Instructions for children: or, The child's & youth's delight, teaching an easie way to spell & read true English. : Containing the father's godly advice; directing parents in a right and spiritual manner to educate their children. : With a Christian catechism, wherein all the chief principles of true Christianity are clearly opened. : Together with many other things both pleasant and useful for the education of children. / Written by Benj. Keach.

Instructions for children: or, The child's & youth's delight, teaching an easie way to spell & read true English. : Containing the father's godly advice; directing parents in a right and spiritual manner to educate their children. : With a Christian catechism, wherein all the chief principles of true Christianity are clearly opened. : Together with many other things both pleasant and useful for the education of children. / Written by Benj. Keach.

Table of contents

Title page

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The English Capitals.

The English small Letters.

The Capital Roman Letters.

The small Roman Letters.

〈◊◊〉 Italick Letters.

Double Letters.

Easie Syllables.

VVords of one Syllable.

VVords of two, three, four, five and six Syllables.

Precepts for Children.

Lessons for Children.

1. Lesson.

2. Lesson.

3. Lesson.

4. Lesson.

5. Lesson.

6. Lesson.

7. Lesson.

8. Lesson.

9. Lesson.

10 Lesson.

1

The little Childs Catechism.

The Youth's CATECHISM.

The Youths Catechism.

The Second Part.

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Concerning Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Concerning the Resurrection.

Concerning Prayer.

Advice to Youth.

3

Of TIME.

Of Scripture Weights, Measures and Coyns.

Weights used in England.

Figures and Numeral Lette••.

Of Numeration.

Of Addition.

Of Substraction.

A Table of MULTIPICATION.

A Receipt in full.

A Bond.

Common Stops, to be observed in Writing and Reading.

Contractions in Writing fit to be observed by Youth and others.

A short Dictionary, interpreting several hard Words and Names.

A short Dialogue, shewing the W•ful s•ate of an Ʋngodly Youth.

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Instructions for Children: OR, THE Child's & Youth's Delight, TEACHING An easie way to Spell & Read TRUE ENGLISH. Containing the Father's Godly Advice; Directing Parents in a Right and Spiritual manner to Educate their CHILDREN.

With a Christian Catechism, wherein all the chief Principles of True Christianity are clearly opened.

Together with many other things both Pleasant and Useful for the Education of Children.

Written by Benj. Keach.

Printed and Sold by Will. Bradford at the Bible in New-York, 1695.

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[Page]

Courteous Reader;

THis little Book, called, Instructions for Children, I have read [...] have taught Scholars above 40 Years in London [...] And as (well know) este [...]em the Author, so I do commend it to all Religious Parents who are willing to Catechise their Children, and Teach them to know the holy Scriptures: And I could wish that all the English Schoolmasters in and about this City (nay throughout the Nations) would make use of it for the Instruction of their Schollars, finding it so well agreeing with the Mind of God [...] Scripture [...]

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The English Capitals.

A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P [...] R S T V W X Y Z.

The English small Letters.

a b c d e f g h i k l m n o p q r r s s t u v w x y z.

The Capital Roman Letters.

A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P Q R S T U W X Y Z.

The small Roman Letters.

a b c d e f g h i k l m n o p q r s s t u v x y z &

[...] Italick Letters.

[...] M N O [...]

[Page]

Double Letters.

ct ss si ssi [...] ff fi ffi f [...] [...] sh &c.

Easie Syllables.

ab eb ib ob ub

ba be bi bo bu by

ac ec ic oc uc

ca ce ci co cu cy

ad ed id od ud

da de di do du dy

af ef if of uf

fa fe fi fo fu fy

ag eg ig og ug

ga ge gi go gu gy

ak ek ik ok uk

ka ke ki ko ku ky

al el il ol ul

la le li lo lu ly

am em im om um

ma me mi mo mu

an en in on un

na ne ni no nu ny

ap ep ip op up

pa pe pi po pu py

ar er ir or ur

ra re ri ro ru ry

as es is os us

sa se si so su sy

at et it ot ut

ta te ti to tu ty

va ve vi vo vu vy

wa we wi wo wu wy

ax ex ix ox ux

A Vowel hath a perfect sound by it self, without any other Letter; but Consonants, without Vowels, will make no sound, nor can they be pronounced.

[Page]bat bet bit bot but

cad ced cid cod cud

dap dep dip dop dup

gad ged gid god gud

hac hec hic hoc huc

lap lep lip lop lup

bra bre bri bro bru

cha che chi cho chu

dra dre dri dro dru

fla fle fli flo flu

VVords of one Syllable.

A Are, ale, are, age, art, ant.

Babe, blaze, bone, bore, born, brake, brave, bring,

Charge, child, chide, choice, crum, cage, chance, cure.

Dale, dance, did, do, done, dote, dove, drove, dog.

Edge, else, ear, eye.

Face, fence, fine, force, for▪

Gate, give, gone, grove.

Hate, ha [...]e, hedge, hole, huge

Isle, inn, judge, juice.

[Page]Lead, leave, live, life, love.

Mace, made, make, ma [...], [...], mi [...], mixt, mole, m [...], moth.

N [...]t, neck, nine, noon▪

Oats, oak, one, once.

Plow, play, plunge, peace, pipe, pope.

Q [...]ick, quake, quire.

Reap, read, road, rot.

Seed, said, side, Saint.

Time, tide, told, ten.

VVords of two, three, four, five and six Syllables.

A-base, a-bide, a-broad, a-bode, a-ba-sed, a-ba-ted, a-bi-ding, a-ca-de-my, a-bo-mi-na-ble, a-po-the-ca-ry, de-no-mi-na-ti-on, ex-a-mi-na-ti-on, Phi-la-del-phi-a, fa-mi-li-a-ri-ty, pro-pi-ti-a-ti-on, qua-li-fi-ca-ti-on, Re-con-ci-li-a-ti-on.

Precepts for Children.

[Page]

TO learn to Read good Child, give heed,

For 'tis a precious thing:

What may compare, with Learning rare?

From hence doth Virtue spiring.

2.

In time of Grief, i [...] yeilds Relief;

Yea▪ in Adversity

'Twill cheerful make, when Friends forsake,

And when dear Parents dye.

3.

When Foes annoy▪ 'twill yeild thee Joy▪

With much Delight and Pleasure:

If Poor thou be, this will to the [...]

Exceed all earthly Treasure.

4.

Though others have, and Riches crave,

Ʋnto their hearts desire.

It may decay, and fly away,

[...] [...]e c [...]nsu [...]'d by [...]ire:

5.

Thy Portion's sure, and will endure▪

Nought can undo that youth

Whom God doth learn, for to discern

The worth of sacred Truth.

6.

Take therefore care Learning's more ra [...]

Than Chains of purest Gold;

Look, look about and find it out,

Its worth cannot be told,

[Page]

7.

Consonants know, and Vowels [...],

[...]ay, learn r [...]g [...]tly to Spell;

Be not a Fool, but go to School,

Till thou read English well;

8·

Yet [...] [...]ere, but learn to fear

The Bless [...]d GOD of Truth;

O understand tis Gods Command

To serve him in thy Yo [...]o [...].

9.

Learn to deny the Company

Of Children who are vile,

That Lye and Swear, so wicked are,

As good Men to revile,

10

O learn to know what filth doth flow

From every poisonous Evil,

And look within, to find out Sin,

Tis worser than the Devil.

11·

What Adam's Fall htah brought on all,

His whole Posterity▪

Strive to find out, then without doubt

To Jesus thou will fly.

12.

For fit releif, vnder thy Grief,

On him do thou depend;

And he will [...]ear, and will appear

To save thee in the end.

Lessons for Children.

[Page]

1. Lesson.

Father, COme ye Chil-dren, and hear-ken un-to me, and I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

2. Lesson.

Chil-dren o-bey your Pa-rents in the Lord, for this is right.

3. Lesson.

Be dutiful and obedient to your Parents, Masters, and other Superiors; not entring into many Words when you are bid to do any Business, but with all Readiness of Mind obey all their lawful Commands with Diligence and Chearfulness.

4. Lesson.

Adorn your selves with Faithfulness, Meekness, and Patience; and let your Behaviour be modest, courteous and gentle towards all▪ [...]d do unto others as you would [Page] be done unto your selves.

5. Lesson.

SUbmit your selves to every Ordinance of Man for the Lords sake; whether it be to the King, as supream; or unto Governors, as unto them that are sent by [...], for the Punishment of Evil doers, and for the Praise of them that do well.

6. Lesson.

HOnour all Men, Love the Brotherhood, Fear God▪ [...] the King. Servants, be subject to your Masters, with all Fear; not only to the Good and Gentle, but also to the Froward.

7. Lesson.

FOR what Glory is it, if when ye be buffetted for your Faults, ye shall take it patienly: But if when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it Patiently; this is acceptable with God.

[Page]

8. Lesson.

FOR even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us leaving us an Examples that ye should follow his Steps, who did no Sin nither was Guile found in his Mouth.

9. Lesson.

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatned not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.

10 Lesson.

Who his own self bore our sin, in his own Body upon the Tree, that we being dead to sin, should live unto Righteousness, by whose stripes we are healed.

Above all things have ferven [...] Charity among your selves. Use Hospitality one to another with-grudging, that God in all things may be glorified, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

1

1

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The little Childs Catechism.

Father.

CHild▪ How Old art thou▪

Child,

I am told, Fa-ther, that [...] am be-tween three and fou [...] years Old.

Fa.

Canst thou tell who was the [...]irst Man God made?

Ch.

Yes, A-dam was the fi [...] [...]an.

Fa.

Who was it that kill-ed▪ [...] Bro-ther?

Ch.

Cain.

Fa.

Why did he kill him?

Ch.

Be-cause his Works w [...] onile, and his Bro-thers gord.

Fa.

Who did walk wiu [...] [...] three hun-dred years, and was [...] fla [...]ed that he should not see [...]

Ch.

E-n [...]h.

Fa.

Who was the [...] that e-verli-ved?

Ch.

Ma-thu- [...]

[Page]Fa.

Who built the A [...]k, and w [...] on-ly Righ-te-ous in his Day?

Ch

No-ah.

Fa.

Who was the most faith-ful Man?

Ch

A-bra-ham.

Fa.

Who wrest-led with the Angel of God, and pre-vail-ed?

Ch.

Ja-cob.

Fa.

Who was ha-ted of his Brethren.

Ch.

Jo-seph.

Fa.

Who was the meek-est Man?

Ch·

Mo-ses.

Fa.

Who did the ground o-pen and swal-low up a-live?

Ch.

Co-rah, Da-than, and A-bi-ram.

Fa.

Who was the strong-est Man

Ch.

Samp-son.

Fa.

Who was a Man af [...] God's own heart?

Ch.

Da-vid.

Fa.

Who was the pa-ti-ent [...]es [...] Man?

[Page]Ch.

Job.

Fa.

Who was the wi-sest Man?

Ch.

So-lo-mon.

Fa.

Who pray-ed that it might not rain, and it rai-ned not for three years up-on the Earth?

Ch.

E-li-jah

Fa.

Who did the Ra-vens feed with bread and meat?

Ch.

E-li-jah, 1 King. 17.6.

Fa.

Who were cast in-to the ho [...] fi-ry Fur-nace?

Ch.

Sha-drach, Ma-shach, and A-bed-ne-go▪

Fa.

Why were they cast into the Fur-nace?

Ch.

Be-cause they would not Wor-ship a gol-den I-mage the King of Ba-by-lon had made.

Fa.

Who was cast in-to the Ly [...]ns Den?

[...]h.

Da-ni-el.

Fa.

Who did Je-sus Christ raise from the dead?

Ch·

La-za-rus.

[Page]Fa.

Who de-ny-ed Je-sus Christ?

Ch.

St. Pe-ter.

Fa.

Who be-tray-ed his bles-sed Ma-ster with a kiss?

Ch.

Ju-das.

Fa.

Who were struck with death for tel-ling of a Lye?

Ch.

A-na-ni-as and his Wife Sa-phi-rah.

Fa.

Who was con-ver-ted as he was go-ing to Da-mas-cus?

Ch.

Saul, who was cal led Paul.

Fa.

How did Sin en-ter in-to the World?

Ch.

By A-dam's eat-ing of the for-bid-den Fruit?

Fat.

What is Sin?

Ch.

The break-ing of God's Com-mand-ment.

Fa.

Who made you?

Ch.

God made me and [...] Man-kind.

Fa.

What is God?

Ch.

God is a spi-rit.

Fa.

VVhy did God make you?

[Page]Ch.

That I should serve, Wor-ship, and ho-nour him.

Fa.

How ought you to serve and wor-ship God?

Ch·

God must be wor-ship-ped in Spi-rit and in Truth.

Fa.

VVhat is meant by wor-ship-ping God in Truth?

Ch.

To Wor-ship God in Truth, is to wor-ship him according to his own Ap-point-ments, or In-sti-tu-ti-ons, re-cor-ded in the ho-ly Scrip-ture.

Fa.

VVhat is it to wor-ship God in Spi-rit?

Ch.

To wor-ship God in Spi-rit is to wor-ship him in sin-ce-ri-ty, or in the up-right-ness of my Heart, and by the in-flu-ence of the Ho-ly Ghost.

Fa.

VVho is the Sa-vi-our of Man-kind?

Ch.

Je-sus Christ.

Fa.

VVhat did Je-sus Christ do [...]?

[Page]Ch.

He dyed and shed his pre-ci-ous blood to save me.

Fa.

VVhat must you do if you would be sa-ved by him?

Ch.

I must be-lieve in him; and be con-ver-ted.

Fa.

Can you believe in him?

Ch.

Not without God gives me his spe ci-al Grace

Fa.

What must you do to ob-tain God's spe-ci-al Grace?

Ch.

I must pray to him for Christ's sake to give me his Grace that I may be-lieve.

Fa.

Be-lo-ved Child, the Lord help you so to do; and be sure you a-void the Com-pa-ny (my Child) of wic-ked Chil-dren, and take heed of Ly-ing, Stub-born-ness, Dis-o-be-di-ence, and all man-ner of e-vil Words and Deeds, and God will lo [...] you, and your Fa-ther and Mo-t [...] will love you; nay, and you will [...] be-lo-ved of all that fear and lo [...] God.

[Page]

1.

O Child most dear, incline thine [...]a [...] ▪

A [...]d hearken to Gods Voice:

Hi [...] Counsel the [...] and that will make

Gods Angels to rejoyce.

2.

Be not like those, who Grace oppose▪

And give their Minds to play;

But let thy Mind be well inclin'd,

In seeking VVisdoms way.

3·

Learn in thy Youth Gods holy Truth▪

Christs blessed Cross to bear:

And so shalt thou though hated now,

In [...]eaven have a share.

4.

Don't Lye nor [...]wear to Steal don't da [...] ▪

T [...]ke heed of such great E [...]ils;

For [...]uch must die and in Hell lie

VVith damned Souls and Devils▪

5·

[...] right [...] thou [...]

[...] Thy F [...]her and thy Mother▪

'Tis [...]so right [...] Gods dear [...].

To love Sister and Brother.

[Page]

7·

[...]pend all thy days in righteous way,

Gods holy Name to hallow,

That at the last, thy days being past,

A blessed end may follow:

8.

And though thou die, and in th' Grave lie,

Yet Christ will thee awake,

And Angels send to attend,

And into Glory take.

9.

VVhere thou shalt rest with Saints the best,

[...] all eternity

And have the Crown of bl [...]st Renown,

Gods Name to magnifie,

10.

[...]hat thus with Christ in Peradice

Thou ever more mayst Reign

[...] that thou pray both night and day,

That Glory to obtain.

[Page] Now, my lit-tle Child, stand a-side and let me ask your El der-Bro-ther some Que-sti-ons.

