that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels. (1) Mark, xiii. 35-37.-Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. [See also Luke, 12th Chap. 35 to 40 verses inclusive] (K) Rev. xxii. 20.-He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. THE BAPTIST CATECHISM; OR, A BRIEF INSTRUCTION IN THE PRINCIPLES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION; TO WHICH ARE ADDED, THE PROOFS OUT OF SCRIPTURE. 1851. INTRODUCTION. The Baptist Catechism will, it is hoped, be considered a suitable accompaniment to the Confession of Faith of 1689, as embodying, in an instructive and familiar form, the principles, doctrines, and practice maintained in "The Confession" referred to. The publication of the Catechism was the result of a resolution passed at an Assembly of "Elders and Messengers of Baptist Churches," who met in London, from the 6th to the 12th of June, 1693, when the following resolution was passed : "That a Catechism be drawn up, containing the substance of the Christian religion, for the instruction of children and servants; and that Brother William Collins* be desired to draw it up."+ The Baptist Brethren who assembled at Bristol on the 16th February, 1694, sent an account of their proceedings to the Assembly to be held in London, with a letter, the chief purport of which was to urge the speedy publication of the Catechism. The following is an extract:"To our Honoured and Beloved Brethren, William Kiffin and William Collins, to be communicated to the Assembly of Messengers, held in London, at the time called Whitsuntide.” The brethren, Kiffin and Collins, having been appointed to represent the Church at Bristol.-After expressions of Christian fraternity, and their desire of communion with them, the epistle thus proceeds: "Moreover, they (the Church at Bristol), desire you will remember your agreement at your last assembly, and minuted in the narrative (or proceedings), that Brother Collins should draw up a Catechism, and that it should be printed-a thing so needful and useful, that the country have been longing to have it, and are troubled at the delay of it, and earnestly desire that you will hasten the printing of it. They suppose that the greatness of the number that will be sold, will pay the first cost. There had need be thousands of them printed; pray let it be done, and sent abroad to the churches: they think you cannot do anything that will be of more general use.”‡ * Pastor of the Baptist Church, Petty France, London. † Ivemey, Vol. I., 533. Ivemey, Vol. I., 535. Upon the publication of the Catechism, the following was addressed "To the reader :" "Having a desire to shew our near agreement with many other Christians, of whom we have great esteem, we some years since put forth A Confession of our Faith, almost in all points the same with that of the Assembly and Savoy, which was subscribed by the Elders and Messengers of many Churches, baptized on a profession of their faith (1689). And do now put forth a short account of Christian principles for the instruction of our families, in most things agreeing with the shorter Catechism of the Assembly (1694); and to this we were the rather induced because we have commonly made use of the Catechism in our families, and the difference not being much (except upon Baptism), it will be more easily committed to memory."* From the preceding it will be observed that the Confession of Faith of 1689, and the Catechism now supplied, maintain kindred principles; nor have they since their publication been placed in so close an alliance. From the Confession of Faith the enquirer may be established in the truth, and the mature Christian may profit. By the Catechism the child may be instructed; and the ignorant, through the blessing of God, may be made "wise unto salvation." The fervent desire is expressed, that the Baptist Catechism† may find a ready and an extensive entrance into families, churches, and Lord's Day schools, professing to value the truths therein contained. Manchester, 1851. * Introduction to Catechism. J. A. + The Catechism is published in a cheap form by Houlston and Stoneman, London. |