Mat. 2 S. V 1. etc.  F. H. Van. Hove Scuil 
Printed for William Freeman in Fleet Street.    

THE WHOLE DUTY OF A Christian.  
CONTAINING All things Necessary, both as to what He is to Know, and Do, for the obtaining a HAPPY ETERNITY.  
To which is added, More particular Directions, How to Prepare for a Comfortable Death.  
If ye Know these things, Happy are ye if ye Do them, John 13.17.  
LONDON, Printed for W. Freeman at the Bible, over-against the Middle-Temple-Gate in Fleetstreet, 1699.   

TO ALL Young Persons.  
THE ensuing Collection was made for your Information, and Assistance, in the whole course of your lives. The Design of this Preface to persuade you to be wise, to be good beams, without delay; to beware of Compli●ce with a careless Age, or depending upon late Repentance, so common and pernicious.  
In order to which,  
(1.) Set yourselves with full purpose of heart 〈◊〉 serve God, though you have very few to bear ●u company. Get a Spirit of Fortitude, Courage, well-grounded, undaunted Resolution to go against the stream of corrupt Nature, Satan's Temptations, and carnal Reasoning; in a way ●●posite and contradictory to the greatest Num●er, who are Children of the Devil: Christ's 〈◊〉 a little Flock 
(a) Lu. 12.32. . The whole World lies in wickedness 
(b) 1 Joh. 5.19. . ●ollow not a Multitude to do ●il 
(c) Ex. 23.2. . Eat not of their Dainties 
(d) Ps. 141.1. , lest you drink of the Cup 
(e) Ps. 75.4. , and fall with them in to the Infernal Pit. The mo●● Epidemical and Infectious a D●sease is, 'tis not the more taking or enticing, b● dangerous; be you the more cautious and circumspect. Fear not the Name of Scrupulous or Precise, wherewith the Devil in his Disciple frights so many from their Duty, so evident obvious, and convincing, that they are forc● to run away from themselves to get rid of th● Obligation and Conscience of it; and to imply their wit to find out Evasions for it; to smooth and stifle the Convictions of a future Reckoning; while their best Reason is unable to ensue their Presumption, or to give them such Assurance as Men ought to have in a Case wher● in to be mistaken is to be remedilessly undo● Caleb (was of another Spirit) encouraged th● People of God in their March, whilst all h● Companions dampt their Hopes, stopped the Progress, brought an evil Report upon the Lan● of Canaan. Upright-hearted Micajah, though he knew he should make himself ridiculous being singular, and 'twould cost him Imprisonment at least, to be sincere, goes against t● Advice of four hundred false Prophets. Noa● walked with God, when all Flesh had corrupt their ways. Lot held fast his Integrity, wh● he only was found Righteous in Sodom. Th● true goodness was left alone in the person of o● single Eliah (as he once supposed) even then ●e Pious, was to be Wise, and his Duty. Heavens' worth all our pains of getting thither, ●hough we could see none go before or after us in ●he way, and that every where spoken against. The Sons of God are blameless and harmless, without Rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse Generation; and hold ●ast Christ's Name even where Satan's seat is 
(f) Ph. 2.15. Rev. 3.17. .  
They are Fools indeed, who are contrary-minded to the Infallible determination of the express Word of God, which is able to over●allance the Suffrages of all the World, (though ●ll men's minds in it were perverted;) and ●hall stand  as a Rock in all Ages ●o the End of the World. Nothing that's prodigally loosed on Earth in compliance with a licentious Generation, shall be therefore loosed in Heaven, nor the Conditions of obtaining that Happy place, easier, though most live as if ●hey had found out a nearer way to it than ever God revealed. Not one jota of his Law, which makes the way narrow, and the gate straight, ●hall pass away, notwithstanding the looseness of ●he Times we live in. The Heavenly Treasure abates nothing of its price, whether men ●hink good to give it, or whether they will forbear. True Wisdom hath no meaner Esteem ●f itself, because Folly entices, gains, and entertains the multitude and grandeur of the World, which neither Justifies Crimes, nor will Alleviate Punishment: The old World sinned together, and were drowned together: Th● wicked shall be turned into Hell, and all th● Nations that forget God 
(g) Ps. 9.17.  Let's have but the Approbation of a good Conscience on our side and we may well despise the Censure, and Dissent of all Mankind; who will e'er long be o● the same mind with us, that the saving ou● Souls, and being happy for ever, is so supremely Necessary, that nothing else, compared with it is so besides. And we need no Teacher to inform us, that we must do necessary Things; Necessity justifies the Wisdom and Honour of doing all that it commands, and usually gives Ability to do it; making us confess Powers tha● we thought not ourselves to have, and to excee● all our known Abilities.  
Is it not wiser and safer, to follow the direction of a known undoubted Friend, who is Wisdom, Love, and Goodness itself, as impossible t● advise us ill, for our wrong or loss; to perswad● us into a course of life of which we shall eve● have cause to complain, or repent of, as to deny himself? or to give one's self to the Conduct o● the Devil, a professed malicious Enemy to God Goodness, and the Souls of Men; and believed to be so, as universally as he is believed to b● at all? Sin is his standing Counsel, recommended to the World by his Instruments. His wiles we are sure are devised for our Perdition: Therefore to hearken to Him, is wilfully to tread in a snare, which we know is laid for our life.  
Sin will everlastingly be Folly; and Perverseness in it Madness, in spite of Number, Custom, Fashion, or Example. Can Precedent change the Nature of Things? Is there any Prescription against Reason? Will public Vogue justify, or pass? or Multitude of Voices carry it against God? force him to alter his mind? to remove the Pillars of the World? to repeal his Laws? to revoke his Threaten? shall we follow their Example, who thwart him? contradict and endeavour to deface the Principles of their own minds, and consciences? whom all men at least tacitly condemn, even those that bruitishly and sillily are led by them? shall we make them our Guides, who have never sincerely tried to be truly Religious? that speak evil of the things they know not? that can be so sottish as to think, they can go on in sin, and not be punished? have so little of men in them; as to live like Beasts, and to wish they may die so too? that have so bad Memories, as to forget they have Immortal Souls? and so little Reason as to think there is no God?  
Entirely adhere to him, without any Respect to the Eye and Esteem of the perverse, deceived World, notwithstanding the Envy and Hatred you incur thereby. The Purity and Holiness of Religion in the truly good, is by the scurrilous Reflections, and bitter Sarcasms of the profane, made contemptible; which is as foolish and malicious, as if a Slave should reproach the Son of a King, for being like his Father. But oh, how will these abject wretches be confounded (they will choose rather to be covered under the Ruins of the World) then, to be a Spectacle of Abhorrence and Scorn before that Universal glorious Confluence, when the Son of Man shall come in the Glory of his Father, with the holy Angels 
(h) Mark 8.38. .  
Sin carries with it so much Shame and Horror, that many of the Poets believed there was no Fury like the Conscience of having done Evil: To avoid the worm of which, so insupportable many have found it, as to cast themselves into the Fire that is not quenched. And the Ease the obdurate gain, by being delivered from the Remorse and Regrets, the Reproaches, and Rebukes of Conscience, is far overbalanced by the Loss that cannot be divided from it; Namely, the Loss of the Joys of Innocence, and of the Sense of God's Favour, and Hopes of a happy Futurity. There's not an eminent Man among the Grecians (saith one of the Ancients) that dies an Heathen, or an Infidel, though they lived so. If there be Atheists in company, there are none in Hell, or alone. They tremble at that in private, and at Death, which they laugh at among the Jovial Crew. All sorts of men in all Ages (that have gone before us into an Eternal State) of all Conditions, Persuasions, Opinions, Tempers, Ages, Dispositions; upon Experience have found, that, whatsoever vain thoughts men in the Heat of their Youth, and Lust entertain of Religion; when they come to leave the World, they give Testimony unto it. They confess at last, that it had been their Prudence and Interest to be good betimes; and not to stay till Necessity or Experience force them to it. And that a strict and serious Life, is not the Humour of some conceited singular Persons; but, the opinion of all men, when they are most impartial, and serious. That they are wise indeed, who make haste and delay not to keep God's Commandments, though they expect to save no more by it, but their Souls.  
Religion abridges us of nothing but sin, which is Rank poison to our Souls: and exchanges the momentary Pleasures of it, for the perpetual peace of a good Conscience. The Pleas sinners use for their vicious Lives, are all such, as any man who will be but faithful to his own Soul, may as easily answer, as invent; and see abundant Reason to be singular rather than sinful and careless. Ask them if they ever knew any carry the Comfort of his sins out of the World with him; and what themselves will be like to think of their do, when they shall think them over at Death, and in Eternity. If the pleasures of sin for a season, be worth the venturing endless Torments; and if the number of sinners that run so great a hazard, are well satisfied in their minds, that it will moderate all their Sufferings, to remember what they have enjoyed; That Hell is not so hot, nor so lasting, as to keep them out of it; and to be preferred before the necessary means of their prevention, which would bring them as near Immortal Joys as their next Heir is to their Earthly Inheritance; and is the better Estate for being out of this World, which is of so uncertain, so short a continuance. Did Heaven but stand in the same account with them now, as it will when that great Gulf shall obstruct their passage, they would pursue it with such vigorous and continued Endeavours, as never proved unsuccesful. The difficulties of Religion are insuperable only to the slothful, the coward, the inconsiderate, who are not to be consulted with, in our Christian warfare: who have never made a thorough Trial of it, nor duly considered its Reward; who would attain the end, without the means; go to Heaven by descent, without discomposing themselves, in putting off Dispositions and Affections incompatible to that Holy place. There is no Lion in the way to a resolved mind; and if there were, little David grappled with, and slew both a Lion and a Bear; and from thence was encouraged to enter the List with the Uncircumcised Philistin, and overcame him.  
(2.) Beware of that infinite hazard of a Death-Bed-Repentance; of venturing Eternity upon your last Breath. Makè Religion your early, your continual Business, your Duty, your Obligation; which will administer a delightful Reflection on your following years, prove the truest Frugality and Improvement of Time, the greatest ease, quiet, comfort, and safety both of Life and Death. Those that now load themselves with guilt under the delusion of Pleasure, that gives them secret disquiet while they are laying it on, treasure up shame and sorrow for the time to come, horror and despair for a dying-hour. All men seek the Lord some time or other; only wise men betimes, while he may be found. Old Age is the Lot but of a very few, grievous and burdensome enough of itself; but disconsolate and oppressed indeed, when men come to possess the Diseases, and Infirmities of it, together with the Iniquities of their Youth; bitter, if not fruitless Repentance for their mispending it. Yet Death observes not the Course of Nature, but the Determination of God. Boast not thyself of to Morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth 
(i) Prov. 27.1. . Possibly this day may bring forth thy Death, how then shall to Morrow bring forth thy Repentance, or make thee another Tender of this day's rejected Salvation. Every day puts a Period to many Lives, as well secured as ours, and who have had the same Reason of Hope with ourselves. No man ever miscarried because his life was short, but bad: 'twas no loss to Gideon, that he returned from Victory before the Sun was up 
(k) Judas 8.13. : There's no danger of being wise and good too soon; but all the wisdom to be learned in another World, comes too late to remedy any final miscarriage in this. We may be instantly surprised by Death, or a Disease that incapacitates us to call for Mercy in general; much more to make ourselves meet for the Inheritance of the Saints in life.  
Such as delay shall have more cause to repent hereafter, but less power and will: Preparation for Death, which requires the whole of man in his best vigour is (oh how sad and deplorable!) usually delayed till the melancholy Evening of Age, or Twilight of Death. The Trifles of this World divert them from that main Business, to which all others should be subordinate: No man hath a lease of his life as Hezekiah had 
(l) Isa. 38.5. . In Golgotha are Sculls of all sorts, and sizes: We see few Hoary Heads; most Children die before their Parents. The old Camel (saith the Arabian Proverb) carries the young Camel's skin to the Market. A Thousand Blossoms fall to the Ground, for one Ripe fruit gathered into the Basket. The Glass runs whilst we are idle. The swiftest things in the World have been stayed, but the life of man; that went a Days Journey forward, while the Sun stood still 
(m) Jos. 10.12, 13. ; we ought therefore to be always ready, else, when we are most unready, or least think of it, our Lord may come 
(n) Matt 24.44. . Righteous Abel is slain by his bloody Brother, whilst friendly talking with him in the Field 
(o) Gen 4.8 . Zimri, and Cozbi died in the Act of Lust 
(p) Num. 25.8. ; sudden Death, seizes upon Eglon, sitting in a Summer-Parler which he had for himself alone 
(q) Judges 3.15, etc. , Sampson dies upon a Theatre, making sport, and Thousands with him, seeing it 
(r) Judges 16. . Rebellious Absalon meets with his Gallows, a Tree in the Forest, which heard not his Father's Caveat for his Life 
(s) 2 Sa. 18.8, 9 : Elah slain drinking himself drunk in his Steward's House, by his Servant Zimri, who finishes his own Royalty by Fire, burning the House over his own head, and dies 
(t) 1 K. 16.8, 9.18. : Job's Children give up the Ghost, eating and drinking in their Elder Brother's House: His Table became their snare 
(v) Job 18.19. . In the Time of our Saviour's greatest Joy and Glory; when the Fashion of his Countenance was altered, and his Raiment white and glistering, Moses and Elias appear, and talk with him about his Decease 
(w) Lu. 9.29. . Elijah walking with Elisha, is taken up into Heaven 
(x) 2 Kin. 2.11. , and St. Stephen, while he's preaching Jesus, and calling upon God 
(y) Acts 7. . Moses is called away whilst busy about what God had set him; bringing the Children into Canaan 
(z) Deut. 32.49. . John Baptist's Head is given away at a grand Festival 
(a) Matt. 14.6. . The Ten Virgins are summoned at Midnight, when all was silent, and at rest 
(b) Matt. 25.6. . The Rich Fool's Soul, that Night was required of him, when he dreamed of many Years; and that nothing could prevent them but starving 
(c) L. 12.16, etc. : Herod, while glutting his aspiring Humour with popular Applause, gives up the Ghost, in the Midst of his vainglorious Harrange 
(d) Acts 12.21. . Thou shalt be King over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee, said true hearted Jonathan to David, not knowing he was to die in the next Battle 
(e) 1 Sam. 23.17, etc. . The great Arbitrer of all things, needs not Death's usual Messenger (Sickness) to prepare his way, who can thunder the proud Emperor under his Bed. And writ the great King at 3 or 4 Words into trembling 
(f) Dan. 5.5, etc. : send a Fly, to fetch the Tripple-Crown before his Tribunal: Make a small Scratch, or Bone, a Crum, a Hair, or the Kernel of a Grape, or Raisin, as mortal as Goliah's Spear: Unspeak the whole World into nothing. Blow down a great Bubble, the stateliest Building with an easy Breath; undress our Souls, by unpinning one Pin. By withdrawing his Hand, take away the Airy difference between Sleep, and Death.  
And oh! what a sad Appearance will the Face of Death have to those that have loitered, unthriftily trifled away their Time, that never knew the worth of it until their last hour, and then have their Work to do. Eternity at Hand, gives value to all Holiness and Sense of God in spite of the World; and lessens all things else into less than nothing, and Vanity; imprints a ghastliness and horror upon wickedness and sensuality. The Thirty pieces are nothing worth, and the Innocent Blood above all value, when Men suffer in the Agonies of Conscience, and fears of the approaching Judge. An House-full of Silver and Gold will not buy a Man to resist God, when the Terrible Majesty appears to him: nothing is so precious then, that a man will not fling to the Bats and Moles. When the Breath is going out of the Nostrils, how precious is sincere Holiness to those that have slighted it as a thing of nought. As if the great Truths of God's Word were never true till a day or two before we die. But these things are always so rich and valuable. True Wisdom is always so precious, that it disdains to borrow Esteem from a Minute of Extremity. And therefore, it mostly falls out, that those who would have none of its Counsel, and despised all its Reproofs, when they come to seek it now, cannot find it, but it laughs at their Calamity, and their Misery confutes their Confidence.  
A good Death is the natural consequence of a Holy Life; else, there's no such thing in Nature, nor Grace neither, except by a Miracle of Grace. The most profligate and obdurate, cannot but think that they must repent; and acknowledge the Prudence and Safety of the Religious, whom they contemned. They own their own folly and mistake, when it's too late to remedy: They desire to die the Death of the Righteous, and promise to live their life too, if they recover from sickness. And if a Holy life be then looked upon necessary to be lived, it cannot be sufficient merely to resolve it. Religion never gave any a Dispensation to Sin, that's one thing. We have entered into a Covenant with God to forsake the Devil and all his Works. The Conditions of our Salvation, are our giving up ourselves, Bodies and Souls, not a dying but a living Sacrifice unto God 
(g) Rom. 12.1. . To deny ungodliness and worldly Lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present World 
(h) Tit. 2.11, 12. . The wicked must not only forsake his ways, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; return from all his wickedness that he hath committed, unto the Lord; but keep all his Statutes, and do that which is right 
(i) Isa. 55.7. Ez. 18.21. And 33.14. : acquire and exercise the Habits of everlasting Grace, as well as mortify and overcome all corrupt Affections, and vicious Inclinations. Christ gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all Iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar People, zealous of good works 
(k) Tit. 2.14. . He bore our Sins in his own Body upon the Tree, that we being dead to Sin, should live unto Righteousness 
(l) 1 Pet. 2.24. . And is it reasonable that this should be wholly frustrate by those supposed to be redeemed by him? we dishonour, and endeavour to make void the purpose and design of his Sufferings, and Redemption, if we think them to be a shelter for our ungodly Living. The Gospel (the highest display of Mercy) is not a Salvation of men, in, but from Sin; and by Repentance means a Reformed course of life; and only by very silent Intimations (the Tract of which is hardly discerned) leaves it possible that he should pluck some as brands out of the Fire, by giving them Repentance at last; whereas, this is now become the only Repentance in use, the universal Refuge. But, the goodly price of a Death-Bed-Repentance, at which God is prized by most, even then when Religion is at the lowest, is rejected with Indignation, and the Everlasting State purchased by it, may be sadly called an Aceldama, a Field of Blood.  
It's in vain to ask whether God cannot save a Man after a vicious life, since his own Will seems to restrain his Power; that he will not save men without a recovery to Holiness. He is Holy, Just, and True, as well as Merciful. The same word that informs us, He is merciful and gracious, likewise tells us, He will by no means clear the guilty 
(m) Ex. 34.6, 7. . That, if we live after the flesh, we shall die 
(n) Rom. 8.13. . That He cannot lie, nor deny Himself. I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord; wherefore turn yourselves and live 
(o) Ez. 18.34. ; Implying, except we turn to him, his Mercy will do us no good. What Reason have we to expect it, which we have used to evil purposes, and his dishonour? that he should work Miracles for us, while we despise the means? 'Cause the Sun to stand still for us, because we have trifled away our day? Turn Stones into Bread, for us who have been slothful, and are ready to perish? That he should stand ready for us with that grace at last, which we have so long refused, and rejected. God is as peremptory for the Time, and Season, as for the Duty itself. There's a Time when he will not be found, nor accept our Offering. The Day of Grace, lasteth not so long as the Day of his Patience: The fruitless Figtree stood still in the Vineyard, uncut down, but presently withered away under that fatal Curse, Never fruit grow on thee more 
(p) Matt. 21.12. . Though he will pardon the Infirmities of the sincere, yet there's a certain Period set for the return of Sinners, beyond which, all their Industry is ineffectual 
(q) Gen. 6.3. Isa. 6.9, 10. Ez. 24.13. Rom. 11.8. Rev. 22.11. . Jerusalem neglected the day of her Visitation, and the things of her Peace were irrevocably hid from her Eyes: Esau found no place of Repentance (in his Father) though he sought it carefully with Tears: The foolish Virgins saw, and were troubled, that they wanted oil, and endeavoured after it, but too late, the door was shut, and no knocking powerful enough for their admission.  
The design of the Parable of the Vineyard 
(r) Matt. 20.1, etc. , (so grossly abused) where those that went into it at the last hour, were rewarded equally with those that bore the burden and heat of the day; was to teach the Jews, that, though God had chose them first to be his People, yet at the Eleventh hour (i e. in Gospel Times, or end of the World) He would call in, accept of, and reward, the Gentiles as largely as they, notwithstanding their repining and murmuring at this his Grace and Mercy; the Reward being to all of Grace, and not of Debt. At lest it's no Advantage or Encouragement to those that are early called upon and engaged, yet refuse and delay coming in, till old Age: Adjourn their serving God, to their going out of the World; for those that went in at the Eleventh hour, (a time rather to discharge than admit Servants) were not called before, but found standing idle, because no man had hired them.  
And, for the Thief upon the Cross (that hath stole away so many Souls for the Devil) it's a bare Example, 
Lu. 23.33, etc.  not confirmed by any Premise: It's a fingle Example, without a parallel in the whole Word of God: It's an extraordinary Example, ranked among the Miracles Christ wrought when he left the World: It's an Example impertinently alleged to warrant delay in us, who have the sound of the Gospel continually in our Ears, yet wretchedly cheat ourselves of the Remedy of our miserable Condition, by adjourning the use of it to a late and uncertain Futurity, which seldom or never succeeds well. Vain Men! to conclude an Universal Law, from one single Instance; a personal Grace and Privilege, extended to that one Person, that stood close to that Sacrifice, that was offering itself up to God; when the Conqueror was Triumphing over Principalities and Powers, and making a show of them openly upon the Cross; 
Col. 2.15.  and displaying the Power of the dying Mediator, to forgive Sins in his lowest Humiliation. The Scriptures, that are an History of more than Five Thousand years, have but this one Instance of one accepted upon a Death-Bed-Repentance; and in that, such an extraordinary Conjunction of Circumstances, as will never fall out again. No man professing Christianity, hath any Reason to expect to far as this Thief did, till Christ come into the World, and suffer again, and that between two Thiefs, and he be alive at that time and place where he suffers, and be one of the Thiefs, and the good one too: exercising so many Acts of a true Repentance and lively Faith in Christ, when (probably) first preached to him; when he saw him in so despicable a state, amidst insulting Infidels, under all the Infamy and Misery of a shameful and painful Death, and nothing to make such a greatness as he ascribed to him, probable; which will never be.  
They dreadfully mistake themselves, that crowd up Repentance into so narrow a Room, as a Sickbed, when men have scarce time to reckon up all the particular Duties that make it up. That imagine the Tree that hath been always Barren, should bring forth good Fruit now it is a cutting down: That a man should live a life of Holiness, when he is just a dying: That a weak infirm Person, of disabled, disturbed faculties, should build that in Three days, which others, notwithstanding all their Abilities and Diligence, find hard enough to do in Forty years: That those who have had the knowledge of God, and been called upon all their lives, to give up themselves to him, should be accepted when they pour out to him, instead of the generous Spirits of life, the Lees and Dregs of it. When the Blood cools in the Veins, and the Spirits are ready to stand still, the Season of the Pleasures of Sin are over, and a man is no longer to live where they are; to cast himself upon Religion, when there's nothing else to vie with it, when all things else fail: That he must take us in at Night, though he hath in vain stretched out his hand to us all the day long. As if this state were prepared only for a Stage for Men to act their Vices and Exorbitances upon, and then God should remove them to Heaven, that have but just begun to acknowledge him by some weak Devotion extorted even out of Necessity, and given the Bulk of their Time to Sin: That have sacrificed the Male of their Flock to Lust, and even with impious Designs, kept the corrupt thing for him. That the easy Yoke, the light Burden, which cost the Son of God his life to obtain Heaven upon, an intolerable Load, and to be had on easier Terms. That God should have only the faint and feeble Services of our last Hour, for his Mercies vouchsafed to us all our Days. That he should accept of such a Commutation for the Obedience due to him, as a Death-Bed-Repentance, a few Sighs and Groans, Tears, Promises, Scatter of Devotion, in exchange for all our Duties, sufficient to expiate a whole life of Impiety; with a Breath to retract all the dishonour we have done him in it. As if he had made us to take the delights he most abhors, and after all to give us such a stupendious Reward. From the Word of God Men have no Promise to warrant such a Confidence; if they have, let them show it; if they have not, they must thank (or rather condemn) themselves, for bringing themselves into a Condition without the Covenant, without a promise, hopeless, and miserable. And oh! how miserabl● must he needs be, that lies upon the brink of Eternity, incountering the throws and horrors o● an imminent Dissolution, the doubts of what wi●● become of him in another World, the fears o● Hell, the uproars of a guilty Conscience; whom God hath left to the Boiling Sea of his own Terrors, and thrown him out no Anchor of Hope?   

THE Whole Duty OF A CHRISTIAN, etc.  

Of the Scriptures.  
THE Scriptures contain a Continued History of the Church, from the beginning to the end of the World; and all things necessary to be known, believed, and practised: for Moses and the Prophets delivered whatsoever God requi●ed them, 
(a) Deu. 4.2 Mal. 4.4.  and Christ made known the last and full Will ●f his Father 
(b) Mat. 28.20. John. 14.26. & 15.15.  to his Apostles, who faithfully delivered what ●hey received of Him. 
(c) Act. 20.27. 1 Joh. 1.3.  As to ●he substance of it, 'twas ever ●he same; The Apostles saying none other things, than thos● which the Prophets and Mos● did say should come. 
(d) Act. 26.22,  An● a woe is denounced against thos● that shall add to, or take awa● from it. 
(e) Gal. 1.8.9. Rev. 22.18.19.   
Their Divine Authority appears, from thei● wonderful preservation; the Testimony an● constancy of Believers in all Ages; th● Heavenliness and Efficacy of the Matter 〈◊〉 the simplicity, sincerity, and agreement 〈◊〉 the Pen men; Miracles wrought to confirm them; their Antiquity (being muc● Ancienter than any other writing;) th● malice of the Devil, and wicked men against them; together with the testimony of the Spirit in the Hearts of the Faithful.  
At first Moral duties to God and Ma● were Engraven on men's Hear● 
(f) Rom. 2.14.15.  and other things carried dow● by faithful tradition. But whe● Men were much multiplied, the lives shortened, and greatly degenerated that the Divine Will might be an Infallib●● standard of true Doctrine, and preserved u● corrupt to the end of the World, it was committed to writing, by God himself, 
(g) Ex. 31.18.  by Moses at God's command, 
(h) Ex. 34.27.  by Holy men, who● he stirred up and inspired 
(i) 2 Pet. 1.21.  o● after another according to the necessity 〈◊〉 ●he times, by degrees, so much in all Ages ●s was sufficient, until the whole Canon was ●nished.  
The Old Testament is divided into Moses or the Law) and the Prophets 
(k) Mat. 7.12. Luke 16.29. and 24.27.  because penned by them, ●nd delivered to the Church of ●e Jews. The New Testament ●as writ by the Evangelists and Apostles: ●e Originals kept in the Churches they ●lanted, and composed into one Volume (as 〈◊〉 supposed) by St. John, the last of the Apo●les; as the Old Testament, by Ezra, Nehe●iah, Malachi, the last of the Prophets.  
They were writ in Hebrew, the mother ●nguage of the Jews; and Greek the most ●ommon language of the Gentiles. And as ●e first Edition, so after-Translations ought 〈◊〉 be in the vulgar Tongue, to be underwood, and read of all, who are to Live, and ●e Judged by them.  
They were written for our Learning and Comfort, 
(l) Ro. 15.4.  to be a Lamp ●nto our Feet, and a light unto ●ur Paths, 
(m) Ps. 119.105.  to give wisdom ●nd understanding to the sim●le 
(n) Ps. 19.7.  are profitable for Doctrine, for reproof, for corre●tion, for instruction in Righteousness. 
(o) 2 Tim. 3.16.  Ignorance of them is ●he mother of error, not of devotion 
(p) Mat. 22.29.  hide only to those th● are lost. 
(q) 2 Cor. 4.3.  We are the● fore to give attention to rea●ing, 
(r) 1 Tim. 4.13.  to search the Scripture 
(s) Joh. 5.39.  to have them dwell rich● in us in all knowledge, 
(t) Col. 3.16.  delight and meditate in the day and night, 
(u) Psal. 1.2.  such as 〈◊〉 are commended, 
(w) Act. 17, 11. 2 Tim. 3.15. 2 Pet. 1.19.  and blazed is he that readeth, and 〈◊〉 that heareth the words of t●● Prophecy. 
(x) Reve. 1.3.    

Of God.  
THat he is, appears from the wond●● of Creation and Providence, the Homony, and regular order of the World, ●●cay and corruption of things in it, the ●●veral vicissitudes of Night and Day, Summ● and Winter; the production, natural A●ons, agreement, and Instinct of Irration Creatures, the unanimous consent of Nation the practice of Satan, the admirable cont●vance and offices of the Body, the hopes a● fears, troubles and peace of the Soul, in t●● we are not satisfied with the knowledge a● possession of any thing below; but are 〈◊〉 thirsting after something, the knowledge a● enjoyment of which gives satisfaction.  
God is a Spirit, Omniscient, Omnipre●nt, alone in, of, and to himself; Self-suf●cient, All-sufficient, Invisible, Omnipotent, Incomprehensible, Unchangeable, Eternal, Infinite in Glory, Blessedness, Wisdom, Power, Holiness, Mercy, Justice, ●oodness, and Truth: having most Sovereign Dominion over us, and to whom is ●ue the obedience of all his Creatures.  
Many things are spoken of him and ascribed to him in Condescension to our weak apacities, after the manner of men, but ●ust be understood according to the nature ●f God. As, by his Eye is meant his knowledge, watchful providence, Favour. By the Apple of is Eye, that which is dear unto him. By his ●●rm, Power and Strength. By stretching out his ●and, putting forth his Power to help or de●roy. By his being weary, that he cannot en●ure Sin. By sleep, his silence, forbearing to ●elp or punish. By his being a Rock, etc. his protection, etc.  
His Attributes are several representations of that one perfection which is himself. ●nd are either Incommunicable, such as cannot be given to any Creature; as Omni●esent, Omniscient, etc. or Communicable. 'cause some parts or resemblances of them ●e found in his Creatures, as Wisdom, ●oodness, Mercy, etc.   

Of the Trinity.  
THe Trinity is one God in three distin persons, or three persons in the Go● head, yet but one God; none before, n● greater than another: They are not three several substances, but three distinct sub● stences; or three divers manner of being of one and the same substance, and Divi● Essence. Consider the Divine Essence, as t● Fountain and Principle, (not as the Caus● of the Deity, so it is the first person; conder it as begotten of the Father, so it is t● second person; consider it as breathed for or proceeding from the Father and the S● so it is the third person: begetting and p●ceeding, respects not the Divine Natu● but Person. the Divine Nature of the Go● head, is not begotten, doth not proceed but the Divine person of the Son is begotten, and the Divine Person of the Ho● Ghost proceedeth. These Three are 〈◊〉 One in Nature, Essence, Will, Conse● Virtue; what the One doth, the Other do also. Yet, how in that most simple sin● Essence there be several subsistences of People truly subsisting three in one, and one in th●● differing, but not divided; several, yet t● same; all one for their Nature, all distin● for their Persons, is a Mystery rather Reverently to be believed and adored, than Curiously searched into.   

