rose 
and asked Jesus if He had anything to say; but Jesus held 
His peace. 

Again Caiphas rose, and adjured Him by the living God to 
tell whether He was the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus an- 
swered, "lam" 




4. The high priest, hearing this, rent his garments, and de- 
clared there was no need of further evidence: all had heard 
the blasphemy, and, by their law, He, who made Himself 
God, deserved death. He then asked what they thought. 
They all cried out, " He is worthy of death." 

72.— Peter Denies Jesus. 

I. Whilst Jesus was before the tribunal of the high priest, 
Peter remained in the hall, among the soldiers, warming him- 
self. One of the servants of the high priest came to him and 

Questions to Chapter 71.— Where was Jesus led? What was Jesus asked? 
What was done to Him ? What was done at the house of Caiphas ? 



204 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



accused him of being not only a follower of Jesus, but of hav- 
ing been in the garden with Him. Peter declared he knew 
Him not; and the cock crew. 

2. A short time after this, another servant, seeing Peter, 
said to those that were standing about: "This man was also 
with Jesus." Peter again denied, and swore with an oath 
that he knew not Jesus. 

3. About an hour after this, a friend of Malchus, whose 
ear Peter had cut off, also charged him with being a disciple 
of Jesus; but Peter began to swear he knew not the man. 
The cock crew the second time. 




4. At that moment Jesus was led through the hall. Turn- 
ing. He looked at Peter, who remembered what Christ had 
said to him in the early part of the evening: "Before the 
cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice." Peter went 
out and wept bitterly. 

It is related in history that after his denial of Christ Peter always 
wept when he heard a cock crow, and so frequent were his tears that' 
they made furrows in his cheeks. 

5. Man is very weak : Peter saw his Master on Thabor, and yet 



JESUS BEFOKE PILATE AND HEROD. 205 

denied Him in the judgment hall. Had he prayed in the garden, he 
would not have been so timid in trial : let us, therefore, watch and 
pray. 

73.— The Despair of Judas. 

1. When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned to death, he 
repented of what he had done. Going to the chief priests, 
he threw down the thirty pieces of silver, declaring he had 
betrayed innocent blood; then he went out and hanged him- 
self. 

2. The priests, taking the money, bought with it a potter's 
field, in which to bury strangers, for it was not lawful to put 
blood-money in the treasury of the Temple. This field was 
called by the Jews Haceldama; that is, the field of blood. 



74:.— Jesus Insulted. 

After Jesus was condemned by the great council, the 
soldiers took Him into a large hall, and there began to mock 
Him and to spit upon Him. Blindfolding Him, they buffeted 
Him, and then tauntingly asked who struck Him ; yet, in the 
midst of their blasphemies, their jeers, and their scoffs, Jesus 
remained silent — a wonder to men and angels. 



75.— Jesus before Pilate and Herod. 

1. As soon as it was day the great council of the Jews 
assembled, and again condemned Jesus to death. But, Judea 
being at that time a Roman province, the Jews were forbid- 
den to inflict punishment of death on any one until they 
had received the permission of the governor. They, there- 
fore, dragged Jesus before Pontius Pilate, who was then gov- 
ernor of Judea. 

Questions to Chapter 72.— Tell how Peter denied Jesus. What is said of Peter's 
after-life ? 

Questions to Chapter, 73. — How did Judas act ? What was done with the money ? 

Questions to Chapter 74.— What insults were heaped upon Jesus? How did 
Jesus act ? 



206 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



2. When Jesus was brought before him, Pilate asked what 
was the accusation against Him. The multitude cried out, 
" lie is a seditious man; He forbids the people to pay tribute 
to Caesar, and, moreover, declares He is Christ, the King." 

3. Pilate asked Jesus if He were a king. He declared He 
was, but that His kingdom was not of this world. When 
Pilate heard this he said to the people, "I find no fault in 
the man." But they only cried out the more, " He is a dis- 
turber of the peace, from Galilee even to Jerusalem." 




4. Pilate, hearing of Galilee, asked if Jesus were a Galilean. 
Learning He was, Pilate sent Him to Herod, governor of 
Galilee, who was then in Jerusalem attending the Paschal 
feast. When Herod saw Jesus he was very much pleased. 
He had heard a great deal about Him, and now hoped to see 
some miracle. 

5. But, when questioned, Jesus remained silent. Herod, 
seeing that his idle curiosity would not be gratified, mocked 
Our Savior, and, in derision, clothing Him in a white gar-' 
ment, sent Him back to Pilate. That same day Herod and 



JESUS IS SCOURGED ASTD CROWNED WITH THORNS. 207 

Pilate were reconciled to each other, having before been 
enemies. 



76. — Jesus and Barabbas. 

1. During the whole of Christ' s trial, Pilate strove to save 
Him, because he saw Jesus was innocent. But Pilate was a 
weak man, and feared to resist popular opinion. To add to 
his embarrassment, his wife had a dream which frightened 
her very much, and, while Pilate was sitting in the judgment- 
hall, she sent him a message to have nothing to do with 
Jesus, because He was a just man. 

2. There was a custom among the Jews that, on the feast 
of the Pasch, the governor should release any prisoner whom 
the people chose. Pilate, hoping to save Jesus, presented for 
their choice Jesus or Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a thief 
and an assassin. 

3. The priests and the ancients persuaded the people to 
demand the release of Barabbas and the death of Jesus; so, 
when Pilate again asked whom would he release, they cried 
out, " Barabbas; " and when he asked what he would do with 
Jesus, they cried out, " Crucify Him." 

4. Barabbas is a picture of sin. Man disobeys, and, by his sin, drives 
the grace of God from his soul, thus, in a certain sense, killing the soul. 
Jesus came to free man from sin, and, by His surf erings, pay the ransom 
for all sin. 



77.— Jesus is Scourged and Crowned with Thorns. 

1. Pilate still hoped to save Jesus from death, and, at the 
same time, satisfy the people; he, therefore, ordered Jesus to 
be scourged. The soldiers led our blessed Savior out of the 
hall into a courtyard. There they stripped Him, and, tying 
Him to a pillar, scourged Him. 

Questions to Chapter 75.— What did the great council do ? What could the Jews 
not do ? Why ? Before whom was Christ dragged ? What accusations were made 
against Him ? To whom did Pilate send Jesus ? How did Herod treat Jesus ? 

Questions to Chapter 76.— Tell the story of Jesus and Barabbas. 



>08 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



2. After this, mocking Him, they put a purple garment on 
Ilim, and, platting a crown of thorns, put it on His head. 
For a sceptre they put a reed in His hand, and, coming, 




bowed the knee before Him, saying: " Hail, King of the 
Jews." They also spat on Him, and, taking the reed, struck 
Him with it, thus driving the thorns deeper into His head. 



78. — Jesus is Condemned to Death. 

1. Pilate, seeing the pitiable condition to which Jesus was 
reduced, thought the sight of Him would appease the malice 
of the Jews. For this reason he led the Son of God out on 
a high balcony, and, presenting Him in all His misery, said, 
" Behold the Man." But the barbarous, blood-thirsty people 
only cried out the more, " Crucify Him, crucify Him." 

2. Pilate still continued irresolute, and hesitated what to 
do. But when the leaders of the people came and said to 
him, if he released Jesus he was no friend of Caesar's, he 
seems to have made up his mind. Hoping to quiet the 

Questions to Chapter 77.— Tell how Christ was scourged. After scourging Him 
what was done ? 



THE JOURNEY TO CALVARY. 



209 



stings of his conscience, he took a basin of water and, going 
before the multitude, washed his hands, saying: " I am inno- 
cent of the blood of this just man." But the people cried 
out, " His blood be upon us, and upon our children." 




3. For eighteen hundred years has the blood of Christ been 
upon the Jews. Driven from Judea — without country, with- 
out home — strangers amongst strangers — hated, yet feared — 
have they wandered from nation to nation, bearing with them 
the visible signs of God's curse. Like Cain, marked with a 
mysterious sign, they shall continue to wander till the end of 
the world. 



79. — The Journey to Calvary. 

1. Pilate, seeing he could not prevail upon the people, at 
last passed sentence of death upon Jesus. Then the soldiers 
took Him, and, placing a heavy cross on His wounded shoul- 
ders, led Him forth to Calvary. This was the usual place 
for the execution of criminals. 

Questions to Chapter 78.— What did Pilate do with Jesus on the balcony ? What 
did the people say ? What argument did the leaders use to persuade Pilate to con- 
demn Jesus ? What is said of the blood of Jesus, and the Jews ? 



210 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



2. As Jesus passed through the streets, His strength failed, 
and He fell several times. His executioners, seeing He could 
not carry the cross any further, compelled Simon the Cyrene, 
whom they met on the way, to take it up and carry it to Cal- 
vary. Together with Jesus, two thieves were also led forth 
to be crucified. 




3. Amongst the crowd that accompanied Jesus were many 
women, weeping and lamenting. Turning to them, He strove 
to console them, and, in the kindest words, bade them not 
weep for Him, but for themselves and for their children. 

4. What a sublime example of patience Christ gave in His 
Passion ! Condemned unjustly, He nevertheless, without a 
murmur, takes His cross; treated with the utmost cruelty and 
inhumanity, He complains not. So ought we to act when 
trials are sent to us, or men persecute us. 

Questions to Chapter 79.— Who passed sentence of death on Jesus ? What was 
placed on Christ's shoulders ? What happened on the way to Calvary ? Who car- 
ried the cross ? Who were in the crowd ? What did Jesus say to the women ? 



JESUS Otf THE CROSS. 211 



80. — Jesus is Nailed to the Cross. 

1. When Jesus reached Calvary the soldiers offered Him 
wine mixed with gall. This draught helped to render the 
agony of crucifixion less keen, by deadening the feeling of 
sense. But Jesus refused to drink, being determined to 
suffer unshrinkingly all His Father had decreed. 

2 He was then stripped of His garments and nailed to the 
cross. On each side of Jesus was crucified one of the thieves 
that had been led forth with Him. The soldiers divided His 
garments amongst them, but for His coat they cast lots. 

3. This coat of Our Savior was a figure of His Church. Woven from 
top to bottom without seams : so is the Church without division — one 
and indivisible. 

81.— Jesus on the Cross. 

1. At length Jesus was raised up, and hung suspended by 
His wounds. How cruel were His torments, whilst His blood 
ran in streams to the ground ! But the Jews remained un- 
moved; nay, they even mocked Him, and, in derision, cried 
out, " Vah ! You, who said You could destroy the Temple 
of God, and in three days rebuild it, come down from the 
cross, if You be the Son of God." The only answer Jesus 
made was a prayer for their forgiveness: "Father," said He, 
"forgive them, for they know not what they do." 

2. One of the thieves who was hanging at His side also 
began to blaspheme, and, chiding, bade Him, if He were the 
Christ, to save Himself and them. But the other thief remon- 
strated: " We, "said he, "suffer justly, but this man unjustly." 
Then he turned to Jesus and asked to be remembered by Him* 
Jesus said, "This day thou shalt be with Me in paradise." 

8. In this history of the penitent thief we have one of the best exam- 
ples of the power of prayer — one repentant word, and he is saved. In 
the desert, Moses set up a brazen serpent, upon which those who were 

Questions to Chapter 80— What was done to Jesus on Calvary ? Who were 
crucified with Jesus ? What was done with His garments ? 



212 HISTORY OF THE 2s T EW TESTAMENT. 

bitten looked and were cured ; on Calvary, Jesus hung upon the cross, 
that those who look upon Him in faith and love may be cured of the 
wounds of the soul. 



82 —Mary at the Foot of the Cross. 

1. Whilst Jesus was hanging upon the cross, Mary, His 
mother, and John the apostle, came and stood at its foot. 
When Jesus saw them He said to His mother, "Woman, be- 
hold thy son ! " then He said to John, " Behold thy mother ! " 
and from that hour John took the Blessed Virgin under his 
care. 

2. As formerly the heroic mother of the Machabees stood 
encouraging her seven sons to die bravely for their religion, 
so did Mary stand at the foot of the cross. Then indeed 
was Simeon's prophecy fulfilled : truly, a sword of sorrow 
pierced her heart. In John, every Christian was given as a 
child to Mary. 

83.— Jesus Dies upon the Cross. 

1. About noon of the day on which Christ was crucified, 
the whole earth was covered with darkness. This continued 
for three hours. In the midst of this general gloom, and as 
life was ebbing away, Jesus, seeing that God had withdrawn 
His consolations from Him, cried out, "My God, My God, 
why hast Thou forsaken Me ? " 

2. After this Jesus said, "I thirst." A soldier dipped a 
sponge in vinegar, and, putting it on a reed, gave Him to 
drink. When Jesus had tasted the vinegar, He said, " It is 
consummated," and, bowing down His head, died. 

3. At the moment Christ died, nature shook to her centre; 
the earth trembled, the rocks were split, the graves were 

Questions to Chapter 81.— What is said of Jesus on the cross? How did the 
Jews act ? How did Jesus answer them ? What happened to one of the thieves ? 
What example does the penitent thief give us ? What is said of the brazen serpent 
and the cross ? 

Questions to Chapter 82.— What is said of Mary and John at the foot of the 
cross? 



JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB. 



213 



opened, and the dead arose; the veil of the Temple was rent 
from the top to the bottom. When the centurion and the 
guard of soldiers that stood round the cross saw this, they 
cried out, " Indeed this was the Son of God." The multi- 
tude returned to Jerusalem, striking their breasts, and won- 
dering at what they had seen. 




4. At length man's redemption is accomplished; Christ has tri- 
umphedo His extended arms show the extent of His love, and His 
wounds are the fountains from whence grace flows to pay the debt of 
sin. With Christ's death ended the law of Moses ; hence the veil of 
the Temple, which had heretofore separated the people from the sanctu- 
ary, was torn, as a sign that Christ had opened the way to heaven. The 
bloody sacrifices of Moses had passed away, — the shadow was gone, — and 
in their stead was substituted the only true and real sacrifice, Jesus 
Christ. 



84. — Jesus is Laid in the Tomb. 

1. Christ was crucified on the eve of the Sabbath. That 
the bodies of the criminals might not remain exposed to view 

Questions to Chapter 83.— What happened at noon of the day Christ was 
crucified ? What did Jesus say just before He died? What happened when Christ 
died? 



214 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



during the Paschal solemnities, the soldiers broke the legs of 
the two thieves, that they might die the sooner. But when 
they came to Jesus, He was already dead; so they did not 
break His legs, but one of them opened His side with a spear. 
Immediately there ran forth blood and water. 




2. Towards evening, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of 
the great Jewish council, but a secret believer in Christ, came 
to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate having 
granted his prayer, Joseph and Nicodemus came and took 
the body from the cross. They then embalmed it w T ith 
precious perfumes, and, wrapping it in white linen cloths, 
laid it in a sepulchre. This sepulchre was cut in a rock, and 
situated in a garden near Calvary. 

3. The chief priests and Pharisees, though they had ap- 
parently conquered, were not at ease. They remembered well 
that Jesus had foretold His death, and how He would rise 
again on the third day. Fearing that, possibly, the apostles 
might steal the body and declare that He had risen, they 
came to Pilate and asked him to place his seal upon the 
tomb, and set a guard to watch it. He did so. 

4. Eve, the mother of mankind, was taken from Adam's side; so the 
Church, our spiritual mother, came forth from the side of Christ. It 



THE RESUKRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. 215 

was forbidden to break the bones of the Paschal lamb; neither were the 
bones of Jesus Christ, the true Paschal Lamb, broken. In all things, 




even the smallest, we see the fulfilment not only of the prophecies, 
but of the types and figures that foretold the life and death of Christ. 



THE GLORIOUS LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST. 

85. — The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

1. The body of Jesus Christ was two days in the tomb. On 
the morning of the third, the guards were startled by an 
earthquake, that shook the ground, and the sudden appear- 
ance of an angel, that rolled back the stone from the mouth 
of the sepulchre. Their wonder knew no bounds when they 
saw Jesus coming forth from the tomb, His face shining as 
the sun. For the moment, in terror, they fell to the ground; 
then, rising, fled into Jerusalem. 

2. Early in the morning of the third day, Mary Magdalene 

Questions to Chapter 84.— What was done to the thieves f What did one of the 
soldiers do ? What ran from Christ's side ? Who asked for Christ's body ? What 
was done with it ? How was the tomb guarded ? What is said of Eve and the 
Church ? 



216 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



and Mary the mother of James and Salome, came to the 
tomb, that they might embalm the body of Jesus. On the 
way they began to consider how they would roll back the 
stone that closed up the door of the sepulchre. No wonder, 
when they arrived and found, not only the stone rolled back, 
but the tomb empty, they were overcome with astonishment. 




3. As soon as Mary Magdalene saw how matters stood, she 
hastened back and told the apostles, but the other women re- 
mained. Stooping down to look into the tomb, they saw an 
angel, who bade them fear not, for Jesus was risen, and had 
gone before them into Galilee, where they would see Him. 
The angel told them also to hasten to the apostles, and more 
particularly to Peter, and tell them the news. 

4. These pious women had hardly left the place when 
Peter and John came. They had doubted Mary Magdalene's 
word, and came to see for themselves. John arrived first, but 
Peter entered first. Finding nothing but the linens in which 
the body had been wrapped, they hastened back to tell the 
others. 

5. As He foretold, Jesus remained among the dead as long as Jonas 
had been in the whale's belly. Though dead, His sacred body was not 



JESUS APPEAKS TO MAKY MAGDALENE. 217 

corrupted, for long before had the Psalmist declared : "Thy Holy One 
shall not see corruption." 

Jesus was not raised from the dead — He rose by His own power; and 
as His body rose glorious and transformed, so shall the bodies of the 
just rise. Since the Resurrection of Christ, His tomb has remained, and 
ever will remain, an object of reverence and love to the Christian world. 

86.— Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene. 

1. Scarce had Peter and John left the sepulchre when 
Mary Magdalene arrived. Overwhelmed with sorrow at the 
loss of the body of her Master, she entered the sepulchre. 
Here she met an angel, who asked her why she wept. She 
answered, " They have taken away the body of my Lord, and 
I know not where they have laid it." 



2. When she had said this, not knowing it was an angel to 
whom she spoke, she left the sepulchre. As she came out, 
she met Jesus, but did not know Him. Thinking He was 

Questions to Chapter 85. — How long was the body of Jesus in the tomb r What 
happened on the third day ? Who came to the tomb ? What did they find ? What 
is said of Mary Magdalene ? What of the other women ? What did Peter and John 
do ? What is said of Jesus and Jonas ? What of the tomb of Christ ? 



218 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

the gardener, she asked Him where the body was. But Jesus 
simply said, " Mary," when she recognized Him, and threw 
herself at His feet. 

3. Jesus then told her to hasten and tell the apostles, for 
He was about to ascend to His Father. Having disappeared 
from her sight, Mary came to the disciples; but they would 
neither believe that she had seen the Lord nor that He was 
risen. 

87.— The Resurrection of Jesus is Announced to 
the Chief Priests. 

1. When the guards fled from the sepulchre, they hastened 
to the city to tell what had happened. The chief priests 
having heard the startling news, assembled the rulers of the 
people to consider what steps they should take. 

2. They saw that, if the news went among the people that 
Jesus was risen from the dead, all their schemes to discredit 
Him would be forever destroyed; so they called the guards 
before them, and promised to give them money if they would 
only agree to say, " The disciples of Jesus came while they 
slept, and stole the body away/' The soldiers took the money 
and did as they were required. 

88.— Jesus Appears to Two Disciples while They 
were going to Emmaus. 

1. Tow r ards evening of the day Jesus rose from the dead 
two of His disciples were going to Emmans, a little village 
about two leagues from Jerusalem. On the way they talked 
of what had happened during the past days. 

2. Jesus came near them and began to speak to them, but 
they did not recognize Him. Kemarking how sad they were, 

Questions to Chapter 86. — What is said of Mary Magdalene ? Whom did she 
meet ? How did she recognize Jesus ? What message did Jesus give her ? How 
did the apostles receive her ? 

Questions to Chapter 87.— What did the chief priests do ? What bargain did 
they make with the soldiers ? 



JESUS APPEARS TO TWO DISCIPLES. 



219 



one of them, named Cleophas, asked Him if He were a 
stranger, or how came it that He had not heard what had 
happened at Jerusalem. 

3. They then told Him of Jesus; how they had believed 
He was the Messias, and what great hopes had been founded 
on Him; but, just as they thought his power about to be 
established, the chiefs of the Jews had seized upon Him and 
crucified Him; and this was, moreover, the third day since 
He had been laid in the tomb. They added also, strange 
rumors were afloat that He was again risen. 




4. When they had finished, Jesus began with the proph- 
ecies of Moses, and, continuing through the prophets, ex- 
plained to them the things that related to Himself, showing 
it was necessary for Christ to suffer as He had. 

As they drew near the town, He pretended to go further; 
but they pressed Him to remain with them, as it was evening. 

5. Yielding to their wishes, He sat down to table with 
them. He took bread, and blessed it, and gave it to them. 
Their eyes were opened, and they knew Him ; but He imme- 
diately vanished from their sight. 



220 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

6. After His Resurrection, Jesus showed Himself no more to the 
Jews,— they had rejected Him and resisted all His efforts to convert 
them; — He appeared only to His disciples. 

In like manner to-day He comes to those who, with a good heart, re- 
ceive Him, but abandons those who despise His warnings and reject His 
graces. 

89.— Jesus Appears to the Apostles. 

1. After Jesus had disappeared, the two disciples rose and 
hastened back to Jerusalem. Here they found the eleven 
apostles in a great state of excitement, for Peter had just 
come in, declaring he had seen the Lord. Then the two dis- 
ciples told how they had also seen Him, and how they had 
known Him in the breaking of bread. 

2. Whilst they were yet speaking, Jesus entered the room 
in which they were all assembled, the doors being shut. He 
said to them: " Peace be to you." And when the apostles 
were doubting and troubled, fearing it was a spirit they saw, 
Jesus showed them His hands and His feet, and bade them 
touch Him, and convince themselves that it was not a spirit 
they saw. They still doubting, He took a piece of broiled 
fish and a part of a honeycomb, and eat it before them. 

90. — Jesus Institutes the Sacrament of Penance. 

