of the novelty thereof and lead us to the consideration of the third reason which is the necessity of so ancient a duty Reas 3 Thirdly Catechizing must be used in the Church of God because it is exceeding necessary which necessity upon serious second thoughts will appear to be great unto all such as desire to be found good proficients in the School of Christ even as necessary as ABC to a childe first going to School as the rudiments of any Arts or Science a man desieth to know and professe as a foundation to building without which it cannot stand as milk for babes new born and therefore it is in Scripture held out in such termes and similitudes viz. Principles Elements Foundation Milk c. All which the Apostle useth in the Text teaching us that this neglected the soul cannot be established in the Doctrine of Christ but be alwaies unstable and as children ready to be tossed to and fro with every winde of doctrine cannot be prepared for and made capable of higher learning to read readily the Doctrine of the Lords Priesthood and their priviledges thereby and those things that should tend to the perfecting of their faith and compleating of their comforts this was the great cause of our Authors sharp reproof of the Hebrewes in the Text for when he came to communicate to and teach them higher lessons in the Schoole of Christ they were not yet perfect in the first form of the principles of Religion nay they cannot grow forward in the graces of Gods Spirit but like children without milk be lank and lean alwaies ready to exspire that principle of life that is in them nay lastly they cannot unchatechized act and move orderly and methodically in the practise of their Christian duties but be very incident to confusion and disorder for without all doubt one great cause of all that confusion that is in mens mindes and actions in these daies is the want of Catechizing whereby they might be enabled to digest those general notions that flie in their brains into certain solid heads and principles which might be standing rules for their direction It being then an exercise so very necessary I hope none can or will deny it to be a usefull duty in the Church especially if we consider the next Reason which is the profit and comfort of this exercise Reas 4 Fourthly Then we shall finde Catechizing as not to be needlesse so to be very profitable and comfortable to the Church of God in general and the subjects of it in particular for by serious enquiry and sensible observation we shall finde it no barren plant in the Lords garden nor yet fruitlesse ordinance to be rejected but that which rightly used and skilfully improved doth produce to the comfort of all Gods children these several advantages Advantages of Catechizing 1. The preservation of the purity of Religion 2. The propagation of it to posterity 3. Preparednesse to increases in the knowledge of Christ 4. Profit by the Word 5. Prevention of falling into error 6. Present capacity of communion at the Lords Table 7. Powerfull disposition to dutie Advantage 1 First then it preserveth the good estate of the Church in the maintenance of purity of Religion for a Catechism rightly framed and grounded on the Scripture is a brief abstract and compendium of the Law and the Testimony whereby all corruptions of doctrine or practise is easily and suddenly discerned and detected and by diligence in this exercise truth is made like the Goldsmiths touchstone ready to receive with approbation all golden doctrine thereunto consonant but to make men fear to tender or if any dare presume readily to reject all base metals of false doctrines or practical innovations that are thereunto dissonant and yet may be sometimes imposed on the Church for this sum of Scripture as it may be called or to use Luthers word Bible of the people or sum of Christian Religion doth with more perspicuity and celerity conclude the truth and with more facility and speed pull off the vizard of a Sic dixit Dominus thus saith the Lord from the face of all false Prophets and Seducers then the reading comparing and considering of the whole body of the Scripture and resolving the same into Catechistical principles which must be the way to oppugn the untruths imposed even as Hippocrates Aphorisms in cases of Physick Cokes Institutes in cases of Law and the short axiomes and standing principles of Philosophy doe more quickly and sharply detect all contrary assertions then the more large and ample Treatises and discussions of the same Hence it may be more then probable that the reason why the Lord Jesus did no more particularly by quoting books chapters and verses prove the truth and purity of his Doctrine preached to the Jewes was for that as the Apostle saith in Rom. 2.18 they knew his will and tryed those things that did dissent from it being as was noted before catechized in the Law we may afso observe that Paul gave Timothy a Catechistical sum of Christian Doctrine which in 2 Tim. 1.13 he cals a * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Rom. 6.12 it is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Analogie of Faith form of sound words and chargeth him to keep fast the same as a preservative of the purity of Religion against the corruptions which our nature is too prone to receive hence also it was that the fathers of the primitive times did usually resolve certain Catechistical * As the Nicene Creed Ephesine and of the several Councels against the Haeresies of Arrius Macedonius and Eudoxius Nestorius and Eutyches verities into short and standing principles for the defending of the Church in the pure truth of Christ Godhead the like against the Arrian other Heresies and moreover we may observe the Devils strongest engine against the purity and prosperity of Religion to have been the obstruction of this exercise when he stirred up Julian the Apostate as his cursed instrument to make a more furious attempt and prevailing assault then the ten first persecutions on the Christian Religion by taking away Christian books and putting down all Schools of Cateehizing for the Devil and his instruments were and are sensible that Catechizing is the thing that impedes the rising of his kingdome for that by it the foundation of Christian Doctrine doth not only remain firm but also the meanest members of the Church are made in some measure capable of contending for the truth and communicating the same to such as by the enjoyment of other parts and abilities are likely to enter the lists with truths opposers in its defence though many eminent pillars even faithfull Ministers of the Gospel be by their rage cut off so that Martyrdome cannot master it but rather propagate it For sanguis Martyrum becomes semen Ecclesiae by watering these Catechetical heads of Gospell Doctrine and therefore the Spanish Jesuites were wont to say they had most hopes when there was
and then by proceeding from those things which were to have been learned for the initiating them in the Doctrine of Christ unto those things that should increase and build up their knowledge toward perfection that so he might not alwaies rest in the foundation what can we imagine the Apostle to mean by foundation and first doctrine from which he would thus in order go forward but the Catechetical heads and standing verities of the Gospel Thirdly if we observe the several heads recited and expressed by the author himself in chap. 6. vers 1 2. as the things they ought to have learned but had neglected being such as these before named repentance from dead works faith in Christ Doctrine of Baptisms laying on of hands resurrection from the dead and eternal Judgement we cannot but determine them to be Catechetical heads taught to the novices and young Christians for the grounding of them in the Doctrine of Christ the which we finde also resolved by the learned in their Expositions on the Text as Deodate on the place saith These are the heads of Christian Doctrine or Catechism which were taught little children and novices in a plain lowly and rough manner Aretius thinks that from hence may be gathered what were the principles and chief heads of the Catechism of those times Beza affirms they were the chief heads of Christianism which they call Catechism and were