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SCRIPTURE CATECHISM,
INSTRUCTION
CHILDREN AND SERVANTS.
REV. R. RYLAND.
RICHMOND:
HARROLD & MURRAY.
184S.
Robert W. Woodruff
Library
Gift of
Randall K. Burkett
special collections
emory university
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM,
FOR THE
INSTRUCTION
OF
CHILDREN AND SERVANTS.
BY
REV. R. RYLAND.
RICHMOND:
HARROLD & MURRAY
1848.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S48, by
Harrold & Murray,
in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States,
for the Eastern District of Virginia.
King & Baixd, Printers, Philadelphia,
PREFACE.
Although the following pages were prepared with
reference to the oral instruction of the coloured peo¬
ple of the South, they will be found equally well
adapted to the instruction of children in families,
sabbath schools, and bible classes. They are re¬
spectfully recommended to heads of families, teach¬
ers and superintendents of sabbath schools, by the
Publishers.
Richmond, May, 1848.
CONTENTS.
Lesson
Page
I.
A Divine Revelation, ....
13
II.
God, a Spirit ever present, and all-
19
knowing, .....
nr.
God, all powerful, ....
22
IV.
God, eternal,
24
V.
God, unchangeable, ....
25
VI.
The Truth and Justice of God, .
26
VII.
The Goodness and Mercy of God,
28
VIII.
The Holiness of God, ....
31
IX.
The Unity of God, *
32
X.
God, the Father, Son and Spirit, .
33
XI.
God the Creator,
36
XII.
The Providence of God,
37
XIII.
Angels,
40
XIV.
Satan,
42
XV.
Man,
44
XVI.
The Fall of Man,
46
XVII.
The Depravity of Man,
48
XVIII.
The Law of God, ....
50
XIX.
The Saviour,
52
XX.
Proofs of his Messiahship, . .
54
XXI.
Proofs, continued, ....
57
XXII.
Deity of Christ,
60
XXIII.
Humanity of Christ, ....
62
XXIV.
The Death of Christ, an Atonement, .
64
XXV.
The Atonement, continued,
67
XXVI.
The Resurrection of Christ,
70
XXVII.
The Exaltation and Intercession of
Christ,
72
XXVIII.
Repentance,
75
XXIX.
Faith,
78
XXX.
Justification,
81
XXXI.
Adoption, ......
83
XXXII.
Salification,
85
XXXIII.
Persewrance,
88
vi
CONTENTS.
Lesson
XXXIV.
The Holy Spirit in Regeneration,
XXXV.
The Divine Purposes,
XXXVI.
Death,
XXXVII.
The Resurrection, .
XXXVIII.
The Judgment,
XXXIX.
Heaven, .
XL
Hell,
XLI
The Church,
XLII.
The Ministry,
XLIII.
The Deacons, .....
[ XLIV.
Baptism, ......
XLV.
The Lord's Supper, ....
XLVI.
Church Discipline, ...»
XLVII.
Christian Deportment, ....
XLVI1I.
Relative Duties, Husbands and Wives,
XLIX.
Parents and Children, .
L.
Masters and Servants, ....
Civil Authorities, ....
LI.
Prayer,
LII.
The spread of the Gospel,
Page
90
94
97
99
101
105
108
110
114
117
119
124
128
131
134
136
139
140
141
144
THE COMMANDMENTS.
1. Which is the first commandment ?
A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have
no other gods before me.
2. Which is the second commandment ?
A. The second commandment is, Thou shalt
not make unto thee any graven image, or any
likeness of any thing that is in heaven above or
that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water
under the earth : Thou shalt not bow down thy¬
self to them, nor serve them : for I the Lord thy
God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of
the fathers upon the children unto the third and
fourth generation of them that hate me; and
showing mercy unto thousands of them that love
me and keep my commandments.
3. Which is the third commandment ?
A. The third commandment is, Thou shalt not
take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for
the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh
his name in vain.
4. Which is the fourth commandment ?
A. The fourth commandment is, Remember
the sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt
thou labour, and do all thy work; but the seventh
viii the commandments.
day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it
thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son,
nor thy daughter, nor thy man-servant, nor thy
maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that
is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord
made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in
them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore
the Lord blessed the sabbath-day and hallowed it.
5. Which is the fifth commandment ?
A. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy
father and thy mother, that thy days may be long
upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth
thee.
6. Which is the sixth commandment 1
A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt
not kill.
7. Which is the seventh commandment ?
A. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt
not commit adultery.
8. Which is the eighth commandment 7
A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt
not steal.
9. Which is the ninth commandment 1
A. The ninth commandment is, Thou shalt
not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
10. Which is the tenth commandment ?
A. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt
not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not
covet thy neighbour's wile, nor his man-servant,
nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor
any thing that is thy neighbour's.
THE
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
LESSON I.
A DIVINE REVELATION.
1. Question. Is the belief of a God the first step
necessary for us to be religious?—Answer. Yes:
He that cometh to God must believe that he is,
and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently
seek him. Heb. xi. 6.
2. Has God revealed himself to mankind ?—
A. Yes: That which may be known of God is
manifest unto them; for God hath showed it unto
them. Rom. i. 19.
3. Do his visible works prove his existence ?—
A. Yes: For since the creation of the world, the
invisible things of him, even his eternal power
and Godhead are clearly seen, being understood
by the things that are made, so that they (the
heathen) are without excuse.
4. Do his dealings with us make him known ?—
A. Yes: He left not himself without witness, in
that he did good and gave us rain from heaven,
and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food
and gladness. Acts xiv. 17.
5. Must every thing in nature have sprung
B
14
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
from some being?—A. Yes: for every house is
builded by some man; but he that built all things
is God. Heb. iii. 4.
6. Have all men these proofs of a God?—
A. Yes: The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the firmament shovveth his handy work. Day
unto day uttereth speech, night unto night showeth
knowledge. There is no speech nor language
where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone
out through all the earth, and their words to the
end of the world. Psal. xix. 2—4.
7. Was this revelation through his works suf¬
ficient to teach man the saving knowledge of
God?—A. No: The world by wisdom knew
not God. 1 Cor. i. 21.
8. Have we then any other source of informa¬
tion?—A. Yes: We have also a more sure word
of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take
heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place.
2 Pet. i. 19.
9. Did this revelation come from human wis¬
dom?—A. No: The prophecy came not in old
time by the will of men; but holy men of God
spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Pet. i. 21.
10. Has God given us any later message?—
A. Yes: God, who at sundry times and in divers
manners spake in times past unto the fathers by
the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto
us by his Son. Heb. i. 1,2.
11. Did the Son of God send out any of his
disciples to teach mankind?—A. Yes: As thou
hast sent me into the world, even so have I also
sent them into the world. John xvii. 18
DIVINE REVELATION.
15
12. Had they been constantly with him to see
and hear what they taught?—A. Yes: Even as
they delivered them to us who were from the be¬
ginning eye-witnesses and ministers of the word.
Luke i. 2.—Or, Ye are they that have continued
with me in my temptations. Luke xxii. 28.—
Or, Ye also shall bear witness, because ye have
been with me from the beginning. John xv.
27.
13. Did they say that they saw and heard these
things ?—A. Yes. That which we have seen and
heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have
fellowship with us. 1 John i. 3.
14. Did he guard them against the possibility
of error?—A. Yes: For it is not ye that speak,
but the spirit of your Father which speaketh in
you. Matt. x. 20, or Mark xiii. 11.
15. As Paul is one of the witnesses, and as he
was not converted till after the departure of Jesus,
did he have an equal opportunity to learn the
truth?—A. Yes: And Ananias said, Brother
Saul, the Lord, even Jesus that appeared unto
thee in the way as thou earnest, hath sent me that
thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with
the Holy Ghost. Acts ix. 17. (Recite the his¬
tory of Paul.)
16. Did Paul give the same account of the ori¬
gin of his knowledge?—A. Yes: But I certify
you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached
of me is not after man. For I neither received
it of man, neither was I taught it but by the reve¬
lation of Jesus Christ. Gal. i. 11, 12.
17. Did God signally confirm their teaching?—
16
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
A. Yes: God also bearing them witness, both
with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles,
and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own
will. Heb. ii. 4.
18. Did the first Christians regard this teach¬
ing as of divine authority?—A. Yes: For this
cause also thank we God without ceasing, be¬
cause, when ye received the word of God which
ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of
men, but, (as it is in truth,) the word of God
which effectually worketh also in you that be¬
lieve. 1 Thess. ii. 13.
19. Did these witnesses teach by writing as
well as by mouth?—A. Yes: And many other
signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his dis¬
ciples, which are not written in this book;
but these are written, that ye might believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and
that believing ye might have life through his
name. John xx. 30, 31. Also, 1 Cor. v. 9. 2
Cor. ii. 3, 4.
20. Do you think they were instructed to com¬
mit these things to writing ?—A. Yes: What thou
seest write in a book, and send it unto the seven
churches which are in Asia. Rev. i. 11.
21. Were the authors solicitous to have these
letters publicly read?—A. Yes: I charge you
by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the
holy brethren. 1 Thes. v. 27.
22. Is it likely that it was the custom to read
all these writings publicly?—A. Yes: And when
this epistle is read among you, cause that it be
read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and
divine revelation.
17
that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.*
Col. iv. 16.
23. Was this true of the former revelation?—
A. Yes: For Moses of old time hath in every
city them that preach him, being read in the syna¬
gogues every sabbath day. Acts xv. 21.
24. Did the authors claim any authority for
them?—A. Yes: And if any man obey not our
word by this epistle, note that man, and have no
company with him, that he may be ashamed.
2 Thes. iii. 14.
25. Did they speak with respect of each other's
writings 1—A. Yes: Even as our beloved brother
Paul also, according to the wisdom given unto
him, hath written unto you. As also in all his
epistles speaking in them of these things, in which
are some things hard to be understood, which
they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as
they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own
destruction. 2 Pet. iii. 15, 16.
26. Are these writings, then, of divine autho¬
rity, and of great value?—A. Yes: All scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for in¬
struction in righteousness, that the man of God
may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all
good works. 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17.
27. Are they a sufficient rule of faith and prac-
* Dr. M'Knight thinks, " the Epistle from Laodicea" is
that which is inscribed to the Ephesians, and that Paul
sent the Ephesians word to send a copy of it to the Laodi-
ceans, with an order to them to communicate it to the Co-
lossians.
b*
IS
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
tice?—A. Yes: And that from a child thou hast
known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make
thee wise unto salvation, through faith, which is
in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. iii. 15.—The law of the
Lord is perfect, converting the soul. Ps, xix. 7.
2S. Should all doctrines be tried by this
standard?—A. Yes: To the law and to the tes¬
timony. If they speak not according to this
word, it is because there is no light in them. Isa.
viii. 20.
29. Is there ever to be any other revelation of
the divine will?—A. No:^As we said before, so
say I now again, if any man preach any other gos¬
pel unto you than that ye have received, let him
be accursed. Gal. i. 9.
30. Is it dangerous to increase or diminish it?
—A. Yes: For I testify unto every man that
heareth the words of the prophecy of this book,
If any man shall add unto these things, God shall
add unto him the plagues that are written in this
book. Rev. xxii. 18.
31. Do unwritten traditions increase the value
of this revelation ?—A. No: Thus have ye made
the commandment of God of none effect by your
tradition. Matt. xv. 6.
32. Does the authority of the church add any
weight to this rule of faith ?—A. No: That your
faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but
in the power of God. 1 Cor. ii. 5.
33. Is it well to read or hear the word of
God?—A. Yes: Blessed is he that readeth, and
they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep
those things that are written therein. Rev. i. 3.
CHARACTER OF GOD.
19
LESSON II.
GOD A SPIRIT EVER-PKESENT AND ALL-KNOWING.
1. Question. As the Divine Being is the great
object revealed in the Bible, let us learn some¬
thing of his character. Is God then a spirit?—
Answer. Yes: God is a spirit, and they that wor¬
ship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John iv. 24.
2. Does a spirit resemble a body as to its pro¬
perties?—A. No: Handle me and see; for a
spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me have.
Luke xxiv. 39.
3. Is He visible to our eyes?—A. No: No man
hath seen God at any time. John i. 18: also,
Deut. iv. 12—15.
4. Can he then be likened to, or represented
by any thing?—A. No: To whom then will ye
liken God? or what likeness will ye compare
unto Him? Isa. xl. 18—25.
5. Is God everywhere at the same time?—A.
Yes: Whither shall I go from thy spirit ? or
whither shall I flee from thy presence ? If I as¬
cend up into heaven, thou art there : if I make
my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take
the wings of the morning, and dwell in the utter¬
most parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand
lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Ps.
cxxxix. 7—10.
6. Does He then know all things?—A. Yes:
His understanding is infinite. Ps. cxlvii. 5.
7. Is He acquainted with all our conduct?—
•20
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
A. Yes: For the ways of man are before the
eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings.
Prov. v. 21.
8. Should this truth comfort the righteous?—
A. Yes: For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth to show himself strong
in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect to¬
ward him. 2 Chron. xvi. 9.
9. Can the wicked hide themselves from Him?
—A. No: There is no darkness nor shadow of
death where the workers of iniquity may hide
themselves. Job xxxiv. 22.
10. Does he know all our words?—A. Yes:
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O
Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Ps. cxxxix. 4.
11. Does He know our secret thoughts?—A.
Yes: thou understandest my thoughts afar off.
Ps. cxxxix. 2.
12. Is He then the searcher of hearts?—A.
Yes: For the Lord searcheth all hearts, and un-
derstandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts.
1 Chron. xxviii. 9.
13. Was this knowledge derived from any other
being?—A. No: Who hath directed the spirit
of the Lord, or being his counsellor hath taught
him? With whom took he counsel, awho in¬
structed him, and taught him in the path of judg¬
ment, and taught him knowledge, and showed to
him the way of understanding? Is. xl. 13,14.
14. Does all human wisdom come from Him?
—A. Yes: He giveth wisdom unto the wise,, and
knowledge to them- that know understanding.
GOD ALL-POWERFUL.
21
He revealeth the deep and secret things. Dan. ii.
21, 22.
15. Should we therefore seek wisdom of Him ?
—A. Yes: If any of you lack wisdom, let him
ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and
upbraideth not, and it shall be given him. James
i. 5.
16. Has God always had this knowledge ?—
A. Yes: Known unto God are all his works from
the beginning of the world. Acts xv. 18.
17. Has He by His knowledge foretold many
great events?—A. Yes: I am God, and there is
none like me, declaring the end from the begin¬
ning, and from ancient times the things that are
not yet done. Isa. xlv. 9, 10.
18. Is the gospel of Jesus Christ designed to
show the wisdom of God?—A. Yes: To the in¬
tent that now unto the principalities and powers
in heavenly places, might be known by the
church the manifold wisdom of God. Eph. iii. 10.
19. Should this subject excite our adoring
wonder?—A. Yes: O the depth of the riches,
both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgments, and his
ways, past finding out! For who hath known the
mind of the Lord? or who hath been his coun¬
sellor ? or who hath first given to him, and it shall
be recompensed unto him again ? For of him, and
through him, and to him are all things: to whom
be glory for ever. Amen. Rom. xi. 33—36.
22
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
LESSON III.
GOD ALL-POWERFUL.
1. Question. We have seen that God is an
ever present, all knowing, spirit. Is he a being
of great power?—Answer. Yes: Power belongeth
unto God. Ps. lxii. 11.
2. Is the creation of the world a proof of his
power?—A. Yes: Behold thou hast made the
heaven and the earth by thy great power and
stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard
for thee. Jer. xxxii. 17.
3. Did God make the world as man forms any
thing, by using instruments, and by repeated
strokes?—A. No: He spake, and it was done;
he commanded and it stood fast. Ps. xxxiii. 9.
4. Does he preserve the universe in the same
manner?—A. Yes: But the heavens and the
earth which are now, by the same word are kept
in store, reserved unto fire against the day of
judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 2 Pet.
iii. 7.
5. Can he do all things with great ease?—A.
Yes: He taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
Isa. xl. 28.
6. Does he become tired by exertion ?—A. No:
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that
the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the
ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary ?
Is. xl. 28.
7. Can any being resist his power?—A. No :
He doeth according to his will in the army of
GOD ALL-POWERFUL.
23
heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth,
and none can stay his hand, or say unto him,
What doest thou ? Dan. iv. 35.
8. Can he control the hearts of men?—A. Yes:
The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; as
the rivers of water he turneth it whithersoever he
will. Prov. xxi. I.
9. Will his power enforce his authority ?—A.
Yes: There is one lawgiver who is able to save
and to destroy. James iv. 12.
10. Does it afford consolation to his people in
times of danger?—A. Yes: The Lord's hand is
not shortened that it cannot save. Isa. lix. 1: or,
The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the
righteous runneth into it and is safe. Prov.
xviii. 10.
11. Does it invite their strong confidence in
regard to the future?—A. Yes: For I know
whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he
is able to keep that which I have committed unto
him against that day. 2 Tim. i. 12.
12. Should God's power be a terror to evil
doers?—A. Yes: But rather fear him which is
able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Matt,
x. 28.
13. When we say all things are possible to
God, do we mean that he can do wrong ?—A. No:
It is impossible for God to lie. Heb. vi. 18.—He
can ont deny himself.* 2 Tim. ii. 13.
* The Bible uses the language of confidence. When it
speaka of the divine omnipotence, it is of coarse to be un¬
derstood as not embracing things base, or things absurd.
24
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
14. Is his power a motive to holiness?—A.
Yes: I am the Almighty God; walk before me,
and be thou perfect. Gen. xvii. 1.
LESSON IV.
GOD ETERNAL.
1. Question. Was there ever a period when
God did not exist?—Answer. No: Before the
mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst
formed the earth and the world, even from ever¬
lasting to everlasting thou art God. Ps. xc. 2.
2. Did any being exist before him?—A. No:
I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me
there is no God.
3. Will he ever cease to be ?—A. No: For I
lift up my hand to heaven and say, I live for ever.
Deut. xxxii. 40.
4. Did He obtain his existence from another?
—A. No: The Father hath life in himself. John
v. 26.
5. Is He the only eternal Being?—A. Yes:
Who only hath immortality. I Tim. vi. 16.
6. Will his government be eternal?—A. Yes:
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his
dominion is from generation to generation. Dan.
iv. 3.
7. Is this perfection of God humbling to
man?—A. Yes: Where wast thou when I laid
the foundations of the earth? Job xxxviii. 4.
8. Is it full of comfort to his people ?—A. Yes:
GOD UNCHANGEABLE.
25
The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath
are the everlasting arms. Deut. xxxiii. 27.
9. Is it glorious to himself?—Yes: Now unto
the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only
wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever.
Amen. 1 Tim. i. 17.
LESSON V.
GOD UNCHANGEABLE.
1. Question. Is the Divine Being the same
now that he has ever been?—Answer. Yes: But
thou art the same, and thy years shall have no
end. Ps. cii. 27.
2. Will he always be the same that he now is?
—A. Yes: Every good gift, and every perfect
gift is from above, and cometh down from the
Father of lights, with whom there is no variable¬
ness, neither shadow of turning. James i. 17.
3. Is God unchangeable in his nature?—A.
Yes: But he is in one mind, and who can turn
him ? And what his soul desireth, even that he
doeth. Job xxiii. 13.
4. Is He unchangeable in his will?—A. Yes:
My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my plea¬
sure. Isa. xxvi. 10.
5. And in his love?—A. Yes: I have loved
thee with an everlasting love: therefore with
loving-kindness have I drawn thee. Jer. xxxi. 3.
6. And in his special favours?—A. Yes: For
c
26
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
the gifts and calling of God are without repent¬
ance. Rom. xi. 29.
7. Is it well for us that He is immutable?—
Yes: For I am the Lord; I change not; there¬
fore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Mai.
iii. 6.
8. Should this quality in the Creator prompt
Christians to be steadfast?—A. Yes: Let us hold
fast the profession of our faith without wavering;
for he is faithful that promised. Heb. x. 23.
9. Should it yield them consolation?—A. Yes:
Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show
unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his
counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two im¬
mutable things, in which it was impossible for
God to lie, we might have a strong consolation,
who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope
set befoie us. Heb. vi. 17,18.
