A Circular Letter To the Clergy of Mary-Land, Subsequent to the late Visitation.  
Reverend Brethren,  
I cannot reflect upon the good Order of your Conferences, and the Unanimity in your Resolves at your late Visitation, without the greatest esteem of, and Affection towards you. And so happy a beginning gives me good Grounds to hope the best things from you. The truth of it is, when I sit down and consider the several particular Methods of Ministerial Instruction, which you did then so cheerfully come into, I am not able, upon the most mature Deliberation, to conceive, what can be farther wanting on your Parts, to render the People committed to your Charge, fully edified in all things necessary to Salvation, but the putting the measures then Resolved upon, vigorously into Execution, both as to Catechising, Preaching, and Private Exhortation and Admonition.  
Now the first of your Resolutions refer to Catechising; a part of your Ministry so exceedingly necessary in the Church of Christ, especially in an Age so lose in its Principles, as ours is, that enough can never be said to inculcate that matter upon you. But I forbear here, having so largely spoken to it in my Visitation Charge. However there is one consideration of such peculiar force to yourselves in Maryland, that I must needs remind you thereof, to invigorate you in that Work, tho' I know the words themselves were so emphatical, and the occasion of them, must be so fresh in your Minds, that it will not be easy for you to forget them.  
And was it so, that but few Months ago, the whole Province were in that Consternation, on the account of their Religion, as did far exceed our Expectation; And did the Patriots of your Country under such Difficulties, and Discouragements, as I forbear to name, renew its Establishment, and that too with such an Unanimity, and general Consent, as shows that it is no indifferent thing to them? And wherefore was it, that notwithstanding all, they would re-establish our Church, and provide for its Clergy amongst them; Why? For this end they declare they did this glorious Work! THAT THEIR CHILDREN AND POSTERITY BEING PRESERVED IN THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH, FROM FACTION AND SCHISM, IN HONESTY AND CHARITY, MIGHT BECOME GOOD AND SOBER MEN, LOVING VIRTUE, HATING VICE, THE RATIONAL CONSEQVENCE OF TRUE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE. Words surely that deserve to be written (both for the perpetual Honour of the Province, and for a Memorandum to you of the Clergy, to what purpose you are continued) IN LETTERS OF GOLD on PILLARS OF MARBLE. It evidently appears hence, That the Christian Education of their Youth, is what those Patriots do chief expect from you. And surely then, if for this Reason principally, a Clergy have been there reestablished, so far as lies in their Power: To this work therefore it is, That in a more especial manner, you are called to exert your Labours, as a most important part of your Ministry among them. And you are to conclude hence, That you, of all the Clergy in the King's Dominions, have a more than ordinary Call to apply yourselves particularly thereunto.  
And indeed the Catechetical part is Digested by you, so much to my Satisfaction, that if you shall marshal all the Youth within your respective Cures into those Three Classes, and shall Catechise them accordingly, I should then hope very soon to see those in America, as far exceed many amongst us here, as the Children of the poor Vaudois, which Thuanus speaks of, Lib. 27. do those in the wealthier parts of the Christian World. And the Religious Education of Youth, being a part of your Duty of such infinite Consequence, as well to the planting of Christanity with you, as the Restauration of it here, now almost expiring amongst us, I conjure you, by all that Love which the Son of God bore to the Sons of Men, when he descended from Heaven, to teach and enlighten the ignorant and benighted World; and which Love he particularly expressed to such tender ones: I conjure you by all this, to ●e●● those Lambs. And that there may be no impossibility, incapacity, or any want of means urged in excuse for any one's omission in that part, I have provided you with such a quantity of Books, Adapted to those several Degrees of Catechumen, as will supply all the poorer Children, at leastwise, in your respective Cures; and will also take care of even those of better Condition, should their Parents be so Barbarous towards them, as to deny to provide them with necessary Books, rather than they shall want Catechetical Instruction.  
