SECTION VIii. 227 religion can be represented usefully to the minds of chdren, seems to be this that follows, First, Let them be taught that God is their Maker, and that they are made on purpose to , know and serve Mtn, and be haply in bis love. Then let them be led to seek the knowledge of God, and their duty, out of his word or the holy scriptures for to learn it by the light of nature is too hard a task for young children. When you have showed Mein who God is, and what is their duty to God himself, and to man by the command of God, let them then have some notice and conviction that they have not fulfilled their duty, but that they have broken the law of God, and are fallen under his anger. And here may be introduced the doctrine of original sin in a brief manner as far as the child can understand it ; but in the very first cater chism it is hardly necessary for a young child of four years old. Then comes in naturally that great question, How can we hope to be savedfrom the anger of God ? And thus the doc- trine of the gospel comes necessarily into sight, vis. The incar- nation of Christ, and his death in. the room and stead Of sinners the duty of repentance for sin : the belief and hope of pardon- ing mercy front God for the sake of the sufferings of Christ, &c. And when children are a little elder, in the second cate- chism, we may proceed to a larger and more particular account of the person of Christ, of his ascension to heaven, his interces- sion and his government there, of faith in our Lord .testis Christ, and our particular obedience due to him. After this it is reasonable to spew the child his inabibt-y to fulfil these duties by Iris own strength, and lead him into the promised aid of the holy Spirit as far as his young understanding can receive it, together with the other means and helps with which God has furnished us in order to assist us in our way to heaven, viz. 2hre bible, minis- ters and sacraments. And when we have thus done the will of God in this world, it is necessary to bring death into sight, and the existence of the soul after death, and Christ's coming to judgment to call all the world to. account for their behaviour in this life : And to let children knew that the effects and consequenls of titis judgment will be the eternal happiness of the righteous, and the ever- lasting punishment of the wicked. 'These future transactions areusually the most powerful motives to religion in the present life, and therefore it is fit children should be acquainted with them betimes. Now when these things are eomprized in about four and twenty questions in the first catechism for infancy, and in about seventy or eighty in the second *, tite child will have had a * Note, In the preface to the second, or child's catech'sm, I have shewu that there are about twenty-Six questions and answers which may be omitted ía. 2
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