The Youth's CATECHISM.

Father.

CHild, how old ar [...] thou?

Child

I am, most honoured Father, about ten years old.

Fa.

What hast thou learned, or dost thou know of God?

Ch

I am a Child, and know but a little; I understand as a Child, and think as a Child.

Fa.

Dost thou not understand my Question?

C [...].

I fear I do not.

Fa.

Dost thou not believe there is a God?

Ch.

Y [...], Sir, I do believe [Page] there is a God; for I have often read of him in my bible.

Fa.

Who i [...] God?

Ch▪

I do not know very well; Is it not an old Man?

Fa.

Thy little Brother answered better. But why dost thou think God is a Man?

Ch.

Because I read God made Man in his own Image.

Fa.

That doth not mean form or shape:

Ch.

Pray, Father, tell me who God is, and what the meaning is of that place of Scripture I mentioned▪

Fa.

God is (as thy little Brother hath said) a Spirit; and a Spirit hath not Flesh and Bones as we have: Also the likeness and Image of God, is Righteousness and [...] Holiness, together with a Soveraign Power and Authority over all Creatures and Things. An [...] [...] this son [...] God ma [...] Man in his own [Page] Image, and after his own likeness. Man was created holy & upright, and made chief Ruler and Governour of all Creatures and Things on Earth.

Ch.

Do all Men retain this Image of God still?

Fa.

No, Child, Mankind is degenerated, and hath lost the Image of God.

Ch.

Pray▪ Father, tell me how Man came at first to lose the Image of God.

Fa.

Man lost Gods Image by his Sin: Adam, who was the first Man God created, brake God's Commandment, in eating of the forbidden Fruit; and thereby defiled and Poluted himself and all his posterity: And so long as Men continue in an un [...]onverted Stat [...], being under the power of Sin and natural Depravity, they more resemble the Devil, o [...] have more of his Likeness, than of the Image and Likeness of God in them.

[Page]Ch.

Father, Pray tell me what my State and Condition is?

Fa.

What dost thou mean by State and Condition?

Ch.

I do not mean my outward State in this world, for I thank God through his Blessing and your Care of me, dear Father, I want neither Food nor Raiment.

Fa.

My good Child, I am glad to hear thee enquire after thy spiritual Condition; thou wouldst I perceive, not only know God, but also know thy el [...]; that is to say, the state of thy immortal Soul?

Ch.

Have I, Father t [...]en an immortal Soul?

Fa.

An immortal Soul▪ Child, Yes; more worth then all the World.

Ch.

Pray, Sir, what is my Soul?

Fa.

'Tis a Spirit, an immortal Spirit, created by the Lord & infused into thee: the Lord formed the Spirit of Man, which is within [...] [Page] what shall I do, if I am by Nature a Child of Wrath, and thus prone to sin against God?

Fa.

God has, Child, provided a Remedy; he hath sent his Son Jesus Christ, to save thee from thy Sins, and deliver thee from this thy woful Condition.

Ch.

But, Sir what would you have me do? For I heard our Minister say, That such who die unconverted shall be damned.

Fa.

You must strive against the Evils of your heart: I do forewarn you of the danger [...]f [...]in, and charge you before the Great God, not to keep Company with wicked Children; for some do not only now-a-day go astray from the Womb, telling Lyes; but also learn to Swear and Blaspheme the Holy Name of God as soon, nay, before they can speak plain, and their evil and wicked Parents do not reprove them. Secondly, I [Page] exhort you to pray to God to give you Grace, and change your evil Nature; for except a Man be born again, he cannot see the Kindom of God, John 3.3.

Ch.

Father, wh [...] [...] it to be born again?

Fa.

It is not to enter the second time into your Mothers Womb, and be born; but, tis to have a spiritual Birth, 'tis to have a new Life, to have the evil Qualities and Habits of your Heart changed, & holy and heavenly Qualites & Habits infused in the room of them.

Child.

Would to God I did rightly understand what you say, & could but experience this New Birth wrought in me.

Fa.

If you follow on to kno [...] the Lord, he will give Understan [...]ding, & work this work in you.

Ch.

But, Father, I am very young, may I not do as other Children do, [Page]and de [...]er the minding of these things until I am older?

Fo.

No, Child, you must not defer these things to another time; ' [...]is the Devil that darts such vile thoughts into thy Mind. I do therefore command you and all your Brothers and Sisters, as you expect to abide in my love and favour, or do hope to enjoy the love & favour of God, to resist such insnaring and Soul-undoing Thoughts.

1. Because God requires you to remember him now in your youth, before the evil days come, Eccles. 1 [...].1. First (saith Christ) seek the Kingdom of God & his Righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto you, Mat. 6.33.

2. I charge you to see your Heart Heaven-ward, and to labour to know God, and to love and serve him now, because you were made and sent into this world to [Page] this very purpose.

3. Co [...]sider, my good Child, God does graciously preserve, feed & cloath you likewise, to the end you might live to him: would you have God be at the charge of you [...] Maintenance, and refuse to do his Service, & rather chuse to serve the Devil, as all wicked Children do?

Ch.

No, dear Father, God forbid.

Fa.

Why then did you ask me whether you might not defer the great things that concern your Soul, & the Knowledge of God & Christ, & his Service, until you are older; for such who resolve to defer seeking after Gods Grace & Holiness ti [...]l they are old, secretly purpose to be wicked and ungodly whilst they are young.

Ch.

But, Father, I can't see that many Children do regard or mind these things; besides, they laugh at me and mock me, when I speak to [Page]them of God, and of praying to him, and of getting an interest in Christ.

Fa.

My Child, I know there are great multitudes of wicked and ungodly Children; and wo last thou be wicked as well as they? And because they serve the Devil, would you serve him? If you do so, you may lie in Hell with them at last; t [...]erefore matter it not, Child, tho' they laugh at you & reproach you; for blessed are they that are reviled & reproached for Christ's sake.

Ch.

But, Father, do not some People find Mercy with God when they are old, who never minded to seek after God whilst they were young?

Fath.

God hath not promised that they who seek him late, shall find him; but his Promise runs to them that seek him early, Prov. 8 17. But, Child, God doth not, it may be, afford some the means of Grace whilst they are young; they may live in some [Page]d [...]rk corner: Nor does he call all a [...] [...] t [...]rd Hour. But, Child, you do not know whethe [...] yo [...] shall live till you are old; and if death comes and c [...]ts you off in yo [...] sins, what will b [...] come of you then? Many go dow [...] to Hell with their Bones full of the sins o [...] their Youth; Do you not see many little Graves, as well as great ones?

Ch.

But pray, Father, what other Reason is there, why I should seek after God, & strive to lead an holy Life in my Youth?

Fa.

4. Because God accepteth of such and their Service, exceedingly, who yeild the first and best of their Days to him: God ought not to be put off with old Age, which are the dr [...]gs of our days. Besides, thy dear Saviour spent all his days on Earth that so he might glorifi [...] thee in Heaven, therefore shouldst thou spend all thy days in his Service, and to Honour him. He lived for thee, that thou[Page]shouldst live to him; and died for thee in the prime of his days, that thou sh [...]l [...]st not spend the primest o [...] thy days in sin. Moreover, most of those Renowned and Eminent Saints we read of in the Scripture, who were greatly beloved and honoured by the Almighty, were early seekers, or such that gave up themselves to God in their youth: as namely, young Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Solomon, Josi [...]h, the Apostle John, Timothy, and divers others. Furthermore, What ground is there for any to think, that after they have spent all their youthful and primest days in the Devils Service, in doing his will and pleasing him by living in wicked and ungodly ways, that when they are old, and their Nature almost spent, [...]hat God will accept them? Nay, and it is hard to know then whether they for [...] sake Sin, or Sin forsakes them.

5. Further to perswade thee in [Page] thy youth to cleave to God, and to be holy betimes, consider that hereby thou wilt prevent and escape m [...]n [...] g [...]ievous sins (which others run into) to the great dishonour of God and grief of their Parents? which will also more and more polute and defile thy Soul, and cause the Lord to loathe and abhor thee; and by this means also will Satan get the greater Power over thee; and the more difficult will it be for thee to leave the ways of sin, and the vanities of this World; for evil habits and customs in sin, are not easily broken; which made the Prophet say, Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the Lepord his spots? Then may ye also do good that are accustomed to do evil, Jer. 13.23.

9. God calls thee now in thy youth, and this may be the only time of thy visitation; and if thou shouldst slight and neglect this [Page] season, probably God may call thee no more. Prov. 1.24. many who refuse God's Call in their youth, and cleave to the Lusts and Vanities of th [...] World, when they come to be old, are wholly rejected of the Almighty, and given up to unbelief and hardness of Heart; so that they sin without any remorse of Conscience, and perish eternally.

7. And lastly, That I may prevail with thee to be holy betimes, or to fear the Lord now in thy youth; consider, Child, that God wi [...] br [...]ng thee for all thy youthful Lusts and vanities unto Judgment: Rejoyce, O young Man in thy youth; let t [...]y Heart cheer thee in the days o [...] thy youth; and walk in the ways of thy Heart, and in the sight of thine Eyes; But know thou, for all these things, God will bring thee unto Judgment; Therefore remove sorrow from thy Heart, and[Page]put evil from thy Flesh; for Childhood [...], Eccles. 11.9, 10.

What thinkest thou now (my dear Child) is it not [...] f [...]r thee to hearken to the Cou [...]sel of thy Father, and mind that one thing needful, and with Mary chuse that good Part? To prefer Heaven b [...]fore Earth; and [...]he Joys above, before all the vain Joys here below. Is not the love of God, better than all the World?

Ch,

I have cause to bless God, I have such a Father, who taketh care not only of my outward Man, but also of my Soul, and I thank you, my dear Father, for all your good Counsel: but still, I find such tho [...]ghts arise in my Heart, that tends to keep me from closing in with your Advice at present.

Fa.

What Thoughts are they you do meet with?

[Page]Ch.

That I am [...]oo young, and that I may live many years in the World, and that hereafter it will be time enough: and 'twill be more proper [...]or me to m [...]nd such thi [...]gs when I am older, and of a riper Age.

Fa.

I have told you already, these Thoughts the Divil puts into your Heart; and therefore I charge you in the fear and dread of the great and terrible God of Heaven and Earth, not to close in with them; for he that tells you now you are too young, and 'tis time enough to mind the good of your Soul, and so seeks to destroy you, and split you upon the Rock of Presumption, will tell you, if you should live till you are older That then it will be too late, and that your Day is gone; and thereby endeavour to dash you against the Rock of Despair. Have I not told thee why thou wast made? And truly, Child, I can't [Page] give better Co [...]nd Instruction, or Advice, then to do in this ca [...]e as a good Marchant's Factor doth use to do when he arriveth in a Forreign Country, who presently doth w [...]igh and consider deeply for what cause he came thither, why he wa [...] sent, to what end, what to attempt, what to prosecute, what to perform, what will be expected at his Return by him that sent him. For such Cogitations (without doubt) tend to stir him up to set upon the Business for which he came, and not to imploy his time in impertinencies and trifling vanities. Will you not lay to Heart, why you were created and sent hither, until you are ready to depart from hence? Shall the business of your Great Master and Glorious Soveraign, be neglected, whilst your Service would be most acceptable to him. Suppose the Merchants [Page] Factor shou [...]d not have his time prefixt, how long he shall stay in the Country to which he is sent; and therefore knows not [...]ut that in a few Months he may he ca [...]led home: And yet as soon as he comes thither, should wholly neglect his business, and spend his time in Hawking, Hunting, and other foolish Vanities, and should be called home before he has done any thing for which he was sent; what an account will he be able to give to his Master? Would he not be laught at, and justly, if he should have spent and wasted all his Masters Mony upon his Lust; What shame, Confusion and punishment must he then look [...]o meet with [...]l? Even so, what an account wilt thou have to give to God in the last dreadful day, [...]f thou should neglect the Rich M [...]chandize of the Kingdom of Heaven to Trade in, and for [Page] which thou camest into the World; should God call thee away before th [...] hast done any thing effectually in it? O do not foolishly waste thy time, and lose the Flower of thy Age, which are those choice Talents the Lord calls upon thee to improve; 'Tis I may say, thy Masters Mony, & thou wilt be called to give an account of them.

Alas! Experience shews thee this,

Mans Life but like a Vapour is;

Thy Dayes on Earth may be but few,

They pass like to the Morning Dew;

Like [...] the Cloud or Shadow flies,

Or Dew is gone▪ when Sun doth rise;

So flie thy Dayes, thy Moneths and Years.

Like the gay Bl [...]ssom that appears

Fair this day but to morrow's gone;

This this▪ my Child, think thou upon:

Thy Age I to the Spring compare,

When flowers do appear so rare;

Bu [...] Child, receive Instruction now.

Doth not Experience teach us how,

The fl [...]wer now fade; and hangs its head,

Which yesterday so flourished;

[Page]The Meadows clad in brave array,

Are soon cut down, and turn'd to [...]ay;

Like Jonah's Gourd▪ whi [...]h in one Night

Sprang up▪ and prerish'd when 'twas light;

Or like a Post which passeth by,

Or VVeavers Shuttle, which doth fly;

Or as a Ship when under Sail,

Doth run most swift with a strong Gale;

Even so thy Days do pass and fly;

Lo. Thousands in their T [...]uth do die.

Thy Life's uncertain, 'tis a blast;

Thy Sand is little, 'twill not last;

Thy House▪ though now is very Old,

'Twill soon fall down and turn to Mould:

Thou wast born to die, and dead you were,

Before you liv'd or breath'd i'th' Air;

And die you must▪ ere live you do;

Except you die to live, 'tis so;

There's none can live, but such who die

To Sin and all Vanity.

Ch.

I hope I shall now, dear Father, more seriouslly consider and lay to Heart w [...]at you have said, and receive the [...]nstr [...]ction you have given m [...]; for I am sensible how short and uncertain my days are on Earth: But, pray Sir, have any Children so young as I am, attained[Page]to the Knowledge of God and Jesus Christ? Doth God, I mean, call any so young?

Fa.

Yes, Child, and younger too, than thou art: Worth Mr. Janeway tells us of a Poor Child, not above five years old, who minded the good of his Soul more then all things in the World; and was greatly affected, by Considering what would become of him when he should die; and his Discourse made Christians stand astonished: He was wonderfully swallowed up with t [...]e love of Christ, in dying for Sinners, and with Tears would speak of it; before he was six years old, he made Conscience of secret Duties. And when he prayed, it was with such extraordinary meltings, that his Eve [...] looked red and sore with weeping for his Sins.

The same Minister gives us an account of another Child, who [Page] when she was about four years old had a great sence of her Duty to her Parents, because the Commandment saith, Honour thy Father and thy Mother. She would weep if she saw her Parents troubl [...]d, (though her self had been no occasion of it) and would often get into one hole or another to pray, with Tears in his Eyes: She said she believed in Christ, and desired and longed to be with him.

Moreover, He tells us of another Child about nine years old whom God graciously wrought upon; her name was Sarah Huml [...]y: She was very much in secret Prayer; she could scarce speak of sin (or be spoken to abou [...] it) b [...]t her Heart was ready to me [...]t. [...]he spent much time in reading, and was exceeding dutiful to her [...]arents; She abhorred Lying [...]nd allowed her self in no know [...] [Page] Sin: After she had long waited for an Answer of Prayer, she said, Well, I will venture my Soul upon Christ.

Nay, He speaks of one that God wrought upon, that was not above three or four years old: This Child, he saith, would oftentimes complain of the naughtiness of his Heart, and was troubled for his w [...]nd [...]ing thoughts: He was very fearful [...] of wicked Company: When he had committed a Fault, he was easily convinced of it, and would get in some corner or secret place, and with Tears beg pardon of God. This Child also abhorred Lying with his Soul: When other Children were a playing, he would many times and oft be a Praying.

