PROPOSALS
FOR
The
providing
Catechetical
Libraries
in
all
such
Parochial
Cures
of
this
Kingdom
,
as
are
not
endow'd
with
above
Ten
Pounds
per
Annum
,
for
the
Use
of
the
Ministers
thereof
.
Humbly
offer'd
to
All
who
are
Lovers
of
the
Souls
of
those
for
whom
Christ
Died
.
THAT
there
are
such
,
even
in
this
Frozen
Age
and
Country
,
and
who
being
of
a
Publick
Spirit
,
are
not
only
Able
,
but
Willing
,
to
do
any
thing
they
can
be
made
sensible
will
be
for
a
Common
Good
,
is
to
be
hop'd
,
or
at
least-wise
to
be
wish'd
.
But
that
which
is
the
chiefest
of
all
Goods
,
the
Cultivating
the
Minds
and
Manners
of
Men
with
Divine
Knowledge
,
and
Christian
Vertues
,
seems
not
to
be
thought
of
,
however
not
to
be
promoted
by
such
proper
and
immediate
Methods
as
it
easily
might
.
Schools
and
Colleges
(
God
be
prais'd
)
we
have
sufficient
to
send
us
out
Labourers
for
the
Vineyard
;
and
from
thence
there
come
more
than
enough
to
supply
all
the
Cures
of
the
Kingdom
.
But
alas
,
when
they
are
come
Abroad
,
there
are
scarce
one
Third
of
our
Parochial
Preferments
which
can
enable
our
Clergy
to
furnish
themselves
with
those
necessary
helps
,
whereby
they
may
be
serviceable
in
any
tolerable
measure
to
the
good
of
Souls
:
And
yet
I
find
few
do
cast
their
Eyes
upon
this
sort
of
Charity
,
the
raising
of
Libraries
for
this
End
and
Purpose
.
But
whatever
others
may
think
of
it
,
to
me
this
seems
to
be
a
prime
part
of
Christian
Charity
;
and
the
most
wanted
too
in
this
Kingdom
;
And
I
doubt
not
,
but
it
will
in
like
manner
appear
to
all
others
,
who
will
but
consider
these
following
Particulars
;
namely
,
I.
That
as
the
Soul
of
Man
is
Infinitely
more
valuable
than
the
Body
,
so
that
Charity
which
goes
towards
the
Cultivating
the
Minds
and
Manners
of
Men
with
Divine
Knowledge
,
and
Christian
Graces
,
whereby
they
may
be
made
meet
to
be
Partakers
of
the
Inheritance
of
the
Saints
in
Light
,
must
needs
be
of
a
far
more
exalted
Nature
,
than
that
which
Terminates
only
upon
the
welfare
of
this
Mortal
Life
.
II
.
That
by
an
exact
Scrutiny
into
the
Value
of
our
Livings
,
it
will
be
found
,
that
there
are
400
Parishes
,
and
upwards
,
in
England
,
Wales
,
and
the
Isle
of
Man
,
Endow'd
with
not
above
Ten
Pounds
per
Annum
for
the
maintenance
of
a
Minister
,
with
which
Provision
it
is
utterly
Impossible
he
should
furnish
himself
with
Books
,
whereby
he
might
be
able
to
give
those
Souls
,
committed
to
his
Charge
,
due
Instructions
in
all
the
meer
Necessaries
to
Salvation
.
III
.
It
will
therefore
follow
,
that
those
Persons
who
abound
in
this
World's
Goods
,
and
especially
whom
Providence
seems
in
a
more
peculiar
manner
to
have
design'd
to
be
Publick
Benefactors
to
Mankind
,
by
giving
them
good
Estates
,
without
Heirs
to
enjoy
their
Riches
;
it
will
therefore
follow
,
I
say
,
that
such
will
approve
themselves
both
to
God
and
Man
,
most
Divinely
Charitable
,
who
shall
bestow
some
of
the
forementioned
Libraries
for
the
perpetual
Use
of
the
Ministers
of
such
Places
,
in
order
to
Capacitate
them
to
save
the
Souls
of
Men
.
IV
.
As
by
this
means
such
Charitable
Persons
will
become
at
a
second
hand
,
and
in
an
Inferior
degree
,
as
it
were
,
Apostles
to
the
World
,
by
Preaching
through
the
Mouths
of
these
Ministers
to
the
People
,
and
will
have
a
share
in
all
the
Conversions
which
shall
be
made
in
such
places
to
all
succeeding
Generations
;
so
to
induce
them
thereunto
they
need
no
more
than
to
meditate
upon
those
words
of
the
Prophet
,
Dan
.
12.3
.
They
that
are
wise
,
or
,
Teachers
,
as
it
is
in
the
Original
,
shall
shine
as
the
Brightness
of
the
Firmament
,
and
they
that
turn
many
to
Righteousness
,
as
the
Stars
for
ever
and
ever
.
I
shall
not
enlarge
on
these
Particulars
,
I
think
they
carry
their
own
Evidence
along
with
them
,
all
of
them
except
the
second
,
and
a
little
Insight
into
the
present
State
of
the
Clergy
,
will
make
that
appear
to
be
matter
of
Fact
.
And
the
rest
need
no
Illustration
.
And
now
if
the
Case
of
the
Church
in
this
Nation
be
really
so
,
I
conjure
all
those
who
love
to
see
the
Image
of
God
,
Imprinted
upon
the
Souls
of
Men
,
to
furnish
,
as
our
Plantations
abroad
,
so
our
poor
Vicaridges
at
home
,
with
what
may
enable
us
to
erace
that
Ignorance
and
Barbarity
,
those
Brutish
Manners
,
and
Paganish
Vices
and
Customs
,
which
do
to
this
day
so
hideously
deform
the
greatest
part
of
Mankind
.
We
cannot
now
work
Miracles
,
nor
is
Inspiration
any
part
of
our
Talent
;
but
we
are
left
to
the
ordinary
Means
to
fit
our selves
for
this
great
Work
of
Converting
the
World
;
namely
,
the
common
measures
of
God's
Holy
Spirit
,
accompanying
our
hard
Study
.
But
how
can
they
Study
,
who
have
not
Books
to
read
?
Those
who
were
never
pinch'd
with
narrow
Preferments
may
not
be
sensible
of
this
want
,
because
they
have
been
able
to
furnish
themselves
sufficiently
with
Books
.
But
those
whose
Incoms
from
the
Church
never
enabl'd
them
to
purchase
the
fourth
part
of
the
Authors
they
have
occasion
to
peruse
,
in
order
to
discharge
the
ordinary
Duties
of
their
Ministry
,
can
speek
feelingly
in
this
matter
.
I
know
there
is
nothing
a
more
common
Jest
than
the
Poverty
,
and
Ignorance
of
the
Poor
Clergy
in
Wales
,
and
the
Northern
parts
of
this
Kingdom
;
but
this
Jest
in
my
Opinion
,
is
the
Nations
shame
,
who
provide
no
better
for
them
.
And
provide
them
but
with
Books
,
and
they
would
be
neither
Ignorant
,
Poor
,
nor
Scandalous
;
not
Ignorant
,
for
Books
do
by
an
immediate
Causality
remove
that
Imputation
;
not
so
very
Poor
as
now
,
for
I
have
known
Good
Men
,
and
Lovers
of
Learning
kept
under
hatches
all
their
life
time
,
chiefly
by
their
being
Bookishly
given
,
and
indebted
to
Booksellers
:
nor
Scandalous
,
for
I
know
that
many
whose
Immoralities
are
said
to
be
a
Reproach
to
their
Function
,
who
yet
in
all
probability
had
never
become
such
Men
,
if
they
had
been
possess'd
of
Good
Books
,
wherewith
they
might
have
employ'd
their
time
in
reading
;
for
want
of
which
it
is
,
that
some
perhaps
may
have
sought
their
Diversion
in
Alehouses
,
and
in
a
Santring
way
of
Life
.
But
alas
!
The
want
of
Books
is
not
of
the
tenth
part
of
that
ill
Consequence
,
as
it
affects
the
Minister
,
to
what
it
is
,
as
it
affects
the
People
.
If
it
could
only
be
consider'd
as
affecting
the
former
,
it
would
be
but
a
Private
,
and
Single
Misfortune
;
but
since
it
cannot
but
extreamly
much
affect
the
latter
,
it
is
a
Publick
Calamity
.
