I hope I need not make any apology for adding the Scriptures; this will be acceptable to everyone who values them. Besides, this will acquaint children betimes with their Bibles, and teach them that their religion is derived from that sacred book as the fountain of it. * * * * * * If any should condemn the whole of this undertaking as paying too great a regard to human composures, I can assure them that I have long since learned to call no man master upon earth. I have not attempted to explain the doctrines contained in this Catechism because it was composed by that learned body of men, the assembly of divines, but because I verily believe that for the substance of them they are agreeable to the word of God. I was early instructed in them, and have now reviewed them with some attention and care, lest the prejudices of education should have been the principal reason of my adherence to them; and after the most impartial search, I cannot discover anything so absurd and inconsistent in this scheme of religion as some have represented: and I hope I may be allowed the liberty of judging for myself. I am fully convinced of the usefulness of public catechising, by more than twenty years' experience. I have seen the good effects of it, and purpose to allow it a share in my public labours while God continues life and a capacity for service; and if any of my worthy brethren shall make use of this weak performance, I heartily wish that the divine blessing may attend their endeavours to promote real religion and practical godliness. D. S. As a specimen of the method he adopted, we present to the reader the short section "of assurance and other blessings." _Q._ What are the benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification? _A._ The benefits which do either accompany or flow from justification, adoption, and sanctification, are assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end.