Scriptural examinations on the church catechism ...

Front matter

SCRIPTURAL EXAMINATIONS

ON THE

CHURCH CATECHISM:

Contents

Chap. Page

I. On our State by Nature 1

II. On Baptism * 6

Preface

The work now submitted to the American reader has been prepared and published in its present form, with the hope of contributing, by the instrumentality of the church catechism:, to its great object, the inculcation of scriptural truth. The instructions of this publication were designed, in the first instance, for the use of Sundays chools, as will be seen from the preface to the English edition. It was, however, as the author truly stated, " equally calculated for general use" and suitable for the purpose of a " Manual of Divinity for young persons." In a subsequent edition, while the instruction of Sunday-schools was still kept in view, many alterations and additions appear to have been made, in order to adapt the work still more to general use. The measure of approbation and " liberal patronage" which it has received from the English public, may be estimated from the fact, that four editions of it have been published in England, two of them within the last five years.

The American editor, desirous of promoting the proper and intelligent use of the Church Catechism, and sensible, moreover, that a plain summary of Christian doctrine and duty is much needed, both by the young and by many of mature age, has gladly availed himself of the present publication to provide for both these objects. In hi3 opinion it is eminently adapted, both to render the study of the Church Catechism more profitable and interesting, and to inculcate clear and satisfactory views of " the first principles of the oracles of Christ," by means of that excellent summary. No better basis could probably be found for a series of instructions in the principles of Christianity. if1

The manner in which the present work is to be used will vary with the age and attainments of the reader. In classes of very young persons the matter in the large type may be studied, with so much of the Scripture reference as circumstances may 1* 5 vi

PREFACE.

render expedient. To those of more advanced age, whether individual readers or classes, the whole of these references should be diligently studied and compared with the language of the Catechism. In order to furnish further aid to such study, and to invite to it all who desire to he intelligently instructed in the great truths of Christianity, the American editor has added a series of notes for the further elucidation of points especially important, or requiring explanation.* In order to render these as valuable as possible, and to embrace as much solid instruction as could be furnished in a limited space, they have been generally selected or compiled from standard authors. With the exception of such as are very brief, they are placed at the end of the sections, so as not to interfere with the use of simpler matter, in Catechetical classes and Sunday-schools.

Besides the notes, there have been in the American edition, occasional, though not frequent nor extensive, additions to the body of the work. The necessary changes of phraseology have been made wherever the American Prayer-book differs from the English, together with occasional alterations or omissions where in the judgment of the editor it was desirable.

The selections, (judiciously and appropriately made,) from Scripture, which occupy so large a portion of this work, constitute a peculiar and most valuable feature in its character. The object of every exposition of the Church Catechism is to explain and set forth more fully the truths which it embodies, but it happens with many that the explanation itself needs some subsidiary means to make it pass beyond the memory, into the under standing and the affections. The difficulty in the use of suclrworks and the remedy for it are stated by Bishop Law,f in a brief treatise on " the nature and necessity of catechising," as follows : — " Whatever form of words is used in this case, when it once becomes a for?n, and is got by heart, it comes al-

* The only note to the English edition is that from Wheatlyxmthe collects. (Section on the Liturgy.) 1 Edmund Law, Bishop of Carlisle.

PREFACE.

vii most to the same thing : and our own, as was said, may serve | as well as any, if persons be but duly versed and exercised therein. Here is the point ; and all that is wanting, is only first to understand the words and their construction so, as to lay a sure groundwork, to get the main substance or prime doctrine of religion inculcated into our Catechumen ; and, when this is done effectually, he may be carried on at leisure to what lengths we please ; or otherwise directed to more accurate discourses on each head, till he is able to form a competent judgment for himself, and can edify by his own perusal of them."

There can be no better mode of providing for such progressive exercise in the Church Catechism, than by a comparison of its language with the authority to which it appeals. And this exercise may be continued to any extent and for any length of time, by drawing more and more from the inexhaustible fountain of Divine truth. The passages of Scripture quoted, may be more fully studied by a reference to the parts from which they are taken,* they may be compared together, and such results deduced from this exercise, as the reader may arrive at by prayerful and diligent study. Something of this kind is indispensable to the full benefit and adequate influence to be derived from the use of the Catechism. " By catechising," says the author, whose remarks have been previously quoted, " I mean not the procuring our own Catechism, or any other short explanation of Christianity, to be said a few times over by rote, nor the delivering any stated discourse thereon, (though these may be of great use in their turns,) but the free, frequent, and familiar exercising of young persons in it, till they thoroughly understand and can express the meaning of each word and phrase, according to their respective capacities, experience, and degree of improvement ; thus leading them on gradually from sounds to

