tihvavy of Che -trheo^ical ^cmimvy PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY •a^ic PRESENTED BY Rufus H. LeFevre BXSa76 iiiiiiiiili 5i OUR CATECHl A MANUAL OF CHRISTIAN TEACHING FOR USE IN THE FAMILIES, SUNDAY SCHOOLS, JUNIOR SOCIETIES: AND JUVENILE MISSIONARY AND TEMPER- ANCE ORGANIZATIONS United Brethren in Christ By MARION R. DRURY, DJX / DAYTON, OHIO XTwiTED Brethren Publishing HouSB 1907 ACTION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1897. That the General Conference authorize the trustees of the Printing Establishment to have prepared and published a Church catechism that shall cover Bible history and teaching^ and our Church history, doctrines, and government, and that It be published at the earliest convenience. ACTION OF THE BOOK COMMITTEE. "We, the Book Committee of the United Brethren Chuicli, having carefully examined the manuscript submitted to us by Rev. M. R. Drury, D.D., find the subject matter to be, in our judgment, just such a catechism as was ordered oy the General Conference, and believe the same to be well adapted, as such, to meet the demands and foster the best interests of our Church, and, therefore, give to it our hearty approval. I. L. Kepiiaut. H. A. TlIOMl'SON. E. LoiJEXZ. W. K. Funk. CopyrigJit, 1S97, By The United Brethren Publishing House, Daytcin, Ohi;^ PREFACE. For many years there has been a growing demand among pastors and other religious teachers in the United Brethren Church for a catechism, to be used in the Christian instruction and training of tiie children and j'oung people of the denom- ination. This demand took definite shape and found specific expression at the General Conference held at Toledo, Iowa, in Maj', 1897, when a catechism was authorized to embrace bolh a manual of Bible history and teaching and the history and doctrines of the Church. With a view to meet these ends this manual has been prepared. It is intended for use by parents, Sundaj'-school teaciiers, pastors, and other leaders of juvenile Christian societies. The word "catechism" has a well-understood meaning, and yet many seem to have a strong aversion to it. It has reference to a form of teaching by means of questions and answers. A catechism contains a summary of elementary principles or teach- ings reduced to this form. A church catechism would be a manual containing a summary of the essential teachings of a religious denomination. Tire object of catechetical instruction is not thereby merelj'' to fit those taught for church membership, but to give them a thorough knowledge of the fundamental doctrines of our holy religion. They cannot be educated into the kingdom of God; they must be born into it by the agency of the word of God and of the Holy Spirit. But having been convoted, or with a view to their early conversion, children will be greatly benefited by care- ful instruction in the essential doctrines of the Bible and the Church. In the times of Christ and the apostles, and in the prim- itive church, this was a common metliod of teaching. That teaching by means of questions and answers is an eflective way of inculcating truth no successful teacher of the young has any doubt. The church of to-day, while guarding well against its pos- sible abuses, will do well more generally to avail itself ot the help- ful aid of the catechism. This is especially true in view of the •widely prevalent interest that distinguishes this age in the organ- ization of juvenile societies for Christian instruction and culture. Catechetical teaching is, therefore, not to be regarded so much as an end as it is a means to that thorough grounding in the truth that is so potent in promoting intelligent Christian living. A church catechism of practical value must necessarily be lim- ited in size and contents. It would, however, be essentially lack- iii iV PREFACE ing in merit if it did not contain tiie leading truttis whicti lie at the foundation of all Christian belief. These are, for example, the doctrines concerning God, concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, concerning the office and ministry of the Holy- Spirit, concerning man's nature and need and destiny, concerning the way of salvation —what it is to be a Christian, concerning prayer, and concerning the privileges and benefits which are en- joyed by tx^e true children of God. Dr. J. R. Miller, an exceedingly helpful writer for young people, in referring to the importance and necessity of doctrines in the religious training of the young in the upbuilding of their charac- ter and life, well says: "It should begin in the home. It may be well to have a revival of catechism teaching. Suppose the chil- dren do not now understand the statements of truth in the an- swers, if the words are put into their memory they will stay there and will shape their thoughts for all life. In the Sunday school, too, teachers may with profit spend a portion of every lesson period in setting forth some doctrine which lies in the passage, or is suggested by it." If this manual shall prove of real service to parents and teachers in training the young to be strong, vigorous, and stable Christians, the end sought in its preparation will have a happy realization. It is the author's uppermost wish that it may accomplish at least a humble part in advancing Christ's king- dom in the earth. M. R. D. Dayton, Ohio, August, 1897. CONTENTS. PAOK Preface, ..---iii Suggestions to Teachers, ----o..-vii PART I. THE BIBLE. CHAPTER I. Bible History, --.----.. 9 1. The Old Testament, - = --.-- 9 2. The New Testament, 13 II. Bible Teachiistgs, = 15 1. About God, --- 15 2. About Man, 15 3. About Christ, _ . 17 4. About Salvation, IS 6. About Christian Living, ------ 19 ( 1 ) The Ten Commandments, - - - - 20 (2) Prayer, - - - 22 6. About Death and Eternity, - - - - = 25 PART II. THE CHURCH. III. The Church of Christ, -» - 26 IV. The United Brethren Church, ----- 28 1. Outline History, 28 2. Special Privileges and Duties, - - - - 29 3. The Confession of Faith, 30 PART III. MISSIONS. V. Origin and Progress of Christian Missions, - 35 VI. Missions of the L^nited Brethren Church, - - 37 1. The General Board, 37 (1) Africa, 37 (2) Germany, 38 (3) Japan, 38 (4) Home Missions, ------ 31) V VI CONTENTS 2. The "Woman's Missionary Association, - - 39 (1) Africa, 39 (2) China, - 40 (8) Portland, Oregon, 41 VII. MissioNAKY Giving, - 42 PART IV. TEMPERANCE. VIII. What Temperance Is, = 43 (1) Alcoholic Drinks and Their Fruits, - - = 43 (2) Results of Abstinence, - 44 (3) The Church and Temperance, - - - 45 (4) Tobacco, - - - 45 IX. The Bible and Temperance, ------ 47 X. Pledges, 50 1. Anti-Saloon Pledge, ------ = 50 2. The Triple Pledge, -. = -»-- 50 3. Anti-Cigarette Pledge, - = - = - - 50 PART V. SUPPLEMENTAL LESSONS. Xi. Memory Passages, 51 1. The Beatitudes, 51 2. The First Psalm, ----- = - 51 3. The Eighth Psalm, 52 4. The Twenty-third Psalm, ----- 52 5. The Love Chapter, ------- 53 6. The Ten Commandments, ----- 53 7. Wisdom for the Young, ------ 54 XII. Prayeks, ---56 1. The Lord's Prayer, --56 2. A Child's Evening Prayer, 56 3. Childhood's Prayer, 56 4. An Evening Prayer, - - - . - _ 57 5. A Morning Prayer, -------58 6. An Evening Prayer,- ------ 53 Appendix— Constitution" FOR Junior Society, - - - 59 SUGGESTIONS TO TEACHERS. Pastors, superintendents of Junior societies, and other teachers who use this catechism will find it necessary to adapt their teaching to the children composing their classes. Many- questions will need fuller answers than those given. For example, the questions in Bible history should be accompanied ■With a fuller accjunt of the leading characters named than is given. This will require careful preparation in order that the lessons may be made interesting and profitable. When the doctrines of sin, Christ, and salvation are studied, an eflTort should be made to lead all the children taught to a personal acceptance of Christ as their Saviour. Do not make the lessons too long, but seek to have the children learn well what- ever is undertaken. There are many things that very young children will not understand. Make these as plain as you can, but seek to have all learn Avord for word the answers to all questions. The catechism on the Church, Missions, and Temperance can be made very interesting if teachers will thoroughly prepare them- selves for their work. If an additional catechism on temperance Is desired, that prepared by Julia Coleman, Bible House, New- York (price, five cents), will be found very suggestive and help- ful. The United Brethren Handbook will also prove of great value in the hands of teachers. The memory passages in the Supplemental Lessons may mostly be used as responsive readings, if so desired. Let the children, however, commit the psalms named, the thirteenth chapter of L Corinthians, and the Ten Commandments to memory, so that they can recite them without prompting. Let them also commit to memory the prayers, that they may use them as their own. Remember, the value of the catechism will depend chiefly on those M'ho use it as teachers. Let parents and all others M'ho undertake to teach its lessons to the children under their care seek divine wisdom, that their work may be fruitful in leading the tender lambs of the home and the Church to perfect rest and security in the fold of the Good Shepherd. ▼»> OUR CATECHISM. PART I. The Bible. chapter i. BIBLE HISTORY. 1. What is the best book in the icorld^ The Holy Bible. 2. Why is it better than other books? Because God is its author, and because it teaches us important lessons which we find nowhere else. 3. How did God give the Bible to man? He inspired good men to write it. ( II. Tim. 3 : 16. ) 4. What is the Bible? It is the revelation of the truth of God and a record of the will of God. 5. Of what does the Bible give the Jdstory ? The Bible gives the history of God's dealings with men while teaching them his holy will. 6. Into what two x)rincipal imrts is the Bible divided ? The Old and the New Testament. 1. The Old Testament. 