delivered in short and few words to the ignorant Pareus cals them the first rudiments of Christian faith were wont to be learned by and required from Children and young Christians But Calvin determines from the testimony of the Fathers that they were certain heads which the Pastour used to aske the Catechized resolving that the Author of the Epistle did look back to the form of Catechism then used in the Church with whom Marlorat doth agree not only in judgement but also in expression These things being seriously considered cannot but convince every one studious of the minde of the Holy Ghost of the necessity and divine authority of Catechizing whilest we see the words thus divided and explained to lay before the Hebrews and in them all other Christians those two positive and undeniable duties 1. The first is to be well Cathechized or instructed in the first and main grounds and principles of the Christian Religion that thereby as by a foundation layed they may be made capable of higher Doctrines 2. That being prepared by their Catechism they must not haesitate in though not renounce or recede from first elements but diligently proceed to grow in the knowledge of the doctrines of a higher degree dictated to them the first of these is that I desire may be taken into consideration and therefore from the particular duty dictated by the Apostle to the Hebrews I shall resolve for our instruction this general Observation or point of Doctrine Catechizing or instruction in the principles of Religion is a Gospel-exercise Doct and of necessity to be used in the Churches of God In the prosecution of this truth we shall endevour this Method to which I shall desire diligent attention 1. By way of illustration we shall consider the word and thing Catechize 2. Propound the reasons that may confirm and clear the truth to your judgements 3. Further illustrate the point by considering the matter and manner of this exercise 4. And lastly make some use or application of the point First of the first of these and that is to consider the word and thereby the thing Gatechize Concerning which I must desire you to observe that the word Catechize is no proper English word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Viva voce instituo or dicta repeto but derived of a Greek word which signifies to teach or instruct by a lively and audible voice by the repetition of words as by the reflexion of an eccho and it is generally used for any kinde of instruction or information whatsoever as in Act. 21.24 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They are informed concerning thee Gal. 6.6 Those that are taught in the word to him that teacheth But more especially and properly for instruction in the first rudimeuts of any doctrine but most especially and principally the Christian Religion see Rom. 2.18 Catechized in the Law 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 imbuâ—t docere incepit paulatâ—m assuefecit so in Act. 8.15 Luk. 1.4 this word Catechize in the Greek answereth unto Hanach in the Hebrew which signifies to instruct to begin to teach to accustome by a little alluding unto Dyers that by degrees do dip and give colours to their Stuffs hence comes the Hebrew word Hanich which signifies a novice or one in learning the first rudiments both which are frequently read in the Old Testament From the signification of the word thus opened we may easily collect and conclude what is the thing and we shall finde that Catechizing is a plain perspicuous and familiar way of teaching the ignorant and weak capacities in the first rudiments and principles of the Christian Religion drawn from the Doctrines of the Prophets and Apostles This is that exercise whereby babes in Christ are fed with milk and prepared for the receiving and digesting of stronger meat this is that that layeth the foundation of Christ in the soul which must by higher Doctrine be built up unto perfection and this then is the Ordinance of God and Gospel exercise to be used in the Churches of Christ Having briefly past the Consideration of the word and thing we come now to speak to the second thing propounded and therein to lay before you the reasons that may prove Catechizing to be a Gospel exercise and to be used in the Churches of God the which we shall resolve into these heads which being cleared to our judgements cannot but convince of the truth of the point 1. The excellency of Catechizing 2. The antiquity of Catechizing 3. The necessity of Catechizing 4. The utility or profit of Catechizing 5. The facility or easines of Catechizing Reas 1 The first reason is from the excellency of Catechizing for that which appears to be a duty excellent will plead divine stamp and call for entertainment in the Churches and amongst the people of God the excellent upon earth Psal 16.3 Now my brethren we shall on serious observation finde Catechizing to be so far from a base low carnal and beggerly exercise that it hath alwaies been in the Church of God and been had in great esteem and reverence as very excellent yea as such an exercise which the greatest Emperors most honourable Senators and chiefest of Martyrs for Gods truth thought sutable to themselves and worthy their subjection nay to which also the wisest Philosophers and most reverend Fathers of the Churches such as Justin Martyr as Augustine Ambrose and others cheerfully submitted to when God opened their eyes and inclined their hearts to the embracing and
which the fabrick of grace and of the knowledge of Jesus Christ may be erected and built up without all doubt of falling nay with confidence of standing against the tempestuous assaults of all false doctrine and fiery persecution and therefore the Church of God hath in different ages propounded those principall and speciall verities that in such ages have been oppugned by gainsayers of the truth and the enemies of the Church as Catechetical Doctrine to establish the people of God in the Truths resisted Thus did the Nicene Councell in the time of the Arrians Heresie and therefore the learned considering what should be the heads of the Catechism some have resolved in generall the Law and the Gospel others the Decalogue or Ten Commandements and Creed commonly called Symbolum Apostolicum Apostles Creed others the Doctrine of Gods Will and his Works others the Ten Commandements the Creed the Doctrine of Baptism and the Lords Supper and Prayer others the misery of man by Sin his recovery by Christ and thankfulnesse to God for so great mercy but not to stand on the determination of the several particular heads we may confound their several judgements and finde them all center in the general before expressed in which we may safely acquiesce that the heads and principles of Christian Religion must be the matter of Catechizing which may more fully be proved by these Reasons Reas 1 1. It is prescribed by God to his Church in that by his Spirit he taught Adam to instruct his sons in the promise of the Messiah as the ground of Sacrifice and to Abraham the matter of whose Catechism may be probably conjectured to be the Covenant God made with him and with his seed he expresly commands the Doctrine of the Law and Passeover to be the matter of the Catechisms taught by the Jewes to their children when in Exod. 12.26 When they celebrated the Passeover God enjoyns them to shew their children how God passed over them in the land of Egypt and the Doctrine of the Law and Gods dealing with the Israelites Moses in the Name of the Lord prescribes as the matter of Catechism in Deut. 6.7 and from this Catechetical matter it is that Paul cals them Catechized in the Law in Rom. 2.18 Reas 2 The second Reason it was propounded by Christ and his Apostles for we shall finde the sum or matter of their Catechizing to be the main principles of Christian Religion as in Christ his instruction of his Disciples was in that main standing principle of Religion so much oppugned by the world that he was the Christ the Son of the living God and the author of this Epistle gives us a very clear account of the main heads of the Apostolick Catechism in these five heads Faith in Christ repentance from dead works doctrine of Baptisms laying on of hands and the Resurrection of the dead Heb. 6.2 