baptism of repentance* for the remission of sins: as it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, Ye offspring of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come ? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance; and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid

*Repentance.-The Greek word here rendered 'repentance,' as well as the kindred verb rendered ‹ repent,' is in this, and several other passages, translated in the Vulgate Latin by pænitentia;' and in the Rheims version by the English word (derived from that) penance,' which is contracted from 'penitence.'

We shall render the Greek words in question by the English words repentance' or 'penitence,' and 'repent.' For Roman Catholics, including under the words repentance or penitence, not only internal sorrow for sin, with purpose of future amendment: but also a disposition on the part of the penitent, to manifest his inward sorrow for sin by penitential works, do in fact include in the word repent,' all that they mean by the phrase do penance; whereas although the word 'penance, according to Roman Catholic doctrine, essentially implies internal sorrow for sin, it conveys to Protestants only the idea of certain austerities, or voluntary sufferings, or at least certain exercises peculiar to the Church of Rome. It is obvious, therefore, that while Roman Catholics are in no danger of being misled by the use of the words' repentance' or 'penitence,' Protestants would be in danger of being misled by the use of the words penance and do penance.

unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

And the multitude asked him, saying, What then shall we do? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him bestow upon him that hath none; and he that hath food, let him do likewise. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers also asked him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said to them, Do violence to no man; neither accuse any man falsely; and be content with your pay.

And as people were in suspense, and all were imagining in their hearts of John, that perhaps he might be the Christ, John answered, saying to them all, I indeed baptize you with water: but there cometh one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will cleanse his floor, and will gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. And many other things exhorting did he preach to the people.

But Herod the tetrarch, when he was reproved by him concerning Herodias his brother's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done; he added this also above all, and shut up John in prison.

Now, it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, heaven was opened; and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape as a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven; Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

WORDS, &C. TO BE EXPLAINED IN LESSON IV.

WHEN did the word of God come to John?

Where did John preach?

What did he preach?

What was written by Esaias about him?

What did he say to the multitude who came to be baptized?

What answer did he give to those who asked him, what they should do?

What did he say to the publicans?

What to the soldiers?

What did John say to those who thought that he might be the Christ?

Why did Herod put John in prison?

LESSON V.

The Temptation of Christ.

FROM LUKE IV. 1-14.

AND Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the desert, being forty days tempted of the devil.* And in those days he did eat nothing; and when they were ended he was hungry.

And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made

* St. Mark says, that he was with the wild beasts.

bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

And the devil, leading him up into an high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said

unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore will worship me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answering said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a time. [St. Matthew adds,] And, behold angels came and ministered unto him.

[Respecting the temptation of the Saviour, the Apostle Paul thus writes in the Epistle to the Hebrews:]

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest towards God, to be a propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.— Heb. ii. 17, 18.

[And again]-Having then a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of

For we

God, let us hold fast our profession. have not an high priest who cannot sympathize with our infirmities; he having been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come with confidence unto the throne of grace, that we obtain mercy, and find grace obtain seasonable aid.-Heb. iv. 14-16.

to

WORDS, &c. TO BE EXPLAINED IN LESSON V.

WHERE was Christ led by the Spirit?
How long was he tempted of the devil?
How long was he without eating?
What use did the devil make of this?

What answer did Jesus give him?

What did the tempter show Christ from the mountain ?
Upon what condition did he promise to give him all?

What did Christ say to this?

What was the next temptation?

What did Christ say to this?

Whence did Christ obtain the arguments which he made use of?

What reason does St. Paul give for this temptation?
What encouragement does it afford to us?