To the extent possible under law, the Text Creation Partnership has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above, according to the terms of the CC0 1.0 Public Domain Dedication (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/). This waiver does not extend to any page images or other supplementary files associated with this work, which may be protected by copyright or other license restrictions. Please go to http://www.textcreationpartnership.org/ for more information.
IN the Morning when you first awake, offer up your first Thoughts and Words to God, saying,
Glory be to God the Father, who hath made me and all the world.
Glory be to God the Son, who hath redeemed me and all Man∣kind.
Glory be to God the Holy Ghost, who sanctifieth me, and all the elect people of God.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, Three Persons and One God: have mercy upon me a miserable Sinner.
As you are rising, say,
I laid me down and slept, and rose up again, for the Lord su∣stained me. [Psalm 3. 5.]
Whilst you are putting on your Cloaths, consider what you are to do that Day. And if any Company or Business which you are to be engaged in, shall be likely to tempt or to draw you to any Sin: As to Intemperance in Meats or Drinks; to Lust, An∣ger, &c. then Arm your self with Resolutions against it, and say,
Lord, lead me not into Temp∣tation, but deliver me from Evil.
I do renounce the Devil and all his works; the Pomps and Vanity of this wicked World, and all the sinful Lusts of the Flesh. I believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith. And I will keep Gods Holy Will and Command∣ments, and walk in the same all the Days of my Life.
All this, O my God, I am bound by the vare of my Baptism to believe and do; and by thy help so I will.
As soon as you are drest, kneel down by your Bed-side, and with great Reverence and Devotion, as in God's Presence, say your Prayers thus; or in the like man∣ner.
I Bless and Praise thy Holy Name, most gracious God, for all thy mercies bestowed upon me, from the time of my Birth to this present mo∣ment. I thank thee for the Preservation of the last Night; and for the sweet Sleep and refreshment which I have enjoyed. O pardon and for∣give me my manifold Sins [particularly—here mention the greatest of thy Sins.] I am truly sorry that I have offend∣ed thee; and fully do resolve to do so no more. Assist me this day in the Works of my Cal∣ling; and prosper all my law∣ful
Undertakings. Give me Grace to be true and just in all my Dealings; and to do un∣to all men, as I would they should do unto me. Help me to be contented with my pre∣sent Condition. To be dili∣gent in all my Duties. Watch∣ful against all Temptations. So humble and modest, chast and temperate, and so mode∣rate in my most lawful En∣joyments, that they never be∣come a Snare to me. Lord, I live here in a troublesome sinful World: But do thou take me into thy Protection, and then I am safe; Guide me by thy Counsel here, and at last bring me to thy Glo∣ry. And this I humbly beg for the sake of Jesus Christ, my dear Lord and only Savi∣our,
who hath taught me thus to pray,
Our Father, &c.
After Break-fast (at which the greatest part of the Houshold are supposed to be present) let the Master of the Family, or some other by his appointment, di∣stinctly and devoutly read this, or the like, following Prayer.
O Holy Lord God Al∣mighty; before whom all Knees do bend, and to whom all Creatures in Hea∣ven and Earth do bow and obey. Behold here poor, impotent, guilty Creatures humbly prostrate before thy Throne: Adoring thy Great∣ness;
and admiring thy Goodness: and desiring no∣thing more than faithfully to serve thee all the days of our Lives. For thou only art Ho∣ly; Thou only art the Lord: And Glory be to thee, O Lord most High.
Praised be thy Name O Lord, from the rising up of the Sun to the going down of the same. Thou art our God, and we will thank thee: Thou art our God, and we will praise thee. We laid us down and slept, and rose up again, for the Lord sustained us. Thou hast light∣ned our Eyes, that we slept not in Death. Thou hast de∣livered us from the Terrors of the Night, and from the Evil that walketh in Dark∣ness.
From Fire and Rob∣bery, and all other sad Acci∣dents. Thou renewest thy Mercies to us every Morning; and has given us one Day more, to serve thee and call upon thy Name.
