A help to Communicants  
Ingredere, ut Proficias    

A BOOK FOR BEGINNERS, Or, a Help to Young Communicants; THAT They may be fitted for the Holy Communion, and receive it with profit.  
By S. Patrick, D. P.  
Printed for R. Royston, Bookseller to His most Sacred Majesty. 1680.   

To the READER.  
THere is no Advice more wholesome or more necessary, then that of Solomon, in the conclusion of his Meditations upon the Vanity of all things under the Sun; Remember thy CREATOR in the days of thy youth. Which may serve in stead of a Preface to this little Book; especially if I change one word, and make it run thus, Remember thy SAVIOUR in the days of thy youth.  
Be sensible, that is, how much thou art indebted to Him; and do not forget it, but carry this always in thy mind, that as thou didst receive thy being from Him, so thou art bought with a great price; and therefore ought'st to glorify God with Body and Soul, which are His. 1 Cor. VI 20.  
And do this betime, in thy best days; before thou art tainted and corrupted by Vice and wickedness. Into which dangerous ways if thou art so unhappy as to have entered, be advised, and leave them presently. Betake thyself without any delay to the service of God: and let no buisiness, much less any vain pleasure, hinder thee from acquainting thyself with the Duty thou owest Him; or from performing it seriously: Particularly that duty which He hath commanded thee to do in Remembrance of Him.  
The Nature, the Necessity, and the Ends of which, together with the manner of doing it, I lay before thee in the following pages. Wherein I shall treat only of such things as are most easy, and obvious to every capacity: hoping, by God's blessing, they will be useful to such as will set themselves to consider them.  
They that would have larger Instructions and Helps, may find them in the Christian Sacrifice.   

CHAP. I. Of the Duty.  
WHEN God's Minister declares, as he is required to do, that he intends on such a day to administer the most comfortable Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood; and invites you to it, beseeching you to dispose yourselves religiously and devoutly for it: you must consider, that it is your duty to prepare yourselves, to come and partake of so great a Blessing; and not to think it enough that you have been present at Divine Service, and heard the Sermon, and then may turn your back on the Table of the Lord. Which is a very great disrespect to Him, and forgetfulness of Him, and cannot be excused so easily, as men's naughty hearts incline them to believe. For though God's Goodness. is such, that He prefers works of Mercy to your Neighbours, before Sacrifice to Himself, when one of them must be omitted: yet He doth not make the same allowance for your Worldly buisiness, (which well may be let alone till another time;) much less for your vain Pleasures or Recreations, which never ought to hinder or put by this or any other holy Duty in the season proper for it.  
Come therefore, as oft as you are invited; and when God's Minister, after Sermon ended, goes up to the Holy Table to prepare this Heavenly food for you, (that is, to consecrate Bread broken and Wine poured out, that it may represent the Death of Christ to you; and to give it you, saying, Take, eat, and drink this in remembrance of Christ) do you stay in God's House, and draw near unto his Table, and thankfully receive it from him, for that end for which he gives it, in commemoration of Christ's Death and Passion upon the Cross for your sake.  
It is the duty of God's Minister, to set the Bread and Wine apart, to present them unto God, to break the one and pour out the other, to bless them, and to give them unto you: And then it is your duty, to look upon this Bread and Wine, thus blessed, as representing Christ unto you; and accordingly to receive them, not as mere Bread and Wine, but as things deputed by Christ to be in stead of His Body and Blood, and to communicate them to worthy Receivers.   

CHAP. II. Of the Necessity of this Duty.  
TO do thus you are engaged,  
First, by the express Commandment of our Lord Christ; which you find four times recorded in the New Testament: by the three first Evangelists, Saint Matthew, XXVI. 26, 27. Saint Mark, XIV. 22, 23. Saint Luke, XXII. 19, 20; and by Saint Paul, in his first Epistle to the Corinthians XI. 23, 24, 25. All which places, especially the last, you will do well to read seriously. And then consider,  
Secondly, that there is the greater regard to be had to this Commandment, [Do this in remembrance of me,] which Saint Paul saith he received of the Lord, because it was his last and dying Commandment, in the night when He was betrayed, just before the day of his Passion. We are wont, in other cases, to be inclined to remember, and carefully perform the last desire of a dying Friend: and therefore what other account can we give of it, if we live in a neglect of this Duty, so solemnly enjoined, but that we are strangers, or, at best, very cold in our love to Him? which you had need to quicken, because,  
Thirdly, your care in this Duty will be a means to make you observe the rest of his Commandments better; which now, alas! are little regarded, because little or no regard is had to this last Commandment; which our Lord seems to have added, when He left the world, for the security of all the other that He had delivered before. For the doing this hath a mighty power in it to stir up the love of Christ in our hearts. And the love of Christ constraineth us, (as S. Paul teaches, 2 Cor. V 14, 15.) because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that He died for all, that they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him that died for them, and rose again. Do this therefore in remembrance of Him, which is such an efficacious means to make you always do well. Yea, more than this,  
Lastly, it will be a means to make you observe his Commandments with love and delight: which if they be wanting, your Obedience will be little worth. For without Love, all that you do will not be acceptable to Christ; and unless you delight in what you do, it will not be acceptable to yourselves. But neither of these will be wanting, if you religiously frequent this Holy Sacrament; where He is represented to you as desirous to save you, though it were by dying for you; saying, when this was first propounded to Him, Lo, I come, I delight to do thy will, O God. How can you then refrain, when you think of this, from expressing the same affection and the same joy; when it is so much easier for you to do God's will, than it was for Him to suffer such things as he did, in obedience to it.   

CHAP. III. Of the Ends for which it was instituted.  
YOU will be the more inclined to this, when you consider the Ends for which this Commemoration of Christ's Death was ordained. Which were such as these.  
First, to profess that you are Christians, and believe that Religion which Christ hath sealed by his Blood, to be the true and only way to Happiness; and that you mean to continue in it, whatsoever it costs you, though it should engage you, that is, to follow Him to his Cross.  
Secondly, to give thanks to God the Father, for sending his only begotten Son into the world, to be the Propitiation for our Sins:  
And to God the Son, our Blessed Saviour Jesus Christ, for humbling himself so low, as to die the death of the Cross; where He offered his own Body, to put away our sins by the Sacrifice of Himself:  
And to God the Holy Ghost, who hath brought us glad tidings from Heaven, since our Saviour's ascension thither, that having purged our sins by Himself, He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; where He lives for evermore, and is mindful of us and of his Promises, which He will certainly fulfil, as we see by these Pledges He hath left us of his endless Love. And therefore,  
Thirdly, you bind yourselves, by the remembrance of these things, to be faithful to Him; and to keep that Holy Covenant, wherein you are solemnly tied to be wholly His. For as the very coming to his Table, naturally signifies you are of his Family, and belong to Him: so being there so kindly entertained by Him, you stand bound to behave yourselves as his Servants, or rather Friends; and engage so to do. Now ye are his Friends, if you comply with his will in all other things, as well as in this of commemorating his dying Love for your sake. So He himself tells his Apostles, in those memorable words, XV. Joh. 13, 14. where He represents to them, in what consisted the greatness of his Love, and the sincerity of theirs. Greater love hath no man then this, that a man lay down his life for his Friends. Ye are my Friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. For,  
Lastly, being thus of the number of the Faithful, you have, in this Holy Sacrament, Communion with Christ in his Death and Passion, and in the Merits of them. For though the things you receive be in themselves but Bread and Wine; yet by a Divine and spiritual grave they become the Body and Blood of Christ to the Faithful, who are thereby made partakers of all the Benefits which He purchased, by his Sacrifice which He made of Himself for our Sins. Thus one of the Prayers after the Communion excellently instructs you, that God vouchsafes to feed those, who duly receive these holy Mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of his Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ; and doth assure you thereby of his favour and goodness; and that you are very Members incorporate in the mystical Body of his Son, which is the blessed Company of all Faithful people; and are also Heirs, through hope, of his everlasting Kingdom, by the merits of the most precious Death and Passion of his dear Son.  
I need not add that, by doing this in remembrance of Him, you have Communion with all your Christian Brethren, (for it is already expressed;) and that you beg his gracious assistence, that you may continue (as it follows in the Prayer now mentioned) in this holy Fellowship, and do all such good works as He hath prepared for us to walk in: for this holy action being a Sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, (as it is in the Prayer going before,) wherein Christ's Sacrifice is commemorated; it is in its own nature the most powerful Prayer (as all Sacrifices were (1 Sam. XIII. 12.) more powerful than any other can be) to supplicate for, and to impetrate (that is, obtain) the Divine Blessing upon us.   

