FOR THE 
 
 p-SE OF LORD'S DAT SCHOOLS. 
 T W O 
 
 SCRIPTURE CATECHISMS/ 
 
 I. IT. 
 
 Children who are juft j For thofe about eleven or 
 begun to read diftiniUy J | twelve years of age; 
 
 Both intended to prepare for the ufe of what Is more 
 deeply Learned and Syftematical. 
 
 And thou (halt teach them diligently unto thy children, and 
 fitted in thine houie, and wht 
 v by the way, and when thou licit down, an 
 
 tip, Deut. vi. 7. Compare Pfalm Ixxviii. 5, 6, 7. 
 
 And that from a child thcu hail known the 
 which are able to make thee wife unto filiation, through I'aitii 
 which is in Christ Jesus, % Tim. iii. ij\ 
 
 EDITION SECOND. 
 
 N. B. The Firft Edition, confifting of rrmrt 
 
 night up by the Inhabitants of the Town and I- ,yr ; and 
 
 tic greater £art, by thofe of pious benevolence, to le given away. 
 
 KILMARNOCK: 
 
 PRINTED BT J. IV I L S I 
 
 For Meflrs. J. Hunter and W. Neil, Teachers cf 
 the Englifh Schools in Ayr. 
 
 m,dcc, LX XX VIII. 
 
 / , (T, I CW^^H . 
 
ABSTRACTING from confideratlon of all improvement, 
 either when difcourfing myfUf, or hearing others upon great Sub- 
 jects, I am beyond meafure delighted : but when I hear conven- 
 tion of any other kind, efpecially the ufual difcourfe between you 
 rich people, who are dill contriving to heap up money, I feel a te- 
 dioufnefsin myfelf; and a concern for you, my Friends, who ima- 
 gine you are employing your time to good purpofe, while you are 
 »x)\y trifling. Sotratcs in Plato. 
 
 ScS^USi 
 
 li. 
 
 .1 ill i ii.. . .hi 1 1 
 

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