O Lord our heavenly Fa∣ther, Almighty and Everlast∣ing God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this Day; defend us in the same by thy mighty Power; 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 Gover∣nance, to do always that is righteous in thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
And we beg thy Blessing for all Mankind. More par∣ticularly
for these Kingdoms in which we live. Bless, save and defend the King, and all the Royal Family, with all Orders of Men a∣mongst us, both in Church and State. Bless all our Friends and kind Relations. Those that have done us any Good; Lord reward them. Those that have done or wish'd us any Evil; Father forgive them.
Comfort all those who are any ways afflicted or distres∣sed in Mind, Body, or Estate. Give them patience under their Sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their Afflicti∣ons.
These mercies, and what∣ever else thou knowest to be most convenient for us, we
do humbly beg, in the name, and for the sake of Christ Je∣sus our only Mediator and In∣tercessor; who hath taught us thus to pray,
Our Father, &c.
Prayers being finished, as you go first out of your Doors, or as you return into the House, say,
Lord, Bless my going out and my coming in, from this time forth for evermore. [Psal. 121. 8.]
When you harness your Hor∣ses, or take the Plough into your hand, or begin any other Work, say,
Prosper thou the work of my hands, O Lord; O prosper thou my handy-work. [Psalm 90. 17.]
HAving thus commended your selves to God, you are now under his Care and Protection. And may com∣fortably expect his Blessing upon you and yours. Which, he for his part, will most certainly grant; provided, that you lead the rest of the Day according to this begin∣ning. In order to which, be very careful First of your
IF any idle, wandering and impertinent Thoughts; any wanton, lustful, and las∣civious Thoughts; any en∣vious, murthering, and ma∣licious Thoughts shall arise in your hearts; then presently
reject them, by thinking upon something else, and say,
Lord cleanse the Thoughts of my heart by the inspiration of thy holy Spirit.
Secondly, Take heed of your
1. BEware of horrid Cursing and profane Swearing. And do not think to excuse such Extravagance by say∣ing; I was Provok'd, or I am naturally Passionate: It is my Temper, and I cannot help it. Which in plain English is this, I have a mind to Curse and to Swear, and I will do it. Know therefore that God hath gi∣ven you Reason, and the Grace of his Holy Spirit, whereby to curb your Natures, and
restrain your vicious Inclina∣tions, both in this and every other Instance.
2. To be noted for Lying (besides the Sin and Guilt in respect of God) will make you useless to the World. No Body will trust you. Or, if they can help it, will ever meddle with you. I advise you therefore (Children and Servants) when you have com∣mitted a fault, do not dare to excuse it with a Lye; but confess it freely. And then both your Parents and Masters, if they are prudent Persons, will more chearfully forgive you.
3. Let no filthy Commu∣nication proceed out of your
Mouth. Avoid all obscene lascivious Discourse as you would the Plague; for 'tis as infectious, and kindles such a fire of Lust, as without re∣pentance will certainly bring you to the fire of Hell.
4. Avoid that pratling Gossipping Humour of talk∣ing about other Mens mat∣ters, and censuring their Af∣fairs. But study to be quiet, and to do your own Business. And if Religion will not re∣strain you; then be admo∣nished in point of prudence, that Silence is soon answered.
For the better regulating of your
OBserve that Golden Rule of our Blessed Saviour; Whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, Matth. 7. 12. Let this teach you to be true and just in all your Dealings. To be very punctual and exact in all your Promises and Bargains. Not to go beyond or defraud your Brother in any matter, for the Lord is the avenger of all such. 1 Thess. 4. 6.
2. Take heed of excessive Drinking; which too often con∣cludes your Bargains. And if your head shall be stronger
than your Neighbours, then to abuse his Weakness, and to impose upon him under such Circumstances, is a very base and dishonest pra∣ctice.
3. Beware of immoderate Anger; or (as you phrase it) of being in Passion: the conse∣quents of which are many times dismal and amazing. For you may do that in the height of a Provocation, which, if it doth not cut you off in the midst of your Days, will bring your gray hairs with sorrow to the Grave. When therefore your Children or your Servants have com∣mitted a fault, be not either too rash, or too severe in your Censures; but treat
them with Reason, and argue the Case calmly with them. And if after fair Admonitions they will not regard you; then it will be prudent to dismiss such Servants, and correct your Children.
