Course 1, Chapter 41: Messiah foretold — Prophecy of Ezechiel. (A. C. 580. \

1. Who was the seventh prophet of the Messiah '?

The seventh prophet of the Messiah was Ezechiel, All the predictions of the other prophets against Jerusalem had been accomplished. The city was destroyed, and its inhabitants were captives in Babylon. At this time, God raised up Ezechiel to take charge once more of his people, to encourage and console them.

2. What approaching event did Ezechiel announce?

To prove the truth of his predictions concerning the Messiah, Ezechiel announced to the Jews that they would be delivered from captivity, and that the temple of Jerusalem would be rebuilt, which happened a few years after.

3. Did he not announce another event?

He announced, also, tint conurin r from the time of his prediction, E jjypt would never have again a prince of her own blood; and now, for more than two thousand three hundred years, Egypt has constantly bowed benef^h a foreign sceptre. The greatest infidels of our <lays have themselves acknowledged the fulfil ment of this prophecy.

Q What did Ezechiel say concerning the Messiah?

A. Ezechiel said that the Messiah would be of the race of U.ivid; that he would be the one pastor who would re-unite the Jews and the Gentiles into one sheepfold; that he would establish a new law, more perfect than the old, and which would subsist for ever. Our Lord Jesus Christ alone ha verified all these characters; he is, therefore, the Messiah foretold by Ezechiel.*

4. Did any other prophet appear during the captivity of Babylon? •

During the captivity of Babylon there appeared Daniel, another great prophet.

5. Where was D.iniel brought up?

Daniel, with three young Israelites, named Ananias, Misael and Azarias, was brought up at the court of Nabuchadonosor, king of Babylon. In the midst of idolaters, they always remained faithful to their religion, refusing for conscience' sake to eat of the food furnished them from the king's table.

6. How did the Lord reward their fidelity?

The Lord rewarded their fidelity by granting th"m extraordinary knowledge and rendering them accept' able to Nabuchadonosor.

7. What happened to this prince?

It happened that lie had a mysterious dream which troubled him greatly, and which he could not recall to mind. He required, nevertheless, an explanation of the dream. Daniel, inspired by God, com plied with the wish of the king. The dream signified

]-2 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

that fonr ore at kingdoms, that of the Babylonians, that of the Persians, that of the Greeks, and that of the Romans, were to succeed one another, and be followed by the kingdom of our Lord, viz: the church.

Q What did Nabuchadonosor do after this?

A. Nabuchadonosor caused a great statue to be made, and ordered all to adore it. The young Israelites refused to obey. The king caused Ananias, Misael and Azarias to be thrown into a burning furnace, where the Lord miraculously preserved them.