Keach's Catechism Q2

[Matthew Beech]

I noticed, looking at various versions of Keach's Catechism, that Q2 isn't always the same.

One version has the question as "What is the chief end of man?"

The hard copy I have has something different, "Ought every one to believe there is a God?"

Nowhere does it have the question about the chief end of man.

Does anyone know which is the original, or of the chief end of man was ever even mentioned in the catechism?

I find it disappointing if it was left out. I find this to be a very important question.

 

[Iconoclast]

I noticed, looking at various versions of Keach's Catechism, that Q2 isn't always the same.

One version has the question as "What is the chief end of man?"

The hard copy I have has something different, "Ought every one to believe there is a God?"

Nowhere does it have the question about the chief end of man.

Does anyone know which is the original, or of the chief end of man was ever even mentioned in the catechism?

I find it disappointing if it was left out. I find this to be a very important question.

Keach's Catechism

The Baptist Library

The Baptist catechism [microform] : commonly called Keach's catechism : or, a brief instruction in the principles of the Christian religion : agreeably to the confession of faith put forth by upwards of an hundred congregations in Great Britain, July 3, 1689, and adopted by the Philadelphia Baptist Association, September 22, 1742 : Keach, Benjamin, 1640-1704 : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive

Comparison of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and Keach’s Baptist Catechism

 

[Matthew Beech]

That's pretty much what I found. Based on what I've been able to find, it would seem to be in the original versions (both 1677 and 1689) and removed from the 1851 reprint.

In fact, it seems that five questions were removed. I haven't researched the other four yet. I wonder if it was to differentiate it from the Westminster.

 

[Greektim]

I am trying to figure the same thing out!!! I have even made comparisons from 2 different sources between William Collins' Baptist Catechism (aka Keach's Catechism that doesn't have the 1st q of the WSC as the 2nd q) and Keach's Catechism (the one that is closer to the WSC).

Ironically, I have also found a variance (among others) on the definition of baptism:
The Collins version (Keach w/o the WSC influence): Baptism is an ordinance of the New Testament instituted by Christ, to be unto the party baptized a sign of his fellowship with Him, in His death, burial, and resurrection; of his being engrafted into Him; of remission of sins; and of giving up himself unto God through Jesus Christ, to live and walk in newness of life.

The Keach w/ WSC: Baptism is an holy ordinance, wherein the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, signifies our ingrafting into Christ and partaking of the benefits of the covenant of grace, and our engagement to be the Lord's.

Here are some sources that present the various Baptist/Keach's Catechism:
The Baptist Catechism
Also see:
Baptist Catechism

Versus

www.reformedreader.org/ccc/keachcat.htm
For a helpful comparison between Keach’s Catechism and the WSC, see:
Comparison of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and Keach’s Baptist Catechism