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There is one catechism that Joseph P. Engles is especially known for: Catechism for Young Children: Being an Introduction to the Shorter Catechism (1840). It is an adaption of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, for younger readers, which we have highlighted before.
But Engles also produced another catechism more focused on church history: The Child’s Catechism of Scripture History. It was published in two volumes consisting of four parts (1841-1852) covering the period from Genesis through the death of King Saul in 1 Samuel.
Beginning with the creation of the world in six days, continuing on through the Flood, the Patriarchs, and going through the stories of Moses, Ruth, Samson, Samuel and many others, the work is very comprehensive and written with a view towards more than memorization of facts, but also incorporates lessons to be learned, and takes not of Christ’s work in the Old Testament period.
Each of the four parts includes between 400 and 500 questions. At the end of the whole there is a section which offers brief reflections on the lessons to be gleaned from sacred history.
Teachers, parents and children may benefit from this work today, which was also appreciated in the mid-1800s when first published. Visit Engles’ page to check out this remarkable catechism, as well as his enduring Catechism for Young Children. He had a heart for teaching children about God’s Word, and it shows in the labors he bestowed on his catechisms.