For
why
?
Where
the
Priests
Lips
cannot
preserve
,
cannot
procure
Knowledge
,
how
should
the
People
seek
the
Law
at
his
Mouth
?
And
alas
,
where
Ignorance
,
and
Darkness
Universally
Reign
in
any
part
of
the
World
,
and
the
People
are
destitute
of
Divine
Knowledge
,
innumerable
are
the
Miseries
,
and
dreadful
are
the
Sins
,
which
Reign
in
such
places
;
Between
Superstition
,
and
Atheism
such
People
are
equally
divided
;
Fornications
,
and
Adulteries
are
accounted
but
common
Infirmities
by
their
great
ones
,
and
Perjuries
in
the
Courts
of
Judicature
are
part
of
the
Services
they
exact
of
their
Inferiors
:
And
to
be
Sons
of
Violence
is
common
to
all
.
For
as
was
seen
in
our
former
Ages
of
Ignorance
in
this
Nation
,
and
is
still
the
Constitution
of
Barbarous
Countries
elsewhere
,
the
Great
Ones
with
their
Followers
are
no
better
than
Publick
Robbers
,
ever
and
anon
making
Ravages
upon
some
Neighbouring
Petty
Lord
,
and
his
Vassals
,
and
all
of
them
a
sort
of
tollerated
Banditty
continually
Preying
,
and
being
Prey'd
upon
by
each
other
.
Such
,
and
many
others
are
the
Violations
of
Just
and
Right
,
of
God's
Laws
,
yea
and
of
the
very
Laws
of
Nature
,
which
arise
from
this
bitter
Fountain
of
Ignorance
of
the
true
Nature
of
God
,
and
of
Religion
,
whereas
on
the
other
side
,
unspeakable
are
the
Benefits
consisting
in
Justice
,
Mercy
and
Peace
;
in
Piety
towards
God
,
and
well
ordered
Affections
as
to
our selves
,
where
,
by
means
of
an
Intelligent
,
Pious
,
and
Industrious
Clergy
(
those
great
Benefactors
to
Mankind
)
the
People
are
throughly
enlightned
with
the
Knowledge
of
God
,
and
the
true
Nature
of
Pure
and
Undefiled
Religion
,
as
it
is
in
James
1.27
.
I
say
,
of
Pure
and
Undefiled
Religion
,
a
Religion
that
is
unmixt
with
the
Alloys
of
meer
Systematical
,
and
Precarious
Tenets
on
the
one
hand
,
or
Superstitious
,
and
Idolatrous
Usages
on
the
other
.
And
such
is
the
Constitution
,
as
near
as
can
be
,
of
this
little
Catalogue
,
which
follows
.
It
is
Compos'd
of
such
Pious
Mens
Works
,
who
have
Imbib'd
their
Principles
from
our
Church
Catechism
,
and
in
writing
consonantly
to
that
,
I
am
sure
they
cannot
Err
either
to
the
Right
,
or
to
the
Left
in
Religion
.
And
because
I
would
rather
desire
to
see
such
Libraries
fixt
in
those
Poor
places
for
which
I
am
so
Zealous
,
than
any
one
Good
I
can
wish
for
the
Church
,
I
have
made
up
the
Catalogue
of
such
Books
for
the
most
part
,
as
have
their
Authors
now
living
,
or
are
at
leastwise
most
easily
acquirable
,
being
Common
,
and
in
our
English
Tongue
.
And
since
I
have
assum'd
to
my self
to
be
an
Advocate
in
the
behalf
of
my
Poor
Brethren
,
and
their
respective
Flocks
;
let
me
intreat
such
of
our
Dignify'd
Authors
,
who
have
written
so
Piously
,
and
Devotionally
,
to
exemplifie
the
sincerity
of
that
Spirit
,
which
does
appear
in
their
Writings
,
by
bestowing
of
their
Books
to
the
purposes
for
which
I
here
Solicite
them
.
And
also
I
do
earnestly
request
our
Richer
Citizens
,
who
by
many
,
and
repeated
Providential
Hitts
have
been
advanced
to
great
Fortunes
;
and
do
therefore
peculiarly
owe
grateful
Returns
to
God
,
to
think
upon
this
of
Bestowing
Little
Libraries
Instructive
in
the
Essentials
of
Christianity
,
as
the
most
Natural
,
and
Adapted
way
whereby
they
can
testifie
such
their
Gratitude
.
But
above
all
,
I
must
desire
those
,
Whom
Providence
,
as
I
said
before
,
seems
in
a
more
peculiar
manner
to
have
design'd
to
be
Publick
Benefactors
to
Mankind
,
by
giving
them
good
Estates
without
Heirs
to
enjoy
their
Riches
;
particularly
I
desire
them
to
consider
this
matter
,
and
that
by
this
means
they
would
make
to
themselves
Friends
in
Heaven
of
the
Mammon
of
Unrighteousness
,
rather
than
like
David's
Fool
,
heap
to
themselves
Riches
,
not
knowing
who
shall
gather
them
.
And
that
instead
of
being
foolishly
Solicitous
to
find
out
some
one
,
from
whom
they
might
call
their
Lands
after
their
own
Name
(
fondly
thinking
that
by
this
means
,
their
Houses
shall
continue
for
ever
,
and
their
Dwelling-places
to
all
Generations
)
that
they
would
rather
by
such
Charity
to
the
Souls
of
Men
,
as
is
here
propos'd
,
provide
that
their
Names
may
be
written
in
the
Book
of
Life
,
thence
never
to
be
obliterated
.
And
indeed
I
must
not
pass
by
any
of
those
,
whose
ample
Fortunes
shall
enable
them
,
or
Pious
Souls
shall
encline
them
to
imitate
their
Great
Master
in
doing
good
,
without
minding
them
of
the
Excellency
and
Usefulness
of
this
sort
of
Charity
.
Now
our
Ancient
Founders
of
Colleges
,
those
Brave
,
Large
,
and
Elevated
Souls
!
Generally
express'd
their
peculiar
Tenderness
to
their
Native
Country
,
or
to
those
places
of
abode
,
to
which
they
owed
most
,
by
qualifying
Persons
of
such
Diocesses
,
or
Counties
respectfully
,
for
the
benefit
of
their
Foundations
.
And
the
same
Method
of
Charity
I
shall
here
adventure
to
recommend
to
those
,
I
do
now
Address
.
Let
such
whose
Conditions
shall
enable
them
to
bestow
one
,
two
,
or
more
of
these
Diminutive
Libraries
,
cast
their
Pitying
Eyes
upon
those
Ten
Pound
Curacies
,
whether
Parishes
or
Chappelries
,
near
unto
them
,
and
extend
their
Benefactions
in
this
way
to
as
many
of
them
,
as
their
Circumstances
shall
enable
them
.
But
as
for
those
whose
Worldly
Acquisitions
are
very
great
,
and
can
render
themselves
a
Blessing
to
whole
Provinces
;
let
them
look
towards
Wales
,
the
Isle
of
Man
,
and
other
Northern
parts
of
this
Kingdom
.
And
indeed
it
is
matter
of
sad
Consideration
to
see
how
Barbarous
,
and
Ignorant
those
places
now
mentioned
,
do
still
remain
,
notwithstanding
that
the
Gospel
shines
in
other
parts
of
the
Nation
with
a
Meridian
Brightness
;
the
reason
is
the
small
Provision
made
for
its
Encouragement
in
those
Parts
,
whereas
in
all
reason
the
greatest
Encouragement
ought
to
be
given
there
,
where
Nature
is
most
unkind
,
and
uninviting
,
to
Ballance
the
Inconveniences
thereof
.
And
I
am
verily
persuaded
,
that
if
Books
were
fixt
in
those
parts
,
as
ungrateful
as
is
the
Climate
,
Men
of
Worth
would
follow
them
,
it
being
natural
for
Persons
who
are
Lovers
of
Knowledge
and
Religion
,
to
value
all
Places
alike
where
Religion
and
Learning
do
flourish
.
Nor
let
any
be
discouraged
from
bestowing
these
Books
,
out
of
fear
they
should
be
Imbezel'd
,
Lost
,
or
Converted
to
a
Private
Use
,
for
there
may
be
sufficient
Care
taken
to
secure
them
through
all
the
Succession
of
Ministers
in
such
Places
;
1st
.
By
Lettering
them
on
the
Covers
to
what
Parish
they
belong
.
