Bibliotheca Catechetica: OR, THE Country Curates Library.  
BEING AN ESSAY Towards providing all the Parochial Cures of England, endowed With not above Ten Pounds per Annum, WITH A Study of useful BOOKS of like Value, TO Enable the Ministers thereof to catechize the Youth, and to Instruct the People in all things necessary to SALVATION.  
By THOMAS BRAY, D.D.  
LONDON, Printed for William haws, at the Rose in Ludgate-Street, MDCXCIX.   

THE PREFACE.  
HAVING made it my Business, so far to inquire into the Real Value of the poorest Parochial Cures of this Kingdom, that I can make a probable Guess, that there are at least 400 Parishes, besides Chapelries, not exceeding Ten, or Fifteen Pound per Annum Maintenance for the Minister. It is hard to say, whether I became most affencted with the Unhappiness of the Ministers, or of the People in such Places: For if the former for want of necessary Books must be utterly uncapable to make wise unto Salvation such as are committed to their Charge, it is undoubtedly of fatal Consequence to the Latter, that the Shepherds of their Souls should be so miserable provided wherewithal to feed their Flock.  
And this is the sole Occasion of the following Address to such as are piously disposed, especially if they be Rich, and without Children. Such Persons, Providence seems to have designed to be public Benefactors to Mankind; and there is none so Noble, so Compendious, so Immediate, and ( in our present Circumstances) a Method of doing good so much wanted, as that of fixing Libraries of necessary Books for such of the Clergy, as cannot possibly Buy them.  
I have for some considerable Time applied the bent of my Thoughts this way, and hope I have happily hit upon another Medium, besides the more Benefactions of pious Persons, whereby to promote it; which I desire may not be interpnted as the Effect of any fond Opinion of my own Performance, since I solemnly, and sincerely declare, it will be indifferent to me by whose Book it may be any ways accomplished; only being Master of my own, by having kept the Copy unalienated, that so I might the better Devote it to public Service, I have presumed humbly to propose, that whatever may be gained by the Sale of it, may be applied to that Purpose. I am indeed of the Opinion, that if the Authors so please, many other Books which are of Universal Sale, might be Dedicated to Raise a Fund to carry on the like Design: And those Honourable, Reverend, and Worthy Persons, who in my Absence will be pleased to do me the Favour to manage both the Design itself, and the Methods of promoting it, will, I dare say, improve all such Means, as shall be put into their Hands, to the utmost Advantage thereof. And if I shall understand that what is hereafter proposed, finds a favourable Reception both from the Clergy, and School-Masters, who may reasonably be expected to be friends to any Means that will Raise them Libraries, I have something else of like Nature sprung up in my Thoughts since the Printing of this Essay, that will considerably advance it.  
As to the Catechetical Libraries themselves, I have kept strictly to the subject Matter of Catechetical Doctrine in the Structure of them, except it may be thought, that the Expositions on the Holy Scriptures, and the Ministerial Directories, and Lives, may be of something more General Concern. But as it is the more immediate Business of a Catechist to understand the Scriptures, which makes it necessary for him to be sufficiently furnished with Books for that Purpose, so he must be equally concerned with any other of the Clergy in the Conduct of his Life and Studies, which will justify the adding of some few of the Latter Sort of Writers. And of these Catechetical Libraries I have set down three Degrees, proportionably to the Circumstances of three Ranks of the Clergy, who are more immediately concerned in this Work, and for whose Service they are designed.  
I. The Lowest, and Last of these Libraries, is that which is first intended, and is such as I would have provided in all the Parochial Cures, not exceeding Ten, or Fifteen Pound per Anuum. It is generally apprehended that few or none in such Places are able to make any use of Authors in the Learned Languages; which indeed are such contemptuous Thoughts of them, as they do not deserve. I am Personally acquainted with several very worthy, and good Divines in these slender and unhappy Circumstances, and know many of them to be as great Lovers of Books, and as well able to make use of them, as some of those who think so meanly of them. However to comply with the Sentiments of such, who think otherwise, I dare promise in the behalf of these my Brethren, that there's none of them, but would be exceeding thankful to those who will furnish them with our English Authors.  
II. The next Class of these Catechetical Libraries, are such as have a Mixture of Authors in the Learned Languages, such as are generally supposed to have written most usefully upon all, or any of the Catechetical Points, and those are such as we could wish to see provided in all those Parishes, where Catechetical Lectures are now setting up for the Instruction, especially of the poorer Children, whose Parents or Friends are unable to put them to School. There are several such Schools now advancing by the wise Consultations, and Charitable Assistance of several Excellent Persons; and 'tis hoped such may in time be provided in all the Market-Towns at least in this Kingdom. And as all Schools in Christian Countries, ought to be principally designed for the Instruction of Youth in the Principles of Christianity, so it is piously provided, that the Children belonging to these Schools, should not only be made to learn their Catechism, but should have it expounded to them publicly once a Week, both for their own and others Edification.  
Now the most proper Person for the Catechist, I humbly conceive, would be the Curate, Assistant, or Reader in such Parishes, not only because the Rector has a larger Field of Business to mind, which will not give him always Leisure to attend every thing, and amongst the Rest, this; but because this catechizing of the Youth, and Expounding publicly, would most effectually train up the Young Clergy for higher ministries in the Church. It is well known that docendo ipse disces, so that hereby the Curate of a Parish would become himself so much a Master in the grand Doctrines of Christianity, that after such a Course of Instruction, he might be more safely trusted with the Superior Conduct in a Cure of his own. And it being very difficult for a Curate, out of the Ordinary Allowance, to furnish himself with a sufficient Number of Necessary Books; it is requisite a Catechetical Library should be part of his Encouragement; and as it would be a good Encouragement, so it would be a great Engagement upon him to Discharge this Trust with Fidelity, and Diligence; and would likewise enable him to do it as a Workman who needs not be ashamed.  
The Third Class of these Catechetical Libraries is only distinguished from the former by having double the Quantity of Books upon the same Heads. And I would here propose, that in such Places where the Rector himself being not Resident, the Care of Souls is wholly committed to a Curate, that for the better Discharge of his Duty, there were one of those Libraries fixed to the Place. By this Means the Rector might be better secured of a Full, and Regular Instruction given to his People; for as such a set of Books upon all the Parts of Christian Doctrine, would enable the Assistant to give a full Instruction, so the Scheme, and Order in which they are disposed, would direct him to make it Regular, and Methodical.  
And indeed, if in all Market-Towns, where Catechetical Schools are likely to be set up, there shall be a Catechetical Library given as an Encouragement; and if in all the Cures where the proper Minister does not Reside, and in such as do not exceed Ten, or Fifteen Pounds per Annum, there were such Libraries fixed, as are here proposed; this would be a considerable Advance both towards Lending, and Parochial Libraries throughout the Kingdom, than which I know not a greater good I could wish to our Church.  
It is exceedingly well, and seasonably advised by our most Reverend Primate in his late Circular Letter to the Bishops, and Clergy of his Province, That while our Enemies are so very industrious in seeking out Objections against the Christian Religion; it becomes the Clergy( who are set apart for the Vindication of it) to be no less diligent in their Preparations for its Defence, by acquainting themselves thoroughly with the Rational Grounds of Christianity, and the True State of such Points, as are the Subject of our present Controversies, together with the Objections which are usually made by our Adversaries of all Sorts, and the effectual Answers that have been Return'd to them, by so many Eminent Writers of our own Church; that so they may be ready, on all Occasions to do Justice, and Honour to our Holy Religion; and be able to expose the Folly and Ignorance of these Gain-saying Men. The Cause which God has put into our Hands, is undoubtedly good; but the best Cause may suffer by the Weakness of its Advocate; and when this happens in Matters of Religion, it gives the Adversary an Occasion of Triumph, and is apt to stagger the Faith even of sincere, and unprejudiced Christians.  
Nothing more plain than that in a Reading Age, wherein Books are now daily published to propagate the most Impious Principles, and Pestilent Heresies, there is a Necessity for the Clergy to double their Diligence in their Studies, not only that they may be able to Explain,( which is always necessary) but to Defend all the Doctrines of Christianity, to which Service they are all called forth at this Time. And if, when so many Sciolists shall so pertly, and arrogantly attack all the Articles of our most Holy Faith, any of the Clergy, for want of Books, should be dumb or silent on such Occasions, Religion itself must undoubtedly extremely suffer. Some Means therefore must be contrived, that all the Clergy may be furnished with such Materials, as may enable them to instruct the People concerning the Faith, and defend them in it from those who would pervert them, and this cannot be done without supplying the Clergy with Parochial, or at leastwise, till so great a good can be accomplished, with deanery, or Lending Libraries.  
And now it may be full time to give some Account of what has been already done pursuant to all these Designs, lest I be thought a mere Projector. This sounds very contemptible with the Wise and Prudent, and the best laid Design in the World then only ceases to be thought a Project, when it does actually succeed. And this I thank God our present Design has already done in all its Parts, and in no considerable Degree as to some of them, considering how little it has been yet made known.  
In the Isle of Man by the Means here proposed, there is a Foundation begun of sixteen Catechetical Libraries in the sixteen poor Parochial Cures of that whole iceland and diocese, and no doubt they will in time be fully perfected by the Pious Endeavours, and Application of my most Excellent Friend the Bishop of that See. Towards what has been hitherto done for the Raising of these Sixteen, the Right Reverend the Bishops of Sarum, Ely, Chichester, and the Reverend Dr. Wake, &c. did bestow some of their own Books, and the most Reverend the Arch-Bishop of Dublin advanced the Remainder by a Demand of 800 of the Baptismal Covenant, according to the Terms proposed.  
In the Mother Catechetical School, viz. at Algate in this City, there is a Library of the Second Class now collecting for the Use of the Catechist, at the Charge of the Impropriator, and some other Benefactors. And in the County of Montgomery, there are four of the like Catechetical Libraries ready to be sent down as a Means to promote catechizing in the four Market-Towns of that County; the which have been raised by the Benefaction of the present Lord Bishop of Worcester, given both to purchase those Libraries, and the Discourses on the Baptismal Covenant. Nor is there a President wanting of one of the larger Libraries given by the Rector of a Parish, the better to enable his Curate to discharge his Trust, and fixed for the Service of his Successors after him.  
And lastly in the diocese of Chester there is the Foundation of two Lending Libraries laid by the Discourse on the Baptismal Covenant; the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of that See, the Reverend the archdeacon of Chester, and the Reverend Clergy in the deanery of Namptwich having sent for 800 of those Books with two Ten Pound Libraries according to Proposals.  
And as whatever Quantity of the Discourses on the Baptismal Covenant shall be sent for by any School, or Parish, or by any Pious Person to give away ( be the Number 20, 30, 50, 100, &c.) an Account shall be kept of the same, and of all the Profit arising from them, in order to dispose all of it to a Farthing, toward purchasing the Lesser Catechetical Libraries; so if any whole deanery shall join to take off 400 of the said Books, Ten Pound shall be allowed them, to purchase such Books as the Clergy of that deanery shall agree upon, wherewith to lay the Foundation of a Lending Library, or to add to the Stock of one already founded.   