One Charles Bredgman, saith our Author, had no soone [...] learn [...] to speak, but he betook himsel [...] [Page] to prayer; and as he grew up, took much delight in reading the Scriptures, he would not sti [...] out of doors, before he had poured forth his [...]oul to the Lord▪ nor lie down in bed, till he had been upon his knees In his sickness (for he died when he was about twelve years old) b [...]ing asked, whether he had rather live or die? He answered, I desire to die, that I may go to my Sav [...]ur. Besides these, he speaks of divers other Children whom God called before they were ten years old. What do you say now, my Son▪ were not these sweet Children, w [...]o t [...]us early learn'd to fear God, and fall in love with Jesus Christ?

Come, learn of them, and hate [...]ying and all Childish vanity: Would you be saved when you die? (And you know not h [...]w soon it may be) O then tremble [Page] at the thought of deferring o [...] putting off the serious thoughts o [...] an endless Eternity. Or are yo [...] willing to be damned and to go to Hell and be burned with the Devil and his Angels? Hell Child, is a terrible Place; Can you bear the thought of that Word, Go, ye Cursed, into Ever lasting Fire, &c. What say you Are you resolved to get upon your k [...]ees, and beg Grace and Knowledge of Go [...], through Christ and intreat him for hi [...] Sons sake to open your Eyes, and deliver you from the power of Sin and [...]a [...]an?

Child.

I do resolve in Gods strength so to do, dear Father.

Fath.

Will you say and hold? Take heed you do not forget your Promise: Give your self up my Child, to reading God's Word and other good books; and labour to be deeply affected with [Page] your lost and undone Condition without Christs; and attend upon the Ministry of Christ's painful Labourers; and never be contented nor rest, until you can say, Christ's is yours. Ah! See how his Arms stand open to embrace you! He calls thee, wilt thou not go to him? My Child, remember God says, Tis good to bear the yoak in your youth, Lam. 3.27, 'Tis not only good to submit to his Yoak, and to his Authority, to obey his Commands, but to do it betimes. O shake off the Devil's Yoak, Sins Yok, and the Worlds Yoak, and put on Christs Yoak. The longer a Person wears the Yoak of sin, the harder it will be to get it off: Christ's Yoak is easie, and the more easie it will be to put it on now, than it will be hereafter: A Plant which is newly set, is more easily removed, then when [Page] it has taken root: If they break a Horse to the Harness, or a Bullock to the Yoak, as one observes, 'tis while they are young. 'Tis good to bear the Yoak in thy youth, because 'tis God's Will, God's Command; and also because it will bring so much good, Peace, and comfort, to thy own Soul; and not only Peace, but profit also: In keeping thy Commandments, there is great Reward, Psal. 19.11. O there is Pleasure, Child, & profit too, in God's Ways! No sweetness like Divine Sweetness!

Child.

But, Sir, doth not this debar us of earthly pleasure, and the delights of youth?

Fath.

Godliness deprives us of no lawful Delight and Pleasure which others enjoy; and I hope thou wilt not say, That stolen Waters are sweet, &c. That pleasure which is had in a sinfull way, will be bitter sawce in the end: And [Page] then again, Religion hath its peculiar Pleasures, which wicked ones never tasted of? What is so sweet as God's Love! His Favo [...]r is better than Life. There is in this a Soul satisfying good, and Soul-filling, and a Soul-delighting sweetness, and that which will abide good always; good and sweet, when all the Things and Injoyments of this World, will be bitter: Sinful pleasures, are Soul-defiled, Soul-debasing, nay, Soul-damning Pleasures: They bring shame and confusion sometimes here, and eternal shame and ruin hereafter.

Never say now any more, I am too young to seeke after God, to learn to be good, and virtuous. Art thou old enough to serve the Devil, and too young to serve and honour God? Nay, old enough to be damned, and too young to be saved? O take heed you spend [Page] not your time in idleness and in play with wicked Children: I charge you as ever you hope for Mercy, and would have my love, do not dare to take God's Name in vain, nor tell a Lye to escape the Rod, nor break the Lord's Day, nor fall out and quarrel with your Brothers and Sisters, nor give them the Lye, nor no other evil Words. My sweet Child, be dutiful and obedient to your Parents. O learn to pray and pour forth your Heart to the Lord: Will you do it? I charge you think upon it: Now begin presently, defer it not one day longer What do you say?

Child.

My dear Father, I can hold out no longer, my Heart is smitten and my Soul trembles; the Lord in mercy lead me in the Path of Life to the Springs of living Water, that I may drink thereof and never die: I am resolved to take your Advice.

[Page]Fath.

The Eternal God grant thee strength that thou mayst do as thou hast Promised. And now, my Daughters, I have something further to say to you, Observe well what Counsel I have given your Brothers; for 'tis to you as well as to them: But since I see those of your Sex are in these evil days, so exceedingly addicted to Pride, I do fore-warn you of it; For my part, while ye are under my Roof, I will never suffer you to wear foolish and antick Garbs and Fashions: 'Tis a shame that Parents professing Godliness, should be alured by the Divil to please their Childrens natural and pernicious Appetites; by which means they become meer Slaves to Lucifer, by sending their little Daughters to School to learn to Dance (as Herodias did) where they are taught the hellish Mode of naked Brests and Shoulders, Antick and [Page] Fantastick Garbs, Spotting, Patchings and Paintings, Towers, Bulls, Shades, Curlings and Crispings and other Curiosities of the Devil's devising; as to deck their Fingers with Rings, their Ears with Jewels, their Neck with rich Bracelets or Necklaces of Gold and Pearl, whereby they seem rather like little Morrice Dancers, than the young Off-spring of Christian People: And thus being bravely drest up and the sparks of Pride kindled in them, they go with stretched out Necks and haughty Hearts, that in a short time they are too high and proud to know themselves: And thus growing wanton, the Devil teaches the [...] other hellish Inventions, viz. How to make set Faces, to cringe A-la mode de France, the sober Smile the quaintest Dialect to humo [...] [Page] Discourse well, to get rowling Eyes, to cast amorous Glances, to read Love-Romances, and frequent Play-Houses, and also to get store of filthy and obscene Draughts or Pictures, decored with all sorts of alurements, and the secret Discharges of Venus's lascivious Mysteries, painted with the true Colours of Ovid's Works; as the disguising of naked Gods, and Venus dallying with Adonis, Tarquin at strife with Lucretia, and such-like wanton Objects, with Pretty conceits to encourage the unwilling, and warm the cold humour of their Ravage.

God deliver you, my Daughters, from this Poysonous Infection and Epidemical Disease? I charge you to dread it more than the Plague, as ever you do hope to enjoy the Favour of God, and [Page] abide in my love. Come, give your selves up to Prayer, and strive to be Sober and vertuous betimes; and take heed you do not learn of the wanton and vain ones of the times; Don't gad abroad like Jacob's Daughter, to behold the Daughters of the Land, lest you are one way or another defiled; and particularly be content with modest Apparel, and labour after the Ornaments of the inward Man. Let your Souls be adorned with Grace, which will make you aimable in the sight of God, and all holy Men: Get your Sins mortified, and you will soon see what Habit will best become you. If the Heart be but healed of its inward Pride, that will soon put a curb to the Excesses of the outward. Nothing God hates more then Pride and a haughty Heart.

[Page]Daugh.

But, pray Sir, doth not God allow some things for Ornaments?

Fa·

Yea, doubtless God hath allowed of some Ornament, Gen. 24. 23. Isai. 61.10. But whatever pretends to Ornament, which is inconsistent with Modesty, Gravity and Sobriety, or is not according to Godliness, is instead of an Ornament, a Defilement. Modesty will teach you not to expose those parts to view, which no necessity, no good end nor use can justifie: Who dares plead for that which exposeth persons to S [...]ares and Temptations, and Religion to shame and reproch? Some now-a-days that attend on Sermons in Christian Assemblies, do more become Play Houses, and yet brasen it out in the face of the Pre [...]cher! O horrid Impudence! Godliness teaches not to lay out so much Money to adorn the Body, [Page] when so many poor Families want Bread; and not to expend foolishly on Superfluities on the Carkass, when some poor Children of Christian People want necessary Cloathing. Besides, all Children should be contented to go in Apparel, according to the Degree, Quality and Ability of their Parents.

My Daughters, and such of you that fear God, pray consider the Rule laid down by the Apostle, 1 Pet. 2.2, 3, 4. for Regulating Ornaments, is, That they be consistent with a chast Conversation; may, visibly consistent: Whilst they behold your chaste Conversation, &c. That pure vestal fire (saith one) of Chastity, that burns upon the Altar of a holy Heart, must flame out and shine in Chastity of Words, Actions, Cloathings, and Ornaments: For when God commands Chastity, he commands whatsoever [Page] may feed and nourish it, manifest or declare it, and forbids whatsoever may endanger it.

Daugh.

But, Sir, may such who are rich and wealthy mens Daughters, go in gallant Attire?

Fa.

No degree of Wealth can justifie those Garbs which speaks out Pride and vain-glory; yet Richer (if comely) Ornaments may be lawful in some, that are not in anothers: But let the Rich see they are Rich in good Works▪ and that they do not shew they love their Sons and Daughters more then Christ: Some care not what they bestow on their Children who can spare but little to Christs Poor, his Church, and painful Ministers.

But I hope I need say no more of this, concern [...]ng vain Garbs and Fashions to some of you; for it rejoyces my Heart to see how you labour to adorn your Profession [Page] in every respect. But as for you, my little Daughters, I have many thoughts and fears concerning you and shall, till I see Christ formed in you. I exhort you to remember what I have said to your Brothers; and endeavor to learn of one Mary Warren, born in May 1651. aged ten years, who had a blessed Work of Grace begun upon her Soul, and gave clear evidence of a victory over Sin and Satan; who when she was asked, whether she was willing to die? replyed, Ay, very willing; for then I shall sin no more: For (said she) I know Christs Blood hath made satisfaction for my Sins, &c. I am a Brand pluckt out of the fire, and Christ will put on me his Robes of Righteousness.

Moreover, there was one Mary [...] not five years old, who was greatly affected in hearing the [Page] Word of God, and would weep bitterly to think what would become of her Soul in another World: She was often observed to be in secret Duty, and many times came off of her knees with tears: she was also (saith my Author) greatly afraid of Hypocrisie, and of doing any thing to be seen of Men to get Commendation or Praise: Her Book was her delight; and O that this little Book may be so to you! She was greatly concerned for the Souls of others, to think of their miserable condition; and wonderfully affected with the love of God to her. Come, my Children here are Examples for you; one of you is much older then she was; but how little do you mind these things! What pity is it that such tender Branches as you are, when grown up, should go to Hell! Ah! that you would remember [Page] why you were made, and why redeemed by Christ's most precious Blood! My Prayers are and shall be to God for you. Moreover, I would have you get that little Book, called, A Token for Children, and another, called, A Looking Glass for Children: Next to your Bible, pray read in them pretty Books.

The Youths Catechism.

Fa.

COme Son, thou art grown up to a mature age; how knowst thou that there is a God?

Son.

I know there is a God by his Works of Creation: The Heavens declare the Glory of God, and the Firmament sheweth his handy Works, Psal. 19.1. Rom. 1.

Fa.

What other means hast thou to teach thee there is a God?

Son.

The holy Scriptures.

[Page]Fa.

What Grounds or Arguments hast thou to believe the Scriptures are the Word of God?

Son.

By the Contents or Matters therein discoursed and treated of; which are so transcendently Sublime and Mysterious, that they could never be the product of humane Invention.

Fa.

How else?

Son.

By its Antiquity: The Books of Moses being, as Tertullian well observes in the 19th Cap. of his Apology, the first Writings in the World.

Fa.

Thou sayst well: What other Arguments hast thou?

Son.

The Majesty and Authoritativeness of the Spirit of God speaking in them, and the inimitable stile wherein they are written, shews, doubtless, they are of God.

Fa.

How else?

Son.

By the excellent Spirit [Page] of Holiness, which every where breathes in them; this is another fair lineament of the hand of God in the framing of them.

Fa.

'Tis a good Argument: What other hast thou?

Son.

The sweet and admirable Agreemnet, Consent, Dependence and Harmony that is found in every part of holy Scripture, though there are so many Books thereof written by so many different Persons, of various conditions, of many Ages, removed in several places, and different Languages; [...]et all agreeing with each other, & every part with the whole, is a great Argument, doubtless, of its Divine Authority.

Fa.

What other Argument hast thou besides these?

Son.

The approved Credit and sincerity of the Pen-men, whom none could ever prove guilty of the least Imposture.

[Page]Fa·

I like these too▪ Hast go [...] any more?

Son.

Another proof that the Holy Scriptures are from God, is, the exact and punctual fullfilling of the Prophecies therein contained: To fore-tell Events is the Prerogative of God only, Isai. 41.22. This, Sir, I could make very clear.

Fa.

I don't doubt it, my Son; proceed to another.

Son.

Those Writings, and that Doctrine that was confirmed by so many real Miracles, must needs be of God; but the Books and Doctrine of Canonical Scripture, were so confirmed, nay, by such Wonders, that Satan himself could not imitate, nor malicious Enemys deny to be Divine.

Fa.

This is one of the best of all: To the next.

Son.

To these astonishing Miracles, I may fitly add the wonderful, [Page] preservation of these hol [...] Writings for so many Ages: Ha [...] not the Bible been of God, sinc [...] it pretends so to be, certainly Go [...] would have blotted it out long ago; but his special care to pre [...]serve it, shews whose it is, consi [...]dering what implacable Enemie [...] it hath met with in every Age.

Fa.

Yea, doubtless, my Son, Go [...] would never have suffered such Book to continue from the beginnin [...] of Time, falsly pretending his Nam [...] and Authority: I am glad to h [...] thee mention this; proceed.

Son.

Sir, the Scripture did no [...] only survive, notwithstanding a [...] the Arts, Contrivance and Malic [...] of Men and Divils; but hath tri [...]umphed over all opposition; mean, the blessed success the Go [...]spel hath had in converting s [...] many thousands, though accoun [...]ed by the wise Men of the Worl [...] foolishness, proves its Divin [...] [Page] Authority, especialy considering the Publishers of it were generally but weak, ignorant and illiterate Persons, as Fisher-men, Tent-makers, &c.

Fa.

And thou mayst add, It had no force of Arms, or Temporal support on its side, but against both Wind and Tide, in opposition to the Interest, Will, and Wisdom of carnal Men, it prevailed. My Son, hast thou any other?

Son.

Yes, Sir, with the last I may add, besides those outward and more visible Trophies of its Glory, the marvelous lustre of its Empire, Efficacy, and power within; I mean upon the Hearts of others: Certainly it must be God's Word, were this only considered.

Fa.

Thou sayst well; and I hope thou hast found the power and truth of it upon thy own heart; and this Argument, if so, thou canst never [Page]lose; but I will forbear, and hear what thou hast further to say.

Son.

To all these Arguments, I must add the Testimony of Gods Church, I mean Believers, and holy Martyrs in all Ages, who have seal [...]d the Truth of the holy Bible with their own Blood.

Fa.

If thou hast any other Argument, I would have thee add it; not that I dislike this.

Son.

Sir, The Doctrines and matters of fact in the Scriptures, are not only avouched by its own Votaries, but many most considerable parts of it have been acknowledged by its Enemies, first, the Creation of the World is intimated by Ovid in his Metamorphosis, Lib. 1. The extraordinary long Lives of the Patriarchs in the first Ages of the World, by Manetho the Egyptian, Borosus the Chaldean, and others. The Floo [...] is mentioned by the same Borosu [...][Page]Josaphus, Lib. 1. Antiq. 4. The Star that appeared at the Birth of our Saviour, is taken notice of by Pliny, Lib. 2. Cap. 5.