LESSON VI.
THE TRUTH AND JUSTICE OF GOD.
1. Question. Is the Divine Being a God of
truth?—Answer. Yes: The Lord is a God of truth,
and without iniquity: just and right is he. Deut.
xxxii. 4.
2. Is He unchangeable in his truth ?—A. Yes:
The truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Ps.
cxvii. 2.
3. Should we therefore believe God ?—A. Yes:
TRUTH AND JUSTICE OP GOD. 27
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of
God is greater. 1 John v. 9.
4. Though we believe not, does God continue
faithful ?—A. Yes: For what if some did not be¬
lieve? shall their unbelief make the faith of God
without effect? God forbid. Rom. iii. 3.
5. Should we then believe Him rather than
man ?—A. Yes: Let God be true, but every man
a liar. Rom. iii. 4.
6. Will every part of his word prove true?—
A. Yes: And it is easier for heaven and earth to
pass, than for one tittle of the law to fail. Luke
xvi. 17.
7. Is the Lord also a just God?—A. Yes:
Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy
judgments. Ps. cxix. 137.
8. Are all his dealings with man just?—Yes:
The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy
in all his works. Ps. xlv, 17.
9. Is he just in inflicting calamities on us?—
A. Yes: O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto
thee, but unto us confusion of face. Dan. ix. 7.
10. Does He forbid all acts of injustice?—A.
Yes: See that no man go beyond and defraud
his brother in any matter: for the Lord is the
avenger of all such. 1 Thes. iv. 6.
11. Has God appointed a day in which he will'
judge the conduct of men?—A. Yes: He hath
appointed a day in the which he will judge the
world in righteousness by that man whom he hath
ordaineds Acts xvii. 31.
12. Is the attribute of justice necessary to Him
as the judge of all?—A. Yes: Is God unrighteous
28
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
who taketh vengeance ? (I speak as a man.) God
forbid: for then how shall God judge the world1?
Rom. iii. 5j 6.
13. Will the decisions of that day be accord¬
ing to our deeds?—A. Yes: And I saw the dead,
small and great, stand before God: and the books
were opened: and another book was opened,
which was the book of life: and the dead were
judged out of those things which were written in
the books, according to their works. Rev. xx. 12.
14. Wiil not God then reward good men for
all their services?—A. Yes: For God is not un¬
righteous, to forget your work and labour of love
which ye have showed toward his name. Rom.
vi. 10. .
15. And also punish bad men for their mis¬
doings?—A. Yes: It is a righteous thing with
God to recompense tribulation to them that trou¬
ble you. 2 Thes. i. 6.
16. Does tRe gospel of Jesus Christ vindicate
the divine justice?—A. Yes: To declare, I say,
at this time his righteousness: that he might be
just, and the justifier of him which believeth in
Jesus. Rom. iii. 26.
LESSON VII.
THE GOODNESS AND MERCY OF GOD.
1. Question. Does God possess great good¬
ness?—Answer. Yes: God is love. 1 John iv. 8.
2. Does He give many proofs of His good-
GOODNESS AND MERCY OF GOD. 29
ness?—A. Yes: The earth is full of the good¬
ness of 4he Lord. Ps. xxxiii. 5.
3. Is He good to all His creatures ?—A. Yes:
The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies
are over all his works. Ps. cxlv. 9.
4. Is He good to the wicked?—A. Yes: For
he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the
good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the
unjust. Matt. v. 45.
5. Should His kindness excite our gratitude?—
A. Yes: Oh that men would praise the Lord for
his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the
children of men. Ps. cvii. 8.
6. Do the afflictions of life show that God is
unkind ?—A. No: For whom the Lord loveth he
chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he re-
ceiveth. Heb. xii. 6.
7. Is the gift of His Son the great proof of His
love?—A. Yes: But God commendeth his love
toward us in that, while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us. Rom. v. 8.
8. Should we then love our fellow creatures?—
A. Yes: If God hath so loved us, we ought also
to love one another. 1 John iv. 11.
9. Does love prove our piety ?—A. Yes: Every
one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1 John iv. 7.
10. Is hatred an evidence that we do not love
God?—A. Yes: If a man say, I love God, and
hateth his brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth
not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he
love God whom he hath not seen? 1 John iv. 20.
11. When goodness is shown to sinful beings,
c *
30
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
it is called mercy: is God a merciful being?—
A. Yes: The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. Ps. ciii. 8.
12. Is this mercy manifest in sparing our lives
notwithstanding our sins?—A. Yes: It is of the
Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, because
his compassions fail not. Lam. iii. 22.
13. Should we be merciful to our fellow crea¬
tures, as God is merciful to us?—A. Yes: Be
ye therefore merciful, even as your Father which
is in heaven is merciful. Luke vi. 36.
14. May we expect forgiveness without prac¬
tising it?—No: But if ye forgive not men their
trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you
your trespasses. Matt. vi. 15.
15. Ought we to be kind to the brutes?—A.
Yes: A righteous man regardeth the life of his
beast. Prov. xii. 10.
16 Is the doom of the cruel man terrible?—
Yes: he shall have judgment without mercy that
showeth no mercy. James ii. 13.
17. Does God exhibit his mercy to man mainly
through the Gospel?—A. Yes: That God was
in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them. 2 Cor. v. 19.
HOLINESS OF GOD.
31
LESSON VIII.
THE HOLINESS OF GOD.
1. Question. Is God a holy Being?—Answer.
Yes: The Lord our God is holy. Ps. xcix. 9.
2. Is he not supremely so?—A. Yes: There
is none holy as the Lord. 1 Sam. ii. 2.
3. Can he then do any wrong?—A. No: Far
be it from God, that he should do wickedness;
and from the Almighty, that he should commit
iniquity. Job xxxiv. 10.
4. Can he even be tempted to sin?—A. No:
For God cannot be tempted with evil, neither
tempteth he any man. James i. 13.
5. Is the holiness of any created being to be
compared to his?—A. No: And his angels he
charged with folly. Job iv. 18.
6. Does this attribute appear in the work of
Redemption?—A. Yes: Zion shall be redeemed
with judgment, and her converts with righteous¬
ness. Isa. i. 27.
7. Have the heathen been constrained to admit
this attribute?—A. Yes: I know that the spirit
of the holy gods is in thee. Dan. iv. 9.
8. Do the spirits above ascribe it to Him ?—
A. Yes: They rest not day and night, saying,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was,
and is, and is to come. Rev. iv. 8.
9. Should we imitate them herein?—A. Yes:
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within
me, bless his holy name. Ps. ciii. 1.
10. Doth not God require all his creatures to
3-2
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
be holy?—A. Yes: Because it is written, Be ye
holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter i. 16.
LESSON IX.
THE UNITY OP GOD.
1. Question. Are there more Gods than one?
■—Answer. To us there is but one God. 1 Cor.
viii. 6.
2. Are the gods of the heathen of any account?
■—A. No: The idols of the heathen are silver and
gold, the work of men's hands. Ps. cxxxv. 15.
3. Is it sinful to worship them?—A. Yes:
Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them.
1 Cor. x. 7.
4. Whom should we worship?—A. Worship
God. Rev. xxii. 9.
5. Is God alone to be worshiped?—A. Yes:
Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him
only shalt thou serve. Matt. iv. 10.
6. Is idolatry confined to image-worship?—A.
No: And covetousness, which is idolatry. Col.
iii. 5.
7. Is the God of the Bible then the only true
God?—A. Yes: This is life eternal, that they
might know thee the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom thou hast sent. John xvii. 3.
GOD, THE FATHER, SON AND SPIRIT.
33
LESSON X.
GOD, THE FATHER, SON AND SPIRIT.
1. Question. We have seen that there is but
one God. Does he reveal himself to us in three
persons?—Answer. Yes: There are three that
bear record in heaven: the Father, the Word,
and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
1 John v.
% Did any occasion ever occur on which the
three persons of the God-head were made mani¬
fest?—A. Yes: And Jesus, when he was bap¬
tized, went up straightway out of the water: and,
lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he
saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove,
and lighting upon him: and, lo, a voice from
heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom
I am well pleased. Matt. iii. 16, 17.
3. Does the law of Christian baptism recog¬
nize this doctrine?—A. Yes: Baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost. Matt, xxviii. 19.
4. Are Divine blessings sought from all three
persons in the God-head?—A. Yes: The grace
of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with
you all. Amen. 2 Gor. xiii. 14.
5. Has each of these a distinct place in the
work of man's salvation?—A. Yes: For through
him (Christ), we both (Jews and Gentiles), have
access by one Spirit unto the Father. Eph. ii. 18.
6. Is the Son called God?—A. Yes: Whose
34
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the
flesh Christ came, tvho is over all, God blessed,
forever. Amen. Rom. ix. 5.
7. Is the Spirit called God?—A. Yes: Ana¬
nias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to
the Holy Ghost? * * * * Thou hast not lied
unto men, but unto God. Acts v. 3, 4.
8. Is the Son called Jehovah?—A. Yes: And
this is the name whereby he shall be called:
The Lord (in the original Hebrew, Jehovah,) our
Righteousness.
9. Is the Spirit called Jehovah?—A. Yes:
They tempted the Lord (Hebrew, Jehovah,).
Exod. xvii. 7-. They vexed his Holy Spirit.
Isa. Ixiii. 10.
10. Is this name given to any but God?—A.
No: That men may know that thou, whose name
alone is Jehovah, art the Most High over all the
earth. Ps. lxxxiii. 18.
11. Is the Son eternal, as well as the Father?
—A. Yes: Before Abraham was, I am. John
viii. 58.
12. Is the Spirit eternal?—A. Yes: Christ—
through the eternal Spirit offered himself with¬
out spot to God. Heb. ix. 14.
13. Is the Son omnipresent?—-A. Yes: For
where two or three are gathered together in my
name, there am I in the midst of them. Matt,
xviii. 20.
14. Is the Spirit also?:—A. Yes: Whither
shall I go from thy Spirit? Ps. cxxxix, 7.
15. Is the Son omniscient?—A. Yes: Thou
knowest all things. John xxi. 17.
GOD, THE FATHER, SON AND SPIRIT. 35
16. And is the Spirit likewise?—A. Yes'
For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep
things of God. 1 Cor. ii. 10.
17. Is the work of Creation ascribed to the
Son?—A. Yes: All things were made by him,
and without him was not any thing made that
was made.
18. And to the Spirit?—A. Yes: The Spirit
of God hath made me. Job xxxiii. 4.
19. Is the Son the object of prayer?—A.
Yes: Lord Jesus receive my spirit. Acts vii. 59.
20. And the Spirit?—A. Yes: Grace and
peace be unto you—from the seven Spirits which
are before the throne.* Rev. i. 4.
21. As God is a jealous God, may we not
infer from the ascription of Divine names, and
offices, and honors to the Son and Spirit, that
they are equal to the Father?—A. Yes: I am
the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I
not give to another, neither my praise to graven
images. Isa. xlii. 8.
22. May it with any propriety be said that
there are three Gods?—A. No: Hear, O Israel:
the Lord our God is one Lord. Deut. vi. 4.
23. From the view thus given of three per¬
sons constituting the One Infinite God, may we
conclude that man cannot'fully comprehend his
nature?—A. Yes: Canst thou by searching find
out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty
unto perfection ? It is as high as heaven; what
canst thou do ? deeper than hell: what canst
* The Holy Spirit is so called, to denote the abun¬
dance and perfection of his gifts.
36
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
thou know? The measure thereof is longer
than the earth, and broader than the sea. Job
xi. 7—9.
24. Is the unity in the God-head a motive to
unity among the saints?—A. Yes: That they all
may be one; as thou,Father, art in me, and I in
thee, that they also may be one in us. John
xvii. 21.
LESSON XI.
GOD THE CREATOR.
1. Question. Did God make the world?—
Answer. Yes: In the beginning God created the
heaven and the earth. Gen. i. 1.
2. Did he simply speak all things into being ?
—A. Yes: And God said, let there be light:
and there was light. Gen. i. 3.
3. Did he form them out of nothing?—A.
Yes: Through faith we understand that the
worlds were framed by the word of God: so that
things which are seen were not made of things
which do appear. Heb. xi. 3.
4. How long was he employed in creating all
things?—A. In six days God made heaven and
earth, the sea, and all that in them is. Exod.
xx. 11.
5. What was the work of the sixth day ?—A.
On the sixth day God created man in his own
image. In the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them. Gen. i. 27.
PROVIDENCE.
37
6. Did he approve his works when they were
finished?—A. Yes: And God saw every thing
that he had made, and behold, it was very good.
Gen. i. 31.
7. For what purpose did God create the uni¬
verse?—A. Thou hast created all things, and for
thy pleasure they are and were created. Rev.
iv. 11.
8. Did God rest on the seventh day?—A.
Yes: On the seventh day God ended his work
which he had made; and he rested on the seventh
day from all the work which he had made. Gen.
ii. 2.
9. Does the word rest, then, here mean, to
cease?—A. Yes: For he that is entered into his
rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as
God did from his. Heb. iv. 10.
LESSON XII.
PROVIDENCE.
We have been studying the perfections of the
Deity, and have also learned that he created all
things. Let us now inquire into his providence
over his creatures. By this word we mean his
superintendence.
1. Question. Is his providence universal?—
Answer. Yes: His kingdom ruleth over all. Ps.
ciii. 19.
2. Does it extend to the brute creation ?—A.
Yes: These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest
D
38
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
give them their meat in due season. That thou
givest them they gather: thou openest thine
hand, they are filled with good. Ps. civ. 27, 28.
3. Does it extend to inanimate things'?—A.
Yes: He binds the sweet influences of the
Pleiades, and looses the bands of Orion. Job
xxxviii. 31.
4. Does God maintain the laws of nature ?—
A. Yes: He appointeth the moon for seasons:
the sun knoweth his going down. Ps. civ. 19.
5. But has he not sometimes suspended these
laws?—A. Yes: So the sun stood still in the
midst of heaven, and hastened not to go down
about a whole day. Joshua x. 13.
6. Does his providence have regard to the du¬
ration of our lives'?—A. Yes: Man's days are
determined, the number of his months are with
thee: thou hast appointed his bounds that he can
not pass. Job xiv. 5.
7. And to kingdoms and societies of men ?—
A. Yes: He changeth the times and the seasons:
he removeth kings, and setteth up kings. Dan.
ii. 21.
8. Does he take special care of some persons ?
—A. Yes: He is the Saviour of all men, espe¬
cially of those that believe. 1 Tim. iv. 10.
9. Does he control human actions ?—A. Yes:
A man's heart deviseth his way, but God direc-
teth his steps. Prov. xvi. 9.
10. Are we all dependent on His providence:
—A. Yes: For in him we live, and move, and
have our being. Acts xvii. 28.
11. Does it influence good men?—A. Yes:
PROVIDENCE.
39
The steps of a good man are ordered by the
Lord.
12. Does it extend to the evil actions of men?
—A. Yes: It was not you that sent me hither,
but God. Gen. xlv. 8. (Joseph speaking to his
brethren).
13. And can God bring good out of evil ?—
A. Yes: You thought evil against me, but God
meant it unto good. Gen. 1. 20.
14. Are God's providences often mysterious?
—A. Yes: His judgments are a great deep.
Ps. xxxvi. 6.
15. But are they harmonious?—A. Yes: All
things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his
purpose. Rom. viii. 28.
16. Does the providence of God extend to our
smallest affairs?—A. Yes: But the very hairs of
your head are all numbered. Matt. x. 30.
17. And to his meanest creatures?—A. Yes:
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and
one of them shall not fall to the ground with¬
out your Father. Matt. x. 29.
18. Does he direct their operations?—A.
Yes: The eagle mounteth up at his command,
and maketh her nest on high. Job xxxix. 27.
19. But can he also restrain those operations?
—A. Yes: My God hath sent his angel, and
hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not
hurt me. Dan. vi. 22.
20. Is God's providential government a motive
to trust and confidence?—A. Yes: Commit thy
40
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he
shall bring it to pass. Ps. xxxvii. 5.
21. And to silence and submission?—A.
Yes: Be still, and know that I am God. Ps.
xlvi. 10.
22. And to praise and thanksgiving?—A.
Yes: Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent
reigneth. Rev. xix. 6.
LESSON XIII.
ANGELS.
1. Question. We have seen that God is the
Creator of the world and all its inhabitants.
Were there any beings already in existence when
this world was formed?—Answer. Yes. Who
laid the corner stone of the earth, when the
morning stars sang together and all the sons of
God shouted for joy? Job xxxviii. 2. Were they
made holy?—A. Yes: They are called "holy
angels." Matt. xxv. 31.
2. These beings are usually called "angels"
or messengers; are they so called because they
are sent on errands from heaven to earth?—A.
Yes: Are they not all ministering spirits sent
forth to minister for those who shall be heirs of
salvation? Heb. i. 14.
3. Are other titles, expressive of different de¬
grees of dignity, sometimes given to them?—A.
Yes: For by Him were all things created, whether
they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities,
ANGELS.
41
or powers. Col. i. 16. (They are also called
seraphim, denoting their love or brightness, and
cherubim, denoting their might.)
4. Is it probable that one of these beings is
above all the others in rank?—A. Yes: Michael,
the arch-angel,* when contending with the devil
(he disputed about the body of Moses), durst
not bring against him a railing accusation, but
said, The Lord rebuke thee! Jud. ix. See
also, 1 Thes. iv. 16.
5. Are there many of these blessed beings ?—
A. Yes: But ye are come unto mount Sion, and
unto the city of the living God, the heavenly
Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of
angels. Heb. xii. 22; also, Dan. vii. 10; Rev.
v. 11.
6. Are they very powerful?—A. Yes: Bless
the Lord, ye his angels that excel in strength.
Psalm ciii. 20.
7. Can you give an example of their power in
the destruction of the wicked?—A. Yes: Then
the angel of the Lord went forth, and smote in
the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and eighty-
five thousand in one night. Isa. xxxvii. 36. See
also, Rev. xx. 1—3.
8. Do they take care of God's people?—A.
Yes: The angel of the Lord encampeth round
about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Ps. xxxiv. 7.
9. Are the redeemed destined in a future state
to become like angels?—A. Yes: Neither can
* Or, chief angel.
D *
42
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
they die any more: for they are equal unto the
angels; and are the children of God, being the
children of the resurrection. Luke xx. 34.
LESSON XIV.
SATAN.
1. Question. These beings were all originally
holy, Did some of them sin and receive punish¬
ment?—Answer. Yes: God spared not the angels
that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and
delivered them into chains of darkness, to be
reserved unto judgment. 2 Pet. ii. 4.
2. Is any account given of the nature of their
sin?—A. Yes: They kept not their first estate,
but left their own habitation. Jude vi. (Explain.)
3. Is one of these fallen spirits superior to the
others in rank?—A. Yes: And they had a king
over them, which is the angel of the bottomless
pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abad¬
don, but in the Greek tongue he hath his name
Apollyon (Destroyer). Rev. ix. 11.
4. Is he called by any other name?—A. Yes:
And the great dragon was cast out, that old ser¬
pent called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth
the whole world. Rev. xii. 9.
5. Is there any other crime alleged against
him?—A. Yes: He was a murderer from the
beginning, and abode not in the truth, because
there is no truth in him. When he speaketh
SATAN.
43
a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar,
and the father of it. John viii. 44.
6. Do you know what was the first instance
of his deception in this world?—A. Yes: He
beguiled Eve through his subtlety. , 2 Cor. xi. 3.
7. Can you mention any other instance ?—A.
Yes: The devil put it into the heart of Judas
Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Jesus. John
xiii. 2.
8. Can you state a third? A.—Yes: But Peter
said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart
to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part
of the price of the land 1 Acts v. 3.
9. Does the devil resist the effects of preach¬
ing on the minds of men?—A. Yes: When any
one heareth the word of the kingdom, and un-
derstandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one,
and catcheth away that which was sown in his
heart. Matt. xiii. 19.
10. Are we cautioned against the influence of
this enemy? — A. Yes: Be sober, be vigilant,
because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring
lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may de¬
vour. 1 Pet. v. 8.
11. May we overcome him by suitable efforts ?
—Yes: Resist the devil, and he will flee from
you. James iv. 7.
