We may, 1. Every preacher, take an exact catalogue of those in society, from one end of each town to the other. 2. Go to each house, and give, with suitable exhortation and direction, the “instructions for children.” 3. Be sure to deal gently with them, and take off all discouragements as effectually as you can. See that the children get these by heart. Advise the grown persons to see that they understand them. And enlarge upon and apply every sentence as closely as you can. And let your dealing with those you begin with, be so gentle, winning and convincing, that the report of it, may move others to desire your coming. True, it is far easier to preach a good sermon, than to instruct the ignorant in the principles of religion. And as much as this work is despised by some, I doubt not but it will try the parts and spirits of us all. So archbishop _Usher_; “Great scholars may think it beneath them to spend their time in teaching the first principles of the doctrine of Christ. But they should consider, that the laying the foundation skilfully, as it is matter of the greatest importance in the whole building, so it is the master-piece of the wisest builder: _according to the grace of God, which is given unto me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation_, saith the great apostle. And let the wisest of us all try whenever we please, we shall find, that to lay this ground-work rightly, to make an ignorant man understand the grounds of religion, will put us to the ♦trial of our skill.” ♦ “trail” replaced with “trial” Perhaps in doing this, it may be well, 1. After a few loving words spoken to all in the house, to take each person singly into another room, where you may deal closely with them, about their sin and misery and duty. Set these home, or you lose all your labour. At least let none be present but those who are quite familiar with each other. 2. Hear what the children have learned by heart. 3. Choose some of the weightiest points, and try by farther questions how they understand them. As, “do you believe you have sin in you? That you was born in sin? What does sin deserve? What remedy has God provided for guilty, helpless sinners?” 4. Often with the question, suggest the answer. As, “What is repentance?” Sorrow for sin, or a conviction that we are guilty, helpless sinners? “What is faith?” A divine conviction of things not seen?