The plain man's guide to heaven containing his duty 1. Towards God. II. Towards his neighbour. With proper prayers, meditations, and ejaculations, designed chiefly for the countryman, trades-man, labourer, and such like.

THE Plain Man's GUIDE TO HEAVEN.

CHAP. I.

The Country-Man and Trades-Man's daily Duty and Devotion.

I Will not here set down any Hour for your rising, but suppose you allow no more time for sleep then serves to pre∣serve

your health, and refresh your weariness, otherwise your Temporal, as well as Spiritual Du∣ties, will be ill performed, and suffer great prejudice: Only con∣sider how to serve God first, and to that end forecast to rise so ear∣ly as to have time both for your self and Family, to worship God before you begin your days work; and be assured that this loss of sleep shall neither hurt your health, nor on the other hand, be a hindrance to your Labours. So soon as you wake, and while you are rising, entertain your self with good thoughts; call to mind the mercies of God to you, your being kept in safety the past Night, and your Family, from sudden Death, Fire, Robbers, and

the like: Think what Temptati∣ons you may that day meet with, especially to drinking, or over∣reaching your Neighbour in buy∣ing and selling, and arm your self against them; and what opportu∣nities of doing good; and encou∣rage your self to do it cheerfully out of obedience and love to God; who will certainly reward you for it, as well in this Life as that to come. As soon as you have put on your Clothes, kneel down and make your private Prayer to God, to thank him for his mercies, beg pardon for your sins, with the continuance of his Grace and Pro∣tection that day; which you may do in the following words, or what other you like better. But let not your inability to read, or any o∣ther

consideration cause the neglect of your worshipping God, but the rather make you more di∣ligent to seek In∣struction, that so you may be able to offer up your Pray∣ers from an honest heart, truly sorrowful for your sins, with an ardent love to God, and a desire to please him; and then he will except those desires, and par∣don such imperfections as are not wilful, or through negligence, al∣ways saying the Lord's Prayer, which endeavour to understand in its fullest sense, as you may learn from some good Catechism or Exposition.

A PRAYER to be used in private every Morning.

ALmighty God, the Creator and Preserver of Mankind, I wor∣ship and adore thy incomprehensible Majesty, and desire that my Soul may be always filled with a devout awe and reverence for thee. I ac∣knowledge that 'tis thou only who causest me to dwell in safety. To thee alone I owe the supports and comforts of this Life, and the hopes of a better; for all which my Soul blesses thee. And I thank thee, O my God, that thou dost cause the light of thy Sun to arise once more upon me, O grant me thy Grace, that I may so spend this day, that it may bring me comfort in the day of the Resurrection. Pardon and deliver me

O merciful Father, from all my sins, establish and strengthen my heart in thy Faith, Fear, and Love. Enable me to trust in thee, and re∣sign up my self to thy holy will. Make me humble and contented, thankful and industrious in my Calling, dili∣gent to instruct my Children and Family in the Knowledge of thee, and careful to be an Example to them of Obedience to thy Command∣ments; guide and direct me in my way, bless and prosper the works of my hands, prevent and restrain me from all sin this day, and give me, if it be thy will, a quiet Life, but above all a peaceful and comforta∣ble Death, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

So soon as your Wife, Chil∣dren, or what Family you have, is ready, call them together, and so often as you can possibly spare time, you will do very well to read, or cause to be read a Chapter. Choose those Chapters to be read often∣est that are easie to be understood, and most practical; then stand up and say the Creed, which is the Sum of a Christian's Faith: Then all kneeling down, adore and worship God in these or the like words, as you best approve.

A Morning Family PRAYER.

O Gracious God and merciful Father, we bless thee that thou hast refreshed and preserved us this last Night, and thereby fit∣ted us for the labour and service of this day; 'tis of thy goodness, O Lord, 'tis of thy goodness that we are on this side the Grave, and that the bottomless Pit has not closed her mouth upon us; for we acknowledge that we have often sinned against thee, & provoked thee, either through sottish ignorance or presumption, or through neglect or contempt of thy Words and Commandments; the Ox knows his owner, and the Ass his Master's Crib, but we have for∣got thee, and been unthankful to

thee, and in many things have a∣cted as though we knew thee not, nor considered thy goodness and the works of thy hands; O pardon par∣don us, thou who delightest not in the death, but conversion of sinners; pardon us, thou who hast given thy Son to be a Propitiation for our sins, and sow in our hearts, we beseech thee, the Seed of everlasting life, and grant that whatsoever we learn from thy word to be our duty, we may carefully and diligently fulfil; keep us this day from the commissi∣on of any thing that may wound our Consciences, wrong others, or provoke thee: Bless the Children of this Family, granting that they may grow up in thy fear, increasing in wisdom, and stature, and in favour with God and Man. Teach every

Member of this Family to do their duty humbly and cheerfully, as out of Conscience towards God, from whom they shall receive their Re∣ward. Let Peace and Charity rule our hearts, let thy Providence pro∣tect and provide for us; and when thou hast carried us through the la∣bours, hardships, and temptations of this life, bring us into the rest and glory of a better, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Take care that both your pri∣vate and family Devotion be per∣formed with reverence and affe∣ction, not in a formal careless man∣ner; Do not grudge the time you give to God, for he can and will repay you; nor think it longer then it is. The Devotion here prescri∣bed

both publick and private, will not take up half an hour. You or your Wife must also take care that your Children must say eve∣ry own their Prayers, which you must teach them early. When they can say the words of some short Prayer, instruct them in the meaning of it; the same do for those Servants that are ignorant. For others, put them in mind of their Duty, and encourage them in doing it. This done, cheerful∣ly begin your days labour, every one imploying themselves in what belongs to their places; which the more diligent they are in, the more acceptable it will be to God. At the beginning of your Work, dedicate it to God in

some such Ejaculation as this: — O Lord, thy most wise Providence has placed me in this state, to eat my bread in the swet of my brows; I be∣lieve it is best for me, because it is thy will, for thou art a loving Fa∣ther to all that obey thee, and wilt do what is best for them: I submit to thy good pleasure, desiring thou shouldst choose for me. I rejoyce in my Labour, and that I have health and limbs to perform it; I will be as diligent, and do it as I am able, in all things endeavouring perfecti∣on; for in so doing, I am faithful to my Calling, and shall best please thee, and advance my own happi∣ness. I desire to do all things for the love of my God, and in obedi∣ence to thy Commands: I dedicate all to thy glory, which ought to be

the end of all I do. Or you may meditate on the Example of Christ, who submitted to work at a mean Trade: Shall I not rather submit to his Will, and rejoyce in his Dispensation, and do my duty cheerfully, and as perfectly as I can for his Honour. O Lord Jesus, let the Merit of thy Humiliation sanctifie my labour, and suffer not the business of my hands to indispose my heart for the acts of thy Wor∣ship and Service; suffer me not to indulge my Body by ease and sloth∣fulness, but use that strength and health thou hast given me to thy glory, and honest provision for my Family.

You may also some times sing such Psalms as you have by heart, or entertain your self with any

other pious thoughts; or if you work with your Servants or Chil∣dren, or honest Neighbours, put them on singing Psalms, or some good Discourse, to encourage one the other in the Service of Almighty God. Would you but be perswaded to try this method with devout and honest Minds, you cannot imagine how it would sweeten your Labour, making you cheerful and content, though poor, and God would comfort and di∣rect you with his holy Spirit, whose delight is in the Man of an humble heart. And thus to have all Places sound with God's praise, would make a sort of Heaven on Earth, and fit us for the Employ∣ment of Heaven it self.

Besides, It will much farther

your labour; for when one that has no farther aim then profit and pleasure, is tempted to murmur at every disappointment, and seeks for diversion in riotous Company and merry Meetings, which instead of mending his Con∣dition, makes it worse, the ho∣nest poor Man's design in his la∣bour is to please God; he works in obedience to his Commands, and so endures patiently all the inconveniency of cold and heat, weariness and pain, with humble submission to his Providence, of∣fers his Sufferings to God, as en∣dured for his sake; for though they are not altogether volunta∣ry, certainly it is more acceptable cheerfully and willingly to submit to those Troubles allotted us by

God, then enduring any other of our own choosing; for a poor Man works to pay his Rent, be∣cause it is just, and he has promi∣sed so to do: He looks on his Wife and Children, or Servants, as those for whom he is obliged to take care, in obedience to God, as well as by the ties of Nature, and is the more careful that he may by his Industry gain time both for himself and them to serve God, and be better able to breed his Children to reading, or such other learning as is neces∣sary for those honest Imploy∣ments he designs them for.

These, and the like Considera∣tions, are sufficient to make a good Man cheerful and diligent in his Labour: I am sure they

are much more powerful than any that either Covetousness or Pride can produce; and if all the honest Man's pains does not succeed as to the World, it is only for the trial of his Patience, and submission to God, which will be rewarded a thousand fold in heavenly glory, and it may be to his Posterity in the world after his Decease.

When you come home to Dinner, with reve∣rence say Grace, and eat your Meat with a cheerful, thankful heart, considering your own unworthiness of the least of God's Mercies, and his bounty in supplying your Necessities. Be not intemperate in your Meat and Drink, but use both to support

your health and strength, not to impair them. If you have Chil∣dren, let one of them read a Chapter or Psalm, and the next day another Child, every one ta∣king their turns; this will take up so little time, that it can be no ways inconvenient, and it is only want of love to Piety that can occasion their not doing it; for besides that, you will keep your Childrens reading, and see how they improve. It will in∣crease both your and their Know∣ledge in the Scrip∣ture, which you must above all things attend and observe, as con∣taining the whole Will of God, both what you are to believe and

do, and what you are to avoid, and by which you must be judg∣ed at the last day.

When Dinner is done, return Thanks with Devotion, and a sense that all you have is from the gift of God; go to your Labour as in the Morning, and support your self in it by singing Psalms, good Thoughts, Meditations, and the like. Neither would I by a∣ny means be understood to for∣bid innocent and cheerful Dis∣course, nor what is useful to your Business; for the Service of God was not designed to be our bur∣then, but for our comfort and support in all Conditions. In the Evening, or some time be∣fore you go to bed, be sure to forecast time for your Devotion

your Family, reading a Chapter in the Bible, or small part of a Catechism, with its Explication; then say a short Prayer, this that follows, or what you like bet∣ter.

An Evening Family PRAYER.

O Almighty God, the Fa∣ther of Mercies, and the Fountain of all good Gifts, for from thee we receive all Tem∣poral and Spiritual Blessings; we bless and praise thy Name, that thou hast afforded us health and strength and understanding, to discharge the labours and hard∣ships of our worldly Callings this day; and much more for

whatever means or measures of Grace thou hast vouchsafed us to enable us to do the duties of our Christian Calling. It is of thee that we have been preser∣ved from Sickness, and Death, and Disasters; 'tis from thy re∣straining Grace that we have been kept back from presump∣tuous Wickedness, and 'tis from the assistance of thy Grace that we have thought or done any good thing: O be pleased to continue to us the Mercies we enjoy, and confer upon us what∣soever thou dost see us want; enable us to persevere to our lives end with patience, humility, and thankfulness in the condition of life to which thou dost call us, and to pass the time of our so∣journing

here in fear, calling up∣on thee daily, O holy Father, who without respect of Persons wilt judge every Man accord∣ing to his works. We every day are a day nearer to Death and Judgment, grant, O Lord, that by an impartial Examina∣tion of our selves, and by a sin∣cere endeavour of reforming what is amiss, and perfecting what is begun in us, we may be daily the fitter for both, that we may come finally to that eternal Rest, where not only all the labours and travels of the Bo∣dy will be at an end, but those also of the Soul, and we shall need watch and contend no more; 'till when let thy Pro∣vidence, O Lord, watch over

us, and thy Grace preserve and assist us, that we may pass this night, and the remaining part of our lives, in Vertue and Safe∣ty, in Peace, Contentment, and if thou think fit, Prosperity, but if thou think fit otherwise, so prepare and strengthen our hearts to endure whatever thou shalt lay upon us, that the trial of our Faith may be to praise, and honour, and glory in the day of our Lord Jesus, through whom we put up these our Re∣quests to thee, beseeching thee to accept our Praises, and answer our Petitions, through thy dear Son, and our dear Mediator, Christ Jesus.

