An INTRODUCTION TO PIETY AND HVmanitie: containing, First, A SHORT CATECHISM for understanding the grounds of Religion: Secondly, CERTAIN BRIEF AND Effectual rules for life and conversation. PENNED SPECIALLY FOR the use of the poor children of Christ's Hospital in London: But generally may serve for any other that would be instructed therein. By GREGORY BROWNE. Psalm 19, The law of the Lord is perfect, converting th● soul, etc. Psalm 119. The entrance into thy word showeth light, and giveth wisdom to the simple. AT LONDON Printed by E. A. for Ed●und Weaver dwelling at the great North-door of Paul●s. 1613. TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL GENTLEMEN, Lovers of learning, Piety and Charity, the Governors of Christ's Hospital in London, foster fathers of the poor Orphans, and helpless Children there relieved; Grace & Peace be multiplied. THe giver of all goodness, Right worshipful, having, promised that the best good things, being first sought and preferred, the second Luke 12. necessary for life shall never fail; I have accordingly endeavoured to my poor talon, and leisure, together with others, to wish the special good of these poor Children, which by God his providence are cast upon your loving care and fatherly protection: desiring that in private even from their infancy, they might be seasoned with some taste of piety and humanity, which might make for their better good when they are in public to be further trained up in the practice of Religion and Arts: for man new born is like a wild Ass' colt; & folly is naturally in the heart of a child, until by education & discipline it be made fit to bear & bring forth better fruit. If any good shall come hereof to that end; I have my desire, as the chiefest good which I know is here intended in their fostering and educating in this Christian government; which hath and shall cause many prayers and praises to God for your worships, that you may be had in an everlasting remembrance, and the whole benefit in the end to redound unto you and others, who have ruled with faithfulness, & distributed with cheerfulness; when God shall have the glory, Religion the credit, our King the honour, the City and whole State the profit, and yourselves comfort of conscience, & blessing of peace and plenty, which the God of peace and love grant unto you all, Amen. Your Worships in all Christian duty, G. B. TO THE CHRISTIan Reader. MY chief desire and endeavour in this (like the poor Bee that gathereth of divers plants, and borroweth of sundry men's labours, to contrive a work profitable for orhers) hath been to benefit myself and family, but chiefly these poor children with whom I am conversant in my poor calling. If God the giver of all goodness, vouchsafe his blessing to it, for private or public good, I have my desire; and with my further endeavour and prayer to God, will not cease to seek and wish the same still; so far as the quality of a Christian calling, health, & poor ability will permit. Thine in prayer. G. B. PLACES OF SCRIPTURE showing the Antiquity, and necessity of teaching and catechizing of youth & families; both private and public, even from the example of the Fathers of the first ages of the world, unto the times of the Primitive state of the Church. AND in process of time it came to pass, that Kaine brought an oblation to the genesis 4, 3, Lord of the fruit of the ground. And Habel also himself brought of the first fruit of his sheep, and of the fat of them: and the Lord had respect unto Habel and to his offering: For ●eb. 11. 4. by faith he offered a greater sacrifice than Kain. And Henoch walked with God after he begat genesis 5, 22 Methushelah 300. years, and begat sons and daughters. So all the days of Henoch were 365. years. And God took him away because he walked with God, and had pleased him; but without faith it is impossible to Heb, 11, 5, please him. And Lamech lived 182. years, and begat a son, and called his name Noah, saying, this Genesis, 5, 28 same shall comfort us concerning our works, and sorrow of our hands, as touching the earth which the Lord hath cursed. But Noath found G●nes 6. 8. grace in the eyes of God, being a just man and upright in his time, walking with God: and was made heir of the righteousness which is by faith. And the Lord said unto Noah, enter Heb. 11. 7. thou & all thy house into the ark: for thee have Genes. 7. 1. I found righteous before me in this age etc. For I know that Abraham will command his sons and his household after him, that they Gen. 18. 19 may keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness Heb. 11. 9 and judgement, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham, that which he hath spoken unto him. Then said jacob to his household, and to all that were with him; put away the strange Gods Genes. 35. 2. that are among you, and cleanse yourselves, and Heb. 11. 21. change your garments, for we will rise and go to Bethel, to sacrifice unto God, who heard me in my tribulation; and they did so: etc. And when your children ask you what service Exod. 12. 26. is this you keep; than you shall say, it is the sacrifice of the Lords Passeover etc. And thou shalt show thy Son in that day saying, this is done because of that which the Lord did unto Exod. 13. 8. me, when I came out of Egypt. And these words which I command thee Deut. 6. 6. this day, shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt Deut. 4. 9 rehearse them continually unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou tarriest in Deut. 11. 19 20. 21. thine house, and as thou walkest by the way; and when thou liest down, & when thou risest up. etc. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve: but I and my house will serve the Lord. josu. 24. 15. The continuance of this in the age's ensuing, is verified in the practice of Samuel, the 19 chapter, the 19 20. 21. 22. 23. and 24. verses. 1. Sam. 19 18 As also 140. years after this time in the times of Elias, and Elisha, most troublesome 2. Kings 1. 1. 3. 4. 5. ●. 7. 8. times, yet was this practised then in a most heavenly and prophetical manner. [I will open my mouth in a Parable: I will declare high sentences of old] which we have heard and known, & Psal. 78. 2. our fathers have told us; we will not hide them from their children, but declare them to the generations to come. And thou Solomon my son, know the God of thy father, & serve him with a perfect heart, 1. Chro. 21. 9 and with a willing mind. For I was my father's son, tender and dear Prou. 4. 3. in the sight of my mother; when he taught me and said unto me, let thine heart hold fast my words: etc. The prophesy which his mother also taught Prou. 31. 1. him: What my son, and what the son of my womb, etc. give not thy strength unto women; nor thy ways, etc. Teach a child in the trade of his ways, and Prou. 2●. 6. when he is old he shall not departed from it. Precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line unto line, here a little and there Esay. 28. 10 a little, as the Prophet speaketh in another kind. Luke. 2. 42. & 22. 23. Mark. 10. 15. 16, Psal, 78. Matth. 16. 15. 16. The example of our blessed Saviour throughout the Evangelists, is most pregnant and profitable to be considered in this kind, opening his mouth in parables, and declaring hid sentences of old. And Philip ran thither, and heard him read the Prophet Esay, and said, but understandest Act. 8. 30. thou what thou readest? And he said, how can I, except I had a guide? And he expounded, etc. And you fathers provoke not your children Ephes. 6. 