A26693:2637
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.
6. Put every one in your families upon private1 ⟨image 91⟩prayer. Observe whether they do perform it. Get them the help of a form, if they need it, till they are able to go without it. Direct them how to pray, by minding them of their sins, wants, and mercies, the materials of prayer. This was the practice of John, and of Jesus, Luke 11. 1, 2, &c.
7. Set up Catechizing in your Families, at the least once every week. It was my parting, dying request, that you would set up and maintain this duty constantly in your families. Have you done it all accordingly? Cannot your consciences witness, cannot your families witness you have not? Well, I thought my parting words would have done something with you: I hoped the fervent request of a dying Minister, would have prevailed for such a small matter with you. What, to this day without solemn catechizing in your houses? Ah, what a discouragement to your Teacher is this? Brethren, shall I yet prevail with you? will you reject me now also? O let me persuade you, before you take off your eyes from these lines, to resolve to set upon the constant exercise of this duty. Surely I have done and suffered more for you than this comes to: will you now deny me? I beseech you let me find, if ever God do again bring me to visit your houses, that the words of a suffering Minister have some power with you. I have sent you an help on purpose: what, shall all my persuasions be but speaking in the wind? and all my pains but labouring in the fire? Beloved, have you no dread of the Almighty's charge, That you shouldh