Cibmrjp of Che ^Theological ^emmar;p 
 
 PRINCETON . NEW JERSEY 
 
 vJ? CvC* 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 Library of 
 Professor Benjamin B. Warfield 
 
 BX 9184 .A4 C37 1897 c.l 
 Westminster Assembly (1643- 
 
 1652) ' 
 
 The shorter catechism of the_ 
 
 Wp.c;-t-Tn_i.ns.t er aRRf^mhlv of 
 
THE 
 
 Shorter Catechism 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ^WESTMINSTER 
 ASSEMBLY of DIVINES: 
 
 Being a facsimile of the First Edition, which was 
 
 ordered to be printed by the Ho2ise of Commons, 
 
 25th November, i6^y. 
 
 WITH HISTORICAL ACCOUNT AND 
 BIBLIOGRAPHY 
 
 J 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM CARRUTHERS, F.R.S. 
 
 (Lately Keeper of Botany, British Mtiseum). 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 PUBLICATION OFFICE OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF 
 
 ENGLAND, 14, PATERNOSTER SQUARE. 
 
 1897. 
 
LONDON : 
 Printed by M^Corquodai-e & Co., Ltd., Cardington Street, N.W. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism .. 
 The First Catechism 
 Historical Account 
 
 PAGE 
 
 I 
 
 21 
 
 2^ 
 
 Bibliography — 
 
 
 Editions of the Shorter Catechism 
 
 38 
 
 Editions without Questions 
 
 61 
 
 Translations 
 
 61 
 
 Modifications 
 
 64 
 
 Versions in Rhyme 
 
 66 
 
 Expositions 
 
 67 
 
The following facsimile is produced from 
 the copy in the Library of the 
 British Museum, with the press 
 mark E. ^//. 2. 
 
ORderedbythe Commons Affembledin Pari i- 
 AM E «T, that fix hundred Copies and no more,, 
 of the Advice of the A^emblf of jyivims^ Concerning a 
 /h9yterCathechtff»e,h^iojxhmth Primed for the fervice 
 oi both Houfcs and the AiTembly of Divines, and the 
 Printer is injoyned ( at his perill ) no: to print more then 
 fix hundred Copies of the faid CathechiTrae, or to di- 
 Vulge or publifh any of them. 
 
 Sis further Ordered, that no perfon prefumeto Re* 
 prini. Divulge, or publifh the r&id Cathecmismb 
 till ftirther order be taken by both or either of the 
 Houfes of Parliament* 
 
 H.ElJyngeClcYiFsLv]. 
 Dom. Com. 
 
The humble 
 
 ADVICE 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ASSEMBLY 
 
 OF 
 
 ivines , 
 
 NowbyAuthorityofPARLiAM ent 
 fitting at Wejlminjlery 
 
 Concerning a Shorter Catechifme^ Pre- 
 
 fented by cbem lately to both Houfes 
 
 of Parliament. 
 
 J certain number of Copies are Ordered to 
 be Trinted only for the ufe of the Mem^ 
 bers of both Houfes and of the Jfiembly 
 ofT>iVtnes^ to the end that they may 
 adyife thereupon, 
 
 LONDON, 
 
 Printed by e>f • <Shd. 
 
TO THE 
 
 RIGHT HOMOVRABLE 
 
 THE 
 
 LORDS ^^^ COMMONS 
 
 artemblcd in 
 
 PARLIAMENT: 
 
 The humble Advffe of the AlTembly 
 
 of Divines fitting at Weflminfier, 
 
 Concerning 
 
 A ftiorter Catechifme. 
 
 QU B S T I O N. 
 
 Hat ts the chief end of Tn&n ? 
 
 A. Mans chief end is sog!ori£eGod, and 
 to enjoy him for ever. 
 Q^ what rult hmh Coigivtn io JinCI i'^ hsw 
 mt fffdf glortfie asid enjoy him ? 
 
 A, The Wordot God (which is contained in the Scr|. 
 'ptuf'es of the Old and New TeCliment) is the only rule £0 
 dircd us how we noay gloriHe and enjoy bim» 
 
Q^ fVhm do the Scrtpiunsprimpally teach > 
 A, The Scriptures principally ceich, What man isro 
 belee\'e concerning God, and what duty God requires of 
 man. 
 
 Qi whit it nod? 
 
 A,^ God is a Spirit, infinite, ctemall, and unchangea- 
 ble, In his K-ing, wifdome, power, holinefle, jufticc, 
 goodnefTe, and truth. 
 
 Q^ An there more Cdds then one ? 
 A, There is but one only, the living and true God. 
 Q^ f-lorv many Ptrfom are^here in the God head f 
 A. There are three Perfons in the God- head, the Fa- 
 ther, the Sonne, and the Holy Ghoft ; and thefe three arc 
 one God,the fame in fubitance,equall in power and glory. 
 Q. WhAtaretbe Decrees of oidf 
 A, The Decrees of God are, his etemall purpofe ac- 
 cord in g to the counfell of his Will, whereby for his own 
 glory,he hath fore^otdained whattoever comes to paffe. 
 Q^ Horv doth Ccde^sctite his Decrees ? 
 A. God execuseth his Decrees inthe Works of Crea- 
 tion and Providence. 
 
 CL. What is the Work of Creation ? 
 A, The Work of Creation is Gods making all things 
 ofnoihing, by the Word of his Power, in the fpace of 
 fix daies, and aU very good. 
 Q^Horo did Cid create mm f 
 v//. God created man, male and female, after h'ls 
 own image, in knowledge, righscourne{re,and holineffc, 
 with dominion over the creatures. 
 Qi Whd! jsreCods Works of Frotddence? 
 A. Gods Works of Providence zxq his moft holy, 
 v/ife , and powerfadl prefer ving^ and govemmg all Ws 
 
 creatures. 
 
()) 
 
 crearures, and all their aiflions. 
 
 Q^ ly^^ (peculieB ofpnvidsme di'^C^iexmife tmara 
 Miin sn the eftdU tphcrein he was created > 
 
 A. When God had created Man,hc entered into % Co- 
 venant of life with him,upon condhion of perfe<Sl Obedi- 
 ence '. forbidding him to eat of the tree of the knowledge 
 oFgood andevi!, upon painof desth. 
 
 Qj^ Did curfr^ Pasrems csminne tn the e^m whereinihey 
 were creased ? 
 
 /f, O ur firfl Parents, being !cft to the freedom of dieir 
 own will, fell from the edate wherein they were created, 
 by (inning againft God, 
 
 Q^Whatisfmne? 
 
 A, Sin is any want of conformity unto^ or tranfgrefli- 
 on of the Law of God. 
 
 Q;_ What wa^ the fm wherelj our fjtl PartmsfeU from the 
 ejlate wherein thty wevtcretittd j* 
 
 c/^. The fin whereby our (irft Parents fell from the 
 el^ate wherein they were created, was their eating the 
 forbidden fruit. 
 
 Q^ DidallmnnhndefaUiii Ad^is firf trat)fgrefjM ? 
 
 A, The Covenant being made wish Adam, not only 
 forhimfelf, butforhispon-eiky, all mankinde defcend- 
 ing from him by ordinary generation finned in him, and 
 fell with him in his firft tranfgi^flion. 
 
 C^ Imo whacejiate drd the faU king mdnkindef 
 
 A* The fall brought mankinde into an ellate of fin and 
 mifery. 
 
 Q^ wherein confip the finfulnc{[e of that ejtase whermto 
 man fell f 
 
 A. The finfulneHe of that eflate whereinto man fell, 
 confifts 'v\ the guilt cf Adams firfl fin, ths wans of Ori- 
 
 B I gtnall 
 
ganall righteoufnciie, and the coi'iiiptioa ar hh ^iic2e 
 casarc, which is commonly called Original! {?n,{0|cxhnj 
 TTkh all aduail trarifgreffions which proceed from k, 
 
 Q^ Wha is tk mspry ofihai ej^ate whe^iimo mm fill, f 
 
 A, All mankinde by their ml loft communion wkh 
 God, ave under his wrach and curfe, andfo, made liable 
 toall miferies in this life, to death it felf, and to the paini 
 of hell for ever. 
 
 Q^ Did God leave aU mankinde to ferifb inthi ejiaie ^f 
 fin and miferj ? 
 
 A God, having out of his meer good pleifure horn 
 all eternity eleded fome toeverlafting life did enter into 
 a Covenant of grace to deliver them out of the eftate of 
 (in and mi{ery,and to brin^ them into an eflate of Salva- 
 don by a Redeemer, 
 
 Q^ V^ho is I he, Redeermr of Gods ekB ? 
 
 A. The only Redeemer of Gods clc<5i is the Lord Je- 
 fus Chriftj who being the ffcernallfon of God, became 
 jman, and fo, was ana coatinucih to be God and man, 
 in two diftindl Natures,and one Perfon, for ever. 
 
 Q^ Hoiv didchriH hdisg the Son of God Become W4n <* 
 
 A, Chrift the Son ok God became man by taking to 
 himfclf a true body and a reafonabk f oul^being coi'icer/ ed 
 by the power of the Holy Ghofl in she womb of ihsi vir- 
 gin Mary, and born of her, yet without iln. 
 
 Q^ Wh4t offices doth Chrift (tKesmSiis ouv Rcdsemt? f 
 
 A, Chrift as our Redeemer executeth s: he O^cesofa 
 Prophet, ofa Prieft, andofaKing^ both in his cftsceof 
 Humiliation, and Exakacion, 
 
 Qj^ fhvf doth Chrifi execute the Office of a ?rofkt ? 
 
 A* Chrift cxecuecth the Office of a Prophet^ m reveal- 
 ing to us, by his Word and Spiric^ Che will of God for 
 our Salvation. Qjlm 
 
Q^Hc^ dotk Chyifi exeeute the office of d Prhft? 
 
 A, Chrift exccutctb the OlSce of a Pricft, in his once 
 offering up of himfelf a (acrifice to fatisfie divine juftice 
 and reconcile us to God : and m making continuali inter' 
 ccfTion for us» 
 
 Q. How doth Chrlfi excuteihe office of a lOng f 
 
 A. Chrift cxscuteth the Office of a King, in fubduing 
 us to himfelf, in ruling and defending us, and in reftrainif)g 
 and conquering all his and our enemies. 
 
 Q^ Wherein did ChrtHs Humtltmpn conftji ? 
 
 A Chrifts Humiliaiion conliftcd in his bein» bome, 
 andehatin alow condition, made under the law, under- 
 going ths miferies of this life, the wrachofGod,andthe 
 curfed death of the crolTc,in being buried, and continuing 
 under the power ot death for a time. 
 
 QAVhcrein confifieth Chrtfls Exaltmkn f 
 
 A, Chrifts Exaltation confilieth In his rifing again 
 from the dead on the third day, in afcending up into Hea- 
 ven,in fitting at the right hand of God the Father, and 
 \^ coming to judge the v7orld at the laft day, 
 
 Q;, How an wimxdtMrukm of the Redmption pmchdled 
 hyCbri(l? ^ ^ ^ 
 
 A. We are made partakers of the Redemption pur- 
 chafed by Chrift, by the efteauali Application o[ it to 
 i>s by his holy Spirit. 
 
 QJ^orv doththsSpiritapdytamik Redemption par^kaf^ 
 tdbyChnp I r 1 
 
 /f. 1 he Spiritapplieth to us the Redemption purcha- 
 fed by Chrift, by working Faith in us, and ihtreby \m* 
 ting us to Chrift, m our Effcduall Calling, 
 Q: IVhat is Effeilfi til Caltmg ^ 
 A. EfFeauali Calling is i1ic work of Gods Spirit, 
 
 B I whercbyj 
 
i6) . 
 
 whereby^ ccnvmcing us of out (in and rfliferv, inligh- 
 tening our minds in the knowledge of Chrilt, and re- 
 newing our wills^ he dotn perfwade and inable us td 
 irtibrace Jefus Chrift fjeeiy offered to us in the Gofpel. 
 
 Ci, ^^at heneps do they th^t are Effc^hdlj CalUd, far take 
 of tn this life f 
 
 A. They that are Effecf^ually Called, do in this hTc 
 partake of- Juftification, Adoption, San<5Hfication, and 
 the (everall benefits which in this lite do cither accoaapa- 
 ny or flow from them. 
 
 Q:. what is Jufltfcation f 
 
 A. JuftiEcation isanad Gods free gracie, wherein he 
 pardoncth all our fins, and acccptcth us as righteous in 
 his fight, oneiy for the rightcoufncfre of Chrift imputed 
 to us, and received by Faith alone, 
 
 Q:_ Whdt is Adoption ? 
 
 A, Adoption isana;5i of Gods free grace, whereby we 
 trereceived into the number, and have a right to all the 
 priviledges, of the Sons of God. 
 
 Q:. whit is Sdr^ificdtion'^ 
 
 A. Sandification is the work of Gods free gracc,whcrc- 
 by we are renewed in the whole man afcer the image of 
 God, and are inabled more and n:iore to dy unto fin and 
 live unto righteoufncfie. 
 
 Q^ whit Are the henefits which tn this Itfe do ACCOtnjArt)tf 
 floivjrom juiiifcAtiony Adoption, ajnd S/tfiCftfcatton 1 
 
 A, The benefits which inthis life do accompany Or 
 flow from juftification. Adoption, and Sandification, 
 are,a(rurance of Gods love, peace of Con(cicnce, joy itx 
 (he Holy GhoIl,incrcafe ofgracc,andperreverance there- 
 in to the end, 
 
 Q^hu benefit 5 do Bekevers receivef-om Chrifl at deithi 
 
 4^ The 
 
(7) 
 
 A, The fouls of Bcleevers are at their death made 
 perfed in holinelTe, and do imraediatly paiTe into glory ; 
 and their bodies, being {lill united to Chrift^do reftin 
 their graves til! the Refurreflion, 
 
 Q:_ what benefits dQ BeUivtrs receive fiom Chrifi at the 
 ReJurrcClton i 
 
 A. At the Rcfurrec^tion, Beleevcrs being raifediip ia 
 glory, fliall be openly acknowledged and^acquitced in 
 the day of Judgement, and made perf"e(5tly biciTed m full 
 injoyingof God to all eternity. 
 
 C^ what is the Dtiiy which Godrequireth of mm f 
 
 /f. The Duty which Godrequireth of mantis Obedi- 
 ence to his revealed will. 
 
 Q: WhAt did Ccd at fir [i reveal to mm for the rule of his 
 Cbedience ^ 
 
 A. The rule which God at firft revealed to man for 
 
 his O bedience, was, the Moral Law. 
 Q^Whcre isths Moral Lat^ fum'marily comprehended < 
 A, The Moral Law is lummariiy comprehended in the 
 
 Ten Commandements. 
 
 Q^ What is thejumme of the ten Commandemtnts i 
 
 A. Thefumme of the ten Commandements is,tolove 
 
 the Lord our God, with all our hearty with all our foul, 
 
 withallour ftrcngth, and with all our minde: and our 
 
 Neighbour as ourfelves. 
 
 Q_ What u the preface to the ten CommdndcTninti * 
 
 A, The Preface to the ten Conrxmandsments is in the(e 
 
 words c 3 am t^e %^m^ tf^ CsD, Ix^ic^ M^M 
 ^^ouglit t^ee mx of £^ W^ of <^%^^t,m% c?! tlje Ijoufe 
 of bontjage* 3 
 
 Q^ what doth the prefdce to theten O^^^dements tz^ich 
 Mi 
 
 A. The 
 
(S) 
 
 /. The Pi-ePace to the ten Commandemenfs teacheth 
 ns, that bccauie God is the LORD>and our Go4,and Re- 
 deemer, therefore we are bound to keep all his Comraan* 
 dements. 
 
 Q^ which is the frfl Cdmmjtridement ^ 
 
 A. Thefirft Commandememis[^ftOUtoU^){lt)CnO 
 
 Ci, vi^hat if rcqni/editt the frfi Cofnm.mdemmt ^ 
 
 A. The Firft Commandemem requireth us to know 
 and acknowledge God to be the onely true God, and our 
 God: and to worfliip and glorifie him accordingly, 
 
 Q^ Whxt ts forbidden in the fir (i Commandemmt i 
 
 /i, ThefirftCommandementforbiddeththe denying, 
 or not worfliipping and glorifying the true God, as God, 
 and our God : and the giving that worfliip and glory lo 
 any Qther,\which is due to him alone. 
 
 Q^ what are m (peaalif taught b) thefe mrds [^ ©Cf0^( 
 IXiZ'] iffthefirfi Commanderffenu 
 
 A. Thclc words [ aSsfOJ^e me ] in the firft Comman- 
 dement, teach us, that God who fcethall things, taketh 
 notice of, and is much difpleafed wich the fin of luving 
 any other God. 
 
 Q: which u the fecond Commandemenr'f 
 
 A. The fecond Commandementis[|^^Oli MttlDf 
 
 maUe unto tlieeanpficabett image, ocmip lifecncffeof 
 any thing tl)ar tsf 111 l)eat3m aboUe, o^ tljat 10 in t^e 
 eactl) feeiieat^,o^ tljat \$ ivi tlje \)oatct vx^n tl)e zm\ 
 tl)oii Hialt not bob) DotBn t!)p fdf to t\^i\^, mi fcrte 
 tUcm: fo^ Jtli? KL®E5a t^ aoD am ^ jcaloaiel 
 <53D,\)iatiag£^e miquitpof t^e ldX\m% upoaf^e cWl- 
 ^jcn.wnto tl)e tbtoan!^ fontttj generation of t!)em t^at 
 ^c me : auD ftetsoing metcp wtito etjonfmiog of tljem 
 
(9) 
 
 tW lobe me anB keep mp CcmmattBeraentjt;! 
 
 Q^ fVhdt lis ? {quired m the jecondCommaftdmrnf 
 
 yi]. The fecond Commandemenc requhech, the re- 
 ceiving, obferving, zjid keeping pure and intirc all fuch 
 religious Worihipand OfdiriimceSjasGod hath appoint- 
 ed in his word. 
 
 Q^ W'hat is forbidden its th fecond Commandemtnt ? 
 
 A, The fecond Comn:i£ridcment forbiddeth the wor- 
 fliipping of God by Images, or any other way, not ap- 
 pointedin his word. 
 
 Q^ ¥/yt are the Reafons anmxedio the fecond Commands 
 ntem^ 
 
 4* Tlie Reafons annexed to the fecond Comraande- 
 ment are, Gods Soveraignty over us, his propriety in 
 usj and the zeal he hathtohisownWorihip, 
 
 Q^ which is the third Commandment*, 
 
 A. The third Commandemcnt is [ '^i^OU %0X tWt 
 
 t^Ue tt^enamc of t^e %^^ t^jp d^o^ inbafei*f ojtlje 
 ^01^ ^il! not^oiot^im patle({e t!iaetAkt^i^t$ 
 nameitii^amj 
 
 Q:^ Whikt is reqmred i/3 the third Commandment f 
 J. The third Commandcment reqaireth, the ho!y 
 and reverent ufe of Gods Names, Titles, Attributes, 
 Ordinances, Word^and Works.. 
 Q^ PVhat is forbidden in the third Csmrnrndemem i 
 A, The third Comnvandemcnt forbiddeth all profan- 
 ing or abufing of any thing whereby God makes him- 
 felf known. 
 
 Q^ What fs the Renfon dnnexed to the third Cmnwidi' 
 mem f 
 
 A.1\\t Reafon annexed ec the thirdCoramandement,i5, 
 ^% howeves the brewers ofthlsCorainandement may 
 
 C cicap<! 
 
(to) 
 
 cfcape punifliitienc from men, yes the LORD our God 
 will not fuflfcithem toefcapc his righteous judgement. 
 
 Q;^^ Whtch is the fourth Commandiment, 
 
 A. The fourth Comraandemcntis C^Httembcrt^C 
 
 S^abbat^ Dap to liecptt l^lp: ^tr Date^ (bale tbou 
 labour sub bo all tbp boo^k ; but tbe febeiitb bap is 
 tbe ^sbbatb of x\^z X^M'B tb? <lE5ob, in It tbmi 
 IbaltnotDo anpujDjt!^, ebott, »o^tbp fon, nojttbp 
 baa5bt€«:,tl)iJ inati ferbant, no^ tbpmaib--rei'bant,noi 
 tbP cattcU,no^ tbplttanaectbat t^ttiitbmtbr g3te0 : 
 i?ojm (irDaiei^ tbe )l€>i:iBmabf beabeii a»b eartb, 
 tbe fea, anb alltbat in tbcm iis;, anb wdcb tbe fe- 
 ijentb bap, tob^rfo^te tbe )lS)l^©WeffeD tbe^ab= 
 batbbap> attb bailob)eb it, 
 
 Q^ whit is required tn the fourth Commandejncni ? 
 A, The fourth Commandementrequireth thekeepin<' 
 holy to God fuch fee time as he hath appointed '\r\ his 
 word, exprelfely one whole day in feven, to be a holy 
 Sabbath to hiinfelf. 
 
 Q. which day of the [even hath God apf$inttd to be the ■ 
 ivtfkly sMAth ? 
 
 A. From the beginning of the World to the Rcfur- 
 rcftionofChrift, God appointed chefeventh day of the 
 week to be the weekly Sabbath : and the firfl 6.^^J of the 
 week ever iince^ to continue to the end of the world, 
 which is the Chriftian Sabbath. 
 
 Q^ novo ts the SMath to be SmCiified? 
 
 A The Sabbath is to be fandified by a holy reftin'^ 
 all that day, even from fuch worldly imploiments aad le"^ 
 creations as are lawfull on other dales, and fpending 
 the whole time in the pubHke and private exercifes qf 
 Godsworn^.ip, except fo much as is to be taken up in 
 the worKSof neceOity and mercv. Q^Whii 
 
Q^ Pfijjf isforl^dden in ihefourihCmntdrdmentf 
 
 A. The fourth Commandement forbiddeth the omif^ 
 fion or carerefTc pcrfermance of the duties required, and 
 the profaning the day by idleneffe, or doing that which 
 is in icfelf {infulljOrbyunnecefrarythoughtSj words, or 
 works about worldly imploiments or recreations. 
 
 Q^ Wh&t Aft theRea($ns annexed to the fourth Comnuat- 
 dement ? 
 