Of the Creation.  
GOD in the Beginning of Time, by the Word of his Power, in Six Days made all things of nothing, for himself, and ●ll very good. He made the First Day, Heaven, and Light. The Second, The Firmaments. The Third, Earth, Grass, Plants, and Trees. The Fourth, Sun, Moon, and Stars. The Fifth, Fish, and Fowl. The Sixth, Beasts, Creeping Things, and Man. Thus in three Days the Parts or Body of the World was gradually laid: As, The First Day, He made ●he Highest Heavens, and came down so low ●s Light. The Second, lower, The Firmaments, and the Ayr. The Third, lowest of All, He separates Earth and Water. In three Days more, and in the same order, they are finished: For, on the Fourth Day, The Heavens which were made the First Day, are decked with Sun, Moon and Stars. The Fifth Day, the Firmaments which were made the Second Day, are filled with Fish and Fowl. The Sixth Day, the Earth which was made the Third Day, is Replenished with Beasts and Man. He provided for his Irrational and Rational Creatures, Habitations and Food, before he made them: fills the Earth with plants and nourishment, before he brought them into it; abundantly furnished with a● things for necessity and delight.  
He first produced a Rude undigested formless Mass; and out of it drew the 〈◊〉 Elements, by fetching one contrary out o● another; as Light out of Darkness; Th● Firmament out of Emptiness; dry Earth out of Water. Then the compounded Bo● dies out of the same Elements. At first the confused Heap: Then things without Life, as Light, Firmament, dry Land, Seize Then things that had Life but no Sense, a Grass, Herbs, Trees: Then things tha● had Life and Sense, but no Reason, as Fow● Fish, Birds, Beasts, Creeping Things: lastly, those that had Life, Sense, and Reason as Man, the Perfection and Compendium of all. In simple Bodies, he began with th● most perfect, but in mixed Bodies, with things more Imperfect.   

Of Providence.  
PROVIDENCE is the constant Influence of the Divine Being upon the who● Creation, preserving and upholding the several Being's and Faculties of all his Creatures; perpetuating their several kinds b● a continual Succession; providing the●● agreeable Provision; permitting, directing and governing their several Motions, and Actions, to the great end of his own Glory, and other ends of their Creation, subordinate to that End.  
It reaches to Insensible 
(y) Ps. 135.7. and 147.18. and 148.8. Mat. 6.30.  and Irrational Creatures 
(z) Psal. 36.6. and 104.21, 27. and 147.9. Mat. 10.29.  ●s more concerned for Man, for whom next to his own Glory, ●e made all things 
(a) Gen. 1.28.  Regards, Manages, and overrules all things in the World 
(b) Psa. 97.1. and 103.19 Ec. 5.8. Dan. 4.35.  ●nd all the Actions of men in ●t, whether Natural 
(c) Act. 17.28.  Casual 
(d) Exod. 21.12.13. 1 Sam. 9.16 and 14.42.2 Ch. ●8. 33. Ps. 16.33. and 18.18. Joh. 1.7. Act. 1.26,  Good 
(e) Ezr. 7.27. Jo. 15.15.  or Evil 
(f) 2 Ch. 10.15. Ez. 14. ● 2 Th. 2.11.    

Of the Angels.  
ANGELS are Intellectual Spirits, created by God, good, but mutable 
(g) Job 4.18  the first day 
(h) Job. 38.7.  ●o do his pleasure.  
The good Angels are secured from falling ●y Gods unchangeable Decree, ●nd Christ their Head. 
(i) 1 Tim. 5, 21. Col. 1.20. Eph. 3.15.  They ●ave degrees and orders a●ong them, 
(k) Col. 1.16.  readily execute ●e Will of God, especially in praising of him, and attending upon his Servants. 
(l) Ps. 91.11.12. Mat. 18.10. Heb. 1.14.   
The Evil Angels were, and continued good (it's supposed) until the seventh day. 
(m) Goe 1.31.  I● their fall they had a Ring leader, called the Devil, Satan, the grea● Dragon, the old Serpent, Belzebub, th● Prince of Devils. Ever since their fall they have been Enemies to all Good, and promote● of all Evil. Their malice is a 'gainst all mankind, especially those that are most like God 
(n) Goe 3.15. Joh. 1.6. etc. Zac. 3.1. Re. 12.10.17.  their power is limited by him 
(o) 1 Ki 22.22. Job 1.12. and 2.6. Mat. 8.31.  greater over the wicked than the good. 
(p) Ma. 12.29. 2 Tim. 2.26. 1 Joh. 4.4.  The● present punishment is, loss 〈◊〉 Heaven, which they see other enjoy; utter despair of eve● being happy; fearful expectation of the dregs of God's wra● for ever, which shall complete it. 
(q) Mat. 8.29. and 25.4. 2 Pet. 2.4.    

Of Man by Creation.  
MAn was made, 1. With Deliberation, Consultation, and Advice of the Blessed Trinity, 
(r) Goe 1.26.  by God the Father 
(s) Job 10.8. Psal. 100.3.  Son 
(t) Col. 1.16.  and Holy-Ghost, 
(u) Job 33.4.  none ought to be proud of their Comeliness, or despise others for their defects, or dissatisfied with their own, all are God's workmanship. 2. The last work of the last Day; as a Compendium of the whole, and for whom he found the World furnished to his Hand. But hath no reason to boast of his Antiquity, the meanest Creature was made before him. 3. Out of Paradise: showing, he had it not by Birthright, as his natural possession; his Country is elsewhere; God did him no wrong to dispossess him when he sinned; A Landlord turns out his Tenant that pays not his Rent. 4. Of Dust, or Red-Earth, showing, 1. God's absolute Authority and Sovereignty, as the Potter over the Clay. 
(w) Ro. 9.21.  2. Our worthlessness, and fitness to be rejected; who regards a Clod of Earth? 3. The groundless nature of Pride; considering the meanness and baseness of our original; we're made of that upon which every Creature may set his Foot, and lay his dung: which we should always remember, especially in our Addresses to our Maker. Behold now I have taken upon me to speak, who am but Dust and Ashes. 
(x) Gen. 18.27.  4. Our frailty and mortality: Dust, in our original, nourishment, motion, dissolution. 
(y) Job 4.19.  5. The power, and Wisdom of our Creator, who made such a Curious piece out of such indisposed, mean materials.  
The Woman was made of Man; so of the same dust, mould, and model, of a reasonable immortal Soul, stamped with the same Image of God. In the same Spiritual Condition. Subject to the same Lord, Bound to the same Law. Capable of the same Felicity, and by Sin liable to the same Punishment.  
The Happiness of his Estate consisted in his Being. 1. Made after the Image and likeness of God, in Knowledge, Righteousness, and true Holiness: Enjoying uninterrupted Peace and Communion with him. 2. In Paradise; a Place of God's own planting: So delightful, as, is set out by it not only the pleasantest; goodliest places on Earth, (tho' the whole Earth was Garden-like, in Comparison of what it is now 
(z) Gen. 13.10. Isa. 51.3.  but Heaven itself 
(a) Luc. 23.43. Rev. 2.7.  3. Made Ruler over all the Creatures 
(b) Gen. 1.26. Psal. 8.6.  who submitted to him, to be Governed and Ruled by him at his pleasure 
(c) Goe 2.19, 20. .  
In this Estate God Entered with him into a Covenant of Works; i e. God's gracious Agreement with Adam (as the Head of) and all his Posterity, to give them Eternal Life and Happiness upon Condition of Personal, Perfect, Perpetual Obedience; by that strength wherewith God had endowed Him in his Creation, to which he left him.  
This Covenant was (1) an Act of Condescension, Grace and Favour; not of Debt, for God as Creator might have dealt with him only in a way of Sovereignty, and required obedience, without promising a Reward, which Adam could not have expected by perfect obedience, having but done his Duty, 2. an Agreement with him, that he should obey the Moral Law written in his Heart, which was the general Rule of his obedience, and the positive Law, of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, thou shalt not Eat, which was the special Trial of it, (3.) with all his posterity; which appears, from the miserable Event of Adam's breaking this Covenant, both as to the guilt, filth, and punishment. 
(d) Psal. 51.5. John 3.5, etc. Rom. 5.12, etc. 1 Cor. 15.21, etc. Eph. 2.3.  And by God's usual way or course in all other Covenants, i. e. To take in Head and Members Root and Branch; The second Adam and his Posterity. 
(e) Gen. 3.15.  No● ah, 
(f) Gen. 9.9.  Abraham, 
(g) Gen. 17.7, 8.  David 
(h) 2 Sam. 7.16.  Israel. 
(i) Isa. 59.21. Acts 2.39.  Their Seed, and their Seeds seed. 4. To give them Eternal Life; or the continuance of them in that good Estate; under the Threatening of Death for Disobedience was promised Life for Obedience; assured and confirmed by the Tre● of Life.  
The Tree of Knowledge was so called, no● from the Nature of the Tree, but fault of Eating; In respect of 1 God's Command. Things are therefore Good or Evil, because he allows, or forbids them. 2. The Event o● Eating. Thereby he should experimentally know, to his sorrow, Good by the loss of it; and Evil, by the feeling of it. Eating of itself, was not Morally or Intrinsically Evil; only in respect of God's prohibition, which was for 1. Clearer Discovery of his Absolute Sovereignty over Man, and Trial of his Obedience and Subjection: Whether he would obey, merely because God commanded; 2. Greater Aggravation of Man's Sin; if he should offend in so small a matter; so easy to be obeyed; Especially, having Liberty to Eat of all the Trees else: So directly against God's Authority, by doing that which was to be forborn, merely because He had forbidden it.   

Of the Fall of Man.  
OUR First Parents being left to the freedom of their own Will, through the Temptation of Satan, Sinned in Eating the Forbidden Fruit. And thereby, lost their Innocency, Paradise, Communion with, and the Favour of God; brought a Curse upon the Earth; became Slaves of Satan; lay under the Curse of the Law; Died the same day they sinned: In their 1. Souls; Dead spiritually to all good. 2. Bodies; In Respect of the Desert, guilt, sentence, and inevitable Necessity of Dying, Contracted: Dead in Law, as a Condemned man is, before Execution. They then became Mortal: Dissolving by degrees: Liable to the Symptoms, and Harbingers of Death. 3. Bodies and Souls; being then under the Arrest of God's Justice, Wrath, and Curse; liable to Eternal Death, the Wages of Sin 
(k) Rom. 6.23. .  
The Heinousness of the Sin, appears, by considering, 1. The Person that sinned, Adam, an Innocent, Happy, Public Person. 2. Against whom, the great Creator and Sovereign of all the World. 3. The Time when, the same Day (as supposed) He was created, and commanded. 4. The Place where; in Paradise, where God familiarly conversed, and entered into Covenant with him; where no Sin, Sorrow, or Want was. 5. The Penalty threatened upon the Breach, and the Promise implied. 6. The great Ease and Facility of keeping it. In it was, Incredulity, Diffidence, Pride, Ambition, vain Curiosity, Ingratitude, Idolatry, Contempt of God's Word and Sovereignty, Rebellion, Murder, Intemperance, Theft, Discontent with their present Condition, assenting to false Witness, unworthy Accusations against God; the Transgression of the whole Law of Nature.  
Adam being the Root, Representative, and Head of all Mankind (being in his loins,) the Gild, Corruption, and Defilement of this Sin, is imputed and conveyed to all his Posterity, descending from him by ordinary generation; and is called Original Sin, because, 1. We have it from our first Parents the Original of all Mankind. 2. 'Tis in us from our Original, as soon as we have a Being. 3. 'Tis the Original of all other Sins.   

Of Man's Recovery.  
ALL Mankind being fallen into an Estate of Sin and Misery by the Breach of the First Covenant, and unable to help themselves; God out of his mere Love, Mercy, and Compassion, for recovering and restoring us to his Favour, makes another Covenant with us through a Mediator; wherein he promises us Grace, Glory, and all good things; and obliges us to Repentance, and Faith. 1. Repentance, i. e. A sincere Sorrow for, and forsaking of all our Sins. Or, a thorough Change of our Mind, and Purpose of Heart and Life, from Evil to Good. 2. Faith, i. e. Such an unfeigned Belief of all that God hath revealed, as engages us to a sincere Endeavour to do all that he hath commanded. Firmly to rely on all his Promises, and faithfully to obey all his Commands. Or, an Acceptance of our Mediator as he is offered unto us in the Gospel, as our Priest, Prophet, and King: not only to Satisfy, and Intercede with God, but to Teach and Guide, Rule and Govern us.  
This Mediator is the Second Person in the Trinity: who being true God, became true Man, by taking upon him our Nature: God and Man united in One Person: That so, having Interest in both, he might be a a fit Mediator, or middle Person, to reconcile and bring together God to Man, and Man to God, whom Sin had separated. The Godhead did not assume a Humane Person; for then only the Person h● assumed had been the better for it. But the Divine Person assumed to himself the Humane Nature. So that the Manhood subsists in the Godhead; and they are so inseparably united, that the same Person which is God, is also Man. Thus, as God, he is Eternal; born in Time, as Man: Creator, as God; a Creature, as Man: Invisible, as God; visible, as Man: Immortal, as God: Died, as Man. Had he not been God and Man in One Person the Sufferings of his Humane Nature, could not have derived that Infinite Value and Merit from the Divine; nor his Blood been called, the Blood of God 
(l) Acts 20.28.  i. e. It was the Blood of that Man that was God. He was 1. God, That he might bear the Wrath of God without sinking under it. Give Worth and Efficacy to his Sufferings, Obedience and Intercession. Satisfy Divine Justice. Purchase his Favour, and Eternal Happiness for his People. Overcome Death and the Devil. Be the Head of his Church. Recommend Infinite Love in the Abasement of himself for us. 2. Man, that he might obey, suffer, and intercede for us in our Nature; have a fellow-feeling of our Temptations, Passions, Infirmities; that we might have Access to the Throne of Grace, and receive the Adoption of Sons.  
As Creatures, we were bound to the Precepts of the Law, which we had broken▪ and were (without strength) unable to perform: And as Transgressor's, under, (liable to) the Curse of the Law, the Wrath of God, which we were unable to bear. Christ by his Active and Passive Obedience (of Infinite Merit) fulfilled all Righteousness, purchased for us Pardon, Grace, and Eternal Life, satisfied Divine Justice, paid our Debt, wrought out our Redemption, procured our Liberty, by giving a satisfactory Ransom to the Justice of God for our Life and Deliverance, from the Captivity of Sin, Satan, and Death; according to the Covenant made between the Father and Him from Eternity.   

Of the Sacraments.  
THE Two standing Sacraments of the Church of God of Old were Circumcision, and the Passover. Under the Gospel, we have Baptism, and the Lord's Supper: wherein by visible signs, the Benefits of the New Covenant in Christ's Blood is represented, sealed and applied to those that are within the Covenant, who partake of them as Pledges of his Love; and profess themselves thereby bound to all thankful Obedience.  
Baptism confirms and signifies, 1. Our public Initiation, Entrance, or Admission into the visible Church and Covenant of Grace; distinguishing us from those out of it. 2. Our being sprinkled, washed and cleansed by the Blood and Spirit of Christ from the guilt and filth of Sin: our Dying to it, and rising again unto Righteousness. 3. Our having taken upon us the Badge and Livery of our Christian Profession: That we have listed ourselves as Soldiers to fight under Christ's Banner, against the World, the Flesh, and the Devil; which we have hereby renounced; and resigned up ourselves to Him and his Government, to become his faithful Subjects and Servants unto our lives End.  
By the Minister's baptising us In, (or into, or unto) the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; is meant, his doing it by the Authority and Command of the Three Persons in the Divine Essence; to be in and by this Rite publicly consigned, devoted, or consecrated unto the Faith, Profession, and Obedience of Them; or separated unto their Service.  
We ought to improve our Baptism in the whole Course of our Lives (especially, in the Time of Temptation, and when we see others baptised) by frequent Consideration of the Nature, Use, and Ends of it: Institution, Privileges, and Benefits sealed by it; and our solemn Vow and Engagement made therein. Endeavouring to live in newness of Life, and brotherly Love, as those that have given up their Names unto Christ, and been baptised by the same Spirit into one Body.  
The Lord's Supper. Of that, afterwards.   

The Apostle's Creed.  
SO called, either because, 1. Made by the Twelve Apostles; every one an Article, and the whole approved of by all of them before they separated themselves to Preach the Gospel. Or 2. Agreeable to, and a Summary of their Writings, and collected out of them.  

Article I.  
I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth. I Believe in one Eternal most glorious Being; infinite in all Perfections: The Fountain, Sovereign, and Disposer, Creator, Sustainer, and Governor of Heaven and Earth, and all things therein.   

II.  
And in Jesus Christ, The Second Person of the Trinity; Called, 1. Jesus, which signifies a Saviour, or Salvation; because he saves his People from the guilt, defilement, dominion, and punishment of their Sins. 2. Christ, which signifies Anointed, as of old were Priests, Prophets, and Kings, when consecrated for those Offices, which he took upon him, was Anointed, set apart unto, fully furnished with all Authority and Ability. As a Prophet, he made known all things necessary for our Salvation by his Word and Spirit. As a Priest, he offered up himself a Sacrifice for our Sins, and makes continual Intercession for us. As a King, he governs, provides for, rewards his People, reduces them to his obedience, rules in them by his Spirit, restrains, subdues, or destroys their Enemies. Jesus is a Hebrew; Christ a Greek or Gentile Name or Appellation: which Names he obtained by becoming the Saviour of both, i. e. the whole World. Jesus, point out and imports his Mediatorship; Christ, his Offices: Jesus, that he became our Saviour Christ, which way; i. e. by being our Priest Prophet, and King.  
His only Son, By Eternal inconceivable Generation. Begotten of the Father before all Time.  
Our Lord, By Right of Creation, Preservation, Dominion, Purchase, Redemption, and particular Covenant.   

III.  
Which was conceived by the Holy Ghost Born of the Virgin Mary. I believe, that H● came down from Heaven, and was by th● Power of the Holy Ghost, after a wonderful manner, conceived and made Man, in the Sanctified Womb of a Virgin, and born of her; so (being not begotten of the corrupted finfull Seed of Adam) free from Original Sin; and as foretold, ●he Seed of the Woman 
(m) Gen. 3.15. , of the Tribe of Judah 
(n) Heb. 9.14. , of the House and Family of David 
(o) Luc. 1. 27. .   

iv  
Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was Crucified, Dead and Buried. He endured many Bitter Things in the whole Course of his Life; but the Weight and Extremity of his Sufferings, were immediately before, and by his Crucifixion, a painful, shameful, accursed Death; to which he was adjudged by Pontius Pilate, Governor of Judea under ●he Roman Emperor (Tiberius) to whom ●he Jews were then subject. He died, to ●edeem and ransom, satisfy and make atonement for us, to take away Sin the sting ●nd fear of Death; to take from us upon himself, the Curse of the Law, to confirm ●he Testament or Covenant of Grace; for where a Testament is, there must also of necessity be the Death of the Testator 
(p) Heb. 9.16.  He was Buried, ●s prefigured and foretold 
(q) Ps. 16.9, 10. Isa. 53.9. Matt. 12.40.  ●o sanctify our Burial; to sweeten, and perfume the Grave to us; that in the strong Holds and Fortress of Death, He might overcome and lose the Sorrows and Bonds of Death 
(r) Acts 2.24. 1 Cor. 15.55. etc.    

V.  
He Descended into Hell, the third Day h● Arose again from the Dead, Christ so humbled Himself, that he was deprived of his Natural Life; in the Estate of the Dead, and under the Power of Death for Three Days; that it might appear he was truly Dead; but no longer that his Body might not se● Corruption 
(s) Matt. 12.40. & 17.23. John 2.19. Acts 2.31. . He arose (the third Day, being the First Day of the Week) for our Justification, and quickening i● Grace, as our Head, as a Pledge and Means of our Resurrection; as an Evidence Divine Justice was fully satisfied, the De● paid, in that the Judge released him out o● Prison.   

VI  
He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on the Right Hand of God, the Father Almighty, Having continued upon Earth forty Day after his Resurrection, to assure his Disciple of it, and instruct them in all things pertaining to their Preaching the Gospel Having finished his Work on Earth; over come, and Triumphed over His and our Enemies; Before many Witnesses he was visibly taken up into Heaven; where, in ●ur Nature, and as our Head, he is Advanced by the Father, to the Height of all Majesty, Power, Dominion, Honour, Dignity and Glory; next unto Himself: Ha●ing Authority to Rule as King over all ●●ings in Heaven and Earth: making Con●nual Intercession for us, that for his Plenary Satisfaction, all his Members, Persons ●nd Services may be accepted of God, who ●eing the Father Almighty, is both Willing, ●nd Able to grant the same.   

VII.  
From Thence He shall Come to Judge the ●ick and the Dead. At the last Day, He ●all Descend from Heaven, in great Power ●●d Glory: when He shall sit upon his ●hrone, and all then alive and that Died ●efore, shall be summoned and stand before ●im, and be Judged by the Law of Nature, ●d Covenant of Grace. When Sentence ●all be pronounced, of Absolution to the righteous first, then of Con●mnation upon the Wick● 
(t) Mat. 25.41, etc. .   

VIII.  
I Believe in the Holy Ghost, Or, Holy ●irit, who proceedeth, or is as it were ●●eathed forth from the Father and the Son. Who Inspired the Prophets, and Ap● stle; works in us, and assists us in th● which is good.   

IX.  
The Holy Catholic Church, the Communi● of Saints.] I Believe, that Christ hath a S●ctified People, Dispersed through, and ●●parated from the Rest of the World: styl● the Catholic (General or Universal) Chur●● Called out of an Estate of Sin and Mise●● into an Estate of Grace and Salvation; a●● Engaged to Holiness in Heart and Lif● Being that Body whereof Christ is t● Head; Militant on Earth, Triumphant Heaven.   

X.  
The Forgiveness of Sins.] I believe the● is Pardon to be obtained; Reconciliati● to an offended God, and Satisfaction ma● to a Just God; a Discharge from the G● of all Sin, Acquittance from the Challe● of the Law, and Constituting us Righted before God, through the Undertaking a● Merits of our Redeemer, for all who Repent, forsake their Sins, Believe in him, a● thankfully subject themselves to all the P●cepts of the Gospel.   

XI.  
The Resurrection of the Body.] I Belie● that at the Day of Judgement there sh●● be a general Resurrection, both of the J● ●●d Unjust. Their Bodies raised up, and united to their Souls. (1.) The Just the Spirit of Christ, and by virtue of Resurrection, their Union with him as ●●eir Head, and as their Merciful Saviour ●●d Redeemer. Their Bodies shall be rai●● Spiritual, Incorruptible, and like unto 〈◊〉 Glorious Body out of their Beds of ●●st, with great Joy and Triumph, to be ●own'd with Everlasting Glory; and shall ●●ne as the Sun in the Firmament. (2.) The ●dies of the Wicked, shall be raised in disho●ur, by him as an offended Judge; and all come forth as out of their Prisons, ●th great Fear and Trembling, Horror, ●●d Astonishment; as so many Malefactor's 〈◊〉 Execution; as so many ugly loathsome ●rcasses to look upon: Their Faces ga●ering Blackness and Darkness. They shall ●ise to Everlasting Shame and Confusion of ●●ce, as well as to Everlasting Condemnation ●●d Torment.   

XII.  
And the Life Everlasting.] I Believe there a future State after this Life, of Endless appiness or Misery, according to men's ●●oce here of Good or Evil; Life or Death; ●hich God hath set before them; either to ●●turn and live, or go on and perish ever●stingly.  
Amen.] I thereby acknowledge and ●●fess steadfastly to believe the undoub● Truth and Certainty of this Creed in ●●neral, and of every Article thereof in ●●ticular; and to live answerable to this ●●lief.    

The Ten Commandments.  
THey are a perfect Platform, Summa● or Abridgement of the Law of Nat● or Moral Law, at first writ on Man's Hea● expounded by the Prophets and Apost● and are divided into Two Tables, The (1) respects our Duty immediately to God; wh●● to be worshipped for the true God; in w●● manner; how we are to use, and hon●● his Name; the set Time of his public W●●ship. The Sum of this Table is, Thou sh●● love the Lord thy God with all thy Heart, 〈◊〉 with all thy Soul, and with all thy Mind. I (2) respects our neighbour, his Honour a Dignity, Life, Chastity, Wealth, good Na●● Propriety. The Sum of this is, Thou sh●● love thy Neighbour as thyself; or, whatsoe●●● you would that Men should do you, do you e ven so to them; this is the Law and the ●●phets 
(v) Matt. 7.12. and 22, 37, 39 .  
For understanding Them, we must ●●serve, (1) The Law is Spiritual; read the Powers of the Soul, as well as Action of the Body. (2) Where any Duty is ●●manded, the contrary Sin is forbidden; 〈◊〉 where any Sin is forbidden, the contra●● Duty is commanded. 93.) In all Duties ●●manded, and Sins forbdden, all of the ●e kind, together with all the Causes, ●●ans, Occasions, Appearances, Provocati●● thereunto, are also commanded and for●●en. (4) What's forbidden and com●●ded ourselves, we ought to endeavour ●ay be avoided and eprformed by others. [Thou] is used in every PRecept; shew●● [God speaks to All, and to all alike; to ●●y one in particular, as if he named him Name.  
●he Preface contains the Reasons of our ●●ing them.  
●s, 1. His Surpeam Sovereignty over [I am the Lord] so we own him all ●●dience as we are his Creatures and Sub●●  
His Interest and Propreity inus, [Thy 〈◊〉] particular Engagernent, and Endement. In such a manner as to none ●●rs; by taking us into (Covenant, a ●●al Relationto himvelf.  
His redeeming and delivering us out ●●hraldom, [Which brought thee out of ●●nd of Egypt.] A Place h of Servitude. 〈◊〉 by how much Sin is worse than Suffering; the Devil and his Angel's power a●●malice surpasses Pharaoh's, and his Ta●● masters; everlasting Troments in Hell, ●●ceed Temproal pains in the Brick-kill F●nace; so much our Deliverance exceeds the which was a Type and faint shadow of th● And therefore we being delivered ut of Hands of our Enemies, must serve him w●● out fear, in Holiness and Righteousness be●● him all the Days of our Life.  

Commandment I.  
THE First Commandment, require● That we have the only true God, a none other, for our God; and that 〈◊〉 worship, and glorify hima ccordingly. T●● we acquaint ourselves with him; th● frequently of him; love and highly Este●● him; delight, rest satisfied in him; ohmit all unto him; trust, and depend u● him; place our whole Happiness in 〈◊〉 looking upon all things as nothing w● out him; honour and adore, fear and verence him; yield all Praises and Tha● Obedience and Submission unto him; 〈◊〉 and acnoweldge him; be zealous for h●● walk humbly with him; be careful in things to please him; and sorrowful w●● in any thing, he is by ourselves, or oth●● offended.   

II.  
The Second, forbids us worshipping, or giving any Religious Adoration to any Creature in Heaven, Earth, or Water (which particular Places are named, besides which there are none other) or the true God, In, or before, or by any Representation, Likeness, or Image: who being infinite and invisible, is not to be represented by any visible thing 
(w) Deut. 4.12, 15, etc. Isa. 44.10, etc. Rom. 1.23. ; and enjoins the serving him by such means, and in such a manner as is agreeable to his Nature and Word. And this because he is our Sovereign and Proprietor; tender of his own Worship; will severely punish Idolaters, and their Posterity, as those that hate him: and be merciful to true Worshippers, as those that love him, to many Generations.   

III.  
The Third, forbids us thinking or speaking profanely, vainly, slightly of him: careless, irreverent Attendance upon him, in his Worship: unadvisedly crying, O Lord! or O God etc. without a due sense of him: Cursing ourselves, or others: Swearing by any Creature, or by himself except before a Magistrate in weighty and true Cases, which cannot otherwise be determined. And requires of us, a Holy and Reverend Respect unto, and Use of his Name, Attributes, Ordinances, Word, Works, all things whereby he makes himself known. And this, because, the great Sovereign is most highly provoked by Profaneness and Contempt of him: and will deal with those that are guilty of it accordingly.   

iv  
The Fourth, requires us, with those under our Charge, to consecrate, keep Holy the Sabbath-Day. That we bear it in mind, to fit ourselves for it: Rest from those Works which are properly called Ours: Set ourselves apart for the Duties of it: Spend it, not in Idleness, Worldly Recreations, or Employments, (except of necessity and mercy) but in the public and private Worship and Service of God; in Prayer, Hearing, Reading the Word; Religious Meditation and Discourse: accounting the Sabbath, the holy of the Lord, honourable and honouring him therein 
(x) Isa. 58.13.  And this from (1.) the Equity of it; God's allowing us s●● days of seven for our own warrantable Employments, and reserving but one for Himself. (2.) His challenging a special Propriety in it; setting it apart from common to holy Uses; so, it's Theft, and Sacrilege to alienate it to any others than he allows (3.) His own Example; resting on it; not from doing good, or preserving what he had made, but from creating any more diversities, or kinds of Creatures. And (4.) from that Blessing he hath put upon it; in advancing, preferring, enriching that Day above the rest; in choosing, ordaining, setting it apart, sanctifying it to be a Time for his Service, and a means of Blessing to us in sanctifying it. Which is, not upon the Seventh, but First Day of the Week, from the Resurrection of Christ on that Day, the Practice of the Apostles, Primitive Christians, and Church of God in all Ages since; together, with the Command of our Rulers in Church and State.   

V  
The Fifth, requireth (under the sweet Relation between Parents and Children) the preserving the Honour, and performing the Duties, belonging to every one in their several Places, Stations, and Relations. That Inferiors reverence and obey their Superiors; that Superiors carry themselves worthily towards, and be careful of those under them; that Equals render due Respect towards each other! More particularly, as to our Superiors in Family, Church and State; that we pray for them, honour and reverence them, cheerfully submit to, and obey them, not envy or grudge the Pre-eminence God hath given them, that we do not neglect or despise them for their wants or weaknesses, but rather support, assist them, cast a covering of love over them, stand up and plead for them against those that abuse, disparage, or speak evil of them. To which obedience, prosperity and length of days (as God sees good) is promised in the Old Testament, and not reversed, but rather confirmed in the New 
(y) Ep. 6.2, 3. .   