* Such reference will occasionally be necessary to all readers, since the author sometimes refers to passages of Scripture which he does not quote. Sometimes, where the passage is long, the parts to which reference is made are quoted, those intermediate being indicated by a dash (— )• Generally, however, the quotation is fully made.

via

PREFACE.

sense ; forming their thoughts and fixing their attention to the reason and relation of things ; aiding and inuring them to reflect a little on such points as are within their reach, and enabling them at length to give a clear account of all parts of the Christian dispensation, -and become fully acquainted, with their duty both to God and man. This is the office of catechising : which, though it may appear a low, contemptible one, jet is assuredly an arduous task ; and which perhaps requires the greatest pains and skill of any part in the whole ministerial function."

The great contrast between the practice of ancient and modern times with respect to catechising, is attributed by Bishop Law, in a great measure, to the neglect of what he considers the proper mode of performing this duty. After referring to the Catechetical schools established in the times of primitive Christianity, and the exercises of several eminent masters in them, still extant, he adds, —

" At present this is a work which many, either discouraged by disuse and the despicable notions which are apt to be entertained of it, or deterred by its difficulty, are extremely shy of undertaking. Some have not the desire, some not the resolution, to set about it : and most content themselves with causing the Church Catechism, or a comment upon it, to be repeated in the time of Lent ; and, if they continue to hear the children say it over till they repeat each word in order, think that they have amply done their parts in this respect. But, formerly, the Church of God, both among Jetus and Christians, understood his precepts, and their duty, on the point before us in a different manner : and whether our own Church by requiring* * every parson, vicar, or curate, to teach, instruct, and examine the youth and ignorant persons of his parish, in some part of the Catechism, for half an hour or more, every Sunday and holy day ; and all fathers, masters, &c. to cause their children, servants, and apprentices to come at the time appointed, obediently to hear and be ordered by the minister/ and this with so high a penalty,

* The rubric, as in the American Prayer-book, also requires that the catechising should be "openly in the Church."

PREFACE.

ix on each for their neglect, as excommunication once was deemed ; whether, I say, she means only their being made to repeat some portion of this Catechism by rote, deserves consideration. Sure I am, catechising in its original, true sense, implies something more than the bare running over an old form, though that consists of proper questions and answers, and contains whatsoever is needful either to belief or practice ; and though our own be generally plain, clear, comprehensive, and in many respects as good as most ; yet is there still room for several intermediate questions and elucidations, before every point of doctrine be rightly understood, and well digested."

There is another aspect in which the continued and prolonged study of the Church Catechism, upon some such plan as has been recommended, appears of great importance. Bishop Hall, in assigning to preaching and catechetical instruction, (or "preaching" that is "catechistical,") their respective merits, says of the latter: — "This lays the grounds, the other raiseth the walls and the roof. This informs the judgment, that stirs up the affections. What good use is there of those affections that run before the judgment ? or of those walls that want a foundation V Now if the instructions of the Catechism be the foundation of our Christian knowledge, (and they may with great propriety be so called, both from the period of life at which they are generally acquired, and from the importance of the truths which they inculcate,) is it proper to forsake that foundation when the time comes to rear our superstructure 1 Is it not important to cherish and train up to full maturity the fruits of that good seed often sown in the heart by the Holy Spirit dur* ing the instructions of childhood and youth ] Certainly, if early impressions be often the best and most lasting, if early instruction be the most influential and important, as it is generally and justly admitted to be, upon these impressions and that instruction the lessons of advancing years should be grafted. There should be one uniform, progressive, and uninterrupted system of advancement in the knowledge of Christ, from childhood to old

X

PREFACE.

age, " till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."

It is also important to remember, although it is scarcely necessary to advert to the fact, that to be " sufficiently instructed" in the Catechism is required by the Church as a pre-requisite for confirmation. This appears a small matter to many, but when we remember that the Catechism contains a summary of Christian faith and practice, and that any instruction in it whiph is merely received into the memory, which does not influence the heart and the life, is insufficient for any good purpose whatever, surely it cannot be said that such instruction is sufficient for the purposes and requirements of the Church.* To obtain svffident instruction in the doctrines and duties set forth in the Catechism, it must not be put aside with the things of childhood, but retained as a guide in youth and a companion in mature age. He who can meditate at any period of life upon this unadorned and undisguised exhibition of scriptural truth, without feeling the insufficiency of his apprehensions and the un worthiness of his affections towards Divine things, must be either far better, or much worse, than most of those " who profess and call themselves Christians,"

Should the work now presented to the American public tend to promote the important ends for which the Church Catechism was designed, or the more proper and profitable use of the means which it provides for their attainment, the editor will be amply rewarded for the labour which he has devoted to its revision. Philadelphia, March 21, 1836.