 A, The Reafons annexed to the fourth Commandc- 
 nrient are, Gods allowing us fix daies of the week for oar 
 own imploiments, his challenging a fpeciall propriety in 
 the feventh, his own example, and his bleffing the Sab- 
 bath day. 
 
 Q^ which is the fifth Ccmmandemertt ^ 
 
 A. The fifth Comma.ndement is [ f^mtOttt tt)? fetftCt 
 
 anU t\fp imiW** t^^t tljp Mt$ mai^ be long upon 
 tIjclanBtoWtlje ?l£D'*^B tte^0^8*eti)tl?cej 
 
 Q^ What ts required tn the fift Commandtmenti 
 A. The fifth Commandement requireth the preferving 
 the honour, and performing tht duties, belonging to 
 every one in their feverall places and relations, as Superi- 
 Gur% Inferioiirs, or Equals. 
 
 Q^ Whntts forhtdden tn theffth Commandiment ? 
 A, The fifth Commandementtorbiddeth thenegle^- 
 ingof, or doing anything againft the honour ana duty 
 which belongech to every one in their feverall places 
 and relations. 
 
 QlAVhat IS theRe^fcn annexed to the fifth CimmAndementf 
 
 A. The Reafon annexed to the fifth Commande- 
 
 ment is apromife of long lile and profperityUs ^r as 
 
 it fhall fervefor Gods glory, and their own good) to all 
 
 fuch as keep this Commandement, 
 
 C s Q:}Vhich 
 
Q^ Wffich if the fsxih CsTnmendement } 
 
 A. The fueh CommandemeAe is C^^OUflbdUnOt 
 
 fell!. ] 
 
 Q^ IVhAt u required ifi the (ixih Cipmmandcitiey.t f 
 A* The (ixch Commandemens requirech dl law full 
 encieavours to piefervc our owa iifc^snci the lif«^ ol others^ 
 Q^ W/yiT uferbidckn tn shs ft nth CiwmsndtnuBt f 
 A, The /ixth Commandement forbiddedi ehetakc- 
 iog away of our own life, or cbe life of oumeighbcui: 
 unjuPtly; and whatfoever tendeth thereunto* 
 Q^ which t£ the f&vemh CoTr^TKmdement ? 
 A.. The feventh Commandeniem is £ ^bOU ftiit 
 
 Qj^ Whas is reqatfed tn the fevmth Commandemem f 
 
 A> The fevemh Ccmmsndement requireih the pre 
 ^rvation of our own wA Qm fidghbours chaflity^ tn 
 hesrtj fpcech, and behavsour. 
 
 Q^ what fS fsrbidde» m thi feventh CQtnm.^dai$sm ? 
 
 A. The feventh Commindement foibiddesh idl ua- 
 chad choughts,words, and adfosis. 
 
 Q^ which is th$ eight Commandsfmnt ? 
 
 A. The eight Coramandement is [ %Jl^m Qldlt tlOt 
 
 Qi. y^hit is nqmredin the eigk CommAndcmmt ? 
 
 i5. The eight Comrmr^dement requireth the law foil 
 procuring, and furtherieig the wealth and outward cftatc 
 of our ftlves^ and others. 
 
 Q^ Whta i$ forbidden in the eight Csmmfr^ement f 
 
 A* The eight Commandement forbiddeeh whatfo- 
 cverdothjOrraayunjuHIyhiodcr our own, or our neigh- 
 bours wealth,, or outward e§<i£e. 
 
 Q;. Whish is the ninth Commmdement ? 
 
 A. The 
 
CM) 
 
 A. The ninth Conjnwndemcnt is, C^^Kttl BMt tlOt 
 
 Q^ WhAtis required in the ninth Commmdemem ? 
 
 A» The ninth Commandemcne requireth the main- 
 taining and promoting of truth between man and man, 
 and of our own and our neighbours good name^ efpecially 
 in witneiTe bearing. 
 
 Q^ what is forbidden in the ninth Commandement ? 
 
 A, The ninth Commandemcnt forbiddeth whatfoever 
 is prejudicial! to truth, or injurious to our own or our 
 neighbours good name. * 
 
 Q^ Wbtch ts the tenth Commandemem ". 
 
 /L The tenth Commandement is, C^P^n ({yalt tlOt 
 
 taint tljpneigljboiitjsljoufe, tfy^a ftalt mt m^nt^p 
 neig^^ucig t»if c, m^ W man-fcrbant, \m^ iji^ maiD- 
 fctbant,sio^ W Dre,noj tjrg alfe, noj^ mv tljina r^at is 
 tIjpnetgbboutjgO 
 
 Qi. PVhat ts required in the tenth Commandemem ? 
 
 A. The tenth Commandement requirtth full content- 
 ment with our own condition, with a right and charitable 
 frame of Ipirit toward Qurneighbourjand all that is his. 
 
 Q^ Whdt ts forbidden in the tenth Cemmandemem ? 
 
 A, The tenth Commandement forbiddeth alldifcon- 
 tentment with owr own eft ate, envying or greeving at the 
 good of our neighbour, and all inordinate motions and 
 atfe(ftionsto any thing that h hjs, 
 
 Q^ Is any man die ferfecHy to keep theCemminiemtnti 
 of God/ 
 
 /f. No raeerman fince the fall, is able in this IiFe,pcr- 
 fciftly to keep the Commandemems of God, but doth 
 daily break them in £hought,word ^and d^td. 
 
 Q^ i^re iMtrmlg^epons of the L,%\v eqnaffy heinous f 
 
 C 3 of. Some 
 
A. Some fins in themfelves, and by rcafon of feverall 
 aggravations, are more heinous in the fight ofGodthcft 
 others. 
 
 Q^PV/ja! doth every fmdejerve^ 
 
 A. Every lin dcfervcih Gods wrath,and carfe^ both in 
 this Uie^and that which is to come. 
 
 Q^ Wlm doth God require cf ta, thai m 9»aj efiape his 
 wrath and cur fe, due to us for ftn .? 
 
 K^, To efcape the wrath and curfe o? God due to us 
 for fiti, God requireth ot us Faith in Jefus Chrift, Repen- 
 tance unto life, with the dihgent ufeof all the outward 
 iTieane5,wher*eby Chrift commimicateth to us the benefits 
 of Redemption. 
 
 Qi WkittsFaithinJeff^sChrtfi ? 
 
 A. Faith in Jefiis Chrift is a faving grace, whereby we 
 receive, and rell upon hira alone for Salvation, as heisot* 
 iered to us in the Gofpel. 
 
 Q^ What li RepentMce tinto I'tfz^ ? 
 
 A, Repentance unto life is a faving grace, whereby a 
 Goner out of a true fenfe of his fin, and apprehenfion of the 
 mercyof Godin Chrift,doth,with grietand hatred of hii 
 fm, turn fiom it unco God, with full purpofe of, and en- 
 deavour after new obedience. 
 
 Qj^ what are tht outward means , whcrehj ChrHi cmmunt" 
 cateth to «/ the benefits of Redtmpttort ? 
 
 \yi . The outward and ordinary means,whcrcby Chrift 
 communicateth to us the benefits of Redemption, are^ his 
 Ordinances efpecialiy the Word, Sacraments, and Pray- 
 er-jall which are made effe(5luall to the Eledl for Salvation. 
 
 -Q^ Hew is the Word made e^ecifuaH to falvatton f 
 
 A. The Spirit of Godmaketh tjie Readings butefpe- 
 cially the Preaching ot the Word, an cife^uall means of 
 
 convincing 
 
convincing tnd converting fianers, and of buildinty them 
 up mholineflc andcomfoit through faith unco falvaiion. 
 o Q^ Hsa^ tstbe Word to be read, andheardt thai tt rnayie- 
 ccmt cfeCitiolltoSd'vatWM ? 
 
 <^. That the Word may become efFc(auaII to Sal va- 
 tion,we muft attend thereunto with dil!gcnce,preparacion 
 iirxd prayer^ receive it with faith and love, lay it up m our 
 hearts, and pradife it In our lives. 
 
 Q:, Hoi^ doe the Sacramms become effe&Mll naans^f 
 SalvMn ? 
 
 A. The Sacraments become effeduaJl means of Sal- 
 vation, not from any vertue in them, or in him that doth 
 adminifter them, but onely by the blefling of Chrift, and 
 the worliing of his fpirit, \n them that by faith receive 
 them. 
 
 Q:^ What is a Sacrament ? 
 
 A, A Sacrament is an holy Ordinance inftituted hy 
 Chrift, wherein, by (enfible Signes, Chrift and the be- 
 nefits of the New Covenant arc reprefented^feaied, and 
 applied to Bekevers. 
 Q^ Which dre ths Sacraments of the New Tejiamint f 
 A. The Sacraments of the New leftament are, Bap- 
 tifme, and the Lords Supper* 
 Q*^ What ts Bajfttjfne f 
 
 A. Baptifme is a Sacrament, wherein the Wafliing 
 with Water, in the name of the Father, and ot the Son, 
 and of the Holy Ghoft, doih fignifie and fcal our ingraft- 
 ing into Chrift, and partaking ot the bcntfits cA the Co- 
 venant of Grace, and our ingagement to be the Lords. 
 Qi To whom is Saftifms to he ^/imtm fired* 
 A. Baptilme is not to be adminiftred to any that are out 
 of the ViUbk Church, till they profcffc their faith in 
 
 '- Chrift 
 
(i6) 
 
 Chrift and obedience to him-, but the infants of fuch as 
 arc members of the Vifib!e Chwrch are to be baptifed. 
 Q^ tVhat ts tU Lords S iff per f 
 A. The Lords Supper is a Sacrament, wherein, by 
 giving and receiving Dread and Wine according £o Cluifts 
 appointment, his death is ftiewed forth •, and the worthy 
 receivers are, not after a corporall and carnall manner, but 
 by faith made partakers ot his Body and bloud, with all 
 his benefits to their ipirituall noiariOimentj and growth 
 in grace. 
 
 Q^Whattsreqtdred to the tff&rtltj rtcaving rftk Uris 
 SBffcr f 
 
 ^. It is required of them that would worthily partake 
 of the Lords Supper, that they examine thcrafclves, of 
 their Knowledge todifcern the Lords body, of their Faith 
 to feed upon him, of their Repentancc,love, and new obe* 
 dience % leaft, coming unworthily, they cat and drink 
 judgement to themfelves. 
 Q^ what is prajtr f 
 
 A, Prayer is an offering up of our defircs to God, for 
 thinffs agreeable to his will, intheNamcofChrift, with 
 eonteifioa of our Ons, tmd thankfull ackaowiedgemem of 
 his mercsest 
 
 Qj^ What rule hah God given for outdmSimin fvs^tr f 
 
 A. The whole Word of God is of ufc todire<f^ us in 
 
 Prayer, but thefpccidlruleofdire^iois, is, that form of 
 
 Prayer which Chrift taugjjt his Difciplcs, commonl/ 
 
 calkdj The Urdt Prdyer. 
 
 Q^ Wht doth the Preface sf the terds Prsjer tcaeh m ? 
 J7 The Preface of the Lords Prayer,which is, [ 0X(X 
 ^RtW^W^ ett til ]^ea!ien,3 teacheth us to draw near 
 so God with all holy reverence, and confidence^ as chil- 
 dren 
 
f«7) 
 
 <Iren to a taiHer, able and ready to help us 3 and that we 
 (liould pray with and for others. 
 
 Q^ What doe we pray for in the fir ft Petition ? 
 
 w. \n chef^rO Petition, which is [ l^allOtMeD bC t^P 
 nawe-3 we pray, that God would enable us and others to 
 giorifichjm in all that whereby he maketh himfelf known 
 and that he would dif'pofe all things to hisown glory, 
 
 Ol^ what doe we fray for in the fecondj'ettticn ? 
 
 A. InthefecondPetition^whichis, C C^P fewgDoitt 
 COine.3 we pray that Satans Kingdom may bedeftroy/* 
 ed5aad that the Kingdom of Grace may be advanced, our 
 (elves and others brought into it, and kept in it, and that 
 the Kingdom of G lory may be haftened. 
 
 Qj^ what due wefrdyforin the third Petition ? 
 
 A. Inthethis-d Pctition,which is, [^^ptMillbetoOtlC 
 on cattlj, a;S rt igl in !|Catien,3 we pray, that God by his 
 grace would make us able and willing to know, obey, and 
 iubm it to his will m all things,as the Angels do in heaven. 
 
 Q^ yyhat doe we pray for tn the fourth Petition ? 
 
 A. In the founh Petition,which iSj^d^l'De U)Q( tl)t0^ap 
 our Darip bjeal>,3 we pray, that of Gods frtcguift wc 
 may receive a competent portion of the good things of 
 this liFe,and enjoy his bleiTing with them. 
 
 Q^ what doe we pray for tn theffth Petition ? 
 
 Kyi, In the fifth Petition^which is, [ 3nD fOjtglt)^ Vk% 
 DU^Dcbt^, a^ tofOlgib^ OUrlietstC^ltl^,] we way, that 
 God forChrifts fake weuld freely pardon all our fins: 
 which we are the rather incouraged to ask, becaufe by hi$ 
 grace we are inablcd from the heart to forgive others. 
 
 Q^ What dot wepr&yfof in the fixt h Petition f 
 
 A, Inthefixth Pctition^whichis, [31tU^ !e^ ll^TnOl 
 
 into tcmptdtion,!^! Delibop \^ ftom (ba;3wepray,thac 
 
 D God 
 
God would eicherkeepus from being tempted to fin, or 
 fupport and deliver us when we arc tempted. 
 
 (\lV/fat doth the Conclufton of the Lords Prayer reach ta ? 
 /^. The Conclufion ot the Lords Prayer, which is, 
 
 [fojrtmeifi^ tl)c l^irtgoo)n, anU tlje potoec, anD t^e 
 
 glO^PjfO^ CUCr.Clmcin] teaclieih us to take our incouragc- 
 ment in prayer trom God on!y,and in our prayers to piaifc 
 bim,aircribing Kingdom,power,and glory to him : and in 
 tefiimony of our delire and alTurance to be heard, we fay. 
 
 The ten CoMMANDEMBNTS. Exodusio. 
 
 G^B fpalie al! tftefe tj3o»tii0(,fa^, J am tfte 
 H^W^'B t^v <BQ^> tx)l)ic^ Ijatje bjtoug^ t^re out of 
 t^c lanD of v£8ppt> out of tt)e ^oufe of bonOase^ 
 L c^oulbait^abenoot^er gol^ioibeft^eme^ 
 
 I I. ipou (bait not malie unto t^ee anp gtaben 
 image, otanp UUcneffeotanv thing tijat is in^mm 
 abobe> op tW is in t^e eart^ beneath, ojt t^at is in 
 t^e t}oatet unber t\)^ eartb > t^ou fl^alt not bo\x) botsn 
 t^^fdftotlKm, nojfecbetljem: fo;^3it!}e )L£>El^ 
 tl^p aob am a jealouj3(<l5ob, biQting t^e mtquttpof 
 t^c fatljetS npon ti^c clbilb^en.unto t\}e tbnrb anb fourtt) 
 generation Of t^em tbat Ijatc me : anb ftetoing mntf 
 unto tl)ou(ianbiB( of t^m t^ lobe me anb Uf ep m? 
 iCommanbementtf* 
 
 III. Cftou Ibalt nottalte tftenamc of tlje :(LOl1^ 
 tb? €ob{nbafn: jfojt tbe ILC)U1^ boiU not^olotjim 
 guiUlefTe t^at taUetb W i^^me in barn* 
 
 IV. Uemembet tbe Sabbat!) bair' to fteep it boipt 
 ^ip baieg (bait ti&ou labouc « Do all tl^p toojfe , but tb« 
 
 fetovntb 
 
C^9) 
 
 fcbcntbt)ap l^ rte ^abbatli of m %^ni^ t\)p dsoD, 
 in it tljou ft »*ilt nst Do mv Ujo^li, tftou, iio^ thv Ton noi 
 tl)pDau3l)tf c,tl)p man=feci)ant, noj tbp maiD^ fctUant 
 iioj tlw cattcU no^ t^p ficatigct; t^ae is isjit^m tfap 
 gutejst: Se^ \n Gr Dsicgf tije jl^EB maDe ^eaum and 
 f artbjtbc fea,atiD all t^at in e^em is, auD rcftets the fe- 
 l)enrbD.iF. b)berefo|,et!)e](L£S[)EI3 bleaeDtfce^ab- 
 S>atbDap,anD balloij^eD iu 
 
 y. I^onour ebP father anD tbp mother: t^at rbp 
 Daic0 ma? be long upon tUc latiD t»btcb t^e )i4)m^ 
 tbp^oDgcbet^tbee, 
 
 VL ^bou (bait not fefll. 
 
 VII. ^bou (bait not commit abulterp* 
 
 VIII. ^bou (bait not (leaU 
 
 IX. 'Cirbou (bait not beat falfebi^itneOfeagamath? 
 nctgbbout 
 
 X. ^bou Ibalt not cobet t^p mi^bmtg boufe, 
 tl}ou (bait not cobet tbp neigbbonr^ toife, noj^ bi)^ 
 man-(etbant,no^b^2( matti-ferbant,noj W o.ce,noj fjija; 
 affe, no? anp tbing tbst istljpnetgbbout^* 
 
 The Lords Prayer, Match. ^, 
 
 OtUc f atbet bobicft act in bea^ien, l^alloboeD be tbp 
 ii^ame, ^b^Siingbomcome, -^bP tBiHbebone 
 oncactb>a0iti^mbeaben> dsibe uja^tbtis^Dap oucbailp 
 bjeab, ^nDfo^gibe as ourbebtia!, a^toe fo^gibeoue 
 bebtettf, 3nD leat) 110 not mto tejnptation,but Deiibei: 
 m ftom ebtl : JFo? tbtne i£( tbe i^mgDom.auts t^t poiss- 
 ct, anb t^ glojp,fo| ebet* 3iinen* 
 
 D % The 
 
* r^e conitniud 
 in fbe ild.ke of 
 the dcid, sod 
 under the 
 
 Dtith tiU the 
 thirl £fy. 
 
 The Cheed* 
 
 I tele eve in God the Father. Airtight j, maker &{ hf^ivm dnd 
 €drtb r And in fe[u^ Chrifl his onely Son cur Lord, which 
 ffjtf coft^dvtd kf (he holj C ho fly born of the Vii^g/n ^ary, 
 fujfered under Pomim fiLtc^ wascrnctfed, dedd and buned^ 
 hedffcended tmohetl* ^ the third Jay lie roje a^4in from the 
 deady he dfcendedinto heaven^ and fitteth c» the right hand of 
 God the Father Almighty, JTfim thence he Jhali come to ]uage 
 the (j»ick and the dead : iheUcoe in the hoty Ghoft : the holy 
 Catholiki Church, $he cemmsmionofSahm, sheforgii^enefjg 
 ^ftnnfs, sherefurre£iionofthebody,andthe life ^vertafimg. 
 Amen, 
 
 SO much of every Qyg^ion, both in the larger and 
 (bortcrCatechifmejis repeated inthc Anfwer^ts makcth 
 every Anl wer an entire P^opoficion, or fentencCjin it felf : 
 «o the end the Learner may further improve itupon all oc- 
 cafionsj for his ificreafe in knowledge and piety, even out 
 of thecourfc of catechifing, as well as in it. 
 
 And albeit the fubfisncc of the dodrlne csoroprifed In 
 that abridgement commonly called, 7he Apojiks Creed, ht 
 fully fee forth in each of the Catechifmes, lo as there is no 
 necefnty of infcrting the Creed it felf, yet it is here an- 
 nexed, not as though it vvcrecompofed by thcApofUes, 
 or ought to be cftcemed Ctnonicall Scripture^as the ten 
 Commandements, and the Lords Prayer, ( much leffe a 
 Prayer, 21s ignorant people have been apt to make both it 
 and the Decalogue,) but becaufe tt 1% a brief fum me of the 
 Chriftian faith, agreeable to the Word ofGod^ and an- 
 ciently received in the Churches of Chrift. 
 
 Corn b l ius Burg b s Prolocutor pro tempore. 
 Henry RobOrough Scriba. 
 Ado n I & A M B y F I B 1. D Scriba. 
 
THE FIRST CATECHISM 
 
 PREPARED BY 
 
 THE ASSEMBLY OF DIVINES AT WESTiMINSTER. 
 
 So far as it is preserved in the Minutes of the Assembly. 
 
 [3. What is the rule of faith and obedience .?] 
 
 The only rule of faith and obedience is the written Word of 
 God, contained in the Bible or the Scriptures of the Old and New 
 Testament. 
 
 [4.] What special proofs are there that the Scriptures of the Old and 
 Neiv Testament are the very Word of God ? 
 
 The Scriptures are proved to be the very Word of God by their 
 majesty and holiness of doctrine, and the fulfilling of the prophecies, 
 by their exalting God and debasing man, and yet offering him 
 sufficient means of comfort and salvation, and by their light and 
 power in convincing and converting. 
 
 5. Are all these proofs sufficient of themselves to persuade a man to 
 believe that the Scriptures are the Word of God? 
 
 It is only the Spirit of God that makes any proofs effectual to 
 assure the soul of this truth, that the Scriptures are the Word of 
 God. 
 
 6. What do the Scriptures teach us to conceive of God ? 
 God is a most glorious being, infinite in all perfections. 
 
 7. Are there many Gods, or is there but one God? 
 There is but one God. 
 
 8. How many persons are there in the Godhead? 
 
 There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, 
 and the Holy Ghost ; and these three are but one God. 
 
9- Is the Sen e.jnal with the Father in the Godhead ? 
 
 The Son of God, who is the only begotten of the Father from all 
 eternity, is true God, equal with the Father, 
 
 ID. Is the Holy Ghost also God, equal with the Father and the Son ? 
 
 The Holy Ghost, who from all eternity proceeds from the Father 
 and the Son,' is also true God, equal with the Father and the Son. 
 
 1 1. Hath God any body, or is He to he seen with bodily eyes ? 
 
 God is a spirit, invisible, without body or bodily parts, not like a 
 man or any other creature. 
 