JL2. Are not all sinners, to some extent, under
the influence of Satan?—Yes: The God of this
world hath blinded the minds of them that be¬
lieve not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of
Christ, who is the image of God, should shine
unto them. 2 Cor. iv. 4.
44
SCRIPTCJRE CATECHISM.
13. If they remain under this influence till
death, will they not be punished with Satan ?—
A. Yes: Then shall he say also unto them on
the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into
everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his
angels. Matt. xxv. 41.
LESSON XV.
MAN.
1. Question. We have learned something about
the creation of man, but we will now return to
the same subject. Were there any men before
Adam 1—Answer. No: The first Adam was made
a living soul. 1 Cor. xv. 45.
2. Are all men then derived from him?—A.
Yes: He hath made of one blood all nations of
men. Acts xvii. 26.
3. And did Adam himself derive his being
from God?—A. Yes: Which was the son of
God. Luke iii. 38.
4. Do you know of what he was made?—A.
Yes: The Lord God formed man of the dust of
the ground? Gen. ii. 7.
5. Did he then quicken him ?—A. Yes: But
God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,
and man became a living soul. Gen. ii. 7.
6. Did he also give him a thinking mind ?—
A. Yes: There is a spirit in man, and the inspi-
MAN.
45
ration of the Almighty giveth them understand¬
ing. Job xxxii. 8.
7. Did God create woman along with man?—
A. Yes: Male and female created he them.
Gen. v. 2.
8. Was there a difference in the manner of
their creation ?—A. Yes: For the man is not of
the woman, but the woman of the man. I Cor.
xi. 8. (Explain.)
9. And in the order of their creation?—A.
Yes: For Adam was first formed, and then Eve.
1 Tim. ii. 13.
10. And in the end of their creation?—A.
Yes: For the man was not created for the wo¬
man, but the woman for the man. 1 Cor. xi. 9.
11. Was man formed in a state of resemblance
to God?—A. Yes: So God created man in his
own image. Gen. i. 27.
12. Did that image consist in knowledge?—
A. Yes: Ye have put on the new man, which is
renewed in knowledge after the image of him
that created him. Col. iii. 10.
13. And in purity? — A. Yes: And that ye
put on the new man, which after God is created
in righteousness and true holiness. Eph. iv. 24.
.14. And in authority over inferior creatures?
—A. Yes: For Thou hast put all things under his
feet. Ps. viii. 6.
15. Where did God place Adam after he had
formed him?—A. The Lord God planted a gar¬
den eastward in Eden, and there he put the man
whom he had formed. Gen. ii. 8.
16. What command did God give him?—A.
46
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM,
Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely
eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and
evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that
thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. Gen.
ii. 16, 17.
LESSON XVI.
THE FALL OF MAN.
1. Question. Did our first parents keep the
command? — Answer. No: When the woman
saw that the tree was good for- food, and that it
was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired
to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof,
and did eat, and gave also to her husband, and
he did eat. Gen. iii. 6.
2. Was she tempted by Satan to do this?—A.
Yes: And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye
shall not surely die, for God doth know that in
the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be
opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good
and evil. Gen. iii. 5.
3. Did this act of rebellion cause them to feel
guilty?—A. Yes: And he said, I heard thy voice
in the garden, and I was'afraid, because I was
naked; and I hid myself. Gen. iii. 10.
4. Did Adam attempt to excuse himself for
his sin?—A. Yes: And the man said, The wo¬
man whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave
me of the tree, and I did eat. Gen. iii. 12.
5. Did Eve also excuse herself? — A. Yes:
THE FALL OP MAN.
47
And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me,
and I did eat. Gen. iii. 13.
6. Is it wrong to listen to wicked counsel?—
A. Yes: Cease to hear the instruction that
causeth thee to err from the words of knowledge.
Prov. xix. 27.
7. Did God drive them out from Eden?—A.
Yes: Therefore the Lord God sent him forth
from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from
whence he was taken. Gen. iii. 23.
8. Did man thus fall from a state of know¬
ledge?— A. Yes: Having the understanding
darkened, being alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in them, because
of the blindness of their heart. Eph. iv. 18.
9. And from a state of holiness? — A. Yes:
There is none righteous, no, not one. Rom.
10.
10. And from a state of freedom?—A. Yes:
He that committeth sin is the servant of sin.
John viii. 34.
11. And from a state of rest? — A. Yes:
There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Isa. lvii. 21.
12. And from a state of communion with
God? — A. Yes: And Adam and his wife hid
themselves from the presence of the Lord God,
amongst the trees of the garden. Gen. iii. 8.
13. Should Adam's fall teach us to be watch¬
ful over ourselves?—.4. Yes: Wherefore let him
that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.
1 Cor. 12.
48
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
LESSON XVII.
DEPRAVITY.
1. Question. Can you tell me what sin is?—
Answer. Yes: Sin is the transgression of the
law. 1 John iii. 4.
2. Does sin then always suppose a law ?—A.
Yes: For where no law is, there is no transgres¬
sion. Rom. iv. 15.
3. Did Adam and Eve transgress the law un¬
der which they were placed? — A. Yes: Thy
first father hath sinned. Isa. xliii. 27.
4. Are all mankind descended from them?—
A. Yes: And Adam called his wife's name Eve,
because she was the mother of all living. Gen.
iii. 20.
5. Did their children partake of their nature?
—A. Yes: And Adam begat a son in his own
likeness, after his image. Gen. v. 3.
6. Is it a general rule that a thing produced
is like its producer?—A. 'Yes: Every good tree
bringeth forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree
bringeth forth corrupt fruit. Matt. vii. 17.
7. Did this hold true of the human race that
sprung from Adam?—A. Yes: By one man's dis¬
obedience many were made sinners. Rom. v. 19.
8. Did a similar penalty thus descend to all
men?—A. Yes: As by one man sin entered
into the world, and death by sin, so death passed
upon all men, for that all have sinned. . Rom.
v. 12.
9. Are all men born with a depraved nature ?
DEPRAVITY.
49
—A. Yes : Behold, I was shapen in iniquity;
and in sin did my mother conceive me. Ps. li. 5.
10. Does this depravity show itself at an early
period?—A. Yes: The wicked are estranged
from the womb ; they go astray as soon as they
be born, speaking lies. Ps. lviii. 3.
11. Does it belong to all mankind?—A. Yes :
And God looked upon the earth, and behold it
was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way
upon the earth. Gen. vi. 12.
12. Is it deep and thorough?—A. Yes: The
heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately
wicked; who can know it? Jer. xvii. 9.
13. Is it constant in its operation?—A. Yes:
God saw that the wickedness of man was great
in the earth, and that every imagination of the
thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Gen. vi. 5.
14. Does it include a hatred of God ?—A.
Yes: Because the carnal mind is enmity against
God; for it is not subject to the law of God,
neither indeed can be. Rom. viii. 7.
15. Does this corrupt state of the heart show
itself in wicked deeds?—A. Yes: For out of the
heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
Matt. xv. 19.
16. Does it render man unworthy of commu¬
nion with God? — A. Yes: For what commu¬
nion hath light with darkness? 2 Cor. vi. 14.
17. Does it prevent that communion? — A.
Yes: Your iniquities have separated between you
and your God. Isai. lix. 2.
E
50
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
18. Does it expose us to divine wrath?—A.
Yes: For the wrath of God is revealed from
heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteous¬
ness of men. Rom. i. 18.
LESSON XVIII.
THE LAW.
1. Question. We have seen that sin is a viola¬
tion of the law, and that all men are sinners.
Do you know what is the substance of the law?
—Answer. Yes: Thou shalt love the Lord thy
God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy mind. This is the first and great
commandment. And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On
these two commandments hang all the law and
the prophets. Matt. xxii. 37-40.
2. Is there anything unreasonable in this re¬
quirement? No: Wherefore the law is holy, and
the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Rom. vii. 12.
3. If this law were perfectly obeyed, would
it confer salvation? — A. Yes: For Moses de¬
scribed the righteousness which is of the law,
That the man which doeth these things shall live
by them. Rom. x. 5.
4. Does God require all men to obey this law
continually?—Yes: For it is written, Cursed is
every one that continueth not in all things which
THE LAW.
51
are written in the book of the law to do them.
Gall. iii. 10.
5. Does one single offence involve us in the
guilt of breaking the entire law?—A. Yes: For
whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet of¬
fend in one point, he is guilty of all. Jam. ii. 10.
(That is, he who in one instance rejects the
divine authority, has adopted a principle of ac¬
tion which, when carried out, will lead him to
reject it in every instance.)
6. Have all men violated this holy law?—A.
Yes: For all have sinned, and come short of the
glory of God. Rom. iii. 23.
7. Are they all, then, in a state of condem¬
nation?— A. Yes: That every mouth may be
stopped, and all the world may become guilty
before God. Rom. iii. 19.
8. Can any man now be justified by his own
doings ? — A. No: Therefore by the deeds of
the law there shall no flesh be justified in his
sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Rom. iii. 20.
9. Is any man able to atone for the sins of
another?—A. No: None of them can by any
means redeem his brother, or give to God a ran¬
som for him. Ps. xlix. 7.
10. Can we bring a sufficient atonement for
our own sins?—A. No: For it is not possible
that the blood of bulls and of goats should take
away sins. Heb. x. 4.
11. Continuing then in a state of guilt, shall
we finally perish?—A. Yes: For the wages of
sin is death. Rom. vi. 23.
52
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
12. Will our punishment be a necessary con¬
sequence of our sins? — A. Yes. Be not de¬
ceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a
man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that
soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corrup¬
tion ; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of
the Spirit reap life everlasting. Gal. vi. 7, 8.
LESSON XIX.
THE SAVIOUR.
1. Question. We have seen that all men have
transgressed the law of God—that they are un¬
der condemnation—that they are unable to atone
for their sins—and are therefore exposed to eter¬
nal misery. Has God done anything to help us
out of our lost condition ?—Answer. Yes: For
God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life. John
iii. 16.
2. Did Jesus come expressly to save us?—A.
Yes: This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all
acceptation, that Christ Jesus came ipto the
world to save sinners. 1 Tim. i. 15.
3. Is the Son of God able to save sinners?—
A. Yes: Wherefore he is able also to save them
to the uttermost that come unto God by him, see¬
ing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Heb. vii. 25.
4. Is he willing to save sinners?—A. Yes:
THE SAVIOUR.
53
The Lord is long-suffering to usward, not will¬
ing that any should perish, but that all should
come to repentance. *2 Pet. iii. 9.
5. Does he invite sinners to come unto him?
—A. Yes: Come unto me all ye that labour and
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am
meek and lowly of heart, and ye may find rest
unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my
burden is light. Matt. xi. 28—30.
6. Does he promise not to reject any ?—A.
Ye3: All that the Father giveth me shall come
to me: and him that cometh to me I will in no
wise cast out. John vi. 37.
7. Is Jesus Christ the only Saviour of sinners?
—A. Yes: Neither is there salvation in any
other; for there is none other name under hea¬
ven given among men, whereby we must be
saved. Acts iv. 12.
8. Does he save from the practice of sin?—A.
Yes: Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he
shall save his people from their sins. Matt. i. 21.
9. And from the pollution of sin?—A. Yes:
And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth
us from all sin. 1 John i. 7.
10. And from the bondage of sin?—A. Yes:
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for
ye are not under the law, but under grace. Rom.
vi. 14.
11. And from the condemnation of the law?
A.—Yes: There is therefore now no condemna¬
tion to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk
54 SCRIPTURBJ CATECHISM.
not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom.
viii. 1.
11. And from the fear of death?—A. Yes:
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin
is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth
us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1
Cor. xv. 56, 57.
12. And from the miseries of hell?—A. Yes:
Much more then, being now justified by his
blood, we shall be saved from wrath through
him. Rom. v. 9.
13. Should we all seek this Saviour at a suit¬
able time?—A. Yes: Seek ye the Lord while
he may be found, call ye upon him while he is
near. Isa. Iv. 6.
14. What time is the most suitable?—A. Be¬
hold now is the accepted time, behold now is the
day of salvation. 2 Cor. vi. 2.
LESSON XX.
PROOFS OF MESS1AHSHIP.
1. Question. The Old Testament Scriptures
foretold many things about the Messiah. Is the
fulfilment of these prophecies a proof that Jesus
of Nazareth was that Messiah?—Answer. Yes:
For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of pro¬
phecy. Rev. xix. 10.
2. Let us then examine some of those prophe¬
cies of the Old Testament, that were fulfilled in
the history of Jesus Christ. He was born of a
PROOFS OP HIS MESSIAHSHIP. 55
virgin. Was this foretold?—A. Yes: Behold, a
virgin shall conceive and bring forth a son. Isa.
vii. 14.
3. He was born in Bethlehem. Was this fore^
told?—A. Yes: But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah,
though thou be little among the thousands of
Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto,
me that is to be ruler in Israel. Micah v. 2.
4. He was preceded by John the Baptist. Was
this foretold?—A. Yes: Behold, I will send my
messenger, and he shall prepare my way before
me, Mai. iii. 1.
5. Jesus wrought divers miracles on the bodies
of men. Was this predicted?—A. Yes: Then
the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the
ears of the deaf shall be unstopped: Then shall
the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue of
the dumb sing. Isa. xxxv. 5, 6.
6. He made his public entry into Jerusalem on
an ass. Was this predicted?—A. Yes: Rejoice
greatly, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy
King cometh unto thee, lowly, and riding upon
an ass, even upon a colt, the foal of an ass. Zech.
ix. 9.
7. He was betrayed by one of his disciples.
Was this foretold?—A. Yes: Mine own familiar
friend in whom I trusted, who did eat of my
bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. Ps.
xli. 9.
8. The traitor received thirty pieces of silver,
with which the potters' field was purchased. Was
it foretold?—A. Yes: So they weighed for my
price thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said
56
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
unto me, cast it unto the potter: a goodly price
that I was prized at of them. And I took the
thirty pieces of silver, and cast them to the potter
in the house of the Lord. Zech. xi. 12, 13.
9. Jesus was scourged, spit upon, and nailed
to the cross. Was all this predicted?—A. Yes:
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to
them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my
face from shame and spitting. Isa. 1. 6. They
pierced my hands and my feet. Ps. xxii. 16.
10. The soldiers divided among themselves
his clothes, but cast lots who should have his
cloak. State the prophecy.—A. They part my
garments among them, and cast lots upon my
vesture. Ps. xxii. 18.
11. While Christ was on the cross, they offered
him sour wine and myrrh, to drink. Repeat the
prophecy.—A. They gave me also gall for my
mbat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to
drink. Ps. lxix. 21.
12. His bones were not broken after his cru¬
cifixion, but his side was pierced. State the pro¬
phecy.—A. Hekeepethall his bones; not one of
them is broken. Ps. xxxiv. 20. And they shall
look on me whom they have pierced. Zech.
xii. 10.,
13. He was crucified between two thieves, and
buried honorably. Repeat the prophecy.—A.
He made his grave with the wicked, and with
the rich in his death. Isa. liii. 9.
14. He rose from the dead before his body be¬
came putrid. State the prophecy.—A. For thou
wilt not leave my soul in hell (the separate state
PROOFS OF HIS MESSIAHSHIP. 57
of departed spirits); neither wilt thou suffer thine
Holy One to see corruption. Ps. xvi. 10.
15. Christ ascended to Heaven, and sent the
Holy Spirit down among men. Repeat the pro¬
phecy.—A. Thou hast ascended up on high,
thou hast led captivity captive ; thou hast received
gifts for men, that the Lord God might dwell
among them. Ps. Ixviii. 18.
16. Jesus often preached to the people, and
taught them by parables. State the prophecy.—
A. The Lord hath anointed me to preach good
tidings to the meek. Isa. Ixi. 1. I will open my
mouth in a parable. Ps. lxxviii. %
17. He sustained the character of a Priest.
Repeat the prophecy.—A. Thou art a priest for
ever after the order of Melchizedek. Ps. ex. 4.
18. He is a Mediator. What is the prophecy 1
—A. The Lord said to my Lord, sit thou on my
right hand. Ps. ex. 1.
19. He was Shepherd. State the prophecy.
■—A. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd.
Isa. xl. 11.
20. And a King. What is the prophecy?—A.
Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of
Zion. Ps. exxxii. 11.
LESSON XXL
PROOFS OF MESSIAHSHIP.
We have, adduced many cases of Old Testa¬
ment prophecy, fulfilled in the history of Jesus
55 SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
Christ, as a proof of his Messiahship. Let us now
examine some of the prophecies that Jesus uttered
himself; the fulfillment of which, proves his
divine mission.
1. Question. Did he predict his betrayal by
Judas?—Answer. Yes: Have I not chosen you
twelve, and one of you is a devil? John vi. 70.
2. Did he predict that all his disciples would
forsake him?—A. Yes: Jesus saith unto them, All
ye shall be offended because of me this night: for
it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the
sheep shall be scattered. Matt. xxvi. 31.
3. Peter denied his Lord. Was this foretold?
—A. Yes: And Jesus saith unto him, Yerily I
say unto thee, th^t this day, even in this night,
before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me
thrice. Mark xiv. 30.
4. Did he foretel the circumstances, the place,
and the kind of his sufferings ?—A. Yes: Behold,
we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man
shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto
the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death,
and shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock,
and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third
day he shall rise again. Matt. xx. 18, 19.
5. He appeared to his disciples in Galilee,
after his resurrection. Did he foretel this?—A.
Yes? After I am risen again, I will go before you
into Galilee. Matt. xxvi. 3*2.
6. Did he predict his ascension to Heaven?—
A. Yes: Yet a little while am I with you, and
then 1 go unto him that sent me. John vii. 33.
7. Historians tell us that there were many im-
PROOFS OP HIS MESSIAHSHIP. 59
postors soon after Christ's ascension. Did he
predict this?—A. Yes: For many shall come in
my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive
many. Matt. xxiv. 5.
8. Also, that wars abounded, together with
famine, disease, and earthquakes. Did Jesus
foretel them?—A. Yes? For nation shall rise
against nation, and kingdom against kingdom;
and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and
earthquakes, in divers places. Matt. xxiv. 7.
9. And that Jerusalem was besieged by the
Roman army. Did Jesus foretel this event?—A.
Yes: For the days shall come upon thee, that
thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and
compass thee round, and keep thee in on every
side. Luke xix. 43.
10. And that the city and temple were utterly
destroyed. Did Jesus foretel this?—A. ,Yes:
The days will come, in the which there shall not
be left one stone upon another, that shall not be
thrown down. Luke xxi. 6.
11. And that all these events happened a few
years after his ascension. Did he foretel this?—
A. Yes: Verily I say unto you, This generation
shall not pass away, till all these things be ful¬
filled. Matt. xxiv. 34.
60
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
LESSON XXII.
DEfTY OF CHRIST.
In a former lesson on the Trinity, we gave
some scripture proofs of the deity of Jesus Christ.
It will not be improper in this connection to add
a few more.
1. Question, Did the prophecies of the Old
Testament foretel the advent of Christ, as a Divine
Being?—Answer. Yes: For unto us a Child is
born, unto us a Son is given: and the govern¬
ment shall be upon his shoulder: and his name
shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty
God, the Father of the Everlasting Age, the
Prince of Peace. Isa. ix. 6.
2. Is his nature superior to that of angels?—
A. Yes: Being made so much better than the
angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more
excellent name than they. Heb. i. 4.
3. Did angels worship him during his humilia¬
tion?—A. Yes: And again, when he bringeth in
the first-begotten into the world, he saith, And
let all the angels of God worship him. Heb. i. 5.
4. Were men commanded to honor him
equally with the Father?—A. Yes: That all
men should honor the Son, even as they honor
the Father: He that honoreth not the Son, honor-
eth not the Father which hath sent him. John
v. 23.
5. Does the Father claim for him that honor
in his present state of exaltation ?—A. Yes:
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and
DEITY OF CHRIST.
61
given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and
things under the earth; And that every tongue
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father. Phil. ii. 9, 10, 11.
6. Is universal homage now rendered to him in
Heaven?—A. Yes: And every creature which is
in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth,
and such as. are in the sea, and all that are in
them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and
glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon
the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Rev. v. 13.