For the First Class, you have. The Church Catechism, together with some of the most Apposite Texts pertaining to the several Doctrines, and Duties contained therein, with a Form of Morning and Evening Prayer for Children. Also, a Grace before and after Meat. And of these I would have you give one to all the poorer Families, and to Servants Quarters within your respective Cures, where there are Children, and to recommend it to the wealthier Parents to buy for theirs. And after this, let it be your Care to have the Children frequently called upon to repeat their Catechism, and to recite their Scriptures, and Prayers. Let this, I say, be done, either by yourselves, when you shall visit those Families, or by others whom you shall intrust to call them thus to account in your stead. And as you cannot think of such proper Persons for this purpose, as the Members of the Religious Society, or superior Class of Catechumen within your Parishes, whom you will find very serviceable to you in this, and many other good Offices within your Cures: So indeed this part must be done chief by some trusty Deputy, it being equally impossible, either that such small Children should be brought many Miles to Church to be Catechised, or that you should be continually visiting them at their Houses for that purpose, for which more than your whole time would be insufficient in such dilated Cures. And it may suffice that you do this in Person only, when either a Baptism, or the Visitation of the Sick, or a Funeral, or any other occasion shall draw you out into any quarter of your Parish. Where a Competition between the several Duties of your Pastoral Office is such, that your time will be devoured by any one of them, to the omission of others equally necessary, if you should give yourselves up wholly to that; there is a necessity, so far to dispense with the Personal Execution thereof, as to reserve a share for other parts of your Function, And this I know is too much your Case.  
The Second Class of Catechumen you have judiciously appointed to consist of Children, between Nine and Thirteen: not that you are to tie up yourselves so nicely between such Periods, that a Child either under the one, or beyond the other is always to be excluded that institution which you judge most proper for such as are within that Compass: But because it is to be expected, that as well Christian Children, as those of the Jews, should by that time be able to give some Account, or Reason of the Faith that is in them. And it is of the greatest use to fix designs to certain Periods, which will cause such expectations, that, generally speaking, things will answer within those terms. And as you have Resolved, with respect to this rank of Catech 〈…〉 to have them learn by Heart Some Exposition with Scripture Proofs; so I have accordingly sent you a sufficient number of that Kind.  
This Book is divided into four parts, and subdivided into Fifty Two Lessons; one for every Sunday in the Year; in which are explained the peculiar Terms in Divinity; and in which are given the Elements of Christian Knowledge; both in the general Doctrine, and particular Articles of the Covenant of Grace. And it is in this manner, I think, that your Catechism ought to be Expounded to Young Children. For first, as to the terms in Divinity; Theology, as well as all other Sciences, has some peculiar Expressions, which till understood, render any Discourse on Subjects of that Nature utterly unintelligible to either Hearers or Readers: And therefore the peculiar acceptations of such words, so often occurring in our Discourses of Religion, must be first explained to the Youth, as we would have them be ever Edified from the Desk, or from the Pulpit. And such Expositions ought also to be so contrived, as to give the Catech 〈…〉 a view of the Nature, Terms and Conditions of his Covenant with God. For Christianity is no other than such a Covenant. And the whole Texture of our Church Catechism is, according to the Analytical and best Method, both a general, and particular Instruction in that matter.  
The Third Class of Catechumen, you would have to consist of Youth grown up to some Years. And these you are for treating with in a manner something more Manly than the very Children of Thirteen. You would not oblige them to get an Exposition by Heart, but would recommend to them some proper Book to Read, but yet to Read so attentively, and with such Application of Mind, as to be so much Masters of its Sense, as in Conference and Discourse with you upon those Subjects, to be able to give you Reason to conclude they understood what they have Read. And indeed hereby you will both lead them to exercise their own Judgements, a thing or singular use to them, and will also treat them in such a manner (tho' it be in effect still but Catechising) as none will think themselves above.  
And it is moreover very judiciously Resolved by you, to advise them more particularly to Read such a Book, or Books, as shall more fully instruct them in the Nature, Terms and Conditions of the Covenant of Grace. To understand and comprehend which throughly, is to know the whole Tenor of Christianity, and which, except it be conceived under such a Scheme, cannot, in my Opinion, be so rightly and clearly apprehended. Besides, these your Catechetical Conferences with them are primarily designed to prepare them with proper Knowledge, that if Adult, and not yet Baptised (of which there are so many in the Plantations) they may be listed to God in Baptism; or if they have been already Baptised, that they may ratify their Baptismal Covenant with God in the Lord's Supper. And therefore some more enlarged Discourse upon the Nature, Terms and Conditions of their Covenant with God; such as shall farther explain, what through shortness might be left obscure in the former, must, I humbly conceive, be the most proper Book, which at first you can recommend to them: And then other Discourses on Faith, or a good Life, such as you will find in the Layman's Library, when that former is fully imbibed, may be with greater advantage proposed afterwards. Well, I think it my Duty to furnish here also, such of your Disciples, at least, as cannot provide themselves; and therefore give you Commission to take of Mr. Jones at Annopolis, as many of the Short Discourses upon the Baptismal Covenant, as you shall want for the poorer Youth, both Children and Servants.  