 12. Is God contained in any one place in heaven or earth ? 
 
 God is everywhere, and fills both heaven and earth, yet is not 
 contained in any place, 
 
 1 3. What are we to believe concerning the power of God ? 
 
 God is almighty, and can do all things ; nothing is too hard for 
 Him, 
 
 14. What are we to believe of the wisdom and knowledge of God ? 
 God is most wise, knowing all things past, present, and to come, 
 
 even the secrets of all hearts, and cannot be deceived. 
 
 15. What are we to believe coticerning the holiness of God? 
 
 God is most perfectly holy, and neither causeth nor alloweth any 
 to sin. 
 
 16. What are we to believe concerning the justice or righteousness of 
 God? 
 
 God is always most just in all things, punishing all sin, either 
 in the sinner or in Christ the surety. 
 
 1 7. What are we to believe concerning the goodness or mercy of God ? 
 God is infinitely good and merciful, both in giving and 
 
 forgiving freely. 
 
 1 8. What are we to believe concer?iing the eternity of God 't 
 
 God is eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, having no 
 beginning or end. 
 
 19. Is God subject to any change or changeableness ? 
 
 God is always the same unchangeably, notwithstanding the 
 change in all other things. 
 
23 
 
 20. What are ive to believe conceniiiig the truth of God! 
 
 God is most true in all His words, particularly in His promises 
 and threatenings, and it is not possible for Him to He. 
 
 2 1 . What are we to believe concerning the blessedness of God I 
 
 God is in Himself most blessed, every way and for ever ; neither 
 can an}' creature add to His happiness or take anything from it. 
 
 2 2. Since you say God cannot be seen, how do you know that there is 
 a God 7 
 
 I am sure there is a God because the things that are in the 
 world could neither have their being nor their preservation, nor be 
 ordered as they are, without God. 
 
 23. Were all the things in the world made by God 2 
 
 God by His word alone made the world and all things therein, 
 both visible and invisible. 
 
 24. Of what was the world made ? 
 
 The world and all things therein were made out of nothing. 
 
 25. For what end 7uas the world made ? 
 
 God made all things for Himself to His own glory. 
 
 26. In what state and condition were the creatures made at first 1 
 God made all things very good and perfect in their kind. 
 
 27. How is the world preserved and ordered 1 
 
 The power and wisdom of God is that which preserveth and 
 ordereth all things throughout the world, even to the least 
 circumstances. 
 
 28. In what estate was man at the first created ? 
 
 Man was created at the first in a very happy estate, after the 
 image of God, and had dominion given him over the creatures. 
 
 29. Wherein stood God's image in man ? 
 
 God's image in man stood chiefly in knowledge, righteousness, 
 and true holiness. 
 
 30. In what condition is man notu by nature ? 
 
 Man is now naturally in a very miserable condition by reason ot 
 sin and punishment for sin. 
 
 31. What is sin? 
 
 Sin is the transgression of God's law. 
 
24 
 
 32. How came man to be sinful 1 
 
 By the first man's eating the forbidden fruit all mankind became 
 sinful, being all conceived and born in sin. 
 
 2^2^. How far are all men corrupted with sin ? 
 
 All men have lost the image of God, and are by nature wholly 
 corrupted with sin both in soul and body, being inclined to all evil 
 and enemies to all good. 
 
 34. What is the punishment due to sin ? 
 
 The punishment due even to the least sin is death, together 
 with all curses in this life, and eternal damnation afterward. 
 
 35. What think you of your own sins : do they deserve stich punish- 
 ment ? 
 
 Even my sins deserve damnation and all other punishments 
 whatsoever. 
 
 36. Shall all sinners be punished alike ? 
 
 They that are greater sinners, if they repent not, shall receive 
 greater judgment 
 
 [37.] Why is our Saviour called Christ? 
 
 Our Saviour is called Christ, that is, Anointed, because He is 
 set apart of God and perfectly furnished for the offices of Prophet. 
 Priest, and King to His Church. 
 
 [38.] Hott) did yesus Christ become man ? 
 
 Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Ghost and bom of the 
 Virgin Mary. 
 
 [39.] Was Christ such a man as other men are ? 
 
 Christ had the same nature and common infirmities with other 
 men, but otherwise was altogether without sin. 
 
 |'4o.] What do you call the general company of those that afe redeemed 
 by Christ? 
 
 The whole company of those that are redeemed by Christ 
 is commonly called the Holy Catholic Church. 
 
 [41.] Who are they that shall be saved by Christ? 
 
 Those only are saved by Christ that repent of their sins and 
 believe in Christ. 
 
25 
 
 [42.] What is reperdance ? 
 
 Repentance is a grace of the gospel whereby a sinner, acknow- 
 ledging his sins with sorrow, shame, and hatred, turneth from all 
 sin to God. 
 
 [43.] How far doth sin remain in those that truly repent? 
 
 Those that truly repent have sin still dwelling in them, but 
 they yield not up themselves any more to be servants to obey it in 
 the lust thereof. 
 
 [44.] What is it to believe in Christ? 
 
 To believe in Christ is to receive Christ according to God's 
 offer, resting on Him alone for pardon and all grace and salvation. 
 
 [45.] What ground or luarrant have you^ being a sinner^ to believe in 
 Christ ? 
 
 The ground of my believing in Christ is God's offer of Him 
 in His Word to me as well as to any other man, and His com- 
 manding me to believe in Him, as well as to believe or to obey any^ 
 other thing in His Word. 
 
 [46.] How are they bound to lead their lives who do believe in Christ f 
 They who believe in Christ are bound to serve God according 
 to the rule of holiness and righteousness contained in the ten 
 commandments. 
 
 [47.] Which are those ten commandments 1 
 
 The ten commandments are those which God spake, saying, 
 ** I am the Lord," &c. 
 
 [48.] Which is the first commandment ? 
 
 The first commandment is contained in these words, " Thou 
 shalt have no other gods before Me." 
 
 [49. j What doth the first commandment require i 
 
 The first commandment requires us to know, acknowledge, 
 love, fear, trust in, call upon, obey, worship, and glorify the one 
 only true God as God and as our God. 
 
 [50.] What sins are forbidden by the first commandment ? 
 
 The sins forbidden in the first commandment are denying that 
 there is a God, imagining more gods than one, not giving to the 
 only true God that worship and glory that is due to Him, or giving 
 it or any part of it to any other thing whatsoever. 
 
26 
 
 [5 1 .] Which is the second commandment f 
 
 The second commandment is contained in these words, 
 "Thou shalt not make unto thee," &c. 
 
 [52.] Whaf sins are forbidden in the second commandment ? 
 
 The sins forbidden in the second commandment are all 
 devising, using, approving any religious worship not appointed by 
 God Himself, and particularly all representing Him by any image 
 or resemblance, or worshipping it or Him by it, and neglecting any 
 of that worship which He hath enjoyned. 
 
 [53,] Which is the third commandments 
 
 The third commandment is contained in these words, " Thou 
 shalt not take the name," &c. 
 
 [54.] What doth the third commandment require ? 
 
 The third commandment requires the reverent and right using 
 of God's titles, attributes, Word, ordinances, and works. 
 
 [55.] Which is the fouiih commandment 7 
 
 The fourth commandment is contained in these words, 
 " Remember," &c. 
 
 [56.] What doth the fourth commandment require ? 
 
 The fourth commandment requires that one whole day of 
 seven be in all ages kept holy to the Lord, which day under the 
 Old Testament was the last day of the week, and under the New 
 Testament is the first, called the Lord's Day. 
 
 Note. — The first two questions and their answers, as well as the third 
 question, are not recorded in the minutes. The questions from 5 to 36 are 
 numbered in the minutes, but 29 was repeated for 30, and this error, which was 
 continued to the end of the enumeration, is here corrected. All additioiis in this 
 reprint are included in square brackets. 
 
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT. 
 
 '■PHE Westminster Assembly of Divines met on the ist July, 1643, 
 X being summoned by the two Houses of Parliament to advise as 
 to a further and more perfect reformation in the Liturgy, 
 Discipline, and Government of the Church of England. They 
 proceeded at once to the revision of the XXXIX. Articles. When 
 the Commissioners sent by the Church of Scotland took their 
 seats (Henderson and Gillespie on the 14th September, and 
 Rutherford and Baillie on the 20th November), a wider field of 
 labour was placed before them. They were required to prepare 
 creeds and directories, not for the Church of England only, but for 
 the Churches of Christ in the three kingdoms, so as to bring them 
 into the nearest conjunction and uniformity in religion, church 
 government and public worship, and catechising. The work was 
 still to be carried on by way of advice to the English Parliament ; 
 no addition was made to the membership of the Assemblies on behalf 
 of the Churches of Scotland and Ireland, the Commissioners from 
 Scotland having only the right to sit in the Assembly and deliberate, 
 but not to vote. The documents which are to-day the authoritative 
 standards of the English-speaking Presbyterian Churches of the 
 world were prepared by an Assembly of English Divines, men who 
 were episcopally ordained clergymen of the Church of England. 
 That Church was yet undivided. The members of the Assembly 
 represented the different views of doctrine and order that were enter- 
 tained within it. Many of the prelatic party who were nominated 
 by Parliament declined to attend the Assembly, but others of them 
 took the required oath, and assisted in the deliberations of the 
 Assembly, at least for a time. The views of separation entertained 
 by the Brownists were at this time so modified that ministers of 
 Independent tenets held livings within the Church of England. They 
 were represented by the seven dissenting brethren in the Assembly. 
 The great majority of the members held Presbyterian views of Church 
 polity, and were the successors of the Puritans, who formed a 
 considerable body in the Church of England from the time of the 
 Reformation. They had all along been working for a more 
 primitive organisation of the Church, and a freedom from the 
 practices and priestly robes borrowed from the corrupt Roman 
 Church. In the days of Elizabeth they had instituted a voluntary 
 Presbyterian organisation within the Church, and they had often 
 suffered in her days, and during the reigns of James and Charles, for 
 refusing to carry out the practices or wear the robes enjoined by the 
 prelates. 
 
28 
 
 / 
 
 To the Assembly were added three ministers of the Reformed 
 Church of France, two of whom ministered in London, and the third 
 at Canterbury. The four learned divines of the Church of Scodand 
 rendered great service in the deliberations. 
 
 The Revision of the XXXIX. Articles being laid aside, the 
 Assembly proceeded to the preparation of new Articles of Religion. 
 On the 2oth August, 1644, a Committee was appointed to draft the 
 Articles ; they submitted their first report on the 7th July, 1645, and 
 continued their labours till the 4th December, 1646, when the 
 document was completed. It was sent to Parliament on the 7th of 
 the same month as " The humble Advice ot the Assembly . . . 
 Concerning a Confession of Faith." Six hundred copies were 
 ordered to be printed for the use of Parliament and Assembly. 
 The discussions during the preparation of this document determined 
 the doctrine, the order in which it was stated, and the terms to be 
 employed in expressing it. 
 
 The preparation of a Catechism was put by the Assembly, in 
 December, 1643, into the hands of Herbert Palmer, then Master of 
 Queen's College, Cambridge, and famous as the best catechist in 
 England. A year after, nothing having been submitted to the 
 Assembly by Mr. Palmer, the following members were joined to 
 him for hastening the Catechism : — Stephen Marshall, B.D., the 
 illustrious preacher; Antony Tuckney, B.D., afterwards Master of 
 St. John's, Cambridge, and Divinity Professor ; Matthew Newcomen, 
 M.A., of Dedham, Essex; and Thomas Hill, D.D., afterwards 
 Master of Emanuel, and then of Trinity, Cambridge, and for some 
 time Vice-Chancellor of the University. 
 
 Two months having expired, and no report being presented, the 
 Assembly added to the Committee, Edward Reynolds, D.D., 
 afterwards Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, and Vice-Chancellor of 
 the University, and then, having conformed, Bishop of Norwich ; 
 and Philip Delme, of the Reformed French Church, Canterbury. 
 Strengthened by such a band of co-workers, Mr. Palmer still sub- 
 mitted nothing to the Assembly ; so on the 1 2th May it was ordered 
 that the Committee do meet " this afternoon." This had the desired 
 effect : on the next day Mr. Palmer submitted a report, the substance 
 of which is not given ; but from the debate, reported at some length 
 in the minutes, it appears, as Dr. Mitchell suggests, to have been 
 somewhat like the Direction prefixed to his own Catechism, which 
 Dr. Mitchell has happily re-issued in his " Catechisms of the Second 
 Reformation," and so made accessible to all. Mr. Palmer's method 
 was to have a double set of questions and answers. The answers 
 of the first set were each to contain a complete statement of the 
 truth, independent of the question, as it is in the Shorter Catechism. 
 Tlie second set of questions and answers were to break up the 
 
29 
 
 statements in the first set by a series of questions answered by a 
 Yes or No. The method will be apparent if we quote the first 
 two main questions and their subsidiary questions as found in Dr. 
 Wallis's " Explanation of the Shorter Catechism," after Mr. Palmer's 
 method, published in 1648. 
 
 Q. I. JV/iat ts the rhiff end 
 0/ Man? 
 
 Is it to seek himself, or 
 make himself great ? 
 
 Or, To enjoy the profits or 
 pleasures of the World ? 
 
 Or, Is it to glorifie God, 
 and enjoy him for ever ? 
 
 Q. 2. What rtde hath God 
 given to direct us how 7vc 
 may glorifie and enjoy 
 him ? 
 
 Can we receive sufficient 
 directions from our own wis- 
 dom, or the light of nature ? 
 
 Or, From Gods works of 
 Creation and Providence 
 only? 
 
 Or, Is the Word of God 
 the only Rule ? 
 
 Or, Must we daily expect 
 new Revelations from 
 Heaven ? 
 
 Is that the Word of God 
 which is contamed in the 
 Scriptures of the Old and 
 New Testament ? 
 
 Or, Somewhat else } 
 
 No. 
 
 No. 
 
 Yes. 
 
 No. 
 
 No. 
 
 Yes. 
 
 No. 
 
 Yes. 
 No. 
 
 A. I. Mans chief end is to 
 glorifie God a, and to enjoy 
 him for b ever, a i Cor. 10. 
 31. Rom. II. 36. b Psal. 
 37. 24 to the end. 
 
 A. 2. The Word of God, 
 which is contained in the 
 Books of the Old and New 
 Testament c, is the only Rule 
 to direct us how we may 
 glorify and enjoy him d. c 
 2 Tim. 3. 16. Eph. 2. 20. 
 d I yoh. I. 2, 3, 4. 
 
 The first to open the debate was Samuel Rutherford, who 
 approved of Palmer's method. He suggested that the second set 
 of questions should be printed in smaller type, and that the feeding 
 of the lambs should be in the plainest and easiest way ; he doubted 
 whether every minister understood the most dexterous way to 
 catechise. 
 
 Stephen Marshall did not approve of introducing the second set 
 
3° 
 
 into the Catechism; he would have the method explained in the 
 preface, and if the questions were printed there it should be as a 
 Directory. 
 
 William Bridge said there were ivvo ends of catechising, 
 increase of knowledge, and test of knowledge, and for the latter end 
 the answers should not be by Yes and No. 
 
 Alexander Gillespie liked the method proposed. If ministers 
 did not need help, heads of families did, and it was well to give 
 them an example of catechising. 
 
 Dr. William Gouge thought that only things questioned needed 
 enlargement, and not every point in religion. In catechising, 
 ministers must, like doctors, observe the patient. 
 
 Charles Herle would have Yes or No to be the first word of the 
 answer, but more should be expressed. 
 
 Lazarus Seaman distinguished between a Catechism and cate- 
 chising. It was too much to prescribe a form to the minister in 
 catechising. The answer should be formed, not to the knowledge 
 that a child had, but to the knowledge the child ought to have. 
 
 Dr. Edward Reynolds could not see that this was the best 
 method. As a Directory, the Ves and No would be of no 
 use. He advised to explain the method, with examples in the 
 preface. 
 
 Philip Delme submitted that a Catechism was to present doctrine 
 in the most familiar way, while catechising was to ascertain the 
 knowledge of the party catechised. The experience of other 
 Reformed Churches would be a help. 
 
 Herbert Palmer had refrained from speaking because of his 
 peculiar interest in the discussion. He was not satisfied with the 
 result. Others had to be dealt with beside children. 
 
 It is evident diat Mr. Palmer had not a little difficulty with his 
 Committee. The only support he obtained from them was from the 
 Scottish Commissioners, who had a place on all the Committees ; 
 Marshall, Reynolds, and Delme were opposed. And the Assembly 
 apparently approved that the Catechism should have no model of 
 catechising incorporated with it. 
 
 The Committee proceeded to draft a Catechism. The Assembly 
 spent five days in August, 1645, o" it, and then rested from it for more 
 than a year. On September 14th, 1646, the third answer dealing 
 with tiie rule of faith and obedience was decided upon. No record 
 of the first two questions is found in the minutes. The discussion of 
 the draft Catechism proceeded until 4th January, 1646-7. Ten days 
 after, a motion by Mr. Vines, which was accepted by the Assembly, 
 arrested the work of the Committee. It was Ordered that the 
 Committee on the Catechism do prepare a draft of two Catechisms 
 — one more large, and another more brief — in which they are to 
 
.^1 
 
 have an eye to the Confession of Faith, and to the matter of the 
 Catechism already begun. As this unfinished Catechism is an 
 important step in the preparation of the two Catechisms we possess, 
 I have taken it out of the minutes in its final form, and printed it at 
 page 2 1, 
 
 On the 14th April, 1647, the Committee made their first report 
 on the Larger Catechism, and this document engaged the attention 
 of the Assembly until the 22nd October following, when it was 
 agreed that the Prolocutor, attended by the whole Assembly, should 
 take the completed work up to both Houses of Parliament. 
 
 As the Assembly was approaching the completion of the Larger 
 Catechism they resolved (sth August, 1647) to proceed at once with 
 the Shorter, and appointed a Committee to prepare a draft. This 
 was composed of Charles Herle, the Prolocutor of the Assembly ; 
 Thomas Temple, D.D. ; John Lightfoot, D.D. ; John Greene, M.A. ; 
 and Philip Delme ; with Herbert Palmer as Chairman. Mr. Palmer 
 presented only one report from this Committee, four days after its 
 appointment. Edmund Calamy, B.D., and Stanley Gower were 
 then (9th August) added to the Committee. On the following day 
 the report was presented by Dr. Temple. On the 13th October, 
 1647, the Assembly resolved that the papers which concerned the 
 Assembly that were in Mr. Palmer's hands be sought for and 
 brought to the Assembly. Mr. Palmer, after a short illness, had died 
 at the early age of forty-six. The Assembly on the 19th October 
 appointed a new Committee to prepare the Shorter Catechism, 
 consisting of only these three members : Antony Tuckney, B.D., 
 Minister of St. Michael's Quern, London, and Master of Emanuel 
 College, Cambridge; Stephen Marshall, B.D., of Finchingfield ; and 
 John Ward, of Ipswich ; with the help of the only Commissioner from 
 Scotland remaining in the Assembly, Samuel Rutherford, Professor 
 of Divinity in the New College, St, Andrews. Adoniram Byfield, 
 one of the scribes, was instructed to write in the name of the 
 Assembly to Cambridge to get Mr. Tuckney excused, on account 
 of the special employment imposed upon him by the Assembly. 
 To these four men, and especially to the Convener, Mr. Tuckney, 
 do we owe the production of the Shorter Catechism. I wish I could 
 accept the suggestion of Dr, Mitchell that the Catechism has 
 " unmistakeable evidence of its having passed through the alembic 
 of Dr, Wallis, the great mathematician;" but, unhappily, he was not 
 instructed to attend the Committee until the work was practically 
 done, and this instruction would not have been given had he been 
 already in attendance. Mr. Tuckney brought up the reports of the 
 Committee on October 21st, 25th, 28th, 29th, November ist, 2nd, 
 and Sth, and on these days it was debated in the Assembly, On the 
 9th November Cornelius Burges, D.D., and Daniel Cawdrey, M.A 
 
32 
 
 were added to the Committee for reviewing the Catechism, no doubt 
 in relation to the discussions that had taken place ; and Mr. Wallis, 
 Assistant Clerk of the Assembly, was ordered to attend the 
 Committee. The revision was considered on the two following days, 
 and on the 15th November was read as far as the fourth 
 commandment, and, being approved, was ordered to be transcribed. 
 The Committee were requested to prepare a preface to the 
 Catechism. On the following day Mr. Tuckney reported on the 
 remainder of the Catechism, and, after reading, it was ordered to be 
 transcribed. The addition of the Commandments, the Lord's 
 Prayer, and the Apostles' Creed was considered. Philip Nye 
 dissented from the resolution to include the Creed, and he was 
 joined in his dissent by William Rayner, William Greenhill, Thomas 
 Wilson, and Thomas Valentine. The difference of judgement in 
 regard to the Creed caused the Assembly to add some members to 
 the Committee, for arriving at an agreement. These were Adoniram 
 Byfield, William Rayner, Philip Nye, Thomas Case, Richard Vines, 
 and Stanley Cower. A small committee, consisting of Thomas 
 Wilson, Dr. Thomas Temple, and Edmund Calamy, B.D., were 
 requested to submit the preface on the following morning. The 
 difference as to the Creed was settled by inserting the explanation of 
 the words " he descended into hell " in the margin ; and the preface 
 or rather postcript was adopted. In the earlier editions of the 
 Catechism, and in those printed with the Confession of Faith, this 
 postcript is to be found, though not in the American editions. 
 
 A message was prepared by a committee to be addressed to the 
 Houses of Parliament when the Catechism was carried up. On 
 Thursday, 25th November, 1647, the House of Commons was 
 informed that divers divines of the Assembly were at the door. 
 They were called in, and the Prolocutor delivered the Catechism 
 and addressed the House. On the following day (26th November) 
 the Catechism was carried to the Lords. Each House thanked the 
 Assembly for its care and pains in this matter. It was ordered that 
 600 copies be printed, under the care of Mr. Byfield, for the use of 
 the Members of Parliament and of Assembly, and that Scripture 
 proofs be affixed in the margin of the Catechism. 
 