Fa.

I know you have many other instances to give in proof of this; But proceed to another Argument.

Son.

If the Scriptures are not the Word of God, then God hath left us no certain Rule of Faith and Practice.

Fa.

What say you to Revelation?

Son.

There may be twenty persons who may all walk in different ways of worship, and yet pretend they make Revelation their Rule: How shall I know which of these is in the true way?

Fa.

Thou sayest right: He that says Revelation is his Rule, must do more to prove what he professes to be true, then any Impostor can pretend unto; that is to say, raise the Dead, and open the Eyes of the Blind.

[Page]Son.

Then Father, if you please to hear me, It is clear and evident, since Miracles are no where to be found, if the Scripture be not our Rule, or of Divine Authority, God has left us no certain Rule at all; and that infinite Wisdom should deal thus with Mankind, is absurd and unreasonable to conceive. But I have one Argument more: If the Scriptures be not the Invention of Men, then it must be from God alone: If of Men, they must either be good Men or bad Men. Good Men they could not be; for nothing could be more opposite to Goodness, nay to common Honesty, than to assume the Name of God, and falsly feign Miracles, and cheat People of their Souls. Again, on the other hand, bad Men could not be the Devisers of so holy a Book; can any Man think, that wicked Deceivers [Page] would so highly advance the Glory of God? Would they so abase themselves, and brand and stigmatize their own Practices? Could such an admirable Righteousness, and Self-denial, as runs through a very vein of the Scriptures, proceed from the Invention of wicked Men? Would they have laid such a design against the Flesh and all worldly Happiness? Now if we can't gather Grapes of Thornes, nor Figgs of Thistles, then we may be sure no ill Men had any hand in writing and promoting this Good and Holy Bible.

Fa.

You say wll, my Son; and besides, if it were devised by evil Men, let such Atheists shew us who those wicked Men were, and in what Age of the World they lived, who did compile it: But have you any thing more to say?

[Page]Son.

Only this I have in the last place to say: Were not the Scripture of Divine Authority, the Devil certainly would never have been in such rage against it▪ nor endeavoured as he hath, and continually doth, to hinder Men from closing in with the Truth therein contained.

Fa.

I see, Son, you have a most sure Word of Prophecy to build your Faith upon, in the belief of a Deity: Are there more Gods than one?

Son.

There is but one Eternal Holy and True God, Deut. 6.4. Eph. 4.6. 1 Cor. 8.4.

Fa.

How many Persons are there in the Godhead?

Son.

Three; the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Mat. 28.19. [...] John 5.7.

Fa.

Who is God?

Son.

God is a Spirit, of and from Himself, without Beginning and without Ending, Wonderful, [Page] Immense, and Infinite in His Essence, and Glorious also in His Attributes.

Fa.

What are the Attributes of God?

Son.

His Power, Wisdom Mercy, Justice, Omnisciency, Faithfulness, Holiness, &c. Exod. 34.6. Psal. 147.5. Rom. 4.8.

Fa.

What call you the Work of Creation?

Son.

God's forming or making all things out of nothing in six days, Gen. 1.1. Heb. 11.3.

Fa.

What are God's Works of Providence?

Son.

His most Holy, Wise and Powerful Ordering, Preserving, and Governing all Men, and all Things in this World, Psal. 145.17. Isa. 28.29. Heb. 1.3. Mat. 10.29.

Fa.

What are the most Glorious Creatures that God hath made?

Son.

Angels and Men.

[Page]Fa.

Why did God make this World?

Son.

To manifest his own Glory, Greatness, Power and Wisdom, Rev. 4.11.

Fa.

Why did God make Man?

Son.

God made all things for himself, but Mankind more especially to Serve and Worship his Creator, Acts 17.26, 27.

Fa.

Of what matter did God make Man?

Son.

Of the Dust of the Ground, Gen. 2.7.

Fa.

In whose Image did God make Man?

Son.

In his own Image and after his own Likeness, Gen, 1.28.

Fa.

In what respect do you believe God made Man in his own Image?

Son.

In respect of Holiness and Righteousness, together with that Power and Dominion God gave him over all other Creatures on Earth, Eph. 4▪ 24.

Fa.

Did Man abide in that State in which he was treated?

[Page]Son.

No; he sinning against God, fell from that estate.

Fa.

What is Sin?

Son.

Sin is the Transgression of the Law, 1 John 3.4.

Fa.

When did Sin enter into this World?

Son.

When Adam broke the Law of his Creator, Rom. 5.12.

F.

Why did God make man a Law?

Son.

To shew that Man ought to be in subjection to his Creator.

Fa.

Why did God suffer Man to break his Law?

Son.

That thereby God's Justice, Wisdom, and Mercy, might appear.

Fa.

How doth God's Justice appear thereby?

Son.

In Punishing him for his Offence, according to his threatning, Rom. 5.18.

Fa.

What punishment did God bring upon Mankind for that Transgression?

[Page]Son.

A twofold punishment; first, the loss of earthly Paradice; secondly, Death both Spiritual and Temporal, Gen. 2.16. Rom. 5.12.

Fa.

Do all Mankind sin and fall in Adam?

Son.

Yes; for he being a publick Person, the Covenant was not made only for himself, but for all his Posterity; and so we all sinned in him, and fell by the same Transgression, Rom. 5.15, 16, 17, 18.

Fa.

What is the state of Mankind through this original Transgression?

Son.

A woful state and condition, prone to commit sin, having lost Original Righteousness, are brought under the power of Corruption, and pravity of our whole Nature, and liable to the Wrath and Curse of God, Rom. 5.19. Gal. 3.10, 13.

[Page]Fa.

Are all Men in this woful condition?

Son.

Yea, all Men are by Nature the Children of Wrath, being dead in Sins and Trespasses, Eph. 2. 1, 2. Rom. 3.21.

Fa.

How did God's Mercy appear to Mankind?

Son.

In promising the Seed of the Woman should break the Serpent's head, Gen. 3.15.

Fa.

Who was meant by the Seed of the Woman?

Son.

Our blessed Saviour.

Fa.

Why did God add the Law of the Ten Commandments?

Son.

Not only to shew what Man's Duty is, but also to make known to him his woful estate; and to make sin appear exceeding sinful, and to discover how unable Man is in his fallen state to fulfill the Righteousness of God, Gal. 3.19. Rom. 7.8, 9.

Fa.

What did the Law require?

[Page]Son.

perfect Righteousness: Do this & thou shalt live, Luk. 10.21.

Fa·

Were any able to keep the Law perfectly, and so be justified thereby in the sight of God?

Son.

No, not one for by the works of the Law no Flesh can be justified Gal. 2.16. & 3.28. Rom. 3.10.

Fa.

How then must we be justified?

Son.

By the Merits and Righteousness of our blessed Saviour and Redeemer.

Fa.

Who is our Saviour and Redeemer?

Son.

The Lord Jesus Christ.

Fa.

Why was our Redeemer called Jesus?

S.

Because he should save his people from their sins (for the Name Jesus signifies a Saviour) Mat. 1.21.

Fa.

What moved God to send the Lord Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer?

Son.

Only his tender Love and Mercy to Mankind, Joh. 3.26.

Fa.

Was there no other Person [Page]or means could Redeem us, but Jesus Christ?

Son.

No verily, neither Men nor Angels: There is no other Name given under Heaven whereby we must be saved, Acts 4.12. Rev. 5.4, 5.

Fa.

Why is our blessed Saviour called Christ?

Son.

Because he was Anointed with the Holy Ghost, that Oyl of Gladness, above his Fellows: The Name Christ signifies Anointed, Heb. 1.9.

Fa.

VVho is Jesus Christ?

Son.

The Eternal Son of God, Mat. 16.16.

Fa.

Is Jesus Christ God or Man?

Son.

Jesus Christ is both God and Man in one Person; God of the Substance of the Father, begotten before the World began, and yet truly Man: He took our Nature upon him, and therefore is called the Seed of the Woman, [Page] Mat. 22.44, 45. Phil. 2.6, 7. Joh. 1. 1, 2.2.14.

Fa.

VVhy did Jesus Christ take our Nature upon him, and become both God and Man?

Son.

It behoved him to be both God and Man, that so he might become a fit Mediator between God, the offended Creator, and Man, the offending Creature, Joh. 9.33. 1 Tim. 2.5.

Fa.

VVherefore is it necessary that Jesus Christ should be very Man, Holy, Just and without sin?

Son.

Because God required Man to keep the Law Perfectly, if he would be justified in his sight; and the Justice of God could not be satisfied, unless the same Humane Nature which had sinned, do likewise make a Compensation for Sin, Rom. 5.12. Pet. 3.18. Heb. 7.26·

Fa.

VVhy must Christ be very God as well as Man?

[Page]Son.

That he might by the worth and preciousness of his Person and Sacrifice, give a plenary satisfaction to Divine Justice, & sustain by the Power of his Godhead in his Flesh, the heavy Wrath of God. As he was God he could not suffer; & as he was meer Man, he could not have overcome Death, Isai. 53.4. Acts 2.24. 1 Pet. 3.18. John 1, 2. & 4, 5.

Fa.

What hath Jesus Christ do [...] for us?

Son.

As he was Man, he perfectly, kept the whole Law of God for us in every point, and laid down a compleat and perfect Sacrifice for us; and as God, he overcame Death, and him that had the power of Death, which is the Devil and so rose again the third day for our Justification, Gal. 4.5. Heb. 2, 14, 15. 2 Cor. 5.18, 19.

Fa.

Where is Jesus Christ now?

Son.

Jesus Christ is in Heaven, [Page] he sat down at the Right Hand of God, and there appears to make Intercession for us, Heb. 1.3. Heb. 8.3.

Fa.

Do all receive spiritual Benefit by Christ's Ʋndertaking?

Son.

No, none but those only who by a true and lively Faith, do rely upon him, and are ingrafted into him, Mark 16.16. John 3.36. Rom▪ 11.20.

The End of the First part.

The Second Part.

§

Fa.

I Am glad to find you are so well instructed in the Grounds of the Christian Religion hitherto. What are the Offices of Christ, which he executes as Mediator?

Son.

The Offices of Christ are many, but more especially three, viz▪ His Priestly, Kingly and Pro [...]hetical Offices.

[Page]Fa.

How doth Christ execute the▪ Office of a Priest?

Son.

Christ executeth the Office of a Priest in his once Offering up himself as a Sacrifice for our Sins, to satisfie Divine Justice, Heb. 7.28. & 2.17.

Fa.

How else doth Christ execute his Priestly Office?

Son.

In his making continual [...]ntercession for us in Heaven, Heb. 7.25.

Fa.

What use were the Priests and legal [...] Sacrifices of, under the Law?

Son.

They were Types and Figures of Jesus Christ, by whose Blood or Sacrifice of himself only Attonement is made, Heb 16.1, 2, 3.

Fa.

Are there any who [...] partake of Christs Priesthood, and minister under him as his Successors or Vicars here on Earth?

Son.

No verily, he has no Successor nor Vicar, because he abides [Page] himself a Priest for ever, to discharge the whole Work of his Priestly Office; and so did not Aaron nor the Priests of his Order, Heb. 7.25.

Fa.

Are there any Sacrifices to be offered up to God under the Gospel, besides that one Sacrifice which Christ himself offered.

Son.

No, for Christ hath offer'd a Sacrifice himself once for all: Christ hath once suffered to bear the Sins of many, Heb. 9.28. N [...]w once at the end of the World, he hath appeared to put away Sin by the Sacrifice of himself, vers. 26. This he did once, Heb. 7 27. By one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified, Heb. 10.14.

Fa.

Why ought not any other Sacrifices be offered up to God now?

Son.

Because this would render the Sacrifice of Christ, weak and imperfect; besides, the Apostle saith, Where Remission of [Page]sins is, there is no more Offering for sin, Heb. 10.18.

Fa.

How doth Christ execute his Kingly Office?

Son.

Christ executeth the Office of a King in his making, instituting and appointing of Laws, Ordinances and Statutes, to shew how God in Gospel-times ought to be Worshipped, Mat. 28.18, 19, 20. Jam. 4.12.

Fa.

How else doth Christ execute his Kingly Office?

Son.

Christ executeth also his Kingly Office in subduing our sins, and in destroying the enmity that naturally is in our Hearts against God, and himself, by his Spirit ruling and reigning in us, and also by defending us, restraining and conquering all his & our Enemies, Mich. 7.19. Rom. 6.14.

Fa.

In what Books are the Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances of Jesus Christ, the King of Saints, written?

[Page]Son.

The Laws of Jesus Christ are written and contained in the sacred Scriptures, which we call the holy Bible, Joh 20. 2 Tim. 3.

Fa·

What a King is the Lord Jesus Christ?

Son,

He is King of Heaven and Earth, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; yea, King of Saints and King of Nations; and though his Kingdom is more spiritual and invisible now, yet he shall have a glorious & visible Kingdom in the World in the latter days; which Kingdom he requires us to pray for, Mat. 6.10▪ Dan. 7.

Fa.

How doth Jesus Christ execute his Prophetical Office?

Son.

Jesus Christ executeth his Prophetical Office in revealing to us by his Word and Spirit, what he had done for us as a Priest, and what Laws he hath appointed as King, Acts 3 32,

Fa.

How else doth he execute his Prophetical Office?

[Page]Son.

By his expounding the Law of Moses shewing what is past and fulfilled? and also by shewing what shall be hereafter, Mat. 24.

Fa.

How are we made partakers of the Redemption purchased by Jesus Christ?

Son.

By the effectual application of his Blood and Merits to our Souls▪ by the Holy Spirit, John 1.12. Tit. 3.5.

Fa.

How doth the holy Spirit apply to us the Redemption purchased by Jesus Christ, or the Merits of his Blood and Righteousness?

Son.

The Holy Spirit applies this to us by working Faith in us▪ and thereby uniting us to Christ in effectual Calling or Vocation▪ Eph. 2.8, 9. & 3.17. 1 Cor. 1.9.

Fa.

What is Effectual Calling?

Son.

Effectual Calling is the Work of God's Spirit, whereby he convincing us of Sin, and o [...] our woful Condition by Nature, enlightens [Page] our Minds in the knowledge of Christ, & infuseth a principle of Grace and new Habits in our Souls, [...] Tim. 1.9. Acts 2.36, 37▪ 38, 39. Acts 26.18. 1 Thes. 1. [...].5

Fa.

What Blessing and Benefit do they pertake of that are effectually called?

Son.

They that are effectually called, partake of the glorious Blessings of [...]ustification, Sanctification, Adoptio [...], &c and those bring an Assur [...]ce of Gods Love, Peace of Con [...]ence, joy in the holy Ghost, with an [...]ncrease of Grace, and Perseverance to the end, Rom. 8.30, 31. 1 Cor· 1.30.

Fa.

What is Justification?

Son.

Justification is an Act of Gods rich Grace, through the Redemption which is in Jesus Christ, wherein he freely Pardoneth and Acquitteth us of all our Sins, and accepteth us as Righteous, through the Imputation of Christs perfect [Page] Righteousness, Rom. 3.23. Rom. 5.1· Gal. 2.16.

Fa.

What is Adoption?

Son.

Adoption is also an act of Gods free Grace, whereby we are made the Sons and Daughters of God by his special Love and Favour, who are the Children of Wrath by Nature, John 1.12. 1 John 3.1. 2 Cor. 6.18.

Fa.

What is Sanctification?

Son.