4. to wrath, but bring them up in instruction and information of the Lord. For it shallbe in the last times, saith God, I joel. 2. 28. Act. 2. 17. 1. Thess. 5. 18. will power out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. Quench not the spirit, despise not prophesying (preaching and teaching.) Therefore leaving the doctrines of the beginnings Hebr. 5. 12. Hebr. 6. 3. 1. Cor. 3. 1. 2. of Christ: let us be led forward unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of Baptism, and laying on of hands, and of the resurrection from the dead, and of eternal judgement. Let him that is instructed in the word, make Gal. 6. 6. him that hath instructed him partaker of all his goods. The instructors of young Christians in the Primitive Church, were called Catechists; and those instructed, Catechumenine, & hearers, or young hearers; and their teachers, teachers of the hearers. These appear to be in the times of the holy Fathers, shortly after the Apostles age; as Tertullian, Cyprian, Austin, Jerome, etc. God Almighty the giver of every good and perfect gift, revive and continue it in this declining age, to his glory, Amen. A PRAYER TO BE SAID before catechizing, as followeth. O Lord, which openest and none shutteth, open our eyes, and touch our hearts, that we may see and perceive the wonderful things of thy Law, that our minds being enlightened with true knowledge, and our hearts confirmed with unfeigned faith we may more and more be conformed to the Image of thy Son again, to serve thee in holiness and righteousness, keeping faith and a good conscience, until we attain to the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls, through Christ our Lord and only Saviour▪ Amen. A SHORT CATECHISM FOR THE Elder sort of the Children of Christ's Hospital in London. To be used of them after the small Catechism which is to be taught and learned of every Child, as is appointed by authority. Quest. SING we are yet to speak of God the Sovereign good; and of his word our guide to true happiness; declare unto us what God is? Ans. God is an eternal Spirit, almighty, holy, Just and merciful, being an infinite perfection; whose being is of himself, giving being to all, without beginning of time or end of days, one in essence, and three distinct people, one mighty nature be they; the Father, Son, and holy-ghost. Quest. Who is the Creator and governor of the world? Ans. This one almighty God, the Father, Gen. 1. 1. joh. 1. 3. Psal. 136, 5, Son, and holy Ghost. Quest. Why were the Heavens, Angels, and celestial bodies made? Ans. For the glory of God, and service of man: as the Psalmist saith, the heavens declare the glory of God: and the Apostle Psal. 8. saith, the Angels are all ministering spirits Heb. 2. for their sakes that shall be heirs of Salvation. Quest. But some Angels are tempters and hurters of mankind. Ans. Those are Angels which kept not their first estate of truth and holiness, but through pride against God and malice to men, fell as stars from Heaven: being slanderers of God, and enemies to men, called the devil and his Angels, reserved 2. Pet. 2. 4. Jude 6. in everlasting chains under darkness, unto the judgement of the great day. Quest. Amongst all the creatures, which is the chiefest then? Ans. Man being considered in Christ Gen. 1. 26. Psal. 8. 5. restored to grace. Quest. Why so? Ans. Because God hath endued him Gen. 2. 7. Psal. 51. 6. with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, and given him reason to discern between good and evil. Quest. What is the chiefest end of man's creation? Ans. To serve and glorify God their Esay. 43. 7. Tit. 2. 11. 12. Creator. Quest. What rule hath God left unto us, how he would be served? Ans. His holy Law, first written in the Of the law. Exod. 20. Psal. 19 7. heart and given by God, consisting of ten Commandments in two Tables. Quest. Divide them. Ans. In the first four, which is the D●ut. 6. 45. Matth. 22 37. first Table, is taught our duty towards God. In the latter six, which is the second Table, is contained our duty to our Matth. 22. 39 Levit. 19 18. neighbour. Quest. Rehearse them. Ans. I am the Lord thy God, which brought ●hee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, thou shalt have none other Gods but me. Thou shalt not make to thyself etc. Quest. Show me the sense of every Commandment, particularly. Ans. 1 In the first Commandment is set down whom we should worship, that is, God only and alone. Deut. 6. 13. Mat. 4. 10. 2 In the second, how we should worship him: namely according to his word in Math, 15. 9, Deut, 4, 15, Act, 7, 29, spirit and truth: without representations. 3 In the third, the end wherefore we ought to worship him, that his name may be hallowed, his kingdom enlarged, and his blessed will accomplished in all, and over Levit, 9, 12. Esay, 65, 16, all by his word. 4 In the fourth, The time and means which the Lord hath appointed for his Exod, 31, 1, Cor, 16, 2 worship and service, being the Sabbath day, The Preaching of the Word, administration of the Sacraments, prayers, and praises. Which four precepts are the first Table, containing our duty toward God in hallowing his name, In seeking his kingdom, and learning his will. 5 In the fifth, which is the first of the second Table, containing our duties towards our neighbours, God taketh order for the duties of Inferiors towards their Superiors and Elders, and of the Superiors Levit, 20, 9, Rom, 13, 1. 2, to their Inferiors. 6 In the sixth, of the safety of our brother's life; that civil society and peace may be maintained among men. Deut. 32. 3 joh. 3. 15. Levit. 20. 2 Hebr. 13. 4. 7 In the seventh, of his wife, that chaste wedlock and holy conversation might be preserved, and a holy seed continued. 8 In the eight, of his goods, that true dealing, faithful labour in our calling, Levit. 19 3● 1. Thess. 4, 6. contented minds with our portion, thankfulness to God, and helpful furtherance to our brethren may be practised. 9 In the ninth, of his good name, that truth in word, in witness, in report, may be Levit. 19 16 1 Thess. 5. 22 exercised among men, for the preserving of their good names and estimation. 10 In the tenth, is forbidden the least degree of sin against any o● these Commandments; Psal. 19 13. Rom. 7. 23. namely the lust and motion to sin, aswell as the consent and deed. Quest. Is there prescribed in the Law a perfect rule of righteousness? Ans. Yea verily, though there be in us Rom. 7. 12. 14 no ability to perform the same. Quest. How cometh that to pass, seeing man was created perfect? Ans. Through the sin and transgression Gen. 3. Rom. 5. 17. of our first Parents. Quest. Did not that sin rest in A●am alone? Ans. No, but it did flow from him unto all mankind. ●m. 5. 14. 18. Quest. What fruits doth it bring forth in us? Ans. Nothing but sin, in thought, word and deed. Quest. What punishment is due to sin? Ans. Eternal death and damnation. ●om. 6. 12. Quest. How come we to the knowledge of sin? Ans. By the law. Rom. 3. 20. Quest. Whereunto serveth this knowledge? Ans. To humble us and cast us down Act. 2. 37. in the sight and acknowledgement of our own misery: and to bring us to Christ. Quest. How is it possible for man to be saved in this misery? Ans. By faith in Christ jesus, the Son Gen. 3. Act. 4. 12. of God, the promised seed of the woman. Quest. Where is this saving knowledge of Christ jesus briefly set down for us? Ans. In the Articles of the creed, being Of faith twelve in number Quest. Repeat them with the sense of every one. Ans. 1 I believe in God, the Father almighty, Deut. 5. 6. Ephes. 4. 5. 6. Gen. 1. 1. 