CHAP. IU. Of Preparation for it.  
THIS may suffice, one would think, to excite all those who have any care of their future Salvation, or present satisfation, to make it their buisiness to prepare themselves, to be worthy Receivers of such great Benefits.  
And that is not hard to do.  
For, having learned your Catechism, or the short Instruction in the Common-Prayer-Book, to be learned by every person that is baptised; and then seriously considered the Promise that was made at your Baptism in your name, which is there explained: you should, in the next place, take the first opportunity to have the benefit of Confirmation. Wherein you both openly renew the solemn Promise and Vow made in your name at your Baptism, ratifying and confirming the same in your own person, and acknowledging yourself bound to believe and do all those things which your Godfathers and Godmothers than undertook for you; and also, by the Laying on of hands, have more of the Divine Grace imparted to you, to confirm and strengthen you in your Christian resolution, that you may continue his for ever.  
After this you may, without any scruple, look upon yourself as having a right to the Sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood. And the best Preparation to it will be,  
I. To endeavour faithfully to live according to your Baptismal Vow. And for that end, to call to mind every day how solemnly you did such a time, in the presence of God and such a Congregation, ratify and confirm that Vow; and also promised that, by God's grace, you would always labour to observe such things as by your own confession you have, assented unto.  
They are these three. First, that you should renounce the Devil and all his works, the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the sinful lusts of the flesh; so that you will not follow, nor be led by them. Secondly, that you should believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith. And thirdly, that you should keep God's holy will and Commandments, and walk in the same all the days of your life.  
II. Now those Commandments which you have promised to keep, you are taught afterward contain your Duty towards God, and your Duty towards your Neighbour.  
Your Duty towards God, you are instructed, is this: To believe in Him, to fear Him, to love Him with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my soul, and with all my strength; to worship Him, to give Him thanks, to put my whole trust in Him, to call upon Him, to honour his holy Name and his Word, and to serve him truly all the days of my life.  
Then follows your Duty towards your Neighbour, in these words, as you yourself are taught to confess; My Duty towards my Neighbour is, to love him as myself, so do to all men as I would they should do unto me: to love, honour and secure my father and mother; to honour and obey the King, and all that are put in authority under him; to submit myself to all my Governors, Teachers, spiritual Pastors, and Masters; to order myself lowly and reverently to all my betters; to hurt no body by word or deed; to be true and just in all my dealing; to bear no malice nor hatred in my heart; to keep my hands from picking and stealing, and my tongue from evil speaking, lying and slandering; to keep my body in temperance, soberness, and chastity; not to covet nor desire other men's goods, but to learn and labour truly to get mine own living, and to do my duty in that state of life unto which it shall please God to call me.  
All these things you promised, with your own mouth, before God and his People, (when you was confirmed) that you would be careful to observe: and must therefore make this the constant Rule of your life; and call upon God, by diligent Prayer, for his special Graces, without which you will not be able to serve Him.  
Which if you do sincerely, then,  
III. I would advise you, every evening, before you go to sleep, to take some time to think how well you have kept your Resolution, and observed this Rule: And where you find you have fallen short of it, or done contrary to it, to make a new Resolution to be more careful the next day. And if you be able to set down in writing those Negligences, or breaches of your Covenant with God, when you take notice of them; you will have the less to do when the opportunity of communicating approacheth. For then,  
IU. Lastly, you can with much ease examine yourselves before the Communion, and have a full account of your life and conversation ready at hand. About which you will be lamentably puzzled, and long in drawing it up, if you do not constantly make some observation how things go with you: but in this Method shall be able presently, and without any perplexity, to understand certainly and clearly in what case you are. And so you have nothing farther to do, by way of Preparation to the Sacrament, but only, first, sorrowfully to bewail your Sinfulness, and to confess yourselves to Almighty God: and that, secondly, with a full purpose of Amendment of life, and of greater diligence and watchfulness hereafter; especially in those particulars wherein you have miscarried. (For sorrowful Confession and Affliction of spirit for your Sins, is not sufficient; but must end in this unfeigned Resolution.) And if you find, thirdly, that your Offences are not only against God, but also against your Neighbours; then (as you are directed in the Communion-Service) to reconcile yourselves unto them: Being ready to make restitution and satisfaction, according to the utmost of your powers, for all injuries and wrongs done by you to any other; and being ready likewise to forgive others that have offended you, as ye would have forgiveness of your offences at God's hand.  
When all this is done, than you ought not to discourage yourselves with a fancy of your Unworthiness to partake of that Holy Table to which you are invited. For you will always be unworthy in the strictest sense of the word: but are really worthy in God's account, when you are thus disposed; and sensible, at the best, of your unworthiness of such great Blessings, as God, of his goodness, is desirous to bestow upon you.   

CHAP. V A Prayer for that morning when you intent to receive. Which may be used any time before.  
BEsides those usual Prayers, wherein you constantly recommend yourself to God, and give him thanks for his daily benefits: it will be fit to make a particular application of yourself to Him, for his gracious assistence and his blessing upon you in that holy Duty, after this manner.  
O Lord, I most humbly abase myself before Thee, confessing that I am unworthy of any of those mercies which I enjoy, in common, with the rest of thy Creatures. For I have too much forgotten Thee my Creator, and Jesus Christ my Redeemer; whom I have many ways offended, either through ignorance, or negligence, or wilful sins. [Hear mention the particulars out of your daily observations.]  
And yet, so great is thy Goodness, Thou art pleased to give me an opportunity to partake of thy extraordinary love and kindness in thy dear Son, the Lord Jesus. For I am invited by his Minister, to come and feast with Him at his Table, by a thankful Commemoration of the offering He made, of his own Body and Blood, upon the Cross for us.  
And I am very desirous to go, if Thou wilt but be pleased graciously to pardon all my past offences, either against Thee, or against my Neighbour; and to accept of my hearty sorrow for them, and unfeigned resolution to do my endeavour to amend them.  
O be merciful unto me, be merciful unto me, I most humbly beseech Thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ who died for me. And though I am unworthy so much as, at any time, to approach into thy presence; yet do not reject me now, but permit me to come, even unto thy holy Table.  
For which if I am in any measure prepared, it is to be ascribed to thy grace, which hath wrought such good dispositions in me; and therefore will, I hope, still so assist me, that I may not be an unwelcome guest unto Thee: but be filled with such a lively sense of thy Love to me, and with such a sincere and ardent Love to Thee, and with such satisfaction of heart in being one of thy Servants, that I may be more sorrowful than ever that I have offended Thee, and more steadfastly resolved to be strictly obedient to Thee.  
And, O most gracious God, let me find, I beseech Thee, all such godly Resolutions in me more confirmed and strengthened by the heavenly Food Thou hast prepared for me. O that (as I stand already engaged by former Vows which I have upon me, so) I may faithfully and cheerfully obey thy holy will in all things, and daily increase in thy holy Spirit more and more, until I come to thy everlasting Kingdom.  
Hear me, O Lord, and help me so to perform my Duty in every part of that holy action, which I am going to do in remembrance of my Saviour, that I may not only at present rejoice in his Love to me, but be excited thereby to do the rest of my Duty better, and with more delight, all the days of my life.  
Which I humbly beg through his Merits and Mediation; to whom, with Thee, O Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all honour, glory and praise both now and for evermore. Amen.   

