The Evangelical Primer

DOCTRINAL CATECHISM.

This Catechism contains the leading doctrines of the
Bible, expressed in a plain and connected manner.

Note, It is earnestly recommended to teachers of this Primer, that they exert themselves to make learners repeat the answers, &c. distinctly, deliberately, under standingly, solemnly, and in all respects properly, as possible.

WHO made you? God. What else did God make? He made the stones and hills, the brooks and trees, all living creatures, the sun, moon, and stars, and all other things.

Of what did God make all things? Of nothing, Heb. 11:3.

For whom did God make all things? For himself.

How long has God lived? Always, without beginning. Where is God? Everywhere.

When does God see you? By day and by night; he sees nie, when I do wrong, and always sees me.

What does God know? He knows all things. If I tell a lie, he knows it; if I speak an idle or wicked word, he hears it. He knows every word, that I speak, and every thought, that I think.

What has God done for you? He has made me, and kept me alive; he has given me food to eat, and clothes to wear, and all other bles sings that I have enjoyed.

What is the greatest thing, that God has ever done for you and the rest of mankind? He gave his Son Jesus Christ, to die for us, Heb. 2:9.

What need was there, that Christ should die for. you? To atone for my sins.

How have you sinned? I have not faithfully remembered my Creator, to love him with all my heart, to pray to him, and to keep his holy Sabbath; and I have done many other things, which he has forbidden.

What is the general char acter of the natural heart? It is enmity against God; it is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, Jer 17:9.

What is meant by the natural heart? It is a heart that has not been renewed by the Holy Spirit, John 3:6.

What if Christ had not died for you and others We must have been pun

MINOR HISTORICAL CATECHISM.

THIS Catechism contains an outline of scripture history, in short and easy questions and answers.

The author has long been of opinion, that the attention of young children may be directed to scripture history with great advantage. It is easily understood, very engaging, and full of instruction. Perhaps there is no way, in which moral and religious information can be conveyed to the young mind more clearly and impressively, than by interesting passages of sacred history. How often have chil. dren had their attention fixed, and their minds delighted, in hearing from parental lips an account of Noah, of Joseph, of Moses, of Gideon, of Samson, of Samuel, of David, of Elijah, of Daniel, of Jesus, &c. &c. How beneficial the knowledge and impressions, that have been gained in this way.

It is necessary that children should have some acquaintance with scripture history, in order to understand other parts of the Bible, to profit by sermons, which they hear, and religious books, which they read.

The business of learning the lessons of history, which God has revealed for our instruction, isso great, so interesting, and so important, that it can hardly be begun too early. As soon therefore as the child can speak intelligi. bly, the tender parent or affectionate friend may begin the delightful task of teaching. For those, who are very young, some of the easiest questions and answers may be selected from this Catechism. For children more than five years old it may be best in general to learn the Primer through in course.

Care must be taken however not to overstrain or burden the tender mind, lest you weaken it, or occasion a disrelish for your instructions. Ask your child a few questions at first. Encourage him, when he answers well; and cheerfully tell him, when he fails. Endeavor to make him consider your instructions a privilege, and render them as pleasing as possible. After asking him a few questions, talk about them familiarly, and relate to him the whole story, of which they may constitute a part. In order to do this with pleasure and advantage, you may often find it useful to re