2. maker of Heaven and Earth, the first person in Trinity, maker and governor of all things in Heaven and in Earth, visible and invisible. 2 And in jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, the second person in Trinity, who is our King, to govern and defend us, our Priest and Prophet, to offer for us, to teach us his Psal. 110. 4 Hebr. 7. 17. fathers will. 3 Which was conceived by the holy Ghost, borne of the Virgin Mary: showing the manner Mat. 1. 19 Gal. 4. 4. of his pure conception and blessed birth taking our nature upon him without sin, by faith in whom our nature i● sanctified. 4 He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried, etc. which showeth Esay. 53. 4. 5 Mark. 14. 3 Gal. 3. 13. his painful passion, infinite suffering, and bitter death, for our sins, performing most absolute obedience to God for us. 5 The third day he rose again from the dead; Hos. 13. 14. Rom. 4. 25. which showeth his victory after death, rising again for our justification to life. 6 He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the Luke. 24. 5 Mark. 16. 1 right hand of God the Father almighty; which showeth of his ascension and exaltation in glory, having all power in Heaven and in Earth given him of his father. 7 From thence he shall come to judge the quick 1 Thess. 4. 1. Mat. 25. 31. and the dead; which showeth of his second glorious appearing in judgement, and restoring of all things. ●hess. 4. 1. ●, 25. 31. 8 I believe in the holy Ghost, the third Person in Trinity; God equal with the Father ●●h. 28. 19 Cor. 6. 11. and Son, sanctifier of all the elect people of God. 9 The holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, which do communicate with ●es. 2. 20. Cor. 1. 19 Christ, and one with another in the fellowship of faith and bond of love. 10 The forgiveness of sins, belonging to all ●. 31. 34. ●oh. 1. 9 the true members of the Church, who only have peace with God. 11 The resurrection of the body, from death ●. 1●. ●5. 26 ●n. 12. 2. ●uel. 20. 12. and corruption, to immortality, both of good and bad. 12 The life everlasting, for the godly, replenished with all fullness of joy and blessedness Cor 5. 1, ●os. 3. 4. Th●ss. 19 ●atth. 25. ●uel. 14. 10. ●. with God and his holy Angels: and of everlasting woe and torments for the wicked before the throne of God, for ever and ever. Quest. How many principal parts are these Articles of the faith to be drawn to? Ans. Unto four principal heads. Quest. Which be they? Ans. First, our faith in God the Father, the Creator. Secondly, in God the Son, the Redeemer. Thirdly, in God the holy Ghost, the Sanctifier. Fourthly, of the Church, the communion of Saints, to whom forgiveness of sins, joh. 3. 36. blessed resurrection, and everlasting life and glory appertain. Quest. Why say you, I believe in God, and not rather, in Gods, seeing you make mention of three; the Father, Son, and Spirit? Ans. Because there is but one true and everliving God, revealed unto us in three 1. joh. 5. 7. persons, in whom my faith is stayed. Quest. Why do you say, I believe in God, and not rather, I believe a God?, Ans. To declare that I put my trust and confidence in him, for the Devils and wicked jam. 2. 19 believe there is a God, but do not put their trust and confidence in him. Quest. Why say you, I believe, and not rather, we believe?, Ans. Because I must be saved by mine Rom. 5. 2. Hab. 2. 4. own faith, and not by the faith of others. Quest. What is true faith which saveth us? Ans. It is a firm persuasion of the mercies of God purchased by our Lord Heb. 11. 1. Rom. 8. 38. 3 jesus Christ being the foundation of our hope and sight of things invisible: Quest. How must we attain to this true faith, and how is it increased? Ans. By the spirit of God, persuading our hearts by the hearing and reading ●. Cor. 5. ●om. 10. 4. ●om. 1. 3. of God's Word, receiving the Sacraments and prayer, assuring us that we are within the Covenant of grace revealed by the Gospel. Quest. Now you have showed that the Word of God, the Sacraments and prayer, strengthen faith: show what is Prayer. Ans. Prayer is a lifting up of the mind, Of prayer. and pouring out of the heart before God, by the motion of his Spirit, in the name of Luke. 18. 1. joh. 14. 13. james. 4. 3. jesus Christ his son, craving things needful, & giving thanks for benefits received. Quest. Is there any prescript form of Prayer left us in the holy Scriptures? Ans. Yes, that which our Lord jesus Christ hath taught, and is called the Lords prayer, containing all heavenly wisdom in Matth. 6. 9 Luke 11. 2. that kind, consisting of six petitions, and a conclusion, as followeth, Our Father which art in heaven, etc. Quest. To whom must we pray, and in whose name? Ans. To God only, the Father, Son, ●ohn 16. 23. and holy Ghost, in the name of Christ jesus. Quest. Why do we then name the Father only? Ans. The word Father, in this place is not taken personally, but essentially, for jude. 20. Rom. 8. 34. in the action of true prayer, the holy Ghost is the first Mover, the Son the Mediator, the Father graciously hearing, returneth Psal. 22. 24. an answer in due time. Quest. Why must we pray to the Father in the name of his Son Mediator? Ans. Because God being displeased for john 14. 6. Rom. 5. 10. sin, we can have no access unto him, but by the means of Christ our Advocate, in whom he is well pleased. Quest. Why must we pray by the working of the holy Ghost? Ans. Because the holy Ghost assureth Rom. 8. 26. Ephes. 6. 18. us that God is our Father, and also teacheth us how to pray, and what to pray for. Quest. What things are to be observed of us in prayer? First, before the action of prayer; 1. We 1. Pet. 1. 17. must truly repent us of our sins, and heartily purpose to amend. 2 In the action of prayer, 1. We must Matth. 21, 2● have faith in God through Christ. ●mes 1, 6, ●arke, 11, 24 watch, 5. 44. ●d 6, 14. 15, 3 Love to our brethren, yea towards our enemies, and zeal of affection to persevere. And after prayer, 1. We must be ●sal, 18, 21, thankful for grace. Watchful over our affections to better ●pes, 6. 18, ●om, 8, 25, our obedience after, and patiently to tarry the Lords leisure. Quest. These being observed before, in and after prayer: tell me how many parts be there of prayer? Ans. Three parts: Confession of sin, Petition for mercy and grace, thanksgiving for blessings received. Quest. How many parts be there of the Lords prayer? Ans. Two parts; first of those which concern God's glory, secondly of things concerning ourselves. Quest. Which be those that concern God? Ans. The Preface, and the three first Petitions, saying, Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed by the name, thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. etc. Concluding with Kingdom, Power, and Glory. Quest. What understand you by the Preface, Our Father which art in Heaven? Ans. That jehovah our God, jehovah the Father, Son, and holy Ghost, is Deut. 6. 4. Mark 1●. 29. one, and become our Father by the death and mediation of Christ his Son, in whose name, if we approach unto him with faith john 20. 7 & 16. 27. and reverence, he will make manifest that he is both willing and able to hear and help us. Quest. What more? Ans. That being in Heaven, he requireth of us heavenly minds and affections, to worship him in spirit and truth, without any superstition, of representation, Math. 6. 5. joh. 4. 24. 25. or will-worship according to carnal reason, as it is forbidden in the first and second Commandments of the first Table. Quest. What understand you by the first Petition, Hallowed be thy name? Ans. That the glorious names and attributes of God; his wisdom, power, Psalm 99 3. Exodus, 34. 