2dly
,
By
making
Registers
of
them
to
be
left
with
the
Bishop
,
and
his
Arch
Deacons
,
in
whose
Jurisdictions
such
Places
shall
happen
to
be
.
And
3dly
,
By
the
Yearly
Visitation
of
the
Arch-Deacon
,
or
of
such
of
the
Clergy
whom
he
shall
Depute
to
see
that
they
be
not
Imbezel'd
,
Lost
,
or
Spoil'd
.
After
all
these
Precautions
,
there
seems
no
place
for
the
least
fear
they
should
ever
be
Lost
.
But
if
they
should
be
anywise
Alienated
,
by
the
meer
Lettering
of
them
,
they
may
as
easily
be
discovered
,
and
own'd
,
as
any
Living
Creature
by
its
Ear-mark
.
And
now
I
only
desire
such
to
whom
I
Apply
,
to
consider
,
how
Comfortable
,
how
Joyful
it
will
be
to
those
Pious
and
Charitable
Persons
we
have
already
found
upon
this
occasion
;
and
to
those
who
shall
add
themselves
to
the
number
;
I
desire
such
to
consider
what
a
Jubile
it
will
be
to
them
,
when
the
Judge
of
all
the
World
shall
sit
upon
his
August
Tribunal
,
surrounded
with
Angels
;
and
when
the
Register
of
all
Mens
Actions
shall
be
open'd
,
to
hear
the
Record
of
this
their
Love
to
God
,
and
Pity
to
the
Souls
of
Men
publickly
read
,
Angels
and
Saints
applauding
them
.
And
indeed
if
any
are
Piously
Ambitious
of
the
Highest
Stations
in
the
Kingdom
of
Glory
,
of
becoming
Courtiers
and
Favourites
to
the
King
of
kings
;
it
is
Professedly
and
Sincerely
my
Opinion
,
that
next
to
what
the
Apostles
did
to
Evangelize
the
World
,
such
Charities
as
these
,
which
have
the
most
.
Immediate
,
and
direct
Tendency
to
Convert
Mankind
to
God
,
will
be
the
most
ready
way
to
Recommend
,
and
Qualifie
a
Pious
Soul
for
such
a
Dignity
:
And
I
think
I
have
the
Authority
of
an
Infallible
Testimony
for
what
I
say
,
for
which
reason
I
must
again
repeat
it
,
They
that
are
wise
,
or
Teachers
,
shall
shine
as
the
Brightness
of
the
Firmament
,
and
they
that
turn
many
to
Righteousness
,
as
the
Stars
for
ever
and
ever
.
MEANS
For
Providing
the
Foregoing
LIBRARIES
Humbly
Offered
To
the
Reverend
and
Learned
,
both
Parochial
Clergy
and
School-Masters
of
this
KINGDOM
.
HAving
been
long
a
Parochial
Minister
,
and
in
one
of
the
Meanest
Cures
of
the
Church
,
I
am
so
throughly
touch'd
with
a
Sense
of
my
Brethrens
Condition
,
especially
with
respect
to
their
want
of
Books
,
that
I
have
even
ventur'd
to
be
thought
,
and
call'd
a
Projector
,
(
a
very
mean
and
contemptible
Character
with
such
as
are
accounted
Men
of
Wisdom
)
upon
the
account
of
those
Designs
I
am
continually
forming
,
to
provide
them
,
of
what
I
think
so
very
necessary
for
all
Men
of
our
Sacred
Calling
to
be
furnish'd
withal
.
And
to
this
purpose
it
is
,
that
I
have
address'd
my self
to
such
as
are
Piously
,
as
well
as
Charitably
given
,
in
the
foregoing
Essay
.
But
being
made
sensible
by
a
long
Tryal
and
Experience
,
that
but
very
few
of
those
who
are
Charitably
given
,
are
Piously
so
,
there
being
scarcely
One
in
an
Hundred
of
those
,
who
are
accounted
Liberal
,
who
has
Elevation
of
Mind
enough
to
consider
the
Wants
which
affect
any
thing
above
the
meer
Animal
Life
;
I
have
little
hopes
of
much
Success
by
applying
that
way
,
tho'
something
is
doing
,
and
will
be
obtain'd
from
particular
Persons
towards
the
forwarding
the
Design
of
furnishing
all
the
Ten
Pound
Cures
of
the
Kingdom
with
a
Catechetical
Library
.
Well
then
,
my
Learned
and
most
Esteemed
Friends
,
give
me
leave
to
tell
you
,
my
greatest
Expectations
is
from
you
,
that
you
will
favour
a
Proposal
I
am
about
to
make
,
which
,
as
it
is
in
your
Power
to
give
Success
to
,
so
I
humbly
conceive
,
is
a
Means
in
a
manner
sufficient
of
it self
,
to
provide
the
foregoing
Libraries
,
And
of
such
a
Nature
as
is
a
most
great
and
considerable
good
in
it self
,
abstracting
from
the
End
it
serves
;
nay
,
and
will
be
as
Immediately
Serviceable
to
the
good
of
Souls
,
as
the
End
it self
will
be
,
which
is
to
be
accomplished
by
it
;
and
is
such
withal
as
cannot
properly
be
said
to
be
a
Charge
to
any
.
In
order
to
make
which
appear
,
I
will
crave
your
Patience
to
enlarge
a
little
upon
each
Particular
.
I.
As
to
the
End
I
do
hereby
aim
at
,
viz.
a
Catechetical
Library
for
our
poor
Parochial
Clergy
;
there
are
some
Reasons
for
this
Provision
,
which
would
hold
good
at
all
times
,
and
there
are
others
which
render
them
more
especially
necessary
in
the
Age
we
now
live
in
.
Of
the
former
sort
this
may
be
one
;
That
as
the
Temporal
State
of
those
Clergy
must
be
exceeding
uncomfortable
,
where
the
Endowments
of
their
Places
scarcely
exceed
Ten
,
or
Fifteen
Pound
per
Annum
;
so
must
the
Spiritual
Welfare
of
the
People
be
but
miserably
provided
for
in
such
places
;
it
being
impossible
that
the
Ministers
under
such
mean
Circumstances
should
ever
be
able
to
furnish
themselves
with
necessary
Books
:
And
it
being
equally
inconceivable
,
that
without
the
help
of
good
Books
,
whereby
they
may
be
instructed
in
Christianity
themselves
,
they
should
be
ever
able
to
teach
others
.
Amongst
those
Reasons
which
make
this
Provision
more
necessary
now
than
heretofore
,
this
deserves
our
serious
Consideration
,
that
since
the
prodigious
growth
of
Atheism
,
Deism
,
Socinianism
and
Quakerism
,
all
Veneration
to
our
Character
is
wore
off
,
few
considering
us
as
Authoriz'd
by
God
,
to
transact
Matters
of
the
greatest
moment
betwixt
Him
and
Man
;
namely
,
to
ratify
by
Sacraments
the
Covenant
of
Grace
in
his
behalf
,
to
proclaim
his
Laws
,
and
to
bless
the
People
in
his
Name
:
The
Notions
,
I
say
,
of
these
distinguishing
Characters
have
but
a
small
Impression
in
most
Mens
Minds
;
and
generally
a
Person
in
H.
Orders
is
now
no
otherwise
valued
beyond
a
meer
Layman
,
than
as
he
appears
better
fraught
with
useful
Knowledge
himself
,
and
better
skill'd
to
communicate
it
to
others
.
And
if
so
,
the
poorer
Clergy
,
without
such
Provision
as
I
am
soliciting
for
them
,
must
needs
fall
into
the
lowest
Contempt
(
and
the
whole
Body
on
their
account
)
now
that
every
Mechanick
pretends
to
Letters
,
and
what
is
worse
,
since
the
Liberty
of
the
Press
,
that
the
Laity
of
all
Ranks
do
freely
read
the
most
poisonous
Authors
.
So
that
I
hope
,
it
does
sufficiently
appear
,
that
it
is
an
End
worthy
some
Thought
,
Pains
and
Charges
,
to
provide
all
the
Parochial
Cures
of
Ten
or
Fifteen
Pound
a
Year
with
a
Catechetical
Library
,
consisting
of
some
of
the
most
plain
and
practical
Books
,
both
upon
the
General
Doctrine
of
our
Baptismal
Covenant
,
and
upon
all
the
Articles
,
Terms
and
Conditions
of
it
,
as
they
are
taught
in
our
Church-Catechism
.