7. Did Jesus claim a unity of nature with the
Father?—A. Yes: I and my Father are one.
John x. 30.
8. Do inspired writers agree with him in this
doctrine?—A. Yes: For in him dwelleth all the
fulness of the Godhead bodily. Col. ii. 9. This
is the true God, and eternal life. 1 John v. 20.
9. Did he possess authority to forgive sin ?—
A. Yes: But that ye may know that the Son of
Man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he
saith to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy
bed, and go unto thine house. Matt. ix. 6.
10. Did he claim the power to raise the dead?
—%i. Yes: For as the Father raiseth up the
dead, and quickeneth them, even so the Son
quickeneth whom he will. John v. 21.
11. Did he actually exert that power?—A.
Yes; He cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come
p
62
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
forth! And he that was dead came forth, bound
hand and foot with grave clothes. John xi. 43, 44.
12. Is he to be the Judge of all?—A. Yes:
For we shall all stand before the judgment seat
of Christ. Rom. xiv. 10.
13. Did he control the elements of nature?—
A. Yes: What manner of man is this, that even
the winds and the sea obey him ? Matt. viii. 27.
14. Did he perform many other miracles?—
A. Yes: The blind receive their sight, and the
lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf
hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have
the gospel preached to them. Matt. xi. 5.
15. His disciples wrought miracles too, but
did they ascribe their power of doing so to Jesus
Christ?—A. Yes: And the seventy returned
again, with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are
subject unto us through thy name. Luke x. 17.
16. Were they in the habit of publicly owning
this fact?—A. Yes: And Peter said unto him,
iEneas, JesuS Christ maketh thee whole: Arise,
and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
Acts ix. 34. See, also, Acts' ili. 6, 12, 16.
LESSON XXIII.
HUMANITY OF CHRIST.
1. Question. We have seen that Jesus Christ
was a divine being, did he also have a human
nature?—Answer. Yes: And the Word was
made flesh, and dwelt among us. John i. 14.
HUMANITY OF CHRIST.
63
2. Did he assume an humble rank among
men?—A. Yes: He made himself of no reputa¬
tion, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men. Phil. ii. 7.
3. Was he subject to distress?—A. Yes: He
is despised and rejected of men; a man of sor¬
rows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as
it were our faces from him; he was despised,
and we esteemed him not. Isa. liii. 3.
4. Was he possessed of a human soul?—A.
Yes: My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto
death. Matt. xxvi. 38.
5. Was he subject to all the infirmities of our
nature ?—A. Yes: For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities ,• but was in all points tempted like as
we are, yet without sin. Heb. iv. 15.
6. Was it necessary to take our nature, in order
to free us from the fear of death?—A. Yes: For¬
asmuch then as the children are partakers of
flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took
part of the same, that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is,
the devil; and deliver them who through fear of
death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Heb. ii. 14, 15.
7. And in order to become a suitable high
priest?—A. Yes: Wherefore in all things it be¬
hooved him to be made like unto his brethren,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high
priest in things pertaining to God, to make recon¬
ciliation for the sins of the people. Heb. ii. 17.
8. Was he subject to the law of God?—A.
64
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
Yes: Think not that I am come to destroy the
law or the prophets: 1 am not come to destroy,
but to fulfill. Matt. v. 17.
9. Was it necessary that he should be made
under the law?—A. Yes: But when the fulness
of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made
of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them
that were under the law, that we might receive
the adoption of sons. Gal. iv. 4,5.
10. Could he have atoned for our sins if he
had not been holy ?—A. No: For such an high
priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled,
separate from sinners, and made higher than the
heavens. Heb. vii. 26.
11. Did this holiness consist in doing the will
of God?—A. Yes: Then said I, Lo,I come: in
thevolume of the book it is written of me, I de¬
light to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is
within my heart. Ps. xl. 7, 8. Quoted in Heb.
x. 7.
12. Did it consist in suffering that will ?—A.
Yes: Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be
done. Luke xxii. 42.
13. Did the Father publicly testify his appro¬
bation of Christ?—A. Yes: This is my beloved
Son, in whom 1 am well pleased: Hear ye him.
Matt. xvii. 5.
DEATH OF CHRIST AN ATONEMENT.
65
LESSON XXIV.
DEATH OP CHRIST AN ATONEMENT.
We have seen the proof of Christ's messiah-
ship—of his divinity and humanity. We come
now to speak of his death.
1. Question. Did he not die?—Answer. Yes :
And being found in fashion as a man, he hum¬
bled himself, and became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross. Phil. ii. 8.
2. Did the piercing of his side, when on the
cross, prove that he was dead?—A. Yes: But
one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side,
and forthwith came there out blood and water.
John xix. 34. (Explain.)
3. If Christ perfectly obeyed the law, and
death is the penalty of sin, did he not die for the
sins of others?—A. Yes: For Christ hath also
once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that
he might bring us to God. 1. Pet. iii. 18.
4. Did he die for our sins?—A. Yes: Christ
died for our sins according to the scriptures. 1
Cor. xv. 3.
5. Did he come into the world for this express
purpose?—A. Yes: The Son of man came not
to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give
his life a ransom for many. Matt. xx. 28.
6. Was it the human, and not the divine na¬
ture, that suffered?—A. Yes: Forasmuch then
as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm
yourselves likewise with the same mind. 1 Pet.
iv. 1.
p*
66
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
7. Was it necessary that Christ should die?—
A. Yes: And almost all things are by the law
purged with blood; and without shedding of
blood is no remission. Heb. ix. 22.
8. Would not the blood of beasts have an¬
swered the purpose ?—A. No: For it is not pos¬
sible that the blood of bulls and of goats should
take away sins. Heb. x. 4.
9. Did God do away the offering of beasts, in
order to bring in a more efficient method of pu¬
rification?—A. Yes: He taketh away the first
(will), that he may establish the second (will):
By the which will we are sanctified, through the
offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Heb. x. 10.
10. Does it not show God's great love to us,
thus to give up his Son to die for us?—A. Yes:
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that
he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitia¬
tion for our sins. 1 John iv. 10.
11. Did the apostles regard the cross of Christ
as the great theme of their preaching?—A. Yes:
For I determined not to know any thing among
you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1
Cor. ii. 2.
12. Was it a ground of exultation to them?—
A. Yes: But God forbid that I should glory,
save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto
the world. Gal. vi. 14.
13. Did they regard the Gospel as an effica¬
cious system of truth?—A. Yes: For I am not
ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the
DEATH OP CHRIST AN ATONEMENT.
67
power of God unto salvation to every one that
believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Rom. i. 16.
14. Does the sacrifice of Christ furnish a mo¬
tive to us to dedicate ourselves to his service?—
A. Yes: Ye are not your own: for ye are bought
with a price; therefore glorify God in your body,
and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Cor. vi.
19, aO.
LESSON XXV.
THE ATONEMENT, CONTINUED.
The atonement, means the satisfaction which
Jesus Christ has rendered to the Law of God, by
which divine justice allows mercy to be shewn
to the transgressor.
1. Question. Was it the business of the Jewish
priest to atone for sin?—Answer. Yes: For
every high priest taken from among men is or¬
dained for men in things pertaining to God, that
he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
Heb. v. 1.
2. Was he especially appointed to this office?
—A. Yes: And no man taketh this honor unto
himself, but he that is called of God, as was
Aaron. Heb. v. 4.
3. Did Jesus bear the character of a perpetual
priest?—A. Yes: For he testifieth, " Thou art a
priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec."
Heb. vii. 17.
4. Was he appointed to this office by the
68
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
Father?—A. Yes: So also Christ glorified not
himself to be made a high priest; but he that
said unto him, Thou art my Son, to-day have I
begotten thee. Heb. v. 5.
5. Was he appointed with great solemnity?—
A. Yes: Inasmuch as not without an oath he was
made priest. Heb. vii. 20.
6. Was it necessary for him to have an offer¬
ing to present?—A. Yes: For every high priest
is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: where¬
fore it is of necessity that this man have some¬
what also to offer. Heb. viii. 3.
7. Was his own body that offering?—A. Yes:
Sacrifice and offering thou wouldst not, but a
body hast thou prepared me. Heb. x. 5.
8. And did he actually shed his blood as an
atonement?—A. Yes: Neither by the blood of
goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered
in once into the holy place, having obtained eter¬
nal redemption for us. Heb. ix. 12.
9. Is this blood the price of our redemption 1
—A. Yes: Ye were not redeemed with corrup¬
tible things, as silver and gold, from your vain
conversation; but with the precious blood of
Christ. 1 Pet. i. 18, 19.
10. Is forgiveness implied in this redemption?—
A. Yes: In whom we have redemption through
his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to
the riches of his grace. Eph. i. 7.
11. Was this work of Christ acceptable to
God?—A. Yes: He hath given himself for us
an offering and a sacrifice to God, for a sweet
smelling savor. Eph. v. 2.
DEATH OP CHRIST AN ATONEMENT. 69
12. Was it undertaken for man ?—A. Yes:
He was wounded for our transgressions, he was
bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of
our peace was upon him; and with his stripes
we are healed. Isa. liii. 5.
13. Was this provision made sufficient for all?
—A. Yes: And he is the propitiation for our
sins: and not for our sins only, but also for the
sins of the whole world. 1 John ii. 2.
14. Are all invited to partake of it?—A. Yes:
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come; and
let him that heareth say, Come; and let him that
is athirst, come; And whosoever will, let him take
the water of life freely. Rev. xxii. 17.
14. Is the invitation a gracious one?—A.
Yes: Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to
the waters, and he that hath no money; come
ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price. Isa. Iv. 1.
15. Is it efficacious to cleanse the soul ?—A.
Yes: These are they which came out of great
tribulation, and have washed their robes, and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Rev. vii. 14.
16. Is it by faith that this atonement is made
available for our salvation ?—A. Yes: Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.
Acts xvi. 31.
17. Are any so wicked, that this remedy can¬
not heal them?—A. No: Though your sins be
as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though
they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Isa. i. 18.
70
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
LESSON XXVI.
THE RESURRECTION OP CHRIST.
1. Question. Was Christ buried at another's
expense?—Answer. Yes: And when Joseph had
taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen
cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he
had hewn out in the rock. Matt, xxvii. 59, 60.
2. Did he rise on the third day from the grave?
—A. Yes: He rose again the third day, accord¬
ing to the scriptures. 1 Cor. xv. 4.
3. Had he foretold the time of his confine¬
ment?—A. Yes: So shall the Son of man be
three days and three nights in the heart of the
earth.* Matt. xii. 40.
4. Was it necessary that he should rise?—A.
Yes: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed
the pains of death, because it was not possible
that he should be holden of it. Acts ii. 24.
5. Is it certain that he did arise?—A. Yes: He
showed himself alive after his passion, by many
infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days,
and speaking of the things pertaining to the king¬
dom of God. Acts i. 3.
6. Did the apostles declare his resurrection ?—
A. Yes: We have testified of God that he raised
up Christ. 1 Cor. xv. 15.
7. Did his enemies declare it?—-A. Yes: Some
* Jesus was buried on Friday afternoon and rose before
light on Sunday morning: but as the Jews reckoned their
day to begin at sunset, and always counted inclusively, the
period of his confinement is considered three entire days.
RESURRECTION OP CHRIST. 71
of the watch came into the city, and showed unto
the chief priests all the things that were done.
Matt, xxviii. 11.
8. And did angels?—A. Yes: And the angel
answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye;
for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was cruci¬
fied. He is not here, for he is risen as he said.
Matt, xxviii. 5, 6.
9. Did Jesus himself testify to it?—A. Yes:
I am he that liveth and was dead, and behold, 1
am alive for evermore. Rev. i. 18.
10. And did the Holy Spirit?—A. Yes: And
we are witnesses of these things, and so is also
the Holy Ghost. Acts v. 32.
11. Was he seen after his resurrection?—A.
Yes : He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
after that of above five hundred brethren at once.
1 Cor. xv. 5, 6.
12. May it then be depended on as true?—A.
Yes: For in the mouth of two or three witnesses
every word shall be established? Matt, xviii. 16.
13. Did his Father raise him from the dead?—
A. Yes: Christ was raised up from the dead by
the glory of the Father. Rom. vi. 4.
14. Did Jesus claim to himself also the power
of rising from the dead?—A. Yes: No man
taketh away my life; but I lay it down of myself.
I have power to lay it down, and I have power
to take it again. John x. 18.
15. Did he rise with the same body ?—A. Yes:
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself.
Handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh
and blood as ye see me have. Luke xxiv. 30.
72
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
16. Will Christ ever die again ?—A. No:
Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead,
dieth no more, death hath no more dominion over
him. Rom. vi, 9.
17. For what purpose was Jesus raised?—A.
He was delivered for our offences, and raised
again for our justification. Rom. iv. 25.
18. Was the resurrection of Christ absolutely
necessary in the plan of redemption ?—A. Yes:
And if Christ be not raised your faith is vain ; ye
are yet in your sins. Then they also which are
fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 1 Cor. xv.
17, 18.
19.' Is it a pledge of the resurrection of his
people?—A. Yes: For if we believe that Jesus
died and rose again, even so them also which
sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1 Thes.
iv. 14.
20 Is it a proof that all men will be raised, and
judged by him ?—A. Yes: Because he hath ap¬
pointed a day in the which he will judge the
world in righteousness by that man whom he hath
ordained, whereof he hath given assurance unto
all men in that he hath raised him from the dead.
Acts xvii. 31.
LESSON XXVII.
EXALTATION AND INTERCESSION OF CHRIST.
1. Question. How long did Jesus remain on
earth after his resurrection?—Answer. Being
seen of them forty days. Acts i. 3.
EXALTATION AND INTERCESSION OP CHRIST. 73
2. Was he usefully employed during this pe¬
riod ?—A. Yes: He was speaking of the things
pertaining to the kingdom of God. Acts i. 3.
3. And was he then received up into heaven ?
—A. Yes: He ascended up far above all hea¬
vens. Eph. iv. 10.
4. Did he ascend for the good of the church?
—A. Yes: When he ascended up on high he
led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph. iv. 8.
5. Did he ascend in public view?—A. Yes:
And when he had spoken these things, while they
beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received
him out of their sight. Acts i. 9.
6. Did he depart with a blessing?—A. Yes:
And it came to pass while he blessed them, he
was parted from them, and carried up into hea¬
ven. Luke xxiv. 51.
7. Did he assure them of his return ?—A. Yes:
Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into
heaven ? This same Jesus which is taken up
from you into heaven, shall so come in like man¬
ner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts
i. 11.
8. Having returned to heaven, did he sit down
at God's right hand?—A. Yes : We have such a
high priest who is set on the right hand of the
throne of the majesty in the heavens. Heb. viii. 1.
9. Has he a right to sit there ?—A. Yes: The
Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right
hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Ps. ex. 1.
10. Does it imply a completion of his work ?—
6
74
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
A. Yes: But this man after he had offered one
sacrifice for sins, for ever sat down on the right
hand of God. Heb. x. 12.
11. Does it imply dignity and honour?—A.
Yes: To which of the angels said he at any time,
Sit thou at my right hand? Heb. i. 13.
12. And power and authority?—A. Yes: For
he must reign till he hath put all enemies under
his feet. 1 Cor. xv. 25.
13. Did God thus exalt him for the salvation
of men?—A. Yes: Him hath God exalted with
his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to
give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Acts v. 31.
14. Does his exaltation imply great happi¬
ness?—A. Yes: In thy presence is fulness of
joy; at thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.
Ps. xvi. 11.
15. And continuance of this state?—A. Yes:
For he shall reign over the house of Jacob for
ever. Luke i. 33.
16. Is he employed there in interceding for
his people?—A. Yes: He ever liveth to make in-
cession for them. Heb. vii. 25.
16. Does his intercession furnish any induce¬
ment to us to sin?—A. No: My little children,
these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.
And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with
the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. 1 John
ii. 1.
17. Does he obtain for us the Holy Spirit by
his intercession?—A. Yes: And I will pray the
Father, and he shall give you another Comforter,
REPENTANCE.
75
that he may abide with you for ever. John xvi.
26.
18. Must we present our prayers to God through
him?—A. Yes: Verily, verily I say unto you,
Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name,
he will give it you. John xvi. 23.
19. Does this subject furnish us a motive to
perseverance?—A. Yes: Seeing then that we
have a great High Priest that is passed into the
heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast
our profession. Heb. iv. 14.
20. Should his tenderness of character inspire
us with confidence?—A. Yes: For we have not
a high priest which cannot be touched with a
feeling of our infirmities: but was in all points
tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us
therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help
in time of need. Heb. iv. 15, 16.
LESSON XXVIII.
REPENTANCE.
We have discoursed on the messiahship, the
divinity, the humanity, the death, the resurrection,
and the intercession of Christ. Let us now speak
of those affections of mind which we should
cherish towards him.—The first is repentance.
It implies godly sorrow for, and a change of mind
in respect to sin.
1. Question. Did John the forerunner of Christ
76
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
preach repentance?—Answer. Yes: In those
days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wil¬
derness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye, for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matt. iii. 1, 2.
2. Did Jesus sanction his doctrine?—A. Yes:
Saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of
God is at hand : repent ye, and believe the gos¬
pel. Mark i. 15.
3. Did the twelve apostles preach it ?—A. Yes:
And they went out and preached that men should
repent. Mark vi. 12.
4. Is this command binding on all?—A. Yes :
And the times of this ignorance God winked at,
but now commandeth all men every where to re¬
pent. Acts xvii. 30,
5. Will the neglect of this command be ruin¬
ous?—A. Yes: Except ye repent, ye shall all
likewise perish. Luke xiii. 4.
6. Is God displeased with sinners?—A. Yes
God is angry with the wicked every day. Ps
vii. 11.
7. Is he, however, willing to be reconciled?—
A. Yes: Let the wicked forsake his way, and
the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him
return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy
upon him ; and to our God, for he will abundantly
pardon. Isa. lv. 7.
8. Are they exposed to sudden vengeance?—
A. Yes: He that, being often reproved, harden-
eth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and
that without remedy. Prov. xxix. 1.
9. Is God kindly disposed toward the peni¬
tent?—A, Yes: The Lord is nigh unto them that
REPENTANCE.
77
are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a
contrite spirit. Ps. xxxiv. 18.
10. Will he accept their worship?—A. Yes:
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken
and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Ps. li. 17.
11. Are holy beings pleased at the repentance
of sinners?—A. Yes: I say unto you, that joy
shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,
more than over ninety and nine just persons that
need no repentance. Luke xv. 7.
12. Does the true penitent confess his faults ?—
A. Yes: Fori acknowledge my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me. Ps. li. 3.
13. Does he feel that they are committed
against God, and deserve punishment?—A. Yes:
Against thee, thee only have I sinned, and done
this evil in thy sight, that thou mightest be justi¬
fied when thou speakest, and be clear when thou
judgest. Ps. li. 4.
14. If he has injured others, must he seek for¬
giveness?—A Yes: If thou bring thy gift to the
altar and there rememberest that thy brother hath
aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the
altar, and go thy way: first be reconciled to thy
brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matt,
v. 23, 24.
15. If others have injured him, must he forgive
them?—A. Yes: And when ye stand praying,
forgive if ye have aught against any, that your
Father also which is in heaven may forgive you
your trespasses. Mark xi. 25.
16. If he has obtained any thing dishonestly,
G*
78
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
must he restore it?—A. Yes: Zacheus said, If I
have taken any thing from any man by false accu¬
sation, I restore it fourfold. Luke xix. 8.
17. Does repentance produce reformation of
manners?—A. Yes: Behold, this selfsame thing
that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what careful¬
ness it wrought in you; yea, what clearing of
yourselves; yea, what indignation; yea, what
fear; yea, what vehement desire; yea, what zeal;
yea, what revenge. In all things you have ap¬
proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 2
Cor. vii. 11.
LESSON XXIX.
FAITH.
1. Question. Can you tell me what is faith ?—
Answer. Yes: Now faith is the substance of things
hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Heb.
xi. 1.
2. Is Jesus Christ the great object of faith in
the gospel.—A. Yes: Behold the Lamb of God
that taketh away the sin of the world. John i. 29.