4. Let young Persons be admonished to flee youthful Lusts: and to take heed of all filthy polluting practices; which are very displeasing to a pure and holy God. Re∣member your Baptismal vow: In which you did renounce the carnal desires of the flesh, so that you will not follow nor be led by them. Where observe, You did not promise never to have those Desires (for whilst you are young and healthful it cannot be otherwise) But you
only promised, not to follow nor be led by them, i. e. not to gratifie those Desires and In∣clinations in any unlawful way not to be led and promp∣ted by them to commit any Sin; or to do any thing which God hath forbidden. If there∣fore, after Prayers, Fast∣ing, hard Labour, and other Methods of Mortification, you are still troublesom and un∣easy; then make use of the last Remedy; which becomes a Duty to those, who cannot live innocently without it. I shall commend it to you in St. Paul's words. If they can∣not contain, let them Marry: for it is better to Marry than to burn; 1 Cor. 7 9. Marriage is honourable in all, and the Bed undefiled: But Whoremongers
and Adulterers God will judge. Heb. 13. 4.
Being tempted to unclean∣ness or any other Sin; lift up your heart unto God, and say,
O Thou who art faithful, do not suffer me to be tempted above that I am able; but with the Temptation also make a way to escape, that I may be able to bear it. 1 Cor. 10. 13.
5. Take heed and beware of COVETOƲSNESS, Luke 12. 15. For the love of Money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after they have erred from the Faith, and pierced themselves through with many Sorrows. 1 Tim. 6. 10. Be not deceiv∣ed—nor Thieves, nor COVE∣TOƲS—nor
Extortioners shall inherit the Kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10.
From these and many o∣ther places of Scripture, you are plainly convinced, That Covetousness is a most per∣plexing and destructive pra∣ctice. And as such would more carefully be avoided by you, were it not so difficult to con∣vince you of your guilt. For should I propose this Questi∣on to every Individual in the whole Parish; Are you guil∣ty of this Sin of Covetous∣ness? I should doubtless find a great number of frugal, careful, provident Persons, but not a Covetous man amongst you all. And therefore, for your conviction, I shall brief∣ly
shew you what Covetousness is, and when a man may be truly said to be guilty of that Sin.
COVETOƲSNESS is an ir∣regular unlawful Desire, of get∣ing and keeping wealth.
Now your Desires are then irregular and unlawful, when they do transgress those bounds and limits, which Al∣mighty God by his Laws hath prescribed to them.
For God, who is a God of Order, hath establish'd this method. Seek ye first the King∣dom of God, and his Righteous∣ness, Mat. 6. 33. Whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the Glory of God, 1 Cor. 10. 31.
Intimating; That the chief end and design, the great business for which you are sent into the World; it is to Glorife God, by saving of your Souls. And therefore when God is dishonour'd, and the welfare of your Souls is neglected; then are your de∣sires or your actions irregu∣lar and unlawful.
Particularly; If these De∣sires shall once prompt you, to cozen and cheat and de∣fraud your Neighbour in any instance whatsoever: As, By telling Lyes to help out a good Bargain; By false Weights and Measures; By not paying Ser∣vants and Workmens wages; By not discharging just Debts when it is in your power; but
keeping other mens Money, to their prejdiuce, that you your selves may trade with it; In these and many other Instan∣ces you are apparently Co∣vetous.
Nay further; Though you can truely affirm, as you often boast, that you never wronged any man living: But are most just and punctual in all your dealings; and were ne∣ver worse than your word. Yet if your desire of getting an E∣state shall be so eager, that you shall neglect the Duties of Religion! If, for instance, you cannot stay to say your Pray∣ers in a Morning for fear of neg∣lecting your work! And if when you come into God's House, there to attend his immediate
Service, you are then think∣ing of your worldly Con∣cerns; how you may turn your Penny, and contrive your Affairs to the best Advan∣tage! if the Festivals and Fasts of the Church (those Market-days for your Souls) shall be a burthen to you; saying with those in the Prophet; When will the New-Moon be gone, that we may sell Corn? and the Sabbath, that we may set forth Wheat? Amos 8. 5.
