The devout Christian instructed how to pray and give thanks to God, or, A book of devotions for families and for particular persons in most of the concerns of humane life / by the author of the Christian sacrifice.

MVNDAY MORNING.

WE humble our selves, O Lord of heaven and earth, before thy glorious Majesty; we heartily ac∣knowledge thy Sovereign Dominion over us & all creatures; we praise and magnifie thy eternal Power, Wisdom, Goodness and Truth; and we ren∣der thee our most unfeigned thanks for the innumerable benefits which thou in thy bounty hast loaded us withal: Above all for the gracious declaration thou hast made of thy good will to us in Christ Jesus; by whom thou hast invited and incou∣raged sinners to return to thee, and

directed them in the way to ever∣lasting bliss.

We blush to think of our shame∣ful forgetfulness of thee, and ingra∣titude to thee; to whom we owe all that we have in this world, and all our hopes in the next. We most humbly implore thy tender mercies in the forgiveness of all our sins, whereby we have offended, either in thought, word, or deed, against thy just and holy Laws. For we are truly sorry for all our mis-doings: we utterly renounce whatsoever is contrary to thy will: and here de∣vote our selves intirely to the obe∣dience thereof. Accept, O most merciful Father, of this renewed Dedication, which we make of our whole man, body, soul and spirit to thee. And as thou dost inspire us with holy resolutions, so accompa∣ny them always with the assistance of thy grace; that we may be able every day to offer up our selves more sincerely, and more cheerfully to

thee: with more pure affection, and hearty devotion, and ready dispo∣sition to thy service.

We adore thy great grace which hath brought salvation to us, and * 1.1teaches us that denying all ungodli∣ness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righte∣ously and godly in this present world. We will indeavour, O Lord, to pre∣serve a grateful sense of thy mighty love in our mind, and to follow the doctrine and example of thy Son Christ Jesus; as becomes those who have such a blessed hope, and look for so great Salvation at the day of his glorious appearing. We desire a∣bove all things to be so pure and un∣defiled, so meek and gentle, so hum∣ble and lowly, so just and merciful, so peaceable and patient, contented and thankful as our blessed Lord and Master was: And we hope that thou wilt fulfil all the gracious pro∣mises he hath made to us, which we esteem far greater treasure than

thousands of gold and silver. They are the support, the comfort, the sa∣tisfaction of our hearts. We ask nothing, but that it may be to thy servants according to his Word.

Thou hast mercifully kept us the last night, blessed be thy continued goodness, and raised us again to see the light of this morning: Receive us likewise all this day into thy pro∣tection, to which we most humbly commit our selves. We trust our selves and all belonging to us with thee our Creator and Redeemer. We submit to thy orders, and are willing to do and suffer what thou pleasest: * 1.2Waiting for the mercy of our Lord Christ Jesus unto eternal life.

And we desire, thou knowest, the good of all mankind, as well as our own; especially of all Christian people: that they may all walk worthy of the Gospel, and live to∣gether in unity and godly love. For which end, we pray that all Chri∣stian

Kings, Princes and Governours, may be wise, pious, just and merci∣ciful; indeavouring that all their sub∣jects may lead peaceable lives under them, in all godliness and honesty. And more particularly that our So∣veraign may be blessed with a reli∣gious, quiet, long and prosperous Reign: and that all his Ministers of State, and Officers of Justice may conscientiously discharge the trust that is reposed in them; seeking in their several places how to right the oppressed, to comfort the afflict∣ed, to provide for the poor and needy, and to relieve all those that are in any misery. Bless all our spi∣ritual Pastors and Instructors: suc∣ceed their labours; and give us grace to follow their godly admonitions, * 1.3to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake; and to be at peace among our selves. The same blessings we crave for all our friends, relations and ac∣quaintance; that we may all live in

perfect love and peace together: doing our duties to thee, to each o∣ther, and to all men so faithfully, that we may give a comfortable ac∣count of our selves, and rejoyce to∣gether at the great day of the Lord Jesus. In whose holy words we be∣seech thee to help us still more hear∣tily to offer up our desires to thee.

Our Father, &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Tit. 2.11,12.
• * 1.2

  Jude 21.
• * 1.3

  1 Thess. 5.13.