Which are clear Scriptural and fundamental notions and Timothy being Catechized is said to have learned the Scripture from his youth 2 Tim. 3.15 Reas 3 The third Reason This was the matter of Catechizing in the primitive and pure times of the Church after the Apostles for they instructed in the Doctrine of the Trinity and faith in Christ the Mediator and the like as may appear by ancient writings and the Caterhisms of the Fathers as Augustine and others We read of many converted to the Faith of Christ in the Catechizing School of Alexandria and so well grounded in the Faith of Christ that they were fitted for Martyrdome and chearfully submitted to the same Six of Origens Disciples whereof some were but learning their Catechism are recorded at one time to be led to Martyrdome certainly then the matter of this exercise could be no other then the chief principles of the Christian Religion The fourth Reason It is only Catechizing in Scripture Doctrine and principles of Religion that train up in the fear of God in truth and godlinesse which all children ought to be educated in this matter is proper to that excellent end of this exercise viz. the glory of God and salvation of the soul before spoken of and therefore this only must be the matter of Catechizing for in all effects to be produced there must be a sutablenesse between the causa and the causatum These precedent reasons being seriously considered I hope may clear it to every rational man's judgement that the matter of Catechizing must alwaies be the heads and yet only the heads of Christian Religion that are matters of Faith and standing principles And now before I proceed to make known to you the manner of this exercise I must make a little stay to remove an Objection framed from this matter against this exercise thus Object Sir seeing that the sum of Christian Religion extracted out of Scripture as Repentance Faith Sacraments Resurrection and the Doctrine of the Trinity and the like must be as you say the proper matter of Catechizing Wherein doth it differ from preaching which we all know to be an ordinance of Jesus Christ treating of the Doctrine of the Scripture and that very matter that you have mentioned to be the matter of this exercise and if it do not differ may it not be sufficient that we submit to Preaching but we must needs have Catechizing which doth but the same thing imposed on us as so necessary a duty and distinct from Preaching Answ 1 It will not follow first because Preaching and Catechizing are conversant about the same matter nay and also carry on to the same end that they are not different and distinct duties each from other for they may treat of the same matter in different manners for though Faith and Hope are conversant about the same matter the promises and center in the same end of accomplishment and enjoyment yet I hope no man will deny them to be different and distinct graces in the soul and again though the preaching of the Word and administration of the Sacrament commend to us the same matter of Christ crucified in so much as that they are called the one verbum audibile the audible word to be heard and the other verbum visibile the word to be seen and so both the Word yet it will not follow but that they are different and distinct Ordinances and not the same even as the learning of ABC is different and distinct from ready reading which is but a recitall of the same material letters and the learning of the first rules of any Art or Science is different from more perfect proceeding in the same Art or Science whether Logick Philosophy or the like Answ 2 Secondly We shall now shew unto you that though Catechizing and Preaching do treat of the same matter the Doctrine of Scripture yet they are different and distinct Ordinances in the Church of God and not to stand on the consideration of them as distinctly commanded in the Scripture and have alwaies been distinctly subjected to in the Churches of God
in the Church for his Catechizing Is it not recorded to the glory of Ambrose that he was in his Catechism when called to the charge of the Church at Millaine Let men therefore consider it may be a shame to want Catechizing but it must be our honour to submit to this exercise and be Catechized and whosoever shall make it a brand of reproach to be Catechized to be ashamed of doing duty themselves and deride others for their cheerful discharge thereof let it be their brand that they have through ignorance vilified and despised a Gospel exercise and let the people know and settle it in their judgements that Catechizing being a Gospel exercise is good and honourable 2. Use of the point is to reprove seeing that Catechizing is Gods Ordinance a Gospel exercise to be used in the Churches of Jesus Christ it doth justly bespeak matter of blame and rebuke for the general neglect of this exercise in the midst of us in these reforming daies is it not almost laid aside in congregations and families as if it had been a tradition of men rather then an institution of God a Prelatical fancy and imagination to vanish with them and the ceremonies as unsutable for times of reformations Oh Christians is divine stamp done away from this exercise that it is done away from practice is Gospel direction no guidance to this action that it is laid aside by eminent professors of the Gospel are there in the Churches of God no subjects for it that it is so silent nay is it not sad to see and may we not with shame and sorrow consider ignorance error lukewarmnesse to Christian Religion and contempt of the Gospel so to increase as to cast off if not cast out this instructing initiating grounding exercise Is it any marvel to finde men Scepticks in Religion now beleeving this now that who were never taught nor learned the principles of Christian Doctrine and standing verities necessary to be beleeved unto salvation can we wonder to see souls seriously affectionate to piety and godlinesse to act the duties thereof precipitately and irregularly and suddenly fall off when we remember that they have no principles fixed in their mindes to guide their practise and support their spirits shall we think it strange to finde painfull preaching little to profit when we consider Catechizing hath not laid the foundation on which preaching higher doctrines should build if the Hebrewes non-proficiency under this exercise made them uncapable of instruction and edification by higher Doctrines what capacity can be expected in those Churches where this duty is wholly neglected have we not cause to fear Popish and blasphemous doctrines catechetically propounded easily to captivate poor souls from very fundamental truths whereof for want of Catechizing they must needs be ignorant In a word my brethren In the Cracovian and Biddles Catechisms is it not sad to see and may we not with shame consider the light of nature teaching and the care of men pursuing all Arts and Sciences by principles axioms and standing verities and only Christian Doctrine neglected to be thus taught and learned did not the past ages of the Church of God commonly both teach and learn the Doctrine of God by this exercise as the way of the Lords prescription and shall we in this age neglect and omit it Let all therefore subjected to the guilt of this great iniquity of neglecting this Gospel exercise consider the same seriously and take to themselves this reproof thus justly exhibited and reflecting in special on these two sorts of men 1. Such who by vertue of their places should but do not call to Catechizing such of their relations as are under their charge and tuition in the Lord Ministers Schoolmasters and Masters of families who can live from year to year without once calling to their relations to seek knowledge and understanding without counselling and instructing them in the fundamentals of Religion without commanding and by the authority with which God hath invested them compelling subjection to this duty I have before shewed that it is the duty of such to Catechize yet how many shall we finde neglecting the same if not many Ministers as I fear too many contenting themselves with their preaching to people of years and never calling for the lambs and young ones of their flock to receive instruction and