Ratio disciplinae fratrum Nov-Anglorum. A faithful account of the discipline professed and practised; in…

Formerly, There were several Divines in these Churches (it were easy to reckon more than a Decemvirate of them) who, like Cyril, and some others of the Fathers, composed and published Catechisms of their own, which were designed more peculiarly for the Edification of the particular People, with whom they were travailing.

There is not above one or two of those, used at this Day. That which is most so, is the Milk ⟨p. 104⟩for Babes, which many of our Children have their Instruction begun withal. But the Catechism which now generally obtains is that of the Assembly of Divines, (prepared originally by a Triumvirate never to be forgotten, Dr. Arrowsmith, Dr. Tuckney, and Mr. Newcomen,) whereof the general Opinion, is, That no Man's Reproach can lessen, and no Man's Applause can heighten, the Reputation that belongs unto it. Albeit there are those also, who even in this find some Deficiencies, and some Redundancies.

By some of the Pastors, the Work of Catechising, and the Task of a Pantaenus, or an Origen, has been done, with a special Aim and Hope to attend the Great and Good Preservative of the Churches, which has of old been known by the Name of, CONFIRMATION; That is to say, when the Children Baptised in the Churches come to be of Age, the Pastors do send for them, and Examine them discreetly and faithfully, concerning their Improvement in Knowledge, and Conversion to GOD, and Resolutions for a Life of PIETY, and Inclinations to the Remembering and Renewing of their Baptismal Covenant. Those in whom there are found the Agreeable Symptoms of a Regenerate Mind, are advised immediately to apply themselves for a CONFIRMATION of their Church-Membership, in a full Communion with the Churches. Those who are found of a more discouraging and undesirable Character, have suitable Admonitions bestowed upon them; Until they have hearkened whereunto, they may not expect the Privileges of Adult Members in the