Further Directions About Catechising
1. Let it be a constant rule, when you mre settled, to expound the Assembly’s Catechism one part of the year, before sermon in the afternoon.
§ 2. Select a set of children that will answer the questions correctly and audibly. — Promise them that if they constantly attend, and take great care to repeat their catechism well, they shall have a book given them as a reward at the end of every season of catechising.
3. Take care to have in readiness some good remarks, that you may have something to say worth hearing. Get an interleaved catechism, and when any good thought or expression occurs to youiimiud in private, make a memorandum of it there.
§ 4. Have something here for the benefit of those who are advanced in years, and make some application to them. — These exercises tvill instruct the ignorant, and teach parents how to catechise their children. — *Never forget to desire parents to enlarge upon some particular points of importapce, when they go home.
.5. Be very careful that you do not confound the children. — Seldom reprore them publicly if they do not answer rights but re* member to talk with them in private. — Let them know it is an honour you have done them, to choose them oat of their companions, and exhort them to be careful to preserve it.
§ 6. Engage the assistance of others, — especially the assistance of friends in buying books. There will be some considerable expense, as I advise that books be given to all, — the children of the rich as well as the poor — lest the distinction should appear invidious.
7. For this purpose endeavour to be acquainted with gentlemen who are trustees for the useful charities of giving books; or who themselves contribute towards them. -Get some exhibition from the church stock, or prevail on some of your friends to contribute towards buying books, — Grudge not something handsome yourselves, if you can afford it, to promote so good a cause; — it may in many respects prove advantageous.
8. Urge parents to assist in carrying ou this work. Often mention this in the pulpit as part of their charge.’ Advise them to make this their business, especially on the Lord’s-, day evening. — Recommend it also to parents in private, and see that they are furnished with proper books, and when you visit families where there are children, catechise thein before their parents. — This will fill up the time well; will teach such parents how they are to conduct the exercise, and will- engage the affections of both parents and children.