1. When at last the apostles were convinced it was the 
Lord they saw, Jesus repeated His salutation of peace be to 
them. He added besides: "As the Father hath sent Me, I 
also send you." Then He breathed upon them, and said: 
' ' Keceive ye the Holy Ghost : whose sins you shall forgive, 
they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they 
are retained them." 

2. In these two commissions conferred upon the apostles we have the 
most unqualified proof of the divinity of the Catholic Church and the 
power of the Catholic priesthood. The apostles were mortal, but the 

Questions to Chapter 88.— Tell what happened to the two disciples on the way 
to Emmaus ? How did they recognize Jesus ? 

Questions to Chapter 89.— To whom else did Jesus appear ? How ? How did 
Jesus prove He was not a spirit ? 



JESUS AND ST. THOMAS. 



221 



Church is immortal; hence these powers were conferred not only on the 
apostles, but were through them to descend to their legitimate suc- 
cessors, the bishops and priests of the Catholic Church. 

3. From the beginning, the bishops and priests have claimed the 
power to forgive sins ; but it is a power they can only exercise in the 
administration of the Sacrament of Penance. 



91. — Jesus and St. Thomas. 

1. Thomas, one of the apostles, was absent, when Jesus ap- 
peared to the others. But Thomas would not believe on 
their word, and even declared that, unless with his own eyes 
he saw the marks of the nails in the hands and feet of Jesus, 
and put his hand into the side of Jesus, he would not believe. 




2. Eight days after this the apostles were assembled, and 
Thomas with them. Again Jesus entered, the doors being 
shut. Jesus then bade Thomas look at His wounds and put 
his hand into His side. 

Questions to Chapter 90.— Tell how Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Penance. 
How is the divinity of the Catholic Church proved ? How is the power of the 
priesthood shown ? In what sacrament are sins forgiven f 



222 



HISTORY OF THE XEW TESTAMENT. 



3. When Thomas saw Jesus he fell down on his knees and 
cried out, " My Lord and my God." But Jesus said to him: 
"Because thou hast seen Me, Thomas, thou hast believed: 
blessed are they that have not seen Me, and have believed." 



92. — Peter is Appointed Chief Pastor. 

1. In obedience to the command of Jesus, the apostles left 
Jerusalem and went into Galilee. Here Jesus appeared to 
them at Lake Genesareth, and again their nets were filled 
with a miraculous draught of fishes. 




2. After they had all dined, Jesus said to Peter : "Simon, 
lovest thou Me more than these ? " And upon Peter declar- 
ing how much he did love Him, Jesus said, " Feed My lambs." 
This same question was repeated until the third time, when 
Jesus said, " Feed My sheep." 

3. By the lambs and the sheep are meant the faithful and the pastors 
of the Church. There is something remarkable in the manner in which 
Christ treats Peter : Christ enters Peter's ship ; Peter is called the rock* 

Questions to Chapter 91.— What is said of Jesus and Thomas ? 



Christ's last commission. — his ascension. 223 

Peter is commissioned to confirm the other apostles ; Christ prays for 
Peter; and, in all the lists of the apostles, Peter is always named first. 

This primacy continues in the Catholic Church, and is found in the 
Popes, who are the legitimate successors of Peter. 



93.— The Promise of the Holy Ghost. 

1. After this Jesus appeared several times to His apostles, 
instructing them, and directing them in their future labors. 
He spoke to them more in detail of the nature and destiny 
of His Church; of her development and establishment upon 
earth. 

2. On the fortieth day after His Kesurrection, Jesus ap- 
peared, for the last time on earth, to His apostles, who were 
then all assembled at Jerusalem. Amongst other things, He 
commanded them not to leave Jerusalem for a few days, but 
to remain till the Holy Ghost should come upon them; after 
which they should go forth to bear testimony of Him — not 
only in Jerusalem and Judea, but even to the end of the 
earth. This promise was fulfilled ten days after, when the 
Holy Ghost came, in the form of fiery tongues, and sat upon 
the apostles. 

94.— Christ's Last Commission to His Apostles. — 
His Ascension. 

1. After Jesus had finished speaking, He led His apostles 
out to Mount Olivet. There He said to them: "All power 
is given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go into the whole 
world and preach the Gospel to all nations, baptizing them 
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost : and, behold, I am with you all days, even to the con- 
summation of the world/' 

Questions to Chapter 92.— What happened at Lake Genesareth ? What power 
was conferred on Peter? How did Christ treat Peter ? In whom is the primacy 
found ? 

Questions to Chapter 93.— On what did Christ more particularly instruct His 
apostles ? What happened on the fortieth day ? What command did Christ give 
the apostles ? 



224 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



-2. Jesus, having finished speaking, lifted up His hands and 
blessed His apostles. Whilst in the very act of blessing 
them, He slowly rose from the earth and ascended into 
heaven, where He sits, and will forever sit, on the right hand 
of His Father. 

Lost in wonder and overwhelmed with sorrow, the apostles 
continued to gaze upon Him as He ascended, until a cloud 
coming concealed Him from their sight. 




3. While the apostles were still looking up to heaven, two 
angels, clad in white robes, came and said to them: "This 
Jesus, whom you have seen ascending into heaven, shall come 
again." 

The apostles hearing this, fell upon the ground and adored 
God ; then rising, returned to Jerusalem to await the fulfil- 
ment of the promises made to them. 

4. Elias was a figure of Christ. This prophet was carried up to 
heaven in a fiery chariot; and, according to the prophecy of Malachias, 
he will come again on earth just before the last day. 

Adam by sin drew man from God; Christ by His Ascension raised 
man's thought to heaven, and held out the hope of a blessed eternity. 

Questions to Chapter 94. — What was the last commission Christ gave His apos- 
tles ? From what mount did Christ ascend ? Tell what happened to the apostles. 
What is said of Elias and Adam ? 



THE ELECTION OF THE APOSTLE MATTHIAS. 225 



95. — An Observation. 

1. All that has been here related of the life of our blessed 
Savior — what He did, and what He said — is found in the 
four gospels. But we must not conclude from this that 
Jesus did nothing nor said anything besides. 

2. It is a part of Catholic teaching that Christ said many 
things and did much that is not related in the sacred Script- 
ures ; nay, we have it on the authority of St. John himself, 
in the last chapter of his gospel, that Jesus did so many 
things besides what have been recorded, that he verily be- 
lieved, if they were all written, the world could not contain 
the books in which they should be written. 

PART SECOND. 
THE HISTORY OF THE APOSTLES. 

96, — A Preliminary Remark. 

1. Jesus Christ came into the world that He might destroy 
the power of the devil, and in its place establish the king- 
dom of God; hence at His Ascension He left His Church 
small, it is true, but yet complete, that, like a grain of mus- 
tard-seed, it might grow until it had filled the whole world. 

2. This growth and expansion of the Church was first 
begun in Judea, and afterwards extended to the whole world, 
under and by the apostles themselves, whose history we are 
about to relate in the following chapters. 

97.— The Election of the Apostle Matthias. 

1. After the Ascension the apostles remained at Jerusalem y 
as they had been commanded. For ten days they continued 
in prayer, the Blessed Virgin and many of the disciples being 

Questions to Chapter 95. — What is said in this chapter? What is a part of 
Catholic teaching ? 

Questions to Chapter 96.— What is said of the rise and development of the 
Church ? 



L 



226 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

with them. They occupied an upper room — called among 
Eastern nations a Cenaculum. Here in all were assembled 
about a hundred and twenty persons. 

2. It was during this time Peter rose and proposed that, as 
Judas Iscariot had proved false to his apostleship, another be 
chosen in his stead. The proposition was approved, and, 
having prayed to God, lots were cast, and Matthias, one of 
the disciples, chosen. 

98.— The Descent of the Holy Ghost. 

1. Ten days after the Ascension of Jesus Christ was cele- 
brated the Jewish Pentecost. On this day, while the apostles 
and disciples were still within the upper chamber, suddenly 
there was heard the sound as if it were of a great wind com- 
ing from heaven. At the same time there appeared cloven 
tongues of fire, that sat upon each one present. 

2. In a moment all were filled with the Holy Ghost. No 
longer timid or fearful, the apostles sallied forth to preach 
Christ and Him crucified. 

Jerusalem was filled with strangers who had come up from 
all parts of the world to celebrate the feast of Pentecost. 
Soon the news spread abroad, and in a short time an immense 
multitude assembled round the house in which the apostles 
were. But what was their astonishment when each one 
heard the apostles speaking in his own tongue ! 

3. Amazed and confounded they asked: "Are not these 
Galileans who speak ? and how comes it that we every one 
hear our own tongue ?" But others said: "They are full of 
new wine." 

4. Then Peter rose, and standing with the eleven, said : 
"Men of Judea, and all you that dwell in Jerusalem, know 
that these men are not drunk, but in them are fulfilled the 
words of the prophet Joel : ' And it shall come to pass and I 
will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh. ' 

Questions to Chapter 97.— After the Ascension, what was done ? What did 
Peter do ? Who was chosen ? 



THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY GHOST. 



227 



5. ' < Moreover, this also hear : Jesus of Nazareth, a man 
who, by the wonders and miracles He wrought in your midst, 
proved Himself sent by God, was crucified and put to death 
by wicked men; but now He is in heaven, seated at the right 
hand of God. It is He that has poured out His Spirit upon 
us, as you see; and it is certain that Jesus is the Savior and 
the Lord of heaven and earth." 

6. When the multitude heard this, they were touched with 
compunction, and asked Peter what they would do. But he 
answered: "Do penance, and be baptized in the name of 
Jesus Christ." 




On this occasion about three thousand were baptized. 
With them began that miraculous expansion of the Church, 
that, increasing day by day, ended in the conversion of the 
world and the establishment of Christianity. 

7. On the day of Pentecost the Holy Ghost enlightened the minds of 
the multitude, that they might understand the apostles; but at Babel 
God confounded the multitude, that by the confusion of tongues their 
pride might be humbled and their vain project stopped. 

8. The first Jewish Pentecost was celebrated at Mount Sinai, amid 



228 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



thunder and lightning. There G.od proclaimed the Old Law. On the 
first Christian Pentecost the Holy^ Ghost came in the Tform of fiery 
tongues, that He might confirm and give testimony of the New Law. 

The Jewish Pentecost was celebrated during the harvest feast; on tl^ 
first Christian Pentecost the Holy Ghost reaped a rich harvest of con- 
verts among the Jews. 

99. — Peter Cures the Lame Man. 

1. Shortly after Peter's first sermon to the Jews, and the 
miraculous conversion of the three thousand, Peter and John 
went up to the Temple to pray. . A man who had been lame 
from his birth was every day carried by his friends and laid 
at one of the gates of the Temple, that he might beg alms 
from those who entered. 




2. When this man saw Peter and John entering, he begged 
an alms from them. Peter said to him : " Gold or silver I 
have none to give, but what I have I will give : in the name 
of Jesus Christ, rise and walk." 

Questions to Chapter 98.— When was Pentecost celebrated ? What happened 
to the apostles ? Who were in Jerusalem ? What caused astonishment ? What 
did Peter say ? What did the people do ? How many were converted at Peter's 
first sermon ? What is said of the Jewish and what of the Christian Pentecost ? 



PETER AND JOHN BEFORE THE GREAT COUNCIL. 229 

On the spot the man rose, and, leaping for joy, entered the 
Temple, praising God. 

3. When the multitude saw this, they stood confounded 
and amazed. Peter, seeing their astonishment, said: " Why 
do you wonder at this ? or why do you look at us as if by our 
power we had made this man to walk ? Know it is in the 
name and by the power of Jesus of Nazareth that this man 
walks." 

This discourse, and the sight of the miracle that had been 
wrought, produced so great an impression on the multitude 
that five thousand people were converted and baptized. 

100.— Peter and John before the Great Council. 

1. Whilst Peter and John were yet speaking to the people, 
the priests and the officers commanding in the Temple came 
to them. Enraged to find the apostles openly teaching, they 
laid hands on them and cast them into prison. 

2. On the following day the chief priests assembled in the 
council hall. Peter and John, being brought in, were asked 
by what power they had cured the lame man. Peter said 
" the lame man had been cured in the name and by the power 
of Jesus Christ, whom they had crucified, and who was now 
risen from the dead." 

3. When the priests heard this, they put the apostles out 
of the council hall. Consulting with themselves, they asked 
what should be done. " It was clear/' said they, "a miracle 
had been wrought, and they could not deny it." 

4. Having agreed among themselves, they recalled the 
apostles, and forbade them either to speak or to teach any 
more in the name of Jesus. But Peter asked: " Is it just we 
should obey you rather than God ? We must speak what we 
have seen and heard." 

The judges contented themselves with merely threatening 
the two apostles, and then dismissed them. 

Questions to Chapter 09. — Who cured the lame man ? What did Peter say ? 
What was the result of Peter's words ? 

Questions to Chapter 100.— What happened to Peter and John ? What answer 
did they give the council ? 



230 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



101.— The Lives of the First Christians. 

1. Nothing could exceed the holiness of the lives of the 
first Christians. All had but one heart, and all were animated 
with the same spirit. The apostles were unwearied in their 
labors, and the faithful were constant in the breaking of 
bread and in the labor of prayer. 

2. All their goods were in common. Those who had fields 
or houses sold them and placed the price in the hands of the 
apostles, who distributed to each according as he needed. 
Soon their unbounded charity to the poor and their brotherly 
love for each other began to produce their effects. Both Jew 
and Gentile was forced to respect them. Their numbers 
increased daily. 



102. — Ananias and Saphira. 

1. At this time there lived a man named Ananias and his 
wife Saphira. They sold a field, but secretly kept back a 
part of the price. The balance Ananias gave to the apostles, 
pretending it was all he had received. 

2. Peter said to him: "Ananias, why have you suffered 
Satan to tempt you to lie to the Holy Ghost ? and why have 
you kept back a part of the price of the field ? You have not 
lied to men, but to God." 

On the spot Ananias fell down dead at the feet of the 
apostle. 

3. Three hours after, Saphira came and, not knowing what 
had happened to her husband, repeated the same lie. She 
also fell dead. When these things were heard, fear and terror 
came upon all the faithful. 

Questions to Chapter 101.— What is said of the early Christians ? How were 
their goods held ? What effects did their lives produce ? 
Questions to Chapter 102.— Tell the history of Ananias and Saphira. 



THE APOSTLES ARE THEOWN 1STTO PRISON. 231 



103 • — The Apostles are Thrown into Prison. 

1. The apostles continued to work miracles. From the 
villages round about, the sick and those possessed by unclean 
spirits were brought to Jerusalem, and the apostles cured 
them. Peter, above all the rest, was held in the highest es- 
teem. So unlimited became his power, that his very shadow 
cured the sick as he passed through the streets. 

2. By the authority of the Jewish priests, Peter and John 
were again seized and cast into prison; but during the night 
an angel opened the prison doors and bade them go forth to 
the Temple and teach the people. 

3. In the morning, when the officers went to bring the 
apostles before the council, they found the doors of the prison 
indeed closed, and the guards at their post, but no prisoners. 
The council was confounded. 

4. Shortly after a man came, who told them Peter and 
John were in the Temple teaching the people. An officer 
hastened and, with great violence, brought them before the 
council. The high priest rose and reproached them for con- 
tinuing to preach, notwithstanding the former prohibitions of 
the council. The apostles said, " God must be obeyed." At 
the same time Peter declared that Jesus, whom they had 
crucified, was the Christ, and that He was risen from the 
dead. 

5. When the priests heard this they gnashed their teeth, 
and in their rage began to consider how they might put 
them to death. 

At this part of the proceedings, Gamaliel, a member of the 
great council, and also a doctor of the Law, rose and com- 
manded the apostles to be put out. 

6. "Men of Israel/' said he, "consider well what you are 
about to do. If this be the work of men, it will soon fall to 
nothing; but if it be the work of God, you cannot destroy 
it." They despised this advice. 

7. The apostles were recalled, and, having been scourged, 



232 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

were forbidden again to speak in the name of Jesus. But 
they went forth from the council rejoicing that they were 
found worthy to suffer for their divine Master. Neither did 
they cease, either in the Temple or in the houses, to preach 
Jesus Christ. 



104.— Stephen the Deacon. — The First Martyr. 

1. As the number of the faithful increased, there arose 
murmurs on account of the manner in which the food was 
distributed. When the apostles saw this they directed the 
people to choose seven men, of good character, full of wisdom 
and the Holy Ghost, and they laid their hands upon them. 
These were the seven deacons spoken of in the Scriptures, 
among whom were Philip and Stephen. To them was in- 
trusted the care of the temporalities of the Church, that the 
apostles might give themselves entirely to prayer and to the 
preaching of the word of God. 

2. Stephen did great wonders and wrought many miracles; 
few could resist the power of his eloquence. 

The Jews accused him of having spoken against Moses and 
blasphemed against God; then they seized him and led him 
before the great council. When he stood before the judges, 
those who looked at him thought they saw the face of an 
angel. 

3. The high priest rose and asked him if the charge that had 
been made against him were true. Stephen, standing before 
the council, answered by reviewing the history of the Jewish 
Church, and showing that it was but the forerunner of the 
Christian dispensation. He concluded with reproaching the 
Jews for their disbelief in having resisted the Holy Ghost, 
and for having crucified the Messias. 

4. When they heard this, they shook with rage, and gnashed 

Questions to Chapter 103.— What did the apostles continue to do ? What is said 
of Peter's shadow ? What was done to Peter and John ? How were they set at 
liberty ? What did the council do ? What did Peter answer ? What did Gamaliel 
say ? What was done to the apostles ? How did they act after ? 



STEPHEN THE DEACON. — THE FIRST MARTYR. 



233 



their teeth against him. Their anger knew no bounds when 
Stephen, lifting up his eyes, cried out, "I see the heavens 
opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of 
God." 




5. Hearing this, the multitude stopped their ears, and, 
rushing upon him, hurried him out of the city to stone him. 
The witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man 
named Saul — afterwards better known as the celebrated St. 
Paul. Whilst they were stoning him, Stephen exclaimed: 
"Lord, lay this not to their charge." Having said this, he 
slept in the Lord. 

6. The Jews have a dreadful account to give to God: they persecuted 
the prophets, they crucified the Savior, they put to death the apostles. 
But truth spreads the more it is persecuted; so that the saying, " The 
blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church," has passed into an adage. 

Questions to Chapter 104.— Why were deacons chosen ? What was intrusted 
to their care ? What did Stephen do ? What did he say before the council ? How 
was it received ? What was clone to Stephen ? What was laid at the feet of Saul? 
What effect has persecution on the Church ? 



234 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



105.— Confirmation. — The Baptism of the Ethi- 
opian. 

1. With Stephen's death began at Jerusalem a cruel per- 
secution against the Church. Saul was one of the bitterest 
enemies of the Christians; his anger knew no rest. With 
unsparing fury men and women were dragged before the 
tribunals and cast into prison. Many fled from Jerusalem 
and spread themselves through Judea and Samaria. 




2. Those who thus fled, passing from place to place, preached 
the word of God. Amongst the number was Philip the 
deacon, who, going to Samaria, preached, the Gospel. He 
wrought miracles, and many were converted. 

3. The apostles at Jerusalem, hearing that Samaria had 
received the word of God, sent thither Peter and John. 
When they were come, praying, they laid their hands upon 
the converts, and as many as were baptized received the Holy 
Ghost. 

4. In this visit of Peter and John to Samaria there is the clearest 
evidence of the conferring by the apostles of the Sacrament of Confirma- 
tion. Philip could preach and baptize, but being only a deacon, could 
not confirm. Apostles alone, and their successors, the bishops of the 
Church, can confirm. 



CONFIRMATION. — THE BAPTISM OF THE ETHIOPIAN. 235 

5. Whilst Philip was at Samaria, an angel came to him 
and commanded him to go down by the road that led from 
Jerusalem to Gaza. Philip obeyed. On the way lie met a 
distinguished Ethiopian eunuch, the treasurer of the queen of 
Ethiopia. He had been up to Jerusalem to attend at one of 
the feasts. At the moment Philip met him he was sitting in 
his chariot, reading from the prophet Isaias. 

6. Directed by the Holy Ghost, Philip drew near, and 
asked him if he understood what he read. But the eunuch 
answered, " How can I, unless some one show me ?" Philip 
went up into the chariot and began to speak to him of Jesus 
and the Gospel. 




7. Amongst other things, Philip spoke to him of Baptism. 
Meanwhile they came to a place where there was water, when 
the eunuch asked why he could not be baptized. Philip said, 
if he believed, there was no objection. Upon the eunuch de- 
claring he did believe in Jesus Christ, he was baptized. 

The eunuch, full of joy, continued his journey, but the 
Spirit of God took Philip away. 

Questions to Chapter 105.— After Stephen's death, what happened at Jerusalem ? 
Who was a bitter enemy ? Who preached at Samaria ? How do you show that the 
apostles administered Confirmation ? Tell the history of Philip and the eunuch. 



236 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



106. — The Conversion of St. Paul. 



1. After the martyrdom of St. Stephen, Saul became one 
of the most active persecutors of the Christians. Resolved 
on their ruin, he went to the high priest and asked for letters 
to the synagogues at Damascus, authorizing him to seize upon 
every man or woman whom he would find either believing in 
Jesus or teaching in His name. 




2. Animated with this spirit, and armed with the authority 
of the Jewish priesthood, he started for Damascus. As he 
approached the place, suddenly a bright light shone round 
about him. Struck as if by lightning, he fell to the ground, 
while, at the same time, a voice said to him: "Saul, Saul, 
why dost thou persecute Me ? " Saul asked who spoke to 
him; when the voice said, "I am Jesus, whom thou perse- 
cutest." 

3. Trembling and confounded, Saul asked what he should 
do. Jesus bade him rise and go into the city, when it would 
be told him what he must do. Saul rose, but discovered he 
was blind. His companions led him into Damascus, where he 



PETER VISITS THE CHURCHES IN JUDEA, ETC. 237 

remained three days at the house of one Judas, neither eat- 
ing nor drinking. 

4. At this time there lived in Damascus a man named Ana- 
nias. The Lord commanded him to go to Saul and place his 
hands upon him. No sooner had Ananias touched Saul than 
scales fell from his eyes, and he recovered his sight. Saul 
rose and was baptized. His name was changed to Paul. 