II
.
And
as
the
End
I
am
now
in
pursuit
of
;
has
the
most
immediate
Tendency
both
to
the
good
of
Souls
,
and
the
preservation
of
our
H.
Order
from
the
Contempt
to
which
Ignorance
will
expose
us
:
So
one
of
those
Mediums
I
would
propose
in
order
to
attain
it
,
will
appear
,
I
hope
,
to
be
of
such
a
Nature
,
as
to
be
as
immediately
serviceable
to
the
good
of
Souls
,
as
the
End
it self
,
which
is
to
be
accomplish'd
by
it
.
Now
the
Means
I
would
propose
to
this
End
,
is
the
the
Reception
of
some
Book
in
the
Schools
of
this
Kingdom
,
giving
a
full
Institution
in
the
Christian
Religion
,
which
I
humbly
conceive
is
best
done
by
a
Tract
upon
the
Doctrine
of
the
Covenant
of
Grace
:
And
a
Recommendation
also
of
the
same
by
the
Parochial
Clergy
to
the
Youth
in
their
respective
Parishes
.
The
Reasons
why
I
propose
a
Book
upon
the
Subject
of
our
Baptismal
Covenant
,
as
a
most
proper
Christian
Institution
for
Youth
;
are
as
follows
.
First
,
Because
I
take
the
Covenant
of
Grace
,
or
our
Baptismal
Covenant
,
to
comprize
the
whole
Doctrine
of
Christianity
;
even
all
that
,
than
which
no
Man
,
as
a
meer
Christian
is
necessitated
to
know
more
,
and
than
which
the
meanest
ought
not
to
know
less
.
Secondly
,
But
more
especially
,
with
Relation
to
Youth
,
because
it
is
more
particularly
necessary
,
that
all
Youth
should
be
Instructed
in
,
and
comprehend
the
general
Nature
,
Terms
,
and
Conditions
of
their
Baptismal
Covenant
before
they
go
to
be
Confirm'd
;
which
Apostolical
Institution
,
as
it
is
of
vast
consequence
to
have
it
duly
administred
,
so
in
a
more
peculiar
manner
,
it
is
requisite
that
all
our
School-Youth
,
when
they
are
come
to
years
of
Discretion
,
and
just
before
they
are
entring
into
the
World
,
should
both
Recognize
the
Covenant
they
made
with
God
in
their
Infancy
,
and
Receive
the
Episcopal
Benediction
:
To
do
both
which
rightly
and
duly
,
what
more
requisite
,
than
,
that
they
should
be
Instructed
in
the
Covenant
,
which
they
are
to
confirm
accordingly
.
1st
.
I
would
therefore
humbly
propose
,
That
the
Learned
School-Masters
of
this
Kindom
would
Recommend
to
the
Youth
of
their
respective
Schools
,
a
Book
on
this
Subject
,
which
they
should
make
as
much
necessary
for
them
to
be
provided
withal
,
as
their
Grammar
,
their
Dictionary
,
or
any
orher
Elements
of
Learning
,
of
far
less
consequence
to
the
Childrens
Happiness
both
present
and
future
.
And
that
they
would
enjoyn
their
Scholars
to
read
some
part
of
such
an
Exposition
every
Sunday
and
Holy-day
,
in
order
to
render
a
good
account
thereof
the
next
Morning
.
And
if
the
small
Piece
which
accompanies
this
,
stil'd
,
A
short
Discourse
on
the
Doctrine
of
our
Baptismal
Covenant
,
may
be
thought
proper
for
this
purpose
,
I
can
propose
by
the
Sale
of
so
many
,
as
may
be
taken
off
by
all
the
Schools
in
England
,
and
that
at
a
lower
rate
than
they
are
commonly
sold
by
the
Booksellers
,
to
raise
100
of
the
Lesser
Catechetical
Libraries
for
the
Use
of
our
poor
Parochial
Clergy
.
Which
I
thus
compute
;
1.
I
presume
there
are
40000
Boys
in
all
the
Schools
of
England
and
Wales
,
who
learn
Latin
in
order
to
fit
them
for
the
Universities
,
Trade
,
and
other
Business
;
in
which
Computation
,
should
I
exceed
,
the
continual
Succession
of
Youth
into
Schools
will
in
few
Years
make
it
our
.
2.
If
40000
of
our
Youth
shall
purchase
these
Books
at
1
s
.
6
d
.
per
Book
,
6
d
.
per
Book
may
be
clear
gain
,
which
will
make
up
1000
l.
towards
purchasing
these
400
Ten
Pound
Libraries
.
2dly
,
I
would
also
with
all
Submission
,
propose
it
to
the
Reverend
,
the
Parochial
Clergy
,
that
they
would
please
in
like
manner
to
recommend
the
same
Book
to
such
of
the
Youth
of
their
respective
Parishes
as
are
grown
up
to
those
Years
,
that
render
them
,
if
otherwise
Qualify'd
,
fit
to
be
Confirm'd
;
as
also
to
be
admitted
to
the
Holy
Sacrament
.
In
either
case
they
ought
very
well
to
be
Instructed
in
the
Nature
,
Terms
,
and
Conditions
of
their
Baptismal
Covenant
;
and
if
the
Youth
in
each
Parish
should
be
provided
of
the
Book
here
propos'd
to
this
purpose
,
what
will
be
be
wanting
from
those
in
Schools
,
will
be
made
up
from
these
in
Families
,
towards
purchasing
all
the
400
l.
Catechetical
Libraries
which
are
so
passionately
desir'd
.
And
now
I
hope
by
this
time
it
may
appear
,
that
the
Means
herein
propos'd
,
for
the
purchasing
of
our
Catechetical
Libraries
,
is
of
such
a
Nature
,
as
to
be
a
most
great
and
considerable
good
in
it self
,
abstracting
from
the
End
it
serves
,
and
to
be
as
immediately
conducive
to
the
good
of
Souls
,
as
the
End
will
be
which
is
to
be
accomplish'd
by
it
.
Nor
III
.
and
Lastly
,
can
that
which
is
here
propos'd
,
be
properly
said
to
be
a
Charge
to
any
,
because
every
Purchaser
has
here
a
Book
at
an
under
price
for
his
Money
.
There
are
not
many
of
that
Generosity
,
as
merely
to
give
,
though
to
advance
the
most
Publick
and
Useful
Design
;
and
what
they
bestow
does
generally
come
with
such
Difficulty
from
them
,
as
not
to
be
obtain'd
without
so
much
Application
,
as
will
require
a
Person
should
have
little
else
to
do
,
than
to
solicite
that
one
thing
amongst
them
;
and
when
all
is
done
,
will
scarcely
be
equivalent
to
the
Time
,
Monies
,
and
Charges
in
soliciting
:
But
the
way
here
propos'd
,
seems
to
be
both
Easie
and
Grateful
;
Easie
,
because
few
grudge
their
Penny
,
if
they
have
their
Penny-worth
:
And
Grateful
,
because
it
is
to
be
presum'd
,
there
is
scarce
that
Parent
so
bad
himself
,
who
will
not
be
very
well
pleas'd
his
Child
should
be
Principl'd
in
Religion
,
as
well
as
Learning
;
and
will
not
thank
the
School-Master
or
Minister
who
puts
him
upon
buying
a
Chatechetical
Exposition
wherein
to
instruct
him
.
And
now
,
if
our
foremention'd
Design
can
be
compass'd
by
such
a
Medium
,
as
is
a
Great
,
and
Considerable
Good
in
it self
,
abstracting
from
the
End
it
serves
;
nay
,
and
will
be
as
immediately
serviceable
to
the
Good
of
Souls
,
as
the
End
it self
will
be
,
which
is
to
be
accomplish'd
by
it
,
and
is
withall
such
,
as
cannot
be
properly
said
to
be
a
Charge
to
any
:
Upon
these
Considerations
it
is
hop'd
,
there
may
be
reason
to
expect
the
Concurrence
and
Assistance
of
both
those
Learned
Professions
of
Men
,
who
are
best
able
to
judge
of
the
Value
of
Christian
Knowledge
,
and
in
whose
Power
it
is
to
encourage
the
Means
here
proposed
to
promote
it
.