VI  
The Sixth, condemneth any hurt done, threatened, or intended, to our own or other's Soul or Body. Forbiddeth our being actually guilty of, or of whatsoever tendeth to our own, or others death. Together with all sinful Anger, Strife, Malice, Hatred, Revenge, denying necessary means for preservation of life; but not lawful War, necessary Defence, or the Execution of public Justice. And requireth our Endeavours to ●ender all men's lives as safe and comfortable as we can.   

VII.  
The Seventh, forbiddeth all Impurities and fleshly Pollutions, in Thought, Word, and Deed: unchastity in Mind, Speech, Behaviour. And withal, enjoineth the shunning and avoiding all Occasions, Provocations, Temptations thereunto; as to ourselves, or others.   

VIII.  
The Eighth, forbiddeth all defrauding, overreaching, dishonest Actions; or whatsoever Abuses, unjustly lessens, or hinders our own or others Estate; and requireth the lawful procuring, and furthering of the same.   

IX.  
The Ninth, forbiddeth all false or evil speaking, or surmising; lying, slandering, backbiting, dissembling, reviling, tale-bearing, detracting from, or prejudicing another's Esteem, or good Name. And requireth our defending, preserving, promoting, advancing the same.   

X.  
The Tenth, forbiddeth dissatisfaction with our own Estate; envying, repining at, desiring of any thing that is another's. And requireth a full Contentment with our Enjoyments; furthering of, and rejoicing in our Neighbours.    

The Lord's Prayer.  
SO called from the Author, our Lord Jesus Christ. It's a complete Directory, and Summary of all Prayer; And contains, (1) A Preface, of Compellation; the Person we pray to, not Saints or Angels, but God, described by our common Interest in him, our Relation to him, his Habitation. (2) Six Petitions. The three first more especially respect God's Glory, Advancement of his Kingdom, Obedience to his Will; which must be first sought. The three last our own and others Temporal, and Spiritual good. (3) A Doxology, or Conclusion, for Confirmation, containing Praise and Thanksgiving; and Arguments for our Petitions; for, Thine is the Kingdom, which we desire to come; thy Power alone can effect these things; the grant of them tends unto, and will end in thy Glory.  
Our Father,] Implies, We ought to call upon him as Children on a Father. (1) With Filial Affections of Reverence, Love, Submission, Gratitude; dependence on his All-sufficiency, and willingness to help; Fatherly Goodness, and Compassion (and our Interest therein) towards us, (that he loves us) as his Children; who is more ready to hear us, than any Earthly Parent, their dearest Offspring, 
(z) Lu. 11.13.  and performs all the parts of a Father, in a higher and more excellent Degree, as far as Heaven is above Earth. (2) With an Universal Charity for others. He being a common Father by (Creation, Regeneration, Provision) to all his Children; That they all pray for us; and that it's our bounden Duty to pray for them, as well as for ourselves. As the word [Our] minds us of that Relation between us and them; so [Father] of that Relation between him and us. Both express our Faith, and total plenary Reliance on him as ours, and without whom we can hope for nothing.  
Which art in Heaven.] Not that he is excluded from Earth, or included in Heaven, or any place, who filleth all 
(a) Jer. 23.24.  whom the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain. 
(b) 1 King. 8 27.  But there (1) is his Throne 
(c) Isa. 66.1.  where he Rules and Overrules all things in Heaven and Earth; and from thence sends down his Mercies and Judgements. (2.) He more eminently manifests and communicates his Love, Goodness, and Glory.  
So it teaches us to draw near unto him, with (1) all Holy Reverence and Humility; because of his excellent Majesty, so high above us; we wretched Creatures being as Worms crawling upon the Earth, and he sitting in great Majesty in the highest Heavens. 
(d) Eccl. 5.2.  (2) Holy Confidence he being both ready and able to do all things whatsoever he will for us. 
(e) Ps. 115.3.  (3) Zeal and Fervency; with our Hearts and our Hands lifted up unto God in the Heavens 
(f) La. 3.41. .  
Hallowed be thy Name.] Here acknowledging the inability and indisposition that is in us and all Men to honour God aright, we pray, that God would Glorify and Magnify himself in the World, by directing and disposing all things for his own Glory, and remove whatsoever hinders it. That, as he is glorious in himself, he may be declared, known, and owned so by all Men. Incline and enable us, and all Men, to acknowledge and highly esteem him, his Attributes, Ordinances, Word, and Works: and to glorify him in Thought, Word, and Deed, by confessing and forsaking our Sins, which rob him of his Glory, by admiring and adoring him in his glorious Perfections; by believing, loving, obeying his Word; attending on him in his Ordinances, magnifying him in his Works; using his Creatures for his Glory, sincere Endeavours to promote it, preferring it before our own Interest.  
Thy Kingdom come.] By Kingdom is meant, not so much, that Universal Sovereignty which as Creator he exercises over all his Creatures, disposing them all to their proper Ends, for his own Glory, as King of Nations 
(g) Ps. 95.3.  as his special governing & ruling his Church, and all things for the good of it, as King of Saints; 
(h) Re. 15.3.  so that, acknowledging ourselves and all Mankind to be by Nature under the Dominion of Sin, and Satan; we here Pray, that his Kingdom (1) of Power and Providence, may be manifested, and made apparent, that all things are guided by him. That he would govern all Creatures, both in the Natural course of things, and in the Civil and Domestical Government of Men, as may best serve his own Glory, and his Church's good. (2) Of Grace, may be erected; the exercise of his Spiritual Regal Power in our Hearts, advanced and enlarged; the Power of Sin whereby Satan hath Dominion, may be subdued, and destroyed in us and others, all the world over. That he would set up his Throne, Reign in our Hearts, bring us into entire Allegiance unto himself. (3) Of Glory, may be hastened; when all his Subjects shall be Crowned, all his and their Enemies vanquished.  
Thy Will be done,] Hear acknowledging our inability and unwillingness to know and do his Will, our proneness to repine, and murmur against it, we Pray, as to the will of his (1) Providence, or that which he doth with us, and to us; that ourselves and others may patiently submit to it, cheerfully comply with it, and thankfully accept of it. (2) Precept, or that which he requires of us; that ourselves and others may have all blindness, weakness, indisposedness and perverseness taken away, and may be inclined, enabled, and made willing to know and understand, obey and do it [on Earth as it is in Heaven] (by Saints and Angels) voluntarily and cheerfully, without Constraint or Repugnancy: readily and speedily, without delay: sincerely, without Hypocrisy: Zealously, without Indifferency: Impartially, without Reservation: Constantly, without Intermission.  
Give us this Day our daily Bread.] Wherein, we acknowledge (1) We have forfeited our Right unto, and deserve not the least Crum of Bread; nor can procure it, or be refreshed by it without him; whatsoever, or whosoever be the Instruments to convey it, he gives it us, and blesses it to us; else it becomes unholy, polluted Bread, hurtful to us. (2) Our daily dependence on his fatherly Care and Providence, without being over-solicitous for to morrow, or superfluities: desiring (for ourselves and others) only a daily Allowance of necessaries, agreeable to our nature, charge, and station, as he sees meet for us; with our purpose every day in the use of Lawful means, and by Thankfulness for what we have, commiting our ways to him, to seek at his Hands; that we may enjoy them as gifts of his Fatherly love, a sanctified use of, and Contentment with our Allowance; without Envying others Plenty, seeing God gives to whom, and what he will. (3) That we must possess and use every Creature as from God, and to him: Else our own Prayers will condemn us, if we be beholden to Satan (any unlawful means) for Bread; or use the good things we ask against the Giver of them. (4) That God's Children ought not to desire other Mens Bread. That none Eat their own Bread, but They; our Bread, is that which comes to us by his Blessing on our Honest Endeavours; so that God nor Man can Implead us for it. That's woeful Bread which comes not from Him.  
And forgive us our Trespasses.] We Here Pray, That God (for his Mercy, for his Son's sake) would Pardon all our Sins; and afford us the Conditions, Evidences, and Effects of it, i.e. Faith and Repentance; and keep us from whatsoever may obstruct the same.  
As we forgive them that Trespass against us.] Which is, (1) A prevalent Argument to press him to Pardon us; we plead notfrom Merit, but from the Model of God's Mercy and Grace in us, which being Infinitely Inferior to that in him, yet disposing us to forgive, may both move his Compassion towards us, and assure us of it. If we wretched Creatures can forgive others, much more will the Father of Mercies forgive us. (2) A necessary Qualification if we would be pardoned. 
(i) Mat. 6.14.15.  Although we cannot forgive in the same measure and equality, yet we must in the same likeness and quality, i.e. freely, fully, truly, as Imperfect Creatures; as he doth perfectly, as an Infinite, merciful God. (3) As an Encouragement to ask forgiveness from Him, when he hath enabled us by his Grace to forgive others. And as a Comfortable sign that we are forgiven, 
(k) Mat. 5.7. & 7.2. Luk. 6.35, etc.  which none can have, unless he find in himself a Disposition to forgive his Brother; for else, he Prays not for the Pardon, but Retentment of his Sins, and for the Vengeance due unto him for them; that himself may be no otherwise forgiven, i. e. not at all. This shows, that we are to be Importunate for a merciful loving spirit towards our Enemies, and those that injure us; and how beneficial they may be unto us, unless we be greater Enemies to ourselves than they; In that, they afford us the happy opportunity of doing that which assures us of Pardon; by following the mercifulness and lenity of our Heavenly Father, we show ourselves to be his Children 
(l) Mat. 5.44, etc. .  
And lead us not into Temptation.] Restrain (1) Satan and his Instruments from Tempting us by inward suggestions, outward objects or persuasions. (2) Us, from running into Temptations, Occasions, Provocations to Sin, or yielding to them; or from such a Condition as may be a Temptation to us, 
(m) Pr. 30, 8, 9  let us not be Tempted; or assist us so as we may resist and overcome. Leave us not to the Tempter, nor to ourselves. Let nothing be a Temptation to us, or no Temptation too hard for us; withdraw not thy Help and Succour, thy Grace and Spirit; and tread down Satan, and all our spiritual Enemies under our feet.  
But deliver us from Evil.] From whatsoever may be evil to us. Deliver us from (1) The evil one, Satan the grand Author of Evil from Tempting us, or having his Power upon us. (2) The Flesh, our own Evil Hearts, Sin, and all the Consequences and Punishments of it. (3) The Blandishments, Allurements, Enticements, Evil Customs, Examples, and Corruptions of the World. (4) From Trials in our Minds, Bodies, Estates, good Names, etc. or support us under Them. Rescue us out of Sin and Danger, who are neither able, nor sufficiently willing to help ourselves. Free us from whatsoever is Evil, within or about us. Increase and perfect the work of Grace in us. In thy due Time deliver us out of all our Troubles.  
For thine is the Kingdom, etc.] Therefore (1) grant us these things, (2) we assure ourselves that thou wilt; not for any desert in ourselves or others, But [Thine is the Kingdom,] Therefore we are assured thou art as a King concerned to advance thy own Name. Glorify it in thy Church; let thy Kingdom come to it; Advance thy will in it. Sustain us Thy subjects: Pardon our Sins; Protect us from all Evil. [Thine is the Power,] To Exalt thine own Name; To extend thy Kingdom over all; to enable us to do thy Will; To minister to our Necessities; to keep us Faithful unto Thee; to Preserve us from deserved Sufferings. [Thine is the Glory,] When Thy Name is Hallowed, thy Kingdom the chief place of it Enlarged. Herein art thou glorified, when we obey thy Will, when thou providest for thy Subjects, when thou preservest and defendest Them from Disobedience, and their Enemies. It implies, (1) There is but one Kingdom, one Power, one Glory, worthy of deserving the Name. (2) It's not worthiness in ourselves, but the Honour of his Name, that commendeth our Suits to him. (3) The End of our Petitions, why we would have them granted, i.e. to have him glorified; that his Kingdom, Power, and Glory may be advanced. (4) How our Faith is strengthened in the Hopes to obtain our Petitions, i. e. because he cannot neglect the Glory of his Name, the Honour of his Kingdom, which so much depends upon the Performance of his Mercy towards his Servants that call upon him. (5) A Special part of Worship and Service, i.e. Thanksgiving, whensoever we do, or would receive any Benefit, 
(n) 1 Tim. 1.17.  now unto the King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible, the only Wise God, be Honour and Glory for ever and ever,  
Amen.] So be it. So let it be. Or, so it shall be. A Testification of our hearty Assent, Attentiveness, Faith and Confidence, Earnest Desire, and full Assurance of the grant of whatsoever we ask according to his Will. As I have made these Requests unto thee, O Lord, so I unfeignedly desire, and believe the Performance of them, in thine own good Time, so far as shall stand with thy glory and my good; and in full persuasion thereof, I rest, and say, Amen.   

The Mutual Duties of Husbands and Wives.  
LEt the same mind be in you which was in Christ, who in taking his Spouse, looks not at outward adorning. Nothing makes this Relation so Happy as true Religion; the pleasantest, strongest Tie, leads to the observance of all good Duties mutual and personal; Eases, lightens all Crosses and Discontents; sweetens, sanctifies all Societies, Companies, Comforts. Labour to see and love that in one another; for the more you love one another, the more you will love that; and the more you love that, the more you will love one another: Happy that love wherein there can be no excess. Look upon Marriage as an Ordinance, not only for the Natural Comfort of Man and Wife, but for the Spiritual good of one another's Souls; and for that End let the Husband make Christ the Example of his love to Her, and the Wife the Church, the pattern of her Obedience to Him.  
Take one another as Adam took Eve, immediately out of God's Hand: 'Twill make you Dutiful, and Thankful. He that loves the Giver, will love the Gift. Fix your Hearts in the good liking of each other (notwithstanding any Deformity, or Infirmity) as the best, most suitable, and only fit match could be found for you; in token of your Submission to God's Disposition, Contentation with your Portion, and truth of your Affection to each other. You may lawfully think another a better Man or Woman, but not a better yoke-fellow; for that admits of a Desire of Change, or upbraiding with past Matches you might have had, which cannot stand with Love. The Persian Lady at Cyrus' Wedding, being asked afterwards, How she liked the Bridegroom? answered, I know not, for I saw none there but my Husband. Love seasons, sweetens all Estates; breaks off, composes all Controversies; overrules all Affections; makes good all Actions; supplies what's wanting in all other Duties; makes Marriage Indeed, i.e. a pleasant Combination of two, in one Home, Purse, and Heart. Love to God, makes his Service pleasant, as well as acceptable: Love to Wife, makes his Power not Lordly, but Paternal: Love to Husband, makes subjection Delightful: Love to Children, makes it a play, a pleasure to Tend them, which others judge Burdensome.  
Prepare for the worst. If it come, the labour's well bestowed; if not, well lost. Think not every day will be a wedding-day. In Matrimony, God marries Comforts and Crosses together, as well as Man and Wife; such shall have trouble in the flesh 
(o) 1 Cor. 7.28. . Study to please, not to be pleased; then all the fault you find will be with yourselves. Let all your strife be, which shall love and please God and one another most; and upon any difference, who shall first seek for Reconciliation. Construe words and Actions in the best sense. Stifle little things. Abstain from whatsoever is found contrary to each other: A Prudent observation of each others Tempers, and forbearance of what may provoke, will prevent many fall out. Think not, much less do any thing that may tend to lessen (but whatsoever may knit) what God hath Tied with his own Hand. If Passion arise in one, let the other be silent. If Satan hath sown Discord, sleep not until the Tares be plucked up. Two Choleric Persons living together many years, were never heard to fall out, because (said one of them being asked) when one was angry, t'other had the wisdom to forbear. Cross not each other in the spring Tide of Passion, but stay till ebbing Water; then mildly argue it, and that, not so much to condemn one another, as to acquit yourself: we are more Tractable in Cold, than Hot Blood; it portends Ill luck, when two Fire-Balls meet.  
Be helpful to each other's Health, Comfort, and Advantage, as to your Bodies, Estate, good Names, Souls. Bear one another's Burdens, Personal and Domestical. Discover not, but bear with one another's Infirmities: yet so, as to quicken one another's Graces, and not to suffer Sin upon you. Share in each others Joys and Sorrows. Jointly endeavour to make the Weight of the Family the more tolerable; the Load is lightened by carrying it evenly, equally. Speak one to, not one of another: It ought to be so amongst Christians, much more York-fellows. Debate it between yourselves, not before your Families, or Strangers: 'Tis a lessening of yourselves, when standers-by take notice of your Grievances. Dissents between Man and Wife, are uncomely, Differences intolerable: I would suffer much, before I would make my Complaint to another: They are ill Birds that defile their own Nests.  
In case of Correction or Rebuking any of the Family; though there be an Error in the Application, let not one Yoke fellow contradict the other before the offending Party, but debate the Mistake when you are alone; lest you abate due Fear and Reverence, and teach others to despise your Discipline, and yourselves. 'Tis not safe for one Yoke-fellow to receive an Appeal from any of the Family, nor to take the Rod out of the other's hand.  
Improve your Conjugal Converse for Spiritual Ends. Let not the Body Rob the Soul; nor the Elder serve the Younger. Redeem the Time; that you may bless God you ever met, (and not as too many do, Curse one another for silently advancing each others Ruin.) So, when the Land-flood of youthful violent Affections is dried up, the Fountain of Spiritual Love, will still run with a more sober and moderate, but more constant and lasting stream. Season your Natural Society, with Spiritual Communion, in secret serving God, and you'll avoid the Surfeit of Society, which choketh Love.  
Reckon yourselves one another's more than your own, and the Lord's more than one another's. Let your Fellowship together be such, as you both in it may have Fellowship with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ, whose Image and Superscription this Relation bears. Be holy in all manner of Conversation. Possess your Vessels in Sanctification and Honour. Defile not the Marriagebed. Be not drunk with your own Wine. All things are sanctified by the Word and Prayer. Be much in Prayer for, and with one another: you will then blame yourselves, not one another; and be ashamed to jar, considering you must shame yourselves before God for it. As to Children, pray, not only for due Parts, Proportion, and safe Delivery, but Children sanctified; that your Families may be the Enlargement of Christ's Kingdom, and of the Household of Faith. As God increases your Relations, enlarge your Requests for every one in particular: Those Petitions will not suffice when you are many, that did when you were one. Make God's House as yours, and yours as God's: Join with Elkanah and Hannah in giving up your Children to God's Service, and in going together to sacrifice, 
(p) 1 Sa. 1.21.28.  Account that the greatest Riches, not which you lay up for yourselves or yours, but out for God; He is merciful and dareth, and his Seed is Blessed 
(q) Ps. 37.26. .  

Their Prayer.  
O Thou that art the great Creator and wise Disposer of us, and all things in Heaven and Earth: who hast ordained Marriage for our good; and made us two, one Flesh. We give thee all humble and hearty Thanks for preserving us in our single State so innocent and chaste, so free from Shame and Reproach: For conducting us through the Temptations of this Life, so mercifully, so wisely: for keeping us from the effects of thy Wrath, and our own Infirmities. O forgive whatsoever might cause thee to Embitter this state unto us, and accept us in the Beloved. Endue us with a Spirit of Love, of Kindness, of Condescension; and prevent whatsoever might Disturb our Happy Union. Let our chief love and delight be grounded upon the Hopes we have of being Heirs together of the grace of Life. Let us walk Hand in Hand, to our Father's House, in a cheerful, and faithful discharge of our respective Duties to each other, and those Committed to us; and be still provoking one another to Love, and to good Works. That, after Death (which shall e'er long separate us for a little while) we may with Comfort meet together, where they neither Mary, nor are given in Marriage, but are as the Angels, perpetually praising thee for all the Instances of thy Kindness and Endless Love; Through Jesus Christ, to whom with thy Blessed Majesty and Holy Spirit, be all Honour, Glory and Praise, now and evermore, Amen.   

Another.  
WE come unto thee most gracious God and merciful Father; who in Infinite Wisdom and Goodness hast brought, and united us together: and do prostrate our Souls before thee in all Humility, under a deep sense of our unworthiness, and unbecoming Demeanour in thy sight. O Pardon it unto us, that we have lived no more to the great Ends of our coming into the World, and into this state, which thou Institutedst in Innocency. Let it not be a state of Temptation, or Sorrow, by occasion of our Sins and Infirmities; but of Holiness and Comfort, as thou intendedst it, to all that love and fear Thee. Allay in us, all sensual Brutish love; Purify and sanctify our Affections, that we may not Dishonour or Pollute the Bed thou hast called Undefiled: But use it so, as Carnal Lust may be slacked and subdued, not provoked, increased, or inflamed: that thyself and others may see our  Conversation coupled with Fear. Let us keep up the Honour and Ends of Marriage. Be linked together in one common Care, and live together in one Spirit, to thy Glory, the Edification, and Benefit of others, the real Comfort, Advantage, and Contentment of each other, the Promoting and Advancing thy Kingdom; that we may together enjoy thee Eternally, through Jesus Christ, Amen.    

The Husband's Duty.  
TO be the Head, bespeaks, not only your Dignity, but Duty; to study and design your Wife's Comfort and Welfare; to be the Seat and Fountain of Reason, Understanding, and Discretion to her: to excel her in Knowledge, Patience, Christian Courage and Resolution; Chief in bearing Trials and Infirmities: with all privacy, love, and mildness, guiding, directing, reproving her. Let love sweeten your Speech, Carriage, Actions, and Advices to her. Let not your Commands be unreasonable, or imperious: but lawful, managed with Meekness, Gentleness, Familiarity, and Discretion; that she may see, as well Love and Reason, as Relation, binding her to Obedience. Avoid all bitter Language; or such as may argue disaffection, which sinks deep into the Mind, and is hardly obliterated with any after-excuse; giving Cause to suspect 'twas the Issue of a festered Heart, and that a precipitated Passion did not produce, but discover it. In her Houshold-affairs, if you interpose, let it be rather by Advice and Assistance, than Superiority.  
Avoid Passion, Frowardness, Austerity, and Reservedness towards her. Stand by and for her on all Occasions. Keep up her due Authority, and Honour in the Family; Cheerfully, and willingly, not grudgingly, or by constraint; allow her Necessaries, and Conveniences, according to your Place, and Ability. Render her life as comfortable as may be. She is thine own flesh, so is to be nourished and cherished: hath forsaken all for thy Love, and is come under thy Roof for Protection.  
Love and respect her as your Yoke-fellow, not as a Slave or Servant. The Woman was taken out of the Side, near the Heart: The Wife of thy Bosom, to be valued as far more excellent than any other Member under the Head, and almost equal to it. Husband's love your Wives, and be not bitter against them 
(r) Col. 3.19. . Let her be as the loving Hind, and pleasant Roe, let her Breasts satisfy thee at all Times, and be thou Ravished always with her Love 
(s) Pr. 5.18, 19 .  

His Prayer.  
MOst gracious and merciful Father; who hast been my God and Guide from my Birth; and by thy disposing Providence, brought me into this state. Forgive whatsoever I have done or thought displeasing unto thee, before and since my entrance into it. Mortify in me every Inordinate Affection and Desire. Give me Grace still to Remember, that those that have Wives should be as if they had none. Let not my love unto her, swallow up greater unto thyself. Let me not prise the Spouse of my Bosom, above the Bridegroom of my Soul. Now I have Married a Wife, let me give a Bill of Divorce to all other Lovers but true Goodness; and make it appear thou hast given me a Helpmeet, not a hinderer therein, now I have most need of it. As her faithful head Indeed, let me guide and instruct her; see and speak to and for her, nourish and cherish her; love her, not only as myself, but as Christ the Church; Bear her Burdens, defend her in Danger; cover her Infirmities, sympathise with and Comfort her under Crosses: that I may be better to her than Ten Sons: that she may find all those Relations (and far more) she hath left, to cleave unto me, in me. That when I am, (as I trust I shall e'er long be) happy in Heaven; my other part, may not through my sin, unworthiness, or neglect, be miserable on Earth. But after we have enjoyed the Comfort of a sweet Society here, and been a Blessing to each other, and all near unto us; we may be translated to a place of perfect Love and Joy to all Eternity. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   

Another.  
ALmighty God, who of thy great Goodness hast given Man dominion over the Works of thine hands; putting all things in Subjection under his feet: and Man to be the Head of the Woman. Furnish me with suitable Abilities for the place thou hast set me in. Make me a Teacher and an Example of well doing. Give me a right Judgement in all Things, and a perfect Command over my Passions and Affections; that I may not be amazed at Trifles, nor discomposed at every Contrariety of Accidents, and Disappointments; nor passionate for the things of this world, nor discontented if thou shouldst smite me in any part; nor suffer any Undecency, or violent Transport. But may pass through all the Accidents of my life, with meekness and a sober Spirit, Patience and Charity, Prudence and Holiness; and with an even mind do my Duty in all things. Comply with every variety of thy Providence; be useful to and careful of mine; ever approving myself to thee, in a holy, hearty, obedient Piety and Devotion, Wisdom and Humility, Chastity, Purity, and a Holy Conversation. Preserve me and mine from all Danger; accept of us in and through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; to whom with thy Blessed Majesty and Holy Spirit, be all Glory, Honour and Praise, now and ever, Amen.    

The Wife's Duty.  
GIve to your Husband due Honour, sweetened with Love and Familiarity; and expressed by an inward Esteem, and outward Reverend Respect, Speech, and Carriage towards him; in regard of his Superiority by Creation, and God's Institution; thy desire shall be to thy Husband, and he shall Rule over thee 
(t) Gen. 3.16. .  
Be voluntarily subject to his Will in all lawful things, as unto the Lord 
(v) Ep. 5.22. Col. 3.18. : From which, Nobleness of Birth, Greatness of Portion, Excellency of Parts, cannot exempt: A Son may have more wit than his Father, and a Subject than his Prince, yet both must obey. They may advise, persuade, entreat; not be sullen, scornful, disdainful, scold, reproach, taunt, or disobey. The Place, if not the Person is to be regarded.  
Live in a cheerful Contentedness with your Condition. Avoid tedious, curious gaudy Dressing; all lightness and immodesty in your Behaviour, and Attire: Affect not Vanity in Apparel, or Curiosity in any thing about you. Be willing and diligent in your proper part of the Care and Labour of the Family. Be a constant meet Help both as to his Person, Estate, Household, and Holy Education of Children. Dispose not of his Estate, without his Consent: Consider not only, whether the Work be good you lay it out upon, but what power you have to do it. Avoid an impatient, murmuring, unquiet Disposition; and maintain a holy, peaceable, meek and quiet Temper; which is in the sight of God of great Price.  

Her Prayer.  
IN all Humility of Soul and Body I Prostrate myself before thy Divine Majesty, most gracious and merciful Father. It's of thy great goodness, (for which I render unto thee all possible Praise) that though I have deserved nothing but Trouble and Affliction, thou hast been so careful of me, so good unto me all my days. In particular, as to the Choice thou hast made for me. O Pardon the Vanity, the Follies, the Errors, the Miscarriages of my younger, and riper years; and punish them not upon me with those extreme Troubles, Disquiets, Dissatisfactions those find in this state who have provoked thee. Give me Prudence and Discretion to know and do my Duty, with a cheerful Heart and willing Mind. Let it be my study and delight to please Thee, and Him thou hast set over me: To bear with his Infirmities: To Help and do Him good all his days. Free us from all peevishness, sinful passions, mistakes, causeless Jealousies: and endue us with such meek, quiet, chaste Dispositions, as may increase each others Joy, and lighten each others Sorrows. That in all the Changes and Alterations of our Condition, we may preserve a sincere love unto Thee, and one another. Make us always mindful of the sacred Vow and Covenant wherein we stand engaged to Thee and each other, and to stir up one another to the love of Thee and our Neighbour. That in the sense of a good Conversation, we may leave the world, under well grounded hopes of dwelling together with Thee in Heaven, Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, the Head and Husband of his Church, to whom with thy Blessed Majesty and Holy Spirit, be all Honour, Glory and Praise, now and for ever. Amen.   

For Safe Childbearing.  
MOst great and only wise God: who sanctifiedst Marriage in Innocency for the Propagation of Mankind: If it be thy good Pleasure, make me Partaker of that Blessing. Prevent a Barren, a miscarrying Womb, and dry Breasts. Make me a Joyful Mother of Children, That I may serve Thee in increasing and bringing up thy Faithful ones. Deny not due Parts, Senses, Reason, and Comfortable use of the same in thy own due Time. Mitigate and Assuage the sharpness of that Curse and inevitable pain upon my Sex, for the Offence of our first Parents. Be not far from me when Trouble is nigh, O Lord, make haste to help me. Give me Patience, Submission, Resignation to thy Will: a seasonable, easy, safe Delivery. Keep me from all sad Accidents, and Passions; from all Undecency of Deportment, and unquietness of Spirit, Impatience, or Distrust: from doing any thing sinful, or feeling any thing intolerable. Give me the expected fruit of my Womb, and a thankful Heart to Consecrate it, and myself to thy Service. Punish us not in or by it, nor it for our Sins; assure us of the Pardon of them. Increase my Faith; support and strengthen me by thy Holy Spirit; vanquish my Fears and Sorrows. But, I wholly submit all unto thy Holy Will and Pleasure, whose Wisdom is Infinite, whose Counsel is secret, and knows what's best for me; and hast promised all Things shall work together for my good. However thou dealest with me; Give me not up to a Barren unfruitful heart. Beget, Preserve, Increase, Confirm in me good Purposes and Resolutions: Let them not prove Abortive, but bring forth continually the fruit of good Living. Give me Contentment in every Condition; and Grace to Discharge the Duties I am, or shall be called unto; to my own and others Comfort, the Credit of Religion, the Praise of thy great Name, through Jesus Christ, Amen.   

Thanksgiving after Deliverance.  
ALL possible Thanks and Praise be given unto thee most gracious God and Heavenly Father; for all the Instances of thy Goodness unto me all my Days. Particularly, for not turning away my Prayer, nor thy Mercy from me; for supporting me in the time of my Distress and Extremity, when I might have perished in it. O Sanctify this great Deliverance, that it may be in Love and Mercy unto me. Keep me from all evil, and further Danger of Childbed. Give me a quiet Spirit; increase of Strength, a healthful Body, ability for my Duty, steadfast Confidence in thee, a lively and lasting sense of thy Mercy, a thankful Heart, enlarged Affections to Praise thee, to be joyful in thee, to speak good of thee, cheerfully to serve thee all my Days. Let this Experience of thy Power, Mercy, and Goodness; learn me for ever to Trust in thee; to rely, cast all my Burden upon thee, in a sincere observance of thy Holy Commandments. Let me be as solicitous to glorify thee for delivering of me, as I was in calling upon thee for it. That this great Mercy may not be in vain unto me; but a forerunner of my Deliverance from the pit of Eternal Destruction; through my Lord and Saviour, who was Born, and Suffered the pains of Death for me; to whom be Glory, Honour, and Praise, now and ever, Amen.    