You must not excuse this by your weariness, for it is a greater Duty then to be omitted for any worldly consideration; but if you are not well, or very weary, only say the Prayer, which is so short that no one can neglect for any other cause but a carnal heart. Before you sleep examine how you have spent the past day, re∣call as well as you can what sin or infirmity you have been guilty of, what duty you have left un∣done? what mercies you have re∣ceived, Spiritual or Temporal; or what Corrections? For your bet∣ter direction, some times read o∣ver the following Example.

I begin with the Morning, and con∣sider how I per∣formed

my Morning Service; if I neglected my part of it out of carelesness, or want of delight in God's Service; if in my worldly business I was not provoked to outragious Anger to any of my Family: Did I not swear, curse or take God's Name in vain? Did I not omit to reprove sin in my Children or Servants; or have I not omitted any neigh∣bourly Office that might have done me no great harm, and my Neighbour good? Have I been surly or morose to any? have I been merciful to the Poor accord∣ing to my Ability, at least given them good words, if I had not wherewithal to relieve them? Have I been ready to hear or speak of good things when I have

had opportunity? Have I been thankful for any good success gi∣ven in my business, give God the glory, and attribute it to his bles∣sing? have I patiently submitted if I have had loss, and owned it to be the just desert of my sin, begging God to give me grace to be con∣tent, and to sanctifie his Correcti∣ons to me? Have I been true and just in my dealing, buying and selling; desiring only an honest gain, and that by words of truth? Have I not oppressed my Servant or Hireling in their wages? have I made good my bargain, allow∣ing a reasonable hire? have I not to gain a small matter to my self caused a great loss to my Neigh∣bour? by Law Suits, Quarrels, or the like. Have I spent my time

and mony in excess of drinking, or tempted others to the like? Have I slandered my Neighbour, or car∣ried stories from one to the o∣ther to cause differences?

These and the like Questions you may put to your self, recol∣lecting all the day, and as you went from one thing to another, so you will easily discover your faults; and the better you grow, and the more you read the Word of God, and other good Books, the better you will do this useful Duty. But you must consider the end of Self-Examination is not only to know your faults, but to mend them: as for Example; If you find you were to day guilty of a great Passion, to be more careful to morrow not to give

way to it, to be more silent, and take care to prevent those faults in your Children or Servants that were the cause of your Anger, ne∣ver to reprove when you find you are in a Passion; to consider your own faults, and God's pati∣ence with you; pray for Patience, &c. If you lost your time, or drank too much, to avoid those People that tempted you, and those Houses. If you spoke ill of, or slandered your Neighbours, to unsay it to the same People you slandered them to. Be care∣ful to speak the good, and let the rest alone. If you have wronged any to make restitution. Thus undoing what is ill done, if you can, and purposing by the grace of God, to be no more wilfully

guilty of the like. This Exami∣nation you may make at what time in the Evening you find most convenient, or at your evening labour, if your work is such as will give you leave to think.

Before you sleep, humbly and earnestly beg pardon for your sins, and greater grace for the future. Thank God for all his Mercies, especially being kept from sin, and enabled to do any good.—This method of daily Examination is useful for your Temporal as well as Spiritual Estate; that so con∣sidering the Errours of every day, what is amiss one day may be mended the next; and where a∣ny good opportunity has been neglected, to be more careful a∣nother time; so will you do more

good and less evil, and grow wi∣ser both for your Soul and Body.

An Evening Private PRAYER, if upon Examination you find your self guilty, &c.

O Eternal God who hast crea∣ted me to glorifie and serve thee, and has prepared eternal hap∣piness and glory to crown and re∣ward this my Service, with what Love, with what Zeal, ought I dai∣ly to do thy will; with what meek∣ness and patience submit to it. But ah wretch that I am! how far short of both have I fallen this day: the fear of thee has not aw'd me, nor has the love of thee moved me, nor thy great and pre∣cious

promises prevailed upon me, but I have broke through all to gratifie my own vile affections. Ah how have I wandered from the paths of Truth and Life; [here repeat the sins of the day past] And now O holy and just God, what shall I say unto thee; shall I lye down in my wickedness, and ei∣ther through despair of thy mer∣cy, or presumption upon it, con∣tinue to commit it? Ah no! for then if Death surprize me, and what reason have I to fear it may, I must be miserable for ever; e∣verlasting remorse of Conscience, and everlasting burnings in the company of Devils must be my portion for ever; therefore, O God, thou God of mercy, I come to thee though ashamed and con∣founded,

though my guilt will not suffer me to look up towards thee, I come to weep, to condemn my self before thee: O hear me, thou that delightest not in the death, but the conversion of a sinner; O hear me thou that hast given thine own Son to be a Propitiation for our sins; O thou that delightest to hear Prayers and forgive the Penitent, have mercy upon me, pardon and deliver me from my sins, make me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me, and O never suffer me to be at rest 'till I have subdued my corruptions, and rooted out every habitual sin; 'till I feel the power of Religion in, and change of my heart and reformation of my life, and find the Kingdom of

Heaven established within me in righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. And here, O my God, I once more dedicate my self to thee, and vow a per∣petual War against those Lusts by which I have been thus wretch∣edly misled and betrayed into the paths of darkness and death. [Here particularly resolve against that sin or sins which thou hast been guilty of the day past, or finds thy self most prone too.] And thou, O God, by whose mighty power the blind received their sight, the lame walked, the Lepers were cleansed, and the dead raised; O thou who didst call & quicken by thy grace the Gentiles when dead in trespasses and sins, vouchsafe me the assistance of the same Spi∣rit

that I may continue stedfast and unmovable in these Resolu∣tions, and abound more and more in the works of God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

An Evening private Prayer, when upon Examination of the past day, your Conscience acquits you from wilful wickedness.

O Gracious God and heavenly Father, I thy poor Servant, frail of my self, and lying open to many Temptations, do bless and praise thy Name, that thou hast preserved me this day from pre∣sumptuous sin, beseeching thee to blot out the remembrance of whatever has formerly displeased

thee in my life past, and pardon the defects and infirmities of my present state, strengthen my faith, increase my hope, and let my breast be more and more inflam'd with a Divine love; and O may my love abound more and more in knowledge, and in all judg∣ment, that I may approve the things that are excellent, and may be sincere and without offence 'till the day of Christ, being filled with all the fruits of Righteous∣ness through Jesus Christ, unto the praise and glory of thee my God. Preserve and bless me in my ho∣nest Labours, let me never want things necessary for me and mine, nor moderation, humility and thankfulness in the use of them: Keep me in safety, and refresh

me with sleep this night, and when I awake let my thoughts be upon thee, and upon the happiness of those that fear thee, and trust in thee, so shall I abide in thy love unto my lives end, and be at last carried from this state of labour, and watchfulness, and trial, into one of peace, and security, and triumph; which grant, O merciful Father, for thy dear Son's sake, Amen, Amen.

And so much for your daily Devotion, where for the circum∣stances of Time and Persons, you may alter what agrees not with your condition and business, if so be you are careful, not to wholly omit the Duties of Fami∣ly and private Prayer, which you

are as a Christian obliged to, and is the surest way to make you happy here and hereafter.

SECT. I.

Of the Lords Day.

FOR your profitable Obser∣vation and hollowing the Lord's Day, it will be of great use so to contrive your Affairs on Saturday; that you may have as little as possible of them to perform on the Lord's Day.

CHAP. II.

A Morning Prayer for the Lord's Day.

WE adore and worship thee O God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, for thou speak∣est the word and all things were made, thou commandedst and they were created, in thee we live and move and have our being, and when thou pleasest we die and return again unto our dust; bles∣sed be thy Name that thou hast made us rational Creatures, and hast continued us in the Land of the living to this day; and blessed be thou the God of Hope, because thou hast so loved the World, when

dead in trespasses and sins, and in a state of enmity against thee, that thou gavest thy only begotten Son, to the end that all that be∣lieve in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, Lord we be∣lieve, help thou our unbelief; we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; we believe that the words he spoke are the words of everlasting Life; we believe that he died for our sins, that we might escape the wrath due to them; we believe that he rose again for our justification, that he might be a Prince and Saviour to all those who believe and obey him: And now, O Lord, let this Faith we beseech thee, have its due influ∣ence upon our hearts and lives, that the grace of God which bring∣eth

Salvation, and hath appeared unto all men, teach us to deny ungodliness and worldy Lusts, and to live righteously, soberly, and godlily in this present world, look∣ing for the blessed hope and glo∣rious appearance of the great God and our Saviour Christ Jesus. Par∣ticularly assist us, we beseech thee, in the duties of the day, that we may offer up unto thee pure and fervent Prayers, and praise thee with unspeakable joy and grati∣tude. Make us to hear thy Word with a holy fear and devout thirst, and grant that we may be not only hearers, but doers of thy Word, that so being quickned by thy Word and Spirit, we may be cleansed from our guilt by the Blood of Jesus, and be made par∣takers

of his Resurrection and Kingdom, through the same our dear Lord and Saviour. Amen.

After your Morning Prayer, such business as can't be dispensed with, as milking and ordering of Cattel, must be done, but no more; at which Imployments you may sing Psalms, have good thoughts, or discourse with those with you. After which let all get ready for Church; and if any spare time remains, read some good Book; but be sure so to order your De∣votion and necessary Affairs, as to be at Church at the beginning of Prayers. As you go think of the great Priviledge and Mercy you enjoy in being admitted to the House of God to pray and hear

his holy Law, and the particular blessings of living in a Nation where God's Word is freely di∣spensed to all; think what a sad aggravation of your Fault it will be if you resist or neglect such great Advantages; but let not the sense of your unworthiness tempt you to despair or negli∣gence, but rather to love and ad∣mire the long Sufferance of God, and to resolve to improve better these means of grace. Enter the Church with reverence and gra∣vity; it is the House of Prayer, make it not a Den of Thieves by sinful thoughts and hypocritical Designs; nor yet a House of Merchandize; by thinking or talk∣ing of worldly Affairs; but so soon as you come to your Seat, make

an humble Prayer to God for at∣tention and zeal, grace to know and do his will, a pure unpreju∣diced mind, to apprehend and hold fast the Truth. Pray for a blessing on the Minister then pre∣sent, and all other faithful Di∣spensers of the Word and Sacra∣ments throughout the World, that they may be successful La∣bourers in God's Vineyard, and convince and convert many from their sins, and build up all through Faith unto Salvation, that the Word may be Seed sown in good ground, bringing forth Fruit a∣bundantly to the glory of God. Pray also against wandring thoughts and drowsiness: finally desire the union of your Prayers with all Christians, and that the

Intercessions of the Universal Church, sent up in the Name of its common Redeemer, may by him be presented acceptably to God, and obtain for it all good things, notwithstanding the ble∣mishes, imperfections and mistakes of its particular Members.

