n Qi a I^^ O^ ^£^:. O^^^ »ii' Tin: AT PRINCETON, N. J. x> cj :v --vT I o :v cj !•- N SAMUEL AGNEW, OF PHILADELPHIA, PA. q4^o 2 '^^^^^'^^'5^ec^5>a?<^^se<^^aa<^^e.^T (■ Booh, ...^ _ |! % B TWO ^' ^ >'■' '-*~™ SERMONS ON FAMILY PRAYER, WITH EXTRACTS FROM VARIOUS AUTHORS; AND A Collectton of 3^raper0, SELECTED AND COMPILED BY THE HON. AND REV. CHARLES STEWART, A. M. Minister of St. Annand, Lower Canada, and Chaplain to the ^ Lprd Bishop of Quebec. Take ye heed, watch and pray. mark xiii. 55. I say unto you, that if two of you shall ap^ree on earth as touching anT thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father whicu is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. matt, xviii. 19, 20. , Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watch( ing thereunto with all perierverance, and supplication for all saints. EPIl. Vl 18. £59ontrraI: f>ilINTED BY NAHUM MOWEE^ 1814v CONTENTS. Letter to the Episcopal Congregations in St. Armand, • 9 Two StM-n)ons on Fuiiiily Prayer, - - - - 12 An Extract from a Sctrmon by Archbishop Tillitson, on t)ie Efficacy of Prayer, 43 On tlie duty of Pui)Iic, raiiiily, and Private Prayer, - 46 An Exhortation to Prayer, - - - - - 51 A serious Exhortation to the great duty of Family Prayer, 55 On Forms of Prayer and the excellence of the Liturgy, 59^ On t!i3 duty of Kneeling during the performance of Prayer 67 Three Canons of tlie Church enjoining attention to Di- vine Service, enacted in the reign of James the 1st. 69 Hed'tations and Ejaculations tobe used on going to church 70 An Extract from the Whole Duty of Man, shewing that it in every man's power to take that care of his soul which the Gospel requires, - - - =» YS Extracts from Mi', Nelsons Practice of True Devotion* On Fervencj' of Spirit, p - - . , *j/^ On improving the Means of Religion, , - • 79* On reading the Holy Scriptures, - - - - 81 On the danger of neglecting to receive the Holy Com- munion, -------. 8^f An Exhortation to Family Prayer, by Bishop Gibson, 8I» Extracts Jrom Bishop Wihons Parochicdiay or Instructions i9 the Clergy. Concerning Family Prayer, - - • . . 92 Admonition proper for Parents, • - - - 941 Instructions proper for Young People, - - - 95 On Worldly-Mindedness, ----- 99 Bxtradsfrom the Knoidedge and Practice of Christianifj/p by Bishop Wilson* A seasonable Instruction on Prayer, ... 10} The Duty and Benefit of Morning Prayer for any person in private, -------- 103 A Morning Prayer, --..--- ib. The Duty and benefit of Evening Prayer for a person in pris'ate, - • - - • - • •10'^' Ajl Evening Prayer, • . ir » » - Kj^ PAGf. Mommg Prayer for a Tamil 3% • « 4 • - 10(5 l^iaeiitsibr ChiUlrcn, ---.-, 108 Evening Prayer for a Family - - . * . ib. Select Scriptures, and Meditations upon them, which may teach us how to profit by reading tlTb Scriptures - 110 A short and necessary Instruction for the Lord's day in the Morning, - - Ill A short Prayer at your coming into church, • - 112 A short Prayer before you leave the church, - - 113 A Prayer for Sunday Morning - - - , ih. A plain and useful instruction for Sunday Evening, - 11 ^ji A prayer for Sunday Evening, - - . - 115 A short Admonition to all, and especialy to Masters of Families - - -116 Grace before our Meals, and Grace after our Meals, 117 ^xtraets Jrom Sir James Stonhou.se s Spiritual Directions for the Uninstructed Directions concerning Prayer, - - • - - 113 Sudden or Ejacuktory Prayer explained, - - ib- Solemn Prayer explained, - - - - -119 Inward Affections and outward Gestures while Praying, ib. On Rising Early, 120 A Prayer for the Morning, - , - - - - ib. Behaviour after Morning Prayer, - - - - 122 How to perform Evening Devotions, - - - ib. A PrByer for the Evening, - - - - - 123 Order and Method in Praying, - - • - 124« On the duty of saying Grace, - - - - 125 Forms of Grace before and after Meals, - - . 126 A Prayer for a Child, 127 Benefits of Family Prayer, ----- ib. ,__.«««- of intercession, - » - - - 128 t)iiijction3 concerning our Conversation, - • - 129 Hints for Conversation with the AiHicted - - ib. O'l the Influence and Regulation of it, - - , , - ib* How to discourse on God, our Neighbour, and Ourselves, 130 JLe.nirks on points of Controversy, and our Charity towards all Denominations of Christians,- - « 131 AN OFFICE OF HUMILIATION. OF SELF-EXAMINATION, X Fr^tyer before Self-Examination^ * - * lilt PAQF. Motives to Exarninatlon, together with soms Rules to be observed therein, - - - - - -135 Heads of Examination, ----- lb'9 A Prayer consisting of Confession of sins, and i?iiploring Parcl4)n and Grace, which may be used in our pi-epara- tion for the Sacrament, or at any other tlnie of cxtra- , ordinary devotion. ------ 141 Some short Prayers proper to be used for the enforcing our Holy Resolutions;, and for the assistance of God's grace to enabk^ us to perforin them, - - - 144, \ Concluding Prayer, 145 Another Prayer to be used before Sdf-Examination, - ib The Convinced Si uier,s Prayer, - - - - ll*> A Prayer to be used by one newly awakened to a sense of the Divine Life, 14& A prayer for Abstinence and Mortification during Lent, or any other season of particular Humiliation, - 150- AN OFFICE FOR CONFIRMATION, On the Rite of Cannrniation, - - - - 151 A Prayer to be use d by a Minister or F .rent, or any In- structor preparing' young persons foe C)iifirrnation, l^^ A Prayer to be urett" by any person perepariiig for Con- firmation, - - - * - - - 154* A Prayer after Confirmation, - - - - - 155 Anotb jr Prayer after Confirmation, - - - 1515 An Exhortation to perseverance iu the faithful discharge of our Christian Vows, - - - - - 157 AN OFFICE FOIl THE HOLY COMMUNION. A Discourse on the Nature of the Holy Communion, 1.59 Advice and Direction aiiont receiving it, - - - IQI A Prayer to God tnit he would be pleased to assist and accept our preparation to receive the Holy Sacrament, 162 Oil Examining ourselves before we receive k, - • 163 A Prayer before Seif-Examination, - - - 155 J3rief Head*: of Sell-Examination on each Commandment, IGS A penitential Confession of sins, wilh an humble supplica- tion for Mercy and Forgiveness, - - - 168 An Act of Contrition, ------ ib. A Resolution to lead a New Life, - - - 169 A Prayer for Faltii in GoJV Mercy through Clmst, - ib. Another form of SeltVEx>»n!ination, - - • 170 A Prayer to be ustu after Examination • • • 171 IV '♦»«« 1 j^A prenaratory r»fedItation to bring the Mind Into a Seri- ous Frame, - - - - -- - 171 A Prayer to be used before receiving the Holy Sacrament, 17^ Another Prayer before receiving, - - - - 175 Ejacuhitions before receiving, - - - - 17^5r and Meditations to be n?ed at any time, but particularly after the consecration of the Elements, ib. prayers at receiving, ------ 179 Kjaeulations and Elevations of the Soul after receivirvg, 180 A Prayer wlien the Connnunion Service is ended, - 181 — to be used after receiving tiie Holy Counniinion, 192" in private after receiving the Holy Comnumion, ib< — — iii our retirement alter receiving the Holy Sa- crament, 183 Brief Rules for preparation for the Holy Communion, and Behaviour both at and after it : with short Pray- ers and Meditations suitable to that occaision^ - 184 AN OFFICE FOR THE SICK. Frayers from Dr. Paley's Clergyman's Companion in Viaiting ths Sick. Prayers for the Sick, - - - • - - 191 A Prayer for Thankfulness in Sickness - - - 192 " for a Blessing on the Means used for a Sick Person's Recovery, - - - - - - ib. A Prayer for the grace of Patience, - - - 1 JjS * for a person who hath been a Notorious Wick- ed Liver, -------- IIj. A Prayer for a Sick Woman with Child, - - 194- * — for Grace and Assistance for a Woman after Delivery, but stil in Danger, - - - - 19i Forms of reconmiending the Soul to God, in her Depar- ture from the Body, - - -- - - 196 A Prayer which may be used with the Friends or Rela- tions of the Deceased, - - - - - 197 >A Prayer for a Person wlio is Afflicted with Grievous Pains in his Body, - - - - - - 193 A Prayer for a Person in a Consumption or any Linger- ing Disease, - - - - - •• -199 jk Prayer for one under Fears and Doubts concerning his Spiritual Condition, oy under perplexing Thoughts and Scruples about his Duty, - - - . 200 A Prayer for Natural FooL^, or Madmen - - - ib. •^ to be used on thii Death of a Friend, • 201 ^ wm of preparation for Deiijh, - • - "- It- y. PRAYERS FRO?vI DIFFERENT AUTHORS. Al*ravcrto be Tij;;'d diin'-io- Sickness, - - 202 1.. - to hf.'. viis.hI iiltc'* ri c(;v('ry, - - . 203 A siK)rt Priiyor to he \ispd by tlio Sick Person himself, ib« A Prnver to be used bv any Friend in behalf of a Sick or A.Tlicted Person, " - "' 204- A IV lyer to be used by any one or more in a Family in t!if i^resencj of a Sick person ; ^vhich may be also us- ed by a person in private, in behalf of Sick FViends ; and may bo added to die Morning and Evening Pray- ers in the Family, - - - . - - ib, A Prayer for i. person under any grievous Pains, - 20^ A short Prav jr to be used by u JSiek person when he takes Physio, " - - - 20G A Prayer to be used by a Sick persjn before the taking of Physic, _.---,-. ih. Another Prayer to be used at taking Physic, - - 207 A Prayer to be frequently used by a Woman with Child, ib.. for a woman drawing near the time of her Travail, 208 • for a Woman in Travail, to be used by her FViends, - - - - - . . _ 209 A Thanksgiving after a safe Delivery, - - . ib, , to be used by a Womsn after her safe Delivery, when she is able. ----- 2iO A Prayer to be used by a Woman after her safe Delivery, 212 An Admonition to those who are recovered from Si'cknes«, 213 A Thanksgiving after recovery from Sickness, - 217 . lor recovery from Sickness, or an escape from Danger,- -----._ i|[j^ Prayers to be used by Sick or Dying persons for trusting (iod with their Wives and ChikU'en, - - 218 A Prayer for a Dying Man, past Hope of Recovery, - 219 to be used by a person at the Hour of Death, 220 FAMILY PRAYERS FOR THE LORD'S DAY, AND FOR ANY OTHER DAY IN THE WEEK, 221 PRAYERS FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATE, FOR THE LORDS DAY, AND FOR ANY OTHER DAY IN THE WEEK, 25^ PRAYERS FOR YOUNG PERSONS AND SER- VANTS, .*,,•,. 28^ ?RAYERS FOR VARIOUS OCCASION^. A Prayer for the Devout Observance oCthe Lord's Day, 291 , for the Kight Oiys.rvi.!u:e of I-Ioljdays, - 'on^'^:.ctor ^ - ib. to be used by Piu tntb lor their Children, - 327 A Prayer to be ueed by one entrusted witfc ihc Kdueatlon of Children. ....... g^S ^ Chijd'f Prayer for better Abih'tv td pray, .^ . 330 A Prayer that may be used for ana with Prisoneri, • ib. ^ that may be uaed with condemned Prisoners by i those who yisit tliem, - , - - • 33^ A Prayer for imprisoned IJebtors, - . - . ^$^ q|. Prayer to be used by Debtors and all Pergons Obliged by Contract or otherwise, .... - 334, A^rayer to be used by a Prisoner for Debt, - • S3fi — — before a Journey, - ... - 335 Two Prayers before a Journey, and two Thanksgivings af- . ter a Journey, .--... . 337 • against Covctousness. • - - - S6l *»,.—. .^ for Chastity, - ;• ^ ^ 0t (b VUl * Ji,tftiy(rt^oY .Submission to the Will of God, aijd for Coutt^nrmcnt, . - - - • - 363 A Prayer for Charity, - • - - ; - - 365 A Devout Prayer that may be used at any tinie, - 3^ A short Prayer that may be used before you read the Bible, walk out, &c, - - - - - - 368 A Pra} er that may be used before going to Church or in - the Church, - ... ... S70. A T' ay tr after Dirine Service, - " " • ^"^^ .y.^^L} ers before cuid after Divine Service, • • ib. Graces before and alter Meals, - - - • 372 Ejaculations and. Passages taken out of the Holy Scripture*, to be used on several Occasions, - . « 373 .An Alphabetical Table of the Weekly. Collects in the Book of Common Prayer, reduced un^cJer proper heads, 380 An Alphabetical Table shewing where to find Psalms . suited to particular Subiects and Occasions, • 38^ -'.rhe.eight.^lJeat;i.tmles,.A*,* V ,. . - 3^^ V OTe reader is requested to r«>rect l'it-/oh'.)Uhtf^ ERRATA. 10 LIn(!: twelve, erase Ibtufive. Line nine, from the bottom, for;))-.!?'.* raaJ iiupi'.,)vc. 11 Line eleven, for as read and. 14 Line twenty, after leant insert a comma. 17 Line first, for their read tliciu, and after thorn Insert a fuLl stQ|y 21 Line nine, from the bottom, after spiritual insert life and. ^ 40 Line fiifteen, erase the full stop after purpose. Last line read Hebrews before ColcKsians. 57 I-ast line for xxiii read xxviii. CO Line thirty, after wai insert not. Si Line thirteen, after spirit insert I will pray wltli the undsrstitJl^* ing also. 05 Line eight, for through read thoiif h. Line fourteen, for other read others. C9 Line five, from the bottom, for wz/read coif. 100 Last line read Luke xiv. Ill Line four, read Luke li. 119 line eight, frum the bottom, for 25 read 52. 128 Line two, io^de read relief. Line five, for ^?m read us. 139 Line twelve, after though insert th?re may be some k'l^i. 1 46 Line twenty, three for me read man. 175 Line fourteen, for saviour read savour. 189 line eleven, from the bottom, after here insert aiitS 202 Line iiinc, from the bottom, for mj/ read ail. S25 Line thirteen for and read of. 232 Line fitst, for jrraise read please. 237 Line thirteen, for under read in, 2^0 Line six, erase and. Line eight, ior the read thy. 382 Line five, from the bottom, for ziv. read txu 28.5 Line seven, from the bottom, for the read a, 298 Line seven, for condemn read contemn. 306 line six, from the bottom, erase Mnrning Prai/ers. 314 Line sixteen, from the bottom, read anew after ourstlves iufftfjtt of before commit. 315 Line sixteeni, for prnfrssiDn r?ad posrcssicn. 316 Line five, frv^m the bottom, for second J-ead s-ourtd. 319 Line five, erase i/i. ;T20 Line twelve, for thf/ read ■ny. 522 Line four, for sanciifcafion, read saf i-'-irllon. 340 Lmic twelve, from the bottom, for d-tnit read ^fid. 3i4 Line sixteen, from the bottom, for a read as. I'SO L'.ne fivp, froiri the bottom, f<>T -'xl'i re id fifth. 3?2 Line nine, for Convcrti^'n re.td Conversion. .^3 ].inc five, (or sacrrd re^i «'(-uo*'. Line thli teen, from the bottoin, f.-»r M^rrfY^ teid hyivHit^... 5S4 Line first, f ir 2 5 rr.^d ."55. I,^Ti€ nvdrc, for .lecialiy, they should all unite in acknowledging him, and praising him for redeeming them from evil and purchasing for them all good things in Earth and in Heaven. 'I he Apostle, after exhorting us faithfully to keep our Baptismal covemxant, says, " LeL us consider one another to provoke unto love, and to good works ; Not forsaking the assembling ourselves together, as tlie manner of some is, but exhorting one another."-]- This advice is as applicable * Jaiiics a--2. f lid rows. 1C~25. 14 to the duty of family prayer, as it is to that of joining ir; public worship. It is enjoined on us by the Apostle in sup« port of patience and perseverance in our duty j and it is of- fered to us in the passage, in which he particularly cautions us against drawing back to perdition. Family prayer is cer- tainly an excellent means to prevent those who join in it, from falling from their love and duty to God, and to one another ; and it is a great help towards strengthening their faith to the saving or their souls. It will assist them in every respect, in pressing forward toward the mark of the prize of the high caUing of God in Jesus Christ, and there- fore also in drawing near v/ith faith and taking the Holy Sacrament to their comfort. This ought to be received by all the faithful in the Lord. It is the memorial of his death, and of all the benefits which we receive thereby. It is the highest act of devotion, and the most blessed Communion, of Saints with Christ, and with one another, in which we can join on Earth. It ought therefore particularly to be prepared for, by all who partake of it ; and as all men ought to be preparing for it, at least all the members of every fa- mily should join together in this important work of prayer, »nd especially they who communicate together. The Head and Father of a family should call his house together, and direct and lead them in the way of holiness. He should do this with more earnestness and attention than fhaf which he applies to any other object, pursuaded that none other is equally important. In this way he will- show his sincerity in pursuing it ; and he will persuade those around him to press towards the same mark. "With- out his good example, his best precepts v/ill not be attended to. He should instruct his Children in the way of righteous-; ness, and train them up in the nurture and admonition, ox the Lord ; and this nurture and cultivatlonof p« od in thera will be Sest promoted by their cultivating spiritual things, together, praying together, and worsliipping together, in one communion and service. Praying together with him for grace to follow that which is good, and to avoid and escape evil -, will teach them their duty and she v/ them tlieir best interests *, and daily seeking to God and the rich- es of his kingdom, will ins-Eruct them diligently to serve him and to set their affections on things above, and daily to proceed in all virtue and godliness of living. Fathers arc commanded to tccich their cliildreu the Comirjandments of the Lord, and to talk of them frequently, " when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and M'hen thou liest down, and when thou risest up *,"* and we should speak often one to another of his power and goodness. Family Devotion will enable us to perform these duties with care and profit, and pleasure, betic^r than any- other means can fit us for them ; and they will be ** sanc- tified by the word of God and prayer."f In addition to these remarks on the duty of Family Pray- er, I shall observe, that Jesus Christ often prayed with his Disciples ; and that the Prayer which he has commanded us to use X is expressed in the plural number, v/hich is an intimation to us that we should pray with one another, as well as FOR one another. In considering the advantages arising from Family Prayer, we must at the same time see additional oblrgvuions to the duty. Indeed, they are so closely connected, that they can- not v/ell be separately distinguished. The advantages aris- ing from the performance of Family Prayer are certainly great and numerous. The principal benefits proceeding from it we shall endeavour to point out. Family prayer is a great check against falling into evil, and it is a great help to pursuing good. Praying to be kept from wickedness, and to be strengthened in resisting it, must in our heart, and understanding also, fortify us against it ; and add to our spirit in the Lord. It must impress upon us a sense and remembrance of the dangerous and pernicious na- ture of sin, and a fear of its consequences. Jfier praying Ijefore and with a family against all unwrighteousness of life and conversation, could a man be speedily guilty of excess in indulging his passions, or of injustice in his dealings with his neighbour, in word, or in deed ? After calling on the name of the Lord with his family for mercy and grace, could he soon profane that name, and take it in vain .'' Af- ter praying to God with them, " Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us," could he bear malice, or hatred, in his heart ? Scarcely could a mjan who worships God Vv-ith all his house be guilty of any of these things. Scarcely could any of the family fall into such sins, if they sincerely joined in prayer. But if he do fall, through Deuteronomy, 6— -7. f I. Timothy, 4—5. \ 1-uke, 11 — 2. carelessness and the wickearcss of cur corrupt nature, vvlmf: an occasion and opportuniry has lie for confebsing and setting forth repentance, for seeking for pardofi, and for toniirming hirnstlf, and all around him, in greater watcli- fulness and resistance against bin in future, to the improve- ment of all concerned^ and joined in his humility and devo- tion ? In his family circle he will remind all his house, that, every one when he thinketh he standeth, must take heed lest JiC fail ; and that, except we ail repent, v/e shall all hkev/ise perish. . St. Paul says, " Let not the Sun go down upon your wrath."* If your families joined in evening prayer, this would tend more than any thing elie to drive out this spirit, und every evil spirit, and to keep the Devil far off, and all his host of wicked fancies or suggestions ; and it M'ould es- pecially contribute to keep your soul happy and calm. For *' resist the Devil, and he will flee from you : draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."f And, the ways of true wisdom, or religion, " are ways of pleasantnes, and all her paths are peace. "t Family prayer must help you in pursuing good» It must assist you in considering zvhnt you ought to a'o, and what you ought to desire ; your state here, and your prospects hereafter. Praying that you may grow in love of God, and of his commandments, and of his promises to them* v/ho o- bey him, must increase your resolutions and endeavours to serve him, and to lay hold on eternal life. Praying for these good things vrith your family, must unite you ail in c^/e road and progress, and join you in assisting one another, not hin- dering one another, (as is common in the world) in culti- vating good, as v/ell as in checking evil. Praying for tr.c spread of the Gospel, and the increase of Christ's Church, must add to your gratitude in partaking of these blessed priv- ileges and dispensations, and to your care not to despise or to neglect them. Praying for the King, and the govern- ment under v/hich you live, must rem.ind you ci the pro- tection, and the freeooni and th.t aids, and bounties, which are so remarkably eflbrded to you by them ; and must con- firm vou in vour love of them, and in vour alle2;ia!ice to them. Praying for your minister, and for all yftur relations, must increase your regard for tliem, and your happlnes in Ephcsh-irij, 4~;:5. -f- :-..~s:i -1—7, S. t Prove: Kc r^'.r 17 'c:tc.:;ning them, and in being esteemed by llicir Prayers tc: these objects, and for these persons and interests in so- ciety, and for the poor, and the afflicted, and for our ene- mies, not to mention others, muit contribute to the increase of good affections, and to the discharge of good offices, in a!I who join in them. Of course, I mean prayers sincerely and cjevoutly offered, with a heart bound in love to God and Man, and believing to righteousness, and confessing Jesus Christ our only i\Iediator and Advocate. Family prayer gives dignity and importance of a sacred and fatherly nature to heads of families, and adds to their authority and influence in all their advice and commands. It contributes to good order and regularity in a house in many essential points, by calling them and bringing them together in a decent and respectful manner at appointed liours. Especially it is of great advantage in furthering the religious education of children and bringing tliem up in the knowledge of God and of their duty; so much so, that on this consideration I must particularly dv/ell. Bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of tiie Lord, is the command of the Goc-^pel. Attention to this, and providing for their daily bread, is the chief duty of Parents. By keeping the Lord's day holy, and by regu- larly performing prayer in the family, Parents would pro- vide for the religious education of their children more ef- fectually than by any other means which can be pursued. Family prayer is precept and example, instruction and in- crease in all righteousness, afforded and combined together more perfectly than can be embraced in any other mode of sliewing forth good faith and works. Being an example in all good things is the first duty of Parents in educating their children. To them especially they should «^ be an exam- ple of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."* In teaching them knowledge, and in making them to understand doctrine, it should be precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little.f Prayer with them every morning and evening supplies this instruction in an excellent manner, and to a considerable degree ; but particularly, it exhibits the exam- ple of th.eir Parents, and their faith and piety, in a way ' I. Tlmotliy, 4~I J. f Vide Isabii, 'J3— 9, 10. nlost beneficuil to their children and to themselves. Oh, that Parents would coiitjider this *, and that you would be an example to your children in prayer and good works ! You will tell them, that, they must worship God, and serve him only ; that they m.ust love him with all their heart, and seek first, nnd before all things, his kingdom. But what effect will this have on tlreir hearts and understin- dings and lives, if they see you working for the things of this world only, and if they hear you talking of them with more anxiety, and care, and pleasure, than they hear you converse about heavenly things *, if you speak to them with more earnestness and deligence about temporal things, than about eternal things ; if you do not pray to God — pray with them — and teach them to pray also ? If you do not turn to God and his heavenly kingdom in your life and conver- sation, in your words and works, in prayer, how can you expect them — your children — to turn to him ? If you do not pray to God with them, how can you expect them to pray without you ? And without prayer, how Can they be blessed. They cannot. They will be the children of this world and of darkness, and of disobedience to you and to God. If you would be blessed in them, or have them bles- sed in you, you must lead them in the paths of righteous- ness ; you must walk before them, and shew them the way to the cross of Christ, and to the thrown of grace, by pray- er, and by the mediation that is in Jesus. Shew them Christ going before you, teaching yoii, leading you, draw- ing you with cords of a man, with bands of love — with ev- ery endearing motive and connecting tie of affection suited to human nature and consistent with divine love and glory, which can induce you to follow. Shew them his love for the iambs of his flock. Follow his example in love, and be a les- son and example to them in all your conduct, and he will draw them after you. When they see your humility, your faith in him, and love of him, they will be humble also, and they will believe in him, and love him truly. When they see your religion is not words and precepts onlfy but prayer and practice also, they will pray, *' and go, and do likewise." When they hear your earnestness in building on the prom- ises of God, they wiil lay their foundation there also, and trust only in God. When they know that Jesus is your teacher on earth, and Mediator in Heaven, they will learn of Jesus, and look up to him for gifts and inlcre?=;sion at 10 the right hand of God. When they observe your onedi- ence, they will obey God, and their Parents also. When they join in prayer with you, and are united in your wor- ship, your prayers and intercessions will be an instruction and an example to them, and an earnest of your love for them and your concern for their everlasting welfare, for your and'thcir happiness and communion with God together for ever and ever. This must bind them in love and duty to you and to God more than any thing else can, and in- crease your love of them and happiness in them to an eter^ nal and infinite and unspeakable degree. Be this your work of piety and love, your exercise of prayers and good deeds before God and your children, and your reward on earth and in Fleaven ; and so may they be blessed in you, and you in them. And to God give all the praise. Similar advantages to those accruing to the mutual inter- ests of Parents a::d Children by the performance of Family Prayer will arise from it to the benefit of all the members of the family, and to the increase of their reciprocal regard snd esteem. This is so obvious that I need not enlarge on it ; but in recommending Family Prayer I must not pass o~ ver its blessed effects in sanctifying the union, increasing the love, and confirming the happiness of Husbands and Wives in their relationship with each other, which is un- questionably the most important, endearing, and perfect re- lationship in life, if it be piously maintained and improved. Surely they should assist each other and pray together in support of their common duties, interests, happiness, and welfare, in their family and in the world. Much more should they join together in providing for their spiritual welfare and their united happiness in Heaven and Eternity. What are all earthly ties in comparison with spiritual and heavenly bands of afi^ec^ion ! What is temporal hfe and hap- piness with each other, in comparison with eternal com- munion of perfecl love and joy ! Oh ! that they would raise and fix and unite their affections in setting them oa things above, and in living to the glory of God and to their own eternal happiness. Let thern then encourage and as- sist each other in all godlinesSj " which is profitable to all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."* Let them join together in Prayer, * I. Tipiothy, 4- 10 Winch is the chief means to godliness, and to tlie iwcrcr.sc of every blessing. Let them be united in devotion and praise to God only. So shall they be vi-ith regnrd' to God and each otlier and all things blessing and blest in this life and the next, in time and eternity, nov/ and for ever. St. Peter exhorts Husbands to dwell vvit!i tlieir vives according to knowledge, and the instruction of the Gospel : and he reminds them that they should regard each other as heirs together of the grace of life •, and that their conduct should be so ordered to each other that their prayers should not be hindered.* Here he intimates that they should pray together 5 and that this must have a good clTect on their hearts and lives. For their encouragement, and for the encouragement of you all, to join together in prayer, I bhfill sum up my proofs of the advantages arising from Family Prayer in the words of Jesus Christ to hij Apostles. " If tv/o of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, k shall be done for them of my father which is in Heaven. For where two or tliree are gathered together in my nam^e, there am I in the midjit of thcm."f Nothing can add to the pov/erful reasons for uniting in prayer contained in these words j therefore meditate on them, and keep them, and ponder them in your heart. Out of it then, good things will proceed ; and you will speak to the glory of God and your common happiness in family prayer and worship. We have considered the duty of performing Family Prayer, and the advantages arising from it. The best man - ner of performing it v/e shall defer the consideration of till a future opportunity. • At present, however, let us recol- lect the principal reasons which have been mentioned to persuade you to the duty ; and let me exhort you to pro- ceed to the practice of it. You have considered that as you join together with your family in the prosecution of worldly v/orks, and in the en- joyment of temporal blessings, so you ought to unite in de- vote exercises of the heart and spirit, in glorifying God and hum.bling yourselves, in seeking lirs: Ids kingdom and righteouoness, and in laying up treasure together in Heaven, t V:;tthew, 13— 19, 2( and ill pr.:isiiig him, and thanking him for many and great nicrci-.'S and bountico, jointly received and shared by you. You h-.:ve contjidcred tiiat as you often offend togethc'r a- gair.st God and one another, so you ought to join together in pi inlying for pardon and grace — Pardon for the past^ and i^race to enable you to do better in future. You have seen that Family Prayer is a great check to falling into evil, and a great help to pursuing good ^ that sincerely joining in it must restrain you from malice, hatred, covetousness, and the indulgence of sinful passions, and from swearing, drink- ing, and vicious habits in general ; and that if you do fall into any sin it calls you to repentance and confession, and renewed obligations ot amendment of life and watchfulness, binding on all the family circle, and beneficial to all pre- sent \ that it cherishes every virtue, promotes good faith and obedience towards God .and man, and provokes to love and to good works^ to loyalty to your king and country, and love and duty to all your relations, and to all men- and therefore also to your enemies. You have seen that it is a powerful means to keep you from falling from God, and to assist you in going on to salvation — to the celebration of the Sacrament of Christ, and to the prize of his high calling, reserved in Heaven for all v/ho love him \ and that the performance of it v/ili contribute more than any thing else, to the religious edu- cation of your children, as it is the very best kind of in- struction and example that can be afforded to them ; lead- ing them into the ways of grace and knowledge, and of prayer and faith, to the cross of Christ, and to the throne of God. Last of all you saw that it completes the happi- ness and the benefits of the conjugal union by improving that dearest relationship in life to the most godly purposes of n^.utual assistance in prayer and praise in all the worship and service of God,^ and in cultivating one communion of interests and cffections in spiritual love, and the joy of treasure in Heaven, and of happiness in eternal life, through one faith, one hope, one covenant, in the Lord Jesus Christ. Be this then your care — the care of your ov/n souls of ev- ery thing dear to you, of your duty to God and to one an- other, and to your family, and especially to the children whom God has graciously given you. Be this your labour of love, and example of the believers. Let me then, hnal- Jy, exhort you to it, and coiihrm you in it; r.» I would. pTC2ci\ to your profit and improvement, and as I would persuade you to worship i.nd serve God — with all your house. As you would love life and see good days, as you would be happy on earth and in Heaven, as you would be blessii^ig and blest in your fnmilics, and., be heirs together of the j:;racc of life, enter into communion together with God in iVaycr, and join together and assist one another in offer- ing up tlie morning and evening sacrifice of devotion. As 70a Vv'ould bring up your children in the nurture and ad- inonition of the Lord, and rejoice with them in the day of nnal judgment and reward ; walk with them in the way of holiness, ask with them for pardon and grace, seek with them for good things at God's right hand, and knock with them at the door and gate of Heaven. In your souls rise together to joy and glory there : in your bodies humble your- selves together in the dust, on this earth, from whence you came, and to which you shall return. But souls never die, require Angels' food, heavenly manna, if they would be as the Angels are, and go where they are. The souls of you nnd your children will feed on the bread of life, come to fountains of living water, be cloathed with the robe of the Redeemer's righteousness, if you and your house will serve the Ijord. You and they are placed here to acquire these things, and not to take anxious thought about what you shall cat, 01 what you shall drink, or what you shall put on, or about the vanities and pleasures of mortal life. Train up your children in the way they should go 5 and when they are old they will not depart from it. When you are gone they will follow you in the path of righteousness ; and having finished their course, will join you in mansions of bliss prepared before ; for you and them in cur Father^s house in Heaven — prepared for all who v/orship and serve the Lord. And their children, your children's children, following after will add to, and increase your praise and joy in Heaven, and in the glorious family of our Lord, and in the perfect communion of Saints above. And children yet unborn ; nations may spring from you, and end with you, in serving the Lord in Heaven for ever and ever.*-^ * Ki'c cro-\vn'd with lij^at, imperial Salem rise ! i^K-.ilt t!;y t'jw'rJng head, and lift thy ryes I ^3 The father of a fiim'ily v/ho serves th:e Lord with nil h:5 house on earth, what a boundless, glorious prospect lias h^: before him ? Past description ! Past our comprehension ! <* Transported wit.h the view we're lost" '• in wonder, love, and praise !"* Can I add any thing to persuade you to serve the Lord with all your house ? Surely I need not cliangc the view, reverse the prospect, and shew you what will become of those who serve the world, the flesh, and the devil ; thp end of their followers ; the misery and the torment of helL Only think of going there, of children following after, of ciirses upon curses, and accusation upon accusation, pain and misery, without hope or appearance of dimunition or end,bui expectation of increase, and everlasting punishment. Only remember the rich man there, who wished to send to those he had left behind, lest they sholdd come to the place o£ torment. Take warning from him ; and from what yoil have hearc! j and be persuaded by Moses and the Prophet^ by one who has risen from the dead, by Jesus Christ, anx5 by all his Apostles and Ministers, to worship the Lord, znA to serve him only. Agree together in prayer, in what yooi ask. Gather together in the name of Christ. Join togeth- er and assist one another in worshipping God, and serving him only. Bring up your children in the nurture of thi Lord. For his sake, for your own sake, for my sake, sei-v^: him. For your children's s'^ike, and children's children^ serve the Lord with all your house ; that you, and t'hc;^'', and I, may rejoice together in the day of final judgment an4 reward, and worship and serve God together for ever a^n^ ever in Heaven above. Each, every head of a family re- solve, conclude with me and Joshua, " As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Let all flesh be humblc^^j' and the Lord alone exalted this day and forever. Amen, — ■ Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him rhat sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb foierci- and ever. Amen. See a lonj^ race thy spacious courts adorn ; See future sons, and daughters yet unborn. In crowding ranlys, on ev'ry side arise. Demanding- life, impatient for the skies. — Pope's Massiah- * Addison'i Ilvniii on GiMtitudc to God, SERMON Yi, JOSHUA, _;-;;. AS rcn Tv'iE AND MY HOUSr,, WE WILL SLRTL THE LGRT-, IN niy former discourse I set forlli the duty of LwaWv prayer, and the advantages arising from it. I proceed nov/ to consider the best manner of performing it. I shall add a few remarks in ansv/er to some objections which are sonr:- tinies made to the use and practice of prayer, in general : and I shall conclude Vv-ith exhorting you speedily to adopt, and diligently to persevere in the performance of so great and profitable a duty as family prayer.* The general qualifications requisite to the due pcrfcrm- ance of family prayer I shall not point out ; neither snail I enlarge on the principal subject matter of faiTxily prayer which ought to be used. The same rules with regard to these considerations apply to the several descriptions of prayer- Therefore, as it is my in-lcntion to treat of faniily prayer in particular, I shall not expatiate on general topics. Briefly, however, I shall observe that we should always draw iiigh to God with humility and penitence of heart and mind, faithful in the merits and mercies of Jesus Christ, and de- sirous of being conformed to his holy will, with affections Weaned from this world and set on things above, and with charity tovv^ards all men. We should confess our sins, and pray for pardon and grace. AVe should praisa.God for his great goodness to us and all men ; and we should thank him for his manifold mercies and his kind providence ex- tended to us throughout our lives and especially we should thank him for spiritual blessings received through our Lord Jesus Christ. We should pray for daily renev/al in his holy spirit, and that we may grew in nev/ncss of life, in righteousness and holiness, that we may serve God all the time of our abiding here, and that we may be ready to go to him when Vv-e depart hence. We should pray for all our house, and for our dearest relatives, wherever scattered, es- pecially that they may fear and love God all their days. I 25 We should pray for the increase of Christ's Church and kingdom here and every where 5 and you should pray for God s blessing on your minister and on his ministry, that he may grow in faitiifulness and diUgence and true devo- tion, and that l-is labours may be blessed to you : and he should pray for his people, and for their improvement of his services, that he and they may have a joyful account to give in the day of judgment, and that they may receive a per- fect reward together in the glorious kingdom of our Lord \ which God of his mercy grant to you and me ! St. Paul sjys, let " supplications, prayers, hitercessions> and giving thanks be made for all men : For Kings, and for all that arc in authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this i» good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour."* Therefore, in public, and in private, and in our families, we should pray for the King and for all that are in authof- ity under him. Let us consider the best manner of perfonning Family Prayer. First, as to the time of performing it. — In the morning we should join together in the performance of this first and chief duty as soon after rising as we can well assemble to- gether, that our prayers may precede our v/ork, and that they may be less liable to interruption from worldly occur- rences. And here I must recommend early rising as a great mc?-ns of improving Time — that most valuable gift — and es- pecially on the Lord's day, which day above all others fhould be precious to us, and. improved by us, as wc fhould care for Our soulsand for heavenly and eternal riches more than for eartlily things or any temporal treasure. Again, we should unite in Prayer in the evening, as short atim.e before any of the family retire to rest as can be made generally convenient, that we may all, as far as possible, finish the day with a general blessing, and lie down with hearts and minds set upon God and Heaven. Further, on the Lord's day, if any circumstance prevent several of the family from attending public wcrsliip, they should in the middle cf the day, at least, (in addition to morning and evening prayer) gather to- gether in the name of Christ, and join together in family worsliip. Surely, they should on that day appear before * r. Timothy 2—1,2, Z, •# vlt vii is ^ Hfr God, and humble themselves and glorify liim, about tht hour in which ^11 good people, every whcr':^, are worsliip- ping, ane things, and to follow David in deed as well as * II. Samuel, f,~20. f I. Cormtlilans, 6—20. \ Porteous' Letter to the Clsrory of his Diocesa. § I. John 5—20. 11 Luk-e S2-r.4I. 28 in tongue ; *' O come, let us worship, and fall down : and kneel before the Lord our maker.'* •)• The use of forms of prayer is expedient for the best performance of family worship as well as public worship > at least in a general point of view. It contributes to unite us in heart and understanding in prayer, and in agreeing^in what we ask when we are gathered together in the name of Jesus Christ. A form of sound words assists us in carry- ing on our devotion decently and in order, according to the command of the apostle jj and it at the same time regulates and promotes our serving the Lord in fear, and rejoicing unto him with reverence. Prejudice against the use of forms is certainly, in many instances, a great check and hindrance to the performance of family prayer •, and therefore, it is a very mischievous prejudice, it is not consistent with Scripture, or with the opinion of many of the most pious men who have ever lived j and m.any of these also belonging to different denominations of Christians. The custom and law of the ancient Jews recommend the use of forms of prayer, of which we have various examples and proofs in Scripture. The Jewish Doctors taught their disciples a particular form of prayer. John the Baptist did the same ; and Jesus Christ has given his disciples a form of prayer.§ In the book of Numbers we fizid in what * Psalms, 95 — 6. f I shall here observe, that there may be some sentences in this part of my discourse borrowed from the writings of others, which 1 cannot ex- actly distinguish from my own, as a few pages here were written by me' some time ago. But in justice to myself and my subject, I must add, that I had not read Bishop Gibson's exhortation to family prayer 'till after my two Sermons were ready for the presj. The coincidence of many of the sentiments in them with those of the Bishop, seems to me to call for this remark. I I. Corinthians, 14 — 40. Let all things be done decently, and in order. § We read in St. Luke, that, " one of his disciples said unto him. Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, when ye pray, say" the Prayer which St. Luke and St. Matthev/ have banded down to us, and which has always been called the Lord's Prayer. On the occasion of his prescribing it recorded by St. Luke, it is plain that our Lord gave it to his disciples as a form del'.vercd to them for their use, and that they were enjoined by him to say the words which he dictated. On the other occasion of our Saviour's delivering this Prayer, as mentioned by St. Matthew, he was giving general directions on the subject of Prayer, and particularly of secret prayer, and in this instance, perhaps, it was chiefly designed as a perfect example and les- son for us to foUov/ in the ezercise of prayer ?.ni righteousness in general. 29 manner and words the^^priests were commanclcd to bless sn4 pray for the people ;* and we have the form of prayer which Moses used when the Ark of the Lord set forv/r.rd, and when it rested. f In Diieterononny aho we hnve two forms of prayer en- joined for the use of God's people.}; David by divine in- fpiration appoyited the book of Psalms for the public fer- vice, and some of the.m particularly for forms of Praise and Thanksgiving. Accordingly we read of Hezekiah's com- manding the Levites to use them,) and of Ezra's renewing this Lilurgy after the .return of the people from the Baby- lonifb captivity. [j Our Saviour by joining in communicn with the Jewilh Church, which used forrns, and especially by giving to his disciples the form of Prayer called the Lords Prayer testified in the strongest manner his appro- bation of fet forms. Other instances might be av-louced from Scripture in fupport of them. Also, v<'e know that the primitive Church used them. The obje£tio;v?, which opposers to them bring fox'ward equally apply to z..z use of *' O'-r custom is both tc place it in the front of our prayens ns a guide, and lo add it in the end of snine principal limbs or pans, as a compa- ment which fuHy perfecteth whatsoever may be defective in the rest.'* Hccker. ** That our Saviour did but set men a bare vxans pie how to devise prayers of their own, and no v/ay bind tliem to use this, is no doubt an error. John the Bapast's Disciples, which had been always brought up in the bosom of God's Church from the time of their first infancy till they came to the school of John, were not so brutish that they cc.uld be ig- norant how to call upon the nar.ie of GoJ ; but of their riaster they had received a form of Prayer amongst themselves, which form none did use saving his Disciples, so tiiat by it, as by a mark of special difterer.ce, they wera known from others. And of tliis the Apostles having taken notice, they request that as John had taught his, so Christ would like- wise teach them to pray" — Hooker. '■ What Jesus Christ said to his disciples, is undoubtedly said to us al^o. We are therefore here directed, not only to imitate this in ?.ll our pray- ers, but to use this very form of prpyer. Wcdy on Luke ii. 2. " As to the difference we find in the lord's Prayer as delivered by St. IVIatthew and St. Luke, 'tis to be obseirved that our Savicur spake in the Syriac or vulgar Hebrew, and the Evangelists writ their Gospels in. Greek. Now in th.; Syriac, ojie and the same word expresses both those different words which tiic EraagcKsLg use in the same peticicn, as Debtc^ and Trespasses, «&c. So that it is no real but a seeming diiJerence be- tween them ; all the different v.'ords being the r?r.rrie iii the original lan- guage in whicli our Saviour spake." /i/'s-h'j^ lung's Discourse c^nccrninQ the invention ofm'rn in the worship of GjU. * Numbers, G — 22, -'7. f Niunbers, 10 — 55, 55. \ Peut. 2G, 5 :i. Ckron, ?^---Z0. IJ Esra, 3—10, 11. 30 tne Lord's Prayer, T.v>d to the practice of slrging Psalms, \vhich are plainly enjoined upon us in the Gospel of our Lord. The fact is, there may be too much partiality in- dulged with regard to the exclusive use of forms oi prayer^ 2S well as too much objection made to them : but in this country there is certainly, in general, too much prejudice entertained against tlicm ; and there is not sufF.cient dispo- sition to benefit by the use of them. I would therefore ad- vice you all to take the help of the best compositions of the kind, drawn up by the very best of men for your aid and benefit, and for that of all good Chirstians. Let not any factious or bigoted principle, blind prejudice, or proud con- ceit, or presuming on the extraordinary influences cf the Holy Spirit, deny you the use and the advantage of them ; but make improvement of other men's labors, and of all tlie aids and gifts granted you by God. At the same time I s}u)uld not v^'ish any head of a family to confine Lmiself to the use of one or more forms of prayer. Es- pecially when extraordinary circumstances suddenly or un- expectedly occur, these ought to be acknowledged and im- proved upon in the family, and made the subject of prayer. Signal dispensations of providence, either of judgment or of mercy, ought to be followed by prayers suited to them, And by words spoken in season, and in conformity to the particular situation and duty of the family. On some oc- casions forms of prayer at hand, may not suiliciently apply to particular cases, and then words especially adapted to these, and to the sentiments and feelings of the family at the time, would greatly contribute to their offering up an ef- fectual fervent prayer. A person in the habit of perform- ing regular prayer, and accustomed to frequent reading of the word of God and pious books, is able in general to make an addition to his usual prayers suited to particular circum- stances, especially if tiiese are cf an extraordinary and af- lecting nature. A fev/ plain words heartily offered up in spirit and in truth are sulf.cient in mcs: cases. At any rate, God is always kind and merciful in not marking the number or the imperfection of our words. " The Lord looketh on the heart."* But for the most part there is time for pre- meditation, and for the Leader in prayer to prepare himself • I. ^;':r;ue!. If;-^-?. 51 in some degree, at least in his mind, for exprrssir'g himself in words adnpted to the particular situation of the faniily- And it 13 not the use of any one particular form of prayer which is here recommended, but the use of forms in gent;ral, of your own or other men s inditing. Besides, composing them, according to the event of recent occurrences, cr in suppHcation of new and desivcd mercies, is an excellent practice, and will be found very U'ncficial to the spiritual interests of every one who will put it in execution. In Family Prayer, in general, confession of sins and of faith, praise, and thanksgiviing, intercession, and supplica- tion for blessings of a general nature should be offered up, and interests common to ail the house, and therefore also to ttic v/hole human family, should be principally and con- stantly attended to. As these cannot essentially vary, they arc for the most part best e:?rpres3ed and comprised in forms of prayer. And on nioif occasions of a pa ticular nature forms may be found suited to them. To pious men who arc net in error and prejudice against them, they wil! be acceptable and profitable. It is not, hov/ever, the exclusive use of forms which I recomm>end, but I advise you all to esteem them, and use them as excellent means and helps to the due performance of family prayer in general. For your assistance in this respect, I propose printing a selection of them suited to a variety of occasions, and I m.ust beg your improvement of a v/ork specially intended for your benefit- Before I quit this part of my subject, I must request you of- ten to pray to God in secret without the assistance of forms of prayer. In secret worship especially you ought to en- courage and practise free and confidential intercourse with God : and using this libeity in secret worship will prepare you for the exercise of it when necessary or expedient be- fore your family. Further, It is beneficial to every one to commit to memiOry several good forms of prayer adapted to various cccafions ; and I should advise the leader in Family Pray- er to speak from memory in general, rather than from book. This will assist him in confining his attention to the duty he is engaged ii), and it will in some de- gree contribute to tlie freedom and fervency of hit* devo- if-*;)^*-*)fr tior.* F: ' - always use the Lord's Prayer ; and in ciTcrir.g - c FiTrnily should join with their voices ^s well ir hearts, that they may all be earnest in their dii- .r-:t they '< may with one mind and one mouth, »^;.. ;od,"f 2t lead in this part of their wor- ship. I wuu.vi guard you by all possible means, against carelessness, forgetfulncss, and coldness in worsiiiping God, and particularly I v/ould caution you against the using of forms in an inattentive, hasty, and unprofitable manner, and falling into those " sins, negUgences, and ignorances ' of Word and spirit to which the use of them is certainly liable. At the same time I must h£'.r the obiectors to them to re- frain from reasoning from the abuse of them ; which falla- cious view of them must lead to error ; and to remember that every method of Prayer is obnoxious to abuse. Previous to your family joining in prayer a portion of fcripture should be read. This practice embraces many of the advantages arising from Prayer, and the duty of it is built on nearly the same foundation ; and it is an excellent means for preparing the heart and mind for the due per- formance of prayer. '* Jt is profitable for doctrine, for re- proof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. "'+ It aficrds milk for babes, and strong meat for those who are advanced in the stature of Christ — nurture and admoni- tion for us ail, provided by the Lord. It should make part of our daily support ; and we should partake of it to- gether. It is a special means of edification to all the fam- ily who join together in hearing it or reading it. It assists them in profiting at all times by the Word read or preached to them>, and by hearing or reading pious books and instruct tion of every description. It helps education in many res- pects ; even the aptness of children in learning any thing, and especially chief things — religious truths. And these are considerations of no small moment *, for niany benefit but little by public instructions and divine service in the Church, or any to which they have access, owii;g to their liitle acquaintance with the first principles of Christianityj and to their ignorance of the beauty and excellence ox * The ahvlce here given is not ir.cant to apply to famiii^^s whicli ii?2 the Liturgy or a vai iety of prayori and praise in their devoiiun, in which case the use of books is to be coiarneiided. t Horn. 15—6. holiness in all its parts. This would not be the. cafe wem they conversant with these things at home, and iiistruLted in the duties and pleasures of religion in their respective families. And ibme would acquire knowledge and educa- tion, and religion, in this way who would fcarcely get them in any other vVay.* Iil addition to reading the Scriptures, the singing cf a Psalm or Hymn Vv^ould be prof- itable and pleasant in tlie performance of Family worOiip ^ and I am happy to tlaak that many families here are capa- ble of performing this part of worship. It enlivens and in- creases devotion and in a powerful and excellent manner it unites the me'mbcTs of the family in gloryfyuig God in their body and in their spirit. Indeed it is the most per- fect form and evercife vf worship in vi'hich families on earth can possibly join.f Families, as well as individuds, should sometimes add fasting to their prayers. At least when God sends great and awful judgments on the country or the community in which they reside, and Cbpeciaily when a family is partic'i- larly visited by a remarkable dispensation of iProvidence tlicy should join together in Fasting as well as in Prayer before God. Fasting is recomn;ended by Jesus Christ to all his followers. Tiie whole of Scripture, and the prac- tice of all nations, coniirm it as, a duty. We read in the Gospel of an evil spirit v'hich Jesus Christ said could be cast forth by nothing but by prayer and fasting. ;{; Hence we should iearn that in e-^traordinary trials^ and when pe-^ culiar assistance is needed, v/e ought to add fasting to our prayers. Besides, as we are too ready to indulge in Feast- iiig sometimes, we ought hot to forego Fasting. Holy fasts are more piontable than the celebration of Festivals, in gen- eral. They ought certainly to be kept occasionally as we'll * After reading a portion of Scripture it ,is profitable to use a short t x- position of It. Ostervr.ld's arguments cf the books and chapters of :he O'd and New Te£tr.nient3, with practical observations, is a work better suited to the use of families in general, I believe, than any other com* ;'npni:arv. . . f " The Cliurch triumphatit, and xhs Church below, in sCriffs oi' praine their prr^f nt union shaw j "i'h3ir jjvs are lull, our expcct;itiv)n long j 3.1 !-.fs we differ, but wo join in songv .... r.^.?ls, and we, a-ii->tei by this arc, 7:'.»y 5i:ig toivctiii'i*, though wc (jwell apart. }>'(}• 1 1 I T'.Iark, 9.— rr'nithe-^-, i" S4 as the otlitfrs, and this ah'o in family devotion as well as in public devotion We have considered now the best manner of performing Family Prayer, and I have exhorted you in some degree ral« so to the duties of reading the Scriptures, and of fasting, as these duties ought to make part of our worship. To fv npletc this part of the subject, I must request you to sum* mon all attention whenever you are engaged in Prayer, and to remember that you are then in a particular manner in the prescence of God, and occupied in a most serious ^nd important duty, and that if you are negligent in the performance of it your carelessness is of a most dangerous nature, and your prayers will be unprofitable. After pray^i ing to God for any particular mercy or dispensation of his Providence or grace you should look to God for an anfw er to your supplications in the events that follow, that you may see and acknowledge his goodness in granting or bless-» ing your prayers. At the same time, you must always faith- fully commit yourself to his will, and patiently wait his good time and pleasure. Not regarding the answer of ths Lord to your prayers, nor confessing his goodness in gr?nt- ing them or in blessing you in them, greatly diminiflies their profitableness, and hinders your growth in grace and in the knowledge of him ; and it abridges your gratitude, and your trust in God and in the efficacy of prayer. Above all things, follow up your prayers with — affections con- sistent with them, and actions conformed to them, and let your life and conversation correspond with the language of your worfliip, that you may be justified in your works and v/ords, and that you m.ay do as well as know the word and will of God. " If ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them. '* Then shall your religion be on a good foundation, your prayers and reading the Scriptures be profitable to all things, and you ready for a joyful judg- ment, and for an entrance to be ministered unto you abun- dantly into the kingdom of Heaven. May this be the ef- fect of your worship, and the end of your performance of family prayer, to all who join in it, for the sake of Jesus Ci^rist. I said I should offer a few remarks in answer to some objections v/hich are sometimes made to the use and prac- 35 tice of prayer. I shall briefly notice two objections. The cue is, the observation that, as God knows our wants, wc need not tcil him of them, or ask for his assistance. The fallacy of this reasoning proceeds from representing prayer as a duty or service performed to God for his sake, without considering that the chief design of it is to humble us before h?m, and to bring us to a reliance on his goodness only. We are not called upon to pray to God for the sake of his information or profit, but to make us sensible of our own wants and interests, and of our dependancc upon him. It is a means of confirming us in the knowledge and remem- brance of what we ought to do, and what we ought not to do, what we ought to repent of and- avoid, and what we ought to desire and pursue. It is a confession of his power and goodness, and his loving kindness towards us, and of our faith and gratitude and love towards him : and it leads us to look to him in all our ways, and to the end of them in the v/orid to come. Above all, it is commanded to us by the hw of God, to be performed by us ; " and the law is holy ; and the commandment holy, and just, and good."* Doing his will is the sum of our duty j and his will and glory, and our happiness, in this life and in that which is to come, agree together ; and looking to this, and living to him, are the design and end of all faithful prayer ; and if we obey God, all things work together for our good as well as for his glory. These things are inseperable, for this is his will and promise.f The other objection which is sometimes advanced against die performance of prayer in answer to which I shall say a * Romans, 7—1 i?. j- *' We do not pray to inform Cod of our wants, but to express our seuse 01 ihewaats which he already knows. As he has not so much ir.ade his proaaise to our necessities, as to our requests it is reason- able that our requests should he made, before we can hope that our aecessities will be relieved. God does not promise to those who want that they shall '* have," but to those who *' ask ;" nor to those who need that they shall " find," but to those who " seek." So far therefore from {lis previous knowledge of our wants being a ground of objection tc pray- er it li ia fict the true ground for oi:r application. Were he not know- ledge Itself, our information would be of a» little use, as our application v/ould be, \Yere he not goodness itself." Har.nah More on Practical Pictif. " I see th3 goodness of God in appointing that [pr;iycr] as a duty, V.'hich is my greatest advantage ; and making it the condition on which I am to expect His beacfits, *ia(i be eutitied, throu^^h Christ, to his fa- 70ur.** Guide to Hapi>ir.ess, ' 36 itw words, IS founded on the obsen^ation cf the wise manj that " the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord."* Undoubtedly this text is not intended to discour- age the wicked frpni turning to God in prayer, but to re- present tliat praying nnd^worshipping God in form and ap- pearance only, when the heart is far from him, is not accept- tjble to him. It is an abomination in ary one to be praying to God to be kept from temptation and sin, and to be aided in repentance, at tbe same time that he does not sincerely resolve or endeavour to amend his ways, or to avoid and for- 5ake sin and the incentives to it, but persists in going on Still in his wickedness, in following evil instead of resisting it, and in not denying but indulging sinful propensities. It is an abomination to be praying for pardon of sin without •entertaining a hearty sorrow for past offences, and a sincere hatred of all iniquity. It is an abomination to be asking for mercy without shewing mercy— for any good or bless- ing witliout endeavouring after it — to be expressing love or glory to God, and not to be striving to live in obedience and conformity to his will. But, every wicked man ought to exert himself to. act an4 live in a manner contrary to this, to renounce the world, the fiesh, and the devil, and to mor- tify his corrupt afFections. At the same time he should pray to God for assistance in coming to repentance, and in bringing forth works worthy of repentance, for pardon olF his great and numerous transgressions, and for a new heart and a new spirit, created to righteousness and holiness. He must do all he can himself^ to become a new creature •, and trusting entirely in God*s help, he must earnestly pray for it. Then his prayer will be a delight to the Lord, and it will avail much — every v/ay — and God will draw nigh to him, and bless his sacrifice. Restraining prayer before God is spoken of in his word as a sign of great wickedness. It h the effect of casting off fear of God, which is the worst fruit of sin, and the last stage of wickedness. I beseech you, depart from evil, and pray to God. In your heart and mind abhor sin, and crucify it : then will your life and worship never be an abomination to the Lord, but a glorious sacrifice, and a praise to him. As a general observation k 3s a good one, that a man must leave ciF either praying or sinning. God has put it into your power to come unto hira * Proverbs, 15~S. 37 by Jesus Christ — to come to repentance, and the knowledge of iiiin.* He does not require impossibilities of you, or expect to reap where he has not sown. But if you do not improve the talents he has given you, the time will come when even that grace which you have, will be taken away from you.f Prayer is the chief appointed means for grow- ing in all grace and gotUiness. It is the key to Heaven, to all amendment and blessing. Esteem it as the greatest pri- vilege. Cultivate it as your only way, through Jesus Christ, to any good thing. Family prayer is one great branch of it. It has been largely considered by us, and I hope it will be improved by us. We have considered the duty of performing family pray- er, and the advantages arising from it, and the best manner of performing it. Lastly, let me exhort you speedily to a- dopt and diligently to persevere in the practice of so great and profitable a duty. You are sensible that as you live together In one family you ought to assist one another in good works, therefore, es- pecially in drawing nigh to God and serving him together, and in walking together in the way of holiness ; that pa- rents ought, above aH things, to lead their children in the paths of righteousness ; and that joinitig together in family "Worship will contribute to all this, and to your happiness to- gether on earth and in Heaven, more than any thing else can. Proceed then to the performance of so good a work, and lose no time in adopting and following up a practice so profitable to all who are engaged in it. How to perform it has been pointed out to you ; in doing which I have been particular in my directions, owing to my persuasion of the great importance of the subject, and to my earnest desire that you should improve it, and that I may contribute to your everlasting welfare. Nothing essential, I believe, has been omitted by me ; but I would caution you against con- clviding from the length or tlie variety of my advice relating to family prayer, that a great deal, of duty in this respect, or a hard task and a heavy burden are innposed upon you. It is not much that is required of you. Atmost all that has been recommended by me is summed up in my intreating you to join together every morning and evening in hearing the word of God, and in prayer, with a little addition to, or • H. Peter, 3— o— L Timothy, 2^4. | Matthew, 25—2i\ 33 v^iriation in this- service, occasionally, suited to the particu- lar circumstances of the family. Surely this is not difficult, or grievous to be done or borne. -As you are persuaded of the duty and the utility of it put it in practice. If it be a new thing to you, still it is net a hard thing. It may seem strange to you to, make a beginning, as the beginning of ev- ery profitable vi^ork is no small matter. Though, I must ** speak this to your shame," with regard to so great a du« ty being strange to you. Become acquainted, familiar with it) and you will soon find it pleasant and profitable. It may require some resolution at first to begin ; but be fully persuaded in your own mind of the duty of it, and be sin- cere m seeking to God in the performance of it, and you v/ill speedily accomplish- it. If it be difficult, exert your- self the more, and the Lord will not fail you. It is a diffi- culty which thousands have overcome ; and the fruit of their labor in the Lord is *' the kingdom of God, righteousness, and peate^ and joy in tl^.e Holy Ghost."* Never be back- ward or asham.ed to confess your Lord, If you are asham- ed of your duty to him, and if you do not confess him be- fore men, he will be ashamed of you in the day of judg- ment, and he will not confess you before his Father which is in Heaven.f The only obstacle to prayer, and the only reasonable ex^ cuse for foregoing this duty, is, indulgence in sin, and care- lessness about overcoming it. I have shewn you that you must resist sin and tciviptations to it ; and cultivate sincere repentance, in order :o offer any acceptable service to God, You must avoid evil, and pursue good, in order to draw nigh to him. Therefore, heads of families who are living in any habit of sin and careless indulgence in it, arc not fit to lead their house in prayer. Their sacrifice, or offering of it, cannot be acceptable to God, or profitable to them.