7. Into how many books or parts is the Old Testament divided ? Thirty-nine. 8. What are the first five books, and what are they called ? They are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, .Numbers, and & 10 OITR CATECHISM Deuteronomy, aud they are called the Pentateuch, or the five books of Moses. 9. What are the next twelve books called f They are the historical books, and are Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I. and II. Samuel, I. and II. Kings, I. aud II. Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. 10. What are the five books that follow ? They are the poetical books — Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Solomon. 11. What are the remaming books of the Old Testa- ment called r? The books of the prophets. 12. Into luhat two classes are these divided f The major and minor prophets. 13. Which are the major prophets'^ Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, — five. li. Which are the minor prophets ? Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephauiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, — twelve. 15. With what event does the history of the Bible begin ? The creation of man nearly six thousand years ago. (Gen. 1:2G.) 16. Who are some of the most pi^omlnent men tnen- .Honed in the Old Testament f Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, Solomon, Elijah, Isaiah, and Daniel. n. Who was Adamf He was the first man. ( Gen. 2:7.) 18. Who was Enoch? He was a good man who walked with God and was taken to heaven without dying. ( Gen. 5 : 24. ) BIBLE HISTORY 11 19. Who was Koah? He was a preacher of righteousness at a time when there was great wickedness iu the world. ( Gen. 6 : 5, 8. ) 20. What wonderful event occurred during Noah^s lifetime f God sent a great flood upon the earth that destroyed all the i^eople except Noah and his fainil3\ ( Gen. 6 : 17. ) 21. W/io ivas Abraham .^ He was a man of great faith in God and was called the friend of God. ( Gen. 15 : 6 ; Jas. 2 : 23. ) 22. Who teas Jacob? He was the prince of God, and from him sprang the twelve tribes of Israel. ( Gen. 32: 28. ) 23. Who was Joseph ? He was the fcivorite son of Jacob, was sold by his brothers to be a slave in Egypt, and there he became the i^reserver of his people. ( Gen. 37 : 2; 47 : 11. ) 24. Who teas Moses f He was the founder of the Hebrew nation, and was its leader and lawgiver for a period of forty years. ( Ex. 2:10; 3:10.) 25. Who ivas Joshua? He w^as the successor of Moses, and led the people of Israel across the Jordan into the promised land of Canaan. ( Num. 27 : 18 ; Josh. 1:1,2.) 20. ]Vho ivas Gideon? He was one of the greatest of the judges, and won a great battle with only three hundred men. (Judg 6:11, 12; 7:18, 19.) 21. Who teas Samuel? He was the last and the most honored of the judges, having been consecrated to the Lord from 'he time he was a little child. ( I. Sam. 1 : 20 ; 7 : 15. ) 28. Who was David? He was the second king of Israel, and the writer of most of the Psalms. ( I. Sam. 17 : 12-14 ; II. Sam. 2 : 4. ) 12 OUR CATECHISM 29. Who was Solomon f He was the sou of David, and a very wise and rich king, but he did not rule to please God. ( I. Ki. 1 : 33, 34. ) 30. Who was Elijah? He was a prophet of the Lord, and, like Enoch, was taken to heaven without death. ( I. Ki. 17:1; II> Ki. 2:11.) 31. Who was Isaiah? He was the greatest of the prophets, and wrote much about Christ seven hundred years before he came into the world. ( Isa. 1:1.) 32. Who ivas Daniel? He was a brave and true temperance boy, and when he became a man he was a prophet of the Lord, and because he prayed daily to his God he was cast into a den of lions. ( Dan. 1 : 8 ; 6 : 16. ) 33. Who are some of the most noted women mentioned in the Old Testament? Miriam, Ruth, Hannah, and Esther. 34. Who was Miriam? She was the sister of Moses, and she sang a beautiful song of praise to God after the people of Israel had crossed the Red Sea. (Ex. 15: 20, 21. ) 35. WJio was Ruth? She was a Moabitess who through her mother-in-law, Naomi, learned to love God and his people, and who was afterwards greatly honored of the Lord. ( Ruth 1 : 1-4. ) 36. Who tvas Hannah? She was the mother of the good judge, Samuel. (L Sam. 1 : 20. ) 57. Who was Esther? She was a Jewish woman, the wife of the king of Persia, and at one time she risked her own life to save the lives of her people. (Esth. 2: 17; 4: 16. ) 38. How many years does the history of the Old Testa- ment embrace? Over four thousand. BIBLE HISTORY _ 18 2. The New Testament 39. Into hoiv many parts or books is the New Testament divided f Twenty-seven. 40. Into what three classes are these divided? Into historical, doctrinal, and prophetical books. 41. Which of these are the hisforiccd books? Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the Acts of the Apostles, — five. 42. Which are the doctrinal books? Romans, I. and II. Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Phili]ppians, Colossians, I. and II. Thessalonians, I. and II. Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, I. and n. Peter, I., II., and III. John, and Jude, — twenty-one. 43. Wliich is the 07ili/ x)rophetical book? Revelation, the last book in the Bible. 44. With tvhat event does New Testament history begin ? The birth of Jesus Christ. ( Matt. 2:1.) 45. Who is Jesus Christ? The only begotten Son of God. ( John 1 : 14. ) 46. What books contain his history? Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. 47. What are these books called? The four Gospels. '48. ^VJly are they so called? Because they contain the record of the life, works, and teachings of Jesus. 49. What are the chief events in his life? His presentation in the temple when he was eight days old, his visit to Jerusalem at the age of twelve, his bap- tism at the age of thh-ty, his crucifixion at the age of thirty-three, his resurrection and ascension. 50. By whom was Jesus baptized? John the Baptist, who was the forerunner of Jesus. ( Matt. 3 : 13. ) 14 OUR CATECHISM 51. What are some of the chief things Jesus did during' his public 7ninistryf He taught the people, healed the sick, cast out evil spirits, and raised the dead to life. 52. IVhom did he choose and send out to preach his Twelve apostles. ( IVIark 3 : 14. ) 53. What are their names f Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the Less, Thaddseus, Simon the Canaanite, and Jndas Iscariot. ( Mark 3 : 16-19. ) 54. Wliat was the great commission Jesus gave to these twelve men f "Go ye into all the world, and jDreach the gospel to every creature " ( Mark IG : 15 ). 55. Who was aftenuards called to he an apostle ^ Paul. 56. Who were the two chief preachers in the apostolic band ? Peter and PauL 57. What great ivork did Peter dof He preached a sermon on the day of Pentecost that resulted in the conversion of three thousand souls. ( Acts 2. ) 58. For what is Paul noted f As the apostle to the Gentiles and the first foreign missionaiy. ( Acts 21 : 19 ; 16:9.) 59. Hoiv long a period is included in the history of the New Testament? About one hundred years. 60. Why is this history of so great importance to the world f Because it is the story of the life and work of Jesus Christ and of the beginnings of his kingdom among CHAPTER II. BIBLE TEACHINGS. 1. About God. 31. ^^^^at U the first thing the Bible tells us about trOcU That he is the creator of all things. ( Gen. 1:1.) 62. Wiat is God? God is a, Spirit, and he is almightj', all-wise, eternal, and is ever^'where present, beholding the evil and the good. ( John 4 : 24. ) 63. W/iat is the character of Godf God is hol3% just, and good, and he is full of niercy, love, and truth. ( Ex. 4 : 6. ) 64. Is there more than one Godf There is but one true God. (Isa. 44: 8; I. Cor. 8:6.) 65. ]]7iat is meant by the Trinity "^^ By the Trinity is meant the unity of three i:)ersons in one Godhead — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 66. How are we to understand that these three persons ^re one? They arc of but one substance, and are equal in power and glory. 67. What is God^s tvork in providence f This triune God not only created the heavens and the earth and all that in them is, but he sustains, protects, and governs these with a gracious regard for the good of ma/i and the glorj- of his name. 2. About Man. 68. How did man come to be in this ivorld ? God created him. ( Gen. 1 : 26. ) 15 16 OUK CATECHISM 69. What are the two parts of manh The body and the soul. 10. Of what did God inake marl's bodyf "Of the dust of the ground " (Gen. 2:7). 11. How did God make man's soul? He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. ( Gen. 2:7.) 72. What is the difference between the body and the soul? The body is material and must die ; the soul is spiritual and must live forever. 73. In whose image ivas man created? " God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him" (Gen. 1: 27). 7i. What is meant by being created hi the image of Ood? Having the spiritual nature of God and being like him. in righteousness and true holiness. ( Eph. 4 : 24. ) 75. Mhat dignity has God thus given to man? He is the crowning work of all his creation. 76. What authority was giveyi to man at his creation? God gave him dominion over every living thing. ( Gen. 1 : 28. ) 77. When man was created luhat law ivas given him,? The law of perfect obedience to the will of God. ( Gen. 2:IG, 17.) 78. Did our first parents in Eden always obey this law? They violated it, and so brought sin into the world. (Gen. 3: 6.) 79. What is sin? Sin is the transgression of the law of God, or the failure to conform to its holy requirements. (I. John 3:4.) 80. Who tempted our first parents to sin ? Satan, the evil spirit. ( Gen. 3:1.) BIBLE TEACHINGS 17 81. What ivas the result of their sin f They lost the image of God in which they had been created, and thus fell from their happy estate, becoming subject to pain and death. ( Gen. 3 : 16, 17. ) 82. Did their sin affect any besides themselves f Having become sinners, they transmitted to their pos- terity a sinful nature, so that all mankind was brought into an estate of sin and misery. ( Rom. 5 : 12-18, ) 83. Can God be well pleased luith his creatures who are sinful by nature and in lifef Sin is so displeasing to God that he cannot look upon it with any allowance. ( Hab. 1 : 13. ) 3. About Christ. 