PROPOSALS FOR The providing Catechetical Libraries in all such Parochial Cures of this Kingdom, as are not endowed with above Ten Pounds per Annum, for the Use of the Ministers thereof. Humbly offered to All who are Lovers of the Souls of those for whom Christ Died.  
THAT there are such, even in this Frozen Age and Country, and who being of a public Spirit, are not only Able, but Willing, to do any thing they can be made sensible will be for a Common Good, is to be hoped, or at least-wise to be wished. But that which is the chiefest of all Goods, the Cultivating the Minds and Manners of Men with Divine Knowledge, and Christian virtues, seems not to be thought of, however not to be promoted by such proper and immediate Methods as it easily might. Schools and Colleges( God be praised) we have sufficient to sand us out Labourers for the Vineyard; and from thence there come more than enough to supply all the Cures of the Kingdom. But alas, when they are come Abroad, there are scarce one Third of our Parochial Preferments which can enable our Clergy to furnish themselves with those necessary helps, whereby they may be serviceable in any tolerable measure to the good of Souls: And yet I find few do cast their Eyes upon this sort of Charity, the raising of Libraries for this End and Purpose.  
But whatever others may think of it, to me this seems to be a prime part of Christian Charity; and the most wanted too in this Kingdom; And I doubt not, but it will in like manner appear to all others, who will but consider these following Particulars; namely,  
I. That as the Soul of Man is Infinitely more valuable than the Body, so that Charity which goes towards the Cultivating the Minds and Manners of Men with Divine Knowledge, and Christian Graces, whereby they may be made meet to be Partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light, must needs be of a far more exalted Nature, than that which Terminates only upon the welfare of this Mortal Life.  
II. That by an exact Scrutiny into the Value of our Livings, it will be found, that there are 400 Parishes, and upwards, in England, Wales, and the Isle of Man, endowed with not above Ten Pounds per Annum for the maintenance of a Minister, with which Provision it is utterly Impossible he should furnish himself with Books, whereby he might be able to give those Souls, committed to his Charge, due Instructions in all the mere Necessaries to Salvation.  
III. It will therefore follow, that those Persons who abound in this World's Goods, and especially whom Providence seems in a more peculiar manner to have designed to be public Benefactors to Mankind, by giving them good Estates, without Heirs to enjoy their Riches; it will therefore follow, I say, that such will approve themselves both to God and Man, most Divinely Charitable, who shall bestow some of the forementioned Libraries for the perpetual Use of the Ministers of such Places, in order to Capacitate them to save the Souls of Men.  
IV. As by this means such Charitable Persons will become at a second hand, and in an Inferior degree, as it were, Apostles to the World, by Preaching through the Mouths of these Ministers to the People, and will have a share in all the Conversions which shall be made in such places to all succeeding Generations; so to induce them thereunto they need no more than to meditate upon those words of the Prophet, Dan. 12.3. They that are wise, or, Teachers, as it is in the Original, shall shine as the Brightness of the Firmament, and they that turn many to Righteousness, as the Stars for ever and ever.  
I shall not enlarge on these Particulars, I think they carry their own Evidence along with them, all of them except the second, and a little Insight into the present State of the Clergy, will make that appear to be matter of Fact. And the rest need no Illustration. And now if the Case of the Church in this Nation be really so, I conjure all those who love to see the Image of God, Imprinted upon the Souls of Men, to furnish, as our Plantations abroad, so our poor vicarages at home, with what may enable us to erace that Ignorance and Barbarity, those Brutish Manners, and Paganish Vices and Customs, which do to this day so hideously deform the greatest part of Mankind. We cannot now work Miracles, nor is Inspiration any part of our Talent; but we are left to the ordinary Means to fit ourselves for this great Work of Converting the World; namely, the common measures of God's Holy Spirit, accompanying our hard Study. But how can they Study, who have not Books to red? Those who were never pinched with narrow Preferments may not be sensible of this want, because they have been able to furnish themselves sufficiently with Books. But those whose incomes from the Church never enabled them to purchase the fourth part of the Authors they have occasion to peruse, in order to discharge the ordinary Duties of their Ministry, can speak feelingly in this matter.  
I know there is nothing a more common Jest than the Poverty, and Ignorance of the Poor Clergy in Wales, and the Northern parts of this Kingdom; but this Jest in my Opinion, is the Nations shane, who provide no better for them. And provide them but with Books, and they would be neither Ignorant, Poor, nor Scandalous; not Ignorant, for Books do by an immediate Causality remove that Imputation; not so very Poor as now, for I have known Good Men, and Lovers of Learning kept under hatches all their life time, chiefly by their being Bookishly given, and indebted to Booksellers: nor Scandalous, for I know that many whose Immoralities are said to be a Reproach to their Function, who yet in all probability had never become such Men, if they had been possessed of Good Books, wherewith they might have employed their time in reading; for want of which it is, that some perhaps may have sought their Diversion in Alehouses, and in a Santring way of Life.  
But alas! The want of Books is not of the tenth part of that ill Consequence, as it affects the Minister, to what it is, as it affects the People. If it could only be considered as affecting the former, it would be but a Private, and Single Misfortune; but since it cannot but extremely much affect the latter, it is a public Calamity. For why? Where the Priests Lips cannot preserve, cannot procure Knowledge, how should the People seek the Law at his Mouth? And alas, where Ignorance, and Darkness Universally Reign in any part of the World, and the People are destitute of Divine Knowledge, innumerable are the Miseries, and dreadful are the Sins, which Reign in such places; Between Superstition, and Atheism such People are equally divided; Fornications, and Adulteries are accounted but common Infirmities by their great ones, and Perjuries in the Courts of Judicature are part of the Services they exact of their Inferiors: And to be Sons of Violence is common to all. For as was seen in our former Ages of Ignorance in this Nation, and is still the Constitution of Barbarous Countries elsewhere, the Great Ones with their Followers are no better than public Robbers, ever and anon making Ravages upon some Neighbouring Petty Lord, and his Vassals, and all of them a sort of tolerated Banditty continually Preying, and being preyed upon by each other. Such, and many others are the Violations of Just and Right, of God's Laws, yea and of the very Laws of Nature, which arise from this bitter Fountain of Ignorance of the true Nature of God, and of Religion, whereas on the other side, unspeakable are the Benefits consisting in Justice, Mercy and Peace; in Piety towards God, and well ordered Affections as to ourselves, where, by means of an Intelligent, Pious, and Industrious Clergy( those great Benefactors to Mankind) the People are thoroughly enlightened with the Knowledge of God, and the true Nature of Pure and Undefiled Religion, as it is in James 1.27.  
I say, of Pure and Undefiled Religion, a Religion that is unmixed with the Alloys of mere Systematical, and Precarious Tenets on the one hand, or Superstitious, and Idolatrous Usages on the other. And such is the Constitution, as near as can be, of this little Catalogue, which follows. It is composed of such Pious Mens Works, who have imbibed their Principles from our Church Catechism, and in writing consonantly to that, I am sure they cannot Err either to the Right, or to the Left in Religion. And because I would rather desire to see such Libraries fixed in those Poor places for which I am so Zealous, than any one Good I can wish for the Church, I have made up the Catalogue of such Books for the most part, as have their Authors now living, or are at leastwise most easily acquirable, being Common, and in our English Tongue.  
And since I have assumed to myself to be an Advocate in the behalf of my Poor Brethren, and their respective Flocks; let me entreat such of our dignified Authors, who have written so Piously, and Devotionally, to exemplify the sincerity of that Spirit, which does appear in their Writings, by bestowing of their Books to the purposes for which I here solicit them. And also I do earnestly request our Richer Citizens, who by many, and repeated Providential Hitts have been advanced to great Fortunes; and do therefore peculiarly owe grateful Returns to God, to think upon this of Bestowing Little Libraries Instructive in the Essentials of Christianity, as the most Natural, and Adapted way whereby they can testify such their Gratitude. But above all, I must desire those, Whom Providence, as I said before, seems in a more peculiar manner to have designed to be public Benefactors to Mankind, by giving them good Estates without Heirs to enjoy their Riches; particularly I desire them to consider this matter, and that by this means they would make to themselves Friends in Heaven of the Mammon of Unrighteousness, rather than like David's Fool, heap to themselves Riches, not knowing who shall gather them. And that instead of being foolishly Solicitous to find out some one, from whom they might call their Lands after their own Name( fond thinking that by this means, their Houses shall continue for ever, and their Dwelling-places to all Generations) that they would rather by such Charity to the Souls of Men, as is here proposed, provide that their Names may be written in the Book of Life, thence never to be obliterated. And indeed I must not pass by any of those, whose ample Fortunes shall enable them, or Pious Souls shall incline them to imitate their Great Master in doing good, without minding them of the Excellency and Usefulness of this sort of Charity.  
Now our Ancient Founders of Colleges, those Brave, Large, and Elevated Souls! Generally expressed their peculiar Tenderness to their Native Country, or to those places of abode, to which they owed most, by qualifying Persons of such dioceses, or Counties respectfully, for the benefit of their Foundations. And the same Method of Charity I shall here adventure to recommend to those, I do now Address. Let such whose Conditions shall enable them to bestow one, two, or more of these Diminutive Libraries, cast their Pitying Eyes upon those Ten Pound Curacies, whether Parishes or Chappelries, near unto them, and extend their Benefactions in this way to as many of them, as their Circumstances shall enable them. But as for those whose Worldly Acquisitions are very great, and can render themselves a Blessing to whole Provinces; let them look towards Wales, the Isle of Man, and other Northern parts of this Kingdom. And indeed it is matter of sad Consideration to see how Barbarous, and Ignorant those places now mentioned, do still remain, notwithstanding that the Gospel shines in other parts of the Nation with a Meridian Brightness; the reason is the small Provision made for its Encouragement in those Parts, whereas in all reason the greatest Encouragement ought to be given there, where Nature is most unkind, and uninviting, to balance the Inconveniences thereof. And I am verily persuaded, that if Books were fixed in those parts, as ungrateful as is the Climate, Men of Worth would follow them, it being natural for Persons who are Lovers of Knowledge and Religion, to value all Places alike where Religion and Learning do flourish.  
Nor let any be discouraged from bestowing these Books, out of fear they should be Imbezel'd, Lost, or Converted to a Private Use, for there may be sufficient Care taken to secure them through all the Succession of Ministers in such Places; 1st. By Lettering them on the Covers to what Parish they belong. 2dly, By making Registers of them to be left with the Bishop, and his Arch Deacons, in whose Jurisdictions such Places shall happen to be. And 3dly, By the Yearly Visitation of the archdeacon, or of such of the Clergy whom he shall deputy to see that they be not Imbezel'd, Lost, or spoiled. After all these Precautions, there seems no place for the least fear they should ever be Lost. But if they should be anywise Alienated, by the mere Lettering of them, they may as easily be discovered, and owned, as any Living Creature by its Ear-mark.  
And now I only desire such to whom I Apply, to consider, how Comfortable, how Joyful it will be to those Pious and Charitable Persons we have already found upon this occasion; and to those who shall add themselves to the number; I desire such to consider what a jubilee it will be to them, when the Judge of all the World shall sit upon his August Tribunal, surrounded with Angels; and when the Register of all Mens Actions shall be opened, to hear the Record of this their Love to God, and Pity to the Souls of Men publicly red, Angels and Saints applauding them.  
And indeed if any are Piously Ambitious of the Highest Stations in the Kingdom of Glory, of becoming Courtiers and Favourites to the King of kings; it is Professedly and Sincerely my Opinion, that next to what the Apostles did to Evangelize the World, such Charities as these, which have the most. Immediate, and direct Tendency to Convert Mankind to God, will be the most ready way to Recommend, and qualify a Pious Soul for such a Dignity: And I think I have the Authority of an Infallible Testimony for what I say, for which reason I must again repeat it, They that are wise, or Teachers, shall shine as the Brightness of the Firmament, and they that turn many to Righteousness, as the Stars for ever and ever.   


Bibliotheca Catechetica mayor: OR, A Catalogue of Books Fitted to the Condition and Business OF A Country Curate; AND disposed into that Order, in which, if an Initiate in Theology, he may most profitably red them.  

I. SCriptures and Concurrent History, Commentators and Concordances. 

First, The Holy Scriptures. 

The Holy Bible with Dr. Scattergood's References: Or,  
The H. Bible with Clark's References, Fol.  
Novum Testamentum Graecum, Oxon. Var. Lect. Or  
Novum Testam. Graecum Var. Lect. Curcellaei, Amstel. 1698 No.    
Secondly, Concurrent Hist. Scripture Chronology, and Geography. 

Helvicus's Chronological Tables, Fol. Or  
Talents Chronological Tables, Fol.  
Usserii Annales Veteris& Novi Testamenti, Fol.  
Josephus's History of the Jews, Fol.  
A Map of the Holy Land in Josephus. Or  
A Large Map of the Holy Land, and may be bound up with Talent's Tables.    
Thirdly, Commentators upon the Holy Scriptures. 

I. Upon the whole Bible. 

Heideggeri Enchiridion Biblicum Analysi Generali singulorum yet.& N. Test. Librorum,& Capitum Argumento unicè inserviens. Or  
Clark's Analytical survey of the Holy Bible, containing a Division of every Book and Chapter, thereby showing the Frame and Contexture of the Whole, much conducing to the clear Understanding thereof, Fol.  
Matthaei Poli Synopsis Criticorum 5 Vol. Fol. Or  
Pole's English Annotations, 2 Vol. Fol.    
II. Upon the more Momentous parts of H. Writ. 