 While still reviewing the proofs of the Larger Catechism, the 
 Assembly began to debate those of the Shorter (2nd March, 1647-8), 
 the same Committee that had prepared the proofs for the one 
 Catechism bringing up proofs for the other. The debate on the 
 proofs continued on the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 9th, loth, and 13th March ; 
 and on the 12th April it was resolved that the proofs be accepted, 
 transcribed, and sent to Parliament. This was done on the 14th 
 April, 1648, when the Speaker of the Commons thanked the 
 divines, and ordered 600 to be printed, with the proofs in the 
 
33 
 
 margin, for the use of Parliament and the Assembly. The Shorter 
 Catechism was accepted by Parliament without the suggestion of 
 any modification. 
 
 They took exception to some expressions in the Larger Cate- 
 chism, and they made some alterations in chapter xx. of the 
 Confession of Faith, omitted portions of chapter xxiv., and the whole 
 of chapters xxx. and xxxi.* 
 
 Parliament resolved that the title should run thus : " The 
 Grounds and Principles of Religion contained in A Shorter Cate- 
 chism," &c. On the 25th September, 1648, they ordered it to be 
 printed and published under the care of the Clerks of the Assembly. 
 A copy of this first issue exists in the Library of the University of 
 Edinburgh. I have not seen it in any other Library that I have 
 consulted. 
 
 The key to the method followed by the Committee in the 
 preparation of the Catechisms is to be found in the motion of Mr. 
 Vines adopted by the Assembly on 14th January, 1646-7, that the 
 Committee, in preparing drafts of two Catechisms, should have an 
 eye to the Confession of Faith, and to the matter of the Catechism 
 already begun. 
 
 A comparison of the Confession with the Catechisms will clearly 
 show that in their drafting the Committee kept a very constant eye 
 on the Confession. First they excluded certain Confessional subjects 
 from the Catechisms. Chapter xvi., Of Good Works, is omitted, 
 though references to the doctrine of the Confession are to be found 
 in the Catechisms. The following chapters are omitted : — xx., Of 
 Christian Liberty and Liberty of Conscience ; xxii.. Of Lawful 
 Oaths and Vows ; xxiii.. Of the Civil Magistrate ; xxiv., Of Marriage 
 and Divorce; xxvi.. Of the Communion of Saints; xxx., Of Church 
 Censures; and xxxi., Of Synods and Councils. 
 
 The order in which the subjects are taken up in the Shorter 
 Catechism is the same as that in the Larger, except that Faith and 
 Repentance have their more logical position in the second division 
 of the Shorter Catechism, which deals with the duty required of man, 
 instead of being placed beside Justification, Adoption, and Sanctifica- 
 tion as in the first division of the Larger Catechism, which deals 
 with what man is to believe concerning God. 
 
 The Larger Catechism follows the order of the Confession, with 
 two exceptions, (i) The doctrine of the Church and its privileges 
 appears earlier, being connected with the work of the Redeemer ; 
 (2) the relations of believers to Christ at and after death are placed 
 in the first section, where the privileges of believers are specified, 
 instead of at the end. 
 
 * These modifications are indicated in an edition of the Confession which I 
 prepared for the Presbyterian Fublication Committee, London. 
 
34 
 
 With these exceptions, tlie doctrines of our faith are dealt with 
 in the same order in both Catechisms as in the Confession. 
 
 But the connection between the three documents is still more 
 close. The Larger Catechism is a longer document than the 
 Confession : this is due to the requirements of an advanced 
 Catechism, many of the subjects being more subdivided, and some 
 secondary and more practical aspects of the doctrines being intro- 
 duced which were not included in the Confession. Where identical 
 matters are treated of in the three documents it is in almost identical 
 language. I print three illustrations of this identity of language, — 
 the first three I fixed on when comparing the documents, and not 
 selected because they suited my purpose. 
 
 Everyone who has looked with care into the answer to " What is 
 God ? " has been surprised at the marvellous compactness and 
 comprehensiveness of that wonderful statement. Several touching 
 stories are told of its authorship and the conditions under which it 
 was prepared, but, we fear, they are all apocryphal. To Tuckney, 
 Marshall, Ward, and Rutherford we are indebted for this as for the 
 other answers in the Catechism. There is, however, no statement 
 in the Catechism that is not to be found in the two earlier docu- 
 ments. By the use of a different type for each of the three 
 documents, and printing the statements alongside of each other, the 
 correspondences and differences are at once apparent. Statements 
 in the Larger Catechism that are additional, or are made from a 
 different point of view than that taken in the Confession, are enclosed 
 in square brackets. 
 
 GOD. 
 
 1. Conf. ii. 1. — There is but one only, living and true God ; who is infinite in 
 
 2. L. Cat. 7. 8. — There is but one only, the living and true God. infinite in 
 J. S. Cat. J}. 2. — There is but one only, the living and true God. infinite in 
 
 1 . being aud perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, 
 
 2. being, [glory, blessedness] and perfections ; God is a spirit, 
 J. his being, God is a spirit, 
 
 1 without body, parts or passions, immntable, immense, eternal, 
 2. unchangeable, eternal, 
 
 J. unchangeable, eternal 
 
 1. incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute, 
 
 2. incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, 
 J. (in his being,) power, wisdom, holiness, 
 
 1. working all things according to his immutable and righteous will, for his 
 
 2. [all sufficient, everywhere present, knowing all things,] 
 
 1. own glory, most loving, gracious, merciful, long suffering, abundant in 
 
 2, most gracious, merciful, long suffering, abundant in 
 
 1. goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin ; the rewarder of 
 
 2. goodness and truth, 
 J. goodness and truth. 
 
35 
 
 1, tfiein tliat diligently seek him; and withal most just and torrible iu hi$ 
 
 2. most just 
 J, 'ttstice 
 
 1. judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty. 
 
 THE REDEEMER. 
 
 1. Conf. viii. 2— The Son of God, 
 
 2. L. Cat. 36. 37. — The Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, 
 
 3. S, Cat. 21. 22. — The Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of Go J, 
 
 1. the second person of the Trinity, being very and eternal God, of one 
 
 2. of one 
 
 1. substance and equal with the Father, did, when the fulness of time was 
 
 2. substance and equal with the Father, in the fulness of time, 
 
 1. come, take upon him man's nature, with all the essential properties 
 
 2. became man by taking to himself a true body and a 
 J. became man by taking to himself a true body and a 
 
 1. and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin : being conceived by the 
 
 2. reasonable soul, [and born of her] yet without sin : being conceived by the 
 
 3. reasonable soul, and born of her, yet without sin : being conceived by the 
 
 1. power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Vii'gin Mary of her substance. 
 
 2. power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary of her substance 
 
 3. power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary 
 
 1. So that two whole perfect and distinct natures, the Godhead and the 
 
 2. in two entire distinct natures, and so was and 
 
 3. in two distinct natures, and so was and 
 
 1. manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, 
 
 2. continues to be God and man, and one person for ever, 
 J. continueth to be God atid man, and one person for ever, 
 
 1. composition, or confusion. Which person is very God and very man, yet 
 
 1. one Christ, the only Mediator between God and man. 
 
 2. the only Mediator of the Covenant of Grace. 
 J. the only Redeemer of GocCs elect. 
 
 REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE. 
 
 1. Conf. XV. 1, 2. — Repentanc ' unto lif« is an evangelical grace, the doctrine 
 
 2. L. Cat. 76. — Repentance unto life is a [saving] grace, [wrought in 
 J. S. Cat. Sj. — Repentance unto life is a saving grace, 
 
 1. whereof is to be preached by every minister of the Gospel, as well as that of 
 
 2. the heart of a sinner by the Spirit and Word of God,] 
 
 1. faith in Christ. By it a ^^iuner, out of the sight and sense, not only of 
 
 2. whereby out of the sight and sense, not only of 
 _,'. whereby a sinner out of a \_frue'] sense 
 
 1. the danger, but also of the filthiuess and odiousness of his sins, as contrary 
 
 2. the danger, but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins, 
 
 3. of his sins. 
 
36 
 
 1. to the holy nature and righteoas law of God, and upon the apprehension of 
 
 2. and upon the apprehension of 
 $• and apprehension of 
 
 1. his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, so grieves for and 
 
 2. God's mercy in Christ to such as are penitent, he so grieves for and 
 3- the mercy of God in Christ, doth with grief and 
 
 1 . imtes his sins, as to turn from them all unto God, purposing 
 
 2. hates his sins as that he turns from them all to God, purposing 
 J. hatred of his sin turn from it unto God, ivith full ptirpose 
 
 1 and endeavouring to walk with him in all the ways of his 
 
 2. and endeavouring [constantly] to walk with him in all the ways of [new 
 J. and endeavour after new 
 
 1. commandments 
 
 2. obedience.] 
 J. obedience. 
 
 If we try to trace the sources of the Shorter Catechism, we cannot 
 go outside the, two earlier documents. The lines of Mr. Vines' 
 motion were strictly adhered to. The Com-mittee did not go beyond 
 the Confession of Faith. It is the stem out of which grew two 
 branches — the Larger and the Shorter Catechisms. And of these 
 the Shorter Catechism bears "the ripest fruit of the Assembly's 
 thought and experience," as Dr. Mitchell so happily says. No 
 doubt there are agreements in order and similarities in wording with 
 the Shorter Catechism in the numerous catechisms of the first half 
 of the seventeeth century. But these are incidental to dealing 
 with the same doctrines, from the same point of view, and in 
 systematic order. 
 
 One characteristic of the Shorter Catechism has not been 
 suflficiently recognised in the past. It is a statement of personal 
 religion. It appeals to the individual sinner, and helps the indi- 
 vidual believer. This is true also to a large extent of the Larger 
 Catechism, but the Church in it sometimes takes the place of 
 the individual. Thus we read in the Answer to Question 86 of the 
 Larger Catechism : " The communion in glory with Christ, wliich the 
 members of the invisible Church enjoy immediately after death, is, in 
 that their souls are made perfect in holiness," &c. ; whereas the 
 Answer to Question 37 in the Shorter says, " The souls. of believers 
 are at their death made perfect in holiness," &c.* The Church is 
 
 * A remarkable instance of the personal bearing of the Shorter Catechism 
 is given by Wilson in his History of Dissenting Churches in London, &c., in 
 connection -with the Rev. Thomas Doolittle, a famous catechist, and the author of 
 three Expositions of the Catecliism. He says (vol. iii.. p. 195) : " jMr. Doolittle took 
 great delight in catechising, and urged ministers to it, as having a special 
 tendency to propagate knowledge, to establish young persons in the truth, and to 
 prepare them to read and hear sermons with advantage. Accordingly, every 
 Lord's Day, he catechised the youth and adults of the congregation ; and this 
 
37 
 
 not mentioned in the Shorter Catechism, except incidentally in one 
 answer, where it says, " Baptism is not to be administered to any 
 that are out of the visible Church, till they profess their faith in 
 Christ, and obedience to him, but the infants of such as are 
 members of the visible Church are to be baptised." 
 
 Nowhere else can be found so plain and simple, yet so complete, 
 a statement of Scripture doctrine as it was understood by Augustine 
 and Calvin, by Knox and Usher, and by Chalmers and Hodge, 
 as in this Shorter Catechism. This has been recognised on every 
 hand. The Baptists early adopted it, modifying the statement as to 
 pcedobaptism to suit their creed. Charles Spurgeon prepared, some 
 years ago, such an edition. Even John Wesley, altering its state- 
 ments as to the decrees of God, sin, and election, printed it for the 
 use of his followers. In earlier days it was commonly used by the 
 Congregationalists, and has not, we believe, fallen entirely into 
 disuse among them. By the permission of the Archbishop of 
 Canterbury, a member of the Church of England, who highly values 
 this compendium of Bible truth, presented to every Bishop present 
 at the Council held this year at Lambeth, a copy of the Shorter 
 Catechism. 
 
 May I venture to hope that the issue of this fac-simile of the 
 Assembly's authoritative edition may restore the text, which through 
 these two hundred and fifty years has suffered, like all other frequently 
 printed works. These printers' errors will be seen by comparing 
 any current edition with the text here printed of Questions 12, 32, 
 47, 58, 61, 69, and 98. They are not all of equal importance as 
 modifying the sense of the statement, but they are all of importance 
 to those wha desire to have the correct text of a precious document 
 which is placed next to the Bible by those who rightly understand 
 its value. 
 
 part of his labours was attended with the happiest effects. Of this we have the 
 following striking anecdote. The question for the evening being, 'What is 
 effectual calling'?' the answer was given in the words of the Assembly's 
 Catechism. The answer being explained, Mr. Doolittle proposed that the 
 question should be answered by changing the words us and our into me and my. 
 Upon this proposal a solemn silence followed. Many felt its vast importance; 
 but none had courage to answer. At length, a young man, about twenty-eight 
 years of age, rose up, and, with every mark of a broken and contrite heart, was 
 enabled to say, ' Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit, whereby, convincing 
 ?iie of my sin and misery, enlightening /ny mind in the knowledge of Christ, and 
 renewing my will, he did persuade and enable me to embrace Jesus Christ, freely 
 offered to /«<? in the Gospel. ' The scene was truly affecting. The proposal of 
 the question had commanded unusual solemnity. The rising up of the young 
 man had created high expectations; and, the answer being accompanied with 
 proofs of unfeigned piety and modesty, the congregation was bathed in tears. 
 This young man had been converted by being catechised, and, to his honour, Mr. 
 Doolittle says, ' Of an ignorant and wicked youth, he had become a knowing and 
 seiious professor to God's glory and my much comfort.'" 
 
BIBLIOGRAPHY. 
 
 EDITIONS OF THE SHORTER CATECHISM. 
 
 The humble | Advice | of the | Assembly | of | Divines, I Now by 
 Authority of Parliament | sitting at Westminster, | Concerning a 
 Shorter Catechisme, Prejsented by them lately to both Houses | of 
 Parliament. | A certain number of Copies are Ordered to be Printed 
 only for the use of the ]VIem|bers of both Houses and of the 
 Assembly | of Divines, to the end that they may | advise there- 
 upon. I London, | Printed by A. M. ( [1647.] 4°- PP- 22. 
 
 The first edition of the Catechism here reproduced in fac-simile from the 
 copy in the British Museum. [B.M. E. 417.2.] 
 
 The Humble | Advice j of the | Assembly I of | Divines, j Now by 
 Authority of | Parliament, | sitting at Westminster, | Concerning | A 
 Shorter Catechism : | Presented by them lately to both | Houses of 
 Parliament. | Printed at London ; and Re-printed at Edinburgh, by 
 Evan Tyler, | Printer to the Kings most Excellent j Majestic. 
 
 1647. 8°. pp. 47. fB.M., 3506. df. II.] 
 
 The humble | Advice | of the | Assembly | of 1 Divines j Sitting 
 at I Westminster | Concerning a larger and a shorter ' Catechisme. | 
 Reprinted at Edinburgh by Evan Tyler. 1647. " 4*^. pp. 79. 
 
 Facing page i is this authorisation : — "Edinburg. 23. Decemb. 1647. Post 
 Meridiem. It is appointed by the Commission of the Generall Assembly, that 
 eight hundred copies and no more of the Advice of the Assembly of Divines at 
 Westminster concerning a Catechisme be presently printed, to be sent to 
 Presbyteries, That, according to the Ordinance of the late Generall Assembly, 
 they may examine the same and report their opinions to the next Generall 
 Assembly. A. Ker." The half-title of the Shorter Catechisme is erroneously 
 printed " Concerning a Larger Catechisme." 
 
 The humble | Advice | of the | Assembly j of | Divines, | Now by 
 Authority of Parliament | sitting at Westminster, | Concerning | A 
 shorter Catechism, | with the Proofs thereof out of the Scriptures, I 
 Presented by them lately to both Houses of | Parliament. | A 
 certain number of Copies are Ordered to be printed onely for 
 the I use of the Members of both Houses and of the Assembly of | 
 Divines, to the end that they may advise thereupjon. | London, I 
 Printed by J. F. [1648]. 4°. pp. 24. 
 
 Opposite to the title is the order for printing 600 copies, dated 14th April, 
 
 1648. [B.M. 1224 h. 14.] 
 
39 
 
 The 1 Grounds | and ] Principles | of | Religion | contained in | A 
 Shorter Catechism, | (According to the Advice of | the Assembly of 
 Divines sitting at | Westminster) to be used throughout 1 the 
 kingdomes of great Britain. | Ordered by the Lords and Commons 
 assembled | in Parliament that this Catechism be forthwith | Printed 
 and Published. | Jo. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum. [ H. Elsynge 
 Cler. Pari. D. Com. | London, Printed by J. L. for the Company of 
 Stationers, 1648. 4°. (but in 8°. shape), pp. 23. 
 
 This is the authoritative Parliamentary edition, with the title given to it by 
 the House. On the page opposite to the title is the following authorisation :— 
 Die Luna;, 25, September, 1648. It is this day Ordered by the Lords and 
 Commons in Parliament assembled, That this Shorter Catechisme bee forthwith 
 printed and published, wherein Mr Henry Roborough, and Mr Adoniram 
 Byfield, Scribes of the Assembly of Divines, are required to use all possible care 
 and diligence, that it be from time to time faithfully and exactly done ; And, for 
 preventing of all abuse therein, It is further Ordered, That no person whatsoever 
 do presume to print, or reprint the same in any volume, but only such, as shall bee 
 appointed and authorized thereunto by the said Scribes. And that no person or 
 persons shall presume to sell, barter or any way to spread or convey any Book or 
 Copies of the said Catechisme, Printed without the appointment aforesaid, upon 
 pain of the forfeiture of the whole Impression, if any such be so printed ; and of 
 all such Books or Copies thereof, as shall be offered to sale, bartering or bee any 
 other wayes spread ; And all and every Person offending in any of the premises 
 to be lyable to such further punishment, as the contempt of an Ordinance of 
 Parliament shall deserve. Provided that this restriction of printing, shall 
 continue for one whole year, and no longer. Jo. Brown Cleric. Parliamentorum. 
 H. Elsynge Cler. Pari. D. Com. 
 
 The proofs are given following each answer immediately. This copy is 
 incorporated with the Larger Catechism under the title. The humble | Advice | of 
 the I Assembly | of | Divines | sitting at | Westminster, | Concerning a larger 
 and a | shorter Catechisme. | London, Printed for Ralf Smith at the Signe of 
 the Bible in Corn-hill near the Royall Exchange. 1648. R. Smith has not 
 reprinted the Sh. Cat., but has incorporated in his volume that " printed by J. L. 
 for the Company of Stationers." Each Catechism is separately paged. [Edin. 
 University Library.] 
 
 The humble | Advice \ of the [ Assembly | of | Divines ) now by 
 Authority of j Parliament | sitting at Westminster, | concerning | A 
 Shorter Catechism : | with the Poofs (sic) thereof out of the 
 Scriptures. | Presented by them lately to both Houses | of 
 Parliament. 1 London, I Printed for John Streater. s.a. 16°. pp. 30, 
 
 The Order of 25th Sept., 1648, as in the preceding edition is printed on the 
 back of the title. It seems to me probable that this was printed at the expiry of 
 the year to which the restriction in printing was limited. [Lambeth Pal. 
 Library. 47. J. 14.] 
 
 To j the Right honorable the Lords and | Commons Assembled in | 
 Parliament ; The humble advice of the Assembly of Divines | sitting 
 at Westminster. | Concerning | A Shorter Catechism. (Half-title.) 
 [pp.18.] In:- 
 
 The i humble Advice of | the Assembly | of | Divines, | now 
 
> 
 
 40 
 
 by authority ot Parliament | sitting at Westminster, | 
 concerning | i A Confession of Faith : • ii A Larger 
 Catechism. | iii A Shorter Catechism, j Presented by them 
 lately to both | Houses of Parliament. | Printed at London 
 and reprinted at ] Edenbrough. 1648. 16°. Without pagina- 
 tion, Sheets A to G. [pp. 106.] [B.M. 3505. bb.] 
 
 This is the first edition in which the three documents appear in one volume. 
 The proof references are given for the Confession, but are wanting in the 
 Catechisms. Six hundred copies of the Confession, with proofs, were ordered to 
 be printed 29th April, 1647, and the same number of each of the Catechisms, 
 with proofs, 14th April, 1648. It is probable that this volume was published 
 early in 1648. It is beautifully printed, but neither printer nor publisher have 
 given their names, perhaps in fear of difficulties with the English Parliament. 
 
 The I Shorter | Catechisme ] First agreed upon | BytheAssemblj^, j 
 of Divines at | Westminster. | And now approved by the | Generall 
 Assembly of the Kirk | of Scotland, to be a part | of Uniformity in 
 Religion | between the Kirks of | Christ in the three | Kingdomes. | 
 Edinburgh, Printed by Gedeon Lithgow, | Printer to the Universitie 
 of I Edinburgh, 1649. I PP- 155-184. In: — 
 
 The I Confession j of | Faith, | and the | Larger and Shorter | 
 Catechisme, | First agreed upon by the ) Assembly of 
 Divines at | Westminster, j And now appointed by the j 
 Generall Assembly of the Kirk | of Scotland, to be a part j 
 of Uniformity in Religion | between the Kirks of | Christ 
 in the three | Kingdomes. | Edinburgh, | Printed by Gedeon 
 Lithgow, I Printer to the Universitie of ] Edinburgh, 1649. j 
 24°. pp. [6], 184. 
 
 This is the first edition with the proof references to the three documents. It 
 must have been used by Bostock for his edition in the same year, as the title of 
 the Shorter Catechism is reproduced from this Edinburgh edition. The only 
 copy of this which I have seen is the property of my friend the Rev. John 
 Sturrock, to whom I am much indebted for valuable help in preparing this 
 Bibliography. The Catechisms have distinct titles, but the pagination 
 is continuous. 
 
 The Shorter | Catechism, | first agreed upon by the { Assembly of 
 Divines | at Westminster, | and now appointed by | the General 
 Assembly of | the Kirk of Scotland to be a ] part of tlie Uniformity 
 in Re|ligion between the Kirks | of Christ in the three Kmgdoms. 
 (Half-title.) pp. 153-176. In: — 
 
 The I Confession I of | Faith | and | Catechisms, | Agreed 
 upon by the | Assembly of Divines at | Westminster : j To- 
 gether with their Humble Advice | concerning j Church 
 Government i and | Ordination of Ministers. | London, j 
 Printed for Robert Bostock, at the sign ] of the Kings Head 
 m Pauls I Church-yard. [1649.] ^2°. pp. 1 76, and Advice ^6. 
 