Sanctification is likewise of God's precious Grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole Man after the Image of God; and are through the Blood of Sprinkling, Washed and made Holy in Heart and Life, 2 Tit· 3.5. 2 Tim. 2.13. Eph. 4·24.

Fa.

What is Regeneration?

Son.

It is the work of God's Spirit, called the new Birth and the new Creature; by the means of which we are Born again, or have a new Heart, a new Spirit, [Page] and a new Life; the evil Qualities and Habits of our Hearts being changed, Holy and Heavenly Qualities and Habits are infused in the room of them, John. 3.3.5. 2 Cor. 5.17.

F.

By what signs may a sincere Christian, that is both justified, sanctified & regenerated, be known?

Son.

First he is a Penitent Person, or one that hath True Repentance wrought in his Soul, Psal. 51.3. Jer. 31.18. Acts 11.18▪

Fa.

What is True Repentance?

Son.

True Repentance is a Grace wrought in the Soul by the Holy Spirit, whereby, first a Sinner comes to have a true sence of sin, and of his lost Condition by Nature; which also by the Illumination of the Holy Ghost, works in him Godly Sorrow and Grief for Sin.

Fa.

How may a weak Christian know his Repentance is true and of the [Page]right kind?

Son.

True Repentance causes the Soul to hate and loath Sin, being convinced of the great Evil that is in it, and how contrary & hateful it is to the pure nature of God.

Fa.

What other sign can you give of one who hath True Repentance wrought in him?

Son.

He that hath true Repentance wrought in him, doth not only hate and loath Sin, but also leaves it, and turns from it, yea, from every Sin; yea, from his secret Sins, as well as from open & scandalous Sins, Psal. 19.12.13. Prov. 9.17. Psal. 51.4. Jer. 44.4.

Fa.

What other sign do you give of a true penitent Person?

Son.

He desires as much to have his Sins mortified as to have them Pardoned; to be freed from the filth of them, as from the guilt of them, in a word, to be made Holy [Page] as well as to be made Happy; to be Sanctified here, as well as to be Saved hereafter, Psal. 71.6.7·8. Mat. 5.6.

Fa.

What sign else can you give of a Person who hath the Grace of True Repentance wrought in him?

Son.

He loves the Law & Word of God because it is pure; he likes the purity of its Precepts, as well as the sweetness of its Promises; and to live to God on Earth as well as to live with God in Heaven; to glorifie him here, as well as to be glorified by him hereafter, Psal. 119.1, 40, 16.7. Psal. 73.24. Heb. 12.14. Phil. 3.10.

Fa.

Can you give any other sign of a true Penitent Person?

Son.

Yea, he is one that doth truly believe in Christ, or hath obtained the precious Faith of God's Elect, 2 Pet. 10.1. Act 13.39.

Fa.

What is true Justifying Faith, [Page]or the Faith of God's Elect?

Son.

True Justifying Faith, is a Saving Grace of God's Holy Spirit, whereby we receive Jesus Christ in all his Offices, and wholly relie upon him & his Merits for Eternal Life, Phil. 3.8.9.10.

Fa.

Hath every Christian who believes, a full assurance, that Christ is his, and that he shall be saved?

Son.

No verily, Assurance is a great Degree of Faith; yea, such a measure, that but a few Believers attain unto, & doth not appertain to the being or essence of Faith; a sincere Christian may have doubts, yea, walk in Darkness, and have no Light, Psal. 88.4.5. Isa. 50.10.

Fa.

What Person may be said to Believe, or rightly to relie on Jesus Christ?

Son.

He that may be said to believe, and in a true manner to relie on Jesus Christ, who hath no dependence for Salvation on any [Page] thing done by him or in him but as a poor Undon Creature goes to Christ, and relies upon his Merits and Righteousness alone, Rom. 3 22. & 4.2. 1 Cor. 4.4.

Fa.

What other sign give you of saving Faith?

Son.

He takes up all Duties in point of Performance, but lays them all down, in point of Dependence, Phil. 3.8, 9, 10, 11.

Fa.

What think you of that Faith which an ƲnGodly Person hath, some men who are very wicked, say they believe in Christ, and relie on him for Salvation?

Son·

A wicked and impenitent Sinner, who loves and lives in sin hath not one dram of true Faith; and though he says he believes in Christ, yet 'tis Persumption in him; for the nature of true Faith is to cleanse and purifie the Heart and life, Acts. 15.9. 1 John 3.3.

Fa.

VVhat is another sign of true [Page]of true Faith?

Son.

He that truly belives, has a high esteem of Jesus Christ; To you that believe he is precious, Psal. 74.25. 1 Pet 2.7.

Fa.

Can no man be Justified but he that in a humble, holy and sincere manner doth believe and relie on Jesus Christ, notwithstanding a righteous and sober life, or moral righteousness?

Son.

No verily, Mat. 5.20.

Fa.

VVhy so?

Son.

Because no other Righteousness will nor can be accepted or avail to Salvation, but that which is perfect: 'tis such a Righteousness only, that God and his Holy Law requir [...]s in point of Justification. Now our best Works and Righteousness are Imperfect, and defiled with Sin: Cursed is every one that continues not in all things that are written in the Law to do them, Gal. 3.10. Hence, He that [Page]believes not in Christ shall be damned, Mark 16.16. Isa. 6.4.6. Phil. 3.8.

Fa.

VVhat other sign give you of a true Believer?

Son.

He is Obedient to all the commands of Christ; Luke 1.6.

Fa.

VVhat are the signs of True Obedience?

Son.

1. True Obedience is Evangelical; it is Gospel Obedience, it flows from Love to God. 2. 'Tis a willing Obedience; 'tis from the Heart, Rom. 6.17. 3. Such obey God in the hardest things, thus did Abraham. 4. 'Tis Universal Obedience; they have a Respect to all God's Commandments, Psal. 119.6. 5. Tis a continual Obedience; they obey God always, even to the End, Psal. 119.112.

Fa.

VVhat means doth God use to bring men into a state of Grace & Regeneration?

Son.

The outward and more [Page] ordinary means whereby God doth this, is by Preaching the Gospel, Rom. 10.17. & 1.16. 1 Cor 1.21.

Fa.

VVhat is the inward, & more special means by which God doth this?

Son.

The inward and more special means, is by the Powerful Working and Operation of the Holy Ghost, by which the Word Preached, becomes effectual; for without this, the Word doth profit none to Salvation, Psal. 19.7. 1 Thess. 1.6. 1 Cor. 3.7.

Concerning Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Fa

SEeing then, my Son, that Faith alone, by the Operations of the holy Ghost, makes us Partakers of the Benefits and glorious Redemption, purchased by Jesus Christ, and so unites us to him; What are those Gospel Ordinances or Sacraments, which tend to confirm us in this Faith?

Son.

They are Two.

[Page]Fa.

Which are they?

Son.

Baptism & the Lords Supper.

Fa.

What is Baptism?

Son.

Baptism is an Holy Institution of Christ, and the literal and proper Signification of the Word Baptism, as most learn'd Men (Lighs Critica Sacra, Grotius, Vossius, Selden, Passor, Beza, Illyricus, Erasmus, &c.) readily grant, who understand the Greek Tongue; for it is a Greek word, Baptiso, is Mergo, Immergo, Obruo, item tingo, quod sit Immergendo; that is, drown, immerge, plunge under, over-whelm, as also to dip, which is done by plunging, in the Name of the Father, & of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, Mat. 28.19.20. Act. 2.40, 41. Rom. 6.4.

Fa.

May it not be done by sprinkling also?

Son.

No, by no means; because the word Baptiso or Baptism, doth not at all signifie Sprinkling; the Greeks have another peculiar word [Page] to express Sprinkling, viz. Rantiz [...].

Fa.

VVhat other Reason do you give to shew why it cannot be sprinkling?

Son.

Because the Scriptures positively say, That John Baptized in the River Jordan, and after in E [...] near Salem, because there was much VVater: Now had it been done by sprinkling a little Water, he need not to have went to Rivers, &c. Mat. 3.6. John. 3.25.

Fa.

What other Reason have you to shew why Baptism is not sprinkling?

Son.

Because 'tis said, Our Saviour when he was Baptized, and John who Baptized him, went both down into the Water, and he Baptized or dipped him, which is all one; the like is said of Philip and the Eunuch, They went down into the Water, and came out of the Water, Mat. 3.16. Act. 8.38.39.

Fa.

What other Reason have you?

Son.

Because sprinkling doth not, [Page] cannot answer the end of Christ, in his instituting and ordaining of this Ordinance; neither doth sprinkling a little Water, Represent or Answer those things, which are signified by Baptism

Fa.

VVhat was the End of Christ, in his Instituting of this Ordinance, And what doth it Represent to us?

Son.

The end of the Lord Jesus was doubtless to confirm our Faith in the stedfast belief of his Death, Burial and Resurrection; for it held forth all these three things to our very sight: for 1st, he that is Baptized, is baptized as one dead, I mean dead to Sin, which answers also unto the Death of Christ.

2dly, He is Buried in Water, to hold forth the Burial of Christ.

3dly, As the Body is raised up out of the Water, it holds forth also Christs Resurrection, and tha [...] we should walk in newness of Life Now sprinkling cannot be a Figur [...] [Page] of any of these things, Rom. 6.2, &c

Fa.

I would to God, my Son, that this thing were more seriously considered by ou [...] [...], who differ from us: But will you Explain this matter a little further?

Son.

Why Sir, I understand that our Blessed Saviour in Ordaining those two great Ordinances, viz. Baptism and break [...]ing of Bread, did design in a Gracious manner, to Preach the Gospel to the Sence of Seeing, as in Ministry of the Word, its preach'd to the Ear and Sence of Hearing; For, as breaking of Bread & the Cup hold forth to our sight▪ Christs Body was broken, and his Blood shed, So Baptism shews, as I have observed, He was not only Dead, but also Buried, and did rise again, that so we might the more clearly and fully be Confirmed into the Mystery of his Death and Resurrection.

[Page]Fa.

VVhat think you then of sprinkling or Christning, as its call'd?

Son.

Why, I think that the Rite of Aspersion, or sprinkling, was invented, as Vosstus and others Ingenuously confess, to Accommodate the Tender Bodies of Infants in these Northern Parts, when the Practice of Baptizing of them prevailed. And Since sprinkling comports not with [...]e Litteral nor Metaphorical Significations of the Word, nor to those great Mysteries represented by it; it ought in the fear of God to be rectified or laid aside, as being no Ordinance of God, Levit. 10.12.

Fa.

Who are the proper Subjects of Baptism?

Son.

Only such who Believe, and are actually Capable to enter into a Visible Covenant with Jesus Christ; for it is an Ordinance of the Solemnization of the Souls Marriage with Christ, Gal. 3.27.

[Page]Fa.

What is required of Persons that are to be Baptized?

S.

Repentance, whereby they forsake Sin, and Faith, whereby they stedfastly believe the Promise of God made to them in that Ordinance, Act. 2.36.37. Acts 8.36.

Fa.

May not Infants be Baptized?

Son.

No verily, because there is no Command of Christ, nor Example in all the Scriptures for any such Practice.

Fa.

Why may not the Children of Belivers be Baptized under the Gospel, as well as the Children of the Faithful were Circumcised under the Law?

Son.

God Expresly commanded Abraham to Circumcise his Male Children under that Dispensation, but he hath not commanded Believers to Baptize their Children under the Gospel; and to do that in God's Worship, which God has not commanded, is dangerous, as [Page] appears in, Nadab and Abihu's Case, Levit. 10.1.2.

Fa.

But did not the Covenant belong to Abraham and to his Seed?

Son.

Yea it did; and all that believe and are Christ's, the same are the true Seed of Abraham, & Heirs, according to the Promise, Gal. 3.37. or in that Covenant with Abraham, and none else; for Birth or Fleshly Priviledges, avail not in Gospel times; think not to say within your selves, We have Abraham to our Father, Mat. 3.9.

Fa.

But were not whole Housholds Baptized?

Son.

It doth not therefore follow, any Infants were Baptized, unless our [...] could prove there were no whole Housholds, but such in whom were some Children in Nonage; besides, it is said, That St. Paul Preached the Gospel to the Jaylor, and to all that were in his House; and that he Believed [Page] in God with all his Heart, and Rejoyced with all his House: As well as it is said, He was Baptized, with all his House, Acts 16.32, 33.

Fa.

But Son, What do you think should be the reason, since Believers Baptism lies so plain in the Word of God (and that none else were in the Primitive Times Baptized) that so many Learned and Holy men should not see it?

Son.

Sir, I have often wonder'd at it, I must confess, and I have been a thinking it may be from God, as a Just Rebuke upon some of them, because they have Magnified Humane Learning (which is very good in its place) above what they ought; and have too much slighted [...]ome who have not such Humane Literature; for God would have no Flesh Glory in his Presence, but that he that Glorieth, may Glory in the Lord, [...] Cor. 2.2 [...].31.

[Page]Fa.

What other Reason have yo [...] thought of?

Son.

It may be also as a Rebuke upon those good Christians, who have been too ready to Build their Faith upon Worthy men, upon the account of their Learning; & God would not have the Faith of his People stand in the Wisdom of Men, but in the Power of God, 1 Cor. 2.5. Besides, the Doctrine of self-denial is hard to learn.

Fa.

How do you prove that the Baptism of Water is Christ's Ordinance? 'Tis not said, Mat. 28.19.20. Teach all Nations, Baptizing them in Water, &c.

Son.

But though Water is not there expressed, it is implyed, because the Apostles could not Baptize with the Holy Ghost, for that is the Prerogative of Christ alone; besides, that which the Lord Jesus commanded them to Baptize [Page] with, was that which they did Baptize with; but palpable it i [...], that that which the Apostles Baptized with, was Water. Can any man forbid Water, that these should not be Baptized? &c. Acts 10.47.

Fa.

Doth not Paul say, Christ sent him not to Baptize, but to Preach the Gospel?

Son.

Paul doth not mean Christ did not at all require him to Baptize, or that it was not in his Commission, but rather that he was not in the first place only, or chiefly sent to do that; for if [...] had no command at all to Baptize▪ he did evil in Baptizing Crispus & Gaius, with divers others. Read these Scriptures, which [...] after the same manner to be understood, John 6.17. 1 Tim. 2.14. Ephes. 6.12. Morover, 'tis evident, Christ required St▪ Paul to baptize, because he and other [...] did [Page] baptize in Christ's Name, and commanded others so to be; that is, by his Command & Authority, Acts 10.47. 1 Cor. 1.13, 14.

Fa.

Ought those who are Baptized with the Holy Spirit, to be Baptized with Water?

Son.

Yea, they ought; for the highest attainment cannot free Persons from subjecting to this Ordinance; Our Blessed Saviour, who had the Spirit without measure, was Baptized, as an Example, that we shall follow his steps; also Cornelius, and those with him, who were baptized with the holy Ghost, were commanded by St. Peter to be baptized in Water, Acts. 10.44.

F.

What Ordinance follows Baptism?

Son.

Laying on of Hands, Acts 8.17▪ and 19.6. Heb. 6.1.2.

Fa.

What is the Church of God?

Son.

The Church of God is a company of Believers, or Godly Christians, Incorporated together [Page] into an Holy Fellowship and Communion in Love & Heavenly Concord according to the Apostolical Constitution, among whom the Word of God is truly Preached & the Holy Ordinances of Christ are duly & rightly Administred, Acts 2.40, 41, 42, 43, 44, &c.

Fa.

Is not the Church of God then in Gospel Times National, as it was under the Law?

Son.

No, the Dispensation is changed, the Fleshly Seed is cast out by him that hath the Key of David, that openeth, and no man shutteth; that shutteth and no man openeth; God's People are a Separated People, and are commanded so to be, and not to be conformable to this World in their Constitutions, Ordinances and Worship, 2 Cor. 6.17. Rom. 1 [...].2. Mat. 3.9. Rev. 18.4. Gal. 4.2, 3.

