Yet another form of a children’s catechism. This version was published in THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY’S SHORTER CATECHISM, WITH SCRIPTURE PROOFS. [Portland : Hyde, Lord and Duren. New-York City : Eli French. 1847.]
A CATECHISM IN RHYME.
- Who made you, child, and bade you live?
God did my life and spirit give. -
Who keeps you safely, can you tell?
God keeps me safe, and makes me well. -
How has God shown the way of truth?
The Bible is the guide of youth. -
How should you act to God above?
With fear and honour, praise and love. -
Does God know all you do and say?
Yes, and my thoughts both night and day. -
Have you and evil heart within?
Yes; I was even born in sin. -
How does your heart its badness show?
By sinful words and actions too. -
Is not God angry when we sin?
Yes. Oh how wicked I have been. -
What do your sins deserve t’ obtain?
Present and everlasting pain. -
And can you save yourself from wo?
I cannot save myself, I know. -
Have you the power to change your heart?
No; it is prone from good to start. -
Who, then, can peace and pardon give?
Jesus, who died that we might live. -
What proves that Jesus Christ will save?
His life, his cross, his death, his grave. -
Can none but Christ for sin atone?
The blood of Jesus Christ alone. -
And how may you his grace receive?
In Jesus Christ I must believe. -
Must you repent with humble heart?
Yes, and from every sin depart. -
From God what blessings should you seek?
Lord, save my soul for Jesus’ sake. -
Should you love Christ, who was so good?
Oh yes, with all my heart I should. -
Did Christ become a little child?
Yes, holy, humble, meek and mild. -
What did his early his’try shew?
Jesus in strength and wisdom grew. -
What was foretold of Jesus’ grace?
The Lambs he’ll on his bosom place. -
And were the young thus loved and blest?
Christ took and clasped them to his breast. -
What did Christ say, though young we be?
Let little children come to me. -
Does Christ still view the young with love?
Yes, on his glorious throne above. -
How should a child begin to pray?
Lord, teach me what to think and say. -
Will God regard the hymns you raise?
Yes, Jesus loves an infant’s praise. -
Who only can direct your youth?
The Holy Spirit, God of truth. -
Must you of ev’ry lie beware?
Yes, with most strict and constant care. -
Must you all evil tempers flee?
I must not in a passion be. -
Must you your book and wisdom prize?
Yes, I must be both good and wise. -
How must a child to others be?
As I would have them act to me. -
What must you to your parents shew?
Obedience, love, and honour too. -
What must your brother(s)* in you find?
A heart that’s always mild and kind. -
Must you your sister(s)† always love?
Yes, and be gentle as a dove. -
How must you act to all you know?
I must all love and kindness know. -
Do little children often die?
Yes, quite as young and strong as I. -
Will Jesus judge the “small and great?”
Yes, and will fix their endless state. -
Where shall the wicked sinner dwell?
With everlasting flames in hell. -
What should you wish if call’d to die?
To be with Christ above the sky. -
Where will good children ever be?
In heav’n, their Saviour Christ to see.
* Or sister(s).
† Or brother(s).
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