be fed with milk of Christian principles yet I fear Schoolmasters generally so neglective of calling on their Scholars to learn and give account of the ABC of Christianity the special rules of Gospel Doctrine the axioms of truth and true Religion whilest they lay out their power and authority in teaching the first rules of Arts and Sciences And Masters of families I may with more confidence then I delight in charge to have left their children and servants at liberty to learn or not to learn to be Catechized or not to be Catechized How many are there that if their children and servants of themselves will learn and do gain knowledge in the principles of Religion will not blame them nay will commend them for it and take comfort in it whilest yet themselves leave them to liberty to do what they list neither commanding them to learn nor calling for an account of their diligence therein whereby in the most families Catechizing is a stranger unacquainted because unused ignorance is nourished and when good natures are called by their Ministers to be Catechized though they learn they are ashamed to answer to give an account of what they have learned because unaccustomed so to do when we consider humane nature so subject to novelty as not without difficulty to be kept up with constancy in any way though never so good so indisposed to the things of God and the soul as to be at enmity with the dictates of and directions unto piety to be defirous of liberty and to be loose from every duty and observe the golden reigns of soveraignty to be thrown on the youthfull neck which sensible thereof can wantonly run off its due course and the due authority with which God hath invested superiours for the keeping up to duty to be suspended shall we admire to see Catechizing neglected ignorance nourished or think it strange for Ministers many times to call families to answer their Catechisms and have seats and pillars sooner then many children and servants to give answer However such are not ignorant who should be Catechized yet we cannot but charge the guilt on such who have authority and ought in duty to bring them to Catechizing and prepare them for the same by keeping to it in their families but do not for from youth at liberty we can expect no other then a neglect of duty and therefore give me leave to affect your hearts with this sin by laying before you these few considerations 1. Duty is neglected whilest you do not Catechize your selves such as are under your charge and call upon them to learn nay in thy place
Catechizing Gods Ordinance OR A SHORT TREATISE CONCERNING That Ancient Approved Soul-edifying Singularly necessary Exercise of Catechizing DELIVERED In sundry SERMONS at Botolphs Aldgate London By Zach. Crofton Minister of the Word Jesus Christ in his childhood submitted himself to this Ordinance of God though he were replenished with all divine wisdome Downam of Catech. p. 334. Knowledge of the Word is as necessary an art for Christians as the art of husbandry is necessary for husbandmen Greenh p. 383. Invisa possumus cupere incognita nequaquam Aug. Train up a childe in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it Prov. 22.6 Whom say ye that I am some say Elias some John the Baptist some Jeremiah or one of the Prophets Whom say ye that I am Thou art Christ the Son of the living God Mat. 16.13 14 15 16. London Printed by E. Cotes for Tho. Parkhurst at the Three Crowns over against the great Conduit at the lower end of Cheapside 1656. To his much honoured and truly endeared in the Lord the Christian Inhabitants within the Parish of Botolphs without Aldgate as well without as within the Liberty of the City of London Endeared in the Lord I Present to the view of you all what hath been plainly preached to the ears of such whose hearts God hath inclined to attend on my publick Ministry It is the chief and plain heads of sundry Sermons without all Pulpit-repetitions which would have swelled the volume too much and without all flourishes of Fathers sentences and citation of Authors which might have made it nauseous to the mindes of such who judge things goodnesse by their plâ—â—nnesse the main scope and drift of it is to vindicate the dignity of a despised and due authority of a denied Ordinance of God to revive in the Church an anciently exercised and too too long exil'd priviledge to excite and quicken to that too too long neglected duty of Catechizing in all Christian societies This work I confesse hath been done by many more able and eminent Ministers of the Church as holy Mr. Greenham reverend Mr. Downam acute Mr. Forde and the reverend Provincial Assembly of the Churches of God within the City and Province of London many times I had it in my thoughts to have commended these to your reading but fearing what in that case I should desire might passe in at one ear and out at another and I being by some desired and by the Province enjoyned to preach on the nature of this duty and having calculated the doctrine for your condition and capacity thought it might most sure with you to put my own digested considerations into your hands the which cannot but be the more welcome to such whose ears heard them and whose hearts were touched in the publique delivery the acceptance of them by such is not to be doubted and by all others it is desired that they may be so farre accepted as to be taken up read without passion or prejudice the Doctrine therein taught may be revolved in your deliberate thoughts and prayer may be put up to the God of Wisdome to open your eyes unto the apprehension and acknowledgement of the truth This acceptance is the rather desired for that 1. This little Tract is presented to you as a taste of that pity and testimony of that true affection I bear to you in the Lord as your Minister against which though I strongly resolved yet providence hath so disposed that after all the sad changes and Religion-ruining revolutions to which the times have subjected you you are committed to my care and charge and I hope I can unfeignedly say you are now my Dearly beloved and much longed for in the Lord. 2. This Tract travels in this publick way to seek out them who by reason of the spirit of delusion and prophanenesse withdraw their ears from hearing it when preached I thought it a duty to preach to the eyes of them whose ears are shut to such absolute Religion-preserving ordinances as this is of Catechizing I hope you have more charity then to suffer a Parish Childe born amongst you to pass by your houses without one nights nay a few hours entertainment and I desire none may appear so cruel as to spurn and kick it out of their houses for the fathers sake and the rather for that the father is to be found ready to traverse all inditements against himself or doctrine if he may but enjoy a patient hearing but in special take heed that none look asquint at it and carry doggedly towards it for propounding a duty and pleading for a piece of piety for therein they engage the God of wisdome and holinesse to plead his own cause As for such as shall be ready to flight it on a seeming scrupulosity of conscience concerning the novelty or antiquity or formality c. of the exercise for which it contends I desire they will with patience read it through it may be the resolve of their scruples may make them more esteem it 3. The duty herein pressed is that which concerns you all of what ever age or condition Are you ignorant Catechizing is the way to knowledge and certainly knowledge in rudiments of Religion is an absolute duty incumbent on every man be he rich or poor high or low young or old It is a very good observation the Provinciall Assembly have in their exhortation to the same duty and I desire you may well note it it is this It is the rare priviledge of the Romish Synagogue to have such a power over ignorance as to command her to imploy her self as a tender nurse to their blind devotions but the Church of Christ hath ever found her such a froward piece as that she hath churlishly handled all the genuine issues of truth piety and as fondly cockered all the mis-shapen monsters of error though never so strangely composed of an heterogeneous commixture of superstition and prophanenesse And as they I must needs say we cannot nourish our selves with the least hope as to see ignorance become serviceable to true piety we know the affections cannot outgo the apprehension of truth till she be known cannot be reverenced cannot but be hated Are you knowing yet Catechizing concerns you not only in that thereby you communicated knowledge to others according to your duty but also the Catechism is to you no lesse usefull then the compasse to the most skilfull Mariner to steer your course with method and order in these boisterous daies of confused notions as a touchstone to the most discerning Goldsmith to try metals and detect the most glittering falsities that are spread before you with a Christ Christ as a rule to the most understanding Architect by which you square your actions in the spirituall edifice of your immortall souls Are you poor Catechizing is a very cheap and easie way in a few hours time in two pence expence to make you rich in faith Are you rich Religion
