Westminster Larger Catechism: A Commentary

B. B. Warfield remarked almost a century ago that the Westminster Larger Catechism has received sparse attention in comparison to the Confession and Shorter Catechism. In fact, apart from a reprint of the 1731 commentary on the Larger Catechism by Thomas Ridgley, and a chapter on the theology of the Larger Catechism by Morton Smith in volume one of The Westminster Confession Into the 21st Century, no other significant study of the Westminster Larger Catechism remains in print today. In light of this, students of Reformed theology should welcome Vos’s contribution. Vos offers excellent commentary, laying bare the basic structure of the catechism. The first main section (questions 5-90) explains “what men ought to believe concerning God” and the second main section (questions 91-196) discusses “the duty which God requires of man.” These two basic divisions structure the theology contained in the larger catechism and furnish a useful pedagogical framework for Sunday school classes and Bible studies. - Jeff Waddington - Westminster Bookstore Staff

Publisher Review:

Of the three documents that comprise the Westminster Standards, the Larger Catechism has been the most neglected, even by conservative Presbyterians who profess to embrace these Standards. J. G. Vos wrote a series of studies of the Larger Catechism that first appeared in Blue Banner Faith and Life (1946-49) and has never circulated widely. G. I. Williamson has edited Vos’s commentary, and P&R; is publishing it in book form for the first time. Because the Larger Catechism supplements the Shorter Catechism on such topics as the church and the means of grace, Presbyterians dare not ignore it.