4T 
 
 The date, 1648, is given on the distinct title to the Advice Concerning 
 Church Government; but Thomasson has inscribed July 16, 1649, as the date of 
 its acquisition, which is probably the date of publication, as it also fits in with 
 the incident in the House of Commons, on August 6tb, 1649, narrated in this note. 
 Two copies exist in the British Museum with the press marks E. 1419 and E. 
 1214. a. 13. In the first the general title, as here given, is placed at the beginning 
 of the volume, while the second copy has the partial title for the Confession and 
 Catechisms in this place, and the general title is inserted before the Shorter 
 Catechism. Both copies contain the Propositions or Advice concerning Church 
 Government. The Confession has at the end the imprimatur of James Cranford. 
 Mr. Cranford had been appointed in 1643 to license books by the Parliament. 
 The House of Commons on the i6th J.Iarch, 1648-9, ordered, " That the power 
 of Mr. Cranford for licensing any books to be printed, be hereby revoked.'' 
 On the 6th August, 1649, the House of Commons "Ordered, That it be referred 
 to the Committee for plundered Ministers, to examine whether the Book, 
 intituled, 'The Confession of Faith, and Catechisms agreed upon by the 
 Assembly of Divines, at Westminster; together with their humble advice 
 concerning Church Government, and Ordination of Ministers ' ; lately printed 
 for Robert Bostock, and licensed by James Cranford ; were licensed by the said 
 James Cranford, since he was discharged from licensing: with power for the 
 said Committee to send for the printer ; and to examine by what authority he 
 printed the same ; and to send for persons, witnesses and papers ; and that 
 Mr. Millington do give an account hereof to the House on Thursday morning 
 next." No record of Mr. Millington's report appears in the Journal of the House 
 of Commons. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 
 The I Confession | of j Faith ] and the | Larger and Shorter j 
 Catechisme, | First agreed upon by the Asjsembly of Lj. 
 
 Divines at | Westminster, } And now appointed by the 
 Ge|nerall Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland to | be a part of 
 Uniformity in Rehgion between | the Kirks of Christ in the 
 three Kingdomes. | Amsterdam, j Printed by Luice Elsevor, 
 for Andrew Wilson, | and are to be sold at his shop in | 
 Edinburgh. 1649. [ 16°. 
 
 The only copy I have seen of this rare edition is in the Library of the New 
 College, Edinburgh. It is imperfect, containing only the Confession of Faith, 
 pp. 50. The printer is the third Louis Elzevir, the first of the family to establish 
 a press at Amsterdam. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, pp. 217-258. In: — 
 
 The 1 Confession | of | Faith, \ and the | Larger and Shorter | 
 Catechisme, | First agreed upon by the | Assembly of • 
 
 Divines at | Westminster. | And now approved by the | 
 Generall Assembly of | the Kirk of Scotland, | to be a part 
 of Unifor|mity in Religion bejtween the Kirks of | Christ in 
 the I three King | domes. | Edinburgh, Printed by Gedeon 
 Lithgow, I Printer to the University ] of Edinburgh. 1650. 
 18^. pp. 258, \p(>\ 
 The Confession and Catechisms have distinct titles, but the pagination is 
 
1 
 
 Q 
 
 42 
 
 continuous. This contains " A Breef Sum of Christian Doctrine, and the 
 Practical Use thereof," without pagination, but consisting of 66 pp. This treatise 
 was written by Prof. David Dickson, It is included in all the Scottish editions 
 of the Confession of Faith, though it never received the approbation of the 
 Church of Scotland. 
 
 The Confession of Faith and Catechisms agreed upon by the 
 Assembly of Divines, together with their humble advice concerning 
 Church Government and Ordination of Ministers. London, 1650. 
 8". [Bodleian Library.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.), pp. 156-182. In : — 
 
 The I Confession j of [ Faith, i and the | Larger and Shorter ] 
 Catechisme, | &c. (as in 1649 Ed.). First Printed at Edenburg 
 and now | reprinted at London for the Com j pany of Stationers. 
 1651. 12°. pp. [6], 190, [2]. 
 
 To this is added, with distinct title and pagination (pp. 82), A Directory for 
 Publique Worship, Church Government and the Doctrinal part of Ordination of 
 Ministers. [B.M. 3505. aa. I.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c. (as in 1649 Ed.). In : — 
 
 The I Confession | of | Faith, &c. (as in 1649 Ed.). First 
 printed at Edenburgh, and now | reprinted at London for the 
 Com I pany of Stationers. 1652. 24°. pp. 184. 
 
 The Directory for Publique Worship is appended, with the General 
 Assembly's Directory for Private Worship, pp. 91. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c. (as in 1649 Ed.), pp. 217-258. In: — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.). Edinburgh 
 /T Printed by the Heirs of George Anderson, 1652. 24°. 
 
 'i pp.258. 
 
 The Summe of Saving Knowledge, Directions concerning Private Worship, 
 and The Solemn League and Covenant, are added without pagination. [KM., 
 3505- a. I.] 
 
 Advice of the Assembly concerning a Shorter Catechism. London, 
 1654. 8°. [Bodleian Library,] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines 
 at Westminster, pp. 165-192. In: — 
 
 The I Confession | of j Faith, ] and the | Larger and Shorter | 
 Chatechism, | Agreed upon by the As | sembly of Divines at j 
 ^ Westminster. [London.] Printed for the Public Good. 1655. 
 
 24°. pp. 192. [B.M. 3505. a. II.] 
 
 Principal Lee (in his Additional Memorial on Printing Eibles, Edin. 1826) 
 records a London edition of the Confession of Faith printed for the Company 
 
43 
 
 of Stationers 1656, 18*'. ; another printed by G. Lithgow, Edinburgh, 1656, 18". ; 
 and one by Andro Anderson, Edinburgh, 1657, 18°. I have not met with copies 
 of these editions. 
 
 The Humble | Advice | Of the | Assemblie I of | Divines | Now by 
 Authority of i Parliament | Sitting at | Westminster, | Concerning | 
 A Shorter Catechisme : | With the Proofs thereof at large out of the 
 Scriptures. Presented by them lately to both Houses of Parliament. | 
 London, Printed by A. Maxey for John Rothwell at the Fountain 
 in I Gold-Smiths Row in Cheapside, 1658. 4°. pp. 43. In: — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, Together with the Larger and Lesser } y 
 
 Caiechismes, &c. London, [1658]. 4°. pp. [9], 4, n8 (errore ' 
 
 108), Larger Cat. 137 (errore 139), Shorter Cat. 43. 
 This is the first edition in which the proofs of the three documents are 
 printed at length. The emphasis in the texts is given by the use of Italics on 
 pages 1-50 of the Confession only. The date appears on the distinct titles of 
 the Confession and the Shorter Cat., but not on the general title. It is not known 
 who extended the texts for this edition. Judgment is often exercised in omitting 
 a portion of the verse selected by the Divines as not being relevant to the 
 statement to be proved. This form of the proofs was repeated in the editions 
 printed at Glasgow 1675 called Ed. 4, at London 1688 called Ed. 3, and at 
 London 171 7 called Ed. 5. The form adopted by Dunlop (1719) has been used 
 in subsequent editions. Dunlop (Vol. I., p. clix.) drew attention to some curious 
 errors that somehow crept into these earlier editions and are found in them all, 
 as in the Larger Cat. Q. 70 a, instead of Rom. v. 17-19 (which is rightly quoted)i 
 the verses printed were from 2 Cor. v. 17-19; and Q. 105 c. Col. iii. 2, 5, the 
 second verse is correctly printed, but the fifth is verse 5 of chap. ii. of the same 
 epistle. Notwithstanding the remarkable care with which Dunlop edited 
 these documents, he failed in a few cases to restore the original proofs of the 
 Divines ; as, for instance, in the Confession, Chap. XXI. ^ ii.,he gives Deut. xv. 
 to the 20th verse instead of Deut. iv. 15-20, and in Chap. XXIX. IF iv. he has 
 I Cor. X. 6 instead of 16. In other cases he saw defects in the proofs, and 
 suggested alterations, which were correct, but as he found no authority for them 
 in the copies he consulted he did not insert them in the text. The only edition 
 of the Confession at present on sale which contains the Assembly's text and the 
 proofs adopted by them is that issued at the Publishing Office of the Presbyterian 
 Church of England, London. [B.M. 1224. h. 14. This copy wants the general 
 title, and has in its place the title of the Confession.] 
 
 To the I Right Honourable | the | Lords and Commons | assembled 
 in i Parliament: | The humble Advice of the [ Assembly of Divines, ] 
 Sitting at | Westminster: | Concerning | A Shorter Catechism. 
 (Half-title.) pp. 277-314. In: — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, Together with the Larger and 
 Lesser Catechisms. . . . Again Published with the Scrip- / j 
 
 tures at large, and the Emphasis of the Scriptures in a 
 different character. To which is added two sheets of Church 
 Government with the Scriptures at large. [The Second 
 Edition.] London, Printed by E. M. for the Company of 
 Stationers, &c. 1658. 4*^. pp. [7], 4, U\ 329, [23]. 
 
44 
 
 The emphasis in the texts is very irregularly indicated. [B.M., 3554- bb.] 
 A fac-simile reproduction of the Shorter Catechism from this edition fpp. 
 277-314) was issued by the Presbyterian Board of Publication, Philadelphia, 
 May, 1888, as a Centennial Memorial of the adoption of the Catechism as a part 
 of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, 
 by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, on May 29th, 1788. 
 
 To the I Right Honorable &c. (as in last half-title), pp. 157-194. 
 In:- 
 
 The Confession of Faith Together with The Larger and 
 Lesser Catechismes. . . . [The Second Edition.] London, 
 I ( Printed by E. M. for the Company of Stationers, &c. 1658. 
 
 -'' 4° pp. [9], 4» [6]; Conf. 1-56, 57-118 (eiTore 47-io«); 
 
 Larger Cat. 1-104 (errore 151-254), 105-155; Shorter Cat. 
 157-168, 169-194 (errore 139-164); Ch. Govt. 195-200 
 (errore 165-170), 201-209, 210-212 (errore 300-302). 
 
 These three issues were printed in the year 1658 for the Stationers' Company. 
 After a careful collation of the three texts, I have come to the conclusion that 
 they were printed in the order in which they are here placed. The page of the 
 second is somewhat smaller than the pages of the other two. Many errors occur in 
 the three, such as the muddle in Rom. iii. 27 on page 42 in each volume. A list 
 of errata is printed in the last. They can be thus distinguished by their 
 titles: — I Ed. has Catechismes in Roman Capitals, and Westminster in Ital. 
 Caps; 2 Ed. has CATECHISMS and Westminster in Rom. Caps; and 3 Ed. 
 has Catechismes in Rom. lower case, and Westminster in Rom. Caps. The 
 square brackets enclosing the words The Second Edition are in the titles of this 
 and the preceding edition. 
 
 Principal Lee (I.e.) records an edition by G. Lithgow, Edinburgh, 1659, 
 i 18°, which I have not seen. 
 
 The Shorter | Catechism | Composed by the | Reverend Assembly ] 
 of I Divnes {sic) : ] with the | Proofs thereof out of the | Scriptures, j 
 in Words at length. | Which are either some of the for|merly quoted 
 Places, or others gathered | from their other writings ; All fitted | both 
 for Brevity and Clearness, to this | their form of sound words. | For 
 the benefit of Christians in general, and | of Youth and Children in 
 understanding, | in particular; that they may with more | ease 
 acquaint themselves with the Truth | according to the Scriptures, 
 and with the \ Scriptures themselves. London, Printed by A. 
 Maxwell, | for the Company of Stationers, 1660. 12°. pp. 54. 
 
 The first edition in which the altered proof texts are found which are given 
 in all subsequent separate editions of the Catechism. The proofs selected by the 
 Assembly are still given in the editions of the Catechism that are printed with 
 the Confession of Faith. A few modifications from the text of this edition occur 
 in later issues. In Question 4 the text, Ps. cxlvii. 5, " Great is our Lordj and of 
 great power: His understanding is infinite," is the proof for "wisdom, power," 
 in the answer; but somehow the proof for " holiness " came to be allocated to 
 •' power," Rev. iv. 8, " Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and 
 h, and is to come," and there has been added Rev. xv. 4, '' Who shall not fear 
 
45 
 
 Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name ? for Thou only art holy," to make up for 
 the misplaced proof of " holiness." In Q. 75 the proof, Prov. xxviii. 19, " He 
 that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough," belongs to the first 
 part of the answer referring to " our own estate," instead of the second part 
 where it is placed. And in the proofs to Q. 100, Luke xi. 13 and Rom. viii, 15 
 have been transposed; the latter proof belonging to the earlier clause in the 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.), pp. 155-182. In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.). First printed 
 at Edinburgh and now reprinted at London for the Company 
 of Stationers, 1660. 12°. pp. [6], 182, [2]. [B.M. 3505. aa. 
 35-] 
 Principal Lee (I.e.) records an edition of the Confession of Faith, Sec, printed 
 
 by J. H. for the Company of Stationers, London, 1662, and another by 
 
 R. Sanders, Glasgow, 1669, 18°. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.). (Half-title.) 12'^. pp. 
 167-196. In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith &c. (as in the Ed. of 1649). 
 Edinburgh, 167 1, 12°. pp. 116. 
 
 The Summe of Saving Knowledge, with the practical use thereof, has 
 separate title, is without pagination [pp. 55], and is printed on part of Sheet I, 
 Sheet K, and a half sheet L. [B.M. 3504. a. 19. J 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In :— 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in the 2nd and 3d issues of 
 1658). The fourth edition, conform to the first original Copy 
 diligently compared, all escapes corrected, and more exact 
 and correct than any that has been printed since. Printed 
 at London for the Company of Stationers, Anno 1658. And 
 re-printed at Glasgow by Robert Sanders. 1675. 4° PP- 295 
 and Table. 
 
 The person responsible for this issue seems to have been aware that three 
 different issues were produced in 1658, and consequently calls his a fourth 
 edition. [New College, Edinburgh.] 
 
 The Grounds and Principles of Religion, &c., (as in 1648 Ed., but 
 instead of " to be used throughout the Kingdomes of great Britain," 
 it reads "To be used throughout the Kingdom of England and 
 Dominion of Wales.") London, 1678. 8°. pp. 24. [B.M. 3505. c. 
 17- 3-] 
 
 The Grounds and Principles of Religion, &c. (as in 1678 Ed.). 
 London, 1682. 8°. pp. 24. [B.M. Pam. 11.] 
 
46 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.). (Half-title.) pp. 
 134-155- In :— 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.). Glasgow, 
 ^ 1687. 12°. pp. 153. 
 
 The Directories for Worship of the General Assembly and the Sum of 
 Saving Knowledge added without pagination. [B.M. 3506. aaa. 58 ] 
 
 A Shorter Catechism, pp- 355-384. In: — 
 
 The Confession of Faith : Together with the Larger and 
 Lesser Catechisms, &c. (as in the later editions of 1658, but 
 without the Church Government). Licensed, April 30, 1688. 
 The Third Edition. London, 1688. 8°. pp. 384. 
 
 This should have been the Fifth Ed. of this form of the Confession. See 
 note on Glasgow Ed. 1675. 
 
 -1^' 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. London, 1688. 8°. [Bodleian Library.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.), pp. 239-279. In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.). [Edinburgh] 
 ^ \ Printed in the year 1688. 16°. pp. 462. [New College, 
 
 ^ Edinburgh.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.), pp. 177-204. In : — 
 
 ^ The Confession of Faith &c. (as in 1649 Ed.). Edinburgh, 
 
 1689. 24°. pp. 240. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.). In: — 
 
 'I The Confession of Faith, &c., Glasgow, 1693. 32°. pp. 195. 
 
 ^"^ I Solemn Acknowledgment, &c., without pagination. 
 
 The Grounds and Principles of Religion, &c., (as in 1648 Ed.) 
 London, 1699. 8°. pp. 24. [B.M. 3504. a. 55.] 
 
 Principal Lee (I.e.) records four editions of the Confession, &c., by J. Watson, 
 Edinburgh: 1701, 12°. ; 1707, 8*". ; 1708, 8°. ; and 1710, 8**. 
 
 Tiie Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in London 1660 Ed.). Edinburgh, 
 1702. 16°. pp. 48. [B.M. 873. b. 23.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.), pp. 1 18-138. In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.). Glasgow, 
 •^V- 1703. 24°. pp. 272. 
 
 The Grounds and Principles of Religion, &c., (as in 1648 Ed.). 
 London, 1705. 12°. pp. 24. [B.M. 3505. aa. 7.] 
 
47 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in London Ed. 1660). Edinburgh, 
 1709. 12°. pp. 32. [B.M. 3505. aa.J 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.), pp. 122-141. In — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.). Glasgow, ^ J> 
 
 1714. 12°. pp. 277. 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, appointed by the General 
 Assembly to be a Directory for Catechising of such as are of a 
 weaker capacity. Edinburgh, 17 14. 12°. Without pagination [pp. 
 24]. [B.M. 3504. b. 34.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.), pp. 153-180. In: — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c , (as in 1649 Ed.). Edinburgh, 'h 
 
 1715. 12°. pp. 310. [The Rev. J. Sturrock.] 
 
 To the Right Honourable the Lords and Commons assembled in 
 Parliament : The humble advice of the Assembly of Divines, Sitting 
 at Westminster: Concerning A Shorter Catechism, pp. 282-213. 
 In: — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, Together with the Larger and Shorter 
 Catechisms, composed by the Reverend Assembly of 
 Divines Sitting at Westminster, presented to both Houses of 
 Parliament. Again published with the Scriptures at large, and 
 the emphasis of the Scriptures in a different Character. 
 Together with the Directory, and all other additions that have 
 been hitherto printed. The Fifth Edition. London, 17 17. 
 8°. pp. 400. 
 
 A Short Catechism: containing the Principles of the Christian 
 Religion : with the Proofs thereof, out of the Scriptures in words at 
 length. Approved of for the Use of the Charity-school in Fashion 
 Street, Spittle-fields, London, 1718. 12*'. pp. 45. [B.M. 3^05. 
 aa. 45.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in title of 1660). Edinburgh, 
 1719. Without pagination [pp. 32]. [B.M. 3506. aaa. 52.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, | agreed upon by the j Assembly of Divines | 
 at Westminster, | with the Assistance of i Commissioners | from 
 the I Church of Scotland, | and j Approved Anno 1648, by the 
 General j Assembly of the Church of | Scotland, to be a Directory 
 for Catejchising such as are of weaker Capacity. With the Proofs 
 from Scripture. | Edinburgh | 1718, pp. 393-444. In :— 
 
 A I Collection | of j Confessions of Faith, | Catechisms, ? ( 
 
48 
 
 Directories, | Boolcs of Discipline, &c , | of publick Authority 
 in the | Church of Scotland. | &c. 2 vols. [3d vol. not 
 published.] Edinburgh. Vol. i. 17 19. pp. 458 and Table : 
 vol. ii. 1722. pp. 815. 
 
 These beautifully printed and critically edited volumes are the most 
 accurate editions of the documents that have been published. They were 
 edited by Wm. Dunlop, Regius Prof, of Theology in Edinburgh University, 
 whose death (20th Oct., 1720) at the early age of twenty-eight prevented the 
 publication of the third volume which he announced in the " Advertisement " 
 prefixed to the second volume. The Shorter Catechism was prepared from a 
 collation of the Edinburgh ed. of 1647 and the London ed. of 1648. As the 
 words of the Scripture proofs were not expressed at length, until the first edition 
 of 1658, when portions of the verses believed not to refer to the doctrine to be 
 proved were omitted, and the emphasis indicated, Prof. Dunlop has quoted the 
 whole of the verses specified on the margin of the authoritative edition (" printed 
 in London by Order of the Commons, April 14, 1648 "), and has printed them 
 without indication of emphasis. He has been followed in these two matters in 
 all subsequent editions except the Edinburgh 1855 ed. Prof. Dunlop prepared 
 a new Index to the Confession and Catechisms which has displaced the older 
 Table in later editions. It is very complete, and admirably arranged, being 
 compiled with the greatest care and exactness. 
 -/ Principal Lee (I.e.) records a Glasgow edition of the Confession of Faith 
 
 _%"^ &c., 1721, 18°., and an Edinburgh edition, 1723, 12°. 
 
 The Shorter Catechisra, Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines 
 at Westminster with the Assistance of Commissioners from the 
 Church of Scotland, As a part of Covenanted Uniformity of 
 Religion betwixt the Churches of Christ in the Three Kingdoms of 
 Scotland England and Ireland, With an act of the General 
 Assembly &c. pp. 349-372. In: — 
 
 The Confessions of Faith, Catechisms, Directories, Form of 
 
 Church-Government, Discipline, &c., of publick Authority 
 
 in the Church of Scotland: Together with the Acts of 
 
 Assembly, concerning the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, 
 
 and Government of the Church of Scotland. Also a 
 
 Collection of some principal Acts and Ordinances of the 
 
 ^ Parliament of Scotland and England, and of the General 
 
 n C\ Assembly of the Church of Scotland in favour of the 
 
 O ' Covenanted Reformation. To which is added the Form of 
 
 Process in the Judicatories of the Church of Scotland, with 
 
 Relation to Scandals and Censures: as also Several Acts 
 
 and Overtures of the General Assemblies thereanent : And 
 
 other things of a publick and interesting Nature. Edinburgh, 
 
 1725. 8°. pp. 560. 
 
 This is the first ed. issued by The Reformed Presbyterian Church of 
 Scotland. Other editions were published 1739, 1761, 1764, 1771, and 1785 — see 
 under these years. 
 