Fa.

Who ought to be received into [Page]Gods Church?

Son.

Only true Penitent and believing Persons, Act. 2.42, 45. Pet. 2.5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

Fa.

Ought all Persons to be Baptized before they are received into the Church of God?

Son.

Yea, all who ever they be, ought to be Baptized before they are [...]eceived into the Church of God. Baptism is acknowledged by all Christians, generally to be an initiating Ordinance, Acts· 2.40, 41, 43. Gal. 3.27.

Fa.

What is the Lord's Supper?

Son.

The Lords Supper is a holy Ordinance of Christ, instituted the very Night in which he was betrayed, 1 Cor. 11.23.

Fa.

What External Matter doth the Lord's Supper consist of?

Son.

It consisteth only of Bread and Wine, Mat. 26.26, 27. Luke 22. [...]9, [...]0. 1. Cor. 11.23, 24.

Fa.

What doth [...] Bread and[Page]Wine signifie?

Son.

The Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

Fa.

Is the Bread and Wine in the Lord's Supper, after they are Blessed, the real Body and Blood of Christ?

Son.

No, they are but Signs or Figures of his Body.

Fa.

But doth not Christ say, This [...]s my Body?

Son.

'Tis a Figurative Speech; he says also in another Place, I am a Vine, a Door, a VVay, &c. He is called, a Rock, 'tis said that Rock is Christ, 1▪ Cor. 10.4. Which Scriptures, are all to be taken figuratively; This is my Body, 'tis as if he should say, this is a Sign or Figure of my Body, for 'tis called Bread before it was Blessed, and also after it was Blessed; and 'tis called Bread, which the Disciples did eat, 1 Cor. 11.26. The Bread which we bless, is it not the Communion of the Body of Christ? &c. [Page] 1▪ Cor. 1 [...] 16. Besides, 'tis against [...]eason and our very Senses, to believe it to be any other thing.

[...] ▪

VVhat doth the breaking of the Bread signifie?

Son.

God's giving of Christ for us, and also to us, to be the Bread and Food of our Souls.

Fa.

What doth the taking of the Bread bold forth?

Son.

Our taking or accepting of Christ for Justification and Eternal Life.

Fa,

What doth the eating of the Bread signifie?

Son.

It holds forth that we do spiritually feed, and live by Faith on Jesus Christ.

Fa.

What further use is the Ordinance of the Lords Supper of, to us?

Son.

It strengthens our Faith in Christ, and increases our Love to Christ, and gloriously refreshes our Souls, by Communion with him in all the Graces & Comforts of the Holy Spirit.

[Page]Fa.

What other use is it of to us▪

Son.

It shews that blessed Nearness or sweet Union, which is, and ought to be among God's People; for as many Corns of Wheat ground in a Mill, tend to make one Loaf of Bread, so we being many, are one Bread and one Body, of whom Christ is the Head, 1 Cor. 10.17.

Fa.

What doth the pouring forth of the Wine signifie?

Son.

The pouring forth of the Wine, signifies the pouring forth of the Blood of Christ.

Fa.

What doth the taking and Drinking of the Cup hold forth?

Son.

It signifies our applying the Vertue of Christ's Blood to our Souls; as that which did Attone, and make Reconciliation for our Sins.

Fa.

What else doth this Ordinance of the Lords Supper hold forth?

Son.

It holds forth, not only the inconceivable Love of Chrst, [Page] in giving his Body to be broken, and his Blood to be shed for us; but also the horrible Nature, or exceeding sinfulness of Sin, in that nothing could Attone, or make Reconciliation with God for it, but the precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

Fa.

Who ought to receive the Lord's Supper?

Son.

Only Godly Men and Women, or such who are truly converted, and are approved Members of Christ's Church.

Fa.

What is required of them that come to the Lord's Table?

Son.

They ought to examine themselves; it calls for due Preparation, viz. a sincere Confession of Sins, and godly Sorrow for the same▪ They ought to come with clean Hands, & a pure Heart; also forgiving all that have offended them; they must not eat with the Bread of Malice and Wickedness: Faith also is required in [Page] the Death and Blood-sheding of Christ: And lastly, a Sin-loathing, and Self-abhoring of themselves.

F.

May not Swearers, Whore-mongers, and such like, partake thereof?

Son.

No, by no means; for such are Unworthy Receivers, & if they eat, they Eat and Drink their onw Damnation, 1 Cor. 11.29.

Fa.

But may not Believers pertake with such Ʋnconverted Persons?

Son.

No, for its directly against the express Word of God; with such do not Eat, 1 Cor. 5.11.

Concerning the Resurrection.

Fa·

WHat believest thou concerning the Resurrection of the Dead?

Son.

I believe that the Bodies of all Men & Women, shall rise from the dead at the last Day, Dan. 12.2. 1 Cor. 15.21, 22. Rev. 20.15.

Fa.

Shall the same Body be raised?

Son.

Yea; for if it were not the [Page] same Body, it could not be called a Resurrection, but rather a New Creation; and if it were not the same Body, then it would not be that Body of the wicked, that sinned, nor that Body of the godly, that suffered; and consequently God would punish an innocent Body, Job 19.25. Joh. 11.24. cap. 5.28.

Fa.

It is said, our Bodies shall be changed?

Son.

It will be a change of the Qualities of our Bodies, but not of the Substance.

Fa.

What believe you concerning the Souls of Men when they depart this Life?

Son.

The Souls of the godly at Death, go immediately to Christ, and the Souls of the wicked into Chains of Darkness, Luke. 23.42, 43. Luke 16.22, 23, 24. Phil. 23.

Fa.

What believe you concerning the Souls of men when they depart this Life?

[Page]Son,

The Souls of the godly at Death, go immediately to Christ, and the Souls of the wicked into Chains of Darkness. Luke 23.42. & cap. 16.22. Phil. 23.

Fa.

What believe you concerning the Day of Judgment?

Son.

I believe that after the Resurrection at the last day, all men, both Saints and Sinners, the Just and Unjust shall all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, to receive the thing done in their Bodies, Eccl. 12.14. 2 Cor. 5.10. Rev. 20.11, 12.

Fa.

What will be the state of all men after the last and dreadful day of Judgment is over?

Son.

The Wicked shall both Body & Soul be cast into Hell fire, and the Godly shall be received into that glorious Kingdom prepared for them from the Foundation of the World; the one shall be Eternally Miserable, and the other be Blessed in the perfect enjoyment of [Page] God, for Ever and ever. Amen, Rev. 20.14, 15. Mat. 25.33, 46.

Concerning Prayer.

Quest. WHat is Prayer?

Answ. Prayer is the pouring forth of the Desires of the Soul to Almighty God, or an humble asking of God such things as we need, 1 Sam. 1.15.

Quest. What Rule hath God given to direct his People in Prayer?

Ans. The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in Prayer, but the special Rule is that form of Prayer which Jesus Christ taught his Disciples, Mat. 9.6.

Qu. May all Persons (Sinners as well as Saints) use those words, or pray so as Christ taught his Disciples?

Ans. No verily, Ungodly and Sinners ought not so to Pray.

Quest. Why so?

Ans. Because they cannot go to God as to a Father, they may Pray [Page] to him as to a Merciful Creator; but not as to a Father, because they are not his Children; also, they cannot Pray, Forgive us our Trespasses, as we forgive them that Trespass against us, because many of them do not forgive such who Trespass against them.

Qu· Must Children Pray to God?

Ans. Yea, they and all others by all means ought to pray, for Prayer is a Branch of Natural Religion.

Qu. Ought Parents to Teach their Children a form of Prayer?

Ans. Parents ought to give Directions to their Children how they should Pray, and what they should Pray for, & exhort them to Pray; but we do not read in Scripture, that any of Gods Servants taught their Children a form of Prayer.

Qu. What kind of Directions are necessary for Parents to give their Children upon this account?

Ans. They ought to command [Page] them to Cry to the Real and Merciful God, in a Humble and Reverent manner to shew them their lost & undone Condition without Christ, and to give them Wisdom and his Heavenly Grace to renew his Image in them, lost by the Fall of Adam, and to bestow these and all other good things upon them for Christs sake.

Qu. How should God's Children Pray, according to those Directions given in the Lord's Prayer?

Ans. From the Preface, Our Father which art in Heaven; we learn to draw near to God with holy Reverence, as Children to a Father, able and ready to help us; and that we ought to Pray for all God's Children likewise; 'tis not said, O Father, nor my Father, but Our Father; we must bear all the Saints upon our Hearts when we Pray, Psal 64.1.

Quest. What are we taught to Pray for in the first Petition?

[Page] Ans. In these words, Hallowed be thy Name, we are taught to glorifie God in all his Attributes, or howsoever else he is made known to us and that every thing may ten [...] to his own Glory, and to seek his Glory before our own good.

Quest. What do we desire in the second Petition?

Ans. In the second petition Thy Kingdom come, we are taught to Pray that God would destroy the the Kingdom of Satan, that so the Kingdom of Grace may come with power upon our Hearts; and that rhe Kingdom of Glory, or God's Visible Kingdom may be hastened and set up with power in the World, Psal. 68.1. Psal. 51.18▪ Dan. 7.27.

Quest. What are we directed to to pray for in the third Petition?

Ans. In the third Petition, Thy Will be done, we are taught to Pray that God by Grace would help us [Page] to do (and submit to) his Will in all things, as the Angels do it in Heaven.

Quest. What is it we desire or are to Pray for in the fourth Petition?

Ans. In the fourth Petition, Give us this day our daily Bread, we are taught to Pray that God would give us all things which are needful for us in this Life; by which we acknowledge God to be the Fountain of all Earthly Mercies of Good Things, as well as of Spiritual, Psal. 90.17. Acts 1.727.

Quest What do we Pray for in the fifth Petition?

Ans. In the fifth Petition, And forgive us our Trespasses, as we forgive them that Trespass against us, we are taught to ask Forgiveness or Pardon of God, viz. that he would through the Attonement Christ hath made by his Blood, forgive us all our Sins, and impute Christs Righteousness to us by Faith, Rom. 3.23. and not only to beg pardon, [Page] but also the sence or sight of Pardon and Forgiveness.

Quest. What do we ask of God in the sixth Petition?

Ans. In the sixth Petition we are taught to beg of God that he would not suffer us to fall into such a State or Company, that may lead us into Temptation to Sin against God.

Qu. What doth the Conclusion of this Prayer teach us?

Ans. The Conclusion of this Prayer which runs thus, For thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory for ever, Amen, doth teach us to ascribe all Praise and Glory to God, whose Power, Kingdom & Glory is over all for ever and ever, 2 Cor. 1.20. 1 Chron. 29.11. 2 Tim 2.13

Quest. How oughtest thou to Pray then, doest thou learn from hence and other Scriptures in general?

Ans. I learn▪ that we ought to [Page] Pray in the Spirit, that my Spirit must Pray; & that too, by the help of the holy Spirit of God; ad that I ought to Pray with Understanding. And moreover, we must Pray in Truth, viz. Speak no more with our Tongues, then doth agree with our Hearts; and that we ought to lift up holy Hands, Pray with an Heart set against, hating and loathing all manner of Sin and Evil, & to Pray fervently, in Faith, Constantly, and to Pray according to the Will of God, & to put up all Prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ. And lastly, That we ought in the first place to seek the Honour of God before our one good, and to seek the good of our Souls before the good of our Bodies; and that we should in Prayer design & seek the good of others, as well as our own good.

Quest. How is Jesus Christ Our [Page]Mediator made known or manifested to us?

Ans. Negatively, our Mediator is not made known by the Works of Creation, nor by the Light which is in all men; by the visible things that are made, we may know there is a Creator, yet hereby we can't know there is a Redeemer or Mediator, who was Born of the Virgin, Crucified, Dead and Buried, Raised again, and ascended into Heaven; therefore in the Affirmative, Christ (as our Redeemer) is only made known by the Divine Revelation of the holy Scripture.

Fa.

Since I perceive (my Son) thou art so well Instructed in the Principles of the Christian Religion, pray give me a short Confession of your Faith.

Son.

I believe with my Heart, and confess with my mouth, That God is one Almighty, Eternal, [Page] Infinit and Admirable Essence, and is unspeakably Glorious in all his Attributes; who by his mighty Power and Wisdom made Heaven & Earth & all things therein.

I also believe in Jesus Christ our Lord, who is the only begotten Son of God, being the brightness of his Glory, & the express Image of his Person; and as he is verily God of the Substance of the Father, so he is truly Man; he took on him the Seed of Abraham, being conceived by the holy Ghost; he was Born of the Virgin Mary, and was Condemned by Pontius Pilate, & that he suffered Death to Redeem me and all those who truly believe in him, and that there is no Remission of Sin but by his Blood; I also believe he Rose again the Third Day, and Ascended into Heaven above, and sitteth now at the right hand of God, to make Intercession for us; and that from [Page] thence he shall come again at the End of the World, to be the judge of the quick and dead.

I also believe in God the holy Ghost, who is one with the Father & the Son, proceeding from them, who is my Sanctifier, & the Sanctifier of all the Elect People of God.

I believe likewise that God hath one Holy and Blessed Church on Earth (who are a select People seperated from the evil customs & worships of the World) and I believe the Resurrection of the Dead, the Eternal Judgment with the Life everlasting, Amen

Advice to Youth.

WHen in the Morning you do rise,

Lift up to God [...]our Hands & Eyes.

And praise his Name [...] [...]ho did all Night

Keep thee unto [...] M [...]rning Light,

And then betimes see thou do pray,

That God would keep thee all the Day

[Page]From those great dangers which befall

Oft times on Young, on great and small;

And pray to God his Grace to give,

In his blest fear all day to live,

And not to sin, and him offend,

Who doth to thee all blessings send;

And when down stairs, Son, thou dost go,

Salute thy Parents, Brothers too,

And thy dear Sisters, let them see

How to behave themselves by thee.

Then wash thy hands, and thy head comb,

Keep clean thy Cloathes abroad and home:

A Chapter read in the next place,

With a sweet voice and heavenly grace [...]

And when to Prayer thy Parentts go,

[...] on thy Knees, joyn with them too.

[...] When at th [...] Table thy Parents sit,

[...]hat they command, see thou do it,

Whether to sit, or otherwise

To wait on them until they rise.

Stare in the face of none, be sure,

Good Parents cannot that endure.

Wouldst thou be Vir [...]uous whilst Young!

Then learn to bridle well thy Tongue.

The End of the Second Part.

3

3

[Page]

Of TIME.

TIme consists of Years, Months, Weeks, Days, Hours & Minutes, of which 60 Minutes makes an Hour, 24 Hours a natural Day, 7 Days, a Week, 4 Weeks a Month, 13 Months 1 day & 6 hours, makes 1 Year. But in the ordinary computation of Time, the Year is divided into 12 Kalander Months, which are commgnly called, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December; but in Scripture, a [...]e called, The first Moneth, 2d Month, 3d Month, &c.

Thirty Days hath September,

April, June and November.

February hath Twenty Eight alone,

All the rest Thirty and One.

So that the year contains 365 days and six hours, which hours are saved together, and every fourth year one Day added to February, [Page] which then contains 29 days, and that year is called Leap-Year.

The four Quarter-Days in the year, are March 25, call'd Lady-day, June 24, called Midsummer-day, September 29. call'd Michaelmass-day, and December 25. called Christmass day.

Besides learning these usefull Notes about Time, observe well the following Advice.

REdeem thy Time dear Youth, with care.

For preciousness, what may compare

With thy sweet Time? O then, it prize!

Time hastes away, and swiftly flyes.

The Time which God unto thee sends,

On it ETERNITY depends.

