An Occasional LETTER: Containing Some THOUGHTS ABOUT A National Reformation. AND Recommended to the Consideration OF THE Parochial CLERGY, And Others. LONDON, Printed for Brabazon Aylmer, at the Three Pigeons in cornhill, 1698. Reverend Sir, enclosed I present you with a Christian Monitor, and do in a particular manner recommend this Useful Book to be distributed by yourself, and Reverend Brethren( of your Neighbourhood and Acquaintance) amongst your respective Parishioners, especially those of the Poorer sort: In many Parishes this may be done for about Twenty or Thirty Shillings; which it's to be hoped no good Man, that hath a due sense of the worth of Souls, will think much to bestow upon so good an Account. Many Pious, and Worthy Divines, &c. having already given away very considerable Quantities( near One Hundred Thousand) with very good Success, I doubt not but yourself, and others, will be prevailed with to imitate their generous Example herein; and the rather, for that it will undoubtedly be a Means, with the Blessing of God, to render all your other Ministerial Labours, the more easy and Successful; which is a point of the highest Consideration. By this Method you may, with little Trouble and expense, instruct those in your respective Parishes, that through Prejudice, or other ways, will not come to Church to hear you. It being found by Experience that short, devout Treatises on the Lords Supper, are of very great Use to Young Communicants, if Judiciously chosen, I take the freedom to recommend to your Perusal this Familiar Guide to the same,( bound up with the late archbishop's persuasive to frequent Communion, if desired) wherein the whole Method of our Salvation, by the Covenant of Grace, is so fully, and yet briefly stated, that I am of Opinion, if so Useful a Book were more known, it would be generally had in most Parishes of the Kingdom, and be sold by the Reverend Clergy to some, lent to others, and given to the poorest sort of their respective Parishioners that can red; and for those that cannot, this, or Bishop Patrick's help to young Beginners, may be often red unto them by others; I hope you will see yours effectually supplied with the same, or some other you shall better approve of. I am very sensible there are many Excellent Books already writ upon this Subject, yet considering the wretched Ignorance of the generality of People in their Spiritual Concerns( for want of Early Instruction in the Nature and Obligation of their Baptismal Covenant) I am apt to think, few, or none, will be found to exceed this little Treatise, which is now to be sold for Three Shillings the Dozen, to encourage the speedy dispersing the same. It being matter of sad, but of very just, Complaint, that the generality of Christians, and especially those of the poorer sort, do seldom, if ever, come to the Holy Communion, it would be an Act of the highest Charity for yourself, and others of the Reverend and Pious Clergy, in Corporations and Market Towns, to set up Monthly Sacrament Lectures upon your respective Market days; which would be of unspealkable Benefit, not only to your own Parishioners, but also to the whole Neighbourhood, and no great Pains to yourselves( being now and then assisted by the most Eminent Preachers out of the adjacent Towns and Villages.) And though you begin these Lectures gratis, you need not in the least to doubt but the Pious Gentry,( of both Sexes) Rich Traders, &c. will soon contribute to so Generous and Christian an Undertaking; and the sooner, if it were but handsomely intimated unto them by some other Devout Persons of Reputation and Esteem; however, I would have them began Gratis, and that as soon as may be, for the greater Honour of the Parochial Clergy; and in the Interim to promote Monthly Communions in your several Parishes, preaching always a Preparation Sermon the preceding Lord's day, that the People may be the sooner convinced of their indispensible Duty and Obligation herein, and also come the better prepared to this Holy Ordinance; from which,( though the highest in the Christian Religion) nothing but Ignorance and Impenitence should keep the poorest Christian in the Parish away. It would be a sufficient Vindication of this Charitable Design of setting up these Sacrament Lectures in all the Cities and Market Towns of this Kingdom, could a Calculation but be made how many Hundreds of Young People, &c. have been brought to the Holy Communion by those already set up in and about this City. How many Thousands more will in all probability follow their Pious Example in little time, must be left to him alone that has so wonderfully blessed the joint Labours and Endeavours of so many of his faithful Servants, even beyond their own Expectations. We have all the Reason in the World to hope for the like Success in other Places, where the same Diligence and Application shall not be wanting; and as I have already proposed this very Method to the Religious Societies that have begun these Lectures in several Churches in Town( every Lord's day in the Evening) so I intend, God willing, to continue the same; in hopes it may fall into those hands that will see it effectually put in execution in so many other Churches within the Bills of Mortality, that may take up most, if not all our Parochial Clergy to preach the same in One Years time; whom I would have gratified with these Christian Monitors and Familiar Guides, &c. which will be of singular Use to poor House-keepers, Servants, &c.