6. Psalm 138. Psalm 145. ●. word, mercy, justice, and works, may be honoured and sanctified of us in our thoughts, words and works, which is the end of our creation and redemption: the contrary whereof is forbidden in the third commandment of the first Table: thou shalt not take the name of thy God in vain. 2 Q. What by the second, Thy kingdom come?, A. That righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy Ghost, may be increased in us by Dan, 7. 14. Luke 1. 33. Psalm 145. 11, 12, 13. the regiment of his Word and Spirit, that Christ may reign and dwell in our hearts by faith driving out all adversary power of sin and darkness, that being his obedient subjects in the kingdom of grace, we may speedily be fitted and suited with all his Elect in the kingdom of glory. 3 Q. What by the third, Thy will be done? A. That God would subdue in us by his grace, all things repugnant to his word & 1 Thessa. 4. 3. Rom. 12. 2. will; that with all holy desire, diligence and integrity (resembling his holy angels in heaven) we may do his will, as in his word he hath manifested it unto us, being the perfect rule of faith and obedience: for the Colos. 1. 9 10. 1 P●ter 4. 2. honour and hollowing of his name, the power, increase, and accomplishment of his kingdom, are united to the doing of his will according to his word. Q. By this we may see that these three Petitions answer to the four first Commandments of the first Table, A. Yea, for in them we learn our duty to God, as concerning his worship, faith, fear and love, which in this we pray far grace to practise. 4 Q. What understand you by the second parts of this prayer, and namely the fourth Petition, Give us this day our daily bread? A. That God would vouchsafe to give us all such things as are needful for us, and the place where we live, that we may live without distress of mind and pride of heart, that honouring our Superiors and Parents, we may live a peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, abandoning all excessive care for earthly things, being content Math. 6. 24. 25. Philip. 4. 6. 1 Tim. 6. 8. with sufficient, obtained by our lawful labours; that so it may go well with us as it is promised in the first Commandment of the second Table, where it is said, Honour thy father and thy mother, that it may go well with thee. 5 Q. What by the fifth Petition in the second part of this prayer; Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us?; A. That confession of s●nnes must go Prou. 28. 13. before remission, because they separate us from God▪ till they have found free pardo● through faith in the merits of Christ the Mediator of the new Covenant, who hath made reconciliation for sin, and purchased Dan. 9 24. everlasting righteousness: therefore for his sake we desire mercy for our sins, and the punishments due to be removed, because Exod. 34. 6. 7. they are pledges of God's favour, declaring himself to be our God and Father. Q. Why is this reason added, As we do forgive others that trespass against us? A. Lest we should presume to ask forgiveness of God, except we be free from hatred Matth. 6. 14. 15. Mark 11. 25 26. and malice, as it is said, If ye forgive others, God will forgive you: therefore we pray that God who is infinite in mercies, would pardon us, for we being▪ wretched sinners, having not one drop of grace, yet through his grace are willing to forgive others that Proverb. offend us: For if it be the glory of a man to pass by infirmities, much more of God. Q. What learn you by the last Petition, And lead us not into temptation? A. In the former Petition we desired pardon for sins past, and here we pray for grace to resist sin in time to come, that we may be supported and preserved in that ●. Pet. 2. 9 Mat. 26. 41. state of grace, whereunto we are restored ●nd called by Christ. Therefore we pray ●hat we be not hardened with the deceitful●es Luke 22. 40. Esay. 1. 16. of sin, nor lead into overhard trials, against which our weakness is not able to resist. but that with the temptation 1 Cor 10. 13. ●he would give the issue, for his glory, and our good. Q. What understand you by this, But deliver us from evil? A. That is from the devil the author of all 1. joh. 3. 8. ●uill, for we pray not simply against temptation but against the evil of temptation, that we may have grace and strength to tread Satan, sin, & all adversary power Mat. 4. 3, 4. joh. 17. 15. opposing itself to our salvation under feet, through our Lord jesus, the seed of the woman, who hath already triumphed over them, and by whom we hope and assure ourselves we shall be perfect in his heavenly kingdom. Q. What understand you by the conclusion, For thine is the Kingdom, the Power and Glory for ever and ever. A. The sum of all contained in the 1. Tim. 1. 17. rest: because he is the immortal King invisible and Almighty, God only wise; we 1. Kingdom. pray to serve him as his subjects in this 1. Pe●. 1. 5. life (for the sovereignty of heaven & earth is his) and to be preserved by his powe● 2. Power. through faith unto the life to come, for he is all sufficient to perform: that he would glorify his great name by all these means▪ for all glory, honour, and praise is due t● 3. Glory. Psalm 145. 11. 12. him in Christ jesus for evermore. Q. Then the beginning and end of ou● prayers ought to be the praise and glory o● God? A. Yes, for he is not worthy to receiu● new benefits, who will not be thankful Psal. 103. 2. for former received. Q. Why conclude you with Amen? A. To show our earnest desire and assured hope to obtain our lawful requests through Christ the faithful and true widnes, Revel. 3. 14. in whom all the promises of God a● yea & Amen. Q. Then belike these three last Petitions answer to the six last precepts of the te● Commandments of the second Table of the Law. A. Yea verily, for in them we learn ou● duty towards men: and here we pray fo● Psal. 19 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 13. grace to practise them that we may live ● peaceable life in all godliness and honesti● till we be fitted and ready for the life ● come in heaven. Q. Are we sure to be heard, praying according to these rules? A. Yes certainly, as the Scriptures of Psalm. 138. 3. & 145. 18. 19 God do abundantly teach us. Q. But we see God doth not always grant the Petitions of his children. A. That is, because God hath otherwise Ezek. 14. 14. 1. Psal. 135. 6. james 3. 2. 2 3 4 first decreed with himself; secondly because they ask amiss; thirdly because in his profound wisdom he seeth it not good for them, four because he trieth their faith, love, patience, and constancy. Q. Tell me now what is a Sacrament? psal. 33. 10. 2. Cor. 12. 9 Luke 19 7. jam. 3. 8. Of the Sacraments. A. A seal of that righteousness which is given by faith in the merits of Christ jesus. Q. How many seals or Sacraments of that kind hath God left unto his Church? A. But two Sacraments of the new Gen. 17. 11. Rom. 4. 11. 1 Cor. 10. 1, 2 3. Covenant, as there were but two in the old, figuring righteousness given by faith. Q. Which be they? A. Baptism, and the Lords Supper. answerable to Circumcision, & the Passeover, 1. Cor. 12. 13. 1. Cor. 10, 16. and succeeding in their places. Q. How many parts be there of a Sacrament? A. Two, the outward sign, and the inward 1 ●et. 3. 21. grace signified. ●. Pet. 3. 21. Q. What is the outward sign in Baptism? A. Water, accompanied with the Word Math. 28. 19 Q. What the inward grace signified? A. The washing away of sin by faith in the blood of Christ: and the reviving and sanctifying unto true righteousness by his Act● 22. 