Spiritual Milk for Boston Babes facts for kids
Spiritual Milk for Boston Babes is a special children's book. It was written by a minister named John Cotton. This book is a type of catechism, which means it teaches religious lessons through questions and answers. The version printed in 1656 is important because it was the first known children's book ever published in America!
What's Inside the Book?
John Cotton's book had 15 pages. It contained 64 questions and answers. These questions and answers taught about the beliefs of Puritanism and the Church. The book talked about good behavior, manners, and how to live a religious life. It also covered the Ten Commandments and the idea of the Last Judgment.
In the 1600s, many English catechisms were very long. They often had more than 100 questions for students to learn. Cotton's book was shorter with its 64 questions. Each answer in "Spiritual Milk" referred to parts of the Bible. It mentioned 203 passages from the Old and New Testaments. This book, like others, helped teach children about the Christian faith. It encouraged them to trust in God.
Different Versions of the Book
John Cotton's book was first printed in London in 1646. Its full title there 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 by J. Coe for a bookseller named Henry Overton. People often called this first version simply Milk for Babes.
The American version had a slightly different, longer title. It was called Spiritual Milk for Boston Babes in Either England. Drawn out of the Breasts of Both Testaments for Their Souls Nourishment but May Be of Like Use to Any Children. By John Cotton, B.D. late Teacher to the Church of Boston in New England. Cambridge. Printed by S. G. for Hezekiah Usher at Boston in New England, 1656. This version was printed in 1656 by Samuel Green in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He printed it for a bookseller named Hezekiah Usher. The book was a small octavo size.
This book was very popular! It stayed in print in both England and New England for about 200 years. We know of at least eight different editions that were printed just in the 1600s.
How the Book Was Remembered
Spiritual Milk for Boston Babes became a part of another very famous book. In the mid-1700s, it was included in The New England Primer. It remained popular in this new book until the mid-1800s. Because it was so important, Spiritual Milk for Boston Babes was often called "The Catechism of New England."