( especially in the great Parishes without the Walls) being given by the hands of the said Clergy. And if poor People could but once be prevailed with to come well prepared to these frequent Communions, they might meet with a very comfortable subsistence, from the Collections that should be always then made, which, for their greater encouragement, I could wish were chiefly distributed amongst them; and no doubt but the Contributions of the richer Communicants will be the more considerable, when they shall understand their Charity in this kind will have respect to the Souls, as well as to the Bodies of their poor Neighbours, and Fellow-Communicants: For though we ought to do Good unto all Men( according to our Ability, and as we have Opportunity) yet we should have a more particular regard to those that are of the household of Faith. If this Method were generally observed, I am persuaded that Article of our Creed, viz. The Communion of Saints, would be much better, and more practically, understood. I confess I am the more Importunate with you under this Head, being firmly persuaded that without more frequent Communions, and more regular and effectual Catechizing, all other Methods for a general Reformation will be in vain; and whoever considers the scandalous and profligate Lives of so many Christians, of all ranks and degrees amongst us, together with the prodigious growth of Atheism, Deism, and now lately of the Socinian and other detestable Heresies, amongst those of the higher Quality, must naturally conclude, that either they were never well grounded in the Christian Faith, by early Instruction in the Nature and Obligation of their Baptismal Covenant, or else impute it to their profane neglect in not frequently renewing the same at the Lord's Supper, or to both. And I do not in the least doubt but, upon Inquiry, it will be found that Dr. Beaveridge, and others, who have Weekly Communions, and Daily Prayers devoutly red( according to those excellent Directions of the Bishop of Rochester, in his Lordship's late Visitation Charge, &c.) have not only the most Communicants, but by far the devoutest Congregations, and fewest Dissenters in their respective Parishes; and I do unfeignedly wish that good Man's Pious Example herein were more known, and generally imitated. Indeed he is an Honour to this our Church, which being generally agreed to be the purest in her Constitution this day in the whole World, we may the more wonder at any omissions, or remissness in these Two Fundamental Points, being directly contrary to her own rubric, as well as the undoubted practise of the First, and best Ages of Christianity. And it were to be wished, that the Parochial Clergy of this Kingdom would give or sell unto their respective Parishioners, Dr. Isham's short Exposition of our Church-Catechism, Dr. Addison's Catechumen, and also supply them with some Books of Family Devotion( such as Bishop Patrick's , Mr. Dorrington's , Dr. Ashton's , Dr. Payne's , Mr. Rawlet's , &c.) at the most Reasonable Rates; whereby we might hope to see the so generally neglected Duties of Catechizing and Prayer restored in most Families: But as this, together with bringing them well prepared to the Holy Sacrament, will challenge your utmost Application and Care, so the effecting the same in some good measure will not only tend to their Benefit and your own Honour now; but also to your unspeakable Comfort and Satisfaction in a dying hour: And above all, what a jubilee will it be to all such faithful Ministers at the great Day of Retribution, to hear their Lord and Master pronounce their blessed Sentence before that vast Assembly of Spirits, and publicly aclowledge their indefatigable Labours herein, and then reward them with the highest degrees of Glory: For they that are Wise( or Teachers) shall shine as the brightness of the Firmament, and they that turn many to Righteousness as the Stars for ever and ever. And though the Success should not immediately answer your Expectation, I would not have any Pious Divine( that has faithfully discharged his Pastoral Duty herein) be too much discouraged; for it's possible the next Generation may reap the benefit of your Labours; the