These or the like Petitions you may use as time permits, till the Minister begins; then standing up, apply those Texts of Scripture that are read to your self. To be a∣ble to do this the better, read them over at home to consider them: then attend to the Exhor∣tation, which is to inform you of your Obligation to the Worship of God by holy Scripture, the end

and benefit of it, and manner how you should perform it, with a tru∣ly penitent heart; and therefore with seriousness apply it to your self, and do not hear it as words of course which you are not con∣cerned in, gazing about as too many do: but being composed and recollected, as in the Presence of God, with bended knees and a contrite heart, sensible of your great unworthiness, make the fol∣lowing Confession; next comes the Absolution. To hear this with profit, you must first under∣stand the meaning of it; it is a short Declaration of God's Mercy and Pardon to penitent sinners; that is, to those who being truly penitent of their sins, are heartily sorry they have committed them,

and resolve by the assising grace of God, never more wilfully to do the like. As for Example:

Almighty God;] These words sets forth God's infinite Power and Ability to Pardon. The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who de∣sireth not the death of a sinner:] This shews God's infinite good∣ness and willingness to pardon, since he spared not his own Son, will he not with him freely give us all things. But rather that he may turn from his wickedness and live.] Here follows the conditi∣ons, you must turn from your wickedness before you have any right to the Promise of Life; and though God had much rather you should repent and live, being de∣sirous that none should perish, but

that all should come to Repen∣tance; yet here is no encourage∣ment to hope for any that lead wicked lives, but to the Penitent, that is, such as to the utmost of their power sincerely endeavour to obey God's Commands, and to avoid what he forbids, doing their Duty as well as they are able, yet trusts not to any merit thereby; but being sensible of the weakness of their best performance, expect Mercy and Eternal Life, as the free gift of God, for the sake and merit of Christ Jesus only to such Penitents. God has given power and commandment to his Ministers, to declare and pronounce to his Peo∣ple, being penitent, the absolution and remission of their sins.] Which is no other then declaring the

terms set forth in the Gospel more largely; for the Minister only declares on what Conditions we may be pardoned by Almigh∣ty God, but does not by this Ab∣solution pardon any who do not perform the Conditions. He par∣doneth and absolveth all them that truly repent.] Where observe the Minister does not say, I pardon, but he pardoneth, that is, God; and that only those that truly re∣pent, that is, confess and forsake their past sins; for without a∣mendment Repentance will not profit, so that no one can with comfort apply this Absolution, that indulges any wilful sin. And unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel;] that is, the Duties and Threat∣nings, as well as the History and

Promises. Wherefore let us be∣seech him to grant us true Repen∣tance and his holy Gospel.] Where you may observe you must joyn Prayer to your Endeavours, both for Repentance for what is past, and the assistance of God's holy Spirit to enable you to do your Duty for the time to come; for by our own strength we are not able to do any thing that is good and acceptable to God; the rest is so easie that it needs no Expla∣nation. If you are sure of your ••art in performing the Conditions of Repentance and Amendment, God will most certainly perform his promise, which he has authorized his Servant to declare in his Name, on which you may rely with comfort, and apply with confi∣dence

to your self. You must not say the Absolution after the Minister, that being not pro∣perly a Prayer, but setting forth the Condition of our Pardon.

While the Minister is saying the Absolution, offer some such Ejaculations as these; Let this gra∣cious Absolution, pronounced by the Minister, be extended unto me: Thou art the Father of Mer∣cy, who willest not the death of a sinner; O fit me, and all here present, to receive the Remission of our sins, by a faithful perform∣ing the Conditions on our part; Encrease our Faith, perfect Repen∣tance, and by the assistance of thy holy Spirit, help us unfeignedly to believe and sincerely obey thy Gospel; that those things may please thee

which we do at this present; and that the rest of our life hereafter may be pure and holy, so that at the last we may come to thy Eternal Joy, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

At the end of this and other Prayers, say Amen, which signifies your consent to Prayer, and desire that God will hear and answer it. Then follow the Lord's Prayer, which being the most perfect Pat∣tern and comprehensive Form of Prayer, is in our Liturgy several times repeated; repeating the Answers aloud in the Liturgy and other places, may be of use to incite your Affection, and keep you more wakeful; and besides, it makes a joyful and harmonious Melody, when both the Minister and the People are thus united in

the Service of God. Then follows the Psalms, which are read stand∣ing, by reason the greatest of them are either Prayers to, or Praises of God, and Commemorations of his deliverance of his Church and Peo∣ple, to excite our Faith and Con∣fidence in him, who also will deli∣ver us in like manner if we faith∣fully serve him. There are also Declarations of God's Judgment to the wicked, to warn us to for∣sake our sins, if we will escape the like Punishments.

You must not apply those Cur∣ses you meet with in the Psalms to your private or publick Ene∣mies, but only to the irreconcile∣able Enemies of God, that is, the Devil, since we are not sure but the most wicked man may repent

and be reconciled to God; we must not pray for the Destruction, but Conversion of all that are in a possibility of it.

Next comes the Chapters, which you must hear with the greatest reverence and attention you can, remembring 'tis the Word of God by which you must be judged at the last Day. What you hear, apply it to your self, as if it was spoken purposely for you. If any thing is commanded, think, Do I do this? If any thing is forbid, Am I not guilty? And so practise ac∣cordingly. What you find too hard for your Understanding, either humbly pass over, praying to God that you may not be ignorant of a∣ny necessary Truth; or else as soon as you have opportunity, ask your

Minister. Above all things, never dare to make that evil use of God's Word, to remember it only to use profanely in idle Jests, which is a great sin; nor by misapplying or forcing any part of it to excuse any sinful practice; but take it al∣together as the Rule of your Faith and Life, and do not think the examples of any holy Man or Woman in Scripture will excuse your wilful committing the like sins, the use of which is to keep from despair those who have al∣ready committed such Crimes, and repent and amend as they did, not to encourage sin in those who sin wilfully; who presuming on the grace of repentance, God may per∣haps withhold that grace as a just punishment for the abuse of his

mercy. So that what you are most particularly to observe is the Com∣mands and Prohibitions of the Go∣spel, and frame your Life accord∣ing to those Rules.

You are to stand up at the Creed, which is a short Summary of all the Christian Faith, in token that you confess the same Faith, and are ready to lay down your Life ra∣ther then renounce it. Then fol∣lows the Prayers and Litany, which you must attend unto with as much devotion as you can, endeavouring to keep out all thoughts. And do not think you spend too much time in Intercessions, that is, in praying for others, as the Church your Governours, those in Afflicti∣on, and the like; for publick Pray∣er is most proper for the Publick,

that is, for all men; it being impos∣sible by any such Prayers to suit to all the particular wants to private Persons. But besides, Prayers for the Publick are not without great Advantages to our selves; for eve∣ry honest man finds the benefit of good Governours, peaceable times, seasonable weather, and the like. And surely, can he be said to love his Neighbour as himself, who grudges a little time to pray that God would deliver him out of those Evils he suffers, either out∣ward or inward. Did all Man∣kind love God, and one another as they ought to do, 'twould make a sort of Heaven on Earth; there would be no such thing as Misery in the World: Therefore to be sure, whatever contributes to this,

must likewise contribute, not on∣ly to the publick, but every par∣ticular person's good.

The second Service or part of Communion Service used on Sun∣days and Holy days, is to mind us of the ancient Custom of cele∣brating the Holy Sacrament; and though now the coldness of some, and unfitness of others, makes so frequent a Communion hardly practicable, especially in small Country Towns; yet a devout Soul may live in a constant habi∣tual preparation and desire of it, which will help much to preserve a spiritual life and love of God. You are not to say the Command∣ments as a Prayer, though you continue on your knees, which is only to be more ready to make

that excellent request after every Commandment, which is a short Prayer, to implore forgiveness for any past Transgression you have been guilty of; and the assistance of God's holy Spirit to enable you to keep them more Perfect for the time to come.

All the Prayers ended, which an honest mind will not think long, and is a good sign of our love to God when we are not wearied with his Service, that you may joyn with greater devotion in singing Psalms, it will be of good use to practice them often at home, as I have advised. Observe the same reverence and devotion in joyning with the Minister in his Prayer before Sermon, that you may reap the more profit by the

Sermon. Be not prejudiced against the Minister, but the weaker the Preacher is, the more earnest let your Prayers be, that the Power and Spirit of God may supply his de∣fects; God gives not gifts alike to all, so that in some mea∣sure you murmur against God, in despising his Ser∣vants; and an honest heart can∣not fail by the worst Sermons to benefit something; and God will reward the meek and humble hearer, and as plentifully water with his Spirit the Seed sown, though with some Chaff, as the more excellent Discourses, when received into a proud heart. If

your Minister divides his Sermon, endeavour to remember the head of each division, and turn down a Text of Scripture to each head, which will serve to recal the rest into your memory, when you come to repeat to, or examine your Children and Servants at home. But especially do what you can to remember the Uses and Application to practice. I could wish that some such method might be generally used, especially in a plain Auditory; for as the mean∣est want most instruction, so most Congregations are made up by the greater part of these. But if your Minister takes another me∣thod, and goes on in one Dis∣course, rest content with his choice, endeavouring to carry away as

many useful directions as your memory will retain; which the more you use, the better it will be if you continue a like care and diligence.

Sermon and Service being end∣ed, in a short Prayer desire God's blessing on his Ordinance, and thank him for the opportunity he has given you to serve him. De∣part to your home with a cheerful heart, and if you have far to go, let your thoughts and discourse be what you have that day heard and learnt. Eat and drink with thank∣fulness for God's goodness, but let it be also with moderation, that you may be fit for holy Exercises after dinner. In some places Pray∣ers begin at Three or Four a clock, which time you will do well to

imploy in examining your Chil∣dren or Servants what they re∣member of the Sermon, of their Catechism; often tell them of the sinfulness of lying and swearing, immodesty and the like. If you have time sing a Psalm, and after say the following Prayer.

Here may be used the Prayer set down before for Sunday, or this.

WE bless thee, O holy and most merciful Father, for this day of rest, O may it kindle in us the desires of eternal rest, and be made instrumental both to obtain it, and prepare us for it: We bless thee for the opportunity that thou hast given us of joyning this day with our fellow Christians in the publick

Worship of thee our God; Lord pardon whatever defects we have been guilty of in the performance of it, and grant that we may renew it this Afternoon with that cheerful∣ness and devoutness, with that sense of thy goodnesss and our wants, as may render it acceptable to thee, and pro∣fitable to us. We bless thee again, O Lord, for the publick preaching of thy Word and Administration of thy Sa∣craments, and beseech thee that thy grace may accompany both through the whole Nation, and particularly for our selves, we beg that thou wouldst so assist us, that thy Word may ever be a light to our feet, and a lanthorn to our paths, and that thy holy Sacraments may nourish and strengthen us in faith and love. Let our examination of our selves, O

Lord, be serious and impartial, let our meditation be affectionate and delightful, let our conversation be pure and holy, that there may be no∣thing thought, said, or done by us this day but what may best serve & promote the end for which thou hast instituted it; and, good God, make every one of us diligent, not only to save our own Souls, but as much as in us lyes, the Souls of others too. Finally, O thou Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, be thou present in our publick Assembly, and build thou up our Family in faith and vertue, and speak thou to every one of our hearts in private, and hear all our Pray∣ers, and accept all our Praises, and continue to us all that is necessary to life and godliness, and crown us at last with everlasting glory. All

which we humbly beg through our great and only Mediator and Advo∣cate Christ Jesus.