1. Upon the Pentateuch. 

Bp. Patrick's Commentary upon Genesis, 4o. 

Commentary upon Exodus, 4o.  
Upon Leviticus, 4o.  
Upon Numbers, 4o.  
Commentary upon Deuteronomy when published, which completes the Pentateuch.      
2. Upon the Hagiographi. 

Bp. Patrick's Paraphrases on Job, 8o. 

Upon Psalms, 8o.  
Upon Proverbs, 8o.  
Upon Ecclesiastes, 8o.  
Upon Canticles, 8o.      
3. Upon the New Testament. 

Dr. Hammond's Paraphrase and Annotations upon the New Testament, Fol. 

Oxford Paraphrase on St. Paul's Epistles, 8o.        
Fourthly, Concordances, serving for the more skilful and ready Application of Scripture according to various Occasions. 

I. For things. 

Petri Ravanelli Bibliotheca cum Auctuario 3 Vol. Fol.  
Glassi Philologia Sacra yet.& Nov. Test. de Stylo,& Rhetoricâ Sacrae Scripturae, Amstel. 1694. 4o.  
Word of God the Best Guide to all Persons; being a Collection of Scripture Texts, showing such things as are necessary for every Christian's Knowledge and practise, 8o.    
II. For Words. 

The Cambridge Concordance, Fol.      
Fifthly, For the more Profitable Reading of the Holy Scriptures. 

Bp. Patrick's Search the Scriptures: Or, a Treatise showing that all Christians ought to red the Holy Scriptures, with Directions to them therein.  
Lively Oracles given to us: Or, the Christian's Birth-right and Duty in the Custody and Use of the Holy Scriptures.      
II. Catechetical Bodies of Divinity. 

First, Confessions of National reformed Churches. 

Corpus Confessionum Fidei quae diversis Regnis& Nationibus, Ecclesiarum Nomine fuerunt authenticè Editae; in celeberrimis conventibus exhibitae, publicaque Authoritate comprobatae, 4o.  
Acta Synodi Nationalis Dordracheti, 4o.  
Acta& Scripta Synodalia Dordracena Ministrorum Remonstrantium in faederato Belgio, 4o.  
Ellisii Defensio 32 Articulorum Ecclesiae Anglicanae, 12o.    
Secondly, Catechisms, and Expositions thereon, more especially on the Catechism of the Church of England. 

Catechismus ad Parochos.  
Confessio Fidei Theologorum Westmonasteriensium, unà cum Majori,& Minori Catechismo, 8o.  
George Keith's Christian Catechism, for the Instruction of Youth in the Grounds of the Christian Religion, and practise of Christian Piety; wherein the twelve Articles of the Christian Creed, and the Godhead, and Manhood of Christ, and his Prophetical and Priestly Office are explained, 8o.  
Dr. towersons Exposition on the Church Catechism, 4 Vol. fol.  
Dr. Marshal and Dr. Richard Sherlock of Winwick's Exposition of the Ch. Catechism, 8o.  
Bp. Williams, and Dr. Isham's Exposition of the Church Catechism with Scripture-Proofs.  
Bp. Ken's Exposition of the Ch. Catechism, 8o.  
Dr. Wake's Principles of the Christian Religion explained, in a Brief Commentary on the Church Catechism.    
Thirdly, Catechetical and Practical Bodies of Divinity, in a more Voluntary, and Arbitrary Method. 

Dr. Hammond's Pract. Catechism with his other Pract. Discourses, fol.  
Scrivener's Body of Divinity, fol.  
Sir Matthew Hales's Knowledge of God and ourselves.  
Mr. Gouge's Explanation of the Principles of the Christian Religion, with Pract. Applications.  
Dr. Scot's Christian Life, 4 Vol. 8o.      
IV. Upon the Covenant of Grace, or the Baptismal Covenant. 

First, On the General Doctrine. 

Coccaei Summa Doctrinae de foedere& Testamento Dei.  
Witsii Oeconomia foederum, 4o.  
Aphorisms on Justification and the Covenant, 12o.  
Allen's Disc. on the Nature, Ends and Differences of the two Covenants, 8o.  
Catechetical Lectures upon the preliminary Questions and Answers of the Ch. Catechism.    
Secondly, Upon the particular Articles of the Covenant of Grace, both on God's part and on ours. 

1. The Articles on God's Part. 

First, The Mercies promised. 

1. Justification or Pardon of Sins. 

Dris Bulli Harmonia Apostolica.  
Joseph Truman's Endeavours to rectify some prevailing Opinions contrary to the Doctrines of the Ch. of England.  
Dris Tullii Justificatio Paulina, 4o.  
Dris Bulli Examen Censurae, quo Trumanno respondit à pagina 149. usque ad 173.& Tullio in Apologiâ suâ pro Harmoniâ, quae ad calcem Examinis extat, 4o.  
Wottonus de Reconciliatione Peccatoris libri 4. In quibus Doctrina Ecclesiae Anglicanae de Justificatione impii explicatur& defenditur, 4o.  
Hotchkis concerning the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness to us.  
Allen of Justification, Inter Opera, 4 Vol. 12o.  
— Answer to Ferguson, Inter Opera, 4 Vol. 12o.    
2. Divine Grace and Assistance. 

Vossii Historia Pelagiana.  
Usserii Historia Pelagiana.  
Letters between Dr. Hammond and Dr. Sanderson, concerning Divine Grace and Decrees, in the Practical Disc.  
Dr. Claget of the Operations of the H. Spirit, 2 Vol. 8o.  
Allen on Divine Assistance, inter Opera.    
3. Eternal Life and Happiness. 

Bellarminus de aeterna felicitate Sanctorum.  
Bp. Patrick's Glorious Epiphany, 8o.  
How's Blessedness of the Righteous, 8o.  
Bp. Taylor's Contemplations of the State of Man.      
Secondly, A Commination of Eternal Punishments. 

Dr. Hammond of the Eternity of Hell Torments. In his Pract. Disc.  
Dr. Bates's 4 Last Things, 8o.    
II. On the Conditions to be performed on our Part. 

First, Discourses upon the first great condition of Life and Happiness to be performed on our Part, viz. That we renounce the great Enemies of God, viz. The Devil, the World, and the Flesh; and resist all their Temptations to Sin and Rebellion against our Maker. And on the Doctrine of Repentance; and as appendent thereunto, on the Lent-Fast. 

Heidanus de Origine Erroris, 4o.  
Downham's Christian Warfare, fol.  
Gilpin's Treatise of Satan's Temptations, three parts, 4o.  
Whaley of the Christian Warfare, 8o.  
Dr. Ingelo's Discourse of Repentance, 8o.  
Dr. Goodman's Penitent pardoned, 8o.  
Dr. Payne's Discourse of Repentance, 8o.  
Dr. Ellis of the necessity of consideration and speedy Repentance, as the only way to be safe both Living and Dying, 8o.  
Dallaeus de Jejuniis quadragessimalibus, 4o.  
Bp. Gunning on the Lent-Fast, 4o.  
Bp. Patrick on Repentance and the Lent-Fast, 8o.  
Dr. Hooper's Discourse concerning Lent, 8o.    
Secondly, Discourses on the second great condition of Life and Happiness to be performed on our Part, viz. Faith, and the Doctrines thereof contained in the Apostles Creed. 

I. On the whole Body of Credenda, or Things to be believed. 

Dr. Heylin's Theologia Veterum, fol.  
Bp. Pearson on the Creed, fol.  
Barrow's Sermons inter Opera.  
Witsii Exercitationes Sacrae in Symbolum Apostolorum, 4o.  
Kettlewell's Christian Believer, 8o.    
II. On some of the Great Articles of Christian Faith. 

1. On the Divine Existence, the Nature and Attributes of God, his Creation of, and Providence over the World. 

Bp. Wilkins of Natural Religion, 8o.  
Dr. Pelling's Disc. on the Divine Existence, 8o.  
Charnock on the Divine Attributes, fol.  
Bp. Tillotson's Sermons on the Divine Attributes, 2 Vol. 8o.  
Ray's Wisdom of God in the Creation of Man, 8o.  
Sir Matthew Hale's Primitive Origination of Mankind, fol.  
Charnock on Providence, inter Opera.  
Dr. Sherlock on Providence, 4o. 

As preliminary to the Doctrines purely revealed; Of the Divine Authority of the Holy Scriptures, and the Truth of Christianity.    
Stillingfleet's Origenes Sacrae, 4o.  
Boyle's Authority and style of Scripture, 8o.  
Edwards of the Authority, style and Perfection of the H. Scripture, 3 Vol. 8o.  
Dr. Alix's Reflections upon the Books of the Scripture to establish the truth of the Christian Religion.  
Grotius de Veritate Christianae Religionis.  
Dr. Hammond of the Reasonableness of the Christian Religion, at the end of his Practical Cat.  
Parker's Demonstration of the Law of Nature, and of the Christian Religion, 4o.  
Wilson's Discourse of Religion; showing its Truth and Reality, or the Suitableness of Religion to human Nature, 8o.    
2. On the Doctrine of the Blessed and Ever-glorious Trinity. 

Bp. Stillingfleet's Vindication of the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity, 8o.  
Dr. Alix of the judgement of the Ancient Jewish Church against the Unitarians, in the controversy upon the H. Trinity and the Divinity of our Blessed Saviour.  
Dr. Barrow's Vindication of the Blessed Trinity.  
Dr. Assheton's Vindication collected out of A. Bp. Tillotson and Bp. Stillingfleet.    
3. On the Divinity and Incarnation of Jesus Christ. 

Whitby de vera Christi Deitate, 4o.  
Bp. Tillotson on the Divinity and Incarnation of Jesus Christ, inter Opera.  
Dr. William's Vindication of the A. Bp's Sermons concerning the Divinity and Incarnation of our Blessed Saviour, 4o.  
Milbourn's Vindication of the Filiation, Deity, and Satisfaction of Christ.    
4. On the Mediation of Christ. 

Dr. Scot on the Great Doctrine of Christ's Mediation, inter Opera.  
Dr. Sherlock's Knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2 parts 8o.    
5. On the Sufferings, Sacrifice, and Satisfaction Christ, and of his Redemption and Salvation of Sinners. 

Outramus de Sacrificiis Judaeorum, Gentium Profanarum, nec non de Sacrificio Christi.  
Grotius de Satisfactione Christi.  
Dr. Stillingfleet on the Sufferings and Satisfaction of Christ.  
Dr. Pelling's Practical Discourse of God's Love to Mankind.  
Dr. Bates's Harmony of the Divine Attributes in the great business of Man's Redemption.    
6. On the Resurrection, Ascension and Session of of Christ at the Right Hand of God; and of his Intercession for us. 

Dr. Whitby of the Resurrection of Christ.    
7. On his coming to judgement. 

Dr. Sherlock's Pract. Disc. on judgement.    
8. On the Personality and Gifts of the H. Ghost. 

Christopheri Wittichii causa Spiritus Sancti in Tertiâ Personâ asserta, 4o.    
9. Of the H. catholic Church; and of the Communion of Saints. 

Field of the Church.  
Hooker's Eccl. Polity, fol.  
Mr. William Allen's Catholicism, or several inquiries touch-visible Church Membership, Church Communion, and the Nature of schism.  
Dr. Hammond of the power of the Keys. In his Pract. Discourse.  
Dr. Comber's Discourse on Excommunication, inter Tractatus, 4o.    
10. Of the Forgiveness of Sins. 

The Authors on Justification, ut supra.  
Dr. Bates of the Forgiveness of Sins.    
11. Of the Resurrection of the Body. 

boil of the Resurrection, 8o.  
Garbut's Demonstration of the Resurrection.  
Wilson of the Resurrection, 8o.  
Dr. Hody of the Resurrection of the same Body.    
12. Of the Life Everlasting, both of Happiness▪ and Misery. 

Authors above-mentioned.  
Smith's future World in which Mankind shall survive his Mortal Duration.      
Thirdly, On the Moral Law, and Christian Duties: Or Discourses upon the third great condition of Life and Happiness, viz. Evangelical Obedience, or in Holy Living and Dying. And in order to the more exact stating of the same, and of the several Duties contained under that Head: On the Nature, Division, and Obligation of the several Laws both Divine and human, which regulate and direct our Duty; together with Discourses upon those Cases of Conscience, which result from the foregoing Laws. 