good Seed will come up sooner, or later, where it is truly sown, with the Blessing of God, which seldom fails to accompany the united endeavours of his Faithful and Industrious Servants; and I think we have as much Reason to expect it upon this occasion as any other, when the Doctrine of the New Covenant is truly stated according to the tenor of the Holy Scriptures, as explained in the Book of Homilies, the Nine and Thirty Articles, and Liturgy of our most excellent Church. If some celebrated Preachers have happened to miscarry herein, I am apt to think, upon inquiry, it will be found they have not kept themselves in the Pulpit so strictly to those excellent Orders of the Desk as they should have done; upon which account it were to be wished that we were more conversant with the same in the composing of our Sermons, always remembering the Apostles Rule, Christum praedicamus Crucifixum. For there is a sort of Preaching, as the Right Reverend the Bishop of Worcester very well observes, which the Church stands in no need of, because it tends so little to Edification; such are all fine Harangues, all dry, flat, insipid Discourses about Things of no great Consequence to Mens Salvations, all affectations of jingling Words and Sentences, far fetched Allusions, elaborate Trifles, all impertinent Disputes about needless, vain, intricate Controversies, and the like: But setting all these aside, there remains a grave, serious, pious, affectionate, and convincing way of Preaching, which is exceeding profitable for the best purposes in the World, so long as Men have Consciences to be awakened, Errors to be confuted, Vices to be reformed, &c. it being very easy to spend an Hour to little or no purpose, ( by shooting over the Peoples heads) but it requires the greatest Skill to preach plainly, without flatness, to set matters of Religion in the clearest Light imaginable: That in short is the best Preaching, that carries both Light and Heat together with it, which clears the Scriptures to the meanest Capacities, and at the same time warms the Affections to Spiritual Things, and sends People home to their closerts; it being hardly possible to mistake as to the best Method, when Ministers judge aright concerning the End, which is the saving their own Souls, and those that hear them. The extraordinary Zeal of the Dissenters of late Years in setting up of Lectures, dispersing of Books, and breeding up of Young Men for the Ministry in the way of Separation, makes me conclude with His Lordship, that something must be done by the Parochial Clergy, not only for the Honour, but indeed for the Safety of the Episcopal Government; it being obvious( as His Lordship farther observes) that they gain upon their People by an appearance of more than ordinary Zeal, for the good of Souls. We should endeavour to go beyond them in an unfeigned and hearty concern for them, and so out do them in those very Things( so far as is consistent with Integrity and a good Conscience) which make them so very Popular. More to this purpose you have in his Lordship's, and other Visitation Charges and Sermons, &c. which with Mr. Herbert's Country person, I could wish none of our Parochial Clergy to be without. Now if to more frequent Communions and more regular Catechizing( and dispersing these Useful Books) the present Method of His Grace the Lord Arch-Bishop of York, my Lord Bishop of London, &c. in promoting Monthly, Weekly, and also Lent Lectures, were but universally observed in all Cities, Corporations, and Market Towns of the Kingdom, I am persuaded the Affections of the People would soon return into their proper Channel, and the most moderate of those that differ from us, be brought to a far better understanding in these matters: But if something be not done this way, we may almost despair of doing any Good amongst them. I shall add one thing more, with Submission, because the Success of this, and indeed of all our Undertakings of this kind, will in a great measure depend upon it; viz. That as we would be thought Members of the purest and most Primitive Church in the World, we should be exceeding careful not to dishonour her by our unsuitable and unholy Lives, which, after all that has been said by them against her Constitution, I am apt to think, will be found to be the only Just Cause of Prejudice our Dissenters have against us. Indeed we are altogether inexcusable if we do not excel others in the most Exemplary Piety, and all other virtues, having far better Helps for Private, and also more frequent Opportunities for public Devotion. In short, let us pretend what we will, nothing less will convince them, or indeed should satisfy ourselves. And although this Consideration should affect all that profess themselves Members of so Excellent a Church, yet it ought to do so in a more especial manner, those