Catechistical Guide to Sinners and Babes in Christ, Title page – To the reader
Catechiſtical Guide TO SINNERS, And to ſuch CONVERTS that are Babes in Chriſt.
Wherein all the neceſſary Points of Religion are methodically propoſed in Scripture-Language, abundantly confirmed by the Holy Scriptures, and in ſome Places conciſely expounded.
In the whole, all Controverſies are warily ſhunn'd: So that all true Chriſtians, of what Perſuaſion ſoever, may (if they need the help of others) uſe this Catechiſm for their Children, or others that are under their Power and Care.
Written upon requeſt, by a lover of Truth and Peace.
London, Printed by J. D. to be ſold by Fr. Smith at the Elephant and Caſtle in Cornhil, and W. Crook at the Green-Dragon without Temple-Bar: 1680.
READER,
THe Author of this Catechiſtical Diſcourſe was well aware, that the World abounds with Catechiſms, and himſelf had read and conſider'd very many of them, written not only in our Engliſh; but in the Latin and Greek Tongues, and yet he was perſwaded there was ſomewhat wanting, which he has, with great induſtry and accuracy, endeavour'd to ſupply. And I am perſwaded, whoever he be that reads this with conſideration, will find it well worth his labour: for thô he may thereby add nothing to his Knowledg, yet he may be well pleas'd to ſee the neceſſary things of Chriſtian Religion deliver'd in ſo plain a Method, ſo diſtinctly, and with ſuch pertinency of Scripture-Proofs. In all which, and eſpecially in the laſt, it is too uſual to be defective. Yea, even Scripture-Catechiſms, wherein the Anſwers to the Queſtions are made wholly in Scripture Sentences, are too often found faulty in that kind. He has (as he tells you in his Title Page) warily ſhunn'd all controverted Points, that ſo he might ſhew that one may be a true Chriſtian without determining them, and that Children, and weak Perſons of all Parties, may be inſtructed in all things neceſſary to Salvation without medling with them; that ſo (as the Apoſtle ſays) He that is weak may be receiv'd, but not to doubtful Diſputations. Surely if this were diligently perform'd, it would tend much to the promoting of Peace and Love among Chriſtians.