I. General Tracts. 

First, On Holy Living. 

1. Preparative and Preliminary Tracts on the Nature, Division and Obligation of the several Laws both Divine and human, which regulate and direct our Duty; together with Discourses upon those Cases of Conscience, which result from the foregoing Laws. 

Dawson's Origo legum: or, a Treatise of the Origin of Laws, and their obliging Power, as also of their great variety; and why some Laws are immutable, and some not, but may suffer change or cease to be, or be suspended or abrogated, fol.  
Puffendorf de jure Naturae& Gentium, 4o.  
Taylor's Ductor Dubitantium, fol.  
Sanderson de Obligatione conscientiae& casus.  
Dugard of the Nature of the Divine Law, and of Disobedience thereunto. In Nine Discourses, tending to show in one a Loveliness, in the other a Deformity, 8o.        
II. On the Decalogue and Beatitudes. 

Rivetus in Decalogum, 4o.  
Bp. Andrews on the Commandments, fol.  
Bp. Hopkins on the 10 Commandments, 8o.  
Norris on the Beatitudes, 8o.  
Dr. Horneck on the Beatitudes.    
III. More complete Systems of Christian Duties. 

Kettlewell's Measures of Christian Obedience, 8o.  
Cave's Primitive Christianity, 8o.  
Bp. Taylor's Holy Living and Dying, 8o.  
Whole Duty of Man, with the works of the Author, fol.    
II. Particular Discourses on each of the 10 Commandments. 

1, 2. Upon the First and Second Commandments. 

Tennison of Idolatry, 4o.  
Stillingfleet of the Idolatry of the Church of Rome, 8o. 

— Vindication of the Charge of the Idolatry of the Ch. of Rome.      
3. Upon the Third Commandment. 

Dr. Wake's Disc. concerning Swearing.  
Mr. Boyle's Disc. against Swearing.  
Calamy's Nature and Obligation of Vows.    
4. Upon the Fourth Commandment. 

Dr. Sherlock of Religious Assemblies.  
Dr. Templer's Treatise of Religious Worship, 8o. 

Preliminary to the Duties of the Second Table.    
Camfield's comprehensive rule of Righteousness.  
Dr. Goodman's Golden Rule of Righteousness.    
5. Upon the Fifth Commandment. 

Sir George Wheeler's Christian economics, 8o.  
Dr. Lucas of the Duty of Servants.    
6. Upon the Sixth Commandment. 

Reighnold's on God's Revenge against Murder, fol.  
Dr. cumber against Duelling.  
Mr. Adam's of Self-Murder, 8o.    
7. Upon the Seventh Commandment. 

Mr. Turner's Discourse of the Sins of Uncleanness.  
Garbut against Drunkards and Whore-mongers.  
Gailhard's short Disc. of Fornication and Adultery.    
8. Upon the Eighth Commandment.  
9. Upon the Ninth Commandment. 

Dr. Wake's Discourse against Swearing, ut supra.  
The Government of the Tongue.    
10. Upon the Tenth Commandment. 

Art of Contentment.  
Dr. Nicholl's of the Contempt of the World, 8o. 

Secondly, On Holy Dying.    
Bp. tailor of H. Dying.  
Drellingcourt on Death.  
Dr. Sherlock on Death.  
Dr. Kettlewell's Death made comfortable.  
Dr. Wake on Preparation for Death.      
IV. On Divine Grace and Assistance, Prayer and the Sacraments, those Means Super-natural, Moral, and Instituted; of performing the foregoing Articles and Conditions on our part. 

First, On the Super-natural Means, viz. the Divine Grace and Assistance. 

The Authors above-mentioned.    
Secondly, On the Moral Means, viz. Prayer. 

1. In General. 

Pettis on Prayer.  
Dr. Bright's Disc. on Prayer.  
Dr. Pelling's Pract. Disc. on Prayer.  
Bp. Patrick's Disc. concerning Prayer, 8o.  
Dr. cumber of fervent and frequent Prayer according to Scripture and the Primitive Usage.    
II. In Particular. 

1. On the Lord's Prayer. 

Amyraldus in Orationem Dominicam.  
Witsius in Orationem Dominicam.  
Bp. Hopkin's on the Lord's Prayer.  
Sir Matth. Hales's Meditations on the Lord's Prayer.    
2. On the Common Prayer. 

Sparrow's Rationale on the Common Prayer.  
Dr. Falkner's Libertas Ecclesiastica, 2 parts, 8o.  
Dr. Comber's Companion to the Temple, fol.  
— Short Discourses on the Common Prayer.        
Thirdly, On the Instituted Means, viz. the Sacraments. 

1. In General, de re Sacramentaria. 

Dr. towersons general Disc. on the Nature of Sacraments, inter Opera.    
II. In Particular. 

First, Of Baptism. 

Vossius de Baptismo.  
Bp. Patrick's aqua Genitalis, at the end of his Mensa Mystica.  
Dr. Hammond concerning Infant-Baptism. In his Practical Disc.  
Walker's Plea for Infant-Baptism, 8o.    
Secondly, Of Confirmation, that great appendent to the Doctrine of Baptism. 

Dr. Hammond de Confirmatione.  
Camfield of Confirmation.  
Hanmer of Confirmation.  
A short Disc. on the Baptismal Covenant in order to Confirmation, 8o.    
Thirdly, Of the Lord's Supper. 

Dr. Cudworth's Disc. concerning the true Notion of the Lord's Supper.  
Bp. Patrick's Mensa Mystica.  
— Christian Sacrifice.  
Kettlewell's Help and Exhortation to worthy Communicating.  
Rawlet of Sacramental Covenanting with God.  
Dorrington's Familiar Guide to the H. Sacrament.  
Bp. Patrick on frequent Communion.        
V. Sermons. 

Bp. Sanderson's, fol.  
A. Bp. Tillotson's, fol.  
— Posthumous Discourses, 4 Vol. 8o.  
Dr. Barrow's 4 Vol. fol.  
Dr. Calamy's, 8o.  
Dorrington's 2 Vol. 8o.  
Kettlewell's, 8o.  
Dr. Goodman's 8o.    
VI. Ministerial Directories, with the exemplary Lives of eminent Divines, proper to excite Zeal, and Application to the Pastoral Duties. 

First, Ministerial Directories. 

Dodwell's two Letter's of Advice, 1st, for the Susception of H. Orders. 2. for Studies Theological, especially such as are rational, 8o.  
Penton's Apparatus ad Theologiam.  
Bibliotheca Parochialis: Or, a Scheme of such Theological Heads both General and Particular, as are more peculiarly requisite to be well studied by every Pastor of a Parish; together, with a Catalogue of Books which may be red upon each of those Points, 4o.  
Bp. Burnet's Pastoral Cure, 8o.    
Secondly, The Exemplary Lives of Eminent Divines. 

Dr. Cave's Lives of the Apostles and Primitive Fathers, 3 Vol. fol.  
Du Pin's New Hist. of Ecclesiastical Writers, containing an account of the Lives and Writings of the Primitive Fathers, and later Divines, down to the Fifteenth Century, 4 Vol. fol.  
Isaac Walton's Lives of 

Dr. Don.  
Mr. Herbert.  
Sir. H. Wooton.  
Bp. Sanderson.    
Bp. Burnet's Life of Bp. Bedle, 8o.                        

Bibliotheca Catechetica Minor PRIMA.  

I. THE Holy Scriptures, concurrent History, Commentators and Concordances. 

First, The H. Scriptures. 

The H. Bible with Dr. Scattergood's References, 4o.  
Novum Testamentum Graecum Oxon, Variis Lect. 8o.    
Secondly, Scripture Chronology, concurrent History, and Geography. 

Helvicus's Chronological Tables, fol.  
Josephus's History.  
Map of the H. Land in Josephus.    
Thirdly, Commentators upon the H. Scriptures. 

Heideggeri Enchiridion Biblicum.  
Matthaei Poli Synopsis Criticorum, 5 Vol. fol.    
Fourthly, Concordances serving for the more skilful and ready Application of Scripture, according to various Occasions. 

I. A Concordance of Things. 

Petri Ravanelli Bibliotheca cum Auctuario, 3 Vol. fol.  
The Word of God the best Guide to all Persons, 8o.    
II. A Concordance for Words. 

The Cambridge Concordance, fol.      
Fifthly, For the more profitable Reading of the Holy Scriptures. 

Bp. Patrick's Search the Scriptures.      
II. Catechetical Bodies of Divinity. 

First, Confessions of National reformed Churches. 

Corpus Confessionum Fidei.  
Ellisii Defensio 39 Articulorum Ecclesiae Anglicanae, Cantab. 12o.    
Secondly, Catechisms and Expositions thereon, more especially on the Cat. of the Ch. of England. 

Catachismus ad Parochos.  
Dr. towersons Exposition on the Church Catechism, 4 Vol. fol.  
Dr. Wake's Principles of the Christian Religion explained, 8o.  
Bp. William's and Dr. Isham's Exposition of the Church Catechism.    
Thirdly, Catechetical and Practical Bodies of Divinity in a more Voluntary and Arbitrary Method. 

Mr. Gouge's Explication of the Principles of the Christian Religion, 8o.  
George Keith's Christian Catechism, 8o.  
Sir Matth. Hale's Knowledge of God and ourselves, 8o.  
Dr. Scott's Christian Life, 4 parts, 8o.      
III. Upon the Covenant of Grace, or the Baptismal Covenant. 

First, On the General Doctrine. 

Witsii Oeconomia faederum, 4o.  
Allen's Discourse on the Nature, Ends and Differences of the Two Covenants, 8o.  
Catechetical Lectures upon the Preliminary Questions of Church Catechism, fol.    
Secondly, Upon the particular Articles of the Covenant of Grace, both on God's part, and ours. 

I. The Articles on God's part. 

First, Mercies. 

1. Justification or Pardon of Sins. 

Dris. Bulli Harmonia Apostolica.  
Joseph Truman's Endeavours to rectify some prevailing Opinions contrary to the Doctrines of the Church of England.  
Dris: Tullii Justificatio Paulina, 4o.  
Dris. Bulli Examen Censurae, quo Trumanno, respondit â paginâ 149 usque ad 173& Tullio ad Calcem examinis, 4o.  
Allen of Justification against Ferguson. 

Inter Opera.      
2. Divine Grace and Assistance. 

Usserii Historia Pelagiana, 4o.  
Dr. Cleget of the Operations of the H. Spirit, 2 parts, 8o.  
Allen of Divine Assistance: Inter Opera.    
3. Eternal Life and Happiness. 

Bp. Patrick's Glorious Epiphany, 8o.  
Bp. Taylor's Contemplations of the State of Man.      
Secondly, A Commination of Eternal Punishment. 

Dr. Bate's 4 last Things:      
II. On the Conditions to be performed on our part. 

First, Upon the Renouncing of the World, the Flesh and the Devil, on Repentance and the Lent-Fast. 

Gilpin's Treatise of Satan's Temptations, 3 parts, 4o.  
Whaley of the Nature, Art, and Issue of the Christian Warfare, 8o.  
Dr. Ingelo's Discourse of Repentance, 8o.  
Dr. Payn's Discourse of Repentance, 8o.  
Bp. Gunning on the Lent-Fast, 4o.  
Bp. Patrick on Repentance and the Lent-Fast.    
Secondly, Upon the whole Body of Credenda, and particular Articles. 

I. On the whole Body of Credenda. 

Witsii Exercitationes in Symbolum Apostolorum, 4o.  
Peirson's Exposition on the Creed, fol.  
Kettlewell's Christian Believer, 8o.    
II. On some of the Great Articles of the Christian Faith. 