- seives or their families. But this is the only reasonable ex- cuse for abstaining irorn it. And what a reason it is ? It is choosing to continue in sin, and it is refusing good. It is choosing a curse, instead of a blessing. It k, drawing on towards hell. Oh, that such men would consider their ways and repent of them •, that they would see their folly apd wickedness, and lead new lives, and turn to God in * Remans, 14—18. 'f Vide Mark, 8—58 and MatLhev/, 10—52, 39 prayer : that they would fei'.r the Lor I. Teter, 5— S. y II. Tln^cthy, 5:~-7. % Revelations 1—5, G. nWBmMiMCM AN EXTRACT FROM A SERMON, BY ARCHBiSnOP TILLOTTSON, ON THE EFFICACY OF PRAYER WHEM wc ccaslder the corruption of our nature, the Strength of our lusts, and the m.ilice and power of the de- vil ; and compare cur weakness with the strength of these mighty enemies of our souls, we are apt to despond in our minds, and our hearts are ready to fail within us. Like the people of Israel when they heard the report of the . spies, concerning the strengtli of the land which they were to conquer, and the terror of the inhabitants, they wish them- selves almost dead, for fear of death : — '* Would to God we had died in the land of Egypt; ; or would to God we had died in the wilderness I Wherefore hath the Lord brought us into this land to fall by the sword ? — Were it not better for us to return into Egypt ? (Num. 14 — 2, &c.) Thus we are apt to be disheartened when we look only to ourselves, and consider the pov/er cf our enemies ; but when we look beyond ourselves, as Caleb and Joshua did, to that presence and strength of God, which was promised to go along with them ; if we would but consider those gracious and powerful assistances of God's Holy Spirit, which are offered to us, and arc ready to join with us in this holy warfare of fighting against sin, and subduing and mortifying our luits we slioald then encourage ourselves as they did. *< Fear ye not the people of the land ; for they are bread for us : their defence is departed from them, the Lord is with us : fear them not." (Num. 14 — 9.) If wc would but apply ourselves to God, for the aids of his grace and Holy Spirit, and make use of that assistance v/hich he offers, we should (as the apostle speaks in anotlier case (Heb. 1 1. 34 ) out of weakness be made strong, wax valiant in fight, and be able to put to flight the armies of aliens. If we would but wisely consider our own strength, " how should one chase a thcusand, and two put ten thousand to fii^:;ht ?" All our spiritual enemies would fall before us, and as 'tis said of the Canaanites (Joshua 5 — i.) "Their heartj would melt, and there would be no more spirit left in them." •2 Kings 6. 15. When Elisha's servant saw a hoil: compas- sing the city of Samaria with horses and chariots, he was in great fear and, perplexity, and said ** Master what shall wc do "? but when upon Elisha's prayer, " the Lord had open- ed the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and- beheld the mountains were full of horses and chariots' of lire round a- bout Elisha 5" then he took heart, and his fears vanished, because " those that were with them were m.ore than they that were againft tliem." Thus if our eyes were opened by faith, to discern those invisible aids and assistances v/hich stand by us, how should this raise our courage and confi- dence, and make us to triumph with the Apostle, (Rom. 8. 41.) "If God be for us, who can be against us "? and to rebuke our fears and the despondency of our spirits, as Da- vid does, " why art thou cast down, O my scaiI. ? and why art thou disquieted within me ? Trust still in God ": and to 6ay with hirh, when <* multitudes of - enemies compass us about, in the name of the Lord we will destroy them.'* (Eph. 6. 10.) When the Apostle represents to the Chris- tians what enemies they had to conteft withal, *' we fight not " only " against flesh and blood": that is, not only a- gainst men who persecute us ; but against Devils, who continually infest and tempt us, " againft principalities and powers," ^'c. he encourageth them against all these, by the strength of God ; " Finally, my Brethren be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.'* Thus we should encourage ourselves in God, and animate our resolutions from the consideration of God's Holy Spirit, that Spirit of might and of power, which God is ready to give every one of us, to assist us to do whatever he requires of us. And we have no reason to complain of weakness so long as the strength of God stands by us, and the powerful aids of God's Holy Spirit are ready to join themselves to us. Let us earnestly beg of God his Holy Spirit, seeing it is 80 necessary to us, and God is so ready to bestow this best of gifts upon us. Bread is not more necessary to the sup- port of our naturaHifc, than the Holy Spirit of God is to 4:5 our spkltual life and strength : and there Is no farther upow^ earth more ready to give bread to his children that cry af- ter him, than God is to give, his Holy Spirit to those \vlio he.irtlly and earnestly beg it of him,. Did we but know how- great a gift the spirit of God is, and how necessary to us, we would /lot lose such a bies-ing, for Wcint of asking : but we would be importunate with God, and'^ive him no rest, " ask,' and *' seek," and " knock," and address ourselves to him with all earnestness, and never give over till our de- sires were granted. Let us take heed of '* grieving the Spirit of God"' and provoking him to withdraw himself from us. And there are two things chiefly which provoke God hereto. I. If we resist and c^uench the motions of his Spirit, and be ihcompiiant to the oictttes and suggestions of it, wc af- front the Spirit of God, which is given us for our guidance and direction, ^i-'hen we v/ill not be ruled, and governed, and led by it ; we thrust the Spirit of God out of his ofnce, and mike his presence useless and unnecessary to us j and this causcth him to go away grieved from us. II. If we harbour and ents:rtain any thing that is of a contrary quality and nature to him, and inconsi tent with him ; and of such a nature is every lust an..! corruption that is cherished in our souls. The Spirit of God is the best friend in the world :, but as friends have the most tender re- sentments of unkind usage, so the Spirit of God is of a most tender and, delicate sense, ami cannot bear iinkindness, especially such, an unkindncss. as to take into him the great- est enemy he hath in the world : for there is no such strong antipathy in nature, as there is between sin, and the Holy Spirit of God. The Spirit of God cannot endure to dwell in an impure soul. If we would have the Spirit of God a- bide with us, we must give np entci;tainment to any lunt ; we must banish tlie love of all sin for ever out of our hearts : for if we harbour any lust in our bosom, it will be to us as Delilah was to Sampson, it M'ill sensibly " bereave us cf our strength : the Spirit of God will depart from us, and wc shall be like other men.'' And lastly, God's readiness to afford the grace and assis- tance of lis Holy Spirit to us, to enable us to tlie performance of our duty, and the obedience of his laws, makes ail wil- ful sin and disobedience inexecusable. Let us not pretend any longer the impossibility, or insuperable diihculty of our 4i5. ciuty, when so powerful an assistance is ofFered to us. If any man come short of happiness for want of perfonnincr the conditions of the gospel, it is by his own wilful fault, and negligence ; because he would not beg God s grace, and because he weald not make use of it. If any man be wicked, and continue in a sinful course, it is not for want- of power, but of will to do better. God is always before hand witb us in the ouers of his grace and assistance, and is wanting to no man in that which is necessary to make him good and happy. No man shall be able to plead at the day of judgiiient^ want of power to have done his duty : for. ** God will j<-idge the world in righteousness ;" and then I am sure he v/ili condemn no man for not having done that which was impossible for him to do. God liath done enojgh to every man to leave him with- out excuse. St. Paul tells us, that the blind heathens should have no apology to make for themselves. Next to the being of God, and his goodness and justice. I do as verily be- lieve it, as Ido any thing in the world, tliat no man shall be able to say to. God at th.e great day, Lord, I would have repented of my sins, and obeyed thy laws, but I wanted power to do it : I was left destiture of the grace which was necessary to the performance and discharge of my duty : I did earnestly beg thy Holy Spirit, but thou didst deny me. Ko man shall have the face to say this to God at the great day : every man's conscience will then acquit God, and lay all the fault upon his own folly and neglect : for then *' every mouth shall be stopped," and *< God shall be justi- fied in his saying, and overcome v/hen we are j'j.dged." ON THE DUTY OF PUBLIC, FAMILY AND PRIVATE PRAYER. [FROM THE r/JIOLE DUTY OF MAN.] HAVING given you the several parts of prayer, the next thing to be considered is, where we ought to pray : and here it will be found our duty to pray both in public and private. Those prayers are most acceptable to God, and most necessary for us, wh;ch are oiTered in public as- semblies ; because they have these advantages above private devotion, tliat God i^ most hoiiored and ^^^orified bv such. 47 addr^SvSCS ; and a s<^nsc of his Majesty is mauitaincd in the world, somewhat suitable to his mo.st excellent grcatnes^i and goodness, when by outward signs and tokens Wv* pub- lish and declare the inward regard and esteem we have for his divine attributes ; for private prayer is only piety confin- ed within our breasts ; but public prayer is piety exempli- fied and displayed in our outward actiuns : it is the beauty of holiness made visible ; our light shines out before men, and in the eye of the world ; it enlarges the iriteie.st of god- liness, and keeps up a face and sense of religion uinoi^.g mitn- kind. Our Saviour promises his special presence to such assemblies, and hath appomted a particular order of men to offer up cur prayers in such places of worship. Besides^ we may expect greater successes, when our petitions arc made with the joint and unanimous consent of our iellow- christians, arrd wher. our devotions reccis^e warmth and heat from the exemplary zeal of pious ministers. Whoever thinks justly muse be sensible, that private religion never did in face subsist, but where some public profession x^f it was regularly kept up : he must be sensible,- that if public worship was once discontinued, a universal forgetfulness of that God would ensue, whom to remember is the strongest sense and preservative against vice ', and that the btilk of mankind would soon degenerate into mere savages aiui bar- barians, if there were not stated days to call them ofr frorA the conunon business of this life, to attend to what is the most important business of all, their salvation in tlie next. These considerations should make all good christians fre- quently attend the public worship in the house of God. Therefore it is to be wished, that they who have opportuni- ties, and are not lawfully hindered, should endeavor so to regulate their time, as to be able constantly to attend ou prayer at church ; for, as those who have leisure cannot better employ it, so tliey must have but little concern for the honor and glory of God, who neglect such opportiMij- tics of declaring and publishing his praise before men. Ii| z word, public worship is the great instrument of securing a sense of God's providence and of a world to come ; and i sence of God's providence and a world to come is the great basis of all social and private duties. One thing more I beg leave to mention. Thougli you should be a regular at- tendant on the service of the church ; take care, that your deportment out of church be correspondent to your behavi- 4S our lu It ; ctKcrwise, you will do relrrion more disservice, tlian if you were its open and r.vowcd enemy. The next christian duty is famiLy prayfr. Every mas- ter of a family is answerable to '^ rod for the welfare of those souls that are under his care. Nor can I well understand liow a sense of religion can be main!:aincd In a family with- out the exercise of daily devotion in it. Families ;;rc but little societies, as societies are I'.rgcr f;;imilies ; and there- fore religion, which is confessedly the best bond and cement of union in states and Lrger ccmmunities, is likewise so i;i little domestic governnlents. It is therefore incumbent up- on tliose, who preside ever a family to impress a sense of teligion upon those \*/ho are beneath them. By this method %ve are best able to cOnfiriT) and establish ehil-lren and ser- vants in the practice of their ?:hnL.tian obligations. If eveir then you would have your cliildren to be dutiful, arid your servants faitiihil ; if ever you d'e.slre your small community here should join hereafter with the great congregation of men and angels in heaven ; be sure to cultivate the spot of ground committed to your care j teach them to Ibok up to God in every step of their conddct , impress upon them, and keep alive in them, by repeated prayers, a manly, seri- ous, and devoiit frame of mind. From a ilegle(:t of doing this, it com.es to pass, that our youth, as soon as they launch but iifto the world, fall an easy defenceless prey to those professors of iniquity, who go about seeking whom they may devour ; that they become proselytes, from the best religion the world was ever blessed with, id no religion at all ; and that those, who should be the flower of the na- tion, are too often the very dregs of it. This devotiori must be also remembered at cur meals : for we ought to beg the blessing of God upon those good creatures provid- ed for our Use ; since it is by the word of God and prayer that they are sanctified to us. Naturnal religion itself teaches us thankfully ta ackhovvledgti the benefits we re- ceive \ and this particular instance of it hath sufficient ground from the example of Christ and his holy apostles, all the evan^relists declaring that bur Saviour blessed and gave thanks Before meat ; the same St. Luke relates of St. Paul y and even St. Paul himself speaks cf it, as the known practice of the church among christians in his time. But this performace of public prayer can by no means cx^ cuse 3 man from the other dutv of rr'.ivATS prayer, v/liich IS fha^ praying to our Father in secret, commnnded oy our ISaviour ; and ro which in particular he h.is promised n re- ward. And when a man does thus approacii to God in private he ought to be morv:: particular, according to his ■pressing necessities, than it may be convenient for him to ex- press himself in public. This duty God hath established as a means, whereby v/eare to obtain whatever we want in relation to our souls and bodies •, we are .to ask hefo'"C it shall be given, we must seek before we shall find, we must knock before i'c shall be opened unto lis. The nvnd of man naturally affects i'ndependc.nce. Tocheck this temper, God has obliged us to ask for the nssistance of his holy spirit ; and our being obliged to ask continually, reminds us of (what we are very apt to forget) the dependence we have on him for our spiritual as well as natural abilities. Were, indeed, what we receive a matter of strict debt, then we might sii'y, Who is the Lord, that we should pray unto Iiim i But, as our enjoyments are the effects of his undeserved mercy, it becomes us to ask if we would receive. What we could receive without petitioning for it, we should look up- on as entirely our.ov/n acquisition, exclusively of our Ivla^ kr^r. This seems to be the m^ost obvious reason why God has annexed the promises of his grace to the perform- ance of tht-^ condition : that prayer might be a perpetual iTjemorinl of our reliance on him, calling us to such a state of humility, that whenever we do well wc should in the words of the Psalmist acknov/ledge, Not unto us, not unto us, . O Lord j but unto thy name be ascribed the glory. And whenever we do ill, we should in the words of Dani- el confess, To thee, O Lord, belongeth righteousness : but itnto ^Ts confusion of f^ce. And he hath promised the as- sistance of his holy spirit t:o helr> us in the per^orrranc-" of our prayers ; ai^^d hath appointed his Son to intercede by virtue of his merit for their admission. Therefore, it is ab- solutely necessary that we should live In the constant excr- ci"sc of prayer ; and in so doing we cannot fail oi attaining the end wc aim 7Xy oui souI*3»salvatIon. None c?^\ be vir- tuous thrt live ^vithout graying. Let people boast ever so much of the great oilect of a good resolution^ they must at last confess, that there Is no getting such a victory over their lusts and corruptions, no living such a christian life as the gonpel requires of us, without tho practice of earnest and ardent prayer to God, a constant attendance to reading and to meditation, and other devout exercises. Thougli wc liave formed our purposes, as we think, ever so strongly, and doubt not but that we shall be able to resist every tempta- tion ; yet if we do not daily apply ourselves to the throne of grace for strength and inlluence, and support, there can be little hopes that we should make any great progress or advancement in Christianity ; but on the contrary, it is much to be feared that such a neglect will bring us insensi- bly into a state of carelessness and indiff^-rency to these mat- ters, if not entiri-'ly to a worldly, sensual, or vicious life. Where, let it be remarked, our whole duty is made np but of three things ; that a man live soberly, with respect to himself j righteously^ with' respect to his neighbour ; and piously, with respect to God^ bupposlrg now, that a man takes care of doing his duty to himself and his neighbour j 5Tt, if he makes i;o conscience of piety toward God, in what sense can he be said to have don not time lost which \ye spend in God's service ; for He will rcpny and make it up to us •, and we shall, sooner or later, find to our comfort, that if .we have been stedfast and ahoundinr in the work of thr I oru^ our la})pur shall not be in luw in the Lord. But were we sure to lose some wordly advantage, or to incur any danger on account of doing our duty to God 5 yet under sii.ch circumstances, we miist adhere to, and reso- lutely p;f i-sist in it. The history of Daniel to this purpose is worthy our serious attention, ch.\\. when he was threa- tened with thp loss of his life, if he offered any petition for thirty days, yet he would not be deterred from performing his duty to hip greai Creator and Preserver, but continued according to his Custom, to pray to God three times a day. For this he was cast into the den of lions ; but how won- derfully did God preserve his faitlrful servant, by shutting up the lions' mouths, f.o that they did him not the least hurt ; He who was with Daniel will be with all these who conscien- tiously wait upon Him ; that they shall in the end suffer no loss or harm. And as Daniel, instead of lofing his life, was by this means promoted to higher honour, so those who make a conscience of serving God as they ought, are high in God's favour, and shall certainly reaj^ some great benefit and advantage by it. It has been observed by many good men, that to begin th.e Lord's day well, and to spend it in a religious manner, \^ the surest way to prosper in the following week 5 and' that things can never go well with those v/ho profane and. mis-spend this holy day ; and it is equally true, that they who begin and. end every day with serious prayer, may hope for God's blessing to prosper theni day and night, and to order all things so to go with them, as shall be best and most for their good : But if any neglect this duty, and either go to work in the morning, or to rest in the evening,' without having prayed to God, such may justly expect to fall into some sin, or to have some unfortunare accident hap^' 54 ****** , pen to them or their families ; for we ard never safe either from sin or danger, without the care of God's providence 5 and pniyer is the only way to engage the Almighty to take care of, and preserve us, that no evil shall befal us, neither shall any plague come nigh our dwellings. Besides, as all of us have immortal souls, and an eternal state to provide for, we cannot surely think it much to spend a few minutes every day, in setting forward the important work of our salvation. — Shall we labour for the meat that perisheth, and yet take no pains for the meat that endureth to everlasting life ? Can we hear or read these words of our blessed Saviour, and not be moved ? What shall it profit a man, if he shell gaifi the zvhole zvorld, and lose his ozvn Soul f' Mark, 8 — 36, Let us consider the hazard of going into an evil world, without having implored the blessing and protection of Him who keepeth us from evil, who preserveth our going out and our coming in. Let us consider the manifold dangers to which we are exposed in the night, when sleeping and defenceless : Who of us dare to su^ffer our eyes to sleeps or the temples of cur head to tffle any r/.r/, before we have sought and begged for His protection, who neither slumbereth nor sicepeth. / laid me down and slept, said the Psahnist, and rose up again^ for the Lord sustained me^ Psalm, 3 — 5. And again, in Psalm, 4 — 9. / will lay me down in penee^ and take my rest : Fo*- it is thouy Lord^ only, that makes t me dwell in safety. Ye Fathers, and ye that are Masters of families, consider those terrible words of the Prophet, Four cut thy fury up~ en the families that call net upon thy Name^ Jeremkh, 10 — 25. Consider also how the Apostle exhorts you to bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord^ Ephesians, 6 — 4. And ye that, are young, acquaint yourselves betimes with God, in all the ways of holy address, and in. all the duties of the sanctuary and the closet : Be not so foolish and un- worthy as to forget your maker and gracious preserver, when he is most mindful of you, " when the candle of the Lord shines about your tabernacle," and you are enjoying ihe health and strength and sweetness of hfe. Let others, who are thoughless and hate instruction, dote Wpon jmd follow the dcceitfal pleasures and vanities of the 55 world : Let them run Into the arms of temptation, who neglect to look up to God, and seek Him not for the guide of their youth ; but s:iy you, and adhere stedfastly to these resolutions ; " As for me, I will serve the Lord, and will make it my principal care and study to keep His command- ment from my youth up. — Lord, I will be thine — 1 have chosen thee for my hiippiness and my portion lt)r ever ; Whcim have I in heaven but thee ; there is none Upon earth tliat I desire in comparison of thee/' " Lo, they that forsake thee shall perish, but it Is gooct for me to draw near to God j to. begin and end my days in His fear, and to His glory." Finally ; let it be. our constant endeavour in every age and state of life, to mind the one thing needful, and to do the IVork 0/ Him that sent us, while it is day. Let lis walk in all the ordinances of the Lord blameless, not forsak- ing x\\t assembling ourselves together as the manner of some is. Let us strive abore all things to please God, zrA daily implore his favour, direction, and blessing, while we live — • tliat when we die, we may be found meet, through the mer- its of Christ our Saviour, to partake of those unspeakable joys, which he has purchased and prepared for all his faith- ful and obedient servants. A SERIOIJS EXHORTATION TO THE GREAT DUTY OF FAMILY PRAYER. Xhts Exhorts.thn is iaken from " serious EXirORTATiors/'' puh^ Us bed by the Society for promoting Christian knonvledge, Dl&ARLY BELOl-ED BRETHREN, AS many of you as are masters of families, you ought very seriously to consid^^r your duty in regard to that rela- tie»n you bear to the several members of them : For as every family is a small society, united together in the strictest bands of Unity 5 ro each of you, as master of his ou'n, must look upon him:.clf as answerable for the defects that shall be found in it : And therefore, upon a religious account you must think yourselves concerned not only to take care that your whole family be ordered agreeably to your most holy 55 profession ; but also that erery particular member of it be ^obliged to the constant performance of his duty to God •. And to tlds end, let me exhort you to let no opportunity slip of bringing your whole family, or at le'-ast as many of them as can conveniently be spared, to wonhip the Lord your God in the public congregation. And this you should not only do every Lorcfs day, but even when at otiicr times there shall be prayers in your parish church, you should so order your atFa\rsasto be there yourselves, Vjr otherv.'i«;e en- join one at least,, if not more of your respective famihes, iii their feevei-i' turns, "to be there 5 that by that meai:s the pubr lie devotion of one member, may happily bring down a bles- sing upon the labourious endeavours of the rest : But be- sides ti.is you Hiust take especial care that morning and even- ing prayer be constantly used in your families. The great advantages that will attend this holy prictice, nre altognher sufiicient to recommend its performance ; ror if you believe thst God is infinite in poWer, that it is He th^V* '« kilkth and make'th alive •, that bringcth down to the grave and ralseth uj) \ against whomf there is no wisdom, nor counsel, nor understanding :" For, as the wise man:j: epeaks, " even the hearts of kings are in his hand, as rivers of water, and he turns them which way soever he pleascth." You must apprehend from hence, that he cannot want abil- ity to answer your petitions ; so that if there remains any scruple, it miust relate to his will : but even of this you have nrt so much as the least reason to doubt, because. yoU hive his veracity and truth engaged to you for his readiness to do you good ; and if you ask as you ought, you shall re- ceive : For " all things whatsoever v-i ask in prayer, belicy- ingl ye shall receive :"1I And agreeably to these mQst,.gracir ous promises, you have many instances of. the great regaril God has been pleased to vouchsafe to the petition-? of hi.s faithful servants, even in things superior to nature ; and therefore could not be supposed to proceed from any other but God himself: iTh lis when hlics^ "prayed earnestly that it might not rain, it rained not upon the earth for the f^pace of three years and six months j" but upon his askin;;^ the contrary, <« the heaveUs ^ave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." V * I. Samuel, '.l—d. f Proverbs, 21— ,10. \ Ibid, Ver. 1. I r^lauhsw, 21—22. § James, 5^17. 57 *t »;, ** Prayer, in general, is of fuch vafc Advantage to the Son« o^ Men, that it is the Fountain of all the Good they en- j-^.y •, and as on if we consider this Duty in regard to ourselves, and our Vx- ell-being, we cannot but esteem it the greatest advantage, as well as the greatest Honour to be thus admitted with free Access to the Throne of Grace. And because ycu will most certainly find this Duty, "C^rhen sincerely performed, productive of the most solid Joy and Satisfaction, inasmuch as you will find it adds Wings as it were to the Soul ; by Means of which, she will easily mount into Heaven itself, the holy City of our God 5 and happily meet thsre with the most ravishing Pleafures and Transports of Delight : For this Reason, I most earnestly beseech you to be very diligent and careful in this Duty. But farther : As you may have many Concerns to man- i\ge in this World, for the comfortable Support of th^ res- pective families you are Masters of ; so you cannot possibly take any more effectual Method to bring down the Blessing cf Heaven upon your lionest Endeavours than by constantly calling your fami'ies together every Mortiing and Evening, to this important Duty of Prayer ; for God alone being the sovereign -j- Disposer of all Things in Heaven and Earth, how can you with any Reafon look for the happy Influence of his good Providence upon your Labours, whilst you pass by him unregarded, and never implore his Blessing upon the Work of your Hands ? Nay, how can you in your sober Thoughts expect that you should be " blessed in the Fruit <^ of your X Body, and in the Fruit of your Ground ; yi the *' Fruit of your Cattle, the Increase of your Kine, and the • Mrf, vii. 7. t Tsalm ciii, IS. I Deut. xxiii. 4. H 58 '< Flocks of your Sheep ;" when you maniiestly neglect' to make Application, as you ought, to Heaven for it ? and thereby provoke God to fend upon you *' Cursing, Vexation and rebuke*, in all that you set your hand unto ; because of the wickedness of your doing whereby you have forsaken him.'* And since it is most evident from holy Scripture, that God is the Fountain of our well-being f as ^^ell as being itself j that it is to Him we owe our J Lives, & the Preservation of them ; that it is from him comes " every good and perfect Gift §i" that it is He alone who is the Giver of all those Bkssings, which we either do or can enjoy ; how inconceivably mif- erabie must we apprehend that Man's State who by an ap- parent Neglect of this great Duty of Prayer, does, as much as in him lies, withdraw his Dependence upon Heaven and refuses the most graciou-s Offers of those manifold Bles- sings which are in God's Power alone to bestow ? All Tem- poral and Spiritual Mercies are entirely in his Hand *, and can you with any just Reason expect what you will not fo much as pray for ? Nay, will not your neglect of praying for them be looked Upon as a tacit Refusal of them ? since God, as has been already observed, has made your asking in Prayer, an indespensible Gon-dttion of receiving : And can you possibly desire a Condition that is easier ? Nay, i» it not next too impossible but you must embrace it, especial- ly when you duly consider the terrible Threats and Denun- ciations of God's Fury against those that will not call upon his Name ; together with the most desireable Happiness of those, who by a constant, diligent, and pious Application to Him in Prayer, have prevailed with him to prosper their Endeavours, and to guide and direct them in ail their Ways. But there is yet another Consideration of great Weight, to persuade to the constant Discharge of this Duty ; and that is, what will be the fatal Confequence of the Neglect of it v/hcn you come to answer in another World, for all the Omissions of your Duty in this : The Terrors that will then sieze upon you will be so very great, that you will most passionately wish, when, alas ! it is too late, that you had been zealous and careful in your Duty. Then you will find that no Excuses of any frivolous Nature will avail ♦ Deut. xxviii. 20. f Ver. 11. ^ Acts xvii. 2S, § James i. 17, 50 you ; wlien the several Members of your F-amilics will ali unanimously testify your neglect, and bring you into unavoi- dable condemnation. Let this Consideration therefore have its due Effect upon your Hearts, wliilst it may be servicea- ble to you, by bringing you to a due Sense, and, as the happy Consequence of that, to a constant Practice of tliis Duty J and by that Means enable you all to answer for your several charges here with Joy, and not with Grief. And that there may be nothing wanting for your Encourage . ment in this blessed Work, you will find Forms of Morning and Evening Prayer eddcd to this Exhortation ; v/hich I earnestly beseach you to make use of in your Families, and that out of a due Regard to the Favour and blessing of God here, and the happiness of your immortal Souls hereafter j which, that you rnay happlJy obtain, is the fervent Pcti* jiion of, 2^0 ur affictlonate Friend, ^c. QN FORMS OF PRAYER, AND THE EXCELLENCE OF THE LITURGY* [FJROM MR. RJCHARD HOCKER.] OF all helps for the due performance of Public Prayer, the greatest is that very set and standing order itself, which framed v/ith common advice, hath both for mutter and form prescribed whatsoever is herein publicly done. No doubts, from God it hath preceded, and by us it must be acknowledged a work of singular care and providence^ that the Church hath evermore held a prestcript form of Common Prayer, although not in all things every where the same, yet for the most part retaining still the same analogy, so that if the Liturgies of all ancient Churcjies throughout the world be compared am.ongst themselves it may be easily perceived they had all one original mould, and that the public Prayer of the people of God in Chyrches thoroughly settled, did never use to be voluntary dictates, proceeding from any man's extemporal wit. No man hath hitherto been so impious as plainly and di- rectly to condemn prayer. The best stratagem that Satan liath, who knowsth his kingdom to be no one way mere m shaken than by the public devout prayers of God*s Churclj is by traducing the form and manner of them to bring them into contempt, and so to shake the force of all men's devo- tion towards them. From this, and from no other for;:e, hath proceeded a strange conceit, that to serve God with any set form of Common Prayer is superstitious. As though God himseif did not frame to his Priests the very speech wherewith they were charged to bless the people ; or as if cur Lord, even of Purpose to prevent this fancy of cxtemporal and voluntary prayers had not left us of his own frammg one which might both remain as a part of the Church Liturgy, and serve as a pattern whereby to fram? all other prayers v/ith elTicacy yet without superllaity cf words. [^From Bishop Kivgs Dhcourae cf>nccrmng the Inventions of AL'Ji in the Worship of Gr.d.~\ I think it is certain, that our Saviour and his apostles prayed by a form *, for they joined in the worship of the temple and synagogues, which coi insisted in psalms, as I haye already shewn, and in some certain forms of prayers added to them, and constantly used ill their daily service, as we learn from those that give an account cf the Jewish worship at that time.* Now our Saviour and his apostles being frequently present at their service, both in the temples and synagogues, 'tis manifest they approved the manner of ad- dressing themselves to God in a set form of words, iiut our Saviour has put this matter out of all dispute with impar- tial men, by prescribing a form to his disciples, whr./, I'v.y desired him to teach them to pray as John taught liis d*S4.ip!c£. Vor we find his way of teaching them was by diii^citig thcni to wait for the impulses of the Spirit, and immediate inspi- ration from God, of what they were to oiTjr up \.o him : "We do not find him saying, When ye pr2y,~ speak wh^t shall then come into your minds, or what bh;Jl be given you in that hour, without taking thought about what they ehould say \ as he did in another case, that is, v.Ii'^fn tliey .should be brought before govcrrK)rs and kings for his sake, Mat. X. 19 But in addressing themfelves to God, he prc- * Much to this purpose might be urged out of the r»al>bins \ but tli.*? aiitlior tliinks it fit to coofuic himself to s<:i»ptur»j. icrlbed tliem a form of words, and commanded them to w^ iti lAike xi. 2. And he s.ud unto them, Wh(^n ye pr.^.y, $ay, Our Father which art in heaven, &c. Here is an ex- press command of Clirist to his disciples, to use these words when they prey, Our Iv.ther, 8<.c. — a command for the use pf a form, so plain, thiit it is impossible to express it in clear- er terms. No worship is acceptable to God, t!iat is not offered to him in spirit and truth, John iv. 24, and therefore the ijcripturc t'Coumiuuis 10 us pr2y»:'rsin and by the Spirit j but th-'t praying with the Spirir, doth n(^t signify extempB- r^ry, Uiipremr>d.itcd prayers, or exclude fo;ms, will ap- pear f.om \ Cor. xiv. 15 I will pray with the Spirit, } vill sinc^with thcS^.iiit, I wlil sing wi.hthe underst.'ndines; alsvo. Here we nnd singiiigwith '.he Spirit, as wella;? pr.iying witii it J aMu whosoe*. er -iigs otherwise, doth not worship Gi>(^ a^ he ought j hut though we are obliged to sing with the Spirit, yet v/e piust and onght to sing in the congrega- tion, with a set form of words, and therefore for the siimc r.iso!i. tiiough we pray with the Spirit, we may pray by a set and prepared form of wurJs : The most spirit'iai songs consist of a sei form of imposed words, and so mv\y the most spiritnal prayers. Praying therefore v/ith the Spirit ill thif place, is so far from meaning, or being an av- g >mjnt for the use p; extemporary unpremidated prayers, llut x< is rather an argun-ienc against them: For eitliCr we are obhged by it to smg to God in extemporary hyinn?„ or wc are not obliged to pray to him in extt-mporary prav- tis 5 since it is unreasonable to interpret singiiMj; with the Spirit, in one sense^ and praying with the Spirit in a cqntrary. 'Tis very observabli that evra those who composed their prayers and hymn.s by immediate iuspiratioir did not gen-r eiaiiy offer them to God in the coni^jegation till they had first reduced tliem into a form. Thus David fir:,t penned Lis psalms, and then delivered tjiem ^p be sung, i Chron. xvi. 7. and 'tis probable the prophets, i Cor. xiv. 'i6j did the same, for they are suppovsed, every one to have a psahn, a doctrine, a tongue, arcvcL.iion, &c. that is, to h.ive then*, ready, and reduced into form for the use of tlie church when they came together. That this is the meaning of having a psalm, &c. in this place, will appear very proba- ble, not only from the words, v/lrich naturally import Chi'-jj ziid ocn hardly bj cilievwise interpreted, cut hke-- Jlkewise from the apostles mviking a difference betweeii what these prophetfi had pr; p?.red, and what was revealed immediately at the time of their being together, verse 30. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the ^rst hold his peace. W'hich shews that these psalinsj &c. were to give place to such as were immediately inspir- ed : So far were these inSj.ired men from countenancing an extemporary, u^i^remediatcd way pf serving God, except where tliere was an immediate reveh'ion for it. Inasmuch as Cod has not expressly fqrbiddc n all extempo- rary prayers, I would not be understood by this to con- demn all sr.ch as unlawful. There may be some mtn, (though not very many,) able to express themselves signifi- cantly and dec ptiy extempore ; and there are seme oc casions that re-uire it even in public ; and on these oc- casions, when a man has n' t time allowed hirn to reduce his desires into form before he qfFers theiir., he may de^ end on the assistance of Cod'^- Spirit, as we may in all other cases of necessity, or at least hope for pardon of course to our infirmaties : But to depend on that Spirit, and neglect the means God has given us to provide ourselvesj^ looks so like tempting him, that we ought carefully to a- Void it. Good men who make a conscience of secret pray- er to God, and have grown up in a constant discharge of this 'iuty, do by degrees fall into a form even wiih them- selves ; for how much soever their prayers were extem- pore at first, yet having continual occasion of praying to God for the same things, they find in time that there is but one best way of ex^iressing the same things ; which necessarily leads to a form. The doctrine, of the unlawfulness of praying by forms, is no such indifferent thing, th^t we may safely indulge rncn in their own sense about it v since it is very apt to puff them up, and make them take false measures in judg- ing of their own condition and of the influence of God'Q spirit upon tlicm. We knew that all good men have ihe spirit of God, afnd arc*guldcJ and influenced by it in the wliole tenor of fncir lives ; wc ma;>c no doubt but they are assisted by liim in their prayers, but no less in forgiving an injury, or resisting a temptation ; and his influence on a good man's Xniud is rather greater and more sensible in these and oth- ^r acts of rcl'ginn than in prayer. Love, joy, perce, long- suiFciing, genikness, goodnc.-s^ faith, meekness, temper- ance, ate the frn/ts of the spirit, G ah v. 22. And it is prin- ci;ially by these we ought to conclude that we have that spirit. But the opinion of the iinluwuilness of forms of prayer, on a persuation that the spirit of God enable every child of God to conceive with the heart, and express with the mouth suitable desires, entitles every one to God's spirit in some measure, that is able to express himself in apt and fluent \f ords, through without the other graces of the spirit, and exposes every one to despah", that is not able to do this, as looking on himself to be d. stitute of the spirit, though othcrv(nse meek, liumble, nnd charitable, and endowed with such graces as are much mOre certain signs of his presence. Nay, so far are many deluded by this opinion, tivat they judge themselves or other children of God, and in his favour, according as they are more or less endowed with this gift, without respect to other qual- ificati(^ns. And I dare appeal to' yourselves^ whether some very immoral persons g'lty of gross and scan- dalous crimes, have not been eminent for this gift of pray- er ? And whether si.ch persons arc not apt to flatter themselves that they are the children of God, and endow- ed with his spirit, notwithstanding all their wickedness ? And it is impossible either to convince these persons of their mistake, or to comfort poor ignorant people, dejected only for want of this gift, whilst they are possessed with this opinion of the unlawfulness of forms. Which opinion ought not to be countenanced or indulged as an indifferent thing because it has been a great hindrance to secret devotion : every Christian ought at least twice a day to address himself to God in secret prayer 5 but other excellence in the composition of it, and contributes much to the keeping up of our attention and devotion. A sameness in any thing soon satiates and wearies us ; and it is as difficult to, keep the mind as it is the body long in one posture. But by the beautiful imevmixture of prayer and praise, of supplication and thankgi\\ng, of confession and ab^^olution, of liymns and creeds, of psalms and lessons, our weari- ness is relieved, our attention is renewed, and we are led on agreeably from one subject to another. The frame of our Liturgy is somewhat like the frunie of the world ; it is order in variety, and though all the parts arc differ- ent, yet the whole is consistent and regular." *' What renders it, yet niore excellent is its compre- 6^, hcnsivcness, — There Is nothing that relates either to our- selves or others, nothing that concerns us either as men or members of society, nothing that conduces to our happiness in this world or in the world to come, but is comprehended in some or other of the petitions — it is easy, while the Minister is reading It, to appropriate and apply any passages to ourselves and our own case. A great deal is expressed, but more is implied ; and our devotions in our closets and in our families, we cannot better perhaps express than in the words of our Liturgy j it is so ffuited to all ranks and conditions, and adapted to all wants nrd occasions." " The congregatic.n have particular reason to be pleas- ed, as they have a larger share in our service than in any other whatever : and the Minister and people mutually raise and inflame each others devotion. It is a singular privilege, therefore, that our people enjoy, of bearing so large a part in our service ; and it is this that properly denominates ours, what really ^one else is, a Book o£ Common Prayer." «* In a word, our Liturgy is in every respect excellently contrived and fitted to promote true devotion. The language is so plain as to be level to the capacities of the meanest, and yet the sense is so noble as to raise the con- ceptions of the greatest The manner too in which our service is performed is worthy of the matter ; our vest- ments are suitable and becoming and the very emblern of holiness, for as St. John saith << the iine linen clean and white is the righteousness of the saints -,* out cere- monies neither too many, nor too few, such as may excite and cherish,^ and not such as may distract and dissipate our devotion. All things are done, as the Apostle would have them done, <^ decently and in order ;'* and if our piety is not eminent and conspicuous in proportion to our advantages, it is because we are wanting to ourselves, not because our church hath been wanting in making prop- er provision for us." * * Tt has been uniformly observed by me that when persons not edu- cated in our Church have conformed to her service, and huve joined in its performance, they have soon become sensible of the advantages of a liturgy aiid that in proportion to the good use they have made of it their partiality to it has increased. And those only who piously join in the use of it can be acquainted with its excellence and with tfic ad- vantages of our system of Worship. Thk Kditor. C7 ******* On the Durr of Kneeling dviing the Per- EdRMANCE OF PrA^ER, The late excellent Bishop of London, Dr. Porteous, in a letter which he addressed in May, 1804, to the clergy of his diocese, thus enforces the duty of kntieling. — <* For many years past I have obseivcd with extreme concern, in different churches and chapels, both in the metropolis and in various parts of the country where I happened to be present, a practice prevailing (and evi- dently gaining ground every day) of a considerable part of tlie congregation sitting during those parts of divine worship where the rubric expressly enioins every one to kneel. It may be thought, perhaps, that the posture of body in offering up our prayers, is a circumstance too trival to deserve such serious notice as this. But can any thing be trivial that relates to the Almighty governor of the universe ^ Does not every one know too, that the mind and the body mutually act upon and influence each other ; and that a negligent attitude of the one will na- turally produce indifFertnce and inattention in the oth- er ? Look only at the general deportment of those who sir at their devotions, (without being compelled to it by. necessity) and then say whether this remark is not founded in truth and in fact. — I shall be told, perhaps, that therC are some den)minations of christians that s'and, and ot^h* ers that sit at their devotions. It is very true, and they must be left to judge for themselves : but my concern at present is wi'ih members^ of the Church.—- Our Church in her admirable form of public prayer, allows, in differ- ent parts of the service, the different postures both of standing and sitting ; v/hich with her usual wisdom and discretion she adapts to the respective circumstances oC those particular parts. But where the solemnity and im- portance of our supplications require it, there she posi« lively enjoins the posture of kneeling ; and to disobey that injunction, is unquestionably an offence against the discipline and usage of that venerable Church to which we have the happiness to belong.'* "It is also contrary to the practice of the best, and greatest, and wisest men, both beiore the promulgation of the gospel and after it. — The exhortation of King David ir; tlie 95th Pealm^ which we have adopted into rmr liturgy, is, *' Q con? It t iis futi dpwn anJ worship and kneei before the Lord our Maker." \v*tien Solomon ,. dedicated his magnificent ■ temple to God, he kneeled down \Tpon lus knee*; before all the congregation of Israel, and spread fiorth hi^ hnnds towards I leaven, \vhile he poured forth one of the nfiof^t sublime and adecting pr3}v fTs that ever fell from the lips of a man. It was the cus- tom of the prophet Daniel to knee's upon his knee? tlitee times a day, and pray and give thanks unto his God. Our Saviour himself in his last agony, kneeled down ?.nd prayed ; St. Stephen in his last fnoments kneeled doTn 2nd prayed for his murderers ; and St. Paul, v/hen he took his last solemn leave of his hvethcrn, kneeled dovn rv'^n en the sea shore,., and pITered i:p. his petitions to teaven for their everlasting weifarq*" ^« After these, iii junctions of the Cnurch ?,rd th'-J^e examples from scripture?, no one I think, who calls him- self a christain, and a member of the Church, will (unlcrs. prevented by illness or infirmity) refuse to kneel douii before the Lord his MaJ^cr. Cut if you perceive any part of your congregation, ;hal.ntua]iy r.eglectin;^ siC). to ,do, \ rtiu^t re ruest you to represent to th-.m in forcible termsj, the great im.proprie:ty and indecency of fuch a practice- It is very possibie that they may hav6 fallen into it from mere thoughtlessness and inactention, ar.d corsidered it Qs a matter of very little importance j but you v,ill. I hope, endeavor to convince them that it is in reiility a very se- rious ofTence, against the Majesty of Heven, and. the de- corum and solemnity of public wou-hip. It is. evidently iticonsistcnt with that profound rtyerence whi^h is due to the great Creator of the universe, and that deep hu- mility and contrition, \yhich, become such wretched sin- ners as we all are, in a greater oi: less degree, in the sight of Gvd, It strikes, in short in my apprehension, at thei very root of ail .true devotion; and ought therefore to be vigorously resisted before it has gai^ncd too much strength to be subdued. If it is not, if it is sufTered to go on without coptrol, there is too much reason to appre- hend, from the progress it has niade within these few years, that it will in a few years more become an universal practice, and that you will see the whole of your congre-* gation sitting during every part of divine service." trilRElL CANONS OF JliE CHUUCH ENJOIIZINQ ATTENTION TO DIVINE SERVICE. Caxon 1603, I. Tames i. T/je choke cf Sidrtnm^ mid their Joint OJficc ivtifj Qhur cjnvarde?is^ The ChurcliwardcnB or Questmen of every r.irish, nn4 t^vo or three or more discreet persons in every Parish to be eho.^en for Sidemen or Ass^istants, by tlie Minister and Parishioners, if they c^n agree (otherwise to be appointed by the ordinary of the Diocese) shall diligently see that all 'tlie Parishioners diily^ resort to the Church upon 2\\ Sundays and Moly-days, and thdre continue the whole time of Divine service J and nione to walk or to ?tand idle rr talking in, the Cliurch, cr in the Church yard, or the 'Church-porch during tliat time : ard all such as shall be found slack or negligent in resorting to the Cliurch (having no great or virgent cause of absence) they shall earnestly call upon them : and after due monition (if they amend not) they sluiil present them to the Ordinary €)f the placs^. CANON 1603, 1. JAMES I. A Reverence and ciienllcn to he ii^ed wlihh: tl)e Churchy in time of Divine Service* In the time of Divine Service, and of every part there- of, all due reverence is to be used ; for it is according to the Apostle's Rule, ** Let all things be done decently, and according to order." Answerable to" which Decency and Order, we j'^dge these our directions following : No man shall cover Ins head in the Church or Chapel, in time of Divine Service except he have some Infirmity, in which case, let him wear a NiR;ht-cap or caif All manner of persons then present, sliall reverently kneel upon their knees when the general Ccnfession, Litany afrd other prayers are read ; ajid shall stand i^.p at the saying cf the Belief, according to tlie rules in that behalf prescribc4 TO in th« Boole of Common Prayer: And lllcewisc when in time of Divine Service the Lord Jesus shall be mention- ed, due and lowly Reverence shall be done by all per- sons present, as it hath been accustomed ; testifying by these outward ceremonies and Gestures, their inward Humility, Christian Resolution, and due acknowledge- jnent that the Lord Jesus Christ is tfie only Saviour of the World, in whom alone all the Mercies, graces, and Promises of Goi to Mankind, for this life and the life to come, are fully and wholly comprised. None, either Mar, Woman, or child of what calling soever, shall be other- wise at such times busied in the Church than in quiet at- tendance to hear, mark and understand that which is read. Preached or Ministered ; sayii^g in their due paces, audibly with the Minister, the Confession, the Lords pray- er, and the Creed ; and making such other answers to the Public prayers, as are appointed in the Book of Com- mon Prayer : Neither shall they disturb the Ser>'ice or Sermon by walking, or talking, or any other way nor de-. part out of the Church during the time of Service ot SermoHj without some urgent or reasonable cause. Loitirers not to h^ suffered near the Church in iims of Dmm Service. The CKurch-wardens ot Questmen, and their Assis^ tants, shall not suffer any idle Persons to abide either in the Church-yard or the Church Porch during the time of divine service or Preaching j but shall cause them either to come in, or to depart. Meditations and Ejaculaitons to be used sn g§ing to ChuroL [from du. ^vauren's self examinant.] As you go to Church, meditate that you are now go- ing to the Courts of the Lord, and to converse with the Great God by Prayer, ami to hear his Majesty speak to' you by his Word, and to receive his Blessing on your Soul and Body, anc^ the honest Labour of the Week following* 7t Consider also what an invaluable Felicity it is for you to have these excellent Opportunities of Religion afl'orded you to repent in, when others have been cut off suddenly, and by an untimely Stroke of Death Consider again, that it will not be long before you be called to give an Account how you have spent your pre- cious Time ; whether you have served God duly, and as you ought to have done. O how will you wish then that you had spent your Time better, that every one of your Prayers to God had been a Thousand, and that your wh le Time and Pains had been laid out upon Religious Duties ? You may consider again, how happy you are to be in Health and Strength, and capable of serving God, when yv^ur poor Neighbour lies ^ick on his Bed, and wants his Limbs, or his Senses, and is not capable of Using these blessed opportunities. Say then with thyself by the way, with holy David, as the Hart brayeth for the Rivers of Waters, so panteh my Soul after thee, O God : My Soul thirsteth for God, even for the Living God ; when shall I come and appear before the Presence of God ? For a Day in his Courts is better than a Thousand elsewhere. I had rather be a Doorkeeper in the House of my Gody than to dwell iti the Tabernacle of Wicb dness ; Therefore I will come into thy House in the Multitude of thy Mercies, and in thy fear will I worship towards thine holy Temple. When you come into the Church -Yard, then consider, Here lies such a dear Friend of mine. Time was when he was as healthful as myself, but now he is dead and gone, and I must shortly follow. This should put into your Mind a great many pious Thoughts of your own Death, ot judgeinent and of Eternity, the consequences of Death ; and should make you pray with the Psalmist, Teach me, O Lord, to numb.r my Days, and to apply my Heart unto Wisdom. When you enter into the Church, It is time to recollect the Preacher's Advice, Eccles. v. i. 2. Keep thy Foot when thou goest to the House of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the Sacritice of Fools ; for they con - sider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine Heart be hasty to utter any thing before Gcd ; for God u in Heaven, and thou upon Eajrth, therefore let thy Words befev/. /fe Ex f met from the Whole Burr cP Man^ sheiv-' v:g^ that it is in every mart's pcuuer to take that carv cf Jhs SquI 'jchlch the Gospel rcciu'ms. The great plea; tliat men db generally mAe. for the \\ Ickechniss or ci.relcssncss of tL-lr lives, is this j » it really is not in their power to Yixt up to sticli a btate of Loliiicss ar:d virtue, as tiie law of Cod obliges fhern to: grr.cc h ill Ihcin koo weak, and their tiaturai corl-uptious loo strong, for their ever being in a caj)aeity, without more assistanee from God, to live strict and religious lives : conversion is the work of Gcd, and cannot be wrought by a mail's self ; and therefore till Cod shaH please (o^ corhe upon them with an irres?s table pov/er of his holy spirit, they miist be contented to live as they do 5 nay, they must unavoidably live so.' Kcw it is re^idily granted, that "Ivithout God's grace no man can dn atiy thing •, and v/e grant likewise, that it is very probable tlieir ciicuna- j.tanccs njay be i,u'jh, tln.t it is not morally poSbible, unless they 2:ad greater strength and mote grace thaifi tli-. y have on a sudden to live as thty cU'ght to d6 ; f6r their h\A principles are really more powerful thaii their "good cnes | but yet in the mean time, v/e mUst needs tell them, that th'.y are not rncrc stocks and stoties. How nriuch reason 60'ever (bey liavc to ccniplain of the infninlty or degene- racy of their nntiires, yet some things tliey ^:.n do towards ihe [>ettering of ih^rm : for instance, thctigh th.ey cannot en a sudden conquer the intvaid bent i:r.d ix:c!in:.tlcn of tlieir nunds so as to hate all sin, and to delight in virtue ; yet they must needs confess that ihcy hate a power ever iheir oatWiTd actions ; they can as well direct their feet tovr/.rd the eliureh, as to the house of gamdng, or d linking or lewdrrcss : their eyes will serve them as well to look U'>on a bible, or a serious discourse i:bout religion, as to read a seuvri'Ous and a y rofane b< ok : it is as much in tJielr power to yield their e.irs to the reason:ible advice of lute company they keep. These things tlu y must needs acknowledge they can CiO^ if they will: nay, and tliey 'juu do i^ore i-han this j for (if they please) they may give 7S ***** themgelves t'me to consider and thint: of wTiat they read or what is said to them, or what their own experience or observation of tilings will Siiggest to their minds j and they can further (if they ple.ise) add lo their consider ition, their prayers to almiglity God to direct them, to assist them, to strengthen Jiem, and though it is certain that all tliis wlthouc God s especial grace will not be effec- tual tor their regeneration and conversion ; yet, if they will bUi do as much as this comes to, we can assure them, that in time they shall have this especial grace, which they now w'.nt. Itl the same proportion that they u e and employ t'fiose gifts and powers, which they at present havr, God will increase and enlarge them. And the truth of all this is .onhriued to u^ by tha' m^'morable say- ing of our Saviour, which we find in his mouth at several time*;- and upon several occuvsions : To him that hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have an abundanc. ; but rrom him that hath not, shall be taken a- way that which he hath. Let it then, above all things, ht our great and constant endeavour to make him our friend, who is the best of beings, the sovereign good and happiness of all his cr atures, and the fountain and foun- dation of all our comforts and enjoymenrs in this life, and of all our hopes and expectations in that which is to come. Let us m ke rc-ligion the great business of our lives, and whib we have time and opportunity, let us prepare our- selves by a life of virtue and righteousness, for that great account which we must one day give. Let not the pleas- ues and vanities of this world, which will shortly have an end, make us unmindful of the great and momenteous concers of eternity. There shall in no wise enter into that holy place any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abmonition, or maketh a lie ; but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. And those only are the good and virtuous, who have kept themselves from the polutions of this wicked world, and have led a life of piety and renewed obedience towards God, and of love and chaiky toward their neighbours. K 7% Extracts from Mr. Nelson's Practice of True Leio'ion. ON FERVENCr CF SPIRIT. <* BE FERVENT IN SPIRIT, In order to tKis purpose, I shall offer to you some con- siderations, which J b?g you to make trial of, as necessary* means to keep this hoiy firQ bright in your minds. I. ''1 he Exercise of Gon's pesence. When a Soldier engages liis enemy in the presence of his Prince, he fights ■with greater courage and bravery. "When a christian prays, converses, or follows his calling, with an actual sense that God sees him, and is privy to all his thoughts, it is impossible he should be negligent or unconcerned. No; the sense of God's all-seeing eye animates him with eare and diligence, and with this prospect he endeavours to do every tliing that may please him best. If you would be secure of a general aild effectual me-.ns to pray with devotion, to converse with reserve, to follow your profes^^ sion with diligence, and to govern your passions, and to resit^t the temptations that ass.ultyou; remember always that God is present with y u ; endtavour to preserve the sense of it upon your m.ind, and accustom yourself to the exercise of it. And if, v^'hen ycu have any occasion offered of practising any virtue, or mortifying any passion, you have not a sense of God's presence upon your mind, im- mediately n. fleet u- on it and place God bclore you, and you will quickly experience 'hat fervour of spirit, and that readiness of mind, to serve God upon all occasions, which is so important in our spiritual life. II In the ordinary actions^ of your life, and in the occasions of practising any virtue, ( r avoiding any sin ; i. Consider what God requires from you. 2. Promise to perform it 3. Put your resolution into execution without delay. Now all this may be done almost in a moment c;f time, and you must immediately, withort put- ting off, set abc»ut tlus practice. First then, I recommend to you to consider in all your actions, and in those oeca sions I have mentionec!, what it is Cod requires from you, and wh.n is most pleading in h\>, sight, Alas ! how murh are yoii to blame when you act with rashness and prccipita- tion ; when you pass hours and whole days in different actions, which succeed one another, without considering what it is God requires from you, without consulting his will and pleasure, in order that tlie action, and the man- ner of it, may be such as shall approve of ? Let the exam- ple of holy David prevail upon you for the future, to set the Lord always bef /re you. From time to time lift up yoT heart t) him, whose eyes run to and fro throughout all the earth ; and say to him, Lord what wouldst thoMi have me to do? Spe -k Lord, for thy servant heareth In the second place, having thoroughly understood your duty, and the manner of performing it j that upon such an occasion patience ought to be exercised ; that we ought not to Hx our eyes upi-n siich an object ; and that we ought always to prav with reverence and rtt-.ntion. See, Upon such convi. lions, we ought immedi..tely to resolve to practice wlrat appears to us mo^t acceptable to God. And then, in the third place, we mubt, without delay, put in xecution what we have resolved. O ! how impor- tant is this ad ice ! Do not rest \n the bare knowledge uf yuuj duty; do not satisfy yoursejf v/idi somr fjint reso- lutions of l^ractising it •, but v/ithout losing any farth'T time, perform what you have promised and practice what yo:' have resolved. If it is an opportunity of doing ny goo:^, this opporlu- nity will quickly pass thro"gh your hands ; and if you do not take care you will let it slip, and be apt to sav, as ma- ny other negligent cliristians do, I w'll do this good upon an- other occasion. But alas ! we oug'Jt not after this>mannr r to abuse the grace of God, and to squander away tho e op- portunities he gives us for our improvem^mt. The pro- verb says, We must strike the iron while it is hot, and take time by the forelock. You are well acq-ialnsed with your duty in this particu- lar, and you are en^^aged to perform it ; why then alas ! do you defer it ? This oppor, unity wi'l never come aga n and time slides away j your good inclinations may de- crease, and your zeal may abite ; nay, the grace of God may be withdrawn, if you do not make a present use fi it If the occasion relates to any sin^ it is still mere danger- 75 ous, after knowing it, and resolved to avoid it, to stnnd still and do nothing In such circnnistances let no time be lost. You haye, it mny be, entered upon a discourse that reflects upon your neighbour ; break off immediately. You h .ve resolved not to lo'k upon such an object ; do not amuse y urself in thinking of it, and dispute no loiig- er with yourself, whether you shall look upon it or no. And in the same manner put in execution the other resolves you have made. The longer ycu defer in such cases, tke greater danger and haza'd you nn : for the resolution being not at first put in practice, by degrees the st!ength of it declines ; the chsrms (f the object appear more templing ; the pleasure of it begins to creep into your heart; so that the temptatioi: grows stionger, your, ap- petites re el and your purposes stagger, and you are surprised to find yourself in so little time i pon the brink of ruin. Kow, wh nee does all this proceed ? Why purely from deferring to practic;.- your good resolutions, from delaying immediately to resist the temptarion that attacks yon. III. Reiigirus Meditation. It is found true in expe- rience, that they who apply themselves to this method are most zealous and fervent in the di charge of their duty, most faithful to God in the day of trial and temptation, and most ready to embrace all opi^ortu'ties of doing good. !N< w whence does this proceed ? The truth is, their minds being so frequently emp]<. yed in meditating upon divine subjects, in considering the importance of everlasting salvation, the advantages of christian perfection, the folly of sin, and the wisdom of being religious, these thoughts, which they have entert?aned themselves with, easily return into their minds ; and they find their hearts more wa-m- ed witli the same fervers they cxp.rienced during their exercise of devotion. They th^n called to mind those great truths which formerly have made so deep an impres- sion in their Souls, which serve them as a bridle to restrain them from evil, and as motives to animxate them to every thing that is good, and as a sovereign preservative against ail the attacks of their spiritual enemies -, which ought to make you sensible of the great advantage of leligious med- itation, in order to make you zealous in the service of God, and to keep your minds firmly bent to please him to the utmost of your power. Farther ; if you would keep a lively sense of God upon your minds, frequent the prayers of the church, and never ne- 77 gleet the performance of them upcn al! occasions in your f '.nii'y j accustom you!Sclt' to divine tj.u.ulatlons, or br^-athr ings towards Heaven. All these instances of he may love and approve of. We shall then find our ro r ge and resolution increase and d.sire nothing more than to be made perfect in love. IV. Make frequent acvs of mcrtifieadon, of patience, or h mility, or any other virtue. It is possible that you may not b': ^^v/are huw this direction can tend to the pre- servinof that f rvoui of mind which is recommended : but let me advis^ you only to practice it, and then experience will thoroughly convince you of the truth of it. The great advantage; of it is, that by thus corresj'onding to the grace of God, you engage him to increase his favours to- wards you. whereby you will become still moiC disposed to obey him in every thing. B.Jdes, these acts of virtue, frequently repe ted from time to time, quicken and awa- ken our benumbed minds, and anima^.e them with fresh vigour and strength. The p'.ins yuu take in practising these virtues, and the victory you get over yourself upon these occasions, p -t you in mind of ;hat God, whose 7«^ grxce his enabled yop ; nnd cne victory gives yoi; new courage to undcrrake another, and thereby proceeds matter for frciih triuirsph. The faithful and constant practice of these means* and a steadfa<>t purpose of pursuin)jj your perfection, will not fai of mi-eting with the desired success ; for this fervour of mind, this constant disposition tf soul to serve God to the utmost of our power, consists in constantly aiming at being perfect as God is perfect, and desiring above all tilings to plea e him. Furtlicr ; Endeavour d?ii]y t^ improve in all sorts of vir- tue. Men whose minds nre bent upon Heaven are alvv^iys advancinfT in tho^e paths that lead to it. Th. y are not con- tent only to their duty, but strive 'continually to perform it after a more p/;rfect manner. They catch at every op- portuniiy <';f doing good to the bodies and souls of men, Ihty are always upon their guajd, to keep their passions Utti *^r government, and are ready to obey all the inspirations of God's holy spirit. Their metliod must be thy imitation ; for thy happiness will depend upon thy growing in grace, upon thy improving in all christian virtues. Frequently call to mind the certainty of death, and the uncertainty of that time we have to continue in the woi Id. We oft. n hear of some body or otiier that is taken off by sudden death ; and that which befals one man teday, may befal thee tomorrow. God, has, in great raercy to us, made die hour of our death uncertain, that we might not be tempted to abuse our time, but we might be always upon our guard, and ready prepared whenever he should summon us out of life. It is one of the great artifices of the devil, to Conceal from us this truth and to divert our thouglits from it, and to insinuate, that there rs time enough before Ub to grow better, and amend our lives ; a great point b^ing gained, when he prevails upon us to defer our fepentencc ; for though God has pro;Tiised to pardon those that sincerely turn to liim, yet he lias not laid himself un . der any obligation of lengthening out our days till- to- rn or row ^ There is no method more c:^rtain to know whether we, walk up ight before God, than to consider whether we are ;n such a coiUiirion as to be ready to die when..ver God thinki f;t : and the best way to clear this matter, is to re- flect V. jijthtr in our present circumstances, and in the con- stant ce.urse of cur daily actions, death would not surprise 79 US No'.v If wc find any thing that would trouble us upon its i'.pproach, It us Cjuit it immediately, and do that now, whicii upon such an occasion we should wish to have done. How exactly just would the tradesman be in buying and selling, if he thought it would be the last bargain he should make ? How inno(!:ently and profitably would the gentle- man converse, if he thou;^ht th^" present company, the last he sho "id keep ? How would the divin' piayand preach, and administer the holly sacremcnt, if he were then to take his leave for ever of the desk, the pulpit, the altar ? antl how would every one of them em'oraee an oportuniiy of doing good if tliey were sure it would never he offered to them agidn ? It ohce we governed all our actions by this rule, death could never surprise us ; but we might die with as great security to our eternal .state, i:^ our shops and at our diversions, as in the church or at the aitar. ■«MB';s>3E^:Sr5ri« ON THE MEANS OF RELIGION. I, Their usefulness. There Is no attah^ing the endj, without the practice of tlrose means thai lead to it. A man may as well pretend to be learned without s^udy, and rich without industry, as pious and virtuou^ without observing that method God has enjoined for becoming so. Besides, considering the weakness and impotency of oui* nature, we arc not of ourselves able to do any thing that isi good ; there is a law in our members warring against the law of our minds, and our sufficiency is from God. Now the means of religion are established, on purpose fot the conveyance of that grace and assisrance, which is neces- sary to enable us to perform our duty j so that he who neglects the use of the means forfeits hi^ share of that su- pernat'.tral strent^th, without which his neighbour will prove ineffectual. The great happiness a christian aims at in the next life, is the enjoyment of God, which a man must be qualified for by a pious and virtuous dis-position of mind in this life ; and in order to acquire this happy frame and temper of soul, he must frequently pray to God for his grace to effect it : he must take all occasions of ap-» proachiog the altar, that he may be nourished with aill goodne^i he must attentively read his word, that he may be thorongTily inf^tructc^d in all the particulars of his duty, &c. Never complain that the discipline of religion is ,b :r- densomc ; that the constant practice of the means lays a restraint upon our liberty •, if it were much mor. so, the ' necessity of them, in order to oilr happiness, sLouki most iiifiuencs a wise man, than any difficulty th.it attends tlvtm^ the great advantage? we receive from tlicm, should be suf- ficient to oblige us to pr^tcttce them. II. The abuse of them. Never deceive yourself, as many ignorant christians are apt to (.]o, v/ho falsely per- suade themselves t!