16. Titus 3. 5. spirit, sealing unto the heart the assurance of fra forgiveness of sins by Christ jesus. Q. What further use and end hath Baptism? A. To express that we are admitted and incorporated into the house of God his Acts 15. 9 1. pet. 3. 20, 21. Genis. 17. 1●. Church, whereof the Ark was a figure, and received into the Covenant of grace, heretofore figured in the seal of Circumcision. Q. What doth God promise unto us in this Covenant of Baptism? A. Christ jesus with all the benefits of his death, burial, resurrection and ascension, Rom. 6. 1. pe●. 3. 21. to the full assurance of the free forgiveness of sins, to justification and life eternal Q. What is the condition that the party baptized is to keep and perform? A. To repent and believe, that is, to renounce and forsake sin, Satan, the world Mark 1. 4. 1. Io●. 1. 7. and all the works of the flesh, and to live in holiness and righteousness according to the Spirit, beginning his new birth and life in God, to die to sin, and rise up unto Rom. 6. 3. 4. ● righteousness of conversation. Q. Why are Infants baptized, which can make no confession of faith & repentance? A. Because they are the seed of the faithful, and within the outward covenant, unto whom belong the promises of grace: and Rom. 4. 12. 26. Mark 10. 14. of such is the kingdom of heaven, though not of all; but we must leave the hidden things to God, the revealed are for us and our children to do them. Deut. 29. 29. Q. What be the outward signs in the Lord's Supper? A. Bread and wine, according to our saviours institution. Q Which be the inward graces signified and sealed unto us by them? A. The body and blood of Christ jesus, our Paschall Lamb without blemish offered Mat. 26. 26. 1. Cor. 10. 16. 1. Pet. 1. 18. 19 Rom. 4. 25. for us, working full redemption and justification for all true believers, sealing unto them his righteousness to be theirs by free imputation. Q. What further use hath the Lords Supsper? A. To teach us that our Covenant in Baptism may be renewed, and our faith, Cor. 11. 26 hope and love, may be strengthened and increased by keeping a continual remembrance of his blessed passion and death, until his glorious coming again to judgement. Q, Who ought to receive them, and how should they be prepared thereunto? A. The faithful repentant believers, who only are circumcised in heart, judging and duly examining themselves, whether 1. Cor 11. 28 they have faith unfeigned, true repentance, 2. Cor. 13. 5. sincere love and thankful hearts for all God's blessings, especially for these inestimable Matth. 5. 23. psal. 103. 1. 2. mercies in Christ, the root of all the rest. Q To what end serveth this knowledge of God, whereof we have so briefly entreated out of the law, faith, prayers and Sacraments? A. To bring us to the sovereign good and end of our faith, hope and wished destres; even the salvation of our souls and bodies through jesus Christ. Q. What is that sovereign good and salvation you mean? A. God the author and fountain of all goodness: Creator, Governor, Redeemer, 2. pet. 3. 3. 4. justifier, Sanctifier and Saviour of man, who in this life hath not only given us life, moving and being, but grace through faith, working by love to partake of his divine nature, and begin the life of God here, which in the life to come shall be perfect Rom. 6. 11. with him in glory for ever. Q. What shall be the state of those which have known and believed unfeignedly in the Lord? A. They shall first have their lot in the blessed resurrection, to meet the Lord in 1. Thess. 4. 16 glory, and to enjoy his blessed presence, and fullness of joy, and perfect blessedness which no eye hath seen ear hath heard, or heart Corinth. can conceive. Q. What shall the state of the wicked and ignorant unbelievers be in the world to come? 2 A. They shall also be raised up to shame Deut. ●2. 2. 2. Thess ●. 7. 8. 9 2. ●et. 3. 7. Revel. ●4. 1●. 11. and everlasting woefulness, punished with everlasting perdition and pain unspeakable, in fire unquenchable before the throne of God, whom they shall never 〈◊〉 with comfort, nor the glory of his power with joy. Q. Shall this weak, mortal, and corruptible body of God's Saints, be partaker with the immortal Soul, of everlasting lif● and glory? A. Yea, for this mortal shall put on immortality, incorruption, power and spiritual 1. Cor. 15. glory, like unto the glorious body of Christ, to see him as he is, and for ever and ever to be with him in glory in his kingdom, where we shall in perfect holiness 1. Thess. 4. 17 worship him all in all, to whom the holy Angels do ever give due worship: saying, Amen, Praise, and Glory, and Wisdom, and Revel. 7. 12. Thanks, and Honour, and Power, and Might, be unto our God for evermore, Amen. Finis. ANOTHER PRAYER TO BE used after Catechizing the Children. O Gracious God, we bless and praise thy holy name for all thy mercies: and namely for the use of thy Word, now and always heretofore; beseeching thee, O Lord, to pardon our sins and defects, in speaking and hearing thereof, a●d to grant thy blessing unto us, that as we hear to learn: so we may learn to believe, and practise that which we believe, to thy glory, to the further conforming and confirming of us unto thee, in that assured hope of that glory, which thou hast prepared for all thine elect and faithful children in the world to come, through jesus Christ our Lord and only Saviour, Amen. TO THE GODLY PARENTS, Masters and overseers for Education of youth. NAture is best adorned with Religion and nurture: for as religion informeth the mind; so narture reformeth the manners. And as the fertilest soil without manuring will soon overgrow with weeds, so the aptest wits without education, will soon corrupt in manners. An unmanaged Colt will be wild, and a child left at liberty will grow wilful. And as the occasions in children and youth, unto vice and evil are many; so the care and endeavour in elders to restrain and amend them should abound: Parents by nature should, Masters by charge ought, Magistrates by law, neighbours of love and courtesy, and all men of common humanity, for maintaining Christian love and piety, civil society, and godly policy: that the wickedness of youth be not imputed to the remissness of the aged, and both punished with old Elies' corrections. From which the Lord keep us, and give us all grace and knowledge in all things. Teach a child in the trade of his ways, and when he is old he will keep it. Prou. 22. CERTAIN BRIEF AND effectual Rules for life and Conversation▪ and first of behaviour in the morning. FIrst in the morning think upon God, and remember thy Creator in thy youth, in the prime of thy days, and in the spring of the morning; and know that he hath said; My son give me thy heart; let him have the first place, in thy thoughts, words and actions, lifting up thy heart and hands with humble mind and voice unto him. And if time permit, let some good prayer be said of thee, or some other; craving pardon for thy sins in the name of jesus Christ, and for his sake, praying for all things needful for thee, for the state and place thou livest in: with the parties from whom thou receivest maintenance, education and comfort: and if thou hast not leisure to pray thus, yet let the Lords prayer feelingly and with devout reverence be said of thee; letting thy mind and voice join and consent together, thinking on him only unto whom thou dost pray. See thou remember to use and frequent these exercises of prayer, at morning and evening; at meat time and other appointed; so shall the continual use put thee in mind that thou forget it not. Remember that the ten Commandments of God be repeated and said of thee, once in the day at the least, that so the continual use thereof, may put thee in mind of thy duty towards God, and lead thee to Christ for grace. Also the Articles of faith, see thou use reverently to repeat; praying for grace, to believe with the heart, that which thou confessest with thy mouth, that thou mayst increase in faith, hope and love, without which thou canst not be saved. With prayer to God do thou begin: That he may keep thee from all sin. WHFN THOU APPARrellest thyself. 