HOW TO DO GOOD TO MANY. 551, edge. Ignorance is darkness, the state of his kingdom who is the prince of darkness, who by the works of darkness leadeth the blind world to utter darkness ; God is the Father of lights, and giveth wisdom to them that,ask and seek it ; he sent his Son to be the light of the world; his word and ministers are subordinate light; his servants are all the, children of light; ignorance is virtually error, and error the cause of sin and misery. And men are not born wise, but must be made wise by skillful, diligent teaching : parents should begin it, ministers should second them ; but, alas ! how many millions are neglected by both ! and how many neglect themselves, when ministers have done their best ! Ignorance and error are the common road to wickedness, misery, and hell. 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 re- ligion, Our departed friend, Mr. Thomas Gouge, did set us an excellent pattern for Wales. I think we have grammar schools enough. Ít is not the knowledge oftongues, and arts, and curious sciences, which the common, people want, but the right under- standing of their baptismal covenant with God, and of the Creed, Lord's Prayer, Decalogue, and Church Communion: A poor,. honest man, or a good woman, will teach children thus much for small stipend, better than they are taught it ih 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, Lord's Prayer,Commandments,and Catechism, by rote, and never under- stand them ; when a lively book, that awakeneth their consciences, bringeth them to sensible consideration, and to a true understand- ing of the same things which before they could repeat with- out sense or savor. It is the catechistical truths which mostof our English sermons press ; and the lively pressing them maketh them pierce deeper than a catechism. If men that in life, or at death, give a stated revenue for good works, would settle the one half on a catechising English school, and the other half on some suitable good books, it might prove a very great means of public reformation. When a good book is in the house, if some despise it, others may read it; and when one parish is provided, every year's rent may extend the charity to
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