Each catechetical answer has been analyzed, and the subjects it contains carefully studied by us individually. Then we have unitedly agreed upon the method of explaining, illustrating, and enforcing its truths. For the theology and ethics of these little volumes the author is mainly responsible; but the background, drapery, and shading of the picture, on which much of the interest and utility of the work depends, is to be ascribed mainly to the authoress, whose nom de plume is associated with his name upon the title page. After a careful revision and preparation for the press, the work is given to the public in the hope that it may aid parents, Sabbath school teachers, and pastors in the religious education of the dear children committed to their care, and may enable the rising generation better to understand these subjects of divine knowledge, and more tenaciously to "hold fast the form of sound words." CONTENTS OF VOLUME I. ——————————— CHAPTER I. MAN'S CHIEF END; OR, LITTLE LOTTY CHAPTER II. THE BIBLE; OR, THE SAILOR BOY CHAPTER III. THE DIVINE RULE; OR, AOLA CHAPTER IV. THE CHARACTER OF GOD; OR, PRAYER IN THE ASSEMBLY CHAPTER V. THE UNITY OF GOD; OR, THE MISSION HOUSE CHAPTER VI. THE GODHEAD; OR, THE SILENCED INFIDEL CHAPTER VII. THE PURPOSE OF GOD; OR, THE NEW HOUSE CHAPTER VIII. EXECUTION OF GOD'S PURPOSE; OR, THE POOR MINISTER CHAPTER IX. THE CREATION OF THE WORLD; OR, THE PATENT OFFICE CHAPTER X. THE CREATION OF MAN; OR, THE WAX DOLL CHAPTER XI. PROVIDENCE; OR, THE ILL-FATED BOAT CHAPTER XII. THE COVENANT OF WORKS; OR, THE FIRST WEDDING CHAPTER XIII. THE FALL OF MAN; OR, THE MYSTERIOUS BOX CHAPTER XIV. THE NATURE OF SIN; OR, THE CONVICT CHAPTER XV. THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT; OR, THE BROKEN RULE CHAPTER XVI. THE BROKEN COVENANT; OR, THE FAMILY OF THIEVES CHAPTER XVII. MAN'S FALLEN STATE; OR, THE DEPOSED MINISTER CHAPTER XVIII. MAN'S SINFULNESS; OR, THE DISEASED FAMILY CHAPTER XIX. MAN'S MISERY; OR, THE BATTLE FIELD CHAPTER XX. ELECTION AND REDEMPTION; OR, THE NEW HOME CHAPTER XXI. CHRIST, THE REDEEMER; OR, THE PARDONED REBELS THEOLOGY IN ROMANCE. [Illustration] CHAPTER I. MAN'S CHIEF END; OR, LITTLE LOTTY. QUESTION I. _What is the chief end of man?_ ANSWER. Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever. —————— IT was truly a pleasant scene; the cheerful fire burned brightly in the grate, as the little group gathered around their mother, their eyes sparkling with the eager anticipation of pleasure. The hour so much longed for had arrived; and Mrs. Dermott, taking in her hand a nicely-bound volume of the Catechism, proceeded, in fulfilment of her promise, to explain and illustrate it to her youthful audience. Addressing her eldest son, a bright, active boy of twelve summers, she asked, "Walter, what is the chief end of man?"