But if Prayers begin early, and you have less time, do so much as you can, not omitting the Pray∣er; be careful to be at the be∣ginning of publick Service; do not neglect the Church because there is no Sermon; by Prayer we wor∣ship God, and obtain his blessing: besides, there is read the holy Scripture, which is the best Instru∣ction and foundation of all Ser∣mons. Be careful to fit your Chil∣dren and Servants for Catechising, and have them present when it is performed in publick. After you return home, so soon as your neces∣sary business is over, read, or cause to be read some good practical

Book, and if you did not do it before, examine and instruct your Children and Servants, sing Psalms, make your Evening Prayer, and in these imployments spend your E∣vening till Bed-time, only allow∣ing time for a cheerful temperate Supper, which you will eat with great comfort, after so well spend∣ing the day, you must not omit your private Prayers, only enlarge your Praises: To which end call to mind the many Mercies you have received, and your unwor∣thiness of them, by reason of your sins, and compare your selves with those below you, who are perhaps more worthy; but if you want all other blessings, yet consider how great your happiness is in being a Christian, and so capable,

if not your own fault, of heaven∣ly glory, which incomparably ex∣ceeds the greatest temporal feli∣city.

I do not here allow any time for gossiping Visits, because the greatest part of Country People are apt to waste the Afternoon in such things; but yet I am by no means so severe as to forbid a walk in the Fields, or a friendly visit to a Neighbour for an hours refreshment to those whose ne∣cessary business allows time e∣nough for both, especially if that Neighbour is sick, or under any affliction; but then you must not spend your time in idle talk, ma∣king bargains, or other worldly business, but in good and useful Discourses. And those Neigh∣bours

that will not endure this, but promote drinking, swearing, or the like profaneness, are by no means to be visited on that day, that is sanctified to the Service of God and Spiritual Promise. And indeed, if you consider as you ought the great advantage of be∣ing obliged to spend one day in seven in holy Duties, you would not be weary of its so frequent return, but thank God for so pro∣fitable an Institution; since, I fear, were the observation of this day left to every ones choice, the love of profit or pleasure would pre∣vail with too many to neglect it, and so occasion ignorance and profaneness to prevail more then it does: The inconvenience of the Sabbaths being neglected, and the

advantages of its observation are so many, especially to the more unlearned, that no true lover of Piety, that desires the publick good, ought by any means to en∣courage the Contemners of it.

SECT. II.

Of Holy Days, or Fast Days.

THE use of other Festival days or Holy days, is that People may have more leisure and opportunity to serve God, and to keep in memory the History of the New Testament; as the Birth, Suffering, Resurrection, Ascension, of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Apostles days are to

thank God for the Doctrine they preached and writ, and to encou∣rage us to the imitation of their holy Examples. There are also days of Thanksgiving for Nation∣al Blessings, and the Fasting days, are to consider and lament your own sins, and also those of the Nation, especially in times of War or other publick Calamity; and to pray for the averting those Judg∣ments which our sins deserve; some of these I think are the subject of all Holy days: which is also rea∣sonable upon another account, the giving Servants and Labourers time, first to serve God, and next for innocent refreshment and do∣ing their own business. It is not out of any Superstition that the observation of these days is re∣commended;

for what Supersti∣tion can it be to read, pray, and serve God, as frequently as our business will admit: I do not say it is a Command from God, and therefore do not command, but commend their observation. And since such days are appointed, and Service in the Church ordered, if we prefer these before days of our own choosing, it will keep great∣er order, and all Families being imployed in the Service of God, not hinder one the other in world∣ly business: therefore to those who are willing to follow my di∣rections, I recommend the doing of no more work then is needful, not that the obligation is the same as on the Lord's day, but only on an advantage of your growing in

grace. Therefore those that can∣not read, after the Family and Private Devotions is over, had much better work themselves, or find any innocent imployment, then loose their time in idleness and sloth. After your necessary bu∣siness is done, spend the rest of the Morning in reading to your Family, who may at the same time do any quiet or sitting work, or else catechise your Children and Servants; but be sure, if there is any Service in the Church, to at∣tend on that with willingness and devotion, and cause your Family to do the like. The rest of the day, if you are able to afford so much time, you may spend in seeing an honest Neighbour or Relation, your Minister or Land∣lord;

but be sure on these days, as on no other, you eat nor drink not to excess; for by that you make, what was designed for God's Service and your good, the cause of God's dishonour and your per∣dition; the Devil's work ought to be done on no day, and less on a day called holy, and designed for holy uses; therefore avoid such Company as will tempt you to excess; 'tis better work at home then go abroad for such purposes. Come home early, if you go a∣broad, that you may have time to enlarge your Devotions by read∣ing or praying something longer, or singing Psalms; but whatever part of these Devotions you want time for, be sure that nothing but very great necessity hinders your

going to Church on such days; but when Harvest, or other una∣voidable business hinders, read the same Scriptures you should hear at Church at home; and at your work be much in singing Psalms, good discourse on holy Meditati∣ons, praying that God will accept your desires to worship him more solemnly, and give you a share of those blessings others pray for. But take care whenever you plead necessity to omit God's Worship, that it be not a pretended neces∣sity, for that will be a great ag∣gravation of your neglect; if you can loose time in idleness and va∣nity, and yet fancy you have none for God's Service, this is plainly because you want a true love to God: For we like to

converse with those we love, and are very ready to con∣trive means to do it, if you will but try to be, in the first place, careful to serve God, in the next, industrious in your business, dare promise that the time you so spend shall not be lost, but be a∣bundantly rewarded, and is most likely to obtain the blessing of God on your labours, a contented mind, and sure hope of eternal happiness.

CHAP. III.

Of preparation to the holy Sacrament.

SUpposing you live an honest & holy life, and sincerely endea∣vour to do your duty to God, your Neighbour, and your self, I would

advise you to receive the holy Sa∣crament as often as it is admini∣stred in your Parish Church. If your life is wicked you must not come at all till you reform, and are prepared by repentance and good works. So that there is no excuse for seldom receiving. If you are unfit for the Sacrament, you are unfit to die, and then there is no time for delay; but you must speedily mend, and beg pardon and grace that you may be prepared for both.

But forasmuch as this Book is directed only to such as are inga∣ged in a holy life, or resolve to be so, for others will hardly submit to these Rules; I shall suppose my Reader is in a state of grace, and resolved to be God's faithful Sol∣dier

and Servant all the days of his life, as he engaged in his Bap∣tism: But to avoid all scruple in judging of your right to this holy Ordinance, take the advice of your Pastors, and submit to it; and if he admits you once, you ought not after to neglect repeating of this Duty, except you fall into some wilful sin, temptation, or doubt, in which case 'tis safest being advised by your Minister, who will resolve your doubt, and advise you how to overcome your temptation, and in case of wilful sin, will assist your repentance, and judge when it is such as will ad∣mit your return to the holy Com∣munion; then you must deal sin∣cerely, else you deceive him, and so are the cause of his deceiving

you, which will be your own mis∣fortune.

When the warning is given, re∣joyce at the glad Tidings, and hearken with reverence and atten∣tention to the Exhortation and Instructions contained in it, during the whole week; have it often in your mind, and as you are at work, think how you are prepa∣red; what it is makes you most afraid or unwilling to come to this blessed Feast; if it is any remain∣ing love to sin, if you find any be∣loved lust, you are still loth to part with, rest not in this dange∣rous state, for your Salvation is in great hazard, when your love to sin is greater then your love of God, or Heaven, or fear of Hell; which it must needs be, so long as

you cannot resolve to part with it, though you know that the wages of sin is death, and that no unclean wicked man, so long as he conti∣nues so, can enter into the King∣dom of Heaven: therefore if you live in Fornication, Drunkenness, Swearing, Cheating, Malice, Ly∣ing, Covetousness, Unmercifulness, the neglect of God's Worship, reading and hearing his holy Word, frequent Prayer, breach of the Sabbath, or any other known wilful sin, come not to the holy Sacrament, not only not frequent∣ly, but not at all, till you amend your ways; nor immediately so soon as you think you repent, but try your sincerity. But the safest way in this case is, as I said before, to be advised and examined by

some honest sober Minister, both before your first admission, and after in case of relapse into your old sins, or doubts of sincerity in your spiritual state, if your sins are only of infirmity and defects of doing good, be not discouraged, nor keep from this great means of strengthening your weak graces, which the Enemy of your Soul will tempt you to; that being without this spiritual Armour, he may with the more ease overcome; but in the days of your Prepara∣tion, often call to mind and ob∣serve what imperfections you find most prevail, and what temptati∣ons to them, and think what may be the best means for the over∣coming of them; also think what is most apt to draw you from the

Service of God and your Neigh∣bour, and fortifie your self against such temptations; and by medi∣tation of the Joys of Heaven, and the Torments of Hell, certainty of Death, and uncertainty of Life, quicken your Resolutions of sin∣cere Obedience to all God's Com∣mandments. What time you can spare imploy in reading good Books, Prayer and Meditati∣on; the Friday or Saturday be∣fore the Communion, keep as a Fast; but if by reason of your la∣bour, you find your strength will not hold out, eat a piece of bread and drink a cup of beer in the Morning, or at Noon, and eat your Supper with thankfulness, as at other times; and on the day

imploy an hour or two in Exami∣nation and humble Confession of all your sins, with earnest Suppli∣cation for Pardon, through the Merits of Christ Jesus; to which purpose use the following Form, or the like, enlarging according to your own particular case.

A general Confession of Sin.

O God, who art light, and in whom is no darkness at all, with whom we can maintain no com∣munion, unless we walk in the light as thou art in the light, O God, who though thou art merciful and graci∣ous to Penitents, art a holy and a just God too, and would by no means acquit the guilty and impenitent, I present my self before thee at this

time with an earnest desire to con∣fess and bewail my past sins, and to renew my Vows and Resolutions of forsaking them, that I may find mercy. When I look back upon all the parts of my past life, Ah how do I find it defil'd and polluted by negligence and folly, by wilfulness and presumption; Ah how often hast thou called, and I have refused; how often have I set at nought thy coun∣sel, and would none of thy reproof: Ah how long have I resisted thy Spirit, slighted thy Promises, and hardned my self against all the ter∣rours of God: Ah how often have I broke my solemn Vows and Cove∣nant, and returned to the same pollu∣tions which I had before endeavour∣ed to wash off by tears and prayers. Lord, when I call to mind—[Here

mention your particular sin, such especially as are most provoking] my heart would fail me, and I should sink under the weight of shame and despair, did not thy Gospel raise and revive me; I believe thy mercy in∣finite as thy Majesty, O extend that mercy to me a miserable sinner, who stand in need of mercy not less then infinite; I believe that thine only Son, the Son of thy bosom, offered up himself a Sacrifice for sin; O let my Soul be cleansed by his most precious Blood, and let not my sins be imputed to me: I repent, O my God, and do heartily wish that these my sins had never been committed. But ah! that cannot be; I am ready therefore to do all that I can, and this is that thou hast promised to accept through our Mediator, to be sorry for and re∣nounce

my sin: To thee belongs the glory of mercy and forgiveness, to me belongs humility and sorrow; And O! may this be my business and my delight too, during the time of my pilgrimage; I will no more hereafter seek my profit, or my pleasure, my ease, or my revenge; poverty of spi∣rit, meekness, purity of heart, mourn∣ing for sin, hunger and thirst after righteousness, charity and self-denial, these are the things I will follow af∣ter, practise and delight in; this is that I will account my blessedness. And whatever I have done to any by word or deed, by example or any other way, if there remain yet any restitution or reparation to be made, I am ready and willing, O my God, to do it; the business of my following life shall be by all the ways and

means I can, to blot out the remem∣brance of my past Offences, and to advance the glory of God, and the good of Man; and after all, I desire to glory only in the Lord, to be clo∣thed with humility, and acknowledge my self an unprofitable servant, and great sinner; and, O do thou pardon and deliver me from my sins, and confirm and strengthen me in all goodness, and bring me to everlasting Life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

On Saturday be very careful of your Conversation, that you quench not the Spirit by vain plea∣sures, or too much wordly care: Be much in singing Psalms at your work, with devout Meditations. If you go to Market, come home as soon as you can possibly, and

be sure not to loose your time in an Ale-house. If you work at home, leave off two hours sooner then you are wont to do; spend that time in reading and prayer for the assistance of God's grace and holy Spirit, to enable you to sub∣due your sins, and perfect your graces, especially those you find most defective, and that you may be led unto the ways of holiness and eternal happiness; also that you may be a worthy partaker of the holy Sacrament, and that God would make it effectual to those ends. Then look over your Ex∣amination, and if you find your Conscience troubled, go to the Minister, or some pious Friend, and rest not under Doubts that may be so easily cured.