If the care and concern for your Bodies, which should be subordinate to that of your Souls, shall be thus preferr'd before it; your desires are then irregular and unlawful, and you are evidently guil∣ty
of this Sin of Covetous∣ness.
Nay yet further; Though your Estates may be very ho∣nestly gotten; yet if you do not use them as you ought, nor employ them to those ends for which they were given, you are still Cove∣tous.
Now the only end of wealth, is to supply our oc∣casions, and to enable us to do good both to our selves and others.
He therefore that lives meanly and below his Estate, when there is no reason so to do. That shall pinch and pine his own body, by de∣nying
it those necessary re∣freshments it wants. That shall neglect the Education and the Marriage of his Chil∣dren; as resolving to part with his Money and his Life together. Finally, He who shall transgress that most ne∣cessary Duty, of being chari∣table to the Poor, and reliev∣ing those that are in Distress; his Gold and his Silver, for want of use, is cankered, and the rust of them shall be a witness against him, James 5. 3.
Let your Conversation be with∣out Covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. Heb. 13. 5.
Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and sup∣plication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, Phil. 4. 6, 7.
Being return'd home in the Evening, and your work being finished; before you go to Bed, let the Master of the Family a∣gain call his Houshold together. And I wish I could perswade you, every night to read some portion of Holy Scripture. But lest that should seem too great a burden upon the Week-day, I shall reserve it as a proper Task for the Lord's-day and the Festivals of the Church (for the due ob∣servation of which I do purpose, God willing, to give you parti∣cular Directions in another Pa∣per.) However though you may
want time, or are too much wea∣ried to read in your Bible, yet pray do not omit to commend your selves to God's Protection, in this or the like manner.
ALmighty and Everlast∣ing God; and in Jesus Christ our most Merciful and Gracious Father. We thy poor unworthy Creatures, do most humbly present our selves before thee: to confess our sins, and to beg thy par∣don. To acknowledge thy mercies, and to bewail our abuses of them.
We have transgressed our Duty to Thee, our Neigh∣bour, and our selves: And
that both in Thought, in Word and in Deed: by doing those Things which thou hast expresly forbidden; and by neglecting those Duties thou hast commanded us. And this not only through Ignorance and Frailty, but sometimes knowingly and wilfully; with repeated vows and reso∣lutions to the contrary. Nay, O Lord, we have despised that Goodness of thine which should lead us to Repentance: hardning our hearts against all those means, which thou hast used for our amend∣ment.
And now, Lord, what can we expect having done these Things, but to be utterly abhorred and forsaken by
thee? that is indeed the due reward of our sins. But, O Lord, there is mercy with thee that thou mayst be feared.
O fit us for that mercy, by giving us a deep and hearty Repentance; a sincere Contrition; a true sorrow for, and perfect hatred of all our sins, with a firm resolution to forsake them. And then, ac∣cording to thy Goodness, let thine anger and thy wrath be turned away from us. Look upon us in thy Son, our Blessed Saviour; and for the Merits of his Sufferings pardon all our Sins.
And since we are not able of our selves so much as to
think one good Thought; we beseech thee to work in us both to will and to do ac∣cording to thy good pleasure. And by the Grace of thy Holy Spirit, do thou so re∣new and purify our hearts, that we may become new Creatures; utterly forsaking every evil way, and living in constant, sincere, universal Obedience to thee all the rest of our Days.
Make us humble and mo∣dest: patient and submissive: chaste and temperate: just and righteous: kind and charitable: diligent in our Callings; and zealous for thy Glory. That so having behaved our selves as good and faithful Servants, we may by thy mercy at the last
be received into the joy of our Lord.
And we desire, thou know∣est, the good of all Mankind as well as our own. Parti∣cularly we implore thy Mer∣cies towards these Kingdoms wherein we live. Remember not Lord our Offences, nor the Offences of our Fore∣fathers; but spare us good Lord, and have patience with us, if perhaps we may bring forth better Fruit, be∣coming thy holy Gospel, and all the care thou hast taken about us. Lord save and defend the King, and esta∣blish his Throne in Righte∣ousness: that we may see ma∣ny happy days under his Go∣vernment.
