Spiritual Milk for Boston Babes
Spiritual Milk for Boston Babes is a children's catechism by the minister John Cotton. The 1656 catechism is the first known children's book published in America. Content Cotton's catechism consisted of fifteen pages of 64 questions and answers relating to teachings of Puritanism and the Church. It discussed morals, manners, religious life, the ten commandments, and the last judgment. In the seventeenth century, many English catechisms had over 100 questions and answers for the student of Christianity to remember. The 64 questions and answers in Cotton's catechism made reference to 203 passages from the Old and the New Testaments. "Spiritual Milk for Boston Babes" and other similar catechisms encapsulate for children the good news of Jesus Christ. "Spiritual Milk" is a witness to the transformative work of Jesus and an encouragement to trust in the redeeming work of God. Versions Cotton's catechism was originally printed in London in 1646. The full title in Great Britain was Milk for Babes. Drawn out of the Breasts of Both Testaments. Chiefly, for the Spiritually Nourishment of Boston Babes in Either England: But May Be of Like Use for Any Children. It was printed in London, England, by J. Coe for bookseller Henry Overton.