84. Does God then not love sinriers? He loves sinners, but not their sins. 85. How did God show his love for sinful Tnan? " God so loved the world, that he gave his only begot- ten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3: 16). 86. What did the Son of God do to save sinners f He came down from heaven, became a man, lived, died, and rose again. 87. How did Christ, being the Son of God, become tnan f He took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man, having a human body and soul. ( Phil. 2 : 7, 8. ) 88.- Was Christ's life free from sin? He was himself without sin, setting us a perfect ex- ample of goodness and holiness. ( I. Pet. 2 : 22. ) 89. What did Christ do to redeem us from sin f "He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:8). 90. Was it necessary that he should thus die for us f Thus it behooved Christ to suffer, that he might make full atonement for our sins. ( Luke 24: 46. ) 2 18 OUR CATECHISM 91. Did Christ die /or all men 9 By the grace of God he tasted death for every man. (Heb. 2:9.) 92. Will all then be saved f No ; only those will be saved who accept the salvation Christ has provided. If they will cling to their sins, and reject his salvation, they will be forever lost. (Ps. 9 : 17. ) 93. What must we do to be saved f Repent of our sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour.- (Acts 3 : 19; 16: 31.) 94. What is repentance^ It is such a sorrow for sin as leads us to turn from sin unto God. ( II. Cor. 7 : 10. ) 95. What is faith in Jesus Christ f Faith in Jesus Christ is such a belief in him as enables us to receive him and to trust in him alone for salvation. (Johnl: 12.) 96. Can we repent and believe ivithout God's helpf The power to repent of our sins and to believe the gos- pel is given us of God. ( Eph. 2:8; Rom. 11 : 29. ) 4. About Salvation. 97. How may we know when we have saving faitM " He that belie veth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself" (I. John 5: 10). 98. What witness is this? " The Spirit itself bearoth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God " ( Rom. 8 : 16 ) 99. What are the benefits of salvation ? Justification, regeneration, adoption, and sanctifiea- tion, and whatever blessings flow from these. 100. What is justifieation 9 .Justification is that act of God's grace Avhereby our sins are pardoned, and we are accounted righteous for Christ's sake. ( Acts 13 : 39. ) BIBLE TEACHINGS 19 101. What is regeneration^ Regeaeratiou is the new birth of the soul whereby we are made alive to God and are enabled to live for him. ( Tit. 3:5.) 102. What is adoption? Adoption is that act of God's grace whereby we be- come members of his famih'. ( Gal. 3: 26; John 1 : 12. ) 103. What is sanctificaiion? Sauctiflcation is the work of God's grace, through the word and the Spirit, whereby we are made holy in heart and life. (II. Thes. 2: 13.) 104. What other benefits do those share who have been saved from sin 9 The assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, and the hope of eternal glory. 105. What is it to be a true Christian f To love God with all the heart and soul, mind and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. (Matt. 22: 37-40.) 106. When once saved, how shall we keep from again falling into sin? By continual watchfulness, the study of God's word, prayer, and a life of faith in the Son of God. ( Mark 14 : 38. ) 5. About Christian Living. 107. When one has become a Christian, what is his chief business? To live for Christ. ( IT. Cor. 5:15.) 108. How are lue to live for him ? By seeking to do his will in all things- 109. Where do we find his will? In the Bible, which contains the moral law. 110. Where is the moral law found ? In the Decalogue, or Ten Commandments. 20 OUR CATECHISM ( 1 ) THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. 111. What is the first commandment f "Thou shalt have uo other gods before me." 112. ^liat is meant by this commandments That there is but one God, and that we are to fear, love, and trust in liim alone. 113. What is the second commandment ? "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of an^^ thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth : thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them : for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments." Hi. What is meant by this commandment'^ That we are not to make or bow down to any false gods. 115. What is the third commandmenf? "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." 116. What is meant by this commandment f We should so love and fear God as not to profane his holy name by swearing, or by using it in any light or thoughtless way. 117. What is the fourth commandment f "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work : but the seventh day is the Sabbath of tlie Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day : where- fore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it." BIBLE TEACHINGS 21 118. WJiat is meant by this commandment f That the day which God has appointed as the Sabbath should be observed as a day of holy rest and of religious meditation and worship. IID. What is the fifth commandment ^ "Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." 120. Wiat is meant by this commandment '? That we should so love and cherish our parents that we will give them due honor and obedience. - 121. What is the sixth commandment ? "Thou Shalt not kill." 122. What is meant by this commandment ? That God places great value upon human life, and we are not to take it unjustly at any time. 123. What is the seventh commandment f "Thou shalt not commit adultery." 124. What is meant hy this commandments That we are not to indulge in any unchaste thoughts^ words, or actions, but to live a life of strict purity. 125. What is the eighth commandment? "Thou shalt not steal." 126. What is meant by this commandment f That we shall not rob our neighbor of his money or property, or take anything from him by unfair means. 127. What is the ninth commandnfient ? "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neigh- bor." 128. What is meant by this commandment? That we should always so honor the truth that we will not belie^ slander, or in any way speak evil of our neigh- bor to do him injury. 129. What is the tenth com,mandment? "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man- 22 OUR CATECHISM servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's." 130. What is ineant hy this commandment f That we are to so love our neighbor that we will not envy him his j)roperty or his good fortune, or wrongfully seek to gain possession of anything that is his. 131. What does our Saviour give as the sum of these comraandTnents ? "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matt. 22: 37-40). 132. What is the Golden Rule? *' All things whatsoever ye would that^men should do to you, do ye even so to them" (Matt. 7 : 12). 133. How are all these commandments to be ob- served f They are to be observed in thought as well as in deed. (Matt. 5:21, 22, 27, 28.) 134. Are we able so to keep them in our own strength ? We are not, for apart from the grace of God in Christ Jesus our Saviour no one can perfectly obey the law of God. 135. How then may we keep God^s lawf We are to take Jesus Christ, who himself perfectly obeyed the whole law, as our Saviour, and trust con- stantly in his forgiving love and saving grace. ( I. John 3:5.) ( 2 ) PRAYER. 136. What is one of the principal m,eans God has ordained to aid us in keeping his commandments ? Prayer. 131. What is prayer ? Prayer is the offering up of our desires to God for things agreeable to his holy will. BIBLE TEACHINaS 23 138. ]V7iat else belongs to true prayer f The confession of our sins, thanksgiving for God's mercies, and faith in his promises. 139. Has God promised to hear our prayers ? He has promised to always hear and answer the prayer of faith. ( Matt. 7:7.) 140. JVhat rule of prayer is given us in the Bible f The i)ra3'er Christ taught his disciples, called the Liord's Prayer. 141. What is this prayer that teaches us to pray ? "Our Father which art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as w^e forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil : for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." 142. What is meant by the words " Our Father which art in heaven''^ e That we !:.re to think of God when we pray with filial gratitude as our Heavenly Father. 143. How many petltioyis are there in this model prayer .^ There are six — three that relate to God, and three that relate to man. 144. What is the first petition^ "Hallowed be thy name." 145. What is meant by this petition f That we should think of God as holy, and seek his glory in all things. 146. What is the second petition? "Thy kingdom come." 147. What is meant by this 2^etition f That God has a spiritual kingdom which we would have him set up in our hearts and in the world. 24 OUR CATECHISM 148. What is the third petit ion ? "Thy will be doiio in earth, as it is iu heaven.'' 149. What is meant by this petition f That we may know and do the will of God in all things, as the angels do 'it in heaven. 150. What is the fourth petition f "Give us this day our daily bread." 151. What is meant by this x)etition f This is a prayer for the continuance of our life and strength, that we may be able to do God^fe will and service. 152. What is the fifth petition ? "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." 153. What is meant by this petition f This prayer teaches us that forgiveness is as needful for the soul as bread is for the body, and that if we would find forgiveness of God w^e must be loving and forgiving to our fellow-men. 154. What is the sixth petition f "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." 