The main principles of Christian religion in a 107 short articles or aphorisms, generally…

I. The necessity of instructing, or Catechising, both as it respects those who Teach, and those who are Taught^q, is evident from the Injunction of the supreme Lawgiver, who doth frequently charge Superiors to teach, and Inferiors to learn^r. Which strongly obligeth those who have others under their authority, to do it as they are able; and (if they cannot read themselves) to put those who ⟨p. IV⟩have learned to read upon the work, and see them do it to the utmost of their power for edification. To strengthen this charge of so great and useful importance, the Spirit of God doth highly commend the practice according to it, as that wherein he much delighteth; and therefore makes it necessary to us, who should be solicitous to please him; yea in the Families wherein we live, as well as in the Congregation; as a part of that solemn service he hath appointed in his word, with Prayers and Praises. Unless persons learn the Principles of Christian Doctrine^s, they will not be able to hear Sermons with profit, nor understand clearly and distinctly the nature of Faith, Repentance, Justification, &c. nor to give a reason of the hope that is in them, which they are required to do. And the rather that they may withstand fundamental errors, as well as resist evil practices; which was memorably seen in the very Children of Merindol, who made a solemn Confession of their Faith from Scripture, amazing and confounding their persecuting adversaries. That shining Star Luther, in the dawning of the Reformation, used to say his Catechism was parva Biblia, the little Bible, meaning a short sum of that heavenly Doctrine which the very Son of God did publish from the bosom of his eternal Father, and which the Holy Spirit did reveal by the Prophets and Apostles for the salvation of our souls. This might move him, reforming the Church from the dregs of Idolatry and Superstition, to carry his Catechism always along with him, to read and peruse it almost every day, as he did; affirming seriously, that he always learned something from it, which he did not (at least so practically) know before. Agreeable whereunto, in our age, said laborious, holy, and zealous Mr. Joseph Alleine concerning Catechism, If any think themselves above it, 'tis from their pride or ignorance, for my part I account my self a learner.