1 SEE that thy clothes and apparel be clean from head to foot; decently and comely put on, tied, pointed, and pinned about thee. 2 Delight in decent cleanliness, neatness and comeliness in the body and garments; so shall it make thee grateful in company, and loved of the best; if otherwise, loathed and not regarded: for by the fashion and wearing of the apparel, may be judged the quality of the mind. 3 Thy head, see thou comb and rub, at the least thrice in the week, keeping it clean, from that which may annoy or discredit thee. 4 Thy hands and face wash also, for that is both wholesome and handsome. 5 Thy bed see thou decently turn up until thou be ready to make it, which see it be well and handsomely done, for therein thou showest thyself to differ from a beast. Neat and cleanly see thou be; As is befitting thy degree. OF BEHAVIOUR TO Schoole-ward. BEing appareled and thy prayers said, and other things performed accordingly, repair without delay or loitering, unto the school, or other business appointed or belonging unto thee, using all diligence, and faithfulness therein. By the way go soberly, orderly, and mannerly: salute thy elders and betters with reverent regard, and good words of the time of the day; and thy familiars and fellows friendly with such diversity of reverence & courteous behaviour, as is befitting to the dignity and condition of the persons: for nothing gaineth so much with so little cost, as humility and courtesy doth. Humility and courtesy, Are signs of grace and piety. Remembrances. FOrget not thy books, pennor, inckehorne, pens, paper, & all other things fit; keep them safe, clean and plain from tearing, losing, blotting or soiling, etc. OF BEHAVIOUR AT School. BEing in School play not, laugh not, use no uncomely gesture, nor undecent behaviour in speech or sign; but humbly and carefully submit thyself to obey, and learn those good letters and sciences, there endeavoured to be taught thee, that learning to obey in youth, thou mayest know how to teach and govern in age; and remember that a diligent youth maketh a learned age; a joyful life, & blessed death; for there is no gain without pain, no treasure without travel, nor learning without labour: therefore show thyself to thy Master diligent and careful to learn, coveting the fellowship of such as are better learned than thyself: contend with none but for learning, learn diligently and retain faithfully, practise painfully, and be ashamed to be vanquished, but strive to get before others: be not dogged and sullen when thou art corrected, rejoice when thou art praised, promise to thyself great things by thy pains, and fear correction. Pains in youth brings honour in age: But idleness doth evil presage. OF BEHAVIOUR HOMEward. REturning from School, let thy behaviour be such as may give grace and countenance, to the place from whence thou camest, & credit to the persons, which have the teaching and educating of thee. If any meet thee that are thy betters or elders, give them the wall, and upper hand, veiling thy bonnet reverently; for the tongue is the interpreter of the mind, and manners the image of mankind; therefore if any question be demanded of thee, answer with the like modesty with thy head bare, and thy countenance sad, not sour and sullain, iearing and laughing, but with a modest and cheerful countenance standing upright and looking them in the face soberly; not turning and winding like a fool, not trifling and fumbling with the fingers like an Ape, nor lifting up the leg like a goose; remembering that humility and lowliness of mind obtaineth the favour of God, and gentle speech and courteous behaviour winneth the hearts of men. Duty, meekness, thanks and love, Are virtues sprung from God above. OF BEHAVIOUR AT home, at the Table. BEing come home, use all reverent duty and obedience to thy parents and elders, as becometh thee; and see thou come not into the hall, or in their sight, undecently and unmannerly, with thy hose ungartered, thy shoes foul, broken or untied; thy coat unbuttoned, unpointed, torn, or unclean; thy hands and face unwashed, & filthy: but comely and reverently, see thou approach into their sight, as in the presence of God, whose instruments for thy good they are, and whose blessings thou comest now to receive, for the sustentation of thy natural life; and forget not to pray unto, and praise the Lord of life, by whom we live, move and have our being. Be not like the filthy swine, But pray to God before thou dine. OF BEHAVIOUR WHEN ANY part of Scripture is read. IF there be any exercise of reading and hearing God's word and prayer, before mcale or after, or at the time of refection, see that with all meekness and reverence, with devout attention & love, thou mark the sense and matter of that which is read, as well as the words, so shalt thou enrich thy mind and wit with true wisdom, and thy tongue with gracious words. See that with like devotion and reverence thou behave thyself, in time of prayer and grace, lifting up thy heart & hands to God, during the time, thinking upon him in heaven, upon whom thou dost call here on earth; and know that he is a consuming fire, and will not be mocked. Being at exercise divine, Use reverence in such a time. Of behaviour at meal time. 1 WHen thou feedest, use mannerly modesty and modest sobriety; moderately and temperately eating and drinking that which is appointed for thee, without greediness and excess, that after thy meat, thy wit and mind may be fresher and not duller, and thy body more lively, and not heavier and unapt to study, etc. Many thousands their death do eat: When few have died for lack of meat. 2. Let thy talk be little and sparing, except when just occasion be offered, or question asked, and then speak or answer aptly & distinctly; think before thou speak, and speak soberly and truly; if thy betters ask thee a question, answer them reverently; and thy fellows and equals courteously, without biting taunts or loud unreverent words. Take thy meat without snatching, for that is doglike; and do not murmur or grudge, for that is swinelike: be not the first in the dish, nor the last sufficed; for that is a token of a greedy & unsatiable devourer, especially eschew excess in drinking. More with drink their bellies burst Then ever yet have died of thirst. With thankful mind and contented heart, receive that which is prepared for thee, & reverently rise as thou sattest down with giving of thanks to God. Be not like a foolish Ass, But give God thanks before thou pass. OF BEHAVIOUR ON THE Sabbath day. THink on the Lord's day the day before, and make an end if possible thou mayest of all such things & businesses as should any way hinder that days exercise, of hearing, reading, speaking or meditating of God's Word and works. 