* What Bishop Law admirably remarks with respect to Confirmation, is equally applicable to the Catechism as a test of preparation for it : —

" That any thing of a religious kind should become matter of form, is ever of bad consequence. When any appointment, how wise and excellent soever at first, dwindles into an empty piece of pageantry, it turns to no small detriment ; it introduces an habitual neglect of, and disregard for, sacred things, infects the minds of men with indolence, teaches them to look on all other things in the same light, and pass them over in the like formal, lifeless way,' 1

THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE

TO THE FIRST EDITION.

The substance of the following little volume was originally compiled for the use of an extensive Sunday-school.* Each section formed the subject of a monthly examination of the scholars, who were previously furnished by their teachers with the Scripture proofs it contained, and expected to quote them in answer to questions put to them by the superintendent. The plan has been pursued for three years, and has been found to promote their progress in religious knowledge more effectually than any method which had been previously adopted ; as well as to have the happy effect of increasing their attachment to the school, by rendering their pursuits not only profitable but pleasing. The teachers have also participated in its advantages, and found the part which devolved upon them to conduce much to their mental improvement.

With such encouragement from experience, the work is now submitted to the public, in the hope that similar benefits may result to other schools from adopting the same mode of instruction. It is equally calculated for general use, and will answer the purpose of a Manual of Divinity for young persons.

It will be by no means necessary that the whole of the Scripture references in each examination should be committed to memory. But as the passage which appears most striking to one person may not seem equally so to another, a sufficient variety of texts has been inserted, to give every teacher an opportunity of making choice of such as he considers most appropriate.

* At Leeds.

xi xii author's preface.

The references to the Prayer-book will, it is hoped, be par ticularly acceptable, being well calculated to familiarize the minds of youth with the doctrines and spirit of the church in which they are educated, and to point out their accordance with Scripture ; as well as to furnish them with proper expressions for their private devotions.

In one respect the present work will be observed to differ materially from most other publications of the kind. Though the questions are such as may properly be proposed to children, the answers are not always those which they might be expected to return. This is occasioned by its being designed not merely to exercise the memories of young persons, but to supply their instructers with the means of examining them as to the extent of their knowledge. It is recommended to those teachers who put the book into the hands of their scholars, to mark the portions to be committed to memory, which will of course vary with the age and proficiency of the pupil.*

The work has little claim to originality; but it possesses perhaps a better recommendation, in containing the substance of a number of valuable works on the various subjects it embraces; besides nearly 4000 Scripture references, to illustrate and enforce the doctrines it teaches, and the duties on which it insists. Leeds, 31st July, 1810.

*The following is from the preface to the second edition/ The substance of the remaining part, relating to alterations, additions, &c, has been noticed in the preceding preface.

" }t may not be deemed here impertinent to remark, that as an interesting and familiar mode of instruction on the Sunday evening, this has been found peculiarly adapted to keep awake the attention of that part of a family, who, from their active employments through the week, are frequently too apt to become drowsy, during the reading of a sermon or an essay. Besides which, the opportunity afforded for enlargement on any particular text or circumstance of sacred history, will be many times found to admit the placing of Scripture truth and doctrine in it* most forcible points of view."

SCRIPTURAL EXAMINATIONS

ON THE

CHURCH CATECHISM.

Chapter 1. On Our State By Nature

What is a Catechism ?

A Form of Instruction, by way of question and answer. Catechisms were drawn up by the early Christians for the purpose of teaching young persons and others, the first principles of Christianity. The Church Catechism was compiled by the venerable Reformers of the Church of England, with the same design, and ought " to be learned by every person before he be brought to be confirmed by the Bishop "

% What is your Name N. or M.

Why are you asked this name ?

To remind me of the engagements which were entered into on my behalf, when this name was given me ; and which, from being given in Baptism, is called my Christian name. & f " Who gave you this Name . ? "

" My Sponsors in Baptism, wherein I was made a member of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of Heaven."

What occasion was there for your being made a member of Christ?

Because, I was " by nature born in sin so that I am naturally under the power of a corrupt nature, as a child of fallen Adam.

2 1

ON OUR STATE BY NATURE.

What was the state of Adam before the fall ?

He was created in the image of God.