Dr. Pelling's Discourse on the Divine Existence.  
Arch-Bp. Tillotson's Sermons on the Divine Attributes, 2 Vol. 8o.  
Ray's Wisdom of God in the Creation of Man.  
Dr. Sherlock upon Providence, 4o.  
Stillingfleet's Origines Sacrae, 4o.  
Boyl's Authority and Style of Scripture, 8o.  
Parker's Demonstration of the Law of Nature, and of the Christian Religion, 4o.  
Wilson's Discourse of Religion showing its Truth and Reality Or, the Suitable of Religion to human Nature.  
Stillingfleet's Vindication of the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity.  
Dr. Ashton's Vindication of the Holy Trinity.  
Arch-Bp. Tillotson on the Divinity and Incarnation of Jesus Christ in his Sermons.  
Dr. William's Vindication of the A. Bp. Sermons concerning the Divinity and Incarnation of our Blessed Saviour.  
Dr. Scott on the great Doctrine of Christ's Meditation.  
Dr. Sherlock's Knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2 parts, 8o.  
Outramus de Sacrificiis, 4o.  
Stillingfleet on the Sufferings and Satisfaction of Christ.  
Dr. Pelling's Practical Discourse of God's Love to Mankind.  
Dr. Whitby on the Resurrection, 8o.  
Dr. Sherlock's Practical Discourse on judgement.  
Wittichii Causa Spiritus Sancti in Tertia Personâ Asserta.  
field of the Church, fol.  
Dr. Comber's Discourse of Excommunication. Inter Tractatus.  
Wilson of the Resurrection.  
Garbut's Demonstration of the Resurrection.      
Thirdly, On the Moral Law and Christian Duties. 

I. General Tracts. 

First, Relating to Holy Living. 

1. Preliminary to the true Stating of Christian Duties. 

Taylor's Ductor Dubitantium, fol.  
Sanderson de Obligatione Conscientiae& Casus, 12o.  
Dugard of the true Nature of the Divine Law, and of Disobedience thereunto.    
2. On the Decalogue and Beatitudes. 

Rivetus in Decalogum, 4o.  
Bp. Hopkins on the 10 Commandments, 8o.  
Norris on the Beatitudes, 8o.    
3. More complete Systems of Christian ethics. 

Kettlewell's Measures of Christian Obedience.  
Bp. Taylor's Holy Living and Dying, 8o.      
II. Particular Discourses on each of the 10 Commandments. 

Tennison of Idolatry.  
Dr. Wake's Discourse concerning Swearing.  
Dr. Templer's Treatise of Religious Worship.  
Sir George Wheeler's Christian economics.  
Camfeild's Comprehensive Rule of Righteousness.  
Dr. Lucas's Duty of Servants.  
Dr. Comber's Discourse concerning duels.  
Whaley's Discourse against Adultery.  
Secondly, Relating to Holy Dying.  
Bp. Taylor's H. Dying.  
Kettlewell's Death made comfortable, 8o.  
Dr. Wake's Preparation for Death.        
IV. On Divine Grace and Assistance, Prayer and S●craments, those Means of Performing the foregoing Conditions. 

First, On Divine Grace and Assistance. 

Authors above-mentioned.    
Secondly, On Prayer. 

Dr. Bright's Discourse on Prayer, 8o.  
Dr. Pelling's Practical Discourse on Prayer.  
Dr. cumber of fervent and frequent Prayer.  
Witsii Exercitationes Sacrae in Orationem Dominicam.  
Sir Matth. Hales's Meditations on the Lord's Prayer.  
Dr. Falkner's Libertas Ecclesiastica, 2 parts.  
Dr. Comber's short Discourses on the Common-Prayer.  
〈◇〉 Beveridge on the Common-Prayer.    
Thirdly, On the Sacraments. 

1. On Baptism. 

Dr. Patrick's Aqua Genitalis.  
Walker's Plea for Infant Baptism. And as appendent to the Doctrine of Baptism.  
Dr. tailor of Confirmation.  
Camfeild on Confirmation, 8o.  
A Short Discourse on the Baptismal Covenant in order to Confirmation.    
2. On the Lord's Supper. 

Patrick's Mensa Mystica.  
— Frequent Communion.  
Kettlewell's Help and Exhortation to Worthy Communicating.  
Rawlet of Sacramental Covenanting with God.        
V. Sermons. 

Sanderson's Sermons, fol.  
Arch-Bp. Tillotson's Fol.  
— Posthumous Discourses, 6. Vol.  
Bp. Stillingfleet's Sermons, 3 Vol. 8o.  
Dorrington's Discourses, 2 Vol. 8o.    
VI. Ministerial Directories with the Exemplary Lives of Eminent Divines. 

First, Ministerial Directories. 

Bp. Wilkin's Ecclesiastes.  
Bp. Burnet's Pastoral Care, 8o.    
Secondly, The Exemplary Lives of Eminent Divines. 

Dr. Cave's Lives of the Apostles, and Primitive Fathers, 3 Vol.  
Isaac Walton's Lives of 

Dr. Don,  
Mr. Herbert,  
Sir Henry Wotton,  
Bp. Sanderson.                

Bibliotheca Catechetica Minor SECUNDA.  

I. THE Holy Scriptures, concurrent History, Commentators and Concordances. 

First, The H. Scriptures. 

The Holy Bible with Clark's References, fol.  
Novum Test. Graec. cum variis Lect. Curcellaei, 8o.    
Secondly, Scripture Chronology, concurrent History, and Geography. 

Tallent's Chronological Tables, fol.  
Usserii annales Veteris& Novi Test. fol.  
Large map of the Holy Land.    
Thirdly, Commentators upon the H. Scriptures. 

Clark's Analytical Survey of the H. Scriptures, 4o.  
Pool's English Annotations, 2 Vol. fol.    
Fourthly, Concordances serving for the more skilful, and ready Application of Scripture, according to various Occasions. 

I. Concordances of Things. 

Glassi Philologia Sacra, 4o.  
The word of God the best Guide, 8o.    
II. A Concordance for words. 

The Cambridge Concordance, fol.      
Fifthly, For the more profitable Reading of the Holy Scriptures. 

The Lively Oracles given to us; or the Christian's Birthright, and Duty in the Custody, and Use of the Holy Scriptures.      
II. Catechetical Bodies of Divinity. 

First, Confessions of National reformed Churches. 

Acta Synodi Nationalis Dordracheti, 4o.  
Acta& Scripta Synodalia Dordracena Ministrorum Remonstrantium in foederato Belgio, 4o.  
Ellisii defensio Articulorum 39 Ecclesiae Anglicanae.    
Secondly, Catechisms, and Expositions thereon, more especially on the Catechism of the Church of England. 

Confessio fidei Theologorum Westmonasteriensium, unà cum majori& minori Catechismo.  
Bp. Ken's Exposition of the Ch. Cat. 8o.  
Dr. Marshal, and Dr. Richard Sherlock of Winwick's Exposition of the Ch. Cat.  
Bp. Williams and Dr. Isham's Exposition of the Ch. Catech. with Scripture-Proofs.    
Thirdly, Catechetical and Practical Bodies of Divinity in a more voluntary and arbitrary method. 

Mr. Scrivener's Body of Divinity, fol.  
Dr. Hammond's Prctical Cat. with his other Practical. Disc. fol.  
George Keith's Christian Cat.  
Dr. Scot's Christian Life, 4 Vol. 8o.      
III. Upon the Covenant of Grace, or the Baptismal Covenant. 

First, On the General Doctrine. 

Coccaei summa Doctrinae de faedere,& Testamento Dei 12o.  
Baxter's Aphorisms on Justification and the Covenant, 8o.  
Catechetical Lectures upon the preliminary Questions and Answers of our Ch. Cat. fol.    
Secondly, Upon the particular Articles of the Covenant of Grace, both on God's part, and on Ours. 

I. The Articles on God's part. 

First, Mercies. 

1. Justification or Pardon of Sins. 

Wottonus de reconciliatione Peccatoris, 4o.  
Hotchkis concerning the Imputation of Christ's Righteousness to us, 4o.  
Allen of Justification Inter Opera.  
— Against Furguson's Inter Opera.    
2. Divine Grace and Assistance. 

Vossii Historia Pelagiana.  
Two pacifick Letters between Dr. Hammond, and Dr. Sanderson concerning Divine Grace and Decrees.  
Allen of Divine Assistance.    
3. Eternal Life and Happiness. 

Bellarminus de Aeterna Felicitate Sanctorum.  
How's Blessedness of the Righteous.      
Secondly, A Commination of Eternal Punishment. 

Dr. Hammond of the Eternity of Hell Torments. In his Pract. Disc.      
II. On the Conditions to be performed on our part. 

First, Upon renouncing the World, the Flesh, and the Devil: On Repentante, and the Lent-fast. 

Heidanus de origine erroris, 4o.  
Downham's Christian Warfare, fol.  
Dr. Goodman's Penitent pardoned, 8o.  
Dallaeus de jejuniis quadragessimalibus, 4o.  
Dr. Hooper's Disc. concerning Lent.    
Secondly, Upon the whole Body of Credenda, and on particular Articles. 

I. On the whole Body of Credenda. 

Dr. Heylin's Theologia Veterum, fol.  
Dr. Barrow on the Creed, fol. Inter Opera.  
Kettlewell's Christian Believer.    
II. On some of the great Articles of the Christian Faith. 

Bp. Wilkins of Natural Religion, 8o.  
Charnock on the Divine Attributes, fol.  
— Discourse on Providence.  
Sir Matth. Hales's Primitive Origination of Mankind, fol.  
Dr. Alix's Reflections upon the Book of the Holy Scriptures to establish the Truth of the Christian Religion, 2 Vol.  
Edward's on the Authority, Style and Perfection of Holy Scripture, 3 Vol. 8o.  
Grotius de Veritate Christianae Religionis, 12o.  
Dr. Hammond of the Reasonableness of the Christ. Religion. At the End of his Pract. Cat.  
Dr. Barrow's Vindication of the Blessed Trinity, 12o.  
Dr. Alix of the judgement of the Ancient Jewish Church against the Unitarians.  
Whitby de vera Christi Deitate, 4o.  
Milbourn's Vindication of the Filiation, Deity and Satisfaction of Christ, 8o.  
Dr. Scott on the Great Doctrine of Christ's Mediation.  
Dr. Sherlock's Knowledge of Jesus Christ, 2 parts, 8o.  
Grotius de satisfactione Christi, 12o.  
Dr. Bates's Harmony of the Divine Attributes in the great Business of Man's Redemption.  
Dr. Whitby on the Resurrection of Christ, 8o.  
Dr. Sherlock's Practical Discourse on judgement, 8o.  
Wittichii Causa Spiritus Sancti in Tertia Personâ asserta.  
Hooker's Eccl. Polity, Last Ed. fol.  
Dr. Hammond on the Power of the Keys. In his Practical Discourses.  
boil on the Resurrection, 8o.  
Dr. Hody▪ on the Resurrection of the same Body.      
Thirdly, On the Moral Law and Christian Duties. 

I. Of Holy Living. 

First, General Tracts. 

1. Preliminary to the true Stating of Christian Duties. 

Dawson's Origo Legum; or, a Treatise of the Origin of Laws, their great Variety and obliging Power, fol.  
Puffendorf de Jure Naturae& Gentium, 4o.  
Dugard of the True Nature of the Divine Law, and of Disobedience thereunto, 8o.    
2. On the Decalogue, and Beatitudes. 

Bp. Andrews on the 10 Commandments, fol.  
Bp. Hopkins on the 10 Commandments, 8o.  
Dr. Horneck on the Beatitudes, 8o.    
3. More complete Systems of Christian Duties. 

Kettlewell's Measures of Christian Obedience, 8o.  
Cave's Primitive Christianity, 8o.  
Whole Duty of Man with the Works of the Author, 8o.      
Secondly, Particular Discourses upon each of the 10 Commandments. 

Stilling fleet of the Idolatry of the Church of Rome, 8o.  
— Vindication of the Charge of Idolatry.  
Boyl's Discourse against Swearing, 8o.  
Calamy of Religious Vows, 8o.  
Dr. Sherlock of Religious Assemblies.  
Sir George Wheeler's Christian economics.  
Dr. Goodman's Golden Rule of Righteousness.  
Adams of Self-Murder.  
Garbut against Drunkards and Whoremongers.  
Turner of the Sins of Uncleanness.  
The Government of the Tongue.  
The Government of the Thoughts.  
The Art of Contentment.    
II. Relating to Holy Dying. 

Sherlock upon Death, 8o.  
Drellingcourt's Christian Defence against the Fear of Death, 8o.  
Wake's Preparation for Death, 8o.          
IV. On Divine Grace and Assistance, Prayer and the Sacraments, those Means of performing the Foregoing Conditions. 

First, On Divine Grace and Assistance. 

Authors above-mentioned.    
Secondly, On Prayer. 