Well
,
and
if
so
great
,
and
Accumulative
a
good
may
be
compass'd
,
and
that
too
without
any
Man's
Charge
,
and
that
solely
by
your
Means
;
give
me
leave
to
apply
my self
,
to
each
of
you
,
more
particularly
in
this
Affair
;
but
with
all
Deference
to
your
better
Judgments
.
And
in
the
First
place
,
I
desire
the
Learned
School-Masters
of
this
Kingdom
would
please
to
consider
,
that
the
very
Original
and
Chief
Design
of
Schools
within
the
Christian
Pale
,
is
to
instruct
Youth
in
the
Principles
of
Christianity
,
and
to
imbue
them
with
Humane
Literature
,
in
order
only
,
and
in
subserviency
to
that
End
;
according
to
which
Original
Institution
,
one
of
the
Great
Schools
in
our
Chief
City
does
still
bear
in
the
Frontispiece
of
its
Buildings
,
Schola
Catechizationis
in
Christianâ
Religione
.
And
pursuant
to
the
same
Design
of
their
Foundation
,
the
29th
Canon
does
strictly
enjoyn
all
School-Masters
to
Catechise
their
Scholars
.
Secondly
,
Whereas
there
never
was
so
great
a
Growth
of
Deism
,
and
Infidelity
as
now
,
it
may
be
worthy
your
Reflection
,
whether
to
have
the
Youth
of
the
most
sprightly
Parts
instructed
in
no
other
Theology
than
what
they
learn
from
the
Greek
and
Latin
Poets
,
may
not
have
a
dangerous
Tendency
to
such
cursed
Opinions
,
and
to
a
Disrelish
of
Christian
Doctrines
.
Both
which
consider'd
,
I
could
wish
that
every
one
of
your
most
useful
Profession
would
please
to
make
it
a
main
Part
of
his
Care
,
throughly
to
principle
his
Scholars
in
the
Doctrines
of
the
Christian
Religion
by
a
weekly
catechising
of
them
:
I
say
,
in
the
Doctrines
of
Christianity
;
for
all
Moral
Duties
are
so
much
the
Dictates
of
Natural
Reason
,
that
half
the
Pains
is
not
necessary
to
make
Men
understand
Christian
Ethicks
,
as
Christian
Principles
;
which
being
,
many
of
them
,
so
much
above
meer
Natural
Reason
,
they
must
be
often
inculcated
,
e'er
they
can
be
duly
apprehended
.
And
besides
,
till
these
Principles
,
which
are
the
grand
Motives
,
and
most
forcible
Reasons
to
a
Holy
Life
,
have
obtain'd
their
due
Force
in
our
Minds
,
by
being
competently
understood
and
believ'd
,
Morality
will
advance
but
poorly
,
as
the
Watch
moves
slowly
whose
Spring
is
weak
:
But
especially
it
is
to
be
consider'd
,
that
the
strictest
Morals
acted
upon
other
than
Christian
Principles
will
find
no
Acceptance
with
God
.
Reverend
and
Learned
Sirs
,
It
may
be
in
no
Case
more
proper
to
know
your
own
Power
than
in
this
;
and
that
,
as
it
is
in
a
manner
absolutely
in
your
own
Breasts
to
appoint
what
Books
your
Scholars
must
have
;
so
there
is
scarcely
that
Parent
so
bad
himself
,
who
will
not
be
very
well
pleased
,
that
his
Child
should
be
principl'd
in
Religion
,
as
well
as
Learning
;
and
who
will
not
thank
the
School
Master
,
who
puts
him
upon
buying
a
Catechetical
Exposition
where●n
to
instruct
him
.
And
why
,
I
would
fain
know
,
should
not
Parents
think
it
as
material
a
Part
of
the
School-Master's
Duty
to
give
the
Youth
committed
to
his
Charge
,
a
through
and
perfect
Understanding
of
the
Elements
of
Christianity
,
as
of
Grammar
.
Both
their
own
,
and
the
Publick
Happiness
,
I
am
sure
,
depends
infinitely
more
on
the
one
,
than
the
other
.
I
know
,
indeed
,
in
such
a
laborious
Employment
as
a
School-Masters
is
,
the
whole
Week
round
,
he
can
find
but
little
Leisure
to
compose
Discourses
,
and
Explications
of
his
own
,
to
give
them
upon
those
Heads
;
and
therefore
till
some
better
shall
be
provided
,
for
the
purpose
,
I
do
humbly
offer
the
Exposition
here
recommended
,
divided
into
Lectures
;
one
of
which
,
if
all
the
Youth
in
Schools
were
enjoyn'd
to
read
every
Sunday
,
and
an
Account
were
demanded
of
them
what
they
have
so
read
,
every
Monday-Morning
,
as
duly
as
they
are
made
to
say
a
part
in
their
Grammar
,
I
hope
it
would
tend
something
to
their
Edification
,
and
moreover
,
wou'd
have
this
good
Effect
,
that
it
would
provide
a
proper
Employment
for
the
School-Boys
on
the
Lord's
Day
,
and
would
inure
them
to
such
a
Religious
Way
of
spending
it
,
as
will
influence
their
Lives
ever
after
.
And
indeed
,
upon
the
whole
,
though
none
others
of
our
Youth
,
besides
those
in
Schools
could
be
brought
under
such
a
Catechetical
Instruction
,
yet
hence
we
may
reasonably
hope
for
a
much
better
Generation
of
Men
the
next
Age
,
than
we
have
the
Comfort
to
see
at
present
,
because
the
greatest
,
or
,
at
least
the
most
considerable
part
of
Youth
in
all
Christian
Nations
do
pass
into
the
World
through
the
Door
of
School-Discipline
.
Secondly
,
But
since
many
of
our
Youth
,
as
well
the
Sons
and
Daughters
,
as
the
Servants
in
Families
,
have
not
had
much
of
School-Education
;
and
since
the
Instruction
of
all
Sorts
of
Youth
in
the
Principles
of
Christianity
,
is
of
such
Infinite
Consequence
,
not
only
to
their
own
private
Happiness
,
but
also
to
the
publick
Welfare
of
Church
and
State
;
give
me
leave
my
Reverend
Brethren
,
to
address
my self
also
to
you
,
who
are
the
Parochial
Clergy
,
to
whom
I
crave
leave
with
all
Deference
and
Submission
,
to
offer
,
as
a
Reason
for
the
Entertainment
of
the
foregoing
Proposal
,
what
Method
in
my
Opinion
we
had
best
to
take
in
Order
to
instill
into
the
Minds
of
Youth
,
a
due
Understanding
of
the
Principles
of
Christianity
.
And
in
order
to
that
,
I
humbly
conceive
,
there
may
be
a
double
Course
of
Catechetical
Instruction
which
it
would
be
requisite
all
Youth
should
be
oblig'd
to
go
through
.
The
First
is
that
usual
and
common
Method
in
publick
,
wherein
they
render
an
Account
of
their
Religion
to
the
Minister
of
the
Parish
,
in
the
Words
of
the
Church
Catechism
;
and
are
usually
requir'd
to
prove
each
Point
by
Texts
of
Scripture
;
for
which
Purpose
Bp.
William's
,
or
Dr.
Isham's
Exposition
with
Scripture-proofs
,
are
of
Excellent
Use
.
And
those
Persons
can
never
answer
it
to
God
,
and
the
Souls
of
their
Children
,
Apprentices
,
and
Servants
,
who
do
not
encourage
,
and
oblige
them
constantly
to
attend
this
Method
of
Instruction
,
and
that
till
they
are
at
least
Ten
,
or
Twelve
Years
of
Age
.
Secondly
,
But
after
this
,
I
think
it
would
be
of
mighty
Consequence
,
if
all
the
Youth
of
the
Nation
were
put
upon
another
Course
of
Catechetical
Instruction
,
suitable
to
more
grown
Years
;
and
that
is
,
to
read
some
larger
Expositions
,
and
Discourses
upon
the
same
Catechetical
Points
;
more
especially
upon
the
Doctrine
of
their
Baptismal
Covenant
,
in
order
to
fit
them
for
Confirmation
of
the
same
,
where
it
may
be
possible
to
enjoy
the
Benefit
of
that
Ordinance
;
or
if
it
cannot
be
had
,
for
a
worthy
Participation
of
the
Lord's
Supper
.