that attend at her Altars, who, like burning, shining Lights, should show themselves to be the genuine Sons of the same; that others seeing their good Works may glorify our Father which is in Heaven. It having been the unfeigned desire of good Men, for some Years past, that an end should be put unto our unhappy Differences, the same is become more needful now than ever; when all Revealed Religion is either publicly derided by Atheists, Deists, &c. or subtly undermined by Hobbists, Socinians, and other Modern heretics: Which should make those that differ from the Established Communion in lesser Matters only, impartially to consider the great Usefulness of the Creeds, Hymns, &c. in our Liturgy, to keep those Gentlemen at a due distance, being introduced into the same for this very purpose, and to remain as so many constant Tests in the Church( as the best Preservatives against all such pestilent and dangerous Errors) as well as to confirm and strengthen the Faith of all her Pious and Orthodox Members; which does sufficiently justify the Wisdom and Prudence of our First Reformers, in retaining these ancient Forms of sound Words, pursuant to the practise of the catholic Church. Now if this Point alone were but duly weighed, as it ought to be, I should without any difficulty declare my belief, as well as hopes, that these very Heresies, which were undoubtedly designed by the great Enemy of our Religion further to divide, if possible, and then to ruin us, will be the very Means at last of Uniting us, by that over-ruling Providence which often brings Good out of Evil. Seeing there will, nay must, be Heresies, we should be so wise as to make the best and right use of them. And if all Patrons of Livings, Lords of manors, Gentlemen, Rich Church-Wardens( as well as the Reverend Clergy) would but present Dr. Combers on the Common-Prayer, and Dr. Cave's Primitive Christianity, to be chained up publicly in all Churches, of any note, throughout the whole Nation, I am persuaded we should soon see the happy effects thereof: For by this Means the Members of our Church will not only be confirmed in the just Value, and Esteem, they bear for her Liturgy in general, but be also better instructed how to use the several Offices in the same with more Reverence of Body, and Devotion of Mind, then, it's to be feared, too many of them do that pretend to be her most zealous Advocates, and avowed Champions. And for those of our Dissenters that are so far and unhappily prejudiced against the Prayers, as never to come to Church to hear the same devoutly red, nor partake of the Holy Sacrament, where the same is duly administered, every Lord's day,( which I take to be the chiefest Beauty of our Assemblies) I would earnestly beg you, &c. to put into their hands Dr. Beveridge's Sermon of the Excellency and Usefulness of the same, Dr. Comber's abridgement, or Mr. Clutterbuck's short Vindication, together with some of the Pious Mr. William Allen's Books; which last, it's possible, may prevail more with some of them than any other, he being a wonderful Instance in this kind; for which Reason, and the true Spirit of Religion that shines in all his Works, I find them deservedly recommended, &c. by many Worthy Divines, notwithstanding he was a Man but of moderate Learning in other matters: Therefore I doubt not but the Sincerity of that good Man might be of very great use to others, if his Example herein were more known, and his Reasons duly weighed; though I confess this great. Work would be much sooner brought about if the chief Teachers amongst them would act with the like Candour and Ingenuity as Dr. Bates, and Mr. John Showers, and some others, have done, whom we ought to treat with the like Tenderness and Respect. And here I shall take the Freedom to recommend to the serious Consideration of our Nobility and Gentry, &c. the great Trust the Laws of this Kingdom have reposed in them as Patrons of Livings; being very sensible they have those Advantages in choosing, and presenting Men of the greatest Abilities, that if they Conscientiously discharge the same, the Church can never fail being furnished with the very best Men in the Kingdom,( such being most likely to promote the Glory of God, the Honour of Religion, and the Salvation of Mens Souls, by the Soundness of their Doctrine, and Holiness of their Lives): But if to gratify the Importunity of Friends, or to make a Provision for Relations, they happen to miscarry in this great Affair, the Consequences are most deplorable,( although really there be no Symoniacal Precontract in the Case) the rather, for that the Thing is uncapable of Reparation. What a melancholy Consideration must it be for such to reflect upon the same on a Death-Bed, if not sooner? And also upon the dreadful Account they must give, when Inquisition shall be made for the Blood of