And because that Youth when once they advance towards the State of Manhood, will soon out grow your Tuition, begin with them first: And, I beseech you, with all expedition, to form out of such amongst them, as are grown up to years of Discretion, a Class or Society of Catechumen, whom I would have you to Instruct and Direct according to the Methods, which you will find I have laid down at large in the Preface to my Discourse on the Baptismal Covenant, to which I refer you. I call these your Young Disciples, indifferently a Religious Society, or a Class of Catechumen. But since too many have such ridiculous Prejudices (and it is indeed an amazing thing to consider, how far some pitiful Prejudices do, in many Cases, pervert the Minds of many wise and good Men from approving, or pursuing the best Designs) I say, since many are prejudiced against the word Societies, call them, if you please, Catechumen, being the ancient Term of the Church of Christ, for these your Disciples, and I defy any then to except against them; for I am sure no good Man can gainsay, or oppose the Thing. For,  
FIRST, It is most indispensibly your Duty to call Young People together, and to give them proper and suitable Instructions, their Youthful Years being the very Critical time of engaging them firmly to God; for if left to themselves at that Age, it is very great odds, but their natural Propensity to Evil, which is then in the Height, and the Allurements of bad Company, which are then most busy, will Enter them, and bind them close in the Service of the Devil, the World, and the Flesh. And let any of you, as you are the Ministers of Christ, and will answer it at the dreadful Tribunal, take heed how you let them alone then to themselves to be the Slaves of Satan.  
SECONDLY, It is highly expedient, that you should, for their better Conduct, put them under some prudential Rules. And I do recommend to you, for that purpose, those which you will find in the Short View of the Religious Societies in and about London, herewith sent you, wherein you will see, that those here in England have formed to themselves such Rules as deserve our highest Approbation: And, with some little Alterations, agreeable to the Circumstances of your parts, you may regulate the matter with reference to the Catechetical Societies (for such the Religious Societies ought all to be) with you in the Plantations.  
THIRDLY, I do assert, That every Parochial Minister ought to be present with them at their Meetings, to Instruct, and to direct them what they are to Read; to examine them, in order to know their Improvements, to take care they do not warp towards Error or Schism, and to prevent Seducers from coming amongst them.  
The danger of the two latter, I know is all that those who are the most prejudiced, have to suggest against them. But whose fault is it, if their Clergy come not near them, though it should be so, that they either warp of themselves, or are seduced by others? (as the contrary is most evident) Nay, why then, with greater Reason, should not every Parochial Minister be always present with, and preside at their Religious Conferences. This, My Reverend Brethren, I do conjure you to do; and as I lay my Heart upon no one thing so much, as your forming these Catechetical Societies within your respective Cures, as the only means to train up a better Generation, than the wretched one, now in being; so having found the extent of your Parishes to be vastly too large to have all such Youth meet you at one place, whether at the Church, or elsewhere, I desire you to quarter out your larger Parishes into as many Districts as you shall find necessary for their convenient Meeting together, and to appoint so many several Days and Places for 'em to meet you (every Sunday in the Afternoon at Church, being always one of your Days and Places;) and this, if you shall do, tho' I have seemed in the following Catalogue to provide only Books for one, or two of those Classes in each of your Parishes, yet you shall not want the like number of Books for as many Catechetical Societies as you shall be able to raise. And the Good God, to the terror of Satan, and all his Adherents, succeed you in these your Labours, and Endeavours.  
To Second you in which, I have sent you a Pastoral Letter, persuading Youth both to an early Entertainment of Religion; and, in order to that, to put themselves under the Conduct of their respective Ministers. And as I would have you to give these Letters into the Hands of the most serious Youth in your Parishes, and such as are likeliest to be influenced by them, in order to form them into such a Class or Society of Catechumen; so I beseech you to apply to them to this purpose by these Letters, with all possible Expedition, lest that one of these poor Souls, for want of our securing him to God betimes, be pre-engaged to the Powers of Darkness.  
And because I am absolutely of your Opinion, that could you procure some skilful Person in the Country, to teach your Catechumen to sing the Psalms Artificially, as set to the most approved Tunes (and Mr. N.— S. and Mr. T.— P. being both skilful in Church-music, will soon train you up one, or two Masters for the purpose) the Entertainments of Psalmody, especially according to the New Version, would wonderfully invite the Young People both to enter into a Catechetical Society, and would charm them into a constant attendance on it. I would therefore have you make it part of your Business at those Meetings of the Youth, to have them first taught to Sing by Note, and then afterwards, I would have you both open, and close up your Catechetical Conferences with a Psalm. This is, with St. Paul, to Catch them by Guile; and I am sure will be an innocent and unsinful pious Fraud. And as for the Psalms themselves, you have a sufficient Delectus for your purpose to begin with, at the end of the Baptismal Covenant. And I will take care to send you a more complete Collection afterwards.  