 Principal Lee (I.e.) records a Glasgow edition of the Confession of Faith, 
 &c., 1727, 18*., and an Edinburgh edition the same year in 8", 
 
 v"^ 
 
49 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in Dunlop 1718 Ed.). In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, The Larger and Shorter Catechisms 
 
 with the Scripture-proofs at large. Together with The Sum 
 
 of Saving Knowledge (contain'd in the Holy Scriptures, and Q- "(^ 
 
 held forth in the said Confession and Catechisms) and 
 
 Practical Use thereof, Covenants National and Solemn 
 
 League, Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to 
 
 Duties, Directories, Form of Church-government, &c. of 
 
 Publick Authority in the Church of Scotland. With Acts of 
 
 Assembly and Parliament, relative to, and approbative of, 
 
 the same. Edinburgh, Lumisden and Robertson, 1728. 
 
 8**. pp. 552, and Table. 
 
 This is the first edition in which are included the various documents found in 
 the authorised editions of the Confession. The text is taken from Dunlop, so far 
 as the documents are contained in his volumes. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1660 Ed.). Edinburgh, 1731. 
 12°. pp. 40. [B.M. 3505. aa.] 
 
 TheShorterCatechism, &c.,(as in 1649 Ed.), pp. 166-193. In: — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c,, (as in 1649 Ed.). Glasgow, H' '' 
 
 1732. 24°. pp. 334, 2. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c. In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c. Glasgow, 1736. 12*. pp. 312. 
 
 [New College, Edinburgh.] "^ 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1725 Ed.). In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1725 Ed.) Edinburgh, 
 1739. 8^ pp. 560. 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 17 14 Ed.). ^ 
 
 Edinburgh, 1739. ia°. without pagination [pp. 24]. [B.M. 3504. 
 aa. 46.] 
 
 Principal Lee (I.e.) records issues of the Confession of Faith, &c., Edinburgh, 
 1 735, 8°., and Glasgow, 1743, 12*'. ; and of the Shorter Catechism, Edinburgh, 
 1732, Glasgow, 1740, Edinburgh, 1742, 1743, and 1745. 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 17 14 Ed.). 
 Glasgow, 1744. 12'. without pagination [pp. 24]. [B.M. 3504. 
 b- 39-] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.). In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.) Edinburgh, 
 1744. 16°. pp. 314. [United Presbyterian Hall, Edinburgh. ] 
 
i'i 
 
 50 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1660 Ed.). Edinburgh, 1749. 
 8**. pp. 32. [B.M. 3505. aaa. 70.] 
 
 Principal I-ee (I.e.) records seven Glasgow editions of the Confession of 
 Faith, &c., between 1745 and 1749. These are : 1745, 18". ; 1746, 8°., 12°., and 
 18".;! 749, 8". ; another, S°. ; and a third by J. Hall the size of which is not stated. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in Dunlop 17 18 Ed,). With the 
 proofs from Scripture, pp. 357-398. In: — 
 ^ The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1728 Ed.) Glasgow, 
 
 'T ^ James Knox, 1752. 8^. pp. 546, and Table. 
 
 Principal Lee (l.c.) records an Aberdeen edition of the Shorter Catechism, 
 r/^ J753> ^"<1 ^ Glasgow edition of the Confession of Faith, &c., 1753, 8". 
 
 " The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1714 Ed.). 
 Glasgow, 1754. 12°. pp. 24. [B.M. 3504. b. 33.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1660 Ed.) Edinburgh, 1754. 
 8*^. pp. 32. [B.M. 3505. aaa. 64.] 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 17 14 Ed.). 
 Belfast, 1755. 12°. without pagination [pp. 24]. [B.M. 3504. aa. 20.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1728 Ed.), pp. 379-422. In : — 
 
 jf^' The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1728 Ed.). Edinburgh, 
 
 ■^ 1756. 8°. pp. 546, and Table, which is much contracted from 
 
 the heading " Saints." [New College, Edinburgh.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1728 Ed.). In : — 
 
 ,,^^ The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1728 Ed.). Edinburgh, 
 
 vl ' 1757. 12°. pp. 321. 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1714 Ed.). 
 Edinburgh, 1758. J2°. pp. i6. [B.M. 3504. b. 25.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1725 Ed.), pp. 395-418. In : — 
 
 f . The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1725 Ed.). Glasgow, 
 
 ^w 1 761. S°. pp. 560, 72. 
 
 Principal Lee (l.c.; records two Glasgow editions, one in 1762, 8**., the other 
 ^\ 1763,8". 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1660 Ed.). Glasgow, 1764. 8°. 
 without pagination [pp. 32]. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, Presented by the Assembly of Divines to 
 both Houses of Parliament, and by them approved. Containing 
 
51 
 
 The Principles of the Christian Religion. London : Printed for a 
 Society of Gentlemen, to be distributed amongst the Poor. 1764, 
 12^. pp. 48. [B.M. 3504. b. 19.] 
 
 It is advised that the Catechism be gone through each month, and for this 
 purpose it is divided into thirty sections. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1725 Ed.). In: — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1725 Ed.). Glasgow, 
 1764. 8°. pp. 560, 72. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.). In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, with the Larger and Shorter 
 Catechisms, &c., (as in 1649 Ed.). Glasgow, 1769. 24**. 
 pp. 288. [Rev. John Sturrock.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1725 Ed.). In:— 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1725 Ed.). Glasgow, 
 1 77 1. 8°. pp. 632. [New College, Edinburgh.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c. Glasgow, 1771, i6°. [New 
 College, Edinburgh.] 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 17 14 Ed.), 
 Glasgow, 1774. 12°. pp. 24. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, composed by the Reverend Assembly of 
 Divines ; v/ith the Proofe thereof out of the Scriptures. Rochester, 
 [1774.] 12'^. pp. 24. 
 
 6 ^ 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in Dunlop 1728 Ed.). In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1728 Ed.). Glasgow, 0.1i> 
 
 R. and A. Foulis, 1765. 8^. pp. 597 and Table. 
 
 The Grounds and Principles of Religion, &c., (as in 1648 Ed.). To 
 be used throughout the Kingdom of Great Britain. London, 1769. 
 12°. pp. 24. [B.M. 3505. b. 13.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c,, (as in 1660 Ed.). Glasgow, 1769. 
 8°. pp. 32. [B.M. 3506. aaa. 53.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism of the Reverend Assembly of Divines, with 
 the Proofs thereof out of the Scriptures in words at length. Glasgow, 
 1769. 8°. pp. 32. 
 
 69^ 
 
52 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1714 Ed.). 
 Edinburgh, 1778. 12^. pp. 24. [B.M. 3504. b. 32.] 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1714 Ed.) s.I. 
 1779. 12®. without pagination [pp. 24]. [B.M. 3504. b, 24.J 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, «&c., (as in 1764 Ed.). London, 1780. 12°. 
 pp. 48. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1660 Ed.). Edinburgh, 178 1. 8°. 
 pp. 32. [B.M. 3505. aaa. 71.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1725 Ed.). In : — 
 .' The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1725 Ed.). Glasgow, 
 
 tj / 1785. 8vo. pp. 522. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1660 Ed.). Edinburgh, 1786. 
 8°. pp. 32. [B.M. 3505. aaa. 72.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1728 Ed.). Edinburgh 
 
 b^/ (Printed by the Assigns of Alex. Kincaid, His Majesty's 
 
 ^ Printer), 1 788. S°. pp. 600, and Table. [B.M., 3505. bb. 19.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 
 The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United 
 States of America. Containing The Confession of Faith, the 
 Catechisms, the Government and Discipline, and the Directory 
 f^^ for the Worship of God, Ratified and adopted by the Synod 
 
 of New-York and Philadelphia, held at Philadelphia May 
 the 1 6th 1788, and continued by adjournment until the 28th 
 of the same month. Philadelphia, 1789. 12°. pp. 215. 
 
 This is the first American edition. The few alterations made by the Synod 
 chiefly deal with the relation of the Civil Magistrate to the Church. 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 17 14 Ed.). 
 Edinburgh, (Printed for the Society in Scotland for Propagating 
 Christian Knowledge,) 1791. 12°. pp. 24. [B.M. 3504. b. 28.] 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, (as in 17 14 Ed.). To 
 which is added, (Besides the Prayers and Graces, &c. which is not in 
 former editions,) St. Athanasius Creed. Questions for Children at 
 first beginning. Also Hymns for Children. Edinburgh, 1793. 
 la*', pp. 24. [B.M. 3504. b. 29.] 
 
53 
 
 The Shorter Catechism composed by the Reverend Assembly of 
 Divines. Carefully corrected. London, 1793. 12°. pp. 24. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism composed by the Reverend Assembly of 
 Divines. With the Scripture-proofs in words at length. Carefully 
 revised and corrected by a Minister of the Gospel. London, 1794 
 12^ pp. 71. [B.M. 3504. aaa. 35.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1660 Ed.). Edinburgh, 1797. 
 
 8^. pp. 36. 
 
 Another issue of this from the same type was published about the same time 
 without a date. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism composed by the Reverend Assembly of 
 Divines. Carefully corrected. London, 1797. 12°. pp. 2/|. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 
 The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, &c., (as 1789 Ed.). 
 Philadelphia, 1797. 12°. pp. circa 468. 
 
 This contains the proofs, somewhat modified by a committee of the General 
 Assembly. 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1714 Ed.). 
 To which are added, Short and Easy Questions, and Hymns for 
 Children. Edinburgh, [1798 ?]. 12°. pp. 24. 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1798 Ed.). 
 Edinburgh, 1799. 12'^. pp. 24. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1660 Ed.). Stirling, 1799. 
 8''. pp. 32. [B.M. 3505. aaa. 54.] 
 
 The New-England Primer, enlarged and improved : or, an easy and 
 pleasant Guide to the Art of Reading. Adorned with cuts. Also 
 the Catechism. Newbury port, J. Myeall [1800?] 32°. pp. 76. 
 
 The second edition of the New-England Primer was published in 1691, and 
 numerous editions were issued during the eighteenth century, but being school- 
 books they were worn out by the children, and few have come down to our days. 
 Our British A, B, C, and other editions of the Shorter Catechism have shared the 
 same fate. [B.M. C. 58. a. 29.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 
 The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church of the United 
 States, &c., (as in 1789 Ed.). Wilmington, 1801. pp. 407. 
 [B.M. 3505. d. 38.] 
 
54 
 
 The Shorter Catechism of the Assembly of Divines, with the Proofs 
 at length. A corrected edition. London, 1807. 24°. pp. 24. 
 
 The New England Primer, &c., (as in 1800 Ed.). New England, 
 Printed for the Booksellers [1810?]. 32°. Without pagination, 
 [pp. 64.] [B.M. C. 58. a. 30.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c. In : — 
 :p^ The Confession of Faith; &c., (as in 1728 Ed.). Edinburgh, 
 
 ''''*"'■ Sir D. Hunter Blair and J. Bruce, 1810. 8^. pp. 600, 
 
 and Table. 
 Repeated issues of this edition were published to supply the demand. 
 
 The New England Primer, &c., (as in 1800 Ed.). Walpole, N.H. 
 1814. 32°. Without pagination [pp. 64]. [B.M. C. 58. a. 31.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1660 Ed.). Edinburgh, 1815. 
 12^. pp. 36. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 
 The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, &c., (as in 
 ' 1789 Ed.). Philadelphia, 1815. 12°. pp. 424. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 
 The Constitution, &c., (as in 1789 Ed.). Philadelphia, 1821. 
 ^/, 12° pp. 507. Also Stereotype Ed. Utica, N.Y., 1821. 
 
 "^ 12°. pp. 468. 
 
 The New England Primer, &c., (as in 1800 Ed.). Boston, 1827. 
 32*^. pp. 63. 
 
 The improved New-England Primer : or an easy and pleasant 
 Guide for the Instruction of Children. Containing many explanatory 
 notes, and references to the Scriptures. To which is annexed The 
 Shorter Catechism, as composed and agreed upon by the Reverend 
 Assembly of Divines at Westminster in England in the year 1649. 
 With Explanations of difficult words and phrases in the Answers. 
 Concord, 1829. 16*^. pp. 46. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 ^,^ TheConstitution, &c., (asin 1789). Philadelphia, 1833. 16°. 
 
 .'.i*^ pp. 466. 
 
 The A, B, C, with the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1728 Ed.). 
 With numerous useful notes by Watts and others. Glasgow, 
 1837. 12^ [B.M. 3505. cc. 43.] 
 
55 
 
 The Shorter Catechism agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines 
 at Westminster, with Proofs from the Scriptures. Edinburgh, 
 Licensed 1839. 32". pp. 55. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 
 The Constitution, &c., (as in 1789). Philadelphia, Presb. 
 Board, 1839. 12°. pp. 549. Also 1885, 12°. pp. 549 
 1889, 12^. pp. 556. 
 
 The New England Primer, improved, for the more easy attaining 
 the true reading of English, to which is added, The Shorter 
 Catechism of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, &c. 
 Embellished with Cuts. Philadelphia, 1840. 16°. pp. 46. [B.M. 
 12983. aa.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. Philadelphia, Presb. Board, 1840. 32°. 
 pp. 32. 
 
 The New England Primer, improved; or an easy and pleasant 
 Guide to the Art of Reading. To which is added, The Assembly's 
 Catechism. Stereotyped. Newark, 1842. 32°. pp. 63. [B.M. 
 12983. aa.] 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c. In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1728 Ed.), Glasgow, 
 1842. 12°. pp. 370. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism of the Reverend Assembly of Divines, with 
 the Proofs thereof out of the Scriptures, in words at length. London, 
 1845. 32°. pp. 64. 
 
 The New England Primer restored. To which are added the 
 Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism; the account of the 
 burning of John Rogers ; and several other pieces from a London 
 edition of 1771. Trenton, 1849. 16°. pp. 62. 
 
 The New England Primer; to which is added, The Shorter 
 Catechism of the Westminster Assembly of Divines. Concord, N.H,, 
 1849. 32°. pp. 64. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c. In : — 
 
 The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United , , 
 
 States of America : containing the Confession of Faith, the j^f 
 
 Catechisms, the Form of Government, the Book of Discipline, ' 
 
 "} 
 
7( 
 
 the Directory for the Worship of God, and general Rules for 
 Judicatories: as ratified by the General Assembly of 182 1, 
 and amended by the General Assemblies of 1826, and 1833. 
 Published by Authority of the General Assembly. Phila- 
 delphia, 1850. 12^. pp. 473. 
 
 The following were used in the preparation of this edition : — 1658 Ed. ; 
 Dillingham's Latin Version, 1656; Dunlop's Colleclion j Lumisden and 
 Robertson's Collection; and the Edinburgh 1781 Ed. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, pp. 283-315, In : — 
 
 The Subordinate Standards, and other authoritative Docu- 
 ments of the Free Church of Scotland. Published by 
 Authority of the General Assembly. Edinburgh, 185 1. 
 8°. pp. XV. 464. 
 
 This volume consists of an edition of The Confession of Faith, Sec, with its 
 proper title and Dunlop's Table, but prefixed to the volume is a new title 
 followed by the Act of the Free Church Assembly of 1 85 1 regarding its 
 publication; and the authoritative Documents follow the Table and form pp. 
 425-464. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1660 Ed). Edinburgh, Licensed 
 1851. 12°. pp. 24. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, pp. 283-315. In : — 
 -^'^ The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 172S Ed.). Edinburgh, 
 
 / 1853. 8°. pp. 424. 
 
 This edition is from the type of the 185 1 ed., but it does not contain the 
 Authoritative Documents of the Free Church of Scotland. 
 
 The New England Primer, improved; &c., (as in 1827 Ed.). 
 Massachusetts Sabbath School Society. Boston, [1855?]. 32°. 
 pp. 64. [B.M. 12983. aa.j 
 
 1 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1728 Ed.). With the 
 t^ special words of the proof-passages printed rn Italic type. 
 
 -^ Edinburgh, 1855. 8^ pp. 438. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1728 Ed.). Glasgow 
 •^lA and London, 1859. 8°. pp. 370, and Table. 
 
 The Confession of Faith and Shorter Catechism. Philadelphia, 
 - Presb. Board, 1859. 12°. pp. 64, and 18°. pp. 190. 
 
57 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. In : — 
 
 The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United 
 States, containing the Confession of Faith, &c. Richmond, 
 Va. [1862]. 16°. pp. 264. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism of the Reverend Assembly of Divines, with 
 the Proofs thereof out of the Scriptures, for the benefit of Christians 
 in general and of youth and children m understanding in particular ; 
 that they, with more ease, may acquaint themselves with the Truth, 
 according to the Scriptures, and with the Scriptures themselves. 
 London, Nisbet & Co., 1870, 16". pp. 32. 
 The title is a modified form of that of 1660. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly. Standard 
 Edition 1872. Philadelphia, 1S72. 24°. pp. 24. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at 
 Westminster, and appointed by the General Assembly of the 
 Church of Scotland to be a Directory for Catechising such as are of 
 Weaker Capacity. Edinburgh, Licensed 1873. 8". pp. 16. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. Philadelphia, Presb. Board, 1874. 18°. 
 pp. 24. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at 
 Westminster, with Scripture References. The text alone printed by 
 Authority. Edinburgh, Licensed 1875. 24°. pp. 24. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, 
 with the Proofs, arranged in Sections for weekly Instruction. By 
 J. G. Murphy, LL.D. Belfast, 1875. 32*'. pp. 32. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, with Proofs. By John W. Dulles, D.D. 
 Philadelphia, Presb. Board, 1876. 18°. pp. 48. 
 
 The Grounds and Principles of Religion, &c., (as in 1648 Ed.). 
 London, Presb. Comm. [1877.] 24^. pp. 24, 
 
 The text of the first edition, reproduced in fac-simile in the present volume, is 
 restored, an Analysis of the Catechism is prefixed, and Notes — historical and 
 explanatory — are appended, by W. Camithers. 
 
 The Grounds and Principles of Religion, &c., (as in 1648 Ed.). 
 With the Proofs thereof out of the Scriptures. London, Presb. 
 Comm. [1877.] 24®. pp. viii, 39. 
 
 The text, Analysis, and Notes as in the previous edition. 
 

 58 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c. pp. 232-250. In: — 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c., (as in 1749 Ed.) Edinburgh 
 1877. 8*». pp. 336. 
 
 Several times re-issued. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at 
 Westminster, with Proofs from the Scriptures. With additional 
 Scripture References selected from the Catechisms by Matthew 
 Henry, Vincent, Fisher, Paterson, and others. Edinburgh, Licensed 
 1878. 16°. pp. 32. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at 
 Westminster, with Scripture References selected from the Catechisms 
 by M. Henry, &c., (as in the last). Edinburgh, Licensed 1878. 
 \(i°, pp. 20. 
 
 The References in this edition are the same as in 1660 ed., except that three 
 are omitted. The clause as to additional References has been inadvertently 
 transferred from the preceding edition to this. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, pp. 78-90. In : — 
 
 . "I Subordinate Standards of the United Presbyterian Church, 
 
 ti? - with Basis of Union and Summary of Principles. Printed by 
 
 Authority. Edinburgh, 1880. 8^. pp. 115. Manual of 
 
 Distinctive Principles, pp. 16. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism of the Assembly of Divines, with the Proofs 
 thereof out of the Scriptures in words at length, for the benefit of 
 Christians in general, and of Youth and Children in particular. 
 Toronto. [Bought 1884.] 32°. pp. 32. 
 
 The New-England Primer improved for the more easy acquiring the 
 true reading of English to which is added The Assemblies {^sic) of 
 Divines, and Mr. Cotton's Catechism. Albany, 1887. 32^. pp. 80. 
 
 This is a reprint of an edition published at Boston 1777. The editor and 
 publisher, Joel Munsell, says, in his preface, "For more than a century it was 
 almost exclusively the juvenile book of New England. After a few years of 
 comparative neglect it has again come into use. ioo,cxx) copies of a modem 
 edition have been distributed by a single Society." 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c. pp. 263-279. In: — 
 
 The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United 
 States of America. Containing the Confession of Faith, the 
 Catechisms, and the Directory for the Worship of God ; 
 together with the Plan of Government and Discipline as 
 ratified and adopted by the Synod of New York and 
 
59 
 
 Philadelphia in the year of our Lord 1788 ; and as amended 
 in the years 1805-X888. Edition for Revision. Philadelphia: 
 Presbyterian Board, 1888. 4*^. pp. 377. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster. 
 Edinburgh, Licensed 1889. 24^. pp. 24. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism of the Reverend Assembly of Divines 
 at Westminster. Edinburgh, Licensed 1889. $2°. pp. 16. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1660 Ed.). Edinburgh, Licensed 
 1889. 32^. pp. 32. 
 
 The A, B, C, v^ith the Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 17 14 Ed.) 
 Edinburgh, Licensed 1889. 8°. pp. 16. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly. Standard 
 Edition, 1891. Philadelphia, [1891]. 32**. pp. 32. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. Ratified and adopted by the Synod of 
 New York and Philadelphia in May, 1788. pp. 381-404. In : — 
 
 The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United 
 States, containing the Confession of Faith, the Larger and 
 Shorter Catechisms, as ratified by the General Assembly, at 
 Augusta, Ga., Dec. 1861, together with The Book of Church 
 Order, adopted 1879, The Directory for the Worship of God, 
 with optional forms, adopted 1894, Rules of Parliamentary 
 Order, adopted 1866. Richmond, Va. [1894]. 12^. pp. 
 404, 190. 
 
 The Analytical Shorter Catechism, arranged also with Emphasis, 
 and designed thus to render it easier to understand and memorize. 
 By Rev. Cornelius M. Hutton, Pilot Point, Texas. Richmond, Va., 
 Presb. Comm., 1893. 18"^. pp. 2, 37. 
 
 By the use of different type and the arrangement of the clauses the sense of 
 the answers is made obvious without the aid of comment. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. Adopted 1729. pp. 309-348. In: — 
 
 The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United 
 States of America : containing the Standards subordinate to 
 the Word of God, viz. : The Confession of Faith, the Larger 
 and Shorter Catechisms, the Form of Government, the Book 
 of Discipline, and the Directory for the Worship of God, 
 as ratified and adopted by the Synod of New York and 
 Philadelphia in the year of our Lord, 1788, and as 
 
6o 
 
 amended in the years 1805-1S94. Together with the 
 Constitutional Rule adopted in 1S93, and Administrative Acts 
 of the Assembly of a General Nature. Philadelphia, Presb. 
 Board, 1896. 16°. pp. 525. 
 