3. Do the scriptures generally teach that we
are to be saved by faith in Him?—A. Yes: To
him give all the prophets witness, that through his
name whosoever believeth in him shall receive re¬
mission of sins. Acts x. 43.
4. And that unbelief will prove destructive to
the soul?—A. Yes: He that believeth not shall
be damned. Mark xvi. 16.
FAITH.
79
5. Is unbelief then, a great sin ?—A. Yes: He
that believeth not God hath made him a liar, be¬
cause he believeth not the record that God gave
of his Son. 1 John v. 10.
6. Is faith counted to us for righteousness?—
A. Yes: But to him that worketh not, but be¬
lieveth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith
is counted for righteousness. Rom. iv. 5.
7. Has this in reality always been God's method
of salvation?—A. Yes: Abraham believed God,
and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Rom. iv. 3.
8. And are we to be saved in the same man¬
ner?—A. Yes: Now it was not written for his
sake alone that it was imputed to him, but for us
also, to whom it shall be imputed if we believe
on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the
dead, who was delivered for our offences, and
raised again for our justification. Rom. iv. 23,25.
9. Does faith in Christ imply receiving him as
a Saviour?—A. Yes: But as many as received
him, to them gave he power to become the sons
of God, even to them that believe on his name.
John i. 12.
10. Is the heart as well as the understanding
concerned in the exercise of faith?—A. Yes: For
with the heart man believeth unto righteousness.
Rom. x. 9.
11. Is it connected with trust?—A. Yes: For
I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded
that he is able to keep that which I have commit¬
ted to him against that day. 2 Tim. i. 12.
12. Does it cause us to regard Jesus Christ
80
SCRIPTUBE CATECHISM.
with delight?—A. Yes: Unto you, therefore
which believe, he is precious. 1 Pet. ii. 7.
13. Does it yield joy?—A. Yes: In whom,
though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye re¬
joice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. I
Pet. i. 8.
14. And love?—A. Yes: For in Christ Jesus
neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor un-
circumcision; but faith, which worketh by love.
Gal. v. 6.
15. And victory over the world?—A. Yes:
And this is the victory that overcometh the
world, even our faith. 1 John v. 4.
16. Can this alone enable us to overcome the
world ?—A. Yes: Who is he that overcometh the
world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son
of God. 1 John v. 5.
17. Does it cleanse the heart?—A. Yes: Puri¬
fying their hearts by faith. Acts xv. 9,
18. Does it lead to peace with God?—A. Yes:
Being justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. v. 1.
19. Is it made manifest by all these effects?—
A. Yes: For as the body without the spirit is
dead, so faith without works is dead also. James
ii. 26.
JUSTIFICATION.
81
LESSON XXX.
JUSTIFICATION.
To justify one is to declare him just. When a
sinner is justified, he is treated by the divine
government as righteous.
1. Is justification an act of God?—A. Yes:
It is God that justifieth. Rom: viii. 33.
2. Does God justify men on the ground of
their not having sinned?—A. No: For all have
sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Rom. iii. 23.
3. Or that sin is a trifling matter?—A. No:
That sin by the commandment might become
exceeding sinful. Rom. vii. 13.
4. Does it proceed then from his pure favour?
—A. Yes: Being justified freely by his grace
through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Rom. iii. 24.
5. Does this grace set aside all merit in the
creature?—A. Yes: And if by grace, then is it
lio more of works: otherwise grace is no more
grace. Rom. xi. 6.
6. Does the sacrifice of Christ then furnish
the merit on account of which God can consist¬
ently justify men?—A. Yes: Whom God hath
set forth as a propitiation through faith in his
blood, to declare his righteousness for the remis¬
sion of sins that are past, through the forbear¬
ance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his
righteousness<; that he might be just, and the
82
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Rom.
iii. 25,26.
7. And is faith in this sacrifice the condition
of justification?—A. Yes: He that believeth on
him is not condemned : but he that believeth not
is condemned already, because he hath not be¬
lieved on the name of the only begotten Son of
God. John iii. 18.
8. Is it the less of grace, because it is by faith 1
—A. No: ^Therefore it is of faith, that it might
be by grace. Rom. iv. 16.
9. Does this doctrine destroy vain-glory?—A.
Yes: Where is boasting then? It is excluded.
By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law
of faith. Rom. iii. 27.
10. Is justification an acquittal of the believer
from all his sins?—A. Yes: And by him all that
believe are justified from all things, from which
ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Acts xiii. 39.
11. Is a man by faith in Christ made really
righteous as the angels?—A. No: His faith is
counted for righteousness. Rom. iv. 5.
12. If then he is justified by faith, while he
has no righteousness of his own, is not the law
made void?—A. No: Do we then make void
the law through faith ? God forbid: yea, we
establish the law. Rom. iii. 31.
13. Do we establish the law, by the fact that
Christ our substitute obeyed it in all points?—
A. Yes: Think not that I am come to destroy
the law, or the prophets: I am not come to de¬
stroy, but to fulfil. Mat. v. 17.
ADOPTION.
83
14. And by the fact, that afterwards we are to
obey its precepts ?—A. Yes: That the righteous¬
ness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who
walk not after \he flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom. viii. 4.
15. Does justification include in it the accept¬
ance of our persons?—A. Yes: He hath made
us accepted in the beloved. Eph. i. G.
16. Should we highly esteem the knowledge
of this truth?—A. Yes: Yea doubtless, and 1
count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. Phil. iii. 8.
17. Will God ever reverse the act of justifica¬
tion?—A. No: Verily, verily, I say unto you,
He that heareth my word, and believeth on him
that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not
come into condemnation; but is passed from
death unto life. John v. 24.
LESSON XXXI.
ADOPTION.
To adopt is to take a stranger into one's fa¬
mily, and to treat him as a son and an heir.
1. Question. Does God regard converted men
as his sons?—Answer. Yes: Behold what man¬
ner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,
that we should be called the sons of God. 1 Johnr
iii. 1.
2. Was this one of his objects in sending
Jesus into the world?—A. Yes: But when the
84
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
fulness of time was come, God sent forth his
Son, to redeem them that were under the law,
that we might receive the adoption of sons. Gal.
iv. 4, 5.
3. Is faith the instrument by which this bless¬
ing is obtained?—A. Yes: For ye are all the
children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal.
iii. 26.
4. Is grace the foundation of this blessing?—
A. Yes: Having predestinated us unto the adop¬
tion of children by Jesus Christ to himself, ac¬
cording to the good pleasure of his will, to the
praise of the glory of his grace. Eph. i. 5, 6.
5. Do the saints receive the nature of sons?—
A. Yes: That ye might be partakers of the
divine nature, having escaped the corruption that
is in the world through lust. 2 Pet. i. 4.
6. And the spirit of sons?—A. Yes: And
because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the
Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying Abba
Father. Gal. iv. 6.
7. And the inheritance of sons?—A. Yes:
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son;
and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Gal. iv. 7.
8. Is their inheritance a glorious one?—A.
Yes: An inheritance incorruptible, and unde-
filed, and that fadeth not away. 1 Pet. i. 4.
9. Are God's children the objects of his pity?
—A. Yes: Like as a father pitieth his children,
so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. Ps. ciii. 13.
10. And of his care?—A. Yes: I have nou¬
rished and brought up children. Isa. i. 2.
SANCTIFICATION.
«5
11. Are they chastened in love?—A. Yes:
Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Heb.
xii. 6.
12. Should they reverence him as a Father?
—A. Yes: If then I be a father, wjjere is mine
honour? Mai. i. 6*
13. And imitate him?—A. Yes: Be ye there¬
fore followers of God, as dear children. Eph. v. 1.
14. And submit to him?—A. Yes: My son
despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor
faint when thou art rebuked of him. Heb. xii. 5.
15. Have all the saints one Father?—A. Yes:
Have we not all one Father? Mai. ii. 10.
16. Should they not then love orje another?
—A. Yes: Behold how good and how pleasant
it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Ps.
cxxxiii. 1.
LESSON XXXII.
SANCTIFICATION.
To sanctify is to make holy, or to set apart for
holy purposes.
1. Question. Is sanctification necessary to eter¬
nal life?—Answer. Yes: Follow peace with all
men and holiness, without which no man shall
see the Lord. Heb. xii. 14.
2. Does God will our sanctification?—A. Yes •
For this is the will of God, even your sanctifica¬
tion. 1 Thes. iv. 3.
B
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SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
3. And is the death of Christ the meritorious
cause of it?—A. Yes: Who gave himself for
us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify unto himself a peculiar people zeal¬
ous of good works. Titus ii. 14.
4. Is the Spirit the efficient cause of it?—A.
Yes: God hath from the beginning chosen you
to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit,
and belief of the truth. 2 Thes. ii. 13.
5. Is the word the instrumental cause of it?—
A. Yes: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy
word is truth. John xvii. 17.
6. Is sanctification more than external refor¬
mation?—A. Yes: Ye make clean the outside
of the cup and of the platter, but within they are
full of extortion and excess. Matt, xxiii. 25.
7. Is it more than civility and good nature ?—
A. Yes: Then Jesus beholding him, loved him,
and said unto him, One thing thou lackest.
Mark x. 21.
8. Is it more than outward profession ?—A.
Yes: Having theform of godliness, but denying
1 he power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Tim.
iii. 5.
9. Does it imply an entire change of charac¬
ter?—A. Yes: Therefore if any man be in Christ,
he is a new creature: old things are passed
away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Cor.
v. 17.
10. Does it extend to the inward man?—A.
Yes: And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
Eph. iv. 23.
11. Is the understanding enlightened?—A.
SANCTIFICATION.
87
Yes: For ye were sometimes darkness, bat now
are ye light in the Lord; walk as children of
light. Eph. v. 8.
12. And the will subdued?—A. Yes: Thy
people shall beywilling in the day of thy power.
Ps. ex. 3.
13. And the affections made spiritual?—^..
Yes: Set your affections on things above, not on
things on the earth: for ye are dead, and your
life is hid with Christ in God. Col. iii. 2, 3.
14. Does it also extend to the outward man ?
—A. Yes: Provide things honest in the sight of
all men. Rom. xii. 17.
15. Is the saint renewed after the pattern of
Christ?—A. Yes: My little children, of whom
I travail in birth again, until Christ be formed in
you. Gal. iv. 19.
16. Is sin mortified in him?—A. Yes: They
that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the
affections and lusts. Gal. v. 24.
37. Is this mortification a needful work?—A.
Yes: If any man will come after me, let him
deny himself, and take up his cros$ daily, and
follow me. Luke ix. 23.
18. And can this be done only by divine in¬
fluence?—A. Yes: But if ye through the Spirit
do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Rom. viii. 13.
19. Is the work of sanctification imperfect in
this life?—A. Yes: Not as though I had already
attained, either were already perfect. Phil. iii. 12.
20. But is it progressive ?—A. Yes: But this
one thing I do, forgetting those things which are
88
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
behind, and reaching forth unto those things
which are before, I press toward the mark, for
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus. Phil. iii. 13, 14.
21. Will it be complete above1?—A. Yes: I
shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness.
Ps. xvii. 15.
LESSON XXXIII.
PERSEVERANCE.
1. Question. Will all truly converted persons
persevere in a religious life?—Answer. Yes: Be¬
ing confident of this very thing, that he who hath
begun a good work in you, will perform it until
the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. i. 6.
2. Have not many professed Christians fallen
away, and died in apostacy ?—A. Yes ? They went
out from us, but they were not of us; for if they
had been of us, they would no doubt have con¬
tinued with us: but they went out, that they
might be tTiade manifest that they were not all of
us. 1 John ii. 19.
3. Did not many of the Israelites fall away in
the wilderness?—A. Yes: Because of unbelief
they were broken off, and thou standest by faith.
Be not high minded, but fear. Rom. xi. 20.
4. Were these examples of apostacy recorded
for our benefit?—A. Yes: Now all these things
happened unto them for ensamples: and they are
written for our admonition, upon whom the ends
PERSEVERANCE.
89
of the world are come. Wherefore let him that
thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall. 1
Cor. x. 11, 12.
5. Is the promise of God the ground of our
safety?—A. Yes: And I give unto them eternal
life : and they shall never perish, neither shall any
pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which
gave them me, is greater than all: and none is
able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
John x. 28, 29.
6. And is his power exerted to accomplish it ?
>—A. Yes: Who are kept by the power of God
through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed
in the last time. 1 Pet. i. 5.
7. Does the intercession of Christ furnish
ground for confidence?—A. Yes: For if, when
we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by
the death of his Son; much more, being recon¬
ciled, we shall be saved by his life. Rom. v. 10.
8. Is perseverance in holiness the best evi¬
dence of conversion?—A. Yes: For we are
made partakers of Christ, if we hold the be¬
ginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.
Heb. iii. 14.
9. Is it dangerous to the soul to believe this
doctrine?—A. No : But we know that, when he
shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall
see him as he is. And every man that hath this
hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
1 John iii. 2, 3.
10. Does it form the subject of triumph to
good men in times of persecution?—A. Yes:
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
H*
90
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or
famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ?—Nay,
in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him that loved us. For I am persuaded,
that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor prin¬
cipalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor
things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any
other creature shall be able to separate us from
the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our
Lord. Rom. viii. 35-39.
11. Does it yield comfort un'der all circum¬
stances?—A. Yes: Which hope we have as an
anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Heb.
vi. 19.
LESSON XXXIV.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IN REGENERATION.
1. Question. In previous lessons we have been
speaking of repentance, faith, sanctification, and
perseverance. Have we reason to believe that
these graces would ever exist in the heart of man,
if let entirely alone ?—Answer. No : For I know
that in me, (that is in my flesh,) dwelleth no
good thing: for to will is present with me; bvTt
how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom. vii. 18.
2. Is man represented as insensible to spiritual
things?—A. Yes: And you hath he quickened,
who were dead in trespasses and sins. Eph. ii. 1.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IN REGENERATION. 91
3. And as being in great ignorance?—A.
Yes: The god of this world hath blinded the
minds of them which believe not, lest the light
of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image
of God, should shine unto them. 2 Cor. iv. 4.
4. Is it the province of the Holy Spirit to dis¬
turb this insensibility1?—A. Yes: And when he
is come, he will reprove the world of sin—be¬
cause they believe not on me. John xvi. 8,9.
5. And to remove this ignorance?—A. Yes:
Now we have received not the spirit of the world,
but the Spirit which is of God; that we might
know the things that are freely given to us of
God. 1 Cor. ii. 12.
6. Does he lead the mind thus awakened to
Jesus Christ?—A. Yes: Howbeit when he, the
Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into
all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but
whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:
and he will show you things to come. He shall
glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and
shall show it unto you. John xvi. 13, 14.
7. Is a change of heart ascribed to the Holy
Spirit?—Ji. Yes: Not by works of righteousness
which we have done, but according to his mercy
he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and
renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus iii. 5.
8. Is such a change necessary to eternal life?
—A. Yes: Except a man be born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God. John iii. 3.
9. Is it placedvby the Bible above all cere¬
monies?—A. Yes: For in Christ Jesus neither
92
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircum-
cision, but a new creature. Gal. vi. 15.
10. Was this blessing promised in the Old
Testament Scriptures?—A. Yes: A new heart
also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put
within you: and I will take away the stony heart
out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of
flesh. Ezek. xxxvi. 26.
11. Is faith in the Redeemer an evidence of
this change? — A. Yes: Whosoever believeth
that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. 1 John
v. I.
12. Is any instrument used to produce faith ?
—A. Yes: Faith cometh by hearing, and hear¬
ing by the word of God. Rom. x. 17.
13. Does God employ his word, then, as the
means of renewing our hearts?—A. Yes: Being
born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incor¬
ruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and
abideth for ever. 1 Peter i. 23.
14. Have we any examples on record of the
efficacy of reading the Scriptures? — A. Yes:
The Bereans were more noble than those in
Thessalonica, in that they received the word
with all readiness of mind, and searched the
Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.
Therefore many of them believed. Acts xvii.
11, 12.
15. And of divine influence, in order to pro¬
duce that effect?—A. Yes: And a certain wo¬
man named Lydia—heard lis, whose heart the
Lord opened, that she attended unto the things
which were spoken of Paul. Acts xvi. 14.
THE HOLY SPIRIT IN REGENERATION. 93
16. Can we understand how the Holy Spirit
operates in renewing the soul?—A. No: The'
wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest
the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it
cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one
that is born of the Spirit. John iii. 8.
17. But are all Christians, nevertheless, par¬
takers of that Spirit?—A. Yes : For as many, as
are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons
of God. Rom. viii. 14.
18. And does it inspire them with filial con¬
fidence?—A. Yes: For ye have not received the
spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have re¬
ceived the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry,
Abba, Father. Rom. viii. 15.
19. And bear testimony to their acceptance?
—A. Yes: The . Spirit itself beareth witness
with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
Rom. viii. 16.
20. And aid them in their devotions?—A.
Yes: Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our in¬
firmities: for we know not what we should pray
for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh in¬
tercession for us with groanings which cannot be
uttered. Rom. viii. 26.
21. Is the Spirit thus given as a pledge of
divine love, at the time of conversion ?—A. Yes:
In whom (Christ) also after that ye believed, ye
were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the
redemption of the purchased possession, unto the
praise of his glory. Eph. i. 13, 14.
94 SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
22. Does this privilege carry with it a cor¬
responding duty?—A. Yes: And grieve not the
holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto
the day of redemption. Eph. iv. 30.
LESSON XXXV.
DIVINE PURPOSES.
We have spoken of the gift of Jesus Christ, and
of the Holy Spirit, and of the spiritual benefits
flowing therefrom, such as repentance, faith, jus¬
tification, adoption, sanctification, and perseve¬
rance. Let us now study the Divine purposes.
1. Question. Do you believe th*it the whole
plan of salvation was wrought*out in obedience to
an eternal purpose?—Answer. Yes: According
to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ
Jesus our Lord. Eph. iii. 11.
2. Did God give an early intimation of this
purpose?—A. Yes: The seed of the woman shall
bruise the serpent's head. Gen. iii. 15.
3. Did he repeat this assurance to Abraham ?—
A. Yes: And in thy seed shall all the nations of
the earth be blessed. Gen. xxii. 18.
4. Does this promise refer particularly to Christ?
—A. Yes: Now to Abraham and his seed were
the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds,
as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which
is Christ. Gal. iii. 16.
5. Did the old prophets speak of God's pur¬
pose concerning the gift of Jesus?—A. Yes: Of
DIVINE PURPOSES.
95
which salvation the prophets have inquired and
searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace
that should come unto you, searching what, or
what manner of time the spirit of Christ which
was in them did signify, when it testified before¬
hand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that
should follow. L Pet. i. 10, 11.
6. Is the salvation of God's people in accord¬
ance with his previous purpose ?—A. Yes: Who
hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling,
not according to our works, but according to his
own purpose and grace, which was given us in
Christ Jesus before the world began. 2 Tim. i. 9.
7. Did this purpose look immediately to the
holiness of his people?—A. Yes: According as
he hath chosen us in him before the foundation
of the world, that we should be holy and without
blame before him in love. Eph. i. 4.
8. Was Jesus Christ the model after whom
they were to be fashioned?—A. Yes. For whom
he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be
conformed to the image of his Son, that he might
be the first-born among many brethren. Rom.
viii. 29.
9. And did this purpose look ultimately to their
salvation?—A. Yes: God hath from the begin¬
ning chosen you to salvation, through sanctifica-
tion of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. 2 Thes.
ii. 13.
10. Does this doctrine inspire our hope of the
success of the gospel?—A. Yes: All that the
Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that
96
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John
vi. 37.
11. Does this doctrine furnish a motive to holi¬
ness?—A. Yes: But let us who are of the day be
sober, putting on the breast-plate of faith and love,
and for a helmet, the hope of salvation; for God
hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain sal¬
vation by our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thes. v. 8,9.
12. And to profound humility?—A. Yes: For
who maketh thee to differ from another? and what
hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if
thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if
thou hadst not received it? 1 Cor. iv. 7.
13. Has not God a perfect right to bestow his
gifts as he pleases?—A. Yes: Is it not lawful for
me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine
eye evil because I am good ? Matt. xx. 15.
