A Short Summary of the Whole Catechism: A New Translation - Introduction

What follows is Part 1 of the Reformer John Craig's foundational Scottish catechism written in the mid-15th Century.  Due to its old English, I am offering a more up to date "translation" that makes it more readable.  However, its not perfect and some of the words have not yet been changed.  This remains a work in progress.  Here is the first part:

Do not marvel (gentle reader) that I allege no authority of the Scriptures nor fathers, for the confirmation of this doctrine, seeing my purpose is not so much to instruct our profane Atheists and Apostates, as to put our brethren in memory of that doctrine, which they daily hear confirmed (in our ordinary teaching) by the Scriptures and consent of the godly Fathers.

Always if either the brethren, or other would have further confirmation of this doctrine, let them read the Institutes [of the Christian Religion] of M. John Calvin, and other godly men, who have written abundantly for the defense of this doctrine, according to the Scriptures of God.  I doubt not but good men, and Such as are persuaded of the truth, will take this mine excuse in the best part, and give thanks to God for my labor, taken for their comfort.  But as for the godless band of Atheists and Apostates whom God has ordained to destruction, I care not what they shall judge of this my simple writing, and pains taken for the instruction of the ignorant, I would marvel greatly of the success of our doctrine, which is not impugned & pursued by men, to the fight of the world (of great estimation & judgment,) if the same had come to pass to the Prophets and Apostles in their age, whose doctrine and religion was most falsely impugned, and cruelly persecuted by the sons of perdition.  Of this we are forewarned by the Apostles, that men, after the witnessing of the truth, shall depart to their vomit again, and become traitors and persecutors of Gods truth, which they professed afore with us.  When we see this fiery trial, and fearful judgement in the Church, let us examine our selves now, and call to God for constancy in the truth, and praise his justice, in the blinding of those that in so great a light, willingly & maliciously delight in darkness, and blaspheme the way of righteousness.  Of this sort are fundry of our nation, whose blasphemous writings come daily to our hands, to the trial of our faith and constancy, to the further blinding of the reprobate, and their great condemnation in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  To whom with the Father and the holy Spirit, be all honor and praise eternally.  Amen.


For more:
Theology - An Introduction of the Life and Works of Scottish Reformation John Craig - Part 1