A Catechism, Title page – Dedication
A CATECHISME OR, The Grounds and Principles of Christian Religion, set forth by way of Question and Answer.
Wherein the summe of the Doctrine of Religion is comprised, familiarly opened, and clearly confirmed from the Holy Scriptures.
By RICHARD MATHER, Teacher to the Church at Dorchester in New England.
Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me in faith and love, which is in Christ Iesus. 2 Tim. 1. 13.
When for the time ye ought to be Teachers, ye have need that one teach you again the first principles of the Oracles of God, and are become such as have need of Milke, and not of strong meat. Heb. 5. 12.
LONDON, Printed for Iohn Rothwell, and are to be sold at his shop at the signe of the Sunne and Fountaine in PauLs Church-yard neer the little North-gate. 1650.
TO THE CHRISTIAN READER.
THe publique Catechizing of Children by way of familiar Dialogue in short and plaine Questions & Answers, though it be scrupled by some, as if it wanted Scripture warrant: yet such as acknowledge children to be members of Christs Kingdome and Church, (as all but Antipaedobaptists doe) Mar. 10. 14. they cannot deny, that (being members of Christs house) the Stewards of his house must (in faithfulnesse to Christ, and them) dispence a portion of Spirituall food to them in due season, Luke 12. 42. And evident it is by daily experience that long Discourses (Sermon-wise) runne over Childrens heads (like water over a Mill, that grinds no meale at all) and passe their capacity. No way of instruction is so proper for them, as that which the Prophet describeth as most suitable to the understanding of children, line upon line, here a little and there a little (Isai 28. 9, 10.) which can no way so conveniently be dispensed, as in briefe and familiar questions and answers put into their mouthes.
But as this way of short and familiar catechizing is the fittest portion of young childrens bread: so there is a larger Doctrine of Catechisme, containing the whole body of Divinity, which being solidly compacted together, and evidently confirmed from Scripture light, and familiarly delivered to the apprehensions of Gods people, it will be a seasonable portion for children of riper age: not only for their further building up in the faith and obedience of the doctrine of the Gospel: but also for their establishment in the truth, that they be not pluckt away with the error of the wicked. Hence Luther had his major as well as his minor Catechismus: and Beza his larger confession of the Faith as well as his shorter. Yea the Apostle Paul (whose example was now precedentiall, as being indeed Authenticall and binding to imitation) he committed to Timothy a platform of sound and wholsome words, in Faith and love: which he commanded and charged him, not onelyonly to hold fast himself, 2 Tim. 1. 13. but likewise to commit the same to faithfull men, who might be able to teach others also, 2 Tim. 2. 2. This charge, as it then was (and alwaies will be) weighty, and seasonable: So never more important and necessary, then in this capritious and fastidious age, when men will nor suffer wholsome doctrine, but having itching eares and wits, doe turn away their hearts from the truth, and are given up to such empty and windy notions, wherein it is hard to judge whether Arrogancy or ignorance be the more predominent: arrogance of higher attainements in Christ, or ignorance of the true Christ, and of life in him.
Now for casting in some helpe, (by the grace of Christ) to prevent the spreading of such a gangrene of vanity and apostacy; and to establish the people of God in the truth of the Doctrine which is according to godlinesse: Our reverend brother (according to the precious Talent of wisdom, and found judgement given unto him, &c. out of his faithfull love to the flock of Christ) he hath compiled this ensuing platform of wholsome Doctrine, in way of a larger Catechisme: wherein you shall finde the summe of the Doctrine of Christian Religion, with pithy solidity and orderly dexterity digested together; and with clear evidence of truth confirmed from the holy Scriptures: and both with such familiar plainnesse of savory language, as (by the blessing of Christ) the simple-honest-hearted Reader may be informed and established in the highest truths, and the most intelligent may be refreshed and comforted, in revising and recounting the treasures of wisdome and knowledge which they have received and embraced, and the grounds upon which they have believed; and all may be led on in the constant profession and practice of the faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
So we commend this ensuing Treatise to the diligent perusall of the Christian Reader; and both it and thee to the rich blessing of the grace of Christ, and rest
Thine to serve in the faith and love of the Gospel, JOHN COTTON. JOHN WILSON.