N01357:19
The A, B, C. of religion. Lessons relating to the fear of God, fitted…
The A, B, C. of religion. Lessons relating to the fear of God, fitted unto the youngest & lowest capacities. And children suitably instructed in the maxims of religion. : [One line from I John]
Boston, : Printed & sold by Timothy Green, at the lower end of Middle-Street, 1713
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
There are in the Word of God, Good Lessons for Children; There are Lessons relating to the Fear of God, which may be Understood, even by them who are come to the Least Understanding; which should be Considered by them that can Use the Least Consideration.
There are in the Word of God, Good Lessons for Children; There are Lessons relating to the Fear of God, which may be Understood, even by them who are come to the Least Understanding; which should be Considerd by them that can Use the Least Consideration.
Luther would say, The best Preacher is he, that Preaches what we call, Childishly; that so accommodates the Truths of the Gospel, unto his Hearers, that even the Little Children may mind them when they hear them, and grow sensible of them. I propose at this Time, to make an Essay at such Preaching; and speak such Things, as they who are in the Age of Little Children, & many Others, who have not much more Sense than they, may take a Good Notice of. There are Truths of the Gospel, which may be apprehended by the Smallest Capacities; and by the Youngest that are capable of Minding any thing in the World. I am now to set such Things before you, and such Lessons relating to the Fear of God, as may be apprehended by the very Children in the Congregation; I desire to do it, in such Plain Terms, that the Smallest Capacities may Entertain the Lessons of Piety; and be Quickened unto the Fear of God. And yet the Things now to be set before you, will be such, that the most Illuminated Christians in the ⟨p. 5⟩Auditory, and such as are in the highest Form of Christianity shall hear nothing but what may be for their Edification too. Tho' the Lambs may Wade in the Still Waters, to which the Shepherd of their Souls, is now leading of them, yet they will be such, that the Elephants may also Swim in them. Sirs, Don't count your selves neglected, in a Discourse now so adapted unto Infancy. But rather with Shame and Grief make this Reflection, Alas, that after so long a Time, I should be so little improved, as to need still that the first Elements of Piety should be inculcated upon me!