5. With all the zeal of a new convert, Paul began to preach 
Jesus. All that heard him were astonished. The Jews be- 
came very angry, and by every means in their power strove 
to put him to death; but God protected him. 

6. In the history of Saul we have the fulfilment of Jacob's prophecy 
to his son Benjamin, when he said: " Benjamin is a ravenous wolf ; in 
the morning he shall eat the prey, and in the evening he shall divide 
the spoil." 

Saul belonged to the tribe of Benjamin. In his youth, the morning 
of life, he persecuted the Church ; afterwards, in the evening of life, he 
gathered together both Jew and Gentile, and offered them as a precious 
gift at the feet of Christ. 

107.— Peter Visits the Different Churches in Judea. 
— Cornelius is Baptized. 

1. When the persecution had somewhat ceased, Peter visited 
the several churches in Judea, preaching to the people, and 
confirming them in their faith. 

At Lydda Peter cured a man named Eneas, who for eight 
years had been confined to his bed by the palsy. At Joppe 
he raised to life the charitable Tabitha. By the fame of 
these miracles many were converted and the influence of 
Christianity extended. 

2. While Peter was still at Joppe there lived at Cesarea a 
man named Cornelius. One day, whilst Cornelius was at 
prayer, an angel appeared to him, and bade him send to 
Joppe for a man named Peter, who would tell him what to 
do. Cornelius sent at once. 

Questions to Chapter 106.— What is said of Saul ? What happened to him on 
the road to Damascus ? Who baptized Saul ? How did Saul act after his bap- 
tism ? What prophecy is fulfilled in Saul ? 



238 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



3. About the time the messengers drew near to Joppe, 
Peter was praying; he also had a vision. 

The heavens appeared to him to open, and as it were a 
great sheet was let down, in which were all manner of four- 
footed beasts, and creeping things and birds; a voice said to 
him : " Arise, kill, and eat." 




4. Now it was not allowed the Jews to eat all manner of 
beasts: so Peter answered he could not, as he had never 
eaten anything unclean. But the voice said to him, " Call 
not that common that God has purified." This was done 
three times, when the vision disappeared. 

5. While Peter was reflecting on the meaning of the vision, 
the Spirit of God said to him, " Three men seek you; rise 
and go with them." 

On the next day Peter went with the messengers. When 
Cornelius related the vision he had had, Peter understood his 
own. By it Peter understood that hereafter there was to be 
no distinction between Jew and Gentile in the Christian 
Church, and that Christ had died for all mankind. 

6. Then Peter began to speak of Jesus: how He had been 



PETER CAST INTO PRISON. 239 

crucified, and how He had risen again from the dead, and 
that through Him was man to be saved. While Peter was 
still speaking, the Holy Ghost came upon the Gentiles who 
were present, and to the astonishment of the apostle they 
began to speak in divers tongues. When Peter saw this, he 
commanded them to be baptized. These were the first Gen- 
tiles received into the Church. 

7. From this time the apostles turned their attention to 
the Gentile as well as the Jew. Paul became especially the 
apostle of the Gentile. At Antioch the converts were first 
called Christians — that is, followers of Christ. 

8. Jesus died for all; and as Joseph during the seven years' famine 
fed not only the Egyptian, but also the Israelite and the stranger, so 
must the Jew and the Gentile share in the merits of Jesus Christ. The 
Jews formed but a small part of mankind, and at best never were very 
docile; hence the Christian Church from the beginning was formed 
principally from the Gentiles. 



108.— Peter Cast into Prison. la.d. u. 

1. After the conversion of Cornelius, Peter returned to 
Jerusalem. 

About the year 44, Herod Agrippa, the king, again raised 
a persecution against the Christians. He beheaded James, 
the brother of John, and cast Peter into prison. But the 
Church prayed for her venerated head. 

2. The night before he was to have been led forth to pun- 
ishment, Peter lay, bound with chains, between two soldiers, 
while guards walked before the door. 

On a sudden an angel stood before him, and a heavenly 
light filled the prison. The angel touched Peter and bade 
him rise and put on his sandals and follow him. Peter 
obeyed, not knowing whether or not it was a vision he saw. 
They passed the first and second guard, and came to an iron 

Questions to Chapter 107. — Where did Peter go ? What did he do at Lydda and 
Joppe ? Tell how Cornelius was received into the Church. Who were the first 
Gentiles received into the Church ? Who became especially the apostle of the 
Gentiles ? Where were the Christians first known by that name ? 



240 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



gate that of itself opened to them. Having passed out into 
the city the angel disappeared. 

3. Peter coming to himself, saw that God had sent an angel 
to deliver him from the power of Herod. Then he went to 
the house of Mark, where many of the faithful were as- 
sembled in prayer. Rapping, a young woman named Rode, 
or Rose, came to open the door. 

4. When she recognized Peter's voice, filled with joy, she 
ran back to tell those who were within that Peter was at the 
door. They would not believe her; but as Peter continued 
to rap, they at length opened the door, and to their amaze- 
ment Peter walked in. When he told them how he had been 
delivered out of prison, they all began to praise God. 




5. In the morning there was great consternation among 
the soldiers. No one could tell how Peter had escaped or 
where he had gone. Herod questioned the soldiers, and then 
punished them severely. 

6. Shortly after this, Herod was receiving ambassadors 
from Cesarea. The people began to applaud him, and flatter- 
ing him cried out, " You speak as a god, not as a man." 

Herod took the glory to himself. On the spot an angel 



st. Paul's fikst apostolic journey. 241 

struck him with a loathsome disease, and in a few days he 
died amid the most horrid torments — a fit example of the 
power of God and the pride of man. 

109. — St. Paul's First Apostolic Journey, ca.d.45. 

1. After his miraculous conversion St. Paul was received 
with much joy among the apostles. For some time he con- 
tinued to teach at Antioch; but after a while, directed by 
the Holy Ghost, he and Barnabas were sent to preach the 
Gospel to the Gentiles. 

2. Wherever he went Paul first preached to the Jews, and 
only when they refused to hear him did he turn to the 
Gentiles. Many of these latter were converted, while the 
former, rejecting the grace thus offered them, were left with- 
out excuse. 

3. Long before had the prophet Isaias spoken of St. Paul and his 
labors, when he declared that " God would choose of the elect and send 
them to the people of the sea : He would send them into Africa and 
Lydia, into Italy and Greece, and the islands afar off, that they might 
announce His glory to the Gentiles, and all flesh should adore." 

4. When St. Paul and Barnabas left Antioch they directed 
their steps to the island of Cyprus. On their arrival Sergius, 
the Roman proconsul, sent for them, that he might hear the 
word of God. But there was at the proconsul's house a Jew- 
ish magician, named Elymas, who strove to turn Sergius from 
the faith. 

5. St. Paul, seeing the malice of Elymas, and also inspired 
by the Holy Ghost, turning to him, said: " Because you have 
tried to pervert the ways of God, you shall be blind for a 
time." Immediately he was struck blind. When the pro- 
consul saw this he believed, and was baptized. 

6. From Cyprus, Paul and Barnabas sailed for Asia Minor. 
Arriving at Antioch in Pisidia, they preached to both Jew 
and Gentile. Many were converted. Here the Jews became 

Questions to Chapter 108. — What did Herod raise ? Who was beheaded ? Who 
was cast into prison ? How was Peter liberated ? What happened at the house of 
Mark ? What was done to the soldiers ? How did Herod die ? 



242 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

very much excited, and coming together, contradicted Paul; 
but he, turning to them, said: "It behooved us to preach 
to you first; now you have rejected the word of God, and we 
turn to the Gentile." 

7. The Jews continued to harass and persecute Paul and 
Barnabas, until, wearied, they shook the dust from their feet 
and left the place. They passed from city to city, preaching 
and establishing churches. 

8. At Lystra, a city of Lycaonia, Paul cured a man who had 
been lame from his birth. When the people saw this, they 
thought Paul and Barnabas were gods, and wished to offer 
sacrifice to them; but Paul forbade them. Many believed. 

9. Soon after this certain Jews came to Lystra from the 
cities where Paul had already been preaching. They succeeded 
in exciting an insurrection against him, and the multitude 
rising up stoned him, and dragging him out of the city, left 
him for dead. Paul, however, recovered, and returned into 
the city, where he remained for some time. 

10. After preaching the Gospel at Derbe, Paul and Barna- 
bas returned to Antioch, passing through the places where 
they had already preached. Everywhere they exhorted the 
faithful to persevere, and in every church they appointed 
bishops, having first prayed and imposed hands upon them. 



HO.— The Council of Jerusalem. [ajxso. 

1. During the apostolic time several subjects of dispute 
arose. Amongst these was, at Antioch, the subject of cir- 
cumcision — some of the Jewish converts insisting on it, while 
Paul and Barnabas resisted it. To avoid all possibility of 
error, it was agreed to refer the whole matter to the apostles 
at Jerusalem. For this purpose Paul and Barnabas were sent 
thither. 

Questions to Chapter 109.— What is said of Paul after his conversion ? To 
whom did he first preach ? What was done at Cyprus ? What happened to Ely- 
mas ? From Cyprus, where did Paul and Barnabas go ? How did the Jews act ? 
"What was done at Lystra ? What was done to Paul ? Who were appointed in the 
churches ? 



THE COUNCIL OF JERUSALEM. 



248 



2. When they arrived the apostles and the ancients assem- 
bled, under the presidency of Peter, to deliberate on the sub- 
ject. After the matter had been well discussed, Peter rose 
and said: " As God had made no difference between the Jew 
and the Gentile, giving the Holy Ghost to the one as well to 
the other, there should be no difference within the Church; 
nor should the law of circumcision be imposed on any 
one." 







3. Under this teaching it was decided that the ancient 
ceremonial laws of Moses had lost their effect, and for the 
future should not be imposed upon the Christians. 

The council wrote to the faithful at Antioch, saying: "It 
hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, not to lay 
this burden upon you." 

4. When the bishops of the Catholic Church, who are the legitimate 
successors of the apostles, assemble under the presidency of the Pope, 
who is the true successor of Peter, we have a general council similar to 
that held at Jerusalem under the apostles. Its decisions are infallible, 
for they are the decisions of God's Church, which, according to the 



244 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



teachings of Jesus Christ, is in an invisible manner guided and pre- 
served from error by and through the Holy Ghost. 



111.— The Second Voyage of St. Paul. 

1 . Some time after this St. Paul started on a second mis- 
sionary journey. He passed through Syria, and again went 
into Asia Minor, preaching everywhere, visiting the old and 
establishing new churches. 

At Troas he had a vision in which he was called to Mace- 
donia. Immediately he set sail, accompanied by Silas, Luke, 
and Timothy. They passed over from Asia, and arrived 
safely at Philippi, the capital of Macedonia. 




2. Here the apostle stayed with a merchant named Lydia, 
one of the new converts. There was also in the city a girl 
possessed by a divining spirit. She brought much gain to 
her masters. Paul, taking her, drove out the evil spirit. 

3. When her masters saw their hopes of gain gone, they 

Questions to Chapter 110. — On what was their dispute ? What was done on 
the matter ? What did Peter say ? What conclusion did the council come to ? 
What is said of the Catholic Church ? 



THE SECOND VOYAGE OF ST. PAUL. 245 

became very much displeased, and seizing Paul and Silas, 
cast them into prison, having first beaten them with rods. 
About the middle of the night, while Paul and Silas were 
praying, suddenly there came a great earthquake and shook 
the jail to its foundations. All the doors were opened, and 
the bonds of the prisoners were loosened. 

4. When the jailer awoke and found the doors of the prison 
open, he took his sword and was about to kill himself, think- 
ing the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried out they were 
there. The jailer, trembling, entered with a light, and fall- 
ing down at the feet of Paul, asked what he must do to be 
saved. Paul bade him believe in the Lord Jesus; and, having 
instructed him, that same night baptized him and all his 
family. 

5. In the morning the magistrates, hearing that Paul and 
Silas were Koman citizens, sent to beg their pardon for hav- 
ing scourged them, for it was unlawful to scourge a Eoman 
citizen. They then set them at liberty. 

6. Paul established a small church at Philippi; thence he 
passed to Thessalonica, and afterwards to Berea and several 
other cities, establishing churches and preaching the word. 
At last he came to Athens, the capital of Greece. 

7. Seeing how the city was given up to idolatry, his zeal 
was roused, and he began to preach in the market-place. He 
was taken before the Areopagus, where the philosophers and 
leading men of the city were assembled, and was asked to 
state the nature of the doctrines he taught. 

8. Paul rose and addressed the vast multitude, saying, 
" Athenians, in passing through your city, I found an altar 
on which was written : ' To the unknown God : ' what you 
here worship without knowing it, I preach." He then gave 
a long and detailed account of the nature of God and the 
character of the Christian religion, concluding with the resur- 
rection of the dead. 

9. When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some 
mocked, but others said they would hear him again. A few 



246 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



joined him; amongst whom was one named Dionysius, a 
member of the Areopagus. 

10. From Athens Paul went to Corinth. He first preached 
to the Jews; but they contradicting, and refusing to listen 
to him, he said to them, "Your blood be upon your own 
heads; I am clean. " 




He then preached to the Corinthians, and soon had the 
satisfaction of seeing many converted. After a year and a 
half spent at Corinth, Paul passed over to Asia, and, returning 
by Ephesus, came to Antioch. 

11. The Church grew with astonishing rapidity; her influence was 
felt everywhere. The little cloud, no bigger than a man's hand, had 
begun to grow, and now covered nearly the face of the heavens. The 
€arth was about to receive the genial rain. Christ came to call the Jews, 
but they threw away their vocation with the same indifference that 
Esau had sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. 

Questions to Chapter 111.— What is said of Paul's second voyage ? Where was 
he called to go ? Into what trouble did Paul and Silas get ? What is said of their 
imprisonment ? How did they get out of jail ? From Philippi, where did Paul go ? 
What did he do at Athens ? W T ho joined him ? How long did Paul stay at Corinth ? 



ST. PAUL S THIRD VOYAGE. 



247 



112.— St. Paul's Third Voyage. 

1. Soon after his return from his second voyage, St. Paul 
started on a third missionary tour. Again he passed through 
Asia Minor, and finally came to Ephesus, at that time the 
capital of the Eoman possessions in Asia. Here he baptized 
twelve men who formerly had received the baptism of John, 
and, laying hands upon them, they received the Holy Ghost. 




2. For two years Paul remained at Ephesus. Through his 
teaching most of the inhabitants of that part of Asia learned 
the doctrines of Christianity. Paul wrought many miracles, 
and his power became so great, that the simple touch of the 
handkerchiefs that had touched his body was sufficient to 
cure the sick. Fear came upon those who saw these things, 
and many came, confessing their sins. 

3. While St. Paul was at Ephesus there arose a violent 
persecution against him. There was in the place a grand 
temple, dedicated to the goddess Diana. The silversmiths 
made small miniature temples, which they sold at considera- 
ble gain. When, by the conversion of the inhabitants, they 



248 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

saw their trade gone, headed by one Demetrius, they rose up 
against Paul, and only with much difficulty could the magis- 
trates save him from their hands. 

4. When the tumult had subsided, Paul, having exhorted 
the disciples to persevere, passed over to Macedonia, and 
afterwards to Greece. From thence he returned to Asia, and 
came to Troas, where he stayed a week. On Sunday, the 
faithful assembled in a large hall to celebrate the divine 
mysteries. While St. Paul was preaching, a young man, who 
had been sleeping, fell from one of the windows, and was 
killed. Paul raised him to life. 

5. From Troas, Paul went to the islands of Lesbos and 
Chios, and thence to Samos and Miletus. At this latter 
place he sent for the chief men of the church at Ephesus, 
and spoke to them words of affectionate adieu: " I go," said 
he, "to Jerusalem, but I know not what shall befall me. 
Only this I know: that the Holy Ghost has warned me that 
chains and afflictions await me. But I fear not these things, 
only that I fulfil my mission. I know you shall see my face 
no more; therefore take heed to yourselves, and to the flock 
over which the Holy Ghost has placed you. 

6. " After my departure there shall rise up men speaking 
perverse things. Watch, therefore, remembering that, for 
three years, I oeased not, night nor day, to admonish every 
one of you. And now I commend you to God, who is able 
to give you an inheritance amongst His saints." 

7. When he had said this, he knelt down and prayed with 
them. All began to weep, and, falling upon his neck, kissed 
him. They grieved particularly because he had said they 
would see him no more. Leading him to the ship, they bade 
him an affectionate farewell. 

Questions to Chapter 112.— Where did Paul go on his third voyage ? What did 
he do at Ephesus ? What wonders did Paul do at Ephesus ? What caused ihe per- 
secution against Paul at Ephesus ? What happened at Troas ? What was done at 
Miletus ? 



THE IMPRISONMENT AND DEATH OF ST. PAUL. 



249 



113. — Imprisonment and Death of St. Paul, [a.d.67. 

1. The conversion of St. Paul had, from the beginning, 
been a sore blow to the Jews. His zeal for Christianity and 
his great success in making converts only increased their 
hatred; hence on his return to Jerusalem they excited so 
great a tumult against him, that in order to save him from 
violence it became necessary for the Eoman governor to cast 
him into prison, and finally to send him to Felix, the gov- 
ernor of Cesarea. 




2. Paul remained two years a prisoner at Cesarea, when he 
appealed to the emperor at Eome. On the voyage the ship 
was wrecked at the island of Malta, and Paul was saved only 
by a miracle. 

3. After two years of easy captivity spent at Rome, Paul 
was set at liberty. Again he visited the scenes of his former 
labors, preaching anew the word of God, and confirming the 
converts in their faith. 

About the year 67, St. Paul again returned to Eome. 
Shortly after, Nero, the emperor, raised a cruel persecution 



250 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



against the Christians; St. Paul was seized upon and cast 
into prison, and, a few days after, beheaded. 



114.— The Other Apostles. 

1. While St. Paul was preaching in Asia and Europe, the 
other apostles were not idle. Everywhere they preached the 
Gospel and established churches, appointing bishops to guide 
the faithful and transmit the doctrines they had received. 
Some went to Persia, others to Arabia, while some went even 
to the distant India. By the end of the first century there 
was no country then known that had not heard of Christ. 




2. During this time some of the apostles and two of their 
disciples, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, wrote 
short histories of Our Savior's life. St. Paul and some of the 
other apostles also wrote letters, or, as they are better known, 
"Epistles," of instruction, either to churches they had them- 
selves established, or to others that asked them for advice. 

, Questions to Chapter 113.— Why was Paul sent to Cesarea ? On the voyage to 
Rome, what happened to St. Paul ? How did St. Paul die ? When ? 



conclusion. 251 

By degrees these writings were gathered together, and became 
known under the general name of the New Testament, 

3. After preaching at Jerusalem, for a while St. Peter chose 
Antioch as the centre of his apostolic labors. At a later 
period he established his see at Rome, where to-day his suc- 
cessors reside, and from whence they rule the Church of God. 
At the same place and on the same day that St. Paul was be- 
headed, St. Peter was crucified with his head down. All tho 
other apostles, John excepted, also shed their blood in proof 
of their faith in Jesus Christ. 

4. After Our Savior's death, St. John took the Blessed Vir- 
gin to himself, and by his tender love partly recompensed for 
the loss of her divine Son. After her death John was seized 
upon and cast into a caldron of boiling oil. Saved by a 
miracle, he was banished to the island of Patmos, where he 
wrote his prophetic Revelations. After his release he dwelt 
in Ephesus. Here he wrote his gospel, and for many years 
preached but one sermon: " My children, love one another" 

About the year 100 he died — alone of all the apostles — a 
natural death. 

5. Under the Old Law Jerusalem was the centre of the Jewish reli- 
gion; under the Christian dispensation, Rome is the centre of Catholic- 
ity, and the Pope is the head of the Christian Church. 

115 .—Conclusion. 

1. In this short and exceedingly condensed history it will 
be seen how God, for four thousand years, strove to prepare 
mankind for the coming of Jesus Christ: at one time by rev- 
elations made directly by Himself; at another by the proph- 
ets whom from time to time He sent to enlighten the world. 

2. When Jesus Christ did come, He showed how the revela- 
tions made concerning Him were verified in Himself, and also 
proved His divinity by His miracles. He then preached and 

Questions to Chapter 114.— What is said of the other apostles ? What did some 
of the apostles write ? What did St. Paul write ? Under what name are these 
writings known T Where did Peter establish his see ? How did Peter die ? How did 
the other apostles die ? What is said of St. John ? What is said of Rome and 
Jerusalem ? 



252 HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 

■established His Church, choosing His apostles to be witnesses 
both of His words and His works. In time He died, rose 
again, and ascending into heaven, the work of redemption 
was accomplished. 

3. The first apostles whom Christ chose to announce His 
doctrines to the world have also passed away, but the work 
of Jesus Christ, the Holy Catholic Church, remains, and will 
remain to the end. 

4. She is founded upon truth; her voice is the voice of 
truth; hence she is as imperishable as truth itself. The 
•cement that binds together the parts of this grand old edifice 
is none other than the blood of Jesus Christ; also the blood 
of His apostles and martyrs, who have so generously and 
freely sacrificed their lives in proof of the doctrines they so 
fearlessly preached, and which were once delivered to them 
by their divine Master, Jesus Christ. 

5. Let the storms of human passion rage as they may 
against this Church ; let the violence of human power spend 
itself for her ruin; let the poison of heresy and the malice of 
hlasphemy conspire against her, yet this Church shall never 
ie shaken nor destroyed. 

6. Let us then rejoice that we belong to the Catholic 
Church; let us only remain faithful to the end; let us keep 
the commandments, and enlightened, purified, and strength- 
ened by the graces which the Church alone can give, we need 
Tiave no fear; one day we must, we infallibly will, pass from 
God's kingdom upon earth to God's kingdom in heaven, 
where, with the angels, we will for endless ages rejoice in an 
ocean of bliss; where, in the heavenly Jerusalem, with the 
saints of the Old as well as with the saints of the New Law, 
we shall forever bless and adore the Father, the Son, and the 
Holy Ghost. 

Questions to Chapter 115.— What is said in this last chapter ? When Christ 
came, what did He do ? Who have passed away ? What work of Christ still re- 
mains ? What is said of the Church ? 

END OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



CHURCH HISTORY. 






FIRST PERIOD. 

FROM THE BIRTH OF CHRIST TO THE FALL OF 

ROME. 

1. — The Beginning of the Church. 

1. Four thousand years before the coming of Christ, Adam 
was created. With the birth of Christ begins the Christian 
era. Under the reign of Augustus, Emperor of Rome, Christ 
was born, and at the age of thirty years began to preach in 
Jerusalem and Judea. 

2. At the end of three years He was seized upon and put 
to death, but after three days rose again, and for forty days- 
appeared to His apostles and other devout men and women. 
He then ascended into heaven, and in ten days after the 
Holy Ghost came upon the apostles, and they began to preach 
the Gospel. 

3. When it was noised abroad through Jerusalem that the 
Holy Ghost had visibly appeared upon the apostles, great 
multitudes came together, when Peter, rising up, began to 
preach. The multitude were amazed, for each one heard him 
and the other apostles speaking in his own tongue: Jews and 
Gentiles, Medes and Persians, and citizens from Egypt and 
Arabia. At this first sermon three thousand were converted,, 
and at the second five thousand. 

4. To the gift of tongues was also added the gift of mira- 

253 



254 CHURCH HISTORY. 

oles. The sick were cured, the lame walked, and the Church 
grew apace. In a short time Jerusalem was in great commo- 
tion. The apostles spread themselves everywhere, passing 
from town to village, and from country to country. 

5. At first Peter confined himself to preaching to the Jews, 
passing through Judea and Samaria, then into Asia Minor, 
where for eight years he resided at Antioch. After this he 
passed over to Rome, where he fixed his see, and for twenty- 
five years, as Bishop of Rome, governed the whole Church. 
The Popes, being the successors of Peter, are also called Bish- 
ops of Rome, where, with but short interruptions, they have 
always resided. 



2.— The Apostles. 

1. At first the other apostles preached in Jerusalem and in 
ihe villages throughout Judea, but soon they also passed to 
other lands, visiting Arabia and Persia. Everywhere great 
numbers were converted, churches established, priests and 
bishops ordained; miracles and the gift of tongues proving 
the divinity of their mission. 

2. The Greater and Lesser James confined themselves to 
Jerusalem, the latter becoming the bishop thereof. Bartholo- 
mew went to Persia, Thomas to India; Philip preached in 
Phrygia, Andrew in Achaia, whilst Matthew spent himself 
for the Parthians and Ethiopians. Jude died in Armenia, 
Simon in Persia; and Matthias, who was chosen to fill the 
place of Judas, was beheaded at Colchis. 

3. For a time John preached in Judea and Samaria, but at 
length went also to Rome, where he was seized upon and 
banished to Patmos, an island in the Egean Sea. Here he 
was favored with the revelations which he has recorded in 
the Apocalypse. After the death of Domitian he was re- 
leased and went to Ephesus, where he wrote his gospel and 
for many years preached charity to his people. He died at 
the age of ninety-one years, the last of the apostles and the 
■only one who died a natural death. 



THE APOSTLES. 



255 



4. At first St. Paul was a fiery persecutor of the Church, 
assisting and consenting to the stoning of St. Stephen, the 
first martyr. Not content with persecuting the Christians at 
Jerusalem, he obtained letters from the high priest and went 
to Damascus, there to persecute the Church. On the way, 
Jesus appeared to him. Falling from his horse, he was lifted 
up blind and led into the city, where he was baptized by 
Ananias, and at once became a most zealous apostle. 




ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL IN PRISON. 



5. After he had preached at Damascus, St. Paul went to 
G-alicia and Greece, stopping at Athens and Corinth. From 
thence he passed into Asia Minor and Judea, and going up to 
Jerusalem, he met Peter and other apostles, with whom he 
conferred on matters concerning the future of the Church. 

6. Whilst preaching in Judea he was frequently cast into 
prison, scourged, and his life threatened. After many years 
he was sent a prisoner to Home, where he met St. Peter, who 
had long dwelt there. For two years he was allowed the 
freedom of the city, preaching openly and converting many. 

7. During the persecution of Nero, he was seized upon, 



256 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



and with St. Peter cast into prison, where he remained for 
nearly nine months. While there, he converted the jailer 

and a number of the 
prisoners. At the 
prayer of Peter a foun- 
tain of water burst 
forth in the floor of 
the prison, and they 
were baptized. 

8. In the year 67 
they were both con- 
demned to death, and 
on the 29th of June St. 
Paul was beheaded on 
the Ostian way, just 
outside the walls of 
Eome; while St. Peter 
was crucified on Mount 
Janiculum, within the 
walls. Both places are 
yet shown and con- 
stantly visited by pious 
pilgrims. The bodies 
of these two great 
saints are buried in 
crucifixion of st. peter. Rome, — the one in St. 

Peter's Church, the other in the Church of St. Paul. 




3.— The Spread of Christianity. 

1. The conversion of the world to Christianity is the most 
wonderful event in history. Conquerors, such as Alexander 
and Caesar, have subdued nations; after centuries of toil and 
sacrifice Greece and Eome grew into power; but nothing in 
history is like to the work of the apostles. 

2. Here were twelve uneducated men, without money or 
influence, from a nation despised, preaching a doctrine hated,. 



THE SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY. 257 

yet in the face of every opposition, nay even death, they con- 
verted the world. To Jews and Gentiles, Medes and Per- 
sians, Greeks and Romans, Arabians and Ethiopians, even to 
the far distant India was the Gospel preached ere the death 
of Saints Peter and Paul in the year 67, just thirty -four years 
after the death of Christ. - 

3. Not only had the Gospel been thus preached to the 
whole world, and the Church organized, congregations 
formed, bishops and priests ordained, but the whole of the 
Scriptures were written with the exception of the Gospel of 
St. John, which was written later on in the year 94. 

4. The New Testament is divided into Gospels and Epis- 
tles, Acts and Revelations. The Gospels were written by 
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; the Acts of the Apostles, a 
short view of the establishment of the Christian Church, by 
St. Luke; the Epistles by Peter and Paul, James, John, and 
Jude; and the Apocalypse, or Revelations, by St. John. 
These, with the Old Testament, form the Bible — a sacred 
code of laws to guide and instruct mankind. 

5. The fervor of the first Christians was as remarkable as 
was their conversion. They had but one heart and one soul. 
They held their goods in common, each giving what he had 
for the good of all. Prayer and the breaking of bread was 
their constant occupation; humility and chastity the virtues 
that distinguished them; and so kind to each other were they 
that the pagans in wonder used to cry out, " See how they 
love one another." 

6. Not only did the apostles preach the Gospel and estab- 
lish the Church, but under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost 
they determined the forms for the administration of the Sac- 
raments and the celebration of the Mass. Their work was 
not of man but of God, hence must last forever. As Christ 
is unchangeable, so are His doctrines unchangeable. Man 
mav change, but God and His works change not. 



258 CHURCH HISTORY. 



4. — The Persecutions of the Church — The Jews. 

1. With the spread of Christianity rose enmities and 
hatreds amongst both Jews and Gentiles. As the Jews had 
persecuted Christ, so they also persecuted His apostles, and 
were the first to rise up against Christianity. They scourged 
Saints Peter and John; stoned St. Stephen; cast St. James 
headlong from the roof of the Temple, and beat out his brains 
with a fuller's mallet. 

2. They also seized upon the Christians wherever they 
were found, scourged them and threw them into prison; 
others they banished, some they put to death. The Chris- 
tians, seeing this, fled, thus spreading the doctrines of Christ 
and adding to the fold by the virtues they practiced. Wher- 
ever the Jews were in power there the followers of Christ 
suffered. 

3. Elsewhere the other apostles were equally maltreated. 
St. Bartholomew was skinned alive; St. Matthew died in Par- 
thia, Andrew in Achaia; St. Philip was martyred in Phrygia, 
Thomas in India; St. Jude gave up his life in Armenia; and 
Simon shed his blood for the conversion of Persia. While at 
Home St. John was cast into a caldron of boiling oil, but by 
a miracle came forth unhurt. Every one of the apostles, St. 
John alone excepted, as before mentioned, died by violence, 
giving their lives for their faith. 

4. For a time God permitted these persecutions, but in 
time their punishment came, first on the Jews, then upon 
the Romans. In the year 69 the Jews revolted against Eome, 
when Titus, the Roman general, collected an army and be- 
sieged Jerusalem, surrounding the city with vast fortifications. 

5. Soon famine, then pestilence, set in. The city was torn 
by factions from within, while the Romans battered down the 
walls from without. Neither young nor old were spared; 
Jerusalem was doomed. The prophecy of Christ was about 
to be fulfilled. Forewarned, the Christians had fled. Within - 
one year, more than one million Jews died from pestilence or 



ROMAN PERSECUTIONS. 



259 



were killed by the Romans. The city was taken, the Temple 
burned, the people sold into slavery, and thus dispersed over 
the world as we now find them, without country or king. 
Truly the blood of Christ is upon them. 



5. — Roman Persecutions. 

1. During the first three hundred years of the Christian 
era there were ten general persecutions raised against the 
Church by the Roman emperors, besides many local persecu- 
tions by governors and city magistrates. The first general 
persecution was raised by Nero (66). He had burned the 
city of Rome, and seeing the anger of the people, accused the 
Christians, who in the moment of passion were seized upon, 
cast into prison, or put to death. 




ARTYRDOM OP ST. IGNATIUS. 



2. Many were exposed to wild beasts, others thrown into 
the Tiber. Some were beheaded ; some were crucified; others 
rolled up in pitch, and at night burned to light up the pub- 
lic gardens. Old men and tender women, even boys and 
girls, gave up their lives for Christ. 



260 CHURCH HISTORY. 

3. Nine other emperors proclaimed persecutions throughout 
the empire. Amongst these the persecutions under Domitian 
(93), Severus (202), Maximin (235), and Diocletian (303), 
were the most severe. During these three hundred years 
Eome looked more like a slaughter-house than a place where 
men might dwell. From every province of the empire Chris- 
tians were dragged to Eome, to be torn to pieces in the am- 
phitheatre, or burned at the stake for the amusement of the 
people. This was the age of martyrs. 

4. During this period the catacombs were dug, and in 
them the Christians hid, buried their dead, and held their 
religious services. In them are found to-day the bodies of 
the martyrs, with the symbols of faith on their tombs — pic- 
tures, altars, chalices, inscriptions, teaching every article of 
Catholic faith, showing beyond a doubt the identity of the 
Catholic religion of to-day with the religion of Christians in 
the first ages of the Church. 

5. During these persecutions St. Polycarp was first burned 
at the stake and finally stabbed to death; St. Ignatius was 
devoured by lions; SS. Perpetua and Felicitas were tossed on 
the horns of a furious heifer, and afterward slain by the 
sword; St. Agnes was beheaded; St. Lawrence roasted on a 
gridiron; and St. Cecilia, condemned to be suffocated in the 
bath, from which she came forth unharmed, met her death 
by the blows of the executioner. All that human cruelty 
could devise was tried; but the Christians remained firm, 
adding daily to their numbers by the virtues of their lives 
and the constancy of their faith. So widespread and so 
deeply rooted did Christianity become, that in the year 320 
Constantine the Great declared himself a Christian, and per- 
secutions ceased. Christ had triumphed; the world was con- 
verted. 

6. — Heresies. 

1. With the spread of Christianity rose heresy. In the 
time of the apostles the Jewish converts sought to unite the 



HERESIES. 



261 



ceremonial law of Moses with the new law of Christ. Against 
this St. Paul preached. At the Council of Jerusalem (51), 
St. Peter presiding, it was resolved not to impose the observ- 
ance of the Mosaic law upon the Christian Church. 

2. After this came Simon Magus, who, seeing the apostles 
working miracles, offered them money if they would give him 
like power; failing, he rose up against the Church, and going 
to Eome, published that, like Christ, he would ascend into 
heaven. On the appointed day, in the presence of a great 
multitude, by the power of the devil, he rose in the air; but 
at the prayer of Peter he fell and was killed. After him 
came the Ebionites and Cerinthians, who are spoken of by 
St. John, and against whom he wrote his gospel, to prove the 
divinity of Christ which they denied. 







ST. AUGUSTINE, BISHOP OF HIPPO. 

3. In the second and third centuries rose the Gnostics, who 
taught that the world was eternal; then the Manicheans, who 
held that there were two eternal principles, one good, the 
other bad; also the Sabellians, who denied that there are 
three persons in God. Against these the principal Christian 
writers were Ireneus and Tertullian, Cyprian and Origen. 



262 CHURCH HISTORY. 

4. In the year 319 Arius, a priest of Alexandria, attacked 1 
the divinity of Christ, teaching that the Son was not equal to 
the Father. At the Council of Nice (325) he was condemned, 
and refusing to retract, was banished. Ten years after (33G), 
returning to Constantinople, he attempted to force himself 
into the Church, but the hand of God came upon him and 
he died, his blood gushing out of his mouth and his bowels 
bursting forth. 

5. In the year 417 came Pelagius, who taught many grave 
errors on the subjects of Grace and Original Sin. Against 
this latter heresy God raised up the great St. Augustine, 
Bishop of Hippo, in Africa, whose writings remain a monu- 
ment for all ages. Around him are clustered the names of 
St. Athanasius, who wrote against Arius, and SS. Jerome, 
Basil, and Gregory of Nazianzen, who are a tower of strength 
in the cause of Christianity. 



7. — Heresies. (Concluded.) 

1. In the year 430 Nestorius, Bishop of Constantinople, 
began to preach that the Blessed Virgin was not the Mother 
of God, but only the Mother of Christ, contrary to the true 
faith that teaches there is but one person in Christ, and that 
consequently the Blessed Virgin is the Mother of God. Xes- 
torius was condemned at the Council of Ephesus (431), 
then banished. He died in 439, his tongue rotting in his 
mouth. 

2. In combating the errors of Nestorius, Eutyches, a monk 
of Constantinople, fell into another error. Xestorius had 
taught there were two persons in Christ : Eutyches taught 
there was but one nature in Christ, while the true doctrine is 
that there are two natures in Christ, one human, the other 
divine. This heresy was condemned, first at the Council of 
Chalcedon (451), and again at the Council of Constantinople, 
held in the year 553. 

3. The above heresies, together with the later heresy against 



FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE. 263 

the Holy Ghost, in which it was taught that the Holy Ghost 
did not proceed from the Father and the Son, but from the 
Father only, constitute the great heresies of the Church down 
to the time of the Protestant Keformation, when Luther and 
Calvin revived the old Pelagian heresies on Grace and Justi- 
fication and added several of their own. 

4. This heresy on the Holy Ghost is held by the present 
schismatic Greek Church, now spread through Eussia and 
Turkey. The Nestorian and Eutychian heresies still survive 
in some parts of Asia and Persia. 

8. — Fall of the Roman Empire. 

1. With the conversion of Constantine, Pome seemed for a 
short time to have received a new lease of life, but this was 
not to be. Eome had sinned too deeply. For three hundred 
years she had persecuted the Church; the blood of the mar- 
tyrs was on her head; she must fall. The decree had long 
before gone forth, and by the mouth of His prophets God had 
foretold what He would do. Pagan Eome must fall and 
Christian Eome take her place. 

2. Conquest had made Eome rich, and with wealth had 
come corruption and weakness. Society was divided into two 
classes, master and slave. Owing to war and conquest the 
latter class was far more numerous than the former. Besides, 
the exactions of Eome had made the provinces very discon- 
tent. Everywhere there were murmurings and signs of the 
coming storm. The people were oppressed; the slaves ready for 
revolt; the provinces growing in power; there was but needed 
a spark to fire the volcano on which Eome rested. The occa- 
sion came towards the latter part of the fourth century. 

3. In the year 361 Julian, surnamed the Apostate, mounted 
the throne of the Caesars. At first he pretended to be a 
Christian, but in a short time threw off the mask, and at- 
tempted to restore the Pagan religion. This seems to have 
been the last drop; the cup was full; God's patience was 
exhausted; the time was come, and God sent forth His hosts 



264 CHURCH HISTORY. 

to destroy this proud and sinful Mistress that for twelve hun- 
dred years had ruled the world. 

4. To falsify the words of Christ, "that the Temple of 
Jerusalem should be destroyed/' Julian undertook to rebuild 
it. He called together the Jews and began to clear away the 
ruins. When the last stone of the original foundation had 
been removed, and the workmen were about to begin the 
foundations for the new Temple, balls of fire burst forth from 
the earth, so that the work had to be abandoned. Thus the 
very prophecy, "that not a stone should be left upon a stone 
of that grand building," which he had attempted to falsify, 
was by him literally fulfilled. 

5. In a war with the Persians Julian was killed, crying out, 
" Nazarean, Thou hast conquered." He had attempted to 
war against God, but, as ever must be, failed. 

9.— Rome Destroyed. 

1. In the beginning of the fifth century vast hordes of bar- 
barians began to descend from the north of Europe, and to 
sweep over the fairest provinces of the Eoman Empire. 
Wherever they came they left ruin and desolation behind. 

2. Eirst came the Visigoths, in the year 410, led by the 
warlike Alaric. They invaded Italy, and took Kome, giving 
up the city to pillage and killing many of the inhabitants. 
After the death of Alaric they settled in France and Spain, 
and there founded a kingdom. 

3. In the year 451, Attila, King of the Huns, swept 
through Europe, desolated France, and crossing over to 
Italy, appeared before Rome. At the prayer of St. Leo, then 
Pope, the city was spared, and Attila withdrew his army. 
Genseric, the warlike king of the Vandals, had established 
his kingdom in Africa, and made Carthage its capital. In 
the year 455, crossing the sea with a numerous fleet and 
going up the Tiber, he entered Rome. For two weeks the 
Vandals continued to pillage the city, and it was only by the 
entreaties of Pope Leo that the buildings were saved from 



ROME DESTROYED. 265 

destruction and the lives of the inhabitants were spared. 
Still later, in 546, the Goths, under Totila, again took Kome 
and pillaged it. 



POPE LEO THE GREAT AND ATTTLA. 



4. The Saxons invaded Britain, while the Franks overran 
the greater part of France, ultimately giving their name to 
the country. Such was the condition of things when Odo- 
acer, King of the Heruli, in the year 476, took Eome, and, 
making himself master of the country, proclaimed himself 
King of Italy. With him ended the Eoman Empire that for 
twelve hundred years had been a power and a terror to the 
nations of the earth, and for much of the time had ruled the 
world. 

5. While Eome was virtuous she was strong; but when 
luxury and pride crept in she grew weak, and, by her corrup- 
tions, fell with none to mourn her. Had she retained her 
virtue ; had she not yielded to the corruptions of wealth ; had 
she received Christ and not imbrued her hands in the blood 
of His saints, — she had not fallen, as she did, a scoff and a by- 
word to the nations of the earth. Like proud Babylon, she 



266 CHURCH HISTORY. 

rose up against God and trusted in her own strength. For a 
time man may turn his back upon God, but in the end God 
will assert His power. 

10.— Christian Apologists. 

1. Coeval with the rise of Christianity rose a contest with 
Paganism. In the light of Christian truth the shallowness 
and falsehood of Pagan philosophy was easily seen. The 
worship of false gods was widespread and deeply rooted, 
while the knowledge of the true God was known only to the 
Jew T s, a race despised and of little power or influence. Every- 
where irreligion prevailed. 

2. Because the Christians could not and would not accept 
these gods, and so refused to worship them, they were declared 
enemies to the state and offenders against the religion of the 
gods. They were accused of sacrilege; of adoring an ass' 
head; of atheism and immorality; of disloyalty to the secu- 
lar powers and a divided allegiance; and, lastly, of eating a 
child at their religious feasts. 

3. To combat these errors and false accusations — so similar 
to those of our own times — God raised up men of great learn- 
ing, who not only refuted these errors and the heresies that 
rose among Christians themselves, but triumphantly vindi- 
cated the truth of Christianity, proving that Christ was the 
Messias, and His religion but the fulfilment of the prophe- 
cies made by Moses and the prophets. 

4. The most distinguished of these early writers — or, as 
they are called, Apologists, Fathers, Doctors — were Justin, 
martyr, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen among the 
Greeks; Tertullian and Cyprian among the Latins. 

5. Justin (167) wrote two Apologies, or rather defences of 
Christianity — one to the Emperor Antoninus Pius, the second 
to Marcus Aurelius. For this latter he was put to death, and 
so w r on his martyr's crown. 

6. Origen, the most illustrious of Clement's scholars, wrote 
(253) a triumphant vindication of Christianity in refutation 



THE DOCTORS AND FATHERS OF THE CHURCH. 267 

of the false charges made against it by Celsus, a most learned 
and subtle Greek philosopher, while Tertullian (204), a priest 
of Carthage, wrote not only a complete refutation of the 
charges made by the Pagans against Christianity, but proved 
most triumphantly the divinity and perpetuity of the Catholic 
Church. 

7. The writings of these men will ever remain as monu- 
ments of Christian faith, and full and complete refutations 
of the falsehoods and weaknesses of Pagan philosophy. They 
fully cover the controversy between Paganism and Chris- 
tianity, and. are the store-house from which all future writers 
on Paganism have drawn. 



11.— The Doctors and Fathers of the Church. 

1. Besides the Apologists, who devoted themselves to the 
defence of Christianity, its divinity and perfection, and the 
refutation of Paganism, God also raised up, in the subsequent 
ages of the Church, men of great learning and deep thought 
to refute the heresies that from time to time arose to disturb 
Christian society. 

2. Those ecclesiastical writers in the early ages of the 
Church who were distinguished by a holy life were honored 
by the title of " Fathers of the Church," while those who in 
earlier or later times united in themselves exceptional learn- 
ing and pure Catholic teaching with holiness of life are 
known as " Doctors of the Church/' 

The most distinguished among these Doctors and Fathers 
of the Church were Athanasius and Chrysostom, Basil and 
Gregory Nazianzen in the East; Jerome, Ambrose, and 
Augustine in the West. 

3. Athanasius distinguished himself at the Council of Nice 
(325) by his brilliant refutation of Arianism, while Basil 
(360) and Gregory labored for the general defence of the 
Church. St. Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople (398), 
called the golden-mouthed, is considered the most eloquent 



268 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



of all the Christian orators, a worthy rival of Cicero and 
Demosthenes. 

