Assemblies Catechism, BODL CA By JOHN SFL AVELL, Preacher AN OF THE WITH FROM EACH Exercises in DARTMOUTH, 2 Tim. i. 13. in Faith and Love which is in Christ Jesus S ALIS BU RY: in the MARKET-PLACE. M.DCC.LXVII. 138. 1.4541 P R E F A C E. T H A T Catechizing is an Ordinance of God, few will doubt, when they consider the Apostles did first lay the Fundamentals of Religion; Heb. vi. 1. And fed Babes with Milk, teaching them the first Principles of the Oracles of God, Heb y. 12. and questionless taught them in that Manner, which was most suitable to the Capacity of the Learners, which may well be sup. posed to be by plain and short Questions, and suitable Answers thereunto; and therefore this has been a constant Practice in the Church of God: and the Primitive Church had a Particular appropriate hereunto, whom they called Catechift. And so all well governed and wisely managed Churches, have still maintained and used it, as. knowing the Necessity and Usefulness thereof: for the younger Sort to inform them in the Principles of that Religion whereinto they were Baptized; and for the Establishment of the Adult and more aged therein. Hence have issued all those little Composures of all the fundamental Doctrines of Faith and Practice so handled (which we call Catechisms) in the Churches, and particularly in ours, whereof there are many and divers, whole Authors have well A 2 |