Parent's Duties.  
BE deeply sensible of the miserable state your Children have derived from you, and of the gracious Terms offered by God for your and their Salvation. Resign and Dedicate them to Him, and Solemnize the same by Baptising of them.  
Nothing but the want of Milk, or Ability, excuses the Mother from Nursing them upon her own Breast. 
(w) Ce. 21.7. 1 Sa. 1.24. Ps. 22.9. Lu. 11.27.  The neglect of which is a great wrong to the Child, who too often inherits the Diseases, Humours, and Dispositions of the Nurse; and occasions less love to her who ought to have done it.  
Lay not too much stress on the forward beginnings of wit, and memory; which often fail in their Age of all their Childhood promised. But we can never hope too much of the timely Blossoms of Grace; whose spring is perpetual, and whose Harvest gins with our End.  
Check the first appearings and buddings forth of Sin in them, and encourage all good beginnings of Virtue; when they are able to learn any thing, it's high time to reach them that which is good. Stop their little Undecencies; keep them from the Confines of Evil. Train them up to those things which are Immediate Dispositions of Virtue and Religion; As, Meekness, Gentleness, Patience, Modesty, Diligence, Pity, Compassion, Mercifulness, Government of their Tongue and Passions, Silence, Sobriety, Comly speech; to speak the Truth at all times; which are great Preservatives against Impudence, Unchastity, Idleness, Malice, Hatred, Revenge, Oppression, Injustice, and all kind of Vices; when we see a Child strike a Servant rudely, jeer the poor or silly Person, Cheat his Playfellow, talk light Things, little Boldnesses, wrangling and lying for Trifles, etc. we encourage, laugh at, and are delighted with his wanton Wit and Confidence, please ourselves to see him displease God: not considering these beginnings are growing up to Impudence and Revenge, Injurious Actions, false Witness, Perjuries, Tyranny, Treason. Education even altars Nature, and moulds a Man anew.  
Instill Goodness betimes into them as they are capable. Learn them (and see they understand) the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and all the Principles of the Christian Religion in a familiar way, according to their Capacities. Teach them to Pray constantly, and uncustomarily. Put such Books into their hands as are meetest for them. Imprint upon their Minds the greatest things: not uncertain Opinions, for Damning and Saving Points; or uncharitableness, hatred, prejudices as to Parties: but such solid substantial Principles, as may have the largest, greatest influences on the future Conduct and Government of their Lives, according to their particular Tempers, Dispositions, Inclinations. Possess their Minds with the fear of God, and their Obligations to him as their Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, Governor. Speak always before them with great Seriousness, Honour, Reverence and Praise of the Holy Scriptures, Holy Men, and Holy things: and with displeasure and loathing of every Vice, and of vicious Men.  
So soon as capable, bring them to public Ordinances, appointed for begetting and increasing Grace, and to which God hath promised his special Blessing 
(x) Ps. 133.3. . Teach them to do, rather than to talk of Virtue, and Religion; put them upon the Practice and Exercise of it; that gives the best, the truest, the perfectest Knowledge of any thing.  
Entice them with Kindness and Rewards; the way to Endear your Persons and Instructions. Labour to make all sweet, easy, and pleasant to them. Commend, allure them into Goodness, with all Attractive Encouragements; that they may know and love, not know and hate Goodness at once, by thinking of the Severities wherewith it was accompanied in their Minority. Make Holiness appear to them the most necessary, honourable, gainful, delightful, amiable course of life; and principal thing. Win them to a liking and love of it: and keep them from looking upon it, as needless, dishonourable, hurtful, or uncomfortable; and from such Company as may incline them to think so.  
Inure them to speak always with Honour, Respect and Reverence to yourselves and others. Break them of their own wills. Suffer them not to carry themselves Irreverently, or Contemptuously towards any. Tell them lovingly of the Excellency of Obedience, Humility, Submission, Condescension, and how it pleases God and man.  
Let Necessary Correction be according to their Tempers, and with Discretion; Not in Passion; that they may see, not your Anger, but Reason is the Cause. Not so seldom as to make them fearless, nor so frequent as to discourage or harden them. For offending God, rather than yourselves. Always show them the Tenderness of your Love, and that you do it for their good.  
Take heed of an overfondness or visible partiality. If Nature make a difference, it's natural to help the weakest, and a Virtuous carriage to increase Respect. 'Tis good to encourage Ingenuity, but not to provoke Pride, or Envy. The over-Indulgence of Parents, is the refuge of Vanity, the bane of Children, and provokes God to take them away. Give them Countenance, and convenient maintenance, that they may not be tempted to indirect courses, nor your Life be their Burden. Keep things in your own power to Reward Duty, that they may be beholden to you, not you to them: yet so gotten, that a Blessing, not a Curse, may go along with them.  
Train them up in a life of Diligence and Labour, use them not to Ease and Idleness. Choose them such a Calling and Course of life as tends most to the good of Church and State, and their own Souls: Place them with those that may not hinder that, nor undo your Care of them while with you. Look out such a Match for them (when you find it needful) as is Pious and Prudent, rather than Rich. Observe their Inclinations, and counsel them by Arguments drawn for their own good, rather than by your Authority. Affections are rather to be led than driven: Forced Marriages and Callings seldom Prosper.  
Let your own Example teach them that holy, heavenly, blameless Tongue and Life you desire them to practice: 'twill be hard to persuade them against that; their young fancies, from drawing after your own Resemblance. Great Reverence is due to Children. Infancy that understands not words, are led by Imitation of those that gave them being, and on whom they depend. Practise not what's not Prudent or Expedient before them. Such as they see your behaviour is, will theirs be behind your back. Woe to them who make their Children witnesses of their Impieties. Every Precedent of yours, is as a Monument and Motive to Posterity.  
In all this, use great Care and Diligence. Think not that God will make them wise and good, because they are yours. Young Plants must be often watered: Line upon Line, Precept upon Precept. Good Principles must be Distilled into these narrow Vessels that cannot take in much at once, by degrees, as they are capable. It's easy to palliate Nature, but it requires long, and constant Attendance thoroughly to cure and conquer it.  
Join constant earnest Prayer for accompanying your Endeavours with the Divine Assistance and Blessing: without which all's Ineffectual. Children of many Prayers seldom miscarry: But whatever the success be, you will have the Comfort of discharging your Duty.  

Their Prayer.  
MOst gracious and merciful Father; who showest Mercy to Thousands of those that love Thee and keep thy Commandments: We give thee hearty Thanks, for thy Tender Care of us all our Days; and for so early preventing us by thy Grace, and Inclining our Hearts unto thy Service. Oh, go on to be gracious to us, and ours: Forgive us all our Sins, and lay them not to our, to their Charge. Take them into the Protection and Guidance of the same good Providence, which hath been so bountiful to us, so watchful over us all our days. Implant in them all the graces of thy Holy Spirit; and accompany all Instructions and Endeavours to that End with thy Blessing. Mercifully provide for, dispose of, and place them in this world, so, as may further them in, and render the ways of Virtue, easy and pleasant to them. Preserve them from the Dangers, Allurements, and Evils of the Age. Let them be sanctified even from the Womb, and fear thee from their Youth, all their Days. We recommend them to thy neverfailing Mercy and Compassion. Be our and their God. O let them live in thy sight; and us be able at last to say, Behold we and the Children God hath graciously given us, through Jesus Christ, to whom with thy Blessed Majesty and Holy Spirit, be all Honour, Glory and Praise, now and for ever. Amen.   

Another.  
ALmighty God, who hast promised thy Spirit to us and our Children, even to as many as the Lord our God shall call; deny it not to us and ours. Give us grace by good Counsels and Example to lead and bring them up in thy Faith and Fear. Make us Spiritual, as well as Natural Parents; Let us see the Travel of our Souls in them, and be satisfied. Let them be Born again of Water and of the Spirit. Season their Tender Age with thy Grace; let it have early possession of them. Take them into thy Care, Charge, and Covenant; into the Bosom of thy true Church, into the Arms of thy Mercy, into a Right of the Promises, into the Service of Christ, into the Communion of Saints. Keep them from the Loss or Injury of any Sense or Member; from every sad Accident, from Evil Temptations or Examples prevailing upon them, from being useless, unprofitable, or vicious; that they prove not a Curse, but a Blessing and Comfort to us and others; and attain what thou hast promised to those that Honour and Obey thee and their Parents; and not provoke thee to visit the Iniquity of their Fathers upon them. Give us grace to carry ourselves so, as we may be able with Confidence so leave our Fatherless Children with thee, and bid them trust in Thee. O thou that hast sent forth thine Angels for Ministering Spirits to the Heirs of Salvation, give them Charge over us and them for Preservation and Safety, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    

children's Duties.  
LOve and Honour your Parents, in your Thoughts, Speeches, and Behaviour; be they never so mean in the World, or Understanding: though you cannot as Rich, Wise, or Religious; you must, as Parents. Think not contemptuously of them, speak not dishonourably, irreverently, saucily to them, or of them, Deride not their failings, or miscarriages; but conceal, lament, cover them. Bear with their Infirmities of Mind and Body, when old Age makes them Troublesome to others, let them not be so to you. Carefully lay up all their wholesome Precepts. Imitate them in all that's good, while they live, and when they are dead. Remember what Grief of Mind your Miscarriages will be to them, and how much your Happiness will be theirs. Make not their lives miserable by undoing yourselves. Bear with them when froward, and twice Children, as they did with you, when you were theirs.  
Murmur not, but willingly and thankfully be instructed and reprehended by them. Obey them in all lawful things. Cheerfully submit to any labour they enjoin you, or Correction they lay upon you. Be content with their Allowance and Provision for you, and disposal of you. Marry not without their Consent: Children are so much their Parents Goods and Possessions, that they cannot (without a kind of Theft) give away themselves, without their Approbation that have a Right in them.  
If they be in want, relieve and maintain them: and that, not as Servants, or Inferiors, but Superiors. See they far as well, or better than ourselves. Though you got not your Riches by them, you can never requite them for what you have received of them.  
Pray and do what in you lies for their Health and Life, Peace and Comfort: Remember how much you own them for all their Cares and Fears; their Cost for you, and pains with you. Be far from those who imbrue their Souls in bloody Wishes for their Parent's Death: Though they wish them in Heaven, it's not so much that they may have Ease and Rest at their Journey's End, as because they must needs take Death in the way. If long Life be promised as a Reward for honouring Parents, such may expect untimely Death as a Punishment on the contrary. Reverence, Kindness, and loving Respects to them, never went unrecompensed even in this Life.  

Their Prayer.  
MOst Merciful and Heavenly Father, who Invitest little Children to come unto Thee, and lovest those that do. O take me into the Arms of thy Mercy, and Bless me, who am dedicated to thee in Baptism. Make me always mindful of my Vow and Promise, to forsake the Devil and all his works, to believe in thee and to serve thee; to be Dutiful, Obedient, and Thankful to my Parents and Instructers; Humble, Reverend, and Meek to my Superiors; gentle, sober, and Temperate all my Days. Keep and defend me from all Evil, lead me into all Good; Bless me and my Parents, O my Heavenly Father. The longer I live, the better let me be: Let me increase in Wisdom and Stature, and favour with thee and men, to the Glory of thy great Name, the Delight of my Relations, my own Happiness in this World and that which is to come, through Jesus Christ; in whose Holy Name and Words I further Pray. Our Father which art in Heaven, etc.   

Another.  
MOst Gracious and Merciful Father, who madest, preservest, and providest all Necessaries for me. Pardon whatever I have done amiss, and grant I may do so no more. Give me Grace to obey Thee and my Parents; to be helpful and a Comfort to them: Keep me from slighting of them, Irreverence, Undutifulness, Disobedience to them. Let me never forget, or slightly Remember my many Bonds and Obligations of Duty, Obedience, and Thankfulness to them; their Sorrows, Pains, and Care for me; that I may never make their Hearts sad, or bring down their grey hairs with Sorrow to the Grave. Increase the Number of their Days, and thy Graces in them, to thy Glory in their Generation. Watch over us for good all our Days, through Jesus Christ, who hath Taught me when I Pray to say, Our Father which art in Heaven, etc.    

The Master's Duties.  
LEt your first Care be to admit none into your Service, but such as will serve God with you 
(y) Ps. 101.4, etc. . A wicked Person, is a dangerous Infection in a Family. Disobedience is from Irreligion. There can be no true Fidelity and Subjection but out of Conscience.  
Keep your Servants from Evil Company, and from being Temptations to one another. Watch over them for their good. Encourage the Obedient; Rebuke, convince, admonish the Contrary, so as their own Consciences may Condemn them; without Bitterness, Reviling, Sharpness, which oftener hardens than Reforms. Defend and Protect them in doing their Duty. Bear them not out in wronging any, but right them when they are wronged. Refuse not their just Apologies, Harken to, and Redress their Grievances 
(z) Job 31.13. .  
Deny not necessary, wholesome, sufficient Food and Raiment (if the Contract be so) Physic, Lodging, Wages. Think not much of maintaining them, when by Providence disabled from serving you. Oppress them not with too much Labour. Let your Commands be lawful, feasable, necessary, convenient, that they may Obey with cheerfulness: Your Reproofs and Admonitions, short, plain, material, prudent, sober, private, seasonable, familiar, with good Advice, according to their different Tempers; when it's most like to do good, and to convince them of it: with such winning Mildness and Concern, as they may see you're more engaged for their welfare than themselves. Rule with Wisdom and Discretion, Love, Gentleness, Tenderness; not Rigour, and Severity: Looking on them, not as Slaves, but fellow Pilgrims, fellow-Servants, fellow-Christians, and Brethren 
(a) Phil. 1. . Knowing you have also a Master in Heaven. 
(b) Ep. 6.9. Col. 4.1.  An austere Master, makes Eye-Servants, his Person hated, his Business neglected. No Servant will do his Duty, except out of Conscience, or Love to his Master. Fairness sweetens Advice, and purchases Love, without which, there can be no true Fidelity and Respect Constraint is for Extremity, when all other ways fail. Let your Corrections be prudent, moderate, unpassionate, joined with Instruction, proportionable to the Person's Temper, and heinousness of the Crime. Forgive them often in things not sinful. Take not notice of every small Offence. Passion makes Severity look like Revenge, Reforms not, but provokes and exasperates. Be rather loved than feared; a Master than a Tyrant, a Lion in thy Family. Let your Dominion be that of the Soul over the Body, not for its hurt but help, advantage, edification, guidance, and instruction. Reward, allure them, praise them openly, reprehend them secretly. Be cheerful and pleasant with them, that they may love, not avoid or be weary of your Company.  
Have a great care of your Carriage. Nothing will please from one, whose Person is distasted. Give them good Example, by a Prudent, Pious, Honest, unblameable Conversation; which much tends to the bettering of them, and maintaining your Respect, Esteem, Authority over them. Betray not your Natural weaknesses, by Passion, or Imprudent words and deeds. Command yourselves, if you expect they should obey you. Suffer not that in yourselves, which you discountenance in Them. Conscience of our own Crimes, Chokes the Accuser, and not like to amend the Offender. An Inferior cannot but stoop in Heart to that Superior in whom God's Image appears.  
The heaviest work is made light by seasonable enjoining it. As much as possible, settle a constant order in your Family, and of your Business; that every ordinary work may know its Time; and Confusion and Distraction may not shut out, or hinder Godliness; which is much furthered, and made easy, by skill and foresight. Be in your Family, as a Prophet to Teach and Instruct them; as a King to govern, and take care of them; as a Priest to offer up the daily Sacrifice of Prayer and Thanksgiving, with, and for them. Always Remembering, who hath committed them to your Charge; and that at your Hands it will be Required.  

His Morning Prayer with his Family.  
MOst Holy and Infinitely glorious Lord God; who art in thyself a Consuming Fire, but in thy Son a Reconciled Father. We desire in all Humility to Prostrate our Souls before thee, acknowledging ourselves far less than the least of all thy Mercies, unworthy to breath in thy Air, to tread upon thy Earth, to lift up our eyes to Heaven, to have any thing to do with thee in a way of Grace and Mercy. Thou hast nourished and brought us up, and we have Rebelled against thee; Requited thee Evil for Good, and Hatred for thy good will. It's a wonder of thy Patience and Forbearance, that we are alive before thee, Praying unto thee, and Praising of thee, and not spending a sad Eternity in that place of Torment from whence there is no Redemption. O glorify thy Mercy in the Pardoning and Saving of us, and not thy Justice in our Destruction. Justify us freely by thy Grace through the Redemption that is in Jesus Christ; and sanctify us by thy Holy Spirit. Let the time passed of our lives be too too much, that we have been so Careless in serving thee, and saving our Souls; for the Time to come let us work out our Salvation with fear and trembling, and give all diligence to make our Calling and Election sure. And in our several Relations and Places, give us Grace to behave ourselves as becomes thy Children and Servants, with Care and Conscience, and Soberness of Mind; as having thy Law writ upon our Hearts, and thy fear always before our Eyes, and a sense of thine Omniscience and Omnipresence, that thine Eye runs too and fro through the whole Earth, that thou art the Witness, and wilt be the Judge of all our Thoughts, Words, and Actions. And seeing thou hast been pleased to Encourage us to our Duty by many great and precious Promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of Flesh and Spirit; perfecting Holiness in thy fear. Let this be our great Care, notwithstanding all Temptations, that we never leave thee nor forsake thee, and this our great Comfort in all Conditions, that thou hast said, thou wilt never leave us nor forsake us. Let us not be weary of well-doing, knowing, in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Let the End of our Days be often at the End of our Thoughts: Give us Grace so to live now, as we shall wish we had done when we come to Die; that then we may be able to Reflect upon a well-spent life, and on good Grounds to resign up our Souls into thy Hands, as into the hands of a Faithful Creator and Merciful Redeemer.  
Remember all Mankind in much Mercy. Send thy Gospel where it is not Preached, make it very successful where it is. Pardon our Crying Sins in these Three Nations. Reform our wicked Lives, Continue our forfeited Mercies, prevent our deserved Judgements. Let our Sovereign and all our Magistrates be Terrors to Evil Doers, Incouragers of those that do well. Make the Ministers of thy Gospel, faithful, painful, religious, their labours successful. Let all our Relations be related to thyself, and all thine afflicted Servants relieved by thee according to the multitude of thy tender Mercies.  
We Praise thee for our last Night's Preservation, and Refreshment; and for all the Instances of thy Goodness to us all our Days. Go along with us this Day, Bless us in all our ways, preserve us from all Evil, especially from the Evil of Sin. Work in us a greater Care of pleasing, and fear of offending thee; that living this Day, and all our Days in thy fear, we may die in thy favour, through thy Son, who hath taught us when we Pray to say, Our Father, etc.   

His Evening Prayer with his Family.  
ETernally Blessed and Infinitely glorious Lord God, the great and terrible Majesty of Heaven and Earth; at whose Dreadful Appearance, all Impenitent Sinners shall e'er long in vain call to the Rocks and the Mountains to cover them, for fear of thy Wrath, and for the glory of thy Power. So often as we come into thy Presence, we have abundant Cause to be covered with Shame and Confusion of face, for the vileness, and sinfulness of our Natures, Hearts and Lives. We are by Nature Children of Wrath, and by our Lives Children of Disobedience; have broken all thy Holy Laws in Thought, Word, or Deed; so that it were Righteous with thee to make us miserable in this World, and that which is to come. But O deal not with us according to the multitude and heinousness of our Provocations, but according to the multitude, and tenderness of thine own Compassions; for thy Goodness sake Remember us O Lord. And for the Time to come make us to amend our Lives according to thy Word. Enlighten our dark Understandings, subdue our Wills and Affections wholly to thyself. Let us know, and do the things that belong to our Peace before they be hid from our Eyes: Let us cheerfully perform what thou requirest of us, and patiently bear what at any time thou shalt lay upon us: Be steadfast and unmoveable, always abounding in the Work of the Lord, for as much as we know our labour shall not be in vain in thee. Let us walk Circumspectly, not as Fools but as Wise, Redeeming the Time because the Days are Evil. Make us more and more sensible of our frailty and mortality; seeing these Earthly Tabernacles, our Bodies, shall be dissolved, let us frequently, and seriously consider what manner of Persons we ought to be, in all Holy Conversation and Godliness.  
Pity the Degeneracy of Mankind. Visit the dark Corners of the Earth with the light of thy glorious Gospel. Purge out of thy Church whatsoever is an offence, and dishonour unto thee, and endangers the Souls of Men. Bless us in these three Nations, by turning every one of us from our Iniquities. Endue our Sovereign with those Gifts and Graces of thy Spirit, that are necessary for him as a King, and as a Christian. Let us, and all his Subjects live under him quiet and peaceable lives, in all Godliness and Honesty. Make all our Ministers and Magistrates faithful and successful, in increasing and encouraging Holiness, and Discountenancing Vice. Let none of our Relations be Strangers unto thyself; nor any of thine Afflicted Servants be forgotten by thee; Relieve them as thou knowest best for them. Recompense those that have showed us Kindness, do good to those that have done us Evil.  
We Praise thy holy Name for all thy Mercies, for thy Care of us, and Goodness to us this Day and all our Days. Take Care of our Persons, and of all thou hast Committed to us this Night. Let us lie down in a sense of thy daily Kindness unto us, and awake in asence of thy continual Care of us; and do abundantly for us above what we can ask or think, for the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ the Righteous, who hath taught us to Pray, Our Father, etc.    

Servant's Duties.  
INwardly Esteem, outwardly (in works, gesture, and behaviour) Honour and Reverence your Masters. From which, neither Age, Sex, Birth, Breeding, Condition, Gifts, or Means, can free you. Reveal not their Secrets, and Infirmities. Dishonour them not behind their backs. Stand up for them, speak respectfully to them, and to others of them. Preserve their Reputation, and the Families. Talk not to others of what is said or done at Home. Give them no just occasion of distaste. Let as many Servants as are under the Yoke, account their own Masters worthy of all Honour 
(c) 1 Tim. 6.1. .  
Readily and sincerely obey their Commands; please them well in all lawful, and indifferent things; not answering again 
(d) Tit. 2.9. . The Master's place is to dispose of, and order his own Business, and the Servant to submit unto his will in it, cheerfully, without grumbling at it, or at their work, or, that they are Servants, and not as those they serve. 'Tis uncomfortable to yourselves and them, that you go about your Business with heavy sour looks, and discontented Spirits; forgetting you are serving the Lord, while you are doing their work. Be not slothful, careless, negligent; but faithful, diligent, industrious in it: not loitering, or minding your own ease and pleasure. A Burdensome Employment, is made easy by Custom; and to a willing mind, doth itself.  
Labour to preserve, and increase their Estate; to further and advance their Interest, by all good and lawful means. Be provident, frugal, and wary for their Advantage: and see nothing be lost, damaged, wasted, or consumed, through your default. Beware of secret Theft; of purloining, stealing, giving, lending, making away any thing without their Consent. Remember your Father Jacob, and the Blessing upon him when a Servant; who served with all his power, was careful Night and Day, of what was committed to him, and made good what was torn or lost 
(e) Gen. 31.39. . And how those that improved their Master's Talon, were commended and rewarded; while the idle and unprofitable was cast into outward darkness 
(f) Matt. 25.14, etc. . Do your work well, and as soon as you can; knowing, you and your Time is not your own. Be as thrifty and careful, as if it were your own Concern: and serve, as you would have others serve you.  
Let your Answers be true, direct, dutiful; not sullen, muttering, saucy, irreverent, contradicting, or disputing with them. Beware of excusing any unwarrantable thing, or adding one Sin to another, by telling a Lie, which is an Abomination to the Lord, which his Soul abhors, which he punishes in this World, and that which is to come. Bear with meekness, patience, and submission, the sharpest Reproofs and Corrections; though wrongfully inflicted without Cause. God will vindicate your Cause if wronged, and reward you.  
Look upon your Condition as chosen for you by God; and yourselves, as his Servants; and your Work, Allowance, Provision, and Restraints, as his; and do all as to him. Pray daily for a Blessing upon him, his Affairs, the whole Family, and your Labours. A Godly Servant hath been an Eminent Blessing where he hath lived. They are not worthy to partake of the Mercies of the Family, that pray not, endeavour not for them. Servants be obedient unto them that are your Masters according to the Flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of Heart, 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 goodwill doing service as to the Lord, and not to Men: knowing, that whatsoever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 
(g) Ep. 6.5, etc.  Servants be subject to your Masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward: for this is thankworthy, if a man for Conscience towards God, endure grief, suffering wrongfully: For what glory is it, if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if when you do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable unto God, for even hereunto were ye called, etc. 
(h) 1 Pet. 2.18, etc.   

Their Prayer.  
ALmighty, Omniscient, Omnipresent Lord God, in all Humility I prostrate my Soul before thee: acknowledging, and adoring the Wisdom and Goodness of thy Providence, in appointing every one his Station; and disposing all things and Persons into their several Ranks, Orders, and Degrees; some to command, and others to obey, for their mutual Help and Benefit. I humbly submit to the State and Condition thou hast placed me in; beseeching Thee to forgive me all my failings, and disobedient Carriage towards thee, and those thou hast set over me, for his sake, who though he was Lord of all, took upon him the form of a Servant, that by Obedience and Suffering, he might procure the Salvation of all his Servants, whether bond or free. Give me a humble, obedient, contented Heart, to serve thee, and those thou hast obliged me unto; diligently, faithfully, carefully, with all cheerfulness and gladness of Soul, without repining, murmuring, envying, or unwillingness: Remembering I deserve not a Being upon Earth, much less to be thy Servant: Let me think myself happy therein; and that I am brought out of the base Bondage of Sin and Satan, to partake of the glorious liberty of thy Children, through Jesus Christ, in whose Holy Name and Words I further pray unto thee, saying, Our Father, etc.   

Another.  
MOst gracious God, and merciful Father, who art no Respecter of Persons, but in every place and station, he that feareth thee, and worketh Righteousness, is accepted of thee. In an humble Sense of thy Sovereign greatness, and my own meanness and unworthiness, I cast down myself at the Footstool of thy Grace, begging Pardon and Forgiveness of my manifold Sins and Iniquities: That I have no more cheerfully and faithfully obeyed thy Commands, and theirs thou hast set over me; Give me Grace for the future to be thy and their faithful Servant. Let me disdain no Office, but show all mildness, pliableness, reverence, and fidelity to him, though harsh and froward; accounting him worthy of all Honour, as bearing the Image of thy Sovereignty, a Contempt of him being a Contempt of thy Majesty. Bless him, and his, and all his Affairs. Make me so careful and circumspect in all the Particulars of my Duty, that neither he nor any other may suffer through my Ignorance or Neglect; and that at the last Day, when the Servant shall be free from his Master, thou may'st say unto me, well done good and faithful Servant, enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord; for his sake who to set me free from the slavery of the Devil, humbled himself, made himself of no Reputation, and is now exalted at thy Right-hand, in whose holy Name and Words I further pray, Our Father, etc.    

Duties of the Aged.  
BE Examples of Wisdom, Gravity, and Holiness to the Younger; and draw forth those Treasures of Knowledge and Experience which you have been so long in laying up, to instruct the Ignorant, and warn the Unexperienced and Ungodly that are about you. Tell them what you have or might have suffered by the Deceits of Sin, the Danger of Temptation, and Delay: what Comfort you have found in God, the Scriptures, and a Holy Life; and how good he hath been unto you.  
Be not peevish or froward to those about you; but patiented under all the Infirmities and Inconveniences of Old Age. Be blessing God for your former days of strength, health, and ease; and for that endless undisturbed Rest he hath provided for you. Let the Ancient Mercies, and Experiences of God's Love through all your Lives, be fresh upon your Minds, and enkindle your Love and Thankfulness, Delight and Comfort, and help you to submit to Uneasiness and Death.  
Be accurate in examining the state of your Soul, and making your Calling and Election sure. Be frequent and particular in reflecting upon your past life; that you may be deeply humbled for all your Sins, and thankful for being preserved from those you might (and others) have fallen into. Redeem with double Diligence your little Remains of Time; set a great value on every moment of it; lose none in Idleness, or unnecessary things; being always doing, or getting some good, and that with all your might. Let your Thoughts of Death and Preparation for it, be, as if it were just at Hand.  

Their Prayer.  
OFather of Lights, and of all Consolation; from Everlasting to Everlasting thou art God, a neverfailing Support, an Eternal Reward to thy persevering Followers, thy old Disciples; I have lived upon thee and by thee all my days; thou hast been my help from my Youth, cast me not off now in the Time of old Age, forsake me not when my strength faileth. O pardon the Follies of my Childhood, the Miscarriages of my riper Years; that I have done, and received so little Good, spent so little Time in it, and so much in Vanity: Give me grace to husband and improve the Remainder of my few Sands, for my Eternal Advantage. Amidst the Infirmities of my Body, preserve me from Covetousness, Frowardness, Impatience; whatsoever Vices are so frequently found in old Age. Grant I may be sober, grave, temperate, sound in Faith, in Charity, in Patience, a Teacher of good things. Let my former Experiences of thy Goodness, learn me still to trust in thee; not to be distrustful of thy Providence, nor negligent of my Duty. Let not my Graces whither, but flourish more and more with my declining Days: nor my Zeal for thy Glory cool, but be inflamed with the decay of my bodily Heat. That bringing forth fruit in old Age, I may go to my Grave, as a Shock of Corn in its Season, meet for Glory, and in the joyful Expectation of a happy Resurrection, through Jesus Christ, to whom, be all Glory, Honour, and Praise, now and for ever, Amen.   

Another.  
I Humbly prostrate myself before thee, who art the High and Lofty one, that inhabitest Eternity, in a deep Sense of my manifold Sins and Iniquities; that I have lived so unprofitably unto others, so careless of my own Soul, so much without Thee my God in the World. It's a Wonder of thy Mercy, that thou hast not cut me off in the midst of my days, that have so long cumbered the ground; but afforded me so much space to prepare myself for a happy Eternity. O wash away all my Sins, in and by the Blood of Jesus, the Lamb slain from the Foundation of the World, and that lives for ever to make intercession for us. And help me to spend my short Span of Time to the best Advantage. So quicken, and actuate (O Spirit of Life) this sluggish Soul, that the last part of my Race may be run with more Vigour, likelier to the Heavenly Employment, than all the rest have been. The more my outward Senses decay, vouchsafe the quicker and livelier Sense of thy past-loving Kindness, and endless Love; and of those good things thou hast laid up for me; to support and refresh me now all the Comforts of this Life fail, and the years are come wherein I have no pleasure in them. That having no other Burden, but that of old Age, my Soul may be still magnifying of thee, and my Flesh also may rest in Hope. When this crazy, earthly Tabernacle is dissolved, let me have a Building of God, an House not made with Hands, Eternal in the Heavens; through Jesus Christ; in whose Holy Name and Words I conclude my Imperfect Prayers, saying, Our Father, etc.    