Confirmation
is
undoubtedly
an
Institution
extremely
well
suited
in
the
Nature
of
it
,
to
impress
serious
and
lasting
Resolutions
upon
the
Hearts
of
those
,
who
come
duly
prepar'd
to
it
by
a
thorough
Understanding
of
its
Nature
and
Design
,
and
of
their
own
Obligations
resulting
from
the
Use
thereof
.
But
yet
though
a
positive
Institution
,
it
operates
in
rational
Ways
,
and
does
not
profit
those
,
who
come
not
to
it
with
a
due
Knowledge
,
both
of
that
Covenant
they
do
thereby
Ratifie
,
and
of
the
Additional
Tyes
upon
them
from
so
solemn
a
Recognition
;
as
also
of
the
Benefits
may
be
expected
by
the
Episcopal
Benediction
.
And
the
same
may
be
said
of
the
Lord's
Supper
.
In
order
therefore
to
instill
these
Notions
into
the
Minds
of
Youth
,
there
ought
to
be
a
very
particular
Application
by
all
those
,
who
have
taken
upon
them
the
Care
of
Souls
,
to
prepare
,
and
to
instruct
them
in
order
to
both
those
Ordinances
.
And
when
they
are
invited
with
great
Significations
of
a
Fatherly
Care
and
Concern
for
their
Eternal
Interest
,
to
receive
Instructions
in
those
Matters
,
just
at
an
Age
they
are
launching
out
into
the
World
,
and
before
they
are
corrupted
by
wicked
Principles
,
and
bad
Company
,
it
is
the
likeliest
Method
to
secure
them
ever
after
from
that
Apostacy
from
God
,
which
the
far
greatest
part
of
Mankind
do
now
fall
into
.
For
which
Reason
it
would
be
the
greatest
Charity
in
the
World
,
and
that
which
would
give
us
the
Satisfaction
of
the
greatest
Success
,
would
every
Parochial
Minister
invite
,
and
encourage
the
young
People
of
his
Parish
to
come
to
him
after
Evening-Prayer
is
over
,
to
be
more
particularly
instructed
by
him
their
Pastor
,
in
what
does
in
a
more
especial
manner
concern
them
.
And
if
the
Religious
Conference
between
them
were
begun
,
and
clos'd
up
with
singing
of
a
Psalm
of
the
New
Version
,
and
as
set
to
some
of
the
best
Tunes
;
This
(
from
Experience
I
can
affirm
it
)
would
quickly
draw
in
the
whole
Youth
of
the
Parish
,
scarcely
one
excepted
.
And
indeed
if
the
Youth
of
every
Parish
from
the
Age
of
15
to
25
,
would
every
Sunday
after
the
Congregation
is
dismiss'd
,
come
to
the
Minister
thereof
in
the
Vestry
or
the
Chancel
of
the
Church
,
and
there
render
him
an
account
of
what
they
have
been
directed
by
him
to
read
,
and
prepare
themselves
to
answer
his
Examinations
upon
the
Points
which
they
have
been
reading
the
Week
,
or
Lord's-Day
preceding
;
I
do
not
know
what
would
tend
more
to
their
Edification
than
this
.
It
would
lay
a
sort
of
Obligation
upon
them
,
to
read
considerable
proportions
every
Sunday
at
least
,
and
so
would
inure
them
to
a
right
spending
of
that
Day
.
It
would
be
a
means
to
fix
their
attention
in
their
Reading
.
It
would
give
each
Minister
an
opportunity
to
acquaint
himself
with
the
Proficiency
of
the
Youth
of
his
Parish
in
Knowledge
and
Vertue
;
and
according
as
he
finds
them
Proficients
in
both
,
he
might
invite
them
to
an
early
engagement
of
themselves
to
God
;
first
,
in
Confirmation
,
and
afterwards
at
the
Sacrament
of
the
Lord's
Supper
.
Such
a
Set
of
Youth
would
be
a
Religious
Society
in
every
Parish
under
the
Care
,
Conduct
and
Direction
of
their
proper
Pastor
,
against
which
at
least
,
no
Shadow
of
Objection
can
lie
.
And
lastly
,
such
an
instance
of
Pastoral
Care
would
wonderfully
endear
the
Minister
and
his
People
to
each
other
,
than
which
nothing
will
be
more
for
their
Benefit
,
and
his
Comfort
.
It
is
sad
,
to
see
how
universally
backward
our
Youth
are
,
when
grown
up
,
to
come
to
be
Catechis'd
,
as
if
it
were
too
childish
an
Institution
,
and
below
them
to
be
seen
at
it
.
The
consequence
of
which
is
,
That
they
never
become
sufficiently
grounded
in
Christianity
;
and
are
let
loose
to
follow
their
own
vicious
Inclinations
,
without
the
restraint
of
Christian
Principles
,
when
the
Efforts
of
corrupt
Nature
are
most
strong
and
boisterous
within
them
,
and
when
evil
company
do
most
haunt
them
.
But
since
it
is
so
,
that
perswade
them
what
we
can
,
they
will
scarcely
be
brought
to
submit
themselves
to
the
ordinary
Catechising
among
Children
,
it
will
be
necessary
that
we
provide
for
their
safety
by
some
other
method
.
And
this
more
manly
way
of
Instruction
here
propos'd
,
being
more
adapted
to
their
Age
,
and
being
a
kind
of
Conference
with
them
,
I
dare
say
,
would
be
very
taking
with
all
of
them
.
And
they
would
become
thereby
so
throughly
season'd
,
and
perfected
in
Religious
Principles
,
that
there
would
be
little
danger
of
their
miscarriage
ever
after
.
And
this
way
of
putting
them
to
frame
answers
themselves
out
of
what
they
shall
read
,
will
,
I
conceive
,
be
much
more
easie
and
profitable
,
than
to
oblige
them
to
get
the
answers
by
heart
which
are
form'd
for
them
by
others
.
More
easie
,
for
not
one
in
a
hundred
has
Leisure
,
or
Memory
sufficient
to
get
any
thing
considerable
without
Book
,
which
is
the
reason
so
few
can
be
brought
to
make
use
of
those
many
Expositions
which
have
been
made
by
way
of
Question
and
Answer
;
whereas
once
or
twice
reading
a
short
Discourse
with
attention
,
will
enable
any
Youth
of
tolerable
Apprehensions
,
to
offer
at
so
much
towards
an
Answer
,
as
to
satisfie
the
Catechist
,
that
he
understands
what
he
has
read
.
And
more
Profitable
this
method
will
appear
to
be
,
because
it
puts
the
Catechumen
upon
forming
a
Judgment
himself
upon
what
he
reads
;
whereas
the
bare
repeating
of
an
Answer
made
to
his
hands
,
will
render
him
little
wiser
than
the
Parrot
which
is
taught
to
utter
words
she
understands
not
.
And
then
if
moreover
after
this
,
we
shall
our selves
deliver
to
them
an
Exposition
more
expatiated
,
and
enlarged
,
upon
the
point
on
which
they
have
been
reading
before
,
but
to
the
very
same
purpose
,
only
more
copiously
explaining
the
Doctrine
,
this
will
let
yet
a
clearer
light
into
their
understandings
,
of
those
Divine
Truths
.
And
by
this
way
of
giving
them
Line
upon
Line
,
and
Precept
upon
Precept
,
they
will
,
at
length
arrive
to
a
full
comprehension
of
those
Sacred
Truths
;
upon
the
understanding
the
importance
of
which
,
their
Salvation
does
so
much
depend
.
But
besides
the
advantages
in
this
method
of
infusing
Christian
Knowledge
into
the
Minds
of
Youth
,
to
a
degree
as
would
render
them
,
I
am
perswaded
,
much
above
the
attainments
of
many
,
who
are
advanc'd
far
beyond
them
in
years
;
A
Minister
,
by
having
gain'd
to
this
purpose
a
select
Society
of
the
Youth
of
his
Parish
,
giving
themselves
up
to
the
more
close
Instructions
of
him
,
their
proper
Pastor
;
he
would
hereby
have
a
fair
opportunity
given
him
,
to
instruct
them
also
in
the
Use
,
and
Reason
of
all
the
Parts
,
and
Devotions
in
their
Common
Prayers
;
than
which
I
do
not
know
any
part
of
Instructions
more
wanted
at
this
day
amongst
the
Common
People
.
For
why
?
Of
all
the
parts
of
Religion
,
there
is
none
does
so
immediately
and
directly
point
towards
God
,
as
Publick
Worship
;
and
in
the
due
performance
of
which
the
Glory
of
God
is
so
much
concern'd
.