>at tliclr salvation is secure, thougii their lives are str.ined v^^ith many scandalous vice?, because thty constantly practice thos^ means that are enjoined for the working (mt their saU-ation. They go to church, tliey pray, they hear sermons, arid rec.ive the holy iSacrement. Such an abuse will as certainly d' strcy thee, as it has al- ready ruined many a thousand Remember always that the goodness of the means must be estimated by their scf- iriceablencss to the end ; they are never enjoined for their own sake, but in order to conduct us to the end proposed ; so that he who rests in them, and allows himself at the same time, in any known iniquity, endeavours to impose upon God, andbetrnys his own soul. He that pretends to the perfection of true piety with- out the i:se of m.eans, is presumptuous ; and he that places all religion in such performances, is weak and foolish. We must u^e the means because God has enjoined them, and our own weakness has made thi m necessary ; and at the same time we must carefully avoid every thing that is evil. And if we are so unfortunate, as upon any occa- sions to tran^^gress our duty, we must not despair of the goodness cf God, who, f-'r tlie sake of our Saviours suffer- ings, is ready to receive us u,^on onr sincere repcntence, and to en 'ble us by his grace to resist the temptations for the time to comiC, Iir The attention with winch they ought to be per- formed V\ e must not only .use the means prescribed but in such a way and manner, that they may become most ef- fectual. They must have very odd notions of the Deity, who think to please him by drawing nigh to him with iheir lips, when their hearts are far from him. To multiply prayers and sacrements without attention, without minding what we are about, is mere lip labour, and looks as if we thought God were to be reconciled to us by the number of 8i .ii prayers, more than by the dispositions of those that of- fer them. Besidesi such sorts «f devotion have as little ef- fect upon ourselves, as they have upon God ; it not be- ing likely that vvc should take much pains to become what we ask to be made, when we never attend to what we ask. Excercise therefore the means of grace v/ith great serious- ness, as in the presence of the great God of heaven and earth ; and that he may be wiliirg to grant thy petitions, attend to them thyself; let them be offered with thy heart, as well as thy mouth ; and then, as God will be ready to bestow what thou desirest, so thou thyself wilt be zsalous in all thy actions to obtain it. ON READING THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, That the reading the holy scriptures may turn to your benefit and advantage : Read with a sincere desire ef practising what you know to be the will of God. Ihe holy scriptures were not writ only to fill our heads, but to warm our hearts ; not only to give us a right notion of God, and ourselves, but to be a rule and guide for the conduct of our lives. **He that knows his Master's will, and does it not, shall be beaten with many stripes.^' This honest simplicity of heart, is the good ground, where the divine instructions thrive and pro'-.pcr ; and Christ has assured us. himself, that "he that doeth God's will, shall knov/ of the doctrine, whether it be of God.'' This sanctification ^of our wills and affections fits and prepares us for greater degrees of divine illumina- tion ; <*a good understanding have all rhey that do his com- mandments." This temper of mind answers the ends for which the holy scriptures were designed ; for though it is necessary to know the way and manner of appeasing ti.e wrath of God, upon which account, the gospel is called the *'word of reconciliation ;" yet except we conform ourselves to the method prescribed, we shall never partake of the vir- tue of the all-suihcient sacrifice. We must sincerely pur- pose to perform the conditions, if ever we expect to reap the fruits and benefits of the gospel. God.'s thKatenings should deter us from sin and his promises stir us up to ho- ly obedience. The lives recorded in scripture of God's L 8j ***** faithful servants should excite us to Imitate their virtues ; and all his precepts should direct our lives. It is better not to have known the way of righteousness, than when we have known it to neglect and despise it. Beg the assistance of God^s holy spirit. It is to that blessed spirit that we owe the scriptures themselves ; for holy men of God spake as they were inspired ; and it must be from the influence of the same spirit that they become effectual to our salvation. It is his property to work upon our hearts, whereby we perceive and know those things which we ought to do ; and have power and strength faith- fully to fulfil the same. This was David's practice ; «'Opcn my eyes, O Lord, that I may see the wondrous things of thy law." And if we ever design to lead with profit we must copy after so great an example ; and upon this occa- sion we may very properly make use of that admirable collect of the church ; Blessed Lord who hast caused all holy scrip- tures to be written for our learning, grant that I may in such wise read them, mark, learn and inwardly digest them ; that by patience and comfort of thy holy word I may em- brace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given me in my saviour Jesus Christ." Amen. Read the scriptures with particular attention. Men miserably impose upon themselves when they think they have discharged their duty by reading so many chapters 5 when, alas ! the main matter consists in such a comprehen- sion of the sense of them as may influence our lives and dispose us to practice what is contained in them. We can never receive any profit from any human writings, except we keep our understandings close to the sense of them $ but t9 read the scriptures carelessly and negligently is dan- gerous and sinful. To fix our attention,, we must consider who it is that speaks to us, the great Majesty of heaven and earth ; and the importance of those things that are revealed, which concern no less than our eternal happiness or misery. Were such thoughts thoroughly impressed upon our minds it is impossible we should suifer them to wander upon oth- er objects. Such authority requires our particular regard y and matters of such great moment justly challenge the ut- most intention of our souls. If any earthly prince conde- scends to discourse with us we aflfronthis dignity by not lis- tening to what he delivers ; but how much greater an af- front is it to God J to whom the greatest things bear so lit- 8S tic proportion, to receive the words of his instruction after a careless and negligent manner ? "Pardon, O Lord, that little regiird that I have hitherto paid to the manifestation of thy will ■ for the time to come I will attend with the great- est seriousness to what thou delivercst. Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth." Jppiy ivhat you read to your soul. The frequent calls to repentance so often addressed by St. John Baptist, by our Saviour himself and his apostles, to the generation to which they preached, were intended to awaken us to sorrow and shame fur those sins we have committed, and to stir us up to hate and forsake them : for except we repent, we shall cer- tainly perish. It will little avail us to know that black cata- logue of sins, which St. Paul assures the Corinthians would exclude them from the kingdom of God, except we secure ourselves by care and diligence to avoid them ; for any of those crimes indulged will as certainly shut heaven's gate against us as it did against them to whom that epistle is dedi- cated. The promises and threatenings of the gospel equally concern us as they did them to whom they were delivered ; and therefore it is reasonable they should affect our hopes and fears as they did theirs. To read scripture without this application of it to the state of our own minds, is to make it very insignificant to the great purposes for which it was writ. ON THE DANGER OF NEGLECTING TO RECEIVE THE HOLY COMMUNION. We must consider it not an indifferent thing whether or no we approach the Lord's table ; .and by abstaining, we in vain think to secure ourselves. It is irue w^hen we do not receive, we cannot draw upon ourselves the punishment of unworthy receiving ; but then we run into another extreme, which will be equally pernicious to us. To neglect and re- fuse the advantages that are provided for us at God's table ; and to v/hich we are so earnestly invited loudly proclaims our contempt of them : we declare our resolution to con- tinue in our sins if we refuse an opportunity of procuring our pardon : we are not much co..ccrned to do our duty 84 ****** when we avoid those occasions o£ improving our strength, and receiving that grace, without which it is impossible to perform it. And can we continue in this neglect without cffi^nding God, who has made it our duty ? Can we despise his grace without increasing our guilt and provoking his wrath and indignation against us ? We expose our eternal salvation by leaving undone the things which he has com- manded, as well as by doing those things he has forbidden, ** Lord I will come to thy table, that I may declare how much I value those good ihings thnt thou hast there provided for m e ; and that I may avoid th^t guilt which absence will cer- tainly expose me to," AN EXHORTATION TO FAMILY PRAYER. By the Right Rev. Father in God, Ed.mund Gibson, d. d. Lord Bishop of London. Prayer is the service which is due to almighty God, thq creator and preserver of all things, from mankind, his crea- tures, who d pend upon him for the comforts and neces- saries of body and soul. This service is not only most rea-? sonable in itself, as it is an humble acknowledgment of God*s dominion and vSOvereign^y over us ; but is in many places of scripture expressly enjoined by Christ and his apostles, as a necessary condition, a sure means of having our wants sup- plied. Our Saviour (Matt. vii. 7.) makes our asking the on- ly means of our receiving ; "Ask, and it shall be given ycu ; seek and ye shall find." And St. James expressly saith, (James iv. 2 ) that '^we have not, because we ask not ;" and St. Paul's precept is, (Phil. iv. 6.) that "in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, we must let our requests be made known unto God.* Now the reason why God requires us to pray to him for bis blessing and assistance, is not, that he wants to be in- formed v/hat our necesrities arc. He understands tht-m much better than we do ourselves : as our Saviour says, (Matt. vi. 8.) **God knoweth what things we have need of before we ask him." But the design of making prayer a religious ordinance •, and of ob-iging ciiristians to ask, that they may receive, is to preserve upon their minds a constant 85 ****** sense of their dependance upon God and of their manifold obligations to him ; that so these daily acknowledgments of the divine power and goodness may keep up in men a due fear and love of their Creator *, and an habitual reve- rence and obedience to him and his laws. Hence appear the reasonableness and necessity of fervent prayer. God has no where promised to supply the daily wants of our souls and bodies, but upon our earnest prayer to him. The cares and pleasures of this world also are very apt to make \is forget the things of the next life, unless an heavenly temper and a sense of God^s being and goodness, be preserved upon our souls by the exercise of frequent prayer, which is a conversing with God ; and the nearest communion we can have with him as long as we continue in this world. The apostle commands us (i Thess. v. 17.) to pray with- out ceasing j and (Col. iv. 2.) to continue in prayer, and watch in the same •, and (Col. iv. 12 he speaks of labouring fervently in prayer : from all which we learn^ that this ser- vice must be performed by christians fervently and earnest- ly. We read in scripture (Acts iii i.) of the hours of prayer ♦, and we find particularly, Ps. Iv. 17. Dan. vi. 10.) that it was the practice of David and Daniel, two eminent- ly good and holy men, to pray to God three times in a day. As to the public service of the church, and the times of attending that, every christian is bound in duty to attend to it ; and to join v/ith his fellow christians in praying for their common necessaries as oft as health and business will per- mit him ; and m?;re especially on the Lord's day, which is set a p;>rt for that purpose. But as to that which I am now speaking of, namely, pri' vate prayer y whether of single persons or families : although there is no express and positive precept how many times a day it shall be pf^formed, yet I think no person or fami- ly can be accounted religious who does not perform their duty of praying to GoJ at least in the morning and evening. A true spirit of piety and devotion will move private chris- tians, who have time and leisure, to retire to prayer at other hours also y especially when they find extraordinary occa- sions for the comfort and assistance of God. But I insist upon prayer in the morning and evening, as that which is not only reasonable in itself, but may also be n^ade to suit the condition and business of mt-jt persons and families, if 86 they be but religiously disposed ; and have hearts willing and desirous to pray to God. In the morning, when they arise from rest, and before they enter upon their dzily business, what can become chris- tians more than to fall down before God, to thank and praise him for the preservation of the past night ; and to beg his blessing upon the business of the fo'lov/ing day, and his protection to body and soul, amidst the dangers and tempt- ations of a wicked world ? Again, in the evening, after tliey return from their worldly business and conversation ; and before they go to rest, can any thing be more proper for de- Tout and serious christians than humbly to acknowledge the goodness of God ; and to make confession of their own sins and unworthiness : and then, upon their sincere re- pentance and humble trust in his mercy, to implore the con- tiiiuance of his favour and protection, especially the folio w- lEg night ? They who can live in the daily neglect of so reasonable a service 5 and can lie down and rise again without thinking of God : and go about the business of their lives without imploring his direction and blessing ; such persons can Lave very little religion, but may rather be said to live with- out God in the world. By the omission of this part of their duty it comes to pass^ that tlK^y seldom have it in their minds either that there is such a being as God, or that they live under his providence, or that he has given tiiem laws to v/alk by, and will require an account in another world bow they have observed them. And as no person wlio has not those and like thoughts frequently upon hh mind can be said to think or live like a chiistian ; so such thoughts c:vn be very little upon the mind of any person who lives in sn habitual neglect of this duty of morning and evening prayer. For if men think not of these things at the m.ost seasonable tim'. s, before they begin theii business, and after they have ended it, it is not likely they will fail into such tlioughts in the mi^ist of their business or pleasures. It is to be feared, that there are too many persons and families who are sunk in this unthinking state, and this ha- biiv)ai forgeiCulness of Almighty God. This is a condition !-o danger»>Uo, ti)at we who have the care of souls are bound to cidmonish tliem of their danger, and to exhort them ear- nestly to the proper and eiFectual remedy : which is this daily addressing themselves to God •, and as it Vv'ere, con- S7 ****** versing with him in prayer. The time it will take up is very smalli iut^tl^ benefit which it will bring is crccedir.g great ; no l^f^i^thc entitling ourselves to the constant assistance and protection of God and the keeping us in a daily preparation for heaven. And surely no person wlio calls himself a christian, and doth in any degree desire^to live as becomes the gospel of Christ, can be unM'illing to enter upon a practice which will be the means of gaining such, valuable benefits to body and soul *, especially wlien that which will procure these benefits is a work so easy and rea- sonable as the lifting up our hearts to God for a short spac::, before and after the business of this world. They have seen, by what has been hitherto said of family devotion, that this is a very reasonable and easy duty ; and that the daily neglect of it is the ready way to lose all sense of God and religion. The considerations which I shall add as a further inducement to the daily performance of it wiii shov/ them that it is not only a sure preservative against tliat forgetfulness of almighty God, but also an excellent help towards their growth and improvement in grace and good- ness. To make them truly sensible of this let them consider the following heads. I. The great weaknnes and infirmity of body and soul, and the manifold dangers with which both are encompassed ; that the body is perpetually liable to disease within, and acci- dents without ; and the soul always beset with the tempta- tions of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Now, our only security against these dangers is, God's protection to defend the body, and his assisting grace to preserve the soul. And, as there is no other way to obtain his protection and assis- tance against these dangers but our prayers j so the dan- gers being daily, our prayers must be dally too. The only sure way to keep up daily devotion, is for eveiy family to fix and appoint for that end the two most conveni- ent parts of the day, m.orning and evening. Except the times of doing it be fixed and certain, the duty will be ei- ther wholly neglected and forgotten, or at best, there will be many pretences to omit it. Whereas, when the times of prayer are settled in a family, they are reckoned before- hand, and all other business is laid and contrived according- ly *, so that, by a little practice, ir.orning and evening pray- er is accounted a necessary part of the business of the day ?• 88 and no more to be omitted or forgotten than tht pvovision for food, or raiment, and other conveniences o^hfe. The members of any family who have beenjihift^^ustomed to dally prayer, as the only sure means of ©Dtauiing God's dai- ly blessing, will be afraid to lay down at nighty or go abroad in the morning, without first having made themsel' es sure of his protection and assistance, by joining with their bre- thren in prayer; or where that canno- be coi.veniently done, by their own private devotions, or by both, where there is leisure and opportunity for both. II. It is a further encouragement to begin and carry on this pious practice in families that our Saviour Christ has in an especial manner promised his presence with them. For, considering the circumstances of that promise (in the eigh- teenth of St Matt, verses 19, 20,) it miay be more strictly applied to family prayers ; **I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth, as touchmg any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are g ithered together ill my name, there am I in the midst of them " V\ ithout doubt ; Christ is ready to assist and answer the devout pray- ers of good men, in what place, or in what time -soever they are made. But the joint prayers of a family must be yet more acceptable and mdte powerful, as they arc sent up with an unity of hearts and souls ; which unity is eminent- ly becoming among christians, and especially among brethren and relation-, and is, withal, pleasing in the sight of God. III. The practice of daily prayer settles in families the form and spirit of religion j so that no member thereof Can whjoliy forget God and another world, while they are every day reminded of both. By this practice children are trained from their infancy to an use and habit of devotion ; and servants arc sure of due time and opportunity to serve God every day. For fathers and mothers, masters and mis - tresses, are enjoined by God to take care of the souls as well as the bodies of their children and servants ; and as it is their duty, so may it be their great comfort to afford them this d.uly means of becoming and continuing the servants and children of God. Hereby they plant in their hearts a true sense of piety and devotion ; and this prepares and disposes them, when they com.i to be parents and govern- ors, to train up their children and servants to the same meth- od of daily devotion. And so tliey who settle and keep up #■ ^ i(£ Jifr ^|c !f art! their families this pi-actice of morning and evening pray- er, take the true and i-ffectual w.iy both to preserve in thejf own houses a spirit of piety and religi.>h, and aho to con- vey thtit religious spirit to future generations. IV Daily prayer in any family is a great check and re- straint upon ny member of it who m.;y be inclined to sin and vice. It makes him remember, whether he will or no, that there is a God and another world ; and that they who would be happy hereafter must heartily use their own en- deavors and beg the assistance of almighty God that they may live soberly and righteously here. This is the great end and design of all our prayers. And thouoh person* who are viciously inclined may not inwardly join with their brethren in prayer, yet if they be but present, they mu<^t of- ten consider that what the rest are doing is in order to a life after this ; that they as well as their brethren have souls to take care of; and therefore, that it cannot be safe f;r them to live in sins from which they hear their fellow christians daily beseeching God to deliver them. Occasional admoni- tions or exhortations to this purpose may be easily forgottetl or neglected by v/icked men ; but when the thoughts of an- other world are thus daily renewed upon their minds it must be a daily check to their wicked courses. And I doubt not but very many persons of evil and debauched in«* jClinations, have not only been much informed, but have be- come virtuous and religious, by falling providentially into such regular families as have kept up this most edifying and pious exercise of daily prayer. V As the practice of daily prayer in families is the best way to restrain and reform the bad members of it, so it is an excellent means to make such of them as are well disposed, persevere in their good dispositions, and grow daily in grace and in pu; ity of heart and affections ; and to fit them more and more for the spiritual exercise of the next life. The heart of mart is by nature carnal and earthly, set upon the business of this Vv'orld and not easily brought to take delight in the things of the next. The work, therefore, which God hath appointed christians in this world is to purify thei^ hearts, and to bring them to a love of heavenly things. For the effecting of this, he hath enjoined the exercise of seve- ral means, as reading, meditation, and the like ; but of those means, none is more effectual for that end than this of daily prayer. It is the only way we have of prevailing with God M 90 to send his lioly spirit into our hearts. The daily prztilcc of lifting up our hearts to God in prayer, adds wings to the soul and makes it move towards heaven everyday more nat- urally and easily •, ztnd brings it to a nearer acquaintance with God and a better tas\e and relish of that spiritual life which every one that desires hf aven must desire and obtaiifi. Daily prayer, as it contains in it a solemn confession (-f sins, gives good christians an opportunity, or rather puts them Under the necessity of examining their lives day by day, and of repenting immediately of the sins they commit By this daily confession and repentance, they are kept in a right knowledge of their spiritual estate, and have their accounts in readiness whenever God shall please to call for them. Thus, all families who have settled and kept up this daiJy correspondence with God in prayer, do truly zunlk with God, and are constantly advancing towards heaven in the way t-hat he hath appointed ; arid are making themselves every day more fit for his immediate presence there. VI. When daily prayer is practised in any family, the members of it are accustomed to devotion ; and by the'?r appearing so frequently before God in a small congregation, they can much more readily frame their hearts to due at- tention and zeal, when tlhey come to appear before him in a larger. They ^ill thus be qualified for the public service of the church j where christians meet, with mutual unity of hearts, and send up their joint prayers to God for their common nece sities. The same spirrt of devotion makes us both fit for public and private prayer. Unless that sph-it h-e kept up by daily exercise, it will, of course decay and lan- gui'^h. VVhen christians come to church after the disuse of devotion for some days together, they are in a manner stran- gers lo the work about which they are to be employed ; and their hearts having been engaged only about earthly things, are not readily and easily raised up to heaven. This is the true cause of that coldness, indifference, and wandering of thoughts and eyes, that is so common in the public worship of God. It is generally true, that they who use no devo- tion at hom^ bring very little to church. The practice 6f daily prayer at home trains up christians to a spirit and habit of devotion, and keeps tlieir minds bent towards God and heavenly things. These objects, by frequent exercise, be- ing made familiar to their thoughts, their hearts and affec- tions are easily framed and composed to that attention, de- 91 votion, and zeal, which becomes the house of God. They are also armed against the temptations to wnndering, and those disturbances to devotion, which frequently happen in great and public congregations. The preceding exhortation may be thus briefly summed up Prayer to almighty God is an ordinance which he has appointed, as the condition of haying our wants sup- plied, and as one special means of keeping wp in our hearts a constant sense of his mejesty and goodness, and thereby a due fear and love, and reverence of his name. Our waists are daily, and the temptations which draw our hearts from God to the things of this world are also daily •, and upon both these accounts our prayers ought also to be daily. Dai- ly prayer has been the practice of good and reli'j^ious men of ail ages. They scarce deserve the name of christians, who can lie down to rest without praying for the protection of God, and rise again without tlianking him for that protec- tion, and begging his blessing upon themselves and their undertakings the following day. The only way to have these duties surely and effectually performed by christians, is to settle the practice of morning and evening prayer in their families ; the members of which, at least the greater part of them, are supposed ordinarily to be together at these two seasons. When the times of prayer are thus settled, it will be accounted part of the business of the day. As the neglect of family prayer occasions an habitual forgetful- ness of God and the things of another hfe •, so the daily practice of it keeps up in families a face and spirit of reli- gion ; and is the best means that fathers and mothers, mas- ters and mistresses, caTl use, to preserve in themselves, their children and servants, such a religious and heavenly fran>e c^ soul as becomes a society of christians. It brings down upon families the blessing of God, and supplies of grace to assist and direct those, members v/ho heartily join with their brethren in daily prayer for it. If there be any members of a family wlck-sd, or ill-disposed, this practice is the way to reclaim them and niake them good, by brmging to their minds every day the thoughts of God and another world, and keeping their consciences awake.. As to those of a family who are good and desirous to grow every day better, the practice of daily prayer makes th m fixed and bteadfiist ipL their religious dispositions. It keeps their souls bent to- wards heaven and heavenly tilings j it raises tliem more and ©2 ******* mot6 to such a spirit of devotion, as both prepares them, while they live, to be fervent and zealous amonget the faith- ful in the public service of Gcd*s church, and when they come to die, fits them for spiritual joys and exercises aniong the blessed in heaven. Extracts frsm Bishop ^Pllson'x Parcchlalia ; rr Insiru^-z tions to the Clergy. CONCERNING FAMILY PRAYER. The very learned and pious Bifliop Pearson took occa-. Son very often and publickly to bless God, that he vi^as born and bred in a family in ^yhich God was worshipped daily. And certainly, it is a duty which entails very many bless- ings on posterity ; for which reason, a pastor should ]a-» hour with all his might to introduce it into every family un- der his chaige j at least, he should give neither himself noif his people any rest, till he has done all that lies in his pow- pc to effect so good a work , which if he does not do, this very intimation vi^iil one day rise up in judgment against him. And in truth, this duty is so reasonable and advantageous, that a man, who will but set about it in good earnest, wiU find people less backv/ard than at first he would imagine. To acknowledge God to be the giver of all good gifts ; — to put a man's self, his wife, his childrv n, his servants, and all that belongs to him under God s protection ; — to ask from him, as from a father, whatever we want, and to thanl; him for the favours we have received ; these are duties which the reason of mankind cloats with as soon as they are fairly proposed. And then the advantages of family worship will be evi- dent to the meanest capacities. First : To begin and end the day, with God, will be the likeliest way to make servants faithful, children dutiful, "wives obedient, and husbands sober, loving, and careful ^ every one acting as in the sight of God. Secondly : This will be a mighty check upon every one of the family, and will be a me^yis of preventing much wick- f»5 edness ;— at least, people will sin with remorse, (which Ift much better than with a sc:^red conscience) when every one juiows he must '^o upon his knees before he sleeps. Thirdly : This is the way to entail piety upon the gene- rations to come. When childr.^n and servants, coming to liiwe iamilies of their own, cannot be easy till they fall into the same pious method wlich they have been long used to. M Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not tlepart from it j" nor pevhaps his children after him for many generauons. But if there are persons upon whom these motives maicc no impressions, let them knov/ the evil consequences of neglecting this duty : <' That the curse of the Lord is in the house of the wick* ed.'* Pour out thine indignation, saith the prophet jf (that is^ God will do so) upon the families that call not upon hisi name. Add to this, that; ignornnccy profanene^^^ and a curse ^ must of necessity be in that family where God is not own- ed ; where, as one observes, not a creature but is taken care of, not a swine but shall be served twice; a day, and God only is forgotten I say he must be worse than a hea^ then whom these consid. rations da not influence. I know of no reason that c .n he ofFen d, why every fami- ly in this diocese might not be brought to observe this du^ ty, except this one : that very many cannot read, and are too old to learn the prayers [)rovided for them 5 (though it would be well if all tlu.t can read did conscientiously dis- chaige this duty I) Now wliere this? is indeed the case, \ make no question, bi^t that with half an hour's patience and pains, a past.r might bring the most ignorant person to ob- serve this following metJiod of orderly devotion. Vii s! : Let him speak ro his family and say j Let us con- fess our sins to God, saying : *< R.emem.ber not, Lord, our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers j neither take thou vengeance ef our sins : spare us, good Lord, spare thy people whom thou hast re- deemed with thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever," Then let him say to the family j ** Let us praise God for all his mercies, saying ; *Prov, iiJ. 33. fJer. x. 25. 94 Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the tloly Ghost ; As it was m the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, Tyorld without end Amen." ^ Then let him say to the family ; ^«Let us pray for Qod's blessing and protection, saying : Our father, who art in heaven,' &c. And then let him conclude the whole, saying : " The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the lov eof God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, he with us all ever- racre. Amen." There is not one person bi;t can say these prayers already, and only w^^nts to be put into a method of saying them after tliis orderly manner ; anvl I am sure the comfort and blessing of bringing all our people that cannot read to this,' would be unspeakably great both to them and to ourselves ; and for the love of God, kt it be attempted in gopa earnest- AN ADMONITION PROPER FOR PARENTS. Most parents are concerned for theii; children's present welfare, and too often renounce a good conscience rather than not provide for them, while fe-yi^ are careful to give them such instructions and examples as, by the grace of God, may secure them an eternal inheritance. They should therefore be often put in mind of their duty in this particularj that they may not have the torment of seeing their children forever ruined by their negligence. It is a strange stupidity, and they should be told of it, for parents to be much concerned to have their children dedi- cated to God in baptism, and yet utterly uneoncexned how. they behave themselves afterwards. The least that parents can do is. to instruct, or get their children instructed, in the principles of the christian reli^ gion ; to pray for them daily, and to see that they pray dai- ly for themselves •, to possess their minds with a love of goodness, and with an abhorrence of every thing that is wicked ; and to take care that their natural corruption be. not increased by evil examples. 95 ****** it Is ai sad thing to see children under the very eye of tlieir parents, and too often by their examples, getting habits of vanity, of idleness, of pride, of intemperance, of lying and pilfering, of tale-bearing, and often of unclcanness, and of many other sins which might be prevented by a christian education. , , Parents ther'jfore should be made sensible of their great guilt, in suffering their children to take tvil ways. They should be often told, that human nature being extremely corrupt, we need not be taught and be at pains to go to hell ; we shall go thither of course, if we do not make re- sistance, and are not restrained by the grace of God, and our own care and endeavour. They should know (however loth they are to hear it) that they aie their children's worst enemies, when they will see no faults in them — coanive at what ought to be correct- ed, — and are even pleased with what ought to be reproved. *« He that spareth his r'd, (saith Solomon,) hateth his son ; (that is, acts as if he really did so ;) but he that lov- eth his son, chastenerh him betimes •,"* that is, before he is corrupted by evil habits. " For a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame, "f In short, a parent, who has any conscience of his duty, will not suffer the least sin to go unreproved or without due correction ; but then he will take the apostle's advice, %not to provoke their children to v/rath, by a causeless or top great severity j lest they be discouraged, and thereby their children's love, both for religion and for themselves, be less- ened. , y When children are growrt up to years of discretion, pa- rents should be admonished to fit them for confirmation ; — a privilege which both par^^nts and children would very highly value, if they were made to understand the worth of it, which of all things a pastor should take care to explain to them. In the next place, it would be great charity for a clergy- man to interpose his good offices, (at least to offer his advice) when parents are about to dispose of thcrr children in mar- riage, upon mere worldly considerations, and very cften for little convcniencies of their own, without any regard to their children's future ease and welfare. *rrov. xiii. 24. f Prov. xrix* 15. ^Col. iii. 21. 5<5 It IS scidom that either parents or children ffray for feed's tlirection and blessing upon an undertaking which is to last as long as life ; but run on headlong, as humour, ot jpassion, or worldly interest, lead them, which is the trujB occasion of so many indiscreet choices and unfoitunate mar- tiages, which a pastor sh uld prevent as much as may be, by admonishing christians of their duty in this particular^ both publickly and in private conversation. And when parents are providing for their chikh-en, let this consideration be always present with them both, for their own and their children's sake ; — ** Better is a little with righteousness, (that is, honestly gotten) than great revenues without right."* When a cur-e goes along with a portion, it is often the ruin of the ^^hole family. These were the remarkable words of the pious Judge Hales to his children : — " I leave you but little, but it will wear like iron.'' Lastly : a pastor's advice would be very seasonable, and should be often repeated to such parents as are squandering ^way the inheritance which w-as left them by their forefa- thers, and 1 ft them in trust only, for those that should conn after them ; depriving their children of their right, expos- ing them to hardships, to temptations, and to curse their memory. Considerations which should make their hearts to ache, and force them to put an end to that idlenes.s and intemperauce, which are the occasion of so much sin anii mischief. INSTRUCTIONS PROPER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. It is the great misfortune of youth, that wanting expe- rience, judgment, and very often friends capable of giving them good advice, and followirjg the bent cf their passions, they love and seek such company and pleasures as serve to strengthen their natural corruption, which if not prevented by charitable advice, will be their ruin. And certainly a pastor has much to answer for, who does not lay hold of every occasion of shewing young people their danger and their duty. ♦Prov. xvi. 8. 97 'The first thing i youth should be made sensible of is this ; That he has in himself the seeds of all manner of sin and wickedness, which will certainly spring up and be his ruin, if he docs not watch against it, and pray daily for God's grace to preserve him from it ; That the wickedest man lie knows was once as capable of salvation as he tliinks himself to be *, but by provoking God to leave him to himself, sin and hell have got the do- minion over him i And that therefore it is the greatest judgment that can fall upon any man. to be left to himself. To come to particulars :— First : Young people art apt to be headstrong, and fond of their own ways, and sliould th' refore be told what God declares by Solom.on : *" Poverty and shame shall be to him that refu^eth instruction ; but he that reg..rdeth reproof shall be honored. — That there is a way that seemeth right to a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." Secern dly : They love idleness naturally, and therefore should be put in mind, — That siothfulness CaSteth into a deep sleep ; that is, makes men as careless of what will be- come of them as if they were fast asleep ; and that drowsi- ness will cover a man with rags. Above all, they should be put in mind of our Lord's sentence, *' Cast ye the unprof- itable servant into outer darkness." Th'rdly : This being the age of sensuality, libertairtism, and vanity, it must be a great grace, and very frequent in- structions, that must secure young people from ruin. They should therefore be often told, that fools (and on- ly fools) make a mock of sin ; it being too dreadful a thing to be laughed at : That whoredom and wine take away the heart ; that is, make a man a brute : That lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, and that swearing and cursing are sins easily learned, but hard to be left off, and will be pun- islied most severely : That evil commi ications will cor- rupt good manners : That therefore young people should not at their peril, run into unknown company and tempta- tions, depending upon their own strength and good resolu- tions. They should be told, that nobody is very wicked at once ; that there are few but had some time good notions, good purposes, and good hopes j and those that are profii- ♦Prov, xiij. 18. xiv. 12. N 5.'9 gately wicked became so after this manner. They took de- light in loose and wicked company ; then they neglected to pray for grace -, then they cast off the fear of God ; then holiness ; after that modesty ; then care of reputation ;— and so contracting evil habits, they become at last abandon- doned of God, and left to themselves. Fcurihly : A good pastor will not forget to exhort young people to flee youthful lusts and all sins of impurity, filthy songs, and filthy stories, which leave cursed impi'^ssions upon the soul, do grieve God's holy spirit, which was given them at baptism and at confirmation, and provoke him to forsake them ; and then an evil spirit most certainly wiii take them under his government. Fifthly : Such as have parents should be exhorted to love^ honor, and obey them. That as the apostle saith, *" It may be well with them, and that they may live long on the earth." That they may escape that curse pronounced. Deut. xxvii. 16. *' Curseci is he that setteth light by his fa- ther and mother ;" and that of the wise man, f '< The eye that mocketh his father, and despiseth to obey .his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pluck it out -," that is, such a one sh^ll act in every thing he does as if he were blind. In short, children, as they hope for God's favour and blessing, sho-jld strive to please their parents *, be grieved when they have angered them 5 take their advice kindly, and follow it cheerfully •, and never marry without their consent, as th.y hope for happiness in that estate. Above all things, — young people should be obliged to observe the Lord's day : They should be taught to rever- ence G(.d's hou' e, and God's ministers, who pray for them, and are to give an account of their souls T^hey should be exhorted to pray daily for themselves, and against being led away by the violence of evil customs and the ways ot the world, which they have renounced at their baptism And when they have run into errors (M-hlch they are but too apt to do) they should be made sensible of the ruin they are bringing upon themselves, that they may return to a better mind, and after the example of the prodigal in the gospel, beg God's pardon, and sin no more *, being often forewarned, that God will, one time or other, " make them to possess the iniquities of their youth.*'J •Eph.Ti.J. frroy. ;cxs. 17. |Job, xJii: 2C, 9^ OF WORLDLY-MINDEDNESS. A Pastor will find that worldly-mindedness Is one of tiie most universal diseases of his flock, and the most diiE- cult to be cured. People see an absolute necessity for taking care for them- selves ; and duty obliges them to provide for their families. But then this care ve:y often increases beyond necessity, and what was at first a duty becomes at last a sin ; when christians begin to set their hearts upon the world, to place their happiness in its favours, to dread its frowns, and to depend upon it as a good security against future evils. Now, the consequence of such a love for the world will be, that many christian duties must give place to worldly bu«iiaess ; the very commands of God shall often be broken to gain worldly .nds ; men shall make a mere idol of the world ; love, and fear, and think, and depend upon it, more than upon God, and will at last be so bewitched and blinded v/ith it, that they shall not see the sin and vanity of all this, until the appro.ich of death opens their eyes, and then they see the folly of their choice, but see too, that it is too late to make a better. In short it is hard to live in the world and not to love it ; and nothing in nature can prevent or cure this disorder, but a sincere belief of the gospel, and a resolute practice of the duties of Christianity. For the christian religion lets us know, that while we are in this world, v/e are in a state of banishment ; that here we have no abiding place ; that God has m.ade our life short, on purpose that v/e may have no pretence to set our hearts on this world *, that ir is a dreadful thing for a man to have his portion in this life ; that a man's true happiness does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesseth ; and that God h ith ordained that all things here shall be uncertain, and full of troubles, that we may be led more easily to set our affections on things above, not on things on the earth. And for as much as it is found by sad experience, that the more men have, the more fond they will be of the world : Christians should be often advised to receive its favours with a trembling hand, and to remember, that the more a man has, the more he must account for, the greater dan^^er he is in, and the more pains he must take to preserve him- 100 self from ruin ; for it was not for nothing that our Lord said, " How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kinghom of heaven/' In short, there is no greater hindrance to piety than tlic love of the world ; God therefore having made that and the care of our souls the great business of our lives, he has bound himself to take care of us, and that we shall want nothing that is necessary for this life. *" Take no thought," saith our Lord, ** for your life, what ye shall eat ; nor for your body, what ye shall put on. Does not your heavenly Father feed the fowls of the air ? Docs he not know that ye are better than they, and that ye have need of these things ?" Let not therefore christians flatter themselves with the hopes that worldly business wiU excuse them from serving God : Our Lord has, already told us what sentence such people must expect, f " Not one of those men shall taste of my supper ^" that is, those that were so taken up about their oxen, their fields, and their worldly business, that they would not mind their Lord's invitation. And indeed our Lord tells us in another place, that the very word of God will be lost on those whose hearts are full of the cares of this world, which choak the word, an4 it becometh unfruitful. But then christians have another way of deceiving them- selves, and that is with the hopes of reconciling a love for the world with the love of God. And yet our Lord Christ assures us, that they are as ut- terly inconsistent as light and darkness ; that <* no man can serve two masters i" and that whoever will be " a friend of the world is the enem.y of God.'* To conclude : — All christians are by th(?ir profession obli- ged " not to love the world." They are also obliged to use all proper means to prevent this love, which would otherwise ruin them. Especially ; they are obliged to great watchfulness and earnest prayers for God's grace to keep them from becom- ing slaves to the world ; from placing their confidence or happiness in it ; from taking delight in tl\e possession of it j from distracting cares about it ; from taking unjust ways to better or secure their portion in it ; from being extremely grieved at the loss of it, or unwilling to part with it when Cpd £0 orders it *, from a hard heart and a close hand, when •Matt. vi. '25. Kuko, xxiv. 2-t^ 101 * -A * * tlie necessities of the poor call for It : And hstly ; frorn bclag diverted, by the hurry of this world, from th*^ thoughts of the world to come. «' For what will it profit a man, if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul V'-^Remcmber Lot's wije. Extracts from the Knowledge and Practice of Chrlitlamty^ by Biihop f^Pllion, A SEASONABLE INSTRUCTION ON PRAYER, Public and private prayers, and thanksgivings, are aa homage and duty, which ail men owe to God as their cre- ator, their Tord and King ; and by which they are to ac- knowledge their obedience to, and their dependence upon him, for life and breath, and all things which they enjoy or hope for. This, therefore, God hath made our indispenslble duty : And it will be a downright rebellion, for any man to refuse his homage any day of his life ; the wilful neglect of this being in zi^zct, to disown his power over us ; his goodness to help us in cur necessities j and his justice to punish such ^s transgress his commands •, and to question the faithful- ness of his promise to pardon the truly penitent sinner, and to rev/ard such as sincerely strive to pleasi^ him. This neglect and disobedience is very often punished by God's leaving men to themselves, and to their own wicked ways j which ever did, and ever will, end in their ruin, often in tliis world, but always in the world to come, with- out a miracle of grace, which such sinners have no rea:on to hope for. The cause of which is plain : The constant and Vv-ilful omission of this duty Is a sure way to lose the knowkvge and remembrance of God, of his word and promises ; and then men will have no motives to fear or to love God, nor any reason to hope for any good from him. It will also very naturally lead such people to depend up- on themselves only; to forget their own sad condition and misery ; that they are Hable to God's wrath, and even to damnation ; which knowledge is necessary ; and fcr this end was revealed, even to awaken and humble sinners, that;, )0t by d true repentance they may escape the bitter pains of eter- nal misery. Now the spirit of God threatens, that such as will not retain God in their knowledge (which can be done only by praying to him daily,) shJl be given up by God to a repro- bate mind, that is, to a mind void of judgment— to do what is right in their own eyes, let what will follow. And the event will certainly be this: They v/ill fall un- der the power and government of Satan, and his evil angels, who will lead them, as he did the heathen world, to com- mit all iniquity with'grediness, till they are fit for no place b'4t hell. • Now, if these be truths of the gospel, as most surely they sre, one would hope, there would need no other words, to persr;ade every one who is in his right mind, and not already in the sad condition before mentioned ; to beg of God to keep him, by his grace, from falling into such dreadful cir- cumstances. The mo>t sure way to avoid it is, to dedicate some time every day of our lives to the worship, oi God j humbly to acknowledge our dependance upon him ; to confess our own weakness to help and govern ourselves ; to beg pardoA for having offended him ; to pray for his grace, and protec- tion, and blessing ; and to give him thanks for his mercies and favours to us. By viOing this, we shall retain God in our knowledge. This will be a true and solid foundation of peace, and com- fort, and happiness : provided it be performed out of a deep sense of .our own wants and miseries : with a firm faith in God's promises to fulfil the desires of them that fear him : and with an eye to the blood of Jesu*^ cur Redeemer, for whose sake, and through whose suQerings, we are recon- ciled to God, and God to us. The following devotions are here added, that they who Stand in need of such h. Ips, may be directed what to pray for every morning and evening of their lives. Not but that every serious christian will lind occasion to ask many more favours and blessings, tlian can be set down in any form of prayer whatever. For this reason there are added some short instructions, as also proper texts of holy scripture, with short meditations on thern, for the devotion of such as are well disposed ; and also to lead them into a way of profiting at ail times, by the lOS holy scriptures heard or read by them or others, which we all too often hear without being bettered by them. THE DUTY AND I^INEFIT OF MORNING PRAYER FOR ANY PERSON IN PRIVATE. Vfrt many are the evil consequences of going without God into a world full of temptations and dangers, which of ourselves we can neither foresee nor escape. Whoever considers this, and the infinite mischief which may follow, will never venture : broad, without praying for God's guidance, protection, and blessing, every morning of his life. Morning Prayer, Blessed be the Lord for his mercies renewed unto me every morning •, for my preservation and refreshment, and for all the blessings of the night past, for which all thanks and glory be to thee, my God and Father ! Qracious God, continue to me these, and all other thy blessings, so long, and in such a measure as shall be to thy glory, and my salvation. Possess my soul I beseech thee, with a true and saving faith, and with such a sense ©f thy goodness to me and my dependance upon thee, that it may be my delight, as it is my interest and duty, to serve and obey thee. But that I may serve thee with a quiet mind, forgive me all my sins, I beseech thee, for thy dear Son's sake, and with- hold the judgments of which my ccnscience is afraid. Keep it ever in the heart of thy servant, that it is an evil thing and bitter, to forsake and oflcnd the Lord, And above all things, keep me from wilful and deliberate sins, that I may never gritve thy Holy Spirit, nor provoke thee to leave me to myself. Let thy restraining grace preserve me from the tempta- tions of the world, fehe flesh, and the Devil ; that I mv»y fall into no sin, nor run into any kind of danger ; but that I may do always that which is ri^^htcous in thy sight ; and 104 that I may live and act as having thee, O God, the constant witness of all my thoughts, designs, words, and actions. May I never rendLr myself, by new sins, unworthy of thy guidance and protection ! Suffer me not to go astray, ©r bring me back to such v/ays as to thee shall seem meet. May I love thee with all my heart, and ail mankind for thy sake ! And may 1 ever have this sure proof of thy love abiding in me, that I may study to please thee, and to keep thy commandments ! and that I may forgive, and love, and do cfood to my neighbours, as becomes a disciple of jesus Christ ! Assist me, by thy Grace, faithfully to perform all the du- ties of my callhig ; and thankfully to receive, and patiently to bear whatever thy providence shall order for me. Preserve me from an idle and useless life ; ever remem- bering, — That the night cometh when no 7nan can work : — And that now is the time in which to provide for eternitv. And grant, O Lord, that no worldly pleasure, no world- ly business, may ever make me lose sight of death. And may the thoughts of death oblige me to be truly and sincerely go:^d : to mortify all pride and vanity, — covetous- ness, hatred, envy, and m.alice *, to be serious, sober, and watchful, while I continue in this state of trial ! Hear me, O heavenly Father, not according to my im- perfect petitions, but according to the full meaning of that holy prayer, which thy only Son hath taught us, in compas- sion to our mfirmities : Our Eather which an in heaven ; hallowed be thy name ; thy kingdon come ; thy will be done in earth, as It is in heaven : give us this day our daily bread ; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass rigainst us ; and lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil ; for thine is the kinghom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever, yimen. 'B»^S|&«&«- TKE DUTY AND BENEFIT OF EVENING PRAYER FOR A PERSON IN PRIVATE. Sleep, said a great man, is so like death, that I dare not [fust it without saying my prayers. And indeed, for fear of the vvorrt, a t'loughtful christian will take care to make his peace with God^ before he goes to sleep ; and put him- self under God's protection every evening of his Ufe, that he may be safe froin fear of evil. An Evening Prai/er. (3 MOST gracious arid merciful Goc?, I give thee thanks, that it has pleased thee to add another day to th.^ years of my life, and that none df thy judgments to which for my sins I am justly liable, have fallen upon me. Accept, O Lord, my unfeign d thanks, for this thy con- stant care over me : for delivering me from thj dangers or an evil world ; anvl for the many undeserved blessings be- stowed upon me, day after day. Blessed be tliy goodness that my sins and ingratitude have not prevented thee from bringing me safe to the evening of this day ! O G')d, infinite in rriercy, pardon my sins df the day past, whether in thought, word, or deed, whi^h I have cdmmit- ted through the fraud and malice of the devil, or through my own weakness and frailty •, and grant that they may nev- er rise up in judgment against me. Prepare me, I beseech thee, for the continuance of thy favours, by giving me the grace of a true repentance, and a thorough amendment of life. Make me truly sensible of the weakness and corruptloii of my nature •, and the need I have cf thy gracious help, that I may pray for it continually. May I ever make a sight use of tl-^e time which thy good- ness may yet vouch-afe me, and not dare to afcuse thy pa- tience and long suffering. Make me ever sensible of my latter end, that death may ftot overtake me unprepared ; and In the hour of deaths and day of judgment, good Lord, deliver me. O God all powerful, take me this nlgbt under thy protec ^ tion : preserve me from the powers of darkness, and froof the dangers of the night •, and, by that grace and providence, bring me at last through all the trials and temptations of thi? world to a blessed end ; that I may die in peace, and rest iri hooe and rise in glorv, through Jesus Christ : in whosa Q ' i06 lit :tp IF ^tT name, and according to the fu llmeaning of that holy pray- er which he has taught us, I mo^-t humbly be<^eech thee to hear me, for my?.elf, and for all christian people. Our Father, which art in heaven, &c. Morning Prayer for a Family 4 Josh, xx'iv. 15. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. This ought to be the sincere resolution, and constant prac tice of every christian master of a family. Without this, none can reasonably expect to have dutiful chilnren or faith- ful servants ; nor justly hope to have Gods blessing in this world, or in the world to come. Let one devout ly read or say what folU^wethy the rest of the family seriously attending* The Lord hath brought us safe to the beginning, of this day j let us give him thanks for this, and for all his mercies. J.et us pray that we may live in the fear of God, and con- tinue in love and charity with our neighbour- : That his Holy Spirit may direct and rule our hearts, teach- ing us what to do, and what to avoid : That the grace of God may ever be with us, to^support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations : That the Lord may bless all our honest endeavours, and make us content with what his providence shall order for us : and that we may continue his faithful servants this day, and all the days of our life. For all which blessings let us devoutly pray. Then all devoutly kneeling, let one say, O MOST gracious and mercifill God, by whom the world is governed and preserved, we give thee humble thanks for thy fatherly care over us ; in preserving us from the dangers of the night past, and bringing us safe this morning to see another day. We gratefully acknowedge our dependence upon thee, for all the necessaries, conveniences, and comforts of life ; for all the means of our well-being here, and of our ever- .lasting happiness hereafter. We give thee thanks for rhe light of thy gospel, and the help of thy grace, and for the proaiise thou hast rnaJe us of pardon and forgiveiTess through thy Son JesUs Christ, on our sincere repentancQ and amendment. Give us, we beseech thee, such a sense of these and all other thy mercies to us, as may make us truly thankful to thee fur them. Give us grace that we may ever walk as in thy sight : make a conscience of all our ways j and fearing to offend thee, may never fall into the sins we have repented of. Enahle us to resist and overcome the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the Devil ; To follow the motions of thy good Spirit •, to he serious and holy in our lives ; true and just in our dealings ; watchful over our thoughts, our words, and our actions ; diligent in our business, and tem- perate in all things. Give us grace honestly to improve all the talents which thou hast committed to our trust : and may no worldly busi- ness, no worldly pleasures, divert Ub from the concerns of the life to come ! May thy blessing he upon our persons, upon our labours, upon our substance -, and upon a I that belong to us : and ni^y we never undertake any work, which we dare not beg thee to prosper ! May thy garce defend us in all assaults of our enemies ; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger ; but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always that which is righteous in thy sight Give us, gracious God, what is needful for us and grace not to ab ise thy favours : Give us v/e beseech thee, content- ed minds 5 and make us ever mindful of the wants of others. G>ve us, in this world, the knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting. A??ien. Hear us, O merciful God, not according to our imperfect petitions, but according to the full meaning of that form of prayer which Jesus Christ has taught us, and for his sake. Our Father, which art in heaven, &c. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, he with us all ever mere, J men. 10^ Pare?ifs for Children. ^>A. tI. 4. Yc parents, brin^ up your children in the nurture and ad^r.o-. nition of tlie Lord. O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for Ms sake b! ss my children with healthful bodies, and understanding souls, and sanctified hearts, that th^y nTay rcnicmber their creator all their days. Let thy grace preserve them from, the temptations of an evil world, and may I never be vi^ant- ing in any part of my duty to them 5 but instruct them in the faith and duties of a chri'^tian life : Convince them of their faults, and correct them in reason and love. O be thou, O God, their Fa'her and tl.eir portion in this world, and in the world to come ! J men. Evening Frai/erJoF a, Famili/. l^ef one of the family read or say dut'nutly what folhwcih^ the reit seriously at'- ending. By the favour of God, we are come to the evening of this day ; and we are so much nearer our latter end. Let us seriously consider this, and pray God to prepare U5 for the; hour of death. Let us with penitent heart?, beseech him to pardon ouj citences, and deliver us from the evils which they have de- served. Let us resolve to amend whatever we have done amiss, and pray God, that his grace may keep us from returning to those sins which we have repented of: And then we may be safe under his protection wlio alone can defend us from the powers of darkness. For all which blessings let us devoutly pray. Then, all devoutly kneeling, let one distinctly say, O, Lord, and heavenly Father, we acknowledge thy great goodness to us, in sparing us when we deserve punishment \ in giving us the necessaries of this life, and in setting before us the happiness of a better life. O merciful God, pardon our offences, correct and amend what is amiss yi us, that as we grow in years, we may grow in gr -ice, and the ncarr r v:c come to our latter end, tKe betr ier w^ m:iy be prep ircd for it. In the mid it of life ive are in death, Lrrd, grant that tliese tlK)ug]its may make us cnrcfu! how we live, that we may escape the bitter pains of eiern,il mis- e y. Take from us all ii^nornnce, liardness of heart, and too much carefulness 'or the things of this life. Make us a household fearing thee, O God, submitting ourselves to thy g )od pleasure, and putting our whole trust ill thy mercy Give us a true Knowledge of ourselves •, of the corrup- tion of our nature ; and the necessity of thy gracious help to save us from ruin. And may t:ie spirit of Christ ever live and rule in us, pos- sessing our soui'3 with a sincere love of thee, O God, with an eirnf St desire to please thee, and with a dread of ofFend- ing tlice. / Sanctify us wholly we beseech thee, that our spirits, ar.d souls, and bodies, may be preserved blameless unto the com- ing of our Lord Je-^us Christ. Conti.;ue to us, and to all christian churches, the means of grace and salvation ; and may the saving truths of the gospel be published and received in all the v/orld ! Vouchsafe unto us an intere t in -rW the prayers of thy holy chi rch, which have this ^^j been offered to the throne of grace. Forgive all that have injured us, and forgive cur many of- fences against our neighbour, Blef^s, we beseech thee, O God, all those whom thy prov,» idence huth set over us, whether in church or state, and give us grace to honour and objy them f .r conscience sake. Defend us from all adversities which may happen to cur bodies, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt our souls; and prepare us to receive with an humble resignation, whatever thy providence shall think best for us. And, finally, we beseech thee to give us grice, that we may lead and end our lives in t.":Y faith and fear, and to thy glory, through Jesus Christ- our Lord. Amen* Hear us O merciful God, for ourselves and for all man- kind, not according to our week understandings, but accor- no ding to tne full meaning of that holy prayer, which thy beloved Son hath taught us. Our Father which art in heaven, &c. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, &c. SELECT SCRIPTURES, AND MEDITATIONS UPON THEM; JVhich may teach us how to profit hy reading the Scriptures^ John, xyi. 23. Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he shall rive it you. Every thing is promised to this duty, when v/e pray as we ought to do J /. e. in the name, and through the merits of Jesus Christ y out of a sense of our own w. nt^ and fnis- eries j with the humility of .