A Prayer for Grace according to the foregoing Heads.

O Eternal God, the giver of all spiritual grace, and the Author of everlasting life, thou art pleased to call and invite me by thy Word, and by thy Ministers to the Communion of the most holy and comfortable Sacrament of the Body and Blood of my dear Lord; I come therefore, but I come with reverence and humili∣ty, not trusting in my own righ∣teousness, but thy mercy: I am unworthy of any Temporal bles∣sing, how much more of the gift of thy Son and thy Spirit; but 'tis thy good will, 'tis thy free boun∣ty to bestow grace and everlast∣ing

life upon all those that seek it through the merits and mediation of thy Son Jesus: grant therefore to me, most gracious God, that I may be made partaker of all the benefits of his Passion, let me be strengthned in Faith, let my love of thee, and of my dear Lord, be inlarged, and let the love of my Neighbour dwell plentifully in me, give me humility and patience, enable me more and more to mor∣tifie all the remains of my Cor∣ruption, and make me more fer∣vent and stedfast in thy Service. Especially grant that I may dili∣gently labour after—[Here menti∣on such particular Vertues as you need above others.] and never give over till I find my Soul possessed by them, and transformed from

glory. And O blessed God, who has begun a good work in me, do thou finish and compleat it, and preserve me by thy power through faith unto salvation, that I cleav∣ing constantly unto thee, and ne∣ver stray from the faith and obe∣dience of the Gospel unto my lives end, may be filled with peace and joy in the holy Ghost, and at last obtain remission of my sins, and an inheritance of glory with all those that are sanctified through faith in Jesus. All which I beg through the Agonies and Passion, through the Merits and Intercessi∣on of our Eternal High Priest, Christ Jesus.

On Sunday rise as early, or ear∣lier then on other days; add to

your usual or private Prayers, Pe∣titions for the Spirit of God, spi∣ritual union and communion with Christ, a new Nature, and sincere Obedience. Read over the Exhor∣tations before the Sacrament, and as you read consider if you be so prepared as they require. Indeed the whole Communion Service is an excellent direction for our pre∣paration to, and meditations at the holy Sacrament; for which cause I would have you read it over, and make it your Rule, endeavouring to understand it well; and where you are ignorant, go to your Mi∣nister to be more clearly inform∣ed, which will be a means of your joyning in it in publick with the greater Devotion.

A short Example of applying the Communion Service, the better to prevent the wandring of your Mind.

YE that do truly and earnestly repent,] Lord I repent, per∣fect my repentance: And are in Love and Charity with your Neigh∣bour,] Encrease my Charity; I forgive, and desire to be forgiven by others. And intend to lead a new Life, &c.] Assisted by thy grace, I resolve to keep thy Com∣mandments, and walk in thy holy ways. Draw near with faith,] Confirm my faith that I may re∣ceive the holy Sacrament to my comfort; as I humbly confess, so graciously pardon all my sins. Af∣ter

this manner you may apply the larger Exhortation before, which I leave to your own devo∣tion. Then follows the Confession and other Prayers which you are to joyn in, and the Prayer of Con∣secration to these words, Who in the same night, &c. the rest being proper only to the Minister, who is appointed alone to consecrate the Bread and Wine for this holy use.

Observe in the Prayer that Christ is said to be but once offered, which was when he suffered on the Cross; by which Sacrifice he made a full, perfect, and sufficient Ob∣lation and Satisfaction for the sins of the whole World, that is, who∣ever shall repent and believe. Observe also that he commands

us to continue the remembrance of his Death till his coming again; which ought to convince you of the duty of the frequent coming to the holy Table. The reason of kneeling is only this being the most solemn time of Prayer, that posture is most proper, therefore ought not to be a cause of divisi∣on. As for your private devotion, observe the following Rules: Im∣ploy some time in the Morning to consider how you must behave your self at the holy Table, how to order your Meditations, and renuing your Baptismal Covenant, meditating on, and applying the benefits of Christ's Death for your pardon and reconciliation with God, what sin to be most hum∣bled for, what grace to beg most

earnestly; pray also that no temp∣tation of the World, the Devil, or your own corrupt Nature, may rob you of the fruit of this Com∣munion; no sinful, worldly or wandring thoughts trouble you; but that God would remove what∣ever may obstruct the operation of his grace. When any of your Family go along with you to the Sacrament, as you ought to en∣deavour they should, when they are of years, and throughly in∣structed; say some Prayer relating to the Sacrament, besides your or∣dinary Morning Prayer.

Take care to be at the Church in good time; after Sermon till the Communion Service begins, spend your time in humble confessing your sins, and unworthiness of so

great a favour. So soon as the Mi∣nister begins, leave off all private Prayer and joyn with him, with all the attention and zeal you can possibly: Attend to the Exhorta∣tion and apply it to your self, as before observed; for the Prayers, you must joyn in them with De∣votion. After Consecration, while the Minister is receiving, and till he comes to you, say your private Prayer; first pray that God would except all present, and make them partakers of the benefit of his ho∣ly Sacrament. Secondly confess your sins, and acknowledge that your due desert is death and de∣struction: Look on Christ as the only propitiation for your sins; believe that his Death was a full, perfect, and alsufficient Sacrifice

for them, present them to God as such, desiring that the merits of his Sufferings may be imputed for your pardon, and his Righteous∣ness for your justification and ac∣ceptance with God; believe firm∣ly that God now offers to renew his Covenant, and grants you par∣don, grace, and glory, if you are faithful on your part, which is for∣saking every sin, and obeying all the commands of God to the ut∣most of your Power, desiring to receive it according to the Insti∣tution of Christ. Perplex not your self with nice definitions, believe whatever God has promised, his power is able to perform, and that Christ, and the benefits of his Death, are communicated and gi∣ven to the worthy receivers, in

such a manner as 'tis best for him, and his spiritual union with Christ most advanced. In the act of re∣ceiving, let your Soul be bowed down with a sense of its unwor∣thiness: Adore the mercy of God in Christ, desire you may receive the holy Spirit, love God for his goodness, believe his promises, and resolve to obey his holy com∣mands. After you have commu∣nicated, let the rest of your time, till publick Prayers again, be im∣ployed in Prayer for grace to keep your holy Resolutions; for with∣out God's assistance you can do nothing that is good; praise God for the great mercy of this Com∣munion, and make earnest Inter∣cession for all Mankind, especially for their conversion and spiritual

welfare, for the destruction of the power of Sin and Satan, and cha∣stening the Kingdom of Christ, and also for your Governours in Church and State, for your Friends and Relations, at least so many of these as time will give you leave to use, saying the rest at home.

Short Prayers, or rather Ejaculati∣ons, according to the past Rules.

O God, thou sawest me in my blood, and saidst unto me live, thou sawest me in my polluti∣ons, and thine eye pitied me, and didst open the fountain for my un∣cleanness. Glory be to thee, O Lord, most good and most high!

O holy and meek Jesus, thou art the Lamb of God that takest away

the sins of the World; thou who knewest no sin, didst become sin for us, O may we be cleansed from all unrighteousness through thy Blood!

O Saviour of the World, may all the ends of the Earth look up unto God through thee, and be saved; may the Kingdom of Darkness be broken down, and thy Kingdom, O Christ, be enlarged and established through the whole Earth!

O Lord, I believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Light, and therefore I come unto thee through him, O cast me not off, my Soul thirsteth after thy Salvation: I come to thee in Faith, Repentance and Charity, O receive me and fill me with grace and comfort, Amen blessed Jesus!

I come, O my God, to renew my

Covenant with thee in the blood of Jesus, O receive me a poor penitent Prodigal! I have wandred from thee, I have hewed out to my self Cisterns, broken Cisterns that will hold no water, but now my Soul gaspeth for thee, O thou Fountain of living wa∣ters. O give me thy Spirit, that it may cleanse and refresh me, that it may satisfie the desires of my Soul!

I will be thy Servant, O blessed Jesus, thy Disciple and Follower, O be thou my Prince and my Saviour, be thou my strength and my glory, and let me rejoyce always in thy Sal∣vation! I desire to imitate thee, O holy Jesus, and especially thy bound∣less Charity.

I forgive, O let me find forgive∣ness from the mercy of God, I am ready to do all the good I can for a∣ny

one of my fellow Members, and I am sorry I can do no more; I will weep, I will pray for all that are in di∣stress, and I will feed and clothe and comfort them as I can, O accept then the mite of thy poor servant, and re∣member me in the day of Judgment!

Grant, O God, according to the riches of thy glory, that all we who receive the Sacrament this day, may be strengthned by the might of thy Spirit in the inward man, that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith, that we being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all Saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and heighth, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that we may be filled with all the fulness of God.

Nor for our selves only do I bow

my knees unto thee, thou Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole Family in Heaven and Earth is named, but also for the whole Ca∣tholick Church; O let the same pre∣sence and power•• of thy Spirit be a∣mongst all those who believe in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours, build them up in their holy faith, unite them in humi∣lity and love, remove all the scan∣dals and obstacles of righteousness that are in the midst of thy Church, and support and protect it against all the Adversaries of the Cross, and all the Enemies of holiness and vertue: Let thy Son Jesus be glorified in the blameless and exemplary Lives of all that profess his Name; let profane∣ness be put to confusion, and Here sie and Errour be rooted out, and let all

with one mind and one mouth glori∣fie thee, O God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen, Amen.

O thou in whose hands are the hearts of Kings, guide we beseech thee theirs whom thou hast set over us in thy faith and fear; give them wisdom to rule this great People, that under them we may live peace∣able and quiet lives in all godliness and honesty; and Lord possess all their Subjects with a due sense of their Authority, and of the benefits we all reap from them, that we may dutifully obey them, and cheerfully contribute all we can to the main∣tainance and support of Law and Justice in this Realm, that Righte∣ousness and Peace may through thy blessing flourish amongst us, and our Children after us, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

O merciful God and Saviour, cause all them that sleep in sin to awake, cause them to arise from the dead, and let Christ give them light!

O thou God of tender mercies and compassions, hearken to the voice of them that mourn; break not the bruised Reed, nor quench the smoaking Flax, but bring forth righteousness unto victory!

O God, who art the God of the fatherless and widow, and judge of the oppressed, and the Saviour of the meek, and poor, and distressed upon the earth, visit with thy grace and salvation all that are in ne∣cessity or tribulation, and hear them when they cry unto thee for succour, O Lord our Defence.

O bless my Family and all my Relations, possess them with the fear of God and Charity towards one another, and make them all love the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be glory for ever.

O my God, never suffer me to forget thy love, or the love of Je∣sus, never suffer me to break my holy Vows, but strengthen me that I may always endeavour to walk as my Lord walked, and may ever abide in him, and he in me, that I may be safe through thy prote∣ction and grace, and when he who is my life shall appear, I also may appear with him in glory. Amen, Amen.

Go home with a cheerful gra∣vity, and spend the remaining part of the day according to the Rule for the Lord's day, only be more strictly careful to keep up a holy frame of mind, and not by worldly thoughts and light dis∣course, grieve the holy Spirit, but improve every good inclination by Prayer, that it may grow into practise, and endeavour your good Resolutions by meditation and foreseeing what temptations may assault you, to provide against them; do not go abroad, but spend that day in devotion, reading and praying with your Family.

