into the state of the poorest beggar in his dominions, we should think him very condescending; but Christ stooped infinitely lower in becoming man. We see with our eyes the greatness of earthly kings, and therefore can, conceive of such condescension; but we cannot see with our eyes, nor can we know the glory of God, and therefore we cannot measure the love of Christ.

* Q. 8.-Did the Holy Angels in Heaven rejoice when Christ was born?

A. Yes, A multitude of the heavenly host appeared to the to the shepherds, praising "God, and saying, Glory to God in the

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highest, and on earth peace, good-will toward men." Lu. 13. 14.

* Q. 9.-Was Christ born in a state of poverty?

A-Yes; his parents were poor people, and when he was born he was wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger; because there was no room for them in the "inn."

Q. 10. Why did Christ stoop so low?

A.-In order that he

the glory of heaven,

might raise us up to

Ye know the grace of

our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that "we, through his poverty, might be rich." 2d Cor. 8. 9.

* Q. 11. -What lesson should we learn from this?

A. We should pray for grace to follow after the example of his great humility. "Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not "every man on his own things, but every "man also on the things of others. Let this "mind be in you, which was also in Christ "Jesus." Phill. 2, 3, 5.

SUFFERED UNDER PONTIUS PILATE,WAS CRUCIFIED, DEAD AND buried. * Q. 1.—Who was Pontius Pilate?

A. He was the Roman Governor of Judea, at the time of our Saviour's death.

Q. 2.-Why is his name mentioned here? A. In order that the fact of Christ's having been crucified may be the more fully established,

by pointing out the exact time when it took place.

Q. 3.-Is the crucifixion of Christ mentioned by other writers besides the Evangelists? A. Yes; by several heathen historians who have written of those times, and who speak with contempt of Christians, as the worshippers of the crucified one."

*

Q. 4.-Was crucifixion a painful death? A.-It was a very painful, and lingering death for the hands and feet of the person erucified were nailed to a great cross fixed in the ground, so that the weight of the whole body hung upon them, and the criminal gradually died after suffering the most exquisite tortures.

* Q. 5.-Was there any thing particularly disgraceful in this death?

A. Yes; it was so disgraceful, that it was a punishment only inflicted on, slaves, and the vilest and most atrocious criminals.

Q. 6. Was it not reckoned by the Jews an accursed death?

A. Yes; for it is written in the law, "curs❝ed is every one that hangeth on a tree,” Gal.

3. 13.

WAS CRUCIFIED, DEAD AND BURIED. อา

* Q. 7.-Why did Christ submit to such a death?

A. Because he undertook the cause of us sinners, and suffered in our stead. "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the "law, by being made a curse for us." Gal.

3, 13.

Q. 8.-Christ did not suffer for his own sins then?

A.-No; he knew no sin, neither was guilefound in his mouth. The thieves who were crucified with him, suffered the just punishment of their own sins; but Jesus bore our sins, not his own!

Q. 9.-What do you mean by saying that he bore our sins?

A.I mean that he bore the punishment

due to

us for our sins; he was treated as a sinner, in order that he might make atonement

for us.

The Lord hath laid on him the ini

quity of us all."

Q. 10. Did the innocent and holy Jesus suffer the whole punishment due to sinners? A. Yes; the whole punishment. "He "was made sin for us, who knew no sin, that

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we might be made the righteousness of God " in him." 2 Cor. 5. 21.

* Q. 11.-Is there no other way of obtain ing the pardon of sin, but by the blood of Christ?

A.-No; the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin; neither is there salvation in any other.

Q. 12.-Can we think too highly of the love of Christ in thus dying for us?

A.No; for his love passeth knowledge. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. But Christ died for us when we were sinners, and without strength.

Q. 13-And who are they that shall reap the benefits of Christ's sufferings and death?

A. They who truly come unto God by him; that is, true believers, who forsaking their sins, and renouncing all dependance on themselves, rely wholly on the blood and righteousness of Christ for salvation, and lead a holy life.

Q. 14. Is it entirely for Christ's sake, that such persons are saved?