How to do good to many, or, The public good is the Christians life…How to do good to many, or, The publick good is the Christians life…

2. But what can any others do for such? Two things I will remember you of. 1. Set up such Schools as shall teach Children to read the Scriptures, and learn the Catechism, or Principles of Religion. Our departed Friend, Mr. Thomas Gouge did set us an excellent Pattern for Wales. I think we have Grammar Schools enough. It is not the knowledge of Tongues and Arts, and Curious Sciences which the common people want, but the right understanding of their Baptismal Covenant with God, and of the Creed, Lords Prayer, Decalogue and Church Communion. A poor honest man, or a good woman, will Teach Children thus much for a small stipend, better than they are taught it in most Grammar Schools; And I would none went to the Universities without the sound understanding of the Catechism: Yea, I would none came thence or into the Pulpit without it,

2. But what can any others do for such? Two things I will remember you of. 1. Set up such Schools as shall teach Children to read the Scriptures, and learn the Catechism, or Principles of Religion. Our departed Friend, Mr. Thomas Gouge did set us an excellent Pattern for Wales. I think we have Grammar Schools enough. It is not the knowledg of Tongues and Arts, and Curious Sciences which the common people want, but the right understanding of their Baptismal Covenant with God, and of the Creed, Lords Prayer, Decalogue and Church Communion. A poor honest man, or a good woman, will Teach Children thus much for a small stipend, better than they are taught it in most Grammar Schools; And I would none went to the Universities without the sound understanding of the Catechism: Yea, I would none came thence or into the Pulpit without it,

2. When you have got them to read, give them good books, especially Bibles, and good Catechisms, and small practical books which press the fundamentals on their Consciences: Such books are good Catechisms: Many learn the words of the Creed, Lords Prayer, Commandments and Catechism, by rote, and never understand them, when a lively book that awakeneth their Consciences, bringeth them to sensible consideration, and to a true understanding of the same things, which before they could repeat without sense or savour. It is the Catechistical truths which most of our English Sermons press. And the lively pressing them maketh them pierce deeper than a Catechism.