4. Jerome (420) immortalized himself by his translation of 
the Bible from the original Hebrew and Greek, giving us 
what is now known as the Vulgate, a work that will ever re- 
main as a monument of erudition and correctness. Ambrose 
(385), Bishop of Milan, besides his able refutation of heresy 
and his general defence of religion, distinguished himself by 
his heroic rebuke of the Emperor Theodosius for the wanton 
massacre of the inhabitants of Thessalonica. He is also re- 
nowned as being the means in God's hands used for the con- 
version of St. Augustine. 




ST. ATHANASIUS BANISHED FROM ALEXANDRIA. 

5. St. Augustine was born in the year 354, and in the early 
part of his life embraced the errors of the Manicheans, much 
to the sorrow of his saintly mother, Monica. In 385 he was 
converted by the preaching of St. Ambrose and the prayers 
of his mother, and in 396 became Bishop of Hippo, Africa. . 
St. Augustine is pre-eminently noted for his victorious de- 
fence of the Catholic religion against the heresies of his day. 



THE CONVERSION OF THE BARBARIANS. 269 

6. Of all the great men known to Christianity, no two have 
so impressed themselves upon the Church as St. Augustine 
and St. Thomas Aquinas, the latter born in the kingdom of 
Naples, Italy, 1227. The former dealt with the entire body 
of revealed truth — God, the Holy Trinity; man, the powers 
of body and soul; grace, free will, and our future destiny; 
the latter, with society and government. St. Augustine 
sought to explain the dogmas of revelation, and to refute 
heresy, while St. Thomas laid down the principles on which 
society is built, and the binding influence of religion upon 
king and people. Between them, the whole body of Chris- 
tian dogma has been explained, and every form of heresy, so 
far known, refuted. Nothing escaped them. The most pro- 
found truths, equally with the most minute details, are to be 
found in their works. 

7. Besides the above, the Church has ever had men of great 
learning and ability, distinguished in every branch of knowl- 
edge. In more modern times the names of Albertus Magnus 
(1254), Francis de Sales (1654), Bossuet (1704), and St. 
Liguori (1787), will easily be recalled, together with a host 
of others distinguished in theology and philosophy, science 
and literature. No institution has done so much for the de- 
velopment of the human intellect as the Catholic Church; 
nor can, for to her alone has God given the great commission, 
" Go teach all nations." 

SECOND PERIOD. 

FROM THE FALL OF ROME TO THE PROTESTANT 
REFORMATION. 

12.— The Conversion of the Barbarians. 

1. From the death of Christ to the fall of the Koman Em- 
pire Christianity had made great progress, in Asia, Africa, and 
Europe. At the conversion of Constantine (312) the popula- 
tion of the empire appears to have been about 120,000,000, 
of whom 30,000,000 were Christians, leaving, as will be seen, 
the Pagans largely in the ascendant. 



270 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



2. When the barbarians came from the Korth and swept 
over Europe like an avalanche, destroying all before them, 
civilization seemed doomed, and would certainly have been 
destroyed but for the Church. But God had prepared a 
means of salvation, and the Church set herself to the conver- 
sion of Europe. Up to the fall of Rome, Christianity had 
been confined in Europe and Africa, principally to the shores 
of the Mediterranean. There were flourishing churches all 
along the north of Africa — at Carthage, at Hippo, and in 
Egypt; in Europe the faith was widespread — in Greece, in 
Sicily, in Italy, and in the south of France and Spain. Else- 
where in Europe Christianity was little known when Eome 
fell. 




THE BAPTISM OF CLOVIS. 



3. The Vandals, who settled in the north of Africa, were 
tainted with the Arian heresy, and long persecuted the 
Church there, as did the Visigoths in Spain. The Saxons 
destroyed almost every vestige of Christianity in Britain. 
From the same cause religion suffered everywhere throughout 
Italy and France. 

4. As early as the year 241, the Franks, a German tribe, 



THE CONVERSION" OF IRELAND AND SCOTLAND. 271 

invaded France, and by degrees seized upon the greater part 
of the country. Clovis, their king, married Clotilda, a Chris- 
tian, and a woman of great piety. She often spoke to her 
husband of the Christian religion, to which he became most 
kindly disposed. In a battle with the Germans (496), Clovis 
vowed that if the God of Clotilda would give him the vic- 
tory, he would become a Christian. God gave him the vic- 
tory, and Clovis, with more than 3000 of his army, was bap- 
tized by St. Kemigius, Bishop of Kheims, being the first 
Catholic king of Europe. With Clovis the conversion of the 
whole French nation soon followed, and France has since re- 
mained one of the most faithful of the Catholic countries. 

5. Shortly after the conversion of the Franks, the Suevi 
(562), the Visigoths (587), and (593) the Lombards of north- 
ern Italy were converted to the true faith, but the great 
event of this period was the conversion of Ireland and Eng- 
land. 



13. — The Conversion of Ireland and Scotland. 

1. As early as the third century Christianity was somew T hat 
known in Ireland. So much so was this that, when Palla- 
dius, in the year 431, came to preach Christ, he found many 
Christian communities already existing. But to St. Patrick 
is due the credit of having converted the island. 

2. St. Patrick was born in Brittany in the year 387, and in 
youth was for seven years held a slave in Ireland. Escaping, 
he was called, in a vision, to preach the Gospel, and going to 
Eome to consult the Pope, was commissioned by Celestine to 
return to Ireland, where he landed a.d. 432. 

3. He at once struck boldly into the country, and at Tara 
met the king and Druid priests, with whom he had many 
conferences. With the permission of the king he began to 
preach. Soon converts were multiplied, churches and mon- 
asteries built, bishops consecrated, and priests ordained. So 
rapid and complete was the conversion of Ireland, that when 
St. Patrick died the island was Christian — the only example 



272 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



of a whole nation converted to the faith without a single 
martyr. 

4. In the beginning of the Christian era, Scotland was 
peopled by two tribes known as the Picts and the Scots. The 
former dwelt in the south, the latter in the north, of the 
island. 




ST. PATRICK. 



5. As early as 412, St. Ninian, a native of Britain, preached 
to the Picts, of whom many were converted. One hundred 
and fifty years after (563), St. Columba, an Irish missionary, 
accompanied with twelve companions, landed at Iona, an 
island on the coast of Scotland. There he founded a monas- 
tery and began to preach to the Scots on the mainland. 
Converts were rapidly made; missionaries multiplied, and 
churches established among both Picts and Scots, so that at 
the death of St. Columba (597) the inhabitants of Scotland 
were almost entirely Christian. 

6. Since her conversion, Ireland has remained faithful to 



THE CONVERSION OF ENGLAND AND GERMANY. 273 

the Church, but at the Eeformation Scotland fell away from 
the faith and became Protestant, 



14.— The Conversion of England and Germany. 

1. At what precise period Christianity was first preached 
in Britain is not positively known, but it seems quite certain 
that at the end of the second century Lucius, a British prince, 
was converted, and at his petition Pope Bleutherius sent two 
priests, Fugatius and Damianus, who converted many. Dur- 
ing the persecution of Diocletian (305) quite a number were 
put to death, among whom St. Alban is honored as the first 
English martyr. 

2. In the second century the Saxons were a small German 
tribe, but by the fourth century had grown to be a powerful 
people. In their piratical expeditions they often invaded 
Britain, and when Kome withdrew her legions, the British 
invited the Saxons to help them repel the attacks of the Picts 
and Scots. For their reward the Saxons drove out the inhab- 
itants and divided the country into seven kingdoms, at the 
same time almost entirely destroying Christianity in the 
island. 

3. In the year 597 Pope Gregory the Great sent Augustine, 
with a band of forty missionaries, to preach the Gospel in 
Britain. They were kindly received, and Ethelbert, King of 
Kent, with many of his people, was baptized. From Kent 
the Gospel spread rapidly through the other kingdoms. To 
meet the growing wants of the new church, Augustine went 
to France, and at Aries was consecrated bishop. Returning 
to England he fixed his see at Canterbury. By the end of 
the seventh century the whole island was Christian. 

4. With the Roman armies the Christian religion had been 
carried into Germany, but there was no general conversion of 
the nation till St. Boniface, an Anglo-Saxon, began the work 
in earnest. For more than thirty years he travelled over 
Germany and Bavaria. He found the country covered with 



274 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



idols; he left it Christian. In the year 755 he was put to 
death, a martyr of zeal. 




ST. BONIFACE. 



5. The conversion of the Northern nations began only in 
the ninth century, and made but slow progress. The Saxons 
did not accept the Faith until after their subjection by 
Charlemagne. St. Ansgar, who died in 865, became the 
apostle of Denmark. Those Normans who settled in the 
northwestern part of France (Normandy) were converted in 
the first half of the tenth contury, but the greater part of the 
nation, which had remained in Scandinavia, did not forsake 
its idols and profess Christianity until a hundred years later. 
SS. Cyril and Methodius became the apostles of the Slavs. 
The Poles were converted in the tenth century; the Hun- 
garians received the Faith during the life of their holy King, 
St. Stephen (997-1038), and the Eussians a hundred years 
later. 

6. The struggle had been long and the resistance great, but 
in the end Christ had conquered. The Jews had tried perse- 



RELIGIOUS ORDERS— EAST. 275 

cution and failed; Eome had for three hundred years warred 
against the Church, and failed; the barbarians had resisted, 
but in time were subdued; heresy and schism had striven to 
rend the seamless garment of Christ, and failed. God alone 
is great ; God alone is eternal ; and as He, so is His Church 
— spotless and eternal. 

15. — Religious Orders— East. 

1. From the beginning of the Church the most fervent 
and earnest devoted themselves to prayer and meditation, 
giving their goods to the poor and themselves to works of 
charity and penance. In the community of goods and the 
consecrated virgins spoken of in the New Testament is found 
the first germs of monastic life; but not till the middle of the 
third century was there anything like organized communities 
of Eeligious or any fixed Eule for their government. Up to 
that time each had been a rule to himself, living in his own 
family, or where convenience best suited. 

2. In the year 251 St. Anthony was born in Egypt, of rich 
and virtuous parents. Hearing one day in the church the 
words, " If thou wilt be perfect, go, sell all thou hast and 
give to the poor," he took them literally. Selling all he 
had, he retired to the wilderness and gave himself up to 
prayer and fasting. 

3. His food was bread, his drink water; his bed a mat, or 
the bare earth; his clothing a shirt of hair and a cloak of 
skin. After many years thus spent in the deserts of Thebais, 
God gave him the gift of miracles. This drew to him many 
followers, whom he formed into communities, and for whom 
he drew up rules, including the vows of poverty, chastity, and 
obedience. 

4. These monks, as they were called, spent their time in 
fasting and prayer and labor. Their food was bread and 
water, of which they ate but once a day, and that not till the 
evening; their bed a mat, and their abode a little cell or a 
cave in the rocks. 



276 CHURCH HISTORY. 

5. Soon these communities spread not only through Egypt 
and Palestine, but also through Syria and Greece, and the 
whole East. 

6. St. Anthony died (356) at the advanced age of one hun- 
dred and five years, leaving after him the beginning of an In- 
stitution that has been one of the glories of the Church, and 
the most powerful of means for the sanctification of souls and 
the promulgation of the Gospel. The monks of the East, but 
more particularly of the West, have been the great mission- 
aries, the great writers and scholars, of the world. There is 
nothing they have not touched and nothing they have not 
beautified, be it history, or science, or philosophy, or theology. 

16.— Religious Orders— West. 

1. The work that St. Anthony began in the desert was con- 
tinued by Pachomius on the banks of the Nile ; St. Hilarion, 
a disciple of St. Jerome, carried the monastic rule into Pales- 
tine, while St. Basil the Great, by his learning and wisdom, 
gave strength and knowledge to the Order. St. Augustine, 
in Africa (396), organized communities of women, for whom 
he wrote rules, yet used as the basis of the Kules for most of 
all the female religious communities since his time. 

2. Though much had been done, as above shown, yet much 
had yet to be done ere monasticism would attain its power 
and perfection. This came in the West with St. Benedict, 
who was born in Italy, a.d. 480. 

3. At the age of fourteen he left Eome, where he was at 
school, and went secretly to Subiaco, where for three years 
he dwelt unknown to the world. From thence he was made 
abbot of a monastery at Vicovaro, but the monks becoming 
dissatisfied with his strictness, he left and went to Monte 
Cassino (529), where he established a monastery that in time 
became the most celebrated house of learning and religion 
the world has ever seen. 

4. Besides prayer and penance, and the usual vows of pov- 
erty, chastity, and obedience, St. Benedict added labor — in- 



RELIGIOUS ORDERS. 277 

tellectual and manual. Under the hand of the Benedictines, 
deserts, marshes, and mountains became gardens ; their mon- 
asteries became homes of learning; in them history was 
written, science cultivated, and religion and civilization found 
their great defenders. It is usual to decry the monks, but 
the fact must ever remain that through them whatever of 
classic lore or ancient or mediaeval history we have, has been 
preserved. 

5. During the Middle Ages, the Benedictine, the Franciscan, 
and the Dominican Orders were the great religious power of 
Europe. To the Benedictines is due whatever of ancient 
civilization we have, and in the Franciscans and Dominicans 
we have the great preachers and theologians. 



1H. — Religious Orders. (Concluded.) 

1. In the beginning monks were only laymen, and not till 
well on in the Middle Ages were priests admitted amongst 
them. In the twelfth century the Albigenses and Waldenses 
rose in the south of France to disturb society with their 
errors. To counteract their teachings, and try to convert 
them, St. Dominic, a Spanish priest (1215), established the 
Eeligious Order known as the Dominicans, or Friar Preachers. 
To preaching they united great learning. The most distin- 
guished among them is St. Thomas Aquinas. 

2. Contemporary with St. Dominic was St. Francis of As- 
sisi. He too established an Order (1223) whose end was also 
preaching. To learning he added extreme poverty in dress 
and food. St. Dominic, seeing the great success of the Fran- 
ciscan Order, added poverty to his rule. Hence both Orders 
are known as Mendicant Orders, the members of both being 
required by their Eule to make begging a part of their relig- 
ious life. The Benedictines, Dominicans, and Franciscans 
were the three great Orders of the Mediaeval Church. Other 
Orders arose, but they were but branches; such as the Cis- 
tercians by St. Bernard (1113), and the Carthusians (1101) 



278 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



under St. Bruno, who sought merely to revive the fervor of 
the Benedictine Bule, or to add greater rigor to its austerities. 




DEATH OF ST. i:RA>XIS OF ASSISI. 



3. At the Beformation St. Ignatius (1540) established the 
Society commonly known as the Jesuits. Their object is 
teaching and preaching. By their great learning, both as 
writers and preachers, they have greatly helped to resist and 
refute the errors of Protestantism. They are noted as 
teachers, having colleges and schools everywhere. They and 
the Franciscans have been the great missionaries of the 
Church in latter times — the Jesuits in North America, the 
Franciscans in Mexico and South America, and both have 
won immortal glory among the Pagans of Asia and Africa. 

1 8 . — Mohammedanism, 

1. Mohammed was born at Mecca, in Arabia, a.d. 569. In 
youth he engaged in commerce, but at the age of forty began 
to preach religion, giving himself out as a prophet. He 
promised his followers wealth and power in this world, and a 
paradise of sensual pleasures in the next. He also taught the 
doctrine of fatalism. 



MOHAMMED ANISM. 279 

2. Aided, it is said, by an apostate monk, Mohammed com- 
posed a book, known as the Koran, filled with fables and 
maxims drawn from the Old and New Testament. He held 
Christ was a Prophet, and that there was but one God. He 
forbade the use of pork or wine to his followers, but per- 
mitted polygamy. 

3. In the year 622 Mohammed fled to Medina, where he 
began a war on all who would not believe in him. In 630, at 
the head of an army, he returned to Mecca, took it, and at 
once began a career of conquest seldom equalled by the most 
renowned. 

4. At his death (632) all Arabia had accepted Mohammed, 
and within twenty years after, his successors had subdued 
Syria and Palestine, Egypt and Persia (651). From Asia 
they swept along the Mediterranean, subduing Northern 
Africa (707), and so completely destroying Christianity that 
scarce a vestige remains. From thence they passed over to 
Spain (711) and seized upon the greater part of the country. 

5. The Christians that were spared fled to the mountains. 
For seven hundred years war between the Mohammedans and 
Christians of Spain was carried on, and only ended (1492) 
when, under Ferdinand and Isabella, the Moorish city of 
Granada was taken, and the Moors finally driven out or con- 
verted. 

6. In 732 a countless host of Mohammedans, or, as they 
were also called, Saracens, invaded the south of France, carry- 
ing destruction and ruin everywhere. Wherever they had 
come, so far, their power had been irresistible. Europe 
seemed destined to fall before them, as Asia and Africa had 
already done. But at this moment God raised up in France 
Duke Charles, surnamed Martel, who with his army met the 
Saracens near Poitiers, where a great battle was fought. The 
Saracens were defeated, and it is said three hundred thousand 
of them were left dead upon the field. Christendom was 
saved, and the further progress of the Mohammedans was 
forever arrested in Europe. 



280 CHURCH HISTORY. 



19.— Temporal Power of the Popes. 

1. From the time of Constantine (330), the Roman em- 
perors had gradually concentrated their power in the East, 
leaving Rome and the West much to itself. During the in- 
vasions of the barbarians the people began to look to the 
Popes for protection, so that from the necessities of the times 
the Popes became, to a great extent, the civil as well as the 
ecclesiastical rulers of Rome. This was finally and formally 
settled in 755 by the act of Pepin, King of France, and later, 
in 774, by Charlemagne. 

2. In 755 while Stephen II. filled the pontifical chair, the 
Lombards, under their king, Astolphus, invaded the Roman 
territory and laid waste the surrounding country. Having 
in vain appealed to the Eastern emperor for assistance, the 
Pope turned to Pepin, son of Charles Martel, who crossed the 
Alps, drove back the Lombards, and by a solemn act gave to 
the Pope and his successors forever the territory of Rome and 
Ravenna, together with Bologna and Ferrara, and a consid- 
erable portion of the territory stretching along the Adriatic. 

3. Twenty years later (774), when the Lombards a third 
time attacked Rome, Charlemagne crossed into Italy, and de- 
feating them, confirmed the grant given to Pope Stephen, 
adding new territory to the original gift. From that time to 
1870 the Popes have governed Rome and the states above 
named. In 1870 Victor Emmanuel, King of Sardinia, in- 
vaded the states of the Church, took Rome, and has since 
held it, keeping the Pope a prisoner in the Vatican. 

4. Though these temporal possessions are not essential to 
the existence of the Church to-day any more than during the 
first three centuries, yet they are of immense benefit. The 
necessities of religion require that the Pope be independent 
of kings and princes, that he be free from the intrigues of 
courts and politicians, and that he be free to communicate 
with the bishops of the world. This he cannot do if depend-' 
ent on any government for his liberty, nor can he act freely 



THE CRUSADES. 281 

and independently with governments if he is subject to any- 
particular government. This is well seen in the present con- 
dition of Kome, where infidels are robbing the Church and 
destroying religion. 

20.— The Crusades. 

1. In the year 614 the Persians captured the city of Jeru- 
salem, persecuted the people of Palestine, and carried off the 
true cross which the pious queen Helena had discovered. 
The Greek emperor, Heraclius, freed Jerusalem and brought 
back the true cross in solemn procession. Twenty-four years 
later Jerusalem was again captured, this time by the Moham- 
medans, who pillaged the city and subjected the Christians 
to great hardships. 

2. During the reign of Charlemagne the western empire 
assumed much of its ancient glory and power. The Moham- 
medans were kept in check, and the Christians in the East 
were to some extent protected against cruelties and persecu- 
tions. But after his death (814) persecution was renewed, 
and continued to the end of the eleventh century, when the 
first Crusade began. 

3. During the eleventh century religious zeal ran very high, 
and many visited the Holy Land as pious pilgrims. On these 
pilgrimages they were subjected to great indignities, the 
Mohammedans robbing them and often putting them to 
death or reducing them to slavery. 

4. The recital of these indignities and persecutions greatly 
excited the Christians of Europe. Popes Sylvester II. and 
Gregory VII. appealed to the Christian princes of Europe to 
protect the Christians in the East, and to free Jerusalem from 
the power of the Mussulman. 

5. In the year 1094 Peter, surnamed the Hermit, visited 
the Holy Land, and on his return spoke to Pope Urban II. 
of the distress of the Christians in the East. The Pope called 
a council at Clermont, at which it was resolved to recover 
Jerusalem. 



282 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



6. Amid great enthusiasm large armies were raised. Cries 
of " God wills it" were everywhere heard. The march was 
begun, and soon Constantinople was reached. Nice was 
taken; Antioch fell into the hands of the Crusaders, and in a 
short time the most of Palestine was in possession of the 
Christians. 




PREACHING THE CRUSADES. 

7. When the Crusaders first saw Jerusalem from a neigh- 
boring hill, they fell on their knees and kissed the ground, 
then rising and shouting " God wills it," rushed to the attack. 
For five weeks the Mussulman held the walls, but on Friday, 
July 15, 1099, at three o'clock in the afternoon, the city was 
taken by assault, and the Tomb of Christ was in the hands 
of the Crusaders. 

8. Eight days after, Godfrey of Bouillon was elected king, 
but when offered a golden crown, refused to wear it, saying 
"that it was not fit that he should wear a crown of gold 
where the King of kings had worn a crown of thorns." 

9. By the battle of Ascalon, fought on the 12th of August 
of the same year, the whole of Palestine fell into the hands of 
the Crusaders. Jerusalem remained in possession of the 



THE CRUSADES. 283 

Christians for eighty-eight years, when it was again taken by 
the Saracens (1187), and with a short interval of eleven years, 
from 1228 to 1239, it has ever since been nnder the dominion 
of the Turks. 

21. — The Crusades. (Concluded) 

1. In 1144 the Moslems attacked the Christians of Pales- 
tine; Edessa was taken and the inhabitants put to the sword. 

When the news reached Europe St. Bernard was preaching 
a new crusade. Thereupon Louis VII. , King of France, and 
Conrad III., Emperor of Germany, raised two large armies 
and marched for the Holy Land. They failed ; and after an 
ineffectual attempt to reduce Damascus, returned with but a 
remnant of their armies. 

