iv.

66

INTRODUCTION.

66

a part of the regular teaching of the Church Catechism. This "exposition" is, therefore, intended for the young and unlearned;" for such as have need that one teach them which be the first principles of the oracles of God;" and for their sake, I have endeavoured simply to set forth, in words of Scripture, "the things which are revealed and which belong to us and to our children;" while at the same time, I have cautiously avoided raising questions in their mind, about "the secret things which belong unto the LORD." Hence, this work is not offered as complete; while it may, perhaps, be thought sufficient to enable those for whom it was written, to be "ready alway to give an answer to every man that asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear."

I would therefore, affectionately remind the young who may use this book, of the words of Scripture: "Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go; keep her, for she is thy life;" hoping that, by GoD's blessing, it may be the means of imparting to them some spiritual gift, to the end they may be established." giveth wisdom ; out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding;" "so then, neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth, but GoD that giveth the increase."

66

For the LORD

VICARAGE, BROADWINDSOR,

July, 1847.

S. C. MALAN.

ARTICLE I.

"I BELIEVE IN GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH."

1. Q. What are you

A.

?

By the grace of God, I am a Christian.

2. Q. What is a "Christian?"

A. "A CHRISTIAN" is, one who, belongs to CHRIST, by Baptism and Faith in Him.-Gal. iii. 26. 27.

3. Q.

Explain to me how that is.

A. It is so; because, by Baptism, we obtain a right to the promises of God made to us in CHRIST; and by Faith, we become partakers of them.

4. Q. Where was the name Christian first given, to those who belong to CHRIST?

A. 66 The disciples were called CHRISTIANS, first in Antioch," a city of Syria, where St. Paul and St. Barnabas preached the Gospel. Acts xi. 26. In general, those are now called Christians, who, hold the Christian Religion

5. Q. What is a "Religion?"

A. "A Religion" is, the worship of GoD according to one Rule of Faith.

B

6. Q. Are all Religions alike?

A. No. The Christian Religion is, the only true Religion.

7. Q. Why is the Christian Religion alone, true?

A. Because the Christian Religion alone, teaches the way to eternal life, which is, to "know the ONLY TRUE GOD, and JESUS CHRIST whom He hath sent."St. John xvii. 3.

8. Q.

A.

Now, tell me, what is Faith ?"

"Faith" is, the same as, "belief." To "have faith," or to " believe," is, one and the same thing. 9. Q. What is the "Christian Faith ?"

A: The "Christian Faith" is, to believe what GoD declares to be necessary to salvation.

10. Q.

A.

11. Q.

A.

Where does He declare it?

In the BIBLE, also called, HOLY SCRIPTURE.
Why do you believe the Bible?

Because it is the " Scripture of Truth," the 'Word of God that shall stand for ever."-Dan. x. 21. -Isa. xl. 8.-1 Pet. i. 25.-St. John x. 25.

12. Q. You say the Bible is the Word of God, did GOD write it Himself?

A. No; but "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God;" having been written by "holy men of GOD, who spake as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST."-2 Tim, iii. 16.-2 Pet. i. 21.-St. John v. 35.

13. Q. Holy Scripture alone, then, is the Rule of the Christian Faith?

A. Yes, verily; for our Church says, in her sixth Article, that "Holy Scripture containeth all things

necessary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read therein nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man that it should be believed as an Article of Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation."

14. Q. Why is this Faith called the Christian Faith? A. Because CHRIST is the "author and finisher of our faith;" and this Faith is the bond which unites Christians together.-Hebrews xii. 2.

15. Q. Rehearse the Articles of the Christian Faith:

A. I BELIEVE IN GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, MAKER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH :

AND IN JESUS CHRIST HIS ONLY SON OUR LORD; WHO WAS CONCEIVED BY THE HOLY GHOST, BORN OF THE VIRGIN MARY: SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE, WAS CRUCIFIED, DEAD AND BURIED: HE DESCENDED INTO HELL, THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD: HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN, AND SITTETH ON THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY: FROM

THENCE HE SHALL COME ΤΟ JUDGE THE QUICK AND THE DEAD.

I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY GHOST: THE HOLY CATHOLICK CHURCH, THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS: THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS: THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY: AND THE LIFE EVERLASTING. Amen.

16. Q. What are these Articles called?

A. They are called "the Creed," or, "the Belief." 17. Q. Why are they called "the Belief?"

A. Because they were gathered from Holy Scripture, and drawn up in the early times of the Church, to serve as a Rule of Faith for all Christians.

18. Q. "What do you chiefly learn in these Articles of your Belief?

A. First, I learn to believe in God the FATHER, who hath made me, and all the world.

Secondly, in God the Son, who hath redeemed me, and all mankind.

Thirdly, in GoD the HOLY GHOST, who sanctifieth me, and all the elect people of God."

19. Q. How are we required to believe them?

A. With the heart, really and truly, "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."-Romans x. 10.-Acts viii. 37.

20. Q.

A.

21. Q.

What is it to believe with the heart?

It is to feel what we believe.

Explain what you mean;

A. For instance, if I believe in GoD with the heart, as I believe that He is, so also I fear and obey Him, and put my trust in Him: and if I believe in JESUS CHRIST with the heart, while I believe that He is the SON of GOD, the SAVIOUR, I love and follow Him as such. 22. Q. Do all Christians believe alike with the heart unto salvation?

A. No. We see that many believe in God who neither fear nor obey Him; and that many say they