A brief rule of life directing how to manage it according to the principles both of piety & prudence : to which is added, a form of prayer for a family, both for morning and evening : which may likewise be used in the closet by those that want such helps.

III. To overcome any HABIT of VICE.

ALl men miscarry, and most men have one disorder they are more addict∣ed

to then another: and there is no man, however bewitched or enslaved to any ill habit, but hath oft cause to bewail the mischiefs it betrays him un∣to. He is not the least happy that can free his neck from the yoke of such a Tyrant. The Considerations of the first Paragraph, will help as to this. Farther consider, That a wounded Conscience makes a man unfit for any thing, making all that we do enjoy to have no rellish with it. Scarce a sinful habit but is injurious to an Estate; but certainly layes a blot upon the reputation, which should be of value to a wise man. And if a man hath a fa∣mily, his exemplariness makes such disorders there, that his House which should be his Grotto or Castle, to retire unto for quiet and safety, from the noise and hazards of a tumultuous world abroad, proves as unpleasant as a Jayl. Lastly, Consider, that a mans self is the chiefest, if not the only thing, over which he hath a rightful power; and stands in a capacity as to himself (though a Peasant) to act the parts of a Monarch. But while he continues un∣der the predominancie of any vice, he makes himself a slave, abject, base, and

dishonorable; yet, though he be a King, he is tributary to, and dependant on, the King of kings. Therefore let him pray, and obey, and put in practice those acts which he is free to, as con∣fideration, resolution, watchful en∣deavour, directly set against that vice which is his greatest Enemy; not neg∣lecting real industry in business, (of which every man, if he will be true to his own interest, hath his hands full) and so he will not be at leisure to be wicked.