2. After the fall of Jerusalem in 1187, the Emperor of 
Germany, Frederick Barbarossa, and Philip, King of France, 
with Richard, Cmur-de-Lion, King of England, raised each 
an army, and in 1189 marched for Jerusalem. Frederick 
died on the journey. After a siege of twenty-three months 
Acre was taken, when Philip returned, leaving Richard to 
continue the war. In 1192 Richard concluded a treaty with 
the Turks, by which the Christians were at liberty to visit 
Jerusalem and Palestine without molestation. With his re- 
turn ended this third and best-equipped of all the Crusades. 

3. A fourth (1203) and a fifth (1228) Crusade were under- 
taken for the defence of Palestine. In the former Constanti- 
nople was taken, and for fifty-six years was held by Baldwin, 
Count of Flanders, and his successors; by the latter Jerusa- 
lem was ceded to Frederick II., Emperor of Germany, but no 
substantial benefits remained to the Christians by either ex- 
pedition. 

4. In 1244 the Turks burst into Syria, and, overrunning 
Palestine, again took Jerusalem and pillaged it. To repel 
these barbarians, St. Louis, King of France, headed the sixth 
Crusade, but was defeated and taken prisoner (1250). On 
the payment of a large ransom he was set at liberty, and, with 



284 CHURCH HISTORY. 

other prisoners, returned to France. Twenty years after 
(1270) Louis undertook still another Crusade, but his fleet 
was driven by adverse winds to the coast of Africa, where he 
landed his troops near the site of ancient Carthage. A viru- 
lent plague breaking out, his army was swept away, and he 
himself fell a victim. With him died the last effort to re- 
cover Jerusalem, which ever since has remained in the hands 
of the infidel — a sad thought for the Christian mind. 

5. Though the Crusades had failed to free the Holy Land 
from the power of the infidel, and had cost Europe immense 
loss of both men and treasure, yet they were not without ben- 
efit. By them commerce had been enlarged, knowledge in- 
creased, and the refinement of the East brought to the West. 
The fine arts, a wider knowledge of geography and mathe- 
matics, and the institution of chivalry were some of the ad- 
vantages derived by the Crusades, to which must be added 
the stop they put to Mohammedan conquest. 

22. — Science and Literature during the Middle 

Ages. 

1. In the fall of the Eoman Empire and the invasion of 
Europe by the barbarians literature received a rude shock, 
and for a time science and letters seemed doomed; but God 
had provided a savior in the monks, with whom some of the 
princes and rulers co-operated. 

2. Owing to the disturbed state of society occasioned by 
the constant wars of the barbarians and the devastations con- 
sequent thereon, little for a time could be done for the culti- 
vation of letters. The wonder is not that so little was done, 
but that under the circumstances so much was done. 

3. With the reorganization of the empire under Pepin, 
King of France (741), and its final consolidation under his son 
Charlemagne (800), literature began to revive. Charlemagne 
was a great patron of letters. Under his reign, notwith- 
standing his continual wars, he established schools, and gath- 
ered together the learned from his whole empire. 



THE MONKS AND LITERATURE. 285 

4. He invited from England Alcuin (804), a distinguished 
scholar and pupil of the Venerable Bede, under whose direc- 
tion academies were established, and the sons of the more 
wealthy flocked to his lectures; Alcuin spoke Latin, Greek, 
and Hebrew, was master of philosophy, theology, history, and 
mathematics. Under his teaching the schools of France soon 
became celebrated, and scholars from all Europe came to 
learn wisdom at his lips. The impulse thus given to letters 
by Charlemagne was continued by his successors. 

5. Alfred the Great, King of England (870), after defeat- 
ing the Danes and driving them out of the country, also 
turned his attention to the education of his people. For this 
purpose he in turn invited from France men of learning, 
founded schools and encouraged letters, so that under his 
reign science and learning made great progress. 

6. Otho, Emperor of Germany (973), was also a great 
patron of education; he established schools and patronized 
the learned. His example revived and infused new liie into 
the schools of France and England. During this period the 
schools of Ireland were also very celebrated; so much so, that 
as many as twenty-five thousand scholars are said to have 
attended at one time the schools of Armagh. 

7. In the year 529 the celebrated monastery of Monte 
Cassino, in Italy, was founded by St. Benedict; and by the 
end of the 12th century the monasteries of Cluny in France, 
Bee in Normandy, and the schools of Oxford and Canterbury 
in England had grown into great repute. Popes Sylvester 
II. (1003) and Gregory VII. (1013) were also great patrons of 
learning, besides being defenders of the faith, while Lanfranc 
and St. Anselm, in England, had rendered illustrious the see 
of Canterbury, and by their learning adorned the age in 
which they lived. 

23.— The Monks and Literature. 

1. It is popular with modern historians to decry the monks, 
and accuse them of laziness and ignorance. Because, for- 



286 CHURCH HISTORY. 

sooth, steamboats, telegraphs, and railroads were unknown to 
the Middle Ages, then the men of the past were ignorant, 
and the Church sought to keep the world in darkness. This 
is not correct either in fact or in reason. 

2. The truth is, there was much more learning among the 
masses, and scholars far more profound, during the Middle 
Ages, than has been generally admitted. The usual mode of 
reasoning is to compare the past with the present, and if the 
present has what the past had not, then to conclude that the 
past was buried in darkness, and that ignorance reigned 
supreme. The unfairness of this reasoning is easily seen. 

3. To reason justly we must consider the condition of the 
past — the disruption of society by the fall of Rome, the dev- 
astation of Europe by the barbarians, and the necessary 
reorganization of society and the formation of new govern- 
ments. To these must be added the ignorance and number 
of the slaves, the rudeness of the barbarians, and the con- 
tinual wars consequent on the rude and uncivilized state of 
society. 

4. To overcome the above, schools and colleges had to be 
established, manners softened, the barbarian civilized, and 
slavery abolished. Yet all this was done during the Middle 
Ages; and though learning was not as diffused among the 
people then as now, yet there were scholars not only as pro- 
found as any of to-day, but they found audiences fully as 
able to understand and appreciate them as any we find in 
modern times. 

5. At first the monks were but cultivators of the soil; but 
as the monasteries grew in size and wealth they opened hos- 
pitals, then schools, where rich and poor were free to attend. 
In these schools were taught Grammar and Rhetoric, Arith- 
metic and Logic, Greek and Roman Classics. 

6. The best fitted among the monks were selected; some 
to teach, some to copy, some to write on history or Sacred 
Scripture. Others devoted themselves to science, or archi- 
tecture, or the fine arts. 

7. The churches and monasteries that time, fire, and the 



DISCOVERIES AND INVENTIONS OF CATHOLICS. 287 

Reformation have spared show the state of perfection to 
which architecture was carried, as also carving and painting. 
To these must be added music, and the discoveries and in- 
ventions of the Middle Ages, showing not only a high degree 
of intelligence, but causing wonder to the honest-minded 
that so much could have been done in the midst of so much 
that was adverse. 

8. The writings of Bede, Alcuin, Scotus Erigina, Gerbert, 
Anselm, Bernard, Bonaventure, St. Thomas, Dante, Petrarch, 
show not only men of profound minds, but men of most ex- 
tensive learning. By their fruits let the past be judged, and 
by them it will be seen that the Middle Ages were neither so 
dark, nor Catholics so ignorant, as so-called history pretends 
to tell. 



24. — Discoveries and Inventions of Catholics. 

1. A common mode of reasoning is to assume the past is 
not equal to the present, or vice versa^ as it best suits our 
vanity. So men of modern times very often assume that an 
improvement is a discovery. That the present age has im- 
proved on the past is not to be doubted, but that much that 
is really original has been either invented or discovered in 
the present age may be very honestly doubted. It is also 
commonly assumed that Catholics have done nothing for 
either science or arts. This is a grave mistake, as will be 
seen by the following list of discoveries and inventions, all by 
Catholics, and many of them before the Protestant Eeforma- 
tion. 

2. Architecture, music, sculpture, painting, glass-staining, 
and such like have been always taken as criterions of the civili- 
zation of which they were the outcome. The architecture of 
Rome and Greece and Babylon and Egypt are taken to-day as 
signs of the advanced state of civilization in those countries, 
when they built to the wonder of the world. So we can 
point to the great cathedrals of Europe, such as Cologne, 
Spiers, Milan, Canterbury, and Winchester, that to-day are 



288 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



the wonder and admiration of all, as monuments of the high 
cultivation of the Middle Ages, when they were built. 

3. Besides this may be mentioned the cultivation and 
manufacture of silk introduced into Europe by two monks in 
the year 551; the invention of water-mills (555), window-glass 
for churches and dwellings (601), bells for churches (605), 
organs (673); paper, made of cotton (706), made of linen 
(1270); the Gregorian Chant, by Pope Gregory the Great 
(600), to which was added the gamut, or scale in music, that 
so aids in its study; also clocks with balance and wheels 
(1089) ; glass-staining, with the art of imprinting figures upon 
it (1199); gunpowder (1214), watches (1306), and the mari- 
ner's compass (1310). 




THE CATHEDRAL OF COLOGNE. 



4. To these inventions of the Middle Ages must be added 
the inventions and discoveries made by Catholics before and 
since the Reformation. Amongst these are printing (1400), 
the discovery of America and its partial colonization in the 
11th century, and its after discovery in 1492 by Columbus, 
also the doubling of the Cape of Good Hope in 1497. 



CAUSES OF THE REFORMATION. 289 

5. In 1542 the Solar System was discovered by Copernicus, 
and in 1543 steamboat navigation was demonstrated in Spain 
by Blasco de Garay. The rotundity of the earth was taught 
by Virgilius (764), afterwards by Dante (1320) in his immortal 
Inferno, and in 1610 its motion was demonstrated by Galileo, 
as also the Satellites of Jupiter discovered. In 1582 the 
Calendar now used was corrected by Pope Gregory. 

6. In 1597 the thermometer was invented by Galileo; the 
telescope and microscope in 1609, and the barometer in 1643. 
In 1630 the art of enamelling on ivory was invented, and in 
1780 galvanism was discovered. The weaving of satin and 
broadcloth were discoveries of the Middle Ages (1189). 

7. Nearly all the present governments of Europe were 
formed during the Middle Ages, with their languages and 
laws. When we add to all this the abolition of slavery in 
Europe, the civilization of the barbarians, the softening of 
manners, the elevation of woman, the Magna Charta, trial by 
jury, the habeas corpus, the Common Law, and the sanctity 
of home, all the direct results of the teachings of the Catholic 
Church during the Middle Ages, it will be seen that not only 
has the Church been no obstacle to progress, either in science 
or art, but that to Catholics is due the discovery of nearly 
all the valuable inventions we have. Carefully examined, it 
will be seen that, with the exception of the steam-engine and 
the railroad, little that is really new has been discovered 
other than by Catholics. It is true, valuable improvements 
have been made, but discoveries and inventions of things en- 
tirely new are few and far between. 

THIRD PERIOD. 
FROM THE REFORMATION TO THE PRESENT TIME. 

25. — Causes of the Reformation. 

1. Two causes largely contributed to the success of the 
Reformation — one the decline of morals, the other the spread 
of the heresies of Wycliffe and Huss. The great wealth of 



290 CHURCH HISTORY. 

the monasteries had certainly brought laxity among their 
members, while the universal acceptance of Catholicity had 
deadened zeal for its maintenance. The discovery of print- 
ing about the time of Luther rendered possible the rapid 
spread of heresy, to which must be added the long contests 
between the Church and the secular powers, which had 
greatly weakened authority. 

2. In the year 1356, John "Wycliffe, a fellow of Oxford 
University, England, began to preach against the mendicant 
Orders. Four years after (1360), he attacked the whole eccle- 
siastical order, teaching that the Pope was not the head of 
the Church, nor were bishops superior to priests; that priests 
and civil magistrates lost their authority when they fell into 
mortal sin, ending all by the denial of Transubstantiation. 

3. These doctrines readily found followers, who, under the 
name of Lollards, created great disturbance, assuming the 
right to preach when and where they pleased. In 1380 
Wycliffe translated the Bible into English, and four years 
after (1384) died, having been condemned by the Pope and 
several Councils in England. His doctrines were finally con- 
demned at the Council of Constance (1415), as was also John 
Huss, who had begun to preach them in Bohemia. 

4. In 1402 Jerome of Prague returned from Oxford, where 
he had been studying, and began to preach the doctrines of 
AYycliffe. He was seconded by John Huss of the same place, 
who not only taught the condemned doctrines of Wycliffe, 
but went farther — denying the authority of the Pope, attack- 
ing the clergy, the doctrines of the Church on indulgences, 
the Blessed Virgin, the Saints, and communion under one 
kind. 

5. His doctrines spread rapidly through Bohemia. In 
1414 the Council of Constance was held, before which he ap- 
peared, was condemned, and burned at the stake (1415). The 
next year his followers rose in great force, overran Bohemia, 
and were not finally subdued till 1436; but by this time his 
doctrines were widespread. The tares had been sown, and 
in 1517 brought forth their fruit in the heresy of Luther, 



LUTHER. 291 

when he began to preach against indulgences, and maintain 
the heresies taught by Wycliffe and Huss. 

6. It cannot be denied that the laxity of morals greatly 
contributed to the spread of these heresies, while the wealth 
of the Church afforded a specious pretext to attack the 
clergy. Besides, as will be readily seen, the doctrines of 
Wycliffe and Huss appealed to the worst passions, exciting 
directly to rebellion against authority. The same was in 
worse degree under Luther, his doctrines exciting not only 
to rebellion against authority, but appealing to the worst form 
of intellectual pride. 

26.— Luther. 

1. November 10, 1483, Martin Luther, the first and chief 
of the Protestant Eeformers, was born in Eisleben, in Saxony. 
In 1505 he became a monk of the Order of St. Augustine, 
and shortly after was appointed professor in the University 
of Wittenberg. 

2. In 1517 Pope Leo X. published a Jubilee, and directed 
that the alms to be given should be sent to Eome to help 
complete the great Cathedral of St. Peter, then being built. 
Tetzel, Superior of the Dominicans, was appointed to preach 
this Jubilee throughout Germany, which greatly displeased 
Luther, because of the slight, as he supposed, that had thus 
been thrown upon the Augustinians by not inviting them to 
preach the Jubilee. 

3. At first Luther attacked only the Dominicans, but in a 
short time he also attacked the doctrine of indulgences itself, 
publishing, October 31, 1517, his famous declaration of prin- 
ciples, in which were embodied the germs of the Protestant 
Reformation. In 1520 his doctrines were condemned by the 
Pope and he himself excommunicated. 

4. In 1522 Luther translated the Bible into German, and 
with it proclaimed the doctrine of "an open Bible and free 
interpretation," as a fundamental doctrine. He also denied 
the supremacy of the Pope, the authority of the Church, the 



292 CHURCH HISTORY. 

celibacy of the clergy, the efficacy of the sacraments, the 
doctrine of purgatory, and the teachings of the Church on 
justification and original sin. 

5. He forbade his followers to honor the Saints or to obey 
the commandments of the Church, rejecting all the sacra- 
ments except Baptism and the Lord's Supper. He also 
taught that faith without good works would save, contrary to 
the Catholic doctrine, which teaches that men are saved by 
faith with good works. 

6. Luther with his "open Bible and free interpretation" 
paved the way to the multiplicity of sects and the vagaries 
of opinion into which Protestantism has divided. In 1525 
Luther married Catharine de Bora, a nun whom he had per- 
suaded to leave her convent, and in 1546 he died, with Prot- 
estantism torn into pieces by the contending sects. 

7. The doctrines of Luther spread rapidly throughout 
Saxony, the north of Germany, and Prussia. From thence 
they passed into Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, encouraged 
by princes and kings, and everywhere accompanied with 
bloodshed and disorder. Calvinism was adopted in parts of 
France and Switzerland, and under the teaching of Knox 
became the religion of Scotland. 

8. In 1545 the Council of Trent was convened, and after 
seventeen years of careful examination, condemned the here- 
sies of Luther and Calvin, at the same time affirming the 
true doctrine on the sacraments, grace, original sin, justifica- 
tion, and free will. The Canon of Scripture was more pre- 
cisely determined, and many wise laws published. For over 
three hundred years no new Council was held till 1869, when 
the Council of the Vatican assembled, but in 1870 was forced 
to adjourn in consequence of the seizure of Home by Victor 
Emmanuel, King of Italy. 

27. — Calvin and Knox. 

1. John Calvin was born 1509 at Noyon, France, and died 
at Geneva, 1564. At first he studied for the priesthood and 



THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION 1ST ENGLAND. 293 

received Minor Orders, but afterwards studied law. In 1532 
he adopted the doctrines of Luther, and in 1535 published 
his celebrated " Institutions," in which he taught that all 
men were predestined by the forewill of God to heaven or 
hell; thus destroying free will, and making God the author 
of sin. 

2. In 1536 he went to Geneva, from whence, two years 
after, he was banished because of his great rigor and vehe- 
mence. In 1541 he returned, and from that time to his death 
(1564) ruled Geneva with a rod of iron. In 1553 he burned 
Servetus, because he taught doctrines on the Trinity objec- 
tionable to Calvin, thus denying to others the freedom he 
claimed for himself. 

3. Calvin forbade all exterior religion, forbidding religious 
ceremonies, denying the Mass, the Eeal Presence, the invoca- 
tion of Saints, the supremacy of the Pope, and the sacra- 
mental character of bishops and priests. 

4. Calvin was a man of strong character, great rigor, and 
deep, resolute will. He is by many deemed the soul and 
real author of the Eeformation, and wherever his doctrines 
have been accepted they have produced a deep and lasting 
effect. 

5. John Knox, author of the Eeformation in Scotland, was 
born 1505; was ordained priest, but in 1547 began to preach 
against the Pope and the Mass. He was a man violent of 
temper and rude in manners. In 1554 he adopted the doc- 
trines of Calvin, and succeeded in having them so universally 
adopted in Scotland that Catholicity was almost entirely re- 
jected by the Scotch. He died in 1572, revered by the 
Scotch, but known in history as the "ruffian of the Eeforma- 
tion." 

38. — The Protestant Reformation in England. 

1. In the beginning, Henry VIII., King of England, was 
strongly opposed to the doctrines of Luther, writing a book 
against him, for which he was called by the Pope " Defender 



294 CHURCH HISTORY. 

of the Faith," a title still retained by the kings and queens 
of England. 

2. In 1509 he married Catharine of Aragon, but twenty- 
four years after conceived an unlawful passion for Anne 
Boleyn, waiting-maid to the queen. Because the Pope re- 
fused to divorce him from his lawful wife, Catharine, he 
declared himself head of the Church in England, forced par- 
liament to divorce him (1533), then publicly married Anne 
Boleyn, to whom he had been already privately married some 
months before. 

3. Three years after (1536) he had her beheaded, and next 
day married Jane Seymour, who the year following died, 
when he again married. Within six months this marriage 
was also annulled, and he married Catharine Howard, who 
next year was beheaded, when he married again. He was 
preparing to have this his sixth wife divorced, when he him- 
self died, despised and detested by all. Such was the man 
who began the Eeformation in England. 

4. After the death of Henry VIII. (1547), the Reformation 
was continued by Edward VI. (1547-1553) and Elizabeth 
(1558-1603), under whose reigns Catholicity was almost en- 
tirely destroyed, and Protestantism so firmly established that 
up to within the last fifty years there were but few Catholics 
in England. Latterly, however, the Church has again begun 
to grow in England, there being at present (1904) a Cardinal 
and 18 bishops, besides priests and religious. 

5. When Henry VIII. separated from the Church, he 
began a most violent persecution, seizing upon the monas- 
teries, driving out the religious, and dividing their lands 
among his partisans. Prison, fines, confiscation, torture, 
death, was the doom of all who refused to acknowledge him 
as head of the Church. He beheaded Fisher, Bishop of 
Rochester, and Thomas More, Chancellor, two of the most 
distinguished men of England, because they would not sanc- 
tion his divorce or acknowledge his supremacy in spirituals. 

6. To the schism of Henry, Edward and Elizabeth added 
heresy, suppressing the Mass, destroying images, pillaging 






THE CHURCH 1ST ASIA AND AMERICA. 295 

and profaning churches, changing dogma and oeremonies, 
the whole nation basely accepting at the beck of its rulers. 
From the death of Elizabeth (1603) to the present day, the 
" English Church," as it is now called, has been but the 
slave of the state, the kings and queens of England being its 
head. 

7. To make converts, Catholicity has ever appealed to 
reason; Protestantism, like Mohammedanism, to force and 
violence. In England and Scotland Protestantism was forced 
upon the people by fines, imprisonment, and death; in Ger- 
many and Prussia, Sweden and Denmark and Norway, the 
same. In America the Puritans acted in like manner. 

8. Protestantism began with "an open Bible and free in- 
terpretation," and has ended in division and disbelief. By 
the above principle every one becomes judge of what he will 
or will not believe. Hence, amongst Protestants there are 
almost as many religions as there are individuals, the 
churches divided and torn into pieces, ending in infidelity and 
Mormonism. On the other hand, Catholicity remains ever 
the same, because Catholicity is truth, and truth changes not. 

29.— The Church in Asia and America. 

1. While on the one hand the Church was being so sadly 
despoiled in Europe by the violence of Protestantism, she 
was on the other consoled by the heroism of her martyrs, and 
the wonderful conversions to her fold in India and Japan 
and amid the forests of America. 

2. In 1540 the Society of Jesus was organized by Ignatius 
of Loyola, a Spanish soldier. From the beginning this 
Society has been distinguished for its learning and zeal. In 
1541 Francis Xavier, one of its first members, was sent to 
Goa, a Portuguese settlement in India, where for six years 
he preached throughout India and Malabar, counting his 
converts by millions. 

3. In 1549 he passed over to Japan, and preached with 
such success that within fifty years there were over three 



296 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



million Christians gathered to the Church. In 1552 Xavier 
passed from Japan to China, but God was satisfied with what 
he had done, and he died on the coast, at the early age of 
forty-six years. 

4. While St. Francis Xavier was thus adding to the Church 
in the East, his brother Jesuits in Paraguay, South America, 
were converting the rude savages to the faith, teaching them 
a knowledge of God and forming them to habits of civilized 
life (1556)" 




ST. FRANCIS XAVIER. 