1. Of Preparation. In the morning early prepare thee to rise up in mind & body, to serve God the Creator, and the Son our Saviour, through the grace of the sanctifying spirit of grace, shunning and hating all sin and evil, in thoughts, words, and deeds, as thou art commanded to sanctify and keep holy the Sabbath day; not doing thine own will, not speaking vain words, nor thinking evil thoughts; but let thy will be led to do the will of God here in earth as it is in heaven; and let thy mind carry up thy thoughts to meditate on the creation of all by almighty God, of the redemption of all by our blessed Saviour, who is our sanctification, righteousness and eternal rest. 2. In the Church. And when thou comest into the Church or congregation assembled in the name of God to hear his word, and to pray and call upon his name; know that thou art in the presence of the eternal God and his holy Angels, who not only seethe thee and thy behaviour, but also understandeth thy thoughts and secret motions; see therefore thy gesture be comely. 3. Of Hearing. And thy behaviour reverent, giving due regard with meekness unto the word of God, that the sense and substance thereof may enter into thy mind, as the sound doth pierce thy ear; for it is the power of God, to save thy soul, if thou so hear and retain it; or else it is the savour of death unto death, unto thy eternal damnation, with the Devil and his Angels, if thou dost carelessly neglect, contemn & despise it: but if thou be careful to mark what sin is reproved, and fly the same; and what virtue is commended, and embrace th● same, it shall then amend thy memory, and manners to grow in knowledge, to learn to live and die as a Christian. 4. Of Praying. In the time of prayer, thy body must be humble and cast down upon thy knees, meekly and reverently lifting up thy hands and heart unto God in heaven; joining with them that speak in prayer, to say with them as occasion is, or to lift up thy mind with audible and good voice and hearty affection, saying Amen. And remember that it is said, Whosoever calleth upon the name of the Lord, and departeth from iniquity shall be saved: but whosoever doth not, it is an evident token of a wicked and ungodly mind, as it is said The wicked call not upon the Lord, and therefore there is no faith, no hope, no salvation, for them. 5. Of the articles of the faith. When the Articles of faith be repeated, thou must with like reverence & affection, either standing or kneeling, pronounce it audibly and distinctly; for as thou believest with thy heart, so must thou confess with thy mouth unto salvation, remembering always to join with the rest, in saying Amen. 6. Of the ten Commandments. When the ten Commandments are repeated and said, hear them with great reverence and fear, considering in every one thy sin and defects, praying for mercy and grace, through Christ jesus, to endeavour all thy heart to keep them; and than that which thou canst not do, he will perform. 7. Of singing Psalms. Likewise when Psalms and praises to God are singing, use all care and reverence in singing with a grace and affectionate heart, keeping tune and time orderly, to the praise of the God of order. 8. Not to go away. Remember thou gad not in and out of the Church and Congregation, at thy pleasure; for that is ungodly, unseemly, and very offensive. 9 Not to prate. Neither use to prattle, or privately to read or think of matters, not pertaining to the place and work in hand; for that is to offer the sacrifice of fools. Tarry until all the service of God be performed, and the blessing pronounced, lest thou show thyself a contemner of holy things, and one unworthy to be partaker thereof; as judas was, who made more haste then good speed, and sped accordingly. 10. Practice. Returning out, use like reverent behaviour, and think often upon that which out of God's word thou hast heard; to practise it in thy behaviour; and know, that practise 〈…〉 ●nd of faith and knowledge▪ For not the hearers of the word, but the doers of the will of God shall be saved. The Sabbath see thou sanctify, Avoiding all impiety. OF BEHAVIOUR IN TIME of recreation and play. USE such exercises of body as are without offence and peril either to thyself or others, either in bones or joints, name or estimation; that it may be such as fit best for thy mind to increase in good learning, and for thy body, for health and strength: remembering there is a time of pastime and mirth, (as the wise man saith) but take heed it be done in due time and measure: as he also counseleth, saying, If thou find honey, eat thereof; but eat not too much; for the excess of every thing is sin, therefore exceed not in loss of time, but see thou redeem it with the loss of pleasure, & thou shalt find increase of greater profit. Use pastime and pleasure, In due time and measure. OF BEHAVIOUR AT night. 1 AT night when all the duties of the day are ended, and that the time of rest is come, approach quietly and orderly into thy ward and place of rest appointed; and then with due reverence address thee, to the reverent hearing and reading of the word of God, according as the nightly exercises require; if it be in singing of Psalms, see that it be done also reverently with due regard of the matter as well as the method, and melody, which must also be regarded, as we are by God commanded to sing with feeling and a grace in the heart, with understanding and skill in due marking and keeping the time and tune, for the God of order delighteth in concord and harmony, and hateth confusion and discord, especially in his special services. Therefore sing reverently, orderly and devoutly, keeping time and tune; so shall it please God, and be commended of men. 2 These ended, commit thyself into the tuition of God by prayer, remembering wherein thou hast faulted or failed of thy duty, to call for mercy, & wherein through grace thou hast performed or desired any good, to be thankful unto him that is the fountain and giver of all goodness. 3 See thy hose and shoes be clean, and thy clothes decently laid up, readily of thee to be found in the morning when thou shalt rise to put them on. To bed see that thou go in time, And rise likewise, the gain is thine. OF BEHAVIOUR ABROAD in service. WHEN thou art abroad in service remember and practise diligently the counsel of God, which saith, Servants, Col. 3. 22. be obedient and subject unto them that are your masters, and please them in all things good and lawful (for otherwise, better it is to obey God then man) not with eye-service, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart fearing God; and whatsoever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward. Therefore, saith he, be not answerers again, T●●. 2. 9 nor saucy, be not pickers nor purloiners, but show all good faithfulness, & faithful diligence as unto thy father, yea as unto the Lord himself, who served for us, a servant to all, that he might wi●ne all from slavery, and service of sin & Satan. Remember among many, the duties of thy calling, as thou art a servant; these four especially are required of thee. First, faithfulness void of fraud, and filthy flattery; Secondly, diligence void of sloth and grudging; Thirdly, to seek and procure their profit and good, before thine own profit or pleasure; Fourthly, to be silent and secret, not answering again rudely and saucily, nor revealing their secrets abroad; therefore it is wittily said by one, that a good servant should have the back of an Ass to bear patiently; the snout of a Swine to feed homely; the tongue of a sheep to keep silence gently. Or thus, To have large ears to hear readily, a short tongue, speaking seldom; and truly light feet, swift in service and message; & clean hands void of pilfering and cozenage. Take pains in youth while strength dost last, Then rest in age when health is past. Be loath to offen, be diligent to please, Be willing to amend, of sufferance comes ease. Good paine● breedeth honour, true virtue getteth fame, Sloth bringeth misery, and vice eternal shame. A youth void of industry, An age void of honesty. Where vice in youth doth bear the sway, There virtues will in age decay. A youth well instructed, Makes an age wel● disposed. H● that in youth, by reas●● guides his days, In age shall keep his footsteps from decays. SHORT SAY FOR further instruction of duty towards God and man. 1. Towards God. Learn to know God in his word. Believe in God and his promises. Fear God in his judgements. Love God in his mercies. Pray to him for grace. Praise him for his goodness. Read and hear his Word diligently. Love and reverence his Ministers. Frequent the places of prayer. Be careful often to hear the word preached Quench not the spirit despise not prophesing Fear God & keep his Commandments. 