as in this mode of instruction, it was peculiarly necessary to examine the capacity of the catechumens, and to select that form of instruction best adapted to it. ness. SECTION XXVI. The fourth quality of the Apostolic catechesis is kindThis quality ought always to be exhibited by masters and teachers, so that they may thus engage the affections of their pupils, and may excite and keep alive within them an ardent thirst for knowledge. In this particular also, we are called upon to admire and imitate the illustrious example of the Apostles, and especially of the Apostle Paul. The most wonderful affection, gentleness, and kindness, pervade the whole of his Epistles. When he writes to the Romans, he accosts both Jews and Gentiles as dear brethren. He warns the Corinthians, as his beloved sons, whom he had begotten in Christ Jesus through the Gospel, 1 Cor. iv. 14, 15. He writes to them out of much affliction and anguish of heart, with many tears, that he may testify his love to them, 2 Cor. ii. 4. He calls the Galatians his little children, of whom he travails in birth again, until Christ be formed in them, Gal. iv. 19 So dear were the Thessalonians to this Apostle, that he was willing to have imparted unto them not only the Gospel of God, but also his own soul; he was gentle among them, even as a nurse cherisheth her children, 1 Thess. ii 7, . He declares that he has the Philippians in his heart, Phil. 1. 7. The same love also is manifested by the other Apostles, Peter, John, and James, in their Epistles; although it cannot be denied, that its most remarkable exhibition is in the character of the Apostle Paul. Hence, then, we hesitate not to affirm, that the Apostles manifested great kindness and love in their mode of conducting catechetical instruc tion. Tracts ON THE INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. I. ON THE DIFFICULTIES ATTENDING THE RIGHT INTERPRETATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. II. DEFENCE OF GRAMMATICAL INTERPRETATION, PARTICULARLY OF THE ENSPIRED WRITINGS. III ON THE FOLLY OF THOSE WHO PHILOSOPHIZE IN INTERPRETING THE SCRIPTURES. IV. ON THE DIFFICULTY ATTENDING THE GRAMMATICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. V. ON ORIGEN, THE FATHER OF THE GRAMMATICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. FROM JO. AUG. ERNESTI'S OPUSCULA PHILOLOGICA CRITICA;-TRANSLATED BY R. B. PATTON. M |