CHAP. VI The manner of Receiving.  
THUS I have led you to the Holy Communion; and now you will expect I should instruct your behaviour there. I know no plainer or more natural method, then to direct you what to do in every part of that Divine Service.  
When the Sermon therefore is done, and you are conveniently placed, that you may lose no time, (while the Minister is making himself ready, and the Congregation that doth not receive is dismissing) repeat the Prayer above written, or some part of it.  
When you see the Minister going up to officiate, say,  
Blessed be the Lord for his Ministers, the Stewards of the Mysteries of God: especially for those faithful and wise Stewards, whom the Lord hath made, Rulers over his household, to give them meat in due season. XXIV. Matth. 45. 1 Cor. IU. I.  
When he gins the Offertory, say,  
Let every one of our Prayers, together with our Alms and Oblations, come up for a memorial before the Lord: whose holy Angels I believe are present at these Solemnities.  
A poor Servant may add,  
The Lord accept of my poor Mite, who have little to offer, but myself, and all that I can do; which I dedicate to his service.  
Then awaken yourself to accompany the Minister in the Prayer for the whole state of Christ's Church, etc. and attend diligently to the following Exhortation, which gins with these words, Dear beloved in the Lord: which the Minister ought to speak, and you hear, with much affection.  
Then join as hearty and earnestly as you are able, in the General Confession; and receive the Absolution (with the comfortable words of Christ and his Apostles that follow after) as you would do the most joyful news in the world; stirring up yourselves (as the Minister exhorts you, when he saith, Lift up your hearts) to bless and praise the Lord, together with all the Heavenly host, for such everlasting consolation and good hope, as He hath given us, through his grace in Christ Jesus.  
For those precious Promises ought to be sweeter to you (as the Psalmist speaks) than the honey and the honeycomb; far dearer than thousands of gold and silver. And now you may be assured (though unworthy to gather the crumbs under his Table) that, receiving the Creatures of Bread and Wine, according to Christ's institution, in remembrance of his Death and Passion, you shall be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood. Unto to which words, in the Prayer of Consecration, say secretly to yourself, Amen, Amen.  
When the Minister himself Communicates, say,  
The Lord hear thee. The Lord remember all thy Offerings, and accept thy Sacrifice: Grant thee thy heart's desire, and fulfil all thy mind. The Lord fulfil all thy Petitions, both for thyself, and for us, and for all his people.  
When you are going to approach to the Lord's Table,  
Propound to yourself, by way of Question, the Invitation which the Minister hath given you, saying, Do I truly and earnestly repent me of my Sins? and am I in love and charity with my Neighbours? and intent to lead a new life, following the Commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways?  
(And finding yourself able to return the Answer of a good Conscience, resolve, as it there follows,) Then I will draw near with Faith, and take this Holy Sacrament to my comfort.  
When you are placed there, say,  
Lord, what am I, that Thou shouldst be thus gracious to me? What an honour is it, that I am invited hither to feast, at Thy Table, upon the Body and Blood of my Blessed Saviour? To receive the pledges of his Love, and to engage my Love to Him? which I desire may abound more and more towards Him, and towards my Christian Brethren, and towards all men.  
When the Minister hath delivered thee the Bread, concluding in these words, [— Feed on him in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving,] say,  
I do believe, O Lord, that Thou art the Bread of life, which came down from Heaven, by whom we are nourished to eternal Life. And I thank Thee, with all my Soul, that Thou hast both taught us the way of God in truth; and also died for our Sins, and rose again to give us hope of that immortal Life. Blessed be thy Name, I have now, by thy own appointment, received the sacred pledge and earned of it: Wherefore my Soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiceth in God my Saviour. Whose Grace I trust will be with my spirit; that I may rejoice in the Lord always, and ever delight in all well-doing. Amen.  
Or this,  
I believe, O Blessed Jesus, that Thou art the Lord of all; and give Thee most humble and hearty thanks, for calling me to the knowledge of thy Grace, and to Faith in Thee: beseeching Thee, that, as I have now received this new token of thy Love, (blessed be thy Goodness,) so Thou wilt ever be my God, and by continuance in well-doing bring me to everlasting Life. Amen.  
A shorter after the Bread.  
I thank Thee, O Lord, for calling me into this state of Salvation, and for giving me this new pledge of thy continued Love. Assist me with thy Grace to do my duty to Thee and to my Neighbour so faithfully, that I may abide in thy love for ever, through Jesus Christ, etc.  
After you have received the Cup, when the Minister concludes, with those words, [— and be thankful,] say,  
I thank Thee, O Lord of Heaven and Earth, that Thou wouldst condescend to take our Nature upon Thee, and therein suffer for our Sins; yea shed thy precious Blood upon the Cross for our Redemption. Glory, honour, blessing and praise be unto Thee, O Lord; to whom, in all reason, I ought henceforth to live, and not unto myself. And therefore here I devote myself to thy faithful service; and resolve, if need be, even to take up my Cross, and follow Thee. Assist me, good Lord, and make me partaker of all the Benefits of thy Death and Passion; according as Thou seest me sincerely resolved, in all things for ever to obey Thee. Amen.  
Or this,  
Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and all that is within me bless his holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not all his Benefits. Who forgiveth all thy Sin, and hath now filled thy mouth with good things: and who giveth thee hope of better in eternal Life. Sanctify me wholly, O Lord, that I may not fall short of it: but my whole, Spirit and Soul and Body, may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus. Amen.  
A shorter after the Cup.  
I thank Thee again, O Lord, for thy wonderful Love in sending thy Son to lay down his Life, and in making me partaker of the Benefits of his precious Blood shedding for us. Preserve in me for ever a sense of thy Love; and thereby preserve me holy and without blemish to the second coming of our Lord Jesus. Amen.  
After you are gone from the Lord's Table, to your seat, say,  
Blessed be the Lord, for his exceeding great grace and mercy to us in Christ Jesus. Blessed be the Lord, who hath called me into fellowship with Himself, and with his Son Christ Jesus. Blessed be his Name, that I have now received the tokens of his endless Love: in which I ought to rejoice without ceasing, as more valuable than all the goods of this world.  
It is my joy, O Lord, my highest satisfaction I have in this world, that I am beloved of Thee, who art able to make me more happy than I can conceive. O preserve me for ever in thy Love; and for that end preserve in me the same thoughts, resolutions, and devout affections, which I now feel in my heart.  
Keep them alive by the powerful assistences of thy Holy Spirit; of which Thou hast given me an assurance in thy precious Promises, and in these sacred Pledges of thy Lovingkindness. For which I again most humbly thank Thee, and desire I may never forget how much I am indebted to Thee; but be still praising Thee, and saying,  
I will extol Thee, my God, O King of Heaven; and I will bless thy Name for ever and ever.  
Every day will I bless Thee, and I will praise thy Name for ever and ever.  
While I live, will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises to my God, while I have any being.  
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: and let all flesh bless his holy Name for ever and ever. Amen.  
While others are Communicating, you may say,  
Preserve us all, O Lord, pure and acceptable Sacrifices unto Thee; that we may be all presented spotless before the presence of thy glory with exceeding joy.  
Or this,  
As we, being many, are one bread and one body: (for we are all partakers of that one Bread, and have drunk of the same Cup:) so help us to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace; and to love one another with a pure heart fervently.  
Or this, Rom. 5, 6.  
Now the God of patience and consolation grant us to be like-minded one towards another, after the example of Christ Jesus:  
That we may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  
This may be added.  
Let all the people praise Thee, O God, let all the people praise Thee.  
From the rising of the Sun unto the going down of the same, let the Name of our Lord be praised.  
Blessed be the Name of the Lord, from this time forth and for evermore.  
Upon Christmas- day and seven days after you may add this to your other Devotions.  
More particularly I now remember, O Lord, thy stupendious Love, in sending thy Son so unexpectedly to visit us, when the World thought not of Thee, but were Strangers, or rather Enemies unto Thee. Blessed be the Lord, who hath so highly honoured our Nature, as to dwell among us, and to appear in the likeness of sinful Flesh. Preserve in me such a remembrance of it, that I may never dishonour Him nor myself, by consenting to any filthiness either of the flesh or spirit: but always behave myself suitably to the relation I have unto Him, in righteousness and holiness before Him all the days of my life. Amen.  
V; 'pon Easter- day and seven days after.  
I bless Thee, O Lord, who hast fulfilled thy promise unto our Saviour, that Thou wouldst not leave his Soul in hell, nor suffer thy Holy one to see Corruption. Blessed be God, who hath thereby confirmed our Faith in the Promises He hath made to us. This is the day [or time] the Lord hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day when my Saviour was begotten again from the dead; and thereby hath begotten us again unto a lively hope of immortal Life. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. The Lord hath showed us light; even the light of Life. I will offer to Him therefore perpetually the Sacrifice of righteousness, together with these Sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, for his Mercy towards us; which, I see by this, endureth for ever.  
Upon Ascension- day and seven days after.  
Blessed be God, that I see Jesus, who was humbled a while and made lower than the Angels, for the suffering of death, crowned now with glory and honour. Lift up my heart, O Blessed Jesus, to that high and holy place, where Thou art exalted; and keep it fixed there. That setting my affections on things above, where Thou art at God's right hand, I may never do any thing that is unworthy of my Christian Profession: but have my Conversation in Heaven; from whence I expect Thee, O Blessed Jesus, who hast told us, Thou art only gone before, to prepare a place for us.  
Where Thou art, O Blessed Lord, there let me be also: And at last change this vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto thy glorious Body, according to the working whereby Thou art able even to subdue all things unto thyself.  
Upon Whitsunday and six days after.  
I rejoice in the comfort Thou hast brought us, O Holy Spirit of Grace: I rejoice to hear (as Thou hast testified by the wonderful Gifts bestowed on the Apostles) that my Dearest Saviour is alive; and that He lives for evermore; and will never cease his Love to us, till we be there where He is. O inspire me more and more with thy heavenly Grace, that being steadfast in this Faith, I may bring forth all the fruits of the Spirit; and not only resist, but overcome all Temptations in my way to Heaven. Guide me by thy Counsel, strengthen me with thy Might, support me with thy Comforts in all necessities, straits and dangers; that I may at last safely arrive at eternal glory. Amen.  
Upon the Feast of Trinity only.  
Adored be the incomprehensible Majesty of the Eternal undivided Trinity, in whose Name I was baptised; and whom I humbly worship with praises and thanksgivings, saying,  
Blessed be thy Name, O God the Father Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and Earth; in whom we all live, and move, and have our being.  
And blessed be the Eternal Son of the Father, our Saviour and Redeemer, the Prince of Peace, who hath purchased an eternal Redemption for us.  
And blessed be the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, who inspires me with good thoughts, pious desires, and godly resolutions; and will conduct me, I hope, unto everlasting Life. Amen.   