^inful creatures ; and with a full purpose of doing what we know will please God. O Lord, vouch- afe me these dispositions that I m^ y never ask any thing in vain, or render myself unworthy to receive thy blei'sings. Hab. ii 9. "VVoe to hirn that coveteth an evil covetousness to his h.ouse, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil ! Deliver us, O Lord, from covetousness, the root of all evil ; which leads men to trust in themselves ; to forget their dependence upon thee ; and foolishly to hope to be out of the reach of miseries, and those evils and afflictions, which are designed in great m.ercy, for the punishment of sin, and for the salvation of sinners. Preserve us, O Lord, from this too common, but damnable sin of covetousness, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Luke, xvii. 26, 27, 28, 29. As it was in the days of Noah and Lot. They did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they build- ed; till the day that Lot went out of iiodom, when they were all de- royed. Lord, epen our eyes before we are surprised by death, as those miserable sinners were in the days of Noah, and of Lot. May this be a warning to us ! And keep us, by thy grace, from setting our hearts too eagerly upon the business^ in the cares, and pleasures, of this life, without ccnsi(kring how soon and suddenly we may be called out of it ; ana that day overtake us anawuns, Jiul;\ ix. I,?. If yc h«'inp evil, know how to ^we food fr^fts imto your children ; bow much mure fih-iil your heavenly Father give good things, and his Holy Spirit, to them that ask him ! O HEAVENLY FiUher, let it be unto iiS accotdlng to this thy Scn'n most f.iithful promise Vox his sake give us thy Holy Spirit, to live and act in us, to guide and assist u.s all our day< ; and may v/e ever ask and be content with such things as it shall please thee to give us ! and grant that we may never grieve thy Holy Spirit j never reject his godly motions, or render ourselves unworthy his abode with us, by living in any known sin. tig ^- B T ij tfg' a rg: a '^ Mw A short and necessary Ifistructionfor the Loi^d^s day in the morning. The Lord, who has blessed one day in seven, blesseth all those who keep it holy : and very terrible have been his judgments upon them that have profaned it. It is your duty therefore, on this good day, to lay aside as much as possible, all worldly business ; all worldly thoughts ; all worldly plea-ures ; that you may honour your Creator to the best of your power j by owning your depen- dence upon him •, by he^.ring his word, and his command- ments i by asking his blessings, and giving him thanks for his favours. If then it is our interest and our happiness, to serve God, it is our d'ty to be at his house before his service begins ; to shew that we fear his majesty, and d «re not offer him a lame sacrifice ; to shew that we do indeed desire his bless- ing, and take delight in serving him. When therefore yru come into the house of God, and fiiot kneel dgwa say secretly this short prayer. »*♦* A slio^i Trayer at your coming into Church. May the good Spirit of God dispose mz unto, and assist me in I.is service ! The Lord give us -Al a true and lively sense of our wants, and of his mercy and presence against us, that we may serve him with cur hearts as well as with our bodies, and that our prayers may be heard, for the sake of hio Son Jebus Christ our Lord ! Amin. After this, attend diligently to wliat is ^aid, and prayed for ; remembering that they TiXcyour prayers which j^re of* fered up to God ; but that yoii have no share in them, if you do not mind what i^ risked in your name. That your heart m.iy go along with your pr?.yers, say softly, Amep.y so be it, to every petition. This i^ vi-hat the most unlearned may do, and it may be the most learned can- not do better, to keep their rtiind^ intent upofl what they are aljout. ArVhen yen confess you*- sin^y do it with great seriousness artd concern, remembering thar you are for ever undone, if you are not forgiven. And then hear with comfort upon what condition God will pardon you : If you repent arid believe the gospel, you are sure to be forgiven. When the word of God is read or preached, be careful to mind it, that you may know your duty, and the reward of doing it ; that you may observe the way of God's dealing with mankind, in piinishing the wicked, and in protecting and rewarding the rigliteous ; that you may know the man- ner of our redemption, and the great lov^e of God in bring- ing it to pass ; that you may see the dangers set before you, ever remembering, that " faith, without which we cannot please God, cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom. X. 17. And be sure to behave yourself witli ereat reverence and devution, while you are in the house and presence of God ; for if, when you should be on your knees, asking God's pardon and blessings, or standing to praise the Creator of heaven and earih 5 if instead of doing so, you sit and slee|> away the time, or carelessly gaze, and think of other mat-^ ters, then you will return from God's house with a curse| and not v/ith a blcosinff. n3 And yet the very best of us, after all our care, have cause to beg pardon even for the fau'ts of our devotions. There- fore, bjfore you rise from your knees, say privately this short prayer. A short Prayer before ijoii leave the Church, The good Lord accept our duty, and service; pardon our sins and infirmities ; give us what is needful for our souls, and for our bodies ; and keep us evermore under thy protection, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour ! Amoi. And now, God forbid that you should spend the remain- der of this good day, so well begun, in sin and vanity ! Ratlier think how you may do most honour to your Crea- tor and Redeemer. If yo'i can read, you can both instruct yourself, and them that will hear you. If you have children and servants, you can teach them how to fear, and love, and to pray to God. And if you are unlearned, you caii think of what you have heard at church, and resolve to do, to the best of your knowledge, as you have been taught. Then will the Lord be with you, to bless you In the way you go, to preserve and to prosp r you. For this is what he hath declared, ♦* Them that honour me, I will honour ; and they that despise me, shall be lightly esteemed." i Sam- uel, ii. 30. A Prayer for Sunday Moriimg* O Lord, wlio hast consecrated this day to thy service, give us grace so to observe it, that u may be the beginning of a happy week to us ; and that none of thy judgments may fall upon us for profaning it. Fix in our hearts this great truth, tha/ here we have no abiding place, that we may seriously and timely provide for another life ; and grant that this great concern may make us very desirous to learn our duty, and to do what thou requirest of us. And blessed be God, that we have cliurches to go to. that we have .'uch times set apart for the more public worship of our Creator, 114 and that we have Pastors to teach us 1 The Lord prosper their labours, and give us Grace to profit by them, that they and we may enjoy an everlasthig Sabbath with thy saints i^i heaven, for Jesus Chri^it's sake. Amen, A plain and useful Instruction for Sunday Eveyiiiig, Concerning the providence of God, or his wisdom and goodness in gov- erning the world. That God is great, and to be greatly feared, we know by the world he hath made, and from his dreadful judgments. That God is good, and to be loved and worshipped, we are c-^nvinced from his care of the whole creation. " For his tender mercies are over all his works," Psalms^ cxlv. 9. Therefore have his creatures the Comfort of the rain and sun, of food and shelter ; the earth yieids increase, tnd the seas are stored with creatures innumerable. In the hand of God are ^hese and all other blessings, which he withholds, or giveth, according to his good pleas- ure, to teach us that we wholly depend on him ; that man liveth not by bread alone^ nor by his ovi^n industry, but by the providence of God, who ordereth all conditions of life for the best, for those that cannot choose for themselves. And if he suffers some to be poor, it is because that con- dition is best for them now •, but he will make them great amends in the next world for what they want in this, if they will be content and honest, neither murmur at their own lot, nor envy that of others. When God. giveth riches, it is not to make them an oc- casion of our ruin, but to try our virtue ; for, if ive are not high^mindedy if we trust not in uncertain riches^ but in the living God ; if zve do g^ od with them^ and readily distribute to the necessity of others ; then are riches a real blessings and help to bring us to eternal lifey I Tim. vi. 17. If he bringcth us into affliction, it is not that he is pleas- ed with the miseries of his creatures, but he is shewing the'n tJ'eir transgression, he is cpe.iing their ear to disci pliney that th y may return from iniquity j and save their souls J ram death eternal. Job, xxxvi. 9. **** If he suflers us to be tempted, it is not that we might fall, but to make us more sensible of our own weekness, that we may come to him for help, on whom we depend, who will Tiot s.'ffcr z/f to be tempted nhove what ive are able to bear ; and who will reward our poor endeavouis with unspeakable happiness. If we have friends, it is the favour of God to ns ; and, if we have enemi.\';, the^are rods in his hands either to cor- rect us, or to make us careful of our ways. The Devil himself, that powerful spirit, is under God*s command, to execute his judgments upon wicked men, whil : they that trust in the Loid hath nothing to fear, for he hath no power to hurt them. Happy are we, who know these things now ; and we shall be for ever happy if we live according to this belief. For then we shall trust in the Lord with all our heart, and not lean unto our own understanding. We shall call upon him for what we want, and thankful- ly receive what he is pleased to send. Eor '* shall we re- ceive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil ? ' Job, ii. 10. We shall hope for his favour when we mean well, and never expect his blessing when our designs are evil. We shall look upon God's time as the best, and not grow impatient when our desires are not answered. We shall acknowledp;e his hand in every thing that be- falleth us, and hope for his mercy even when he is angry, knowing, <* that all things shall work together for good to them that love God," Rom. viii 28. Thus shall we dwell under the defence of the Most High^ and shall be secure f rein fear of evil. A Prayer for Swidaij Evening. Almighty God, by whom all things were made, and are preserved, make us truly thankful, for thy wonderful works of creation ; for thine adorable providence in pre- serving every thing that thou hast made : and for thine in- finite power, wisdom, and goodness, in the government of the world. But above all, we acknowledge thine infinite iove in the redemption of the world, by thy Son our Loi'd Jesus Christ : and thy goodness in sending by Kim tnis comfortable message to thy distressed creatures — ihaf uho* soever rcceiveth end beliezcth in hirUy shall not parish, but have eternal life. We bless thee for his holy doctrine and example ; and for his precious detith, and glorious resurrec- tion, by which o ;r sad condi ion, and thine un.'peakable love, have been wonderfully shewn to us. We give thee thanks for thy holy word, by which thy works of mercy and providence have been preserved, and thy will made known unto mankind. We bless thy holy name, for sanc- tifying one day in seven to thy service, to keep up the knowledge and remembrance of thee, and of our creation and redemption ; and for appointing thy ministers to pub-r lish these truths to us in thy name, that we may render un- to thee that honour, love, and obedience, which becometh creatures to pay to their Creator. And we beseech thee, O God, to give us all such a deep and lasting sense of thy great and undeserved mercies to us, that our hearts may be unfi^ignedly thankful, and that we may shew forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to tliy service, and by walking before thee, in holiness and righteousness all our days : and as we often hear how we ought to walk, and to please God, we may continue to do so unto our lives end^ through jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, A short Admonilion to all, and esp^clallij to Mas- ters of FmnUies. Amongst the many growing vices of this profane age, One wretched and ungodly custom is too common ; viz, oi" people's falling to their m.eah, as the beasts ck) to their fod- der, without any thoughts of God, or thanks for his bless- ings.* And evt-n too many of those who have not quite * Grace before meals, ;he practice of the Romany Nee prills aut Ejnilas^ ant Mancra grata Lyca:i^ Fas ciiiqu/nn tctigisie fuit, quum mulla prccaius lit mcmam. Sil. Itallcus, * Nor touch'd the meit, nor tasted was the wine, "iill every gu'jst ira.plo;'*d the puw'rs diviae.* 117 laid aside this christian duty, perform it after such a sligl^ ancl rivrgligcnt manner, as mikes it as sinfu' as the oniissioiv Wiicn a man, like ourselves, bestows a favour, we natur- ally give him thanks. Are not food, and the supp-rts of life and health, mighty blessings ? Is not God the sole giver of these ? Are they not worth asking, and giving thanks for ? this shews planly, that this sin, being against the very natur.il notions of si nse and gratitude, is of the Devil, who iTuikcs the table of too many to beco.ne a snare and a curse to them, by intemperance, gluttony, and drunkenness. All chris ians who hav.- any regard to the example of their Saviour, who always glorified God, and gave him public thanks for his blessings ', or to the example of St, Paul, who would not omit this duty, though in bonds, and in the presence of a numerous company of heathens.* Ail chris- tians, seeing the •• easonablcness of this duty, and the sin of OiTiitting it, or of n t performing it after a serious manner, will be incxcuseablc before God, if they neglect to glorify him at their daily meals. Now, that tiie most unkarned may Yiot want words to express their thanks, and beg God's blessing upon them- selves, and their daily food, these following may be mad^^ use of. Grace hpforc our Meals* O God who giveth food unto all flesh, grant that we may receive these thy gifts with thy blessing, and use them with sobriety and tliankful hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lor^. Amen, Grace after our Meat, Make us truly thankful, O Lord, for our daily bread, and for all other mercies v/hich we receive j and help us to love and serve thee, the giver of ^11 ^ood^ for Jesus Christ's sake.. Amen. ♦Acts, iivii. 3^ 118 J^xtracts from Sir Jumex Stcnchov.se' s Spiritual Directions /or the Unconverted* DIRECTIONS CONCERNING PRAYER. Pray without ceasing; that is to say, be continually in a dif^posilion to pray : Let your requests be made known unto God in the name of Christ, and praise him for every blessing you have received. Prayer mny with propriety be divided into sudden and solemn. By the foimer we offer up short and sudden peti- tions at the throne of Grace, on every occasion, in the midst of our worldly employments. By the latter we quit our worldly employments, that we may in a more enlarged and solemn manner, address our heavenly Father : The latter has appropriated the name of Prayer io itself, though both are equally so, and equally acceptable in the sight of Cod, if offered up in the name of Christ, according to his will. Sudden petitions are called Ejaculatisns : The uninstiuct- ed reader perhaps will best understand me, if I give some instances of this kind of prayer. Thus the first office of every morning, should be thanksgivings, which may be ex- pressed in some such ejaculation as this. Praised be thy holy name, O Lord, my Redeemer, for preserving m from the dangers of the past night, and for adding another day to my past life. Give me I beseech thee, grace, tliat I miy employ it to thy glory, and the sal- vation of my immortal soul. But besides the morning, there will other occasions offer for pious ejaculations all the day long ; and I would earnest- ly recommend them as the best m.eans of guarding against the first assaults of tcm.ptation, and of keeping up const nt communion with God. Thus on some remarkable deliver- ance, you may say — *' Blessed be thy name, O Lord, for this mercy.'* On some good work performed — *< Thanks be to God who has enabkd me to perform this work •, I am nevertheless an unprofitable servant." On some sudden appearance of danger — ♦« Good Lord, deliver me from this *This excellent little book, and Friendly Advice to a Patient, by the same anther, are bound together, and published by the Society for pro- noting Christian Knowledge. 11D danger." Or — *« Take me, O God, under thy pitotection.** On some sudden temptation from Satan, the world, or the flesh—" Guard me against this temptation.' On some fall into sin through infirmity — " Pardon, I beseech thee, this my sin." On some sight of your own corruption — " Give me a new heart, and renew a right spirit within me. * On hearing of the death of friends— " I'eath me so to number my days, that I may apply my heart unto wisdom," and such like. Every sentence of the Lord's prayer likewise may be con- sidered and used, as a distinct ejaculation ; as may every petition, or thanksgiving in the Bible ; (or in any prayer) if it suits your case : Endeavour therefore to become " a scribe well instructed in the kingdom of heaven :"* Study the word of God, and you will never wautf expressions to carry on this heavenly correspondence. Solemn prayer may wt il be divided into two parts, occO" sional and stated. Occasional, as in times of affliction, or sickness ; the mind of man being then, like a weak plant, under pressure, and God its only support •, and every im- portant occasion in life v/i^.l furnish matter for prayers suit- able to it. Stated or fixed to certain times and proper op- portunities, as morning and evening prayers. At morning prayer, offer up the following'.(or some oth- er to the like purpose,) btfore you arc engaged in any world- ly business. An awe of God on your hearts will direct you to use the most humble and devout postures, and jestures, when you are addressing him. Kneeling is undoubtedly the most decent, reverential and becoming postu- e : Yet, when by sickness, weakness, or other unavoidable hindran- ces, you cannot kneel, pray as you sit, ?tand, ride walk, or lie in bed ; remembering, that God at all times, (especial- Iv at such times) reg ^rds not so much the posture of the body, as the disposition of the heart : And thv^t (as the Psalmist expresses it) " if any regard iniquity in their hearts, ♦Matt. xiii. 25. f Nature directs every man, (even the most proHigate) to utter sudden ejaculations, in cases of surprise or imminent dar.j^cr, where there can be no time for preparation, (such as " Lord have mercy upon me," Sec.) The natural language too ol the illiteriUe, will readily express their own sincere and devout sent'moi.ts, on any em^ rj^cTu y ; and not the less accep- table to God, for what we weak mort;iIs should esteorriaa impropriety, ot defect, i5D the Lord win uot hilar tlieir prayers.*' Psal. Ixvi. 18. Siil in circumstances, where kneeling can be compli d with, it would be downright laziness, and great irreverence, not to kneel. Let me prevail on all my readers to rise early , for the pil- low is a treacherous counsellor, and time is too pr. cious to be lost in unnecessary indulgence ; which may, in many cir- eumstances, be more sinful than the generality of us are "aware ; For if they cannot comply with so small an instance of self-denial, how can they be expe. ted to comply with others, which may be m re diiticult ? Only consider how greatly the gain of an hour or two, every day from ^ioth and insensibility, really adds to the term of your life, as well as conduces to the preservation of your health. For in effect, he can scarcely be said to live who has no sense of his be- ing, nor use of his faculties ; and the habit ot more or less indulgence, is known to make an a.stoiiishing diiFtrence in these last, when we are awake and capable of using them A Fray er for the Morning, When tliis and the following prayer are used for fimily prayers, read vje instead of /. »ur for ?ny, us for vic^ with such other aiieratioiis as cir- cumstances naay require. Almigaty and most merciful God, with my Thanksgiving, whole heart I thank thee for my prcservatioa during the past night, and for adding another day to my life, while so many are cut off unprepared and unwarned. It is of thy mercies, O Lord, that I also am Confession and y,Q^ consumed : for mine iniquities have been pardon. morc than the hairs of my head ; and shouldst thou enter into judgment with me, thou wouldstbe righteous, and I must be condem-ncd and misera- ble. But do thou, O Lord, be merciful to me a sinner, through thy son Jesus Christ, the great propitiation, and let not " my sins withhold good things from me.' Jer. v 25. To thee, O Lord, and to thy service, 1 here fo God^'"^'"° dedicate myself, both soul and body, to pro- mote thy glory and my own salvation. 1 re- solve, and will by the grace of God so improve the tiiije, Hi wKich thou shult be pleased to grant me, that 1 may every 'day increase in hoJincss, and persevere in it to the end of my life. ^ . . ^ Strengthen me, I beseech thee, by the as- slstance. SI tance of thy Holy spirit, without which I am unable to pursue these sincere purposes : and secure me by thy grace against the snares and tempti- tionB to vi^hich I am daily exposed, . Send thy glorious gospel to tile whole hu- half of"othcrs." ^^" i'^cc^ and give them the love and fear of thee: Hless my relations and friends : Bless likewise all those who remi niber me in their prayers ; and those who have desired my prayers f'T them. Pardon my enemies, and turn their hearts ; and grant to all whatever is needful, or profitable, either for the welfare of their bod- ies, or the salvation of their souls. Enable me, Lord of all power, and good- CodVbleSng. "^-^' faithfully to perform the several duties belonging to my station in this life. Prosper thou the work of my hands, and bless my honest endeav- ours. Guard my health and safety ; and whatever I do, may I do it " heartily as to the Lord ;" that I may be an useful member of society, and a faithful servant of Christ. May I live all the day long in thy fear, under a sense of thy presence, in an humble trust in thy fatherly protection, and in a lively hope of everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ. J men. On Sunday morning, lei what follows betwen the hooks [thus] be added, but at no other time. [I thank thee, O Lord, for setting apart a day for the no- ble employment of joining with my fellow-christians in the public worship and service of our great Cre..tcr and Re- deemer. Teach me to remember this thy command ; and to shew my obeciience in devoutly attending on thy worship, and fervently joining in the several parts of it Let thy words delivered, and explained by the mcuth of thy minis- ters, find i ready admission into my heart, and not be lost through carelessness, or rendered fruitless by the vain pur- suits of the world.] O thou that hearest prayer, here these my imperfrct pe- petitions humbly presented in thy Son's name j by whose Or gospel I have been instructed, injoined, snd encouraged thus to address thee in behalf of myself, and my fellow- creatures. Our Father, which art in heaven -, hallowed be thy name ; thy kingdom come ; thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven ; give us this day our daily bread ; and forgive us our trespa:^ses, as we forgive them that trespass against us ; and lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil ; for thine is the kingdom^ and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen, At the conclusion of your devotions, it can never be im- proper to add these important words of the apostle, which contain a summary of all the inestimable blessings which you have been imploring j and of all, which constitute the happiness of a ehribtian. 2 Cor. xiii 14. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with us all, this day [or night] and for evermore ! J?nen, "When you arise from your knees be very thankful that God has allowed you, through the merits and intercession of his Son, the privilege of prayer. Reflect seriously on the temper, in which you presented your addresses at the throne of Divine IMercy : as whether you prayed with un- derstanding, sensible of your sins and wants ; with ferven- cy, with hope to succeed, and with love to your brethren. Remember likewise that you live suitably to your prayers, and continue heavenly-minded all the day long. At evening prayer be particularly watchful against drow- siness, and never fix the hour too late in your family, as they v/ill then be unavoidably fatigued and sleepy. Go not therefore to your knees in such a disposition, and with care- lessness and indifrerence, merely out of custom, and to keep up the form of prayer, frequently gaping and half asleep ; but be conscientious in this solemn duty, with an eye to the great God of heaven and earth : always remem- bering, that inattentive lifckss prayer is an unacceptable of- fering, and all confidence in that is an abomination to the Most High. Consider too, that one sentence issued from the heart, and sincerely accompanied by the affections, is of 123 more value than many pages carelessly read over, or the most complete forms inattentively repeated : Whether there- fore your prayers be long, or short, keep your heart with all diligence ; and be sure they are not sh- rt for want of fer- vour. Let every one of you, when you pray, b. slow in your utterance, and earnest in your affections : make a stop at the end of every petition, that you may ponder upon the inestimable w rth of the blessing you implore ; that it may be the desire of your heart, as well as the request of your tongue ; and may the God of goodness enable you, ** in every thir.g by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, to let your requests be made known to him.". Phil, iv.6 A Traycr for the 'Evening, Most gracious God, I humbly thank thee Thanks^ving. for having safely brought me to the conclusion of this day ; and for all thy past as well as present mercies *, but abuve all for Jesus Christ thy Son, for his glorious gospel, and the hope of a far better life in thy eternal kingdom. I acknowledge, O Lord, that I am a sinful Con'.-ssion. Creature; that I have made very ungrateful re- turns to thine infinite goodness j and often transgressed thy commandments : For which, and for what- ever sins I have this day committed in thought word, or deed, 1 desire to be sincerely penitent.* Father of everlasting compassion, pardon Petition for for thy Son Tesus Christ's sake, all my sins pardon. , , •'r • • i • • t'i both of omission and commission. <* 1 have destroyed myself, but in him is my help .' f I rely on him, as my Saviour : I submit to him as my Lord ; and I desire to comply with the reasonable, and gracious terms proposed in tlie gospel. ♦Here milce a short pause for recollection, and secret confession of the sins and ailiiigs of the day : But a more particular conicssion may be made in p ivato, either before or after prayer, as >ve have lime for fuller sclf-eximi.iatiou. f Hns. xiii. 9. 1^4 Grant mc, O Lord, the a^si-^tance of thy Petition for grace to supply the weakness of my endeavors^ to reform my depraved will, and to govern all my affections. Preserve me from the sin of unbelief in thy promises, and let me ever remember them, to my great and endless comfort. Be merciful and gracious to the whole race Petition in pf mankind ; pai ticuhrly those to whom I am others. ° more immediately related, as likewise to this family. I beg thy blessing on all those who pray for me ; and p;irticularly on the afflicted. Reconcile them, O Lord, to their sufferings, and all of us to thyself j and give them and me, whatsoever thine infinite wisdom knows to be necessary, both for our spiritual and temporal welfare. I commit myself unto thee, O God, this For rest and night, beseeching thee to give me rest, and to pro ec 1 . i^Q^p rne in safety : Or, if my soul should be required of me before the morning light, receive me to thy mercy, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, in whom thou art always well pleased. Jmgn, On Sunday evening let what follows between the hooks [thus] be added to, this prayer, but at no other time. [Most gracious God, I lament, that I love thee no better ; and am grieved to think of my coldness and inattention, v/hichhas too of. en appeared during my attendance on the solemn service of this thy day. Accept of such imperfect offerings as I have made. Grant that I may meditate on thy law with profit and delight ; and that the good seed sown may take deep root in my hQjrt, and bring forth abun-. dant fruits •, that so my conversation may be such, as becom-. eth the disciple and follower of my blessed instructor and master Jesus Christ. Ajne}i.~\ O thou thnt heareth prayer, &c. See Morning Prayer, Our Father, &c. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, &c. These prayers I have divided re<7u]arly, as such divis- ions may be of great use, by preserving order, and prevent^ 1-25 ing confusion in our addresses to God, particularly in re- minding us of what we want, and for what we ought to aslc. It is therefore hoped, that the several heads, or divisions, will be carefully observed and imprinted in our memories, with a view to which, I have inserted these divisions in the margin on the sides of the prayers. By the blessing of God on the use of these means, we may be enabled in time to pur- sue the same order and method both morning and evening, in our own words and expressions ; namely,-in thanksgivings and petitions formed o^t of our own hearts. A circum- stance greatly to be desired, as it will bring the mind to an habit of regular prayer ; b t this can only be attained by a diliger.t use of our talents ; that is to say, by devout and constant practice. The use too of these divisions, I think, may be extended still farther 5 as by this method, such as are young, may hap- pily become acquainted with the design, and meaning of what th-y repeat j so as more early in life to acquire the inestimable habit of praying with the understanding, and performing to their Creator, in their youth, a reasonable ser- vice. Nothing can be of greater importance to your improve- ment in a religious life, than turning your morning prayers into questions in the evening, to see how far you have en- deavoured to be what you have prayed to be. As for in- stance, after having used the Lords prayer in the morning, ask yourselves these questions in the evening. Do I hal- low God's holy name ? Do I desire his kingdom of grace may come here, and his kingdom of glory hereafter .? Do I desire his will may be done in me, and by me, and do I act accordingly ? &c. Sec. There is a stated time of short address to the Almighty, when we sit down to our meals. Our Saviour, while on earth, glorified God, by solemnly looking up to heaven, and blessing the loaves and fishes, before he distributed them to those who sat down to eat; (see Mark, vi 41.) And St. Paul, though in bonds, in presence of a numerous company of heathens,* would not omit this necessary duty. God intended we should use, with moderation, all his good •Acts, xxvii. 35. 128 things •, but asking his blessing on them, and thanksgiving for them, is the condition. That the most ignorant there- fore may not want proper words for this purpose, I shall add the following short forms. Gram before Meals* Bless, O Lord, these thy good creatures to our use, and by them fit us for thy service, through Jesus Christ. Amen. Grace after Meals, Accept oui* thanks, O Lord, for these, and all thy oth- er mercies, and may we shew our gratitude by our lives, through Jesus Christ. Amen. An address to God ought, doubtless, to be most serious and solemn ; let me entreat you therefore to be very com- posed and reverential in the discharge of this duty ; since to perform it in a slight and nTgligent manner, must be shocking to all good men, and sinful before God ; more sin- ful, parhaps, than even the omission itself: And-if he, who asks the blessing of, or returns the thanks to the Almighty, in the name of the rest, should presume to do it in an irrev- erent manner; every one present will. I hope, remember, that he is as much obliged to repeat the grace in his own mind as if nothing had passed at t. ble. This is easily done without appearing singular, or giving any offence, should you happen to be in the company of your superiors, whom it may not at all times be consistent with prudence to ad- monish : For, in some cases, the very attempt would be pro- ductive of 9«ieer, ridicule, and perhaps profaneness. It is no man's duty, to give an ill timed or unbecoming repri- mand \ and it is the province of reason to determine how far such admonitions are decent, and likely to do good or harm. 127 As little children are too often uninstructed at a time when they are most susceptible of imitrovement, the following prayer, either morxiing or evening, will not, I hope be without use. Merciful God, and Father whoartin heaven, look down, I beseech thee, on a helpless child. Incline my heart to re- member, love, and serve thee, and keep me from every evil thought, word, and work. May I grow in wisdom, as I grow in stature, and be in favour with God and man. Make me dutiful to my parents, loving to my relations, obedient to my teachers, and always in a disposition to hear advice, and receive instruction. Keep me this day (or this night) from every danger, and grant all my humble petitions, for the sake of Jesus Christ my Saviour, in whom alone I can be accepted. Our Father, Sec, The grace of our Lord, &c. As I cannot but be solicitous, lest any one, (be his situa- tion or capacity ever so mean) should be destitute of proper assistance for the performance of prayer : and as many stand in need of forms for this purpose, I have for the bene- fit of such, added what I apprehended to be of the most ge- neral use. Yet I am very sensible that no precomposed forms can be so compiled, as to suit the particular circum- stances of every man ; consequently, he m.ust often lie under the necessity of cloathing his own thoughts in his own language, when he approaches the throne of Grace ; and he is undoubtedly obliged (as far as he is able) to en- deavour after proper and reverential expressions ; though it is not to be expected, that an uninstructed clown should pray any more than behave, with the same elegance as the gentleman, who has had a liberal education. It is to be hoped, that such as are heads of families, (If they have any regard to their own eternal salvation, and that of their domestics) will not fail to pray with them eve- ry morning when it can be complied with, as well as every evening. It is of small importance to us what such, or such a man does, or says ; or what notions the world may ent. rtain of outside appearances. Is the gospel true ? If it be, (as it surely is) then the bad' lives, negligence, 'or ignorance of othfii, will be no more an excuse for our disobedience, than 158 the extravagance of another in spending the means of hli subsistence, would be a rule to us, it we had been so indis« creet as to spend our own. The too general disuse therefore of family prayer, can« not afford him the least shadow of a pretence to counte- tiance our neglect of it. Consult the scriptures, and emu- late the heroic resolution of the brave Joshua, when he said, even on the supj osiuon of his being deserted by the tfr'hole nation. " As for me and my huuse, we will serve the Lord." Josh xxiv. 15. We will faithfully retain, as- sert, and adorn religion. Surely his ought to be the sincere resolution, and constant practice of every christian master or mistress of a family. Without this, none can reasona- bly expect to have dutiful children, or faithful servants, nor justly hope to have God's blessing in this world, or his fa- vour a-nd acceptance in that which is to come. The depravi*. ty of the world, in which we are about to enter, and the va- rious temptations and dangers, which we are unable to fore- see, or prevent, may well suggest to us the great propriety of imploring the grace, protection, and blessing of God be- fore we go abroad ; and will also afFoid a very strong argu- ment for uniting our petitions for it as a family, if provi- dence gives us an opportunity. It remains to be observed likewise (in order to render the influence of family prayer more lasting, and extensive) that were all the members of every family frequently and seri- ously to recollect, that they are daily to join together in the solemn worship of the living God, and beg for each other the fullness of all heavenly blessings, the preivous and constant expectation of being so engaged, would help to prevent bitter words, to suppress all instances of unkind- ness, and to unite their hearts in love, /hat their prayers might not he hindered. i Pet. iii. 7. And let it be recollected, on every proper occasion, that to intercede for each other, either as a family, or as a com- munity in general (how little soever it may now be regarded) is one of the most important acts of christian charity •, the means of bringing down on others blessings from on high, and of filling our own hearts with extensive and brotherly love. It is also an act of spiritual charity, which the poor- est are so capable of exercisiiig, that they may be even rich in intetcessipnary aims ; and surely none can allow them^ 1^9 fe>'ives to de>pise such alms since the chiefest of the af q;:* ties modt earnestly and frequently solicited them,* DIRECTIONS CONCERNING OUR CONVERSATION. Converse frequently on religious subjects,} and for that purpose, be par- ticularly careful in the choice of your company, arid iu kcepiug a strict g^.iard over your tongue. That your conversation may be edifying to yourself > and others, be watchful to prevent its turning on idle and im- proper topics : And, in order to prevent it, the best guard will be the introduction of some religious subjects, where it can be done with propriety, the particulars of which, be- ino; as numerous as those of heavenly contemplation, I need not name. The things most worthy of your meditation, are most W'irthy of your discourse. I shall here add some cau- tions with regard to the government of your tongue in general, which I must beg you carefully to observe ; for, says St. James, « If any man pretends to be religious, and bridle not his tongue, that man's religion is vain. Jas. i. 26. ♦See Rom, xv. SO.—Col. iv. 12.-^1 Tim. ii, 1. ■fThe following;' hints will shew the use of writing down suitable mate- tials for conversation with the afiiicted. As for instance : Observe to them, that afRictions are appointed by the wisrdom and goodness of God, which is an argument for resignation and conffort : Ke:nark the examples of Eli, Job, and Christ: Urge that afflictions are designed as blessings, and that God is out of kindness scVere. If it be objected, that affliction is peculiarly calamitous ; it may be answered, God, the unerring God, prescribed it, and therefore it is proper. If it be enquired what benefits arise from it ? Reply, that it weans us from the world, and may bring us to Christ, after whom, while he was on earth, not the rich and gay, but the poor and alTlicted, souoht, and still seek ; that Christ has pardon of sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life to bestow; that we should therefore he fervent iti prayer*. Recommend this by the examj)lesof Dan- iel, David, and Hannah : Assert, that prAyer will not tend to deject, but to elevate the mind : Advise cheerfulness : Observe, that this disposition under misfortunes, or a release from them, is not to be obtained by the visits of worldly company, but by prayer, and consulting the sfcriptures, the treasury of comfort; that earthly fiiends cannot give it: That God is both able and willing to bestow that peuce which the world, and worldly things cannot give ; a peace which surpasses all understanding, and without which the greatest mojiarch on earth is an object, not of en- vy, but of compassion. After the same manuer ive may make memo* randums cf suitable htzdt-i^r conver'iatian oa other religious subjects. R 130 First : Let the glorious name of Almighty God never be mentioned, unless on weighty, and just occasions ; and even then, let y';ur heart always be affected with the most serious consideration of that eternal Being before whom you speak. God is highly dishonoured, when his name is bandied to and fro in common conversation, without due respect of his incomprehensible greatness. SeccJidly : When you sr^eak of your neighbour, speak all the good you know of him truly and readily, whether he be friend or foe ; yet always behind his back, rather than before his face. If any thing evil, or derogatory to his character must be pubUshed, be sure you speak net by here- say, but according to your personal knowledge ; nor even then, without a lawful calling, as when you are summoned be*-ore a magistrate to bear witness to the truth, or when hurt has arisen, or may arise to others from the evil ; or when you know of any one, who has authority to redress it. In such cases, and to such persons, we ought to speak of the evil we know of our neighbours, but not otherwise. To uncover the nakedness of our brethren, without a just caii- ing, is extremely unlawful, and exceedingly pernicious : It always begins in self love, and ends in contention. An irapertment meddling in the concerns of others, is a direct breach of that admirable rule of the Apostle, " Study to be quiet, and mind your own business." (i Thess. iv. 1 1.) — And it is well known what violent animosities, furious re- sentments, and irnplacable hatreds ari e from a disregard to it. Indeed, where you have authority, apprehend it may be well received, or are in any degree personally concerned, it will be quite proper to tell your neighbour himself of his faults. . Our Lord's rule is ; "If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him ; and if he r^-pent, forgive him.'* Luke, xvii. 3 . Thirdly : When you speak of yourself, let it be modestly, without vaunting, or boasting. Never praise yourself with- out absolute necessiiy, or when you are unjustly traduced, or in defence of your own innocence : It would, however, be imprudent to speak any thing, which tends to your own disadvantage, or proclaim your own faults. Let your speech be sincere, honest, and edifying ; let it be fitted to the time, tlie place, the occasion, and to him, with whom you converse ; and let it tend to the glory of God, the dis- paragement of sin, and the defence of good men, and gooc 13J * * »■ .» things J and it will be an argument to others of a gracious heart, well stored with wisdom,' and replenislied with virtue. Flee every temptation, winch is likcJy to draw you into sin ; and weigh well, and often, the precept given by ot. John, :is a tender father to his dear child under that beauti- ful and expressive plirase, " Little children, (too apt to be pleivsed with every toy and trinket) keep yourselves from idoli ;" not only from those of the heathen, b :t from every sort which might alienate your regard from God. Every allurement, by which tjie Devil entices you to sin, such as riches, honour, pleasures, company, and sensualities of any kind, are the several idols (toys or trinkets) wliich he pre- sents as the objects of admiration and worship : It is just the same to him which you take : Whatever draws olF yo ir affections from God, will equally answer his ends. Be ever observant therefore of the directions here given, and then none of these idols can gain the ascendency in your heart. iE^«« REMARKS ON POINTS OF CONTROVERSY, AND ON CHARITY TOWARDS ALL DENOMINATIONS OF Cliilii;TIANS. I. As there are many points of controversy and specula- tion, which frequently have been destructive of true piety, and preventive of the regular course of devotion, wliich I have described •, I hope my r aders will not perplex themselves about such points : Such I mean as relate to the counsels, decrees, or supernatural operations of the Almighty, which He has not thought fit to reveal or explain in his writtea word ; for every contentious disputation about them, or cu- rious searching into them, may be looked on at least as the otf^pring of a vain and fruitless curiosity, if not suggested by the tempter and enemy of mankind ; and moreover all peremptory decisions of ihem, as a compound of human weakness, and arrogance. However important such points may seem to some, I a^ fully satisfied, they are of very lit- tle importance towards the great end of our blessed Saviour's coming into the world ; namely, //;." salvation of mun. — This persuasion of mind is to me a preservative against all religious doubts ; the great comfort of which, and the hope, that others may reap the same invaluable benefit, make it necessary for me to be more explicit on thi$ subject. 1S6 2. I must likewise beg leave to recommend, In tlie strong- est manivr, (what is indeed in a great measure the conse- quence of my former position : I mean) very favourable thoughts of, and expresrsions towards, those pious and sm- cere christians, who differ ir\ their sentiments concerning the cerimonial part of religion, or any rnanner not expressly commanded, or clearly revealed in scripture. This, if not the very esse^ie of christian charity, ought, I am sure, to be uiseparahly connected with it. However, so far as the two particulars I have here mentioned may be distinguished from each other, I shall submit a few remarks on each, to the cansideration of my readers. I . First r As to abstruse points, I freely own, that my daily use of the script .res, and my steady attention to them, has greatly abated my regard to what is not there clearly revealed, or from thence manifeirtly d.^d uced •, since many opinions fiercely contended for on one ide, and opposed •with the greatest earnestness and zeal on the other, seem to me (after what has, I hope, been a car ful, and impartial examination) rarher different in appearance, than in sub- stance ; and on the whole to be, as It have alrcc\dy observed^ of very little signification, or use, in our way to heaven. For these reasons 1 have studiously avoided whatever might lead to any of these peculiarities, v/hich have so unhappily dlv;d- ded christians of different denominations. The church of Christ would more illu'^^triously display the spirit, and con- form to the rules of its blessed founder, v/cre these less Studied or regarded, I have too often seen the understand- ing so darkened by prejudice in favour of precarious sys- tems, that the clearest, the most important, and invariable truths of holy writ, have been made to depend on such particular, aiijd. doubtful interpretations., as might best con- duce to the support of those notions. A melancholy proof, thit the champions of controversy labour not so much to form their plan from scripture, as to wrest Scripture for the support of their plan. Our divine master himself has given us an infallible rule for the direction of our judgment, in declaring that " the tree is known by its fruits;'' and he has taught us by his Apostlej^ that *inions are diiFerent from each other, or from my own^, either relating to ceremonies, or other matters not ex- pressly commanded, or clearly revealed in scripture, (by which I more particularly mean those, who in England conform to our ecclesiastical establishment, and those who dissent from it) I will only in a Few words say, that as such a candid disposition in the state of imperfection, ap- pears t. ■ me a necessary, and distinguishing characteribtic of chrii-tianity, I hope I shall ^rjways retain^ and study to cultiv,tite it. I am known to be a member of the Church of England, and think I have sufHcient reas-ras for my adherence to it. — I Jook not for perfection in any thing of mere human insti- tution : I am not taught by h^v to expect it in hcrov/n in- stitutionjj, or decisions. — No! — Permit me to mention it to her honour, that in her articles '* She acknowledges the holy Scriptures to be the only rule of Faith \ — does not ar- rogate to herself infallibility :— nor prano' nee as hopeless, reprobate, and danmed, those who are not within her pale." On these principles is founded my invariable attachment to the established church ; which whilst I prgfesa in this public manner, I scruple not at the same time to declare, that in Good will, Love and Charity, I account myself, and desire ^o be accounted the yellow-Mcm>ber and brother of eveiy real Christian j by which I would be und^rstoo(^ to me^n 134 die candidly religious, and truly good of all denominations. Let us not forget the reprimand given by St. Paul to the Censurer, in these divine words, " P'or who art thou that judgest another Man's Servant ? One Man estecmeth one day above another ; — Another esteemeth every day alike — Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardcth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. And we shall all stand before the judgment-scat of Christ.'* Rom. xiv. 4. JBut are we obliged to comply with all tempers, or pe- culiarities contrary to order, and to our own maturest judg- ment ? I answer — By no means, — I high.ly honour Piety and Virtue*, and I mo t sincerely pity Knth'isiasm, Error, and Prejudice, wheresoever they appear; Yet wh.n I ap- prehend that these concur, as they too often do, in the same persons, I would no more conform to their ideas of public worship, or be incorporated with them, than I would make them the subject of scoffs and ridicule : And whilst what I look upon as an error in judgment, is the object of my com- passion, not of my resentment, it shall, by the grace of God, be my constant endeavour, as it is clearly my duty, *< if it be possible, and as much as lieUi in me, to live peace- ably with all men." Rom. xii. 18. ™«*-*3©«;igE*'^&*^»*-"' AN OFFICE OF HUMILIATION.^ OF SELF-EXAMINATION. A Praijer before Self Examination. O THOU great searcher of hearts, who secst and knowest all my sins *, help me so to search every secret of my heart, that I may leave no sin, if possible, unrepented of. Give me grace so imp irtiaily to judge and condemn mysvlf, so humbly to repent and beg pardon, that 1 may not be con- *This oflicc and the following: prayers, and all the prayers in this book, whose authors' names are not giv,;n, are from " a New Manual of Devo- tion, in three parts," or from books puoiiihed hy the Society for pro- moting Chtistian Hnowledge. 135 demned, when I shall appear at thy tribunal, in the great and terrible day of the Lord Jesus. But, alas ! after the most strict examination we can make, who can number his iniquities ? Who can tell how oft he offcndeth ? Cleanse me, therefore, O Lord, I beseech thee, not on'iy from my presumptuous and known sins, but from all secret and unknown transgressions, for his sake, who died for sinners, Jesus Christ our Lord. J?hcn* Motives to Eamnination ; together xcith some Rules to be observed therein. Having" devoutly prayed for God's assistance, doubt not but he will vouchsafe it you. And the better to dispose your heart to the duty of self-axamination ; Consider seriously with yourself, <' That it is appointed for all men once to die, and after death to be called to Judg- ment. That God hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ. At whose coming, all men shall rise again with their bodies, and shall give an account of their own works : And they that have done good, shall go into life everlasting ; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire : For the books shall be open- ed, and the dead shall be judged out of the things written in those books according to their works. And then consider how much, how nearly it concerns you to judge yourself before that time, that you be not judged, that is, condemn- ed of the Lord. ** Since then you must give an account of yourself, of all your thoughts, words, and actions ; and be acquitted or condemned at the last day, according as they have been con- formable to the law of God, or not ; with what seriousness, with what sincerity, and religious awe ought yon to set about this great work } so that by comparing your life with the law of God, you may perceive wherein you have done amiss, and heartily repent of your sins j and by the grace of God, resolve to lead a new life ; in all things conform- ing yourself to his holy will and pleasure, and then yoa Sihall not be condemned of the Lord. " Again : Consider with yourself, that now is the time . of salvation ; that by the use of these means of grace;, yeri iss tti^ get Ml 6f>poirtunity oiF reconciling yourself to your ht-- fended God ; of doing the work you are sent to do •, and of piaking yourself capable of salvation ; which you know not how soon may he taken fronl you. «' And th^t this con'^idi ration may have the better efFecT upon yo ', imapine yourself a while in the other \Vorld, among separate and dcpa ted ^pnlts, whose season and op- portuniiy of action is over 5 upon vhom the sun of gracCj ss well as natural life, is gone down, and thst night come, in which no man can work *, whc are either happy or miar- crable for ever. " Consider witli yourself seriously the condition of these Spirits what thoughts and sentiments they have cf things, what they think of a sinfid, and what sense they have of a holy and religious life ; what inward rejoicings tliey have, who were so wise and happy, as to apply themselves to vir- tue and piety : and how do they noxv justify and approve of their conduct, blessing and adoring the graee and goodness of God. And what anguish, rage, seif-ccndemnation, and regret, those return upon themselves, who lived and indul- ged themselves in sin and v/ickedness ! How do they un- wish all their past thoughts and actions, their designs and undiertakings, their business and employments, their pleas- ures and their friendships, their vain conversations, and their merry meetings, their jests on religion, and upon good men, yea, : nd their very beings too -. I say how do they un- wish all these things ; how passionately do they Wish again for those i^pportunitics which they once had, but can never again tecover ; and which you now have, but are too apt to misspend and trifle away : n(;t considering this life is the only opportunity for transacting the great aff lir of eternity ; and that though it is now in your power to be happy, yet it will not be always so *, for your day will end, and your night will come And therefore, it highly concerns you, to em| loy the present time well, and to work whilst it is called to day, before the night cometh, when no man can work; Con- sider seriously of these things, and, by the grace of God, they will work upon your heart, and make it more hum- ble, more considerate, more disposed for repentance and devotion and more susceptible of divine impressions. idly : '^ After you have so long considered of these things, as to be afFected with them, «et yourself as in the presence oi almiglity God who knoweth all things, and carefully ex* *«■** ihiine hito the state and condition of your soul. For whiA purpose you m.iy use the heads of examination that foiIow, or uucl,! other a» you find better suited to your condition : iand where you find you have offended God, you ought sorrowfully to confess and bewail your having so done, and resolve by his grace to amend for the future. *< For you are to consider, examination is in order to at- tain a true and distinct knowledge of yourself, and the ac- tions of your past life ; and especially to bring your sins to remembrance, with all their aggravating circumstances : so that considering the folly of them, and the evil consequence tliercof, you may be brought to a hatred and abhorrence of tbcm ", to a hearty sorrow for them, and thorough purpose of forsaking them. And moreover, examination is in order to recollect what temptations have usually prevailed on you, and to consider before-hand, whether the same, or what oth- er, are, or may be most battle to prevail, so that you may arm yourself against them by holy resolutions, and w:-.tchful- ness, and circumspection j and al.:o to try the temper raid disposition of your mind and heart, whether you are so re- signed, contented, and humble, and have such love and charity, and such other holy dispositions, as the gospel re- quires ; that if you have not, you may endeavour, by the assistance of God's grace, to attain them : and also may take up such holy resolutions, that every thought (so far as human infirmity will adinlt) may be bi ought into subjection to the will of God. And when you have in some m.easure attained to newness of life, you may endeavour to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ** I say, self-examination is in order to bring you to a true and sincere repentance •, by which I do not mean, a sorrow for sin only, but also an entire change of mind ; and an ettectual reformation of life ; so as hereafter to < deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteous- ly, and godly in this present evil world ;' not allow^i'ig your- self in the continuance of any known sin ; but sincerely practising Whatsoever you shall understand to be your duty ; and to * bring forth fruits meet for repentance' by ceasing to do ei)il and learning to do good : That is ^^ short, to live a holy life, -which consists in a constant and persevering obedience to all the commands of God, in a go-pel sen e ; (allowing fo human weaknesses and »mperf< ctions' which I take to be the proper caeaning tlie holy scriptures give of ■*B repentance, and upcn which only tliere is any promise of salvation. <« When therefore you have carefully examined yourself, and (as it may be proper) set down in writing wliat sins you find you have committed, and what duties you have neg- lected 5 consider them in all their aggravating circumstan- ces ; whether they }:avc been done against the cliccks of conscience, againnt the motions of God's Holy Spirit, and perhaps some of them frequently, and against your resolu- tions to the contrary. But there may be yet greater aggra- vations of sin ; namely, when the sinner has committed it so often, -and lived in it so long, that it is become habitual or C'lStomary, to him ; and in -tead of being ashamed and con* founded for it, he makes a mock at it j and not only takes pleasure and delight but boasts and glories therein. Thd necessity of considering the several aggravations of cursins^ appears from hence, because the circumstances we were in, when we committed such or such a sin, nlay not a little en- hance and increase our guilt ; and a sin attended with many aggravating circumstances in the commission thereof, re- quires a proportionable degree rf sorrow and humiliation, in order to our forsaking it, and obtaining pardon for it. '* 'ihis being done, endeavour to possess your mind with a sense of the great evil of sin ; how contrary it is to God's holi- ness, to his will, to his commands,hisgO'>dnes, his justice, and especially to the great mystery of go jliness ; how contrary also it is to man, to his reason a^.d conscience, to his inward peace and satisfaction, and to his interest temporal and spir- itual, present and future , that this is the only evil, which was thought worthy of the Son of God to d liver us from, who died to redeem us from the bondage of sin and Satan. " Endeavour to keep a constant remembrance of these things in your mind ; for they will be of great use to you, not only to lead you to a true repentance for what is past, but prevent your falling into sin for the future. ** It will be impossible to give such directions for the performance of this duty, as will be proper for all persons ; thobC who have led wicked lives, and have for a long time put off repentance, have to be sure a great account to make up ; and therefore must spend the more time and pains in reconciling themselves, considering their past lives, and forming good resolutions. 1 hose that began their duty be- times, and who, by the grace of God, have been kept in theif 139 jQutJi from c">ntracting vicious IialntSj cr committing u.i/ gvv^iit sins, have less to do, when they set about this duty: ncvertlielcss, self-cxamiiiation, Sec. being a duty so often and so plainly taught by God in Iioly scriptur , who best knew the necessity and advantage of it •, no one that is a christian, ought to neglect it, or perform it slightly. »< When you examine yourself, let it be chiefly about your ^vlllful sins, and sins of commission ; and be not ov r scru- pulous, either to accuse yourself of sin you never commit- ted, or to reckon up all your infirmities ; for that would render your examination endless and impracticable ; and though you may doubt whether you have committed, others you may fear you have forgotten, yet be not discouraged r. for when you have acted hone-tly and sincerely, rest satis- fied ; it being all that religion requireth : Bijt what sins you cannot recollect and find out, so as particularly to confess and bewail, you ought to conclude under a general repen* tance for whatsoever you have done amiss ; and to pray that God wo- Id cleanse you from your secret faults. "t* When you liave once thoroughly examined your life, you must not think your work is at an end ; but must fre- quently exercise yourself therein j and the oftener you do sp^ the more easy and delightful you will find it. At such times it may not be necessary that you should examine your v/hole life with that strictness you did at first •, but chiefly examine yourself, hov.' you have kept your good resolutions, v/hat pr (gress you have made in a religious course of life, and what sins of commassion or omissi n you have been g_uilty of since your last examination, and how you come to fall into them ; what the ten^ptations, what the circumstances and occasions ; that you may arm yourself against them, and SQ avoid taeai for the time to come.'* Short heads of Ea:amhiation for cverij Evening. That your whole life may be mere conformable to the gospel of Jesus Christ, by which we must be judged ; and that you may have le«s to do, when you set a time apart for more solemn examination, it has been advised by wise and good men, th^.t we should every cveniiig put some such ime-ifions u.s these tc ourselves, v/hich are diitfly transcribed 140 *■*•**• out 01 that excellent book, entitled, *' A Companion for the Festivals and Fasts of the Church," by R. Nelson, Esq. How have I spent the day past ? What sins have I com,- mitted ? Have I performed my morning devotions ? and how i Have I resic;ned myself to the all-wise government and ^ifposai of God, to be ordered and ruled by him, and to do or sufier his will ? Have I conversed w^Ith candour, affability, and sinceriyvi Havx I kept at a distance from detraction slander, and evil -speaking ? Have I had suScient care in my commendation of others^ ^o as to give no encouragement to any evil practice I How have J employed or improved my time ? With what honesty and fidelity have I discharged the affairs in which I have been engaged ? If I have diverted myself, have I done it Innocently, an J in such a manner and measure as is suitable to my christian profession ? Have I been guilty of any excess^ in eating, or drinking, or sleep ? What mercies have I received ? How thankful have I been, and am I, for them ? What temptations have I re- sisted ? W^hat ground have I got of the sin that doth most easily beset me ? How have I governed my passions ? Have I not been top easily provoked by little accidents which daily happen ? What opportunities have I had of doing good ? and how- have I improved them ? What opportunities have I had of discouraging evil, and how have I opposed it ? "To these questions, you may add such others as you find useful If you recollect the whole of the time of the day from your rising (for which a few minutes before your evening devotions will suffice) you will very easily be en- abled to answer the preceding questions ; and when you have done this, you must heartily beg God's pardon for any sins you have been guilty of and shew yourself thankful for those blessings, respecting either this or another life, which he h^ith bestowed on you. Ul 4< Some have written down the sins they have been guilty of, that they might again humble themselves at the time of their more solemn humiliation -, which may be farther use- ful : for by con^ paring one time with another, you v/ill bet- ter discern the amendment of your life, and growth in chrls- tiao virtue \ but for the usefulness and expediency of thi^ method, every person is left to judge for himself." For more heads of examination for a time of particular devotion see the Uihce for .the Holy Communion4 A Praj/er, consisting of confession of sins, and ini- ploring pardon and grace, ivhick may be used in our preparation for the Sacrament, or at any otk-- er time of extraordinary devotion. MOST great and glorious Lord God, just and terrible in thy judgments to all obstinate and rebellious sinners, but of infinite mercy to such as truly repent, and turn unto thee : jook down, I beseech thee, with the eyes of mercy, upon me, who now present myself before thee, acknowledg- ing that I am not worthy to lift up my eyes to the throne of thy glorious majesty. O Lord, my sins are so many and so great, that it is owir.g to thy infinite goodness and mer- cy, that I have nov/ an opportunity of humbling myself be- fore thee, and begging mercy for my soul, waiich, I cjn«: fess has greatly sinned against thee. 1 acknowledge, O my God, that thou hast, by innumerable instances, manifv^sted ihysclf to be a most kind and indulgent Father \ but alas ! I have abused thy goodness, and made ver^ ungrateful returns for thy exceeding kindness and meny Instead of loving and delighting in thee, and paying t]i:;e a filial and cheerful obedience, I find in myself many tines a great proneness to ofi^^nd thee, and a great backwardness and indisposition to do those things which thou rcquirest of me. O Lord ! I lament and bewail the corruption of mv na- ture, most sorrowfully confesr.ing before thee, that I have too great a desire after the things of this worU j too great 142 3 fondness for tKc proHts and pleasures of it : and tlicug"h i am fully persuaded, that it is my happiness and privilege, as well as my dcty, to love and serve thee, yet I am very apt to forget thee, and to grow careless and remiss in that great and important work, which thou hast given me to do. O my God 1 I confess with sorrow that this world hath taken such hold of my affections, that I nei.her love thee, serve thee, nor obey thee, as I ought to do ; my devotion to thee is m.any times cold and languid ; my prayers are full of wanderings, deadness, and destractions, and i he very best cf my reli.L;ious duties are accompanied with so many fail- ings and imperfections, that I have great cause to humble myself before thee. *' How greatly, O God, have I offended - '^'"^ '^ ^? be va- tbee, by lust and intemperance, by peevish- ncd or omirtcd, as ^ . r j ; t everyone sees fit. ^^ss, passion, and anger, by covetousness, and ambition, by pride and envy, by prejudice and ill-will towards my neighbour, by murm.uriug nnd re- pining at the dispensations of thy providence, and by an un- willingness to resign myself to thy disposal in all things f How lre(.|uently have I violated my baptismal engagements, by preferring the vanities cf this wicked world before thy favour, and by suffering my heart, which has been so often dedicated to thy service, to be brought under the bondage and dominion of sin and folly ?" And what shall I now say unto thee, O thou preserver of men I O Lord, I have no hope but in thy mercy and the innnite merits of my dear redeemer : and if thou reject me, I am loet and undone for ever. But, thou compassionate lover of souls 1 who knowest whereof we are made, and re- memberest that we are but dust, turn not thy face from me, nor cast thy servant aw^y in displeasure ; let the interces- sions cf thy beloved Sen prevail in my behalf, and for the sake cf his meritorious death and passion, for all that he has done, ai;d all that he has suffered for s[ne, h<.ve mercy upon . e •, pardon and forgive,, I most earnestly and unfeignedly b'.seech thee, all the sins and follies of my life past, which art more than I can number, and greater than 1 ani able to l-ear •, nnd more especially, O my God, lay not to my charge. [Here cVzain may be named p;irticuL:rs.] O cleanse me from nil my secret and unknown tr.msgressions, and vouchsafe., O merciful gather, to be reconciled to me, v.'ho am sorry for my r'.ns, and gi'ieved that I have ci.tMided thee, my most gracioufx 143 Lord and master, to whom I owe all the returns of love srtd duty that Ciin possibly be paid by a creature to his Creator- O Lord, leave not my sins to be punished in the day of th^ fierce anger ; (for wlio can dwell with everlasting burnings ! who is able to abide the fury of thy wrath !) but spare me, O most mighty God, and m.ercifui Saviour ; and grant that I may never fall into those evils, which my sins have ju.'