 This carefully printed volume is the authoritative text of the Standards of 
 the Northern Presbyterian Church. The proofs are those approved by the 
 Assembly of 1894- The index has been enlarged so as to include the contents 
 of the whole volume. 
 
 The Grounds and Principles of Religion, &c., (as in 1648 Ed.). 
 London, Presb. Comm., [1897.] 24°. pp. 24. 
 
 This is a second edition, recomposed, of that edited by W. Camithers, and 
 issued in 1877. 
 
 The Westminster Shorter Catechism. Philadelphia, Presb. Board of 
 Publication, 1897. 18'^. pp. 32. 
 
 The most beautifully printed edition at present on sale, though it is not free 
 from some of the current errors. 
 
 The Westminster Shorter Catechism, adopted by the General Synod 
 of New York and Philadelphia, 1788, with Proofs fi-om the Scrip- 
 tures. Authorised by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian 
 Church in the U.S.A., 1894. And an Analysis. Philadelphia, 
 Presb. Board of Publication, 1897. 8°. pp. 46. 
 
 The following editions are at present on sale. They are without 
 indication of the date when they were issued. 
 
 Assembly's Shorter Catechism. Without Proofs. London 16°. 
 PP- 32. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, by the Assembly of Divines at Westminister, 
 containing the principles of the Christian Religion. With Proofs. 
 London. 16°. pp. 64. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 17 14 Ed.). Edinburgh, Gall 
 and Inglis. 8'^. pp. 16. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1660 Ed.). Edinburgh, Gall 
 and Inglis. S°. pp. 32. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &:c., (as in 1778 Ed.). Edinburgh, Rel. 
 Tract and Book Soc. 8''. pp. 16. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in 1778 Ed.). With Scripture 
 Proofs. Edinburgh, Rel. Tract and Book Soc. 8". pp. 24. 
 
6i 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, Agreed upon by the Assembly of Divines at 
 Westminster. Glasgow. 24'^. pp. 32. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c., (as in last Ed.). With Scripture Proofs. 
 Glasgow. 18°. pp. 32. 
 
 The Westminster Shorter Catechism, ratified by the General 
 Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, at 
 Augusta, Ga., December 4, i86i. Richmond, Va., Presb. Comm., 
 32^ pp. 32. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly, with Proofs 
 from the Scriptures, in words at length. Richmond, Va., Presb. 
 Comm. 18^. pp. 36. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, &c. In : — 
 
 The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United 
 States, &c., (as in 1850 Ed.). Philadelphia, Presb. Board, 
 s.a. [1870?] 8^. pp. 549. 
 
 EDITIONS OF THE SHORTER CATECHISM WITHOUT 
 THE QUESTIONS. 
 
 A Summary of Christian Doctrine and Duty in distinct propositions, 
 as exhibited in the Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism, 
 (without the Questions,) with marginal References to the Subjects 
 therein contained. Edinburgh, [1865.] 8^. pp. 16. 
 
 The Answers to the Shorter Catechism adapted for reading in 
 continuous Text with the Questions and the Proofs subjoined and 
 Grammatical Notes by Edward Woodford, LL.D., One of Her 
 Majesty's Inspectors of Schools. Edinburgh, 1867. 8". pp. 8r. 
 
 The Will of God to Man, and Man's duty to God. Richmond, Va., 
 Presb, Comm. 32*^. pp. 20. 
 
 TRANSLATIONS OF THE SHORTER CATECHISM. 
 
 Catechismus minor. In : — 
 
 Confessio Fidei in conventu Theologorura authoritate Parlia- ^ 
 
 raenti Anglicani indicto elaborata; &c. [G. Dillingham] 
 
62 
 
 Cambridge, 1656, pp. 229. Amsterdam, 1658. 4**. Edin- 
 burgh, 1670. 32". pp. 182. Edinburgh, 1694. 32**. pp. 172. 
 Edinburgh, 1708. 32'^. pp. 184. Edinburgh, 1711. 32° 
 
 'H K.aT7]xr}(rL<; T7J<s XpioTtaviK^s ®pr}<TKeLa<; crwTOfi(aTepa. Sive, Catechesis 
 Religionis Christianae Compendiosior, a Conventu venerandorum 
 Magnae Britanniae Theologorum, qui Westmonasterii consederant, 
 supremi Senatus jussu, concinnata, in Linguam Graecam pariter et 
 Latinam traducta, et in lucem Edita, Opera et Studio J. Harmari, 
 Linguae Graecae, apud Oxoniensis Praelectoris Regii. London, 
 1659. 8°. pp. 72. 
 
 The Translator was ejected from the parish church of Ewhurst in Hamp- 
 shire in 1662. 
 
 Catechismus Minor Westmonasteriensis Latine redditus. Phila- 
 delphia, Entered 1856. 24*^. pp. 24. 
 
 The text was formed by adopting the translation of Dillingham or 
 Harmar as the one or the other came nearest to the sententious brevity of the 
 original. 
 
 Robert Young translated the Catechism into Latin [1852?] and Greek 
 [1854?]. Edinburgh. 
 
 Egwyddorion y Grefydd Gristionogol yn gynnwysedig mewn 
 Catechism Byr. 1664. 1679. 1693. 
 
 This translation was made by the Rev. David Jones, who was ejected from 
 the parish church of Llandyssillio in 1662. 
 
 Y Catecism Byrraf, &c. 1701. 1707. Carmarthen, 1766. 12*^. pp. 
 48?. Carmarthen, 1781. Carmarthen, 1783. 12°. pp. 51. 
 
 The early editions of these Welsh translations are given on the authority of 
 the Bibliography of Wales. The editions of 1766 and 1781 are confirmed by the 
 Rev. Owen Jones of Oswestry, whose generous help I gratefully acknowledge. 
 The 17S3 ed. is in Mr. Jones' library. 
 
 Y Catecism Byraf, &c. Machynlleth, 1802. 12°. pp. 48 [Rev. 
 O. Jones]. Carmarthen, 1815. 8°. pp. 35 [Bala College]. 
 Llanfyllin, 16°. pp. 64? [Rev. O. Jones]. Carmarthen, 1853. 12°. 
 [B.M. 3504. de. 2.] 
 
 These editions were issued by the Rev. George Lewis, D.D. 
 
 HoUwyddoreg Byraf Eisteddfod Westminster gyda Phrofion 
 Ysgrythyrol. Rev. William C. Roberts, A.M., Columbus, Ohio. 
 Philadelphia, Presbyterian Board, Entered 1864. 32®. pp. 60. 
 
 Foircheadal Aithghearn Coasmeich, &c. pp. 241-276. In:— 
 
 The Confession of Faith, &c. Translated into the Irish 
 
^3 
 
 (Gaelic) Language by the Synod of Argyle. Edinburgh, 
 1725. 12°. pp. 276. [B.M. 875. a. 36,] 2nd Ed. Edinburgh, 
 1727. 12^. pp. 286. [B.M. 3504. a. 52.] 3rd Ed. Glasgow, 
 1756,7. 12°. pp. 286. [B.M. 3505. a. 23.] 
 
 A separate edition of the Shorter Catechism taken from the third edition was 
 issued at Glasgow in 1 756. 
 
 Foirceadul Aithghear Cheasnuighe, &c., Glasgow, 1752. 12^. 
 without pagination, [pp. 28.] Inverness, 1813. 12''. pp. 35. 
 Inverness, 1820. 12**. pp. 35. Glasgow, 1848. 12''. 
 
 Leabhar Aideachaidh A'Chreidimh, &c. Edinburgh, W. Whyte, 1837. 
 
 George McDonald, Teacher in Edinburgh, published a translation in 1804, 
 which I have not seen. R. Young published a translation at Edinburgh [1852?]. 
 12*'. pp. 21. 
 
 Der Kleine Katechismus der Presbyterischen Kirche. Mit Beweis- 
 stellen aus der heiligen Schrift. Philadelphia, Presb. Board, Entered 
 1851. 12*^. pp. 48. 
 
 Kurzere Katechismus, &c., Robert Young. Edinburgh, [1855J 
 12*^. pp. 20. 
 
 Verkorte Catechismus, &c., Robert Young. Edinburgh^ [1854?] 
 12^. pp. 20. 
 
 Den Kortare Katekesen af Westminster Assemblyn. Philadelphia, 
 Presb. Board, 1872. 32**. pp. 32. 
 
 Le Petit Cate'chisme, &c., par Alex. Parke, French Master at 
 Edinburgh. Edinburgh, 1841. 12''. pp. 84. 
 
 Le Petit Cate'chisme, &c., par Louis Durand. Philadelphia, Presb. 
 Board, [1858]. 12^. pp. 65. 
 
 Compendio di Dottrina Cristiano, compilato dell' Assemblea di 
 Sacerdoti di Westminster. Colle debite prove tratte delle Sacre 
 Scritture. s.l. 1847. ^^- PP- 4°- 
 
 II Catechismo pill breve, &c. R.Young. Edinburgh, [1854?]. 12**. 
 pp. 20. 
 
 El Catecismo Menor, &c. Philadelphia, Entered i860. 32°. pp. 35. 
 El Catecismo Menor, &c. Mexico, 1882. 16**. pp. 24. 
 
64 
 
 Shorter Catechism, translated into Spanish by R. Young. Edinburgh, 
 [1855]. 12°. pp. 20. 
 
 Breve Catecismo de Doutrina Christaa, com as Provas extrahidas 
 das Santas Escrituras. Edinburgh, 1849. 8". pp. 31. 
 
 Breve Catechismo, &c. (as in last Ed.). Philadelphia, Presb. Board, 
 s.a. 8**. pp. 44. 
 
 11 Catecismo mais breve. R.Young. Edinburgh, [1854?]. .i2'. 
 pp. 20. 
 
 Catechesis Religionis Christianae Brevior, a Conventu Venerandorum 
 Magnae Britanniae Theologorum composita; et in Linguam 
 Sanctam Hebraeam fideliter versa. Opera Gulielmi Seaman, M.D. 
 London, 1689. 8''. pp. 39. 
 
 Catechismus Brevior ... in Linguam Hebraicam conversus ab 
 H. S. McKee, D.D., LL.D. Dublin, London printed, 1864. 16*^. 
 
 pp. 30' 
 
 Catechismus Brevior ... in Linguam Syriacam conversus ab 
 H. S. McKee, D.D., LL.D. London, Dublin printed, 1864. 16''. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism ... in Syriac. R. Young. Edinburgh, 
 [1853]. 8-. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism in Choctaw. Richmond, Va., Presb, Comm. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism has been translated by Missionaries of various 
 Societies for use in their different fields, but these are not to be had through the 
 trade, and I have not been able to find them in any public library I have visited. 
 
 MODIFICATIONS OF THE SHORTER CATECHISM. 
 
 An I Abridgment | of the late ( Reverend Assemblies | Shorter | 
 Catechism | Fitted for the use of the Weakest Capacities and 
 Memories. By Tho. Lye, Minister of the Gospel. (All Hallows, 
 London.) London, 1662. 12". pp. 16. 
 
 The Assembly's Shorter Catechism revised and rendered fitter for 
 general use. pp. 273-336. In: — 
 
 Lectures to Children and Young People, &c. By Samuel 
 
 Bourn. London, 1738. 8". 
 
 The Reviser omits " What are the Decrees of God ? " and modifies the 
 statements as to the rule of faith, the doctrine of grace, and the sacraments This 
 
65 
 
 revision was criticised by an anonymous writer in a pamphlet, " Remarks on a 
 Catechism published under the Title of The Assembly's Shorter Catechism 
 Revised, &c." London 1738. 8". pp. 62. And by a second anonymous 
 pamphlet, entitled, •' The Assembly's Shorter Catechism, rescued from the late 
 revisor and vindicator; being a large defence of that most excellent compound of 
 divinity, &c." London, 1738. 8**. 
 
 An Extract from the Assembly's Shorter Catechism, pp. 387-414. 
 In :— 
 
 A Christian Library, by John Wesley. Vol. xiii. London, 
 
 1821. 8°. 
 
 Questions 7 and 8 on the Decrees of God, and other statements bearing on 
 this doctrine, are modified or omitted. 
 
 The Child's Instructor, or a New and Easy Primer. By Benjamin 
 Keach. London, 1664. i6th Ed. 1764. pp. 48. 
 
 This is generally known as " Reach's Catechism." Being modified to suit 
 his Baptist opinions, he was tried " for publishing certain damnable positions," 
 and was sentenced to the pillory at Aylesbury and Windsor, fined ;^2o, and his 
 book ordered to be burned by the hangman. 
 
 The Baptist Catechism ; or a Brief Instruction in the Principles of 
 the Christian Religion. Reach's Catechism; compared with early 
 editions and revised by John Rippon, D.D. London, 1794. pp. 44. 
 
 A Catechism of Revealed Truth, with Proofs from the Scriptures 
 Prepared on the basis of the Westminster Assembly's Catechisms, 
 by the Rev. Henry D. Brown. London, 1874. 32°. pp. 32. 
 
 A Catechism with proofs, compiled by the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon 
 from the Assembly's Shorter Catechism, and the Baptist Catechism. 
 ,^ London, 1878. 12''. 
 
 [ These four Catechisms are more or less unaltered except in the matter of 
 ; Psedobaptism. A similar change was made by the Rev. Abel Morgan in a 
 \' Welsh translation published in 1759 and again in 1787. 
 
 ' The Assembly's Catechism, abridged for the use of Children, 
 particularly those of the Sunday Schools. London, 1791. 12''. 
 
 The Junior Catechism, or, the Shorter Catechism Simplified for 
 Young Children. By Sutherland Sinclair, Paisley. 16''. pp. 16. 
 
 Lessons on Bible Truths for Young People. Compiled by Rev. 
 D. MacEwan, D.D. and Rev. F. A. C. Lillington, M.A. Clapham, 
 1894. 16°. pp. 15. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism . . . Revised with a view to bringing its 
 expressions more into harmony with recent Declaratory Acts. By 
 the Rev. J. D. Robertson, M.A., D.Sc, Minister of the United 
 Presbyterian Church, North Berwick. 1897. 8^. pp. 18. 
 
THE SHORTER CATECHISM IN RHYME. 
 Campbell, M. G., M.A. Minister, Presb. Church of England, Fahtone. 
 A Catechism in Rhyme (on the basis of the Shorter Catechism), 
 for the use of Younger Children. Edinburgh, s.a. i6°. pp. 32. 
 
 Four chants are given, composed for this work, and adapted for its use. 
 The first question is thus rendered : — 
 
 What is our chief and highest eitdt 
 To serve on earth a heavenly Friend, 
 And, by redeeming time, to spend 
 Eternity with God. 
 
 Cook, Robert. Minister at Clatt. 
 
 The Catechist's Poetical Manual; or Hymns and Scriptural Para- 
 phrases, in verse. Aberdeen, 1834. 8". pp. 252. 
 
 These hymns have been drawn up "as a practical illustration of that 
 admirable Summary of Christian Doctrine and Duty, The Assembly's Shorter 
 Catechism." 
 
 Fisher, James. Author of *' Spring-day^'' 6^^. 
 
 The Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism, in verse. Derby, 
 
 1824. 16°. pp. 33. 
 
 The Answer to the first Question is given thus : — 
 
 Man's chief est end and bliss supreme, 
 
 Most noble and all sweet employ, 
 In heart, in life, by every scheme. 
 Is God to praise and him enjoy. 
 
 Smith, Robert. Schoolmaster at Glammis. 
 
 The Assembly's Shorter Catechism in Metre. Reprinted from the 
 original edition of 1 729. Edited by T. G. S. [that is, Thomas George 
 Stevenson]. Edinburgh, 1872. 8". pp. xxiii, 24. 
 The answer to the first Question is as follows : — 
 The chief and highest end of man 
 
 Is God to glorify, 
 Keep His commandments, and enjoy 
 Him to eternity, 
 T., I. 
 
 Hymns suited to each question of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism. 
 Composed for the benefit of the Providence Union Society's Sunday 
 Schools, and published by the request of the General Committee. 
 London, 1808. 12°. pp. 117. 
 
 This is a metrical version of the Catechism on a larger scale than any of 
 the preceding. Six verses are given to the first Question, the first of which is 
 the following : — 
 
 Why was I form'd with reason ? Why 
 
 Above the brutal herd ? 
 Reason itself will back reply, 
 To glorify the Lord. 
 
67 
 EXPOSITIONS OF THE SHORTER CATECHISM. 
 
 Adams, Thomas. Fellffiv of Brazen-nose, Oxford. Ejected 1662. 
 Chaplain to the Countess Dowager of Clare. -1670. 
 The main Principles of Christian Religion in an 107 short Articles, 
 or Aphorisms generally received as being proved from Scripture, 
 &c. London, 1675. 8° The Second Edition. London, s.a. 8<>. 
 pp. 156. 
 
 Published after his death by his brother Richard, who was ejected from 
 St. Michael's, Bread St., London, in 1662. 
 
 Alleine, Joseph. Assistant to Mr. George Newton at Taunton. 
 Ejected 1662. 1634-1668. 
 
 A most familiar Explanation of the Assemblies Shorter Catechism, 
 wherein the larger answers are broken into lesser parcels, thereby to 
 let in the light by degrees into the minds of Learners. &c. London, 
 1658. Do. 1672. Do. 1674. Do. 1682. Belfast, 1700. 
 London, 1701. 12°. Glasgow, 1747. 12°. 
 
 Alleine continued to preach after his ejection, and was several times put in 
 prison. This Explanation of the Catechism was written in Ilchester gaol. 
 
 [Angier, Samuel] fide MS., Williams Library. Ejected from Christ- 
 Church, Oxford, 1662. 1639-1713. 
 
 A short Explanation of the Shorter Catechism ; . . . Being the 
 Substance of some late Explanations of the same Catechism. &c. 
 London, 1689. 16*^. pp. 86. zftd Ed. London, 1695. 12". pp. 95. 
 
 Arthur, Michael. Secession Minister at Dumharrow, Peebles, and 
 
 Aberdeen. 
 
 Exposition, Critical, Doctrinal and Practical of the Assembly's 
 
 Shorter Catechism, in a series of Sabbath Evening Lectures. Vol. 
 
 I, 1788. 8^. [New Coll., Edin.] 
 
 Bain, W. Teacher, Anderston, Glasgow. 
 
 Family Instructor, Being an Attempt to illustrate the Principles of 
 Christianity, as they are contained in the Assembly's Shorter 
 Catechism. Glasgow, 1778. 8°. pp. 184. 
 
 Belfrage, Henry, D.D. Minister of the First Associate Church, 
 Falkirk. 1774-1835. 
 
 A Practical Exposition of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism, &c. 
 Edinburgh, 1832. i2». pp. vii, 494. 2nd Ed. Edinburgh, 1834. 
 2 vols. 12'*. pp. 430, 424. 
 
68 
 
 Binning, Hugh. Prof. Glasgow University, thereafter Minister of 
 Govan. 1627-1653. 
 
 The Common Principiles {sic) of Christian Religion clearly proved, 
 and singularly improved, &c. The 5th impression. Glasgow, 1666. 
 24*^. pp. 266. Also in his Works. Edinburgh, 1735. 4°- PP- 641 ; 
 Do. 1839-40. 3 vols. 8°. pp. 408, 432, 464. Edited by Rev, Dr. 
 Leishman, Edinburgh, 1847. 4°. pp. 659. 
 
 This was printed (Glasgow, 1659) from notes written for a friend, and not 
 intended for the press. It does not go further than Q. 21. It was translated 
 into Dutch by James Koelman (Amsterdam, 1678). 
 
 Boston, Thomas. Minister at Ettrick. 1676-1732. 
 
 An Illustration of the Doctrines of the Christian Religion, with respect 
 to Faith and Practise, upon the plan of the Assembly's Shorter 
 Catechism, &c. Edinburgh, 1773. 3 vols. 8°. pp. xviii, 596, 
 iv, 620. Another Ed. Edinburgh, 1813. 3 vols. 8°. Complete 
 Works. London, 1852. 12 vols. 8°. (Vols, i, 2). 
 
 A brief explication of the first part of the Shorter Catechism is 
 included in the collected works of Thomas Boston, Edinburgh, 
 1767, folio. London, 1852. 8°. (Vol. 7.) 
 
 Boyd, James R., D.D. Minister, Lancaster, Ohio. 1 835-1 890. 
 
 The Westminster Shorter Catechism. With Analysis, Scripture 
 Proofs, Explanatory and Practical Inferences and Illustrative Anec- 
 dotes. Philadelphia, Presb. Board, [1864]. 18*^. pp. 264. 
 
 Child's Book on the Shorter Catechism. Philadelphia, Presb. Board, 
 [1864]. 18°. pp. 90. 
 
 Brown, John. Minister, Secession Church, Haddington. 1722-1787. 
 
 An Help for the Ignorant : Being an Essay towards an easy 
 Explication of the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms. 
 Edinburgh, 1758. 8^. pp. 382. 
 
 This has gone through many editions. In the later ones the words "An help 
 for the Ignorant : Being " are omitted. A translation into Welsh by the Rev. 
 John Parry, of Chester, was published at Chester 1812, and has been reissued at 
 the same place in 1840, at Wrexham 1858, and at Bala in 1861. 
 
 Two short Catechisms mutually connected, the Questions of the 
 former being generally supposed and omitted in the latter, &c. 
 Edinburgh, 1764, 12". 
 
 The one is introductory to, the other explanatory of, the Shorter Catechism. 
 They have been frequently reprinted ; and the second appears in various editions 
 under the name, " A Brief Explanation of the Assembly's Catechism." A 20th 
 edition was published in Edinburgh, 1793. 
 
69 
 
 Browne, John. Minister, Relief Chirch, Falkirk. 1755-1821. 
 
 An Explication of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism, in consistency 
 with the Holy Scriptures. To which is added an Appendix on 
 Baptism by W. A. [that is, William Anderson]. Glasgow, 1824. 
 pp. 198, 12. 
 
 Prepared by him for his own guidance at the examination of his people, and 
 published after his death. 
 
 Burder, George. Tndependent Minister at Lancaster, Cove?ttry, and 
 Fetter Lane, London. Author of ^^ Village Sermons.^' 175 2-1 83 2. 
 