CHAP. VII Meditations and Prayers afterward.  
IF there be more time left, before all have communicated, (as there is generally on these great Festivals, and where many receive upon other days) you may spend it in Meditating, as well as you are able, upon the Ends for which this Sacrament was ordained. Turn to the Third Chapter of this Book, and there read them in order;  
I. Saying to yourself, when you think that you have now solemnly owned yourself to be a Christian, etc.  
O Lord, truly I am thy Servant, I am thy Servant; I am sensible that I am not my own; for I am bought with a great price, and therefore aught to glorify God in my body and in my spirit, which are God's.  
And, Good Lord, assist me (as becomes one who names the Name of Christ) to departed from all iniquity.  
II. And when you think of the next thing, (how thankful you ought to be to God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,) you may easily turn those words you read there into a Thanksgiving: or have some such short Ejaculation as this:  
What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me? especially for this, that He hath not spared his own Son, but delivered him up for us all?  
III. To which you may give an Answer, when you think of the Third thing, [your Fidelity to him] saying,  
I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous Judgements.  
I have inclined my heart to perform thy Statutes always, even unto the end. CXIX. Psal. 106.112.  
It is reasonable that whatsoever I do in word or deed, I should do all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him. III. Coloss. 17.  
IU. And when you think (lastly) of having Communion with Him, say,  
What greater Happiness can I wish, then to be one with Christ? and to be made partaker with Him in the Merits of his Death? whereby I am sure that I shall partake with Him in the glory of his Resurrection.  
By this I know that I dwell in Him, and He in me, because He hath given me of his Spirit.  
O make me, Blessed Lord, more and more one with Thee, by making me more perfectly of the same mind, spirit and disposition with Thee.  
A Prayer at home on that day.  
If you be by such means as these duly affected with our Saviour's Love towards you, the remembrance of it will not presently slip out of your mind; nor will you be willing to part with it. And while it continues there, it will make all your Christian Duty easy and delightful; and it will be a hard matter to persuade you to offend Him. Do not fail therefore to endeavour to preserve it, by affecting your heart again with such thoughts as these; repeating some time or other on that day the foregoing Meditations, and adding this Prayer.  
I can never thank Thee enough, O Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, for the innumerable benefits I have received from thy bounty: And therefore aught to take all opportunities to bless Thee, and to speak good of thy Name; especially now that I have newly tasted how gracious Thou art, in giving thy only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, not only to die for us, but also to be our spiritual food and sustenance, in that Sacrament which I have this day received.  
When I think only what a kindness it is, that I have my daily bread, and never want things convenient for the support and comfort of this present life; I find that I am indebted to Thee upon that account, exceedingly above all that I can express: But that Thou art pleased to admit me to thy own Table, and there entertain me with the blessed hope of being with my Saviour where He is, and rejoicing with Him for ever; Lord, how much doth it surpass the highest of my thoughts? and with what delight and satisfaction ought it to fill my heart?  
Possess me, I beseech Thee, most merciful Father, with such a lively sense of this Love, that I may never forget how happy I am, in being so nearly related to Christ Jesus: But always account it such an honour to be one of his Servants, that I may constantly and cheerfully obey Him; and delight in this, and all other Duties of a Christian life.  
It is a great favour, I ought to be sensible, that I may have the liberty always to resort unto Him, as my most gracious Lord and Master; and enjoy Him not only in the public Offices of Religion, but here at home in these private addresses unto Him. 0 that by all such means I may grow more like Him! and carry away such a resemblance of his Holiness, Goodness, Humility, Meekness and Patience, that every body may see I have been with Jesus!  
O that there may be such a pious sense of his Love, and such devout affections towards Him! left in my heart; that I may not content myself merely with my daily Prayers, much less with these present expressions of Love to Him: but it may he my constant care every day to approve myself unto Him so faithfully in all well-doing, that I may not be afraid to appear again before Him, at the next invitation I have to his Table!  
And let the hearts of all those who have this day devoutly attended on thy service be joyful and glad in Thee. Help us all to keep ourselves pure and undefiled, and to walk so steadily in the fear of God, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost; that others, seeing our good conversation in Christ, may be in love with Religion, and glorify Thee our heavenly Father.  
Have mercy also (as we have this day most humbly prayed) upon the whole Church. And so rule the heart of thy chosen Servant CHARLES our King and Governor; that in all his thoughts, words, and works, he may ever seek thy honour and glory; and study to preserve thy people committed to his charge, in wealth, peace, and godliness. And grant also unto all them that are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's Religion, that they may eschew those things that are contrary to their Profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same, for thy dear Sons sake Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.  
If this seem too long, here follows a shorter.  
I prostrate myself here again before Thee, O Lord of Heaven and Earth, to bless and praise Thee for all thy Mercies towards me; especially for those which Thou hast this day bestowed on me.  
I would not be so ungrateful as presently to forget such a wonderful Grace as Thou hast vouchsafed me: but desire most earnestly to have a lasting remembrance of it in my heart, provoking me to love and to good works.  
And for that end I now renew my humble supplications unto Thee, that Thou wilt constantly excite and assist me by thy Holy Spirit, to walk worthy of my high and heavenly calling in Christ Jesus; by such a sober, righteous and godly life, adorning his Doctrine in all things, that He may own me for his good and faithful Servant at that great Day, when we shall see Him not in these shadows and figures of Him, but face to face.  
And have mercy upon thy whole Church. Whose Prayers I beseech Thee to hear for every Member of the same: more especially for our Sovereign, and all that are in authority under him; that by their pious care and watchfulness thy Church may joyfully serve Thee in all godly quietness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

CHAP. VIII. Directions for a godly Life, suitable to this holy Communion.  
I. TAKE some time every day to call to mind how much you stand engaged to our Saviour Christ: first, by your Baptismal Vow; secondly, by your solemn Ratification of it at your Confirmation; and thirdly, by your renewing it lately at the Holy Communion, when you professed how much you were indebted to Him, both upon the account of his offering Himself upon the Cross for you, and of his giving Himself there again to you.  
II. If these three come into your mind as soon as you awake in the morning, it will be a great security to you. And to make yourself more sensible of your obligation, you may begin the day with this Reflection. I am not my own, but the Lord's. He hath bought me with a price, and I have devoted myself again and again unto Him. Therefore I will glorify Him with body and Soul, which are his.  
Or to affect your heart the more, you may put it thus. O how happy am I in being engaged to serve such a gracious Lord and Master as Christ Jesus! I will never lose this Happiness by being unfaithful to Him, and unmindful of his Love.  
III. To keep yourself steadfast in this Resolution, read seriously every day your Duty to God and your Duty to your Neighbour, as they are plainly set down in the Church-CATECHISM. [See p 29. of this Book.] And say at the end of it, This I have promised, this I have vowed when I became a Christian, this I have again confirmed; and this by God's grace I will faithfully perform.  
IU. And resolve at the same time to be watchful all that day: especially in those things wherein you observed (at your last examination of yourself) you have been most defective, and most apt to be surprised. Excite yourself therein to use greater diligence, and set a stricter guard upon your heart; carefully avoiding such places, company, and occasions, as have been wont to endanger you. And call yourself to an account at night; according to the Advice p. 33. of this Book.  
V There is no body, sure, so employed, but may find time for such short Exercises as these. In which if they would be serious, and not slubber them over too fast; they would find the happy fruit of them in their hearts and lives. And to make them the more effectual, add this short Prayer, as oft as you can, every day.  
Almighty God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a Sacrifice for Sin, and also an Ensample of godly Life; give me grace that I may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable Benefit, and also daily endeavour myself to follow the blessed steps of his most holy Life, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  
VI If your buisiness be such, that you cannot every day read over your Duty to God and your Duty to your Neighbour; do not fail to do it once or twice a week. And pause a while at the end of every particular, saying, This is my Duty; this I will do by God's grace. And at the end of all (to make your reading the more effectual) say, I hearty thank our Heavenly Father, that He hath called me (upon these terms) into the state of Salvation: and I beseech Him to give me his grace, that I may continue in the same unto my life's end.  
VII. Resolve also by this means to fit yourself to receive the Holy Communion as often as you can: remembering that, as by Baptism you are made a Member of Christ, and enter into the state of Salvation; so by this Communion with Him, you continue in that blessed state. Which they cannot justly pretend unto, who constantly neglect to do this in remembrance of Christ. They give no sufficient testimony that they are of the Christian Society; nor have any reason to look upon themselves as living Members of Christ, and in a state of Salvation.  
VIII. And if you do not come up to your Resolution in every thing, but find rather you have several ways failed in the performance of your Duty to God and your Neighbour; let not that hinder you from going to the Communion, when you have opportunity. But only humble yourself the more before God by unfeigned Repentance: and go to strengthen your Christian Resolution, by receiving the spiritual Food which Christ hath prepared for you; and beseech Him to impart more spiritual strength unto you.  
IX. And if you still start back again, let not that discourage you, nor make you think you shall never grow better. But hope in God rather, that by the constant and frequent use of this and all other holy means, you shall at last be steadfast and unmovable in well-doing. You will never be so, if you leave off to communicate; but you will grow more and more careless in other things: and therefore continue to do this, as Christ bids you; and do it for this end, that you may tie yourself faster to Him, and increase in power and strength to have victory, and to triumph over the Devil, the World, and the Flesh.  
X. And lastly, be not hindered by Doubts and Scruples (wherewith many are wont to perplex and dishearten themselves) from receiving the benefit of frequent Communion. I have not room to consider them all in this little Book: but if any person cannot in this way which I have directed satisfy his Conscience, let him not fail to follow the Counsel which is given him in the Communion-Service, which is, to go to his Guide, or some other discreet and learned Minister of God's Word, and open his grief to him; that by the Ministry of God's Holy Word he may receive the benefit of Absolution, together with ghostly counsel and advice, to the quieting of his Conscience, and avoiding of all Scruple and Doubtfulness.   