Pettis on Prayer.  
Patrick's Discourse concerning Prayer, 8o.  
Dr. cumber of fervent and frequent Prayer.  
Amyraldus in Orationem Dominicam.  
Bp. Hopkins on the Lord's Prayer.  
Sparrow's Rationale on the Common-Prayer.  
Dr. Comber's Companion to the Temple, fol.  
Dr. Beveridge on the Common-Prayer.    
Thirdly, On the Sacraments. 

1. On Baptism, and its appendent Confirmation. 

Vossius de Baptismo.  
Dr. Hammond concerning Infant Baptism. Pract. Disc.  
Dr. Hammond of Confirmation, 12o.  
Clark's Pract. Essay on Baptism and Confirmation, 8o.  
A short Disc. on the Baptismal Covenant in order to a due preparation for Confirmation.    
2. On the Lord's Supper. 

Dr. Cudworth's Discourse concerning the true Notion of the Lord's Supper, 8o.  
Patrick's Christian Sacrifice, 8o.  
— Of Frequent Communion.  
Dr. Pelling's Discourse on the Sacraments, 2 parts.  
Kettlewell on the Sacrament.        
V. Sermons. 

Dr. Barrow's Sermons, 4 Vol. fol.  
Dr. Calamy's.  
Dr. Goodman's, 8o.    
VI. Ministerial Directories with the Exemplary Lives of Eminent Divines. 

First, Ministerial Directories. 

Dodwell's Letters of Advice, 8o.  
Bibliotheca Parochialis, 4o.    
Secondly, Exemplary Lives. 

Ellies Dupin's Lives of the Apostles and Primitive Fathers, 8o.  
Bp. Burnet's Life of Bp. beadle, 8o.            

Bibliotheca Catechetica MINIMA.  

I. FOR the better Understanding of the Holy Scriptures. 

Clark's Analytical survey of the H. Bible, 4o.  
Dr. Hammond's Annotations and Paraphrase on the New Testament, fol.  
The Oxford Paraphrase on St. Paul's Epistles, 8o.  
The Word of God the best Guide, 8o.  
Cambridge Concordance, fol.  
Bp. Patrick's Search the Scriptures, 8o.    
II. For a General Catechetical Body. 

First, By way of Comment upon our Articles and Church Catechism. 

Dr. towersons Exposition of the Ch. Catechism, 4 Vol. fol.  
Dr. Wake's Principles of the Christian Religion explained in a brief Commentary on the Church Catechism.  
Bp. William's and Dr. Ishham's Exposition with Scripture Proofs.    
Secondly, In a more Voluntary and Arbitrary Method. 

Dr. Hammond's Practical Catechism, 8o.  
Sir Matth. Hale's knowledge of God and ourselves.  
Dr. Scott's Christian Life, 4 parts, 8o.  
Mr. Gouge's Explanation of the Principles of the Christian Religion with practical Applications.  
George Keith's Christian Catechism for the Instruction of Youth in the Grounds and Princples of Christian Piety.      
III. Upon the Covenant of Grace or Baptismal Covenant. 

First, On the General Doctrine. 

Allen's Discourse on the Nature, Ends, and Differences of the two Covenants, 8o.  
Catechetical Lectures upon the preliminary Questions and Answers of the Church Catechism, fol.    
Secondly, Upon the particular Articles of the Covenant of Grace, both on God's part, and on ours. 

I. The Articles on God's part. 

First, The Mercies promised. 

1. Justification or Pardon of Sin. 

Mr. Allen on the Doctrine of Justification.  
— Answer to Ferguson, inter Opera, 4 Vol. 12o.    
2. On Divine Assistance. 

Allen on Divine Assistance and the Methods thereof, inter Opera.    
3. Upon Everlasting Life and Happiness. 

Bp. Taylor's Contemplation of the State of Man, 8o.  
Bp. Patrick's Glorious Epiphany, 8o.        
II. On the Conditions to be performed on ours. 

First, Upon Renouncing the World, the Flesh and the Devil: On Repentance, and the Lent-Fast. 

Whaley of the Christian Warfare, 8o.  
Dr. Ingelo's Discourse on Repentance, 8o.  
Dr. Goodman's penitent Pardon, 8o.  
Bp. Patrick's Discourse on Repentance, and the Lent-Fast, 8o.    
Secondly, Upon the whole Body of Credenda, and particular Articles. 

I. On the whole Creed. 

Bp. Pierson's Exposition on the Creed: Or,  
Dr. Barrow's Exposition on the Creed, 8o.  
Kettlewell's Christian Believer, 8o.    
II. On some of the main Articles. 

Dr. Pelling on the Divine Existence, 12o.  
Bp. Tillotson's Sermons on the Divine Attributes, 2 Vol. 8o.  
Dr. Sherlock upon Providence, 4o.  
Dr. Hammond of the Reasonableness of the Christian Religion.  
Parker's Demonstration of the Law of Nature, and the Christian Religion.  
Bp. Stillingfleet on the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity, 8o.  
Dr. Asheton's Vindication collected out of A. Bp. Tillotson, and Bp. Stillingfleet.  
Tillotson on the Divinity and Incarnation of Jesus Christ.  
Dr. Scott on Christ's Mediation.  
Stillingfleet on the Satisfaction of Christ.  
Dr. Bates's Harmony of the Divine Attributes in the Great Business of Man's Redemption, 8o.  
Dr. Hody on the Resurrection of the same Body.  
Dr. Sherlock upon judgement, 8o.      
Thirdly, Upon the Moral Law and Christian Duties. 

I. On Holy Living. 

First, General Tracts. 

Dugard on the Nature of the Divine Law, 8o.  
Bp. Hopkins on the Commandments, 8o.  
Norris on the Beatitudes, 8o.  
Whole Duty of Man, 8o.  
Christian Monitor.  
Kettlewell's Measures of Christian Obedience, 8o.    
Secondly, Particular Discourses on some Commands. 

Dr. Wake's Discourse concerning Swearing.  
Dr. Sherlock of Religious Assemblies, 8o.  
Camfeild's comprehensive Rule of Righteousness.  
Turner of the Sins of Uncleanness.  
Dr. Nichols of the Contempt of the World, 8o.      
II. On Holy Dying. 

Dr. Sherlock on Death, 8o.  
Dr. Wake's Preparation for Death.          
IV. On Divine Grace and Assistance, Prayer, and the Sacraments, those Means of performing the foregoing Conditions. 

First, On Divine Grace and Assistance. 

Allen On Divine Assistance, and the Methods of it, ut supra.    
Secondly, On Prayer. 

Patrick's Discourse concerning Prayer.  
Bp. Hopkins on the Lord's Prayer.  
Dr. Comber's Discourses on the Common-Prayer, 8o.    
Thirdly, On the Sacraments. 

I. On Baptism and its appendent Confirmation. 

Bp. Patrick's Aqua Genitalis, at the End of his Mensa Mystica.  
Clark's Practical Essay of Baptism and Confirmation.    
II. On the Lord's Supper. 

Bp. Patrick's Mensa Mystica, 8o.  
Kettlewell's Exhortation to Holy Communion.  
Patrick of Frequent Communion.  
Dorrington's Familiar Guide.        
V. Sermons. 

Arch-Bp. Tillotson's Folio.  
— Posthumous Sermons, 6 Vol.  
Dr. Calamy's 8o.  
Dorrington's 2 Vol.  
Kettlewell's.    
VI. Ministerial Directories with the exemplary Lives of Eminent Divines. 

Herbert's Country person.  
The Pastoral Care, 8o.  
Bibliotheca Parochialis, 4o.  
Advice to the Readers of the Common-Prayer, 12o.  
Walton's Lives.  
Bp. Bedel's Life.         

