A26693:2631
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.
Secondly, settle it upon your hearts, that your souls are bound up in the souls of your family. They are committed unto you, & (if they be lost through your neglect) will be required at your hands. Sirs, if you do not, you shall know, that the charge of souls is a heavy charge, and that the blood of souls is a heavy guilt. O man, hast thou a charge of souls to answer for, and dost thou not yet bestir thy self for them, that their blood be not found in thy skirts? wilt thou do no more for immortal souls, than thou wilt do for thy beasts that perish? What dost thou do for thy children, and servants? Thou providest meat and drink for them, agreeable to their natures, and dost thou not the same for thy beasts? Thou givest them medicines, and cherishest them when they be sick, and dost thou not as much for thy swine? more particularly.
Secondly, settle it upon your hearts, that your souls are bound up in the souls of your family. They are committed unto you, & (if they be lost through your neglect) will be required at your hands. Sirs, if you do not, you shall know, that the charge of souls is a heavy charge, and that the blood of souls is a heavy guilt. O man, hast thou a charge of souls to answer for, and dost thou not yet bestir thy self for them, that their blood be not found in thy skirts? wilt thou do no more for immortal souls, thèn thou wilt do for thy beasts that perish? What dost thou do for thy children, and servants? Thou providest meat and drink for them, agreeable to their natures, and dost thou not the same for thy beasts? Thou givest them medicines, and cherishest them when they be sick, and dost thou not as much for thy swine? more particularly.