God created man in his own image. Gen. i. 27. In the likeness of God made he him. Gen. v. 1. For in the image of God made he man. Gen. ix. 6. Forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God. 1 Cor. xi. 7. Men, which are made after the similitude of God. James iii. 9.

Wherein did this likeness consist ?

1. In his having- a living soul. Gen. ii. 7.

This is the reason of the law against murder, in Gen. ix. 6.

2. In his being holy.

God hath made man upright. Eccles. vii. 29.

3. In his being happy, which is the consequence of holiness.

His will, understanding, and affections were pure ; and his faculties were exercised on proper objects.

4. In his power over the rest of the creation.

Subdue it (the earth") and have dominion over it. Gen i. 28, 29. God brought them, to see what he would call them. Gen. ii. 19. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands, and hast put all things under his feet. Ps. viii. 6 — 8.

What change passed on Adam by the fall ?

He lost his likeness to God, his holiness, his happiness, and, in a great measure, his dominion over the creatures.

How did our first parents bring this misery on themselves ? By disobeying the command of God.

But of the tree of knowledge, kc. thou shalt not eat. Gen. ii. 17. When the woman saw the tree, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and to be desired to make one wise, she took, and did eat, and gave to her husband, and he did eat. Gen, iii. 6.

Adam's will was left free to choose either good or evil. What did this sin include ?

1. Unbelief. Gen. iii. 1 — 6. They believed the devil.

2. Pride. Not content to be taught the knowledge of good and evil by their Maker ; they wished to be as gods, and to know good and evil for themselves. Gen. iii. 5.

3. Ingratitude. Gen. ii. 16. All the garden was allowed but one tree.

_ 4. Cruelty to himself and his posterity; since the happiness of the whole human race depended upon him.

What were the consequences to Mam ?

Cursed is the ground for thy sake. Gen. iii. 17, 18.

ON OUR STATE BY NATURE.

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread. Gen. in. 19. Death — To dust thou shalt return. Gen. in. 19. The Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden. Gen. ii-i. 23.

Jire we involved in the, fall?

Yes. Adam was the covenant head of the human race. Had he retained his original state, we should have been partakers of his holiness and happiness; and as he corrupted our nature, we are born in sin, and exposed to the misery which sin has occasioned.

Every plant and animal possesses the properties of that from which it is derived. Sift wheat ever so clean, still there will be chaff in the new grain.

God called their name Adam. Gen. v. 2.

Adam begat a son in his own likeness. Gen. v. 3.

Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean'! Job xiv. 4.

What is man, that he should be clean 1 &c. Job xv. 14.

How can he be clean that is born of a woman ] Job xxv. 4.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh. .John hi. 6,

By one man sin entered into the world. Rom. v. 12.

Death reigned from Adam to Moses. Rom, v. 14.

By the ofTence of one, judgment came upon all. Rom. v. 18.

By one man's disobedience many were made sinners. Rom* v. 19.

By one man came death. 1 Cor. xv. 21.

In Adam all die. rCor. xv. 22.

The Scriptures always describe man as a sinner; and all the types and ceremonies under the law of Moses refer to him as such.

God saw that the wickedness of man was great Gen. vi. 5. The earth was corrupt, and filled with vioience. Gen. vi. 11. All flesh had corrupted his way. Gen. vi. 12. The Lord looked down from heaven, to see if there was any

that did seek God — There is none that doeth good. Ps. xiv.

2, 3 ; liii. 2, 3.

Behold I was shapen in inquity. Ps. li. .5.

The wicked are estranged from the womb ; thry go astray as

soon as they be born ; speaking lies. Ps. Iviii. 3. All we like sheep have gone astray. Isa. liii. 6. The heart is deceitful above all things, &c. Jer. xvii. 9 Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of

God. John iii. 3.

There is none righteous, no not one. Rom. iii. 10. 18. All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Rom.

In me, that is in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing. Rom. vii. 18. The carnal mind is enmity against God. Rom. viii. 7. The Scripture hath concluded all under sin. Gal. iii. 22. Who were dead in trespasses and sins. EpJi. ii. 1. Having the understanding darkened. Bph, iv. 18.

ON OUR STATE BY NATURE.

You, being dead in your sins, hath he quickened. Col. ii. 13.

To them that are defiled and unbelieving — even their mind and conscience is defiled. Titus i. 15.