155. What is m,eant by this petition 9 That having cast upon our Heavenly Father all the cares of our earthly life, and having been freed from the burden of sin, we need to be led by God's own hand that we fall not into temptation and evil. 156. What is the conclusion of the Lor(Vs Pt^ayerl "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." 151. What does this teach us? That the hope for the answer of our prayer is in the Lord only, and therefore that we should ever keep before us the thought of his kingdom, his power, and his. glory. 158. M^iaf is meant by the word ^^Amen^^? As we pray, so be it. Lord. bible teachings 25 6. About Death and Eternity. 159. What is death? It is the end of our earthly life, when the soul is separated froju the body. IGO. Where do our souls go at death f The souls of the righteous go to heaven, and the souls of the wicked to hell. 161. What becoines of our bodies after death ? They lie in the grave till the resurrection, at the last day, when Christ shall come to raise the dead. 162. Will all the dead be raised f "There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust" (John 5: 28, 29 ; Acts 24: 15). 163. Will all men be judged at the last day'? "We must all apjDear before the judgment seat of Christ ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad " ( II. Cor. 5 : 10 ). 164:. What will then become of the ivicked and the righteous ? The wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal. ( Matt. 25 : 46. ) 165. What is heaven f Heaven is the everlasting home God will give to all his true children after death. ( John 14: 2, 3. ) 166. What is the preparation ive need for heaven ? We must be pure in heart and live a life of love and service to Jesus Christ our Saviour, who loved us and gave himself for us. ( Matt. 5:8; Gal. 2 : 20. ) 167. Do we know when death will come to us ? We do not, but we are sure it will come to all. ( Eccl. 8:8; Rom. 5:12.) 168. Hoiv, then, shall we be ready for death and a happy eternity'? "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." ( Rev. 2 : 10. ) PART II. The Church. CHAPTER III. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. 1. What institution was founded by Christ and his ai^ostles ? The church. 2. What is the church'? The church is the body of believers who confess that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ of God. (Matt. 16: 16, 18.) 3. In how many foi^ms does the church exist ? Two; the visible and the invisible. 4. Of vjhat is the visible church composed f The general body of Christian believers, in which the word of God is taught in its purity, the sacraments are duly administered, and the worship of God is main- tained. 5. Of what is the invisible church composed f Of all God's true children in all ages and in all places. 6. How does Christ regard his church'? He loves it, and has promised that the gates of hell shall never prevail against it. ( Matt. 16 : 18. ) 7. Why should all Christian believers be members of the visible church f Because by joining the church and working for it they show their love for Christ and the spiritual home he has provided for them. 8. What preparation does one need to join the church f 26 THE CHURCH OF CHRIST 27 A deep sense of the Deed of Christ as a personal Saviour and a hearty acceptance of him. 9. }\^iat are the sacraments of the church? Baptism and the Lord's Supper. 10. miat is a sacrament? A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ, and is an outward and visible sign of an inward and s]3iritual grace. 11. What is baptism'^ Baptisiu is a sacrament wherein water is applied to the one receiving it, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and signifies the acceptance of the covenant of grace in Christ Jesus. 12. Are any to be baptized but believers in Christ? The children of believing parents may be baptized, the parents thereby making a solemn covenant to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 13. What advantages are shared bij baptized per- sons ? By baptism believers are admitted into the visible church of Christ, and children are thereby recognized as embraced in the covenant of grace in Christ Jesus, and the special subjects of his love and care. li. What is the Lord^s Supper f The Lord's Supper is a sacrament in which bread and wine are used according to Christ's appointment, to keep in memory his sufferings and death for our sins. ( I. Cor. 11 : 23, 26. ) 15. What preparation do ive need to receive this holy sacrament? A true faith in Jesus Christ as our Saviour and a sin- cere desire to j^lease him in all things. CHAPTER IV. THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. is. What are the different divisions or branches of the one church of Christ called? They are called churches or denominations. 17. What is the church with ivhich we are connected, called ? The United Brethren in Christ. 1. Outline HistorYo 18. What reasons can we gii^e for our connection with this Church f It was providentially founded, and in the providence of God we have become connected with it, or have chosen its fellowship and service for the appointed pur- poses of the church of God. 19. When luas the United Brethren Church foundedf The first regular annual conference was held in 1800. A revival movement leading up to this organization had been in progress for more than thirty years. 20. Who were the first members of the Church? They were Germans settled in America who were desti- tute of the preaching of the gospel, or who were formal and without vital Christianity, but were awakened and converted under the earnest preaching of godly men. 21. Who were the leaders in the founding of the Church ? William Otterbein, a minister of the German Reformed Church, who came as a missionary from Germany in 1752, and Martin Boehm, a spiritual preacher of the Men- nonites. 28 THE UNITED BRETHKEN CHURCH li9 22. ^Vhere did the Church originate? In Pennsylvauia, Maryland, and Virginia, but it has since extended to all parts of tlie United States and to Canada, and has missions in Africa, China, Japan, and ^Iso in Germany. 23. What are some of the characteristics of the Church? It is evangelical and evangelistic, and combines the prominent features of the various forms of church gov- ernment. 24. What are the departments of Church work? Missions, church erection, Sabbath schools, publishing, education, and young people's work. 2. Special Privileges and Duties. 25. What are the j^rivUeges and duties of the children and young people of the Church 1 To studj' the Word of God in the Sunday school and to take part in the religious services of Junior and other young people's societies. 26. What are some of the helps to the formation of good character and lending to a life of usefulness? The reading of good books and papers, the use of the various means of educatioi], and the daily performance of noble and upright acts. 27. What relation does the home have to the church? The home and the church are closely related, both being of divine origin, and have in view the best inter- ests of society. 28. What does our Church teach about family reli- gion ? Parents should never omit to pray with their families, morning and evening, and to set them a good example in all the Christian virtues. 29. What is the duty of pastors as to the home training of children? They are publicly to teach the people what God's Word declares respecting the duty of parents to train up their children in the love and fear of the Lord. 30 OUR CATECHISM 30o How may children be profited by the godly teach" ings of their pareiUs? By giviug heed to what is taught them and by obe- dience to their parents in all rightful things. 3. The Confession of Faith. 31. What is the br^ief statement of the leading doctrines of the United Brethren Church called f The Confession of Faith. 32. Of what does this Confession consist? Of thirteen articles. 33. When ivas the Confession in its present form adopted ? In 1889. 34. What is the preface to the Confession of Faithf "In the name of God, we declore and confess before all men the following articles of our belief." 35. What is the first article ^ "We believe in the only true God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; that these three are one — the Father in the Sou, the Son in the Father, and the Holy Ghost equal in essence or being with the Father and the Son." 36. What is meant by this article ? We believe that there is only one God, but that there are three persons in the Godhead — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and that these comprise the Holy Trinity. 57. What is the second article f "We believe that this triune God created the heavens and the earth, and all that in them is, visible and invis- ible ; that he sustains, protects, and governs these, with gracious regard for the welfare of man, to the glory of his name." 38. What is meant by this article f We believe that God created all things, and that he preserves and cares for all his creatures. THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 31 39. What is the third article? "We believe in Jesus Christ; that he is very God and man; that he became incarnate by the ^jower of the Holj^ Ghost and was born of the Virgin Mary ; that he is the Saviour and Mediator of the whole human race, if they with full faith accept the grace proffered in Jesus ; that this Jesus suffered and died on the cross for us, was buried, rose again on the third day, ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God to intercede for us ; and that he will come again at the last day to judge the living and the dead." 40. What is meant by this article? We believe that Jesus Christ is a divine Saviour, and that all who sincerely believe in him have everlasting life. 41. What is the fourth article f "We believe in the Holy Ghost; that he is equal in being with the Father and the Son; that he convinces the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; that he comforts the faithful and guides them into all truth." 