The Apostles Catechism, Title page – Dedication
THE APOSTLES CATECHISME CONSISTING OF SIXE ARTICLES, plainly expounded:
Very profitable for All, but eſpecially for the benefite of the vnlearned and thoſe that deſire more Knowledge.
By IOHN FOORTHE, Miniſter of the Word of God.
LONDON, Printed by I. L. for William Sheffard, and are to be ſold at his ſhoppe, at the entring in of Popes head Allie out of Lumbard-ſtreet. 1623.
To the Reuerend Father in GOD, Thomas Morton Doctor in Diuinitie, and Lord Biſhop of Couentrie and Lietchfield, I. F. wiſheth grace in this life, and glorie in the world to come.
WHEREAS the holy Ghoſt hath both recorded in the ſixt Chapter of the Epiſtle to the Hebrewes, that ſhort Catechiſme, which the Apoſtles in their dayes taught thoſe whom they conuerted to the faith of Chriſt, & alſo left the ſame to the Churches for all future times: I not doubting but that the euidence of the text, Heb. 5.12. and 6.1. Will iuſtifie this to bee the Apoſtles Catechiſme, hauehave preſumed to propound and expound the ſame as the Lord hath inabled mee, hoping thereby to whet vp their gifts, which are better able to adorne and enlarge it; to iuſtifie other Catechiſmes, which differing from this in words, agree with it in ſubſtance; and to propound it as a paterne or an example for imitation, that they which of themſelues are alreadie forward, may be incouraged to proceede, and thoſe which are ſomewhat ſlacke, may bee prouoked diligently to plant the firſt principles in the hearts of thoſe that are vnderunder their charge, and ſo yong plants may grow vp in their youth, and become worthie inſtruments in Church or Common-wealth, as God ſhall appoint. This ſmall Treatiſe I hauehave preſumed to dedicate to your Lordſhips for theſe reaſons. Firſt, becauſe you are able to diſcerne of the matter handled herein. Secondly, becauſe it hath beene publikely taught to youth in your Lordſhips Dioces. Thirdly, becauſe I hauehave great cauſe to giuegive ſome teſtimonie of heartie thankfulneſſe to your Lordſhips great fauour, which I hauehave lately found at your hands. And deſiring the ſmall teſtimonie may bee accepted in good part, I ceaſe at this preſent. Iune 5. 1623.