Of behaviour at Baptism and Mar∣riage.

WHen you are present at the Baptising of Children, attend to what is said; let it put you in mind of what you vowed your self, and think how well you have performed it; joyn with great seriousness in Prayer with the Mi∣nister for the Child, that it may live sutable to this dedication, and enjoy the priviledges of the same. If you are a Surety, think your self obliged to take care that the Child learn what you undertook for it, for that was the reason of God-fathers and God-mothers, e∣specially if the Parents die, or are careless worldlings; otherwise re∣fuse being a Surety, if you think you cannot.

Also at Marriages, Churchings, and the like, avoid all vain beha∣viour, but joyn in the Service with Reverence and Devotion, and make particular applications to your self how you have perform∣ed your own duty: when the Bannes are bid, pray that the mar∣riage may be to the glory of God. These are some short Directions for your duty to God; I shall now add some for your duty to your Neighbours.

CHAP. IV.

The Country Man's Duty towards his Neighbour.

SECT. I.

To his Minister.

FIrst for your behaviour to your Minister, be very just in paying Tithes and other Dues to him, and that in obedi∣ence to God, who has taught us by his holy Apostle, That they who wait at the Altar, that is, do the duty of a Minister, should live by the Altar; and if they minister to us spiritual things, we ought to mi∣nister

to them in temporal things; for by attending the Ministry they are made incapable of gaining a livelyhood by other means.

Secondly, Be very respectful in your behaviour to him, never speaking rudely, but believe, in honouring your Minister you please God; and let not any per∣sonal failing make you neglect your Duty, for 'tis not his person only, but chiefly his office you must respect him for, and God will reward you for it: Supposing the worst, that he has faults, consider that he, as well as you, is liable to the same infirmities and tempta∣tions; nay more, for Satan is vi∣gilant to ensnare him, because by it he hopes to do more mischief, either by his ill example, or by

causing him not to be esteemed, and so rendring his Ministry less effectual: Therefore to destroy what in you lies these designs of the Devil, be always more ready to cover, then expose his faults.

In case of doubts, or hard pla∣ces of Scripture, advise with him, and you will find great advantages and quiet to your mind: pray ear∣nestly for him, which is a duty you may find often recommended in Scripture; perhaps your neglect in this, is one cause of his labours being no more profitable to you. Pray for God's blessing on the Minister, that it may be success∣ful both for the saving himself, and them that hear him, that both his Life and Doctrine may be ho∣ly, and fit for imitation; the more

defective he is, the more earnest let your Prayers be that the grace of God may supply his defects; but if his Vices are very notorious and scandalous to his Office, after meek and frequent admonitions, let some of the chiefest Parishioners joyn and complain to the Bishop, and proving your Accusation by two or three grave and honest Witnesses, endeavour to have him removed, as 'tis likely he will be, if your complaint be well proved. If he amends be glad, and forget all past Faults; for where God pardons, as he does on repentance and reformation, Man ought much more, who is himself also a sinner. If he is deprived, and the choice is left to the Parishioners, be care∣ful to choose well, especially one

of a good Life, and a diligent Preacher of sound Doctrine, and Catechising. If it depends on a particular Person, be very earnest in your Prayers to God that he may be guided to make a good choice. But how bad soever your Minister is, do not think that will excuse you in any particular of your duty, but you must conti∣nue to pay your Tithes faithfully, which are his by the same Law that preserves your right to what you profess; and to defraud him of any part thereof is Robbery and Sacriledge. Give him no just cause of complaint, but be ready to respect him, and do him and his Family all the good con∣veniently you can, praying that his Doctrine may be sound and

profitable, though his Example is not. I do not fear to promise that such a behaviour will be both acceptable to God, and profitable to your self, and it may be in time, he may by your Prayers and mild Behaviour grow better. If he is very bad, I do not prohibit your going some∣times to another, but for the most part keep to your own Pa∣rish.

SECT. II.

His Duty to his Superiours.

SEcondly for your Behaviour to your Superiours, be care∣ful to do your Duty to them.

Now Kings and Governours be∣ing so far removed above you, and it being so hard for you to find the truth of their Actions, and harder to understand the reasons of them, you must avoid all thoughts and discourse, more then heartily pray∣ing, that God would direct them to do what is most for his glory, and good of his Church, remem∣bring the general Rule, To obey them in all their just Commands; but no Command is so, that is not a∣greeable to the Laws of God, or Laws of the Land: But since you

do not know how far all those Laws extended, 'tis sufficient you do your duty to the best of your knowledge, without by-ends or interest, and what you cannot o∣bey with a good Conscience, pa∣tiently suffer for a good Consci∣ence, and you shall have your re∣ward in Heaven.

If you happen to live in a time of War and Persecution, or great Taxes, do not rail at your Go∣vernours for these things, nor in∣quire after any other cause, besides sin; for be assured that is the ge∣neral, if not constant procurer of trouble; for God being infinitely good, would certainly perform all his promise in giving tempo∣ral, as well as spiritual good things, did not our sins provoke his an∣ger,

and make it necessary to call us to Repentance by corre∣ction, when we abuse Prosperity; therefore when ever you find your self unwilling to pay Taxes, or groan under the burthen by reason of your Necessities, only think this is the just punishment of my sins, of my prodigality, in∣temperance, idleness, neglect of God's service, and the like; and so resolve to amend and exhort your Neighbours to the same, when you hear them complain; and pray to God for pardon of sin and mercy, either to put an end to the Miseries of the Nati∣on, or to sanctifie them to the subduing sin, and increasing holi∣ness, and give you and others pa∣tience to support them in a Chri∣stian

manner. For inferiour Ma∣gistrates, Justices of the Peace, and the like, if you are ever cal∣led before them, come with re∣verence and humility: If it is for a Crime, consess if guilty, and beg pardon; if innocent, modest∣ly justifie your self. If called to be a Witness, either by Oath or Word, be strict to the truth, with the greatest exactness you can possibly, and neither to serve your self nor friend be tempted to give false or de∣ceitful Testimony: for it is a wilful sin, and of a most heinous nature, and what may so wound your Conscience, as to make you unhappy all your life time.

If you are your self called to any Office, as Constable, Church∣warden,

Overseer of the Poor, or the like, before you venture on your Office, endeavour to un∣derstand your Duty in it, and what it is you swear and under∣take to do; grudge not to buy a Book for your Instruction, or go to your Minister and desire him to inform you, and be care∣ful to observe, and to the best of your power and knowledge per∣form what you undertake faith∣fully, more to please God then Man; and be not afraid of doing your duty, for God will protect you, and the Laws defend you in it.

SECT. III.

To his Landlord.

THirdly, your Duty to your Landlord is, first, to en∣deavour to pay your Rent ho∣nestly, and so soon as conveni∣ently you can: If your bargain is hard, in mild and humble terms acquaint your Landlord, and take some grave and honest Neighbour with you, to intercede for an a∣batement, and give an account of the reasons of it: If you obtain it, be content, and let it not tempt you to insist on another a∣batement, but be satisfied in a good honest Bargain; and consi∣der your Landlord, though he

has more then you, yet has so many more occasions for it, that he can no more afford to let too cheap, then you to pay too dear; and it is a great fault to be always repining and murmuring when it may be you know not where to better your self. But if indeed your Landlord be severe, as soon as you lawfully can, leave your Farm, but do not by running a∣way endeavor to defraud any, but pay honestly to the best of your Ability, and trust God for a sup∣ply of your wants, who will some way or other provide for you if you serve him, and are industrious and willing to work. Indeed, few Landlords but will consider such, and take care of them some way or other; or your Neighbours

if they know you faithful, will not surely see you starve; and food and raiment, with a quiet Conscience, is far better then ri∣ches, and honours, with a trou∣bled mind. However, set your Landlord be good or bad, behave your self towards him with re∣spect and humility, not answering rudely, nor refusing any small thing he requires; but if he tempt you to sin, as by forcing you to drink or act against your Consci∣ence, there be very resolute in re∣fusing to comply with him; on∣ly answer civilly, and get out of the way of temptation so soon as you can.

SECT. IV.

His Duty to his Wife and Children.

YOur Duty to your Wife is, first, to instruct her in her duty to God and her Neighbour, if she is ignorant; if she is good, to encourage by kind∣ness to continue so: if she is fro∣ward, to bear with her weakness, and by mild reproof to convince her of her fault; and whatever faults she has, endeavour to re∣form her by your example, kind precepts, and gentle usage, but e∣especially by earnest Prayer for her Conversion: Be not too se∣vere

in expecting more work then she is able to perform, but be con∣tent if she's diligent, & not wastful; allow her convenient assistance ac∣cording to your ability, but espe∣cially in time of sickness; also such desent Cloths as is necessary for her and your Children, and if she's a good Huswife, and not given to gossipping, be not too strict in requiring an account of what Money passes through her hands.

For your Duty to your Chil∣dren, I have alrea∣dy directed you, how you should catechise and teach them daily, or so of∣ten as you can, and call upon them, and while young, you or your wife hear them at least

twice a day say their Prayers: if it be possible set them to School betimes, and at least learn to read English well; work the har∣der, and spend the less, to com∣pass so great a good for your poor Children, who have Souls capable of mortal glory, as well as the Children of Kings and Nobles. When they come home, keep them as much as you can to their Books, that so they may have learned that perfect while they are young, and so be the sooner able to help you in your business; for it is a great neglect in such as you to let your Children loose their time while young; and then so soon as they begin to be able to help you, you grudge the time for their School, and so the poor

Children receive great prejudice, whereas did you keep them close to School and to their Books in their Childhood, reading would be soon attained, and they at li∣berty for other Imployments; and a little care in making them spend the Lord's day, and a quarter of an hour on other days in reading, would both keep and improve what they had learned. It will be of good use if you can afford to let them learn to write, and do them great service, and may help their advancement if they are Servants or Tradesmen, or in fol∣lowing Husbandry it self. Be ve∣ry strict in breeding them honest∣ly, not suffering them to swear or lye, or take God's Name in vain; to be rude or quarrelsome

with their Brothers and Sisters, or the Servants. When they commit any fault reprove them first gent∣ly, and by plain Arguments con∣vince them of the greatness of the sin and punishment it deserves, should God deal with them as in justice he might. If this does not do, but they continue in their fault, reprove them more severely, and leave no means untried to re∣form them: Endeavour by often calling to them, when at work or at meals, to make them love your company, and though you are never so poor, do not suffer them to be rude and disobedient, but make them show you respect, which will keep them in better o∣bedience when they grow up, and dispose them better to respect

their Masters and Superiours; for one great cause, I verily believe of the barbarity, rudeness, and wickedness of the poorer sort, has been the neglect of their Pa∣rents in not teaching them to shew a due respect to themselves, endeavour to make them sensible of the great happiness of God's blessing, that without it all their labour is in vain, that so they may have a holy fear in all they do of offending God, and an ear∣nest desire to please him, a quiet trust and dependance on his fa∣therly care, if they do their du∣ty; this will make their Labours sweet, and their Minds cheerful. Those you design should follow your own Vocation, it is sufficient that they can read and write Eng∣lish

and instruct them in their Calling. Be careful to keep them from Ale-houses and sinful Sports, and incourage them to be painful in their own labour, for any that will not be one at any sort of work with their Servants, and as early in the field as they, is not fit for an Husbandman: There∣fore to this, nor any other Em∣ployment, do not force your Child's inclination, but so soon as capable, let him make his own choice. If you design him for a Trade, reading, writing, and cast∣ing accompt are necessary; choose an honest Master, one that fears God, who is most likely to deal well with you, and keep your Child to his Duty. If you are not able to set him to Appren∣tice,

or he rather chooses Service, be careful to place him in an ho∣nest orderly Family, exhort him to be humble, and endeavour to deserve a good place before he aspires to it, to be respectful and diligent in his business, and faith∣ful in word and deed. There is an excellent Book writ to teach the Duty of Servants, which you would do well to pro∣vide him with. Whether he is Servant or Apprentice, do not hearken to all his idle Complaints, but encourage him to patience: though if you think them very just, you may endeavour to help them as far as the Law allows. Endeavour to maintain Love a∣mong your Children, and keep

them, while at home, as much as you can in your own pre∣sence.