42. What is meant by this article f We believe that the Holy Ghost is a divine person, and that without his heljD we shall not be able to find and walk in the ways of righteousness. 43. What is the fifth article ? ' "We believe that the Holy Bible, Old and New^ Testa- ments, is the word of God ; that it reveals the only true wa3^ to our salvation ; that every true Christian is bound to acknowledge and receive it by the help of tlie Spirit of God as the only rule and guide in faith and practice." 44. What is meant by this article ? We believe that God's Word reveals the only way of life, and that wc ought to receive it with faith and love, lay it upon our hearts, and practice its precepts in our lives. 45. ^^at is the sixth article f "We believe in a holy Christian church, composed of 32 OUR CATECHISM true believers, in which the word of God is preached by men divinely called, and the ordinances are duly admin- istered ; that this divine institution is for the mainte- nance of worship, for the edification of believers, and the conversion of the world to Christ." 46. What is meant by this article ? We believe that the church of Christ is a holy institu- tion, and that all who love Christ should be members of it, and enjoy its gracious benefits. 47. What is the seventh article'^ "We believe that the sacraments, Baptism and the liOrd's Supper, are to be used in the Church, and should be practiced by all Christians ; but the mode of baptism and the manner of observing the Lord's Supper are always to be left to the judgment and understanding of each individual. Also, the baptism of children shall be left to the judgment of believing parents." 48. What is meant by this article ? We believe that the sacraments of the New Testament should be observed by all believers in Christ, and that through them special siDiritual blessings are bestowed. 49. What is the eighth article ? "We believe that man is fallen from original right- eousness, and apart from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, is not only entirely destitute of holiness, but is inclined to evil, and only evil, and that continually; and that except a man be born again he cannot see the king- dom of heaven." 50. What is^ meant by this article ? We believe that we are all sinners by nature and prac- tice, and that unless we are made alive unto God by the Holy Spirit we can never enter into the kingdom of God. 51. What is the ninth article? "We believe that penitent sinners are justified before God only by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and not by works ; yet that good works in Christ are acceptable to God, and spring out of a true and living faith." THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 33 52. What is meant by this article ? We believe that we cau only be just Id the eyes of the moral law w^heo we accejit Jesus Christ as our Saviour, who himself kept that law perfectly. 53. What is the tenth article? "We believe that regeneration is the renewal of the heart of man after the image of God, through the word, by the act of the Holy Ghost, by which the believer receives the spirit of adoption and is enabled to serve God with the will and the affections.'' 54. What is meant by this article? We believe that those who are born anew in the image of Christ are received into the family of God, and that they have all the rights and privileges of the children of God. 55. What is the eleventh article ? "We believe that sanctification is the work of God's grace, through the word and the Spirit, by which those who have been born again are separated in their acts, words, and thoughts from sin, and are enabled to live unto God, and to follow holiness, without which no man «hall see the Lord. 56. What is m,eant by this article ? We believe that God requires all his children to be holy, and that .we should strive by his help to live without willful sin. 57. What is the twelfth article ? "We believe that the Christian Sabbath is divinely appointed ; that it is commemorative of our Lord's resur- rection from the grave, and is an emblem of our eternal rest; that it is essential to the welfare of the civil com- munity, and to the permanence and growth of the Chris- tian church, and that it should be reverently observed as a day of holy rest and of social and public worship." 58. What is meant by this article ? We believe that the Sabbath is a holy day, set apart by God himself, for the good of our bodies and souls, and that on it we should refrain from, all worldly pursuits and pleasures. 3 34 'our catechism 59. What is the thirteenth article ? " We believe in the resurrection of tlie dead ; the future general judgment; and an eternal state of rewards, in which the righteous dwell in endless life, and the wicked in endless punishment." 60. What is meant by this article f We believe that God will bring every one of us into judgment at the last day, for all we have done, whether good or bad, and that we should earnestly strive to be ready to enter into life, that we may be forever with the Lord. PART in. Missions. chapter v. origin and progress of christian missions, 1. What command did Jesus give to his disciples just before he ascended to heaven '? ''Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 10 : 15). 2. WJiat does this mean? That the disciples were to be missionaries to bear the gosi^el to others. 5. What is the true spirit of missions f Love for Christ and the souls of men for whom he died. 4. Wlicd is the true aim of missionary work ^ To make Christ known to the world. 5. Haw are missionaries sent out f By churches and missionary societies. 6. Are there enough missionaries 9 "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few" (Matt. 9:37). 7. Do the heathen ivant the gospel f Their cry to-day is the same as in the days of Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles, "Come over and help us." 8. Was Paul a missionary f He was the first gospel missionary to a foreign land of whom we have any account. 9. Does the Lord care for the heathen ? He surely does, for he says, "Ask of me, and I shall 35 36 OUR CATECHISM give thee the heatheu for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession" (Ps. 2:8). 10. Is it our duty to pray for the heathen ? "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will sena forth laborers into his harvest" (Matt. 9: 38). 11. What would be a good inissionary 7notto f Go or send. 12. What does this inean f It means that we should go out as missionaries our- selves, or if we cannot go, that we will give of our money to send others. 13. What promise of reward is made to those who go or send ? They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever. ( Dan. 12: 3. ) 14. When did the work of modern missions begin ? In 1792, when William Carey was sent as a missionary to India. 15. Who have been some of the leading missionaries of the nineteenth century, and where did they labor ^ William Carey, India ; Robert Morrison, China ; Ado- niram Judson, Burmah ; Robert Moffat, South Africa ; David Livingstone, Africa ; Robert McAll, France ; Joseph Hardy Neesima, Japan. 16. What has this century been called? The missionary century of the Christian era. n. What is the outlook for missionary endeavor in the twentieth century f The gospel will continue to spread till " the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ." CHAPTER VI. MISSIONS OP THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. 1. The General Board. 18. What has been 'peculiar to the United Brethren Church during all its history f It has always had an earnest missionarj^ spirit. 19. What can be said of its early ministers f They were faithful and successful missionaries. 20. When was the Home^ Frontier^ and Foreign Mis- sionary Society organized ? In 1853. ( 1 ) AFRICA. 21. When was the first foreign mission established f In 1855. 22. Wfiere was the mission located? At Shengeh, West Africa, sixty miles south of Free- town, among the Sherbro people. 23. Wlio were the first m,issionaries ? W. J. Shuey, D. K. Flickinger, and D. C. Kumler. 24. What was the first work done f Building a chapel and schoolroom. 25. Wlien were the first converts in the mission re- ported f In 1859, when Thomas Tucker, aged twenty, and Lucy Caulker, aged fourteen, a daughter of the chief, were happily converted. 26. What has been the progress of the work since ? Though slow at times, it has steadily advanced, show- iiii^ constantly the blessing of God upon it. as 38 OUR CATECHISM 21. When was the first industrial school established f In 1876. 28. What school was founded in 1881 for the training of native workers for the mission f The Theological Trainiog-School, through the gift of Mr. Rufus Clark and wife, of Denver, Colorado. 29. What missionary was longest in the service in this Tnission f Rev. Joseph Gomer, who died September 5, 1892, hav- ing been twenty-two years an earnest and heroic mission- ary in, the Dark Continent. 30. What can be said of other missionaries in this field f They have wrought well, and in the spirit of their Mas- ter, Jesus Christ, and they are held in deserved honor. 31. What is the hope for this work in the future f That it will continue to prosper in the hands of conse- crated missiouaries till Africa shall be brought to know Christ, the world's Saviour. ( 2 ) GERMANY. 32. When did the Church begin missionary work in Germany f In 1869, under the labors of Rev. C. Bischoff, who was sent there from America. 33. Why was a mission planted in that country f Because it was the land of Otterbein, the founder of our Churcli, and because Germans in America who had found a new spiritual life under the preaching of the United Brethren had a burning desire that their friends in the home land might share their new-found joys. 34. What are the evidences of the wisdom of this work f The many that have been converted and the number of churches that have been established. ( 3 ) JAPAN. 