bylon, Tyre, Egypt, Jerusalem, and of other places that are the subjects of minute and special prophecy.

Q. But has it not been alleged that these prophecies were delivered after the events had happened which they are said to predict?

A. This may be said, but contrary to proof, and even to probability. For it is undeniable, that many centuries before Jesus Christ appeared in the world, the Jews had the Old Testament, containing the predictions of the Prophets, precisely as we now have them. And it is certain that the three first Gospels were published long before the destruction of Jerusalem, and the other events there foretold, had happened.

Q. What do you remark in the present state of the Jews?

A. It is a striking argument in favour of the Christian religion: although without a country, and scattered among all the nations of the earth, they are still a separate people, retaining all the institutions of Moses, and acknowledging the writings of those prophets who have predicted the very calamities they now endure, to have been given by inspiration.

Q. What other incidents unite in confirming the truth of prophecy?

A. The predictions of the Prophets are circumstantial, and of such a nature, as to bid defiance to human conjecture; many altogether unlikely at the time of their delivery, and others so remote and extensive, as could not have entered the human mind, without the aid of in spiration.

J

Q. After having seen that the Scriptures are true and divine, explain why they were given. A. They were given to instruct us in what we should believe, and what we should do, in relation to our present and eternal happiness.

Q. What is the use we ought to make of the Scriptures ?

A. We should read them with reverence, attention, and diligence, and meditate on them frequently and seriously.

Q. But can we not obtain sufficient instruction from the ministers of religion, without studying the word of God?

A. No, for men are fallible; they may teach what is erroneous, and we can only know whether their instructions are true or false, by referring to scripture.

Q. But are there not difficulties in the Bible which unlearned Christians are unable to understand?

A. It is certain that there are many passages in the Scriptures which are difficult, and require elucidation; but those things which are absolutely necessary to salvation, are expressed in a manner so clear and simple, that persons of the most humble capacity can understand them.

Q. What are we taught in reading this divine book?

A. We are there taught to know God, and to serve him; to" search the scriptures, as in them we have eternal life. John v. 39. It is they that render us wise unto salvation, through faith, which is in Jesus Christ; they are profitable for doctrine,

for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be per fect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. iii. 15, 16, 17.

Q. In order to derive this fruit from the holy Scriptures, how should they be read?

A. With devout and teachable minds, with humble and grateful hearts, and with prayer to God, that he would enlighten our understandings, and dispose us sincerely.to do his will.

CHAPTER II.

Of Creation and Providence.
SECT. 1.-Of Creation.

Q. Having considered the nature and importance of religion, what next claims our attention?

A. The creation of this world by God. Q. In what way did God create the world? A. He created it from nothing by his word. Q. In how many days did God create it? A. In six days. Moses states the order which God observed, and what he created on each day.

Q. When was man created, and how?

A. On the sixth day, from the ground, as the word "Adam" shews, which in the original Hebrew signifies "red earth."

Q. Was man formed at first with any extraordinary powers?

A. He was formed " in the image, and after the likeness of God."

Q. What do you understand by these words?

A. That man was created so as to resemble God in knowledge, righteousness, holiness and immortality.

Q. When, and how, was woman formed? A. She was formed subsequently to man, from a rib taken from his side, as a help-mate, to have the same nature and interests as her husband.

Q. What is meant by God's resting on the seventh day?

A. Not that the Supreme Being was wearied, or required repose, but that he ceased from the work of creation on that day.

Q. Does ancient history or tradition confirm the Mosaic account of the Creation ?

A. There is a striking resemblance between the history of the creation, as contained in the book of Genesis, and the traditions handed down among the ancient nations in the East, particularly as to man's primitive state of innocence and happiness. It is probable also, that the division of time by weeks, established by immemorial usage throughout the continent of Asia, arose from the order in which the world was created.

SECT. 2.-Of Providence.

Q. What do you understand by the Providence of God?

A. I understand by it, that by his immediate agency, he preserves the universe with all the creatures it contains, and governs it in such a manner, that nothing can happen without his interposition or consent.

Q. Is the doctrine of a special Providence important?

A. It is, for if men disbelieve the prescience and agency of God in the world, they would cease to pray to him, to thank him for his mercies, to trust in him; nor would they fear his judgment, nor hope in his promises; all religion would at once be extinct.

Q. On what reasons do you found the doctrine of a special providence?

A. On several. 1. Because God created the world, we naturally infer that he has the power and the will to govern what he has made.

2. The astonishing order we observe in the world, which compels us to acknowledge a providence for this order cannot arise from creatures, the greater part of whom are without reason and unable to govern themselves: they must therefore of necessity be governed by God.

3. The extraordinary events that have happened at different times, as the deluge, miracles, and other similar events, which prove that there is an Almighty power that constantly controls and directs the universe.

4. Prophecies prove in the clearest manner, that God knows all things however future, and directs all events.

5. Revelation teaches us expressly that God governs all things, animate and inanimatethat life and death, prosperity and adversity, come from him, that he preserves man and beast, that man is his peculiar care, that "not sparrow can fall to the ground without his