^tly deserved. Thy property is always to have tnercy j to thee only it appertaincth to forgive sin : O turn away thy anger from me, who meekly acknowledge my vileness, and tri;ly repent me of my faults, and do now unfeignedly turn unto thee, with full purpose and resolution of heart to serve thee faithfully, and to make it the great care and endeavour of my life to please and obey thee. O Lord ! there is nothing that I desire so much, as to be of the number of thy faithful and obedient servants : Thy favour is better than life itself ; thy service is the most per- fect freedom. O enable me, by the assistance of thy bless- ed Spirit, to forsake all my sins, and to reform whatever has been amiss in the tem.per and disposition of my mind, or in any of the actions of my life. Open thou mine eyes, that I may see the vileness and deformity, as well as danger of sin i that I may fly from all appearance of evil, and v/ith an unwearied diligence follow after and pursue the things that make to my everlasting peace. Grant, that for the time to come I may live only unto thee, in an awful fear of thy great name, and a constant tegard to thy blessed will, keeping always a conscience void of offence, both towards thee, and all men. Give me grace to spend my time religiously, soberly, and usefully, in the subduing my passions, mortifying my cor- rupt inclinations, and in the practice of all those duties thou requirest of me ; that when thou shall think {it to take me out of this state of trial and temptation here, I may be re- ceived into that blessed kingdom, where all tears shall be w'ped from my eyes, and sin and death shall be no more. Grant this, O merciful Father, through the merits and for the sake of thy Son, and my only i>aviour, Jesus Christ Amen, U4> JSoffW sliort Prar/e7\% proper to be used for the m^ Jbrcing our Holy Resolutions, and Jbr the assis- tcmce of God's grace, to enable us to perfpy^n them, 1. O Lord Jesu f I dve thee my body, my soul, my sub- stance, my friends, my liberty, and my life ; dispose of me, and of all that is mine, as it seemeth best to thee, and to the glory of thy holy name. Amen. V Lord, I am not now mine, but thine ; therefore claim me as thy right ; keep me as thy charge, and love me S5 thy child : Fight for me when I am assaulted ; heal me when I am wounded ; and revivt me when I am fainting-. Amelia in. O God who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the weakness of Cur nature, we cannot always stand upright ; look, I be- seech thee, with pity and compassion, upon my frailties and infirmities ; and grant me such health of body, and sound-- ness of mind, that both m soul and body, I may evermore serve thee with all my strength and might, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, IV. Grant me, O gracious Lord, a pure intention of heart, and a steadfast resolution to despise all vanity ; tcl fight the battles of the Lord manfully, against the world, the flesh, and the Devil ; to spend my time religiously and usefully ; to walk always as in thy presence ; to preserve my body and si.ul in holiness, fit for the habitation of the Spirit of God. Amen. V. O Lord, increase in me faith and devotion ; replerr- ish my heart v/'iih. all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep me in the same. Give me a peaceable spirit and a quiet life ; a sober, patient, understanding, and religious heart ; a soul full of devotion to do thee service ; and do thou make my service acceptable to thee while I live, and my soul ready for thee when I die. Amen, Vi. O Lord, make me humble to niy siiperiors, and friendly to my ec^uais ; thankful to my benefactors ; kind H riiy rciatioriJ5, anci loving and charitatile to all nitn, tvcii my enemies. Make me gentle, and easy to be intreatedi slow to anger, and readily admonished ; fully prepared, and thoroughly furnish -d for every good Word and vt-ork. ^unef^ VII. O Lord, give me spiritual wi-dom, that I may discern what h pleasing to thee, and follow what belongs unto my p jsce ; and let the knowledge and peace of God, and of Jesus Christ our Lord, be my guide ami my protec- tion ail the days of my life. Aifiet. VIIL To the King eternal, immortal, invisible, and only wise God, who is the ever-blessed and adorable Trin« ity, be all honour and gbry, thanksgiving and praise, now and for evermore. Ametn A ConctucVmg Frayeti Blessed be thy name, O Lord, for the opportunity thoii liast this day vouchsafed me of humbling myself before thee. Pardon, I most humbly beseech thee, all my failings, and defects at this time, the wanderings of my prayers, the coldness of my affections, and the disproportion of my re- pentance to the heinousness of those sins which I have- committed. O let tliy mercy and goodness supply what is wanting in m.e, and be thoru graciously pleased to pity my weaknesses, and forgive my infirmities, through the merits, and for the sake of thy beloved bon, and my only Saviour, Jesus Christ the righteous ; to whom with thee, and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory ascribed, now and for evermore. Amen^ AnoiJier Frayer to he used before Self-Emmindtion. (Altered a little from Mr. Nelson.) Almighty God, the great searcher of hearts, who ktiow- est all OMr secret thoughts, nothing being hid from thine all- searching eye ; dispose me frequently to examine m.y spirit- ual character and state, and to compare my actions with the rule of thy laws, that nothing contrary to thy holy will may ever find a settled abode in my soul. Teach me so to consider my ways, that I may turn my feet to thy testimo- nies. Grant that I may so impartially judge and condemn T U6 myself, that I may not be condemned at thy awful tribunal. Let not self-love deter me from the faithful examination of my soul. But do thou, O Lord, discover to me my sins and guilt ; humble me under a sense of th^m •, and dispose me sincerely and heartily to renounce al) the sms and follies whereby I have provoked thy wrath and indignation. May I earnestly solicit thy pardon and forgiveness, through the merits of Jesus Christ the Son of thy love. And may I, by prayer and watchfulness, stand on my guard against temptation, and secure the protection of thy grace, which only can keep me from falling, and present me faultless be- fore the presence of thy glory, through Jesus Christ, my only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. The Convinced Sinner^s Prai/er. (From Mr. Jenks.) Hearken to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for unto thee will I pray ; but wherewithal! shall I appear before the Lord, and bow myself to the most high God, whose holy laws I have broken, and whose just displeasure I have incurred, I acknowledge my transgression, O Lord, and my sin is ever before me. My iniquities are gone over my head as a sore burden ; they are too heavy for me to bear ; when thou with rebukes doth chasten me for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth. My sin now has found me out ; and that which once I thought too little to be repented, seems now too great to be pardoned. I flattered myself in my own eyes, till my ini- quity is found to be hateful. I thought I was rich, and in- creased with goods, and had need of nothing ; but now I find that I am miserable, and wretched, and poor, and blind, and naked ; so that there is nothing but disorder and ruin in my soul. I have undone myself ; but to work my own recov- ery I have no sufficiency. O how wicked have I been to allow myself in the way and mind which is enmity against God ! How ignorant, yet how confident ! How vile, yet how arrogant ! In what need of mercy, yet how unmerci- ful ! How sinful, yet how impenitent ! How bold in the sins where conscience reproved me, but how cold in the cause where the Spirit encouraged me ! O the spoils, and ruins, and desolations which my sins have made in my soul ! iipw have they darkened my mind, perverted my will, de-»J. 147 faced my afE-ctiq|is, disordered my passions, hardened my heart, and drawn it away from my most good ever blessed God, t ^ cleave unto the things dispkasing in thy sight, and destructive to my soul. There is no hiding any thing from thee, the infinite God, who fiilest iicav^n and earth. What shall I say unto thee, Lord ? I scarce know how to abase my ?eif enough. O woe ■is me that I have done so foolishly and wickedly ! Whither shall I betake myseli, when against thee, O Lojrd. I have so sinned, and done such evil in thy sight ! Thou art the offend- ed Majesty, out of whose reach I cannot escape, and under whor,c judgments I can never be able to bear up. A guilty consciousness makes me afraid to cofne unto thee ; yet I know there is nothing but cert.:in destruction to keep away from thee ; and though tnere is no peace to the wicked so continuiTjg, yet if the wicked forsake his way, and the un* righteous man his thoughts, arid return to the Lord, thy prouii e then, O God, is to have mercy upon him, and .abundantly to pardon. I have none to seek to for remedy against my sins, but unto the just and holy God, against whiom I have grievously sinned ; and how shall I stand in thy sight, O Lord, who hatest and condemnest the work of darkness, and the workers of iniquity, whose wrath against sin burns as deep as hell, and as long as eternity. I submit, great Lord, to thy offended Alajesty ! and I have no hcpeful prospect in looking any way, but to thy al- mighty power, thy superabounding grace, and thy ever-en- during mercy, who at the lowest can raise, and at the worst art able to relieve us. Nothing is too hard for thee to ac- complish J the most wretched case is not pa' t thy cure j though our sins be as scarlet, thou canst make them as white as snow, though they be red like crimson, thou canst make them as wool ; yea, thou hast found a ransom, and laid help upon one mighty and able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by him. If I hnd not sinned, I had no need of such a Redeemer •, but they were sinners whom he came to save j and therefore, to the Lord Jesus I look with the desire of my soul to find a healing for this sinful soul of mine, in the precious blood of his cross. O good God ! wheii my sins cry to thee for vengeance, be thou ple.ised to hear his blood and merits pleading and interceiling for my soul, and speaking better things in my behalf than I am sfbic to do for myseii in ail my prayers. us Behold, O merciful Lord, a miserable object, on which to glorify thy power and compassion, tliy wonderful work^ and great salvation. O speak death to my sins that my soul jnay live, and for ever bless thy name. Turn away thy face from my sin>, and blot out all my iniquities. For thy TxHrne s sake, O Lord, pardon my sin, for it is great; too great for any but the God of infinite goodness and love ever to discharge me from. O magnify thy all-sufficiency to help me out of this my woeful misery. Make the hap^^y proof upon my poor soul, how great things worthy of God tliou canst do ; that where sin hath -abounded, thy grace may much more abound. Return,0 Lord, deliw^rmy soul; O save me for thy mercy's sake : Save me from the guilt and power, and curse of all my sins. And thou, Lord that knowest how to deliver, make me some way to escape out of the desperate straits and perplexities into which my sins have cast m^e, that my iniquities may not hang upon me, to be my ruin ; but that they may be taken away and forgiv- en, and v^'ashed out with the blood of Jesus Christ. O turn thou me, Lord God of my salvation, and I shall be turned from my shis, and from this present evil world, more effec- tually and fully to thy blessed self. O give me such con.r viction as may end in sound conversion ; and let me expe- rience in myseli that grace of God which bringc tli saivar tion. I want thy grace, O Lord ; and want it I shall for ever, if thou be not pleased to look graciously upon me in my blessed Redeemer. But thou will never have the less, how m :ch soever thou bestowest ; and thou cans.t not bestow thy grace upon any one that more needs it. O God cf all grace that keepest mercy for thousands, h«j;t thou not 4 blessing for me ? a spiritual heavenly blessing I For thy dear Son, my only Saviour's sake, let mc find such grace in thy sight. O get thee everlabting glory in so favouring tlK unworthy: that whatever I want, O deny me no? that saying grace which, though a precious treasure that I aia bold to ask, yet it i^ not to.- great or good for tlie God-infi,- nitely great and good to give O do tiiat work of thy grace thoroughly upon my heart, for which I may have ca.sc i;) glorify thy name for tVLrm.oxc. ^/uc?;. 4 Prcfi/cr to be used hi/ one newly axcahened /a d Sense of the Divine Lijb, (From Mr. ■Whltefielu.) O Almighty aflid everlasting Father, who in the begin- ning spake and it was done, saying, Let there be light, -awX there was light. O most adorable Redeemer, who when Adam had eaten the forbidden fruit was revealed as the seed of the woni.in, and didst in the fullness of time, die an ac- cursed deaih to save us from the guilt and power of our sins, and thereby break tlie serpent's head. O blessed and eternal Spirit, who didst once move upon the face of the great deep, who didst ovcrshaJow the blessed virgin, who didbt descend on the Son of God at his bapti-sm ; and did t coinc down after his assension in fiery tongues upon the hean is an authentic renewal of the bap- tismal vow, and capacitates those that receive it to be ad- mitted guests to the table of the Lord, and is an act not to be repeated, the candidates ought to be thoroughly instruct- l5B fed in the iv.iti^re of the e holy promise? they then rencW» and of tliit obligation tlijcy lie under to perform them* They ought to be acquainted with the meaning of this holy lite, and whose office alone it is to adn inibter it. They ought to have a con^pctent degree of knowledge in those christian duties that relate to God, their neighbour, and themseh't's. And they mubt further prepare themseivc? for this ordinance by prayer and fastiag, and a serious resolution of living answerable to their obligations. And in order to these ends, it U adviseable that the candidate should fre- quently read over tlie odice of baptism and con^rmation. ^ What are the great advantages of confirmation. J. It tends to preserve the unity of the church, by mak- ing men sensible, that their obedience is due to such eccle- siastical governors, who are endowed with all those pow- ers, which were left by tlie apostles to their successors. It is a new engagement to a christian life, and is a lasting admonition and check, not to dishonour or desert our chris- tian profession It is a testimony of God's favour and good- ness to those that receive it, when his lawful minister de- clares, that God accepts their proficiency, and advances them to a higher degree in the church, by placing them iimong the faithful ; and thereby giving them a title to ap- proach the holy table of the Lord. It conveys divine grace to encounter our spiritual enemies, and to enable us to per- form what we tmdertake. A Prayer to he used hi/ a Mimsier or Parefit, or am/ Instructor preparing young persons for Con- jirmation: (From Bishop Wilson.) O Lord graciously behold these thy servants, who, ac- cording to the appointments of thy church, are going to dedicate themselves to thee and to thy service. Possess their hearts with such a lively sense of thy great mercy, in bringing them from the power of Satan unto God j in giving them an early right to thy covenant, and an early knowledge of tlieir duty ; that, with the full con- sent of their wills, tliey may devote tliemselves to thee j that so they may receive the fullness of thy grace, and be U 154 **** able to withstand the temptations of the devil, the world; and the flesh. Continue them, O Lord, in the unity of thy church, and grant that they may improve all the means of grace vouch* safed them in this church, of which they are members. Preserve in their minds a constant remembrance of that love, which they are going to renew before thee and thy church i That knowing they are the servants of the living God, they may walk as in thy sight, avoid all such things as arc contrary to tl^cir profession, and follow all such as areagree» able to the same. O Lord, who hast made them thy children by adoption, bring them in thy good time to thine everlasting kingdom, tlirough Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A Pt^ayer to be used hxj any person preparing for Coiijinnation ; and zvhick, during that timey may be added to their Morning and Evening Frayers, (From Mr. Nelson.) Most merciful God, by whose gracious providence I was born of christian pi rents, and early dedicated to thee in holy baptism, wherein I was made a member of the catholic church, wheieof Jesus Christ is the head, adopted thy child, and intitled to the unspeakable happiness of thy glorious kingdom •, I do most heartily thank thee, O Lord, for call- ing me to this state of salvation, and for bestowing upon me such blessed privileges. O, dispose my mind, by thy heav- enly grace, carefully and diligently to perform those condi- tions thou requirest to qualify me for such inestimable bene- fits, and that I may continue.in the same unto my life's end. And. now, O Lord, that I am preparing myself to receive a further degree of thy grace and favour, which will advance me into the number of the faithful, by being admitted to approach thy holy table j I humbly beseech thee to enlight- en my mind with the true knowledge and understanding of that solemn vow which I made in my baptism, and which I am now about to ratify and confirm publicly in thy presence j that I may constantly renounce the devil, by avoiding all those temp'.ations by which he seeks to destroy me, and by abstaining from all those sins which partake most of his di- 1?5 abolical nnture > thnt I may resist all covetous desires of hon» our, riches, and pleasure, and all those evil customs and maxims of the world, which alienate men*s minds from the love of God ; that I may mortify all the inordinate appetites of my corrupt nature ; tirat I may believe all thy holy reve- lations, and keep thy bies;^ed will and commandments all the days of my life. O I instruct me in all the particulars of my duty, th.at I may herein exercise myself, tq keep a con- science void of offence towards God and towards man. Give me, O Lord unfeigned repentance for all the errors of my past life, that my many and great sins, which I have committed, may not deprive me of the assistance of thy Holy Spirit, which I am about to receive ; but let my hearty sorrow, through the merits of Christ, wash away all that is past, and let power and streiigth, communicated to me from above, mortify and subdue them for the time to come. I am unaSle, O Lord, of myself, to help myself 5 mercifully grant, that thy blessed Spirit may in all thi "gs rule and di- rect my heart, that by his holy inspiration 1 may think those things that are good, and by his gracious guiding may per- form the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Arnsn* " A Fraijcr after Confiniiatiatlon. (From "Mr. Nelson.) I Bless and praise thy holy name, O Lord God, for those renewed assurances that thou hast vouchsafed me, of thy f:,vour and gracious goodness towards me ; and tliough ifi thy infinite wisdom thou hast thought fit to withdraw the extraordinary gifts of thy Holy Spirit, yet thou art pleased to guide thy faithful servants by his secret and invisible com- munications, wlien they seek them in a regular and ministe- rial way. O therefore ! let the blessing which I have re* celved by the hands of thy servant the Bishop, be with me, and remain with me, and most powerfully assist and sup* port me in all trials and teniptations, when I most need the help of thy Holy Spirit. Let him be unto me a spirit of sanctification, to purify my corrupt nature ; a spirit of counsel in alldl iiculties, of direction in all doubts, of courage in all dangers, of con* stancy in ali persecutions, of comfort in all troubles, espe- cially in times of sickness, and at the hour of death j and of »i I.* ^bmission and resignation to thy holy vill and pleasure 141 all afflictions that are most grievous to flesh and blood. Leave me not a moment to my own human frailty, with- out his assistance ; but let him constantly inspire me witl^ fear, love, and devotion towards thee -, with truth, justice, and charity, towards my neighbour ; and with abstinence and sobriety towards myself. O ! rnake me sensible, O Lord, of that solemn and pub- lic profession of my faith, which I have declared in the pres- ence of God and the congregation, and of th(^se promises cf endeavouring faithfuily to observe and keep thy holy commandments, and of persevering in the same. Make mc always tru^ to these engagements of living apcording to the maxims of the christian religion ; that walking upright be- fore thee all my days, and being found watching when my appointed time shall come, I may from a life of righteous- ness be translated to a life of glory, through Jeaua Christ, iiay only Saviour and Redeemer, ^/.ncn^ A Prayer after Corjirmationy iLhich niaij he said xvhik others are cvrjirmiiigy and may he added to the Evening Frayer hi/ the party cor firmed. (Frwin Mr. l^^lson.) Blessed and praised be thy holy name, O Lord, for these fresh supp'ies of grace, which thou hast been p^leased to communicate to me. Blessed be thy name for these comfortable-assurances thou hast given me of thy favour and goodness towards me. Blessed be thy name for that privilege thou hast now be- stowed upon me of approaching the holy table, and of strengthening and refreshing my soul by partaking there of the body and blood of Chri^t. Increase in me, O Lord, more and more, the gifrs of thy Holy Spirit, that I may be wise for eternity, and make it the chief business of my life to please thee in all my actions ; that I may love and fear thee above all things ; that I may be just and righteous in all my dealings, and ready t3 com- jnunicate to the necessities of others : that I may keep a con- stant watch oyer myself, so as not to exceed the bounds of temperance and sobriety. Grant, O Lord, that my corrupt nature may be daily re- newed and puriiicd by the Holy Spirit j that no danger or psrsecutioii mny afFright me from my. duty -, that no plead- i;re may make me careless and negligent in the performance erf" it ; and that, iiniler afillcijons mOiSt grievous to flesh and blood, I may be entirely resigned, and submit to thy holy will and pleasure. Let thy Holy Spirit, O Lord, so guide and govern me through the vyhole course of my short life in this world, tiiat J may not fail to obtain eternal lif*.^ in the world to corne, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AmeriK^ A MEDITATION pN THE HAPPINEJ^S OF THOSE WHO PERSEVERE IN THJE; Faithful Discharge of their Chrktian Vows, AND AN EXHOJITATION .TO PERSEVERANCE IN THEM.^ The h-.^ppiness of those who persevere in the faithful discharge of taeir cliristian vows is unspeakable •, for they are in some measure restored to the primitive happy state of man, which was lost by sin. The wrath of God is turn- ed away by a gracious Redeemer, and the returning sinner is tnken into hi-; good Father s bosom. Th? person that was ^' alienated from tlie lite of God' by his co.ruption and rebellion, is made a partaker of the divine nature by spiritual regeneration, and is become " a fellow citizen with the saints^ and of the household of God." God is now his adopted Father j the Lord Jesus Christ, v/ho is Lord of all, is his 3^xediatcr and Advocate, his root, his head, his strength, and his life ; the Holy eternal Spirit is his divine guide, and hope, and comfort j the holy Angels of God are his con- tinual guard ; the book of God is the charter of his piiv- ilges, in which it is s. id, " All is yours, because ye are (Jliiists." (i Cor. iii. 22. ) For since " all things in h.av- •This cx'.rac: is the couclusioa of a tract entitled " Pastoral Advice afr ter Confirmation," by a ?»iiuistcr ( f tlie Clmrh of England, published by tlie Society for pronioting Chrstiau Kncjwledge. The whole of this tract and of one entitled *' PHstoral Advice before Cor.firir.ation" is so excel- lent that I pro[jose gv^t'i'g ac cduioii uf ^ic:n priiUed ui this country ia the cuarse of a ibcr: ti;ne. Twic £t>iTo;i. 158 en, Inearth, and in hell, are made suVject to Christ,'* all things in heaven and earth will be serviceable to Christ's r2iembers, who are his people ; and nothing on earth, or in hell, can in any v ise hurt them. They have a new right to the enjoyment of all God's creatures, yea to the enjoyment of God himself forever. And O, how sweet and pleasant my Brother, must such 3 religious course of life assuredly be ! in M^hich the blessed Spirit of God constc^ntly bears you company, the holy An- gels of God continually attend you, and every step you take advances you nearer to God's heavenly kingdom ! ^V hat an unspeakable comfort will it be to you, whenever you look back upon a life thus happily ordered, and upon your talents thus advantageously laid out \ Then every night will afford you the noble joy of a day spent in the service, and to the glory of youf Maker. The serenity of your mind, and the peace of your conscience, \vi]l be constant relief to you under any outward distress. And when the happy hour com.es ki which you inust die. your heart may even leap for joy, to think that now your warfare^is accomplished, and that your great work i? not now to be oegun, but to be concluded. %hen you may with comfort consider your Christian Cou* 6rmation, wherein you solemnly devoted yourself to God| fts soon as you came to the use of your reason. You ma with joy consider that you have conscientiously observ your engagements to God, in the chief bent of your heart, ^nd course of your life ; or have truly repenred, and effec- tually returned to your duty, wherever (through the frailty pf human nature) you have done otherwise. You may then, J say, very cheerfully sh. t your eyes from beholding the tilings of this present world, in order to open tliem to see God, in a better state. And though you will certainly meet with sundry tempira- tions and dilhculties in your way to h' aven, and perhaps with cruel mockhigs, or more bloody persecutions, whilst you sojourn amongst such as are enemies to God and bear evil will to Zion ; yet be of good cheer ; your Redeemer has ovenome the world ^ and will not suffer the meenest sheep of his fold to be io t. Keep steadfast to the Captain of your ^(.'hatiovy and all will be well. And now, my dear Youth, I here most solemnly charge and require you, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, ind in the presence gf God, who searches the heart of ail 159 * * * * lYien, and who will speedily adjudge us all to everlasting h]hr^ or torment, that you cartfully keep your christian vows ia remembrance ; and that you seriously endesvour to adorn your holy profession, and to hchour the divine Author of it. Your hope of everlasting life, my brother, depends upoti jroiir faithful discharge of this your covenant with God, through the mediation of his Son, and sanctification of his Spirit. "Wherefore ** be strong in the Lord and the power of his might/' Be sure you look not back with a wishful longing after the impurities of other sinners ; hut /re all youth/ id lusts, tj^ith an holy indignation j and be sure that you never enter into a parley with the devil, about the commission of any sin. If you once come to doubt whether you had best pre- serve your integrity, or accept the bribes of sin, you begin to revolt from God ; because the vigour of your resolution for God is slackened ; and that which decays is going apace towards ruin. Wherefore be you ever assured, that there is death and destruction in all tJie ways of sin. For the loss of the divine favour no temporal enjoyments can make any amends* Keep firmly in this assurance, and with Job, " retain your integ- rity till you die." The time of your labour can be but shorty and you future recompence will be everlasting. And now my brother, " I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified." And may " the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with you evefmore. Amen, •=«cei»$*3>3E^ AN OFFICE FOR THE HOLY COMINlUNION. A DISCOURSE ON THE NATtJRE OF THE HOLY SACREMENT. -^ (From Mr, Merrick,) Our blessed Saviour, in a discourse recorded by St. John, in the sixth chapter of his gospel, speaks of himself as toe brtad of life (vi. 35.) the bread which cometh down /rem heave?) ; and acids (vi -51.) *< If sny maaeat of this bread lie shall live for ever ; and the bread that I shall give, is my f!csh, which I shall give fcr the life of the world. And (vi. 53, 54.5 " K^tcept ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have i;b life in you. Whoso cateth my flesh, and drinkcth my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." To eat the flesh of Christy 3lnd to drink his blood, signifies much more than to receive his doctiincs; for these are never called in scripture, or seem capable of being called, his flesh and his blood. Christ, when he speaks of bread, and of eating, directs cur thoughts to that sptritual nourishment, or that support of the spiritual life, which all true believers continually rcceix^e from his grace and influence. Our receiving of this grace is the consequence of Christ's having taken our flesh upon him, and of his having suffered in the flesh, and shed his blood on the cross for oiir sins. Farther ; as this spiritual grace^ strength and support, are communicated to our souls from the divine nature, Christ's human nature, (of which his flesh ahd bJooci are a part) by being united to the Godhead, is the means, or the channel, by which these blessings are conveyed to us, and by which we are ourselves linitcd to the divine nature. The flchh therefore ana bleed of Christ, as once offered in sacrifice for u-, and conveyiug to us, by an union v/ith God, that support on which our spir- itual life depends, may be s?id, by a figure of speech which ancient writers ube, to be taten and drunken by us. Though Chri.-t does not I'ppear, in the discourse related in the slkih chaptiite of St. Jc-lni, to 'i]:)eak of the sacrariient of the Lord s supper, (which he had not tlicn crdaiiied) ye£ we learn from St Paul, that we receive an additional measure cf grace and spiritual nourishment, when we, vi'ith a proper disposition of soul, eat the sacramental bread, and drink the wine which Christ has appointed as sign^j and memorials of his flerh and blood. For thii'^ we read, i Cor. x. 16. ''The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the con-imunion (that is, the partaking) of the blood of Christ ; the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of^ Christ }^^ We ^ee then that, in the lioly sacrament, we partake of the body and blood of Chiist ; that is, v/e re- ceive that spiritual nourir^lmi^nt and support, which Christ hhnself has expressed by eating his flesh, and drinking his. blood. The holy sacrament is therefore, as our chu;ch dc-r icribes it in her catechism, an outil'ard and visible si^?i of en inward and spiritual gract given unto us : And they who receive it constantly, witli f lith in Christ, and with true re- pentance, will go on from strength to strength, in the spir- itual life ; and will hereafter join with the ho t of heaven in that sdng of tri, nuph and thanksgiving, which is a proper conclusion to all our meditations on this subject : " Worthy Is the Lamb that wa^ slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Blessing and honourj and glory and power, be unto him that sitieth upon the throne, and to the Lamb, for ever an4 ever. Rev. v. 12, 13. Advice and direction about receiving it» By Archbishop Tillotson. Tiift h6ly sacrament, cr last supper of our most blessed Lord, is the most solemn institution of our religion -, and as we are christians, we are obliged to the frequent receir* ing of it ; and we cannot neglect it, without a great con- tempt of our blessed Saviour and his religion. He hath ap- pointed it for a solemn remembrance of his great love to us, in laying down his hfe for us and therefore he com- mands us to do it in remembrance of him ; and .St. Paul tells us, " That as often as ye eat this bread, and drink thi^ cup, we do shew forth the Lord's death till he come/' Both the comfort and benefit of it are great. The com- fort of it, because it does not only represent to us the ex- ceeding love of our Saviour, in giving his body to be brok- en, and his blood to be shed for us ; but it likewise seals to lis all those blessings and benefits which are purchased, and provided for us by his death and passion, the pardon of sins, and power against sin. The benefit of it is also great, because hereby we are con* firmed in goodness, and our resolutions of better obedience are strengthened ; and the grace of God's Holy Spirit to enable us to do his will, is hereby conveyed to us. And the best preparation for it, is by a sincere repentance of all our sins and miscarriages, which we remember our- selves to be at any time guilty of ; by daily pray«r to God, that he would give us a sincere repentance for all our sins, and mercifully forgive them to us •, and by a sincere and firm resolution t© forsake our sins, and to do better for the W 1(d2 future ; to be more careful of all our Actions, and more con^ stant in prayer to God for his grace to enable us to keep his commandments *, by being in charity with all men ; and by forgiving those who have injured us by word or deed, as ire hope for forgiveness fir m God. And let none of us say, that we are not fitted and pre- pared tor it It is our duty to be so ; and if we be not pre- pared to receive the sacrament, we are not qualified for the mercy of God, and for his forgiveness ; we are not pre- pared for the happiness of heaven, and can have no hopes to come thither ; but if we prepare ourselves as well as we can by repentance, and resolutions of being better, and by praying heartily and earnestly to God for his grace, he will accept of tliis preparation, and will give us the comfort of this holy sacrament. A Prayer to God that he would be pleased to assist and accept our preparation to receive the blessed Sacrame7it, (From the Paschal Lamb.) Cast down thy eye of rhercy and compassion, most gra- cious Father, on thy unworthy set vant, humbly acknowledg- ing my unworthiness and insufficiency of self, for any thing that is good ^ lam sensible that without thee, I can da nothing ; and therefore do humbly implore thy gracious as- sistance and acceptance of my endeavour to prepare myself for the worthy receiving of the blessed sacrament of the body and blood of thy dear Son. Stir up, I beseech thee, such pious affections and dispo» sitions in my soul, and fill my mind with such holy medi- tations as are suiti^.b'e to this occasion. Grant me such a sense of my sins, ^nd of iiie sufferings of n>y blessed Sav- iour for thtm, as may affect my heart with a deep sorrow for my sins, and displeasure against them, and may effec- tually engage me to love, and live to him who dyed for me, Jesus Christ my blessed Saviour and Redeemer. Jmen, 10^ Gn examining owselves before receiving it, (From the V.'hole Umy of Man.) As we ought not, and must not neglect coming to this holy sacrament, so nobody must dare to approach that holy- table without a due preparation ; carefully weighing what is necessary to be done, before, at, and after receiving the sacrament of tlie body and blood of Christ. And, iirst, Let a man examine his life and conversation by the rule of God's word. For a life governed by the precepts of the gospel is the best preparation for this sacrament j because he that believes the christian religion, and makes it his corir stant business to perform what our Saviour hath enjoined, has all that substantial preparation, which qualifies chris- tians t'j partake of this ordinance, and ought therefore to receive when any opportunities present : for this holy sa« cramcnt does not so much oblige u^ to new duties, as it en- ables us to make gocd those obligations, which we in our baptism have promi^ed and vowed to perform. Let a man therefore examine himself ever so much, fast ever so strictly, and pray ever so fervently, if his life has not been pious to- ward God, just toward his neighbour, and sober in reference to himself j without efFectual resolutions, all those duties, ia which he employs himself before he receives, will never be abl- to make him a fit guest at God's table : they are indeed good preparative helps, when they repair those breaches sin has made in our souls ; but, without steady purposes of amendment, they are of no value in the sight of God, and will not be able to qualify us for a worthy participation of the body and blood of Christ. If our lives prepare not the way for our offerings, we approach the holy altar in vain. We should hereby be deterred from receiving only out of custom, or in order to qualify ourselves for some temporal or worldly employment \ but pious christians, who are sin- cerely wearied and grieved with the burden of their sins, ought not to be discouraged in their duty •, because here they will find their propor remedy ; here they will meet with that strength and assistance, which is so necessary to enable them to lead that holy life, which they purpose for the time to come, beginning it with a strict examination of thz state of their own souls. Concerning which take these diicctiouj ; 1(W. **** Recollect your baptismal vow, and endeavour to rivet in your soul a just sense of those mercies promised on God's part, and the particular duties to which you in common with all christians are obliged thereby : for our chief business at the Lord's table is to renew our baptismal covenant with God. Then inquire by your conscience, the candle of the Lord, how you have broken that covenant made in your bap- tism, either by thought, word, or deed. We transgress by our thought?, when we are contriving and compassing any forbidden thing : but irregular thoughts which spring up in our minds, and are but little in our power, they are neitlv* €r sins nor matter of punishment, any further than they are causes and principles of a sinful choice and resolution ; be- cause as we assent or dissent to those motions that are in our minds, so will our thoughts be virtuous or sinful But it is not enough to know what is sin : for we must also un- derstand the true state and condition of our souls. Without self -reflection, a man may have every vice under the sun, without knowing he has any •, provided he has it not in a high degree. For one, that perishes for want of knowing his duty, there are numbers, who are lost for ever, for want of seriously considering it, and laying it to heart. Our re- pentance must be full and complete, and extend to all those particulars wherein we have transgressed the laws of God i znd till we discover all our follies and infirmities, we can- not amend, or so much as v/atch against them. Our repentance by this means may in some measure keep pace with our errors and failings, when this examination is frequently repeated before the Lord's supper ; and thus we may prevent the insupportable weight of the sins of a whole life faUing upon us all at once, when we may neither have understanding nor leisure to recollect ourselves, much less to e^^ercise any fit and proper acts of repentance toward God or man. And, in this examination, let us consider the sins that most easily beset our v/eakest part, by nature or custom least defensible ; for the devil, like a skilful general, will attack us where we lie most exposed, hoping, by gaining that post, to make the town quickly surrender at his discre- tion. For v/hich reason, in surveying the state of our minds, we should have an eye to those places that will least bear an assault ; those appetites or passions that most frequently oc- casion our fall from God's grace. Ai^ain, we should con- sider tlie several aggravations of our follies ; Vv-hether cg$u- }63 irntted against the light of our minds *, with the free con» sent of our wills, and in despite of the checks of our own conscience : whether they have been often repeated ; whe- tlier transient acts or habitual disorders. And we ought to observe all those previous steps tl^at have made us transgress, which have been fatal to the corrupting of our innocence^ and the occasions of betraying our virtue. This makes us thoroughly acquainted with ourselves and Qur own corruption ; a knowledge, which is of the greatest consequence. By this we are driven to repentance, as the only cure for that guilt which oppresses our souls, and for which we lie at tlie mercy of God's vengeance ; we arc disposed to humility ; and gain a lively sense of God's power and our frequent errors and miscarriages : we keep our accounts clear and even j and it is an admirable means to advance us toward christian perfection, by making us careful to avoid those faults For the future, which we have diM ovcred in our former lives and conversations, not only through fear of punibhmerit, but because we have offended so gooci and gracious ;; God. And 'i his i^'Uty should be accompanied with confession of sins to Gou,w.-:ich is the judgn^cnt a man passes upon himself, ei- ther or approbation t r of condemnation, whenever he delib- erately weighs his own actions : or it is the sentence which his reason suggests that God, the judge of all the earth, will pass upon him. Yet it is not barely a repetition of the faults we are guilty of to almighty God •, but it is such an acknowledgment of our faults, as is accompanied with siiame for them, vvith hatred to them, and with resolutions to amend them. m r. II JT'OGEI'^Tr;"''^^^' HEADS OF SELFr-EXAMlNATION. A Prayer before SelJ-E>.vam?naiion,* '* O LoRf), thou that art the searcher cf all our hearts, and a disccrner of the very thoughts, and in whose sight ail things are naked and o^-en," be pleased to impart a ray of *This Prayer and the the following Examination ard X'rayera are taktn from A Companioo to lUe Altar. thy heavenly light, to discover all the sins and Infirmities of my past life, and whatsoever else thou knowest wherein I have dene amiss, that henceforward no secret sin may lie undiscovered and corrupted in my soul ; thar by examining my life and conversation by thy law, the rule and measure of my duty, I may understand the true state and condition of my soul, and from a just sense and sight of all my trans- gressions, through the assistance of thy grace and heavenly benediction, I may be enabled to reform my life, and to turn my feet unto thy testimonies j so faithfully to search and examine my own conscience, that I may come holy and clean to thy heavenly feast, and be received as a worthy par- taker of that holy banquet which thou hast called me tOo Grant this for thy mercy's sake in Christ Jesus. Jmen. See Psahn cxxxix. Brief Heads of SelfExaminatkn upon each Com- mandmenU COMMANDMENT I. Though I have not atheistically denied the being of a God, or wickedly renounced him by apostacy, yet have I not loved, desired and delighted in other things more than in God ? Or have I not feared men, and dreaded the dis- pleasure of the world more than of God ? Or, have I not trusted in men, and relied upon the world, more than upon Gcd ? Have I not despaired of God's mercy ? Or, by pre- suming too much upon it, encouraged myself in sin ? Have I not been unthankful for mercies received ? Or, have I not ascribed the glory and honour of what I now enjoy to Txiyself more than to God ? (Say) God be merciful to me a i r n ous sins. obtani of thee, the God of all mercy, per-i feet remission and forgiveness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jmgfj. ^ See Psalm vi. xxxii. xxxviii. II. An Act of Conbitioju ' " Father, I have sinned againct heaven, and bcfote thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy sou. Wo is me, O Lord, who was conceived and born m sin :" the thoughts of my heart wete inclined unto : vil from my youth. Wo is me that I have sinned against thee, my Creator and kind benefactor. Lord, I have done evil coDtinually in tliy sight 169 dnri my life hath been little else than one continual course cf impiety, unthi^nkf ;lness, and of unworthy retLrns for all thy goudness and loving kindness to me. • • o is me that I should thus requite the Lord. < ) that my head were wa- ters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for my sin ! C) graciou-: Lord, look on me as thoudid^ton the apostle St. Peter, and let thy compassion- ate look so pierce my sto-.y heart, that I may vveep bitterly for my sins, and may have that godly sorrow which worketh repentance unto salvation not to be repented of : for Jesus' sake. Amen. See Psalm xxv. xxxii xxxviii. A Resolution to lead a new Life. And now, O Lord, T do not only with great shame and confusion of face confess and bewail the sinfulness and van- ity of my owr. life, but I do steadfastly resolve and purpose (through the assi tance of thy grace and Holy Spirit direct- ing me) to << renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, and all the sinful lusts of the fl-sh." Be pleased, OLord, to strengthen and con- firm all these good resolutions in me. hm\ Ihcanily thank thee, O heavenly Father, for calling me to this state of sal- vation through Jesus Christ my Saviour, who died for my sins, and rose again for my justification ; and I humbly be- seech thee, for his sake, to give me grace to continue in the same unto my life's end. Amen. See Psalm i. xxiii. xxiv. xxv. cxix. cxxvi. A Prayer for Faith in God's mercy through Christ. ALiuiGiitY God, our lieavenly Father, who, for the greater confirmation of our faith and confulence in thy mer- cy, hast, in thy holy gospel declared, that " whosoever be- lieveth in thy Son Jesus Christ, shall not parish, but have everlasting life :" and that " this is life eternal, to know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent :" Increa.se this knowledge, and confirm this faith, in me evermore. O let me not rest in a dead faith, but grant that I may have such a lively f.iith as will shew itself by love and good works ; such a victorious f.nth, as may enable me to overcome the world, and conform me to the image of thy X 170 Son Jesus Christ, in whom I believe. O grant me such' a due sense of thy infinite mercy, shewn to mankind in so much mercy, as may never depart out of my mind. 1 steadfastly believe, O blessed Jesus, ihat thou didst suf- fer upon the cross to save me and all the woild from the guilt and punishment of our sins. O give me that grace, that I may die to sin. and rise ngain unto righteousness? Accept my imperfect sorrow, repentance, faith, and weak resolutions *, and let thy precious merits, O my crucified Saviour, supply all my wants and imperfections. Thou hast said, " Come unto me, all ye that labcnir, and are weary, and heavy laden, and I will refresh you. * O blessed Jesus, I come unto thee In all humility, and deeply sensible of my great unworthiness : O do thou bear this burden of sin for me, and refresh me, with comfortable hopes of thy mercy and forgiveness, and the truth of thy salvation, O gracious Lord ! To whom (with the Father and the Holy Ghost) be all honour and glory for ever. Amen* See Psalm Ivii. Eph ii. 6, 1 1. A Form of Self-Exainination to he used before re* ceiving the Holy Sacrament. (From Mr. Merrick.) Have I neglected to keep up in my mind the Jove of God^ or the fear of him ? Have I been unthankful for his mercies and blessings ? Have I broken the Sabbath ? Have I neglected to attend the public prayers of the church ? Have I neglected to receive the holy sacrament ? Have I neglected private prayer, or have I prayed in % careless manner ? Have I at any time taken an unlawful oath ^ Have I been guilty of cursing or swearing in my dkcourse, or of taking the Lord's name in vain .? Have I loved and sought after the pomps and vanities of this wicked world ? Have I fulfilled the lusts of the flesh, in thought, word^ or deed ? 171 ***♦ Have I been guilty of pride, covetousness, discontent, and impatience, envy, hatred, malice, anger, or uncharitablc- ness ? Have I been guilty of d.unkcnness, or of gluttony, or of sloth and idleness ? Have I hurt my neighbo >r ? Have I cheated, wronged, or oppressed him ? Have I spoken e. il of him without cause ? Have I neglected to perform such kind offices as he had a right to expect from mc ? Have I been guilty of lying ? Have I been disrespectful oi undutiful to my parents, or to any of those persons whom God has set in authority over me ? A Prater to be used after Examination. (From Mr. Merrick.) O ETERNAL and all-seeing Lord, forgive the sins which I have now recollected, and all other offences which I have at any time committed against thee. Take not thy Holy Spirit from me, but increase my faith and my repentance, and make me go an from strength to strength, till thy work be perfcctedin me, through Jesus Christ. Amen, For further help in self-examination see the office of hu* miliation, above. A Preparatory Meditation^ to bring the Mind into a serious Frame, (From the Paschal Lamb.) Is IT not fit, O my soul, thou shouldst pause a little on thy Redeemer's death, before thou goest to remember it with the congregation ? There are those charms in that death, which if rightly viewed, will be invincible motives to thee to die to a sinful life, and to embrace the holy life of Jesus. 17^ O that I h2i\ wings like a clove, thnt I might fly away to Golgotha, and behold the dreadful spectacle of God cruci- fiftl for the sins of the children of men. A mighty myste- ry this ! lo the J;; ws a stumbling-block, and to the Greek? foolishness : What all the Jewish rabbins could not see, what the greatest he then sages could nt»t find out, that hath God revealed. O God ! thy ways are not like our way^, nor are thy thoughts like our thoughts. When ail mankind lay in darkness, and was covered with the shadow of death, and the old serpent was going to swallow up their souls ; behold ! thy ^on appears from heaven, friglits the powers of darkness, and all immediately fail down before him. and tremble Ah ! Jesu, meekest of kings, and fairer than all the chil- dren of men ; I behold thee hanging on th. cross bi tting out the hand-writing which was against me : Hdw red were the characters ! How bloody were the lines ! ^ct thy pre«» cious blood makes them as white as stiow. O Lord, I hear thy words, sharper than any two-edged sword ; I hear thy complaints, which broke the rocks and. shook the earth ; and shall not my heari be moved at them ? For thee, the Son of the most High, to cry out, A-Jy ioid is ixceening sorrcwful cve-i "nto death ; who can hear this, and not stand confounded ! For omnipotence to sink thus 1 For infinite perfection to faiii't thus ! For him that sat on the circle of the earth, thus to w^ecp, thus to mourn. I'hou criest to thy Father \ and he seems deaf to thy lamentations. No showers from above come dowm ; the stars of heaven withhold their influence ; and scarce an angel will stir to thy assistance. But v/hat need 1 v/oiider, thou cviest so loud under the heavy load ? for when we, like sheep had gone astray, thou bearest the iniquity of us all : The arrows of God stuck fast in thee, and his hand pressed thee sore. O blessed Nazarite I whiter than snow, brighter than the sky, purer than the sun ; how is thy face di-iigured with grief ! how do thiiie eyes languish ! is this the face that was the perfection of beauty ? Is this the face that was once the desire of all natioi.s ? Is this the face, which so many proph- ets, and righteous men have desired to sec ? Is this the face that Abraham longed to behold, and the patriarchs were am- bicious to have a view of ? Is th.s the face admired by an- gels and dreaded by devils ? Is this the mighty bridegroom of the church, who was once transfigured on the holy 173 mount, and his face did shine as the sun, and hU ramentTje- can^.e white as the light ? Is this he whom God anointed witli the oil of gladness above his fellows ? Whose garments imell of myrrh, alloes, and cassia ; and cast such a scent, that the daughter of Tyr^ ciimc with a gift, and the rich among the people entreated hi- favour ?— How is he al- tered ? Htvv is his countenance changed ? Yet still thou art luv ly to a soul that sees farther than the outside, htill thou urt the f untain of livinu waters. Still thou art the joy of th- whole e.Tth, the light of heaven and the $oiigof Mon. My thoughts, O Lord, shall follow thee to the crobs. Methinks, I see, iiow thou art g«»ing to die : Thou louk^.st back on thine enemies, and notwithst. mling all their afFronib, ofJere^t them mtrcy. O incomprehensible good- ness I When thou .irt lifted up to the infamous tree, thou drawcst and invitest all men unto thee ; t'lou preaches* on the cross, and thy very words -meni. Hjaculations before Recckivg, (Irom Mr. Je.iks.) O THAT I may see thy power and thy glory, ^o a«* I hav€! seen thee in the sarctuary ! that I may share in the heav- enly entertainment of thy children, and eat and drink in thy presence, t' at bread of life, and that cup of b!e<:. ing, which may be the life of my soul, and make glad my heart, even with the joy of thy salvation. O how unworthy am I, Lord, that thou sliould.st come under my roof; unworthy to eat the crumbs that fall under thy table ; but thy infmite merits can overcome all my sinfi and unworthiness, and recommend me to the ju-t and ho- ly Majesty of heaven, (ven as if I had not sinned. O Lord ! my soul is polluted and unclean ! but thy pre- cious blood can cleanse me from all my sins and defilements, and make me fit to receive thee, to my profit and comfort. O speak thou the word, and 1 shall be clean and whole ; and my soul shall live, and for ever bless thy name. Ejaculations and Meditations to hej^cd at am/ time, but pajiicularlij after the Consecration cf the El* emenis (From the Paschal Lamb.) O HOLY Jesu, I adore thy unspeakable goodness ; T delight in thy unmeasurable mercy *, I rejoice in thy cross ; I de.^ire to know nothing but the Lord Jesus, and him crucified. O let the power of thy cross prevail against all the powers of darkness; let th • wisdom of thy cross m^ake me wije unto salvation ; let the peace of thy cross reconcile m^e to thy eternal Father, and bring me peace of con-cience ; let the victory of thy cross mortify all my evil and corrupt affec- tions ; let the triumph of thy cross lead me oh to a state of holiness, that I may sin no more ; but in all thing? please thee, and in all things serve thee, and in all thifjgs glorify thee. 177 **** Great nnd infinite r.re thy glories, Infinite and glorious ::i, the sacrament is our food 5 Christ is married to our souls ; and heaven itself is offered to us for our portion. God, my God, assist me now and ever, graciously and greatly : Grant that I may not receive bread alone, for man cannot live by that ; but that I may eat Christ ; that I may not search into the secrets of nature, but inquire after the miricles of grace. I do admire, I worship, I love. Thou hast overcome, O Lord, thou hast overcome ; ride on tri- umphantly, because of thy words of truth and peace \ lead my soul in this triumph, as thy own purchase 5 thy love hath conquered, and I am thy servant forever. Thou wiit not dwell in a pointed house ; make my soul clean, and do thou consecrate it into a temple, O thou great Bishop of our souls, by the inhabitation of the Holy Spirit #f purity. 1 am nothing, I have nothing, I desire nothing ^ut Jcsus> and to be in Jerusalem the holy city from above. Make haste, O Lord, behold my heart is ready : Come Lord Je- sus, come quickly. I AM now before ttie altar of God, even the God of my joy and gladness. I will offer thanksgiving unto my God, and pay my vows unto the most High, O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant me thy peace. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon me. Grant me gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy Son, and to drink his blood, that my sinful body may be made clean by his body 5 and my soul washed through hie most preciou.>> blood. Amtn* US Be pleased, O God/to accept this our bouiiden duty^an^ Service ; and command, that the prayers and supplications, together wiih the remembrance of Christ's passion, which we do now offer uj) to thy divine majesty, may, by the ministry of thy holy angels be brought up into thy heavenly tabernacle : that thou, not weighing our merits, but look- ing upon the blessed sacrifice of our dearest Saviour, which livas once fully and perfectly made for us all, mayest pardon our offences, and replenish us with thy grace and heavenly* benediction, jimen. Whilst upon your hiees you cast in your ojjeringt stop and say : Blessed Jesu ! who didst accept the poor widow's twa mites, be pleased graciously to accept this from thy unwor- thy servant. Then add^ O Lord God I how I receive the body and blood of my most blessed Saviour Jesus Christ, the price of my redemp- tion, is the very wonder of my soul I yet my most firm and constant belief is uopn the words of my Lord and master. At this time they are graciously tendered to me, and my faith : Lord make me a worthy receiver, and partaker of aU the benefits of this blessed sacrament. Amen. Immediately before Receiving. Thou hast said, that he that eateth thy flesh, and drink* eth thy blood, hath eternal life : Behold the servant of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word. At the Receiving of the Bread, Bt thy crucified body, deliver me from this body of death. At the Receiving of the Cup, O LET this blood of thine purge my conscience from dead works, to serve the living God. Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. O touch me, and say, I will, be thou clean. 179 Aj}er Receiving. What shall I render unto the Lord, for all the benefit* he hath done unto me ? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and richc?, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Therefore b^essing, honour, glory, and power, be to him that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever. Amau I have sworn, and have steadfastly purposed to keep thy righteous judgments. O hold :hou up my going in thy paths, that my fot-step9 slip not. MOI^E PRAYERS (Prcm A Companion to the Altar and New ^laftuat.) When ymt Receive the Bread. Lord, I am not worthy of the crumbs which fall from thy table, and yet thou givest unto me the bread of life. Evermore give me this bread, that I may eat thereof and not die eternally. John vi. 34, 50. After Receiving the Breads Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give the praise, for thy loving mercy, and for thy truth's sake. Bcfre Receiving the Cuj), Grant O merciful God, that this cup, which I am now about to receive, m;iy be unto me a cup of ble^bing. Sprin* kle me with the blood of the ever blessed Jesus, that my soul being cleansed from all corruptions, it may be ever pre- cio!2s in thy sight, O Lord, my sticngth and my Redeemer. After Receiving th^ Cvf, Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Clirist, tci- his unspeakable gift, in whom v/e have rcdemp.iun through his blood, even the forgiveness of our sins. When you Retire from the Altar, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, &c, Luke ii. 29 — 32. " Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name ; bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits j who forgiveth all thine ini- quities, and healeth all thy diseases ; who redcemeth thy life from destruction, and crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies.'* O let that heavenly food which thou hast so lately fed me with, transfuse new life and new vig- our into my soul, and into the souls of all those who have been partakers %vith me of this holy communion, that our faith, hope, and charity, may diiily increase, and that we may all grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord 2nd Saviour Jesus Christ. Jmen and Ameu, See Psalm viii. xxiii. Ixvi. ciii. Fjaculations and Elevatrons of the Soul aft-er Receiving* (From Mr. Jcnks.) I bless thee, my God, for the mercies of a Savio;ir, with- out which all mercies else would be unavailable, ami do me no good. I bless thee, that thou hast not withholden thy Son, thy only Son from us, but given him to be the prcpi* tiation for our sins, and to be the life and food of our' souls. Return to thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with thee. Thy life is given thee at his hands, who forgiveth all thy sins, and healeth all thy diseases ; and rot only redeems thee, from destruction, but crownj x\\o:tc&t notice, to partake of it {which 185 certainly every clirlstlaii ought ever to endeavour after) must be careful in the observation of these following rules : 1. He must be diligent in his endeavours to know and un- derstand all the several parts and branches of his duty to God, to all other men, and to himself; for which end he must be careful to make the best use he can of all those means of instruction and knowledge which God has put into his power; such as reading the holy scriptures, and other good books, or hearing them read ; attending upon the pub- lic offices of preaching, catechising, and the like, Prov. iv. 5. yohfjyX. 29- 2 Th/u iii. 15. yv/;«, xiii. 17. 2. He must, upon all occasions, be industrious and zeal- ous in the avoiding of every sin, and the practice and per- formance of every duty, according to his ability and oppor- tunity for the same, 7 it. ii. 11 — 14. Luke^ xii 47. 3. He must very often think and meditate upon his ways, and all his particular practices, and examine whether or no they are agreeable to the rules of his duty ; that whereso- ever he finds he has been deficient or done amiss, he may take the better care to rectify and amend it for the time to come, Psalniyiw. 4 and cxix. 59. Laj?i. iii, 40, For which end and purpose I recommend this following easy, but very p; ofitzible task, which I would liave every man constantly to impose upon himself ; namelv, two or three times in the course of each day, to carry his thoughts back, and seriously consider what he has that day been doing, and how he has spent his time, from the very minute that he first awaked from sleep. As for example : When first I awaked, did I think upon God, and recommend myself to his almighty care and protection ; or did not worldly, or it may be sinful thoughts, first take possesion of my heart ? Again, I was lately in such and such company : Were all my words and actions innocent, modest, and decent ? Did I give no offence to God, or scandal to the world, by any thing wjiich there I either said or did ? &c. Such ques- tions as these, if we would constantly and seriously put home to our consciences, while things remain fresh in our memories, it is evident what a mighty influence it would have bpon us, to restrain us from evil, and excite Us to d® ^*st which is good. OF PARTICULAR PREPARATION. I. Whenever notice is given of the celebration of tte holy cmimunion, lee every vslnccre and devout christian im- mediately resolve, by no means to miss that opportunity of commemorating the sufferings and comn.unicating in the merits of his blessed Lord and Saviour. II. And in the midst of all his business (in the mean time) let him very often call to mind, that such a day he must not be absent irom God's holy table, and therefore must be very careful not to do any thing v/hich may render him unfit for it. III. At some seasons it is very necessary that every man should set a little time apart for the more strict and particu-* lar examination of his conscience •, for vsrhich end and pur- pose I earnestly recommend that catalogue of sins which is drawn up at the end of that excellent book, <* The whole Duty of man," which I would have every man very dis- tinctly to go over , and upon every particular to recollect his actions, and ask his conscience, Have I been guilty of this P IV. But where a man very often receives the commun- ion, and never misses any opportunity for it, I do not con- ceive that such a particular examination is every time abso- lutely necessary ; nor have all men, at all times, leisure enough for it. But however, ordinarily, I think no man ought to receive the holy communion without some previ- ous examination of himself. For the more easy and regu- lar performance of which, I would have it remembered, that the whole duty of a christian is reducible to these three heads, ik/^/7'\ xxir-. 37, &c. 1. To love God in the highest degree. 2. Sincerely(and not corruptly or sensuaily)to love himself. 3. To love every man with the same sort of love (though not in the same degree) as he loves himself. V. Every time then, that a man receives the holy com- munion, I would have him before-hand, seriously to put at least these three questions home to his conscience. 1. Do I really and truly love God above all things ^ And do I effectually shew this my love, by a due honour and respect to him, in all my thoughts, words and actions ? 2. have I a sincere and upright love for myself ? That is, do I love my soul better than my body ; and am I more heartily concerned t© secure my eveda sting hap- 187 piri£3s in the world to conic, than to compass my pleasure or pnofit In this life ? 3. H-ive I a real and sincer. love for all mankind without exception ? and do I effectually shew this my love, by hurting no man by word or deed (where I can pos- sibly avoid it) and by being ready to do good to every mfiii whatsoever, in all ways and upon all occasions wherever I have ability and opportunity ? And if these three questions are but seriously meditated upon for a lit.le time, there is scarce any sin that a man has been g ilty of, but they will point it out to him. VI. When a man, by the examination of his conscience, has set his sins full in his view, then let him insert in his or- dinary devotions, this, or some such like confession of them to God : O MOST gracious God ! I, thy unworthy creature, here humbly acknowledge my sins before thee. And besides those which I have now recollected, I cannot but own, that I lie under the guilt of many more transgressions, although I am not able to recount or remember them. Nor can I de- ny, but that I have committed many sins, even contrary to the motions of thy grace, and the light and conviction of my own conscience *, and therefgre do moat justly deserve the severity of thy v/rath and indignation against me. But, Lord. I fly unto thee for mercy ; for the sake of Christ Je- sus our l^lessed Redeemer, be merciful unto me in the par- don of all my sins, known and unknown ; and so guide and assist me by tliy grace, that, for the time to come, I may be duly careful to abstain from every evil thing, may grow in grac^ and be zealous of good works, and maintain a con- science void of offence towards God, and towards men, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, To 'which let him add this short Prayer. MosT merciful God, who ha-^t given thine only Son Je- sus Christ to die for our sins : grant me thy grace, I Imni- qly beseech thee, that I may never be unmindful, but always truly thankful for that inestimable benefit vouchsafed unto me by his death and sufferings : and so fit and prepare me, O Lord,' by the assistance of thy Holy Spirit, that both at this, and all other times, I may be ri^hiiy qualified to commem- 188 orate the passion of my blessed Redeemer, in that ho^y or- dinance which he has appointed ; and also thereby effectu- ally to partake of that redemption which he has wrought for all mankind, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen* Of Behaviour at, and after the IIoJij CoiTimunioii, 1. At the holy communion, and at all other times in the worship of God, let every man strive, as much as he can, to keep his mind intent and fixed upon what he is about, and to lay aside not only all wicked thoughts, but also all such as are impertinent to the present business. 2. Let him also take care to behave himself with such outward decency and composedness, as may be a sufficient token of that inward devotion and reverence which he bears in his heart, without gazing about, or any way unnecessarily- moving his body, or whispering to anyone that is near him, or the like . 3. Whilst the service is performing, let him aU'alcng join with the minister and congregation ; with his heait and thoughts lifted up to God •, and with his tongue too, where the liturgy requires that any thing should be spoken aloud by the people ; as in the responjcs, the confession, the Lord's prayer, and the doxology. 4. But let him take care, likewise, to avoid all manner of affectation, and not to behave himself in such a manner, as if he had a mind to be taken notice of for a per.