14. Does He claim this right in showing
fnercy?—A. Yes: What shall we say then? Is
there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom
I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on
whom I will have compassion. Rom. ix. 14,15.
15. Should we be curious to know the divine
decrees?—A. No: Secret things belong to the
Lord our God. Deut. xxix. 29.
16. Are God's precepts, then, and not his pur¬
poses, the rule of our conduct?—A. Yes: But
those things which are revealed belong unto us
and to our children for ever, that we may do all
the words of this law. Deut. xxix. 29.
DEATH.
97
LESSON XXXVI.
DEATH.
1. Question. Is death common to all men?—
Answer. Yes: So death passed upon all men, for
that all have sinned. Rom. v. 12.
2. Is it unavoidable?—A. Yes: For we must
needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground,
which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth
God respect any person. 2 Sam. xiv. 14.
3. Is it an appointed event?—A. Yes: It is
appointed unto men once to die; but after this
the judgment. Heb. ix. 27.
4. Is there any difference between the death
of the wicked and of the righteous?—A. Yes:
The wicked is driven away in his wickedness;
but the righteous hath hope in his death. Prov.
xiv. 32.
5. When men die, do the soul and the body perish
together?—A. No: Then shall the dust return
to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return
unto God who gave it. Eccles. xii. 7.
6. Is death an advantage to the believer?—A.
Yes: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is
gain. Phil. i. 21.
7. Does his spirit go immediately after death,
into a state of happiness?—A. Yes: For I am
in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart
and to be with Christ, which is far better. Phil,
i. 23.
8. Are the wicked miserable soon after death?
—A. Yes: The rich man also died and was
i
98
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
buried: and in hell he lifted up his eyes, being
in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off and
Lazarus in his bosom: and he cried and said,
Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send
Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in
Water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented
in this flame. Luke xvi. 22—24.
9. Does the happiness of the righteous consist
in freedom from sin?—A. Yes: For they are
without fault before the throne of God. Rey.
xiv. 5.
10. And in a discharge from all sufferings?—
A. Yes: For they rest from their labours and
their works do follow them. Rev. xiv. ] 3.
11. And in a state of perfection?—A. Yes:
And to the spirits of just men made perfect. Heb.
xii. 23.
12. And of complete glory ?—A. Yes. Thou
shalt guide me by thy counsel, and afterwards
receive me to glory. Ps>-lxxiii. 24.
13. Are they admitted to a glorious abode?—
A. Yes: And the city had no need of the sun,
neither of the moon, to shine in it; for the glory
of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light
thereof. Rev. xxi. 23.
14. And to a glorious employment?—A. Yes :
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and
serve him day and night in his temple. Rev.
\ii. 15.
THE RESURRECTION.
99
LESSON XXXVII.
THE RESURRECTION.
1. Question. Is it possible that there shall be
a resurrection?—A. Yes: Why should it be
thought a thing incredible with you that God
should raise the dead ? Acts xxvi. 8.
2. Is it certain that this event will occur?—A.
Yes: There shall be a resurrection of the dead,
both of the just and unjust. Acts xxiv. 15.
3. Will the resurrection be universal?—A.
Yes: For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ
shall all be made alive, 1 Cor. xv. 22.
4. Has there been already a partial resurrec¬
tion?—A. Yes: And the graves were opened,
and many bodies of saints which slept arose and
came out of the graves after his resurrection, and
went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
Matt, xxvii. 52.
5. Is this work ascribed both to the Father and
to the Son ?—A. Yes: For as the Father raiseth
up the dead, and quickeneth them, even so the
Son quickeneth whom he will. John v. 22.
6. Will the righteous and the wicked rise to
different destinies?—A. Yes: For the hour is
coming in the which all that are in the graves shall
hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that
have done good unto the resurrection of life, and
they that have done evil unto the resurrection of
damnation. John v. 28, 29.
7. Will this take place at the end of the world?
100
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
—A. Yes: I know that he shall rise again in the
resurrection at the last day. John xi. 24.
8. Will the body when raised up be subject
to all its present weaknesses?—A. No: It is
sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption :
it is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory: it
is sown in weakness, it is raised in power: it is
sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
1 Cor. xv. 42.
9. Will it be ever again subject to death?—A.
No: For this corruptible must put on incorrup¬
tion, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1 Cor. xv. 53.
10. Will it resemble the glorified body of Je¬
sus?—A. Yes: He shall change our vile body,
that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious
body. Phil. iii. 21.
11. Will those who shall be alive at Christ's
coming, undergo a similar change?—A. Yes:
Behold, I show you a mystery :* we shall not all
sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment,
in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for
the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be
raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1 Cor. xv. 51, 52.
12. Will the righteous rise in the last day be¬
fore the wicked?—A. Yes: And the dead in
Christ shall rise first. 1 Thes. iv. 16.
13. Will the relations which exist in this life
continue after the resurrection?—A. No: For
* The word mystery, in the New Testament, does not
mean, a thing that cannot be understood, but something
that had not before been known.
THE FINAL JUDGMENT.
101
in the resurrection they neither marry nor are
given in marriage, but are as the angels of God
in heaven. Matt. xxii. 30.
14. Will the raising of the dead be attended
with great pomp?—A. Yes: For the Lord him¬
self shall descend from heaven with a shout, and
with the voice of the archangel, and with the
trump of God. 1 Thes. iv. 16.
15. Was the doctrine of a resurrection known
to the Old Testament saints?—A. Yes: I know
that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand
in the latter day upon the earth: and though after
my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh
shall I see God : whom I shall see for myself, and
mine eyes shall behold, and not another. Job
xix. 25—27.
16. Has it been still more clearly revealed un¬
der the new dispensation?—A. Yes: Jesus
Christ hath abolished death, and hath brought
life and immortality to light through the gospel.
2 Tim. i. 10.
LESSON XXXVIII.
THE FINAL JUDGMENT.
1. Question. Will all men have to give an ac¬
count of their conduct?—Answer. Yes: So then
every one of us shall give .account of himself to
God. Rom. xiv. 12.
2. Is there a special day appointed for the judg¬
ment?—A. Yes: He hath appointed a day in
i*
102
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
the which he will judge the world in righteous¬
ness by that man whom he hath ordained. Acts
xvii. 31.
3. Is Jesus Christ the " man whom he hath
ordained" as the judge?—A. Yes: For the Fa¬
ther judgeth no man, but hath committed all judg¬
ment unto the Son. John v. 22.
4. Will Christ actually come again on earth to
perform this work?—A. Yes: And unto them
that look for him shall he appear the second time
without sin unto salvation. Heb. ix. 28.
5. Will his coming be attended with glory?—
Yes: When the Son of man shall come in his
glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall
he sit upon the throne of his glory, and before
him shall be gathered all nations. Matt. xxv. 32.
6. Will his examination embrace all the deeds
of all men?—A. Yes: For God shall bring every
work into judgment, with every secret thing,
whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Eccl.
xii. 14.
7. Will his decisions be according to those
deeds, and not from partiality?—A. Yes: Who
will render to every man according to his deeds:
to them who, by patient continuance in well do¬
ing, seek for glory and honour and immortality,
eternal life: but unto them that are contentious,
and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteous¬
ness, indignation and wrath; * * * for there is no
respect of persons with God. Rom. ii. 6—11.
8. And will evil words be judged?—A. Yes:
But I say unto you, that every idle word that men
THE FINAL JUDGMENT.
103
speak, they shall give account thereof in the day
of judgment. Matt. xii. 36.
9. Will all the dead be assembled in the divine
presence?—A. Yes: And I saw the dead, small
and great, stand before God. Rev. xx. 12.
10. Will the judgment be according to the re¬
cords of our deeds?—A. Yes: And the books
were opened: and another book was opened,
which is the book of life: and the dead were
judged out of those things which were written in
the books, according to their works. Rev. xx. 12.
11. Will the saints be collected with special
care before the tribunal?—A. Yes: He shall send
his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and
they shall gather together his elect from the four
winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matt.
xxiv. 31.
12. Will the same agents be employed to as¬
semble the ungodly ?—A. Yes: The Son of man
shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather
out of his kingdom all things that offend, and
them that do iniquity. Matt. xiii. 41.
13. Will the two classes be distinguished
while before the judgment seat?—A. Yes: And
he shall separate them one from another, as a
shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. Matt.
xxv. 32.
14. Will this separation be final?—A. Yes:
Between us and you there' is a great gulf fixed.
Luke xvi. 26.
15. Will Christ be attended to the judgment
by any of his people?—A. Yes: Behold the Lord
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SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
cometh with ten thousand of his saints to exe¬
cute judgment upon all, and to convince all that
are ungodly among them, of all their ungodly
deeds. Jude 14.
16. Will the twelve apostles assist him in the
judgment?—A. Yes: Verily I say unto you, that
ye which have followed me in the regeneration,
when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of
his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones,
judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matt. xix. 28.
17. Will the saints share in this honour?—A.
Yes: Do ye not know that the saints shall judge
the world ? * * * Know ye not that we shall judge
angels ? 1 Cor. vi. 2, 3.
18. Will the Saviour openly approve his peo¬
ple in the last day?—A. Yes: Then shall the
king say to them on his right hand, Come, ye
blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom pre-
prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Matt. xxv. 34.
19 And will he publicly condemn the wicked?
—A. Yes. Then shall he say also unto them on
his left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into
everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his
angels. Matt. xxv. 41.
20. Should not these awful truths inspire us
with holy diligence?—A. Yes: Wherefore, be¬
loved, seeing that ye look for such things, be dili
gent, that ye may be found of him in peace, with¬
out spot and blameless. 2 Pet. iii. 14.
HEAVEN.
105
LESSON XXXIX.
HEAVEN.
1. Question, Will the righteous be admitted
into heaven after death?—Answer. Yes: For we
know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle
were dissolved, we have a building of God, a
house not made with hands, eternal in the hea¬
vens. 2 Cor. v. 1.
2. Is it already prepared for them ?—A. Yes.
In my Father's house are many mansions ; if it
were not so I would have told you. I go to
prepare a place for you. John xiv. 2.
3. Will they then enjoy the Saviour's pre¬
sence?—A. Yes: And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again and receive you
to myself, that where I am, there ye may be also.
John xiv. 3.
4. Will all their afflictions have passed away ?—
A. Yes: And God shall wipe away all tears from
their eyes; and there shall be no more death,
neither sorrpw nor crying; neither shall there be
any more pain: for the former things are passed
away. Rev. xxi. 4.
5. Will their blessedness consist in bearing the
likeness of Christ?—A. Yes: It doth not yet ap¬
pear what we shall be; but we know that when
he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall
see him as he is. 1 John iii. 2.
6. And in possessing great knowledge?—A.
Yes: For now we see through a glass, darkly:
but then face to face; now I know in part,
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SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
but then shall I know, even as also I am known.
1 Cor. xiii. 12.
7. And in enjoying high honour?—A. Yes:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of
righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge
shall give me at that day; and not to me only,
but unto all them also that love his appearing.
2 Tim. iv. 8.
8. And in continually and perfectly serving
God ?—A. Yes: These are they which came out
of great tribulation, and have washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Therefore are: they before the throne of God, and
serve him day and night in his temple. Rev. vii.
14, 15.
9. And in the exclusion from their abode of
everything that defileth?—A. Yes: And there
shall in no wise enter into it any thing that de¬
fileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination,
or loveth a lie, but they which are written in the
Lamb's book of life. Rev. xxi. 27.
10. Do you know what are some of the charac¬
ters that will be excluded thence ?—A. Yes: For
without are dogs (i. e. quarrelsome persons) and
sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and
idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Rev. xxii. 15.
11. Will the bliss of heaven consist in part in
its society?—A. Yes: And I say unto you, that
many shall come from the east and west, and shall
sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in
the kingdom of heaven. Matt. viii. 11.
12. Will the redeemed be very numerous ?—
HEAVEN.
107
A. Yes: After this I beheld, and lo, a great mul¬
titude which no man could number, of all nations,
and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood
before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed
with white robes, and palms in their hands. Rev.
vii. 9.
13. Will all their poverty be at an end?—A.
Yes: They shall hunger no more, neither thirst
any more, neither shall the sun light on them,
nor any heat, for the Lamb which is in the midst
of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them
to living fountains of water; and God shall wipe
away all tears from their eyes. Rev. vii. 16,17.
14. Will this happiness be eternal?—A. Yes:
The righteous (shall go) into life eternal. Matt,
xxv. 46.
15. Should we patiently bear our trials here in
view of this reward ?—A. Yes: For I reckon that
the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory which shall be re¬
vealed in us. Rom. viii. 18-
16. Is affliction designed to fit us for this hap¬
piness?—A. Yes: For our light affliction, which
is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Cor.
iv. 17.
17. Is perseverance necessary to its attain¬
ment?—A. Yes: But he that shall endure to the
end, the same shall be saved. Matt. xxiv. 13.
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SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
LESSON XL.
HELL.
1. Will God punish the wicked in a future
stale?—A. Yes: The wicked shall be turned into
hell with all the nations that forget God. Ps.
ix. 17.
2. Will this punishment be endless?—A. Yes:
And these shall go away into everlasting punish¬
ment. Matt. xxv. 46.
3. Will it be according to their deeds?—A.
Yes: And that servant which knew his Lord's
will and prepared not himself, neither did accord¬
ing to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.
But he that knew not, and did commit things
worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes.
Luke xii. 47.
4. Will all secret crimes be punished?—A
Yes: In the day when God shall judge the se
crets of men by Jesus Christ according to my
gospel. Rom. ii. 66.
5. And will sins of omission?—A. Yes: For
I was a hungered, and ye gave me no meat; I was
thirsty and ye gave me no drink. I was a stranger
and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed
me not: sick and in prison, and ye visited me
not. Matt. xxv. 42, 43.
6. And will sins of commission?—A. Yes:
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the
wrong which he hath done, and there is no re¬
spect of persons. Col. iii. 2-5.
7. Will this punishment consist in banish-
HELL.
109
merit from God?—A. Yes : Who shall be pun¬
ished with everlasting destruction from the pre¬
sence of the Lord, and from the glory of his
power. 2 Thes. i. 9.
8. And in suffering actual pain?—A. Yes:
Depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire,
prepared for the devil and his angels. Matt,
xxv. 41.
9. Does the Bible tell us who will be thus
punished?—A. Yes: But the fearful and unbe¬
lieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and
whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters,, and
all liars, shall have their part in the lake which
burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the
second death. Rev. xxi. 8.
10. Will this punishment consist partly in re¬
membering?—A. Yes: Son, remember that thou,
in thy lifetime, receivedst thy good things, and
likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is com¬
forted, and thou art tormented. Luke xvi. 25.
11. And partly in contrasting their condition
with that of the redeemed?—A. Yes: There
shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye
shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all
the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you
yourselves thrust out. Luke xiii. 28.
12. Will the hopes of many be disappointed?—
A. Yes: Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for
many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and
shall not be able. Luke xiii. 24.'
13. Will the redeemed justify God in his deal¬
ings with the wicked ?—A. Yes: And after these
things I heard a great voice of much people in
K.
110
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
heaven, saying, Alleluia! Salvation, and glory,
and honour, and power unto the Lord our God,
for true and righteous are his judgments; for he
hath judged the great harlot which did corrupt
the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged
the blood of his servants at her hand. And again
they said, Alleluia! and her smoke rose up for
ever and ever. Rev. xix. 1,2,3.
LESSON XLI.
THE CHURCH.
We have studied the most important doctrines
of Christianity. Let us now attend to the church,
its officers, the ordinances of the gospel, and to
the means of grace.
1. Question. Is Jesus Christ the head of the
church?—Answer. Yes: And he is the head of
the body, the church; who is the beginning, the
first-born from the dead, that in all things he might
have the pre-eminence. Col. i. 18.
2. Is the church compared then to the human
body ?—A. Yes: For as we have many members
in one body, and all members have not the same
office, so we being many are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another. Rom.
xii. 4,5.
3. Does this expression imply the necessity of
union and sympathy among Christians'?—A. Yes:
That there should be no schism in the body; but
that the members should have the same care one
THE CHURCH.
Ill
for another. And whether one member suffer,
all the members suffer with it; or one member
be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
1 Cor. xii. 25, 26.
4. When, by another figure, the church is
likened to a house, is Christ the foundation?—A.
Yes: For other foundation can no man lay than
that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Cor.
iii. 11.
5. Are the inspired teachers associated with
Christ in this connexion?—A. Yes: And ye are
built upon the foundation of the apostles and pro¬
phets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cor¬
ner stone; in whom all the building, fitly framed
together, groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord.
Eph. ii. 20, 21.
6. Are Christians the materials of which this
building is composed?—A. Yes: Ye also, as
lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, accept¬
able to God by Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. ii. 5.
7. Are religious teachers cautioned as to the
materials they build on this basis?—A. Yes: But
let every man take heed how'he buildeth there¬
upon. * * * Now if any man. "build upon this
foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood,
hay, stubble, every man's work shall be made
manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it
shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try
every man's work of what sort it is. 1 Cor. iii.
10—13.
8. Is the church a voluntary society?—A. Yes:
112
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
They first gave their own selves to the Lord and
unto us by the will of God. 2 Cor. viii. 5.
9. Should unconverted men join a church?—
A. No: And the Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved. Acts ii. 47.
10. Should all the truly pious unite with a
church?—A. Yes: Wherefore come out from
among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,
and touch not the unclean thing, and I will re¬
ceive you. 2 Cor. vi. 17.
11. Does God design to illustrate his perfec¬
tions by the church?—A. Yes: To the intent
that now unto the principalities and powers in
heavenly places might be known by the church
the manifold wisdom of God. Eph. iii. 10.
12. Is baptism the appointed method of con¬
fessing Christ?—A. Yes: For as many of you
as have been baptized into Christ have put on
Christ. Gal. iii. 27.
13. Is there any difference among the mem¬
bers of the church in point of privilege?—A. No:
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither
bond nor free, there is neither male nor female;
for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal. iii. 28.
14. Ought the church to observe the ordi¬
nances of the gospel?—A. Yes: Now I praise
you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things,
and keep the ordinances as I delivered them to
you. 2 Cor. xi. 2.
15. Should they assemble regularly to wor¬
ship God?—A. Yes: And let us consider one
another, to provoke unto love and good works,
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves to-
THE CHURCH.
113
gether, as the manner of some is; but exhorting
one another, and so much the more as ye see the
day approaching. Heb. x. 24, 25.
16. Was such the practice of the first Chris¬
tians'?—A. Yes: And they continued steadfastly
in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread and in prayers. Acts ii. 42.
17. Should divine worship be conducted with
reverence and decorum?*—A. Yes: Keep thy
foot when thou goest to the house of God, and
be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice
of fools; for they consider not that they do evil.
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine
heart be hasty to utter any thing before God; for
God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: there¬
fore let thy words be few. Eccl. v. 1, 2.
18. Is union of feeling and action important
to a church?—A. Yes: Now I beseech you,
brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye all speak the same thing, and that there
be no divisions among you; but that ye be per¬
fectly joined together in the same mind, and in
the same judgment. 1 Cor. i. 10.
19. Do schisms generally prove the absence
of piety?—A. Yes: For ye are yet carnal; for
whereas there is among you envying, and strife,
and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
* The greatest interruption to " decorum" in our coloured
assemblies arises from persons coming in after the exercises
have begun. As long as this practice continues, it will be
impossible to maintain due solemnity'in the house of God.
I do not remember any passage of scripture that forbids ex¬
plicitly this custom, but I am sure it is contrary to the spirit
of the entire Bible.
114
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
For while one saith, 1 am of Paul, and another,
I am of Apollos, are ye not carnal. 1 Cor. iii. 3,4.
20. Is humility promotive of harmony?—A.
Yes: Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded,
having the same love, being of one accord, of one
mind. Let nothing be done through strife or
vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each
esteem other better than themselves. Phil. ii. 2,3.
21. Does the unity of Christian doctrines en¬
force the same duty ?—A. Yes: Endeavouring to
keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are
called in one hope of your calling: one Lord,
one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of
all, who is above all, and through all, and in you
all. Eph. iv. 3—6.
LESSON XLII.
THE MINISTRY.
