A catechism or brief instruction in the principles and grounds of the true Christian…A catechisme or briefe instruction in the principles and grounds of the true Christian…

First, should catechizing seem a base and vile matter in our eyes, which God in the depth of his wisdom hath invented as an ordinance of his, to help his ⟨image 7⟩elect to the faith of Christ, or to confirm them therein? This is an argument which Paul used in his plea for preaching, which otherwise was accounted foolishness, 1. Cor. 1. 21. Here then may I say this of catechizing: Be it in the account of the greater number a foolish and weak thing, yet certainly it is Gods foolishness, which is wiser then men, and Gods weakness, which is stronger then men, 1. Cor. 1. 25.

First, should catechizing seeme a base and vile matter in our eyes, which God in the depth of his wisdome hath inuented as an ordinance of his, to helpe his ⟨image 7⟩elect to the faith of Christ, or to confirme them therein? This is an argument which Paul vsed in his plea for preaching, which otherwise was accounted foolishnesse, 1. Cor. 1. 21. Here then may I say this of catechizing: Bee it in the account of the greater number a foolish and weake thing, yet certainly it is Gods foolishnesse, which is wiser then men, and Gods weaknesse, which is stronger then men, 1. Cor. 1. 25.

Secondly, should that be contemptible with us, the careful and diligent practise of which, hath made certain, though otherwise much accepted, yet to be the more honourable with God? Abraham for example: It is true that his faith properly made his person pleasing unto God, Heb. 11. 6. and 39. yet his diligentnesse about the instructing of his family in the way of the Lord, did make him the more acceptable; and therefore for this very act God maketh him of his privy counsel: Shall I hide (saith the Lord) from Abraham the thing that I will do? For I know him, that he will command his sons & his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, Ge. 18. 17. 19.