202 DEDICATION, of Childhood and Youth: and I have recommended both these to be read frequently, even while children are learning the foregoing cate- chism's by heart. There is another defect, of which some will complain ; and that is, there is not enough of the historical part of our religion brought into the two catechisms of the principles of religion which I have written for children; at least the history of Adam and of the Jews, and the history oGChrist, should have had a much larger share therein. But I desire my friends to consider, that at the same time while these catechisms are learning, there arecate- chisms of scripture. history proposed also to be gotten by heart, a'ecording to the different ages of children, whereinthe narratives relating both to the first and second Adam, and to the Jews, are much larger; and I think this will fully relieve that supposed inconvenience or defect ; for there was no need of repeating these historical transactions in both places; and if I had added more of the sacred history to the catechisms of the principles of reli- gion, it wouldhave made them appear too long and tedious. But that you nosy be more fully acquainted with the reasonsof this attempt, and that you may know the method I have observed, and the care I have taken in these composures, I entreat you to readover the following disçourse of the excel- lency and use of catechisms, and of the natural and most useful manner of composing them. When you have diligently, and without prejudice, perused that short essay, I am persuaded you will agree with me, at least in this general opinion, that something more than bath beendone in times past. ought to be attempted, in order to render the momentous concerns of religion more intelligible to children, and that these my labours are not utterly unsuited to that design. Yet after all, I commit these papers to your candour, as well as to your judgment and you practical use; and while you labour in this most noes sary work, the instructing of your families in the doctrines and duties of christianity, let your daily fervent prayers accompany your private instruc- tions, that the heart may be enriched with every divine grace, while the head is furnished with useful knowledge. And may the Spirit of light and grace descend on all the younger branches of your household, and visit every menial Aervant there, that your families may be as temples wherein God may dwell, with all the train of blessings which relate to this life and the life to come. While my want of a strong constitution of body, and my necessary re- tirements from the city, render me incapable of paying somanyvisits toyour tàmilies, and promoting their spiritual welfare so much as I would gladly do, I humbly hope this little book may be attended with the divine blessing, that your children may derive from it abundant benefit; that the principles of piety and goodness being early instilled into their minds, they may bebetter secured against the temptations of infidelity, vice and profaneness; that they may stand up in the following age as the supports and ornaments of true religion, and bear up the name of Christ with honour, in a degenerateand sinful world ; this is the hearty prayer of Your devoted and affectionate Servant in the Gospel, I..WATTB. Theobalds, in Hertfordshire, Feb. 14. 1729-30.
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