The first principles of the oracles of God collected by Thomas Shephard ...

TO THE CHRISTIAN READER:

IT is no disparagement at all for this wise Ma∣ster-Builder, to labour sometimes by the Ham∣mer * 1.1 of the VVord, to fasten these nailes of Truth in a sure place, even in the heads and hearts of In∣fant-Christians.

Neither is it below the highest Scholar in Christs School, to hold fast the form of wholesome words. * 1.2

The great Apostle himselfe, (who was wrapt up into the third Heaven) although he had received a Commission of Christ his Master to make Disciples, yet he was a Disciple still; for he not only Catechi∣sed others, but learned, and that again, and again, The first Principles of the Oracles of God, which are called The Mysteries of the Kingdome of Hea∣ven, * 1.3 and the depths of God: that is, in plain English, those Doctrinall Truths, which are truly fundamentall, and absolutely necessary unto salva∣tion;

that wee may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gain-sayers; and be ready alwaies to give an answer to every man * 1.4 that asketh us a reason of the hope that is in us.

Thus heartily beseeching thee, in the name of Christ, to search the Scriptures, and to give thy self continually to prayer, and the Ministery of the Word, that you may grow in Grace, and in * 1.5 the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; I now commend you to God, and to the Word of his Grace, which is able to build you * 1.6 up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are Sanctified. So be it.

Friend, I am thine, if thou doest love the Truth, and our Lord Iesus Christ in sincerity.

VVILLIAM ADDERLEY.

Dated, From Charter-house in London, February, 1. 1647.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Mr. Thomas Shepheard of New-England.
• * 1.2

  2 Tim. 1. 13.
• * 1.3

  Heb. 5. 12. Mat. 13. 11. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 1 Cor. 2. 10.
• * 1.4

  Tit. 1. 2. 1 Pet. 1. 15.
• * 1.5

  Joh. 5. 39. Act. 6. 4.
• * 1.6

  2 Pet. 3. 8. Act. 20. 32.