Then waste not Time▪ like foolish Boyes,

In Games and Sports and [...]ily Toyes:

To thy great [...]urt, don't Time abuse,

Most wickedly thy Time to use.

Time that is past none can Re-call;

Time to come's uncertain all:

Th [...] present Time Redeem therefore;

[...] Time [...]'er long will be no more.

[Page]

Of Scripture Weights, Measures and Coyns.

AN Hairs Breadth, the 48th part of an Inch.

A Hands breadth, three Inches.

A Span, nine Inches.

A Foot, twelve Inches.

A Cubit, a foot and a half.

A holy Cubit, a Yard.

The Kings Cubit, a foot & 9 Inch.

A Reed, six Cubits and a Hands breadth.

A Pace, five Foot.

A Furlong, 125 Paces.

A Mile, 1000 Paces.

A Sabbath days Journy, 600 Paces.

Measures of Capacity of things that are Dry.

A Kab, Quart.

An Omer, 3 Pints & an half▪

A Measure or Seah, a Gallon.

An Ephah, half a Bushel and a Pottle.

[Page] Half Omer, or Lethe [...], seven bushel and a quart.

An Omer, or Cor, 14 bushel and a pottle.

Measures of Liquids.

A Log, half a Pint.

A Hin, three Quarts.

A Bath, 9 gallons & 3 quarts.

A Pot or Sextary, a pint & half.

A Measure or Choe [...]ix, [...] Quart.

A Firkin, 4 Gallons & half.

Weights of Appension or Counterpoize

A Sheckle in weight, a quarter of an Ounce.

A Sheckle of the Sanctuary, half an Ounce.

A Pound, twelve Ounces.

A Talent, 62 Pound

A M [...]les burden, 200 weight.

Weights used in England.

IN England they commonly use two kinds of Weights, viz. Troy [Page] and Averdupoize; by Troy weight they weigh Wheat, Bread, Gold, Silver, and the like, the least Denomination of which is a Grain, the weight of a grain of Wheat gathered out of the midle of the Ear, well dryed.

24 Grains, make 1 Penny weight

20 Penny weight, 1 Ounce.

12 Ounces, 1 Pound.

By A-ver-du-poize Weight, that is, Have you weight? or You shall have your full weight, is weighed all kind of Grocery & Physical Drugs, as also Rosin, Tar, Wax, Pitch, Tallow, Hemp, Flax, Iron, Steel, Lead, Tin, Copper, Allom, Copper as, and all such kind of Garble, whence there may issue a waste. The smallest Denomination of this Weight is a Dram.

16 Drams, make 1 Ounce.

16 Ounces, 1 Pound.

28 Pound, 1 quarter of a hundred.

[Page]58 Pound, half a Hundred.

4 Quarters, or 112 Pound, make

1 Hundred weight.

20 Hundred, 1 Tun.

English Measures, Liquid.

2 Pints make 1 Quart.

2 Quarts, 1 Pottle.

2 Pottles, 1 Gallon.

8 Gallons, 1 Ferkin of Ale.

9 Gallons, 1 Ferkin of Beer.

2 Ferkins, 1 Kilderkin,

2 Kilderkins, 1 Barrel.

2 Barrels, 1 Hogshead.

42 Gallons, 1 Tierce of Wine.

63 Gallons; 1 Hogshead.

2 Hogsheads, 1 Pipe or Butt.

2 Pipes or Butts, 1 Tun.

English Measures, Dry.

2 Pints, 1 Quart.

2 Quarts, 1 Pottle.

2 Pottles, 1 Gallon.

2 Gallons, 1 Peck.

2 Pecks, 1 Bushel.

[Page]8 Bushels, 1 Quarter.

4 Quarters, 1 Chaldron.

5 Quarters, 1 Wey.

Long Measure. Long Measure is deduced from Barley Corn taken out of the [...]iddle of the Ear, and well dryed, [...]f which

3 Barley Corns, make 1 Inch.

12 Inches, 1 Foot.

3 Foot, 1 Yard.

3 Foot 9 Inches, 1 E [...].

5 yards & a half, or 16 foot and hal [...], 1 Pole or Perch.

43 Poles, 1 Furlong.

8 Furlongs, 1 English Mile.

40 square Poles or Perches, 1 Rod.

4 Rods, 1 Acre.

Of COYN.

4 Farthings, make 1 Penny.

12 Pence, 1 Shilling.

20 Shillings, 1 Pound.

Note, That l. stands over Pounds ▪ over shillings, d. over pence.

[Page]

Figures and Numeral Lette [...].

1. I. One.

2. II. Two.

3. III. Three.

4. IV. Four.

5. V. Five▪

6. VI. Six.

7. VII. Seven.

8. VIII. Eight.

9. IX. Nine.

10. X. Ten.

20 XX Twenty

30 XXX Thirty

40 XL Forty

50 L Fifty

60 LX Sixty

70 LXX Seventy

80 LXXX Eighty

90 XC Ninety

100 C a hundred.

200 CC 2 hundred

500 D five hundred

600 DC six hundred

1000. M a thousand

1500 MD one thousand five hundred.

The Pence Table, Necessary to be learned by heart.

Pence. | shill. | Pence. | Shillings | Pence
20 is | 1 | 8 | 1 is | 12
30 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 24
40 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 36
50 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 48
60 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 60
70 | 5 | 10 | 6 | 72
80 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 84
90 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 96
100 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 108
110 | 9 | 2 | 10 | 120
120 | 10 | 0 |  |

[Page]

Of Numeration.

NUmeration teaches how to set down any Number spoken of or proposed; to read it truly when written. To which purpose you are to take notice, that we commonly express all Numbers by these nine Figures, 1 One, 2 two, 3 three, 4 four, 5 five, 6 six, 7 seven, 8 eight 9 nine, and 0, which is called a Cypher, and by some Nought, because of it self it stands for nothing, yet encreases the Value of other Figures that stand behind it, in the same manner. Every Figure augments its proper Value, according to the place it happens to be in, except the first.

Any of the Nine Figures in the first place, signifies only its own single value; in the second place, so many times Ten; in the third place, so many Hundreds; in the [Page] fourth place so many Thousands; in the fifth place, so many ten Thousands; in th sixth place, so many hundred Thousands; and in the 7th place, so many Millions.

As for Example, In this Number 1234567, the 7 is barely seven Ʋnites or Ones; but the 6 in the second place, is six times ten, that is, sixty; the 5 in the third place, is one hundred Times five, that is, five hundred; the 4, a thousand times four, or four thousand; the 3, three times ten thousand; that is, Thirty Thousand; the 2 in the sixth place, is two hundred Thousand; and the 1 in the 7th place, is one ten hundred Thousand, or a Thousand Thousand, which is one Million.

All which being put together in your Understanding, you must read the aforesaid sum (1234567) thus, One Million, two hundred thirty four Thousand, five hundred sixty seven. But this Number, 7654321 (which [Page] consists of the same Figures, but contrary wise placed) must be read Seven Millions, six hundred fifty four Thousand, three hundred twenty one; so 9010400, is Nine Millions, ten Thousand, four Hundred.

Of Addition.

ADdition is that part of Arithmetick, which shews to collect or add divers Sums together▪ and to express their total Value in one Sum.

As for Example; Suppose you had disbursed for your Master the Sums of Money following; as,

For Wine

5 lib.

For Sugar

4 lib.

For Candles

3 lib.

For Nails

2 lib.

In all

14 lib.

[Page]Now to know how much the Total of this is, you must add them up together, beginning at the bottom, say, 2 & 3 makes 5, & 4 is 9, & 5 is 14, which set down underneath; & by that it appears you have disbursed 14 Pounds.

Of Substraction.

THis Rule teacheth to substract a lesser Sum from a greater, and then to know what remains; as suppose you have received of your Master 120 l. and have disbursed 75 l. & would know what is remaining in your hands: To do this you must first set down the 120 l. and under that the 75 l. and say, 5 from 0 I cannot, but 5 from 10, and there remains 5: Then say, 1 which I borrowed & 7 is 8, 8 from 12, and there remains 4, which set down; & thereby it will appear you have remaining in your hands 45 l.

[Page]

A Table of MULTIPICATION.

2 times | 2 | is | 04 | 3 times | 3 | is | 09
3 | 06 | 4 | 12
4 | 08 | 5 | 15
5 | 10 | 6 | 18
6 | 12 | 7 | 21
7 | 14 | 8 | 24
8 | 16 | 9 | 27
9 | 18 |  |

4 times | 4 | is | 16 | 5 times | 5 | 25
5 | 20 | 6 | 30
6 | 24 | 7 | 35
7 | 28 | 8 | 40
8 | 32 | 9 | 45
9 | 36 |  |

6 time [...] | 6 | is | 36 | 7 times | 7 | is | 49
7 | 42 | 8 | 56
8 | 48 | 9 | 62
9 | 54 |  |

8 times 8 [...] 64

8 9 [...] 7 [...] 9 tim [...] [...] is [...]

[Page]

A Receipt in full.

REceiv'd the 26 of March 1695. of A. B. the Sum of Forty two Pounds ten Shillings, (in Money and Goods) which is in full of all Debts, Dues, &c. whatsoever, from the said A. B. I say, Received in full,

per me, J. T.

A Bond.

KNow all Men by these Presents, That I A. B. of the County of Bucks, in the Province of Pennsilvania, Weaver, am held and firmly [...]ound unto John True of the County and Province aforsaid, in the Sum of One hundred Pounds, currant Silver Money of the said Province, to be paid to the said John True, his certain Attorney, Executors, Administrators or Assigns; To the which Payment well and truly to be made, I bind my my self, my Heirs, Executors & Administrators firmly by these Presents. [...]ealed with my Seal, dated the 24th [Page] day of March, 1695. Anno (que) Regni Regis & Reginae Gulielmi & Mariae, Angliae, &c. Septimo.

The Condition of this Obligation is such, That if the above bounden A. B. his Heirs, Executors or Administrators shall and do well and truly pay, or cause to be paid unto the above-named John True, his Heirs, Executors, Administrators or Assigns, the full Sum of Fifty Pounds, currant Silver Money aforesaid, at or before the 24 day June next following the date hereof, without fraud or further Delay, then this Obligation to be void, and of none effect, or else to be and remain in full force and virtue.

A. B.

Sealed & delivered in the presence of

Thomas Telltrue,

John Memory.

[Page]

Common Stops, to be observed in Writing and Reading.

TRue Pointing is necessary in Writing, to prevent Confusion, and therefore I have set down the most usual Stops or Points, as followeth:

A Comma [,] is a Note of sho [...] stay or stop in reading.

A Colon [:] is a Note of perfect sence, but not of a perfect sentence, because there is more of it behind▪ As for Example, Psal. 22.28. For the Kingdom is the Lords: And he is Governor among t [...] Nations. This requires a longer stop or pause than a Comma.

A Semi-colon [;] differs not much▪ from a Colon, but requires some-what a shorter pause. E. G. Psal. 3.5. I laid me down and s [...]ept; I awaked, for the Lord sustained me.

A Period [.] is a full stop, and is placed at the close of a sentence. As, Rejoyce evermore. Pray without [Page]ceasing. Here the stop or pause must be longer, that the Reader may recover his breath, and the Hearer have time to reflect a little on what is delivered, before they proceed to new matter.

An Interrogation Point, [?] is placed after the asking a Question. As, Why do the Heathen rage? And the people imagine a vain thing? In reading, make near as long a pause here, as at a Period.

A Parenthesis () is put to inclose any new clause or matter that is added before a man hath fully expressed his Mind, the sence being good, if that which is added were left out. As where Paul says, For I know in me, (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good.

An Admiration [!] is put after words that express something strange, or to be wondered at, as, O the depth of the Riches, both of the Wisdom and Knowledge of God!

[Page]The Apostrophe ['] is a point made▪ as you see) like a Comma, & is set over the place where a Vowel is left out, which you often meet with in Verse, to shorten the feet, or to make it run smooth. As penn'd, heav'ns, sin'd, th'other, 'twas, 'tis, &c.

A Hyphen [-] is a note of Connexion, as, Law-giver, Pen-men.

An Index, thus ☞ is to note something remarkable.

An Oblisk, thus †, refers to the Margent.

A Section [§] it denotes the beginning of a new Head.

Contractions in Writing fit to be observed by Youth and others.

IN our English writing there are many Abreviations we make use of, which are borrowed from the Latine, as e. g. ex [...]moli gratia) for example; & over our Accounts [...] commonly write l. s. d. q. [Page] which is (libri, s [...]liai, denarii, quadrantes) Pounds, Shillings, Pence, Farthings. So also we write, viz. (videlicet) to wit, or that is to say; sc. (scilicit) that is to say; i. e. (id est) that is; v. (vide) see; N. B. (not [...] bena) note well, Per Ann. (per annum) by the year; per Cent. by the Hundred.

There are also other Contractions of English words, as Admrs. for Administrators, agt. against, Bp. Bishop, Comrs. Commissioners, Dr Doctor, Esq Esquire, Mr. Master, Mrs. Mistriss, Ma [...]ie. Majesty, Sr. Si [...], St. Saint, Coll. Colonol, Capt. Captain, Lieut. Lieutenant, ye. the, y [...]. your, yt. that, ym. them, w [...]. [...]hen, wch. which, Qu. Question, Sol. Solution or Answer, Ans. Answer, Obj. Objection. We also sometimes contract two words into one, as I'll for I will, I [...]m for I am, t'other for the other, let's for let us.

A short Dictionary, interpreting several hard Words and Names.

[Page]

ABba, a Father.

Abreviate, short.

Abandon, forsake.

Abridge, shorten.

Abjure, renounce.

Abolish, make void.

Absurd, foolish.

Adjacent, lying, or joyning to.

Acute, Ingenious.

Adopt, to chuse or take for his Child

Affinity, Kin by Marriage or Agreement.

Allusion, pointing to.

Allegory, another thing meant▪

Anathema, Cursed.

Alias, otherwise.

Adam, Earthly.

Aaron, a Teacher.

Abel, just.

Abraham, Father of many▪

[Page] Alexander, Helper of Man.

An [...]nia [...], the Grace of the Lord.

Anthony, Flourishing.

Abigal, the Father's Joy.

Alice, Noble.

Agnes, Chaste.

Amy, Beloved, Conqueror, French.

B.

BAptism, Dipping or plunging.

Babylon, Confusion.

Blasphemy, Evil-speaking.

Brevity, shortness.

Bishop, Overseer.

Basilick, a Cockatrice.

Benedict, Blessed.

Bigamy, having two Wives at once.

Barrabas, Son of Confusion.

Benjamin, Son of the Right-Hand.

C

CElestial, Heavenly.

Center, the midst.

Catholick, Univerasal.

Conjunction, joyning together.

Consecrate, to make Holy.

Callendar, Almanack.

[Page] Casual, Accedental.

Christ, Anointed.

Caleb. Hearty.

D.

DEacon, One overseeing the Poor

Dehort, disswade.

D [...]ty, Godhead.

Derivation, going from.

Defacto, actually done.

Daniel, Judgment of God.

Dinah, Judgment.

Deborah, a Word or Bee.

Dorothy, the Gift of God.

Dorcas, a Roe-Buck.

E.

ECclesiastical, Spiritual.

Eden, a Place of Pleasure.

Edict, Commandment.

Egress, forth-going.

Election, Choice.

Essence, Substance or Being.

Elevate, Lift up.

Eunuch, One gelded.

Evangelist, a B [...]nger of good News

Ed [...]und, Blessed Peace.

[Page] Edward, happy Keeper.

Elisha, the Lamb of God.

Esaiah, Reward of the Lord.

Enoch, Taught or Eeduca [...]e.

Ezra, Peace of the Lord.

