THE PREFACE.

Reader,
THE true intent of this Catechism is to instruct men in
the duties and principles of Christianity: it contains
no jejune notions, to scare persons of whatever perswasion
from reading of it; it being only a brief Compendium of those
Duties which are scattered in the Scriptures. I confess it
was chiefly intended for the benefit of the younger sort, that
they might be early acquainted with their duty from the Scriptures,
which are able to make them wise unto Salvation:
but I am hopefull it shall also prove of general use.
I am not ignorant how it is now become a fashion to alledg
Scripture-authority for the defence of every opinion, be it never
so monstrous. But this cheat being so easily discovered, I am
perswaded men will not reject the plain doctrines of Scripture.
I have not made use of controverted texts, neither have
I imposed my own comment upon any mans belief. In the First
Part I have very briefly laid down only these Principles that
are undoubtable amongst the best Reformed part of Christendom,
and which very fairly consist with the practice of vertue
and morality. In the Second Part I have laid down these Duties,
which every mans understanding will tell him are unquestionable;
they being indeed the plain duties of morality;
of which I may say, as it is, Luke 10. 28. This do, and
thou shalt live. As for those private devotions in the close,
I have laid them down in Scripture-expressions, because the
style of the Holy Ghost is undoubtedly the fittest for spiritual
services; so that I may say of it, as David of Goliah's Sword,
there is none like it.
I shall conclude with my advice to Parents and children.
Parents, surely it is your duty to provide for the education of
your children. Under the old dispensation, Parents were commanded
to teach their children diligently the statutes and
commandments of God: And this is expressed in the New
Testament, by bringing them up in the nurture and admonition
of the Lord. It was the advice and counsel of the
wise man, Prov.22.6. Train up a child in the way he should
go; and when he is old he will not depart from it. If
Parents neglect to instruct their children in the ways of God,
children will, without difficulty, train up themselves in the
practice of vice and immorality. And it is certain, accordingly
as they are at first seasoned, they will retain that savour.
O the heinous guilt that many Parents bring upon themselves
by this neglect; and the lamentable misery they bring upon
their children! I wish I could say that this hath not been the
great cause of those monstrous impieties that so much abound
amongst us. As for children, it is undoubtedly their duty to
hearken to the instruction of their Parents, except it be such
as cause to err. If indeed Parents shall be so cruel to their
children, as to mislead them, and only teach them their own
self-chosen opinions, and not the statutes and commandments
of God; I must pity the case of those children, and desire
them to hearken to the Psalmist's advice, Psal. 34. 11. Come
ye children, hearken unto me; I will teach you the fear
of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth
many days, that he may see good? keep thy tongue from
evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil,
and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.