The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-07-21
A Russian Church CatecI,ism

UOCTdCs. III II lHc SZdi vi
him all the power, privilege and au-
thcrity that the most vindictive GOD
of heather mythology might ask The
God whom the Christians worship
seem to be mentioned chiefly for the
purpose OF comparing him with the
Gar. A Russian catechism does not
ask its believers simply to love God
and keep his commandments, but in
stead 10 love the Car as they would
their God, for the reason that they are
Gods commandments.
The version of a Russian catechism
given herewith purports to be a trans
lation printed under the special direc-
ton of the Car for English readers.
In the preface which accompanies il 1t
is said to be "the product of several
eminent Russian theologians, acting
under TIE Empercr's direction. 1t is in
tended expressly, though not exc!u-
sively, for the use of the schools and
churches in those provinces once Gel
nominated Poland in order that sound
and efficient principles of loyalty and
religion may be deeply instilled into
the mind of the subject. from his ear
Hest period of childhood. "** 1t Is
an authentic version issued by The
church authorities at st. Petersburg"
Question lin what light is the au-
thority of the Emperor to be consider
ed with reference to the spirit OF
Christianity?
Answer-As proceeding Immediately
from God.
Question 2-How is this proved by
the nature of things?
Answer-It is by the will of God that
men live in society; hence, the various
relations that constitute society; which
for it's better security is divided into
parts called nations. The government
of these is trusted to a prince, king or
emperor, or, in other words to = ST.
preme ruler. We see, then, that as
man exists in conformity to the will OF
God, society emanates from the divine
will, and more especially the supreme
, power and authority Of u lord and
master, the Gar.
Question 3-What duties doth reilg-
ion teach us, the humble SUBJECTS OF
his majesty the Emperor of Russia, to
practice toward him?
Answe1-Worship, obedience, fidelity,
the payment of taxes, service, love and
PRAYER: the whole being comprised IN
the words worship and fidelity.
Question 4-Wherein does this Wor-
shin consist and how should it be
manifested?
Answer-By the most unqualified
reverence, in words, gestures, demean-
or, thoughts and actions.
Question 5-What kind Of obedience
| do yuo cUo him2
Answer-An entire, passive and un-
bounded obedience, in every point OF
view.
Question Elm what consists the IL
deity we owe to the Emperor?
/ Answer-In executing his commands
most vigorously, and without eXanl
nation; in performing the duties he re-
ouires from us; and in doing every
: thing willingly and without murntur-
ing.
Question lis it obligatory on lis tc
nav taxes to our gracious sovereign, tnf
i Emperor?
Answer-It is incumbent on us to pay
every tax, in compliance with his su
preme commands, both as to the
I amount and when due.
Question SIS the service OF his ma
:, jesty the Emperor obligatory to US!
.AnsWer-Absolutely so. We shoult
if required, sacrifice ourselves, in com
pliance with his will, both in a clvl
and military capacity, and IN Wna'eVe
manner he deems ~eXpedlent.
Question 9-WEat benevolent SenIl
ments and love are due to the En-
peror?
i Answer-We should manifest GU.
el good will and affection, according u
our station, in ~erdeavoring to promot
the prosperity of our native and Ras
e STA. as we'll as that of the Emperor
our father, and OF his august family.
Question lois it incumbent on u
eI tn pray for the Emperor and for Rus
IL STA, our country?
II Answer-Both publicly and privately
beseeching the Almighty to grant tn
: Emperor health, integrity, happlneS
and security. The same is appllcaol
tn the country, which constitutes a
indivisible part of the Emperor.
II Question 11-What principles are
o. opposition to these duties?
,e| acknowledgements, d~lsoDed1ehc
infdedity, malevolence, treason, muI
ny and revolt.
Question Pillow are irreVeren,
and infdelity to the Emperor to [
considered in reference to God?
Answer-As a most heinous sin, II
most frightful criminality.
Question 13.-Does religion, then, 10
,v hid us to rebel and overthrow the go
ernmen of the Emperor?
id Answer-We are interdicted from
MI doing at all times and under any q
d. cumstances.
p- Question 14.-Independently Of Il
OIL worship we 1--WE the Emperor are v
orl called upon to respect the pubic a
usI thorities emanating from him.?
rs Answer-Yes, because they emana
nsl from him, represent him and act
his substitutes, so that the Emperor
odl everywhere.
es Ouetion 15-What motives have Y
Lei l.4:ar ahnro QnNmpratpi