F▪

FAllacy, Deceit.

Fervent, Holy.

Finis, the End.

Fraternity, Brotherhood.

Function, Calling.

Future, Time to come.

Flagitious, Hanious, Wicked.

Filial, belonging to a Son.

Falix, Happy.

Francis, Free.

Ferdinando, Pure Peace.

G

GEnitor, A Father▪

Geographer, a Describer of th [...] Earth.

Gospel, Glad Tidings, good News.

Gradually, by degrees.

Gratis, freely, for nothing▪

Generous, of a noble Mind.

[Page] Gabriel, the Strength of God.

Gamaliel, God's Reward.

George, an Husband-man.

Gideon, a Destroyer.

H

HAllelujah, Praise ye the Lord.

Helmet, Head piece.

Homage, Worship.

Hostility, Enmity.

Habakkuk, a wrestler.

Hannah, Merciful, a taking Rest.

Helkiah, the Portion of the Lord.

I.

INfinite, without Number.

Ignominy, Reproach.

Illegitimate, unlawfully born.

Interrogation, Question asking.

Jesus, a Saviour.

Jubilee, Year of joy.

Junior, Younger.

Israel, a Prince with God.

Jebez, Sorrowful.

Jacob, a Supplanter.

Jehoshaphat, the Lord my Judge.

Jonah, a [...]ve.

[Page] James, a Maintainer.

Job, [...]ighing, Sorrowful.

Joseph, Encreasing▪

Josiah, Fire of the Lord.

Isaac, Laughter.

Jane, Gracious.

L.

LAtitude, Breath or Wideness▪

Legible, easie to be read▪

Lascivious, Wanton.

Lampoon, a Libel in Verse.

Legatee, one to whom a Legacy is Bequeathed.

Legitimate, Lawful.

Liber, a Littel Book.

Licentious, Loose, Disorderly.

Leah, Painful.

Laban, white Skin, or gentle.

Laza [...]s, Sores, help.

Leonard, Lyon-like Disposition.

Lo [...], joyned.

Lettice, Joyfulness, Mirth.

L [...]ke, Ri [...]g or Lifting up

MA [...]anat [...]a, Acc [...]sed.

Magna [...], Greatness.

[Page] Major, the Greater.

Minor, the Lesser

Modern ▪ of our Times.

Morality, Civil Behaviour.

Manassa, not forgotten.

Mark, High.

Matthew, God's-Gift.

Mary, Exalted.

Martha, Bitter.

NArration, Declaration.

Neuter, of neither side.

Novice, a young Schollar.

Nullity, nothing or of no Effect.

Novel New.

N [...]omi, Fair.

Nathaniel, the Gift of God.

Nehemiah, Comfort of the Lord.

Noah, Increasing or Rest.

Nathan, Given, Reward.

OBscure, Dark.

Oblivion, Pardon, forgetting.

Obdurate, Harden.

Omniscient, knowing all things.

Omnipotent, Almighty.

Original, Beginning first.

[Page] Oracle, a Speech from God▪

Obliterate, blot o [...]t.

Obscene, Fi [...]thy, Unchaste.

Obvious, easie to find o [...] [...]derstand.

Obstacle, an Hinderance.

Ocean, the main Sea.

Omnipresent, every where present.

Obadiah, Servant of the Lord.

Obed, a Servant or workman.

PRedestination, Fore-appointed.

Prodigy, a Wonder.

Paradice ▪ a Place of Pleasure.

Paraphrase, Exposition.

Prohibition, for-bidding.

Procreate, to beget.

Phanatick, a Mad-man.

Perpetuity, Eternity.

Pervert, Subvert, deceive.

Peter, a Store or [...]ook.

Philip, a lover or [...]o [...]es.

Phebe, clear, or b [...]ight.

RAdical, belonging to a Root.

Rational, Reasonable.

Radiment, first Instruction.

Repugnent, contrary.

[Page] Rabbi, Master,

Regression, Returning, going back.

Rachel, a Sheep.

Richard, Rich Lord.

Robert, famous in Counsel.

Roger, strong Counsel.

Reuben, Son of Vision.

Rebecca, Eat and full.

Ruth, watered or filled.

Rosamond, Rose of the World.

SAbbath, Rest.

Schism, a Breach.

Sanctification, Holiness.

Subscribe, write under.

Substract ▪ take from.

Superlative, Highest in Degree.

Scrutiny, a Search.

Sedate, Quiet, Appeased.

Senior, Elder.

Sences, Hearing, Seeing, Smelling▪ Tasting, Feeling: These are the Five Sences.

Sentiment, a feeling Apprehension.

Samuel, Heard, or placed of God.

Solomon, Peaceable.

[Page] Sarah, Lady or Dame

Susanna, Lilly or Rose.

Stephen, a Crown.

T

TA [...]tology, Repeating the same thing.

Tabernacle, a Pavilion or Tent.

Temporary, for a time.

Terrestrial, Earthly·

Theology, Divinity.

Thomas, a Twin.

Timothy, the honour of God.

Theophilus, a lover of God.

V.

VAcant, Empty, Void.

Verbatim, word by word.

Vital, Lively.

Ʋnanimous, of one Mind & Heart.

Vegetables, Plants.

Vege [...]ive, Lively, Strong.

Venery, Carnal Lust, also Hunting.

Verbal, belonging to words.

Vigilant, watchful.

Vincent, Victorious▪

A short Dialogue, shewing the W [...]ful s [...]ate of an Ʋngodly Youth.

[Page]

Youth,

THose days which God to me doth send,

In Pleasure I resolve to spend:

Like as the Birds i'th' lovely Spring,

Sit Chirping on the Boughs, and Sing;

VVho straining forth their warbling Notes,

Do make sweet Musick in their Throats.

So I resolve in this my Prime,

In Sports and Play to spend my Time;

Sorrow and Grief I'll put away▪

Such Things agree not with my Day:

From Clouds my Morning shall be free,

And nough [...] on Earth shall [...]rouble me.

I will embrace each sweet Delight

T [...] Earth affords me, Day and Night.

T [...]o Parents Grieve, and me Correct;

[...] their Counsel will Reject;

I matter not so I can have

My lovely Sports▪ and Pleasures Brave▪

DEVIL

The [...]esolution which you take,

Sweet Youth doth me most merry make;

Thou shalt become my lovely [...]oy,

[...]nd I will fill thy Heart with joy,

[Page]If thou my Councel wilt Embrace.

And shun the ways of Truth and Grace:

And learn to lye▪ to curse and swear,

And be as Proud as any are;

And with thy Brothers wilt fall out;

And Sisters with foul Language flout:

Yea, fight and scratch, and also bite;

Then in thee I will take Delight.

If thou wilt be Rul'd by me,

An Attist thou shalt quickly be

In all my ways, which lovely are,

There's few with thee who shall compare.

Thy Parents always disobey;

Don't mind at all what they do say.

Tho' they should whip thee very sore,

Be worser for it ever more.

And rather hate them in thy heart,

For all the Counsel they impart:

And also pout and sullen be,

And thou shalt be a Child for me.

when others Read▪ be thou at Play;

Th [...]nk not on God▪ don [...]t Sigh nor Pray;

Nor be thou such a silly Fool

To mind thy Book or go to [...]

[...] fear not

[Page]And what Earth yields or can afford,

I'll give to thee upon my Word

Come [...]ow to me, uphold my Crown;

And I [...]ll raise thee to high renown.

YOUTH.

These Motions I will cleave unto,

And let all other Counsel go:

My Heart against my Parents now

shall harden'd be, I will not bow,

No, nor submit at all to them;

But all good Counsel will contemn;

And what I list▪ that do well I,

And stubborn be continually.

Christ.

Wilt thou, O Youth! make such a choice,

And thus obey the Devils Voice?

Vile sinful ways wilt thou Embrace,

And not regard Tenders of Grace?

Wilt thou to me a Rebel prove,

And from thy Parents quite remove

Thy Heart also? Then thou shal [...] see,

What will e [...]re long become of thee.

Come think of [...]od who did thee [...]ake,

[...] at his Presence Dread and Quake;

[...] him now in thy Youth [...]

[...]

[Page]His Sweet will into Sower turn,

If in his ways thou still wilt run;

Lift up thine Eyes and stedfast look,

Under his Bait is a sharp Hook▪

VVith speed from him thy self recover,

Or else he will thy Soul devour;

And will thee into Pieces tear,

Like Lyons, which most hungry are.

Grant me thy Heart, thy Folly leave,

And from this Lyon I'll thee save;

And thou shall have sweet Joy from me▪

VVhich last will to ETERNiTY.

Youth,

My Heart shall chear me in my Youth▪

I'll have my mind too, in good Truth:

What e're seems lovely in in mine Eye▪

My Self of it I can't deny;

[...]n my own ways I still must wa [...],

And take Delight amongst [...]oung Folk;

VVho spend their Days in Joy and Mirth▪

There's nought like that, I'm sure, on Earth▪

Thy ways, O Christ! are not for me,

They with my Age do not agree:

If i unto thy ways should cle [...]ve,

No more good Days then shall I have.

Christ,

VVouldst thou live long & good Days see?

Refrain from all [...]niquity▪

True good alone from me doth flow.

It can't be had in things below.

[Page]Christ.

Are not my ways, O Youth! for thee,

Then thou shalt never Happy be:

Nor ever shall thy Soul obtain.

True good, whilst thou dost here remain.

Youth,

To thee O Christ! I'll not adhere,

VVhat thou speak [...]st of doth not appear

Lovely to me; I cannot find

Tis good to set or place my mind

On ways from whence such sorrows spring,

And to the Flesh such Crosses bring:

Don't trouble me, I must fulfill

My Fleshly Mind, and have my will;

Christ,

Ʋnto th [...] self then I'll thee leave,

That Satan wholly may thee have;

Thy Heart in Sin shall hardned be,

And blinded in Iniquity:

And them in Wrath i'll Cutt thee down,

Like as the Grass and Flower's Mown,

And to thy Woe thou shalt espy.

Child-hood and Youth is Vanity;

For all these things I'll make thee know,

To Judgment thou shalt come also,

in Hell at last thy Soul must burn,

When thou thy Sinfull race hast run;

Consider this think on thy End.

Least God doth thee to Pieces rend,

[Page]Youth,

Amazed great i now begin;

Ah! Must i leave these ways of Sin,

VVhich unto me so sweet have been.

i Tremble and do greatly fear,

To think upon VVhat i do hear;

Must i Religious be so soon,

And my Sun set before it is noon.

Devil,

No, foolish Youth don't change thy mind;

Ʋnto such thoughts be not inclin'd:

Religion's an invented thing,

VVhich from some Crafty Head did spring,

To Awe Mens minds; a meer Bug-bear▪

Such Foolish Youths to fright and Scare;

is VVinter come? The Spring's not past;

VVhat can'st not bear with one such blast [...]

Shall the brave Flower that seems so gay,

in one poor hour fade quite away?

Tis Pity one so Young as thee,

Should thus be brought to Misery:

Come, chear thy Heart, rouse up, be glad;

There is no Hell, why art so sad?

Eat, Drink, be Merry with thy Friend,

For when thou Dyest, that's is thy last End.

Youth

Ah! would such thoughts i could receive

Gods VVord I can [...]t but must believe

'Tis He [...] fear amaz [...]ed am i▪

At that dread VVord [ETERNITY]

[Page]And if my Soul immortal be,

At Death, what will become of me▪

Devil.

Tush, these are silly things to think upon.

Shall Clouds thus dark thy Horizon;

i'll scatter the [...], and soon make clear

Thy lovely Morning, do not fear;

Yet to thee in some things i'll yeild,

So be i may but gain the Field;

That there's a Heaven i can't deny,

Yea, and a Hell of Misery;

That Heaven is a lovely place,

i can't deny, tis a clear Case,

And easie tis for to come there,

Poor Youth, take thee no farther Care▪

VVhere Prayers are Read, set thou do go,

VVhere thou mayst Sleep as others do,

Thou mayst swear, drink healths and Curse,

And Church-men love thee ner [...]e the worse▪

At any time thou mayst Repent

Twill serve when all thy Days are spent,

Thou mayst have Christ and the World too,

And saved be with half the do

Which many make, if thou at last,

Dost up thine Eyes to Heaven cast,

And dost on thy dear Saviour roul,

And beg him to receive thy Soul;

Thou shalt be saved, do not fear.

But take thy fill of Pleasures here.

[Page]Christ.

Take heed or else thou art undone,

These thoughts are from the Evil One,

Narrow's the VVay that leads to Life,

Heaven is not had without much strife,

Few shall be saved, Young man, know,

Most do unto destruction go:

If Righteous ones scarce saved be.

VVhat will at last become of thee?

O don't reject my gracious Call,

Least suddenly to Hell you fall;

Unless that you converted be,

Gods Kingdom you shall never see.

Youth,

Now Lord, I am at a great stand,

To turn to th' right, or to the left Hand,

Obey the Devil, or Gods Command.

If I to Godliness should cleave,

And my old Company should leave.

With great Reproaches I shall meet,

And loose my Pleasures, which are sw [...] ▪

My Comforts will me much deride,

And never more will me abide.

Moreover, this I also know,

God can at last great Mercy show▪

Excuse [...] then, you do me wrong;

To mind Christs wayes I am too Young,

VVhen i am Old and Pleasures gone,

Then what God says i'll think upon.

[Page]Christ.

Nay, hold vain Youth, thy time is short,

I have thy Breath, I [...]ll spoil thy sport;

Thou shalt not live ti [...] thou art old,

Since thou in sin art grown so bold:

I in thy youth, grim Death will send,

And all thy Sports shall have an end.

Youth,

I am too Young, alas! to dye,

Let Death some old gray Head espy.

O spare me! and I will amend;

And with thy grace my soul befriend;

Or else I am undone, alas!

For I am in a woful Case.

Christ,

When I did call, thou wouldst no [...] hear,

But didst to me, turn a deaf Ear;

And now in this Calamity

I will not mind, [...] hear thy Cry:

Thy Day is past; be gone from me,

Thou which dost love Iniquity

Above thy Soul, and Saviour dear,

Who on the Cross great pain did bear.

My Mercy thou didst much abuse,

And all good Counsel didst refuse.

[...]

Information about this book

Title statement

Instructions for children: or, The child's & youth's delight, teaching an easie way to spell & read true English. : Containing the father's godly advice; directing parents in a right and spiritual manner to educate their children. : With a Christian catechism, wherein all the chief principles of true Christianity are clearly opened. : Together with many other things both pleasant and useful for the education of children. / Written by Benj. Keach.

Keach, Benjamin, 1640-1704.

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI :

Date

2007-01.

ID [DLPS]

N29515

ID [TCP]

N29515

ID [STC]

Shipton 39314

ID [STC]

Wing K72A

ID [NOTIS]

APV8515

ID [IMAGE-SET]

39314

ID [EVANS-CITATION]

99004078

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early American Imprints, 1639-1800 ; no. 39314.

Notes

(Evans-TCP ; no. N29515)

Transcribed from: (Readex Archive of Americana ; Early American Imprints, series I ; image set 39314)

Images scanned from Readex microprint and microform: (Early American imprints. First series ; no. 39314)

Source

— Instructions for children: or, The child's & youth's delight, teaching an easie way to spell & read true English. : Containing the father's godly advice; directing parents in a right and spiritual manner to educate their children. : With a Christian catechism, wherein all the chief principles of true Christianity are clearly opened. : Together with many other things both pleasant and useful for the education of children. / Written by Benj. Keach., Keach, Benjamin, 1640-1704..

Extent

[12], 152+ p. ; 13 cm. (12mo)

Printed and sold by Will. Bradford at the Bible in New-York,,. [New York] :: 1695..

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