35. When was the 7nissionary work of the Church opened in Japan '^ In 1895, with several native missionaries who had been educated in America. MISSIONS OF THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 39 36. What were the special encouragements to open the work in that country f The eagerness of the people to adopt foreign customs, the rehgious freedom guaranteed by the government, and the readiness of cultured and consecrated missionaries to begin the work. 57. ^Vhat results have been realized? Many have been converted under the labors of the missionaries, and the future is full of hope. (4) HOME MISSIONS. 3S. ^\7lat are home missions f Missions in our own country. 39. }Vhere are such missions operated by the United Brethren Church? In numerous cities and towns throughout our country, east and west, north and south. iO. What has been the influence of the missionary work of the denomination on its life and growth ? The Church has been most active and has had its most rapid growth during the period of its greatest missionary activity. ■il. Have foreign missions really paid ? The Church has never had a better investment, for it has always done the best for those at home when it has done its best for those far away. 2. The Woman's Missionary Association. 42. When luas the Woman's Missionary Association of the United Brethren Church organized? In 1875. 43. M^iere are the missions of this society located? In Africa, China, and at Portland, Oregon. ( 1 ) AFRICA. 44. When and ivhere was the first mission opened in Africa ? In 1877, at Rotufunk, on the Bompeh River, fifty miles southeast of Freetown. 40 OUR CATECHISM 45. Who was the first missionary in charge of the work there ? Miss Emily Beeken, who, after nearly two years' work, was succeeded by other earnest and devoted workers. 46. What losses has this mission sustained by death f The loss of Rev. R. N. West, twelve years the superin- tendent of the mission, and of Miss Frankie Williams and Miss Elma Bittle, true and brave workers. 47. What is the work done in the m,issionf Preaching the gospel, conducting a medical dispensary, and operating an industrial and other schools and girls^ and boys' homes, all of which is done with increasing good results from year to year. (.2 ) CHINA. 48. When was m.issionar7/ work begun in China f In 1889. 49. Where ivas the mission located? In Canton. 50. Why was it located there f Because it is the home of most of the Chinese in the United States, and the mission hopes to be able to secure the services of those converted here when they return to China. 51. What is the character of the work being done in this mission ? It is evangelistic and educational, and has connected with it a successful medical dispensary. 52. Do the Chinese want the gospel f Many of them do after they come to know what it rs and what it will do for them. 53. What is China'' s greatest need f Teachers and schools. 54. What can we do to supply this need? If we cannot go we can pray and give. MISSIONS OF THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 41 (3) PORTLAND, OREGON. 55. When was the mission in this city opened? In 1883. 56. What is the object of the mission ? To conduct a school for the Chinese of this country, and through it secure their conversion to Christ, so that when they return to China they will be missionaries there among their own people. 57. JVhat has been done in this mission? More than a thousand Chinese have been in the school, and over one hundred have been converted, some of whom are now doing good work as missionaries. CHAPTER VII. MISSIONARY GIVING. 58. Wliere do we learn how to give for missions f In the Bible. 59. What does it teach us is the first thing necessary to right giving ? That we give ourselves to the Lord to do his will. ( II. Cor. 8:5; Isa. 6:8.) 60. What sliould he the rule of our giving 1 "Thou shalt give unto the Lord thy God, accordiug as the Lord thy God hath blessed thee " ( Deut. 16 : 10 ). 61. How should we give"? "God loveth a cheerful giver" (IL Cor. 9:7). 62. When should we give'? "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath x^rospered him" ( I, Cor. 16:2). 63. How much should we givef " Of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee" ( Gen. 28: 22). 64. With what motive should we give? "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I. Cor. 10:31). 6*5. Docs Christ regard giving to help the heathen as giving to himself f He does, for he says, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me " ( Matt. 25 : 40 ). PART IV. Temperance. CHAPTER VIII WHAT TEMPERANCE IS. 1. WJiat is temperance f Temperance is wise self-control, the moderate use of good things, and total abstinence from evil things. 2. What is the most common form of intemj^erance ? The use of intoxicating drinks. 1. Alcoholic Drinks and Their Fruits. 3. What is it in strong drink that is so dangerous? Alcohol. 4. What is alcohol f It is a liquid poison. 5. Does temjDcrance allow a moderate use of poisons ? It does not, for poisons are injurious even in small quantities. 6. What do we mean by strong drinks? Drinks that contain alcohol. 7. Is there alcohol in cider, ivines, and beer? While these drinks do not contain as much alcohol as some others, there is always some alcohol in them. 8. Are they, therefore, dangerous? They are very dangerous, and many acquire the appe- tite for stronger liquors by using these drinks. 9. What happens to the one who drinks alcoholic liquors ? He gets drunk. 43 44 OUR CATECHISM 10. Why does he get drunk? Because the alcohol is a poison that affects the brain and makes the one who drinks it crazy. 11. How is alcohol made f It is made from grains or fruits that contain sugar, by the process of decay, or rotting. 12. Bid God ever make alcohol f No ; it is one of the evil things man makes out of the good gifts of God. 13. Is alcohol good for anything f It is not good to drink, though it is useful to burn. 14. Does the use of alcoholic drinks injure the body f It weakens the body, injures the stomach, and often causes heart-disease and an early death. 15. Does drunkenness cause tnen to commit crime ? Yes, more than three-fourths of the crimes of the land are caused in some way by the use of intoxicating drinks. 16. Is the money that is spent for strong drink wasted? It is worse than wasted, for it brings trouble and pov- erty and shame and death. 2. Results of Abstinence. n. What could be done if the money spent for strong drink were saved f It would buy food, clothing, books, and a great many other good things. 18. What would be the result if all people would abstain from the use of strong drinks ? This would be a much better and happier world in which to live. 19. What can we do for temperance f AVe should first of all learn how harmful alcohol is, and then we should never touch, taste, or handle it. 20. Should we all take a pledge to do this f Yes, and the stronger the better. WHAT TEMPERANCE IS 45 21. Wliat is the advantage of such a pledge ? Those who keep it will never have an appetite for strong drink, and so will never become drunkards. 3. The Church and Temperance. 22. What has been the history of our Church on the temperance question f The General Conference took advanced ground in favor of total abstinence in 1821, and the Church has ev^er since been loyal to that position. 23. What is the ride of the Church noiv respecting the nse of intoxicating drinks f The distilling, vending, and using of intoxicating drinks as a beverage are forbidden. 24. What more is forbidden f Members of the Cliurch are not permitted to rent or lease property for the manufacture or sale of such drinks, or to sign petitions for granting license, or to become bondsmen for persons engaged in the traffic in intoxi- cating drinks. 25. Does the Ch urch permit even the moderate use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage f It does not, but requires of all the practice of total abstinence. 26. Is the Church then a temperance society '? It is, and one of the best, and all who join it promise to practice the i^rinciples of temperance. 4. Tobacco. 27. Is the use of tobacco a form of intemperance ? It is. 28. What is tobacco? It is a poisonous plant. 29. How do you know it is poisonous f Because it will mtike those not accustomed to its use sick when they take it into their mouths. 30. What is the effect of this poison ? It injures the bodies and minds of those who use it. 46 OUR CATECHISM 31. What form of the use of tobacco is especiaMy harm-' ful to boys f Cigarette smoking. 32. What kind of a pledge ought all to take with respect to tobacco f A pledge never to use it in any form. 33. What does our Church advise respecting the use of tobacco ? It advises all its members to wholly abstain from ita use in every form. 34. Will the Church license persons to preach the gospel who use tobacco f It will not. 35. What can we do to destroy this filthy, expensive^ and harmful tobacco habit '^ We can refuse to use it ourselves, and so set a good example to others. CHAPTER IX. THE BIBLE AND TEMPERANCE. 36. What does the Bible teach us about self-control ? That he is better "that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city" (Prov. 16 : 32). 37. What does this mean? That the truest success in life requires self-mastery. 38. When should one learn to be master of himself ? AVhen he is young. 39. Does the Bible speak of temperance children ? It tells of several who lived in Bible times. 40. What are some of their names f Samuel and Samson, Daniel and his three friends, and John the Baptist. 41. How did Samuel become a total abstainer? His mother taught him temperance principles and kept him pure until he was old enough to watch over himself. 42. Was she a strictly (ernperance woman ? She said to the priest: "I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord" ( I. Sam. 1 : 15). 43. For what was Sampson noted f His great strength. 44. What noble j^^f^pose had Daniel ? "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank" (Dan. 1:8). 