term “spiritual grace” explained in what light sacraments are to be regarded internal benefits not absolute repentance and faith indispensable pre ib. 174 ib. engagements of sponsors 176 177 water, why used in baptism unworthiness of ministers no hindrance to their the wicked partake to their own condemnation who are said to "eat and drink unworthily" rule for rejecting some 182 183 ib. ib. ib. 184 ib. ib. what prevents others from partaking of it special benefits to be received term "damnation" explained duty of all to prepare for its reception week's preparation not necessary THE ELEMENTS OF CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. PART THE FIRST. OF MAN. Q. 1. What is man? A. Man is the noblest creature of God, (a) and the highest order of beings upon earth. (6) (a.) Gen. i. 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him: male and female created he them. (b) Gen. i. 28. And God blessed them, and God said unto Q. 2. Of how many parts is man composed? (a) Ecc. xii. 7; Matt. x. 28. Q. 3. How many faculties or senses has the BODY? A. Five; viz. the sight, the hearing, the smell, the taste, and the feeling. B Q..4. Have other creatures the same bodily senses? A. Yes; and some of these senses are more acute in them than they are in mankind.* Q. 5. You said that man is composed of two parts, a body and a soul; have no other creatures upon earth a soul? A. No; other creatures have a spirit distinct from their bodies; but no soul. Q. 6. What is the grand distinction between the spirits of other living creatures, and the souls of mankind? A. The spirits of other creatures perish with their bodies; (a) but the souls of mankind never die. (b) (a) Ps. xlix. 12, 20. Nevertheless, man being in honour abideth not; he is like the beasts that perish. Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish. (b) John v. 28, 29. Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.-Also, Matt. xxv. 46. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal. Q. 7. How many, and what are the faculties of the soul? A. They are many, but may be comprehended under three heads or classes; viz. the understanding, the affections, and the will.† * As the sight of birds, the smell of beasts, &c. † Speech; or the power of conveying our thoughts and wishes to each other, by various intelligible sounds of the voice, forms one |