Agreeably to these principles and reflections, I am desirous of recommending such plain, perspicuous, and sound works, as comprehend every thing relating to the elements, doctrines, and practice of christianity; and such as may not be difficult, or attended with great expence, in the procuring.
1. The TEN COMMANDMENTS; _and the 5th, 6th, and 7th Chapters of the Gospel, according to St. Matthew_. These important parts of holy writ contain a fund of the most excellent and essential doctrines for a christian to know and practice; the primitive christians used to commit them to memory, and instruct their children in the application of them.[8]
[8] Perhaps it may be advisable to have them printed separately, in large striking letters, so as to be impressed stronger on the child's imagination.
The following production may be worth obtaining; "AN ABSTRACT _of the Historical Part of the Old Testament, with References to other Parts of the Scripture, especially to the New Testament_;" which are placed at length in an opposite column. London: printed by W. Bowyer, 1730, 8vo. This is a very useful, though not generally known, publication. If it has not been reprinted, it is now probably scarce.
The work is "inscribed to the founders, benefactors, and trustees, of the charity schools." It was composed by that learned printer, Mr. Bowyer; and the introduction, written by way of preface, bears strong marks of the piety and talents of its author. It is followed by a "Translation of a Letter from the Earl of Mirandola and Concordia, to his nephew, then an officer in the army of the Emperor Charles V." This letter, which is too long to extract, is serious and impressive; and such as does great honour to the religious principles, and sound sense of the writer.
2. Dr. DODDRIDGE'S _Three Sermons on the Evidences of Christianity_, separately published, from the particular superintendance and recommendation of the present Bishop of London. It is an useful tract, and is sold very cheap.
3. The (present) BISHOP OF LONDON'S _Summary of the Evidences of Christianity, &c._ which may be considered one of the most useful, and perspicuous treatises extant; it is very cheap.
4. Mr. ADDISON'S _Treatise on the same_. This (which should properly have been first noticed) is a beautiful and masterly dissertation, and worthy of the celebrity of its pious and elegant author.