The infection of sin is not only universal but deep. The hearts of all men are fashioned alike, and contain within them the seeds of the most revolting wickedness. However much we may be shocked with the crimes which we see others commit, we should assuredly be gguilty of equal enormities, if we were not prevented by the restraint which God puts on us. When Hazael, the prime minister of Benhadad, king of Syria, was told by the prophet Elisha of the dreadful cruelties which he was on the point of perpetrating, he exclaimed with horror, 41 But what, is thy servant a dog that he should do this great thing V 2 Kings viii. 13. He nevertheless did all the evil which was thus foretold. We are not our own keepers. We should beware of resolving in our own strength, " I will not do this or that lest God punish our pride by suffering us to fall into the sins we dread. Our prayer on such occasions should be, " Lord ! deliver us from evil,"

What are the consequences of being born in sin ?

. We are the children of wrath, and are therefore by nature exposed to misery here and hereafter.

In this life, we have to endure sorrow, sickness, and labour, and have the wrath of God abiding on us. John iii. 36.

In sorrow shalt thou eat of it. Gen. iii. 17. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread. Gen. iii. 19. I will appoint over you consumption, kc. Lev. xxvi. 16. Then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful, great plagues,

and sore sickness : — also every sickness, and every plague.

Deut. xxviii. 59. 61.

Hereafter, we are in danger of eternal torments. The wicked shall be turned into hell. Ps. ix. 17. The soul that sinneth it shall die. Ezek. xviii. 4. 20. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matt. viii. 12;

xxii. 13 ; xxiv. 51 ; xxv. 30. Luke xiii. 28. Their worm dieth not, and their fire is not quenched. Mark ix.

44. 48. Isa. lxvi. 24.

He that believeth not, the wrath of God abideth on him. John

The wrath of God is revealed — against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. Rom. i. 18.

Treasurest up unto thyself wrath, against the day of wrath, &c Rom. ii. 5.

ON OUR STATE BY NATURE.

Who will render to every man according to his deeds. Rom. ii. 6.

Tribulation and anguish upon every soul that doeth evil. Rom.

The law worketh wrath. Rom. iv. 15.

The wa^es of sin is death. Rom. vi. 23.

Endured, with much long-suffering, the vessels of wrath, fitted

for destruction. Rom. ix. 22.

As many as are under the law are under the curse. Gal..

Were by nature the children of wrath. Eph. ii. 3.

Because of these (sins) cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Eph. v. 6. Col. iii. 6.

Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James i. 15.

And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, &c. Rev, vi. 16.

Whosoever was not f^-und in the book of life, was cast, he. Rev. xx. 15.

[ Sinners] and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burnetii with fire and brimstone. Rev. xxi. 8.

The punishment of the wicked in hell will never be at an end. When they have endured it for a thousand ages, it will still be the wrath to come. Matt. iii. 7. Luke iii. 7. 1 Thess. i. 10.

You are now taught your wretched state by nature. You are all rebels; rebels on whom sentence is already passed. It is therefore very foolish to speak of degrees of guilt. May God bring the conviction home to your hearts. Your condition however is not hopeless. Mercy is offered. Christ is sent to avert the sentence by his intercession ; to open your e} 7 es to your situation ; to bring you to repentance, and to reconcile you to your offended God : to set you as pardoned prisoners at liberty, and restore you to the favour you have forfeited. " Pray earnestly that you, through faith in him, may be made the children of grace, and thus escape the wrath which hangs over the children of disobedience.

It is difficult to explain how sin entered into the creation, or why God permitted it to deface and destroy the works of his hand, which he had pronounced very good. This, however, is not necessary for us to know. The existence of sin is beyond a doubt, and no considerate person can avoid feeling that it dwells within him.

Collect, hst Sunday after Trinity. — Because through the weakness of our mortal nature we can do no good thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping thy commandments we may please thee both in will and deed. 2*

ON BAPTISM.

Chapter II. On Baptism

44 Who gave you this Name

" My Sponsors in Baptism, wherein I was made a member of Christ, the child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of Heaven."

What is Baptism ?

It is an act of dedication to God, being a covenant admission into the Church of Christ, in which, on God's part, all the privileges of the Gospel are made over to the baptized ; and the person baptized takes on him, by a solemn profession and vow, to observe and adhere to the whole Christian religion. It is, therefore, " a means whereby we receive the grace of Christ, and a pledge to assure us thereof "

What is implied in Baptism ?

An acknowledgment of our defilement by sin, and of the necessity of our being washed from its pollution. As children are defiled by original sin, being born in the flesh, they are admitted into the outward Church by the ordinance of baptism, wherein they are washed by water, as a type of that inward washing by the Holy Ghost, without which they cannot be members of the true Church.