 The Assembly's Catechism Dissected ; or an easy explanation of 
 that excellent Work, on the original plan of Dr. Wallis, &c. 
 Coventry, 1801. 12^. pp. 47. 
 
 Chauncey, Isaac, M.A. Ejected from Woodborough, Wilts, 1662. 
 Succeeded John Owen in London. -1712. 
 
 The Doctrine which is according to Godliness grounded upon the 
 Holy Scriptures of Truth ; and agreeable to the Doctrinal Part of 
 the English Protestant Articles and Confessions, &c. London, 
 [1700]. 12°. pp. 352. 
 
 The first division of the Catechism only is dealt with, to Q. 38. An 18°. 
 edition was issued in 1737. 
 
 Corsan, George. Master, Irvi?ie Academy. 
 
 The Assembly's Shorter Catechism ; with Explanations, Questions, 
 &c. Edinburgh, 1836. pp. 48. 
 
 Crawford, William. Minister at Wilton, Roxburghshire. 167 6-1 742. 
 
 A Short Practical Catechism wherein there is an Instruction in the 
 principal Articles of the Christian Religion. &c. Third Edition. 
 Edinburgh, 1745. 12°. pp. 186. 
 
 Cross, Jonathan. Minister, Northern Fresb. Church. -1876. 
 
 Illustrations of the Shorter Catechism for Children and Youth, 
 Philadelphia, Presb. Board, [1865]. 2 vols. iS". pp. 288, 308. 
 
 Donaldson, George. An Elder of the Free Church of Scotland. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism illustrated. 2nd Ed. Edinburgh, 1846. 8°. 
 pp. 272. 3rd Ed. Do., 1867. 8°. pp. 2S0. 
 
 Doolittle, Thomas. M.A. Ejected from St. Alphage, London, 1662. 
 Minister of Mo?tkwell Street Chapel. 1 630-1 707. 
 
70 
 
 The Young Mans Instructor, and the Old Mans Remembrancer: 
 or Controversies and Practical Truths fitted to the Capacity of 
 Children, and the more ignorant sort of People. Being done in a 
 Catechetical Exercise, on the Lords Day, in explaining the . . . 
 Shorter Catechism. London, 1673. 8°. pp. 367. 
 
 A plain Method of Catechising: with a Prefatory Catechism, 
 showing Ministers, Parents, Masters ought to be teachers of 
 — lojnorant. Young, Old ought to be learners of — the first Principles 
 of Christian Doctrine, by T.D. in compassion to the Ignorant, Young 
 and Old. London, 1698. 8**. pp. 417. 2nd Ed. Do., 1699. pp. 414. 
 
 A complete Body of Practical Divinity ; being a new improvement 
 of the Assembly's Catechism: &c. London, 1723. Folio, pp. 644. 
 
 This had been delivered at his Wednesday lectures in Monkwell Street, and 
 was printed after his death. He catechised the youth and adults of his congre- 
 gation every Lord's Day. 
 
 Engles, Joseph P. Elder. Pi incipal of a classical school Philadelphia, 
 afterzvards Publishing Agent of the Presb. Board, Philadelphia. 
 
 Shorter Catechism, with Proofs, Analysis, and Notes. Philadelphia, 
 Presb. Board, 1852. 18**. pp. 54. 
 
 Emerson, Joseph. Minister, Congregational Church, Beverly, then 
 Principal of Female Seminary, Weathersfield, Ct. 
 
 The Evangelical Primer ; ... to which is added the . . . 
 Shorter Catechism; with Short Explanatory Notes, &:c. Boston, 
 Registered 1825. 12°. pp. 67. 
 
 Esdaile, James. Minister of the East Church, Perth. 
 
 Lectures on the Shorter Catechism of the Church of Scotland. 
 Perth, 1829. 8". pp. 460. 
 
 Fisher, James, A.M. Minister of Greyfriars Secession Church, 
 Glasgow. 
 
 The Assembly's Shorter Catechism explained, by way of question 
 and answer. &c. Part i. Of what man is to believe concerning 
 God. By some Ministers of the Gospel. Glasgow, 1753. 8°. pp. 
 304. Part ii. Of the Duty which God requires of Man. Glasgow, 
 1760. 8°. pp. 367. 
 
 The preface to the first part is signed E.E., J.F., that is, Ebenezer Erskine and 
 James Fisher. The preface to the second part is signed Ja. Fisher. A large 
 number of editions of this grratly valued Exposition have been published. The 
 last I have examined is the 22nd Ed., Edinburgh 1849. 
 
71 
 
 Flavel, John. Ejected from Townsfal, Dartmouth, 1662. 1627- 
 
 1691. 
 
 An Exposition of the Assemblies Catechism, with practical inferences 
 
 from each question : as it was carried on in the Lords Days 
 
 Exercises in Dartmouth, in the first year of liberty, 1688. London 
 
 1692. 12°. pp. 224. 
 
 Dr. Increase Mather wrote a preface to this work in which he says that the 
 author left four questions at the end unfinished which have been done by " a 
 ruder hand." Many editions of this work have been published. 
 
 Gillies, John. Minister of South Parish, Glasgow. 17 12-1796. 
 The Shorter Catechism divided. For the use of Young People in 
 the South Parish of Glasgow. Glasgow [1760?]. i2<>, pp. 62. 
 
 Gouge, Thomas, M.A. Ejected from St Sepulchre's, London, 1662. 
 The Principles of Religion Explained. London, 1668. 
 
 After his ejection he had two livings, as he sometimes said, which he would 
 not exchange for two of the greatest in England, meaning Wales, where he used 
 to travel every year to spread knowledge, piety, and charity, and Christ's Hospital, 
 where he used freely to catechise the poor children, in order to the well-laying 
 the foundations of religion in them, in their tender years. 
 
 Green, Ashbel, D.D. President of Princeton College. 1 762-1848. 
 Lectures on the Shorter Catechism of the Presbyterian Church in 
 the United States of America. Philadelphia, Presb. Board, 1841. 
 2 vols. 12*'. pp. 447, 472. 
 
 Hall, E., D.D. Minister, Northern Presb. Church. -1877- 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, with Analysis and Scripture Proofs. Phila- 
 delphia, Presb. Board, i860. 18°. pp. 126. 
 
 Hall, John, D.D. Minister of First Church, Trenton, N.J. 
 
 The Chief End of Man. An Exposition of the first Answer of the 
 
 Shorter Catechism. Philadelphia, 1841. 18''. 
 
 The Only Rule of Faith. An Exposition of the Second Answer of 
 
 the Shorter Catechism. Philadelphia, Presb. Board. 18°. 
 
 Hall, Thomas. Minister at Enver {Larne), Ireland. 
 A plain and easy Explication of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism ; 
 confirmed with plenty of Scripture Proofs; very helpful to all; 
 especially to those of weaker capacity. Edinburgh, 1697. 12''. 
 pp. 248. 
 
72 
 
 Hamilton, W. 
 
 The Assembly's Shorter Catechism, with three huiidred doctrinal 
 questions, answered in the words of that comprehensive system of 
 Christian Theology, adapted to the Intellectual System of Tuition. 
 Edinburgh, 1843. 12°. pp. 26. 
 
 Hart, Alexander. Teacher. 
 
 The Explanatory Proof Catechism, on a new and improved plan, 
 in which the principal doctrines are analysed, lucidly arranged, 
 numbered, proved from Scripture, and illustrated with notes. New 
 Edition. Edinburgh, s.a. 18*^. pp. 36. 
 
 The Explanatory Catechism : Being the Shorter Catechism . . . 
 with Illustrations and Proofs on a new and improved plan. 
 Philadelphia, Presb. Board, 1838. pp. 43. 
 
 Henry, Matthew. Minister at Chester, and Hackney, London. 
 Commentator. 1662-1714. 
 
 A Scripture Catechism in the Method of the Assembly's. 4th Ed. 
 London, 1703. 12^. pp. 186. 
 
 Several editions have been published separately and in the Author's collected 
 works. This work was translated into Welsh by James ap David, and published 
 at Shrewsbury 1708, and again 171 7; Carmarthen 1743, and also in 1768. 
 
 Hodge, Arch. Alex., D.D., Prof., Princeton College, and J. A. Hodge, 
 D.D., Prof. Lincoln University. 
 
 The System of Theology contained in the Westminster Shorter 
 Catechism opened and explained. New York, 1858. S''. pp. 190. 
 
 IngHs, James. Minister of the Free Church, yohnstone, Renfrew. 
 
 Key to the Shorter Catechism. Edinburgh, [1827]. 18°. pp. 202. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism popularly explained ; with Questions and 
 proofs, for the use of schools and families. Edinburgh, [1857]. 18*. . 
 pp. 2, 46. 
 
 L., W. [that is, Robert Lang]. 
 
 The Father's Catechism in a legacy to his eighth {sic) children ; 
 or a help for the young and ignorant in order to their better 
 understanding the Assembly's Catechism. Glasgow, 1726, 12°. 
 Edinburgh, s.a. 8°. 
 
 Lawson, Roderick. Minister of the West Church, Maybole. 
 The Shorter Catechism with Commentary, Proofs and Revising 
 Questions. Edinburgh, s.a. 8*. pp. 60. Another Edition. Do., 
 s.a., 8**. pp. 64. 
 
73 
 
 Leitch, N. Teacher, Sessional School, Paisley. 
 
 A brief Analysis of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism, in the form 
 of question and answer. 3d, Ed. Glasgow, 1835. 12''. pp. 40. 
 Another Ed. Glasgow, [1852]. 18°. pp. 72. New Ed. Glasgow, 
 1874. 18° pp. 44. 
 
 Lennie, William. Teacher of English, Nicolson Sir., Edinburgh. 
 
 The Assembly's Shorter Catechism with Explanations and Questions. 
 2nd Ed. Edinburgh, 1825. 
 
 Leslie, Mrs. Madeline, and Rev. A. R. Baker. 
 
 Illustrations of Doctrines respecting God and Mankind. 5 vols. 
 New York, 1861. 
 
 Vol I. deals with Q i— 21, II. Q. 22—38, III. Q. 39—62, IV. Q. 63—81, V. 
 Q. 82—107. 
 
 Lye, Thomas, M.A. Ejected from All Hallows, Lombard Sir., 
 London, 1662. 1621-1684. 
 
 A plain and familiar Method of Instructing the younger sort, 
 according to the lesser Catechism : &c. London, 1662. 16°. 
 
 This work consists of the Method [pp. 4] ; An Abridgment of the . . . 
 Shorter Catechism, pp. 16 ; The Shorter Catechism . . . with Proofs, &c., 
 London, 1660. pp. 54; A brief and easie Explanation by John Wallis, London, 
 1662, pp. 52 ; and a Table ... of difficult Words and Phrases, without 
 p.igination [23 pp.]. The Catechism and Wallis's Explanation are independent 
 publications incorporated by Lye in his Volume. Another edition (London, 
 1673) has 13 pp. of Directions, and instead of the Catechism in the former 
 edition is substituted one prepared by Lye in which the answers are drawn out 
 into distinct Propositions and proved by plain and pertinent texts of Scripture at 
 large. Wallis's Catechism is from different type from that of the former edition, 
 though printed in the same year. Dublin Eds. 1683, 1702 are reprints of the 
 1662 edition, omitting the abridgment and having continuous pagination 
 throughout. In 1675 Lye substituted for Wallis's Short and Easie Explanation 
 a longer one on the same lines. This was published as : — 
 
 An Explanation of the Shorter Catechism, &c. London, 1675. 12°. 
 pp. 182. Other Eds. Do. 1676. pp. 188; Do. 1688. pp. 188; 
 Do. 1693. pp. 188. 
 
 McDowell, John, D.D. Minister, Presb. Church, Philadelphia. 
 1780-1863. 
 
 A System of Theology in Lectures on the Shorter Catechism. Phila- 
 delphia, 1825. 2 vols. S''. 
 
 The Bible Class Manual ; or a System of Theology, in the order of 
 the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Philadelphia, 1838. 2 Vols. 
 12°. 
 
 7'his is a recast of the previous work. 
 
74 
 
 Mackay, William P., M.A., M.D. Minister, Presb. Church, Hull. 
 1838-1885. 
 
 Notes on the Shorter Catechism. London, 1889. 8**. pp. 289. 
 
 McPhun, W. R. Publisher, Glasgow. 
 
 Catechisms of Useful Knowledge ; No. ii. The Shorter Catechism 
 and Dr. Watt's Catechisms for Children ; with Notes. Glasgow, 1859. 
 
 Mair, Alexander, M. A. Minister at Forteviot. 
 
 A brief Explication of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism. Edinburgh, 
 1752. 12°. pp. 168. A new Ed. with prayers by Rev. James Brewster 
 of Craig, and introductory essay by Rev. Wm. Nixon, D.D. of 
 Montrose. Montrose, 1837. 12°. 
 
 Marshall, William, M.A. Minister of Scots Church, Philadelphia. 
 
 Religious instruction to the rising generation. A Catechism for youth 
 containing the Principles of Practical Religion : &c. Dundee, 1792. 
 8°. pp. 160. Another Ed. Kilmarnock, 1806. pp. 207. 
 
 Millar, Rev. J. 
 
 Class-book on the Shorter Catechism. Part I. Edinburgh, 1845. 18°. 
 
 Millar, John, Of Sheardale. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism : with the propositions separated and proved. 
 5th Ed. Edinburgh, 1870. 8°. pp. 61. 
 
 Murphy, James G., LL.D. Professor of Hebrew, Belfast. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. . . With the proofs, arranged for Weekly 
 Instruction ; hints for Teachers on the opposite page. Belfast, 1875. 
 8^ pp. 64. 
 
 N., W. Pastor at Ipswich. 
 
 A short Explanation of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism, in a most 
 familiar way. London, 1726. 12°. pp. 242. 
 
 Nevin, Alfred, D.D., LL.D. Minister, Philadelphia. 1816-1890. 
 
 Notes on the Shorter Catechism. Philadelphia, Presb. Board, s.a. 
 16°. pp. 336. 
 
 Paterson, Alex. Smith, M.A. 
 
 A Concise System of Theology, being the Shorter Catechism . . . 
 
75 
 
 analysed and explained. Edinburgh, 1841. 8°. pp. 454, 2nd Ed. 
 1844. 12°. Do. Stereotyped Ed. 1854. S°. pp. 390. 
 
 A Welsh translation by the Rev. O. Jones, Llandudno, was published at 
 Liverpool, 1848. 16*?. pp. viii, 427. 
 
 Pike, Samuel. Independent Minister at Henhy-oti-Thames, and 
 aftenvards in London. 1717-1773. 
 
 A form of Sound Words : or the Assembly's Catechism, analized, 
 explained, and recommended in a most compendious and methodical 
 body of Divinity. 2nd Ed. London, 1756. 12°. pp. 84. 
 
 First Ed. 1755. It is clearly Calvinistic, and caused much offence to the 
 opposite party among the Independents. The Rev. Caleb Fleming published a 
 criticism of it. 
 
 Rattray, William. Aberdeen. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism analyzed and explained : in which the 
 Doctrines and Duties are connected with their Promises, Warnings 
 and Experiences. London, 1863. 16°. pp. 112. 
 
 Rice, Willard M., D.D. Recording Clerk of Presb. Board. 
 Shorter Catechism, with Analysis, Notes, and Proof Texts, Revised. 
 Philadelphia, Presb. Board, 1893. 18°. pp. 48. 
 This is a revision of the work by Joseph P. Englcs. 
 
 Rowan, S. Hamilton. Elder of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 The Assembly's Shorter Catechism ; with Scripture Proofs, Explana- 
 tion of Words and Phrases, and additional Questions. Belfast, 1888. 
 8°. pp. 34. 
 
 Rutherford, Robert. Minister at Castleton. 
 
 A Scripture Catechism : or Questions on the . . . Shorter 
 Catechism. Bequeathed by the author for the use of the Parish of 
 Castleton in Liddesdale, and the Protestant Dissenting Congregation 
 of Longframlington in Northumberland. Kelso, 1794. 8°. pp. 81. 
 
 S., M. T. [that is, Mary Thomson Symington]. -1882, 
 
 Home Lessons on the Old Paths, or, Conversations on the Shorter 
 
 Catechism. Paisley, 1878. Sq. 16°. pp. 288. 
 
 Salmond, S. D. F., D.D. Professor, Free Church Coll., Aberdeen. 
 
 An Exposition of the Shorter Catechism. Edinburgh, s.a. 16°. 
 In 3 parts, pp. 92, 94, 97. 
 
76 
 
 Sinclair, John. Minister of Free St Bernard's, Edinburgh, aftenvards 
 M.P. 
 
 Sabbath Lessons from Westminster : Meditations on the Assembly's 
 Shorter Catechism for Sabbath Use. Edinburgh, 1886. Sq. 8°. pp. 
 209. 
 
 [Smith, Eliza.] Montrose. Fide Advocated Library Cat. 
 Chapters on the Shorter Catechism : A Tale for the Instruction of 
 Youth. By a Clergyman's Daughter. Second Edition. Edinburgh, 
 1850. 8°. pp. 368. 
 
 Smith, William, M.A. Minister. 
 
 The School and Family Catechist; or an Explication and Analysis 
 of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism; &c. Third Ed. Glasgow, 
 1828. pp. 112. 
 
 Some, David. Minister at Market Haj'borough^ Leicestershire. 
 
 The Assembly's Catechism explained; and the Principles of 
 Religion, therein contained, confirmed by the Holy Scriptures. 
 3d. Ed. London, 1754. 12°. pp. 89. 4th Ed. Do., 1761. 8°. pp. 81. 
 6th Ed. Edinburgh, 1799. 8°. pp. 92. loth Ed. Greenock, 1820. 
 32°. pp. 107. New Ed., with preface by W, Cunningham. 
 Glasgow, 1836. 12°, pp. 108. 
 
 Steel, Robert, D.D. Minister, St. Stephen's, Sydney, N.S. W. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism, with Proofs, Analyses, and illustrative 
 Anecdotes, &c. London, 1885. 8°. pp. 254. 
 
 Struthers, Gavin, D.D, Minister, U.P. Church, Glasgotv. 1791-1858. 
 
 An Explanation of the Shorter Catechism. 7th Ed. 1845. ^^w 
 Ed. Edinburgh, s.a. 32°. pp. 89. 
 
 The preface to the first edition is dated 1838. 
 
 Vincent, Thomas, ]\LA. Ejected from St Mary Magdalene, Milk 
 Str., London, 1662. Preached in several of tlie city Churchts duting 
 the plague 1665, and visited the sick a7id dying. 163.1-1678. 
 
 An Explanatory Catechism ; or, an Explanation of the Assembly's 
 Shorter Catechism. London, 1701. 12°. pp. 256. 
 
 The first edition was published in 1673. Many editions have been published 
 of this much valued explanation. 
 
77 
 
 Wallis, John, D.D. Mathematician. Was junior secretary to the 
 Westminster Assembly., one of the founders of the Royal Society, and 
 in 1649 Savilian Prof, of Geometry at Oxford. 16 16-1703. 
 
 A Brief and Easie Explanation of the Shorter Catechism . . . 
 wherein the meanest Capacities may, in a speedy and easie way be 
 brought to understand the Principles of Religion. In imitation of 
 a Catechism, formerly published by Mr. Herbert Palmer, B.D. 
 8th Ed. London, 1662. 12°. pp. 4, 50. 
 
 This was the earliest exposition of the Catechism. The first edition was 
 published in 1648. 
 
 Watson, Thomas, M.A. Ejected from St. Stephen's, Walbrook, 
 London, in 1662. He ministered in Crosby Hall after his ejection. 
 -1689. 
 
 A Body of Practical Divinity, consisting of above one hundred and 
 seventy six sermons on the Lesser Catechism, &c. London, 1692. 
 folio, pp. 1007; 4th Ed. Glasgow, 1741. 4°. pp. 697; 5th Ed. 
 Glasgow, 1759. 4°. pp. 632; a new Ed. London, 1807. ■^ vols. 
 8" pp. 555» 578. 
 
 Watts, Isaac, D.D. Hymnologist and Divine, Minister of Indepen- 
 dent Church, Mark Lane, London. 16 74- 1748. 
 
 The Assembly's Catechism with Notes . . . Taken out of the 
 larger Book of Prayers and Catechisms for Childhood and Youth. 
 3d Ed. London, 17 31. 12°. pp. 45. 
 
 Whyte, Alexander, D.D. Minister, Free St. Georges, Edinburgh. 
 
 A Commentary on the Shorter Catechism. Edinburgh, 1884. 8°. 
 pp. 213. 
 
 Whitecross, John. Teacher, Edinburgh and Alloa. 
 
 The Assembly's Shorter Catechism illustrated by appropriate 
 Anecdotes : &c. Edinburgh, 1828. 32°. pp. 212. 
 
 Willard, Samuel. 1640-1707. 
 
 A Body of Divinity in Two hundred and fifty Lectures on the 
 Assembly's Catechism. Boston, 1726. Folio. 
 
 Willison, John. Minister at Brechin, and afterwards at Dundee. 
 1680-1750. 
 
 An Example of plain Catechising upon the Assembly's Shorter 
 Catechism. Edinburgh, 17 17. 8°. pp. xxiv, 327; 4th Ed. Glasgow, 
 1754. 12°. pp. 369 J 1 2th Ed. Glasgow, 1771. 12°. 
 
 A Gaelic translation was published at Edinburgh 1773. 12*. pp.464. 
 
78 
 
 Wylie, W. T, Minister, Bdlcfonte, Pa. 
 
 The Bellefonte Series of Tracts on the Answers to the Shorter 
 Catechism, written by numerous Presbyterian ministers, and edited 
 by W. T. Wylie. Bellefonte, 1875. 
 
 Each tract contains an answer, with a brief treatise upon it. 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism Explained, and made intelligible to children ; 
 with a Directory for composing prayer in the language of Scripture, 
 &c. By a Friend of Youth. Leith, 1827. 8° pp. 120. 
 
 The Shorter Catechism. . . with Queries and Explanations to 
 illustrate the Text, and a few forms of prayers and graces for the 
 benefit of the young. Edinburgh, Licensed 1849. 8°. pp. 36. 
 
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