The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

Entertain their tender attentions with discourses of Gods infinite greatness, and amiable goodness; of the glories of Heaven, of the torments of Hell. Things that affect the senses must be spiritualized to them, catch their affections by a holy craft. Deal as much in similitudes as thou canst. If you be together in a garden, draw some sweet and heavenly discourse out of the beautiful flowers: If by a river side, treat of the water of life, and the rivers of pleasure that are at Gods right hand: If in a field of Corn, speak of the nourishing quality of the bread of life: If you see birds flying in the air, or hear them singing in the woods, teach them the all-wise providence of God, that gives them their meat in due season: If thou lookest up to the Sun, Moon, and Stars, tell them, they are but the shining spangles of the out-houses of Heaven; oh then what glory is there within! If thou seest a Rainbow to diaper some waterish cloud, talk of the Covenant of God. These and many more may be like so many golden links drawing divine things into their memories.¹ I have used similitudes by my servants the Prophets, saith God. Moreover, let young ones read and learn by heart some portions of the Historical books of holy Scripture. But above all, the best way of institution, especially as to the younger sort, may be performed by Catechisms, Plot-forms of sound words,² by Question and Answer in a short compendious method; whose terms being clear and distinct, might be phrased out of holy Scripture, and fitted to their capacities by a plain, though solid stile, and to their memories by brief expressions.

Entertain their tender attentions with discourses of Gods infinite greatness, and amiable goodness; of the glories of Heaven, of the torments of Hell. Things that affect the senses must be spiritualized to them, catch their affections by a holy craft. Deal as much in similitudes as thou canst. If you be together in a garden, draw some sweet and heavenly discourse out of the beautiful flowers: If by a river side, treat of the water of life, and the rivers of pleasure that are at Gods right hand: If in a field of Corn, speak of the nourish•ng quality of the bread of life: If you see birds flying in the air, or hear them singing in the woods, teach them the all-wise providence of God, that gives them their meat in due season: If thou lookest up to the Sun, Moon, and Stars, tell them, they are but the shining spangles of the out-houses of Heaven; oh then what glory is there within! If thou seest a Rainbow to diaper some waterish cloud, talk of the Covenant of God. These and many more may be like so many golden links drawing divine things into their memories.