"Last Sabbath there were three infants baptized," added Mrs. Dermott. "Can you tell me, Walter, why water was used?"
"No, ma'am."
"Water is an element used for cleansing. Parents who carry their children to this ordinance realize that they have inherited corruption, and are unholy and unclean; therefore they desire them to be washed, or purified. But I shall explain this more fully to you under another question."
[CHAPTER XIX.]
MAN'S MISERY; OR, THE BATTLE FIELD.
QUESTION XIX. What is the misery of that estate whereinto man fell?
ANSWER. All mankind by the fall lost communion with God, are under his wrath and curse, and so made liable to all the miseries of this life, to death itself, and to the pains of hell forever.
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IT was now the last week in March; and the children were looking forward with great delight to the making of their gardens.
The last year, Mr. Dermott selected from his grounds a pleasant, sunny spot, had it ploughed and enriched, and then divided it into four small lots for his children. They were allowed to plant just what they chose, and to take the entire care of their own enclosure. This plan succeeded so well, and afforded so much innocent and healthful amusement to the little ones, that their father was induced to repeat the experiment.
These pleasant anticipations, however, did not detract from their interest in the catechisings; and on the evening of Thursday they were in their places, eager as ever for the exercise to begin.