Souls, for the abuse of so great a Talent as this of Lay-Presentations is? I know very well the most cautious Patrons may be imposed upon, as I doubt not but many good Bishops have been, by false Certificates, Letters of Recommendation, &c. which are too easily given upon these Occasions, though I don't well see how they can, if the most excellent Method of the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Litchfield and Coventry, &c. by a Si quis, &c. were generally observed. But all this might be effectually prevented, by looking out in time for Men of undoubted Reputation for Piety and virtue, as well as Learning( which are the truest Qualifications for the Minist●●); for such may be found, though their Modesty will not permit them to trudge after Preferment, as others too often do, to the Scandal of the Ministry, &c. It is observed in the Life of the late Reverend Dr. Horneck, to his Eternal Honour, that his Recommendation alone was of more Value to many Pious Patrons( who frequently advised with him upon these Occasions) than many Testimonials; and whoever trusted to him, was never disappointed of an able Minister, Chaplain, or Curate. The want of more Care in presenting the most Exemplary Pastors is looked upon, by the wisest and best Men, to be one of the chief Sources of our unhappy Divisions, &c. We may depend upon it, our Dissenters will never be effectually convinced of the Excellent Constitution of this most Primitive Church, unless our Lay-Patrons, &c. do acquit themselves with more Caution in this particular, being ready to exclaim( as one of them has already done in print) that some are presented to be Ministers before they are really Christians. It's to be hoped this rarely happens, yet a few Instances in this kind are sufficient to give them too just an Occasion of Scandal, who are ever ready to receive the same. Upon which account I cannot sufficiently commend the generous Example of the Right Reverend the Bishop of Sarum, in breeding up so many young Gentlemen, &c. for the Ministry, and do hearty wish the same Method were generally observed, not only in our Universities, but also more early in our Grammar-Schools, by making choice of such as are there most promising, who can't well be too soon dedicated to this Holy Function; many of our most Celebrated Divines having been noted for their Early as well as their Eminent Piety and virtue. It were to be wished that all School-Masters in such Schools would furnish their respective Scholars with these Christian Monitors, and Familiar Guides,( together with Dr. Addison's Catechumen, and Dr. Bray's short Discourse upon the Doctrine of our Baptismal Covenant), and also put them upon often reading over the same, especially upon the Lord's-days, and other Holidays, and by frequent Examination to see what progress they make in Divine as well as in human Learning; which might prove a very excellent preservative for our Youth in these dangerous Times, and also an effectual security to Posterity against 'vice and Error for the future. I confess I am the more importunate with you, and them herein, by reason so many young Gentlemen, &c. having been lately perverted from the Christian Faith by Hobbists, Atheists, Socinians, and others, to the Scandal of our Holy Religion, and to the no small hazard of corrupting the very Fountains of Learning, Justice, and Honour. The Original and chief Design of Endowing so many Free-Schools, in this and other Christian Countries, was undoubtedly that our Youth might be early, and effectually instructed in the Principles of our Holy Religion, as well as in human Literature; and as the Reverend Dr. Bray very well observes, one of them in this Nation has this very Inscription, viz. Schola Cathechizationis in Religione Christiana; and pursuant to the same design, the Twenty Ninth Cannon does expressly, and strictly, enjoin all School-Masters to Catechize their Scholars. I would not be so understood as that I would have the Parochial Clergy hereby excluded doing their Duty: No; But as our School-Masters have far greater Power and Authority, then most People are willing their Ministers should have, over their Children, I hearty wish they would make use of the same to this very purpose. Under this Head I shall take occasion to make a grateful acknowledgement of the Benefit that myself, and others, received by these Catechetical, and other Instructions given us this very way; and I doubt not but many others have cause to bless God for the like. Indeed I don't see how the Intentions of the many Pious Founders of such Schools can be supposed, in any tolerable measure, complied withal, unless the Scholars, together with their Reading so many profane Authors, be put upon these Christian Exercises; otherwise it may be justly enough said that we are more careful to instruct them in the