VVHereas we finde in the Examples of holy Scripture , that Magistrates have not onely excited and commanded all the people under their Government , to seek the Lord God of their Fathers , and do the Law and Commandment , 2 Chron. 14.2 , 3 , 4. Ezra 7.25 , 26 , 27. but also stirred up and sent forth the Levites , accompanied with other principal men , to teach the good knowledge of the Lord throughout all the Cities of Judah , 2 Chron. 17.6 , 7 , 8 , 9. which endeavours have been crowned with Gods blessing .

Also we finde that our Brethren of the Congregational Perswasion in England have made a good Profession , in their Book , intituled , A Declaration of their Faith and Order , Pag. 59. Sect. 14. where they say , That although Pastors and Teachers stand especially related unto their particular Churches ; yet they ought not to neglect others living within their Parochial Bounds , but besides their constant publick Preaching to them , they ought to enquire after their profiting by the Word , instructing them in , and pressing upon them ( whether young or old ) the great Doctrines of the Gospel , even personally and particularly , so farre as their strength and time will permit .

We hope that sundry of you need not a spur in these things , but are conscientiously careful to do your duty : yet forasmuch as we have cause to fear , that there is too much neglect in many places , notwithstanding the Laws long since provided therein ; We do therefore think it our duty to emit this Declaration unto you , earnestly desiring , and in the bowels of our Lord Jesus requiring you to be very diligent and careful to Catechize and Instruct all the people ( especially the Youth ) under your Charge , in the Sound and Orthodox Principles of Christian Religion ; and that not onely in publick , but privately from house to house , as blessed Paul did , Acts 20.20 . or at least three , four , or more Families meeting together , as strength and time may permit , taking to your assistance such godly and grave persons as to you may seem most expedient . And also that you labour to inform your selves , ( as much as may be meet ) how your Hearers do profit by the Word of God , and how their Conversations do agree therewith ; and whether the Youth are taught to Reade the English Tongue : taking all occasions to apply suitable Exhortations particularly unto them , for the Rebuke of those that do evil , and for the Encouragement of them that do well .

The effectual and constant prosecution hereof , we hope will have a tendency to promote the Salvation of Souls , To suppress the growth of Sin and Prophaneness , To beget more Love and Unity amongst the people , and more Reverence and Esteem of the Ministry , and will assuredly be to the enlargement of your Crown and Recompence in Eternal Glory .