Canons of the Councels at p. 32. l. 22. r. Cookes Imprimatur Edm. Calamy To the Reverend the Provincial Assembly of the Churches of God within the City and Province of London Reverend Fathers and Brethren DEdications of Books and inscriptions of the names of men of worth and honour are grown so common that the plainest Truths and meanest Tracts discussing the same cannot passe without them and thereby a craved and engaged patronage if this small Tract of so plain a duty must seek any for many considerable reasons it must seek you and none but your selves as its Patrons 1. That the Author may hereby testifie to the world and your selvef his thankfull acknowledgement os Gods great mercy to his Church not only for your being in these times of envie and indignation at all Church order and authority but also for your vigilancy over and industry for the good of the Churches of God eminently approved not only in your elaborate vindications of Government and Ministry but also in your late grave serious and authoritative exhortation unto Catechizing wherein by many pregnant and perswasive reasons you do provoke Ministers as well as others to a duty the long neglect of which with its sad effects is to us in the sight of God and his Church matter of shame and sorrow 2. To you it is directed as authors of its resurrection though not first being though at my first coming into your City in the pursuit of the duty I did some years since preach it to the people of whom I had the inspection At James Garlickhithe yet I had laid it by me as dead and determined it should never see the light nor sound in the ears of men any more yet the sound of your exhorting trumpet put again life into it and caused it to be preached to a more publick audience for the benefit of a much greater people to all whose ears the sound not reaching I was constrained to make it thus publick that by reading what they should have heard they might be convinced of and counselled unto duty and now it is cheerfully submitted to your censure at whose command it was preached though not the first yet the second time To you it comes in obedience to your command and conformity to your order which requires an account to be given from the several Classes of what proceeding is made in the work of Catechizing to which you exhort let this small Tract assure you of the chearfull submission of the meanest of your brethren to your exhortation and full resolution to revive that ordinance of Catechizing so necessary usefull and advantagious to the Church of God prefessing that the greatest comfort that ever my soul enjoyed in all my ministeriall endevours amongst the people with whom I lately laboured James Garlickhithe was in the instruction and so far as I and others of their Christian acquaintance can judge sanctification â—f some young men and young women that did with constancy and diligence against all discouragements submit unto and study their Catechism Lastly To your patronage it is commended for that your exhortation to the duty pressed in it and pursued by it gives the Author full assurance of your readinesse to patronize it and by your power to protect it against the common carpers and cavillers at every truth and duty with which our age abounds and with the clemency that becomes your assembly indulge the infirmities of its author in the weak management of so weighty a matter Having given you the reasons of my boldnesse in this Dedication I must crave leave to apologize in one thing my not complying with your exhorting directions for carrying on the work of Catechizing that is in respect of the Form to be used I doe not indeed use nor have I put into the hands of my people the Catechisms of the late reverend Assembly not that I do disown or in any thing dislike those Forms I sully assent to the Characters by you given of them and by which you commend them but the form I have chosen and put into the hands of my people is that of reverend Mr. Ball the goodnesse nay acceptablenesse of which among people is proclaimed by the very many reiterated impressions of it neither doth it differ in doctrine any thing and in form not much from the Assemblies The impulsive cause of my using this form was this In the countrey where I lived this was the Catechism used in common in the use of this I had by the blessing of God been constant some that had learned this under my Ministry in the Countrey made mention of it amongst the people with whom I then laboured in so much that they generally desired this Catechism and would admit no other I condescending to their desire in a three years use of it not only did the fame of it come to the ears but many Catechisms into the hands of this people before your exhortation came abroad so that I could not conveniently alter the form herein I must beg and cannot but hope that none of my brethren will be offended or censure me as guilty of singularity and the rather for that you cannot but all conclude by this Catechism Exhort to Catech. youth may be taught who made them why he made them how good and happy man was made by God how evill and wretched he made himself what need he had that the Lord Jesus should die for him that the holy Ghost should regenerate him what priviledges he doth enjoy and may expect by Christ what duties he is obliged to by those priviledges how he is to present his petitions to God how to receive the seals of Gods gracious covenant which being granted I must expect your promise not too morosely to stand on circumstantial differences where there is so fair an accord in material principles Reverend Fathers and Brethren now that you have so seriously and seasonably called unto Catechizing I could heartily wish that confirmation of children which I cannot but look on as an engagement to the study of the Catechism were taken into your serious and second thoughts and if found as it hath been deemed an Ordinance of God some means were propounded for the reviving it in the Church but herein I may seem too bold and be thought to prescribe matter to your considerate debates I shall therefore forbear any further to trouble you but assure you that God will counsell you in things which concern his Church make men in place and power a blessing to his Church give to brethren a spirit of union with and condescansion to your just and pious resolves and to our people of ready and cheerfull submission to your exhortations and commands and that not only because you exhort and command duties but also with the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ is and shall be the hearty and constant prayer of Reverend Sirs The meanest of your brethren and servants in the work of the Gospel