-on of ex- traordinary devotion. For which reason, whatever private prayers, or meditations, he may have to offer up to God, let him put them into his thoughts alone, and let not his voice be heard, but when the public office requires it. 5. When he has received the bread, let hiin offer up this, or some other short ejaculation to God : O GOOD God, grant that by the sufferings of my dear Saviour who was crucified for me, I may escape eternal suf- ferings, and be made a partaker of everlasting glory. And when he has received the cup? l^t him in his heart thus say : O GRACIOUS God ; grant that by the shedding of the blood of thy dear ijon, I may obtain the remission 01 all my sine. 189 6. While the bread and wine are distributing to the rest of the congregation, let him entertain himself with such sort of meditations and prayers as these : 1. Let him again bethink himself what those sins are, to which he has been most inclined •, and let him in the pres- ence of God, seriously and stedfastly rtnev/ his resolution of being careful to abstain from them for the time to come. 2. Let him also consider, what opportunities he ordina- rily has for the doing of any good works, and kt him stead- fastly purpose ever hereafter to be diligent in making use of them. 3. And let him hereunto add the following short prayer : Merciful God, assist me with thy grace and Holy Spir- it, that I. may always keep those vows and resolutions which tliou hast enabled me to make j that I may nCvcr return to any of my former sins, but ever hereafter serve thee faith- fully, in the constant practice of virtue and religion, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 4. And here let him express his charity by putting up a prayer for all mankind, in this or the like form : Lord, if it be thy gracious will, extend thy mercy and compu3:ion unto all mankind. Enlighten the minds of those that are ignorant, and move the wills of those that are ob- stinate, that they may all receive thy holy truth, and care- fully live in the practice of it. Pardon all my enemies, O Lord, and bring them, and all of us, all the world over, to true repentance, that we may ail live holily and righteously here, all may, in the end, be happy v/ith thee hereafter* through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 5. And then \tt him entertain himself with reading and meditating upon some select portions of the holy scripture, until such time as the minister is ready to proceed ^^)ith the public office. I need not here transcribe: any particular texts, but wili|leave every man to make choice of such as are most agreeable to him ; only if he be at a loss, let him read the hundred and nineteenth Psalm, where he will easily find proper matter enough to employ his devoutest thoughts up- jn this occasion. ISO 6' When the service is ended, and the congregation dig* missed, let him depart to his house or place of abode j and as soon as he has a convenient opportunity of rctirirtg into some private place, let him first look back, and consider whether or no, in the performance of this holy office, which he has so 1 .tely been at, he has behaved himself in all things as he ought to have done ; and if he finds that he has been any way short or defective therein, let him resolve to take a better care for the tim-j to come. 7. And then let him conclude with this, or the like prayer : Lord, I df sire to return my most hurnl le and hearty thanks to thee, for all thy blessings, both spiritual and tem- poral, which thou hast vouchsafed to me. At this time par- ticularly, I praise and bless thy holy name, for that oppor- tunity which thou hast this day given me of commemorating ^he death and passion of my blessed Redeemer, and also of pj.rtaking of his merits in the participation of that holy or- dinance v/hich he has app'jinted. Lord, paro'on all the weaknesses and defects which I have been guilty of in the performance of that great duty ; and assist me with thy ^race, I beseech thee, that in the whole course of my life I may be ever careful to fulfil and perform, these vows and resolutions which I have made to thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jmcno 8. And last of all, let him never, as long as he lives, be forgetful of what lie has thought, and said and done, both bciTore, and at the holy communion ; but let the remembrance of it be a constant restraint, upon him from all manner of -w-'ickedness : and let him upon the assault of any temptation, thus bethink himself. At such a time I received the holy communion, and then I seriously resolved, and solemnly promised to almighty God, that I would heartily .endeavour, in all points, to live like a christian. Shall I then, upon any account, cheat, lie, curse, or swear, talk profanely or obscenely, or the like ? No, God forbid ! Lhave engaged myself to God, to be another cort of a man *, and what can 1 expect but wrath and Indig- f»ation from him, if knowingly and v/ilfully I should violate those promises which I sc deliberately and steadfastly made to him : ISfl AN OFFICE FOR THE SICK:, FrRyers from Dr. Paley's Clergyman's Comp.inion in Tisituig the Sickt Prayers for the Sick\ (From Bishop Patrick) i O Mos"^ gracious God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ Lnst tinited us all in one body, that we should love one anothsr, and if one member suffers, all the members should suffer iK-'iih it ; we humbly implore thy tender mercl s towards this thy servant, of whose afflicted condition vvc desire to have a compassionate sense and feeling. Look graciously upon him, O Lord, and visit him with thy salvation Vouchsafe him such consolations from above, as we should desire for ourselves, were we in his extremity. Give him a true penitent heart for ail the offences that he hath 2t any time committed; together with a lively faith in tbySoa Jesus, who came into the world to save sinners. Give him the comfort of a holy hope, that thou accepttst his repentance, and faithful devotion to thee. Support him by tliis hope under all his pain, and enable him penitently to submit to thy faithful correction. Send him help now in time of need, both for his soul and his body. Bless the means for his re- covery ; and, if it be thy good pleasure, restore him speed* ily to his former health, and inspire him with a serious ruso* iution to serve thee more zealously all his days. Or if thou hast otherwise resolved in thy wise counsels deliver him from the fear of death, assist him in his last ag- ony, give him an easy and cheerful passage out of this life^ and send thy holy angels to conduct him into rest and peace with our Lord Jesus Christ, for the same Jesus Christ*# sake. Amen. (From Bishop Taylor.) Give thy servant, O Lord, patience in his sorrow?, com* fort in his sickness, and restore him to health if it seem good to thee. And, however tliou shalt determine concerning him, yet miike his repentance perfect, and his faith strong, and his hope stedfast, and his passage safe ; that when thou shalt call his soul from the body, it may enter into th-c 192 f^rA of tlic sons of God, and the bosom of blessedness^ ahd be with the Holy Jesus. J?/ien, A lPra}/er for Thanljiilness in Skinless, O God, wonderful both in thy mercies and judgments, grant that the sense of thy servant's present afflictions may not cause him to forget thy former mercies, which thou hast bestowed upon him : O therefore, let the remembrance of those many and great blessings that he hath so long enjoyed at thy hands, be now the proper motives and incentives to the viitues of patience and humility, causing him cheerfully to resign himself to thy blessed will under all the dispensa- tions of thy providence, though ever so hard ; and patiently to wait for the return of thy loving-kindness in Jesus, which IS better than life. Amen, A Prayer for a Blessing on the Means used for a Sick Person'' s Recovery. (From Mr. Kettlewell.) O GRACIOUS Lord, by whose word man lives, and not by any human means alone ; direct we pray thee, the counsels of those who prescribe to this thy servant, and prosper the medicines which are used to procure him ease and strength ; but let not his confidence in them lessen any thing of his de- pendence on thee, but make him sensible that every good gift is from thee, and that it is thou that give^t us help in time of need : To w^hom therefore, but to thee, should we ilee in the day of our visitation ? since it is thy blessing only that maketh the means we use, effectual •, and, however vain the use of them is without ihee, if thou biddest them, the things or accidents which we do not think of, or regard, shall recover us. O, therefore, as their part who administer to him is the care, so let thine, O God, be the blessing, and his the comfort : and as he regards them as thy instruments^ so let him own thee for the author of his mercies, and to thee give thanks, and pay his vows and services ; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Afjien, 193 A Frayerfoi' the grace of Patjence. Help thy servant, O thou merciful Redeemer and lover of souls, to undergo this load of affliction, which thou hast laid upon him, with patience. Lead him gently by the hand to the waters of comfort, and let thy rod and thy staff sUp* port him, novi^ that he is obliged to walk in the valley and shadov/ of death. Let him consider thee, O blessed Jesus, in all thy weary f)ilgrim»ge and sufferings here upon earth, before thou en- teredst into glory that he be not v/eary and famt in his mind. If relief does not come from thee so soon as he expects or desires, enable him still to hold out with long suffering, and to wait with patience for it. And whatsoever thcui doest with him, O Lord, let him be dumb, and open not his mouth to murmur or repine, because it is thy doing. Make him acquiesce and rest satisfied, even in the bitterest dispen- sations of thy providence : And let no pains or sufferings ever drive him from thee, considering that no temptation liath befallen him but what is common to men. Grant this, O God, for thy Son Jesus Christ's sake. A?nen. A Praver for one *who hath been a notoriously Wicked Liver. O Lord God, of infinite goodness and compassion, whose rhercies are over all thy works ; who makest the sun to shine, and the rain to descend upon the unjust as well as the just, and art kind even to the most unthankful : We hum- bly beseech thee to look down in mercy upon this thy un- worthy servant, who hath so long trampled upon the rich- es of thy goodness, not knou ing that it should lead to re- pentance. Let thy rod therefore, av/jiken him now to a sense of his condition, whom thy goodness hath not reclaimed, and let him still find mercy at thy hands, notwithstandidg his con- tinual abuse of it. Thou hast promised, O Lord, *' that, when the wicked tn?.r\ turneth away from his wickedness which he hath com- rruvcsd, and dotli that which is lawful aiid light; hs shaU 2 A 1^ save hii; £Oiil alive." O, make good this thy promise to ihf servant h^re, who stands in so much need of it. Hide ttiy face from his sins and blot out all his iniquities : though they be red as scarlet, yet do thou make them white as snow, by repentance, which we beg of thee to give him, and to accept, though late^ through thine infinite mercies. Simon Magus, though in '< tne gall of bitterness, and the bond' of iniquity," was exhorted to repent, and to pray for pardon : antl therefore we hope the gate ot life is still open for our brother, though he hath so long shut himself out of it, by going on in a course that leadctn to the chambers of death. Blessed Lord, let thy terrors at length awaken him out of this lethargical condition, before he is overtaken by thy judgments. Afflict him here, that*thou mayest spare him hereafter. Soften.his neart, that he may bewail his ill-spent life, like Mary Slagdalen, with tears of contrition. O, quicken him to a sense of his duty, and of his dan- ger, before it be too late : And when thou hast brought him to his right mind, receive him, we beseech thee, as the com- passionate father did his prodigal son, or the shepherd his lost sheep. Thou, O Lord, who didst pardon the thief upon the cross, hear our prayers for our brother, in these his great, and, for any thing we know, his last agonies. And, as the fore-mentioned instances are lively significa- tions of thine unbounded goodnesis, and were written for our comfort and instruction, that none should despair of par- don ; so with the greater confidence we now recommend this our distressed brother to thy divine protection, beseech- ing thee to forgive all that is past, and to receive him at la&t into thine everlasting habitation. Amtn» A Froyerfor a Sick Woman that is xdth Child, O God, the help of all that put their trust In thee, the support of the weak, and the relief of the needy ; look with pity upon this woman, thy servant, who at best ac- knowledgeth herself but a weak and helpless creature, but much more so now in her present condition, when thou hast added weakness to weakness, and made her to travail with much sickness, together with the burden of child bearing. U)5 ■*♦*•* O Lord, be tliou graciously pleased to proportion thf eir^ngth to her weakness, and ar. pains and sorrow take hold upon her, inspire her with fresh vigour and courage to rely upon thee, her only support in time of need, and the rock of her salvation. Let her not be disquieted with the fear of any evil, since none can happen unto her without thy permission ; but givo her grace patiently to resign herself to thy biassed will in all things, who knowest what is best for her, ^nd wilt lay no more upon her, we trust, than thou wilt enable her to bear. Bring strength, O Lord, oi|t of weakness, and health out of sickness 5 and make her, in thy good time, a joyful moth- er*of a hopeful child, which may do good in its generation, and be an instrument of thy glory here, and a bleescd In- habitant of thy heavenly kingdom hereafter j tlirough Je- sus Christ our Lord, jlmcn, A Prc.2i.er for Grace and Assistance for a IVomaiiy after Delivei^y^but still in Danger. (From Air. Kettlew^U.) O Father of mercies! what thank^ can. we worthily give unto thee for thine unspeakable goodness to this thy servant, and her helpless infant, and for the wonderous things which thou hast done for her ? The pangs of death compassed her, and she foi^nd trouble and sorrow. The mouth of the pit vy'as opened, and ready to shut itself upon her : but thou hast graciously assuaojed her painsj| and turn- ed her sorrows into joy. Lord, we will ever adore and magnify thy mercy, which !:as dealt so lovingly with her, and praise thy truth and faith- fulness, which has not suffered her hopes to fail. We will never forget how mindful thou hast bceu of the low estate of thy handmaid ; for she has been s'^pjorted by thy pow- er, O blessed God, in her greatest weakness. She has tast- ed thy goodness in the midst of all her pangs and sorrows. Perfect, O J^ord, tiiat deliver. lUce to her which thou hast most graciously b^-gun, and let her not be lost, alter the wonders which thou hast already done for her. Continue her patience, and her hun^-Lle dependence on tliee, under the piuns and' accidents to which she is stiii ex- posed. i>upport ii.r spirits, and raise her up again in thy •19G due time. Thy mercy and power are still the same, and wil| be the same for ever. O, let them still be shewn for her recovery, as they have been already for her delivery ; let them be shewn upon her, that she may praise thee more and more ! But if, in thy paternal providence, whereunto we pray she may willingly commit herself, thou hast determined oth- erwise concerning her, thy blessed will be done I dispose her either to life or death, as tho.n pleasest, only in both to thy mercy : and whethLr living or dying, let her still please thee, and be thou her portion. Oh, perfect her repentance, ^nd give her patience v/hilst she lives, and peace v»'hen she dies^ and after that, the h.ppiness of a blessed eternity, which thou hast prepared for all that tr\ily fear thee ; through Jesus Christ oui Lord. Amen. Tf the Child be living this may be addecJ. pRESET?VE likewise her tender infant, O Fathe? of mer* cles, and let its own weakness, and pur cries, commend it tp thy care. Keep it afterwards In health and safety, and as It Increas- es in years and stature, let it increase in wisdonri, and in thy fear. We beg pot for it wealth or greatness, but wisdon^ to know and to serve thee. For, O Lord, we dio not de- sire life, either for ourselves or it, but that we may live to thee, and grow daily in love and thankfulness for all thy niercies, and in faith and patience, and all holy obedience", which may fit us for the happiness, which thou hast prom- ised, through Jesus CI) r 1st our only Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. Forms of Recommending the Soul to God, in her Departure from the Bodij, (From nishop Cosins ) Into thy merciful hands, O Lord, we commend the soul of this thy servant, now departing from the body. Receive him, we humbly beseech thee, into the arms of thy mercy, Into the glorious society of thy saints in heaven. Ameiu God the Father, who hath created thee ; God the Son, who hath redeemed thee \ God the Holy Ghost, who hath 19? infused his gr.ice into thee 5 be now, and evermore thy dc.r fence, assist thee in tliis thy last trial, and bring thee to ev- IJihsting life. Amau (From Bishop Taylor.) LoHD, receive the soul of this thy servant : Enter not \n^ to judgment with him ; spare him whom thou hast re-, deemed with thy most precious blood, and deliver him frona all evil and mischief, from the crafts and assaults of the dev- il ; fr(}m the fear of death, and from everlasting condem- nation. A men. Lord, impute not unto him the follies of his youth, nor any of the errors of his life ; but strengthen him in his ag- ony, and carry him safely through the last distress. Let not his faith waver, nor his hope fail, nor his charity be dimin- ished ; let him die in peace, and rest iii hope, and rise in glory. Amen, A. Prayer rcJncIi may he used rcith the Friends on Relations of the Deceased. Most just art thou, O God, in all thy dealing3 with us, and " our punishment is less than our iniquities deserve ;" and iherefore we desire to submit with all humility and pa- tience to this dispensation of thy divine providence. Be pleased so to sanctify it to this family, that thy gracf, and incrcy may' more abundantly flow upon thy servants. Thy property it is to bring good out of evil *, O, turn that evil, which !£; now befallen this house, to the benefit of every one of us, that so we may be able to say, from happy experience^ that *' the house of mourning is better than the house of feasting,'' while the death of our brother, through thy bless- ing, shall conduce and minister to our spiritual advantage. Let the sight of his change make us the morw mindful of our own, and the sense of our loss make us cleave more stedfastly to thee, O God. Let the remembrance of his vir- tues make us follow his exam.de, and the hope we have of his being blessed, cause us to pre;:s, with the more earnest- ness, <* towards the mark, for the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus/^ xm ■«*#* Thou kncTTCst, O Lord, the weakness and frailty of out nature, and therefore we beseech thee to give thy servants^ ".vho arc more nearly connected in this visitatiort, a constant supply of thy good Spirit, to enable them to bear it with humility, patience, resignation, and snbmission to thy divine will, as becc^meth the gospel of Jesus Christ. O, that no repining thoughts may rise in their hearts to discompose their duty towards thee, or towards their neighbour ; but help them rather to think wherein they have oiFended thee, and carefully to amend it ; to place their affections more stedf istly on those immovable things which are above, and freely resign all their thoughts and desires unto thee ; say- ing, with holy Job, ** The Lord gave, and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord/* And let the death cf tfiy servant strike us all with such a lively sense of our mortality, as may cause us so thoroughly to die to sin, and live to grace, that, when Vv-e die, we may rest in him, as our hope IB that our 'brother doth. We evidently see, fhnt death is the end of all men ; grant ws therefore grace to lay it to heart, to despise the world, l"; to kbhor that which is evil, and cleave to that which \s good ♦," to delight in thy word, to study thy will, to obsen'C thy law, and to take all possible care to promote thy hon- our, and our own salvation •, that when lue go the way of fill the earthy we may be comjorted by thy presence^ and ad- mitted into thy heavenly kingdom, Amcuo A Trayerfor a Person ijiat is qfflkted mth Griev- ous Fains of his Body. (From Mr. Jenks.) O LoRD;. thou art a merciful God, and dost not willingly afflict the children of m?n ; but when necessity requires, thou chastisest us for our profit, that we may be partakers cf tiiy holiness. Remove', we beseech thee, this affliction from thy servant, or enable him to bear what thou art pleas- ed to lay upon him. Lord', all his desire, is before thee, ar.d his groaning is not hid from thoe. Regard his afflic- tion, when thou hearest his cry. Enter not mto judgment with him, nor deal with h^m according to his sins, but ac- ^.)rding %o thy mercy in Jesus Christ. O gracious Father, s*i;ictity to him what thou hast laid upon him, that his pres- eht a^icflcn may work out for Kim an cttrn?.l wc»glit cr giory. Support him under his pains, till it sh'ill please th^» 10 grant him ease and comfort, And however thou shali c^'jal with him, let him not repine at thy correction, nor sin in charging thee foolishly. Make him sensible, that thoi| doest nothing but what is wise and just ; nothing but what thy servant shall one day have cause to bless and praise thee for doing. A'nld kt this consideration, teach him to glorify thee in the tim.e of his visitation, by a humble submission to thy will, artd a sincere reformation under thy providential dispensations ; that tliou mayest visit him in mercy and love, and shew him the joy of thy salvation ; through Jesus Christ our Lord* yimen. . . ^- • . ^ A Frayer for a Teiron in a Consumption, or any Ungering Disease, {from Mr. Jcnks.y O MERCIFUL God, thoU hast long kepi i\r^ servant under thy chastising hand ; thou hast made him acquainted with grief •, and his sickness is even' become his familiar con^^' panion ; Yet, O, blessed Lord, grant that he may not be impatient under thy chastisement, who art pleased to wait so long for the return of a sinner : but let him femember'that thou hast kind intentions even in thy bitterest dispensations ; that thou chastisest him ** whom thou iovest, and scourg- est every son whom thou reccivest." Teach him, O gta- cions Father, to sec love in thy rod, and justice in all thy dealings ; that he may humble himself under thy mighty hand ? that he may think it good for him to I'i.ve been' af- flicted and patiently wait for thy loving kindness. Yet, that his faith may not fail, nor his patience be over- come, give hiln ease amd relax his pain ; and a happy con^ elusion of this long visitation. In the mean time, grant that he may neither despise thy chastening, nor faint under thy rebukes ; but employ the time which thou lendest, and^ improve the affliction which thou continuest, as a gracious opportunity for his spiritual advant:^ge ; that, under the de- cays of the body, the inner man may be renewed day by day : and that whatever appertains to his everlasting salvation may be promoted and perfected, through the riches of thy grace^ sad the multitude o- thy mercies in Jesr.s Christ, A? irntn. d rtayerfor one under Fears andDozfbts com^rn- ing his Spiritual Co7iditio?i ; or wider perpieiing TJioughts and Scruples about his Duty. (From Mr. Kettlcwell.) O LoR!^ our God, we offer up dtir humble supplication to thee in behalf of this thy servant, whose soul is disquiet- ed within him, by his fears and anxiety, respecting the safe- ty of his condition. Remove from him, we entreat thee, all frightful apprehensions, all perplexing doubts, anu scruples about his diity. Make him satisfied and settled in a right understanding of all thy precepts, and careful in the obser- vance of them ; and dispel by the light of thy countenance, all that darkness, which obscures his soul, that he may not be unnecessarily dejected, and distrustful of himself, or dis- honourably jealous of thee. Deliver him from all those of- fences, which make him so much a stranger to peace and comfort ; and cause hitti to place his chief satisfaction and delight in obeying thy commandments, and in meditating 6a thy mercy ; through Jesus Christ our Lord* ^ Prater for Natural Fools or Madmen. (From Mr. Kettlewell.) O ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, pity, we entreat tihee, this thy unhappy creature, who knows not his o'wn wants, nor how to ask for thy mercies. Compassionate, O liOrd, his iimrmities, and supply his necessities. Let thy wisdom prevent those evils which he cannot foresee, cf wants understanding to remove ; but especially keep him from doing any thing that may be hurtful cither to himself #r others. Let his mind, on all occasions, be quiet and peaceable r 0nd as far as his faculties extend, exercised in piety and de- vout meditations. O, hear our cry, when we call upon thee : Hear us for him, who is not able to pray for himself j grant him thy fatherly care at present, and thy peace at last ; through the mediation of thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, A Fra^-er to be used on the Death of a Frieni, (From Mr. Merrick.) O ALMIGHTY GoJ, wfio dost not willingly grieve tlie children oi rnen, but in thy visitations rememberest metcy^ teach me by thy grace to bear the loss of that dear person whom thou hast taken from me with patience and resigna- tion, and to make a right use of the affliction which thy •jFatherly hand has laid upon me. Thou hast given and thou hast taken away : Blessed be thy holy name. Make mc thankful, O Lord, for the comforts and blessings which I still enjoy ; and sanctify to my soul all the sufferings, which in the course of this mortal life thou shalt appoint for mc. Let the death of friends and relations help to keep me al- ways mindful of my own mortality. And grant, that by thy grace I may here apply my heart to wisdom, and may hereafter by thy mercy be received into that everlasting kingdom, where all tears shall be wiped from all faces, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Hear me, O merciful Father, for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen, A Prayer of Preparatiokfor Death. O ALi^iHHTY God, maker and judge of dl men, have ihercy upon me, thy weak and sinful creature ; and if by thy most wise and righteous appointment the hour of death be approachiiig towards me, enable me to meet it with a mind fully prepared for it, and to pass through this great and awful trial in the manner most proffitable for me. 0» )et me not leave ahy thing undone, which may help to make hiy departure safe and happy, or to qualify me for the high- est degree 6i thy favour that I am capable of obtaining. Pardon the sins which I have committed against thee, by thought, word, and deed, and all my neglects of duty. Pardon the Sirls which I have committed against my neigh- bour ; and if others have wronged or offended me, incline my heart freely and fully to forgive them. Cleanse my soul from all its corruptions, and transform it into the likeness of thy Son Jesus Christ ; that I may behold thy face in glo* ty, and be made partaker of thy heavenly kingdom. And^ O merciful Father, give mc that support of spiritual con^- 2B 202 fort, wKicli thou seest needful for me In my present condi- tion : And grant that, wlien my change comes, I may die with a quiet conscience, with a well-grounded assurance of thy favour, and a joyful hope of a blessed resurrection ^ through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Anien, PRAYERS FROM DIFFERENT AUTHORS. ; A Frayer to he used during Sickness. (Frorh Sir James 'Stonhouse, Bart. M. D.) Ir the sick person is so very ill, that fie cannot r€?A this himself, !i^' may desire some friend to rt-peat it to him ;-6ut he must be sure devoutly ^o make it his own, by adding his hearty amen to the conclusion of it. , 'Almighty, and most righteous: Lord God, rn whose' hands are the appointments of life and death, give me grace to consider, that this my sickness is of thy sending •, and to acknowledge the justice, as well as the mercy, of thy visita- tion, and my sufferings. May I look up to thee for strength to bear, and grace to profit by it. It comes, O God, as a scourge for my sins, which is to make me see, feel^ and avoid them ; as thy medicine to cure my spiritual disease ; and aS thy firey trial, which i« to prove me, and to purge away my dross. Let it not fail, Lord, in answering these gracious purposes. Bring to my mind all such considerations as may revive, succour me, and raise me above all discouragements, and fear. Let my thoughts, under this visitation, be only those of love and thankfulness ; of resignation and obedi- ence ; of humility, and hope in thy mercy. Give me I be- seech thee a full trust in thy most gracious promises, noi* let me shew my indecent carriage in my afRictions, which would add to my guilt, if I die j or to my remorse and shame if I live. Father of mercies, pity thy sick servant and out of com- passion to my weakness, lessen my sorrows. Pardon my restless complainings, and support me under them by thy qomforts. Direct and recompense the labours and kindness of those, who charitably, and friendly attend me in my sick- ness ; Keep me always submissive and devov.t towards thee. and nr) ways impatient, or ungrateful towards those around me. M'.y thy blessing accompany all their endeavours fot my good, and all the medicines directed. Put an end, in thy due liniu, to my disease [or to my pains] and cither restore me to my strength, health, and case, granting me the mer- cies oFa long life ; or el^e prepare me m.ore immediately for a blessed and comfortable death, for our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, who died for my sins, and rose again for my justitica- tion. Anieu, A Prayer to he used after Recovery. (From Sir James Stonhouse, Bart. M, D.) Has God merciful!}' restored you to health ? Surely you caqnot doubt the oblig-ations you lie under to be tli.inkfiil for it. Shocking- indeed, that Qut of ten leapers cleansed, only one slunild return to give^dory to God : But take care, that you follow not the example of the nine, for instances of such ingfratitude are too common. Sec Luke xvii. 17. After recovery therefore use the following, or some such prayer. Most gracious and merciful God, the fountain qf life, I return thee humble and hearty thanks for having spared the life of thy servant : I adore thee, as the author of my cure, and praise thee for the success thou hast given to those ap- plications, which were the means of effecting it. May i remember the chastisements, the instructions, and the deliv- erances I have received •, and may I be enabled to perform ^he good resolutions I made in my sickness. As thou hast condescended to hearken to the prayer of so sinful a crea- ture, may I call upon thee, as long as I live. Being m.ade whole, may I go away, and sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto me. Having known the bitterness of affliction, may I pity and endeavour to relieve those, who labour under it. And may I never forget my ohhgaions to thee, and the kindness of those about me, whom I humbly recommend to thy continued kindness, and everlasting favour, through Je- sus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Amen, A short Prayer to be used by the Sick Pcv&ori Jiimself, (From Mr. Merrick.) O ALMIGHTY God, whose Son Jesus Christ was himself ijiade perfect through sufterings, look down witii pity oi: 2C4 ijfie thy afiUctcd servant. Pardon my manifold sins aad neg- lects of duty, and grant that my present sickness may be sanctified to the good of my soul, and to niy improvement in all christian virtues. Mortify in me all sinful desires and affections, keep me from fretfulness and impatience ; grant me true repentance ; and, if it be thy good pleasure, bless the means which are used for the recovery of my health : But if thou hast determined that this sickness shall be my last, enable me to die with comfort, and with an humbl^ trust in thy mercy, through my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen, A Prayer to be used by any Friend in behalf of a. Sick or Afflicted Person^ (Pronti Mr. Merrick.) Hear O merciful Lord, I beseech thee, the prayer which I now offer in behalf of a person whom thy fatherly hand has afflicted. Sanctify his sufferings, O Lord, to the good pf his soul 5 strenghten his faith and trust in thee, and give film such a degree of comfort and relief, as thou seest need- ful for him ; enable him to receive thy visitation with meek- ness and patience, and grant that we may all pass through the trials which thou, in thy wise providence, hast appoint- ed for us, with the humility of sinners justly punished for ©ur offences *, yet with a constant and lively hbpe that these light afflictions, which last but for a moment, vifill work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Grant this, O blessed Lord, for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen, A Prayer to he used by any ove or more in a Fam- ily, in the presence of a Sick Person ; which way be also used by a Person in PrivatCy in behalf^ of Sick Friends ; and may be added to the Morning and Evening Prayers in the Family, Whbn thU prayer is used by one person only, he must use I, instead cx^ we, me, instead of us. * O ALMIGATY God, the help of all that put their, trust in fliee, the relief of the needy, the sovereign good of all man- kind *, hear the prayers we now offer unto thy divine maje$- «05 **** ly, 111 the bshaU of thy servant now lying upon the bed of' sickness. Look upon him we pray thee, with thy tendcrcs^ pity and compassion, and be thau gracious and favourable unto him, according to the necessity of his case, and accor- ding to the multitude of thy tender mercies in Christ Jesus. In submission to thy most wise disposal of things, v/e be- seech thee to abate his distemper, to ease his pains, and re- store him, in thy due time, to his former health and strength, that he may have a longer time to work out his salvation,, and be more useful in his station, and do more good in his generation : But however thou shalt be pleased to deal with him, as to the concernsof his body, yet, O Lord, let his soul be ever precious in thy sight ; wash and cleanse it, wc beseech thee, in the blood of thy dear Son, that it may bs delivered from all the defilements it hath committed in thic sinful life, and be presented pure and spotless before the throne of grace. Oh ! give him a right discerning of the things which be- long to his peace, and let them never be hid from his eyes. Enable him to finish the great work he has to do, give him a true and unfeigned repentance of all his sins, and a firm reliance on ihy gracious promises ; and grant that he may find that peace of God, which passes all understanding. Fit him, O Lord, for living and dying, and for whatever, in thy wise and righteous providence, thou hast designed for him. And if thou hast determined, that this bickness shall be a sickness unto death, and this visitation his last vis- itation, prepare him, O merciful God, by thy grace, for thy blessed self, and grant him a safe and comfortable passage out of this world, to that which is infinitely better, through the merits and mediation of thy blessed Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. A?}i^n, A Prayer for a Person under any Grievous Parns, O Gop, our refuge and strength, who art a present help in time of trouble : O look graciously upon me, I most ear- ^lestly beseech thee ; and (if it be thy blessed will) send mc ease and comfort in thi.'^ time of my distress. I acknowl- edge, O Lord, the justice of thy dealings towards me, I confess, that I have deserved much greater p^ins than I now feel : O let me then never murmur or repine under any af- fiiction thou seest fit to lay upon me. Give me a meek and 206 ♦*** qiiitt submission to thy will, that I may wait with patience till thou scest fit to deliver me. Suffer not the extremity of jny pains to transport mc into any rash or unbecoming ex- pressions, or cause me to entertain a hard thought of thy providence j but whatever evils or sorrows I may feel, let me still love thee, and believe thee to be a kind and merciful Father, even whilst thou art smiting and correcting me. And, O blessed Lord, that I may be enabled so to do, be pleased, in thy great mercy, to strengthen and support me with the consolations of thy Holy Spirit, and lay not more upon me than thou wilt enable me to bear. I know thou art able to deliver me, and therefore in thee do I put my trust. Sanctify this affliction to me, that it may produce in me the fruits of a true and sincere repentance. O Lord, hear me •, O Lord, help me, for thy mercy's sak? in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Amen, A short Prai/er to he used hy a Sick Person "when he takes Physic, O Lord, without whom all our endeavours are but in vain, give thy blessing to the means now used for my recovery, and (if it be thy blessed will) make them so effectual for that end, that I may li\'e and be an instrument of thy glory, and be better prepared for the coming of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Anien, A Prayer to he used hy a Sick Person before the taking of Physic, (From Dr. Warren.) O Lord God, the only great and mighty physician both of soul and body *, who hast created the physician, and giy- en unto phisic whatsoever virtue and goodness it has to work for either preserviition of life, or restoring the health of man ; who didst heal Hezakiah's sore with a plaisture, the eyes of one born blind with ointment of clay and spittle, Naaman the Syrian's leprosy with v/ashing, v/ho willedst thy children to u'je the means for the curing of sickness and recpvering of health. Let me not injure my soul, or dishonour thy al- mighty power by doubting of thy suihciency and goodness to restore by means, as I know thoii canst without, and 207 tigMzty and above means. Let me not tempt thee by neg* lecting those means, which in thy providence thou affordest, nor despair of thy goodness and power if thou shouldst deny it. Let me seek for no unlawful helps, but let me place my full trust and confidence in thy goodness and mercy, beseech* ing thee to sranctify that physic I am to receive j and to di- rect unto and bless this and other wholesome rcmedi whb bringest to the birth, and givest strength to bring forth ; shew mercy we beseech thee, to thy servant, in the time of her need and distress ; and be not far from her when trouble is nigh to her, and Hes sore and heavy upon her ; but let her experience thy help at hand, according to the necessity of her case. O miti- gate the pangs, and make them tolerable unto her -, and sup- port and relieve her under the pain and pressure: that are so grievous to be borne by her. And grant her Lord, a time- ly, safe, and happy deliverance of the offspring wherewith she travails, that she may see the fruit of her womb with such comfort and joy as may make her forget the past anguish and sorrow ; and v/ith a truly thankful heart give thee the glory of such thy mercy, who doest things worthy of God, and makest thy servants a way of escape out of the dangers that threaten to destroy them. Or shouldst thou turn things contrary to our desires, which we humbly pre^ent before thee ; shouldst thou refuse to hear us begging for the life, of thy handmaid, and make this expected birth, prove her death ; yet hear us, O Lord, we earnestly pray thee, for her soul, that it may be safe in thy blessed hands ; that she may be prepared for a better life ; and find the best deliverance of all from all sin and misery, in the perfection of holiness^ and the fullness of joy *, there to live in thy love, and to sing thy praise for evermore. ^ Amen. A Thanksgiving after a safe Delivery* (From Mr. Jenks.) Blessed forever be thy name, O Lord, our gracious God, who rememberest us in our low estate, and dost not abhor the affliction of the afflicted *, but hearest thy servants cry- ing* to thee in their distress, and sendest relief and help in time of need. O that we may praise thee, Lord, as we ought, for such thy goodness and wonderful works to the 210 children of men ! Thou bringest down, and raisest up j tbofi givest trouble, and sendest comfort ; throvvest down under fears and griefs, and again revivest our hopes and joys. Thou, O God, art good in all things, and wrrthy to be ad- mired and praised in every dispensation of thy providence t but chiefly we arc affected with thy seasonable aids of our misery, when thou givest us beauty for ashes, the oil of gladness for mourning, and the garments cf praise for the spirit of heaviness. So thoU hast now, blessed be thy name ! refreshed thy afflicted handmaid, and rejoiced the souls of thy servants. And here we offer up unto thee, O gra- cious Lord, all our devout acknowledgments of thy loving kindness ; and the sacrifice of our unfeigned thanks and praise for this sweet reviving mercy, which is as life from the dead. O that thy handmaid, and all of us, mny be du- ly sensible of such favour from the Lord ! and for all the great goodness, and these continual obligations from above, may we give thee all the love of our hearts, and the service of our lives, and the glory due to thy blessed name, now and for evermore. Ametu A Thanksgiving to be used by a Woman after her safe Delivery tichen she is able* (From Bishop Patrick.) Unto thee, O God, do I give thanks : For that thou art near, thy wonderous works declare. In my distress I called upon thee, and my cry came unto thee : I sought thee, O Lord, and thou heardest me, and deliveredst me from all my fears. In the day when I cryed, thou answeredst me, and guidest me with strength in my soul. Thou hast brought up my soul from the grave, thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me. Blessed be God, who hath preser\^ed the fruit of my womb, and made me the joyful mother of a child ', thy vows are upon me, O God, I will sing praises unto thee. I will sing unto the Lord as long as 1 live : I will sing praise unto my God, while I have any being. My meditation of him shall be sweet, I will be glad in the Lord. Accept, O merciful Father, of these thankful acknowl- edgments, which go not forth out of feigned lips j and be 211 pleased graciously to preserve such a lasting and fresh re- membrance of thy great mercies in my heart, that I may al- ways be joyful in thee, and speak good of thy name, and trust in thee at all times ; and still cry unto thee, O God most high, who performest all things for me ; make me in- dustrious like\yise, and forward to bring forth all the fruits of righteousness throughout the whole course of my life, which may witness the truth and sincerity of my thankful- ness to thee. that I may never be less earnest and fervent In the re- turn of obedience, than I have been in desires and prayers to receive thy blessing ! Dispose me to have a kind and ten- der care of this infant, which thou hast committed to my charge ; make me willing to undergo to the Utmost of my power, all the pains that accompany its education ; Let not the love of ease and pleasure breed in me an aversness to any duty, to which both nature and reHgion incline me ; or give me grace, by sober thoughts, s^nd a thankful remem- brance of the late pain from which thou hast delivered me, to overcome it : Especially endue me with the greatest love to its precious immortal soul, and help n^e so to grow and increase in christian wisdom and goodness, that I may be able to instruct it, when it is capable, in the fear of our Lord ; and by meek and gentle admonitions, together with a good example in all things, to win it to the love of true god- liness. Or, if thou art pleased to take it from me, who de- serve not the least of thy mercies. Lord, so moderate my af- fections, and bring them into subjection to thee that I may not undutifully repine at thy providence 5 but in an humble adoration of thy unsearchable wisdom, and a stedfast confi- dence of thy good will towards me, resign it to thee, from whom I received it. 1 also beseech thy divine goodness, when thou shalt re- store me to the publick assemblies of thy people again, tp give me grace to receive that mercy with exceeding joy. Prepare my heart with an enlarged affection, to oiler unto thee not only the sacrifice of praise, giving thanks unto thy name, but all other obligations which ought to accomp.any such addresses to thy glorious majesty 5 that they miy be but an earnest of m.y future diligence and zeal in thy divine ser\Mce, and of my readiness to do good, and communicate? ^o oth-irs ; wh'.reby I may lay up in store for myself a good 212 foundation against the time to come, that I may lay hold on eternal life •, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, A Prayer to be used hy a Woman qfter her safe Delivery, (From Jaceb'a Ladder, by Jo. Hall, B. D.) O MERCIFUL God, and heavenly Father, who hast most effectually made known unto me, that thou art able to do more exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or- think ; make me thankfully to rejoice in the works of thy love, and thy tender mercy •, thy favours are great and won- derful in sparing the life of jnyself and my infant, and free- ing me from my pangs, and it from the darkness of the silent womb. Thine, O, Lord is the power by which I am delivered ; thine is the mercy by which I am safely returned into my bed ; thine is the work of the frame and fashion of this my babe ; thine therefore shall be likewise the glory for ever and ever : Grant, blessed Father, that I may never forget thy goodness, but may express my tiiankfulness in new obe- dience. Make me careful to perform what ^er\ice I prom- ised thee in the extremity of mine anguish : As thou hast given me the fruit of my body, to the joy of my heart, so give me the fruit of righteousness so\vn in peace. Give me wisdom which is from ah ve, that is full of good works without hypocrisy. Lord, make me thy servant by grace, and make this child thy child by adoption and mercy ; give me comfort in its life, for the sorrows which I endured at its birth. Give thy blessing on the means for the ncmish- ment of this child. Give it strength, that it may live to re- ceive the seal of thy mercy in the laver of baptism ; and do thou be present with thy blessing, when the sign shall be ad- ministred. Q let it live, if it be thy blessed will, and grov/ up in wisdom, and in stature, and in grace, both with thee and with men, that so I may magnify thy name, for making me an instrument to propagate the name of thine elect. Take pity upon all that suffer afflictions, especially on those women who are in labour with children ; give tliem comfort in the time of their miseries, ease from their torment, joy in their desired issue, and thankfulness for thy blessings : LwTd, grant that both I and they may sing praises to thy name, fcr 213 the greatness of our deliverance, and express our thanks in our godly lives, that when this painful life shall have an end, we may sing triumphantly in eternal glory, through Jesus Chribt our only Lord and Saviour j in whose most blesse4 .name and words, I conclude my imperfect prayers, sayings 3S he himself hath taught me : Our Father, &c. AN ADMONITION TO THOSE WHO ARE RECOVERED FROM SICKNESS, (From the WTioIe Duty of Man.) TuERS is nothing that proves more fatal to that due preparation we on;;:ht to make for another life, than our unhappy mistake of the nature anci end of this. We are brou-^ht into the world children, ignorant and im- potent; we grow up in vanity, and folly; and, v/hcn we come to br; nen, we are but very little more prudent and more considerate. Thus our thoughts and our desires are wholly set upon this world ; we vain- ly project an establishment in it, nor look we any further than the little interests and employments thereof engage us. And I think it is not to be doubted that it is the placing our afFcctlons so much upon this world, that above any thing Indisposes us to think of another. Our lives are uncertain, to be sure cannot be long here; and therefore we ought to tiasten all we can, before it be too late, to examine the state of our souls^ and to provide for futurity. For all the little objects we now pursue^ for which our ease, our conscience, n.iy, our very religion itselt, is sac- rificed by us, are but vanities and trifles, neiihcr worthy in themselves, nor satisfying in their enjoyment. The only tiling that can secure us against sin, and endear virtue and religion to our practice, will be to raise our atfections above this world, by seriously considring the excel- lence and certainty of another life, and how vaia.and transient, indeed how troublesome and unsatisfying, are the highest felicities of thi?. Seeing then the almighty God has been pleased to re-, cover you from your late sickness, and to vouchsafe you a longer continuance in this world, it is y 'ur indispensable duty immediately to reflect upon the condition you have been in ; an i which you could not be so well able to do under the disorders and pains of a sick bed : and to endeavour to confirm the good dispositions which the sight of the grave has raised and improved ; but which a new prospect of life will be apt to deface again, unless they be renewed upon the mind by your serious consideration,. 2U In order then to reap tlie benefits which God designed in visiting us, we arc to consider sickness not so much in the natural as in the religious sense : we are to consider it, and the pains and agonies we felt, as a nearer view of death, 2nd a sensible proof of the frailty of our nature : and the pains and agonies we feel in sicknesg, are not to bs consid- ered barely as an uneasiness to the body, but more especially as a lesson to the soul, to make it less fond of continuing in this painful state, and more willing to leave this world ivhen it shall please God to appoint it. Nor are we to con- sider ihe continuance of sickness as so much time lost from the business and pleasures of this life, but rather as a check given by God to our worldly pursuits, in order to make way for thoughts and considerations of a more heavenly nature. It is the great unhappiness of our nature, that, when ca- lamities fall upon us, we are uneasy aqd dissatisfied ; and cur whole business and care is to remove them, not to con- sider whence they come. But in the case of sickness you must have your eyes chiefly upon God (whose providence orders all the affairs of this world) or else you will never make a right judgment, nor a right use of it. It is certain, thr-t, as God can do nothing but for good and wise ends, so, '//hen he is pleased to visit us with sickness, it cannot be the only or chief end he aims at to punish the body, by reason this life is not the proper season for the punishment for sin ; rnd to imagine that God grieves and afflicts his creatures for r.o other purpose, but because it is in his power to do it, is by no means consistent with the divine goodness ; for God assures usj that, ** |ie does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men :" and if he then sends sickness un- willingly, this proves that he would not send it at all, if it were not to be the ordinary means of conveying good to the soul •, which shows th^t the thoughts of a sick bed are not to be laid asid^^, as soon as we are restored to our health and strength. Having duly considered the true end of God's visiting rnr.nkind in general •, then look upon your former life, and you will likely find, that, till you were visited, you had been careless and luke warm in matters of religion, and wanted to be awakened into a sense of your duty : that you encour- r.ged yCurself in sin by -setting death and a future State far i:o:v. youj and therefore stood in need of a nearer view and ^15 ajjprehension of them : that you had long forgotten C»od, and had need to be thus brought to a sense of his power ind justice : that ease and health had betrayed you into a fondness for the delights and interests of this world, and therefore it was become necessary for God to interpose, iind show you the folly of setting your heart on this life, by re- minding you of the uncertainty of it. Such reflections as these upon the follies and failings of your former state will show you the goodness and mercy of God in visiting you ^ith sickness : and the sense of ihis goodness of God will convince you, that what you have felt were the chastisements of a tender Father ; to whose hand therefore listen and sub- mit with great hurtiility and thankfulness, as said the royii! Psalmist, on a like occasion : " I knov/, O Lord, that thou of very faithfulness hast caused me to be troubled -, and it is good for me that 1 have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes.'* Having thus reflected what the state of your soul v/as be- fore sickness, and having made yourself sensible of the good- ness of God in sending it ; consider seriously whether, be- fore you was visiteci, you had not thought too little of an- other life, and whether death, if It had then come, would 4iot have been a very great surprise to you ? Consider also, that if it had not pleased God to spare you, you had been doomed ere this to eternal destruction. I say, the sense of this should oblige you to exert all the powers of the body and soul in praising and blessing God for his goodness, and it should also warn you never to run such a desperate hazard for the future. Having seriously reflected on the divine goodness, first in visiting you with sickness> and then in delivering you from death ; you must remember what were your own thoughts and resolutions, while you lay upon your sick-bed : as yoia then thought it a great folly that you had let so much of your time pass away with so little preparation for the next life ; and as you then wished over and over that heaven and its happiness had been yoiir chief care ; I say, since these have undoubtedly been your real thoughts, and sincere v/ish- cs, and resolutions when on your sick-bed, you have now the greatest reason to thank God for vouchsafing you an op- portunity of making amends fur these your former neglects, by a future diligence in the work of your salvation. As you then could gladly have been content to have givtn all tlie 2lt3 tvorld, had it been your^, for a little time to consider better, and to make your peace with God ; and, as a longer time is now granted you, you are not to forget how valuable you once thought it, but to improve it for the ends for which you then so earnestly wished and desired it. As you made repeated resolutions, that it God would prolong your life, you would live to serve him faithfully the remainder of your life ; seeing God has now graciously granted what you then desired » he now expects that you perform what you then promised. You are to consider that every promise and resolution you made in sickness was in the nature of a sol* emn vow unto God : for, in case you h^d d:ed, none but God could have judged of the sincerity of your intention ; but now you are recovered, if you forget your vow, this will be a plain and open declaration that your resolutions were only produced by the fear of death ; and that ycu have profited notliing by the chastisements of your heavenly Fa- ther. But I hope your late resolutions are so very fresh in your memory, that yon are hastening to ease your mind of every burden it lab ur d under in the time of your sickness. You are to consider, that many things occur in time of sickness to raise pious resolutions in men's hearts., But, when health returns, these motives to seriousness are not only apt to cease, but to be succeeded by the hopes of long lifcj the distance of a future account, and a delight in the business and pleasures of this life It is therefore necessary, as God has restored you to health, to consider yourself not as discharged, but only as reprieved, from death •, and that as God granted the reprieve, so none but he can tell how long or short it shall be. Be persuaded, likewise, to consider, that this may possi- bly be the last merciful warning, with time for repentance and amendment, that God will give you ; and that your next sickness may be unto death, or (which \^ more terrible,) death may surprise: you suddenly, without any warning at all^ Ee persuaded then, I beseech you, not to trifle with your' Maker ; but, while he gives you this opportunity, be wise un- to salvation. God in his great mercy has given you new life, and he is willing to see if you will become a new creail thy goodness and loving kindness to us and to alj mcni We bless thee for our creation, preservation, particularly, that thou hast vouchsafed to deliver us frorn all the perils and dangers of the night past, and for all the blessings of this life ; but above all, for thine inestimable love in the re- demption of the world by Our Lord Jesus Christ -, for the means of grace, and for the hojje of glory. And we be- seech thee to give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we may shew forth thy prais^^ not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness ail our days. We acknowledge, O Lord, that our many great and cry- ing sins have rendered us unworthy of any of thy favours 5 but, O almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent, create and make In us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins and acknowl- edging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness. Raise up thy power and come among us, and with great might succour us, that whereas through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and de- liver us. And thou, O God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our natures we cannot always stand upright, grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations. Give unto us, O Lord, the assistance of thy Holy Spirit, that for the time to come we may think and do always such things as be rightful *, that we, who cannot do any thing that is good without thee, may by thee be enabled to live according to thy will ; that thy grace may always so prevent and follow us, as to make us continually to be given to all good works. Graft in our hearts the love of thy name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same. And thou, O God, whose never failing providence ordereth all things both in heaven and ear^h, put from us we beseech thee, all hurtful things, and give u^ those things w^ich are profitable for us. And since it is tliou only canst order the unruly wills and afFeC' 227 tions of sinful men, grant that we may love the things which thou commandcst, and desire that which thou dost promise, that so among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true* joys are to be found. Dispose us, by all the means of grace we enjoy, to attain that everlasting salvaiion thou hast pro- mised, iliat we may both perceive and know those things which he ought to do, and may have grace and power faith- fully to fulfil the same. Teach us, O Lord, so to number our days, that we may apply oar hearts unto wisdom -, and giant that neither the splendour of any thing th:it is great, nor the conceit of any thijig that is good in us, may any way withdraw our eyes from looking upon ourselves as sinful dust and ashes ; but tliat we may press forward towards the prize of the high call- ing that is before us, withfaith and patience, with hymihty and meekness, with mortification and self-denial, with charity, and constant perseverance unto the end ; that so when we shall depart this life we may sleep in the Lord j and at the general resurrection ia the last day, may be found accepta- ble in thy sight, and receive that blessing which thy beloved Son shall then bestow upon all those that truly love and fear thee. Charge thy holy providence, O almighty God, we be- seech thee, with us this day ; and vouchsafe to direct, sanc- tify, and govern both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments, that through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Add this Fdragtaph on Siinday*. *< Almighty and merciful God, of whose only gift it Cometh tliat thy faithful people do unto thee true and lauda- ble service j garnt, we beseech thee, that we may so spend this thy holy day in the exercises of piety and devotion, that ve may hear thy word with so much attention, and pray with so much fervour, that we fail not hnally to attain thy heavenly proipises, through the meiits of Jesus Christ our Lord." We make our prayers and supplications to thee, O evei- hfiting God, in behalf of all mankind. We humbly beseech ***♦ thee tp inspire continually the universal churchy vnth the spirit of truth, unity and concord •, and grant that all they 4hat do confess thy holy name, may agree in the truth of ^y holy word, and live in unity and godly love. We be- seech thee so to direct and dispose the hearts of all christian rulers, that they may truly and impartially administer justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the main- tenance of thy true religion and virtue. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops and other ministers, that they may both by their life and doctrine set forth thy true and iively word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy sacra- ments. And of thy great goodness, O Lord, comfort and succour all them, who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. Look upon them with the eyes of thy mercy, give them sure trust and confidence in thee, and in thy due time a happy issue out of all their afflictions. Assist all those who dra-w near the time of their dissolution ; so fit and prepare them for the hour of death, that after their departure in peace, and in thy favour, they may be received into thy everlasting kingdom^ through the merits and mediation of thy only Son Jesus Christ our Lord ; in whose blessed name and words we conclude our imperfect prayers, saying. Our Father, &c. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with \is this day, henceforth, and for evermore. Amen.* \ An Evening Frai/er for a Fumilij, (From rjr. Nelson.) Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesi^s Christ, m^- kcr of all things, judge of all men, we acknowledge and be- wail our manifold sins and wickednesses which wc from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, v/oroi^ and deed, against thy divine majesty *, proyokiiig most just- ly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings j and the rememberance of them is grievous unto me. * The above Prayer and the rest of the Extracfs, from IMr. Ne^otOs Practice of True Devotiou, are copied from an American edliio^. H.ive mercy upon us, O Lord, after thy great goodness | according to the multitude of thy mercies do away our of--' fences ; wash us thoroughly from our wickedness, an4 cleanse us from our sins, ^pare all those who confess their sins unto thee, that they whose consciences by sin are ac- cused, by thy merciful pardon maybe absolved ; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in nev/ness of life, to the honour and glory of thy name. And thou, O God, whp art the protector of all who put their trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon u^ thy mercy, that thoi^ being our ruicr and guid , we may so pass through things temporal, that we fin illy lose not the things eternal. And because through the weakness of our mortal nature wp cari do no good thing without thee, grant us tlie help of thy ^race, that we may withstand the ttmptations of the world, the Sesh, and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds follow thee, the only God } and thatin keeping thy commandments, we may please thee both in will and deed. O Lord, who hast prepared for them that love thee such good things as pass man's understanding, pour into our hearts such love towards thee, that we loving thee above all things may obtain thy promisscs, which exceed all that we can desire. And thou, who hast taught us that all our do- ings without charity are nothing wonh, send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whoso* ever liveth is counted dead before thee. Grant us, O Lord, so peifectly and without all doubt to believe in thy son Jesus Christ, that our faith in thy sight may never be reproved •, that being not like children, carri- ed away with every blast of vain (ioctrine, we may be es- tablished in the truth of thy holy gospel ; and knowing our Saviour Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, and following the steps of thy holy apostle?;, we may stedfastly walk in the path that leadeth to eternal life • So that we, who know thee now by faith, may, after th/is life, have the fruition of thy glorious godhead. Grant thr.t our hearts and all our members being mortified from all world- ly and carnal lusts, and forsaking all covetous desires, and inordinate love of riches, we m^y in all tilings obey thy blessed will, and continue Christ's faithful soldiers and ser- vants to our iivc'i end. And since tliou hast given us thy 230 only begotton Son, to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life, give us grace most thankfully to receive this thine inestimable benefit, and daily to endea- vourourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy Hfe. Grant, O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ •, so by continually morti- fying our corrupt affections, we may be buri.d with him } and that through the grave and gate of death we may pass to 3 joyful resurrection : beseeching thee, that it may please thee, of thy gracious goodness, shortly to accomplish the number of thine elect, and to hasten thy kingdom ; that we^ with all others already departed in the true faith of thy holy name, m,ay have oiir perfect consummation and bliss, bo;h in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting glory. Add this Paragraph on Sundays. " O God, we beseech thee mercifully to receive those prayers, which we have this day offered up to thee in the public congregation, and have compassion upon our infirm- ities, that our blindness and unworthiness may not deprive us cf tlie advantage of them. And grant, wt; beseech thee^ that we may in si^ch wise mark, learn, and inwardly digest what we have this day heard, that by patience and comfort of thy holy word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the Llessed hope of everlasting life, which tho^ hast giyen \is ii^ thy Son our Sayiour Jesiis Christ.'* "We commit ourselves, O Lord, this night to tby gracious protection ; and thou, who seest we have no power of our- selves to help ourselves, keep us both outwardly in our bod- ies, and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from ail adversities that may happen to the body, and from all e- vll thoughts which may assault and hurt ^hc soul. O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we h.umbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men, that it may please thee to make thy ways known unto them, and thy saving health unto all nations. Let thy continual pity cleanse and defend thy church ; and because it cannot con- tinue in safety without thy succour, preserve it evermore by thy help and goodness. Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve thee. ^31 _ Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or estate : That it may please thee to comfort and relieve tlicnl according to their several necessities, giving them patience under all their sufferings, and a happy issue cut of ail their afflictions. We beseech thee mercifully, O Lord, to incline thine ears to us, that have made now our prayers and supplica- tions Unto thee ; and grant that those things that we have faithfully -isk^d accordhig to thy will, may effectually be ob- tained, td the relief of our necessities, and to the setting forth of thy glory, thi"oitgh Jesus Christ our Lord ; in whose blessed name and words we conclude our imperfect devo- tions, saying, Our Father, &c. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ, &Ci A Morning Prayer for a Family. O MOST glorious and eternal Godj thou art righteous iri all thy ways, and holy in all thy works, infinite in mercy and goodness to all that call upon thee in truth, and hast prom- ised that where two or three are gathered together in tliy name thou wilt be in the midst of them : Look down, we beseech thee, upon us thy unworthy servants, who are here before thee, to present unto thy divinfe majesty the morning sacrifice of our unfeigned praises : acknowledging, that in thee we live, and move, and have our being : and that form thy bountiful hand we hare received all the good things we enjoy, and by thy providence are defended from all the evils we deserve. We desire, O Lord, in an humble sense of thy goodness towards us, to bless and praise thy holy name -, particularly, we adore thy glorious majesty for preserving us the night past, for raising us up in health and safety, and giving us this opportunity of calling upon thy name. Give us grace, O Lord, we humbly beseech thee, to make a right use and improvement of these, and all thy other mercies ; and grant, that we may henceforward live as be- comes the gospel of Christ, by denying all ungodliness and werldly lusts, and living soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. And because we are not able of ourselvee to praise ttefi^ Vouchsafe us, we beseech thee, the assistance of thy Holy Spirit, enabling us to withstand all the enemies and hindrarm ces of our salvation. Enlighten our u iderstandings, that v/e may know thee 5 sanctify our affections, that we may love thee ; and put thy fear into our hearts, that we may dread to offend thee. Convince us thoroughly, O Lord, of the great evil of sin, that we may endeavour in all things to obey thy blessed will, and to walk before thee in all holiness and righteous- ness all our days. Wean our afFections, O Lord, from the things of this world ; and whatever our state and condition may be here, give us grace therewith to be content : In all our passage through this life, and our manifold concerns about it, grant that in doing our duty, we may make thee our only stay and confidence, our hope, and our trust, casting all our care up- on thee, and entirely resigning ourselves to thy good plea- sure in all things. Let our chief aim^ and endeavour be, to secure the salvation of our souls, and to provide for that time, when all earthly comforts shall vanish away, A Prayer for God'i We humbly commcnd ourselves and. lat:f e^slfd^y; =>» OUT aiFair. thU day, to thy blessing to be said every day and protection. Enable us, O Lord, to but Sunday. discharge the Dutie's of our several sta-- lions, and in all things to keep a conscience void of ofF;nce towards thee, and towards man. Be with us in our going out, and coming in, that no casualty or evil accident may come near to hurt us. Give us such a measure of health, and other temporal blessings, as thou seest best and most expedient for us" 5 but above all things give us thy grace and favour, that our lives may be holy and comfortable here, and our eternal state happy artd glorious with thee hereafter ; through the merits, and for the sake of thy dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord •, in the fulle^t sense of whose words, We commend the wants and necessities of all mankind, together with our own, saying, Our Father, &c* ?3S This is to he used on Siwdaij Mornings instead (tf {lie Fv oyer for G-od's Blessing. And jincc thou Iiast graciously brought us to this day, on which thou ha?t appointed us to rest from the works of our culling, and to keep hdly to thy service, we beseech thee take us into thy holy protection and guidance. Grant us grace to witlidraw our minds from the cares and business ahd pleasures of thi> life, and to set them on things above, and on that life we must live for ever either in happiness or misery, according as we demean ourselves in this world, and make use of the means of grace thou art pleased to afford us. Let us roguhndy attend thy worship in the public as- semblies of the church ; not out of cusfom, but of true de- votion and piety, and with due regard to thy glory, and the sdlvation of our own souls. To which end, let thy holy spirit accompany every one of us, and make us devout and serious in thy service, and attentive in hearing thy holy word tead and preached. Let thy holy spirit direct him whom thou hast set over us in the Lord, that by soundness of doc- trine he may she\^ forth thy glory, and set forward our sal- vation. And while we are at home, let us employ our time in prayers and praises and thanks givings for thy v/orks of cre- ation and redemption, and for tliy particular providence ^nd mercies to us through the whole course of our lives ; and i^i reading arid meditating on thy holy word, in order to amend our lives thereby j and in i istructing and furthering the sal- v.i.tIon of others : and in tlie exercise of all other works of charity and devotion, as we shall have opportunity and abii- i:y to perform them. And grant, that in the perfotmance of these great and ne- cessary concerns of oUr souls, no sourness or moroseness may mingle therewith ; but that we m.ay shew such a cheer- fdness of temper, and even joy in the Holy Ghost, as may adorn the christian profession, and recommend the gospel to those who are yet strangers to the power thereof. And iherclfully grant', that by living holy in this and all the rest of our days W3 may be admitted into thy everlasting king- dom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. In whose name and "^■ords we conclude our prayers. Ou: Fitther, &c. 2F ^ 234 An Evening Fray er for a. Tarrdhj, O MOST glorious and ever blessed, Lord God, who in- ?iabitest eternity, and dwellest in that light which no mortal eye can approach ; we thy sinful servants, kneeling before ihee, acknowledge that we are not worthy to appear in thy presence, nor so much as to lift up our eyes to that place of purity where thou dwellest. O Lord, though we are thus unworthy to speak unto thee ; yet so infinite and condescending is thy goodness as to encourage our addresses to thee, by many gracious pro- mises of favour and acceptance. With humble confidence, then O liOrd, we presunve to approach the throne of thy grace ; beseecliing thee in the name, and for the sske of thy l^eloved Son, to be merciful unto us in the pardon and for- giveness of all our sins. We acknowledge, O Lord, that v e have acted foolishly and wickedly, by doing those things which thou hast forbidden, and by neglecting to do those things which thou hast commanded : O let that mercy of thine, which has spared us so long, lead us to repentance, that we may forsake our evil ways, and turn unto thee the Lord our God. Give us grace, O Lord^ seriously to consider the great work we have to do, and the uncertainty of that time which thou hast given us to perform it in ; that we may not be so foolish as to consume our days in vanity and folly, in grati- fying our corrupt inclinations, and indulging our vicious appetites. ♦ Shew us the foulness and deformity of sin, and possess our minds with such lively sense of those dreadful threaten- ings thou hast denounced against it, that we may abhor and forsake every evil way, and give up ourselves to the love and obedience of thy commandments, making it the great study and business of our lives to serve and please thee in all things ; so shall we be daily growing in grace, and con- tinually advancing towards an happy eternity. Give us honest and upright hearts, e uch as no interest can seduce, no advantnge prevail upon to depart from the ways of truth and justice : And to that end, restrain its from all Imm.oderate desires of tlie things of thi- world, from ' all pride and covetousness, from envy, hatred, and malicCj and from ail evil speaking, lying, anU slandering. O be 235 thou pleased so to conduct us by tliy good Spirit, through all the business and employments, through all the calami- tics and troubles of this lite, that (whatever our condition may be in this world) we may attain that happiness which thou hast prepared for them that truly love and obe^ thee. We beseech thee to extend thy mercy to the whole race of manknid. Have pity upon all that know th^e not, and never heard of thy name j make the light of thy glorious gospel to :hine among them, and visit them, O Lord, with thy salvation. O deliver us from all ignorance, error, pro- fanenes, ai^d grant us grace and eternal life. Bii mpre especi illy gracious to this church and nation to which we belong ; give us all grace seriously to repent of the evil of our ways ; and grant that religion and vir- tue, peace and charity, may for ever flourish and increase anung us. Bless our sovereign lord king George, and all the royal family. Bless likewise all that are put in authority, both in church and state 5 may all their designs tend to the ad- vancement of thy glory, and the happiness and prosperity of this nation. Look with pity and compassion, O Lord, upon all in af- fliction and temptation •, strengthen and support them, and give them in thy good time a happy deliverance. Be merciful and gracious, O God, to all our relations, friends, and acquaintance, and to all that desire or need our prayers : Forgive our enemies, reward our benefactors j and grant, that we and all thy people every where, may serve thee from the highest to the iovi'est, and be made partakers cf everlasting happiness » To these our prayers and Intercessions, we desire likewise to add the sacriiice of our unfeigned praises to thy divine majesty, acknowledging it to be our bounden duty and ser- vice, at ^11 times, and in all places, to give thanks to thee, O Lord ; to whose infinite goodness and mercy we owe all the comforts of this life, and all the hopes and expectations of a better. Blessed be thy name, O God, for the continuance of thy mercies to us this day j for providing for our bodies^ and taking care of our souls, and delivering us from those many evils we have justly deserved : But above all, we bless and praise thy holy name, for thine inestimable love in the rt:demption of the world by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Cliritt. Continue to us thy gracious favour and protection^ ^56 that no evil actident may come near to hurt us. 6h:e a* quiet and refrcbhlng sleep, such as may fit us for the duties of the day following : Arid if thou art pleased to add another day to our lives, grant that we may improve it to thy glory, and the benefit of our precious souK, and to the promoting the good of our neighbour as we have opportunity^ through Jesus Christ our bkssed Lord, and only Saviour, who in compassion to our infirmities hath taught us thus to prav : Our Father, &c- A Frayer for Bimday Et€?img\ (From Dr. Warreu.) Praisfd be thy name, O Lord, from die rising rp of the sun, to the going down of the same. Thou art cur God, and we will thank thee : Thou art our God, and we will praise thee. Blessed be thy name that thou hast made us rational creature?, capable to know thee, and capable to enjoy thee. But ever blessed be thy name that we c^re christians ; that we were dedicated to thee in baptism, ami have since been made partakers of all those spiritual helps, which might aid and assist us to perform thit vow we then made to thee. And since our hearts are too npt to be overcharged with the cares of this life ; praised be thy name that thou hast com.- manded us to set apart one day in seven, to lay aside all worldly thoughts and business, to consider eternity, and to take care of tour souls. We thank thee for the happy cp- pottunity thou hast given u!5 this day of asstmbling ourselves in thy hou' c Give a pjacious answer to tho^e petitions w^hich have been put up in beh:df of thy p^icple.' And grant that those in^tructiohy which have 'been given us, may have a good tifect upon us ; That they may influence our lives that we- hi?y some way or other be the better for them. That 5 being not only hearers, but doers, of thy word, we may be blessed in our deed. -• Grant us moderate and refreshing sleep, such as may fit lis for thy service. Arid, Lord, make us' iver mindful of that time when we shall lie down in the dust; ^and because we know neither the day nor the hour of our Master's com- ing, grant us grace that we may never live in such a state, as we shall fear to die in ; but that whether we live we may •live unto the Lord, or whether we die vve may die unto tbe Loffd ^ ?o that living nnj dying we may be thine, throu2,H jt;-a3 Chris: our Lord. Our Father, &c. A FamiJij^ Prayer for the Lord's Daif Morning, (From Mr. Alleine.) Most gracious Gjd, and our Father incur Lord Je-'U-i Christ, it is good for us to draw near to tlice, the nearer the better ; and it will be best of all when we come to be near- est of all in the kingdom of glory. We bless thee for the return of the morning-light, an:^, that thou causest the day-spring to know its place and time : O let " the d.ry-spring from on high visit our dark souls, and the sun of righteousnes arise with healing under his wings.' We bless thee, that the light we see is the Lord's ; that "this is the day which the Lord hath made," hath made for man, h'lth made for himself, '* we will rejoice and be glad in it. ' We keep tins day holy to the honour of thee, O God tho Father Almighty, the. maker df heaven and earth, in re- membrance of the work of creation, that work of wonder* in which thou " madest all things out of nothing by the word of thy power," and all very good ; ^i^d they continue to this day according to thy crdmance ; for all are thy ser^ vants. <* rrtou art worthy to rec-eive blessing, snd hcnou", and glory, and power, for thou hast created all diings, and for thy plea'^ure they are and were created. O tliou who didst command tlie liglu to shine cut of darkness," who saidst on the first day of the first week, " Let there be Hghf, and there was light •," we pray thee shine this day irito our hearts, and give us more and more the light cf the knowl- edge of the glo! y of God in the face of Jesus Christ ; and let us ue tl^y workmanship, created in Christ J-;'^us unto good works ; a kind o{ first-fruits of thy creatures. V/c likewise sanctify this day to the honour of cur Lord Jesus Christ, thy only begotten Son and our exalted Kv- deemcr, in remembrance of his resurrection from the dead on the fir t day of the wcvrk, by which he was declared to be the Son of God whh power. We bic?s rh>fce, that hi^v- ing laid down his^ life to make atonement for sin, he arose again for our justification, tliat he might bring inevtrlasting «38 ug^.teoiisnev?. Wc ble^s thee, that he Is risen from the 4eat of so rtiany troubles, under which we should have sunk and perished, if thou hadst not been nigh unto us, and done gree and strong consoLtion through grace. Thou hast sent thy only son into the world, that whosoever believech in him should not perish in his sins, but have everlasting life. O Lord, we believe, help our unbelief •, and give us the true *' repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ," that we may be in the number of those who do indeed repent and <* believe to the saving of the soul. Being justified by faith," let us <' have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ ; let us rejoice in him through whom we have now redemption in his hlood j" and let " the Love of God b^e shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." And as we pray that thou wilt be to us a father of nier- cics, and a God of consolation, so we pray that thou wilt make us " followers of God as dear children,'' ever jealous over our own hearts, and watchful oyer our v/ays ; continu- ally fearing to offend, and endea\'X3uring to please thee. Thou knowcst, O Lord, all our temptations, and the sin that doth so easily beset us. Thou knowest the devices of the enemy, and the deceitfulness of our own hearts. We pray thee, good Lord, that thou wilt arm us with the whole armour of God. Uphold us with thy free Spirit:, and watch over us for good evermore. Let our supplications zjso ascend before thee, for the whol^ race of mankind. Send thy word unto all the ends of the ^arth, and let it be the savour of life unto all that hear it. Be gracious to this our land. O do thou rule all our rulers, counsel all our counsellors, teach ail our teachers, and order all the public affairs to thy glory. Turn from us the judg- ments which we feel or fear ; continue thy blessings to our souls and bodies, and notwithstanding all our provocations, be thou still our God, and let us be thy people. Have compassion on all children of affliction, and sancti- fy thy fatherly corrections to them. Be gracious to all our friends and neighbours. Reward our bcnefactorg^ Bless ciUr relations with the best of thy blessings, with thy fear ^nd love. Preserve us from our enemies, and reconcile them botli to us and to thyself. O that all the habitations of Christians may be houses of prayer I and be thou espe- cially kind to the several families where thy blessed name is called upon. Let thy blessing rest irpon us of this family. Bless all our present estates to us ; and fit us all for what- soever thou shalt be pleased to call us to. O teach us '• how to want, and to abound :'* In every condition secure our hearts to thyself ; and make us ever to approve our- selves sincere ancl faithful in thy service. And nov/, O Father of mercies, be pleased to accept our evening sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. O that thou wouldest imprint and preserve upon our hearts a lively sense of all thy kindness to us ; that our souls may bless thee, and all that is within us may praise thy holy name. Yea, let us give thee thanks from the ground of the heart, and praise bur God while we have our being. For all thy patience with us, thy care over us, and thy continual mercy to us, blessed be thy name, O Lord God, our heavenly Father ! And unto thee, with the Son of thy love and the Spirit of gacc, be all thanks and praise, now aivi for evermore. dneii. A Morning Prayer for a Tamilij, (From Mr. Crossman.) Let the Master of a Family begin with this senteace. << O come, let us worship and fall dov/n, arid kneel before the Lord our Maker." Psalm xcv. 5. Then all devoutly kneeling, let the Master of the Family say, " Let us pray." O ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, we give thee hum- ble thanks and praise for thy fatherly care over u-, in pre- serving us from all evil accidents the night pa^t^ and that another day is added to our lives ; we here ofi^er up our souls and bodies to thy service, desiring to employ them to thy glory, and the working out our own salvation. But, Lord, thou knowest rhe weakness and corruptions of «ur nature, and the manifold temptations wc daily meet ^46 witli. We beseech thee therefore to have compassion up- on our infirmities, to grant us the assistance of thy blessed Spirit, to restrain us from sin, to stir us up to our duty, and to enable us to withstand a]l the enemies and hindrances of our salvation. Give us grace to walk in thy sight all the day long, making a conscience of our ways, and not daring to do any thing to offend thee. Make us serious and holy in our lives, watchful over all our thoughts, words, and actions, temperate in meat and drink, just and upright in all our dealings, quiet and peace- able amongst our neighbours and contented in every state and condition of life. But above ail, keep in our minds a lively remembrance of that great and solemn day, when we must be summoned before the judgment seat of Christ, to give a strict account of our lives, and to receive our everlasting doom, either to bliss or woe, according to what we have done in this body. O let it be our constant care to fit and prepare oi;rselves for the world to come. And now, O gracious Father, wc humbly beg thy bless- ing upon all here present, and all belonging to us : Let thy good providence watch over us, and preserve us, and grant us whatsoever thou seest to be needful both for our souls and bodies, for the sake and through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ, in whose most holy name and v/ords we sum up ail Ourw:>nt3, saying, Our Father, &c. The grace of our Lord, &c. An Evenmg Frayerfor a Family. (From Mr. Grossman.) Lst the Master of a Family begin with this sentence. «* O come, let us wortihip, and fall down, and knee} before the Lord our Maker."' Then all devoutly kneeling let the Master cf the Family say, " Let U9 pray." O MOST glorious and ever blessed Lord God, who dwell- est in the highest heavens, yet vouchsafest to regard the lov/est creatures here on earth, we thine unv/orthy servants. 247 now come before thee upon our knees, Immbly beseeching' thy majesty, for the sake of thy beloved Son, to be merciful to us and pardon and forgive us our sins ; for we acknov/I- edge, O Lord, that we have many times acted foolishly. That we have done those things which thou hast forbidden,' • and have neglected to do those things which thou hast com- manded. O let that mercy of thine, which has spared us thus long, lead us to repentance ; that we m.ay henceforth forsake our evil ways, and turn unto thee the Lord our God. Give us grace, O Lord, seriously to consider the great work we have to do, and the shortness and uncertainty of the time we have to do it in, that we may not consume our days in sin and vanity, nor set our hearts so much upon this world, as to neglect the great concerns of our souls ; hut let us make it our chief care to serve and please thee, and to provide for our eternal state. But, O Lord, we pray not for ourselves only, but for all christians ; especially for this church and nation : Bless the king and all the royal family. Bless the minister wliom thou hast set over us, and prosper his labours to the salva- ilon of our souls. Bless all our friend.-, and forgive all our enemies : Convert the sinner, com.fort the sick and afillcted, and be pleased to provide for the fatherless and the M'idow. And now, O merciful Father, accept, we beseech thee, of our most humble and hearty thanks for all thy mercies from time to time vouchsafed to us ; for the fountain of them all, the holy Jesus, and for all the benefits of our re- demption, for the light of the gospel, for the comforts of thy blessed Spirit, and the hopes of eternal glory. We praise thee also for the use of our reason, for our food and raiment, for our health and strength ; and particularly for thy vi^atchful care and good providence over us this day. And we humbly beseech thee to continue thy mercies to us, and to take us this night into thy care and protection. De- fend this habitation, and all about It, from fire, storm, and tempe?t ; and from every sad accident. Deliver uti from the power and malice of evil spirits, and keep us out of the hands of wicked men ; and let us go to our rest in safety, and in peace with one another. Lastly, make «s,.0 Lord, we beseech thee, an holy and re- ligious household, fearing thee, and loving one another ', and grant that we may live together such a peaceable and godly family all our days, that when death shall separate us 24S from each other here on earth, we may meet .again in heav- en, and there dwell together in joy and happiness f'or ever- znore. O Lord hear us, and accept of these our prayers and prais- es, for the sake of our blessed Saviour and Redeemer, Jesiis Christ, who hath taught us when we pray, to say, Our Father, &c. The grace of our Lord, &c. A Morning Prayer fir a Famili/o Great and glorious Lord God ! " the high and lofty bne, who inhabitest eternity, and dwellest in that light which is not to be approached ;'* we pray thee to look down from heaven, the habitation of thy hoHness and thy gloryi upon us vile and sinful creatures. " Have mercy upon uSj O Lord, and according to the multitude of thy tender mer- cies blot out all our transgressions :" And do thou keep it forever in the purpose and resolution of our hearts, [to serve and fear thee for the future, and to keep all thy com- mandments always, that it may be well with us, and with our children after us. We pray thee, to this end, to write thy laws in our hearts, and to put thy fear into our inward parts, that we may never depart from thee. Grant us the grace of thy holy spirit to become, every day Efctter ; to reform and amend whatsoever is amiss in the frame and temper of our minds, or in the course and actions of our lives ; to enable us to mortify our lusts ; to govern our passions, and to order our whole conversation aright } to assist us in all that is good ; to k jep us from all evil, and to preserve us to thy heavenly kingdom. We pray thee to instruct us in all the particulars of oUr duty, which we owe to thee and our neighbour : " That we may herein exercise ourselves, to have consciences void of offence towards God and tov/ards man 5'* that we may love thee, the Lord our God, with all our hearts, with ail our souls, and all our strength, and may love our neighbour as ourselv^es ; and v/hatever we would that men should do unto us, that we may do likewise unto them.. And let the grace of God, which hath appeared unto a^l men, and brings salvation, teach us. that " denying ungod- iiness and worldly lusts, we may live soberly, righteously, a'rd godly, in this present world, waiting for the blessed 249 .':op^, and glorious appearance of the great God and out S.vviour Jesus Christ ; who gave hi"iself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works '' And we pray thee, make us sensible of our own frailty, of the shortness and uncertainty of this life, and of the eterni- ty of the next. Make us careful so to live, as we shall wish we had done when we come to die Let *' our loins al- ways be girded about, and our 1 mps hun)ing, and we our- selves like unto men that wait for their Lord." Extend thy goodness to the whole world : Let thy ways be known upon earth, and thy saving health among all na- tions. Bless, we pray thee, our sovereign lord king George, and ail that are in authority under him ; that they may be useful and serviceable to thy glory and the public good. We implore thy mercy in the behalf of our relations, friends, and benefactors. Forgive our enemies, and teach us to return good for evil. We olFer unto thee our hearty praises for all thy mercies bestowed upon u^ from time to time *, for making us chris- tians ; for preserving us the night past, and the rest of our iives from innumerable accidents and danger. Be gracious- ly pleased to take us, and all things belonging to us, into thy fatherly care and protection this day. Let all thy loving kindnesses have this effect upon us, to make us better, and to lead us to repentance. And all this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake ; in whose blessed name and words we con- dude our imperfect prayers, saying, Our Father, Sec. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Chrl'-^t, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us this dayj and evermore. Amen* An Evening Tray er for a Fainily. O God, who art the giver of all good gifts, and the fa- ther of mercies, we thine unworthy servants entirely desire to praise thy name for all the expressions of tliy bounty to- wards us. Blessed be thy love, that gave thy 8on to die for our sins, to put us in a way of being happy if we woul«. o- bey thee •, and after all the wilful refusiil. of thy grace, .till hast patience with us, and hast added this Oiv Jay move to 2Xi we have mis-spent already to see if we would iinish tii€ 2H 25© work thou hast set us to do, and fit ourselves for eternal glory. Pardon, good Lord, all our former shis, and all our abu- ses of thy forbearcince, for which we are now sorry at our bearts ; and give us grace to lead more holy lives, and to be more careful in improving all future c pportunities. Make thyself present to our minils, and let thy love and fear rule in our souls in nli places, and upon all occasions. Keep us chaste in al' our thoughts ; temperate In all our enjoyments *, humble in all our opinions of ourselves ; cha- ritable in all^our speeches of others ; meek and peaceable under all provocations ; sincere and faithful in all our pro- fessions ; and o jutjt and upright in ail our dealings, that r.o necessity may force, no opportunity tempt, nor advan- tage of any kind may allure us to hurt any body, by word or deed , When thou bestowest good on others, let us not envy, but rejoice in it ; and when thou adde^t any to ourselves, let us own thy mercy, and humbly thank thee for it. Af- ford us convcfjent supplies in all our reasonable necessities, and protegt us against the approach of all dangers ; make us diligent in all our business, and give such success to our en- deavours, as thou seest most expedient for us. Teach us contentedly to submit, and not to repine at any thing that comes upon us by the allotment of thy wise pro- vidence. And whilst we are in this world, and have mani- fold concerns in it, suffer not our hearts to be too much set upon it, but always fix our eye upon the blessed hope of things above. And we p. ay thee, make all the things of this world minister to it ; making us careful above all things to fit oursouis fvjr that pure and perfect bliss, which thou hast prepared for all that love and fear thee, in the glories of thy kingdom. Charge thy holy pro' idence with us this night ; make our sleei- safe ?.nd refreshing to us. Fit us fr r our great change, that it may not surprise us unawares : but that having led holy livv.s we may be happy in our deaths, and have comfort and w-dl grounded hope In thee. Ex rend thy Grace to all men in all places ; to our sove- reign Mrd king George, and to all that are in authority under hirxi, both in church and staie ; to high and low, rich 'cO.d poor ; to all who pray for it or nted it in these kingdoms. Bless ail our friends, relations and benefactors. '251 Forgive all oi.r enemies, give them hearts to fear thee, and io be reconciled to us. Supply us and all otliers, with what* soever thou seest proper for us, for Christ his sake : In whose blessed name and words we still recommend ourselves unto tliee, saying, Our Father, 8zc, May the gr.^ce of our Lord Jesus Chpst, the love of God, and the fjllowihip of the Holy Ghost be with us this night, tind evermore. /Imc/u FORMS OF PRAYER TO BE USED IN FAMILIESl. rrom the Book of Common Prayer of the Prorestant Episcopal Church in the United Siate*. Aloriiing Frayer, TuE Master or Mistress having called together as many of the family as can conveLiiently he j>r«:sent ; let one of them, or any other whom they shall think proper, say as follows, all kneeling: Our Father, who a'-t in heaven, hallowed be thy name ( thy kingdom co.ne j thy will be done on earth, as it in heav- en : Give us this day our d;nly bread 5 and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us v and lead us not into teinptition j but deliver us from evil : For thine is the kingdom, and the po\yer, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen, Almighty and everlasting God, in Acknowledgment of whom we live and move and have our ^'"'^^"^^'^y^'^'^.Prf- . . servation, e*pccially being i we, thy needy creature^, render thro* the night pasu thee our humble praises, lor thy preserva- tion of us from the beginning of our lives to this day, and especially for having delivered us from the dangers of the past night. To thy watchful providence we owe it, *(that no disturbance hath come * when disturbances nigh us or our dwelling •, but, that we are of any kind herai a brought in safety to ti.e beginning of this f^^lLirihtaL': day.) For these thy mercies, we bless ding our dangers, we 5,52 are bi'owg^t in safety and magnify thy glorious name ; humbiy to the beglnnirig "' beseechinix'thee to accept tliis our morn- this day. . .^ - . ^ i ^v i • • ' ing sacriaice of praise ana thanksgiving ; for his sake who lay down in the grave, and rose again for us, thy Son our Saviour Je- sus Christ. Amen, Dedication of soul • And, since it IS of thy mercy* O gra* and body to God's cious Father, that another day is added to f,"on"'to";:Vowrg our lives ; we here dedicate both our souls daily in gocdneas. and our bodies to thee and thy service, in a sober, righteous, and godly Hfe : In which resolution, do thou, O merciful God, confirm and strengthen us j that, as we grow in age, we may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savipur Jesus Christ. A:?:en, Prayer for grace BuT, O God, who knowest the Weak- form^hl: rioiu'on". "CSS and corruption of our nature, and the manifold temptations which we daily meet with *, we humbly beseech thee lo have compassion O!) our infirmities, and to give us the constant assistance of thy Holy Spirit ; that we may be effectually restrained froni sin, and excited to our duty. Imprint upon our hearts such a dread of thy judgments, and such a grateful sense of thy goodness to us, as may make us both afraid and ashamed Xo offend thee. And, above all, keep in our minds a lively remembrance of that great day, in which v/e must give a Strict account of our thoughts, words, and actions ; and according to the works done in the body, be eternally re- warded or punished, by him whom thou hast appointed the Judge of quick and dead, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, For grace to guide Im particular, we implore tjiy grace fowiu-Xr and ?or ^"^ protection for the ensuing day. Keep God's blessing on the US temperate in our meats and drinks, and business of the same, ^liligent in our several callings. Grant us patience under any afBictions thou shalt see fit to lay on us, and minds al» ways contented with our present condi- 25S tion. Give us grace to be just zn^ up" right In all our dealings ; qui«Jt and pi!.ice- able ; full of compas ion ; and ready to do good to all m,v, according to our abi- ;„;°;:,;>;^f {,f ;'^;;_ lities and opportunities. Direct us in all s^-.y, and let thy Holy our ways *(aiid prosper the works of our "^P'^'^ accompany us , 1 • .. L • r 1 ^ to the ])lace of thy hands in the business ot our several sta- puMi.c vvor.shin, male- tlons.) Defend us from all dangers and ing us serious a.ulat- adversities; and be sfraciously pleased to ^•-^f'^':. ^'"'^ rai-ing , , II 1 • II • our niuids from the take us and all tlungs belongmg to us un- thoughts of this ^vorI4 der thy Fatherly care and protection, totheconsiiierationof These things, and whatever else thou ',^^ "^'^.^^ ^'^".' ^" ^^,fX o » ^ fervenily join m tae $halt see necessary and convenient to us, prayer^ and prai^^es of we humbly beg, through the merits and thy'Lhurrh,a-.ia!istpa :«edi.uion cfthy Son Jesus Christ our rh^n^r^^de™; Lord and Saviour.^ y!lruen practise it. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost be with Ub all ever- more. Jmen, j Hvening Trayer, The faritily being together, a little before bed time, let the IMnster or Mistress or any other whom they shall think proper, say as follows, alj kneeling. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name j thy kingdom come ; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven : Give us this day our daily bread ; and forgive u;^ oar trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us ; and lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil : For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and eyer. Amen, Most merciful God, who art of purer Confession ofslns^ eye. than to behold iniquity, and hast rrillrarnY^arr:"- promised forgiveness to all those who con- fess and forsake their sins ; we come be- fore thee in an humble sense of our own unworthiness, acknowledging our mani- fold transgressions of thy righteous laws.* ^''';::^ ^^\ But, O gracious Father, who deslrest not short paus<>, I'.u cv- the death cf a sinner, look upon us, we 'lyo"^ mny s.crt-iy U»«^ i .1 • 1 r • If <^"Mif''ss the stis and beseech thee, m mercy, and forgive us 4ii laihiig* of tiutday 254 our transgressions. Make us deeply sen"? sible of the great evil of them : and work in us a hearty contrition -, that we may ob- tain forgiveness at thy hands, who art ev- er ready to receive humble and penitent sinners ; for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ, our only Saviour and Redeemer. Amen, Prayer tor grace And lest, through our own frailty, or to reform and grow ^.i,^ . ^ ^- i • i ljgtj^.1.. ^ tne temptations which encompass us, we ^ be drawn again into sin, vouchsafe, us, we beseech thee, the direction and a-^sis- tance of thy Holy Spirit. Reform whatever is amiss in the temper and disposition of our souls j that no unclean thought!, unlawful designs, or inordinate desires, may rest there. * Purge our hearts from envy, hatred, and malice 5 that we may never suffer the sun to go down upon our wrath •, but may always go to our rest in peace, charity, and good-will, with a conscience void of offence towards thee and towards men : That so, we may be preserved pure and blameless, unto the coming of our Lord and 5aviour Jesus Christ. Amen. the intercession. ^^^ accept, O Lord, our Intercessions for all mankind. Let the light of thy gospel sihine upon all nations j and may as many as have received it, live as becomes it. Be gracious unto thy church ; and grant that every member of the same, in his vociuion and ministry, may serve thee faithfully. Bless all iu ciuthority over us ; and so ru'e their hearts and strengthen their hards, that they may punish wickedness and vice, and maintain thy true religion and virtue. Send down thy blessings tempo- ral and spiritual, upon all our relations, iriends and neigh- bours. Rewiird all who have done us any good, and par- don all those who have done or wish us evil, and give them repentance and better minds. Be merciful to all who are: inany trouble ; and do thou, the God of pity, administer to them according to their several necessities, for his sake who went about doing good, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amtn^ To our prayers, O Lord, we join our un- The thanksgiving feigned thanks tor all tny mercies ; for our being, our reason, and all other endowments and facnltie'; of soul and body ; for our health, friends, food, and rai- ment, and all the other comforts and conveniences of lifj. Above all we adore thy mercy in sending thy only Son into the world to redeem us from sin and eternal death, and in giving us the knowledge and sense of our duty tov/ards thee. We bless thee for thy patience with us> notwithstanding our many and great provications ; for all the directions, as- sistances, and comforts of thy Holy Spirit ; for tliy continu- al care and watchful providence over us through the whole course of our lives ; and particularly for the mercies and benefits of the past day ; Beseeching thee to continue these thy blessings to us ; and to give us grace to show our thank- fulness in a sincere obedience to his laws through whose merits and intercession we received them all, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen, In particular we beseech thee to contin- prayer for God s lie thy gracious protection to us this night, proteaionthrouirh Defend us from all dangers and mischiefs, }^^ n^ir^t follow- and from the fear of them j that we may ^"^* enjoy such refreshing sleep as may fit us for the duties of the following day. Make us ever mindful of the time when we shall lie down in the dust ; and grant us grace always to live in such a state, that we may never be afraid to die : So that living and dying we may be thine, through the mer^ its and satisfaction of thy Son Christ Jesus, in whose name we offer our imperfect prayers. Aynen, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Huly Giiost, be with us all ever- more. Ameiu On Sundays and on other dayi, when it mny be convenient, it will b*> proper to begin with a chapter, or part of a chapter from the New Tes- tameut. PRAYEIIS FOR PERSONS IN PRIVATE A Preparatory Frayen Blessed Lord ! who hast commanded, and invited us to pray unto, thee, O let thy Spirit help my infirmities ; and do thou so dispose my mind, and prepare my heart, that my |>rayers and praises may be acceptable in thy siglit, through the mediation, and for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen* A Prayer for Sunday Morning. . O God, who art the giver of all good gifts, and the fa- ther of mercies, I thine unworthy servant adore thy glori«» ous nr.-;jepty, for those marvelous instances of thy love, which thou h;ast in all ages shewn to the sons of men : In all thf dealings and dispensations towards us thou hast manifested thyself to be a most kind and compassionate Father \ thoii. hast provided for the comfort and support of our bodies, and shewn a most tender care and concern for the welfare and happinei^s of our immortal souls : In great m.ercy to them, thou didst appoint one day in seven for thy more pecul- iar v/orship and service, that go by a frequent and religious observance of the christian Sabbath on earth, we might be better fitted and prepared to celebrate that eternril Sabbath of everlasting rest, which thou hast reserved for us hereafter^ For this, O Lord, and all the other testimonies of thy love, which thou hast shewn to me, and all mankind. I desire with an humble and thankful heart to bless and praise thy holy na.miC ; and more especially for that inexpressible in- stance of thy love, the sending thy Son Christ Jesus into the world, to be the propitiation for our sins. I bless thee, O Lord, for thy great goodness in pre^erv- ing me the night past from all perils and dangers, and bring- ing me in health and safety to the beginning of this holy day. O my God, give me grace to make a right use and im- provement of this and all other opportunities thou art pleas- ed to put into my hands ; pardon, I most humbly beseech thee, my unprofitableness under the means of grace ; and, O merciful Father, let not my sins provoke thee so far, as to deprive me of the helps and advantages of thy divine in- 257 stitutlons ; but grant, O Lord, that I may spend this and all other times set apart for thy more immediate service, in such a holy and religious manner, as may promote thy hon- our and glory, and set forward the salvation of my soul : And that I may be enabled so to do, O let thy grace and Holy Spirit be alu^ays present with me, for of myself I am not able to please thee. Give me avvtul thoughts of thy divine majesty, a^id such an humble serious and devout frame of mind, that when I attend upon the publick service of thy church no vain or tumultuous thouglits may distract my devotions, nor any dulness or weariness seize upon my spirits ; but from a true sense of my own unworthiness, and of my entire depen- dence upon thee, for the supply of all my wants, I may pray unto thee, and praise thee with most devout and hear- ty affections, and may offer unto thee a lively sacrifice, holy and acceptable in thy sight. Suffer me not, O merciful Father, to rest in a mere out- ward form of godliness : but grant, that I may endeavour more and m.ore to have my heart animated and enlivened with the spirit and power of religion, and to become a true disciple of the blessed Jesus j by imitating his example ; ob- serving his precepts ; and making it the constant and prin- cipal care and concern of my life, to promote thy honour, and my ov/n and others salvation. Let thy good spirit, O Lord, be powerfully assisting to the labours and endeavours of those, to whom thou hast committed the care of souls, particularly of him, under whose ministry thy providence has placed me. Give thy blessing to thy holy word preached, and remove from me, and all that attend thy holy ordinances, all preju- dices and indispositions of mind, that nothing may hinder its due and saving efficacy upon our souls. Give us that humble and teachable spirit, which becomes them that would learn of thee ; and O let every good in truction that shall this day be given us, sink deep into our hearts, and bring forth in us the fruits of a lioly and religious life, that we may not be hearers of thy word only, but doers also, lest we deceive our own souls. Be with me, O Lord, this day, in all places, and upon all occasions : Direct and guide me, sanctify and preserve me. Keep me both outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul. Defend me from the power and malice of the 21 258, »**♦ devil, from the corruptions of my own sinful nature, and form those sins especially that do most easily beset and en- snare me. F. ee my mina from th« disturbances ot" passion, and anger, and all perplexing thoughts and cares ; and so strengthen it by thy grace and Holy Spirit, that nothing miiy hinder or discompose me in ivy ('uty, or render me un- fit for thy service. Let me no ways profane this thy holy day, either in thc^ught, word, oi d'jcd ; but give me grace to spend it in su.h a holy and religious manner, that every day of my life may be the better for it j and when I come to the conclusion of this day, I may look back with joy and comfort, in an hi.mble hope of thy divine acceptance, through the merits and mediation of my dear Redeemer, Jesus Christ the righteous. Amen. Our Father, &c. The master or mistress of af amily may very properly addthl sshort prayer. Make me duly mindful, O Lord, of all those who arc under my care ; and grant that none of my family may, through any neglect of mine, be ever wanting in their du- ty towards thee. Let the care of my own soul be exten- ded likewise to a concern for theirs j and give me such a zeal for thy glory, such a true regard for the salvation of others, that I may endeavcnr (as miuch as in me lies) to promote religion and piety in all about me. Convince me truly, O Lo;d, how much it is my duty, as well as interest, that I and my house should .-erve thee -, that we should dai- ly offer up our united prayers and praises at the throne of grace, and especially upon this day set apart more particlar- ly for thy service. Be in the midst of us, O Lord, when wc assemble our:elves together ; send tliy blessing u; on all our religious duties , and grant tliat not only the form, but the power of true religion, may be visible among us, to our great comfort in this world, and our ttcrnal happiness in that which i- to come. Grant this, O merciful Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate J?nen. A Prayer for Sunday Noon or any intermediate time oj' the Day, O God ! who art rich in mercy to all that call upon thee \ and hnst bid us pray without ceasing, and rejoice 2,"9 ***♦ evermore : In obedience to tliat command, and encouraged by thy gracious promises, I again approach thy presence ; to renew my requ^ists unto thee ; to bless thy holy name ; to make profession of my love to thee ; and of my readi- ness in all things to obey thee. Quicken my affections, O Lord, that 1 may be excited to a m.ore free and joyful atten- dance upon thee in all holy and religious duties ; ' that no dulness nor weariness m-iy seize upon my spirits -, but such a pertect love to thee ni;iy possess my heart, as may render aU the employments of religion pleasant and delightful to me. and the doing thy wid my great joy and satisfaction. Pardon, O J^ord, 1 hunibly beseecli thee, all my indispo- sitions ; accept my imperfect services ; and grant that my attendance upon the publick service of the church, may dis- pose me to be more circumspect and watchful in the whole course of my life ; more diligent and industrious in thy ser- vice, and more forward and zealous in the performance of every part of my duty ; that btring led by thy counsel, gov- Cxuzd by thy Spirit, and preserved by thy gracious provi- dence, 1 may at last be admitted into the company of the bl rssed ; there to perfect my praises and acknowledgements, and to receive the rew;ird of patient contmuance in well- doing, through Jcsus Christ cur Lord. Amen, l^ 4 Morning Prayer for a Person in Private^ (From Mr. Nelson.) Almighty and eternal God, who hast created me after thine own image and likeness ; who hast made me capable of loving thee and enjoying thee eternally ; I adore thee wit'i all humility as my sovereign Lord ; give me, I beseech thee, such a sense of thy infinite goodness, as to return un- to thee all possible iove and obedience. O my God, upon whom all things depend, I acknowl- edge that I have nothing but what is the effect of thy boun- ty ; biess the Lord, O my soul, and declare his loving kind- ness to all generations. I humbly and heartily thank thee, for all the graces and favours thou hast bestowed upon me ; for making me a rational creature, and for securing my pres- ervation by the constant effects of thy providence ; for re- deeming^ me by the death of thy Son, and for providing the .r^race of thy Holy Spirit to sanctify my corrupt nature ; for bringing me to the kao .vj'.dge of the christian religion ; for 260 blessing me with plentiful me:^ns of salvation, and for pre- paring a glorious inheritance for those that love thee, and keep thy coniinandments •, for the many temporal blessings thou hast conferred on me ; for repairing the infirmities of my frail body with comfortable sleep ; for the preservation of me this night, and the rest of my life, and from innume- rable accidents and dang rs. O may I always delight to praise and glorify thy holy name, and above all the benefits to love thee, my great benefactor. Father of mercies, shut not up thy bowels of compas- sion towards me, a vile and miserable sinner. Despise not the work of thine own hands, the purchase of my Saviour's blood. I most humbly implore the pardon and forgiveness of all my sins, whether of omission or commission, for the sake of Jesus Christ thy only Son our Lord. I am heartily- sorry that I have offended thee ; I detest my sins, because they are displeasing to thee, who art infinite goodness j I am resolved by the assistance of thy grace, to return no more to folly, to avoid all occasions of evil, and to live bet- ter for the time to come. 1 dedicate to thee, O Lord, my body and soul, and all that lam ; and because through the weakness of my mortal nature, I can do no good thing without thee, grant that all I shall do or suffer this day, by the help of thy grace, may tend to thy glory, and the salvation of my own soul. Enlighten my mind with a true and thorough knowledge of my duty, and enable me by thy Holy Spirit to perform it v/ith care and diligence. Make me sensible of my own vileness and corruption, and let me never want thy gracious assistance to correct and reform it. I^et me frame a right judgment concerning the vanity and emptiness of all tran- sitory enjoyments, that they may never prevail upon me to tran?i;ress thy holy laws j but that by the contempt of them, I may fix my heart upon those pleasures which are at thy right hand for evermore. And grant that all the afflictions of this life, which thou in thy wise providence shalt think fit to lay upon me, may turn to my spiritual profit and ad- vantage ', that I may bear them with patience and submis- sion to thy holy will, and thereby iearn greater gratitude to thy goodness for the mercies I enjoy. Let no anxious or solicitous cares ever disorder or distract my mind, but let me trust in thy providence to bless my honest diligence i mi being assured, that if I seek first the kingdom of God, and its righteousness, all other things sliall be added to me. Defend me by thy almighty power from all those snares and temptations which continually solicit me to ofFcnd thee ; and from all those bodily dangers to which I am sub- ject in this my pilgrimage here upon earth ; that all my thoughts, words and actions, may be guided by thy Holy Spirit, that I may ever seek thy honour and gloiy ; and that the main concern of my life may be, to fit and prepare my- self for that everlasting salvation thou hast promised. Keep me all tliis day in innocence, and in love to thee, and to all men. Let me manage all my temporal affair* with uprightness and integrity -, and converse with candour and affability. Do tliou direct my paths, and teacli m^ to guide my affairs with discretion ; but let not the pursuit of the things of this life, rob me of that time which ought to be employed in the concerns of my soul, nor divert me from the serious thoughts of th-^ world to come ; that walking faithfully before thee all my days, and being found watching when my appointed time shall come, I may from a hfe of righteousness be translated to a life of glory. On Sunday, instead of the foregoing paTagraph say this. [And now I am going to the place of thy public wor- ship, let thy Holy Spirit assist me in the duty and service I am about to perform. Touch me with such a sense of thy presence as may fix my wandering thoughts, compose my tumultuous affections, stir up my fiat and cold desires, that 1 may be devout, serious, and attentive. Let me join in the prayers and praises of the church with fervent and heavenly aff-ctions. Let me hear thy word with great atteniicn, and with a resolution of mind to practise my duty ; and whenever I approach thy table, let m€ shew fortii humility and devotion, and all those holy d-sires which become the remembrance of a crucified Saviour. Let me ever esteem it my privilege and happiness to have a day of rest set apart for thy service* and the concerns of my soul ; and let me em- ploy it to all those holy purposes thou hast appointed] Extend, O Lord, thy pity and compassion to the whole race of mankind. Enlighten the Gentile world with the 262 knowledge of thy truth, and bring into ihy flock thy ancient people the Jews, and let all who name the name of Christ depart from all iniquity. Be gracious to thy holy catholic church : grant that she may always preserve that doctrine and discipline which thou hast appointed, and that the gates of hell may never prevail against her, Grant, O Lord, that all our governors in church and state may be useful and ser- viceable to thy calory, and the bublic good, remembering the great account they must one day give. Be merciful to all that are in affliction or distress, that labour under poverty or persecution, under bodily pains or diseases, or under tempt- ation or trouble of mind j be pleased to support and com- fort them, and in thy good time to deliver them, according to thy great mercy. Bless all my friends, relations and ac- quaintance ; those that are in sin, convert them ; those that are in grace, confirm and strengthen them*, those that are in adversity, comfort and relieve them ; and those that are in prosperity, suiFer them not to forget thee. Unite us all, O God, to one another by mutual love, and to thyself, by the constant practice of piety and holiness. Make me mindful of that time when I shall lie down in the dust ; and because I know" iiiot the day nor the hour^, when I shall be summoned to the great tribunal, let me be al- ways upon my guard, and never live in such a state as I shall be afraid to die in ; but that my daily care may be, to get my soul raised more and more into such an holy, heavenly temper, such delight in God, such unspotted purity, and fervent charity, as may best qualify and prepare me for the company of saints and angels in thy heavenly kingdom ; through Jesus Christ our Lord j in whose blessed name and words I conclude my imperfect prayers, saying, Our Father, &c. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with me this day, henceforth and for evermore. Amen* A Frayer for a Persoii that dally xvorks at his trade, to be added to the former Prayer. Almighty God, who in thy wise providence hast con- stituted several ranks and qualities of men, that they might mutually subsist to the support of each other-, teach me to be Cpntent with the ttation wherein thou hast been pleased t<> S65 ♦ «** place me ; grant that I may honestly and diligently dischargi*- the duties of my culling ; and without anxiety depend upon thy blessing for the success of my lawful endeavours. 1'hat however contemptible my profession may be in the eyes of some men, my fidelity and industry may be acceptable in thy sight ; that they may bring me in return a convenient subsistence for my family in this life ; and in the next, the reward thou hast premised to all those that truly love and fear thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amtn, An Evening Prayn^for a Person in Private. Most great and glorious Lord God *, I desire to pros- trate myself with all humility before thy divine myjestyj under a deep sense of my own unworthiness. With shame and sorrow, and confusion of face, I confess and acknowl- edge thy infinite mercy and goodness to me, and my own vileness and ingr;.titude to thee. I have, O Lord, ;ibused thy gifts and blessings, despised thy goodness, neglected thy service, preferred my passions and other creatures, before my duty and thy commands. I have neither believed in thee, my God, nor obeyed thee, nor loved thcc as I ought, and as 1 solemnly vowed I would. O Lord God, most gracious and reconcikable, pity and pardon me. I lament, O Lord, my detestable impiety, for having so long, and so often, and so obstinately offended thee. I confess and will forsake my wickedness, and am sorry for my sins. It grieves me, O most amiable goodness, it grieves me that ever I offended thee. With all my heart, O my God, do I now renew the sacred vow, which, alas ! I have so often violated. I ut- terly renounce, O Lord, all things that may any way dis- please thee ; from them all let it be thy good plea>-urc to de- liver me. I know, Lord, I cannot love thee, but 1 must hate evil ; and therefore I n nounce and detest it. Turn thou me, O Lord God, and so shall I be turned ; turn the whole sy tem of my affections from sensual love to the love of thee. O my God, let thy heaven'y lovt be the constant bias of my soul : O may it be the natural spring ai:d weight of my heart, that ii may always move towards thee. Father, I have sinned ag unst heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called tliy son j but 1 return v»'ith the prodigal. O let thy paternal bowelb yearn over me, and for Jesus Christ his sake, graciously receive me. Lord, ac- cept of my isnperfect repentaiice, and se^d thy spirit of adoption into my heart, to instil true i\lh\ affections, that J may again be owned by thee for thy child, and call thee fa- ther, and share in the blessings of thy children, and at last become an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven. O my God, fill my soul with vso entire reverential a love cf thee, that I may love nothing but for thy sake, or in sub- ordination to thy love. Giv.' me grace to study thy knowl- edge, that the more I knov/ thee, the more I may love thee. Create in me a sincere obedience to all thy cornmands, a sub- missive patience under all thy chastisements, and an absolute resignation unto all thy disposals. Make me, O Lord, so tender of thy honour, that I may shew a due regard to all the parts of thy worship ; that I may always enter thy house with recollected thoughts, com- |)osed bcliaviour, becoming reverence, and sincere intentions of love 5 that I may hear thy word with a serious attention and iiiflameable heart, and a particular applicatic^n ; that I may frequent the public prayers, and approach thy table with fervent and heavenly affections, and with holy impa- tience for the blessings of thy love. Give me grace, fof thy dearest sake, to pay a suitable veneration to all sacred persons, or places, or things, which arc thine by solemn dedication, and separated for the uses of divine love, and the communications of thy grace, or which may promote the decency and order of thy worship, or the edification of faithful people. May I ever, O Lord, have awful thoughts of thee •, may I never mention thy venerable name, unless on solemn, just, ?.nd devout occasions ; may I never mention it on those oc- casions without acts of love and adoration. O let it be the great business of my life, to love and glorify thy holy name by all the possible ways I can ; by my mouth, by my con- Tersation, by my public confession of thee before men, even to death, whenever thou art pleaded to call me to it ; by engaging all I can to glorify and love thee. Fix in my mind sn habitual pure intention of thy glory in all m.y actions, that whether 1 eat or drink, or whatever I do, I may do all to the glory of thee, my God. O Lord, let thy unwearied and tender love to me, make my love unwearied and tender to my neighbour, and zeal- ous to procure, promote, and preserve his health and safety, happiness and life ; and ready to succour and relieve, to 26.-: comfort ?>nd rescue, and pray for all, whom thy love, or their own necesj^lries or mi.eries, recommend to my charity. IVlake me pv^accful and reconcileable, always ready to leturn vood for evil, to repay injuries with kindness, and easy to orgive ; lialess in those instances, where the impunity of khe cri'.ninal woi'.ld be injustice and cruelty to the public. Make me hke thy own self, all meekness and benignity, all •oodnesr. and sweetness, all gentleness and long-suffering. And, O thoii lover of souls, let thy love raise in me a com- passionate zeal to save the life, the eternal life of souls, and by fratern il, and atfectionate, and seasonable advice, or ex- hortation, or reproof, to reclaim the wicked, to win thera to love tlice. Create in me, O Lord, a perfect abhorrence of all impu- rity, that I may purify myself, as thou, Lord, art pure. I know, O Lord, that I can never be partaker of the divine tiaiure, unless I escape the pollution that 'is in the world through lust. O do thoii therefore cleanse me from all fil- thiness of flesh and spirit, that I may perfect holincsss in thy fear. Give me grace to possess my vessel in sanctifica- tion and honour, and to keep thy temple holy, that thy spirit may always there inhabit. Give me grace, O Lord, to fly nil incitements, opportunities or instruments of defiling ei- ther my neighbour or mys:lf ; to beat down my body, and bring it i!Vo subjection. Let me live ever watching or praying, or profitably employed, that I may leave no room, if possible, for any unclean spirit to enter into my soul, and tempt me. Lord, make me contented and thankful, and well pleased with that portion thy wise providence has allotted me in this world, and to acquiesce in thy choice as best for me. O let the world never more have place in my heart ; all my af- fections I v/ithdraw from that, to fix on thee. Be pleased, O Lord, to take me into thy protection this Tiight, and defend me from all the dangers of it. Refresh my body with such comfortable rest and sleep, that in the morning with my renewed vigour, I may be the better dis- po ed to do thee all faithful service. Let not evil spirits or evil men approach to hurt me ; let me lie down with holy thoughts cf thee j and when I awake, let me still be with thee. 2K Lbii /.Jd thU P;iragraj>li on Sunday in the EVtninfr. ^^ Pardon, O Lord, all tho teach me to obey all tliy com- mandments, to believe all thy rcvehitions, and make me par- taker of thy gracious promiiics. VI. Teach me to watch over all my wsys, that I vnry never be surprised by sudden temptations, or a careless spirit, nor ever return to folly and vanity. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and keep the door of my iips, that I oifend not in my tongue neither against piety nor charity. Teach me to think of nothing but tliee, and v.hat is m order to thy glory and service ; to speak of nothing but thee and thy glories ; and to do nothing but what becomes thy ser- vant, whom thy infinite mercy, by the graces of thy Holy Spiiit, hath sealed up to the day of redemption. VII. Let all my passions and affections be so mortified and brought un.ier d e dominion of grace, th?t i may never by deliberation and rr-^'pcse, nor yet by levity, rashness or inco.i.sideration offlnd tivy divine maj sty. Make me such as thou wouldst have me to be : strejigtben my faith, con- firm my hope, an»l give me a daily increase of chanty j that this day and ever 1 may serve tiiee according to all my op* 265 portunitles and cripac'ules, j^n-owing from grace to grnv.e ; till at last by thy mercies I shall receive the consummation and p.-rffction of grace, even the glories of thy kingdom in the full fruition of the face and CAcellencies of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; to whom be glory and praise^ honour and aduration given by all angels, and all men, and a-i crcatuiec, now and to all eternity. ' A?iiefu Afc'-r whicu conclude wiih this Ejaculation. Nov;' in all tribulation and anguish of spirir, in all dar* gers of soul and body, in prosperity and adversity, in the hour of death and the day of judgmeni, holy and most bless- ed Saviour, Jesus, have mercy upon me, SLive me Siid deliv« er me. Amen A form of Prater f)r Naoiu I. O ETERNAL God, merciful and gracious, vouchsafe thy favour and thy blessing to thy servant : let the love of thy mercies and the dread and fear of thy majesty, make mc careful and inquisitive to search thy will, and dihgently to '"•"'^form it, and to pervSeveie in the practices of a holy life^. n tiil tht last of my days. per even II. Keep me, O Lord, for 1 am thine by creation *, guide me, for I am thine by purchase ; thcu hast redeemed mc by the blood of thy Son, and loved me with the love of a fa- ther ; for I am thy child by adoption and grace. Let thy mercy pardon my sins, thy providence secure me from the punishments and evils I have deserved, and thy care watch over me, that I may never any more oftend thee. Make me in malice to be a child ; but in understanding, piety, and the f' ar of God, let me be a perfect man in Christ, innocent and prudent, readily furnished and instructed to every good work. ' III. Keep me, O Lord, from ^^^ destroying angel, and from the wrath of God. Let thy anger never rise against, me ; but thy rod gently correct rny follies, and guide me in thy wayj ; and thy stalV support me in all sufferings and changes. Keej.. all my senses ''atire till ihe day of my death \ and let my death be neither sudden, untiniely, not unprovided 5 let It be after the conimon manner of men, Laving in it nothing extraordinary, but an extraordinary piety, and the manifestations of thy great and miraculous mercy. IV. Let no riches make me ever forget myself, no poverty ever make me forget thee. Let no hope or fear, no pleas- ure or pain, no actiilent without, no weakness within, hin- der or discompos!; my duty, or turn me from the ways of thy commandmciirs. O let thy Spirit dwtll with me fur ever, and make my soul just and charitable, full of honesty, full of religion, resolute and constant in holy purposes, but inflexible to evil. Make me humble and obedient, peace- able and pious. Let me never envy any man's good, r.or deserve to be despised myself ; and if I be, teach me to bear it with meekness and charity. V. Give mc a tender conscience ; a conversation discreet and affable, modest and patient, liberal and obliging ; a body chaste and healthful } competency of livirig according to my condition ; coiitentedness in all estates j a resigned will and mortified affections : that I may be as thou wouldst have n^e, and that my portion may be in the h t of the lightcous, in the brightness of thy countenance, and the glories of eternity. Anien, Holy is our God. Holy is the Almighty. Holy is tlie Immortah Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hests, hare mercy upon m-". Our Father, &c. A fonn of Fraifcr for Evenirt<^, O ETERNAL Gcd, great Father of men and angels, wl.o hast established the heavens and the earth in a wondcrlul order, making day and night to succeed each other ; I make my humble address to thy divine majesty, begging of thee mercy and prctccticn this night and ever. O Lord, pardon all my sin*;, my light and rash words, the vanity ar.d impie- ty of my thoughts, my unjust and uncharitable actipns, and v/hatioever sins I have committed against thee this day, or any time bcfo;e. Behold, O God, my soul is trcublvd hi t!iC remembrance of n^ sins, in tiie frailty and iiriulne^ 27! of my flesh exp<>«C(l to every temptation, and of ItstlFiio*' able to resist any. Lord God of mercy, I earnestly h g of ihec to give me a great portion of thy grace, such a day, didj>t ri>e again, raise up my soul to neviiiess of life ; grant me repentance from dead works, and plant me in the likeness of thy resurrection. And thou, O Father and God of peace, who dicUt bring again from the dead our Lord Je:^us Chrivt, that great sh -p- herd of the sheep, through the blood of trie evcrla.stiiig cov- enant •, make me perfect in every go^^d wor'.i to do thy v\ iM, working in me tlfat which is well pleasing in thy ?igcrva.Tts who ask it of thee, tliat they may be daily rene,v..d, a.;d mov^ plentiful iy enricl-ed with the sirnc. O Lonl, who by ci:oos vig this day f r these rao^i inipor- tant, mo^t bencfici« event , did t direct thy apostle:* tt» c*il' !^L ft, and to make it thy holy day ; grant, that, by imploring thy grace, and celeVrating tliy praise on this holy day 5 by praising and reading thy word; and by ^tending on the public assemblies of thy saints in the house where thy honour dwdleth ; I may be prepared for that etern;.! rest which re- maineth for the people of God, of which tliC sacred rest of this day is a fi^':ure and a pledge — and fov joining in the e- ternal hymns of angels and ble^^sed spirits in the life to come ; ascribmg unto God the Father, the Son, aiid the Holy Ghost, honour and praise, for ever and ev.r. Amen* A Morning Prayer fur a Fcrson in Private, MOST gracious Gcd, who art the Author of all the good things that 1 enjoy -, in thte 1 live, and move, and have my being •, And to thy govd providence I must ascribe it, that I am now in health and --afery ; that I have enjoy. ed the comfortable refreshments of the night past ; and that none of those evils which J have justly dcservedj have come nigh me or my dwelling ; for these, O Lord, and all thy other mercies, 1 desire, in an humble sense of thy great goodness, to adore and praise thy glorious name. 1 confess, OLord, tiiat I am not worthy of the mercies thou hast bestowed upon me. IVly transgressions are great, and have been often repeated : But, O merciful Father, let- not my sins provoke thee to Jeave me to my ovi-n folly and weakness. I lament and bewail before thee the corruption of my nature, and know not where 10 fly for relief and suc- cour, but unto thee. Forgive, I humbiy pray thee, whatever I have done amiss j and so arm m.e for ti.e time to come with the powerful as- sistances of thy giace, tnat I may be enabled to overcome all the temptations of tlie world, the fl.^sh, and the devii, and to walk worthy o) that holy nrme whereby I am called ; denying all ungodliness a:. d worldly lu^t$, . and living f-o- berly, righteously, and godly in this present world.- Graiit, O Lcr i, tljat as i nave devoted n-yself to the ser- vice ci Christ jesus, sol may walk in his comiriandments, and have my conversation as become th his gospel ; that I rr.ty daily grow in grace, ana be continually aovancing in H> w:-.yf ■■r{\ ri'ihteousi-esb anci tru- holinebs^ till I betome perfect in tvwiy ^ood woid aHci woiiu 27J ••■ • t * O Lore!, suiT.T no affections io i\wf\] in me but what are pI-Msiiij; inthysi^-ht: EjuIuc nte witli an hcnest and up- right mind, th.it I m.^y abstain from all appe.irance of evil. Let no worldly Inieiest or advantage ever tempt me to the ka.jt injustice, or turn me aside to the ways of fraud and oppression ; but, in the use of honeiit and lawful mean?, give me grace to depend upon thy providence, and to rest contented ur.dtr all the dispensations of thy infinite wisdom and goodness. And though thou shouldst see fit to de- prive nie of any, or even of all the comforts of this life 5 yc O gracious Father, leave me not destitute, 1 beseech tlij , of those things that accompany salvation, nor deny mo thy favour, which is b*^tter than life itself: Whatever t.'iiju i^ccrt ht to deprive me of, O take not from me, I be- seech thee, the comforts of thy Ho'y Spii it j but in all the troubles and disappointm :nts of this world, in all tho calam- ities a-il iriils liihall meet witn her.-:, be thou my onlyre- fug^-*. and support, m.y t iy and t. ust, my Saviour and migh- ty dciiv. r^r -, stand by nae m all trials, succour me in every t'.vnptitio 1, s-ipp rt m^^ in dlscoura./enient8, and advise m€ in all aiifi u;- call's 5 but above all, O Lord, I most earnest- ly beseech tiiee, thit wii:fn the time of my dissolution draws nigi., and all t!iin.