47 48 OUR CATECHISM 45. Did the total abstinence of Daniel and his fnends injure them f "So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. And at the end of ten days their coun- tenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesli than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat" (Dan. 1: 14, 15). 46. How was John the Baptist honored ? He was a bright and shining light in the world and prepared the way for the coming and work of Jesus. 47. Does true temperance tend to success in life? "Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things" (I. Cor. 9: 25). 48. What is the fruit of the Spirit ? "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffer- ing, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Gal. 5:22, 23). 49. Why should we avoid strong drink? Because " wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise " ( Prov. 20 : 1 ). 50. Why should we not associate with wine-drinkers ? "Be not among wine-bibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh ; for the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty; and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags" (Prov. 23:20, 21). 51. " Who hath woe f Who hath sorrow f Who hath con- tentions 9 Who hath babblings f TFTiO hath wounds unth- out cause f Who hath 7'edness of eyes ? " {Prov. 23 : 29. ) "They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine" (Prov. 23: 30). 52. How can we avoid these evils? "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright" (Prov. 23:31). 53. What will be the result if not avoided f "At the last it bitetli like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder " ( Prov. 23 : 32 ). THE BIBLE AND TEMPERANCE 49 54. Will an appetite for strong drink excuse the use of it f "Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow stronj^ drink ; that continue unto night, until wine inflame them" (Isa. 5 : 11 ). 55. Is there anything icrong in inducing others to use strong drink? " Woe unto him that giveth his neighbor strong drink, that putteth thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also" (Hab. 2 : 15). 56. Does the good of others require us to abstain from strong drink'? "It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak" ( Rom. 14 : 21 ). 57. With what sins does the Apostle Paul place drunk- enness ? With idolatry-, strife, and murder. ( Gal. 5 : 19-21. ) 58. What should we always remember about our bodies f That they are God's temples, and should be kept pure and clean, fit for him to live in. ( I. Cor. 6: 19. ) 59. Can the drunkard go to heaven? "Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God" (I. Cor. 6:10). 60. What should be our rule concerning all intoxicating drinks ? "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (I. Thes. 5: 22). *' Touch not; taste not; handle not" (Col. 2: 21 ). CHAPTER X. PLEDGES. 1. Anti-Saloon Pledge. Realizing the evils resulting from the habit and traffic of strong drink, I promise, God helping me, that I will abstain from all intoxicating liquors as a beverage, and will use my influence to induce others to abstain ; that I will do all in my power to abolish drinking-saloons and to prevent the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage. 2. The Triple Pledge. I hereby promise, God helping me, to abstain from the use of tobacco in every form, from the use of wine, beer, and other intoxicating drinks, and from the use of all profane and unclean language. 3. Anti-Cigarette Pledge. God being my helper, I do hereby pledge myself, upon honor, to abstain from smoking cigarettes, or using tobacco in any form, and to use my influence and best endeavors to induce others to do the same. PART V Supplemental Lessons. chapter xi. MEMORY PASSAGES. 1. The Beatitudes. Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the king- dom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be com- forted. Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness : for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteous- ness' sake : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 2. The First Psaoi. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in tlie law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season ; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so : but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 52 OUR CATECHISM Therefore the ungodly shall uot stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous : but the way of the ungodly shall perish. 8. The Eighth Psalm. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth ! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fin- gers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained ; What is man, that thou art mindful of him ? and the son of man, that thou visitest him ? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands ; thou hast put all things under his feet : All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field ; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and what- soever passeth through the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth ! 4. The Twenty-Thikd Psalm. The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ; he lead- eth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul : he Icadetli me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil : for thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff" they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies : thou auointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for memory passages 58 5. The Love Chapter. i. corinthians 13 ( r. v. ). If I speak with the toDgues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and Ivnow all mys- teries and all knowledge ; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profit- eth me nothing. Love sufTereth long, and is kind ; love envieth not ; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil ; Rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth ; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth : but whether there be prophecies, they shall be done away ; whether there be tongues, they shall cease ; whether there be knowledge, it shall be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part : But when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away. But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 6. The Ten Commandments. I. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. IL Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth : thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them : for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the chil- dren unto the third and fourth generation of them that 54 OUR CATECHISM hate me ; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain : for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. IV. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work : but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates : for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day : wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hal- lowed it. V. Honor thy father and thy mother : that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. VI. Thou shalt not kill. VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery. VIII. Thou shalt not steal. IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor. X. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-serv^ant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any- thing that is thy neighbor's. 7'. Wisdom for the Young. beading from the proverbs of solomon. Leader. Hear me now therefore, O ye children, Response. And depart not from the words of my mouth. L. My son, attend unto my wisdom, JR. And bow thine ear to my understanding ; i. Lest thou give thine honor unto others, H. And thy years unto the cruel ; X. Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth, H. And thy labors be in the house of a stranger; MEMORY PASSAGES 55 L. And thou mourn at the last, R. When thy flesh and thy body are consumed, L. And say, How have I hated instruction, R. And my heart despised reproof ; L. And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, R. Nor incUned mine ear to them that instructed me ! L. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, R. And he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. L. He shall die without instruction ; R. And in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray. L. My son, attend to my words ; R. Incline thine ear unto my sayings: L. Let them not depart from thine eyes ; R. Keep them in the midst of thine heart : L. For they are life unto those that find them, R. And health to all their flesh. CHAPTER Xir. PRAYERS. 1. The Lord's Prayer. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earthy as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil : For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,, for ever. Amen. 2. A Child's Evening Prayer. Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray thee. Lord, my soul to keep ; If I should die before I wake, I pray thee. Lord, my soul to take. And this I ask for Jesus' sake. Amen. 3. Childhood's Prayer. As now I lay me down to sleep. May angel guards around me keep. Through all the silent hours of night. Their watch and ward till morning lighL Dim evening shades around me creep. As now I lay me down to sleep. I pray thee. Lord, my soul to keep. The while I wake or while I sleep ; And while I work and while I play, I pray thee, Lord, my soul to take: I pray that thou wouldst for me make Close at thy feet a lowly place, Where I may e'er behold thy face, And this I ask for thy dear sake — PRAYERS 67 I pray thee, Lord, my soul to take. Give me thy grace, that, day by day, Thy love may in my heart grow deep, I pray thee, Lord, my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake ; If I this night the world forsake. And leave the friends I hold most dear, Leave all that I so value here ; And if thy call my slumbers break — If I should die before I wake, "While bending at my mother's knee, This little prayer she taught to me — "Now as I lay me down to sleep, I pray thee, Lord, my soul to keep ; If I should die before I Avake, I pray tlice, Lord, my soul to take." — Newton JS. Otis, 4. An Evening Prayer. Now the light has gone away, Saviour, listen while I pray. Asking thee to watch and keep, And to send me quiet sleep. Jesus, Saviour, wash away All that has been wrong to-day ; Help me ev'ry day to be Good and gentle, more like thee. Let my near and dear ones be Always near and dear to thee ; Oh, bring me and all I love To thy happy home above. Thou my best and kindest friend, Thou wilt love me to the end ! Let me love thee more and more. Always better than before. — Frances Ridley HavergaZ. 