5. In 1608 the French founded Quebec, Canada, where they 
not only planted the cross as a sign of their own faith, but 
established a missionary home, from whence the Jesuits sent 
forth a band of heroes to explore the country and convert the 
Indians. 

6. There is no more beautiful page in the history of the 
Church than that of the Jesuits in North America. From 
Quebec they penetrated into New York, where Jogues gave 
his life for the conversion of the Mohawks, while Brebeuf 



RELIGIOUS WARS IN EUROPE. 297 

and Lallemant died at the stake for their Huron converts. 
Up the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers, along Lakes Huron 
and Michigan, through forests and amid the wild tribes of 
the West, Marquette sought the Mississippi — preaching the 
Gospel everywhere — the first of Europeans to look upon its 
waters. The works of the Jesuits in North America have 
disappeared with the destruction of the Indians, but they 
were not the less real, nor their success the less true, because 
to-day so little remains to tell of former struggles and 
triumphs. 

30. — Religious Wars in Europe. 

1. With the acceptance of the doctrine of Luther, "that 
all men were free in religion/' there soon rose a desire to be 
also free in secular affairs. 

2. In Germany the Lutherans took up arms, pillaged and 
burned churches, destroyed monasteries, and massacred 
priests and religious. After great loss of life Charles V. 
subdued them, and in 1555, by the peace of Augsburg, ac- 
corded them the free exercise of their religion; but in 1619 
they again rose in rebellion. By the assistance of the Danes 
and Swedes, and the Protestants of France, they, for thirty 
years, carried on war, which was finally ended in 1648 by the 
treaty of Westphalia. 

3. During this time the Calvinists of France, under the 
name of Huguenots, began to disturb the peace. In 1561 
they took up arms, pillaged and destroyed churches, mur- 
dered priests and nuns, and attacked and burned a number of 
towns and villages. 

4. As the result of a political plot on the part of the queen- 
mother, Catherine de Medicis, and her son, Henry of Anjou, 
the Huguenots were attacked on the eve of St. Bartholomew 
(1572), and large numbers of them killed in Paris and else- 
where throughout France. By the Edict of Nantes (1598) 
they were granted full liberty of conscience and exceptional 
civil concessions, but abusing their privileges, the Edict was 



298 CHURCH HISTORY. 

revoked (1685), when many of them fled to England and 
emigrated to America, settling mostly in the Carolinas and 
Georgia. 

5. Under the long reign of Elizabeth, who for forty years 
ruled England with a rod of iron, division amongst the Prot- 
estants was kept down, but at her death the necessary results 
came. 

6. By the free interpretation of the Scriptures there rose 
a sect, calling themselves Independents, who held that the 
reign of kings was incompatible with the reign of Christ; 
that priests and religious ceremonies and symbols must be 
abolished, and kings and nobles cease. Under the name of 
"Levellers" they gained control of the army, and defeating 
the king, Charles I., he was tried, condemned, and be- 
headed (1649). 

7. Under the name of Covenanters, the Calvinists of Scot- 
land began a war against all who differed with them in re- 
ligion. They abolished " popery and prelacy," and under 
pain of fines and penalties required all to sign the Covenant 
which ,they drew up. They are known also as Presbyterians 
and Puritans. In 1643 they formed an alliance with the In- 
dependents of England, and co-operated in the defeat and 
death of the king. 

8. Under the teachings of Zwingli, one of the leaders of 
the Eeformation, the Swiss rose in rebellion, to be followed 
by the Netherlands and Holland. In Prussia, Sweden, Den- 
mark, and Norway, Protestantism was forced upon the people 
at the point of the sword. The same was done in England 
and Scotland. Everything that tyranny could invent has 
been tried to make Ireland Protestant, but has ever failed; 
the Irish, amid poverty and persecution, remaining steadfast 
in the faith. 



EESULTS OF THE TEACHINGS OF THE REFORMATION. 299 



31.— Results of the Teachings of the Reformation. 

1. " An open Bible and free interpretation/' proclaimed by 
the Eeformers, destroys the authority of the Church, and 
practically makes reason the rule of faith. Acting upon this, 
the Socinians, called also Unitarians, began (1562) to deny 
the mystery of the Trinity, and to reject all doctrines they 
could not understand. 

2. These were followed in turn by the Deists, who attacked 
revelation and the whole supernatural order; then by the 
infidels, who denied the immortality of the soul, the exist- 
ence of God, and the difference between good and evil. 

3. From Holland and England these doctrines passed into 
France, where they received additional force from the false 
and exaggerated teachings of the Jansenists (1640). Eousseau 
(1749) and Voltaire (1760) took them up, and under the guise 
of philosophy assailed the whole system of Christianity. In 
a short time France and Europe were in a blaze. 

4. The Jesuits were everywhere attacked, and in 1773 sup- 
pressed by a decree of Pope Clement XIV. In 1789 the 
French Revolution broke out, and for a time the world stood 
aghast at the horrors that were committed under the name of 
liberty. 

5. The property of the Church was confiscated; marriage 
declared a purely civil contract ; reason deified in the person 
of a wicked woman ; and the country ran with the blood of 
priests and nobles. In 1793 Louis XVI. was beheaded, and 
in 1798 the Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VI., was seized upon, by 
order of the French Directory, and rudely dragged through 
Italy into France, where he died the next year (1799), worn 
out by the fatigues and hardships to which he had been sub- 
jected. 

6. In the midst of these horrors Napoleon Bonaparte ap- 
peared upon the scene, and by the brilliancy of his genius 
and the success of the French arms became Emperor of 
France, and in 1804 was solemnly crowned in Notre Dame, 



300 CHURCH HISTORY. 

Paris, by Pope Pius VII. Five years after, by order of Na- 
poleon, the States of the Church were seized upon and Pius 
VII. dragged iuto France, where for five years he was held a 
prisoner. In 1815 the French were defeated at Waterloo, 
and Napoleon banished to the Island of St. Helena, where he 
died in the year 1821. 



32.— General Conclusion. 

1. Though much has been necessarily omitted in this short 
history of the Church, yet enough has been given to show 
how strangely the world has warred against God and religion. 

2. The Jews rejected Christ and persecuted His apostles, to 
be themselves in turn persecuted and scattered over the world 
without home or country. Eome persecuted the Church, and 
in the vain hope of destroying Christianity, deluged the em- 
pire in the blood of the martyrs. 

3. Heresy rose, and by division strove to destroy the unity 
of faith, beginning with the denial of the divinity of Jesus 
Christ, and ending in the deification of human reason, and 
the right of men to determine for themselves what they shall 
or shall not believe. 

4. Heretofore the controversy between the Church and the 
world has been on matters of faith. In the Protestant world 
faith is rapidly passing away, to be replaced by indifference 
or positive hostility to religion. The sects have lost their 
power, are divided and torn among themselves, their only 
bond of unity being a common hostility to Catholicity. 

5. The great part of the Protestant world seems to have 
lost confidence in revelation to save the world, and is falling 
back upon education, hoping that men will be saved by a 
knowledge of science without religion, forgetting, seemingly, 
that man is a spiritual being, and needs religion to purify and 
guide and keep his unruly passions subject to reason. 

6. Within the Church there is much to console and much 
to afflict. The indifferentism of the world is largely affecting 
the faith of Catholics; numbers are becoming cold or adopt- 



GENERAL CONCLUSION. 301 

ing the loose doctrines of the day. The teachings on civil 
freedom now so prevalent are exciting to a religious freedom 
that must end in disbelief. 

7. Germany has attempted to revive religious persecution, 
only to unite Catholics and stir up their faith. The infidels 
of France have begun a war upon the Church, expelling the 
religious and secularizing education. The Italian Govern- 
ment has seized upon Home and the States of the Church; 
the Pope is a prisoner in the Vatican, yet amid all this 
there is much to encourage. 

8. At no time in the Church's history have the bishops 
been so united with the Sovereign Pontiff or among them- 
selves. Priests and people are filled with zeal. In England, 
Scotland, and America the Church is growing with wonder- 
ful rapidity, and in Asia and Africa thousands are being 
added to the fold. Persecution but purifies and unites; 
Christ is with His Church, always fair and ever true. Heaven 
and earth shall pass away, but Christ and His Church abide 
forever. 




APPENDIX 



The Feasts of the Church. 

1. The better to teach her children the great truths of 
Eeligion and the more strongly to impress upon their minds 
the mysteries of Kedemption, the Church has appointed cer- 
tain religious feasts to be kept. That these may never be 
forgotten, and may follow each other in due order, the Eccle- 
siastical Year is divided into three parts, namely : 1st, From 
Advent to Lent; 2d, From Lent to Pentecost; and 3d, From 
Pentecost to Advent again. 

2. Advent means coming, and immediately precedes 
Christmas, the feast in which the Church celebrates the 
first coming of Christ upon earth. The four Sundays of 
Advent represent the four thousand years before the coming 
of Christ upon earth, when the world lay buried in the dark- 
ness of infidelity, and the knowledge of the true God was 
mostly confined to the Patriarchs, and, after them, to the 
Jewish nation. 

3. During Advent the priest wears purple vestments, as a 
sign of sorrow and penance. There is no " Gloria in Ex- 
celsis " said at Mass, and all worldly amusements are set 
aside, that thus, in penance, the world may prepare for 
Christmas, the most beautiful of all the festivals of the year, 
when young and old, great and small, become children with 
Christ, their new-born King. Christmas is peculiarly the 
feast of childhood, because on that day Christ was born — a 
child — to the world. 

4. The birth of Christ is threefold. 1st, His eternal gener- 



304 APPEXDIX. 

ation in the bosom of His Father; 2d, His birth of the 
Blessed Virgin, at Bethlehem; and 3d, His birth in the soul, 
by grace. These three births are symbolized by the three 
Masses that every priest is permitted to say on Christmas 
day. Then the joy of the Christian world bursts forth in 
the glad song of " Glory to God in the Highest," sung for 
the first time by the angels, when, on the first Christmas 
morn, they announced that a Savior was born. 

5. After Christmas comes the feast of Saint Stephen, the 
first martyr, who was stoned to death, and, like his Master 
upon the cross, died praying for his enemies. Then follow 
in quick succession the feasts of the Circumcision and 
Epiphany, the former reminding us that, on the eighth day 
after His birth, Christ first shed His blood ; the latter telling 
of the visit of the Wise Men, who came from the far-off East 
to adore Him. 

6. On the second of February is commemorated the Pres- 
entation of Christ in the Temple. This feast is also 
known as Candlemas, because on that day are blessed the 
candles to be used in the church during the year. On this 
day candles are also blessed to be used by the faithful in 
their homes, either at their private devotions or when the 
sacraments are to be administered to the sick. 

7. Lent, the second part of the Ecclesiastical Year, begins 
with Ash-Wednesday, a day deriving its name from the 
custom of blessing ashes and sprinkling them on the heads of 
the faithful, to remind them that dust they are, and unto 
dust they shall return. 

8. During the forty days of Lent there is no " Gloria "sung 
at Mass; and again, as in Advent, the priest is clad in 
purple; amusements are laid aside, and in imitation of 
Christ's fast of forty days, the faithful are commanded to 
fast and do penance for their sins. 

9. On Passion-Sunday, to remind us of the sorrow and 
suffering of Christ, the crucifixes and pictures in the church 
are covered, and remain so till Holy Saturday. On Palm- 
Sunday palms are blessed, distributed among the people, 



THE FEASTS OF THE CHUKCH. 305 

and carried in procession round the church, to commemorate 
the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem. 

10. The institution of the Blessed Sacrament is commemo- 
rated on Holy Thursday. On this day the consecrated 
Host, which is to be consumed at the office of the next day, 
is kept on a side-altar, decorated with flowers and lights, and 
called the Eepository. From the Mass of this day to the 
Mass of Holy Saturday no church-bells are rung, — a sign 
of the deep sorrow of the Church. 

11. On Good Friday all is hushed: the altars are bare, 
the priest is clad in deepest black, and the plaintive song of 
the Church tells the agony of her heart. The great sacrifice 
of Calvary, on which Christ Our Savior died for the world, 
is in the thoughts of the faithful; while sorrow for sin and 
love for God fill their hearts. 

12. Holy Saturday, the day on which Christ's body lay 
in the tomb, is spent in prayer and meditation. At the Mass 
of this day is blessed the new fire, struck from a rock, a fit 
emblem of Christ, who is both light to the world and a rock 
to His Church. 

13. The Baptismal Water and the Paschal Candle are 
blessed after the reading of the prophecies that foretold the 
coming of Our Savior. Then, in the calm repose of expecta- 
tion, the world awaits the glorious dawn of Easter-day, to 
burst forth in a grand Alleluia of praise to Christ risen from 
the dead. 

14. As Christ rose at early morn, so at dawn of day the 
bells ring out their merry peal to tell us of Easter and of 
Christ risen from the dead. By His death Christ showed 
Himself man ; but by His Eesurrection He proved Himself 
God. 

15. The season of the year when Easter comes also con- 
tributes much to the general joy. Winter is past, and spring 
is come; the merry song of the birds tells of their return to 
cheer us with their presence; the trees are clothing them- 
selves in softest green, and the fields are decked in fairest 
flowers. All nature is waking from its wintry sleep, as if to 



306 APPENDIX. 

join the Church in joyful praise, for Christ has risen trium- 
phant over sin and hell. 

16. The first Sunday after Easter is called Low Sunday; 
in ancient times the Catechumens, that were baptized on 
Holy Saturday, were wont to wear up to this day the white 
robes that were put on them at their baptism. 

After Easter come the Rogation-days, or days of prayer, 
when the Church calls upon her children to prav for preser- 
vation from evil, for the attainment of all things "necessary 
for their spiritual and temporal welfare, but especially for 
the blessing of God on the fruits of the earth. 

17. Forty days after Easter the Ascension of Christ into 
heaven is celebrated, and another interval of ten days ushers 
in the feast of Pentecost. It commemorates the day on 
which, in accordance with the promise of Christ, the Holy 
Ghost came in the form of fiery tongues and sat upon His 
apostles, filling them with courage and wisdom, and power 
and strength, to go forth to teach and convert the world. 
With this first Pentecost began the abiding presence of the 
Holy Ghost in the Church, a presence that has never ceased, 
and never will cease till time shall be no more, because Christ 
promised that the Holy Ghost should forever abide with 
His Church and teach her all truth. 

18. The Sunday following Pentecost is Trinity Sunday, 
and with it begins the third part of the Ecclesiastical Year. 
On this day the Church honors, in an especial manner, the 
mystery of the Most Blessed Trinity, three Divine Persons in 
one God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. 

19. Thursday in the first week after Trinity Sunday is 
that great feast of love, Corpus Christi, on which we cele- 
brate the bodily presence of Christ in His Church. It was 
not enough for Christ to die for the world, but, as a new and 
wonderful proof of His love, He yet remains on earth, even 
after His ascension into heaven. On Holy Thursday the 
Church celebrated the institution of the Blessed Sacrament, 
but that was a joy mingled with the sorrows of Holy Week. 

20. Another and more fitting: time was needed, when the 



THE FEASTS OF THE CHUKCH. 307 

Christian heart could give itself to holiest joy and boundless 
praise of Him who, through love for man, lives upon our 
altars to feed and strengthen us with His own body and 
blood. Hence the feast of Corpus Christi, or "the body of 
Christ/' was instituted, that on this day, amid processions, 
flowers, and lights, we might pour forth our hearts in praise 
and love. 

21. Besides these greater feasts that speak to us of God, 
His nature, and His works, there are others that tell us of 
His mother. Such are the Annunciation and Assumption, 
the one, to remind us how, more than eighteen hundred years 
ago, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to Mary, the humble 
virgin of Nazareth, to announce to her that she had been 
chosen of all the daughters of Eve, as alone worthy to be the 
mother of the long-looked-for Redeemer; the other, to recall 
to our minds that when, in obedience to the decrees of God, 
the Blessed Virgin died, she was immediately raised to life 
again, and in triumph carried up by the angels into heaven, 
where, body and soul united, she is and will be for eternity. 

22. There are also the lesser feasts of the Saints, as those 
of Peter and Paul, and John, and other apostles, together 
with those of that heroic band of martyrs and confessors who 
have adorned the history of the Church from the beginning 
even to our own times. All these minor festivals end and 
are included in the glorious feast of All Saints, on which 
are gathered together all Christian heroes, the known and the 
unknown, that none may pass without their due share of 
praise. But as the Church forgets none of her children, she 
adds the feast of All Souls, on which we pray for the dead 
detained in Purgatory, that they may soon be freed from 
their sufferings. 

23. All Souls' Day closes the Ecclesiastical Year, but it 
begins again with Advent, followed by that round of feasts, 
and joys that tell us of another year of hopes and sorrows. 
Besides these feasts there are the Sunday obligations of rest 
and worship, when the Holy Sacrifice is offered, the Scriptures 
are read, and the people instructed. 



308 



APPENDIX. 



24. The Ember-days, which are the Wednesdays, Fridays, 
and Saturdays immediately after the first Sunday of Lent, 
Pentecost, September 14th, and the third Sunday of Advent, 
are days of fasting and of abstinence. According to Pope 
St. Leo, the object of this fast is that we may purify our souls 
and do penance as we begin each quarter of the year. 

25. It is not enough for us to know these feasts and fasts, 
but we must keep them, as the Church commands; for when 
we obey her we obey the voice of God, and may then hope to 
share with Him the never-ending joys of heaven. 




PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY 

OF 

PROPER AND GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES 

TO BE FOUND IN THIS HISTORY. 



The diacritical marks are the same as those used in Webster's 
Dictionary. 

The geographical names are set in this style of type. 



Aa'ron (ar'on). 


A-hi'a-lon. 


An-to-nl'nus Pi'us. 


Ab'don. 


Al'a ric. 


A'5d. 


A'bel. 


ATban. 


A-qui'nas. 


Ab'e-san (aV). 


Al-ber'tus Mag'nus. 


Ar'a-gSn. 


A-bi'a. 


Alcana. 


Ar'a-rat. 


A-bi'ron. 


Al'cuin (-kwin). 


Ar-e-op'a-giis. 


A-bls'a-i. 


Al-ex-an'dri-a. 


Ar-i-ma-the'&. 


Ab'ner. 


A-mal'i-cites. 


Ar-is-totle. 


Abraham. 


A'man. 


A'ri-us. 


Ab'sa-lom. 


Am-a-si'as. 


Aries (arlz). 


A^hab. 


Am'brSse. 


Ar-magh' (ar-ma/), 


A'«haz. 


Am'mon. 


Ar-me'ni-a. 


A-cha'ia (-ya). 


Am'mon-ites. 


Ar-tax-erx'e§. 


A'cre (a/ker). 


An-a-ni'as. 


A'sa. 


Ad'am. 


An'na. 


As'ca-16n. 


A-di'e-ran. 


An'nas. 


As-si'si. 


Hd-ri-at'ic. 


An'selm. 


As-su-e'rus. 


Ag-ge'os. 


An'ti-Sch. 


As-syr'i-a. 


A-grip'p6,. 


An-tro-ehns. 
309 


As-tol'phufl. 



310 



PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY. 



Ath-a-H'a. 

Ath-a-na'si-us. 

Ath'ens. 

At'til-a. 

Augsburg (owgs'- 

boorg). 
Au-giis'tme. 
Au-gus'tus. 
Az-a-ri'as. 

BS'al. 

Bat^L 

Bab'y-lon. 

Bab-y-lo'ni-ang. 

Bal-tas'sar. 

Ba-rab'bas. 

Ba'rac. 

Bar-ba-ros'sa, 

Bar'na-bas. 

Bar-thol'o-mew. 

Ba-thti'el. 

Ba'sil. 

Bee. 

Bede. 

Bel. 

Ben'ja-min. 

Be-re'a. 

Be-tha'ni-a. 

Beth'el. 

BSth'le-hem. 

Beth'pha-ge'. 

Beth-sa'be-e. 

Beth-sa'i-da. 

Beth-u-li'a. 

Blas'co de Ga'ray (ri). 

Bo-log'na (bo -Ion 'y a). 



B<3'na-parte. 

Bo-na-ven'ttire. 

Bon'i-faQe. 

Bo'oz. 

Bos-suet 7 (bo-sii-aO- 

Bouil-lon / (boo-yon'). 

Bre'beuf. 

Bru'no. 

Cae'sar (see'ziir). 
Cain. 
Ca-i'nan. 
Ca'i-phas. 
Caleb. 
Cal'va-ry. 
Cal'vin. 
Ca'na. 

Can'ter-bur-y (-ber- 
ry). 

Ca-phar'na-um. 
Ca'rith. 
Car'mel. 
OaVthage (-thij). 
Car-thti'§ian§. 
Ce-cill-a. 
Ce'dron. 
Cel'sus. 

Ces-a-re'aFhi-lip'pI. 
Cel'es-tine. 
Ce-rin'thi-an§. 
Chal'ce-dbn. 
Chal-dee'. 
Cham. 
Cha'naan. 

Char-le-magne' (shar- 
le-man'). 



Chi'os. 

Chrys'os-tom. 

9ic'e-ro. 

(^is-teVcians. 

Clement. 

Cle'o-phas. 

Cler-r*i5nt'. 

Clo-til'da. 

Clo'vis. 

Clii'ny. 

Col'chia (kfc). 

Cologne' (ko-lonO* 

Co-lum'ba. 

Con'stan-tine. 

Con-stan-tl-no'ple. 

Co-per'ni-cus. 

Co're. 

Cor'inth. 

Cor-neli-ufl. 

9yp / ri-an. 

Cy'prns. 

9y-re'ne. 

Da'gon. 

Da-mas'cus. 

Da-mi-an'us. 

Daniel (-yel). 

Dan'te. 

Da-ri'us. 

Da'than. 

Da'vid. 

De-me'tri-us. 

De-mos'the-ne§. 

DeVbe. 

Dl-o-cle'tian. 

Di-o-nys'i-us. 



PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY. 



311 



Do-mi'tian. 
Do-na'tus. 

Eb'i-on-ites. 

Ec-cle-gi-as'ti-eiis. 

E-des'sa. 

E'dom-Ites. 

E'gypt. 

E-gyp'tian. 

E-le-a'zar. 