that they were not yet fully instructed in the Doctrine of Christ Adv. 6 Sixthly It puts into a present capacity of communion at the Lords Table it prepareth the heart unto the right and worthy receiving of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper and thereby delivers the soul from the great danger of eating and drinking judgement to himself whilest that by Catechizing they are fully informed and convinced of that faith and Doctrine openly professed and sealed by the Lords Supper and therefore necessary to be known before the participation of this ordinance whilest hereby they are invested with that necessary qualification of knowledge concerning mans misery by sin recovery by Christ Gods Covenant with man established in the hands of a Mediator the author end and institution of this Ordinance all which being Catetheticall heads must needs encourage the desirous communicants readily to submit themselves to the trial of the Church with their desire of admission to the Lords Table with an assured confidence that their communion cannot be denied on the account of ignorance whilest hereby they are enabled to the discharge of that necessary duty of self-examination required by the Apostle in the Name of the Lord 1 Cor. 11.28 in that by Catechizing they come to know all those necessary qualifications requisite to render the soul sutable for communion with God at this Table whilest they are made capable of discerning the Lords Body in a Christian way to distinguish the outward sign from the inward grace and thing signified whilest hereby being delivered from Popish darknesse they are well taught that outward elements are set before their outward senses to resemble and represent to the inward man the body and bloud of Jesus Christ nay in a word whilest hereby they have in readinesse matter of contemplation sutable to such an Ordinance to the affectation of their hearts and excitation of their affections in their enjoyment hereby they are in a good capacity of renewing their covenant with Goâ— of receiving the sealing efficacy of that Ordinance to the soul and with the Jewes to render an accompt to any that shall demand of them the ground and end of their so frequent celebration of their Christian Passeover whereas through the want of this exercise men are in danger of rushing unworthily and unpreparedly to the receiving of this Sacrament to presse unreverently to take those things they do not know or understand the ground end or meaning of to taste those dainties that belong not to them and take in hand those duties they know not how to manage in this regard the primitive times alwaies by their Cry of holy things for holy men sent away among the common hearers and penitentiaries the Catechumeni or such as were learning their Catechism as men not yet sutable for this Sacrament Hence also it is that the Canons and constitutions of the Church of God in all ages even in the most corrupt times require that every one be Catechized before they receive the Sacrament and this is the cause why the Discipline of the Church in this age and time requires an accompt of the knowledge of every one desirous of the Lords Supper that if any be found ignorant by reason of the past neglect of this duty they may by diligent Catechizing be made fit for it and so be admitted to it Adv. 7 Seventhly It puts on a man a powerful disposition of discharging his duty towards God and man in that by Catechizing they are not only taught to know the several Commandements of the first and second Table but also are well instructed to distinguish duties appertaining to God from such as belong to man and to discern the several sins forbidden and duties therein commanded Isaac's prayer and meditation his submission in all things to his father and the servants prayer to the God of his Master Abraham and faithfulnesse concerning his Master's Oath was before noted to be the fruit of Catechizing and it is to be observed on experience that such are most apt to rebellion and disobedience towards men who are not Catechized in the Doctrine of God and therefore Constantine when he would select to himself such of his Court Officers as he would confide in to be trusty Counsellors and defenders of his person and Kingdome tryed which of them were best instructed in the faith and fear of God declaring such only were worthy to be about a Prince as servants that being true to their God would be loyall to him Reas 5 The fifth and last reason why Catechizing should be used in the Church of God is the easinesse thereof which is very much and so found upon experience for it suiteth the Doctrine of Christ to the weakest capacity that is and puts words into the mouth so as that by diligence in this exercise the soul that is most ignorant knowing nothing of God may be able in a short time to give an account of his faith to any that shall aske it because of the facility of it Children are in Scripture declared to be the subjects thereof and it is called rudiments in which children not men of years are wont to be instructed milk with which babes and not men of strength are to be nourished and although at the first it may seem as all other ordinances of God something difficult yet a willing and diligent minde will prove it very easie for it being a piece of the Lords yoke which is all of it easie to be borne cannot but be pleasant to the willing spirit although the flesh may be found weak in submission to it Having thus briefly past the Reasons of the point which I hope upon serious thoughts may clearly convince any of the divine stamp of this exercise and so justifie the use of it in the Churches of God we come in the next place by way of illustration to the truth to consider what must be the matter and manner of this exercise of Catechizing And First then of the subject Matter to be taught by Catechizing which must not be as the Papist wickedly corrupting this exercise and Ordinance of God do make to teach matters altogether unprofitable nay vain false and frivolous as the traditions of Fathers the Canons of the Councel and constitutions of the Church inconsistent with the Doctrine of Scripture nay in many things directly contrary thereunto neither yet must it be nice and curious points though true yet fruitlesse and unprofitable tending more to tickle the brain and affect the sense then to take with the heart and inform the judgement but the matter of Catechizing must be all and only the chief heads and standing verities of the Christian Religion summarily extracted out of the Scripture and solidly grounded upon the same that they may be propounded as infallible rules for the triall of the assertions as standing principles whence may naturally flow all conclusions conducing to the profession of Christ with stedfastnesse and comfort and as a sure foundation upon
I shall satisfie my self in shewing you wherein they differ which I hope may satisfie you that they may not be confounded the which Mr. Greenham that reverend and godly Author hath in part done before me who notes them to differ in these three things unto which I shall adde two other First Preaching is the dilating of one member of the Christian Religion into a whole Treatise Catechizing is the contracting of the whole into a sum Secondly Preaching is unto all sorts but Catechizing only to the younger and rude or ignorant Thirdly Preaching is not exacted to be repeated Catechizing is exacted Fourthly Catechizing principally informes the Judgement in the Theory of Christian Religion but Preaching doth chiefly excite the affections and directs the heart in the practise of the same Fifthly Catechizing layeth the foundation of Christ in the soul and preaching builds upon it that teacheth the ABC or first rudiments this perfecteth the knowledge of Christian Doctrine Having thus spoken of the matter we come in the next place to speak unto you of the manner of Catechizing concerning which we shall propound three things to be considered First Some rules concerning the formes of Catechism to be used Secondly Who must Catechize and how they must demean themselves in this duty Thirdly Who must be Catechized and how they must carry themselves in it First of the first of these concerning the formes of Catechizing to be used observe these four rules 1. The matter heads and grounds of Catechizing are contained and expressed in Scripture and therefore alwaies the same but the formes are not but left to the liberty of the Church and therefore variable so as that we are not so precisely tyed to the form as we are to the matter 2. Such formes are most fitting as may be found to tend most to the edification of the Church in confirming them in the truths and principles most opposed in which respect the Church hath taken liberty to vary 3. It is very expedient and profitable that there be in the