THE PREFACE.

THE Catechism of the Church is
so clear, and comprehensive, as to
want neither Exposition, nor Enlargement:
However, to make it the fitter
to attend upon the Publick Service of God,
in a large Congregation; I have with entire
submission to my Superiours taken the
liberty to publish it with Three Improvements:
if I may so call them 1. By dividing
it into proportionable Sections, for the
dispatching of the whole in a convenient Period
of time: 2. By confirming all the Branches
of it with Scriptural Proofs: And 3.
By explaining more fully some parts of it,
and especially the Articles of the Creed;
and that these Additions may not seem to
claim an equal rank with the rest, they are
printed in a distinct Character. I know, the
Catechism hath been attended so often
within these few Years, with useful Enlargements
from several hands; that to come
after them with such a slight performance,

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may be counted a mean undertaking: But
having a particular design to pursue, which
none of those did exactly answer; some
being too copious, and elaborate, and the rest
not suiting perfectly with my Scheme I
have ventur'd upon a new Model, for the use
of the Parish committed to my trust: In
which I was desirous according to my duty
to settle an easie Method of Catechizing upon
every Lord's day, in the time of Divine
Service; as hoping then to do it with the
greatest success.
For this reason I have divided the Work
into XII Portions of such a moderate compass,
as that one of them may without trouble
be finish'd at a time; and the whole in
a Circle of Three Months: And by such an
instructive variety of Matter, there will be
no fear I presume of tiring the Congregation.
If it be thought, that some of the
Sections are made of an inconvenient
length, by multiplying the Proofs, and lay too
heavy a burthen upon the young learners; the
Affair may be thus order'd, at the discretion
of the Catechist: I have upon no Head exceeded
the number of Four Proofs; and
when there is such choice, upon the first going
over of the Catchism, the first Proof
may be given; and at the second time the
second, and so on, where the number will
bear it: By which means they may all be dispatched
in a Year, and the Children may
have nothing impos'd upon them above their
capacities: And both they, and the whole Congregation
may be much edify'd by the customary
use of so many necessary Lessons from
the Holy Scripture: and when any one of the
Proofs to a Branch is publickly repeated, they
who look upon the Catechism, may have the
rest in their Eye, and be able to treasure them
up for their own benefit.
This indeed was my principal aim, to furnish
my young Parishioners with a stock of
Divine Instructions; and to teach them by
this Essay the way of using the Scriptures:
And though for good Reasons, I have chosen
my Proofs wholly out of the New Testament,
which is the proper ground of all Christian
Doctrine; yet after this Pattern, they
may improve all the parts of the Bible to
Knowledge, and Piety, and Vertue. The
Proofs which I have selected from the great
plenty before me, are set down in a Catechetical
Form, and in words at length; because
the bare pointing to them by Marginal References,
hath not the due effect upon the generality
of the People, for want of their diligence
to consult them: Whereas such Passages
inculcated to them in the Publick Assemblies,
and laid up in their Memories; may
prove very instrumental by the Grace of
God to guide their Steps, and to preserve
them against Errour, and Sin. The same
advantage may be expected from the like
Method in Private Families: And I would
earnestly beseech Parents, and Masters, not
to be wanting in this Charitable Office to
those under their care; but to initiate them
seasonably in the Principles of Religion, and
to prepare them regularly for Confirmation,
according to the excellent Order of the
Church, and the Example of the Primitive
Times: That by such early engagements,
they may be fitted for higher degrees of Proficiency;
and may walk uprightly in the midst
of a crooked Generation, neither declining
to the right hand, nor to the left. Domestick
Institution is to lead the way to the
Church; and 'tis a true Observation,
made by one very eminent in Learning,
and Piety; Let us preach never so
many Sermons unto the People, our labour
is but lost, as long as the Foundation
is unlaid, and the first Principles untaught,
upon which all other Doctrine
must be builded: And therefore no Christian,
that hath under him any tender, and
uninstructed Souls, can be ignorant of his
Duty in training them up Religiously; a
Duty visible even by the light of Nature;
and commanded by God to his ancient People;
and recommended by Apostolical Exhortations;
and acknowledg'd in all Ages to
be of Universal Necessity. Let us then be
active, and faithful in discharging this Obligation;
as knowing that we must give an
account to God, for the little ones entrusted
with us: But when we have done what lies
in our power, we must depend upon the Divine
Blessing, for the success of our Endeavours;
for Neither is he
planteth any thing, neither he
that watereth; but God that giveth the
increase.