An 1813 edition of "A Christian Catechism" by "Paul Henkel, Minister of the Gospel" was given to me minutes ago by a friend. (Years ago he was a student in a Heidelberg Catechism class I taught; he found the book today in a box while renovating an old house).

Would anyone be able to tell me anything about this catechism? I am hesitant to begin reading it through since it is in extremely fragile condition. The only page I dare read at the moment, the first, has the beginning of an author's note:
Quote
ADDRESS--To All Christian Parents

Dear Friends!

Here you have a little book called the Christian Catechism, because it is intended for the instruction of your children, in the knowledge of the Christian Religion. You will find none but common, plain and familiar language therein, to express the contents of this work; in order that it may so much the better be understood by weak capacities.

You find here the form and plan of Luther's Shorter Catechism, yet not in all points; neither is what you find here a correct translation of said Catechism, yet containing the same doctrine. You find as much thereof retained here as was thought necessary to assist in completing this little system of doctrine, intended for an introduction to the knowledge of the Christian Religion.

It is designed for all Christian Professors, who may desire to have their children instructed in the word of God. And as it...

Where does he go from here? Is he describing simply a sort of Americanised paraphrase of the original, or are there intentional doctrinal omissions, as in "yet not in all points". If so, was it considered sub-orthodox at the time, or was it in standard usage in parts of America?

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can give!

In Christ,
Paul S