1. Question. Did Jesus select twelve apostles
from among his disciples?—Answer. Yes : And it
came to pass in those days, that he went out into
a mountain to pray, and continued all night in
prayer to God.—And when it was day, he called
unto him his disciples, and of them he chose
twelve, whom also he named apostles. Luke
vi. 13.
2. Did he command his apostles to preach the
gospel?—A. Yes: And he said, unto them, Go
THE MINISTRY.
115
ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to
every creature. Mark xvi. 15.
3. Did he promise to confirm their teaching by
miracles'?—A. Yes: And these signs shall fol¬
low them that believe. In my name shall they
cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
they shall take up serpents; and if they drink
any deadly thing it shall not hurt them: they shall
lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark xvi. 17, 18.
4. Was this promise actually fulfilled?—A.
Yes: And they went forth and preached every¬
where, the Lord working with them, and confirm¬
ing the word with signs following. Mark xvi. 20.
5. Were there other spiritual teachers also in¬
stituted by Christ?—A. Yes: And he gave some
apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists,
and some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting
of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ. Eph. iv. 11, 12.
6. When the apostles planted churches, did
they ordain paslors to instruct them?—A. Yes:
For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou
shouldst set in order the things that are wanting,
and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed
thee. Titus i. 5.
7. Does Paul use the word elder here, as fill¬
ing the same office as a bishop ?—A. Yes: If any
be blameless, the husband of one wife, having
faithful children, not accused of riot, or unruly ;
for a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of
God. Titus i. 6, 7.
8. Did some of the churches have more than
116
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
one bishop?—A. Yes: Paul and Timotheus, the
servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ
Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and
deacons. Phil. i. 1.
9. Does this word mean an overseer?—A.
Yes: And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus,and
called the elders of the church,—and said,—Take
heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the
flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made
you overseers, to feed the church of God, which
he hath purchased with his own blood. Acts xx.
17, 28.
• 10. Does the office of pastor or bishop imply
authority?—A. Yes: Obey them that have the
rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they
watch for your souls, as they that must give ac¬
count, that they may do it with joy and not with
grief. Heb. xii. 17.
11. Should'this authority be exercised with
affection and forbearance?—Yes: Neither as be¬
ing lords over God's heritage; but being ensam-
ples to the flock. 1 Pet. v. 3.
12. Should ministers of the gospel be men of
exemplary piety?—A. Yes: Let no man despise
thy youth; but be thou an example of the be-,
lievers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in
spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Tim. iv. 12.
13. Should ungodly men ever pretend to be
religious teachers?—A. No: But unto the wicked
God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my
statutes, or that thou shouldst take my covenant
in thy mouth, seeing thou hatest instruction and
castest my words behind thee? Ps. 1. 16,17.
THE DEACONS.
117
14. Are ministers exhorted to seek after high
attainments?—A. Yes: Study to show thyself
approved unto God, a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Tim. ii. 15.
15. And to devote themselves entirely to their
work?—A. Yes: Meditate upon these things:
give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting
way appear to all. 1 Tim. iv. 15.
15. Ought the churches to support those who
thus devote themselves?—A. Yes: Even so hath
the Lord ordained, that they which preach the
gospel should live of the gospel. 1 Cor. ix. 14.
16. And to hold them in high estimation?—
A. Yes: And we beseech you, brethren, to know
them which labour among you, and are over you
in the Lord, and admonish you, and to esteem them
very highly in love for their work's sake. And
be at peace among yourselves. 1/Thes. v. 12,13.
18. And to be slow to receive injurious re¬
ports concerning them?—A. Yes: Against an
elder receive not an accusation but before two or
three witnesses.
LESSON XLIII.
THE DEACONS.
The word deacon means a servant, as also does
the word minister. The former is a servant of
the church in temporal matters; the latter in
spiritual matters.
118
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
1. Question. Does the Bible give us any ac¬
count of the origin of this office ?—Answer. Yes:
And in those days when the number of the dis¬
ciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring
of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because
their widows were neglected in the daily minis¬
tration. Acts vi. 1.
2. Was the office intended to relieve the apos¬
tles of temporal cares?—A. Yes : Then the twelve
called the multitude of the disciples unto them,,
and said, It is not reason that we should leave
the word of God and serve tables. Wherefore,
brethren, look ye out among you seven men of
honest report, full of the Holy Ghost, and wis¬
dom, whom we may appoint over this business.
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer
and to the ministry of the word. Acts vi. 2—4.
3. Did the whole body of disciples elect these
officers?—A. Yes: And the saying pleased the
whole multitude, and they chose Stephen and
others. Acts vi. 5.
4. Did the apostles then ordain the deacons?—
Yes: Whom they set before the apostles, and
when they had prayed, they laid their hands on
them. Acts vi. 6.
5. Are the requisite qualifications of deacons
laid down in the Bible?—A. Yes: Likewise
must the deacons be grave; not double tongued,
not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy
lucre, holding the mystery of the faith in a pure
conscience. 1 Tim. iii. 8, 9.
6. Should they be men of experience?—A.
Yes : And let these also first be proved, then let
THE DEACONS.
119
them use the office of a deacon, being found
blameless. 1 Tim. iii. 10.
7. Must they be men of authority at home?—
A. Yes: Let the deacons be the husbands of one
wife, ruling their children and their own houses
well. 1 Tim. iii. 12.
8. Should their wives be exemplary?*—A.
Yes: Even so must their wives be grave; not
slanderous, sober, faithful in all things. 1 Tim.
iii. II.
LESSON XLIY.
BAPTISM.
1. Question. Can you tell us by whom and
where baptism was first practised?—Answer. Yes:
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching,
in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent
ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand... .Then
went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea, and all
the region round about Jordan, and were baptized
of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. Matt,
iii. 1, 2, 5, 6.
2. Did John use water in administering this
ordinance?—A. Yes: I indeed baptize you with
water unto repentance. Matt. iii. 11.
3. Did the apostles afterwards use it ?—A.
* It is probable that the word " wives" here means fe¬
male deacons or deaconesses. As no instruction is given to
the wives of bishops, it is_not likely that any should be given
to the wives of deacons.
120
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
Yes: Can any man forbid water that these should
not be baptized ? Acts x. 47.
4. Do the circumstances make it probable that
John immersed the people?—A. Yes: And John
also was baptizing in Enon near to Salim, be¬
cause there was much water there': and they came
and were baptized. John iii. 23.
5. Would you infer from the circumstances of
Christ's baptism, that he was immersed?—A.
Yes: Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan
unto John, to be baptized of him. ... And Jesus,
when he was baptized, went up straightway out
of the water. John iii. 13,16.
6. And that the Ethiopian was also?—A. Yes:
And he commanded the chariot to stand still;
and they went down both into the water, both
Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And
when they were come up out of the water, the
spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the
eunuch saw him no more, and he went on his
way rejoicing. Acts viii. 39.
7. Was John's baptism of divine appoint¬
ment?—A. Yes: He sent me to baptize with
water. John i. 33.
8. Was submission to it a test of obedience to
God?—A. Yes: And all the people that heard
him, and the publicans, justified God, being bap¬
tized with the baptism of John. But the Phari¬
sees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God
against themselves, being not baptized of him.
Luke vii. 29,30.
9. Did Jesus Christ regard it as incumbent on
him.—A. Yes: Suffer it to be so now; for thus
BAPTISM.
121
it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then
he suffered him. Matt. iii. 15.
10. Did John's baptism refer to a coming Sa¬
viour?—A. Yes: Then said Paul, John verily
baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying
unto the people, that they should believe on him
which should come after him, that is, on Christ
Jesus. Acts xix. 4.
11. Did Jesus, before his ascension, authorize
his disciples to baptize?—A. Yes: And Jesus
came and spake unto them, saying, All power is
given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye,
therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Matt, xxviii. 18, 19.
12. Should faith in the gospel always go be¬
fore baptism?—A. Yes: He that believeth and
is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth
not shall be damned. Mark xvi. 16.
13. Did the apostles teach the duty of bap¬
tism in connexion with their preaching?—A. Yes:
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be bap¬
tized every one of you, in the name of Jesus
Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall re¬
ceive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts ii. 38.
14. And did believers obey the command?—
A. Yes: Then they that gladly received his
word were baptized. Acts ii. 41.
15. Did the eunuch regard it as a privilege?—
A. Yes: And as they went on their way, they
came unto a certain water. And the eunuch said,
See, here is water, what doth hinder me to be
baptized? Acts viii. 36.
L
122
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
16. Did Philip demand and receive a profes¬
sion of faith before he would baptize him?—A.
Yes: And Philip said, If thou believest with all
thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and
said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of
God. Acts viii. 37.
17. Were the believing Samaritans baptized?—
A. Yes: But when they believed Philip preach¬
ing the things concerning the kingdom of God,
and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized,
both men and women. Acts viii. 12.
18. And the Corinthians also?—A. Yes: And
Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed
on the Lord with all his house; and many of the
Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
Adts xviii. 8.
19. Is baptism the appointed method of avow¬
ing our allegiance to Christ?—A. Yes: For as
many of you as have been baptized into Christ
have put on Christ. Gal. iii. 27.
20. Does it represent our belief in his death,
burial, and resurrection?—A. Yes: Know ye not
that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus
Christ, were baptized into his death? Therefore
we are buried with him by baptism, into death,
that, like as Christ was raised up from the dead
by the glory of the Father, even so we also should
walk in newness of life. Rom. vi. 3, 4.
21. Is it a public declaration of our death to
sin, and of a life of righteousness?—A. Yes: For
if we have been planted together in the likeness
of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of
his resurrection; knowing this, that our old man
BAPTISM.
123
is crucified with him, that the body of sin might
be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve
sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Rom.
vi. 5-7.
22. Is it an emblem of our purification by the
blood of Jesus Christ ?—A. Yes: And now, why
tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized, and wash
away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Acts xxii. 16.
23. And of our salvation ?—A. Yes: The like
figure whereunto even baptism doth also now
save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the
flesh, but the answer of a good conscience to¬
ward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1 Pet. iii. 21.
24. And of our union with God's people?—
A. Yes: For by one Spirit are we all baptized
into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles,
whether we be bond or free, and have been all
made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Cor. xii. 13.
25. Is any other baptism than that of water
mentioned in the Bible ?—A. Yes: He shall bap¬
tize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Matt,
iii. 11.
26. Does this refer to the abundance of his
miraculous influences?—A. Yes : And there ap¬
peared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,
and it sat upon each of them, and they were all
filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts ii. 3,4.
27. Are the sufferings of Christ compared to
a baptism?—A. Yes: But I have a baptism to
be baptized with, and how am I straitened till it
be accomplished! Luke xii. 50.
124
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
28. Although Christian baptism cannot purify
the soul, is it not one evidence of love to Christ?—
Yes: If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John xiv. 15.
29. Can we claim the character of disciples if
we neglect any known duty ?—A. No: Ye are my
friends if ye do whatsoever I command you. John
xv. 14.
LESSON XLV.
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
1. Question. Can you tell me when this ordi¬
nance was instituted?—Answer. Yes: For I have
received of the Lord that which also I delivered
unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in
which he was betrayed, took bread. 1 Cor. xi 23.
2. Was it instituted while he was celebrating
the Passover?—A. Yes : And as they were eat¬
ing, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake
it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take,
eat. Matt. xxvi. 26.
3. Did the bread represent his body?—A.
Yes: This is my body which is broken for you:
this do in remembrance of me. 1 Cor. xi. 24.
4. Did he also take the cup?—A. Yes: And
he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to
them, saying, Drink ye all of it. Matt. xxvi. 27.
(That is, do ye all drink of it.)
5. Did this cup represent the Saviour's blood?
—A. Yes: This is my blood of the New Testa-
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
125
ment, which is shed for many, for the remission
of sins. Matt. xxvi. 28.
6. Were both the bread and wine designed to
commemorate the death of Christ?—A. Yes:
For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this
cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come.
1 Cor. xi. 26.
7. Is it offensive to God to partake lightly of
this ordinance?—A. Yes: Wherefore whosoever
shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the
Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and
blood of the Lord. 1 Cor. xi. 27.
8. Should we do it with self-examination ?—A.
Yes: But let a man examine himself, and so let
him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. 1
Cor. xi. 28.
9. Is it dangerous to our souls to partake un¬
worthily?—A. Yes: For he that eateth and drink-
eth unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation
(that is, condemnation) to himself, not discern¬
ing the Lord's body. 1 Cor. xi. 29.
10. Had the Corinthians thus abused this or¬
dinance?—A. Yes: When ye come together,
therefore, into one place, this is not to eat the
Lord's supper. For in eating, every one taketh
before another his own supper, and one is hun¬
gry, and another is drunken. 1 Cor. xi. 20, 21.
11. Was this conduct visited by the Almighty
with temporal judgments?—A. Yes: For this
cause many are weak and sickly among you, and
many sleep (are dead). 1 Cor. xi. 30.
12. Were they instructed to partake of the
supper in common?—A. Yes: Wherefore, my
L*
126 SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
brethren, when ye come together, to eat, tarry
one for another. 1 Cor. xi. 33.
13. And not to use it to satisfy hunger ?—Yes:
And if any man hunger, let him eat at home;
that ye come not together unto condemnation.
1 Cor. xi. 34.
14. Would you infer from the Saviour's com¬
mission, that baptism should go before the Lord's
supper as to the order of observing them ?—A.
Yes: Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, bap¬
tizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to
observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded
you ; and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the
end of the world. Matt, xviii. 19, 20.
15. Did the practice of the first Christians con¬
form to this rule?—A. Yes: Then they that
gladly received his word were baptized; and the
same day there were added unto them about three
thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly
in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayer. Acts ii. 41,42.
16. Is this ordinance a public testimony of our
fellowship with Christ?—A. Yes: The cup of
blessing which we bless, is it not the communion
of the blood of Christ? The bread which we
break, is it not the communion of the body of
Christ. 1 Cor. x. 16.
17. And of our union with his people?—A.
Yes: For we, being many, are one bread and one
body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
1 Cor. x. 17.
18. Should disorderly persons be excluded
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
127
from this privilege?—A. Yes: But now I have
written unto you not to keep company, if any
man that is called a brother, be a fornicator, or
covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard,
or an extortioner: with such a one no not to
eat. 1 Cor. v. 11.
19. If, however, through delay or neglect of the
church, persons of disorderly manners are found
at the table, should that keep us away?—A. No:
But let every man prove his own work, and then
shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not
in another. For every man shall bear his own
burden. Gal. vi. 4, 5.
20. If we are approaching the table, and know
that we have injured another, should we seek for¬
giveness first?—A. Yes: Therefore, if thou bring
thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that
thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there
thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be
reconciled to thy brother, and then come and of¬
fer thy gift. Matt. v. 23, 24.
21. Is it important that we observe this festival
with spiritual affections?—A. Yes: Therefore let
us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither
with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but
with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
1 Cor. v. 8.
22. Should the supper be closed with gratitude
and praise?—A. Yes : And when they had sung
a hymn, they went out to the M<*unt of Olives.
Matt. xxvi. 30.
128
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
LESSON XLVI.
CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
1. Question. Does the Bible teach us what
course to pursue when our brethren do us any
wrong?—Answer. Yes: Moreover, if thy brother
shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his
fault between thee and him alone. If he shall
hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Matt,
xviii. 15.
2. Does it teach us with what feelings to ap¬
proach him?—A. Yes: Brethren, if a man be
overtaken in a fault, ye, which are spiritual, re¬
store such an one in the spirit of meekness, con¬
sidering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Gal.
vi. J.
3. If he show signs of penitence must we for¬
give him?—A. Yes: Take heed to yourselves;
if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him ;
and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass
against thee seven times in a day, and seven times
in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent, thou
shalt forgive hirri. Luke xvii. 3, 4.
4. Should we kindly receive the admonitions
of our brethren?—A. Yes: Let the righteous
smite me, it shall be a kindness; and let him re¬
prove me, it shall be an excellent oil which shall
not break my head; for yet my prayer also shall
be in their calamities. Ps. cxli. 5.
5. If an erring brother refuse to hear us, must
we give him up 1—A. No: But if he will not hear
thee, then take with thee one or two more, that
CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
129
in the mouth of two or three witnesses every
word may be established. Matt, xviii. 16.
6. Is it well, in selecting the one or two, to re¬
gard their character?—A. Yes: The tongue of
the wise useth knowledge aright; but the mouth
of fools poureth out foolishness. Prov. xv. 2.
7. If he still refuse to hear counsel, must he
be given up?—A. No: And if he shall neglect
to hear them, tell it unto the church. Matt,
xviii. 17.
8. Is this the last step to be taken ?—A. Yes :
But if he neglect to hear the church, let him be
unto thee as a heathen man and a publican.
Matt, xviii. 17.
9. Do the apostles recognize the right of
churches to exclude in some cases?—A. Yes:
To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruc¬
tion of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in
the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Cor. v. 5.
10. Will God sanction the act of exclusion
when it has been done according to his direc¬
tions?—A. Yes: Yerily I say unto you, Whatso¬
ever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in hea¬
ven ; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall
be loosed in heaven. Matt, xviii. 18.
11. Is disorderly conduct one of the cases re¬
quiring discipline?—A. Yes: Now we command
you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus,
that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother
that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition
which he received of us. 2 Thes. iii. 6.
12. And should persons who produce divisions
be excluded?—A. Yes: Now 1 beseech you,
130
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
brethren, mark theni which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have
learned, and avoid them. For they that are such
serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own
appetite, and by good words and fair speeches
deceive the hearts of the simple. Rom. xvi. 17,18.
13. And those who propagate false doc¬
trine?—A. Yes: A man that is a heretic, after
the first and second admonition, reject, knowing
that he that is such is subverted and sinneth, be¬
ing condemned of himself. Tit. iii 10, 11.
14. Should we receive and approve strangers
who teach false doctrine?—A. No: If there come
any unto you and bring not this doctrine, receive
him not into your house, neither bid him God
speed. For he that biddeth him God speed, is
partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John 10, 11.
15. Should church discipline aim at the good
of the offender?—A. Yes: And if any man obey
not our word by this epistle, note that man, and
have no company with him, that he may be
ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but
admonish him as a brother. 2 Thes. iii. 14,15.
16. And at the good of the church ?—A. Yes:
Purge out, therefore, the old leaven, that ye may
be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even
Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. 1 Cor.
v. 7.
17. Do the scriptures enjoin a dignified pro¬
priety in all our church proceedings?—A. Yes:
Let all things be done decently and in order.
1 Cor. xiv. 40.
18. Do they discountenance an opposite
CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 131
course?—A. Yes: For where envying and strife
is, there is confusion and every evil work. James
iii. 16.
19. Was excommunication among the first
Christians an act of the church and not of the
pastor?—A. Yes: Sufficient to such a man is
this punishment, which was inflicted of many (by
the majority). 2 Cor. ii. 6.
20. Should sincere repentance in the person
excluded cause him to be restored?—A. Yes:
So that contrariwise, ye ought rather to forgive
him and comfort him, lest, perhaps such a one
should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm
your love toward him. 2 Cor. ii. 8.
LESSON XLVII.
CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT.
1. Question. Did the Saviour give a rule of
conduct applicable to all men?—Answer. Yes:
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that
men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for
this is the law and the prophets. Matt. vii. 12.
2. Should we in our conduct always aim to
glorify God ?—A. Yes: Whether, therefore, ye
eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the
glory of God. 1 Cor. x. 31.
3. Will a holy life in Christians constrain men
to think well of God?—A. Yes: Ye are the light
of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot
be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put
it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it
132
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your
light so shine before men that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heaven. Matt. v. 14-16.
4. Does the redemption of Christ furnish a mo-
>tive to such a life?—A. Yes: For ye are bought
with a price: therefore glorify God in your body
and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Cor.
vi. 20.
5. Should we cherish a habit of benevolence
to our fellow men?—A. Yes: But to do good
and to communicate forget not; for with such
sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb. xiii. 16.
6. Is it sinful to neglect any opportunity of do¬
ing good ?—A. Yes: Therefore to him that know-
eth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
James iv. 17.
7. Have we a lovely example of benevolence
in the person of Jesus?—A. Yes: He went about
doing good. Acts x. 37.