Duties of the Young.  
LEarn to understand the Covenant and Vow which by others you made in Baptism with God the Father, Son, and Holy-Ghost, your Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier; and Renew it in your own Persons. Resolvedly renounce the Devil, and all his works, and absolutely resign up yourselves to God. Openly with Thankfulness own so great a Blessing, and your Duty thereupon, the Happy Covenant you are engaged in, and live in the Comfort and Performance of it all your days.  
Remember, God demandeth his Right so soon as you are capable of understanding it; and that you are entered into a place not of Happiness or Continuance, but of Trial and Preparation for an Eternal state, which will be happy or miserable, according to your Carriage Here. Make it therefore (without delay) the design of your whole lives, with a resolved Cheerfulness, to be happy for ever, and to escape those endless pains, which are the Portion of the slothful, careless, and secure.  
Rest not until you are Born again, your Corrupt Natures changed into a love of God and Goodness; your wills and desires subdued into the Will of God, and your Superiors; and not eagerly set on any thing they deny you. Be serious, sober-minded, humble, modest, chaste; avoid the occasions, Provocations, and Temptations to Sin; especially, evil Company, that great Snare of the Devil, which hath ruined Thousands; And acquaint yourselves with serious, sober-minded, experienced Christians. Wast not your precious time in reading vain Romances or other Obscene, Profane, or Blasphemous Books or Plays: Neither Spend it (as too many do) in Alehouses, Tayerns and Debauchery with Lewd Women; Which courses will destroy Body, Soul, Estate, and good Name: Remember the difference which you will shortly find between Serving the Lord from your youth, and daily making Work for Sorrow in old Age; at Death, for Repentance, or Despair.  
Beware of and avoid their Mischief, Sin, and Folly, that Delay a Holy Life; that think it time enough to prepare for Death when they are Arrested by Sickness, or withered by old Age. That think tho' they neglect God in their Youth, they shall be Happy after Death, if before it they Repent and Call for Mercy. They consider not the terrible Doom denounced against the negligent and disobedient; and that the Absolutely necessary Condition and qualification for a Happy Eternity, is a Holy Life, without allowing any liberty to Sin. If there be any single Instance of God's Receiving late Penitents, they are backed with no Promise; we may not live to old Age, or may not have space, or grace to Repent, or not be accepted. God saith, to day if you will hear my Voice, (we limit no certain day;) God saith, now is the accepted Time, we say we shall be accepted at any Time. The longer we delay, the more unfit, unable, indisposed, discouraged; the more sin hardens the heart, the World and the Devil gets stronger possession; the more we provoke God to give us up to ourselves, to leave us, to become our Enemy, to take from us that which we have (abused,) instead of giving us any extraordinary assistance at last.  
Is it Prudence to expose our precious Immortal Souls, to so many hazards as there are Accidents and Diseases to surprise our Bodies? to lay the greatest Burden upon the weakest Back? to put off our main Business to that Instant when we have least Time and Strength to do it in? to begin our work, when it should be finished, and we entering upon our Reward? To have our Oil to Buy when the Bridegroom comes? To trifle away our precious hours, and neglect our main Errand for which we came into the world; whenas we may be hurried away without any space between our Health and Death, or, when we shall have enough to do to Conflict with a Disease, and to bear up under it? To trust to a Deathbed Repentance, which will not be in our Power, except God follow us with his grace, when we have given him so much Cause to forsake us; and he hath no where promised that if we neglect him in our health, he will Remember us then, but protested the contrary. Because I have Called, and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man Regarded; but ye have set at nought all my Counsels, and would none of my Reproof: I also will laugh at your Calamity, I will mock when your fear Cometh: when your fear cometh as Desolation, and your Destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not Answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me, etc. 
(i) Pro. 1.24. to the end.  The Foolish Virgins, when they should have entered, their Oil was to get; and when they would have entered, ●he door was shut. How can we think it enough for God, to ask him forgiveness with the Remainder, and last drawing of our Breath? To serve him when we have no Inclination or Temptation to Sin, can follow it no longer? To present him only with the Ruins and Spoils of Vice, the leave of the Devil, the World and the Flesh? with that only which we know not where else to bestow?  
Consider further, Is not he a Fool that withstands his Market? neglects his Seedtime? sows Tares, and expects to reap Wheat? learns not to Trade, goes not to School, till Old and Blind of Age? That hath received a Mortal wound, or drunk deadly Poison, and saith, he'll endeavour Recovery next Winter? That hath a long Journey to go, and sets not out till the Sun is setting; his strength spent, his vigour exhausted? That intends to do the work of a whole life, in one Day? That gins the Christian Race, when that of Nature is almost finished; to fight the good fight of Faith in old and decrepit years, under Aches and Infirmities which attend the Ruins of Nature? That thinks not of drawing Water out of the Wells of Salvation, till the Silver Cord is loosed, and the Pitcher broken at the Cistern. That lays not up in Harvest because of Heat; so starves in Winter, when others live upon their hoarded Store. That expects Heaven should meet him, and save him the labour of a long Pilgrimage; That God should be so fond of him, as to be always working Miracles for his sake; and that when he will not be saved, God should save him whether he will or no? They dislike the Punishment, not the Sin; grieve, not so much because they are wicked as that God is just; and when they see they are Condemned, Repent.  
Think, Is it Reasonable to give unto Sin, Satan, the World; the Flower, the Fruit, the Strength of our Age? A quick Understanding, lively Affections, a tenacious Memory, subtlety of Wit, solidity of Judgement, an Eloquent Tongue, active Hands, clear Eyes, nimble Feet? and reserve for God, only the old, withered, dry, sapless, decayed leaves; a baffled, benumbed Understanding, broken Intellects, flat and low Affections, a slippery Memory, a dull Wit, a tired Judgement, a stammering Tongue, paralytic Hands, lame Feet, feeble Knees, trembling Joints, putrified Lungs, dazzled Eyes, a fainting Heart, that Age which is the sink of Life, a Centre of all Misery, i. e. what the World hath cast off? May he not justly say, offer it now unto thy Prince, see if he will accept it: persuade him to turn his Court into an Hospital; to make up his guard of Cripples, to be attended by nothing but Infirm Diseased Age and Impotency. As if the Service of the great God was nothing else but the Refuse of Sin, and Satan's leave; only then to be done when we can do nothing: and Repentance so easy a work, that he who is disabled from all other things, is fit to Complete that. There's little support, and less satisfaction in declining years; besides a sober Reflection on our former Innocency; our leaving Sin, when so much Temptation and vigour to Commit it. Nothing can sweeten that Sour and Crabbed Age, like the savour of a past good Life: That Religion hath been the Employment, that God hath had the Strength and Affections of our first and best Age. As Virtue and Goodness is the Excellency of Youth, so is it the Comfort and Crown of grey Hairs, which are only Honourable and Comfortable when found in the way of Righteousness. Be not deceived, God is not mocked, as a man Sows, that shall he also Reap: for, he that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap Corruption, but he that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting 
(k) Gal. 6.7, 8. .  

Their Prayer.  
ALmighty and most merciful Father, the great Creator of all things, and Judge of all Men; and of purer Eyes than to behold Iniquity with Approbation. I am altogether unworthy to speak unto thee, or to receive any good from thee: yet thou maintainest, and preservest me, and afford me means of being Eternally Happy with thee. O Pardon all my Sins for thy Mercy sake, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake: A new Heart and a new Spirit do thou give me that I may love and delight in that which is Good, and hate that which is Evil, and cleanse my ways by taking heed thereto according to thy Word: Let me make that my Rule and Counsellor. Settle in me a constant Desire and Endeavour to fear, serve, and remember thee my Creator in the days of my youth: to give thee the chief and strength of my Time and Affections. Root out of my Soul all Pride and Haughtiness, stubbornness, wantonness, and uncleanness. Plant in me Reverence and Obedience to those that in Age, or Authority are before, or above me. Give me a good understanding to keep thy Commandments at all times, even unto the end. Prepare me for every Condition, for whatsoever thou hast designed for me; and give me Grace to behave myself wellpleasing in thy sight in every Station and Relation. Let me run with Patience and Cheerfulness the Race that is set before me, without being dismayed or drawn aside from thee by whatsoever Temptations or Discouragements I shall meet with in thy Service; looking unto Jesus who for the Joy that was set before him, endured the Cross, despised the Shame, and is set down at the right hand of the Majesty on High; in whose Holy Name and Words, I further Pray, Our Father which art in Heaven, etc.   

Another.  
O Thou that art the Author of my Being, and the Foundation of my Happiness; by whom I am Maintained and Preserved, and without whom I am unable to Continue a moment alive in the Land of the living. I desire to humble and loath myself in thy Presence, for the degeneracy of my Nature, the vileness of my Heart, and sinfulness of my Life; that I have so much forgotten and neglected thee, and my Duty to thee; and provoked thee to forsake me, and to make me Eternally miserable. It's of thy Infinite mercy I am not consumed; that as yet I have time and space to make my Peace with thee. O Pardon me, and be reconciled unto me in and through my Lord and Saviour; and give me Grace to spend the Remainder of my days, in thy Fear to thy Glory. Make me more and more sensible of the shortness and uncertainty of this Life, and of the Eternity of the next; that e'er long thou wilt bring every work into Judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be Good, or whether it be Evil. Let the Consideration thereof stir me up not to delay but to make haste to keep thy Testimonies: to be Religious to purpose, to serve thee in good Earnest; not to live as most do, but as thou requirest and obligest me to do, and as e'er long I shall wish I had done. Let me not in a short life make way for Eternal misery, but make it my Business to prepare myself to be happy for ever with thee; that when so many Millions of careless Souls shall stand Trembling before the Judge of all the World, I may be found in the number of those to whom he shall say, Come ye Blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the Foundation of the World; in whose Holy Name and Words, I further Pray unto thee, saying, Our Father which art, etc.    

Duties of the Rich.  
DErive your Pedigrees and Dignities higher than Adam, from Heaven. The Body of Nobility consists in Blood; the Soul, in the Eminency of Virtue: your Titles are vain if in that Inferior to others. Value not, Rate not yourselves by what God gives to his foes, and denies his chiefest favourites; the root and occasion of all our Miseries. Esteem a great Estate, less than a good Heart to use it; and to be God's Servants, a greater Honour than to have Potentates serve you. Look on Prosperity as a Motive, Engagement, and Encouragement to Piety; not a Privilege of looseness, to satisfy Lust, or display Vanity; but of being better, because more observed, and your offences Exemplary. You cannot be good or bad alone. Hate Sin though grown into Credit and Fashion; Cobwebs are never the more esteemed, that grow over a Chair of State. Beware of Pride, Sloth, Idleness, fullness of Bread, Time-wasting Sports and Recreations, Curiosity, Wantonness, Tyranny, and Oppression Let Lust far never the better for all your Riches: you are called to Self-denial, Mortification, Fasting, and humbling yourselves, as well as the meanest.  
Labour to see God's special love in Common Mercies: often look up to, and think of him with Praise, and Thankfulness; as the Author and Donor of all the goods you enjoy: wean your Hearts from them; be sensible of their short Continuance, and secure to yourselves true spiritual, durable Riches. Live as Dying Men, with your Graves and Windingsheet always in your Eye. Frequent the Indigent, Sick, and Dying; and consider how insignificant the world is to them, and will be to you.  
Thoroughly understand the Dangers, Temptations, and snares of Riches; and how much you have to answer for: That you are but Stewards, not Owners; accountable for all your Comings in, and Laying out. Let your fruitfulness to God, and the Public, be proportionable to your Possessions. Do as much more good than others, as you are better furnished: Let your Servants be more religiously Instructed, and Governed, and have more time for serving God, and yourselves more Employed therein, than those that work for their daily Bread.  
Be Sober and Temperate in using your Estates. Invade not the right of the Poor; suffer not Riot and Covetousness to feed upon their Portion: Cut off all superfluous and exorbitant Expenses, that the stream of Charity may run the fuller into that one Channel the Providence of God hath cut out for it, the Poor; who are your Care, and Charge; your Coffer is their Treasury. Succour most, where least means to support, or possibility to Requite. Let more Grace, and Need, challenge your favour, before private Obligations. Stay not till provoked or necessitated by others to Works of Charity; but consult, and contrive the most proper and effectual ways for it: And upon the first suggestion of a fitting Occasion, freely comply with it; preventing being asked, exceedingly enlarges a kindness. An ingenious man may pay dear for it, when put to buy it with Solicitation. To be liberal on all good Occasions, is your Duty; and may of Right and Justice be required of you. For your Encouragement, God is pleased to style them Gifts and Loans, which he engages to requite. But they are Rend, Tributes, Debts; upon the due Payment of which you hold your Possessions: and upon the neglect, or nonpayment, you forfeit your Right to them. When there's any good Occasion offered for your Bounty, that's the Time of paying your Rent, your Tribute; and God requires it of you. Indeed, the Help we afford any man is given to our own Flesh: And 'tis the common Interest of all Mankind to unite all their Endeavours in chase away the Troubles and Discomforts of Humane Life: To remove the Thorns and Briers that are upon the Face of the Earth, and to turn it into a Paradise. And, think not a few Scraps will serve the Poor, while you heap up for your Children, and far deliciously every day. It's part of a good Steward, to see all in the Family liberally provided for: He's a Niggard to himself, that scants his Beneficence to those, whose very cold Water shall not go unrewarded. He that sows sparingly shall reap sparingly. 'Tis basely sordid, not to remember his Servants, by more than a mean Distribution, who loads us daily with his Benefits; With what measure you meet, it shall be measured to you again. Inconsiderate men, that let fall only a few drops of Charity upon famished Poverty: God gives them Hundreds by the year, and they carry single Pence in their Pockets, or Farthings to buy off the Clamours of Conscience, or to be seen of Men. Hypocritical Alms is gilded Coin, and shall be nailed to the Post of Derision, and pronounced base in the Day of Judgement, by him who values our Affections more than Gifts. The Common Friend, as well as Father of all Men, is not so partial to provide Pomps and Luxuries for some, while he leaves others destitute of the necessary supports of life. Though he hath not dispensed so immediately to the Poor, he gives them Bills of Assignment upon the Plenty of the Rich; a Right to be supplied by them: And it's much better to want, than with hold from the Owner. This Honour and Happiness is not every one's, to have God his Debtor, who saith to every Charitable Person, If that Poor Man or Woman own thee any thing, set it on my Account, I have writ it with mine own Hand; He that hath pity upon the Poor dareth unto the Lord 
(l) Pr. 19, 17. . I will repay it. When we are dead and gone, our Posterity gather wealth buried in the ground of Piety, or cast upon the Water of Adversity. Alms never wasted any man's Estate to himself or his, but increased and secured it. I never met with any that could say he was the Poorer, nay, not the Richer for it; but that, such Distributions, like our Saviour's Loaves among the four Thousand, leaves behind them more Baskets of Fragments for their Heirs to give away, than their Principal was in quantity, which the Father so expended. Do good to yourselves, (saith the Italian Proverb) 'twill be better for you to have the Poor follow your dead Corpse with their Acknowledgements of your Charity, than to have the Town talk, that you left Thousands behind you in your Chest. A Gift to the Poor, is a Loan to a sure Paymaster, a Child's Portion put into God's Hand to keep for it; He will inquire for your Children, that he may show Kindness to them for your sake.  
O their cruel Hardheartedness, that will rather suffer the Temple of God to be ruined, than supported by necessary Portions. It shall be e'erlong upbraided to them by their Judge, that himself was hungry, and they gave him no meat, who gave his Body and Blood to feed them, and quench their Thirst: Denied a Rag to cover his Nakedness, who would have clothed their Souls with the Robe of his Righteousness, that they might not be naked in that Day. This is it he takes so tenderly, that his Brethren, for whom he died, whom he lodges in his Bosom, the Partners of his Spirit, and Coheirs of his Inheritance, should be denied Relief, and suffered to go away ashamed, unpitied. It's a sufficient Reward to relieve any of his Members, yea Christ himself, who observes every hand stretched out to his Relief; and will at last make no difference between the good Usage he receives in his Natural, and Mystical Body; and punish with as much Severity those that persecute him in the Poor, as that nailed him to the Cross.  

Their Payer.  
ALmighty Lord God, the great Proprietor and Sovereign of the World, unto whom all the Inhabitants of the Earth, are as nothing, less than nothing, and Vanity. Thy Service is perfect Freedom, and in keeping thy Commands is great Reward. In all Humility I bow down my Soul before thee, in the Sense of that Infinite Distance that is between thy Blessed Majesty, and thy worthless unworthy Creature. Thou art the great God, and I a despicable Creature, and so thou mayest justly despise me; thou art a Holy God, and I a sinful Creature, and so thou may'st justly condemn me. But O glorify the Freeness of thy Grace in pardoning all my Sins, and the Power of thy Grace, in turning me wholly to thyself, and enabling me to serve thee faithfully all my Days, with a Holy Indifferency as to the things of this Life, and a hearty Endeavour to secure Heaven; let nothing divert me from making that, not only my Refuge, but my Choice; and to improve to thy Glory, what I have received from thy Bounty. Let me contemn whatsoever is vile, and honour those that fear thee: Let my delight be with the Saints, and those that excel in Virtue. Keep me from the Snares, Temptations, and Dangers of Riches; from having my good things, my Portion in this life: Amidst the Affairs of it, let me reserve the Zeal and Fervour of my Affections for thyself: And labour not for the Meat that perisheth, but for that which endureth to Eternal life; so use the World, that I may enjoy thee my God, and so pass through things Temporal, that I lose not the Joys that are Eternal. Make me a faithful Dispenser of what thou hast committed to me; and ever mindful of my great Account; that whilst others shall be surprised with Horror and Astonishment for their mis-improving Earthly things, I may be found to have made unto myself Friends of the Mammon of Unrighteousness; and when they fail, be received into everlasting Habitations, through Jesus Christ, to whom with thy Blessed Majesty, and Holy Spirit, be all Honour and Glory, now and ever. Amen.   

Another.  
MOst glorious Creator of all things, and liberal Benefactor to all thy Creatures. That art pleased out of the Freedom of thy Bounty to deal out so largely to me of those good things, which many others want: Give me Grace to be duly sensible of, thankful for, and to make a right Use of them. Let them not be occasions of my Sin and Ruin, but Incentives, and Encouragements to love and serve thee. Keep me from Pride, Haughtiness, Intemperance, Covetousness, Remissness in thy Service, despising others, loving the World, trusting in uncertain Riches. Give me Humility, lowliness of Mind, love and an openhanded Charity, a fellow-feeling of others Necessities, and to relieve them as I ought. Let me not be of the number of those Fools, that lay up Treasures for themselves, and are not Rich towards thee. But to make a true Use of all thy Blessings; that when the Judge of all the World shall call me to give an Account of the same, he may say unto me, Well done good and faithful Servant, thou hast been faithful in a little, I will make thee Ruler over much, Enter thou into the Joy of thy Lord: In whose Holy Name and Words I further pray unto thee, saying, Our Father, etc.    

Duties of the Poor.  
BE truly Religious; and bring up your Children so too; that you may leave them with God (who will take Care of them) when you can leave them nothing else: And that you may not be miserable for ever, as well as Poor here; miss of both the good things of the Life that now is, and of that which is to Come.  
Be Diligent, and Painful, Frugal, and Provident. Repent of, and avoid those Sins that have brought you, or tends to Poverty; as Pride, Idleness, Intemperance, Falsehood, Deceit, unjust getting, etc. without which you can never expect your Condition should be Sanctified unto you. Be not more Cruel to yourselves than uncharitable men are; if they keep you Poor, keep not yourselves ungodly, and miserable. The less Comfort you have, or hope for here, the harder the World uses you, the more fervently seek after the Heavenly Treasure; those that want that, are Poor indeed, and none but those. Envy not, but give due Respect to those above you: let not your Eye be Evil, because God's is Good. Let your low Condition teach you to Contemn the World, to be Humble, Holy, Heavenly-minded.  
Take heed of Murmuring and Repining against the Will of God. Bring, and keep your Minds in a cheerful contented frame with your present state; well pleased with the Station and Condition he hath placed you in, who must Dispose of us and ours; and should be our Rest Learn to depend contentedly upon him alone, for a comfortable supply of all needful things, without Anxiety or Distrust. Study his Provident Care, Goodness, Faithfulness, and All-sufficiency. When you have not a place, or Friend on Earth, Comfortably betake yourselves to him for Relief, who hath obliged himself to give Necessaries to all his faithful Servants, his Dependent Children. Those that follow Christ, profess they want nothing 
(m) Lu. 22.53. .  
Bethink how unfit you are to be choosers of your Condition; That's best for you, which brings you to Happiness; which he knows better than you, and how dangerous, what a great hindrance the world would be to you; How few of the Rich, and Rulers of it are Humble, Heavenly, Selfdenying, Mortified men; and no wise man hath Reason to long for a hindrance of his Salvation; or to Pray to God to make it as hard a Thing for him to Enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, as for a Camel to go through the Eye of a Needle 
(n) Mat. 19.24. . Remember your Forerunners, Christ, and many of his faithful followers, chose or were contented in a life of Poverty, that had not where to lay their Head: A state so Tolerable and Advantageous, that it hath been Courted and Elected by many, before ever any particular Providence pointed out the Necessity, or laid the Constraint; and Recommended by such as have dedicated their lives to Wisdom and Philosophy. Nor hath Christ spoken a much harder thing in the Gospel, than what relates to a Confidence in Riches; allowing only a possibility with God for the Refuge and Salvation of the wealthy; as it were, not Receiving them within the ordinary Extensions of his love and tenderness, but referring them to the Omnipotency, and last reach of his Mercy 
(o) Mat. 19.26 . You little know the Troubles, Cares, Fears, and Vexations of the Rich, who in a little while die as Poor, as Naked as you; but usually with more guilt, unwillingness, discomfort, and regret. The Thirst of Greatness and Riches, is the Root of Wars, Factions, Slaughters, Disguises, Disquiets, Toils, Dangers, Hazards, and Ruin. You have no Cause to fear the Rumours of Wars, unfaithful Servants, the sly Thief, crafty Lawyer, abuse of Flatterers, bloody Designs, spiteful Machinations; no Man whets his Axe to cut down a shrub.  
Be not sorry that your Condition subjects you to Contempt rather than Envy, Flattery, and those Temptations, opportunities, and assistances to be wicked; Pride, Intemperance, oppressing and despising others, abusing God's Creatures, trouble, and noise of Company, Vanity, and loss of Time by Impertinent Ceremonious Visits, Mutual Entertainments, perpetual Dreads and Suspicions, Suits and Turmoils of a great Family, declension of Estates, Impatience of Losses and Disgrace; the neglect or scorn of some great one, makes all their grandeur unsatisfying. Your Condition Exercises you in manlike Labour, renders you, and yours more healthy, strong, able to abide Cold and Hardship: furnishes you with a pleasant Appetite, sweet unmolested Rest; brings you acquainted with Truth and Plainness; teaches you to place your Hopes only in God, and to Contemn all other things; frees you from Surfeits and many Diseases; presses you to be more certain in your Devotion, more resolved in Danger, more undaunted to maintain the Truth: fitter to fly in Times of Persecution, better disposed at all times to welcome Death, without casting a back look upon the World, having nothing to lose, or leave, but trouble; no Lands to settle, no Executors to mistrust, no answerable Portion to raise, no Cry of Orphans, Widows Tears, Complaints of the Oppressed to disquiet you in your passage, which use to follow the Oppressor to the Gates of Hell.  

Their Prayer.  
MOst Gracious, and All-sufficient Lord God, who art the Maker of the Rich and the Poor, and no Respecter of Persons. In an humble sense of my own vileness and unworthiness, 〈◊〉 prostrate myself before thee, acknowledging it thy Infinite Mercy and Goodness, that I am on this side Hell and the Grave, and have any of the Necessaries of this Life. O Pardon my unthankfulness for so many Mercies that I have forfeited, and yet enjoy: and for the Time to Come suppress in me all inordinate Desires and Cares as to the things of this World, all Repine at, or distrust of thy good Providence; not doubting of thy Fatherly Affection to those that study in all sincerity to approve themselves unto thee. Let me count all things as Loss and Dung in Comparison of the Excellency of the Knowledge and Service of thy blessed self. Work my Evil unbelieving Heart to a steadfast Faith in thy faithful Promises, that I shall want nothing that is good, and that thou wilt never leave me nor forsake me. Let me consider more how little I deserve, than how little I have; that nothing is due unto me but perpetual shame and misery; that thou knowest, and art able to supply my wants; that thy love will not suffer thee to leave me destitute of what thy wisdom knows convenient for me. Increase my dependanc● on thee; frame my Mind and Desire's 〈◊〉 my Portion: Keep me from envying others abundance. Enrich me with Content, with Spiritual Blessings, and th● Enjoyment of thyself. Let me so liv● that I may have the continual Comfort and Satisfaction of a good Conscience and of having thee always for my Frie●● and Gracious Father in Jesus Christ, wh● hath taught me when I Pray to say, O● Father which art in Heaven, etc.   

Another.  
WHat shall I Render unto thee most merciful Father, for th● unspeakable Goodness unto me all m● days; that though I have deserved Infinitely worse than a life of Affliction and Misery; to have lived in perpetual want, pain, and Torment, spending all my days in Sighs and Lamentations, thou dost thus sweeten my passage through the world, giving me Food and Raiment, and Contentment with the same, with the means and Comfortable ●opes of being for ever free from Labour, Sorrow, Care, and every thing that is a Burden, or uneasy. O Pardon all my Sins, and Sanctify all thy Dispensations to me in order to a better life. Amidst all ●he Hardships and Inconveniences I meet with here, let me not be dejected or discouraged, but have Respect to the Recompense of Reward laid up for those that Endure. Make me Patient in all Afflictions, unfeignedly thankful for all thy Mercies, fully satisfied with my State, and Condition. Let thy word, and ways be my Delight: thy Power, and Wisdom, Care and Faithfulness, Providence and Promises, my stay, Support and Comfort; to submit unto thee and serve thee, the Rejoicing of my Soul; and Heaven my Resting place. While others are joining House to House, and Cumbering themselves about many things, let me be adding one Degree of Grace to another, and making sure of that good part that shall never be taken away. Conduct me safely through all the Troubles, Changes, and Temptations of this Life, in a Holy Composure, Tranquillity, and Contentedness of Mind, in a cheerful doing and suffering thy Will and after Receive me unto Glory, through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour, in whose Holy Name and Words I further Pray unto thee saying, Our Father etc.    

Duties of the Sick.  
THat worldly Matters may not Distract or Discompose you, or break love amongst those you leave behind, prudently settle your Estate betimes, as may be most serviceable to him that lent it. If you have fallen out with, or wronged any in word o● deed, be thoroughly reconciled to them, and do all you can to make them satisfaction.  
Labour to get the Benefit of Sickness speedily, seriously, and Impartially Examine your state, heart, and life: Recollect you● Particular Errors, be deeply humbled fo● them, and firmly resolved in the strength o● God to live a Holy Life if you Recover● Renew your Repentance for Sin, and your believing thoughts of the love of God, and of your Eternal Happiness. Apply your Saviour's All-sufficient satisfaction and purchase for Returning Sinners, to your own Souls; Confidently cast it upon your merciful Father; your Redeemer, his Merits and Mediation, without further Fear or Distrust; He will not Condemn his Friends, his Followers, his own Flesh 
(p) Joh. 15.14.15.  Nothing can reasonably make us doubt of Pardon, but the Insincerity of our Repentance, and Faith in Christ.  
Tell Standers-by of the worthlessness, vanity, and deceitfulness of all worldly things; and how miserable all men are that are not good. Bear pains with a becoming Christian Patience. Remember Passive obedience is that, God now in special Calls you to; in which you must Serve and Honour him in the Conclusion of your Labours. 'Tis a great Error of the Sick and Impotent to wish for Death, as if they were utterly unserviceable to God; it's no small Service they may do him, not only by their Prayers and Praises, and secret love unto him; but by being Examples of Faith, and Patience, Heavenly-mindedness, and Joy in God to all about them. To that End, Consider, what a vile Body is going to be dissolved, that hath been so great an Enemy, pressure, and hindrance to your Soul, which shall be so no more for ever; and what a world, a life you are leaving, and entering upon: How near you are off a perilsome, dangerous, troublesome Pilgrimage, and at endless Ease and Rest. Look upon it as a singular mercy, that Death hath so suitable a Harbinger, and Fore runner; whose Messenger it is that comes for you, even the wise Disposer of all things, that loves you, that never meant you harm in any thing he hath done unto you; that hath provided for you a Saviour, and Eternal Happiness, and done so much to bring you thither.  
Pray more earnestly and fervently than ever. Stir up in your hearts the love of God and all Goodness; with raised Expectations and longing Desires after the Felicity to which you are going, even to your Dying, Buried, Raised, Ascended, Glorified Lord, who is concerned, interceding for you, ready to receive you; and what ground of Joy it must needs be to your departing Soul, to think that your Head and Saviour is in Possession of the Kingdom you are passing unto?  
Get right Apprehensions, take away the disguise of Death: Look not upon its formidable Appearance, and pompous Solemnity, attended, with Groans, Convulsions, ghastly Visage, doleful Eulogies, black Obsequies, only as a Debt due to Nature, or a Punishment due to Sinners; but as a Privilege granted to Believers, as part of our Christian Charter, an Enemy Conquered and made our Friend; in what mild Phrases the Scripture mentions it, an uncloathing, a Departure, a going to Rest, an entering into our Master's Joy, a sleeping in Jesus, etc. Did we really believe this, methinks it should be as hard to persuade a Saint to live, as a Sinner to die; a Believer to keep on his Earthly Tabernacle, as a wicked Man to put it off.  
Ruminate upon those precious Promises, and melting Expressions to the sincere. He shall feed his Flock like a Shepherd, he shall gather the Lambs with his Arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young 
(q) Isa. 40.11 . Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the Foundation of the World 
(r) Matt. 25.34. . God so loved the World, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life 
(s) John 3.16. . All that the Father giveth me shall come unto me, and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast off 
(t) John 6.37. . Say unto my Brethren, I ascend to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God 
(u) Joh. 20.17. . If any man serve me, let him follow me, and where I am, there shall my servant be 
(w) Joh. 12.26.  By him, all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses 
(x) Acts 13.39. . I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their Sins and Iniquities will I remember no more 
(y) Heb. 8.12. . There is no Condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit— Who shall lay any thing to the Charge of God's Elect? It is God that justifieth; who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the Right-hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us, etc. 
(z) Rom. 8.1.33, etc. . Blessed are the Dead that die in the Lord, from henceforth, yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their Labours, and their works do follow them 
(a) Rev. 14.13. .  
And you that are about the Sick; urge them betimes to make their Will, if they have not. Use your utmost Endeavours for their Ease and Recovery: Be not weary of them, but tender, patiented, compassionate, bearing with their Impatience: Grudge not any trouble they put you to, not knowing how soon 'twill be your own Case. Deal faithfully and prudently with them according to their state; flatter them not with groundless Hopes of this, or a better life. Keep such from them as may hinder, or annoy them with Impertinencies, get such about them as will assist them in their passage to endless Best. Let the Spectacle of Weakness, Frailty, and Mortality, have a due Influence upon your selves: See what they want, (which you would desire in their State,) and speedily supply them with it. Pray with, and for them, and for yourselves against that Hour.  