CHAP. IX. Touching Doubts and Scruples.  
IT will do some service, perhaps, to well-disposed Souls, if I show how easily some of their most common Scruples may be satisfied, (if they will but advise with God's Ministers about them;) though I cannot insist upon all the causes of their Doubtfulness. I will bestow this Chapter therefore upon that buisiness.  
I. We ordinarily hear this objected to us, when we tell men of their neglect of this Duty, I do not delight in that, nor in other holy Duties; and therefore to what purpose is it to do them?  
The plain Answer is this; If you prefer the doing of your Duty before your Pleasure, or your Gain, than you cannot but take a rational satisfaction (if you understand yourself) in what you have done.  
Nay, if you consider it well, you will have a high Satisfaction; proportionable to the greatness of the Pleasure, or the worldly Advantage, which you denied for God's sake.  
Who, you must remember, is satisfied in your doing what you can, (especially when you are tempted another way;) and therefore so should you be too:  
Hoping that by constant practice of Virtue, He will give you that Delight in it which you desire.  
I am sure this is the way to get it, if it be to be had.  
II. Others complain of a great Dulness that is upon them in holy Duties; which makes them have no list to them.  
This doth not differ much from the former; and therefore I shall only add, that when you have taken all the pains with yourself which I have directed in the foregoing Chapter, you ought not to be troubled at your Dulness: but ascribe it either to your natural Constitution, or to some present Indisposition of body. Neither of which is in your power to remedy; but only to submit unto and endure with patience.  
In short, let not this afflict you, much less hinder your Communicating; if by your receiving the Holy Communion, you find that you are made more careful in your constant Duty.  
III. But the greatest Discouragement of all is this, I do not profit by the Holy Communion, nor grow one jot the better by receiving it so often. Which language is not more common, than it is, for the most part, causeless. For as many people think they do grow better, when they do not; so others think they do not, when they do: because neither of them know what it is to be better.  
Examine yourselves therefore by your Duty to God and your Duty to your Neighbour; and try whether they be better performed or no, since you received the Holy Communion.  
Let poor Servants, for instance, examine whether they order themselves more lowly and reverently to all their betters; and be careful to be just and faithful; to govern their tongues also, and to abstain from evil speaking as well as stealing, etc. And more especially, whether they grow more contented in that state and condition of life, into which God hath been pleased to call them. These are substantial signs of growing better, by which you make a true judgement of yourselves: and either be rid of your Scruple, or know how to be rid of it, by endeavouring seriously to improve in such Virtues.  
In like manner, Children should examine themselves about the same Reverence and Lowliness; and whether they honour their Parents more than heretofore; and submit themselves to all their Governors, Teachers, and spiritual Pastors, or Masters.  
And all Young people should examine, whether they keep their Bodies more strictly in temperance, sobriety, and chastity; because they have greatest temptations to the Vices that are contrary to these Christian Duties.  
And here it will be fit to mention one thing of which many complain, that they are troubled with the motions of carnal Lusts, unto which Youth is naturally prone.  
The Answer is, that it cannot be otherwise, if they be in health: and therefore there needs the greater care and diligence to preserve themselves pure and undefiled. Which they may do, though they feel such Motions, if so be they do not follow them, nor suffer themselves to be led by them to any act which God hath forbidden.  
That's all you promise in Baptism, to renounce the Lusts of the flesh, so as not to follow them, nor be led by them. Lusts, that is, Desires, you may have, and will feel, and they cannot be perfectly subdued: but they do not defile you, if they do not obtain your Consent to them. And all you have to do, is, to refuse to follow them whether they would carry you; and to resolve not to satisfy them in any way, but that which God allows.  
And after the same manner you must examine yourselves about your Duty to God. Whether you believe more hearty and firmly what Christ hath taught you in his Gospel, and are verily persuaded of it, so that you fear to offend Him; and esteem his Promises far above all Riches; and think yourselves exceeding rich in Faith and Hope, though otherwise you be poor and low in the World. These are the best signs of improvement.   

CHAP. X. Directions in case of frequent Relapses into Sin.  
BUT suppose a man frequently relapse into those Sins which he constantly resolves against, and solemnly promises to forsake; what shall he do in that case?  
To this I answer; I. That as it is his duty to judge and condemn himself severely for it: so I think this aught to be a part of the Sentence he pronounces against himself, to judge himself unworthy to partake of the Holy Communion. For so the Church would judge, if it knew what he was, and did exercise its discipline upon such Offenders.  
II. And therefore, looking upon himself to be as vile as a Dog that returns to his Vomit, let him accordingly refrain from the Table of the Lord; till he be sufficiently humbled, and so sensible of his Sin, and of his Danger, as to grow more careful, and better resolved.  
III. Which it is to be hoped he will be, if he for this reason, and no other, forbear to approach thither; because he looks upon himself as too vile to enjoy such a privilege: not staying away out of carelessness, and lothness to take pains with himself, much less despair of God's Mercy; but merely out of a sense of his Undeservings, and by way of deep Humiliation, and to punish himself, for making no better use of his Saviour's Love and Kindness to him.  
iv If this will not do, he must add some extraordinary means of afflicting his Soul, as the Scripture speaks; by judging himself unworthy to eat or drink, or enjoy any of the good things of this World: and accordingly casting down himself upon the Earth before God, with fasting, weeping, and mourning; bewailing and lamenting his sad condition, as we are wont to do a Friend, when we fear he is dying, or in great danger of it.  
V And if still he find he is not safe, he must after all advice with some discreet Minister of God's Word, as with a Spiritual Physician; desiring to know what course to take, that he may get the mastery of those unruly Lusts which are too hard for him.  
VI And when he comes for this ghostly Counsel and Advice, let him not be ashamed plainly to confess his Sins, and to open the whole state of his Soul before him whom he consults: relating how, and by what means, he comes to be thus entangled in the Snare of the Devil, that he cannot get out of it.  
VII. Be sure you conquer the lothness you will find in yourself to make this Discovery, for fear it disgrace you in his opinion. And convince yourself, that you ought the rather to confess your Sins ingenuously, that you may take shame to yourself, and lay yourself low in the presence of God and his Minister.  
Do it as a part of your Humiliation.  
VIII. Whereby he will be able to judge what Remedies are most proper for your Cure, when he knows the cause and the root of your Disease. When you deal sincerely with him, he will be able to tell you of what nature and degree your Sin is, and whence it proceeds: whether it be from Idleness, or Ill company, or Carelessness in your Devotion, or Neglect of serious thoughts to quicken your belief, to call to remembrance your Obligations, and to put yourself in mind of the great Account you must give; or from too much Confidence of yourself, want of Fear and Caution, not watching over your eyes, or the door of your lips, and abundance of other such like things; which he may observe, and accordingly give you his Directions.  
IX. And be sure you submit to his Prescriptions, and be very careful to follow them: for this is the last Remedy, which you ought to use with thankfulness to God for it, and with fear and trembling lest you should not be the better by it.  
Suppose a man had the Falling-sickness, what would he not give, or do, or suffer, to be freed from it, rather than be in continual danger of falling into the fire, or water, or other mischief? Make this your own case: for your frequent falling into Sin, notwithstanding your resolutions and engagements, is far more dreadful and dangerous: and no means ought to be refused for a cure of so great an evil.   

CHAP. XI. The Duties of Children.  
THIS Book being intended for Beginners, and such as may be supposed to have least knowledge of their Duty; I shall conclude it with a few Advices to Children, to poor Servants, and to all sorts of Young people.  
The Duty of Children is comprehended in two words, to honour, and to obey their Parents. Therefore remember,  
I. First, It is your Duty to Honour your Parents; which is the first of all the Commandments of the Second Table: And consists,  
1. In an Esteem of them as your Superiors and greatest Benefactors; because, under God, they were the Authors of your Being, and took care of your Education, when you could not look after yourselves.  
2. In a reverend Behaviour towards them, even when they do not perform their Duty; but provoke you to wrath, by their peevish crossness.  
3. In requiting their Love, by supplying their necessities; if they fall into a low condition, and you be able to support them. Read I Tim. V 4. XV. Matt. 5, 6.  
4. In bearing with their Infirmities, either of body or mind; especially in their old age, or declining years.  
II. Secondly, Obey your Parents, (VI. Ephes. 1.) so as to be subject to them, II. Luk. 51. That is,  
1. Be subject to their good Instructions and Admonitions; to which you ought to listen diligently.  
2. To their Commands; when they bid you do any thing that is not contrary to the Divine Commandments.  
3. To their Corrections also for your faults; to which you ought reverently to submit. XII. Hebr. 9  
4. And to their Directions also about the choice of your Calling; if you have not a natural aversation to it.  
5. But especially in the buisiness of Marriage; in which Parents have always had a right to dispose of their Children. Not indeed to force them to marry one whom they cannot love; but to oblige them to endeavour to love those whom they recommend to their choice.  
And when you cannot bring yourself to a compliance with their desires in that point; you must with due reverence and respect: descent from them, and humbly beseech them to press you no farther.  
If they will not hearken to your repeated requests, you are not bound (or rather, you are bound not) to follow their directions in such a case. But, on the other side, do not marry any body else, without their consent: unless they be so unreasonable, that they will let you marry none at all; and you find a necessity of it, to prevent your being led away, contrary to your Vow in Baptism, by fleshly Lusts.  
In that case repair to the Magistrate or your Minister, (who are common Parents,) and let them deal with them: and if they cannot prevail, I have no more to say about your Obedience in this particular; use your liberty prudently, and with good advice of Friends, and due respect to your Parents.  
But (as the Common-Prayer-Book exhorts you in the Office of Matrimony) do not enterprise nor take in hand such a weighty thing as Marriage, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, merely to satisfy carnal lusts and appetites; (like brute Beasts that have no understanding;) but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, and in the fear of God, duly considering for what ends it was ordained: and then you cannot do amiss.  
Be careful in the performance of these Duties; and God (before whom such things are good and acceptable) will give you his Blessing. Read III. Ecclesiasticus, beginning, unto v. 17.   