This
is
that
Homage
the
Creature
pays
to
his
Creator
.
And
when
it
is
solemnly
,
and
awfully
perform'd
,
God
is
Glorify'd
in
the
Eyes
of
Men
;
than
which
,
what
can
be
more
reasonable
,
and
necessary
?
But
now
if
we
cast
our
Eyes
upon
the
sottish
,
stupid
,
and
unconcern'd
Behaviour
of
the
greatest
part
of
People
in
Country
Congregations
,
they
do
not
only
most
shamefully
sit
down
all
the
time
of
Prayer
,
but
for
any
appearance
of
Devotion
we
can
perceive
,
are
as
little
concern'd
at
the
Divine
Offices
then
perform'd
,
as
the
Stones
they
tread
on
,
to
the
exceeding
great
Offence
and
Disturbance
of
all
Pious
and
Devout
Minds
.
But
this
scandalous
Blemish
in
Publick
Assemblies
,
I
can
speak
it
by
experience
,
would
be
soon
remov'd
,
should
every
Minister
have
a
choice
Society
of
twenty
or
thirty
young
Disciples
in
his
Parish
,
well
instructed
,
as
in
the
Principles
of
Christianity
,
so
in
the
use
of
their
Common-Prayer-Book
;
for
this
little
Leaven
would
soon
season
the
whole
Lump
.
And
the
whole
Congregation
would
be
so
far
reduc'd
by
the
Solemnity
and
Regularity
of
those
Persons
Devotions
,
as
at
least-wise
not
to
affront
God
as
they
do
,
in
the
service
they
pretend
to
pay
him
;
but
would
indeed
be
quickn'd
by
that
Life
there
is
in
our
Offices
,
when
the
Responses
are
solemnly
,
and
universally
made
by
the
people
,
so
as
they
would
begin
to
feel
some
sparks
of
Devotion
glowing
in
their
own
Breasts
,
deriv'd
from
the
Neighbouring
Flame
so
ardently
burning
in
the
hearts
of
others
.
And
indeed
the
Minister
,
who
shall
be
able
to
form
out
of
the
Youth
of
his
Parish
,
such
a
Society
as
we
are
now
speaking
of
,
need
never
want
company
at
a
Monthly
,
or
at
more
frequent
Sacraments
.
He
would
also
have
a
number
of
excellent
Spirits
dispers'd
amongst
the
several
Families
of
his
Parish
,
by
whom
he
might
easily
revive
Family-Devotion
,
so
universally
and
shamefully
now
neglected
and
disus'd
,
these
being
,
as
it
were
,
his
Lay-Assistants
to
perform
that
part
of
Religion
therein
,
according
to
his
directions
.
Not
to
say
,
that
so
many
serious
persons
being
so
sensibly
benefited
by
his
Instructions
,
and
the
pains
he
has
taken
with
them
,
will
be
upon
all
occasions
his
Advocates
against
the
Obloquies
and
Detractions
of
those
,
who
are
always
upon
the
wicked
Topick
of
reviling
the
Clergy
for
their
Office-sake
.
Thus
out
of
an
earnest
zeal
to
have
the
Parochial
Clergy
unanimously
joyn
in
forming
a
sort
of
Religious
Societies
,
out
of
all
the
Youth
in
their
respective
Cures
,
as
the
only
means
,
I
know
,
together
with
a
Christian
Institution
in
Schools
,
to
save
the
next
Generation
,
I
have
run
out
perhaps
into
too
great
a
Length
.
But
I
hope
not
impertinently
;
for
in
truth
,
if
both
Parochial
Ministers
,
and
School-Masters
shall
unanimously
joyn
,
first
in
training
up
the
Youth
under
their
respective
Charges
in
the
Principles
of
Christianity
,
and
shall
then
take
the
next
opportunity
of
an
Episcopal
Visitation
,
to
bring
them
to
be
Confirm'd
:
This
timely
Instruction
,
and
this
early
and
solemn
Engagement
to
God
of
Persons
in
their
Youth
;
Of
Persons
,
I
say
,
well
instructed
in
the
Nature
and
Importance
of
their
Baptismal
Covenant
,
will
,
by
the
Divine
Blessing
secure
so
considerable
a
number
of
Persons
,
and
many
of
them
of
the
best
Capacities
,
and
Education
,
to
the
service
of
their
Greator
,
as
will
in
time
out-number
the
Sons
of
Darkness
,
and
stoutly
repel
the
strong
Efforts
of
Satan's
Kingdom
.
In
short
,
First
,
I
am
afraid
it
is
too
certain
and
too
known
a
Truth
;
namely
,
that
scarce
any
Age
heretofore
can
equal
the
Impiety
of
the
present
.
There
have
been
indeed
horrid
Immoralities
known
in
every
Age
;
but
in
this
the
very
fundamental
Principles
of
all
Religion
,
both
natural
and
reveal'd
,
are
attack'd
;
and
overborn
by
the
Confederate
Forces
of
Atheists
,
Deists
,
and
Socinians
.
Secondly
,
The
great
Cause
of
Loosness
in
Principles
and
Manners
,
is
universally
acknowledged
to
have
been
owing
to
the
want
of
Catechetical
Instructions
in
Schools
,
Families
and
Churches
;
through
which
neglect
,
the
present
Generation
of
men
having
been
never
well
grounded
in
their
Religion
,
are
become
an
easie
prey
to
Atheists
and
Hereticks
.
Thirdly
,
The
only
way
therefore
to
train
up
a
better
Generation
of
men
for
the
next
Age
,
and
thereby
to
avert
the
Judgments
of
Heaven
from
pouring
down
upon
us
,
is
universally
in
all
Families
,
Schools
,
and
Churches
,
to
revive
that
ancient
and
necessary
method
of
Instruction
,
viz.
Catechetical
Doctrine
.
Fourthly
,
And
I
take
it
,
that
there
is
not
a
more
fundamental
part
of
Catechetical
Doctrine
,
and
more
principally
requisite
to
have
the
Minds
of
all
Youth
,
both
in
Schools
and
Families
,
prepossess'd
withal
,
than
that
wherein
is
deliver'd
and
explain'd
,
the
general
Nature
of
the
Covenant
of
Grace
;
that
Covenant
we
enter'd
into
with
God
in
our
Baptism
:
Because
,
First
,
In
this
Covenant
are
included
all
the
Articles
between
God
and
Man
;
and
consequently
the
Summ
and
Substance
of
the
Christian
Religion
.
Secondly
,
Because
a
general
view
of
the
whole
Body
of
Christianity
being
in
a
most
natural
and
regular
method
deliver'd
in
the
Doctrine
of
our
Baptismal
Covenant
,
those
who
shall
be
so
instructed
,
will
be
able
to
Refer
to
their
proper
heads
every
Discourse
they
shall
hereafter
read
,
or
hear
,
on
any
particular
point
,
to
the
avoiding
of
confusion
in
their
apprehensions
of
Divine
Truths
.
Thirdly
,
And
by
this
means
,
seeing
at
once
the
noble
end
of
Christianity
,
and
with
what
infinite
Wisdom
all
the
parts
of
it
are
adapted
thereunto
,
they
will
be
able
,
without
farther
Reading
,
to
discern
the
reasonableness
of
the
Christian
Religion
,
to
the
preventing
of
all
Infusions
of
Atheism
and
Deism
.
And
,
Lastly
,
The
general
Doctrine
of
the
Covenant
of
Grace
,
will
be
also
of
singular
advantage
to
all
Novices
;
especially
at
this
time
,
to
be
prepossess'd
withal
,
as
it
is
an
excellent
Antidote
against
the
two
prevailing
Heresies
of
this
Age
,
Socinianism
on
the
one
hand
,
and
Antinomianism
on
the
other
;
the
one
the
Heresie
of
the
Higher
,
the
other
of
the
more
vulgar
sort
of
men
;
a
true
state
of
the
Covenant
of
Grace
being
alone
sufficient
to
obviate
,
or
overthrow
,
and
that
without
disputing
the
wretched
Principles
of
both
.
It
is
requisite
indeed
our
Youth
should
not
stop
in
the
general
Knowledge
of
the
Nature
,
Terms
,
and
Conditions
of
their
Baptismal
Covenant
,
but
that
they
shou'd
proceed
hereafter
to
a
more
thorough
Understanding
of
each
particular
Article
both
of
Faith
and
Practice
:
But
regularly
they
ought
first
to
know
the
General
Scheme
of
Christianity
,
and
the
Knowledge
of
this
may
be
sufficient
to
fit
them
for
Confirmation
.