58 OUR CATECHISM 5. A Morning Prayer. O Lord, I give thee thanks that thou hast taken care of me the past night, and that I am permitted to see the hght of another morning. Keep me, O Lord, from evil all this day, and may I love and serve thee with a true heart always. Grant me, I pray thee, every good thing wiiich I need for my body and soul. Create in me a clean heart, and help me by thy Holy Spirit to do thy will. Be merciful to me and forgive my sins. 80 help me every day that I may j)lease thee in all things. This I ask for Christ's sake. Amen. 6. An Evening Prayer. Heavenly Father, I bow down before thee to give thee thanks for all the blessings of this day. Thou hast been very near to me and hast been very good. Thou hast supplied all my needs and hast kept me from all harm. Forgive me the sins of this day, I pray thee, and keej) me always in thy love. Watch over me while I sleep, and may no evil thing come to me. Bless all my near and dear friends. May they all be ever dear to thee. Bless the sad and the poor and the needy. Help them always to place their hands in thine and to go only where thou leadest. May I always be kind to the troubled and ever be like thy dear Son, my Saviour,' who went about doing good. These mercies I ask for his name's sake. Amen. APPENDIX MODEL CONSTITUTION FOR A ,}\^r^x(y^ :)^OrjNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETy» The following model coDstitutiou /s presenred to the Church as embracing the leading features necessary to successful Christian work among boj's and girls. Verbal changes may be made to adapt it to the wants of a given church or community. There may be more or fewer committees, as local needs may require. The success of any Junior society and its work will depend chiefly on the leaders and the i^astor. On them will devolve the task of adapting the organization to local conditions and circumstances. The leaders should be earnest Christian workers with a spe^jial love for work among boys and girls. CONSTITUTION, i ARTICLE I. Name. This organization shall be known as the Junior Young People's Society of United Brethren Church of . ARTICLE II. Object. The object of this society shall be to promote in its members a pure and worthy character, to aid in the study of the Bible, and to cultivate the principles of loyal service to Christ. * Copies of this constitution may be had at three cents each by addressing the United Brethren Publishing House, Dayton, Ohio. If a constitution for a Junior Christian Endeavor society is desired, it can be had at the same rates. 59 60 APPENDIX ARTICLE III. 3fembership. Section 1. The members shall be boys and girls from seven to fifteen years of age, who shall have been ap- proved by the leaders, and elected by a majority vote of the members present at any regular meeting. Hec. 2o All those who become members shall pledge ^ themselves to attend regularly the meetings of the so- ciety and to observe good order in them. ARTICLE lY. Officers. Section 1. The officers of this society shall be a leader and an assistant leader (adults), a president, vice-presi- dent, secretary, and treasurer. Sec. 2. The leaders shall be nominated by the young people's society of the church ( or by the teachers and officers of the Sunday school where no young people'^ society exists), and their nomination shall be approved by the pastor and the official board. 1 This pledge should be understood to be taken by all members received into the society. Where a more formal pledge is desiredy the following may be adopted : JUNIOR SOCIETY PLEDGE. Trusting in Jesus Christ to help me, I promise that I ivill strive Uy do whatever he would like to have me do ; that I ivill pray and read the Bible, and keep the Sabbath day holy; and that just so far as I knotv hmv I unll try to lead a good life; that I will be present at every^ meeting when not hindered by sickness or some other just cause; and that I tvill take some part in the meetings, especially the monthly rec- ognition m,eetings. Note.— There should be great care taken in having young chil- dren, who will innocentlv sign anything, take this pledge. The pledge should be clearly explained and wisely emphasized. To secure the cooperation of parents the leaders should send tbem a. copy of the pledge, and also the following for the parent to sign : PARENT'S ANSWER. J" have carefully read the accompanying pledge and cheerfully give my cons'jnt for to sign it, and tvill do what I can ta help to faithfully keep it. ParenVs Name Address APPENDIX 61 ARTICLE V. Duties of Officers. Section 1. The leader shall have general charge of the society and its work. Sec. 2. The assistant leader shall aid the leader at his request, and care for all the funds received from the treasurer. Sec. 3. The president shall ^^reside at all business meetings, under the advice of the leader. Sec. 4. The vice-president shall conduct business meetings in the absence of the j)resident. Sec. 5. The secretary shall keep a record of the names and attendance of members, and of the proceedings of all business meetings. Sec. 6. The treasurer shall take the collections, enter the amount in a book provided for that purpose, and turn over the money to the assistant leader for safe keej^ing. A record shall also be kept of all expenditures, as directed by the leader and society. article VI. Committees. There shall be five standing committees of five (or three, as may be desired ) members each, as follows, — the members in each ( except the executive committee ) to be proposed by the leaders and approved by the society : 1. Membership. To bring in those wiio may wish to become members, to introduce them to the leaders, and to help them to leel at home in the meetings oi the society. 2. Devotional. To help the leader to arrange pro- grams, provide music, to distribute Bibles, singing books, tracts, etc., and to aid in every way which the leaders may direct to promote the interest of the meetings. 3. Helping-Hand. To seek new scholars for the Sun- day school, and to bring them in and introduce them to the superintendent, to visit members when sick or neglectful of the meetings, and to act as special aids to the leaders in securing a full attendance at the monthly recognition service. 62 APPENDIX 4. Temperance. To canvass for sigDatiires to the tem- perance j)leclge ^ under the direction of the leaders, and to heljD in any other way to promote temperance work among boys and girls. 5. Executive Committee. The pastor, leaders, and the officers shall compose the executive committee, which shall have full control of the affairs of the society. ARTICLE VII. Meetings. Section 1. A devotional meeting shall be held every week, the exercises of which shall consist of prayers, Scripture reading and study, singing, and testimony. Sec. 2. Once a month the meeting shall be known as a recognition meeting. At some time during the exer- cises the i)ledge, if there is one, shall be recited in con- cert, and the roll called. The responses shall be consid- ered a renewal of the pledge of the society. The name of any member who is absent withou-t excuse from four consecutive recognition meetings shall be drojiped from the roll of members. Sec. 3. All meetings shall be in charge of the leaders. If there are those among the members callable of leading meetings, they may be chosen to do so. Sec. 4, The x^astor or leaders shall use a part of the hour of the weekly meeting, when deemed best, for special instruction in Bible truth, or for other profitable exercises. ARTICLE VIII. ReJationsMp. This society shall be considered a department of the church v.itli which it is eonneetcd. It shall also sustain a close and intimate relation to the young people's soci- ety of the church, with which the members of this junior society are expected to connect themselves when they have reached the age limit. »ISee Triple Pledge, p. 50. APPENDIX 63 BY-LAWS. Section 1. The regular meetings of this society shall be held on Sunday afternoon of each week, i The last meeting of each month shall be a recognition meeting. The business meeting shall be held in connection with the first meeting of each month. Sec. 2. The leaders, in consultation with the pastor, shall at each election propose names of available mem- bers for the several offices, who shall be elected by a majority vote of the members present. The officers shall be elected and the committees appointed for a term of six months, and shall enter upon their duties the day of and the day of of each year. Sec. 3. The funds for the expenses of the society and other pur^Doses shall be raised by collections taken at the monthly recognition meetings, and at other meetings as the leaders maj^ arrange. Sec. 4. Special meetings of the society may be called at any time by the pastor or leaders. Sec. 5. The committees should hold a meeting with the leaders once a month for consultation about their work. Sec. 6. Other committees may be ai^pointed at any time as they may be needed. Sec. 7. This constitution and by-laws may be amended at any regular meeting upon the recommendation of the executive committee. ^Or at the discretion of the pastor and leaders. In country- churches and during the heated term, in summer, it may not be practicable to hold weekly meetings.