CHAP. XII. The Duties of Servants.  
THough Servants be not now mere Slaves and Bondmen, as they were in the Apostles days; yet they are in a state of subjection, and are tied to such Obedience as we find enjoined in the Apostolical Writings; even for this reason, because they are now in a far better condition. Hearken therefore to your Duty, as it is plainly set forth in the Holy Scripture. And remember,  
I. First of all, that you are bound to study to please your Masters and Mistresses, by doing as they bid you, in their buisiness wherein they employ you. II. Titus 9 A branch of which is, (as you will find in that place) not to contradict them, and stand disputing with them. Much less ought you to I be saucy and irreverent in your Answers, or in your Behaviour towards them, 1 Tim. VI 1.  
II. Remember also to be Faithful in your trust, and never to deceive them in the smallest matter; but be sure to show all good fidelity, as the Apostle there teaches you. II. Tit. 10.  
III. Part of which Fidelity is, to be diligent in your buisiness, and to dispatch it as soon as you can: and to be solicitous also to do your work well; which S. Peter and S. Paul seem to mean, when they bid you serve them with all fear, 1 Pet. II. 18. and with fear and trembling, VI Ephes. 5.  
IU. And both this Diligence, and Solicitude, and Trustiness, must be performed not only when they have their eye upon you; but when their back is turned, and they are absent from you. VI Ephes. 6. III. Coloss. 22. If you gad abroad, or slacken your labour and care, when they are not at home, or do not see you; you do not serve them as Christians, that study to please God, but as vile Slaves, and Men-pleasers, that mind nothing but to avoid their anger.  
V Be content also with your Allowance; and submit to such Restraints as they lay upon you: which seems to be included in the Apostolical Precept before mentioned, II. Tit. 10. For more than this, you ought to take their hard Words, nay and Corrections, patiently. I cannot say, but you may seek a remedy from your Governors and theirs, if they abuse you; but a Blow that does no hurt, much more an angry Chiding, should not seem any great matter to you: But you had better bear it, saying nothing, or meekly praying them to spare you, then increase their wrath by answering again angrily. Howsoever all ill words are utterly unlawful. Read 1 Pet. II. 18.  
VI The Apostles also would have you to serve them with good will, VI Ephes. 7. and whatsoever you do, to do it hearty, III. Coloss. 23. One note of which is, when you go about your buisiness cheerfully, and do not grumble at your work; much less grumble at this, that you are Servants, and not as good as those whom you serve.  
It is very uncomfortable to your Masters, as well as yourselves, when you go about your work with a discontented spirit and a sour heart, lowering and pouting, as we speak: which proceeds from hence, that you forget you are serving the Lord, when you are diligent in their buisiness, and look upon yourselves only as Servants of Men. This the Apostles correct, when they bid you be obedient to your Masters as unto Christ: Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ; doing the will of God from the heart: With good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men. VI Ephes. 5, 6, 7. Where he four times (within the compass of 3 verses) puts you in mind of this, that you are doing God's will, and serving the Lord Christ; when you are doing their buisiness which they enjoin you.  
If you think of this, you will not go about it heavily, and discontentedly: especially if you consider the motive whereby the Apostle incourages you; knowing that whatsoever good thing a man doth, (though in the meanest place,) the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. VI Ephes. 8. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. III. Coloss. 24.   

CHAP. XIII. Advices to all Young persons.  
I. IT is of the greatest consequence, to begin well. And therefore at your first setting out into the World, take a special care, lest you contract any evil habit; especially of Idleness, the bane of Youth: and lest you entertain any prejudices against things, before you be able to judge; as we see too many have done against the Common Prayers of the Church; which they abhor they know not why, merely from an early disgust they took to them, before they could distinguish between good and evil.  
II. And check your desire of Pleasure, which now above all other times will entice you: and of Novelty also, which is comprehended in the youthful Lusts, as we render the words, spoken of in 2 Tim. II. 22. unto which mankind is strangely prone in their inconsiderate age, loathing ancient forms, and craving new entertainment for their fancies.  
III. Avoid Harlots, as you would the Plague: remembering the repeated cautions and admonitions, which the Wise man gives to his Son about this matter. Read them seriously, II. Prov. 18, 19 V Prov. 3, 4, 5. VII. the whole Chapter: and follow his counsels, lest thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed, saying, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to them that instructed me?  
iv In order to Chastity▪ be exactly temperate in meat and drink. Drink no wine; which will add fire to fire: study hard; or use yourselves to labour, and watch: avoid all provocations to your carnal appetite.  
V Take heed what Friendships you contract: for Youth is prone to familiarity, and thereby drawn easily into ill company.  
VI Reverence your Elders, XIX. Levit. 32. 1 Pet. V 5, 6. particularly your Tutors and Guardians, who are in stead of Parents. Which Reverence is to be expressed not merely by your outward Behaviour, and in your Language; but in desiring their Advice, harkening to their Counsels, enterprising nothing without their Direction, and submitting to their Reprehension.  
VII. In order to which, be sober-minded, as S. Paul exhorts you II. Tit. 6. Whereby he means either Seriousness, and the study of Discretion; or Humility and Modesty. Which Modesty is an exceeding great ornament of Youth; an indication also of a good Mind, and a hopeful blossom of excellent fruit; as one of the Ancients speaks. But it doth not consist merely in your Looks; but in your low opinion of yourselves, sense of your imprudence and weakness, and in a humble attention to the opinions and counsels of your Elders.  
VIII. Finally, remember that Youth is like the Springtime, which will soon be over; and if you only play in it, and take no care to sow good seeds of Wisdom and Piety, you will lose the opportunity of making provision for a happy life.  
Of this you are in great danger; because there is nothing to which young men are more prone, then to squander away their time. Be serious therefore and considerate, that you may not be undone by the folly of Youth: which, as Solomon notes, inclines men so eagerly to follow their own humour in every thing, that they do not love to have any check in their mirth and jollity.  
That which will check them most is the thoughts of the future, especially the remembrance (as he there observes, XI. Eccles. 9) of the account they must make. And therefore I conclude with that advice,  
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, etc. But know that for all these things God will bring thee into judgement.   

CHAP. XIV. Directions about them that cannot read.  
I. AS for those who cannot read themselves, (which in our days are but few, blessed be God, in comparison with former Ages,) their Masters, or their Mistresses, or their Fellow-servants, or some good Neighbour, or Relation, are desired to be so charitable, as to read to them their duty about this matter; showing them the necessity, and the ends of it; and praying them to mark and observe what is read.  
II. Or if their Memories be very weak, tell them in short, that they are bound by their Vow in Baptism to do God's will, and keep his Commandments: and that this is one of his Commandments, that they should commemorate his Love, by coming unto the Holy Communion; which will help them to do the rest of his will better.  
III. Read to them also their Baptismal Vow; together with their Duty to God, and their Duty to their Neighbour, as it is laid down in the Catechism: and ask them, if they intent to do all this by God's gracious assistence.  
iv If they consent to it, tell them they ought to go and receive Confirmation, as was said before: and then go to the Holy Communion, to thank God for calling them into this state of Salvation by Jesus Christ, and for working such a good will in them; and to promise Him that they will continue his faithful Servants to their lives end.  
V And let them know, that if they can do no more at the Holy Communion, but only give God thanks hearty for sending his Son to die for them; and devote themselves unto Him in resolution of sincere Obedience; it will be acceptable to Him: and in time they will understand more, and do this Duty better.  
VI Therefore teach them, that the thoughts of their imperfections, and ignorance, ought not to discourage them from coming to the Communion: for the very doing of that which Christ commands, I mean, the Minister's taking Bread and Wine, blessing them, breaking the one, and pouring out the other, giving them to his people, and their receiving these in remembrance of his Death and Passion, is a thing in itself grateful to Him. And if they know thus much, and with honest hearts give thanks to God, and promise Him to be his faithful Servants; He will take it kindly, and increase his Graces in their hearts.  
VII. And that He may, tell them, that since they cannot read, they must be the more diligent in attending to what is read in the Church or in private; and to the Sermons they hear preached: laying up the principal things they observe, carefully in their hearts; that they may find them there upon occasion.  
VIII. For which end Masters and Mistresses should take care, their Servants may have time to go to Church: or rather, they should see them go, and bring them thither; saying with the holy men of God, I and my house will serve the Lord.  
IX. And if they would help them to learn some short Prayer by heart, besides the Lord's Prayer; it would be a means to possess them with a sense of their Duty, and to make them more confident of God's gracious assistence in the doing of it. Instruct them, at least, after you have read to them their Duty to God, and their Duty to their Neighbour, to say, Lord, have mercy upon me; and writ all these thy Laws in my heart, I beseech Thee: and this Collect,  
O God, whose Blessed Son was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the Devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life; Grant me, I beseech Thee, that having this hope, I may purify myself, even as He is pure; that when He shall appear again with power and great glory, I may be made like unto Him in his eternal and glorious Kingdom: where with Thee, O Father, and Thee, O Holy Ghost, He liveth and reigneth ever one God world without end. Amen.  
X. There is reason Masters and Mistresses should be at this pains with their Servants who cannot read; if they consider how much better Servants they will be to them, when they are become the Servants of God: and that they themselves have a Master in Heaven, who expects they should not merely use their Bodies well, but look also after their Souls; so far at least, as to help them to the means of Christian Instruction.  
This is a thing indeed much neglected; and if their work be but well done, some Masters and Mistresses concern themselves no farther. But such persons plainly declare, that they love themselves better than God; else they would not be satisfied till God's work was done also, and carried on together with their own.   

