18 LIFE OF BENJAMIN SILLIMAN. 



a very able summary, and may be read with advantage by 

 mature minds ; but it is not easy for children to compre- 

 hend the doctrines or to master the language. Still it 

 should not be discarded ; it has been an important educa- 

 tor, although all its views are not adopted in this age. It 

 is also an interesting historical document, illustrating the 

 religious character of the century that succeeded next after 

 that of the Reformation. On Sabbath afternoon, the pub- 

 lic service being concluded, we, my brother and myself, 

 with the younger servants who were negroes, the chil- 

 dren of the older servants, stood up in a line, and recited 

 as much as we could of the catechism ; (the Assembly's was 

 the one that we generally rehearsed.) With the plainer 

 parts we did tolerably well, and could repeat the com- 

 mandments ; but we found it difficult to remember, and 

 perhaps still more difficult to understand, the complex illus- 

 trations of the commandments. I well recollect the rest- 

 lessness of the colored children, and all were glad when 

 this exercise was finished. Still, an impression of solemnity 

 was left on the mind, and I find that catechism still deeply 

 lodged in my memory and engraven in my religious tem- 

 perament. 



The writings of that excellent Christian instructor and 

 charming poet, Dr. Watts, were ever delightful to my 

 brother and myself. His catechism, both the longer and the 

 shorter, were quite intelligible to our young minds, and to 

 recite them was a pleasant employment. There was also 

 in them a kindness and gentleness that attracted us ; they 

 seemed like the voice of an affectionate Christian parent, 

 or of the Saviour himself. The hymns for children were 

 lovely ; some of them remain among the permanent stores 

 of my memory, and ever bring up to my mind refreshing 

 visions of the days of childhood. 



"How doth the little busy bee 



Improve each shining hour, 



And gather honey all the day 



From ever}- opening flower. 