Heathen Theology, &c. than in the necessary and fundamental Doctrines of the first and second Covenant; upon the knowledge of which, the Christian Religion does entirely depend. There is no want, God be thanked, of many excellent Books in this kind, for the lower Classis, in English; and for those of the higher, The whole Duty of Man in Latin, Tully's Enchyridion, and others may be very usefully added for variety sake; and I doubt not but, if due encouragement were but given, more would be written for this very purpose. I have taken the Freedom, this last Summer, to present His Highness, the Duke of gloucester, with these useful Books, together with Dr. Isham's Exposition of our Church Catechism, &c. and do understand Dr. Bray has since done the like with his little Treatise above mentioned. Indeed there cannot be too much Care taken of His Highness's Education, and Instruction, which hath likewise induced me to recommend Dr. Taylor's Holy Living and Dying, Dr. Scot's Christian Life, and others, the most Practical Discourses, to His more mature judgement and Consideration, in hopes that all Tutors, Chaplains, &c. may be prevailed with to do the like to the Young Nobility, Gentry, &c. in their several Stations; which would be, not only, of singular Benefit to them, and their Relations, but also of incredible Advantage both to the Church and State, which will be best secured by the Pious and virtuous Education of our Youth. It's certain they cannot be too early instructed in the Nature and Obligation of their Baptismal Covenant; which when they do in some good measure understand, they ought solemnly to take upon themselves by Confirmation, and ever after frequently renew at the Lord's Supper. We can never sufficiently lament the deplorable effects of the scandalous Neglect of too many Parents, &c. in this particular. Though I am willing to believe, as well as hope, that Atheism has seen its greatest height in these Nations; indeed it has been matter of just astonishment to good Men to see it appear bare-faced so long: The very Heathens would never have suffered half so much; and it's hard that we shall not do that for the true Religion that they would have done for the false; i.e. afford it a reasonable Protection. But as bad Customs and ill Practices do generally produce good Laws, so the intolerable Insolence, wherewith these Gentlemen have lately treated the most Sacred Things, hath at length necessitated the Parliament to bring in a Bill on purpose to oblige them to keep a better Decorum in their Writings and Discourses for the future. It having been an ancient Observation, That Severity hath never failed to extirpate Heresies, &c. when the true Religion hath rather increased thereby. There hath been more than enough written upon this unhappy Occasion to satisfy any sober, unprejudiced Persons( that will but give themselves leisure to red and consider Things); but when Men are so far abandoned to turcism, &c. as to dispute every Thing, we must leave them, as Providence generally does, to a fit of Sickness, or some extraordinary judgement, to rouse them from their security; when, if they are not stupefied, we often find them in quiter another Story( especially if they happen to have had a Religious Education). We have had many remarkable Instances in this kind of late Years,( and I doubt not but there have been such in all Ages of the Church, to the Glory of God, and the Honour of Religion) particularly in the Right Honourable James Earl of Marlborough, John Earl of Rochester, Sir Alan Brodrick, Sir Duncomb Colchester, Mr. Hambden, and others, as appears by their several Letters, Remonstrances, &c under their own Hands, which we may expect to see Printed altogether in a little time( if it shall be thought advisable); in the interim must refer such as require further satisfaction herein to the Original Copies, as they lie dispersed in the hands of their respective Relations, though some of them are already Printed in their Funeral Sermons, and by Mr. Turner in his Essay upon the Works of Providence; and after all, I am apt to think, this would be the shortest way of dealing with some of these would be Atheists, and not answer them always according to their Folly. Much Good having been done by this very Method of lending, recommending, selling and giving away such Practical and Devotional Pieces, as have a direct tendency to Holiness of Life, I make no question but much more will be done when this Pious and Charitable Design shall be generally known, and effectually put in execution; for by this Means we may instruct not only our own Families, but also those of our Neighbours, Friends and Relations, &c. to their unspeakable Benefit. Nay, it would be an Instance of the most heroic Charity to let our greatest Enemies partake of our Kindness and Favour herein, whereby we