CHAP. XV. Directions to those that can read.  
I. AS for those who are able to read, I need not, sure, advise them to use that ability; but only to use it well: avoiding vain and idle (especially all filthy) Books, and being conversant in those that are good and profitable; such as will improve their minds in useful knowledge, or excite in them devout affections towards God, or direct them in the practice of Justice and Mercy, of Temperance and Chastity, and of all other Christian Virtues.  
II. But above all other Books, acquaint yourselves with the Holy Scriptures; which Timothy (S. Paul says) had known from a child; and were able to make him wise unto Salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus, 2 Tim. III. 15. Which is a high commendation of the Old Scriptures, and a great encouragement to study those Holy Books; from whence we may reap the greater benefit, now that we have the New Scriptures added to them, which contain the Faith in Christ Jesus, which the Apostle speaks of.  
You do but pretend to love God, (which you acknowledge is a part of the Duty you own Him,) if you do not seek after his mind and will, which is only to be found in the Holy Scriptures.  
III. And of all other parts of the Scripture, I have observed young people delight (as it is natural to do) in reading the Historical Books of the Old Testament. Which truly are writ with such a spirit of Piety, as is to be found in no other History; designing visibly these two things. First, to instill into the people a belief of Divine Providence, which governs all things; and presides not only over Nations, but particular Persons: who therefore ought to have God in all their thoughts, to whom all events are ascribed by the holy History. And secondly, to nurse them up in a sense of the difference of Good and Evil: the former of which always received remarkable testimonies of God's Favour; and the other was ever attended with the effects of his severe Displeasure.  
iv Do not think therefore that you have profitably read these Books, unless you come away from the reading of them more sensible of these two things, and more affected with them. Possessed, that is, with a more lively apprehension of God's overruling Power and Providence, whereby all things are disposed: and therefore resolved to commit yourselves unto Him in well-doing; and to make that difference between Good and Evil that He doth; resting satisfied with what He is pleased to order, when you have taken care to order yourselves so, as to avoid what He hates, and to follow that which He loves.  
V. But above all other Books of the Old Testament, the Psalms are of most general use: and therefore ordered by our Church to be read over publicly once every month. Some of which you would do well to get by heart, that you may say them upon all occasions, as anciently they were wont to do: nothing being more ordinary then to hear the Husbandman chanting them as he followed the Blow, the Seaman as he sat at the Helm, the Waterman at his Oar, the Weaver at his Loom, the good Housewife at her Spindle or her Wheel; nay, the poor Ditcher sang them at his Spade, and the very Children in the streets. In short, they sucked these in with their Mother's milk, and from their very infancy, as soon as they could learn any thing, were taught a smattering of them, before they could speak perfectly: such a love they had to the sweet Music of these Holy Songs.  
VI The very first of which will put you in mind of your Duty; and of the Happiness it will bring you if you do it faithfully. Let that therefore, and the rest that are of most general use, (and relate not merely to David's present condition, or to some public calamity,) be read most frequently, and pondered most seriously. Such are the VIII. XV. XIX. XXXIII. XXXIV. CIII. CIV. CXIX. CXXXIX. CXLV. with many other, which every one may observe for his own use: particularly the VII Penitential Psalms; which are most proper when you are in a sad afflicted condition, or bewail any Sin you have committed, to which they may be also applied. They are the VI XXXII. XXXVIII. LI. CII. CXXX. CXLIII.  
VII. But when all this is done, you must chief read the Books of the New Testament, or Covenant made with us in Jesus Christ: to which the Books of the Old Testament refer you, as the perfection of that Knowledge which was but obscurely delivered by them. And first, the Holy Gospels, which mostly contain the History of our Saviour's Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection, and Ascention: in all which principally observe the mighty power of God giving Testimony unto Him, and declaring Him to be the Son of God. Whom therefore you are bound to obey; and in order thereunto study what his Will is: which is most fully delivered in the Sermon on the Mount, recorded in the V VI and VII. Chapters of Saint Matthew. Read these at least once a week.  
VIII. Then follow the Acts of the Apostles; which abundantly declare their authority, by whose Ministry we have received the Gospel; and bid us attend to their Instructions, which are left us in their Epistles, as the words of men divinely inspired. And in these content yourselves with those parts of them which are most easy and plain, and of general use and concernment: and meddle not presently with those which are hard and obscure, and which relate to some particular cases, which now are not so well known, as to make their sense apparent to every one. For it is a very ill sign, when you stand puzzling yourselves about some dark passages in the Apostolical Writings; when there are plain ones in abundance to exercise your thoughts. I will direct you to some, that will be fittest for your Meditation. In the Epistle to the Romans read often the XII. and XIII. Chapters; with the XIII. of the first to the Corinthians; the iv V VI to the Ephesians; III. and iv to the Colossians; IU. and V of the first to the Thessalonians; and (to omit others) the I. II. X. XI. XII. XIII. of the Epistle to the Hebrews; the whole Epistles of Saint James, and of Saint Peter.  
And when you read them, let it be with a design to grow better, rather than more knowing.  
And then think you grow better, when you are made more humble; more sensible of God's love, and your own undeservings; more thankful; more meek and patiented; more submissive to God's Providence, and to your Governors, whether civil or spiritual, private or public.  
IX. When you are thus disposed, by these and such like Christian Virtues, you may venture to read the harder parts of Scripture; and not be in danger to wrest them (as those do who are settled upon no principles) to your own destruction. For than you will not be forward to frame a sense of those places out of your own head: but confess your ignorance; and look upon them as containing things not necessary to be known: for all necessary things are plainly set down; and perhaps some of those very things about which you trouble yourselves, are elsewhere delivered in clearer words. As you may be satisfied if you take the next opportunity, to consult with those whose lips are to preserve knowledge.  
Which is the best way to be resolved in such cases.  
X. As for other good Books besides the Scripture, you may find some time to read them. And the less you have on other days, spend the Lord's days and other Holy days the more seriously in this work. When I would advise you to read V VI and VII. of Saint Matthew; with some part of the Whole Duty of Man. And when you have made some proficiency in knowledge, read Dr. Hammond's PRACTICAL CATECHISM; where you will find that Sermon of Christ's upon the Mount expounded.  
XI. But whatsoever godly Book you read, whether the Holy Scriptures or any other, be sure you endeavour to come away bettered by the reading of them. For if you get no good by them, that very thing will incline you, at last, to slight and neglect them: as many do, we see, the hearing of good Sermons, because they do not perceive, that they or others are at all the better for them; but after much hearing, there is little doing of God's will.  
But this the Scripture itself foretold, and hath exactly described such people, as are ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Tim. III. 5, 6, 7. and intended hereby to breed in every one of us a due caution, lest we be of that unprofitable number. Which you must prevent, by being more serious, attentive and diligent in reading holy Books for that end for which they were writ: and hearing Sermons, not for fashion sake, but that you may be taught, or remembered of your Duty; and excited or directed to do it with greater care and constancy.  
XII. And if you meet with the very same thing over and over again, either in reading or hearing; do not therefore nauseate it, or grow weary of it, or pass it by hastily and carelessly: But rather look upon it as a very useful Truth, of which you have great need, because it comes so often in your way; and thankfully acknowledging that God is very kind to you (in putting you so frequently in mind of that which is so necessary to your Salvation) give the greater heed to it, and ponder it with such seriousness, as a thing of that moment deserves.   

