(Matt.

xxviii. 19.)

3. Ordained by Christ Himself. 3. Divinely appointed.

3. Ordained by Christ Himself. 3. Divinely appointed. (Luke

4, 5. Means and pledges of grace.

xxii. 19, 20.)

4. Means and pledges of grace. (John vi. 54.)

NOTES, QUESTIONS, ANSWERS,

ETC., ETC.

SECTION I.

THE INTRODUCTION.

1. WHAT is the meaning of a CATECHISM?

A form of instruction by question and answer.

In old times teachers were called " doctors," as we see in Luke ii. 46. When engaged in school, they used to sit at a raised desk, while their pupils were ranged before them, with their heads nearly on a level with the teacher's feet. From this custom S. Paul is said (Acts xxii. 3) to have been brought up "at the feet of Gamaliel," by which is meant that he went to the school or college of which Gamaliel was the master. If we carefully examine the meaning of the word Catechism, we shall be able to discover some allusion to this ancient school custom. The word comes from a Greek verb which means to echo, or sound down, into the ears of a person. No doubt the name was given to this kind of instruction from the echoing made whenever it was employed.

2. What does the Church call her Catechism?

An instruction to be learned by every person, before he be brought to be confirmed by the bishop."

3. What then is meant by the Church Catechism? A catechism set forth by the Church for the instruction of her children in the first principles of their holy religion. The Church Catechism is so short that a child may easily commit it to memory; but at the same time it is so full of meaning, that when drawn out it is capable of affording instruction to the old as well as to the young.

4. What is your name?

N. or M.

B

The answer "N. or M." often puzzles children. In the old Latin service books we find it printed "N. or NN.," in which "N." stood for nomen, name, and "NN.," for nomina, names. In old English writing the NN. was shortened into a form which came to be represented in printed books by M. This makes the answer plain. The child or person questioned is expected to give his or her Christian name or names. The custom of doubling letters when more than one person or thing is meant is not uncommon. 'S." stands for saint, while "SS." stands for saints. "MS." stands for manuscript, while "MSS." stands for manuscripts.

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5. How many names have you?

Two; my Christian name and my Surname.

The former of these may consist of one or several names. Most of the Queen's children have several names, and some among ourselves have two or more, e.g., John Henry Stephen, William Herbert, Eleanor Gertrude, Charles Cuthbert, George Henry, Mary Beatrice, Arthur Keble, etc. In former days English people in general had only one name, as John, Thomas, Mary, Elizabeth; and they were further known by their occupation, as John Smith, or the smith; Thomas Fuller, or the fuller; Walter (Wat) Tiler, or the tiler. Sometimes by adding the father's name, as William John's son, William Johnson; William Wilkin's son, William Wilkinson. The women took, as now, the names of their husbands. The names of trades, etc., thus added on to the Christian names, have gradually become permanent surnames. They are said to have been first assumed in England a little before the Norman Conquest (1066); but did not become common till the time of Edward II. (1307-1327).

6. From whom do you get your Surname ?

From my sire or father.

Surname is derived from the French sur, another form of the Latin super, meaning 66 66 over and above," and nomen, a name. It means, therefore, a name given over and above, or in addition to, our Christian name. In old deeds it is written above the

Christian name. Surname also coincides accidentally with "sir" or sire-name, the paternal name.

7. Who gave you your Christian name?

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My Godfathers and my Godmothers in my Baptism." The Christian name is given, not inherited. It is given at baptism to indicate our 66 new birth." There are many instances in the Holy Bible of new names being given in connection with a change of spiritual circumstances (see Gen. xvii. 5, xxxii. 28; John i. 42; Acts xiii. 9; Luke i. 59, ii. 21). God has shown that such

:

names, so given, are of importance. Christian names are a sign that those who bear them are followers of Christ. They ought not, therefore, to be given lightly, irreverently, or foolishly. There are three ways in which Christian names may be reverently selected (1) For their meaning: such as John, the grace of God; Theodore, the gift of God; Samuel, asked of God. (2) As the names of Old or New Testament saints, such as Joseph, Hannah, David, Thomas, Matthew, Paul, Mary, Elizabeth, and Martha. (3) As the names of saints and worthies of later days, such as Agnes, Helen or Ellen, Lucy, Theresa, Edward, Alfred, Arthur, Keble, George, Herbert, William.-Annotated Book of Common Prayer.

8. Why is it called your Christian name ?

Because it was given me when I was christened, or when in baptism I "put on Christ" (see Gal. iii. 27, latter clause; Isa. lxii. 2; also Article xxvII.).

The name we receive in baptism is termed our Christian name, because we have "put on Christ." Think, then, how we ought to behave so as to be worthy of Christ, and remember that He is especially dishonoured by those who profess to be His followers but do not act according to His will. It is recorded of Alexander the Great, that when a soldier was brought before him and accused of cowardice, he asked him his name. "Alexander," he replied. As soon as the king heard it, he reproached him angrily for his conduct, and bade him either change his name or his behaviour; for a person called Alexander should never behave in a manner so unworthy.

9. Mention other names applied to Godparents. Sponsors and Sureties.

10. Why are they called by these names?

Sponsors, because they answered for us; and sureties, because they bound themselves in our name.

The use of godfathers and godmothers was probably derived from the Jews, who had a similar institution; it is imagined by some that the two witnesses spoken of by Isaiab (viii. 2) as assisting at the naming of his son were employed in this manner. The use of the present number of sponsors is sanctioned by so remote an antiquity that its real origin is lost in obscurity.-Penny Post.

11. How many Sponsors does our Church require ?

Three A boy has two godfathers and one godmother; a girl has two godmothers and one godfather.