may heap coals of fire upon their Heads, not to consume but to melt them down to a better and more Christian Temper: All which may be managed with the greatest Privacy imaginable, and that with very little Trouble or expense. Under this Head I think it not amiss to take Notice of a very pious and laudable Custom in distributing such little Useful Books as these, Christian Monitors, Dr. Ashton of Death-bed Repentance, &c. amongst the Poorer sort of People at Funerals; and to the Richer, such as Dr. Taylor's Holy Living and Dying, Dr. Sherlock on Death and judgement, Drelincourt on Death, &c. Dr. Bates's Four last Things, Dr. Scot's Christian Life( the First Part), Dr. Cave's Primitive Christianity, Bishop Patrick's Devout Christian, The whole Duty of Man, and others judiciously chosen, whereby the whole Kingdom would be supplied, in few Years, with the most Practical and Useful Discourses,( without any extraordinary Charge, being given instead of other Things). And as I wish these kind of Charities ( inter alias) were intimated by the Parochial Clergy to their respective Parishioners whilst they are in Health, so in a more particular manner in their frequent attendance upon them in their Sickness, which will be found to be the best Opportunity to inculcate the same: But herein a prudent regard must be had to the Ability of the deceased, and of the surviving Relations, as to the prizes of these Books, which may be had from Three Pence or Four Pence a piece to Five or Six Shillings, licenced by Authority, which will effectually take off all Objections against the Usefulness of this Undertaking. Now seeing I am engaged insensibly so far upon this pious Design of dispersing such Books which have a direct tendency to Holiness of Life, and a General Reformation of Manners, I shall take the Freedom to recommend to all High Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, and other Magistrates, &c. in Cities and County-Towns( as also to the Judges, Sergeants and other Eminent Pleaders in their respective Circuits) the furnishing the Goals and Prisons of the Kingdom with Mr. Kettlewell's Office for Prisoners( or another little Treatise, entitled, Relief for Prisoners) together with these Christian Monitors, &c. which would be of singular Use and Comfort to all those unhappy and miserable people under Confinement in such places, either for Debt or for matters of a Criminal Nature( being given by the hands of such Magistrates, or of the pious Clergy) and will most suitably employ their many idle hours, and so prevent much Profaneness and Wickedness which does too much abound in those places: And though I would have these little Books promiscuously given to all Prisoners that can red,( and for those that cannot they may be red to by others) yet in a more especial manner to such as shall receive Sentence of Condemnation. And it would be an additional Charity, for more of the Pious Clergy, to be assisting to such in a timely Preparation for another World. And if the like Method were observed in all the Bridewels, and Houses of Correction, throughout the Nation, I am persuaded no small Good might be done upon many of those profligate and disorderly Persons that shall be sent to such places for the future: For by thus mingling Piety and Mercy with Exemplary Justice, no doubt but some of them will be reclaimed from their dissolute way of living, which will be a piece of good Service to the State, as well as the most genuine Charity in the World for all such Offenders, many of whom will have just Cause to bless God for falling into the hands of such pious Magistrates, &c. And as I have already intimated thus much unto the present governor, &c. of our bridewell here, so I hope yourself and others will not be wanting to communicate the same to the Justices of the Peace, and other Magistrates in your Neighbourhood, especially to such of them as are most likely to see it effectually put in execution. This may likewise deserve the Consideration of the Societies of Reformation in and about this City, whose Useful Undertaking having the Approbation and encouragement of the King, Lords Spiritual, &c. and of so many Worthy Divines and Pious Magistrates, it's not doubted but in little time it will be introduced into all the Cities, Corporations, &c. of note in the Nation. For a further Vindication of these Societies, I shall refer you to the Account of their Rise and Progress, written by the Reverend Mr. Woodward in a distinct little Treatise, and to their Black Lists, and also to the several Excellent Sermons preached Quarterly before the same, which very well deserve the perusal of all good Men, especially those in Authority, whom it immediately concerns to see the many good and wholesome Laws effectually put in Execution against profaneness and Immorality pursuant to the King's