Bless him and us in all his Relations; in his Council; in all the Nobility, Clergy, Gentry and Commonalty. That every one of them may uprightly and zealously do their Duty; to the main∣tenance of thy true Religion, and the peace and welfare of these Nations.
Comfort all those who are any ways afflicted or distres∣sed, in Mind, Body or Estate, especially those who suffer for the Testimony of a good Conscience; give them pati∣ence under their Sufferings; and an happy issue out of all their Afflictions.
Let thy Blessings rest upon this Family, and all that are near and dear to us. Grant both to them and us whatsoe∣ver thou seest necessary, either for our Bodies or our Souls.
And we desire to return our thankful Acknowledg∣ments, for all thy mercies, both Spiritual and Temporal. Particularly, for thy Preser∣vation of us all this Day past. Let the same good Providence watch over us this night. Keep us by thy Grace from all works of Darkness; and defend us by thy Power from all Dangers. From Fire and Robbery, and all other sad Accidents. Grant us mode∣rate refreshing sleep, such as may fit us for thy Service
the Day following. That after the few Days and Nights we have to pass in this world, we may come to thy eternal rest together with Christ Je∣sus. In whose blessed Name and Words we further Pray, saying,
Our Father, &c.
After Prayers the whole family doth betake themselves to their rest. And being come into your Chamber, sit down a little, and consider how you have spent the Day past. Glance over in your Thoughts what you have said and done. Observe likewise what particular Blessings and Delive∣rance you have received If your Behaviour hath been regular, Bless God for it. If sinful and extra∣vagant in any instance, do not dare to go into your Bed, till you have beg'd his Pardon. Many as healthful as your self have been
found dead the next Morning, Kneel down therefore, and di∣stinctly say this, or the like Prayer.
I Bless and praise thy holy Name, most Gracious God, for all thy mercies bestowed upon me, from the time of my Birth to this present moment. I thank thee for the Preser∣vation of the day past. Bles∣sed be thy Name for my con∣tinued health, and food and raiment Blessed be thy Name that my Bones are not bro∣ken That I am not now groaning under the sorest 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but that I live at ease, and dwell in safety. Night and Daye.
O Pardon and forgive me my manifold Sins [parti∣cularly—[here mention the sins of the day past.] I am tru∣ly sorry that I have thus of∣fended thee; and do fully purpose to do so no more.
Assist me, by thy Grace and holy Spirit, to make good these pious Resolutions: and with an honest sincerity to continue in my Duty, both towards thee my God, and towards my Neighbour.
I beg thy Blessing for [〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wife and Children, my Husband and Children, Father and Mother, Brethren and Sisters, Master; Mistress—You must name these Relations, according as you stand related.] O that all
my friends may be thine. And if I have any Enemies; Father forgive them.
Relieve and comfort all those that are in any Distress. Make the Earth to bring forth its increase in due sea∣son, and let all honest and industrious People be succeed∣ed in their Labours.
Take me into thy care and protection this Night. And when I shall awaken again in the Morning; help me to employ all my renew∣ed strength to thy Honour and Glory; through Jesus Christ: in whose Blessed name and words I commend my self to thy infinite mer∣cies, saying,
Our Father, &c.
This Prayer may be likewise said in the Family; when there is not time, by reason of some extraordinary occasions, for the other. But then you must change the number: saying all along (we) for (I) and (us) for (me) and (our) for (my) &c.
I will lay me down in peace, and take my rest, for it is thou, Lord, only that makest me dwell in safety, Psal. 4. 9.
Having composed your self to sleep, close your Eyes with the last words of your Blessed Saviour, saying.
Father into thy hands I com∣mend my Spirit. Luke 23. 46.
I have given you no Directions about Children; since your own prudence will best suggest such Instructions, as are most suitable to their different Capacities. But let me beg of you, both as to Chil∣dren and Servants, to take up Jo∣shua's resolution; As for me and my House, we will serve the Lord.