Church two formes of Catechism a shorter and more easie for the younger sort which are not yet able to learn and commit to memory a larger and a larger wherein for the riper sort the principles of Religion are more fully handled 4. Every form used must be found brief plain orderly and by way of question and answer easie for that this form of teaching is most expedient as by way of question and answer First it is most sutable to the rude and ignorant infant capacity by putting words into their mouthes helping them to answer and understand when they see the question propounded and answer to be rendred Secondly As enjoyned to the people of Israel who are required to whet upon their children their Catechetical Doctrine which can no otherwaies be done then by repetition of the strokes of the same subject Thirdly As practised by Jesus Christ when willing to receive an account of his Disciples profiting under his Ministry and to confirm them in the Faith in opposition to the common fame of the world Whom say ye that I am Fourthly As that which puts them into an aptitude and readiness of rendring an account of the faith that is in them to every one that asketh being hereby better enabled to retain and resolve answers proper to questions suddenly propounded but before known then the knowledge of bare notions without the questions to which they answer The second thing considerable in the manner of Catechizing is the persons that must Catechize together with their carriage in this duty now the persons that must do it will be found to be three sorts of men 1. Ministers in their Congregations 2. Schoolmasters in their Schools 3. Masters of families in their families The first sort that must Catechize must be Ministers that have taken upon them the Pastoral charge of a congregation to feed them with knowledge and understanding according to the several capacities of the souls as well young as old under their charge and that it is their duty may appear by these ensuing reasons First The careful performance of this duty by the faithful Ministers of Jesus Christ and most eminent and reverend Fathers of the primitive times not to stand upon the probability of Paul's Catechizing from 1 Cor. 14.19 it is much more than probable that it was done in the Church of the Hebrewes by the Author of this Epistle who sharply checks their non-proficiency in this duty Eusebius tels us that before Pantenus Clemens Origen Mark the Evangelist did Catechize at Alexandria which was commended in him by Philo Judeus which three were themselves Catechizers in the same Church of Alexandria in the years of our Lord Two hundred and two hundred and fifty each succeeding other Origen being set up by the diligent oversight of Demetrius their Bishop and after whom succeeded Heraclus and Dionysius Alexandrinus and others also about the same time we read of Optatus Catechizer at Carthage in the daies of Cyprian also the severall Catechisms of the Fathers as Cyrill Gregory Nicen the books of Augustine de Catechizandis rudibus and his four books ad Catechumenos Athanasius his Synopsis of sacred Scripture and Fulgentius de fide ad diaconum do proclaim that conscionable care they had to the discharge of this duty and the duty of Ministers for the edifying of the body of Christ being alwaies one and the same their conscionable discharge of this exercise doth declare it to be a Ministerial duty Secondly A Minister by preaching doth not discharge his duty if he neglect Catechizing because thereby he instructs only those that are adulti men of years and strength to digest such meats and either wholly neglects to feed youth no lesse committed to his charge as members of the Church or else administers that food which is unsutable and cannot be by them digested in stead of the milk of principles of Religion of which even babes in Christ and almost in years are capable and truly we have cause to suspect one great cause of young mens high flown opposition of the truth and Ordinances of God to spring from their affected hearing of those things in preaching which they cannot digest into orderly nourishment because they have not by the milk of Catechizing been prepared thereunto Thirdly Ministers ought to Catechize to make all his pains and preaching the more profitable to his hearers by keeping fresh in their mindes and memories those standing notions of Christian Religion which he doth by preaching more particularly illustrate more fully prove and more powerfully apply to their affections Fourthly That thereby he may more clearly discern the estate of his flock observe the Masters of families in their proper places to discharge their duties and see their proficiency in grace and knowledge under all the Ordinances of God by him dispensed confirming them in the truth learned which is clear to have been the reason of Christ his Catechizing of his Disciples
give audible and distinct answers to the several questions propounded 5. That they may not lose the end in using the means they must diligently study the answers they do repeat observe the questions to which they answer resolve the question and answer into entire and distinct propositions hearken with all meeknesse and reverence to the instructing exposition consult annexed Scriptures observe their pertinency to prove the principles and according to their capacities commend all to Gods blessing by prayer hereby they will take off the scandal cast on Catechizing and make it to appear their faith is not pinn'd to another mans sleeve but they see with their own eyes assent to principles they understand and are ready to contend for those Doctrines of the truth of which they are clearly and fully convinced Having thus laid before you the doctrinal consideration of this Truth and I hope informed your judgements in the great necessity of such a duty in the Church of God I shall now briefly suggest the improvement or application thereof for the exciting of your affections towards the same and first it is usefull to information of judgement in these truths 1. Catechizing is not an exercise of indifferency but of positive necessity in the Church of God men may not choose whether they will instruct or be instructed in the principles of Religion and foundations of the Doctrine of God and perswade themselves they do well if they exercise and submit to such instruction but sin not if they refuse or neglect the same for if there be as I hope you see a divine stamp on this exercise as an ordinance of God morally and not ceremonially binding it must needs impose an absolute and undeniable duty the parents among the Jewes might not conceive themselves at liberty in respect of conscience whether they would teach their children and childrens children the waies and ordinances of the Lord or no neither yet the children might think themselves at liberty to choose or refuse subjection unto such instruction whilest God had enjoyned the same as duty neither yet may Christian parents under the Gospell choose or refuse the bringing up their families in the nurture and fear of the Lord by this childish way of Catechizing nor yet children choose or refuse subjection to the same whilest it appears to be an Ordinance of Gods prescription And what is thus instanced concerning parents holds good concerning Schoolmasters and Ministers according to their relations and in their proper places Ministers may not think they have discharged pastoral duty when they have preached once or twice a week and neglected this exercise but must know that it is absolute and undeniable duty for them to see that all such under their charge as are ignorant of the principles of Religion be therein Catechized and then people must know it their duty willingly to subject to the same the Apostolical perswasion did dictate absolute duty of feeding babes with milk as well as strong men with strong meat of laying the foundation of God as well as building up to perfection of disciples to be exercised in and prepared by principles to receive higher doctrines which was the undoubted ground of their resolving the Christian Doctrine into Catechetical heads and constitution of Catechizing Schools and order in the Christian Churches nay moreover had instruction in the principles