8. Should we in acts of kindness give the pre¬
ference to pious people?—A. Yes: As we have,
therefore, opportunity, let us do good unto all
men, especially unto them who are of the house¬
hold of faith. Gal. vi. 10.
9. Would a want of kindness to such bring
our piety into suspicion?—A. Yes: But whoso
hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have
need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion
from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
My little children, let us not love in word, neither
in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 1 John iii.
17, 18.
CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT. 133
10. Is kind attention to the afflicted an evi¬
dence of true piety ?—A. Yes: Pure religion, and
undefiled before God and the Father, is this, To
visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction,
and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
James i. 27.
11. Will this kindness be recognized and re¬
warded in the final day?—A. Yes: For I was a
hungered, and ye gave me meat; 1 was thirsty,
and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger and ye
took me in; naked, and ye clothed me. I was
sick and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye
came unto me. Matt. xxv. 35, 36.
12. Is it desirable for Christians to cultivate
friendly feelings towards men of the world?—A.
Yes: Walk in wisdom towards them that are
without, redeeming the time. Let your speech
be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye
may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Col. iv. 5, 6.
13. Should they carefully avoid being in
debt?—A. Yes: Render, therefore, to all their
dues; tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to
whom custom, fear to whom fear, honour to whom
honour. Owe no man any thing but to love one
another; for he that loveth another hath fulfilled
the law. Rom. xiii. 7, 8.
14. Should they guard against the improper use
of the tongue?—A. Yes: If any man among you
seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue,
but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion
is vain. James i. 26.
15. Should they cultivate the Christian graces ?
M
134
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
—A. Yes: And besides this, giving all diligence,
add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, and
to knowledge temperance, and to temperance pa¬
tience, and to patience godliness, and to godli¬
ness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kind¬
ness charity. 2 Pet. i. 5-7.
16. If a man possess the spirit of God in his
heart, will he show it in his life?—A. Yes: But
the fruit of the Spirit, is love, joy, peace, long-
suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,
temperance; against such there is no law. And
they that are Christ's, have crucified the world
with the affections and lusts. Gal. v. 22, 24.
17. Should we be uniform in our religious
duties?—A. Yes: Therefore, my beloved bre¬
thren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abound¬
ing in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye
know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Cor. xv. 59.
18. Ought we to advance in the divine life ?—
A. Yes: Beware lest ye also, being led away
with the error of the wicked, fall from your own
steadfastness; but grow in grace and in the know¬
ledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; to
whom be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
2 Pet. iii. 17, 18.
LESSON XLVIII.
RELATIVE DUTIES. HUSBANDS AND WIVES.
1. Question. Do the scriptures recommend
marriage under suitable circumstances?—A.
Yes: Marriage is honourable in all. Heb. xii. 4.
RELATIVE DUTIES.
135
2. Is this a very close and intimate relation?—
A. Yes : For this cause shall a man leave father
and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and
they twain shall be one flesh. Matt. xix. 5.
3. Can any human authority annul this rela¬
tion?—A. No: What therefore God hath joined
together, let not man put asunder. Matt. xix. 6.
4. Does the Saviour condemn divorce except
for one cause?—A. Yes: And I say unto you,
Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be
for fornication, and shall marry another, com-
mitteth adultery; and whoso marrieth her which
is put away, doth commit adultery. Matt. xix. 9.
5. Should the husband love his wife?—A.
Yes: Husbands love your wives, and be not bit¬
ter against them. Col. iii. 18.
C. Is there a large measure of love required of
him?—A. Yes: Husbands love your wives, even
as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself
for it, . . . So ought men to love their wives as
their own bodies; he that loveth his wife loveth
himself. Eph. v. 25 and 28.
7. Should he honour his wife?—A. Yes: Like¬
wise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to
knowledge, giving honour unto the wife as unto
the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of
the grace of life, that your prayers be not hin¬
dered. 1 Pet. iii. 7.
8. Should he provide for her sustenance?—A.
Yes : But if any provide not for his own, and
specially for those of his own house, he hath de¬
nied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Tim.
v. 8.
9. Is the wife bound to obey the husband.—
136
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
A. Yes: Wives submit yourselves unto your own
husbands as unto the Lord. Eph. v. 22.
10. Ought she to look up to him?—A. Yes:
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as
Christ is the head of the church; and he is the
Saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is
subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their
own husbands in every thing. Eph. v. 23, 24.
11. If her husband be irreligious, should her
behaviour tend to win him to the truth ?—A. Yes:
Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own
husbands, that if any obey not the word, they also
may, without the word, be won by the conversa¬
tion of the wives, while they behold your chaste
conversation coupled with fear. 2 Pet. iii. 1, 2.
12. Is the wife cautioned in regard to dress ?—
A. Yes: Whose adorning, let it not be that out¬
ward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing
of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be
the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not
corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and
quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great
price. 1 Pet. iii. 3, 4.
13. Should both the husband and the wife cul¬
tivate domestic peace?—A. Yes: Better is a din¬
ner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and
hatred therewith. Prov. xv. 17.
LESSON XLIX.
PARENTS AND CHILDREN.
1. Question. Do the scriptures teach the duty
of parents?—Answer. Yes: And ye fathers, pro¬
voke not your children to wrath, but bring them
PARENTS AND CHILDREN.
137
up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Eph. vi. 4.
2. Should parental discipline tend to dispirit
children?—A. No: Fathers, provoke not your
childen to anger, lest they be discouraged. Col.
iii. 21.
3. If children behave badly, must a remedy
be applied?—A. Yes: Foolishness is bound in
the heart of a child; but the rod of correction
shall drive it far from him. Prov. xxii. 15.
4. Is the future good of the child promoted
by this remedy ?—A. Yes : Withhold not correc¬
tion from the child ; for if thou beatest him with
the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him
with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
Prov. xxiii. 13, 14.
5. Do children well brought up generally be¬
come good men?—A. Yes: Train up a child in
the way he should go, and when he is old he will
not depart from it. Prov. xxii. 6.
6. Does God sometimes afflict good men for
not correcting their children 1—A. Yes: In that
day I will perform against Eli all things which I
have spoken concerning his house: when 1 begin
I will also make an end. For I have told him
that I will also judge his house for ever, for the
iniquity which he knoweth, because his sons
made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.
1 Sam. iii. 12, 13.
7. And does he generally prosper those who
bring up their families wisely?—A. Yes: Abra¬
ham shall surely become a great and mighty na¬
tion, and all the nations of the earth shall surely
M*
138
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
be blessed in him. For I know him, that he will
command his children, and his household after
him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to
do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring
upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
Gen. xviii. 18,19.
8. Will a godly father often pray for his off¬
spring?—A. Yes: Job sent and sanctified his
children, and rose up early in the morning, and
offered burnt-offerings according to the number
of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons
have sinned and cursed God in their hearts. Thus
did Job continually. Job i. 5.
9. Are children bound to obey their parents?—
A. Yes: Children obey your parents in the Lord,
for this is right. Eph. vi. 1.
10. Is any benefit attached to filial obedience ?
—A. Yes: Honour thy father and mother (which
is the first commandment with promise) that it
may be well with thee and thou mayest live long
on the earth. Eph. vi. 2, 3.
11. And any evil to filial disrespect?—A. Yes:
The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth
to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall
pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.
Prov. xxx. 17.
12. Will God be pleased with filial obedience?
—A. Yes. Children, obey your parents in all
things: for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord.
Col. iii. 20.
13. Have we an example of this in Jesus
Christ?—A. Yes: And he went down with his
parents, and came to Nazareth, and was subject
unto them. Luke ii. 51.
MASTERS AND SERVANTS.
139
14. Is it important for children to keep good
company?—A. Yes: He that walketh with wise
men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall
be destroyed. Prov. xiii. 20.
15. Will a good child become bad in wicked
company?—A. Yes: Be not deceived : evil com¬
munications corrupt good manners. 1 Cor. xv. 33.
LESSON L.
MASTERS AND SERVANTS.
1. Question. Do the scriptures teach the du¬
ties of masters?—Answer. Yes: Masters, give
unto your servants that which is just and equal,
knowing that ye also have a master in heaven.
Col. iv. 1.
2. Is it wrong to use harsh language to ser¬
vants?—A. Yes: And ye, masters, do the same
things unto them, forbearing threatening, know¬
ing that your master also is in heaven, neither is
there respect of persons with him. Eph. vi. 9.
3. Do the scriptures enjoin obedience on ser¬
vants?—A. Yes: Servants, be obedient to them
that are your masters according to the flesh, with
fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as
unto Christ, not with eye-service as men-pleasers,
but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of
God from the heart. Eph. iv. 5, 6.
4. Will God reward such conduct in ser¬
vants?—A. Yes: with goodwill doing service,
as to the Lord, and not to men ; knowing that
whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same
shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond
or free. Eph. vi. 7, 8.
140 SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
5. Should servants obey masters who are un¬
kind?—A. Yes: Servants, be subject to your
masters with all fear, not only to the good and
gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thank¬
worthy, if a man for conscience toward God en¬
dure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory
is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye
shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well,
and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is ac¬
ceptable with God. 1 Pet. ii. 18, 20.
6. Will Christian servants honour their pro¬
fession by thus acting?—A. Yes: Exhort ser¬
vants to be obedient unto their own masters, and
to please them well in all things, not answering
again, not purloining (stealing), but showing all
good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of
God our Saviour in all things. Titus ii. 9, 10.
7. Is the duty to the master the same when he
is a Christian?—A. Yes: And they that have
believing masters, let them not despise them, be¬
cause they are brethren; but rather do them ser¬
vice, because they are faithful and beloved, par¬
takers of the benefit. 1 Tim. vi. 2.
CIVIL AUTHORITIES.
8. Ought we, as citizens, to obey the civil au¬
thorities?—A. Yes: Let every soul be subject unto
the higher powers. For there is no power but
of God : the powers that be are ordained of God.
Rom. xiii. 1.
9. Will resistance to them meet with divine
censure?—A. Yes: Whosoever, therefore, resist-
eth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and
they that resist shall receive to themselves dam¬
nation. Rom. xiii. 2.
PRAYER.
141
10. Are they appointed to encourage virtue
and to restrain vice 1—A. Yes: For rulers are
not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt
thou then not be afraid of the power ? Do that
which is good and thou shalt have praise of the
same. For he is the minister of God to thee for
good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid :
for he beareth not the sword in vain. For he is
the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath
upon him that doeth evil. Rom. xiii. 3, 4.
11. Should we pray for men in high places ?—
A. Yes: I exhort, therefore, that,'first of all, sup¬
plications, prayers, intercessions and giving of
thanks, be made for all men, for kings, and for all
that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet
and peaceable life in all'godliness and honesty.
1 Tim. ii. 1, 2.
12. Should we be willing to pay the tax to sup¬
port the government?—A. Yes: For this cause
pay ye tribute also, for they are God's ministers,
attending continually upon this very thing. Rom.
xiii. 6.
LESSON LI.
PRAYER.
1. Question. Is God the only proper object of
prayer'?—Answer. Yes: Oh thou that hearest
prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. Ps. lxv. 2.
2. Does prayer include the offering up of our
desires to God ?—A. Yes: Lord, all my desire is
before thee, and my groaning is not hid from thee.
Ps. xxxviii. 9.
3. Does it include adoration?—A. Yes: O
142
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
Lord my God, thou art very great: thou art clothed
with honour and majesty. Ps. civ. 1.
4. And confession?—A. Yes: Father, I have
sinned against heaven and in thy sight, and am
rio more worthy to be called thy son. Luke
xv. 21.
5. And thanksgiving?—A. Yes: Unto thee,
O God, do we give thanks. Ps. Ixxv. I.
6. And pleading?—A. Yes: Remember thy
word unto thy servant. Ps. xcix. 49.
7. And earnestness?—A. Yes: O Lord, hear,
O Lord, forgive, O Lord hearken, and do; defer
not for thine own sake,0 my God; for thy city and
thy people are called by thy name. Dan. ix. 19.
8. Must our devotions be offered to God
through a mediator?—A. Yes: At that day ye
shall ask in my name, and I say not unto you
that I will pray the Father for you, for the Father
himself lovelh you, because ye have loved me,
and have believed that I came out from God.
John xvi. 26, 27.
9. And also by the aid of the Holy Spirit?—
A. Yes. For through him (Christ) we both
(Jews and Gentiles) have access by one spirit
unto the Father. Eph. ii. 18.
10. Is prayer the duty of all men?—A. Yes:
Men ought always to pray and not to faint. Luke
xviii. 1.
11. Is it the duty of wicked men?—A. Yes:
Repent, therefore, of this thy wickedness, and pray
God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be
forgiven thee; for I perceive that thou art in the
gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.
Acts viii. 22, 23.
PRAYER.
143
12. Should we call on God in our troubles?—A.
Yes : Is any afflicted'? let him pray. James v. 13.
13. And in our prosperity ?—A. Yes: Bless
the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me
bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits. Ps. ciii. 1,«2.
14. And in secret ?—A. Yes: But thou, when
thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou
hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is
in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret,
shall reward thee openly. Matt. vi. 6.
15. And in our families?—A. Yes: As for me
and my house we will serve the Lord. Joshua
xxiv. 15.
16. And in public?—A. Yes: It is written,
My house is the house of prayer. Luke xix. 46.
17. And at stated periods?—A. Yes: Even¬
ing, and morriing and at noon will I pray and
cry aloud, and he shall hear my voice. Ps. lv. 17.
IS. Should we, while attending to other du¬
ties, cherish a devotional spirit?—A. Yes: Pray
without ceasing. 1 Thes. v. 17.
19. Must we then attend habitually to every
kind of prayer?—A. Yes: Praying always with
all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and
supplication for all saints. Eph. vi. 18.
20. Should we pray with sincerity ?—A. Yes:
Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall
search for me with all your heart. Jer. xxix. 13.
21. And with faith?—A. Yes: Whatsoever
ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Mat. xxi. 22.
22. And with importunity?—A. Yes: I will
144
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
not let thee go except thou bless me. Gen. xxxii.
26.
23. And with submission?—A. Yes: O my
Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from
me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Mat. xxvi. 39.
24. And with a strong purpose to forsake sin ?
—A. Yes: If I regard iniquity in my heart, the
Lord will not hear me. Ps. Ixvi. IS.
25. Should prayers be joined with suitable
endeavors ?—A. Yes : Wherefore criest thou unto
me? Speak unto the children of Israel that they
go forward. Ex. xiv. 15.
26. Will suitable prayers be answered?—A.
Yes: The Lord is nigh unto all them that call
upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He
will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; he
also will hear their cry and will save them. Ps.
cxlv. 18, 19.
27. Does a wrong intention hinder the suc¬
cess of prayer?—A. Yes: Ye ask and ye receive
not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume
it upon your lusts. James iv. 3.
28. And does a lack of faith have the same
effect?—A. Yes: But let him ask in faith, no¬
thing wavering; for he that wavereth is like a
wave of the sea, driven with the wind, and tossed.
For let not that man think that he shall receive
any thing of the Lord. James i. 6, 7.
LESSON LII.
THE SPREAD OP THE GOSPEL.
1. Question. Did God promise his Son the
THE SPREAD OP THE GOSPEL.
145
enlargement and prosperity of his' kingdom?
Answer. Yes. Ask of me, and I shall give thee
the heathen for thine inheritance, and the utter¬
most parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou
shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt
dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. Ps. ii.
8, 9.
2. Was this a reward for his vicarious suffer¬
ings?—A. Yes: He shall see of the travail of his
soul and shall be satisfied; by his knowledge
shall my righteous servant justify many, for he
shall bear their iniquities. Is. liii. 11.
3. Will his kingdom embrace Africa?—A. Yes;
Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall
soon stretch out her hands unto God. Ps. lxviii. 31.
4. And the isles of the sea?—A. Yes. He
shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set
judgment in the earth, and the isles shall wait
for his law. Is. xlii. 4.
5. And will it embrace all nations?—A. Yes:
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and
from the river unto the ends of the earth. . . .
Yea, all kings shall fall down before him; all
nations shall serve him. Ps. Ixxii. 8 and.ll.
6. Will its effects on mankind be pleasant?—
A. Yes: The wolf also shall dwell with the
lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the
kid, and the calf and the young lion and the fat-
ling together, and a little child lead them. Is.
xi. 6.
7. Will this be a period of great religious
knowledge?—A. Yes: They shall not hurt nor
destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth
N
146
SCRIPTURE CATECHISM.
shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as
the waters cover the sea. Isa. xi. 9.
8. And of general peace ?—A. Yes: And they
shall beat their swords into ploughshares and
their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not
lift up sword against nation, neither shall they
learn war any more. Isa. ii. 4.
9. Was the Saviour's advent good news to all
nations?—A. Yes: Behold, I bring you good
tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day, in the city of
David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke ii. 10, 11.
10. And was his word to be proclaimed to all?
A.—Yes. And that repentance and remission
of sins should be preached in his name among all
nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke xxiv. 47.
11. Did the first disciples fulfil this command ?
A.—Yes: Be not moved away from the hope of
the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was
preached to every creature which is under hea¬
ven, whereof I Paul was made a minister. Col.
i. 23.
12. Is this command still binding on the dis¬
ciples?—A. Yes. How then shall they call on
him in whom they have not believed? And how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not
heard ? And how shall they hear without a
preacher? And how shall they preach except
they be sent? Rom. x. 14, 15.
t 13. Should we regard every human being,
however degraded, with benevolence?—A. Yes;
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Luke
x. 27.
THE SPREAD OP THE GOSPEL. 147
14. Should we desire and pray for the salva¬
tion of men?—A. Yes: Brethren,my heart's de¬
sire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they
might be saved. Rom. x. 1.
15. Is the piety of the church closely con¬
nected with the spread of divine truth?—A. Yes:
God be merciful unto us and bless us, and cause
his face to shine upon us. That thy way may
be known upon earth, thy saving health among
all nations. Ps. lxvii. 1, 2.
16. Is the activity of the church the appoint¬
ed method of diffusing truth?—A. Yes: Many
shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be in¬
creased. Dan. xii. 4.
17. Does God commend the skill of those
who labour successfully in his cause?—A. Yes:
And he that winneth souls is wise. Prov. xi. 30.
18. Does Paul furnish an example of this
wisdom ?—A. Yes: For though I be free from all
men, yet have I made myself servant unto all,
that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews
I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews ;
to them that are under the law, as under the law,
that I might gain them that are under the law.
To them that are without law, as without law,
(being not without law to God, but under the
law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are
without law. To the weak became I as weak,
that I might gain the weak: I am made all
things to all men, that I might by all means save
some. 1 Cor. ix. 19-22.
19. Does he furnish an example of earnest¬
ness? A.—Yes: Now, then, we are ambassadors
of Christ, as though God did beseech you by us;
148 SCRIPTURE CATECHISM".
we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled
to God. 2 Cor. v. 20.
20. Does God promise to such a special re¬
ward?—A. Yes: And they that be wise shall
shine as the brightness of the firmament, and
they that turn many to righteousness as the stars
forever and ever. Danl. xii. 3.
21. Should we give of our substance to spread
the gospel?—A. Yes: It is more blessed to give
than to receive. Acts xx. 35.
22. Is there any specified sum required of us ?
A. No: For if there be first a willing mind, it
is accepted according to that a man hath, and
not according to that he hath not. 2 Cor. viii. 12.
23. Should we give voluntarily, and not from
being urged?—A. Yes: Every man according
as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not
grudgingly or of necessity: for God loveth a
cheerful giver. 2 Cor. ix. 7.
24. Do we lose any thing by giving cheer¬
fully to the cause of God?—A. No: But this I
say, he which soweth sparingly, shall reap also
sparingly; ^nd he which soweth bountifully shall
reap also bountifully. 2 Cor. ix. 6.
25. Will God bestow on us the means and
the disposition to do good?—A. Yes: And God
is able to make all grace abound toward you;
that ye, always having all-sufficiency in all things,
may abound to every good work. 2 Cor ix. 8.
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisi¬
ble, the only wise God, be honour and glory for
ever and ever. Amen. 1 Tim. i. 17.
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