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THE Bible says: "Train up (or, 'Catechise') a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). A catechism is a series of questions and answers designed to teach the truth. The Shorter Catechism is an excellent summary of the Bible's teaching. Many have benefited from memorising it. The Catechism was approved by Act of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1648 and ratified the following year by an act of the Scottish Parliament. Thomas Vincent of London said: "I know of no catechism more full of light and sound doctrine than the Shorter Catechism." It has had a notable influence in Scotland, particularly in the highlands and islands.
Here is the Catechism with the Scripture proofs attached. It contains: a general introduction (Q.1-3); a first part on what we are to believe concerning God (Q.4-38); a second part on the duty which God requires of us (Q.39-107). Following each question and answer is a brief analysis of the teaching from a work on the Shorter Catechism by Alexander Paterson published in 1869.
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A Scene from the Isle of Skye
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"For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments" (Psa. 78:5-8).
"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Eph. 4:14).
"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 1:13).
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