Support for the Sick.  
MOre particularly to direct and assist your Patience in Sickness. Beware of a troublesome, querrelous, peevish Temper as to those about you. The Lord heareth your murmuring which you murmur against him: (They may say unto you) and what are we? Are we the Cause of your Distemper, and Pains? Your murmur are not against us, but against the Lord 
(b) Ex. 16.18. ? Shall the thing say to him that form it, why hast thou made me thus? Liable to these Distempers, and Diseases? Impatient Complaining, multiplies our Pains; by adding Sin unto it, and fruitless vexing our Souls, for the Sufferings of our Body: Increases our own and other's Sorrows about us, who are apt to sympathise with us in our Sufferings; when, by our calm Submission we should teach them Patience; the only Remedy, or Allay of those Evils which we cannot avoid, or remove. What Folly is it, to vex or disturb ourselves at that which we cannot help; which Providence, and the Frailty of our Nature hath made necessary for us to endure; and which others do, who are not assisted with the Result of a long Experience: nor know how to turn Sickness into a Virtue, and Pain into a Reward: That raise not up their minds to the ever quiet Region of undisturbed Health and Ease: That have the Wrath of an angry God to conflict with; attoned and reconciled to us through the Merits of our Saviour's Sufferings.  
How many, without the Advantages of the Gospel, have thought it mean, and effeminate to lament, or be dejecteed in pain? Through Fortitude, and Bravery of Spirit, undergone wracking Tortures, with Constancy and Sedateness; for Praise, Dignity, Decency of Demeanour, Stoutness of Resolution: By presenting to their minds Noble precedents: Taking heed of doing any thing to be repent of, dishonourable, low spirited, unmanly, unbecoming their Patience, their Gallantry of Mind; whereby they not only put a Check upon themselves, and restrained their Spirits; but even alleviated the very Pain itself. Accounting nothing evil, but what was base and vicious; and him, a wise, courageous, valiant Man, who was constantly composed; undervaluing all the Contingencies, and Inconveniences of Humane Life. But our Redeemer hath restored us to a more lively Hope. That, after we have undergone the Labours of a painful Life, our Troubles shall all end in greater Joy and Gladness; as the escaped Mariner after a Shipwreck. A lively Apprehension of which, will encourage us to endure Hardship, as good Soldiers of Jesus Christ. And not suffer us to think that he who designed us good, by all our former Afflictions, intends us otherwise by this; or, that he hath a greater Kindness for his most flagitious Enemies, because he affords them the Ease he denies us. Was God's Providence to Christ the more to be questioned, because he was oppressed, afflicted, a Man of Sorrow? Or his love less to him, because he was acquainted with Grief?  
An ill Habit of Body is a proper Season for the Acquisition and Exercise of many Graces: A happy Impotency as to the most wasting Vices: An excellent Monitor of our own Frailty and Mortality. Every little Ache toll the Bell; and every extreme pain, is turning Dust to dust, and Ashes to ashes. A firm Constitution of Mind, is often wrought from the Diseases of the Body. And the Soul grows more active and refined, by still working out its own Separation. Whilst the Mortal part, by a continual Succession of little Dissolutions, is better prepared to drop with Ease and just Maturity, into that final one of Death, which rends strong robust Tempers, with great Concussion and Violence. It's not much material how weak and ruinous our Prison is, seeing we are to tarry in it, but a very little while; seeing we shall the sooner and easier obtain our Liberty and Freedom. And, though here a little Pain molests, in the Grave whole Limbs fall off, and crumble into Dust; without disturbing that quiet Repose, which buries all the Sorrows of this Life, in a profound Oblivion and Insensibility.  
Rouse up therefore from that Sluggishness of Temper, and forgetfulness of your Profession to which you are inclined. Remember in whose Hands you are; who puts forth his Hand now, and touches your Bone and your Flesh 
(c) Job 2.5. , who cuts you off with pining Sickness 
(d) Isa. 38.12. , and is ordering all for your good. Make the truth of your profession more apparent and illustrious. Rejoice, that by this Trial is manifested, the Victory of Faith, the Omnipotency of Grace, the Miracle of Patience, Humility, Resignation, and Complacency under sufferings. Bear up with undaunted, undismayed Courage and Constancy, under all the Uneasinesses of a rugged way. Lift up the Hands that hang down, and strengthen the feeble Knees. Let the weak say, I am strong, and the lame Man leap as an Hart 
(e) Heb. 12.10. Isa. 35.3, etc. . These are the Days of Conflict and Conquest; that admit not of Repose until the Evening, when he that hath been eminently good, cheerfully patiented, constant, and courageous, under great Disadvantages, and Discouragements, shall be proportionably rewarded. When all Distempers, and the Causes of them, shall be wholly removed. No more Hospitals, nor Diseases. No more seeking for, or need of Cure, or Remedy; when the Mountebank's Stage shall be pulled down; and all Physicians of no value: The Doctor, and Apothecary consulted no more: They shall give over acting Experiments upon afflicted Mortals. And the great Physician of Soul and Body, who himself took our Infirmities, and bore our Sicknesses 
(f) Mat. 8.17. , perfected his undertaken Cure. And God shall wipe away all Tears from their Eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things (that disturbed them) are passed away 
(g) Rev. 21.4. .  
The thoughts, the belief of this, is the chief Refuge and Delight of all true Christian Sufferers. Whilst this Cordial is next their Hearts, they are healthful, secure, and satisfied. The Comfort of that day, heals and redresses all their Wounds, their Wrongs, their Injuries: Assuages, and allays all their Pains, and Perplexities; expels all melancholy Thoughts; banishes all Sadness from their Hearts; stills all their Murmur and Complaints; stifles innumerable Sighs; stops Rivers of unprofitable Tears from flowing from the Afflicted; raises the Minds of the Miserable, and Unfortunate; supports and refreshes the Spirit of Heaviness; makes the Cross of Christ a light Burden: As being both consistent with his love, and the Effects of it, influential upon their Happiness.   

Prayers for the Sick.  
O Thou great Creator, and Wise Disposer of all things; in whose Hands are our lives, and breath, and all our ways; in all Humility we prostrate our Souls before thee, acknowledging it of thy Infinite Mercy and Goodness that we have access unto thee, and may find acceptance with thee, in and through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; for his sake pardon all our Sins, and receive us into thy Favour. In much Mercy and tender Compassion, O thou that delightest not in the Miseries of thy Creatures, regard this thine afflicted Servant. Thou woundest, and thy Hands make whole; thou bringest down to the Grave, and raisest up again: Direct to proper means, we humbly beseech thee, and accompany those used for his health with thy Blessing: Speak the Word, and thy Servant shall be healed. If it may stand with thy good Pleasure, let him not die, but live, and declare the Works of the Lord: However, fit him for whatsoever thou hast designed for him: Give him a true Sense of, and Repentance for all his Sins; and a well-grounded Faith in our great Redeemer of Souls. Sanctify this thy fatherly Visitation to him; let the sickness of his Body tend to the health and good of his Soul: Mitigate his Pains, increase his Patience: Give him a quiet, contented, resigned Spirit, unto thy blessed Will. Lay no more upon him than thou wilt enable him to bear, let thy Grace be sufficient for him. In the multitude of his thoughts within him, let thy Comforts delight his Soul. When his Body returns to the Earth as it was, let his Spirit return unto God that gave it, and be glorified together with thyself, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose Blessed Name and Words we further pray, Our Father, etc.   

Another.  
ALmighty and most Merciful Father, the God of the Spirits of all Flesh; thou sendest forth thy Breath and we live, thou recallest it and we die, and return to our dust. O pardon unto us we humbly entreat thee, our unthankfulness for our former health, and all thy Mercies; that we have made so little use of the same for thy Glory. Give us grace for the future to be more sensible of, more fruitful under them. In particular, look with an eye of favour on this thy suffering Servant. Let thy Power appear in his weakness; strengthen him on his Bed of languishing, make all his Bed in his sickness. Rebuke, remove his Distempers; in love to his Soul deliver him from the Pit of Corruption, and cast all his sins behind thy Back. Let not his sickness be unto Death, but thy Glory, if it may stand with thy good pleasure; but if thou hast otherwise determined, fit and prepare him for thyself: As his outward Man decays, let his in ward Man be renewed day by day. Take him not hence, until thou hast made him meet for the Inheritance of the Saints in life. Give him an easy and comfortable Passage out of this Vale of Misery, and receive him to the Eternal enjoyment of thyself in Heaven. And give all of us grace in Health to provide and prepare for sickness, in our most prosperous and best Estate to consider how frail we are; in a full persuasion of thy unerring Providence over us, and Infinite love towards us, let us resign ourselves entirely unto thee, resolving by thy gracious Assistance to rest satisfied with thy Appointment. That we may rejoice in hope of that Immortal Life and Happiness when thou shalt wipe away all Tears from our Eyes, and there shall be no more Death, neither Sorrow, nor Crying, nor any more Pain; but that after Death hath parted us, we may meet together, and acknowledge with Eternal Praises thy wise and merciful Providence, which by ways contrary to our desires, hath brought us to endless and undisturbed Rest, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thy blessed Majesty and Holy Spirit, be all Honour, Glory, and Praise, now and for ever, Amen.   

Another.  
EVer blessed Lord, the Father of Mercies, and God of all Consolation; who art not willing any should perish, but that all should come to Repentance. We praise and adore thee for thy Patience, forbearance and goodness to us all our days; that we have enjoyed so much Health and Ease, Peace and Plenty, so many Mercies to sweeten our Passage through this Vale of Tears. O forgive our Ingratitude for, our Abuse of thy Bounty and Kindness to us; and be at Peace with us in and through our Lord and Saviour; and for the time to come give us grace to carry ourselves wellpleasing in thy sight. In particular, we now recommend unto thee this thy Servant; beseeching it may please thee to restore him unto Health; unto thee no Cure is difficult, no Case desperate, but all things possible; O command, create Deliverance; direct to suitable means, and superadd thy Blessing to them; O spare him that he may recover strength, before he goes hence, and be no more. But however thou dealest with him, let it be in love, and mercy unto him; pardon all his Sins; and evidence the same unto his Soul; give him seasonable Ease, Rest, and Sleep, and patience under his Sufferings; and let these light Afflictions that are but for a Moment, work out for him a far more exceeding and eternal Weight of Glory; let the Lord Jesus be unto him both in Life and Death great Advantage. Take him not out of this Life until thou hast fitted him for a better. Let not the Enemy have any Advantage over him, or be able to shake his Faith, and Confidence in thy Mercy, through Jesus Christ, to whom with thy Blessed Majesty and Holy Spirit, be all Honour, Glory and Praise, now and evermore. Amen.   

Another.  
WE prostrate ourselves before thee, O great Physician of Soul and Body, in a deep sense of our own vileness and unworthiness; acknowledging it of thy free grace and mercy, that thou hast not cut us off in the midst of our Sins, without giving us space to beg thy Pardon and Mercy: Beseeching thee, for the sake of our All-sufficient Mediator, to be reconciled unto us, and at Peace with us: Wash us throughly from our Iniquities, and cleanse us from our Sins. In particular, be very gracious and merciful to this thy Servant: Thou hast all Distempers at thy Command; if thou sayest go, they go; come, they come; unto God the Lord belong the Issues from Death; O raise him up from his. Bed of languishing: Return, O Lord, deliver his Soul, O save him for thy mercy's sake; for in Death there is no remembrance of thee; in the Grave, who shall give thee Thanks? O let him live that he may bless thee, and be instrumental for thy Glory. But if his days are determined to end now, prepare him for leaving the World. Make him truly sensible of all his Offences, and accept of the Death and Passion of thy beloved Son, as an Expiation for them. Let him sleep in Jesus, die in the Lord, and rest from his Labours. Take away all sad, disquieting, discouraging, perplexing thoughts. Quiet, compose, support his Spirit. Enable him to wait in an humble Submission, for that peaceable, joyful Repose and Rest which thou hast prepared for thy Servants; for his sake, who subjected himself to Mortality, who died for our Sins, and rose again for our Justification, and intercedes for us at thy Right-hand, the Anchor of our Hope, and Foundation of our Happiness, in whose Holy Name and Words we further pray unto thee, saying, Our Father, etc.    

How to spend every Day well.  
WAste not your precious Morning hours sluggishly in your Bed: Allow yourselves so much sleep only as is necessary for your Health. Begin the day with God: Offer up unto Him (who giveth his Beloved sleep, and careth for you, when you cannot for yourself) the first of your Thoughts and Affections. As soon as you awake, lift up a Thankful Heart for your Comfortable Rest, and Sleep, and Preservation: Let not the Continuance, and Commonness of the Mercy, make it seem less, but Increase your Thankfulness. Beg of Him, to preserve you from all Evil, especially, Sin; To Protect, direct, assist, and Bless you in all your lawful undertake, and engage in none, wherein you cannot expect it. Resolve not to lose, or misspend the Day before you, which when gone, you shall see again no more for ever.  
Think what a Blessed Rest you shall have in the presence of his Angels; and of the Happiness and Privilege of being in his Love, and under his Protection. Let the nakedness of your Body, mind you to avoid Sin, the Cause of Shame; your Rising out of Bed, of the general Resurrection at the last Day before the Judge of all the World; The light of the Day, of the Sun of Righteousness; the several parts of your , of taking unto you the whole Armour of God, etc. This is the way to keep out vain Thoughts, and yourselves in a Better frame all the Day, which is usually spent well or ill, according as we set out in the beginning of it.  
Let your Apparel be Modest, Decent, according to your Place, Condition, and Station, and not Expensive of Time in putting on; not to nourish Pride, or occasion Lust; It's not enough to look to our own Thoughts, except we beware also of provoking others. Affectedness in any thing, is Commendable in nothing.  
Night and Morning Devotion keeps the fire of the Altar always alive: Enter upon no Business, until you have offered up your Morning Sacrifice of Prayer and Thanksgiving: Recommend yourself and your Affairs unto God by Solemn Prayer, and Return him Thanks for his Care of you, and goodness unto you the last Night, and all your Days. And thy Father which seethe in secret, shall reward thee openly 
(b) Mat. 6.6. .  
Call to mind, and arm yourselves against the Temptations, and failings you are liable to, byreason of your Company, Employment, Inclinations, and watch over them continually. Look for Evils every day, and cast all your Cares, and Fears upon God. Let your Carriage be such all the Day, as those that must appear before him at Night. In all Difficulties ascend to him for Counsel and Direction, in all Troubles for Support, in all your Undertake for a Blessing. Be still ask, whose am I? what do I here? am I in my way? Is this my last Day, or do I look for another?  
Entertain not vain Desires, or worldly Lusts, but resist, reject them; Turn and fix your Thoughts upon something that is good: frequently lift up your Souls to God in mental Praises and Supplications.  
Make a Covenant with your Eye and Ear, the Inlets of Lust and Vanity. Set the Lord always before you. Do nothing that may Create sorrow at Night, or Confusion at the great Day. Resolve to spend the day as usefully as possible; to God, others, yourself; to speak for God and his Glory, what ever it cost you; not to be terrified from, or ashamed of him, or his Service; so as the Testimony of a good Conscience may be ground of your Rejoicing. Your Heavenly work is to run a Race, to fight a good fight, to strive, and wrestle; which cannot be done, without giving all Diligence, Care, and Watchfulness.  
Fellow your Earthly Employment, though Difficult, with Cheerfulness and a Heavenly Mind. Be Industrious in your Business, and Honest in your Deal: Take no Advantage of any oversight; work not upon the Ignorance, Unskilfulness, Weakness, or Necessity of others: Do as you would have done, to yourselves, or yours. It's better to suffer wrong, than do it. Use not many words, and those understood by the Contractor: All the Business of a Bargain is summed up in a few: He that speaks least, usually means fairest: and, He that deceives, by speaking what is true, in a sense not intended or understood by the other, is a Liar and a Thief. Avoid, not only what is false, but that also which deceives; all Equivocating, Intricate, Crafty speeches; speak the sense of your Mind; a Bargain may be as unmerciful, as a Robbery; God still takes the weakest part, and will Reckon with them who Injure the unable to Resist: no man makes an unjust gain, without a certain loss: He can never do, or far well, who thinks there can be more profit in any thing, than in obeying God. Let no man go beyond to defraud his Brother in any matter, because the Lord is the Avenger of all such 
(c) 1 Th. 4.6. ; Hereafter, at the great Day of Recompense; Here, by making Injustice as a Canker-worm, to Eat up all the other Increase.  
Let your Meals be with Thankfulness, Temperance, Sobriety; so as not to Disfit, but Enable you for the Employments of your Body and Mind. Use Food as Physic, sparingly for Health, rather than Pleasure. Season your Meals with a sense of God's Bounty, and your unworthiness of the least Mercy. Forget not to Pray, and give Thanks, but not with that carelessness and affected Brevity, as too many do, as if they intended rather a Scoff of the Divine Majesty, than otherwise.  
Wast not much Time in Recreations; be sure they be Seasonable, Lawful, Harmless Moderate, of good Report, Conducive to Health, to sweeten Rest and Labour.  
Being necessitated to take the World i● your passage to Heaven, walk through it a● fast as may be. Remember, all your Business by the way, is to make yourself and other Happy. Seek rather to be, than seem strict to do Courtesies, than Profess them. Look upon all things without Passion, because without Interest: not overmuch concerned how the Scene varies; knowing, when the Play is ended, the Conqueror puts off his Crown in the same Wardrobe, where the Fool puts off his Cap.  
Take up your Cross daily 
(d) Luke 9.23. , i. e. Bear the Evils of every day with composed Minds. In vain, and to no purpose we gather a stock of patience against the greatest Tribulations, and resolve to bear them, while in the mean time we are fretful and angry for every trifling Loss or Accident that goes against our humours. The wrongs and vexations we meet with in our intercourse with others, as well as great Calamities, are our proper Cross, which our Christian Profession obliges us to submit to. Carefully secure your duty; and afterwards care no more, but let God's Will take place. Maintain a cheerful and sedate Temper of Mind under all outward dispensations, though contrary to your particular hopes or desires; as being secure of your Interest in him, who hath the management and disposal of all Persons, Times, and Events; the Hearts of all Men are in his hands; and he hath engaged himself, that they shall all work together for your good.  
Associate yourself with the most blameless, serious, practical Christians; who will be stirring you up in your way, and not play the Devil's Part, to lead you out of it; or provoke you to Evil. Improve your Company in receiving good from, or doing good to them. Assist and Encourage those whose faces are set Heaven-ward; and rescue perishing Souls, who are falling into the flames of an Intolerable Hell. Keep your Tongue from Evil, and your Lips from speaking guile. Let your ordinary speech be for Edification, not Applause; without any thing like Oaths, Imprecations, vain Asseverations, or Protestations. Let no lying, equivocating, vain, obscence, scurrilous, unchaste, frothy, unsavoury, corrupt Communication; or what may minister to Vice, proceed out of your Lips; but such as may Administer Grace to the Hearer. Avoid Detraction, or Enquiring into other men's Concerns: He that loves Tale-bearers, shall never be beloved, or Innocent. Speak Evi● of no man, or any thing that may tend to his Disgrace, Disparagement, Disadvantage. Be as much afraid to discover a Blemish in another's Eye, as to suffer one in your own: rather Charitably lick it out with your Tongue, than deridingly talk of it. Out of Piety to God, and Compassion to their Souls, let their Infirmities be the object of your Charity, and Pity; not mirth and derision. Every one is bound to preserve his Brother's Reputation. Let your Ear be the Sanctuary of your absent Friend's Name, of your present Friend's Secrets; let neither miscarry in your Trust. Avoid those things yourself, which in others displease you. Esteem those your best Friends that least spare you; a watchful Conversation, and faithful Admonitions are the most necessary and best expressions of Friendship. Be of a mild, compassionate, affable, courteous Temper and Behaviour; not of a froward, peevish, churlish, rugged Carriage. Put the best Construction on all things; pity the Infirmities, forgive the Injuries of all Men.  
Account that day lost wherein you have not done, or received some good. Take a view how you have spent the Day according to the foregoing Directions, alone, in Company, in your general and particular Calling; what Evil you have committed, what Good received, done, or omitted; what failings in your best Performances; be humbled for every Miscarriage, and thankful for every Mercy. By daily summing up our Estate with God, we shall know what we have to expect and answer for; not letting our Score run so long, but by making Even with him, that we shall not be Ignorant of our Debts, or fear an Audit, or despair of Pardon.  
Having waited upon God by Solemn Prayer, and committed yourself and yours to his Protection; Close your Eyes with a Holy Confidence of it; but not without a serious Meditation of your last Hour; let the Night Represent to you the many Days of Darkness; your Bed, your Grave; your Sleep, your Death; and so Compose your Soul, as if you looked not to awake till the Morning of the Resurrection.  

Thus on a pale sheet I extended shall,  
Become e'er long a lifeless Course; and all  
These too much prized Trifles which Retard  
My Soul in her best flight, without Regard  
Or Relish, must be left: Then in my Grave,  
Where all things are forgotten, I shall have  
A Cool and lonely Lodging on the Earth,  
Locked up from all this world's miscalled mirth.  
If thou, O Blessed Creator, shalt Restore,  
The Peace, Ease, Plenty, I enjoyed before:  
Let not these overvalued Blessings move  
My Earth-bred Thoughts, to slight the things above.  
Here's no Abiding City, but thy Grace,  
Can make the House of Death, a Restingplace.   

Morning Prayer.  
ALmighty and most Merciful Father, who knowest my downlying and uprising, and art acquainted with all my ways. Thou art of purer Eyes than to behold Iniquity with Approbation: 'Tis of thy Infinite Mercy, that in stead of Praying unto Thee, and Praising of Thee, I am not Blaspheming thy Name in Endless Torments. For, I am of the degenerate Posterity of our first Parents, and have daily broken Thy Laws and Commandments, which are all Holy, Just, and Good. O Remember not against me what I have done against Thee, but what thy Son hath done and suffered for me, and accept of me in him to the praise of thy Grace. Work a Through Change in my whole Soul; enlighten my dark understanding, that I may savingly know Thee; Spiritualise my Affections that I may love Thee; Bow and Incline my will wholly to submit unto Thee; Reform my life, that I may serve Thee, and be saved by thee. Cleanse me from my secret Sins, and let no Presumptuous Sins have Dominion over me. Wean me from the world; let my Heart, my Treasure, my Conversation be in Heaven. Turn away mine Eyes from beholding Vanity. Set a watch, O Lord, before my Mouth, and keep the Door of my Lips, that I offend not with my Tongue: Let me delight in that which is Good, eschew and abhor that which is Evil; set thee always before me, that I may not dare to Sin against Thee. Make me peaceable and contented in myself, useful and beneficial to others, wellpleasing and acceptable unto Thee. Mind me frequently of my latter end; while I live let me live unto thee, when I die let me die unto thee, living and dying let me be thine. Be very merciful to all Mankind, especially those that are called Christians: Enlarge and Bless thy Holy Catholic Church with more abundant Peace, Purity, and Concord. Pardon the Crying Sins of these three Nations; let us search and try our ways, and turn unto thee our God; make us a People peculiar to thyself, zealous of good works. Bless our Sovereign, with all our Magistrates and Ministers; let them discharge their Duty as those that must give an account. Be with me this Day, and all my Days; wherever I am, and whatsoever I am doing, let me awefully Remember, God made me, God preserves me, God redeemed me, God sees me, and God will Judge me. Never leave me nor forsake me. Guide and direct me by thy Counsel, Assist me by thy Holy Spirit, Prosper me in all my ways, and at last Receive me unto Glory, through Jesus Christ, in whose Holy Name and Words I further Pray, Our Father, etc.   

Evening Prayer.  
MOst Holy, and ever Blessed Lord God. Thou hast Commanded me to Pray, and so it is my great Duty; and hast styled thyself a God hearing Prayers, and so it is my great Privilege. In Obedience to thy Command, and in Confidence of thy Promises, I desire in all Humility and holy Confidence to wait upon thee at this Time, in and through my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; for his sake beseeching thee for Mercy, and Grace; Mercy, for the Pardon of my Sins, without which I am of all Creatures most miserable, and Grace for the sanctifying of my Nature, and amendment of my life. Search me, O Lord, and Try me, and whatsoever is displeasing in me unto thee, remove it thence, and lead me in the way everlasting. Let me value and mind the things that are not seen, more than the things that are seen, because the things that are seen, are Temporal, and those that are not seen are Eternal. Incline my Heart unto thy Testimonies, and not to any Evil way. Let not the Pleasures nor Troubles of this world allure or hinder me from serving thee with Cheerfulness and Delight. Prepare me for every Condition, for every Change, especially for my great and last Change. give me Grace so to live, that I may be neither ashamed to live, nor afraid, nor unfit to die; that when thou shalt Call me hence, thou may'st Receive me unto the Eternal Enjoyment of thyself in Heaven. Be very Gracious and Merciful to all Mankind, to all Jews, Turks, Pagans, and Infidels; bring them to the Knowledge and Obedience of the Truth. Bless, Prosper, and Protect thy Church, and every Member of it; be with it unto the End of the World, and let not the Gates of Hell prevail against it. Reform whatsoever thou seest amiss in the Belief and Lives of Christians; especially, in these Three Nations; Continue unto us Peace, with the Gospel of Peace for thy Name sake. Bless our Sovereign, and all in Authority, with Holiness here, and Happiness hereafter; Let all his Subjects live under him quiet and peaceable Lives, in all Godliness and Honesty. I et the Ministers of thy Gospel Preach both by their Lives, and Doctrine, and daily turn many unto Righteousness. Let none of my Relations be Strangers unto thyself, nor any of thine Afflicted Servants be forgotten by Thee. Relieve them according to their several Necessities and the Riches of thy Grace in thy Son. I Praise Thee for what thou hast afforded me, Thy good Creatures, thy Blessing with them, thy Provision for me, and preservation of me this Day, and all my Days: Let me lie me down, and take my Rest and Sleep, because thou Lord makest me to dwell in safety. Whether I sleep or wake, live or die, let me be found thine own, to thine Eternal Glory, and my Everlasting Salvation, through Jesus Christ, who hath taught me when I pray to say, Our Father which art in Heaven, etc.   

Grace before Meat.  
BLess, and Sanctify, most Merciful Father, These thy good Creatures to my use, and me unto thy Service, give them strength to nourish me, and me grace to serve Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   

Grace after Meat.  
BLessed be thy Holy Name, O Lord, for all thy Mercies, for these thy good Creatures; make them healthful for my nourishment, and me thankful for all thy Mercies; Enable me by them to live to thy praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.    

How to spend the Lord's Day.  
REmember the Lord's Day before it come, so as to prepare for it by suitable Meditations: Go seasonably to your Rest, to prevent heaviness, or drowziness. Prudently dispose and dispatch your Earthly Affairs, that they may be off your hands, and out of your mind, as much as possible, on that Day; that so your Heart may be more free, and fit for the Duties of it. Seek Remission for the Miscarriages of the Week past, that you may not come with guilt or trouble upon your Consciences before the Lord.  
Think not your worldly Business more worthy of your Early Rising, than your spiritual Employment. Let your first Thoughts be, not only Holy, but suitable to the Day. With gladness consider how Early your Redeemer arose: what a Day of Mercy you are awoke to; to wait upon God for Receiving and Exercising of Grace, in order to Glory; to Cast off the Distracting Thoughts and Businesses of the World: and what a Happy opportunity of Good, is put into your Hands, to get more in one Day, than this World can afford you in all your lives. Spend it as a Day of Thanksgiving for the greatest Mercies: Therefore, let the manner of it, and the frame of your Hearts, be holy Joy, Gratitude, and Love, stirred up by the exercise of Faith and Hope.  
Enlarge your Personal Devotions on this Day: and let not Secret Prayer be slubbered over slightly, but performed with Seriousness, Reverence, Alacrity, and suitable to the nature, and end of the Day.  
Go to the solemn Assembly with Joy and Gladness, as to the receiving of a great Blessing, with desires after, and hope to speed: not with unwillingness, as to an unpleasant Task and Burden; as Carnal Hearts, that love not God, his Grace, or Service; are weary of all they do, and glad when it is over. Think how Damned Souls would Hear and Pray, if they might with you be tried again: and how unfit, unbecoming a Careless, a Drowsy Body, dull Affections, dead Services are, for the living God. Compose yourselves with all Reverence, as considering with whom you have to do, and for what. Beware of a wand'ring Eye and Mind, or slighting what you Hear. Be seriously employed all the Time. And while others are quarrelling with the Imperfections of the Speaker, or Congregation, be laying up the Word in your Heart. Be Reverend, Solemn, and Serious in every Duty; be sure your Heart be in them. In Confession, Humiliation, Petition, Thanksgiving, Singing, when the Word is Read or Preached, whether, Commands, Promises, Threaten, Calls, Invitations, be answerably Affected with them, as if you heard God speaking from Heaven.  
Haste not away while the Minister is pronouncing the Blessing, but hope, desire, and believe it shall Descend upon you. Leave not the Assembly until you have lift up your Heart for Pardon, and a Blessing upon the Ordinance to yourself, and all present: In these, or the like words.  

A short Prayer.  
I Adore and Magnify thee, O merciful Father, for this opportunity of hearing from, and waiting upon thee (O pardon whatever thou hast seen amiss in us) and let the Fruit of it be unto Holiness; and the end Everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  
After your Attendance in Public, with that Concern and seriousness the work requires and deserves; let not yourself lose the rest of the Day to secular Diversions, and Concerns, and thereby choke and stifle those good Instructions and devout Affections that have been raised and excited in you.  
Let your Diet be moderate (lest it make you drowsy) and your Hearts Heavenly at it: your Discourse savoury, seasoned with Grace, suitable to the Company, and the Day; in the cheerful Remembrance of the love of your Redeemer: the special work of the Day being to Celebrate the Memorial of his Resurrection, and the whole work of our Redemption by him; we ought to speak as much as possible of it, under a sense of our Natural misery; and in stirring up lively Apprehensions of Infinite Condescending Goodness, in the special exercise of Faith and Love, and Joyful Praises.  
Having spent as much of the Day as you can in Public Worship, and in Reading the Word, and ruminating upon it; Review the Duties, Mercies, and Miscarriages of the Day. Call over what you have Herd and Read, and urge it upon your Heart; Beg the Divine Blessing and Assistance for the Advantage and Improvement of it, and Pardon for your failings. Bless God for any Enlargement, or Good received. Recommend yourself unto him for the Ensuing Night; and let your last Thoughts be in the thankful joyful sense of the Mercies you have, and hope for, and the goodness of God in your Mediator. Confidently trust yourself and yours in his Hand; longing for your nearer approach unto him, and full Enjoyment of him in Glory.   