SECT. V.

To his Servants.

YOur Duty to your Ser∣vants consists principally in keeping them to their Duty, and paying them their wages ho∣nestly; if you will have them do you faithful Service, pray be∣lieve the best way is to teach them the fear of God. To which end do not neglect to have them all present when you pray and read to your Wife and Children,

at least Morning and Night. See they say their own Prayers daily, and call on them to spend the Lord's day, and other lei∣sure times, in reading and learn∣ing their Catechise. If they can∣not read, encourage them to ask you Questions as they are at work with you, and convince them of the great comfort of knowing and doing their duty. And since they cannot read, if they will not attend to Instructi∣on, they must be wilfully igno∣rant of the means of their Salva∣tion, which is a damnable sin. In∣deed it is a great shame, that any that live in a Christian Country, should be so ignorant, as I fear

many amongst us are. Call on them to hear Sermons, and let them miss no opportunity of pub∣lick Worship when you can spare them. If they are subject to swear or lie, to be drunk or talk immo∣destly, admonish them gravely and sharply, but if they reform not speedily, turn them away, and let not any worldly consideration tempt you to keep them, for if you do, your Children are in danger of being infected with such ill Examples, and you bring a Curse on your Family. Potiphar's House was blessed for Joseph's sake; how know you but yours may be less prosperous for a wicked Servant: therefore when you have good ones prize them much, and use them kindly.

Next their Duty to God, keep to the duty of their Service, al∣low them convenient rest and wholsome food, but do not in∣dulge them in idleness, nor care∣less trifling in their work, but keep them to a full Employment, and see they follow it diligently, and do it with as great perfection as they can. It is far better to allow them now and then an hour of recreation, then to let them go on in a slothful way, though they always seem em∣ployed; keep them to their work while at it, and then if they have spare time, they may do some∣thing for themselves. Do not suffer your Servant to be rude and surly to your Children, Neighbours, or Strangers: Good

manners is a good preparative for Religion; and we see where Peo∣ple are least civilized, how Igno∣rance, Cruelty and Ill-nature ren∣ders them almost barbarous; therefore be often telling your Children and Servants, how com∣mendable a thing it is to be gen∣tle and affable, always ready to do a good Office, give good words, and pay respect to their betters. I recommend this the more earnestly, because it is so common a fault among those of that rank to be rude to their Su∣periours, and often to bear a se∣cret envy and hate to those above them, and be so morose, as not to give a civil Answer, or tell the way to one in distress: Avoid such faults, and believe me, by your

mild and kind behaviour you will find love and many other kind∣nesses: Suffer not your Servants to be with such as are vicious, but only such as live an innocent or∣derly life; if any have Sweet∣hearts, so soon as you discover it, acquaint their Parents; if promi∣sed, by no means endeavour to break it off, if they will not own their Affection, yet keep Compa∣ny, 'tis best to part them, or at least often tell them of the folly of deceiving one another, and the shame and danger of that abomi∣nable sin of Uncleanness. Pay them quarterly their wages, and give them what other reward you can afford, and they deserve. If your Servant marries from you, let them not go away empty according to

to the Precept in Deuteronomy, Chap. 15.13. If they can change yours for a better Service, more to their Preferment, do not op∣pose it, but trust to God's Provi∣dence, and do not endeavour to obstruct the greater profit with others which you cannot afford to give them your self; only if it is a disorderly wicked Family that they would go to, you ought to tell them the dangers and in∣conveniencies, and advise them against it. Do not turn away your Servants for every trifle, if they are such as fear God, nor keep those that do not, though they may do you good Service, but prefer God's glory to your own benefit; those you cannot reform part with.

SECT. VI.

To his Neighbours.

YOur Duty to your Neigh∣bours is to be ready to do them good Offices, advise them when they ask it to the best of your skill; reprove them for their sins and fol∣lies, but with so great meekness and kindness, that they may see it is a sense of your duty to God, and love of their Souls, that puts you upon doing it, therefore do it always in private. Whenever you go

to see your Neighbours, endea∣vour not to part without saying something that tends either to his or your own good, being as wil∣ling to learn as to teach, and so encourage one another in the ways of God, often talking and thinking of the blessed end of all your labour, when you shall come to Heaven; this will comfort your weariness, and make all your troubles light. Be ready also to administer comfort and help to your Neighbours tempo∣ral wants, which will mightily convince them that your reproof is not out of pride, or to re∣proach him for his faults, but re∣al Christian affection: Of this sort of kindness is visiting the sick, comforting the afflicted, be∣ing

ready to help if your Neigh∣bour is behind hand with his Land, and getting in his Harvest; not that you are obliged to neg∣lect your own Business for ano∣thers sake, but only when you are first served your self, or the inconvenience you will suffer is very small, and the good you can do your Neighbour is great, then you ought to venture your own small danger to help your Neigh∣bours great loss; and if he should be so ungrateful to forget it, God will not. If you see your Neigh∣bour's House fall under his bur∣den help him up; or his Cattel stray out of the way, carry them back, and avoid that ill nature of pounding his Cattel on every little slight Trespass. Be very

careful of your own Fences, ad∣vise your Neighbour to do the like, but if often warnings will do no good, and his Cattle do you any considerable Dammage, you may in a lawful way endea∣vour to be made amends; but let this be done with a quiet Spirit, without brawling and bitterness; and if he will refer it to your Minister, or some honest Neigh∣bour, go not to Law if you can avoid it, but be sure do not fall into an Enmity, and whatever your Adversary is, be you recon∣ciled, and willing to ask and give pardon. If People went to Law or Reference with such Spiritual Love, only desiring what is just, Differences would be much easier made up then now they are. If

any of your Neighbours thrive more then you, do not repine or envy them, nor speak slighting, as too many are apt to do of those they envy; but consider if their thriving come from God's Blessing, you ought to rejoyce, since he knows what is best for every one; but if he has his Por∣tion in this World, he better de∣serves your pity then your envy; and pray that God would not do so by you, but give you such a Portion only as might advance you in your way to Heaven, where the only durable Riches are laid up for those that love God. On the contrary, if any of your Neighbours fail in the World, and grow poor, do not rejoyce that you may be more

considerable by their fall; nor rash imputing their Misfortune to the Judgment of God for their sins: For though it is true that is originally the cause of all Evil, yet sometimes God corrects those he loves for his Glory, to manifest those Graces he has wrought in them, to advance them to greater Perfection, or to perfect their Repentance.

SECT. VII.

His Duty to the Poor.

THE last Duty I shall mention is what you owe to the Poor, and that is something, be your Condition never so mean; not that I think a poor Man is ob∣liged to Relieve all that come: but when you see very great and present want, let not such a Man depart without a piece of Bread; a good Word and a Prayer to God to supply those Wants you cannot: this Chari∣ty,

if sincere, and designed to please and obey God, not Man, you need not fear will make you poorer. When you know poor Workmen and House-keepers are in great necessity, speak to your rich Neighbours, and recommend their Case, and get something for them if you can. Teach your Children and Servants to be compassionate of the Poor, and not despise and rail at them. When you give a small Alms to relieve their Bodily wants, mini∣ster Comfort to their Souls; re∣prove them gently if you hear them Swear; try their Know∣ledge, and if Ignorant, teach them a necessary Truth, exhort them to love God, to frequent the Church, and be contented

with their Condition. But where any lusty young People take up a Trade of Bedding out of Idle∣ness, chide them sharply, give them no Relief, unless in great Extremity.

Thus, I think, I have given you some short Directions for your behaviour to most of those Persons you are like to be much concern'd with; for your parti∣cular Duties of a Christian Life, I refer you to other godly Books, particularly The Whole Duty of Man, where you may be instruct∣ed in the several Duties you owe and are to practice in relation to God, your Neighbour, and your self; the danger of the contrary Vices, and how you are to o∣vercome them. And surely now,

they that understand the value of their Souls, will not grudge buying a Book or two to teach them the way to an Eternal King∣dom, the Bible, and two or three other Books well chose, often read, and faithfully practised, may be as profitable, if not more, then reading of many Volumes. In the choice of your Books ad∣vise with some pious Friend, or your Minister.

SECT. VIII.

Of just Dealing.

FOR your behaviour in Markets or Fairs, in buy∣ing or selling, fear not being undone by honest deal∣ing, not think that Almighty God stands in need of Deceits or Lies to make you rich, if he sees Riches good for you; therefore act in these things uprightly, and trust in his Providence, and you shall be rewarded in this Life, or a

better. Sell be sure by an exact and honest Weight, and Mea∣sure; use not many words for fear there should be sin in them; but speak the Truth, without any E∣quivocation, whereby your Neigh∣bour may be deceived, but ra∣ther bear the loss of the faults of your Goods your self. Do not exact on the Ignorance or Ne∣cessities of your Neighbour, ei∣ther in buying or selling, but be willing to allow, as you expect a reasonable gain. Before or after the Market, if you have time, go to Church if there is any Ser∣vice there; but be sure you a∣void spending much time in Ale∣houses and Drinking. If your Affairs make it necessary to meet those you have Business with, I do

not forbid you going to a pub∣lick House, but charge you, as you tender your eternal welfare, and I may add, though it is as nothing after the other, as you love your temporal welfare, not to drink to excess, nor spend more time in such places then your business requires. If you find you cannot command your self when in the way of Temp∣tation, you must not go at all to such Houses, nor in the way of drinking, be the Temporal in∣convenience never so great, till you have got more mastery of your self.

SECT. IX.

The Dames Duty to her Husband.

AS for the Duties of the Dame or Mistress, in rela∣tion to God, they differ very little, only she is to give place in all things to her Husband. But in case he can∣not read, or is from home, I see no inconvenience, but rather good, for her to read some good Prayer to her Children and Servants; or if she has a Son able to do it in

his Father's absence, let him do it. For Instruction she must take care of her Children and Maids, and often call on them to do their Duty; see they pray privately twice a day, besides being pre∣sent at Family Prayers, and take care they do it with reverence and affection, and not for forms sake, and saying the words with∣out understanding the sense. Let her keep her Children, whilst young, constantly to School, and when they come home, make them con their Books, get by heart their Catechism, Chapters, and Psalms, for this will make them come forward apace, so that by that time they are able to work, they will be perfect; where∣as if you neglect to call on them

at home, they will be so long learning to read, that both the charge and trouble will be much more. Let the Girls, who are more especially under the Wo∣mans government, be set to work so soon as capable, and learn to knit, spin, sew, and do the af∣fairs of the House as they are a∣ble, and suffer them not to re∣fuse the meanest work in their Father's House, so they will come to understand how it is to be done, and be fitter for Service, and to manage a House of their own. If you can afford it, let them learn to work good Plain-work, and to write, and keep them to be very neat and cleanly in all they do, to rise early, sleep and eat mode∣rately, and be industrious, and

with God's blessing such Maids need not fear getting an honest Service, and are fitted to make good Wives, when their Parents think fit: be especially careful to prevent fondness in your Daugh∣ters and Maids, and often set be∣fore them the monstrous defor∣mity of an immodest Woman, and the great Beauty and Pru∣dence of a chast, modest, humble Maid. As your Daughter ought not to marry without your con∣sent, so do not constrain her where she has an aversion, nor cross her Affection too much if the Man is sober and honest.

