Advertisement. THE writer of the following Lectures is desirous of stating that he has been induced to publish them, chiefly with the hope that they may be instrumental, in some little degree, in drawing the attention of the Clergy, more especially of the smaller parishes in rural districts, to the practice and mode of catechising, as enjoined by the Church of England. He does not wish to enlarge upon the advantages and good results of the system. It is well known that it has been recommended at various times by several of the most excellent Bishops of our Church. But he would add his humble testimony to the many benefits arising from it; the experience of nearly three years inclines him to believe that the practice is advantageous to all the members of the congregation present, and more instructive to them than a second sermon. Doctrines may be explained, duties enforced, and passages illustrated in more simple and familiar, and yet becoming language, than can possibly be done in a discourse from the pulpit. In reference to the Lectures themselves, the Writer does not pretend to have given any new explanation of any part of the Catechism. They were rather intended to illustrate than explain; as that part was generally effected in the previous examination of the children. He has referred to the writings of Archbishops Leighton and Wake, Bishops Beveridge, Ken, Nicholson, Pearson, Jeremy Taylor, Dr. Isaac Barrow and other Authors, and has not hesitated to borrow from them whatever seemed likely to prove useful in the work of simple instruction. He has not thought it necessary to prefix any questions to the several Lectures, as many little works containing questions and answers upon the Catechism have already been published; and such an addition would have enlarged the size of the volume beyond its intended limits. One other remark he would add. It perhaps may occur to some in reading the Lectures, that the occasional reference to the doctrines and ways of the Church of Rome is unnecessary. He would therefore state, that he was induced to point out, as opportunity offered, the corruptions of that unhappy Church, because the only Dissenters in his parish are members of it. A. O. F. G. Fledborough Rectory, |