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To the Rev. Samuel Miller, D. D., the author would especially render thanks, for his kindness in first imposing upon him the preparation of this volume; for his careful revision of it; and for his valuable suggestions.

He has endeavored to render it as full and comprehensive as possible; and, for this purpose, he has availed himself freely of the labors of others. He would particularly refer to the Ecclesiastical Catechisms of Dr. McLeod, of the Rev. Samuel Palmer, of one published in Ireland, and of A Sequel to the Shorter Catechism, as sources from which he has derived assistance.

It was thought better to err on the side of prolixity, than of brevity; as it was one object of the author to fit the work for private reading, and to make it as satisfactory as possible, on all the leading subjects embraced in its design. The teacher can use his discretion in prescribing to his pupils, whether in the family, the Bible-class, or the Sabbath school, such portions of it as he may deem most necessary to be committed to memory. Other portions he may think sufficient to read with them, accompanied with his own further explanations; and whenever he may think any answer of too great length to be retained in the memory, he may, after such reading and examination, require it to be given in substance, in the language of the pupil.

Although the author has heard of but one opinion as to the usefulness of the work, yet, when he found that the second edition was entirely exhausted, he carefully revised the whole, altered and remodelled several portions, and added some sections, (as on the apostolic succession, and the relation of the presbyterian church to the world,) which will, it is hoped, increase the usefulness of the work.

In the fervent hope that it may lead some of the rising generation to ask for the old paths, that they may walk therein, it is committed to the blessing of the Head of the church, by his most unworthy servant,

Charleston, S. C, 1843.

THE AUTHOR.

ECCLESIASTICAL CATECHISM.

CHAPTER I.

OF THE CHURCH.

SECTION I.

The different meanings of the word church, as used in scripture.

1.

What is the meaning of the term church, as used in scripture?

The word church, as used in scripture, has various significations, being used both in a common and a sacred

sense.

2. What is the meaning of the word church, as used in scripture in a common sense?

The word, which is translated church, is used in scripture in a common sense, to signify any public assembly of persons to consult together.

Acts 19:32, 39, 41. Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the more part knew not wherefore they were called together. And when he had thus spoken he dismissed the assembly.

3. What is the sacred sense, in which the word church is most generally used in scripture?

This word is, in its sacred sense, applied to the church of Christ, which is a society of men called of God, by the gospel, unto the faith and worship of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of God in him.*

See Col. 1:18. Eph. 1:10, 22, 23. 1 Cor. 12:28. 1 Cor. 15:9.

* Ecclesia was used by the writers of the Septuagint version,

4. What is the first meaning of the word church in this sacred sense?

It means any particular congregation or society of professing christians.

Col. 4: 15. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. Rom. 16:5. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well teloved Epenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia unto Christ.

5. What is the second meaning of the word church in this sacred sense?

It is applied to several congregations, or churches, considered as one body, under the same general superintendence.

1 Cor. 1:2. Unto the church of God which is at Corinth; 1 Cor. 14:34. Let your women keep silence in the churches; Acts 8:1. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Acts 21: 20. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law.

6. What is the third meaning of the word church in its sacred sense?

It means any assembly of the rulers of the church, when convened as an ecclesiastical judicatory.*

Matt. 18 15-17. Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto

which was familiar to the New Testament writers, for the word congregation, as it stands in our version of the Old Testament. It is on this account that in the New Testament instead of the word congregation, we have church, which is the same as kirk or assembly.

*That the word church means an assembly of rulers meeting together in an ecclesiastical judicatory, see largely proved in Dr. Ayton's Orig. Constit. of the Church, ch. ii. § 3, pp. 63, 64. Brown's Dict. of the Bible, Art. Church. Livingstone's Theol. . 261.

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