Morning Prayer, on the Lord's Day.  
MOst Holy and Infinitely glorious Lord God. Thou art greatly to be feared in the Assembly of thy Saints, and to be had in Reverence by all that draw nigh unto Thee. It's an Infinite Condescension in thy Majesty, to suffer such a despicable Worm as I am, to come before Thee, to wait upon Thee, to speak unto Thee, to have any thing to do with Thee in a way of Grace and Mercy. Hadst thou dealt with me according to my Deserts, and Rewarded me after mine Iniquities, I had been long ago in that place of Torment where Prayer, and the means of Grace could do me no good at all. O Pardon my abuse of thy Mercies, mispending my Time, Profaning thy Sabbaths, Polluting thine Ordinances, the unworthy Returns I have made unto Thee for all thy Benefits, which might justly cause thee to withdraw thyself from me, and thy Blessing from thine Ordinances. Make me truly sensible of the worth of the Opportunity thou this Day puts into my hand for the good of my Immortal Soul; let it not be as a prize put into the hand of a Fool, that hath no heart to use it: Help me to make a wise, a right Improvement of the same, for the Glory of Thy Name, and for the preparing myself for my Eternal Rest; Let my Thoughts this Day be much upon it, and upon that wonderful love in my Redemption. Take away my Heart of Stone, that's so insensible of my own Vileness and thy abundant Goodness, and give me a Heart of Flesh; writ thy Laws upon it, put thy Fear within me, that I may never departed from Thee. Let not thy Sabbaths, nor thine Ordinances be continued in vain unto me; but let me grow in Grace under all the means of Grace I enjoy. The older I grow, the better let me be; the nearer I come to my end, let me be the fit for thyself. Let me love the Habitation of thy House, and the place where thine Honour Dwelleth; and Esteem one Day in thy Courts, better than a Thousand elsewhere: and that I had rather be a Doorkeeper in the House of my God, than to dwell in the Tents of Wickedness. Let it be my Meat and Drink, the Joy and Rejoicing of my Soul, to do thy Will, and to be Employed in thy Service. Visit the dark Corners of the Earth with the light of thy glorious Gospel, and let all that enjoy it walk worthy of it. Make our Sovereign, and all our Superiors, thy faithful Subjects, and Servants. Let thy Priests be Clothed with Righteousness, and thy Saints shout for Joy. Be in all our Solemn Assemblies; Accompany thine own Institutions with thine own Blessing. Make thy Word in the mouths of thy Ministers very effectual for turning many unto Righteousness. Be with me this Day, let my Confessions of Sin Increase my Hatred against it, my Praises and Thanksgivings be the Inward sense of my Soul: Let my Conversing with Heavenly things, have an Influence upon me, for the bettering of me. Go along with me into the Assembly of thy Servants; unite and compose my Thoughts in thy Presence, let me attend upon thee without Distraction. Let me Consider, thou hast an Eye upon me at all Times, especially when I draw nigh unto Thee in the way of thy Worship. Let me Pray unto Thee in Spirit and Truth, because thou art a Spirit, and requirest so to be worshipped. Give me a Hearing Ear, a seeing Eye, an understanding Heart. Let me hear thy Word, as thy Word, as that Word by which I shall be Judged, and which is able to save my Soul, by believing and obeying of it, through Jesus Christ, in whose Holy Name, and Words, I further Pray, Our Father which art in Heaven, etc.   

Evening Prayer on the Lord's Day.  
MOst great and Infinitely glorious Lord God, who hast Exalted thyself far above the Heavens, and above the Praises, and Apprehensions of the best of thy Creatures. Unto thee be all possible Praise, Honour and Glory, for what thou art in thyself, and unto all thy Creatures; for thy Infinite Wisdom, Power, and Goodness, so apparent in Creating, Preserving of, Providing for them: That the Heavens Declare thy Glory, and the Firmaments show thy Handiwork; that the Eyes of all wait upon Thee, and that thou openest thy hand and fillest them with Good; that thou hast not left thyself without witness where thy Gospel is not Preached, in that thou dost them good, and sendest them Rain from Heaven, and fruitful Seasons, and fills their Hearts with Food and Gladness. But what shall I render unto thee for thy unspeakable goodness to Mankind, not only in making us capable of serving and enjoying thee, but in providing for us a Saviour to Reconcile and Renew us, when we had forfeited thy favour, which was our Happiness, and lost thine Image which was our Excellency and Glory: That so many have enjoyed thy Gospel, and been translated out of the Kingdom of Satan, into the Kingdom of thy Dear Son: That I live in a place where thy Gospel is Preached, the way to Heaven so clearly Revealed; where I have so many opportunities of hearing from thee, of waiting upon thee; that this Day I have enjoyed the means of being Happy with Thee for ever; O accompany the same with thy Blessing to that End. Let me live the Sermons that I hear, the Ordinances I enjoy, the Duties I am Employed in. Let my Thoughts be much upon that Happy state, where I shall offend thee and myself no more; but Reap my Redeemer's Purchase for those that sincerely serve Thee. Look in much Mercy upon all Mankind; Say, Behold me, Behold me, to the People that have not known thee, that have not called upon thy Name. Let all the Ends of the Earth see the Salvation of our God. Increase the number of true Believers, daily add to thy Church such as shall be saved. Forgive the crying Sins of these Three Nations, turn us unto thee by a speedy, and unfeigned Repentance and Reformation, that Iniquity may not be our Ruin. Compose our Differences, make up our Breaches, heal our Divisions. Due our Severaign with all necessary qualifications for his present and future Happiness. Let none of our Magistrates bear the Sword in vain, but, be faithful to that Trust committed to them. Remove not thy Candlestick; let not our Teachers be driven into Corners; let their Doctrine be pure, and their Lives exemplary for the good of Souls; accompany their Endeavours with thy Blessing. Bring unto my Remembrance that part of thy Word I have Read or Herd this Day; let me hid it in my heart, that I may not dare to Sin against thee. As I am one day nearer my End, let me be so much nearer keeping an Eternal Sabbath with thee in Heaven. Smell a sweet savour from the sincere services of thy Servants, Return gracious Answers to their Prayers; Pardon what thou hast seen amiss in me, and them this Day, through Jesus Christ, who hath taught us to Pray, Our Father, etc.    

Directions as to Prayer.  
STir up in your Souls the most lively Apprehensions, Reverence, Faith, and Love, as to him before whom you are going to Appear; and upon what terms he is engaged, and hath resolved to Answer, or deny you. Be throughly sensible of your Sins and wants, and of the worth of those Mercies you are going to ask.  
Come always in the Humility that becomes a worthless Condemned Sinner, and in the belief and boldness that becomes a Son, a Member of Christ. Disclaim all worthiness of your own, but be as Confident in every lawful Request, as if you saw your Crucified Mediator interceding for you with his, and your Father.  
Pray with Understanding, Attention, Abhorrence of your Sins, a deep sense of your Necessities, a holy Confidence of Assistance and Audience, through your Redeemer, God's merciful Nature, and gracious Promises; with holy, and lively Affections, with Charity, a Heart filled with good will to all, your very Enemies; with uprightness and sincerity. Beware you love not Sin, but resolve to leave it, when you Pray against it; that you truly Desire and Endeavour for the Grace and Mercy you ask, and ask not for that you would not have.  
Keep your Heart all the while in a reverend, serious, fervent frame, as if God's Glory was visible to your Bodily Eye: Suffer it not to wander, grow Remiss, Cold, Formal: It's said of Luther, that he used such Reverence and Humility, as in the presence of Almighty God, but such fervency and Faith, as if he had been talking with his Friend: he that asks with a doubting, listless mind, begs for nothing but to be denied.  
Make your Prayers your Rule; all your Duties are there set down, what you are bound to do, for the doing whereof you beg the Divine assistance. God loves to Bless and Reward Industry, but not to support Idleness. As we must ask of God what we need, so, we must labour for all we ask, by the Use and Improvement of what we have He that would Pray with Effect, must live with Care and Piety.   

Directions as to Reading and Hearing the Word.  
AWefully Remember that the Scriptures are the Word of God; full of many gracious Promises, Encouragements and Supports; the Doctrine of unseen things, and of the greatest Mercies; the Rule by which you must live and be Judged: Therefore Read and Meditate upon it, with Humility, Reverence, Love, and great Delight, Submission, and a full Resolution to obey it. If ●ny thing seem Difficult, or Improbable, question not, suspect not it, but your own ●gnorance and Understanding; and Pray, ●hat the Spirit which Indicted it, may expound 〈◊〉 to you.  
Before you go to Hear, Pray for the Minister, the Congregation, and yourselves, for the Divine Assistance and Blessing. Lay side all worldly Cares and Thoughts, all ●thiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with Meekness the Engrafted Word which is able to save your Souls. Come not with an Irreverent, Careless, unbelieving Heart, as if it were a light matter, that ●ittle concerned you; but with Faith, Love, and Reverence, with a deep, an awakened sense of its unspeakable weight, necessity, Consequence, and Concernment to you. Come on purpose to get Direction and Strength against your particular failing Hear with Attentive, willing, humble Honest, Teachable Hearts; and Application of it to yourselves; with a design to Profi● with Resolution to obey, all that shall b● Commanded you of God. As new bo●● Babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word that you may grow thereby. Despise it not in the plainness of it: Hear not to Censure or Cavil, but to be taught and Ruled. Su●fer not vain Thoughts, or drowsy, careless Negligence, to hinder your Attention. Chief mark the drift and design of the Discourse and those things that are of the great weight and concernment to yourselves.  
When you come Home, Meditate o● what you have heard. Lament a stupid careless, unbelieving Heart. Pray over, an endeavour to practise what you have learn Reason, and Plead with your own Heart and let Conscience Repeat, and Do the wor● of the Minister again. Make Conscience o● Teaching, and Provoking others; Pi●● Careless, Ignorant Souls: God usually Bless● the Grace that's Improved in doing hi● Service.   

The Lord's Supper.  
THis Sacrament is so Called, with Reference to the Time of its first Institution and Administration, at our blessed Lord and saviour's last Supper, Immediately before his Passion, (showing whereunto it Related) for 〈◊〉 Remembrance of him, the Chief Subject, and Inward part of it.  
It is, (1) A standing Memorial of his great Love, in offering up his Life a Sacrifice for our Sins; and a Seal of the Covenant of Grace. (2) A Commemoration of his Passion and Sacrifice; the Benefits of which are were assured to every worthy Receiver. (3) A Renewing and Confirmation of the Vow ●●ve made in Baptism, to be his faithful Servants unto our Lives end. (4) To testify our Inion with him, and Communion with one ●nother. (5) A Seal and means of our Spiritual nourishment, and growth in the mystical Body of Christ, the Church; and of our being strengthened with Divine Grace, and Refreshed, highly satisfied and pleased with the sense of God's Love and Mercy through the Sufferings of our Blessed Redeemer, as the  is with wholesome, agreeable food.  
The Body and Blood of Christ is signified by the Bread and Wine. All the Spiritual Change is wrought by the Faith of the Receiver, not the intention, or words of the Giver; to him that believes they are the very Body and Blood of Christ, who as in his Sufferings, as undertaking, and accomplishing our Reconciliation with God, accepted in full Discharge for all our Sins, i● Received by the Believing Soul for its life and support, Comfort, and well-being to all Eternity. The Ministers Consecrating them, so setting them a part from a Common to a Spiritual Use, signifies God's setting hi● Son apart to the work of our Redemption Breaking of the Bread, and pouring out the Wine, signifies the Sufferings Christ endured for us. His giving them to the Communicants, signifies God's giving his Crucified Son to and for every Believing Receiver, a their Redeemer and Saviour. His saying Take, Eat, etc. signifies God's Will for applying Christ unto ourselves.  
Before we Receive, we must Prepare ourselves, by examining and awakening our Knowledge of the Principles of Religion particularly, of the Sacrament. Our Faith Repentance of all our Sins. Our sincere Obedience; which we must fully Resolve upon, else we are false, and play the Hypocrites with God in the Covenant we are going to renew, and Seal. Our love to God and the Brethren. Our Forgiveness of all Men, and Charity to them. Our Sins and wants, sueing for Pardon and Supply. Our earnest desire after the Graces of the Spirit; Renewing the Exercise of them by serious Meditation, and Earnest Prayer. Taking a strict account of the Miscarriages of our Hearts, and lives as to God, and Man, and ourselves in public, and secret, and being deeply humbled for them, especially since the last renewal of our Covenant with God; cleansing ourselves from every new Pollution: seriously considering all the Work we are going to do, and all the Mercies we are going to Receive; and what Graces and Exercises of them are necessary to all this.  
In Receiving, our Behaviour must be humble, and reverend, as to the outward Gesture of our Bodies, and inward frame of our Souls. We must seriously mind the Elements and Actions, and the things signified, represented, exhibited thereby. We must Meditate on Christ's Death, so Disgraceful, so painful for us; grieving for, hating, loathing our Sins, the Cause of it; Hungering and Thirsting after him, and the Benefits purchased by him: Applying the Promises of the New Testament, which is of full force through the Death of the Testator: wholly Trusting our miserable Souls upon him, as our All-sufficient Help and Saviour: Drawing nourishment, and all needful supplies from Him in whom all fullness Dwells: Rejoicing in, and giving thanks for his Love: Renewing our Covenant; mingling all with Faith, and most endeared love to him and his Servants: with a firm Resolution of future Obedience, and unfeigned Consent to our Covenant with him.  
After Receiving, we must Examine ourselves, as to our Carriage, and Behaviour: Mourn for our Defects, in Preparation and Performance: be Earnest for Pardon: by after Pains, endeavour to obtain the Benefits of the Ordinance: Be very Thankful for any Assistance, and Enlargement; labouring to retain the sweet relish still upon our Spirits: Encourage ourselves in Attendance upon God, in this and all other Duties: Endeavour to draw more and more Virtue from Christ, for Crucifying our Inordinate Desires, Irregular Passions, and Affections, and every thing displeasing to him: Be very watchful against Sin, and Carnal Security; that we let not In his and our Enemy, but preserve our Souls, his Temple, clean and undefiled: Carefully perform our Vows, and keep the Covenant we have Renewed, and Sworn to.  

A Prayer before, or at the Sacrament.  
LOok down from Heaven, the Habitation of thy Holiness and Glory, most gracious Father, upon a vile, sinful, worthless Creature, that desires in all Abasement and Humility to prostrate himself before thee. To serve thee is my highest Honour, and to enjoy thee, my greatest Happiness; yet how apt am I to look upon thy Service as my Burden? And how oft do I draw near unto thee with my Lips, and seem to honour thee with my Mouth, when my Heart is far from thee? Which of thy Mercies have I not abused? Which of thy Corrections have I not despised, or been impatient under? Which of thy Sabbaths have I not profaned? Which of thine Ordinances have I not polluted? Which of thy Promises, or Threaten have I not slighted, undervalved, disbelieved? Which of thy Commandments have I not broken in Thought, Word, or Deed? Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in Dust and Ashes. God be merciful to me a Sinner. Thou mayest justly inflict upon me all the Curses that are writ in thy Law, and give me my Portion with Hypocrites and Unbelievers. But there is Mercy with thee that thou mayest be feared, that my Sins may be pardoned, and my Soul saved. Thou hast exalted thy Son to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give Repentance unto Israel, and Remission of Sins. He came not to call the Righteous, but Sinners to Repentance. O for his sake pardon all mine Iniquities, accept of me graciously, and love me freely; look favourably upon me, be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love and fear thy Name. Receive me into thy favour. Give me an unfeigned Consent, and the necessary Conditions of my Right to that Covenant, which I am going to have sealed unto me by thee. Let Christ be form in me, and altogether desirable unto me. Endue me, and all that celebrate thy love at this Institution, with suitable dispositions and qualifications for so solemn an Ordinance; a through Sense of our own vileness and deserts, and of thy Infinite love and goodness: A steadfast belief in thee, and thy gracious Promises; fervent Affections unto thee, and all that bears thy Image, and Likeness. Let us be filled with the joyful Exercises of Faith, and Love, Praise, and Thanksgiving, to which we are invited. Let us sensibly feel the Death of Christ to be sweet, and pleasant, refreshing and strengthening unto our Souls; as we shall the Creatures of Bread and Wine unto our Bodies. Let us Take and Eat the Elements, in a thankful Remembrance, that his Body was broken and given, and his Blood shed for us. Let our Taking, Eating, and Drinking, be significations of our receiving and applying Christ, with all his Benefits unto our own Soul's Comfort and Advantage, upon thine own Terms, as made Man for us, and a Sacrifice for our Sins. Let every Grace of thy Holy Spirit be suitably acted and increased by thee: That we may go from strength to strength; from one degree of grace, to another; be more enabled cheerfully to do and suffer thy Will, until Grace be perfected in Glory; through Jesus Christ, our great Highpriest, Sacrifice, and Altar; to whom with thy Blessed Majesty and Holy Spirit, be all Glory, Honour, and Praise, now and evermore. Amen.   

At the Sacrament.  
THis Sacrament is a visible Representation of the Sacrifice our Redeemer made upon the Cross to the Father for our Sins; to keep up the Remembrance of it, and affect us with it, and to profess our Confidence in a crucified Christ; for the Pardon of our Sins, Acceptance of our Persons, and all our Performances. In him I see Divine Anger appeased, his Justice satisfied, our Debt paid.  
O what hath our Lord done for our sake! How hath he ascertained his good Will to our Nature, by assuming it into his own Person, when we might have expected rather that it should have been an Abomination to him! Those amazing difficulties, and discouragements that stood in the way of his Kindness, could not hinder, or diminish it. He hath endured the Cross, and despised the shame, for the love wherewith he loved us: Giving sensible demonstrations, that it was easier to him to suffer such Torments, than to see us perish; and to abide all the Despites, Indignities, Contradictions of Sinners, than to forbear to save them.  
O astonishing, undeserved Kindness! We could plead nothing of our own, except provocation, and perverseness, could pass for desert; then indeed we had been great Meriters. How great therefore is the depth of that Wisdom, and how is that Goodness to be adored, that when Heaven and Earth was at so great a distance, found out a way for Reconciliation?  
'Twas righteous with the provoked Majesty of Heaven and Earth, to execute speedily upon me, the Sentence against Evil-doers: But behold him offering by his Ambassador, Terms of Peace, and Amity; to proclaim, and seal a perpetual Agreement, and Reconciliation. This Sacrament seals Remission of Sins, to all that perform the Conditions of the Covenant.  
O unmerited, unthought of Mercy, Favour, and Kindness! towards a Stranger, a Rebel, an Enemy! That can do nothing to oblige him, that hath done so much to incense him, that's so unworthy of him, so unmeet, unprepared to receive him, to entertain him, to be so nigh unto him.  
But (O Infinite Condescension!) the high and lofty one, that inhabiteth Eternity, dwells in the humble and contrite Heart, that trembles at his Word. O take possession of thine own, which thou hast so dearly purchased by thy own Blood, let that cleanse me from all Sin.   

When you receive the Bread.  
THis is the Bread that came down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the World; which I receive as a sacred Memorial of his exceeding Love, his painful Sufferings; as a Seal of those gracious Terms of Mercy he hath thereby purchased, who suffered the Punishment due unto me, died for my Sins, rose again for my Justification, and ever lives to make intercession for me.  
Who can sufficiently admire and praise thee, O merciful Lord, for this thy condescending goodness, in taking upon thee our Nature, standing in our stead, making thy Soul an offering for our Sins? Glory be to God on high, for Peace between Heaven and Earth, for his  towards Men.  
I do this in remembrance of thee, most merciful Saviour, who remembredst us in our low, our lost Estate; becamest our Surety, paidst our Debt, pacifiedst, reconciledst an offended God, enduredst the Cross, underwentst the Shame; who after thou hadst by thyself purged our Sins, sat down at the Right-hand of the Majesty on high, where thou pleadest our Cause, and preservest in thy Favour all those that sincerely wait upon thee, and serve thee.  
Let not, O let not this unspeakable Mercy and Kindness, be ever forgotten by me. O keep such a lively Sense thereof upon my Soul, as may inflame me with Love unto thee, delight in thee, a continual Care to please thee, to do all I can for thee; let nothing blot out the Remembrance of this thy Love unto me; let every thing mind me of it, until I come to be for ever with thee.   

When you receive the Cup.  
BEhold the Blood of the Covenant, between God and Sinners, shed for the Remission of my Sins, as well as for any others; by my Lord, and my God; who loved me, and gave himself for me: Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our Sins in his own Blood, and hath made us Kings and Priests unto God, and his Father, be Glory and Dominion for ever and ever. Amen.  
Adored be thy Infinite Wisdom, Love, and Mercy, in our Redemption; that left us not as the fallen Angels, to perish without a Remedy; but took upon him our Nature, that he might die for our Sins: That thou invitest, and bringest us into a Covenant of Amity and Kindness, who canst not be injured by our Enmity, who hast no need of our Friendship; who art no more benefited by us, than the Sun is by darting its Beams on a grain of Dust, on a polluted Creature, on a corrupted Carcase; with whom it's as easy to breathe us into Hell, as to breathe out one kind invitation to us.  
Worthless, vile Wretch am I; that deserves to be utterly abhorred, forsaken, rejected by him, who is become my reconciled most merciful Father, my God in Covenant; who will subdue, and pardon mine Iniquities, who knows what I have need of here, and will give it; who will assist, accept of, and bless my sincere Endeavours; for which he hath given me his Word, his Oath, his Seal, who cannot lie, which shall never be broken.  
O my God, I praise and magnify thee, for this thy Infinite Eternal Goodness, this inexpressible Love. Let such a deep and lasting Sense thereof, rest upon my Soul, that it may be my great Satisfaction and Pleasure to meditate upon, and commemorate it; my dissatisfaction to be long diverted from it. O hasten the day when I shall have nothing else to do, but to sing thy Praise, to celebrate it world without End.  
In the mean time, I offer up my Soul and Body, all that I am, and have, unto thee; to be sanctified, guided, saved, disposed of by thee: Beseeching thee, to make me willing, and obedient, patiented, and contented, humble and submissive, cheerful, and believing, steadfast and unmoveable in thy Service unto the End.  
Let me approve myself actually reconciled unto thee, by my Hatred of my Enmity with Sin, which made the first Separation between thee and us; and for which thy Son was made a Sacrifice; and be afraid of offending thee, not only, because thou hast Power to punish, but because of thy Love wherewith thou hast loved me. And the Conditions of our Peace, which are so reasonable, so comfortable; that we repent of, and forsake our Crimes: Receive thy Son as our Mediator, serve thee, which are such desirable Privileges, our Happiness, as well as our Duty?  
O make good the gracious Promises of the Covenant unto me; that thou wilt be my God; forgive my Sins, give me a new Heart, sanctify my Nature, put thy fear within me, that I shall never departed from thee; that thou wilt never leave me nor forsake me.  
O free me from the listlesness and backwardness of my Will, to give up myself wholly unto thee, who so willingly gavest thy Son an offering for my Sins. Let this Love make us more and more affectionate in our Attendance upon thee, to approach thee with Alacrity and Delight, that was't so solicitous, and at so much Cost to be at Peace with us; to combine all our Thoughts and Affections together to serve thee, who hast done so much to reduce us honourably, and successfully unto thy ever blessed self.  
With great Thankfulness let me accept of the smartest Dispensation, and be contented in every Condition, now I am reconciled: Meekly enduring the Chastisements of a Father, since they are all for my Profit, since I am not like to feel his Strokes, as a Judge. Blessed is he whose Iniquities are pardoned, unto whom the Lord imputeth not Sin.  
Let me never more harbour any hard thoughts of thee, after so signal a Discovery of thyself in thy Son. If so willing and desirous to make Reconciliation by his Blood for our Sins, when they lay before thee in their crimson Aggravations, much more on a particular fall, that we are truly humbled for. How can we refuse Peace, so tenderly and importunately offered by Thee, who shuts out none, that shut not out themselves: Art more willing to receive us into favour, to embrace us, than we to go to thee, to receive thee.  
Extend thy Mercy (O Father of Mercies) to all Mankind. Give Repentance unto Sinners, increase of Grace and Strength to all thy Servants; reduce those that are out of the way, raise up those that are fallen, confirm and strengthen those that stand, relieve and comfort all that are in distress; pity the Follies, the Degeneracies of Mankind, deliver them from their Sins and from their Miseries: Hear the daily Prayers and Groans of thy Holy Catholic Church, and every Member of the same; enlighten those that are out of it, with the Knowledge of thy Truth; make us in these three Nations a Holy People, a Habitation of Righteousness, a Place where thy Honour dwells. Reward and Recompense all our Friends, grant Forgiveness and Charity to all our Enemies, continue good Will among our Neighbours; support the Sick in Faith and Patience, be with those who are leaving the World, fit them and us for a better, receive the Souls which thou hast redeemed with thy Son's most precious Blood, to whom with thy blessed Majesty and Holy Spirit, be all Glory, Honour, and Praise, now and for ever. Amen.   

A Prayer after the Sacrament.  
ALL possible Praise and Thanks be given unto thee, most gracious God and merciful Father; for all the Instances of thy Goodness unto me; for my Health, Peace, Safety, Food and Raiment, the Society, Kindness, and love of Friends; Success of my Labours and good Endeavours after the things of this life and a better; for all the Blessings I have enjoyed, for preserving me from those Evils I have deserved and escaped; for the means of Grace, the Assistances of thy Holy Spirit, any Inclinations towards thee, any care to please thee, any fear of offending thee; for the Fountain and Foundation of them all, the Lord Jesus Christ; for thy wonderful Love in sending him, to save us from Sin and Misery, to reveal and lead us to Eternal Happiness, and for giving me this Day, the Pledges and Assurances of the same. My highest Praises fall infinitely short of thy most Excellent Majesty; and I am ashamed of the most affectionate Thanks I can render unto thee; for those inestimable Benefits thou hast conferred upon me, and so long continued unto me: How much Cause then have I to be abased for my shameful Disobedience, forgetfulness of thee, and Ingratitude to thee, to whom I own all I have in this World, or hope for in the next? I humbly implore thy tender Mercies in the forgiveness of all my sins, for his sake, who hath born the Burden of them, and satisfied thy Justice for them. Let me have such a lively sense of thy marvellous love, and of my Redeemer's sufferings, always possessing my Soul, as may oblige me for ever unto thee; Constrain me to love thee, to obey thee, to trust in thee, to be always content with the Portion thy Wisdom and Love allots unto me; and to rejoice in the midst of all the Troubles of this Life, now thou hast given me the Earnest, the Pledges of my Eternal Salvation. Preserve in me a constant sense of the great value of my Soul, for which he hath paid so dear; and a great Esteem of that Purity and Holiness, for the restoring of which, he was obedient to the Death of the Cross. Let the same mind be in me that was in Christ; Let that Lowliness and Humility, Tenderness and Compassion, Love and Meekness, Heavenly-mindedness and Submission, Holiness and Delight to do thy Will, Patience and Forgiveness, that shone in his Life and Sufferings appear also in mine: That living in the Imitation of his Holy Example, I may be made partaker of the Benefits of his Death and Passion; his gracious undertake for me. Let me live in the daily Thoughts, and Praise of his exceeding love. Let it be the Care and Business of my life, to serve, please, and enjoy thee for ever. Let many be daily brought in to understand, and partake of this great Salvation, purchased by our Redeemer; let him be made known and faithfully obeyed all the World over. Enlarge, reform, unite thy Church, more especially in these three Nations, let every Member of it be sanctified, supported, and saved by thee. Let all of us that have waited upon thee this Day at this solemn Ordinance, be pardoned, and accepted in the beloved, be mindful of the Vows and Engagements that are upon us: Let us love one another as Christ hath loved us, and given himself for us; and live as thy Redeemed ones, that have tasted how good the Lord is, and will be unto us; we being delivered out of the hands of our Enemies, let us serve thee without fear, in Holiness and Righteousness all our Days, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose Holy Name and Words I further pray, Our Father, etc.    

How to Prepare for a Comfortable Death.  

I.  
BE sure your State and Condition, your Nature, Disposition, and Inclinations are changed; That you have an Interest in Christ (the only Ark that can carry us safe to shore, after that General Shipwreck made in Adam). An inward principle of Piety and Holiness, a renewed Soul, a reconciled mind to God, and True goodness (which is nothing else, but an Harmony, or Right order of Heart and Life) That you are possessed of the Sanctifying Spirit, made partaker of the Divine Nature, and Image, Temper, and Dispositions; resembling Him in his Imitable Perfections, of Justice, Truth, Goodness, Kindness, Clemency, Bounty, Benevolence, etc. Absolutely, and Entirely resigned, and devoted to him without Reserve or Exception; to be governed wholly by his Laws. You are then reconciled to God, you have the Judge for your Friend and Advocate; and the Earnest of your Future Inheritance. He deserves not the Name of a Christian (saith St. Jerom) who lives in such a state, in which he would not die. Good men neglecting clearing up their Evidences and Hopes, Their Claim and Title to Heaven, hath made them live Comfortless, and die Heartless. 'Tis dreadful entering Eternity upon lose Hopes, and fluid Peradventures: To die, and not to know how we shall speed in another world: To fall into the Hands of Death, (as the Lepers into the Syrians) not knowing whether we shall meet with Kindness or Cruelty: like that dying Philosopher, Dibius vixi Anxius morior, nescio quo vado. But what is it to be put into the Bill of Mortality, when our Names are written in the Book of Life? where Gild is Removed, Death is disarmed. We may well desire to be dissolved, when we know our Redeemer liveth: That He shall be our Judge, who hath taken upon Him our Flesh, who hath given us his Spirit, upon whom we have fixed our Expectations of Happiness, for whom we have suffered from this vile world, whom we always looked on as our Treasure and Portion, whose coming we have so long looked for and desired, who hath the Keys of Heaven, Hell, and Death; our Friend, our Brother, our Husband, our Head: He will not endure to have his own Members cast off; He will never disown those that shall be found in Him; He will vindicate his own Claim and Title to us; He will not lose his own Purchase; not deny his own work; not condemn us for that Debt himself hath undertaken to pay; for whom He came to be Surety, was Sentenced, Condemned, and Suffered. There is no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit 
(d) Rom. 8.1. . If upon Gospel grounds our Hearts Condemn us not, but Testify we are reconciled to Him, we may be sure He is reconciled to us, and may have Confidence in the Day of Judgement.   