CHAP. XVI. A necessary qualification to receive benefit by all this.  
IF every one had so much Humility, and such a hearty desire to be truly good, wrought in their Souls betime, they would read and hear God's word to better purpose.  
I. Therefore Parents should above all things instill this into their Children very early; how necessary it is, and how much it becomes them to be humble: and that by no means they grow conceited of their own parts or understanding; but be desirous to learn of every one, with simplicity and meekness, without any other design but to know their Duty.  
II. This we may be sure would dispose them to receive benefit by the Holy Scriptures, and by all other good instructions: For it is the very qualification which Christ requires to make a person fit to be one of his Disciples, that He first become like a little Child. XVIII. Matth. 3. There is no good to be done upon him in Christ's School, unless he first learn to be humble, subject to his Teachers, simple hearted, and without guile, contented with a little, hearty in love with those that take care of him. And when he is thus freed from pride, ambition, desire of Riches, or any thing else but only of Knowledge (as little Children naturally are, till the seeds of those vices be stirred up in them by others) he will be a fit soil to receive Christ's heavenly Doctrine.  
III. And doubtless he had reason to say it, who told this Nation long ago, that it is for want of acquainting Childhood and Youth with such plain Rules as this (which the Scripture itself delivers for our right understanding it) that the Scripture either seems obscure and difficult to them, or that they mistake it, where it seems evident.  
iv For when they grow to men's estate, or are engaged in worldly buisiness, or come to honour, before they be acquainted with the Holy Scripture, and especially these plain directions which it gives us for our profiting by it; one of these three things is the consequence of it. The seeming difficulty of the Scripture either makes them to seek for other Rules, which they apprehend more easy; or 2. not to care for any Rule of Faith at all; or else 3. to transform this (which God hath given for the renewing his image in them) into the nature of their corrupt affections.  
V Let this Lesson therefore, as He advises, of becoming like little Children, throughly be planted in the hearts of Children, and then Knowledge in other parts of Scripture will grow up with them: and Faith thus planted in humility, while their hearts are tender, (and easy to be wrought on by this plain and familiar Precept) will take deep root, and increase more and more, as they do, in strength and stature. For though at the first their Faith be but as a grain of Mustardseed, yet having in the Spring time got the start of Pride and desire of worldly wealth or greatness, it will afterward flourish in all heavenly knowledge, and fructify in every good word and work.  
VI And above all other pieces of Humility, it is absolutely necessary that Children be brought up to a great reverence of God's Ministers; and a high opinion of their Calling, Place and Persons. If Parents or Guardians would teach them to honour them as their spiritual Fathers, and to look upon them as men appointed by God to take care of their best part, their immortal Souls; and to bring Divine blessings to them; If they would tell them, Children, these are the men by whom you are baptised and made Christians; by these you must therefore be instructed, and confirmed also in Religion, and assured more and more of God's blessing: it would have a mighty effect upon them, and dispose them for all the good they may hereafter reap by them. Whereas, those words of reproach or undervaluing which they now daily hear, must needs have the quite contrary effect; or at least for want of such Admonitions, and frequent inculcating the respect, honour and esteem which is due to God's Ministers, they mind so little what they say, that when they become capable of it, they receive no benefit by them.  

A short Prayer tor the Morning.  
ALmighty God and most merciful Father, I most humbly bow down myself before Thee, to worship thy Divine Majesty; by whom I was brought into the world, and have been preserved and provided for all my life long, and now this last night (blessed be thy Goodness) protected from all Dangers; and raised up in health and safety to see the light of another day.  
I thank Thee, O Lord, for these and all the rest of thy Mercies; especially for thy singular Love in Christ Jesus: beseeching Thee to awaken and preserve in me such a lively sense thereof, that I may never prove ungrateful to Him; but constantly do Him all faithful service.  
Particularly this day I earnestly implore the assistence of his Holy Spirit, to enable me to keep those Vows that are upon me, not to follow nor be led by worldly and carnal Lusts; but to obey thy holy Will and Commandments, and to walk in the same all the days of my life.  
Help me, Good Lord, in my place and condition, to perform my Duty towards Thee, and towards my Neighbour, with such care, fidelity, and cheerfulness, that I may with some confidence present myself again before Thee in the Evening; and comfortably hope for thy continued good Providence over me.  
To which I humbly recommend thy Church and Household; beseeching Thee to keep it in thy true Religion, and to defend it evermore by thy mighty Power, through Jesus Christ our Lord. In whose most blessed Name and words I still beseech Thee to be merciful to me, and to all thy people, saying, Our Father, etc.   

A short Prayer for the Evening.  
I Thank Thee, O Lord of Heaven and Earth, that, by thy merciful Providence, I am here prostrate again before Thee: not only in health and safety of body; but in integrity of heart, I hope, and with sincere purposes to continue always thy faithful Servant.  
Pardon, O most merciful Father, whatsoever I have done or omitted this day, contrary to my resolutions and obligations. Pity my great weaknesses; and accept of my honest endeavours to keep a good Conscience void of offence, towards Thee, and towards Man.  
Which that I may do every day better and better, vouchsafe me the assistence of thy special Grace, to strengthen me in the performance of all my Duty. That where I have been wont to slip, I may be more watchful; and where I have been negligent, I may use the greater diligence; and so continue thy Child, a lively Member of Christ, and an Inheritor of thy heavenly Kingdom.  
And hear the Prayers of thy whole Church, which have been made this day for every member of the same: especially for our Sovereign Lord the KING; for all that minister under him, in holy or civil things; for all that are distressed in mind, body, or estate: beseeching Thee to dispense thy Graces and Blessings to every one of them suitable to their several necessities.  
And be my merciful Protector all this night: and, after a refreshing Rest, raise me up again in the morning with a thankful heart to Thee for thy care over me; fully resolved continually to mortify all my evil and corrupt Affections, and daily to proceed in all Virtue and Godliness of living, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. In whose Name and words I commend myself to thy mercy, saying, Our Father, etc.   

A Prayer for one of riper years before the receiving of Baptism.  
O Lord, the Creator of the World, and Redeemer of Mankind, I fall down before Thee to acknowledge that I am thine; and to beseech Thee, though I have offended Thee, to receive me into thy service again.  
Pardon, good Lord, all the Follies of my Childhood, with all the Sins, Negligences and Ignorances' of my riper years. Let them all be done away in that Fountaïn, which Thou hast set open for us to wash in, and be clean.  
I desire to be admitted thither; and intent there to devote myself entirely to Thee: renouncing the Devil, the World, and the Flesh; and resolving obediently to keep thy holy will and Commandments, and to walk in the same all the days of my life.  
Vouchsafe me, O Lord, the assistence of thy Holy Spirit, that I may both seriously make, and faithfully keep, those holy Vows and Promises. Preserve in me a perpetual remembrance of them; that I may never, by any Sin, lose so great a Grace as Thou intendest to bestow upon me: but always continue a lively Member of Christ, and an Heir of his heavenly Kingdom. To which I beseech Thee at last to bring me, through the Merits of Christ Jesus. Amen.   

A Prayer for one that intends to be Confirmed.  
O Most Blessed God, by whose grace I was called into a state of Salvation when I was Baptised, and from whom cometh every good thought, desire, and purpose, which I have since felt in my heart; Assist me, I beseech Thee, in the new dedication, which I am going to make of myself unto Thee; whose I am, and resolve to be to the end of my days.  
Fill me, O Lord, with such a lively sense of the honour Thou dost me in admitting me into thy Service; that I may give up myself, not only with the full, but with the most cheerful consent of my heart, to believe and do whatsoever Thou wouldst have me.  
And then be pleased to confirm me in thy Grace, and to strengthen me with might by thy Holy Spirit in the inner man; that I may ever discern, and choose, and follow those things which are acceptable in thy sight.  
Arm me, good Lord, against all the Temptations of the World, the Flesh, and the Devil; with a will steadfastly resolved never to yield to any of them; but to persist faithfully in the performance of my Vow, which was made in my name when I was baptised, and which I now intent with my own mouth to ratify openly before 〈◊〉 Church. Whose devout Prayers I beseech Thee to hear for me, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   

A Prayer after Confirmation.  
ALmighty and everliving God, who hast vouchsafed to regenerate me by Water and the Holy Ghost; and also 〈◊〉 farther certified me 〈…〉 the hands of thy Minister lately laid on me, of thy Favour and gracious Goodness towards me: Accept, I most humbly beseech Thee, of my hearty thanks for such great and undeserved Benefits; and continue in me those good thoughts, desires and purposes which I found then in my heart, to persist in faithful Obedience to Thee for ever.  
For which end be pleased daily to impart unto me more and more of the Holy Spirit, to preserve me in thy fear and love; and to enable me to do all the rest of my Duty, not only towards Thee, but towards my Neighbour: Especially to those by whom, as thy Stewards, thy heavenly Mysteries are conveyed to us; that reverently attending to their Instructions, and receiving their godly Admonitions, and obediently following their Guidance and direction, I may be finally owned for one of thy good and faithful Servants, at that Day, when the great Shepherd and Bishop of our Souls shall appear again to our Salvation. To Him with Thee, O Father, and the Holy Ghost, be eternal praises. Amen.  
They that need Prayers for other particular occasions, may be furnished in a Book called the Devout Christian, etc.  
THE END.    

The Contents.  

Chap. I. Of the Duty. pag. 1.  
Chap. II. Of the Necessity of this Duty. p. 7.  
Chap. III. Of the Ends for which it was instituted. p. 14.  
Chap. IU. Of Preparation for it. p. 23.  
Chap. V. A Prayer for that morning when you intent to receive. Which may be used any time before. p. 39  
Chap. VI The manner of Receiving. p. 46.  
Chap. VII. Meditations and Prayers afterward. p. 81.  
Chap. VIII. Directions for a godly Life, suitable to this holy Communion. p. 99  
Chap. IX. Touching Doubts and Scruples. p. 114.  
Chap. X. Directions in case of frequent Relapses into Sin. p. 127.  
Chap. XI. The Duties of Children. p. 138.  
Chap. XII. The Dutier of Servants. p. 147.  
Chap. XIII. Advices to all Young persons. p. 158.  
Chap. XIV. Directions about them that cannot read. p. 168.  
Chap. XV. Directions to those that can read. p. 179.  
Chap. XVI. A necessary qualification to receive benefit by all this. p. 203.  
A short Prayer for the Morning. p. 213.  
A short Prayer for the Evening. p. 216.  
A Prayer for one of riper years before the receiving of Baptism. p. 221.  
A Prayer for one that intends to be Confirmed. p. 224.  
A Prayer after Confirmation. p. 227.   
The End.