^3 here b^gin to fail me, thou wouldst i>cn V'jUcKsale to srr-ngthen and support me, and at last rec.Mve me i no rhy blessed kingdom. Keep me, I most humbly beseech thee, this day from all evil ; and grant, that King in safety uiuier thy protwcrion, I may be always holy and u.Cv'pt'ibi; in thy -dght, in and through the merits of my d^^Hr K-cdeemcr, who, in his holy gospel has taught me to S2y» Uur Father, &c. To be adde J to tie Morning Prayer, on the Lord's Day. In an humble and thankful sense of thy goodness, O Lord, I am going to thy House, there to |nest:nt my soul and body to thee, in the asscmnly of thy saints. Ltt thy lioiy Spirit con-^posc my mind to a serious and devout attention in ail the parts of thy divine service : Let me praise thy name with cheerfulness, pray unto thee with e irnestness, hear thy word with reverence, and practice it with faithfulness ; and vouchsafe more fully to inform mc of my duty, to correct aua amend what is dim^^ in me, to 276 encon^aprc and strengthen my good resolution*:, and to assist me in -all well d ing for the time to come ; that so growlnjr every day better and better by iny communion with thee, I may become such as thou canst love and delight in, and wilt reward at' the great day, for the sake of the Lord Jesus. Amen, ** That your whole life may he the more exact, and you may have less to do when you set a time apr.rt for more soil emn examination ; would advise you every night to put some such questions as these to yourself, which, for your U'^Cj f transcribed chiefly out of that excellent book, intitled, A Companion for the Festivals and Fasts of the Church.'' r SHORT HEADS OF EXAMINATION FOR THE EVENING. How have I spent the day past ? What sin have I com- mitted ? Have I performed my morning devotions ? And how ? Have I rei,igned myself to the all- wise government and disposal of God, to be ordered and ruled by him, and to da his Will? Where other opportunities have offered themselves, how have I behaved myself in relation to them ? Have I converi^ed with can-dor, affability, and sincerity ?, Have t kept at a distance from slander and evil-speaking ^ Have I had suii". cient care, in my commendation of others, so as to give no encouragement to any evil practices^ How have I employed or im.proved my time ? If I have engaged in affiirs, with what honesty and fideli- ty have I discharged themi ? If t have diverted myself, have I done it innocently, and within the bounds of christian moderation ? Have I been guilty of any excess in tacing, or drinkingj <^r sleeping ? What mcrcie:^^ have I received ? How thankful have I been, and am I, for them ? What temptations have I resisted ? Wh.it ground have I got of the sin that doth most easily beset me ? ^■7 f ITow have I governed my passions in the little accidents that daily happen to provoke mc ? What opportunities have I had of doing good ? and how have I improved them ? What opportunities have I had of discouraging evil ? And ho\y have I opposed it ? «« .To these questions you may add such others as you find useful. If you recollect the whole time of the day from your rising (for vv^hich a few minutes before your even- ing devotions will sulHce) you will very easily be enabled to answer the preceding questions ; and when you have done this, you muGt heartily be. God's pardon for any sins you have been guilty of, and shew yours^ If thankful for those blessings, respecting either this or another life, which he hath bestowed on you. For a more particular examination, see a book entitled A New Manual of Devotions, in Three Parts. Part IL An Evening Prayer for a Person in Private. ETERNAL and innnitely glorious God, the great Crea- tor, gracious preserver, and wise governor of the world j I, thy sinful and unworthy servant, fall down before thf:e at this time, to present my prayers and supplications to thy di- vine majesty. 1 admire ami adore the incomprehensible perf^xtions of thy nature, and gratefully acknowledge tliy marvellous and undeserved goodness towards me and all thy creatures ; I hive nothing, O Lord, h\\x what I have received from thee i thou freely gavest me my being, and madest me capable to know, love, serve, and enjoy tliee for ever ; Thou hast con- tinued to mc the being which thcu at first gavest me, deUver- ing me from a multitude of evils, and bjstowii)g mercies and favours upon me, both for my soul and body, more than I can number : O that I had made returns to thee in any measure suitable to the benefits I have received from thee ; that I had employed all thy gifts to tliy honour and glory, and never abused any of those talents intrusted to me. Btt rdas ! I with bhanie acknowledge, that I have been guilty of «78 »*•*«■ great inginfiiudc towards thee ; I have been an unprofitabk 3nd unworthy servant ; I have neglected my duty, folkwed the inclinations of my corrupt nature, and Instead of lov- ing and delighting in thee, I have been eager and pastioii ate after the things of this world. Let thy goodness and forb-::aranGe, O Lord, lead me to repentance i and though I have rendered myself u; worthy rf the leai^t of all thy mercies, yet for tlie sake of thy be- loved 8on, in whom thou art well pleased, spare me, O good Lord spare me, and be not angry with me for ever. V/avh away all my j in in that fountain thou hast opened for A\is and uncleanne^s, that there may be nothing to interpose be- tv/een thy mercy and my poor souL Lay not to m.y charge, O merciful God, the sins w}Mi.h I have this day conunitted •, {name them in particular'] and not only p trdon them, but give me grace from hencefcr- wards entirely to leave and forsake them, and to amend my life according to thy holy word. Make me always mindful that thou art every w}:ere pre- sent, and knowest my mOot secret thoughts, that I may fear to oifend thee, and bring every thought and desire to the obedience of thy will. Possess me, O Lord, with a lively sense of the frailly of my life, the certainty of a judgment to come, the unspc, k- tble gl'v;ries of heaven, and the mo>t dreadful torments of lieil, that I may in good earnest, set about the great work of my salvation, and never be so foolish as to prefer the plea- sures of sin, which are but for 2, season, before that ever- lasting fulness of joy which is in thy presence for ever^ more. Grant, O Lord, that duly considering the vast dispropor- tion whieh is betwixt this life, and my eternal state, I may live as becomes the gospel of Christ, working out my salva- tion with 1 he greatest care and circumspection, that when ihe great and lerrible day of the Lord shail come, I may be accepted by him, and admitted to the inheritance of the ».dnts in ligl\t. Cause tiie light of thy glorious gospel to shine through- cut the world, and the herders of thy Son's kingdom to be enlarged, by a speedy conversion of Jews, Turks, and inh- ^icls. O let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, and do thou eitablibh and increase the just. 279 RemoVf a!l dissentions and divisions among christiansj' and bring in the practice of uiuversal hoiiiiess, peace, and love. Be more especially gracious to this church and nation to which I belong ; and herein to our S''vereign lord king George ; fill liim with sound wisdom, godly zeal^ and all o- ther chri^^tian virtues, that he may be a terror to evil doers, and a rewardcr of triem that do well. Bless cur most gra- cious queen Charlottf, and all the royal family. Extend thy compassion to dl that labour under any afflic- tion ; send relief to those that ar, in want, ease to those that are in pain, and deliverance to the oppressed and per- secuted, especially those that suffer for righteousness sake, I beg thy grace and mercy for all my friends and relations, for all that pray for me, or have desired my p:ayers ; parti- cularly — Give me, O Lord, the comfortable refreshment of a quiet and undisturbed sleep. Defend me from all evil, and from the fear and dread of any. Keep me more especially from the evil of sin, ani the assaults of my spiritual enemies, and let thy goodness follow me .dl the days of my life, for Jesus Christ s sake, in who^e name and words I continue to pray. Our Father, &e. To be ad'ied on SuncJay Evening; AcCFPT, O Lord, of that dedication I have made of my soul and body to thee, with prayers and praises in the pubHc congregation. Pardon all the wandering and evil thoughts, and all the unfit actions 1 may have been guilty of in my attendance upon thee. Preserve in me always a religious Sense of thee, wherever I am, or whatever I do, that thy holy lau^s may be more deeply graven on m.y heart. O that every truth 1 have at any f.me learnt, may be faithfully remxcnibi^red by me, that I may be more diligent in my calling, more dutifu.' to my relation^;, and more con- tented in all conditions ; that running the way of thy com- mandments, 1 may at length attain thy gracious promises, and be m Me partckcr of thy evcrlaoii;ig kingdom, through Jesus Chii'ot our Lord. Amen, A Morning Prayer, (From Mr. IVIcrrlck.) O ALMiGATY God, who hast made all things in heaven and earth, and ha?t given thy Son Jesus Christ to die upon the cross for me and for all mankind, make me truly thank- ful for thy goodness towards m.e ; sanctify me by thy Holy •Spirit, and enable me to do ail things which thou hast com- manded. Glory be to thee for having brought me to the be- ginning of this day ; Dcfc-nd me in it from all sin and dan- ger ; let me not take thy holy name in vain, nor speak any words that may offend thee ; let me not steal, nor cheat, nor any way hurt or grieve my neighbour ; brjt grant that I may do unto all men as I would they should do unto me. [Grant that I rray honour my fathei* and mother ] Keep me from lying and evil spei^:king, from anger, fretfiilnessj and stubbornness, from strife and quarrelling, from envy, spite and malice, and from all uncharitableness. Make me modest in my bchoviour and conversation ; cleanse the thoughts of my heart •, keep mt from pride and sloth, and idleness, from gluttony and drunkenness; ; and grant me all such tempers of mind as will make me happy in life and in death. Bless the king and royal fimiily, and all our govern- ors, pastors, and teachers. Bless my friends and relations, [particularly m.y father and mother, my brothers and sisters] for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen- Our Father, &c. An Ercmng Vraycr, O HEAVENLY Father, forgive whatever thon hast sceii amiss in me tnis day, and watcij over me, 1 beseech thee, this night and for evermore. Gva t Hie quiet and refreshing sleep, and defend me froci all dangers both of soul and body ; and give me the proi>^iscd grace of thy »'^piric to lead an innocent i^nd holy life : Yet not to trust in my own right- eousnesr>, but whoKy in the rp'iits of tliyblessed Son; that I may die with well-gn und^rl comfort and joy, whene- ver thou shak be pkaed to c just sense of our duty to thee and man, that we mny be living members of thy blessed Son ; and grant, thai being protected by thy providence, directed by thy word, and as^ 289 sistcd by the Influence of thy Holy Spirit, we maybe ad* rnitted into tliy glorious kingdom m heaven, wlierc we sliail edore and pniise thee, love and enjoy thee to all eternity, through Jesus Christ our 'Lord, in whose holy name aad Vcords I continue to pray : Our Father, &c. J?i Evening Prayer for a Servant O MY God, my strength, and the rock of my sanation • how does my soul praise thee lor thy great goodnoos, and for all the precious promises of thy gospel. But, O m.y Gnd, I have forgotten thee, though thou hast given me my being : I have forgotten thee, thourh rhod gavest thine own Son to redeem uie, not only to free me from the punishment due to my sins, but from tlie siav^ry and dominion of them, and to procure for me life etcrnrd. I have feared the displeasure of m vn, whos^. breath i.^ in his no trils, more than I have feared thine, O thou just ?nd ho- ly judge of mankind : I have been move boiicirou ■ for the bread that psrishcrs, than for thy fav )ur, v/hich is b:ctcr tiiaa life itself : I have sinned a^^alnsc my kriovvlt'dge, t'-y "word, and the motions of thy Holy Spirit. I have been apt to repine and murmur at thy providence, and to be discontent- ed in my condition, p^aticularly* — But J re- pent, O n)y God, of all my sins, and humbly *^<^^^^^^^Xi V \ '. r ^ ^ If . p.-irticuLir sins. DQg the assistance ot thy grace, tnat 1 may uo works rrieet for repentance, and serve thee in truth and with an upright heart all tlie days of my life. Have mercy, O Lord, have mercy upon me, and forgive me sll my offences, and give me grace to keep upon my w.itch, and guard against them for the future : Enable me sincerely to endeavour to reform arid amend my life, that I may evf.ry day grow and iacrease in goodness, and be so much the titter for death, the nearer it approaches tome ; and whenever it comes, let it find me, O Lord, in a di'^position and framie of spirit fit to die ; having an unshaken faith, an humble re^ signation and submIssion> a holy coatempt of earth, and a devout love of heaven. Thcii hast called me to be a servant, but thou hji^t called me to be a son too, and an heir of eternal life ; O giv: me grace to be contented, and faithful to discharge my duty. Do tliou; who never slumber, st nor sleepest, watch over 2N 290 **■♦■«• oie, and this whole family : Let thine angels pitch their tents about us this night ; let us lie down securely, and 1st our sleep be sweet and refreshing to us, for Jesus Christ's salce -, in whose name and words I beg all things needful both for myself and all mankind, particularly for all that I am any way bound to pray for. Our Father, &c. Anotlier Frayer for a Servant* O Lord God almighty, whose loving-klndness is b'ttef than life, and whose service is perfect freedom : It is the wise appointment of thy providence, that there should be various orders and degrees of men, and that I should be disposed of in the station where now I am. O Lord, I humbly sub; nit to thy good pleasure, and desire with con- tent and thankfulness to accept of my portion, how low and mean soever in the world. If my blessed Redeemer, who is Lord of all, would take upon him the form of a servant y for our sakes j O why should I refuse to be a servant to oth- ers ? If I faithfully discharge the duties of my place, I know I shall be as acceptable to mv God as any that enjoy the highest stations. If I be found in the way of righteousness, I shall be exalted in the world to c me to everlabting happi- ness and glory. O let it not be .so much my care to get higher in the world, as to get more in ihy favour, wherein is life. Suffer me not to be a servant to sin, or a slave to Si.y lust; but grant me to enj'^y the blessed liberty where- with Christ Jesus has matle u^ free, that I may serve thee, 'my God, faithfully, and run the way of thy commandments after thou hast set my heart . t liberty. Be ihou pleased, O Lord, to fit me for and assist me in, the service to which I am called, that I may perform it to the glory of thy great name, to the satisfaction of those whom I serve, and to my own advantage and comfort. Make me true and faithful, ca eful and diligent, humble and obedient, doing the busi- ness of my place, *' not with eye-service as a man pleaser, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.'* Teach me to de- ny myself, to be meek and patient, not ajisiver'r-;g again to Stir up wrath ; but with silence and submission following the things that make for peace. Suffer me not to wrong or cheat my master, or do him any damzige for my own filthy lucn-, or rleshly pleasure ; that I may be found faithful in the sight ot my God, who evermore seeth in secret, and search- 291 ejch tht very heart. Whose servant soever else I am, O Lord, let me ever b^* toi:nd in the number of t!iinc ; and make me, I beseecli t see, such every way towards thee, that tiiou xnaycst mercit'uily ai cjpt me, anj ail my services. Pardon ana forgive all the sins of my life past a: id grant me the as- sistance of thy grace and He»iy Spirit, that 1 may serve thee faithfully in this world, and at last be received into thy eter- nal kiniidom tiiruugh Jesus Christ our Lord^ who has taught us when we pi 7, to say, Q\ix Father, ^c. PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS. A Prcujer for the Devout Observaimi of the Lord's Day, (From Bishop Kenn.) Glop.y be to thee, O my God, who in compassion to hu- man weakness, which is not cnpable of an uninterrupted contem.piation of ihee, such as the saints have above, hast appointed a solemn day on purpose for thy rememberance. Gioiy be to thee, for proportioning a seventh part of our time to.thyse.f, and liberally indulging v.s with the remain- der. Let me ever esteem it my privilege and my hapf^nesa^ to have a d^y of rest set apart for thy service, and the con. cerns of n\y own soul ; to have a d-^y free from distrac- tio^is disengagfi-d from the world, wherein I have nothing to do but to pr lise and to love thee Give me grace to wor- sl.ip thee in p-iy closet and in the congregation ; to spend it if J doing good, in works of necessity, devotion, and char- ity, in prayer, and praise, and meditation. O let it be ever to me a d ly saercd to divine love, a day of heavenly rest and refreshment. Crmt, () Lord, that I may not only give thee due worship myself, but may give rest and leisure also to my family, to all under my charge, to serve thee also j to indulge ease to my very bea&ts, since good men are mer- ciful even to them. O bicssed Spirit, who on the first day- cf tlie week didst descend ia miraculous gifts and graces on 2D2 fhe apostles, descend upon me, thnt I mny be always in ihs S bin ■•n /^V l.i.ra'* s day. And since the blessing of ever- lasting sr^lvrtioii, w^iich we christians on thy day commem- orate, does w .nderfuliy exceed the creation commemorated by the Jews ! O let our love and praise, devotion and zeal, proportionib!y exct'ed theirs also \ and thij I beg for Jesus Cuiist his sake, our Lord and Saviour. Atnetu A Praijerfor the Right Observation of Holy Days, (From Sir. Nelson.) Almighty God, who hast established in thy church pastors, and teachers, and governors, " for the perfecting of tae Saints, for tlie v/ork of thj niinistry, for the edifying of" the body, of Christ -y' make me careful to observe all those institutions, which are enjoined for these admirable ends \ and always to esteem days set apart for thy worship, and dedicated to thy service, as a great relief to the infirmity of my nature, winch is not capable of an uninterrupted con- temp ^.tion of thee. Let not the affairs of this life, nor my eagerness in obtaining the good things of it, so far eiigro.^s riy thoughts, as to make me neglect those happy opportu- nities of working out my ov/n salvation. Let not the \^^s^ of pleasure prevail upon me to comumc them in sen<5ual en- jcyinerits \ but grant that my rejoicing may be accompanied ■with temperance and moderation, and diipb^je my mind., by all the refreshments of my body, to serye thee with greater diligence and cheerfulness ail my days. Make me constant, at these holy seasons, in attending thy public w©rship, and Kt nie enter thy house with collected thoughts, composed behaviour, and with a thankful and devout temper of mind. Let me hear thy word with serious attention, and with a pirticuiar application of it to the state of my ov/n soul. Let me approach thy altar with fervent and heavenly affec- tions, and with firm resolutions of better obedience. Let rne commemor2te the mysteries of my redemption with profound humility, with exalted thoughts of thy wonderful goodness, and with thankful acknowledgments of thy great love demonstrated to the sons of men Let the mortified lives of thy .saints raise me above the pleasures of sense ; and let the pattern of their piety and devotion, their humiU ity and charity, their meekness and patient sufferings, be al- ways 50 lively imprinted upon my mind, that I may tran^ 2^3 ijcritKi their example in my W^'-t iinil conversation : Tb.it thu5 observing; these days of rest here below," I may eel' br.uc an eternal rest with thee here;- iter in tliy heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Jnun^ d Prayer upon cvny Fa^thal that relates to our Saviour. I. Q MOST gracious God, I acknowledge with all joy and thankiulnes!^, thy great goodness manifeeted to the children of men In the wonderful work of our redemption. I adore thy iniinite love and compassion which took pity upon us, when we had lost and ruined ourselves, and didst send thy only-begotten ^o'^ into the world, that we might live through him. Tills day, O Lord, give me a happy opportunity of remembering thy special and extraordinary kindness to thy wnwortliy creatures •, which calls for m.y highest and exalted praises, to be joined with these of the blessed company above, who are never weary of giving honour, glory, bless- ino, and thanksgiving to thee, not only in their own behalf, but ev^n for tiiy wonderful goodness to the children of men. Praise the Lord, therefore, O my soul j and all that is with- in me, praise his holy name. Impress, O Lord, upon my mind, such a sense, of what my dearest Saviour has done for me, that I may cekbratc all the mysteries of my redemption, especially that which thy church this day suggests to my remembrance, with profound humility, with exalted thoughts of tliine in t lia- ble goodness, and v/ith most thankful acknov»Icdgmerts of thy great love demonstrated to the sous of men j that my heart and life being truly aflFected and inliuenced by the power of them in this world, I m.ay, through thine iniimte mercy, receive the eternal benefit of them in the world to come, where thou, O Lord, liv^st and reignest with the Son, and Holy Ghost, one God, world wiihout end. Amen. ^ IL Blessed Jesus, I adore with all humility thino iniinite condescention in being made man, in quitting the mansions of glory, to take upon thee the form of a servant, and in submitting to the lowest condition of human life, in order to relieve our niioeiv, a)Ui to guide us in the way to ever- lasting life \ grant that 1 niiiy cheerfully submit to the mean- est offices for the good and beneiit of my fellow-christians. e»4 and that I may be content, and resipjned under all the most afflicting circumstances of lii'e, which the wise providence qF God shall think fit to lay upon me. Bl'js^ed be thy goodness, O my Saviour, in sufFering thy* self to be circumcised, and in being obedient to the law for man, whereby, in order to fulfil the will of God, thou didct take upon thee the form of a servant. Grant me the true pircumcision of the spirit, that my heart and all my mem- bers being mortified from all worldly and carnal lusts, I may in all things obey thy blessed will, and after thy ex- ample, be readier to sacrihce my reputation, than neglect my duty. Adored be thy mercy, O bkssed Jesus, in communicating the glad tidings of thine appearance in the world to the people of Israel, by the ministration of angels *, and m re- vealing the joyful news to the Gentiles by a bright and un- ysual star ; that the harmoneous sound of the gospel has reached this land qf my nativity.- Oh ! may I always value such an inestimable benefit, by walking as a child in the light, and by compaih'onating and relieving, to the utmost of my power, the miseries of tho^e that still sit in darkness. How can I sufhcle;i;ly praise tliee, O blessed Jesu«, for tliy gloriou'^ resurrection, whereby thou hast made known the power of thy divinity, and proved thyself to be the true Messlas r Grant that thy victory oyer the grave may strength- en me against the fear of death, that I may look upon it as a deliverance from sin and sorrow, and as a passage to a happy eternity ; and that the inhiiite value of thy sufferings may support me under the sense of those many follies, which { heartily upent cf. I rejoice, O blessed Jesus, in thy triunipharit ascension, when thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all belicrv- crs, and didst sit down at the right hand of thy Father, ;^dcred by angels, and interceding for sinners. Oh ! wear} my mind f-rom the vanities of this world, and place my af- fections entirely on things above : that I may spend the re- maining part cf my life to secure an eternal inheritance. t A Prayer on any Sainfs Bay. O Lord God, precious in thy sight is the death of thy wints and martyr^, because tliey have had tlie great happi- sg5 ness to give thee the utmost testimony of their iinfeigrxcd love and affection. Precious to themselves, O J.ord, is the death of thy saints -, because as tliey have been partakers of Christ's sufferings so when his glory shall appear, ihey shall be made glad wirh exceeding joy. Let their death be al- ways precious, O Lord, in thy sight 5 because th.cir example has convinced me of the possibility of serving thee under the greatest difficulties, and animates my endeavours with the picspect of their happy success. I bless and praise thy holy name, for all the a:postles, saints, and martyrs, departed this life in thy faith and fear; I congratulate their victories over the world, who overcame themselves, and L d in triumph their own passion;^. I com* memorate with ail thankfulness their hcrcic piety, who ser- ved the Lord in hunger and thirst, in prison and chains, on racks and in torture, and who undauntedly encountered death armed with the greatest terror. Let that mighty grace, O Lord, which enabled them to conquer all opposition, sup- port and animate thy servant, who is surrounded with the same temptations, and exposed to the same unruly passions. Let their examples teach me to be humble and meek, and to submit all my desires to the will of God ; to govern my senses by reason, and my reason by the dictates of revela- tion ; to hold fast thy true religion and worship, and never to live unworthy thereof ; to take up the cross, and to re- sist unto bicod, striving against sin. Let their mortified lives raise me above the pleasures of sense ; and let the pat- tern of their piety and devotion, of tlieir purity and charity, of their patient suffering and perseverance unto the end, be always so deply imprinted upon my mind, that I n.ay rran* scriije their example in my life and conversation, and there- by inherit tho^e promises they are now made partakers of, through the merits of Jesus Christ my only Mediator and Advocate. Ame?., A Frayo\fvjr a Person in Ptivate, vpon miy T)cy qf Piiblick Fastiitg and Hi{))iilicition ; xc//ic/i wai/ be used ajter the Morning Sen ice oj the Day is over. O MOST great and mighty God ! thoii art a consumIr>g fire to all dii>obcdi'.;nt and inipenitcnt dinners, but a most 296 tender and compassionate Father to such as truly repent anH turn unto tl-ec : thou art a God of infinite power, lioliness, and purity : thou Invest rightc-ousncss, and hatest iniquity^^ and wlio can stand in thy sight when thou art argry ? O Lord, when I consider the greatness of thy majesty, and reflect upon my own nothingness and vileness, I am afraid to speak unto thee. But, O blessed God, thou liast vouch- safed to declare thyself a God gracious and merciful, for- giving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Hear me therefore, O most merciful Faiher, and look with pity upon me, who, in the behalf of rnyself, and the sinful people of the land, fall on my knees before thee, beg° ging for mercy and pardon at the throne of grace. Lord, I do most sorrowfuliy confess, that we are a wicked and rebellious people, not\dthstanding the m^anifold and often repeated mercies, which thou hast vouchsafed us. Thou hfist shewn us wonderful things in thy goodness, O Cod of our salvation, and hast hitherto protected both our church and nation from secret treachery s.nd open violence. Thou hast continued to us the light of thy glorious gospel, the benefit of thy word and sacraments ; thou hast preserved to us our holy religion, reformed from those errors and cor- ruptions which prevail in many other nations ; and hast blessed us with liberty, safety, and plenty ; whilst so many of our brethren abroad are persecuted and enslaved, and whilst other countries have groaned under the miseries and calamities of tyranny, bicodshed, and ruin. And now, O Lord, aftc r all these obligations* all these blessings, what manner of persons ought we to have been in all holy conversaiicn and godliness f But, alas ! to our shame and c^n u ion it Oiurt be confessed, that we have shewn ourselves very unworrliy of those thy mercies ; and instead of making suitcible nnurns for thy goodness and loving-kindness. h-cWt by a long course of sin and rebellion^' greatly provoked thy wT?th and indignation against us. 1 confe-s, O God, that I have ^rievou?ly offended thee by [Here you may name your particular .^ins } It is of thy mercy, O God, that we are not consumed, and b'rcause thy compassions fail not: for shouldst thou have dealt with us after our sins, and rewarded us according to our ijiiquities, we had long b.foT^ this been like as Sod- om and Gomorrow, or been' swept away by some other snd- den and kvere destruction. 2P7 ♦**♦ ,. But, O merciful Father, thou hast shewn thyself to be a God gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kind n. is, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance : thou hast spared us when wc «ieseived punishment, and hi the midst of judgment habt re- membered mercy. - In mercy, O God, awaken us all to a true and deep sense of our manifold and often repeated provocations ; and for tjiy name's sake and for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, pardon the great and crying sins of this whole na- tion ; and in a more peculiar manner, I beseech thee to par- don me, who now humble myself before thee, and forgive all my sins, which have helped to increase thy severe dis- plea>ure against us. Wash away all our sins in tiie blood of the ever-blessed Jcsu> : and Oh ! h^ thou reconciled unto us, who are now seeking unto thee in fabting and prayer : spare thy people, O good Lord, spare them j and grant that we may so turn from all our evil ways, that iniquity may not be our ruin. Make us, in tbis our day, to seek the things that belong to our peace, before ,they are hid from our eyes j lest that dreadful day come upon us, when all opportunity of re- conciling ourselves to our ofFcnded God shall be taken froni us. . And do thoa so effectually convince every one of us of the gre;;t evil of sin, and what dreadful punishments will inevitably fall upon those who persist in it, that we may for- sake all our sins and wickedness, and turn unto thee the Lord our God. Fill us with such a godly sorrow for our sins, as may work in us a true repentance not to be repented of ; and grant that we may now be so truly humbled for them, that this may be such a fast as thoa hast chosen : a fa-^t that may loose the bands of wickedness wherewith we have been so long tied and bound, that we may be set free from every evil way, and may no longer abuse thy mercies, nor despise thy judgments ; but may become a peculiar peo- ple zealous of good v/orks ; that so thou mayest turn from - thy displeasure against us, and delight over us to do us good, to build us up, and not to destroy us. Hear, O Lord, and answer my prayers, that go not out of feigned lips : O let them prevail with thee for mercy for myself and all this people ; even such a measure ot thy 2 O 298 grace as will at length reclaim us, through the merits arlci iiucrcession of thy dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, A Prayer upon the same occasion ; ivhich may be used after the Evcni?ig Sen ice. O God, thou art grent, ancl doest woncierous thirigs^ thou art God alone : Thou t.;.kest vengeance of those that condemn t) y bws, but ha^t in all ages wonderfully conde- scended to the intercessions of thy saints, which have feared thee, and called upon thy name ; be}iold with pity and com- passion this chu;ch and nation, now humbling itself before thee ; accept ou^ humiliation, and hear the prayers which have been thi^ day offered up at the throne of grace ; and grant that they may be effectual, through the intercession of thy dear Son, to obtain mercy and pardon for the sinful people of this land. O Lord, I confers that thou mayest ju tly be displeased with us, for our great and marjifold provocations, and that we are no more worthy to be called, or dealt with as thy sons or servants, whom neitlier thy judgments have driven, nor thy mercies led to repentance : O be thou graciously pleased to look upon us in the Son of thy love, and give us such a deep sense of the evil of our doings, that we may truly repent of, and so efFtxtually turn from all our transgressions, that thou maye>tbe reconciled, and at peace with us ; and that our humiliation and repentance may so eiFectuaily work upon every one of us, that we may clean-sc ourselves from ail filthine-s both of flesh and spirit, perfect- ing holiness in thy fear ; and that instead of those abomina- ble and crying sins, which so openly now reign among us, religion, and all the blessed fruits of it, may ik>urish and in- crease in this land. Remove from us, O merciful Father, the evils which our sins have brought upon us, and avert those dreadful judg- ments which we have just cause to fear ; and however thou maye;,t think fit to punish and correct us, yet take not from us, O Lord, I beseech thee, the light of thy glorious gos- pel ; but grant that it may break in so powerfully upon all our beaits, that we may see the great danger we are in, and may resolve in good earnest to give up ourselves to thy obe^ dience. 299 Stir up, O God, every soul among us, to root out of our hearts ail pride, and wrath, and bitterness ; all hatred, mal- ice, and desire of revenge ; and vi'hatsoever may liinder us from discerning or practising the things that belong to our peace ; and inspire every one of us with true christian love and charity, with meekness of wisdom, lowliness of mind, jpaxience, long t;uricring and forbearing one another in love, that we may all henceforth be united in one holy bond of jtruth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one l^eart and one sou', j^^in together in promoting the honour ?ind glory (jf thy name, the intere-t of religion, and the happine'cs and prosperity of t:iis nation ; that so thou who art the .God of peace, n.ayest be our God, and dwell among us ; and that we niay be thy people zealously de- voted to thy seri'ice and obedience, j "io ^'^'-'^ ^'"^^i ^' -^^'"''^y ^ beseech thee to besfow thy bless- I mgs piritnai aiid teppor.il upon ur m Et gracicus sovereign lord king George, and all that are put in authority under hin>, both \n church and state; bless them with wisdom from above, which is fjrst pure and then peaceable; and ipake ail their con>uhations elFxtual to the glory of thy great iiame, the preseryation of tity ciiurch and true reli- gion among us, the honour and safety of his majesty, the stability of oar tnries, and the security, peace, and prosper- ity of all estates and conditions of men among us. Make all magistrates and other inferior oihcers faithful and conscieniioas in the discharge of that trust which thou hast repos-d in them ; and grant, that they being truly zeal- ous for thy glory, may constantly employ that power wh^ch thou hast given them for the punishment of wickedness and vice ', thai so the sins of particular person^ may n.)L become national, nor, through tnc coimivance or encouragement of those in authority, bring down thy heavy judgments up- pn us. Be gracious, O God, to thy holy catliolic church, espe- cially fhat part of it which thou hast planted in this nation ; let no design formed against it ever prosper; and grant that all who name the name of Christ, may depart from iniqui« ty, and live suitable to their holy profession. Look down with mercy and pity upon the sad and mourn- ful estate of those who now suffer for the truth of thy gos- pel, and the testimony of a good conscience ; strengthen their faith, and aounate their couiagc ; and grant that no $00 pCTsecutiona may ever drive them to a denial of the trut**^. •bhew thyself their mighty deliverer, that all men nvay feel it, and say, verily there is a God that judgcst in the earth. Enlighten all tho^e that arc in darkrteiis and error, and bring them to the light, and knowledge, and practice of tbjc truth, and grant that all the kingdoms of the vorld may be turned unto the Lord, and become one flock, under the great shepherd and bishop of our souls, thy Son Jesus Christ, Vt'hat follows may be properly added in tune of Vi'ar. Bless and prosper the great undertaking which tqis natloQ is now engaged in : Go forth with our lleets and armies ; bless them v/ith victory and success : and suffer not cur sins to provoke thee so far, as to deliver us up into the hands of , our enemies , but send us, in thy good time, such a peace as may tend to the glory of thy great name, the preserva- tion of thy church luid true religion among us, and the hon- our, safety, and prosperity cf these kingdoms. Finally, O Lord, I pray thee to extend thy mercy even io, those that hate us, and who without any just cause are ciir enemies: Disappoint their devices, and give them repeii- tance and bc'ter minds \ shed abroad thy love in their hearts, and endue them with a meek, humble, and charitable spirit -, and grant that we being delivered from the hands of our en- emies, may serve thee without fear, in holiness and right- eousness before thee all our days, through Jesus Christ, ou^ blessed Lord and only Saviour, Amen, A Thanhsgkiiig and Prater in Private on a Bajj set apart hy Authorily for Conimemoraling an?/ Natlo'nal Blessing or Deliverarce. Blessed and glorious God, t\\c creator, goverr.or, and judge of the world, and deliverer and continual benetactcr, I acknowledge tliy great bounty and goodneso to these na- tions, as well as to myself in partlcukir, I adore thy infinite goodness, wisdom and power, where- by thou sometimes pullest down one nation and settest up another -, and at other times makest one nation to be a bless- ing ynd defence, or a ph^gue or scourge to another, in such a manner as serves best the interest of thy church, snd most manifests tliy providence over the world, and m:ikest thy 801 geodncs?, thy justice, and thy power, to be known to thq kingdoms of it ; to the intent they should not at any tlmo trust in ttie arm of flesh, nor abuse thy blessings and fa- vours ; but fear and love, serve and worship thee, who art 2 rewarder of them that seek thee. I render unfeigned thanks unto thee, rpost gracious Gc\\) that though for our tins thou hast justly ringed up en^ cmles, that seek our ruin, yet thou hast not ruifered them so to prevail against us as to accomplish their cruel designs ; but hast hitlijrio afforded us counsel and strength to keep v>fF all the dreadful calamities a;id nuseries of war, desola- tion, destraction, a^id slavery. I thank thee for that measure of tranquility, safety, and peace, we ciijoy •, that we are not disturbed by civil com- motions, b»it possess in safety, the many good things tliou bestow e«)t uv>on us •, and that we have a course of common justice open [o us j unci fo.r tlie \yliolesoi:pe air and health of these countilt?. I vhank thee for the great plenty and fruitfulness of them ; and the many good tliii'gs we, by thy good providence, ob- tain from other places ; as well for health and pleasure, as for food and nourishment. I thank thee, who art the God of all order, and the sov- leign good, happiness and dcftiice of aU societies and states, for the excellent frame and constitution of our civil gov- ernment and laws, and the wise and prudent administratioa of them, for ihe liberty antl freedom of our persons and es- tates -, v/hilst some people live under slavery, tyranny, and oppression ; and others are forced to strange countries for liberty and relief. Blessed be thy name, O most merciful Lord God, that though for our sins thou hast frequently vi'^ited us, yet thou hast always in thy judgmeuts remembered mercy ; and hast not puniohed us according to our deserts, nor left us with- out some special marks of thy good provivlence. More par- ticularly, O Lord, I bless and praise thy holy name for the mercies which we this day commemorate. For these and all other blesrings thou art pleased to give and continue to u;j, blessed and praised be thy holy name, our Lord and governor, who art excellent in all the earth. And, O Lord, I beseech thee to hear the prayers and ac- cept the praises which have been this day offered up unto thee^ by the people of this land j and give us all such a iicnse of thy great goodness, as may engage us to a true and suitable thankfulness ; such as may appear in our lives by ai holy and obedient walking before thee all our days. SufTer us not to become proud or careless, and to forged tliec the Lord cur God, wlio bust wrought such mighty works fx^r us ; and let this be the blessed fruit of all thy gra- cious dealings towards ys, that we may turn from the evil of our ways, and live as a people whom thou hast chosen, in so many remarkable inbtances, to be the peculiar care of thy providence. Make us truly sensible, O Lord, that it is thou, and thou only, that has done these great things for iis ; and O let us never assume any thing to ourselves ; but from the consid- eration of thy great tooaness towards us, walk humbly be- fore thee, and so behave ourselves in our several placts and stations, with that love to thee, and charity to one another, with that dutiful subjection to his majesty, with that zeal for thy honour and glory, and with such a stedfast perse- verance in thy pure and undenlcd religion, that thou may- est rejoice pver ys to do us good, and mayest continue to us, and cur posterity, the blessings we now enjoy, and add to them such ether mercies as thou in thy great wisdom and goodness seest needful for qs, through fhe merits, and for the sake of tliy Son, and our only baviour Jesus Christ. Amen. A 111 a ?ik spiring for Victoi'jj over our Eijcmies. O ALMIGHTY Lord, the most high God, who rulest iri the kingdoms of men, and dost whatsoever thou plcasest ;n heaven and in earth I in thy hand is power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee. It is thou that givcst wlvation unto kings, that dcliyerest thy servants from the fiurtful sword. ^i'hou liart saved us from our enemies, and put them to lihame that hated us. It was not by our own power and conduct that we have been so prosperous, nor did our own sword or arrr^ save us ; but thy right hand, and thy arm, snd the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a fa- vour unto us. Thine, O Lord, is the gjreatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory. The Lord is our stre^igth, and our song, and is become our salvation. Now, therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise tiiy glorious 503 name. And, O what cause hast thou given us to rcjolcs in thy goodness, that though hat,t not given our enemies cause to rejoice in our ruin ! Great is thy n'lcrcyj O blcsstd Lord, and to thee alone be the whole praise and glory. O mak'* us more sensible of tliis help at hand, in time of our need, and give u grace siill to keep the memory of it in our greatful minds. O thou, Lord of hoits, who givest such safety and good success, wilt thou teach us also rightly to use thy great and marvellous kindness and love ; that being delivered from the hands of our enemies, we may serve thee in holiness and righteousness all the daya of our li' es, and not fall into licentious con;luct, as if we v/ere de- livered to commit abominations ; so throwing ourselves inio the hands of our spiritual enemies, after we have escaped the other, but demeaning ourselves as the redeemed and obliged of the Lord. O let us love and tru t, and bless and praise the Reliever of our misery, the only giver of all victory, an^i the God of all our mercies, for ever and ever. A Prayer and Thanksgiving upon the Anniversari/ Day of our Bapllsmi (From Bishop Coiius.) O Lord, heavenly Fathet. almighty and everlasting God,- ti'ho of thine infinite goodness towards me, when I was born in sin, and was no other than an heir of everlasting wrath, didst vouchsafe that I should, as upon this day, be born again of water and the Holy Ghost in the blessed laver of baptism, being thereby made a member of Christ and an heir of et'-rnal life : For this thine inestimable favor I do liere gratefully commemorate that happy day, and in most humble and hearty wise 1 do extol the riches of thy glori- ous grace ; in thy !^ight renewing that sacred vow which Was then made in my name, to forsake this wicked world, and to live as a christian ought to do, in obedience to thy holy faith and commandments : most humbly beseeching thee of thy great mercy to pardon me all former breaches cf my solemn promise, and to endue me with the as,iitancc of thy Holy Spirit, that henceforth I may walk in newness of life, worthy of ihat blessed estate whereunto thou hast call- ed me ; and keeping myself unspotted from the world, the flesh and the devil, I may daily die unto sin, for which cause I was baptised into the death of Christ ; and as I have * H.- 5K * kari my part this day la the first regfruiatibn/sc)! maya-^ the h^t day have my part m the second and great regenera- tion of tlic world, to Uve and reign with thee for ever* through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Afneru A Frayer in time of JVar, (I'rom Jacob's Liidder, by Jlr. IlaU ) AL:\tiGiiTy Lord God, thou art he only which givest victory ; to thee it is all one to save by many or by few : thou canst make one to chase a thousand : thou canst cause the hearts even of the most violent to, melt, their hands to be weak, their minds to faint, and their knees to fall away like water*, if thou fight for us, . v/e cannot miscarry •, if thou favour us not, we must needs be discomfited : O be gracious unto us and be on onr side, now that men are ris- en up against us. Go out, O Lord^ with our navies and 2X^ mies ; give wisdom and courage to our captains j gird them with strength unto the battle ; be thou with our seamen and soldiers, teaching their hands to war and their fingers tb fight : Assist their consultations, prosper their policies, crown their enterprizes with good success, which are un- dertaken for the common good and comfort of the state. Doubtless, O Lord, we deserve thine anger, and our sins do cry aloud in thine ear for vengeance ; and it were but just with thee, if thou shouldst make us a prey and spoil unto 6ur enemies *, but, O gracious God, let us now tall into thy hands, for thy mercies are great, and let us not fall into the hands of men 5 let it appear that thou art in the midst of trSj and that we shall not be moved ; that thou wilt help us, and that very early : And in thy due time set thou peace in our borders, and make strong the bars of our gates ; espe- cially let the gospel of tliy Son sound yet lou:!er among H^^ that by it many souls may be gathered uiito thee *, so we thy people, and tiie sheep of thy pasture, shall praise thee for ever, and from generation to generation we will set forth thy glory^ through Jcbus Christ our Lord and only Saviour, ibneti. A Fraycr in Public Commotions and Dciiractions. (From IVIr. Jenks.j AlaIIGhty Lord, the righteous God I thy jvu!;^ments are in all thtt eiatii j and it is no wonder if this wi-.'ked world ^03 should be hIso a troublesome world, where wars and ru„ rnours oF wars aie abroad, and the sword is making havock anion nr lue nations ; and though we have hitherto been kept from such wai^ting calamities as have swept away mul- titudes of our brethren, yet thou, for our sins, hast now broken the land, and made it tremble : O heal tlie breathes of it, for it sliaketh. We have no sanctuary to fly to for refuge, bat that mercy of thine, O good God, which we have so much and so often abused and despised ; nor any help from trouble, but what we seek at thy hands, who for our sins art justly displeased. O thou that waitest to be gracious, and whose mercy endureth for ever, have compassion on us, and spare us, good Lord j spare thy people whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood, and still signalised with thy wonderful mercies ; and turn us ag-.iin, O Lord God of hosts ; cause thy face to shine, and we shall be saved. O make us away lo escape out of those fears and dangers wherein our sins have involved us, that peace may be re stored, and the gospel of peace in much mercy continued to us and our posterity, as long as the world endures. O that we may learn righteousness by thy judgments^ and not dare to go on in our trespasses and re- bellions against thee, when thou hast a controversy with us, and art making inquisition for blood amongst us ; but let U3 so turn to thee in the way of our duty, that thou mayest turn to us in a way of saving mercy ; and seeing this is not our rest, and little but alarms and commotions, and one deep calling to another, is to be expected in this uncer- tain tumultuous woild, O that we may have our eyes fur- ther thaa the ends of the earth, and lift them up to the Lord, from whom comcth our help, and j^eek the continuing city to com ., and lay up our re t and our treasure in that king- dom which cannot be moved ; that we may choose the good part which cannot be taken from us, and flee from the wrath to come, and have peace in our Lord, and hope in our death, even the hope of that eternal life, which is thy promise anvl gift, O blessed God, tlirough Jesus Christ.-^ J P ^oc> Two Praj/ers for a Day of Puhhc Fasfmg and IlumiUation in Thne of War* O Lord, most good and powerful, we, thy sinful peo- ple, assembled before thee, acknowledge it to be of thine unspeakable mercy, that for our manifold and heinou« pro- vocations, we are not utterly consumed, and given over for a prey to the enemy and avenger* We confess, with sor- row and confusion, our long unfruitmlness, under the iTiCan^? of grace, the light of thy Gospel, and the many wonderful deliverances, which thou, in thy great good- ness, hath vouchsafed unto uit 50P flch, dkUt for my sake become poor, that so through thy poverty thou mlghtest make me rich :• Lord, make me a3 willing to be poor for thy sake, always considering that the vanities of the earth are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed. Make me lalx^ur for heav- t Illy riches and for the ornament of the hidden mzin of the heart, in that v^'liich is not corruptablc, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in tliy sigl.t of great price. Make me, O heavenly Father, rich in thyself, rich in good works, and in faith ; make me to buy of thee gold tried in the fire, that I may be rich ; and white raiment, that I may be cloathed, that the shame of my nakedness m.'.y not appear. Let me always remember the great ac- count which one diiy I must render to thee, the Lord of heaven and earth, that so I may serve thee here with my substance in my body, and in my soul with zeal and de- votion, and hereafter be received to thine everlasting glory, through the merits of the bon of thy bosom, Jcdus Chribt, piy only Lord and Saviour. Amen* Txvo ThaiiJtSgivings to he used in time of Harvest (From the Book of Com non Prayer of the Trot. Epis. Church in the U. S^ Most gracious God, by whose knowledge the depth.? are broken up and the clouds drop down the dew ; we yield thee unfeigned thanks and praise, as for all thy mercies, so especially for the returns of seed-time and harvest, and for crowning the year with thy goodness, in the increase of the ground and the gathering in of the fruits thereof. And we beseech thee, give us a just sense of this great meN cy *, such as may appear In our Hves, by an humble, holy, and obedient walking before thee all our days, through Je- sus Christ our Lord ; to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all glory and honour, world without end. Amen, O MOST merciful Father, v/ho hast blessed the labours of the husbandman In the returns of the fruits of the earth \ we give thee humble and hearty thanks for this thy bounty \ beseeching thee to continue thy loving kindness to us ; that our land may still yield her Increase, to thy glory and our Comfort, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen* 310 A Famih/ Pr^ayerfor the morning of a Fast-Day * O THOU supreme ruler, King of kings, and Lord of krds, we would recollect penitently confess and humble ourselves before thee this d.iy, for all our sins and transgressions ; that we may earnestly implore the free and full forgiveness of them, and plead with thee for the bles ings of thy prov- idence and grace. Help us, O Lord, to perform this reasonable service, \rx such a manner that we may meet with thy approbrtion and obtain thy blessing. Blushing and confu'^ion of fic- belong unto u^'> O Loid. for we have for';aken the Lord that made us, and lightly esteemed the rock cf our ...ilva- tion. We have all sinned, we have done fophbhiy, from the least to the greatest qf us ; neglecting our duty ; doing that which we ought not to have done ; we hayc added sin to sin, tLi iniquity might prove our ruin. Grant unto us, O L'^rd, this morning, and to thy people in general, a spirit cf true repentance, that we may he tue better prepared for the public humiliations of the day, and help us to coi:fess our sins with such contrition of spirit, and such fixed resolution to forsake them, that we may have ground to encourage ourselves in thy mercy \ foy though our sins, O Lord are too heavy tj be borne, they are not too many or great to be forgiven. For thou art the Lord God, who deiightest in mercy ; v/ith thee there is for- giveness that thou may st be feared, and plenteous redemp- tion that thou may est be had in reverence. Let this be aq acceptable day to thee our God j such a fast as thou hast chosen. May our souls be afllicted and hu;i;^b!ed, and bow- ed down, and we cast away our sins with such detestation and abhorrence that we may never take them up again, nor have any thing more to do with idols. May thy presence go with us to the assembly of thy saint<^, and with the deepest sohmnity may we pit sent the sacr;- ftce of a (broken and contrite heart. We thank thee, heavenly Father, that we are yet in a sit- uation to perform this reasonable service, that thou hast not cast us out cf thv vin- yard, nor cut us dov/n for our un- •This ;ir.d the two followlnj? prayers are from a Fraycr bjokfor the uss 5f raniilicj, puL)lisii;;d iu i\e.v-IIinipohire. 311 fruitfulness. May tliy long-suffering prove salvation to u^, and the goodness of God lead us to repentance. - We would humbly refer ourseives and all our concerns to thee, and commit them to thy keeping, rejoicing in hope, that though in this world we have tribulation, in thee we sliiiU Iiave peace ; and that being conducted by thy good providence through the changes of life, thou wilt be met- ciful with us in tiie interesting change of deathj and con« duct us safely to those blessed abodes from whence sorrow and 4ghing fl^^e away, where none of the inhabitants shall say they aie tick, nor any need sympathy or compassion, where glory, honour, thanksgiving and praise, will be in- cessantly ascribed to Father, JSon and Holy Ghost forevero Amen* A Familjj Prayer for the Evening of a Thanks- giving'Dai/. Almighty and most merciful God, be pleased to accept the . Taise, and to hear the supplications that have been pre- sented to thee, this day ; and may all our acts of public and private devotion be followed with a blessing. We give tliee thanks. Father of mercies, in a particular manner for these bles.ings, which thou hast been pleased to bestow upon us, in the course of the present year. Thou hast graciously cared for us ; and the year has been crown- ed with thy goodness. Thou hast not left thyself without witness, in that thou ha<=t dene good, given us rain from heaven, ai^d fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness* By the influence and blessing of thy good providence the vahies have I een covered with corn, and the little hi{l< have rejoiced on every side ; tlie trees have yield- ed their fiuit, and we have wherewith, now at the close ojF the year to come before thee, cur bountiful benefactor, with a meat and a drink offering. O that the sweet incense of praise might arise this day, from the altar of every hearty and come up before thee with acceptance, being perfumed with the meritorious blood of thy Son. Graciously coniinuc to us, we beseech thee, those mer- cies we enjoy, both public and private, and may we be dis- posed and enabled wisely to improve them. May we, and may thy people ever manifest the sincerity of our gratitude to thee, for thy great gcodncss by cheerfully resigjiin^ out- ♦ *** selves to ihy will, and constantly living in obedience to thy command mentvS. May the revolving seasons remind us of the rapid flight ©f our days : with seriousness may we be frequently contem- plating their end : and while we necessarily labour for the meat that perisheth, let us not neglect thit which endureth to everlasting life ; but be hying up treasure in heaven, wliither Christ is gone to prepare mansions for his people j for those mansions may we be prepared, and in the end of our days receive the end of cur faith, the salvation of our souls. To thy protecting care we commend all that we have this night. Shield us from danger, and refresh us with quiet repose j and awaken us in thy goodness. This our evening sacrifice we offer in the name of Jerus Christ, for whom we thank thee, in whom we hope to be found, and to whom, with the Fatl-cr, and Holy Spirit, be rendered everlasting praises. Amen, A Prayer for a Family in thne of IVar. O THOU, who rulest without control in the jirmics of heaven, and among the inhabitants of eartli •, thou givest iiot account of thy wnys to men j nor may any say uno thee, what doest thou ? Though thou coverest tl-yself with light ns with a garment, yet as to us tliou makeiit darkness thy pavilliori round about. By terrible things in righteoutness dost thou plead with men, and makest thyself known by the judgments which thou executest. Help us O Lord to exerci^^e suitable affections of soul in our present unhappy and threatening circumstances Theti ha?>t permitted enemies to rise up gainst, to seek our hurt, and disturb our peaceable enjoyment of tliis good land which thou hast given us; We acknowledge, O Lord, that we h^^te forfeited all our mercies into tliine hands and deserve thy severest rebukes j but what cause have we given to our enen.ies to justify their indignation ^ Judge between us and oiir adversaries, C) thou governor among the nations, and direct iis in defending our righteous cause. Especially give wisdom to those wiio pre ejitrustcd with the management of the L.rcat affairs of t^'e T.ation. May th.ey be directed of thee, in iulfiilin^; the duties of their stations, partleuKirly at such a time as tiiis. M.ay integiity and upri^jhtne&s preserve them, r.nd v/iodoin bo better to tliem than weapons of war. Dispose our crie^ micb to reasonable terms of accommodation, and may otir Wayo be so* directed to please thee, that our enemies shall be at pjace with us. For, O Lord, we deprecate the effusion of human blood, and sincerely pray that thou wouldst scatter the people that delight in war. Bur, O Lord, if thou seest it necessary further to chastise us, and to continue us under this awful calamity, preserve us from dissensions, animosities, and divisions among our- selves j unite' the hearts of this pjople as one man. inspire them with firmness, magnanimity and patience ; form our generals for counsel and for action ; go forth with our ar- mies ; teach their hands to w.ir, and their fingers to fight j that they may play the man for tlieir people in the defence of their invaluable privileges ; and do thou, O Lord, cov^t their heads in the day of battle, crown them with victory, and make their enemies to be ashamed. Sanctify to las, we beseech thee, O Lord, the awful ca- lamity, and prevent the usual immoral effects of such a state of things. iVlay we, O Lord, from thy judgments leara righteousness; and may we be prepared for a reign of per- fect peace, and a society in perfect concord in thy immedi- ate presence above^ . -. And, O Lord, we beseech thee, in the midst of all chas- tening, whether it continue longer or shorter, or however it may terminate, remember us with spiritual blessings, rain down righteousness upon Uj, begin and carry on a work of reformation, and the more we see of troubles, distresses and disappointments here, the more thankful may we be for that glorious gospel which enables us to look beyond them to a world of perfect felicity, and the more solicitous, may we be, to be prepared to join the countless number, in the regions of immortality, in ascribing blessing and honor, thanksgiving and praise, to him that sitteth on the throne and to the Lamb, forever and ever. Amen. A Frayer to be used at the Close or Beginning of a Year,* Eternal Jehovah, v/hdse nature is unchangeable, and of V.'hose years there is no end j we bless thee that, amidst all *This prayer is taken frbm a small collectida of prayers published in Bratileboroii^h, Vermont. 2 Q 314 the vicissitudes and dangers to whicli we are subject, thou makest our lives thy care. Hitherto the Lord hath helped u . Goodness and mercy have followed us all the days of our lives. We vrould now particularly c ill to mind the mercies of the last year. Blessed be God for all ' ur mer- cies, personal and relative, temporal and spiritual, with which the past year has been crowned. To thy care, direction, and blessing we commit ourselves and each other for the following part of our lives, and ei^pe- cially for the year ensuing. We know not what even a day, nnd much less whAt a year may bring forth •, nor would we wioh to know. It is enough for us to be assured that our times are in thine hands. There we cheerfully leave our- selves and all our concerns, praying and believing that thou wilt order all things widely and graciously for us. We pray, with submission to thy sovereign will, that thou wou'd- 1 continue our lives, and preserve our health and com- forts to the close of another year. But especially we pray that thou wouldst prepare us for, and sanctify to us the events of it, whatsoever they may be. We would humbly lament the sins of the year past, as well as the. former sins of our lives. We beseech thee, of thine infinite mercy, to prrdon them ; and grant us grace to watch and strive against the repetition of them. May all old things pass away, and all things become new. We desire to begin the new year with God. We would anew commit ourselves to thy care, and consecrate ourselves to thy service. And having ^ one so, we desire cheerfully to refer all future events to thine infinite wisdom, and fath- erly goodness. As every year which passes brings us nearer to death and eternity, may it find us better prepared for our great change. We know noi but this year may be, our last : God grant that it may be our best. If thou hast so tlecrecd that this yearany of us should die, O grant that death may be no lerrcfr to us. May we be dying daily to sin and the , resent world, so that whenever we quit this mor- tal life, we may enter upoh that infinitely happy one which shall never end. May the close of every year, and every day find us wiser and better ; roore happy in ourselves, more useful to others, and more meet for that world where days and years shall be unknown, and time shall be no mora. In thy presence may we all spend a blessed eternity. 315 A Prayer for the King, the Rdyal Familj/, and for ail Rulers and Magistrates. (From the Whole Duty of Man.) Almighty Lord, by whom kings do reign and princes decree justice, and who hast commanded me to pray for kings, and for all that are in authority ; I both in duty and inclination become a petitioner to thy divine majesty for George thy servant, our king and governor. Give thy judgments, O God, unto him, that he may judge thy peo- ple righteously, and break their enemies in pieces. Bless iiim with the spirit of government, to punish the wicked, and to reward the good. Make him sensible of his duty to thee, and his subjects obedient to him for thy sake. Fill his heart with thy fear and love, that the righteous may fl ur- ish in his days, and abundance of peace, witli the liberty and free profession of the gosptl. Defend him frc^m all secret conspiracies and open violence. Bless his arms with success and victory. Direct his councils, and prosper all his endeavours for the well are of these nations ; so that his government may flourish with happiness and pro.perity. And finally, grant that he may so rule in this earthly king- dom, that he may come to live and reign with thee in thy heavenly kingdom tor evermore. I humbly beseech thee, Lord, to bless our gracious queen Charlotte, anrl all the royal family : endue them with thy Holy Spirit; enrich them with thy heavenly grace ; prosper them with all happniess ; and bring them to thine everlasting kingdom. Bless all our rulers and magistrates with spirits suitable to their stations ; and make all that are put in authority under the king truly and indifferently administer justice, for the punishment of wickedness and vice, and for the maintenance of thy true religion and virtue : endue them with wisdom to under- stand, with hearts to consider, and with abilities to repair the breaches and to redress the grievances of all such as come before them. And grant that all rulers may so gov- ern, and subjects so obey, that they may always deserve thy heavenly grace, assistance, protection, and salvation ; which 1 ask in the name, and for the sake and righteousness of thy son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Jf/ien. 316 *-■»#* A Froyer for the Clergy. (From the Whole Duty of Man.) O God, who of thy great goodness hnst set apart an or- der of men on purpo'^e to guide and govern us, to direct and assist us in matters of our eternal salvation ^ grant, that all t'^ose, who dedicate themselves to the service of thy al- tar, may b j inwardly moved by thy holy spirit to take upon th: 1 that sacred miniilration •, that their consciences may tcsTify to them that, by engaging in this holy calling their chict" cl.'fign is to «^crve thee, to promote thy glory, and to edify thy people. For which end, I humbly pray that they may make thy word the chief subje, t of their studies ; that they may thence instruct ;hy people committed to their charge, and silence ^ainsayers ; that they mi;y faithfully and diligently administer thy holy sacraments ; that they may Libour in season and out of season, by private and public ad- monitions and exhortations ; that they may maintain peace and love among all christians, and frame themselves and their families, according to the precepts of thy holy gospel. Grant also that I may always reverence and respect them, because they have a peculiar relation to thee j that I may sincerely love them, because of the benefits I receive by their administrations ; that I may readily and cheerfully provide for their maimenance, because the Lord hath or- d lined that they who preach the gospel shold live of the gospel, and that he that is taught in the word ought to co.nmunicate to him that teaches in all good things •, that I may never rob them of their just rights, by the least sac- rilegious encroachment -, that I may earnestly pray for them, because thy divine assistance is so necessary to crown their labours with success. And, above all, make me careful to obey tho?e who have the rule over me ; because they vi^atch for my soul, as they that must give an account : that so, by a faithful discharge of my duty to my spiriturd superiors, C may continue a second member of thy church here upon earth, and may live for ever in the society of the Church triumphant in heavan, singing praises and halleluhjahs to the blessed and glorious Trinity, Fatlier, Son, and Holy Ghost. Jmen. 51V l^rro.TJ Mr. Jci.kH.) The Author's Fraycr for himself as a Mimstci\ O Blessed Jesus, iny Lord and rr.y God ! what high honcur hast thou done me In calling me to the office which thou wast p'eascd to take upon thyself ! who earnest not to be mini tered to, but to minister, and to preach the gosp.l of tl.y kingdom, and teach the w:iy of salvation. All glory be to thee, who hast been pleased so to dignify nie ; but as thou thyself, the head of the corner, are to seme a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence \ so thy messengers are to them that perish, the savcur of death unto death, as well as to them that are saved, th.e savcur of life unto life. And if thy \vi e and holy servant a;ked, Who is sufficient for tl.efc things ? wed mviy [, a weak and sinful creature, tremble under the work of the ndnistry, lest the bleed of those th'<*.t perish, through my neglect and default, should be requir'^d at my hands ; and lest vvhcn I hnve shewed othtrs ihc wry to heaven, I niyself should be tJiut out ; but I look unta thee, O Lord my life, my strength, and my Redeemer, who ha?t appointed me in thi- stjtion, t<» fit me also fcr it. O thc.i that ordaineht st- engih out of the mouths of babes and suv k- lings, magnify try power in my weakness : and shew thystlf so gracic'U ly ann mightily on my behalf, that I may do ail tliii gs as I cuglit, through Christ strengthening me. O let me learn from thee wnat • shall teach concerning thee. Open my understanding, O Lord, that I may well under- stand the '^criptuve?, and rightly divide the word of truth j and be able, by :gund doctrine, both to exhort and convince thr g,\in-sayer-:^. O m.ake us wi-^^c to win souls, and watch- ful over them as one that must give an account of tlicm ; net entangling myself in the affairs of this life, but waiting on my m.inistry ; taking heed to myself, and to my doctrine ; studying to shew my-elf approved to God, and thoroughly furnished to every good wcrk. Give me skill and conduct, prudently to steer my course through all the difficulties I:^ my way •, and give me patience and courage to withstand all affjults and opposition which I have to encour.ter. O my Lord, be with me, and guide me, and help me, : nd strengthen and succour me, now and alv ay^, in the great work lying upon me. Open to me a door of uttcranct;^ that \ may speak thy word as I ought to speak ; and make mc fuithful, and diligent, and successful in my sacred callirg ; S1& doing thy work as thy workman, that need not be ashamed i not preachhig myself, but Christ Jesus the Lord ; nor seek- ing the praise of rnen, but the honour of my God j yea, make me an example of all the holy properties, and praise- worthy practices which I preach to others j thai I may not lay upon them the burdens which I refuse to bear myself 5 but go before them in the ways M'hich they are to follow ; holding. forth the word of life in my conversation, as well 2s in my doctrine ; that I may shine with a convincing light to them •, and not lay a stumbling block before them -, neither making the heart of the righteous sad, nor strengthening the hands of the wicked ; nor giving just offence to any, but approving myself, as far as I am able, u.^eful and beneficial to all ; keeping under my body, and bringing it into subjec- tion, lest that, by any means, when I have preached to oth- ers, I myself should be a cast-away. And, O thou that givcst the increase, command a bless- ing, I pray thee, upon all my studies and endeavours, that I may not spend my strength for nought, nor labour in vain ; but that I may make fu 1 proof of my ministry, an