II.  
In your several places and stations, Employ well your Talents, your Trust, your Stewardship, your Time; fill up every space of it, by well spending it. Do all the good you can while you are Here; not only by a daily Exercise of Public and Private Devotion, but by being in any kind useful and beneficial to others (which is a great part of our Business in this world) by a Charitable helping the necessitous and distressed; allaying their Sorrows, removing their Burdens, supporting them under their Calamities, by all Offices of Kindness and Friendship, hindering Injurious Contentions, promoting Love, Peace, good will amongst Men; by furthering their welfare; by being Courteous and Affable, long-suffering, mild, easy to be entreated and reconciled; of a Benign, Compassionate, Sympathising Temper; assisting and standing up for the injured and oppressed; Contributing as much as we can, that every one may live as Happily by us, and be as good as may be. More especially, doing good to men's Souls, by seasonable frequent Reproofs and Admonitions, good Advice and Example, to bring them into love with Goodness and Virtue, and Rescue them from the Dominion of Sin and Satan, and an Intolerable Damnation. A good and generous man, is Ambitious, and hearty glad of an Opportunity to save a Man's Life or Estate, when in Danger; but He that's an Instrument of Anomer's Eternal Salvation, saves the most precious thing in the world, and furthers his own 
(e) Dan. 12.3. Jam. 5.19. . We may do a great deal of good in a little Time, Husbanded well, and suffering none of it to be swallowed up without endeavouring to do some real good to ourselves or others. We account Him Happy that's taken hence whilst He's well Employed, and every man wishes to Die so: we cannot choose the Circumstances of our own Death, but may certainly make it Comfortable, by employing ourselves so, that when God shall call us, we cannot be accused of any gross mis-spence of our Time, or the neglecting any Opportunity of doing, or receiving good, the Providence of God hath put into our Hands. One of the most principal Rules of solid Devotion (saith St. Cyprian) is, that we let not pass the least occasion of serving God.   

III.  
Exercise Charity and Mercy, according to your Opportunities and Abilities. Alms delivers from Death 
(f) Isa. 1.17. Dan. 4.27. Ecl. 3.9. Tob. 4.10. . Come up for a Memorial before God 
(g) Act. 10.4. . Charity covers the multitude of Sins 
(h) 1 Pet. 4.8. . Forgiving others Entitles us to the Pardon of our Offences 
(i) Mat. 6.14.15. . We can challenge no Reward from God for our Duty, because the Service of our whole Lives, is Antecedently due to him, and we Receive all from him; but, a good life qualifies and disposes us for that Happiness He hath promised to Holy and pure Souls; and no Grace or Virtue, more immediately prepares and fits us for it, than works of Mercy; which are like to have a greater Influence on the last Day's Proceed, than most are ware of 
(k) Lu. 12.33. and 16.9. 1 Tim. 6.17, etc. . All the Actions of Men shall be brought to account, but Christ Representing to us the process of the last Judgement, and instancing only in Works of Mercy 
(l) Mat. 25.32, etc.  signifies at least thus much to us, that he hath a peculiar Regard to those, in acquitting or condemning men at that Day: He looks upon the Performance, or Neglect as Redounding upon himself, and Intimates there's something peculiar in the Exercise or Neglect of this Grace, to entitle us to his favour, or expose us to his wrath. The marblehearted Cruelty of wicked men, is the only thing mentioned that makes the Bill be found against them whilst the Righteous are strangely surprised, when told, they had showed savour to their Judge, to him that sat on the Throne, whom they had never seen in all their lives. He assures us, while we are feeding the meanest of his Brethren (as such) we have Himself our Guest: are Treating Him, whilst we Relieve the real Sufferer, that asks it in his Name. And who would not gladly pair off all the Superfluities of life, that he might always have ready an Entertainment for so great a Personage as Him when he Craves an Alms? If we have been kind, compassionate, and merciful to others, we have the greater ground to hope we shall find him so to us; who that he may Encourage us to Imitate his Love and Goodness, Proportions his Deal to us, to ours with others; forgive and ye shall be forgiven, give and it shall be given unto you 
(m) Mar. 11.25.26. Luke 6.37. . None have more reason to dread his Justice and Severity, than those that shut up their Bowels of Compassion towards their Brethren; for, He shall have Judgement without Mercy, that hath showed no mercy 
(n) Jam. 2.13. . I do not Remember (saith St. Jerom) to have read, that ever any Charitable Person died an Evil Death. God will notreject him in his greatest Needs, in his passionate Requests; for God is Love, and every degree of Charity that dwells in us, is a participation of his Nature; And therefore, when on our Deathbed, we have many things to trouble us, and our Friends have forsaken us, or prove miserable Comforters to us, we may call to mind the Alms we have given, the Injuries we have forgiven; how we have sought objects for our Charity, embraced and followed Peace with all Men, and with the Eye of Faith look up to God, coming to pronounce the last Sentence, according to his mercy, and ours. I have been (saith Cyrus the Persian on his Deathbed) a lover of Mankind, and a friend, and merciful, and now I expect to Communicate in that great kindness which he shows, that is the great God, and Father of Men, and Mercies.   

iv  
Die daily towards all Carnal Comforts and Delights; disuse, disengage yourself from them, deny yourself in them; wean yourself from the World, let your Heart grow strange unto it; get right Apprehensions of it, by diminishing its seeming Excellencies, and considering its real Inconveniences. Judge not of it by that Repute, and Entertainment it finds amongst Men, but ill it doth them; how defiling, dangerous, unsuitable, unsatisfying, (commonly given to the worst) transitory, unuseful in our greatest Need. Present the Soul with that Bill of Divorce which Death will shortly give to all your endearing Enjoyments. The serious thoughts of which will presently sweep down all Cobweb Designs, and false Felicities; precent Deceit, and every thing which breeds the worm of Conscience. Fix your Residence above; you will then behold this Molehill of Aunts, this World's bustle and grandieur vanish and disappear: Its Castles and Mountains become Warts, and all the Provinces of it, for which men swell and fight, as the Cabins of an Honeycomb: And it's Idolised Silver and Gold, Earth, and useless Mettle, uncurrent Coin in the other World, where nothing passes but true Goodness. When the Sceptre and the Spade shall have one common Grave; and Royal Dust be blended with the Beggar's Ashes; and the Righteous and the Wicked shall be separated by a vast Gulf, and an amazing Difference. Take it but for your Pilgrimage, your passage to Life; be as indifferent in these things, as Travellers in the Affairs of a Foreign Country. Receive with thankfulness what comes with a fair Providence, upon Honest Endeavours, but let your mind be upon your Home. Contentedly suffer Losses and Inconveniences in your way to it. He that hath unfeignedly made Heaven his End, will readily pass to it on the hardest Terms: and Comfortably think of laying down his Head in the Earth; for every man is willing to obtain his End, to receive his Reward, to enter upon his Estate. 'Tis much for the sake of the Flesh that most Perish; that Death is so  to us. O could we subdue that, and live above its Pleasures and Desires, we should easily bear its Dissolution; a Picture that hangs lose on the wall, is easily taken down, and removed; but with much ●ending if fastened to it.   

V  
Live so, as you may be always Ready to give an Account. [Be sure you be sincere.] (was the dying Advice of my dear departed Friend, E.G.) Perform every Duty with all your might, and as if it were your last. Do every thing with Respect to an after Reckoning: will this bear the Trial, turn to a good account at the great Day? Would I do thus, were I now going to stand before Christ's Tribunal? The Consequences of all our Actions extends as far as another World. The Apostle seems to be startled at such like Thoughts, seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought we to be, in all holy Conversation and Godliness? 
(o) 2 Pet. 3.11.14.  As if all were little enough to qualify us for a Happy Eternity. Have a special Regard to the Duties of your particular Calling; be Diligent, and Honest in it: God judges of men by the general course and tenor of their lives, (rather than by any single or extraordinary Action) which is best seen by their demeanour in that place and station his Providence hath set them in. Take Heed of offering violence to your Conscience; of doing any thing you know to be a Sin, or neglecting any thing you know to be a necessary Duty; for that's to Sin deliberately, to provoke God, to give you up to hardness of Heart, to withdraw his Grace and Spirit from you. Have always a clear unspotted Conscience, void of offence. Behold I come as a Thief, Blessed is He that watcheth and keepeth his Garments 
(p) Rev. 16.15. . Beware of those things that will fright you in the Night; of doing any thing now, which will make Conscience flash in your face another day; and reproach you with the Remembrance of what you was told would be bitterness in the latter End; when no Sanctuary to shelter, no Cordial to revive, no bosom Friend to stand by, and hearten you: Then Spots will appear in their Breadth and Blackness; Sin and Wrath, another thing, than in your Health and Ease.  
Be not wicked in thy own sight (was the good Counsel of an old Rabbi) Reverence thyself. Do nothing but what you can review with Quiet and Content. Conscience is a tender thing; that always writes, tho' it doth not speak; and what we account small in our Health, may make a dying Bed very uneasy to us: Innumerable Actions which we thought innocent, may appear to be Sin; and what we made light of, infinitely Evil. So black and deformed is that Shape wherein Sinners appear unto themselves, upon a Review of their past Crimes, that, than they abhor their own Image, much more, those Sins that have deformed them. Conscience speaks loudest, when men grow speechless. Whilst all seems calm and quiet without; and their Flatterers fawn upon them, their minds are restless, and distracted. Horrors and Regrets of Conscience rolls and works within, and draws the dismal Picture of their own Gild in dreadful Colours. Then are the proud Boasts of the Atheists and Debauche's quelled and baffled by the King of Terrors: The very thoughts of whose approach, surprises them with fear and consternation; whilst good men insult over it. The guilty Prisoner dreads every Noise; and trembles when the door opens, for fear of his deserved doom; whilst the Innocent upon the same Account, is both calm and joyful, expecting deliverance. The Divine Majesty sitteth or abideth at the sick. Man's Beds-head, saith a Jewish Writer on Psal. 41.3. The Lord will strengthen him upon the Bed of languishing; thou wilt make all his Bed in his Sickness. Gild makes us shy of a holy Presence, kindles the Sparks of Hell in our Souls, and renders Death terrible indeed; while a Sabbath of Rest Ensues Innocence, and a well-spent life makes the Righteous as bold as a Lion; to receive Death with open Arms, for its sting is taken away; to Hug and Embrace the Promises afar off, as actually Existent and present, as a man doth his Intimate Friend, who hath been long absent in another Country. Remember now. O Lord I beseech Thee, how I have walked before Thee in Truth, and with a perfect Heart, and have done that which is good in Thy sight 
(q) Is. 38.3. .   

VI  
Lay up and secure every day something against your last, i. e. The Comfort of a well-spent life, and provisions suitable, and proper to the Necessities of that great Day of Expense; a strong active well tried Faith, a deep, large, exercised Repentance; a mind well furnished with wise Considerations, an unconstrained Charity, a firm Hope, a profound Submission to the Will of God, a well grounded Expectance of a Blessed Eternity: And this, not only by overcoming and despising the world, accustoming yourself to suffer Injuries, and Affronts, Losses, and cross Accidents in it; a delight in (by Conversing with God and) Heavenly things, getting sweeter Thoughts of it, than of the most prosperous state on Earth: But by considering with what Arguments then to fortify your Soul, what graces and defences are requisite to render Death easy, safe, and happy: And more particularly, by daily, assiduous, fervent address to God, to be with you, stand by you, assist you at that Time, to resist and subdue the Assaults of Satan, to strengthen you against Impatience, and Infidelity; to quicken you to Diligence and sincere Endeavours for obtaining what you pray for; else you play the Hypocrite with, and mock God. Common Acquaintance will not do; it's not enough to say, we have eaten and drunk in thy presence 
(r) Luk. 13.26. . There must be frequent Interviews, a spiritual Intimacy between Him and us. He that hath had an entire Conversation with God, cannot fear to go to him. No marvel they Tremble that know him not, or know that he will not know Them. Had the Fiery Chariot fetched away Elijah unlooked for, we had doubted of the favour of his Translation. Watch ye therefore and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man 
(s) Luk. 21.36. .   

VII.  
Put not the Evil day far from you; Familiarize Death unto your Soul by frequent Meditation of it. Look not upon it at a distance, but even at the door; let the Thoughts of it dwell with you. O how soon, how suddenly will winged Time rush into Eternity? Our Lord comes, not only in a Day, but in an Hour we think not of 
(t) Mat. 24.44.50. , and none but He could ever say, Mine Hour is not yet come. We are not sure to be further from our Grave on our Feet, than on our Sick Bed. Serve up a Skeleton at your Table; walk upon Mount Calvarie: Present to your Soul a frequent view of the Black Scene you go through, when you go off the Stage. Be still stooping down, and looking into your Sepulchre. Fancy you see a Grave gaping for you, your crazy Tabernacle falling upon your Head. your Breath growing Cold, your Eyestrings breaking; The vital Lamp just spent, and ready to go out. How fast Time is Eating you out of Possession of all here. Such Thoughts will not only cool our passionate fondness to Earthly things, make us sober and indifferent in their use, and habitually ready to part with them; but take off the Horror of the Apprehensions and approach of Death; we shall find it, not a Stranger, but an intimate Acquaintance, an expected Friend: we shall make no more of it, than of going through a dark Entry to our Father, of falling into the Arms and Embraces of our Mother, and Sister. No guest comes unlooked for, to him that keeps a Constant Table. A little warning serves a Tenant that's provided for, who is often thinking of a Remove.   

VIII.  
By all means strengthen and confirm your Belief in the Promises of This, and another Life. Live, walk by Faith, and not by Sight. Dwell on the Believing Thoughts of Everlasting glory; and Inure yourself to the daily Exercise of the Employment of it; of Love, and Joy, and cheerful Praising God, which will much prepare, incline, dispose you to be There. Converse chief with those that shall be your Companions for ever: A Stranger Rejoices when he meets with his own Country men. In your Pilgrimage enjoy as much as you can of Heaven, which gins Here: let your Treasure, your Heart, your Conversation be in it. Think what others are Enjoying whilst you are Here; and what a life it will be to see and enjoy the Blessed God, your glorified Redeemer; To be perfectly taken up in the full fruition thereof, among Saints and Angels in the new Jerusalem. O, Can we but realize that, how would our Hearts be affected and ravished with the prelibation, and foresight of it; as Mariners in a Tempest at Sea, when by a Perspective-glass they discern their Harbour afar off; how do they Rejoice, Embrace, and make towards it? 'Tis utterly the fault of Christians, when they see the Earth Cut out among its Possessors, to measure Themselves by the standard of the World; and value their Estates by the Creatures Rate-Book; so they are always poor, whilst they Inventory what Goods they have, not what they Hope for, and expect; for than they could see no end of their Riches; That they have their Portion to Receive, when all the Treasures of this World shall be exhausted; Enter upon their Estate, when the Inhabitants of it shall become Bankrupts, turned out of all, and have nothing to look for, but Wrath and Vengeance. They exceedingly wrong their Souls, and hinder Themselves from a willingness to be with God, in spending their days in doubts and drooping worldly Dulness, and neglecting so much the Graces, and Work of Heaven.   

IX.  
Review daily your Heart and Life by a solemn Scrutiny. Summon yourself before the Bar of Conscience; Reckon for your Thoughts, Inclinations, Passions, Words, and Actions; your behaviour in your several Duties, Places, Relations. Take a strict Account of the miscarriages of the Day, what Sins of Omission, or Commission you have been guilty of; and Confess them to God with an hearty sorrow and shame, and a great Detestation of yourself; and firmly Resolve by his Grace and Assistance never to be guilty of the like again; but to lead a new life. A speedy, present, and particular Repentance, is the way to keep your accounts even, and to leave as little as may be upon the score to Trouble you when you are least able to bear it, and have most need of Comfort; and likelier to wipe out the guilt of your particular Sins, than a general Repentance on a Deathbed, when you cannot but forget, and omit many things which you can take no distinct notice of. 'Tis too much Presumption for any man to Conclude that his Sins will be forgiven him in a lump, and that a general Confession, and Acknowledgement of them will suffice when he comes to Die. Let no less Humiliation, Repentance and Faith serve for the least Sin, than you have good ground to conclude will carry you boldly from your Knees through Death to Judgement. Thus get your Case rightly stated, by letting Conscience have the full hearing of it in her private Sessions, before you appear at the great Assize. Make your Bed the Memorial of your Grave, and your Evening Thoughts an Image of the Day of Judgement; than which there's no greater Instrument of Piety and Virtue in the world: This will make us ashamed, and afraid to neglect our Duty, to commit any Sin, when we know we must be accountable to ourselves for it at Night, and to God at the last Day. By this means we shall be able to Correct the Errors of our past Lives, to walk by a sure and steady Rule, to make our Repentance particular, to prevent Sin coming on us with an After-clap; for, if we would Judge ourselves, we should not be judged 
(u) 1 Cor. 11.31. . Let Conscience speak as a Law, a Witness, a Judge, now, else it will be a Worm in Hell. No wonder most are afraid of Death, they are Strangers at Home; and Justly Dread being called to account, not knowing how things stand between God and Them.  
Finally, Often set before you the Condition of the wise and foolish Virgins, when the Bridegroom cometh 
(w) Matt. 25.1, etc. . Behold the Judge standing before the Door 
(x) James 5.9. . Fancy you see the Fire already kindled, which e'er long will turn the whole Globe of Heaven and Earth into Flames: The Heavens passing away with a hideous Noise and Clamour; and the Works of Nature and Art, (which men so idolise and dote upon,) consuming and burning to a black Coal: The Son of Man coming in Power and great Glory, with his Holy Angels: The Books opening, the last Trump sounding, the Dead starting out of their Graves; the Wise with great Joy and Triumph, to their expected Blessedness, the Foolish in Horror and Amazement, looking for their fearful Doom. Think, what a terrible thing this will be to the drowsy World; what a Surprise to the Careless and Ungodly; to be thus suddenly overtaken, not knowing what to do, or which way to turn: The trembling multitude running up and down, appalled, astonished, and confounded; in so much despair of the abused mercy of God, that instead of supplicating it, they'll call to the Rocks and Mountains to fall on them and hid them from the face of him that sits on the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; and find them as inexorable as God himself. O the ghastly looks, the shivering motions, the distorted eyes, and listening ears, the distracted faces, and trembling hands, of the confident and daring sinners, at that great and terrible Day; when all the charming Companions and Associates shall like enraged Furies fly upon one another, and the Fuel men feed their Lusts with, shall be turned into Fuel for Hell-fire, and stings of Conscience. When every Vice shall have its proper Torment: The secure Sinner, be filled with Remorse and Anguish: The Sensualist tormented with an insatiable Hunger and Thirst, when a vexatious Fire shall burn Body and Soul. The tenacious greedy worldling, perish with want. Confusion and Shame cover the Proud and Vainglorious. When the lascivious Wretch, instead of gazing upon a fictitious Beauty, and sporting in the Arms of his Dalilah, shall have his sight blasted with the contagious Vision of deformed Spectors, and be embraced by devouring Flames. The amorous Smiles of all his sweetest mirth and jollity, corrupted; and surrendered up into doleful Howl, and mortal Gripes. How will the sensual Sinner then look, when all his Terrene Pleasures shall be snatched away by those merciless Flames? What will the Voluptuous Glutton do, when he shall see all his curious delicious Dainties, with which he so gratified his brutish Palate, turned to Ashes? Then they would fain vomit up their delicious morsels; and abhor the remembrance of, what they cannot forget. They confess and bewail their former Folly: The things they eagerly pursued, they sadly lament, when all their Enjoyments are spent, and nothing left but naked Sin, and Conscience. Where will the Costive Avaricious Earthworm delve or scrape for Riches; the Ambitious Climb for Honour, when they see all Gold and Silver, Crown, and Sceptre, burnt up? How soon then will Men's fond Presumptions, and Self-flatteries, vanish into smoke, and vapour, end in dreadful despair; when all shall appear in their own likeness, nakedly, as they are, and there can be no varnishing, or gild over a rotten Heart? When none shall deceive God, as they did men, with a disguise of Piety. No Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, steal on his Right-hand. With what Amazement and impotent Rage will they struggle? What would they not give, to change their place, that they might change their doom? How will men's borrowed Colours be then melted away? What a number of painted Vizards, and disguised Masks of false Hearts, be thrown into the Fire? What would the Man invited to the Marriage-Feast, give for a Wedding Garment, when he stands at the Door, and receives a Repulse? And the foolish Virgins, for Oil? How will the Market of Grace rise? with what Industry will they seek it, when they hear the Rumour of the Bridegroom's approach? When Rivers of Tears cannot wash away the Gild of Conscience, nor ten thousand Rivers of Oil, alloy the Rage and Clamour of it. But, Christ's Followers shall be no losers. He will consider them for their Time, for their Expenses, for their Labour, for their Sufferings. None of them serve him for nought. They shall certainly have their Hire, that Work in his Vineyard. The despised Ignorant Christian, will then appear wiser than the craftiest Politician: The vilest Believer outshine the Rich man's Scarlet, and glittering Robe: The Content of this World, be of more value than all the Treasures of it: The Penitent's Tears, yield more Comfort, than all the Mirth and Jollity of the Earth: A Holy Life, give more satisfaction, than all the licentious Humours of this Jovial Age. When God shall give Relaxation and Rest to his troubled Saints: When all their Burdens of Persecution, Temptation, and Sin, shall be removed: All their bodily Diseases and Infirmities, end in perfect Vigour, Agility, Spirituality, Incorruption, and Glory: All their Ignorances', in a perfect Intuition, and Vision of God: All their Troubles of Conscience, in perfect Peace: All their Distempers of Sin, in perfect Subjection to the Will of God: All their exorbitant Affections, in a regular, and harmonious Motion towards the Supreme good: All their Distractions, and deadness in Duty, in a vigorous Activity, and uninterrupted Exercise of Grace: All Church-Divisions, in perfect Union and Communion of Saints: When they shall have no misgiving Thoughts, no remaining Depravity in their Nature, or new contracted Gild, to eclipse the Face of God, or deject theirs, and make their Countenance fall before him: Nothing taken from them, but their Prison, their Chain, their Clog, their Shame, their Sting, their Poison, their Burden, their Misery.  
The Consideration of Judgement to come, is enough sure to persuade us to a strict and diligent Care of our Lives, and Actions; to cast a damp upon all youthful Dalliances and Solaces; to check them in their eager pursuit of their most delicious Pleasures 
(y) Ec. 11.9. . To make the Judge upon the Bench tremble at a few words of a Prisoner at the Bar 
(z) Act. 24.25. . The Drunkard, to let fall his Cups; and the Busy Worldling, to stand at gaze; the Profane Atheist, to hid his Head; and the sleepy Sot, to start up into Anxious Wonder; to hush the loud Companions into Silence, and the merry Droll into a careful Look. No Sinner knows how soon he may be reduced to the very last opportunity of making his peace with God; and brought into those straits, that no wise considerate man, would be in for all the World: Into such a Condition, as to have nothing to save him from perishing, but a sudden Repentance; to have but this Plank left, which is a Thousand to one, whether ever it will bring him safe to shore. Now he apprehends himself in danger; he is infinitely troubled for his neglecting Preparation for that, which he could not for his life but believe would come: He thinks (and it's to be feared, very right) it's somewhat too late to set about it; to little purpose to gird up his Loins, when he can do no Service; to light his Lamp, when all his Oil is spent: He's afraid he shall have no time to do any thing considerable in this work; that God will not accept of any thing he doth, at such a time; he vainly wishes for some of those Hours he was sick of, hung upon his Hand, he foolishly wasted and misspending; and nothing hinders him now, from setting about the Work, with all his Might, but that ●●e hath neglected it so long, and that it's ●ow too late. But is it not better, to pre●ent the occasion of it? To take away the ground of such vain Wishes, such sad Complaints? Why should we not resolvedly do that now, which so many when they come to die, hearty wish they had done? The Foundation of our Peace and Comfort at Death, must be laid in our youth and health; living in a continual Expectation, and Preparation for it; doing all things in order to it; getting a stock of habitual Grace; and keeping our Souls in a vigorous, vigilant Posture. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights Burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the Wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately; Blessed are those Servants, 
Luke 12.35, 36, 37.  whom the Lord when he cometh, shall find watching.   

A Prayer for a Comfortable Death To be added to our daily Devotions.  
ALmighty Creator, and most merciful Redeemer; who hast made me as the Clay, and wilt bring me to Dust again: Have Mercy upon me now, and at the Hour of my Death: By a Holy Conversation, and habitual Performance of my Duty, let me be always ready for it: Let it not be unprovided, or untimely; having in it nothing extraordinary, but an extraordinary Piety, and the Manifestation of a great and miraculous Mercy. Hid thy Face from my Sins, and blot out all mine Iniquities. Let me pass through the Valley of the shadow of Death, with safety and a well-grounded Peace, a meek and quiet Spirit, and a Sense of thy Love and Mercy; let me then fear no Evil because thou art with me, thy Rod and thy Staff comforts me, when my Flesh and my Heart faileth me, be thou the strength of my Heart, and my Portion for ever. Give me a right use of ●●y Senses and Understanding; an unsigned Repentance, a strong Faith and patience, a firm Hope, a sincere Love 〈◊〉 thee, and all the World. Be thou ●●e Portion of all my Relations and friend's, and our exceeding great Re●●rd. When our Earthly House of this ●●bernacle is dissolved, let's have a Buil●●g of God, an House not made with ●●nds, Eternal in the Heavens; while ●●ive, let me live unto thee; when I 〈◊〉, let me die unto thee; living or dy●●●, let me be thine, through Jesus Christ 〈◊〉 Lord. Amen.   

Another.  
O Judge of all the World, and Father of Mercies: In all Humility I ●strate myself before thee: O Remember not against me the Sins of my ●●th, nor of my riper Years; but ac●●●ding to the Multitude of thy tender ●●●cies, blot out all my Transgressions. 〈◊〉 me not in a short life, create to my 〈◊〉 Horror, Amazement, and Eternal Torment; but be every day doing that which will be matter of Triumph, and Rejoicing when I come to die. All the days of my appointed Time, let m● wait till my Change come. Preserus me in thy Faith, Fear, and Love, to my Life's End. Cast me not away from thy Presence, take not thy Holy Spir●● from me. Deliver me whom thou ha● redeemed with thy most precious Blood from the Power and guilt of Sin, from offending thee or others, by an impat●●ent uneasy Spirit; from the Assaults 〈◊〉 Satan, from an immoderate Fear 〈◊〉 Death, from Eternal Damnation. Th●● when I have served thee in my Generation, I may have an abundant Entrance into the Kingdom of our Lord and Sav● our Jesus Christ; to whom with th● Blessed Majesty, and Holy Spirit, be a Glory, Honour, and Praise, now and eve● more. Amen.   

Another.  
O Thou that art the Father of Mercies, and God of all Consolation; receive, and keep me in thy Favour, in the Unity of the Spirit, in the Bond of Faith, and Peace, and in Righteousness of Life. Make me always sensible of the shortness and uncertainty of my Life; and of the suddainness and certainty of that Day, when thou wilt bring every work into Judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be Good, or whether it be Evil. Led me in thy way; sanctify, and support me by thy Holy Spirit, now, and all my Days. Bind up my Soul in the Bundle of Life. Redeem me from Sin, and Death, and the Power of the Grave; and bring me to thine everlasting Kingdom. Let not any Neglect, Temptation, Pain, or Passion, discompose my Thoughts, or Duty, or hinder me from a well-grounded Confidence in thee. Let neither Death, nor Life, nor Angels, nor Principalities, nor Powers, nor things present, nor things to come, separate me from the Love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath taught me, when I pray, to say, Our Father, etc.    
FINIS.   

ERRATA.  
PAge 75. line 12. for our, read your. P. 85. l. 1. for hnd, r. and.   

The CONTENTS.  

OF the Scriptures. Pag. 1  
Of God. Pag. 4  
Of the Trinity. Pag. 6  
Of Creation. Pag. 7  
Of Providence. Pag. 8  
Of the Angels. Pag. 9  
Of Man by Creation. Pag. 11  
Of the Fall of Man. Pag. 15  
Of Man's Recovery. Pag. 16  
Of the Sacraments. Pag. 19  
Of Baptism. Pag. 19  
Of the Lord's Supper. Pag. 173  
Of the Creed. Pag. 21  
Of the Ten Commandments. Pag. 28  
Of the Lord's Prayer. Pag. 35  
Husbands and Wives Mutual Duties, Pag. 46 

Their Prayer. Pag. 51    
Husbands Duties. Pag. 54 

Their Prayer. Pag. 56    
Wives Duties. Pag. 59 

Their Prayer. Pag. 60  
Prayer for safe Childbearing. Pag. 62  
Thanksgiving after Deliverance. Pag. 64    
Parents Duties. Pag. 65 

Their Prayer. Pag. 71    
children's Duties. Pag. 74 

Their Prayer. Pag. 76    
Masters Duties. Pag. 78 

Their Morning and Evening Prayer with their Families. Pag. 81    
Servants Duties. Pag. 88 

Their Prayer. Pag. 91    
Duties of the Aged. Pag. 94 

Their Prayer. Pag. 96    
Duties of the Young. Pag. 99 

Their Prayer. Pag. 105    
Duties of the Rich. Pag. 109 

Their Prayer. Pag. 115    
Duties of the Poor. Pag. 118 

Their Prayer. Pag. 122    
Duties of the Sick. Pag. 126  
Support for the Sick. Pag. 131 

Prayers for the Sick. Pag. 136    
How to spend every Day well. Pag. 143  
Morning Prayer. Pag. 152  
Evening Prayer. Pag. 154  
Grace before, and after Meat. Pag. 157  
How to spend the Lord's Day. Pag. 158  
Morning Prayer for the Lord's Day. Pag. 162  
Evening Prayer for the Lord's Day. Pag. 166  
Directions as to Prayer. Pag. 169  
Direction as to Reading and Hearing the Word. Pag. 171  
Directions as to the Lord's Supper. Pag. 173  
Duties Before, At, and After Receiving. Pag. 174 

A Prayer Before, or At Receiving. Pag. 177  
Meditations and Prayers before we receive the Bread. Pag. 180  
When we receive the Bread. Pag. 182  
When we receive the Cup. Pag. 184  
A Prayer after receiving. Pag. 190    
How to prepare for a comfortable Death. Pag. 193  
Prayers for a comfortable Death; to be added to our daily Devotions. Pag. 216    

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