While at your work in the House or Field, be often saying some profitable thing, causing your Children to repeat what they

have learnt by heart, and instead of idle Ballads, let them learn Psalms to sing at their work, so shall your House be a little Temple of God, and a Blessing accom∣pany all your Labour, and make you both happy and contented here, and dispose you for Eter∣nal Happiness in the World to come, which is so great a Hope, that nothing but sad Experience could make one think it possible, that they that pretend to believe the Truth of Eternal Glory and Happiness, can be so miserably negligent in the pursuit of, and endeavours after it.

Having in the fore-going Di∣rections often Exhorted you to think of God, and entertain ho∣ly

Meditations and Ejaculations at your work, I will here give you some few Examples, not to use in a set formal manner, but for the direction and quickning to inlarge as your Devotion di∣rects.

Meditations and Ejacula∣tions proper for several Occasions.

IN a Morning, when you find your Cattle well, or have hopes of seasonable Weather, ad∣mire God's goodness, and look not on these Blessings as the Course of Nature, or what you have a right to, but as the imme∣diate gift of God, and as if they were newly bestowed on you; and say in your heart— Lord, I thank thee for all thy gifts, it is thy bounty that first gave them, and the same bounty preserve

them; O give me grace to use them to thy glory, that I may never abuse them to sin or vani∣ty, to dishonour thee or hurt my Neighbour, but be a faithful Steward of all those Talents com∣mitted to my charge, that so I may find Mercy in the Day of our Lord.— If your Cattle is sick or die, or the Weather un∣seasonable, consider it is the Mercy of God, that you lose not all, or that you had not such losses sooner, for should he with∣draw his protection, you might be by the malice of the Devil (who hates all those that serve God) reduced to the condition of Job, and let such Accidents convince you of the great necessity of God's Blessing, and how vain all your

labour or care is without it; not being able to cause a fair day when you want it, or restore a poor Beast to health; here you may thus meditate—Lord, thy will be done, giving or taking what thou hast given, thy Name be blest; I thank thee for all thy past Mer∣cies, and submit to my present losses, sanctifie them to my pro∣fit, my sins deserve worse punish∣ments; whatever thou recallest, let it not be any degree of grace, or thy favour, for so long as I am thy reconcil'd Child, I cannot be miserable; but without thy love I am most wretched could I pos∣sess the whole World; for what shall it profit to gain the whole World and lose my Soul.

When you begin a new work,

dedicate it to God, and say—Lord, I desire to do all to thy glory, all for thy love, and in obedience to thy will; bless this my labour that it may prosper, and grant that I may first seek thy Kingdom and its Righteous∣ness, and have such a portion of Temporal Blessings as thou seest best for me.

If you are sick or in pain, look on it as sent from God, and sub∣mit to it, saying—Lord keep me from sin, the worst of evils; the more the Outward man is afflict∣ed, the more I beg thy grace to support my Spirit with Faith and Patience.—

When you hear talk of Wars and Trouble in Church or State, or are sad at the thoughts of Di∣visions

among Christians. Remem∣ber that God is infinite in good∣ness, wisdom, and power, and will bring good out of all. When you find your self affected with these Thoughts, retire to pray for your fellow Creatures, or at least at your work sometimes lift up your heart to God, to pray that he would enlighten all Man∣kind, that they may both be∣lieve and obey the Gospel; that he would unite the Divisions a∣mong Christians, and reform what∣ever he found amiss in their Be∣lief and Practice, that all Chri∣stian People might have a true Christian Spirit, a Spirit of Love and Charity, proving their Disci∣pleship by their Love to one ano∣ther, that so God might be wor∣shipped

in Spirit and Truth, to his glory and their salvation.

When you lye under any Temptations, say to this effect—Lord let thy power be magnified in my weakness, suffer me not to be tempted above my strength, take away the Temptation, or enable me to resist and overcome it.

Before you read the holy Scrip∣ture, pray that God would assist you with his enlightning grace, that so your Faith may rest, not on the Wisdom of Men, but on the Power of God, that you may rightly understand and faithfully practise what you know, that so obeying the Commands, you may inherit the Promises of the Go∣spel, and that the steadfast belief

of God's Word may be your Comfort and Support against all Temptations of the World, the Devil, or your own Corruptions. Before you go into company, or before you reprove or advise a∣ny, think how you may do most good, and best please God,—say, Lord be present with me, sancti∣fie my Heart and Tongue which I dedicate to thee, and give me both courage and wisdom to speak in due season, for thy glory and my Neighbours good; and let thy Spirit both assist me, and supply my defects by its powerful work∣ing on the heart of my Neigh∣bour.

As you sow your Ground, you may from thence draw a Medita∣tion of Death and Resurrection,

of the necessity of grace and good works; for as you must do your part to manure the Grounds, and sow the Seed, and you expect seasonable Weather to make it bring forth; so must you do your endeavours to prepare your heart to receive the grace of God, and by Prayer to procure his blessed Spirit, by which aid alone you are enabled to do the will of God.—Lord, as without thy bles∣sing all my labour is in vain, so if thy grace does not assist me, I am all weakness. O pity thy poor Creature, the work of thy hands, and both sow the Seed of true Faith in my heart, and water it with thy grace, that it may bring forth the Fruits of a Holy Life.

When you see Harvest getting

in, you may meditate to this ef∣fect—O Lord, grant that I may be as a fruitful Field ready for Harvest, that so when Death or Judgment comes, I may rejoyce, and not mourn, that my work being done I shall ever rest, not only from labour but from sin, and be perfect in loving and ser∣ving God.

If you hear profane People talk, or are tempted to doubt in any point of Faith, say—Lord I believe, help my unbelief. I be∣lieve, and am sure that thy Word is most true, and that my doubts are only the effects of my own weakness; Lord I believe what∣ever thou hast revealed, I re∣nounce all my Errours, and beg thou wilt either pardon my igno∣rant

Mistakes, or give me light to discover and forsake them; thy Word is perfect, I believe and de∣sire to obey it.

If you see any in a mean or miserable condition, think of God's goodness to you, and say—Who is it that made me to differ, and what have I that I have not re∣ceived; and if I have received it, why do I glory as if I had not re∣ceived it; let my Brother's misery make me thankful to God, and charitable to him, that he be not tempted to envy my Prosperity.

If you find your self inclined to discontent, say,—Lord it is enough for me that I may but love thee, and be loved by thee. Shall I complain of an ill Nights lodging in an Inn, when I shall

soon be at my Fathers House, and have there as large a share of glo∣ry and happiness as my Soul is capable of? How can I be more honourable than to be a Child of God, who is Lord of Heaven and Earth? How can I be richer than to have peace here, and glory here∣after? Let me instead of murmu∣ring, admire the great goodness of my heavenly Father, and rejoice in my Neighbour's Happiness; for in Heaven no one envies another, but is made more happy by the Felicity of the rest.

FINIS.

Notes

• Psal. 5.3. Rom. 8.26, 27. Hebr. 7.25. Luk. 11.2. Chron. 29.30. Prov. 15.8. Mark 11.24. Psal. 145.18, 19, 20. Acts 17.25. Hebr. 4.16. Prov. 28.13. John 1.1, 8, 9. Jer. 33.3. Psal. 50.15. Numb. 22.4. Psal. 92.2. Mark 2.35. Matth. 6.6. Psal. 55.17. Dan. 6.10. Psal. 10.19. & 122.6. 1 Tim. 2.1, 2, 3. Thess. 3.1. E∣phes. 4.2.
• Joh. 5.36. Rev. 1.3. 2 Tim. 3.15, 16. Gen. 18.19. Josh. 24.1. Acts 10.2. Matth. 11.2.
• 1 Thess. 4.11, 12. 2 Thess. 3.11, 12. Prov. 18.19. & 21.17. & 28.19. & 6.9, 10, 11. Ephes. 4.28.
• 1 Tim. 4.4 5. 1. Cor. 10.13. Col. 3.17. Eccles. 10.17. 1 Cor, 9.27. Prov. 23.20, 21. Luke 21.34.
• Of singing Psalms. Ephes 5.18, 19. Col. 3.16. Jam. 5.13 Psal. 119.97. Matth. 12.35. & 15.19, 20. Psal. 119.59.
• Of Examination. Prov. 4.26. Eph. 5.15. Luke 2.36. Psal. 4.8. Gen. 24.63.
• Exod. 28.8, 9, 10, 11. Neh. 13.19. Isa. 50.13. Acts. 27.7. & 20.7. 1 Cor. 16. Rev. 1.10. Psal. 118 24. E∣zek. 23.38. Amos 8.4.
• Of Publick Prayer. Matth. 18.20. Isa. 56.7. Luk. 2.37. Ioel 2.15, 16, 17. Hebr. 10.24, 35.
• Of hearing God's Word. Luke 8.18. Eccl. 5.1. Luk. 10.16. Joh. 8.47. 1 Joh. 4.1. Isa. 8.20. Gal. 1.8. James 1.22. 2 Thess. 2.13. Rom. 10.14, 15. Hebr. 2.1.
• Of the Sacrament. 1 Cor. 11.23, 24, 25, 26. Luke 22.17, 18, 19, 20. 1 Cor. 5.7, 8. & 11.27, 28, 29, 30
• Fasting. Matth. 6.16, 17, 18. Acts 10.30.
• Duty to Ministers. Mal. 2.7. Isa. 30.20. Hebr. 13.17. 1 Tim. 5.17. 1 Cor. 6.7. & 9.7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14. Rom. 15 27. Gal. 6.6. Matth. 10.41. & 10.14, 15. Luke 10.16. 1 Cor. 4.1. 1 Thess. 12.13.
• Duty to Superiours. Rom. 137. 1 Pet. 2.13.14. 1 Tim. 2 1, 2. Exod. 22.28. Jude 8. Acts 23.5. Eccl. 10.20. Prov. 24.21. Dan. 13.14, 15, 16, 17, 18.—6.7.8.9. Acts 5.29. & 16.37, 38, 39. & 22.25, 26, 27, 28.—25.10, 11. Lev. 19.12. Jer. 4.2. Exod. 20.26.—25.1. Prov. 14.25. Deut. 19.16, 19, 20, 21. Prov. 19.5. Deut. 16.19, 20. Prov. 17 15. Lev. 19.15.
• Duty of Husbands to their Wives and Children. Coloss. 3.19. 1 Pet. 3.7. Eph. 5.25, 28, 29, 31, 33.
• To Children. Deut 6.6, 7. Psal. 78.5, 7. Prov. 22.6, 15. Ephes. 6.4. Prov. 29.15, 17. & 13.24. & 19.18. Coloss. 3 21.
• Mr. Lucas's Du∣ty of Servants.
• Gen. 18.18, 19. Josh. 24.15. Psal. 101.9, 10. Lev. 25.49. E∣phes. 6.9. Coloss. 4.1. 1 Tim. 5.8. Job 31.13, 14.
• To his Neighbours. Thess. 5.11. Hebr. 3.13. 1 Cor. 15.23. Prov. 12.26. & 23.20, 21. & 28.19. 1 Cor. 5.9, 10, 11. Lev. 19.7. Prov. 25.12. & 28.23. Ephes. 5.11.
• To the Poor. Deut. 15.9. James 2.15. Prov. 7.5. & 11.24. 1 John 3.17.
• Of just Dealing: 1 Tim. 6.6. & 9.10. Prov. 28.20. 1 Thess. 4.6. Ephes 5 5 Prov. 21.6. Levit. 25.14. Ezek. 23.15. Numb. 5.6, 7.
• Wives Duty to Husbands. Ephes. 5 22, 23, 24. 1 Pet. 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 1 Tim. 2.12. Titus 2 4 5. Prov. 12 4. & 27.15. & 21.19. Prov. 31 Chapt.