El-eu-the'ri-us. 

E-li'as. 

E-li-e'zer. 

E-lim'e-le-ch. 

El-i-se'us. 

El'y-mas. 

Em'ma-us. 

E'ne-as. 

E'no«h. 

E'nos. 

Eph'e-siis. 

E'pkra-im. 

E'sau. 

Es'dras. 

Esther (-ter). 

Eth'el-bert. 

E-thi-6'pi-a. 

Eii'clid (yooldid). 

Eu-phra'tes. 

Eii'ty-eheg. 

Eve. 

Ez-e-ehi'as. 

E-ze'«hi-el. 

Fe-lic'i-tas. 
Felix. 



Fer-ra'ra. 

Francis de Sale§. 
Francis Xavier (zaV- 
yer). 

Gab'e-liis. 
Ga^ori-el. 
Ga-lic'i-a (-Hsh). 
Gal'X-lee. 
Gal-i-le'o. 
Ga-mali-el. 
Gai-'i-zim. 
Ga'za. 
Ged'e-on. 
Ge-nes'a-reth, 
Ge-ne'va. 
Gen'ser-ic. 
Gentiles. 
Ger^ert. 
Ges'sen. 
Geth-sem'a-ni. 
Gi-e'zi. 
GnSs'ti-es. 
G5'a. 
Go-li'ath. 
Go-mor'rha. 
Gra-na'da. 
Gregory Naz-i-an'- 
zen. 

Hab'a-eile. 

Ha-cel'da-ma. 

Hach'i-la. 

Ha'ran. 
He'brew (-bru). 

He'bron. 



Hell. 

Her-a-cli'us. 

Her'od. 

He-ro'di-as. 

Her'u-11. 

Hi-la'ri-on. 

Hip'po. 

Hol-o-fer'ne§. 

HS'reb. 

Hiiss. 

Ig-na'ti-us L5y-6la.. 

I-o'na. 

Ir-e-ne'us. 

l'gaac (-zak). 

I'sai. 

I-sa'ias (yas). 

Is-e&r'i-ot. 

Is'ma-el-Ites. 

Is/ra-el. 

I§'ra-el-iteB. 

Ja'«ob. 

Ja'ir. 

JS'i-riis. 

Jan-ic'u-lum. 

Jan'sen. 

JS'phet. 

Ja'red. 

Je€h-o-ni'as. 

Jg'hu. 

Jgph'te. 

Jer-e-mra*. 

JSr'i-cho. 

JSr o-bC'am. 

Je-rOme' t 



312 



PROXOUXCING VOCABULARY. 



Je-ru'sa-lem. 

Jez'a-beL 

Jo'ab. 

Jo'a-cbaz. 

Jo'a-ebim. 

Jo'a-ebin. 

Jo'as. 

Jo'a-tham. 

Job. 

Jo'el. 

Joi'a-da 

Jo'nas. 

Jon'a-tkan. 

Jop'pe. 

Jo 'ram. 

Jor'dan. 

Jogues (zbcg). 

Jos'a-pbat. 

Joseph. 

Jo -si 'as. 

Jos'u-e. 

Ju'da. 

JtL'das. 

Ju-de'a. 

Ju/ditlu 

Jfili-an. 

Jus'tin. 

La'ban. 

Lal-e-man^ (lal-mon / ). 

La'meeb. 

Lan'fran-e. 

Law'renge. 

Laz'a-rus. 

Le'a, 

Les'bos. 



Le'vi. 

Le'vTtes. 

Lib'a-nus. 

Li-guo'ri. 

Lombards. 

Lot. 

Lu/ci-fer. 

Lu'ci-us. 

Luke. 

Lusher. 

Ly'co'ni-a. 

Lyd'da. 

Lyd'i-a. 

Lys'tra. 

Mac^-e-do'ni-ju 

Maeb'a-beeg. 

Ma-eb-a-be'us. 

Ma'di-an. 

Ma'di-an-ites. 

Mag-da-le'ne. 

Mal-a-bar / . 

Mal-a-ehi'as. 

Ma-lale-el. 

Mal'a-sar. 

Mal'<ehus. 

Mal'ta. 

Ma-nas'se§. 

Man-i--ebe'an§. 

Mar'-eus Au-reli-us. 

Mar'do-ehai. 

Marquette 7 (-ket). 

Math-a-thi'as. 

Ma-tbu/sa-lercL 

Matthew (niath'tbu). 

Mat-tbi'as (math-t br- 
as). 



Maxl-min. 
Mec'ca. 

Medes. 

Me-di'na. 

Me d-i-ter-r a' ne-an. 

Mel-ehls/e-de-e. 

Mes-o-po-ta'mi-a. 

Mes-si'as. 

Mi'-ebael. 

Ml-ebe'as. 

Mi'-eho!. 

Mil'an 

Mi-le'tus. 

Mis'a-el. 

M5'ab. 

Mo'ab-Ite§. 

Mo-bain'med* 

Mon'i-ea. 

Mon'te Ca-si'n5. 

Mo-rl'a. 

Ho'§e§. 

Na'a-man. 

Xa'botlu 

Xa'-eb6r. 

Na'im. 

Nantes. 

Xa-pole-on. 

Xa'tban. 

Xa-than'i-eL 

Xaz-a-rene'. 

Naz'a-reth. 

Ne'bo. 

Xeb-u-ebod-o-nO'soi; 

Ne-be-mi'as. 

Xe'ro. 



PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY. 



313 



Nes-tS'ri-us. 

Niqe (nes). 

Nic-o-de'mus. 

Nile. 

Nin'i-an. 

Nin'i-ve. 

No'e. 

No'e-mL 

No'tre Dame'. 

No-y5n\ 

O'bed. 

O-eh-O-Zl'aS. 

O-do'a-eer. 

Ol'i-vet. 

Oph'nI. 

Or'i-gen. 

Or'pha. 

O'tho. 

O-tho'ni-el. 

O-zi'as. 

Pa-cho'mi-us. 
PaTes-tine. 

Pal-la'di-us. 

Pa-ra-guay' (gwi). 

Par'thi-a. 

Par'thi-ang. 

Pat'mos. 

Paul. 

Pe-la'gi-ue. 

Pepin. 

Per-pet'u-&. 

Per'si-a. 

Per'si-ang. 

Pe'ter. 

Pe'trareli. 



Pha'ra-o. 

Phar'i-seeg. 

PMl'ip. 

Phi-lis'tineg. 

Phin'e-es. 

Pho'gor. 

Phryg'i-a.. 

Pi-sid'i-a. 

Poi-tiers' (pwa-ti-a'). 

Pol'y-carp. 

Pon'ti-us Pilate. 

Prague. 

Pu'ti-phar. 

Ra'chel. 

Ra'ges. 

Ra-gii'eL 

Ra'pha-el. 

Ra-ven'na. 

Re-beV^a. 

Re-mig'i-us. 

Rheims. 

Rob'o-am. 

Ro'de. 

Rous-seau' (roo-so''). 

Ru^en. 

Ruth. 

Sa'ba. 

Sa-be'ang. 

Sa-belli-ang. 

Sad'du-<jeeg. 

Sa'lem. 

Sal -man-a'sar. 

Sa-lo'me. 

Sam-a-ri'a. 



Sa-mar'i-tan§. 

Sam 'gar. 

Sa'mos. 

Samson. 

Sam'u-el. 

Saph-I'ra. 

Sar'a-Qeng. 

Sa'rah. 

Sar-dm-i-a. 

Saul. 

Sco'tus Er-i-ge'niL 

Sed-e-Qi'as, 

Sem. 

Sem'e-i. 

Sen-na-eh'e-rib. 

Se-rep'ta. 

Ser'gi-us. 

Seth. 

Se-ve'riis. 

Sr-ehar. 

Si'chem. 

Sic'i-ly. 

Si'don. 

Sl-do'ni-ang. 

Sl'las. 

SHo'e. 

Sim'e-on. 

Si'mon. 

Si'nai. 

Si'ra«h. 

SBd'om. 

Soro-mon. 

Spiers, 

Ste'phen (-ven). 

Su-bi-a'co. 

Suev'i (swavl). 



314 



PRONOUNCING VOCABULARY. 



Su-§an'na. 

Syl-ves'ter. 

Syr'i-a. 

Syr'i-ar^. 

Tab'i-tka. 

Ta'ra. 

Ter-tiiHi-an. 

Tet'zel (-sel). 

Thad-de'us. 

Thare. 

Thar'sis. 

The-ba'is. 

Thebes. 

The-o-do'si-us. 



The's-sa-lo-ni'ca. 

Thol'ar. 

Thu-rin'gi-a. 

Tl'ber. 

Ti'gris. 

Tim'o-thy. 

Ti'tus. 

To-bi'as. 

Tot'i-la, 

Tro'as. 

Tyre. 

U-ri'as. 

Van'dals. 
Vi-co-va'ro. 



Vic'tor E-man'u-el. 
Vir-gil'i-us. 
Vi§'i-goths. 
Voltaire' (-ter). 

Wa-ter-lob'. 

West-pha'li-a. 

Wit'ten-berg. 

Wyc'liffe. 

Za-eh-a-ri'as. 

Za-eh'a-ry. 

Za -ehe'us. 

Ze-lo'te§. 

Zo-rob'a-bel. 

Zwingli (tswinglee). 



CONTENTS. 



HISTORY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. 



AGE I. 



EARLY HISTORY: FROM ADAM TO ABRAHAM. 

CHAP. PAGE 

5. Cain and Abel 12 

6. The Deluge 13 

7. The Sacrifice of Noe 15 

8. The Sons of Noe.— The Tower of 
Babel 16 

The Early Patriarchs 18 



CHAP. PAGE 

1. The Creation of the World 7 

2. The Happiness of Adam and Eve 

in Paradise 8 

3. The Angels and the Fall of our 

First Parents 9 

4. The Punishment of Sin and the 

Promise of a Redeemer 11 



AGE II 



THE ELECTION OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL: 
FROM ABRAHAM TO MOSES. 



9. The Call of Abraham 18 

10. The Virtues of Abraham 19 

11. Abraham's Hospitality 20 

12. Abraham's Spirit of Self-sacri- 

fice 22 

13. Isaac Marries Rebecca 24 

14. Esau and Jacob 26 

15. Jacob's Flight and Sojourn with 

Laban 28 

16. Jacob's Return 29 

17. Joseph in his Father's House. ... 30 

18. Joseph Sold into Egypt 31 



19. Joseph in the House of Puti- 

phar 32 

20. Joseph in Prison 33 

21. Joseph's Greatness 34 

22. Joseph's Brethren go into Egypt 36 

23. Benjamin Goes Down to Egypt . . 37 

24. Joseph's Silver Cup 38 

25. Jacob Goes Down to Egypt 39 

26. The Death of Jacob and Jo- 

seph 41 

27. The Patience of Job 42 



AGE III 



THE WONDERFUL EDUCATION OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL: 
FROM MOSES TO DAVID. 



28. The Birth of Moses 45 

29. The Call of Moses 46 

30. The Ten Plagues of Egypt 48 



315 



31. The Death of the First-born.— 
The Paschal Lamb.— The De- 
parture from Egypt 49 



316 



CONTENTS. 



CHAP. PAGE 

32. The Passage of the Red Sea 50 

33. The Quails, the Manna, and the 

Water in the Desert 52 

34. The Ten Commandments 53 

35. The Golden Caif 55 

36. The Ordinances for the Worship 

of God 57 

37. The False Messengers.— The Mur- 

murs of the People. — God's 
Chastisements 60 

38. Core, Dathan, and Abiron 61 

39. The Hesitation of Moses and the 

Brazen Serpent 62 



CHAP. PAGE 

40. The Death of Moses 63 

41. The Israelites enter the Promised 

Land. 64 

42. The Judges 65 

43. The Pious Ruth 67 

44. The Sons of Heli 68 

45. Saul, the First King 70 

46. David 71 

47. David and Goliath 72 

48. Jonathan's Love and Saul's 

Hatred for David 74 

49. David's Generosity to Saul.— • 

Saul's Death 75 



AGE IV. 

THE GRANDEUR OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL! FROM DAVID 
TO THE DIVISION OF THE KINGDOM UNDER ROBOAM. 



50. The Great and Pious King David 76 

51. The Revolt and Chastisement of 

Absalom 78 

52. The Last Days of David 81 

53. The Wisdom of Solomon 81 



54. The Building and Dedication of 

the Temple of Jerusalem 83 

55. The Magnificence of Solomon.— 

His End 84 

56. The Division of the Kingdom 85 



AGE V. 

THE DECLINE OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL: 
FROM ROBOAM TO JESUS CHRIST. 



PART FIRST. 

THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL TO ITS DESTRUCTION BY THE KINGS 
OF ASSYRIA. 



57. A General View 87 

58. God Sends the Prophet Elias 88 

59. Elias and the Priests of Baal 89 

60. The Vineyard of Naboth 91 

61. The Prophet Eliseus 92 

62. Jonas the Prophet 94 

63. The End of the Kingdom of Is- 

rael 96 



64. The Old Tobias 96 

65. The Counsels of Tobias to his 

Son 97 

66 The Journey of the Young 

Tobias 98 

67. The Return of Tobias 99 



CONTENTS. 



317 



PART SECOND. 



THE KINGDOM OF JUDA TO THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST 



CHAP. PAGE 

68. A Summary of the Principal 

Events 100 

69. The Kings of Juda from Roboam 

to Ezechias 101 

70. The Pious King Ezechias 102 

71. The Kings Immediately Preced- 

ing the Babylonish Captivity.. 103 

72. The Prophets 104 

73. The Captivity of Babylon 105 

74. Daniel and the Three Young 

Men 106 

75. Daniel Saves Susanna 107 

76. The Three Young Men in the 

Fiery Furnace 108 



CHAP. PAGE? 

77. Daniel and King Baltassar 110 

78. Daniel and the Idol Bel 1 10 

79. Daniel in the Lions' Den Ill 

80. The Jews Return from Captivity 113; 

81. The Prophets after the Captivity 114 

82. Esther 115 

83. Judith 118 

84. Eleazar the Martyr 120- 

85. The Martyrdom of the Seven 

Machabees 120* 

86. Mathathias and Judas Macha- 

beus 122r 

87. From the Machabees to Jesus 

Christ 125* 



HISTORY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 



PART FIRST. 



HISTORY OF JESUS CHRIST. 



1. The Birth of John the Baptist 

Announced 127 

2. The Birth of Jesus Announced. .. 128 

3. Mary Visits Elizabeth 130 

4. The Birth of Jobn the Baptist. ... 131 

5. The Birth of Jesus Christ 132 



6. The Shepherds 132? 

7. The Kings from the East 134 

8. Jesus Presented in the Temple . . 135 

9. The Flight into Egypt 136 

10. The Child Jesus in the Temple... 138 



THE PUBLIC LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST. 



11. The Preaching of John the Bap- 

tist 139 

12. Jesus is Baptized and Tempted. . 140 

13. Jesus the Lamb of God 142 



14. The First Disciples of Jesus 

Christ 142 

15. The Marriage at Cana 143- 



318 



CONTENTS. 



THE FIRST YEAR OF CHRIST S PUBLIC MINISTRY. 



-CHAP. PAGE 

16. Christ's Zeal for the Sanctity of 

the Temple 144 

17. Nicodemus comes to see Jesus.. . 145 

18. Jesus at the Well of Jacob 146 

19. Jesus Preaches at Nazareth 147 

20. The Miracles of Jesus at Caphar- 

naum 148 

21. The Miraculous Draught of 

Fishes 149 



CHAP. PAGE 

22. The Paralytic 150 

23. The Sermon on the Mountain 151 

24. The Leper.— The Centurion's Ser- 

vant 154 

25. The Widow's Son of Nairn 155 

26. Mary Magdalene 156 

27. The Messengers of John the Bap- 

tist 157 



THE SECOND YEAR OF CHRIST 'S PUBLIC MINISTRY. 



28. Jesus Cures a Man who had been 

Sick Thirty-eight Years 157 

29. The Seven Parables of the King- 

dom of God ... 159 

30. The Tempest Calmed . . 162 

31. The Daughter of Jairus 163 

32. Jesus Chooses His Apostles 164 

33. John the Baptist Beheaded 165 

34. The Miracle of the Loaves and 

Fishes 166 

35. The Promise of the Blessed Sac- 

rament 167 

36. The Woman of Chanaan 168 

37. The Primacy Conferred on Peter 169 

38. The Transfiguration 170 

39. Jesus the Friend of Children.— 

Scandal 171 

40. The Pardon of Injuries.— The Un- 

forgiving Servant 172 

41. The Power of the Keys gi^en to 

the Apostles . . . 173 

42. The Parable of the Good Samar- 

itan 173 

43. Mary and Martha 174 

44. The Lord's Prayer 175 



The Lost Sheep and the Good 

Shepherd 176 

The Prodigal Child 177 

The Rich Man and Lazarus 178 

The Cure of the Man Born Blind 180 

The Ten Lepers 181 

The Publican and the Pharisee . . 182 

The Rich Young Man 183 

The Laborers in the Vineyard ... 184 

The Resurrection of Lazarus 185 

The Jews Seek to Kill Jesus 186 

Zacheus, the Chief of the Publi- 
cans 187 

Mary Magdalene Anoints Jesus. . 188 
Christ's Triumphal Entry into 

Jerusalem ....189 

The Parable of the Marriage 

Feast 190 

The Tribute to Caesar..... 191 

Christ Foretells the Destruction 
of Jerusalem and the End of 

the World 192 

The Parable of the Five Wise and 

the Five Foolish Virgins 193 

The Parable of the Talents 194 

The Last Judgment 195 



THE PASSION AND DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST. 



64. The Paschal Lamb 196 

65. The Washing of Feet 196 

66. Christ Institutes the Blessed Sac- 

rament 197 



67. Jesus Foretells the Treason of 

Judas and the Denial of Peter. 198 

68. Christ's Last Discourse to His 

Apostles 199 



CONTENTS. 



319 



CHAP. PAGE 

69. Jesus in the Garden of Geth- 

semani 200 

70. Jesus Delivered up to His Ene- 

mies 201 

71. Jesus before the High Priest 202 

72. Peter Denies Jesus 203 

73. The Despair of Judas 205 

74. Jesus Insulted 205 

75. Jesus before Pilate and Herod... 205 

76. Jesus and Barabbas .. 207 



CHAP. PAGE 

77. Jesus is Scourged and Crowned 

with Thorns 207 

78. Jesus is Condemned to Death. ... 207 

79. The Journey to Calvary.. 209 

80. Jesus is Nailed to the Cross 211 

81. Jesus on the Cross. ... 211 

82. Mary at the Foot of the Cross . . 212 

83. Jesus Dies upon the Cross 212 

84. Jesus is Laid in the Tomb 213 



THE GLORIOUS LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST. 



85. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 215 

86. Jesus Appears to Mary Magda- 

lene 217 

87. The Resurrection of Jesus An- 

nounced to the Chief Priests. . . 218 

88. Jesus Appears to Two Disciples 

while they were Going to Em- 
maus 218 

89. Jesus Appears to the Apostles. . . 220 



90. Jesus Institutes the Sacrament of 

Penance . . 220 

91. Jesus and St. Thomas 221 

92. Peter is Appointed Chief Pastor. 222 

93. The Promise of the Holy Ghost.. 223 

94. Christ's Last Commission to His 

Apostles.— His Ascension. 223 

95. An Observation 225 



PART SECOND. 



THE HISTORY OF THE APOSTLES. 



96. A Preliminary Remark 225 

97. The Election of the Apostle 

Matthias 225 

98. The Descent of the Holy Ghost. 226 

99. Peter Cures the Lame Man.. . . 228 

100. Peter and John before the Great 

Council 229 

101. The Lives of the First Chris- 

tians 230 

102. Ananias and Saphira 230 

103. The Apostles are thrown into 

Prison 231 

104. Stephen the Deacon.— The First 

Martyr 232 

105. Confirmation.— The Baptism of 

the Ethiopian 234 



106. The Conversion of St. Paul 236 

107. Peter Visits the different 

Churches in Judea.— Corne- 
lius is Baptized 237 

108. Peter Cast into Prison 239 

109. St. Paul's First Apostolic Jour- 

ney 241 

110. The Council of Jerusalem 242 

111. The Second Voyage of St. Paul. 244 

112. St. Paul's Third Voyage 247 

113. The Imprisonment and Death of 

St. Paul 249 

114. The Other Apostles 250 

115. Conclusion 251 



320 



CONTENTS. 



CHURCH HISTORY. 



FIRST PERIOD. 



FROM THE BIRTH OF CHRIST TO THE FALL OF ROME. 



CHAP- PAGE 

1. The Beginning of the Church. ... 253 

2. The Apostles 254 

3. The Spread of Christianity 256 

4. The Persecutions of the Church. — 

The Jews 258 

5. Roman Persecutions 259 

6. Heresies 260 



CHAP. PAGE 

7. Heresies. Concluded 262 

8. Fall of the Roman Empire 263 

9. Rome Destroyed 264 

10. The Christian Apologists 266 

11. The Doctors and Fathers of the 

Church 267 



SECOND PERIOD. 

FROM THE FALL OF ROME TO THE PROTESTANT 
REFORMATION. 



12. The Conversion of the Barbar- 

ians.... 269 

13. The Conversion of Ireland and 

Scotland 271 

14. The Conversion of England and 

Germany 273 

15. Religious Orders— East 275 

16. Religious Orders— West 276 

17. Religious Orders. Concluded... 277 



18. Mohammedanism 278 

19. Temporal Power of the Popes. . . 280 

20. The Crusades 281 

21. The Crusades. Concluded 283 

22. Science and Literature during 

the Middle Ages 284 

23. The Monks and Literature 285 

24. Discoveries and Inventions of 

Catholics 287 



THIRD PERIOD. 



FROM THE REFORMATION TO THE PRESENT TIME. 



25. Causes of the Reformation 289 

26. Luther 291 

27. Calvin and Knox 292 

28. The Protestant Reformation in 

England 293 



29. The Church in Asia and America 295 

30. Religious Wars in Europe 297 

31. Results of the Teachings of the 

Reformation 299 

32. General Conclusion 300 



Appendix:— The Feasts of the Church . 303 



; 



D e 



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