MEANS For Providing the Foregoing LIBRARIES Humbly Offered To the Reverend and Learned, both Parochial Clergy and School-Masters of this KINGDOM.  
HAving been long a Parochial Minister, and in one of the Meanest Cures of the Church, I am so thoroughly touched with a Sense of my Brethrens Condition, especially with respect to their want of Books, that I have even ventured to be thought, and called a Projector,( a very mean and contemptible Character with such as are accounted Men of Wisdom) upon the account of those Designs I am continually forming, to provide them, of what I think so very necessary for all Men of our Sacred Calling to be furnished withal. And to this purpose it is, that I have addressed myself to such as are Piously, as well as Charitably given, in the foregoing Essay.  
But being made sensible by a long trial and Experience, that but very few of those who are Charitably given, are Piously so, there being scarcely One in an Hundred of those, who are accounted Liberal, who has Elevation of Mind enough to consider the Wants which affect any thing above the mere Animal Life; I have little hopes of much Success by applying that way, tho' something is doing, and will be obtained from particular Persons towards the forwarding the Design of furnishing all the Ten Pound Cures of the Kingdom with a Catechetical Library.  
Well then, my Learned and most Esteemed Friends, give me leave to tell you, my greatest Expectations is from you, that you will favour a Proposal I am about to make, which, as it is in your Power to give Success to, so I humbly conceive, is a Means in a manner sufficient of itself, to provide the foregoing Libraries, And of such a Nature as is a most great and considerable good in itself, abstracting from the End it serves; nay, and will be as Immediately Serviceable to the good of Souls, as the End itself will be, which is to be accomplished by it; and is such withal as cannot properly be said to be a Charge to any. In order to make which appear, I will crave your Patience to enlarge a little upon each Particular.  
I. As to the End I do hereby aim at, viz. a Catechetical Library for our poor Parochial Clergy; there are some Reasons for this Provision, which would hold good at all times, and there are others which render them more especially necessary in the Age we now live in. Of the former sort this may be one; That as the Temporal State of those Clergy must be exceeding uncomfortable, where the Endowments of their Places scarcely exceed Ten, or Fifteen Pound per Annum; so must the Spiritual Welfare of the People be but miserable provided for in such places; it being impossible that the Ministers under such mean Circumstances should ever be able to furnish themselves with necessary Books: And it being equally inconceivable, that without the help of good Books, whereby they may be instructed in Christianity themselves, they should be ever able to teach others. Amongst those Reasons which make this Provision more necessary now than heretofore, this deserves our serious Consideration, that since the prodigious growth of Atheism, Deism, Socinianism and Quakerism, all Veneration to our Character is wore off, few considering us as authorized by God, to transact Matters of the greatest moment betwixt Him and Man; namely, to ratify by Sacraments the Covenant of Grace in his behalf, to proclaim his Laws, and to bless the People in his Name: The Notions, I say, of these distinguishing Characters have but a small Impression in most Mens Minds; and generally a Person in H. Orders is now no otherwise valued beyond a mere lay-man, than as he appears better fraught with useful Knowledge himself, and better skilled to communicate it to others. And if so, the poorer Clergy, without such Provision as I am soliciting for them, must needs fall into the lowest Contempt( and the whole Body on their account) now that every mechanic pretends to Letters, and what is worse, since the Liberty of the Press, that the Laity of all Ranks do freely red the most poisonous Authors. So that I hope, it does sufficiently appear, that it is an End worthy some Thought, Pains and Charges, to provide all the Parochial Cures of Ten or Fifteen Pound a Year with a Catechetical Library, consisting of some of the most plain and practical Books, both upon the General Doctrine of our Baptismal Covenant, and upon all the Articles, Terms and Conditions of it, as they are taught in our Church-Catechism.  
II. And as the End I am now in pursuit of; has the most immediate Tendency both to the good of Souls, and the preservation of our H. Order from the Contempt to which Ignorance will expose us: So one of those Mediums I would propose in order to attain it, will appear, I hope, to be of such a Nature, as to be as immediately serviceable to the good of Souls, as the End itself, which is to be accomplished by it.  
Now the Means I would propose to this End, is the the Reception of some Book in the Schools of this Kingdom, giving a full Institution in the Christian Religion, which I humbly conceive is best done by a Tract upon the Doctrine of the Covenant of Grace: And a Recommendation also of the same by the Parochial Clergy to the Youth in their respective Parishes.  
The Reasons why I propose a Book upon the Subject of our Baptismal Covenant, as a most proper Christian Institution for Youth; are as follows.  
First, Because I take the Covenant of Grace, or our Baptismal Covenant, to comprise the whole Doctrine of Christianity; even all that, than which no Man, as a mere Christian is necessitated to know more, and than which the meanest ought not to know less.  
Secondly, But more especially, with Relation to Youth, because it is more particularly necessary, that all Youth should be Instructed in, and comprehend the general Nature, Terms, and Conditions of their Baptismal Covenant before they go to be confirmed; which Apostolical Institution, as it is of vast consequence to have it duly administered, so in a more peculiar manner, it is requisite that all our School-Youth, when they are come to years of Discretion, and just before they are entering into the World, should both recognise the Covenant they made with God in their Infancy, and Receive the Episcopal Benediction: To do both which rightly and duly, what more requisite, than, that they should be Instructed in the Covenant, which they are to confirm accordingly.  
1st. I would therefore humbly propose, That the Learned School-Masters of this kingdom would Recommend to the Youth of their respective Schools, a Book on this Subject, which they should make as much necessary for them to be provided withal, as their Grammar, their Dictionary, or any orher Elements of Learning, of far less consequence to the Childrens Happiness both present and future. And that they would enjoin their Scholars to red some part of such an Exposition every Sunday and holiday, in order to render a good account thereof the next Morning.  
And if the small Piece which accompanies this, styled, A short Discourse on the Doctrine of our Baptismal Covenant, may be thought proper for this purpose, I can propose by the Sale of so many, as may be taken off by all the Schools in England, and that at a lower rate than they are commonly sold by the Booksellers, to raise 100 of the Lesser Catechetical Libraries for the Use of our poor Parochial Clergy. Which I thus compute;  
1. I presume there are 40000 Boys in all the Schools of England and Wales, who learn Latin in order to fit them for the Universities, Trade, and other Business; in which Computation, should I exceed, the continual Succession of Youth into Schools will in few Years make it our.  
2. If 40000 of our Youth shall purchase these Books at 1 s. 6 d. per Book, 6 d. per Book may be clear gain, which will make up 1000 l. towards purchasing these 400 Ten Pound Libraries.  
2dly, I would also with all Submission, propose it to the Reverend, the Parochial Clergy, that they would please in like manner to recommend the same Book to such of the Youth of their respective Parishes as are grown up to those Years, that render them, if otherwise qualified, fit to be confirmed; as also to be admitted to the Holy Sacrament. In either case they ought very well to be Instructed in the Nature, Terms, and Conditions of their Baptismal Covenant; and if the Youth in each Parish should be provided of the Book here proposed to this purpose, what will be be wanting from those in Schools, will be made up from these in Families, towards purchasing all the 400 l. Catechetical Libraries which are so passionately desired.  
And now I hope by this time it may appear, that the Means herein proposed, for the purchasing of our Catechetical Libraries, is of such a Nature, as to be a most great and considerable good in itself, abstracting from the End it serves, and to be as immediately conducive to the good of Souls, as the End will be which is to be accomplished by it.  
Nor III. and Lastly, can that which is here proposed, be properly said to be a Charge to any, because every Purchaser has here a Book at an under price for his Money. There are not many of that Generosity, as merely to give, though to advance the most public and Useful Design; and what they bestow does generally come with such Difficulty from them, as not to be obtained without so much Application, as will require a Person should have little else to do, than to solicit that one thing amongst them; and when all is done, will scarcely be equivalent to the Time, moneys, and Charges in soliciting: But the way here proposed, seems to be both easy and Grateful; easy, because few grudge their Penny, if they have their Penny-worth: And Grateful, because it is to be presumed, there is scarce that Parent so bad himself, who will not be very well pleased his Child should be principled in Religion, as well as Learning; and will not thank the School-Master or Minister who puts him upon buying a Chatechetical Exposition wherein to instruct him.  
And now, if our forementioned Design can be compassed by such a Medium, as is a Great, and Considerable Good in itself, abstracting from the End it serves; nay, and will be as immediately serviceable to the Good of Souls, as the End itself will be, which is to be accomplished by it, and is withall such, as cannot be properly said to be a Charge to any: Upon these Considerations it is hoped, there may be reason to expect the Concurrence and Assistance of both those Learned Professions of Men, who are best able to judge of the Value of Christian Knowledge, and in whose Power it is to encourage the Means here proposed to promote it.  
Well, and if so great, and Accumulative a good may be compassed, and that too without any Man's Charge, and that solely by your Means; give me leave to apply myself, to each of you, more particularly in this Affair; but with all Deference to your better Judgments. And in the  
First place, I desire the Learned School-Masters of this Kingdom would please to consider, that the very Original and Chief Design of Schools within the Christian Pale, is to instruct Youth in the Principles of Christianity, and to imbue them with human Literature, in order only, and in subserviency to that End; according to which Original Institution, one of the Great Schools in our Chief City does still bear in the Frontispiece of its Buildings, Schola Catechizationis in Christianâ Religione. And pursuant to the same Design of their Foundation, the 29th Canon does strictly enjoin all School-Masters to catechize their Scholars.  
Secondly, Whereas there never was so great a Growth of Deism, and Infidelity as now, it may be worthy your Reflection, whether to have the Youth of the most sprightly Parts instructed in no other Theology than what they learn from the Greek and Latin Poets, may not have a dangerous Tendency to such cursed Opinions, and to a Disrelish of Christian Doctrines.  
Both which considered, I could wish that every one of your most useful Profession would please to make it a main Part of his Care, thoroughly to principle his Scholars in the Doctrines of the Christian Religion by a weekly catechizing of them: I say, in the Doctrines of Christianity; for all Moral Duties are so much the Dictates of Natural Reason, that half the Pains is not necessary to make Men understand Christian ethics, as Christian Principles; which being, many of them, so much above mere Natural Reason, they must be often inculcated, e'er they can be duly apprehended. And besides, till these Principles, which are the grand Motives, and most forcible Reasons to a Holy Life, have obtained their due Force in our Minds, by being competently understood and believed, Morality will advance but poorly, as the Watch moves slowly whose Spring is weak: But especially it is to be considered, that the strictest Morals acted upon other than Christian Principles will find no Acceptance with God.  
Reverend and Learned Sirs, It may be in no Case more proper to know your own Power than in this; and that, as it is in a manner absolutely in your own Breasts to appoint what Books your Scholars must have; so there is scarcely that Parent so bad himself, who will not be very well pleased, that his Child should be principled in Religion, as well as Learning; and who will not thank the School Master, who puts him upon buying a Catechetical Exposition where●n to instruct him.  
And why, I would fain know, should not Parents think it as material a Part of the School-Master's Duty to give the Youth committed to his Charge, a through and perfect Understanding of the Elements of Christianity, as of Grammar. Both their own, and the public Happiness, I am sure, depends infinitely more on the one, than the other. I know, indeed, in such a laborious Employment as a School-Masters is, the whole Week round, he can find but little Leisure to compose Discourses, and Explications of his own, to give them upon those Heads; and therefore till some better shall be provided, for the purpose, I do humbly offer the Exposition here recommended, divided into Lectures; one of which, if all the Youth in Schools were enjoined to red every Sunday, and an Account were demanded of them what they have so red, every Monday-Morning, as duly as they are made to say a part in their Grammar, I hope it would tend something to their Edification, and moreover, would have this good Effect, that it would provide a proper Employment for the schoolboys on the Lord's Day, and would enure them to such a Religious Way of spending it, as will influence their Lives ever after.  
And indeed, upon the whole, though none others of our Youth, besides those in Schools could be brought under such a Catechetical Instruction, yet hence we may reasonably hope for a much better Generation of Men the next Age, than we have the Comfort to see at present, because the greatest, or, at least the most considerable part of Youth in all Christian Nations do pass into the World through the Door of School-Discipline.  
Secondly, But since many of our Youth, as well the Sons and Daughters, as the Servants in Families, have not had much of School-Education; and since the Instruction of all Sorts of Youth in the Principles of Christianity, is of such Infinite Consequence, not only to their own private Happiness, but also to the public Welfare of Church and State; give me leave my Reverend Brethren, to address myself also to you, who are the Parochial Clergy, to whom I crave leave with all Deference and Submission, to offer, as a Reason for the Entertainment of the foregoing Proposal, what Method in my Opinion we had best to take in Order to instil into the Minds of Youth, a due Understanding of the Principles of Christianity.  
And in order to that, I humbly conceive, there may be a double Course of Catechetical Instruction which it would be requisite all Youth should be obliged to go through.  
The First is that usual and common Method in public, wherein they render an Account of their Religion to the Minister of the Parish, in the Words of the Church Catechism; and are usually required to prove each Point by Texts of Scripture; for which Purpose Bp. William's, or Dr. Isham's Exposition with Scripture-proofs, are of Excellent Use. And those Persons can never answer it to God, and the Souls of their Children, Apprentices, and Servants, who do not encourage, and oblige them constantly to attend this Method of Instruction, and that till they are at least Ten, or Twelve Years of Age.  
Secondly, But after this, I think it would be of mighty Consequence, if all the Youth of the Nation were put upon another Course of Catechetical Instruction, suitable to more grown Years; and that is, to red some larger Expositions, and Discourses upon the same Catechetical Points; more especially upon the Doctrine of their Baptismal Covenant, in order to fit them for Confirmation of the same, where it may be possible to enjoy the Benefit of that Ordinance; or if it cannot be had, for a worthy Participation of the Lord's Supper.  
Confirmation is undoubtedly an Institution extremely well suited in the Nature of it, to impress serious and lasting Resolutions upon the Hearts of those, who come duly prepared to it by a through Understanding of its Nature and Design, and of their own Obligations resulting from the Use thereof. But yet though a positive Institution, it operates in rational Ways, and does not profit those, who come not to it with a due Knowledge, both of that Covenant they do thereby ratify, and of the Additional ties upon them from so solemn a Recognition; as also of the Benefits may be expected by the Episcopal Benediction. And the same may be said of the Lord's Supper. In order therefore to instil these Notions into the Minds of Youth, there ought to be a very particular Application by all those, who have taken upon them the Care of Souls, to prepare, and to instruct them in order to both those Ordinances. And when they are invited with great Significations of a Fatherly Care and Concern for their Eternal Interest, to receive Instructions in those Matters, just at an Age they are launching out into the World, and before they are corrupted by wicked Principles, and bad Company, it is the likeliest Method to secure them ever after from that apostasy from God, which the far greatest part of Mankind do now fall into. For which Reason it would be the greatest Charity in the World, and that which would give us the Satisfaction of the greatest Success, would every Parochial Minister invite, and encourage the young People of his Parish to come to him after Evening-Prayer is over, to be more particularly instructed by him their Pastor, in what does in a more especial manner concern them. And if the Religious Conference between them were begun, and closed up with singing of a Psalm of the New Version, and as set to some of the best Tunes; This( from Experience I can affirm it) would quickly draw in the whole Youth of the Parish, scarcely one excepted.  