2. Towards our Superiors. Honour the King. Obey good laws. love reverence, & pray for the Magistrates, Pay all duties to thy power. Speak well of them in authority. If they be good, thank God for them. If they be evil, pray for their amendment. Princes are as the glass, the school the book, where subjects eyes, do read, do learn, do look Kings on earth are Images of God in heaven, 3. Towards our Parents. Honour thy Parents. Reverence their good counsel. Obey their good Commandments. Be subject to their corrections. Be humble, reverent, and dutiful to them. By good behaviour make them glad. By ill demeanour make them not sad. Deserve and seek for their blessing. Deserve not their curse. Pray daily for them. Relieve them if they be in want. 4. Towards the aged. Reverence the aged. Be dutiful to thy betters. Be humble and lowly to them. Be kind and courteous to all. 5. Of familiarity. Be friendly and familiar with the good. Keep no company with the evil. Try before thou trust. Hinder no man's good name. Rejoice not in another's cross. Bear with others infirmities, that others may bear with thee. Rejoice with those that rejoice. Mourn with them that mourn. Be gentle & courteous to all, offensive to none. Of Anger. Be angry against sin, but sin not. Appease debate, abstain from hate. If anger arise, let not sin surprise. Be not hard to be appeased. Be merciful and pitiful. Be gentle and courteous. 6. Of Speech. Be slow to speak, especially evil. Be swift to hear good things. Think before thou speak. Speak advisedly and truly. Speak not vainly and skurrillously. Answer aptly and mannerly. Keep counsel committed unto thee. Reveal not thy master's secrets. Reveal not thine own to every friend. Promise advisedly. pay thy debts truly. Perform constantly. Be not rash and foolhardy. Be not wise in thine own conceit. Be not arrogant. Strive not with thy overmatch. Be at peace with virtue, & war with vice. 7. Of learning and knowledge. love virtue and knowledge. Hate vice and ignorance. Haunt wise men's company. Shun foolish society. Prayer, hearing, and reading, increase knowledge, without knowledge the mind is not good. 8. Of thine estate. Maintain thyself justly. Live in order. Live within thy compass. Be content with thine estate. Poverty is no hindrance to virtue. Contented mean is greatest wealth. 9 Of Apparel. Be comely and clean in thine apparel. Be not proud and curious. Be not slovenlike and rude. Be sober in gesture and gate. Be not idle and vain. 10. Of Diet. Take heed of all excess, for that is sin. Be temperate in diet. Drink moderately, and eat soberly. Surfeiting and drunkenness is a deadly sin. Abstinence is good for soul and body. 11. Of Recreation. Use moderate exercises. Play not in any thing exceeding modesty and measure. Redeem the time and lose it not. No greater loss than time, and nothing less accounted of. Neglected time, is folly's chiefest sign. 12. Of the end. The true and best end of all is the fear of God. When virtuous days do end they are not done: But live two lives, where others have but one. In all beginnings remember the end. For to begin well is good, but to end well is better. Lewd life is loss, good death felicity, The chiefest gain, the end of misery. For that's not death to change the life and die: But that is death, which doth all joys deny. Then happy he, who doth in time prepare To die, to live, the end of worldly care. The end of all things is at hand; be sober therefore and watch unto prayer. A PRAYER TO BE SAID Every morning and evening by the I'll Children in their several Wards. And first remember that. Without knowledge the mind is not good. Without faith no pleasing of God. Without nurture, no attaining to virtue. Without prayer, no hope of grace. Therefore, Every one that is godly will pray in time convenient. ●sal. 34. 14. 6. ●sal. 31. 7. 8. ●sal. 14. 9 ●0. ●sal. 145. 18 ●sal. 138. 6. But the wicked call not upon God. The Lord is nigh all them that call upon him in truth, and faithfully. For though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: As for the proud he beholdeth them a far off. O Eternal God and merciful Father in Christ jesus, we humbly beseech thee to have mercy upon us thy poor children, and pardon all our sins committed against thy Divine Majesty at any time of our life heretofore, either in omitting or committing any thing against thy blessed word and holy will; and grant us thy grace, O Lord, that we may be truly repentant for them and heartily thankful unto thee for all thy undeserved mercies and favours bestowed upon us, and the state and place wherein we live, beseeching thee for Christ his sake to continue and increase them ever hereafter both in soul and body unto us, and also to receive us all into thy blessed protection, that neither sin, nor Satan assail or prevail against us, to hurt the peace of our souls, or health of our bodies, but that being blessed and protected by thee, O Lord, we may be better able and more careful, to serve thee in our several places & callings, to become thy faithful servants, & instruments of thy glory, for the good of thy Church, & Commonweal of our country wherein we live. O Lord bless and defend our Sovereign King, the Queen, and the Prince their Son, with the rest of their Royal Progeny; bless his majesties honourable Counsellors and Nobles, & direct them, & all in office in the Church and State under him, especially to advance true religion and virtue, and to punish sin and impiety. Continue thy mercy and protection O Lord towards these his majesties Dominions of great Britain, and countries annexed, and thy people and Churches in them: increase the number of faithful and painful Preachers amongst them, that so thy most holy name may be hallowed, thy kingdom enlarged, and thy blessed will accomplished in faith and love, in verity & unity. O Lord bless and defend this City, with the Governors and government thereof, together with this house and whole society, and all those from whom we receive this comfortable maintenance, relief and godly education; increase thy spiritual graces in them, and multiply thy temporal blessings upon them, O Lord, that they never want will and means to go forward in performing the good works thou hast begun for the advancement of thy glory, the comfort of us and others thy poor distressed ones, & the increase of their own comfort in the assurance of thy mercy in Christ jesus. These mercies and all other blessings needful, O blessed God of grace and mercy, we pray thee to grant unto us, and the rest of thy Church, even for Chris●