And when, upon the whole, you shall hereby have trained up a considerable number of the Youth of your Parishes, to a very good pitch of Knowledge, and shall have seasoned them by your Religious Discourses with them, and Pious Directions given them; so that they become both Knowing and Devoat Christians; immediately upon that, I beseech you, according to your last Resolution upon this Head, to appoint your Monthly Sacraments, and to make it your special Care to have all the Catechumen of the Superior Class, constant Communicants. Hereby your Youth will be happily pre-engaged in the Service of God. And from them, you will be always sure to have Guests at the Lords Table. And if you can instruct and prepare some of the poorer Negroes so far, as that they may join in Communion with you at the Supper of the Lord (as our Brother Mr. Colbatch has so worthily done) methinks the Diversity of Complexions will add a Beauty to the Spiritual Entertainment: And it may rejoice our very Hearts to behold Minds so enlightened, in Bodies so Dark.  
The remaining part of your Visitation Acts relate to Preaching, to private Application, and to such Methods of Discipline, as are most necessary to be maintained among yourselves.  
And I shall, at my first Leisure, reflect likewise upon those Parts successively, in the same manner as here. I say, in the same manner as here; for I shall not offer to lay heavy Burdens upon you, and not touch them with one of My Fingers, but as with Relation to the Catechising of all the degrees of Youth, Care shall be taken to furnish you with Catechisms and Expositions for them; so with reference to the two remaining Parts, I shall industriously endeavour to provide you with such necessary helps, as I can possibly contrive, that so there may be no want of means to any of you to Execute the most difficult of all your Resolutions, and nothing to urge in Excuse as to the impracticableness of any one of those Particulars, you have so well, so much becoming your Function Resolved upon; For this you may assure yourselves, that I am, as,  
Reverend Sirs, Your most Affectionate Brother, so your Faithful Fellow-Labourer, Thomas Bray.   

Cursus Catecheticus AMERICANUS.  
Consisting of Books more particularly fitted for the Use of the Three several Classes of Catechumen, in order to season the growing Generation with the Principles of Piety and Virtue: Pursuant to the Resolutions made to that purpose the Second Day of the Visitation in Mary-Land, May the 4th. 1700.  
I. For the First Class of Catech 〈…〉 consisting of Children under the Age of Nine.  
THE Church Catechism: Together with some of the most Apposite Texts pertaining to the several Doctrines and Duties contained therein; with a Form of Morning and Evening Prayer for Children. As also, a Grace before and after Meat.— 20  
These to be given to so many as will make a Class.  
II. For the Second Class of Catech 〈…〉  
An Exposition of the Church Catechism, with Scripture-Proofs fitted for the second Class of Catechumen in the Plantations: Divided into four Parts; and subdivided into 52 Lessons, one for every Sunday in the Year, in which are explained the peculiar Terms in Divinity: And in which are given the Elements of Christian Knowledge, both in the General Doctrine, and Particular Articles of the Covenant of Grace.— 20  
These to be lent to so many as will make a Class.  
III. For the Third Class, or the Society of Catechumen to be fitted for the Blessed Sacrament, either of Baptism, if Adult, or the Lord's Supper, if formerly Baptised.  
Preparative to the forming, and engaging of which Catechetical Society,  
A Pastoral Letter from a Minister, addressed to the Young Persons of his Parish, showing them the Necessity and Advantage of an early Religion; in order to persuade the Youth of each Parish in the Plantations to enter themselves into a Religious Society of Catechumen, under the Conduct of their respective Ministers.— 20.  
These to be put into the hands of the most serious Youth in a Parish, in order to form them into such a Class, or Society of Catechumen.  
And to which is added the better to engage them to meet at such Catechetical Conferences,  
An Introduction of the New Version of Psalms into General Use both in Families, and Churches; being a sufficient Collection of such, as are proper to be sung in either. Set to the most approved Tunes which are in use.— 20  
These to be sung both at the beginning and end of the Conference.  
And then for the proper Instruction of these Persons,  
A Short Discourse in the Doctrine of our Baptismal Covenant, proper to be read by all Young Persons, in order to their understanding the whole Frame and Tenor of the Christian Religion; and to their being duly prepared for Confirmation, with Devotions preparatory to that Apostolic and Useful Ordinance.— 20 Common Prayers.— 20  
These to be lent to the superior Class of Catechumen, during the time they shall attend upon their Catechetical Conferences, That they may be then throughly directed by the Ministers respectively, in the Use of the Common Prayer, pursuant so what has been proposed in that Matter, in the Preface to the Discourse en the Baptismal Covenant.  
FINIS.