And indeed if the Youth of every Parish from the Age of 15 to 25, would every Sunday after the Congregation is dismissed, come to the Minister thereof in the Vestry or the Chancel of the Church, and there render him an account of what they have been directed by him to red, and prepare themselves to answer his Examinations upon the Points which they have been reading the Week, or Lord's-Day preceding; I do not know what would tend more to their Edification than this. It would lay a sort of Obligation upon them, to red considerable proportions every Sunday at least, and so would enure them to a right spending of that Day. It would be a means to fix their attention in their Reading. It would give each Minister an opportunity to acquaint himself with the Proficiency of the Youth of his Parish in Knowledge and virtue; and according as he finds them Proficients in both, he might invite them to an early engagement of themselves to God; first, in Confirmation, and afterwards at the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Such a Set of Youth would be a Religious Society in every Parish under the Care, Conduct and Direction of their proper Pastor, against which at least, no Shadow of Objection can lye. And lastly, such an instance of Pastoral Care would wonderfully endear the Minister and his People to each other, than which nothing will be more for their Benefit, and his Comfort.  
It is sad, to see how universally backward our Youth are, when grown up, to come to be Catechis'd, as if it were too childish an Institution, and below them to be seen at it. The consequence of which is, That they never become sufficiently grounded in Christianity; and are let loose to follow their own vicious Inclinations, without the restraint of Christian Principles, when the Efforts of corrupt Nature are most strong and boisterous within them, and when evil company do most haunt them. But since it is so, that persuade them what we can, they will scarcely be brought to submit themselves to the ordinary catechizing among Children, it will be necessary that we provide for their safety by some other method. And this more manly way of Instruction here proposed, being more adapted to their Age, and being a kind of Conference with them, I dare say, would be very taking with all of them. And they would become thereby so thoroughly seasoned, and perfected in Religious Principles, that there would be little danger of their miscarriage ever after.  
And this way of putting them to frame answers themselves out of what they shall red, will, I conceive, be much more easy and profitable, than to oblige them to get the answers by heart which are formed for them by others. More easy, for not one in a hundred has Leisure, or Memory sufficient to get any thing considerable without Book, which is the reason so few can be brought to make use of those many Expositions which have been made by way of Question and Answer; whereas once or twice reading a short Discourse with attention, will enable any Youth of tolerable Apprehensions, to offer at so much towards an Answer, as to satisfy the Catechist, that he understands what he has red.  
And more Profitable this method will appear to be, because it puts the Catechumen upon forming a judgement himself upon what he reads; whereas the bare repeating of an Answer made to his hands, will render him little wiser than the Parrot which is taught to utter words she understands not.  
And then if moreover after this, we shall ourselves deliver to them an Exposition more expatiated, and enlarged, upon the point on which they have been reading before, but to the very same purpose, only more copiously explaining the Doctrine, this will let yet a clearer light into their understandings, of those Divine Truths. And by this way of giving them Line upon Line, and Precept upon Precept, they will, at length arrive to a full comprehension of those Sacred Truths; upon the understanding the importance of which, their Salvation does so much depend.  
But besides the advantages in this method of infusing Christian Knowledge into the Minds of Youth, to a degree as would render them, I am persuaded, much above the attainments of many, who are advanced far beyond them in years; A Minister, by having gained to this purpose a select Society of the Youth of his Parish, giving themselves up to the more close Instructions of him, their proper Pastor; he would hereby have a fair opportunity given him, to instruct them also in the Use, and Reason of all the Parts, and Devotions in their Common Prayers; than which I do not know any part of Instructions more wanted at this day amongst the Common People.  
For why? Of all the parts of Religion, there is none does so immediately and directly point towards God, as public Worship; and in the due performance of which the Glory of God is so much concerned. This is that Homage the Creature pays to his Creator. And when it is solemnly, and awfully performed, God is glorified in the Eyes of Men; than which, what can be more reasonable, and necessary? But now if we cast our Eyes upon the sottish, stupid, and unconcerned Behaviour of the greatest part of People in Country Congregations, they do not only most shamefully sit down all the time of Prayer, but for any appearance of Devotion we can perceive, are as little concerned at the Divine Offices then performed, as the Stones they tread on, to the exceeding great Offence and Disturbance of all Pious and Devout Minds. But this scandalous Blemish in public Assemblies, I can speak it by experience, would be soon removed, should every Minister have a choice Society of twenty or thirty young Disciples in his Parish, well instructed, as in the Principles of Christianity, so in the use of their Common-Prayer-Book; for this little Leaven would soon season the whole Lump. And the whole Congregation would be so far reduced by the Solemnity and Regularity of those Persons Devotions, as at least-wise not to affront God as they do, in the service they pretend to pay him; but would indeed be quickened by that Life there is in our Offices, when the Responses are solemnly, and universally made by the people, so as they would begin to feel some sparks of Devotion glowing in their own Breasts, derived from the Neighbouring flamme so ardently burning in the hearts of others. And indeed the Minister, who shall be able to form out of the Youth of his Parish, such a Society as we are now speaking of, need never want company at a Monthly, or at more frequent Sacraments. He would also have a number of excellent Spirits dispersed amongst the several Families of his Parish, by whom he might easily revive Family-Devotion, so universally and shamefully now neglected and disused, these being, as it were, his Lay-Assistants to perform that part of Religion therein, according to his directions. Not to say, that so many serious persons being so sensibly benefited by his Instructions, and the pains he has taken with them, will be upon all occasions his Advocates against the obloquys and Detractions of those, who are always upon the wicked topic of reviling the Clergy for their Office-sake.  
Thus out of an earnest zeal to have the Parochial Clergy unanimously join in forming a sort of Religious Societies, out of all the Youth in their respective Cures, as the only means, I know, together with a Christian Institution in Schools, to save the next Generation, I have run out perhaps into too great a Length.  
But I hope not impertinently; for in truth, if both Parochial Ministers, and School-Masters shall unanimously join, first in training up the Youth under their respective Charges in the Principles of Christianity, and shall then take the next opportunity of an Episcopal Visitation, to bring them to be confirmed: This timely Instruction, and this early and solemn Engagement to God of Persons in their Youth; Of Persons, I say, well instructed in the Nature and Importance of their Baptismal Covenant, will, by the Divine Blessing secure so considerable a number of Persons, and many of them of the best Capacities, and Education, to the service of their Greator, as will in time out-number the Sons of Darkness, and stoutly repel the strong Efforts of Satan's Kingdom.  
In short, First, I am afraid it is too certain and too known a Truth; namely, that scarce any Age heretofore can equal the Impiety of the present. There have been indeed horrid Immoralities known in every Age; but in this the very fundamental Principles of all Religion, both natural and revealed, are attacked; and overborne by the Confederate Forces of Atheists, Deists, and Socinians.  
Secondly, The great Cause of looseness in Principles and Manners, is universally acknowledged to have been owing to the want of Catechetical Instructions in Schools, Families and Churches; through which neglect, the present Generation of men having been never well grounded in their Religion, are become an easy prey to Atheists and heretics.  
Thirdly, The only way therefore to train up a better Generation of men for the next Age, and thereby to avert the Judgments of Heaven from pouring down upon us, is universally in all Families, Schools, and Churches, to revive that ancient and necessary method of Instruction, viz. Catechetical Doctrine.  
Fourthly, And I take it, that there is not a more fundamental part of Catechetical Doctrine, and more principally requisite to have the Minds of all Youth, both in Schools and Families, prepossessed withal, than that wherein is delivered and explained, the general Nature of the Covenant of Grace; that Covenant we entered into with God in our Baptism: Because,  
First, In this Covenant are included all the Articles between God and Man; and consequently the sum and Substance of the Christian Religion.  
Secondly, Because a general view of the whole Body of Christianity being in a most natural and regular method delivered in the Doctrine of our Baptismal Covenant, those who shall be so instructed, will be able to Refer to their proper heads every Discourse they shall hereafter red, or hear, on any particular point, to the avoiding of confusion in their apprehensions of Divine Truths.  
Thirdly, And by this means, seeing at once the noble end of Christianity, and with what infinite Wisdom all the parts of it are adapted thereunto, they will be able, without farther Reading, to discern the reasonableness of the Christian Religion, to the preventing of all Infusions of Atheism and Deism. And,  
Lastly, The general Doctrine of the Covenant of Grace, will be also of singular advantage to all Novices; especially at this time, to be prepossessed withal, as it is an excellent Antidote against the two prevailing Heresies of this Age, Socinianism on the one hand, and Antinomianism on the other; the one the heresy of the Higher, the other of the more vulgar sort of men; a true state of the Covenant of Grace being alone sufficient to obviate, or overthrow, and that without disputing the wretched Principles of both.  
It is requisite indeed our Youth should not stop in the general Knowledge of the Nature, Terms, and Conditions of their Baptismal Covenant, but that they should proceed hereafter to a more through Understanding of each particular Article both of Faith and practise: But regularly they ought first to know the General Scheme of Christianity, and the Knowledge of this may be sufficient to fit them for Confirmation. And their more distinct Understanding of each particular in their Baptismal Covenant, whether Articles necessary to be believed, or Duties to be practised, must be that which shall fit, and qualify them for the farther Ratification, and frequent Renewing of the same Covenant in the Lord's Supper. When they shall have first learnt the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ, leaving them, they are to go on to Perfection.  
And now I am to entreat the Candour of my Reverend Brethren, that however I may be mistaken in the Practicableness of this Design, as it is made subservient to the Raising of Catechetical Libraries for the poorer Parochial Clergy, they would believe I sincerely intend the Good of Souls, and the Honour of my Function in all that is here proposed; that I am so pressing, as for Parochial Libraries in the Plantations, so in the poorer Cures here at home, is, because as in the former, I know no good a Clergy that are not able to furnish themselves with Books in going over, can do in a Country where none are to be bought when they are there; so in the latter, no manner of Service to Religion, but the greatest Contempt and Mischief must fall both upon it, and our Clergy, to have any of our Order utterly ignorant in their own Profession, especially in so learned and Inquisitive an Age as this.  
But when I propose to lay the Foundation of these Catechetical Libraries here at home, by the Sale of my own Book, this will need some Apology.  
That I propose my own, it is not so, but that I do with all Humility submit it to the judgement of my Superiors and Equals too, to accept it, or refuse it, and to substitute some other in its room, the Sale whereof may provide for the End proposed. But that it ought to be some Book upon the Subject of our Baptismal Covenant as fittest to be the Subject of a Christian Institution for Youth, and indeed for a Family-Book, with submission to better Judgments I must insist, and I have these Reasons to offer for it. 1. As before, I take the Covenant of Grace, or our Baptismal Covenant to comprise the whole of Christianity, even all that, than which, no Man, as a mere Christian, is necessitated to know more, and than which the meanest ought not to knowless. No Man in any civil Contract can perform his Bonds, without knowing the Conditions of the Obligation; no more can a Christian be supposed to perform his Covenant with God, without knowing the Nature, Terms, and Conditions of it. 2. It is absolutely necessary, that all Youth should comprehend the General Nature, Terms, and Conditions of their Baptismal Covenant before they go to be confirmed. 3. And all Persons whatsoever before they go to the Holy Sacrament, because in both these Ordinances they ratify their Vow with God. 4. And if in our Visitation of the Sick, the best Advice we can give to Persons in that Condition, in order to prepare them for Death, is to Examine themselves concerning their Failures, in all and every the Terms, and Conditions required on their part in their Baptismal Covenant. 5. And if at the Day of judgement the Process will turn upon this, and they will be justified, or condemned, according as they have performed, or not performed their Covenant with God, I know no Scheme of Divini●y so necessary for every private Christian to be M●●ter of, as this. And if moreover some suitable Devotions for Families shall be added at the End of such a Book, I know nothing may bid more fairly for a proper Family-Book, than one upon this Subject.  
It may seem indeed that the Matter treated of in a ●●●scourse of this Nature, may be above the Capaci●ies of Youth. And I would fain know what Gramm●r Institutions in other Sciences, are not so at first: But as often cunning of Rules, and Terms of Art by Children, lets gradually into their Minds that Knowledge, which will be useful to them all their Lives; so here with a Hundred part less Reading over a Book, they will become perfect Masters of the whole Scope of these Christian Elements. And as for grown Persons, as nothing is more familiar to them than the Notions about Covenants and Contracts, of signing, sealing, and of the Obligations resulting therefrom; so I am persuaded their Capacities will soonest reach that Scheme of Christianity, which is delivered in those Forms, and under those Terms. And therefore, in compliance with the General Apprehensions of Men, it is to be supposed, that the Holy Spirit does all along represent the Transactions between God and Man in the way of Covenant.  
It is not indeed to be expected, that a Discourse of this Nature should descend to all the particular, and subdivided Terms of the Covenant, whether Articles necessary to be believed, or Duties to be practised. No Elementary Institution of any Kind does that. But in a Discourse upon the General Doctrine of the Covenant betwixt God and Man, entered into in our Baptism, are laid down those great stroke of Christianity, which are to be filled up afterwards by more particular Explications. And here the whole Scheme of saving Truths is to be laid down in an orderly Method, so that every Hearer of the Word of God may be able to refer what he shall at any Time hear or red in a desultory Manner to its proper Head; for want of which Skill, Christianity( though the most rational System of Verities in the World) seems to many to be a mere Huddle of Incoherent Principles, and Practices, whose End they know not, nor how wisely every thing in it is adapted to carry on that Noble End.  
In short, as more Zeal for the Service of Christ's Church, has excited me to leave no ston unturned, to procure Parochial Libraries for our Protestant Missionaries into the Plantation●, and I thank God with a tolerable good Success; so the same Passion for the Honour and Service of my Mother the Church, and the Poorer of my Brethren here at Home, has emboldened me to attempt the like Design in their behalf; in which I hope I shall meet with Candour at least, if not with all the Success I could wish, from those to whom I have herein addressed.  
FINIS.