of Religion been a matter of indifferency and not of duty the neglect thereof had not been a matter reprehensive and chargeable on the Hebrews as a matter of iniquity I fear my brethren it is a too generally received fancy as well among such as should catechize as such as should be catechized that Catechizing is good but not necessary commendable where it is used but not duty this fear may be justly grounded on the neglect thereof nay on childrens and servants refusing subjection to such waies when thereunto called not only by their Ministers but Parents and Masters nay in affirming that though it is good yet it hath not any ground in Scripture it were well if the lukewarmnesse of some in it and the perversnesse of some towards it did not lead them to determine this exercise to be iniquity and denominate it the Antichristian weapon of the late Assembly but whosoever seriously considers the care of the Bishops the constant pains of Catechizers the cheerful submission of Christians of all ages sexes ranks and degrees to this way of instruction and the continued practise of the primitive times of the Christian Churches seconded with the Canons of Councels constitutions of all Church assemblies composed Catechisms conscientious discharge of the duty by the most faithfull Ministers and servants of God in all the succeeding ages of the Church to this day must conclude it to have been apprehended as absolute duty which appearing to be a Gospel exercise yet to be used amongst us and the Churches of God that shall succeed must be accordingly continued not as a thing of indifferency and that may be done but of necessity and that must be done 2. It may inform us that subjection unto Catechizing in the principles of Religion is not base and shamefull but good and honourable not with blushing but boldnesse to be undertaken I know not what madnesse possesseth mens brains to make modesty the main obstruction of this duty may we not see such as are not ashamed to be ignorant ashamed by this way to be instructed nay and to note it as a ground of contempt and derision even by laughter and digitation to such as subject unto the same as if God had stamped divine authority on such ordinances as might not with modesty and honour be exercised or had called for such duties in which his Church and servants might not be seen without shame Is any Gospell ordinance to be declined as shamefull and contemptible by such as would be called Christians and Gospel professors Did the Apostle ever upbraid or leave it as the brand of the Hebrewes that they were Catechized and subjected to this ordinance or not rather that they had not been sufficiently Catechized and made such proficiency in this School and lesson as they ought to have done Was it a shame for Christ to be found among the Catechumenists of the Jewes Could not the Apostles answer without blushing to Christ his Whom do ye say that I am Was it the shame of Theophilus Apollos and others that they had been Catechized I finde the Apostle Paul indeed stigmatizing the Jewes with not practising Catechetical heads and rules as a note of their perpetual infamy but never with being Catechized which had been their glory and now was the great aggravation of their iniquity Nay is it not the everlasting renown of the Schools at Athens and Alexandria that they were Schools of Catechizing and good learning Did wise Philosophers and honourable Senators and reverend fathers of the Church when becoming Christians submit with shame unto this exercise Is not the name of Origen famous
I am that the sinfull suspension of Catechizing cuts short Christianity and is likely if God prevent not to give us reall cause in the return to infidelity to gather Churches indeed and by nipping buds and suffering sprouts to wither to replant into the faith of Christ such as must bear up his name in the world 4. Catechizing prevents the Devils design by prepossessing the minde with principles of truth and piety Satan as vigilant and subtle enemies endevours to enter the soul betimes and blinde the eye whilest yet tender to infuse into the soul principles of blasphemy and prophanenesse knowing that possession is eleven points of the Law Leases of ejectment may lay foundations for long and vexatious suits the soul possessed by Satan will abide many powerfull perswasions piercing reproofs patheticall intreaties prevailing prayers and pinching pangs of conscience before it will be recovered an illuminated conscience and judgement well informed in the truth will abide variety of temptations and assaults of Satan before it will renounce and recede from the true religion Was not this the stratagem of the Councels and Fathers of the primitive times against the blasphemous Heresies of those daies is not the re-entry of the same blasphemies an engagement to us to countermine the Devils devices by putting Creeds and Catechisms into the hands of our people nay is not the vigilancy of Satan and diligence of his instruments in casting the Arrian and Socinian Heresies in Catecheticall forms nay in scattering abroad the Cracovian and Biddles Catechisms the check of our long sinfull neglect of Catechizing and a loud call to set to the duty with vigor 5. Catechizing puts into a capacity of living with credit or dying with comfort Catechizing in doctrines of Christianity doth as well civilize a man as Christianize a soul it instrâ—â—â—s in duâ—ies to be done towards men as well as towards God youth not educated in principles of Religion may live with shame and die with sorrow for they know not what to do or how to carry themselves whilest they live nor yet wherein to center their hope of future happinesse when they lie How many infants young children have by Catechizing been famous in their religious lives being deâ—terous in duty constant in the faith and couragious under temptations and when they have come to die have cheerfully given up their souls to God through Christ in knowledge of whom they have been Catechized Whilest youth have souls rationall and capable of education let them not want instruction in those things that may make them serviceable to God in their generation and whilest they have souls immortall that may be damned or saved when they depart out of their bodies let them not want Catechizing in the waies of everlasting peace Thus then you have seen the Doctrine proved illustrated and applied in the application you have been exhorted to the duty consider seriously the duty pressed on you and motives by which you have been perswaded and if you would pleasure God produce order in your families pursue the due edification of the Churches of God prevent the Devils design or put youth into a capacity to live with credit or to die with comfort Let me charge you in the Name of Jesus Christ as superiors be constant in Catechizing as inferiors be chearfull in being Catechized shewing by your diligence in it the dignity of the exercise your submission being a seal of the divine institution of it proclaiming unto all that it is Gods ordinance to be continued in his Church FINIS Books lately Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the signe of the Three Crowns over against the great Conduit at the lower end of Cheapside DR Richard Sibbs his Commentary upon the Second Epistle to the Corinthians published for publick good by Tho. Manton in Folio Mr. John Cotton his Exposition on the First Epistle of John with Doctrines Reasons and Uses in Folio The Journal or Diary of a thankful Christian wherein is contained directions for the right method of keeping and using according to the rules of practise a Day-book of National and Politick personal and private passages of Gods Providence to help Christians to thankfulness and experience By John Beadle Minister of the Gospel at Barnstone in Essex Cathechizing Gods Ordinance or A short Treatise concerning that Ancient approved and soul edifying Ordinance of Catechisme by Mr. Zach. Crofton Minister of the word at Buâ—tolphs without Algate London in Octavo Curteous Reader THou mayest expect within a short time to see published some new Pieces of Mr. William Fenners who was so famous when living and his works though he is dead hath such a sweet though silent voice T. P.