And
their
more
distinct
Understanding
of
each
particular
in
their
Baptismal
Covenant
,
whether
Articles
necessary
to
be
believ'd
,
or
Duties
to
be
practic'd
,
must
be
that
which
shall
fit
,
and
qualifie
them
for
the
farther
Ratification
,
and
frequent
Renewing
of
the
same
Covenant
in
the
Lord's
Supper
.
When
they
shall
have
first
learnt
the
Principles
of
the
Doctrine
of
Christ
,
leaving
them
,
they
are
to
go
on
to
Perfection
.
And
now
I
am
to
entreat
the
Candour
of
my
Reverend
Brethren
,
that
however
I
may
be
mistaken
in
the
Practicableness
of
this
Design
,
as
it
is
made
subservient
to
the
Raising
of
Catechetical
Libraries
for
the
poorer
Parochial
Clergy
,
they
would
believe
I
sincerely
intend
the
Good
of
Souls
,
and
the
Honour
of
my
Function
in
all
that
is
here
propos'd
;
that
I
am
so
pressing
,
as
for
Parochial
Libraries
in
the
Plantations
,
so
in
the
poorer
Cures
here
at
home
,
is
,
because
as
in
the
former
,
I
know
no
good
a
Clergy
that
are
not
able
to
furnish
themselves
with
Books
in
going
over
,
can
do
in
a
Country
where
none
are
to
be
bought
when
they
are
there
;
so
in
the
latter
,
no
manner
of
Service
to
Religion
,
but
the
greatest
Contempt
and
Mischief
must
fall
both
upon
it
,
and
our
Clergy
,
to
have
any
of
our
Order
utterly
ignorant
in
their
own
Profession
,
especially
in
so
Learn'd
and
Inquisitive
an
Age
as
this
.
But
when
I
propose
to
lay
the
Foundation
of
these
Catechetical
Libraries
here
at
home
,
by
the
Sale
of
my
own
Book
,
this
will
need
some
Apology
.
That
I
propose
my
own
,
it
is
not
so
,
but
that
I
do
with
all
Humility
submit
it
to
the
Judgment
of
my
Superiors
and
Equals
too
,
to
accept
it
,
or
refuse
it
,
and
to
substitute
some
other
in
its
room
,
the
Sale
whereof
may
provide
for
the
End
propos'd
.
But
that
it
ought
to
be
some
Book
upon
the
Subject
of
our
Baptismal
Covenant
as
fittest
to
be
the
Subject
of
a
Christian
Institution
for
Youth
,
and
indeed
for
a
Family-Book
,
with
submission
to
better
Judgments
I
must
insist
,
and
I
have
these
Reasons
to
offer
for
it
.
1.
As
before
,
I
take
the
Covenant
of
Grace
,
or
our
Baptismal
Covenant
to
comprise
the
whole
of
Christianity
,
even
all
that
,
than
which
,
no
Man
,
as
a
meer
Christian
,
is
necessitated
to
know
more
,
and
than
which
the
meanest
ought
not
to
knowless
.
No
Man
in
any
civil
Contract
can
perform
his
Bonds
,
without
knowing
the
Conditions
of
the
Obligation
;
no
more
can
a
Christian
be
suppos'd
to
perform
his
Covenant
with
God
,
without
knowing
the
Nature
,
Terms
,
and
Conditions
of
it
.
2.
It
is
absolutely
necessary
,
that
all
Youth
should
comprehend
the
General
Nature
,
Terms
,
and
Conditions
of
their
Baptismal
Covenant
before
they
go
to
be
Confirm'd
.
3.
And
all
Persons
whatsoever
before
they
go
to
the
Holy
Sacrament
,
because
in
both
these
Ordinances
they
ratifie
their
Vow
with
God
.
4.
And
if
in
our
Visitation
of
the
Sick
,
the
best
Advice
we
can
give
to
Persons
in
that
Condition
,
in
order
to
prepare
them
for
Death
,
is
to
Examine
themselves
concerning
their
Failures
,
in
all
and
every
the
Terms
,
and
Conditions
requir'd
on
their
part
in
their
Baptismal
Covenant
.
5.
And
if
at
the
Day
of
Judgment
the
Process
will
turn
upon
this
,
and
they
will
be
justify'd
,
or
condemn'd
,
according
as
they
have
perform'd
,
or
not
perform'd
their
Covenant
with
God
,
I
know
no
Scheme
of
Divini●y
so
necessary
for
every
private
Christian
to
be
M●●ter
of
,
as
this
.
And
if
moreover
some
suitable
Devotions
for
Families
shall
be
added
at
the
End
of
such
a
Book
,
I
know
nothing
may
bid
more
fairly
for
a
proper
Family-Book
,
than
one
upon
this
Subject
.
It
may
seem
indeed
that
the
Matter
treated
of
in
a
●●●scourse
of
this
Nature
,
may
be
above
the
Capaci●ies
of
Youth
.
And
I
would
fain
know
what
Gramm●r
Institutions
in
other
Sciences
,
are
not
so
at
first
:
But
as
often
conning
of
Rules
,
and
Terms
of
Art
by
Children
,
let
s
gradually
into
their
Minds
that
Knowledge
,
which
will
be
useful
to
them
all
their
Lives
;
so
here
with
a
Hundred
part
less
Reading
o'er
a
Book
,
they
will
become
perfect
Masters
of
the
whole
Scope
of
these
Christian
Elements
.
And
as
for
grown
Persons
,
as
nothing
is
more
familiar
to
them
than
the
Notions
about
Covenants
and
Contracts
,
of
signing
,
sealing
,
and
of
the
Obligations
resulting
therefrom
;
so
I
am
perswaded
their
Capacities
will
soonest
reach
that
Scheme
of
Christianity
,
which
is
deliver'd
in
those
Forms
,
and
under
those
Terms
.
And
therefore
,
in
compliance
with
the
General
Apprehensions
of
Men
,
it
is
to
be
suppos'd
,
that
the
Holy
Spirit
does
all
along
represent
the
Transactions
between
God
and
Man
in
the
way
of
Covenant
.
It
is
not
indeed
to
be
expected
,
that
a
Discourse
of
this
Nature
should
descend
to
all
the
particular
,
and
subdivided
Terms
of
the
Covenant
,
whether
Articles
necessary
to
be
believ'd
,
or
Duties
to
be
practic'd
.
No
Elementary
Institution
of
any
Kind
does
that
.
But
in
a
Discourse
upon
the
General
Doctrine
of
the
Covenant
betwixt
God
and
Man
,
enter'd
into
in
our
Baptism
,
are
laid
down
those
great
Strokes
of
Christianity
,
which
are
to
be
fill'd
up
afterwards
by
more
particular
Explications
.
And
here
the
whole
Scheme
of
saving
Truths
is
to
be
laid
down
in
an
orderly
Method
,
so
that
every
Hearer
of
the
Word
of
God
may
be
able
to
refer
what
he
shall
at
any
Time
hear
or
read
in
a
desultory
Manner
to
its
proper
Head
;
for
want
of
which
Skill
,
Christianity
(
though
the
most
rational
System
of
Verities
in
the
World
)
seems
to
many
to
be
a
meer
Huddle
of
Incoherent
Principles
,
and
Practices
,
whose
End
they
know
not
,
nor
how
wisely
every
thing
in
it
is
adapted
to
carry
on
that
Noble
End.
In
short
,
as
mere
Zeal
for
the
Service
of
Christ's
Church
,
has
excited
me
to
leave
no
Stone
unturn'd
,
to
procure
Parochial
Libraries
for
our
Protestant
Missionaries
into
the
Plantation●
,
and
I
thank
God
with
a
tolerable
good
Success
;
so
the
same
Passion
for
the
Honour
and
Service
of
my
Mother
the
Church
,
and
the
Poorer
of
my
Brethren
here
at
Home
,
has
embolden'd
me
to
attempt
the
like
Design
in
their
behalf
;
in
which
I
hope
I
shall
meet
with
Candour
at
least
,
if
not
with
all
the
Success
I
could
wish
,
from
those
to
whom
I
have
herein
address'd
.
FINIS
.