A26693:2626
A most familiar explanation of the Assemblies shorter catechism wherein their larger answers are…
A most familiar explanation of the Assemblies shorter catechism wherein their larger answers are broken into lesser parcels, thereby to let in the light by degrees into the minds of the learners : to which is added in the close, a most brief help for the necessary but much neglected duty of self-examination to be daily perused : and to this is subjoined a letter of Christian counsel to a destitute flock / by Jos. Allaine.
London: printed for Edw. Brewster, 1674
Letter: To the most endeared People, the Inhabibitants of Taunton; Salvation.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Beloved, I despair of ever bringing you to salvation, without sanctification: or possessing you of happiness, without persuading you to holiness. God knows I have not the least hope ever to see one of your faces in heaven, except you be converted and sanctified, and exercise your selves unto godliness. This is that I drive at. I beseech you study to further personal godliness and family godliness.
Beloved, I despair of ever bringing you to salvation, without sanctification: or possessing you of happiness, without perswading you to holiness. God knows I have not the least hope ever to see one of your faces in heaven, except you be converted and sanctified, and exercise your selves unto godliness. This is that I drive at. I beseech you study to further personal godliness and family godliness.
1. Personal godliness. Let it be your first care to set up Christ in your hearts. See that you make all your worldly interests to stoop to him, that you be entirely and unreservedly devoted unto him. If youn wilfully and deliberately and ordinarily harbour any sin, you are undone? See that you unfeignedly2 ⟨image 89⟩take the Laws of Christ, as the rule of your words, thoughts, and actions; and subject youro whole man, members and mind faithfully to him. If you have not a true respect top all Gods Commandments,5 you are unsound at heart. Oh study to get the image and impress of Christ upon you within. Begin with your hearts, else you build without a foundation. Labour to get a saving change within, or else all external performances will be to no purpose. And then study to show forth the power of godliness in the life. Let piety be your first and great business. 'Tis the highest point of Justice, to give God his due. Beware that none of you be a Prayer-less person: for that is a most certain discovery of a Christless and