Speech, the House of Commons Address, and His Majesties most Gracious Proclamation. There seems to be an happy Emulation at this time, amongst good Men, to out do each other in this intended Reformation, which gives us good ground to believe it proceeds from Above; and seeing the King intends to have a particular regard to persons of Piety and virtue in the disposal of Places of Preferment, I am persuaded it would be no small encouragement to sincerity in Religion, if Lists could be made of such of the Nobility, Clergy, Gentry and Traders, &c. as are most Eminent for the same, in all the Cities, Corporations and Counties of the Kingdom,( more especially of such as are constant Communicants); for by this Method His Majesty can never fail being served by Persons of the greatest Integrity, which will tend no less to the Honour than Sasety of His Person and Government; and it's to be hoped His Majesty will so far encourage this very Design, as upon all Occasions to countenance the same, and particularly by furnishing His Fleet and Army with the Two other little Treatises. Religious Seaman and Devout soldier, together with these Christian Monitors and Familiar Guides; which may be a means of promoting Piety and virtue amongst those dissolute People, being given by the hands of the respective Chaplains, &c. And I doubt not but many of our Merchants, Owners and Commanders of Shipping, may be prevailed with to disperse these Useful Books amongst Seamen, Watermen, Porters, Carmen, &c. and also to furnish their respective Vessels with Mr. Dorrington's Sermons for every Sunday in the Year, Mr. brag on the Parables of our Saviour, The Devout Christian, The whole Duty of Man, and others judiciously chosen, together with Bibles with the Service, to be red by such Commanders, &c.( where Chaplains are wanting) and that as often as Wind and Weather at Sea, and their other necessary Affairs when in Port, will permit; which would tend very much to the Comfort and Benefit, not only of the Seamen and Passengers, but also of such Commanders themselves, especially in long and tedious Voyages, and in remote and Popish Countries. Doubtless their respective Voyages will succeed accordingly. The whole Charge for one Ship will not exceed Forty Shillings, which does not deserve the mentioning, it being to be considered these Books will always remain on Board, and should be Inventoried accordingly. And as I have already intimated something of this Christian Design to the governor, and some of the Members of the East-India Company, and also to divers private Merchants and Rich Traders, &c of this City, so I intend, God willing, to continue the like Method, in hopes it will at length fall into many pious hands, who will see it speedily put in execution in all Shipping, where they are either concerned for the present, or shall happen to be so for the future; whose Example herein may possibly excite many others in time to do the like: And it would be very well worth their while to sand the Books mentioned in this ensuing Catalogue, together with their other Cargoes, to our Colonies in America, Factories in India, Africa, &c. or wherever else our Language is used, or understood. Who knows but such a mean undertaking as this may contribute to the more speedy propagation of the Christians Faith in partibus Infidelium, with more Honour and with better Success by us Protestants, than has been done by Popish Missionaries, though at present, I must confess, they really triumph over us upon this topic? I fear with too much Reason. And whoever considers the Proposals of the Reverend Dr. Bray for the obtaining Parish Libraries for our Plantations in the West-Indies, and the Settlements that are already made, and making, to induce a Pious, Learned and Industrious Clergy to transport themselves thither, together with the encouragement that is already given unto this Christian Undertaking by the King, Prince and Princess, the Arch-Bishops, Bishops, and many others of the Pious Nobility, Clergy, Gentry, Merchants, Rich Traders, &c. may rationally conclude that this Glorious Work is not far off. May the Blessing of Almighty God, that has already so signally attended these beginnings, still accompany the same; and may other Protestant Princes, &c. imitate their Example herein for the speedy promoting true Religion in their respective Colonies and Settlements abroad, and also pursue the Noble Design of the late Pious Mr. boil, and that of these Religious Societies in setting up their Useful Lectures, &c. for the suppressing all Impiety and Immorality at home; which would tend more to the Glory of Almighty God, and the Honour of the Reformed Religion, than such Uncharitable and Unchristian Disputations amongst us; which seldom, if ever, put an end to any Controversies. Here is a large Field of Honour to exercise our Zeal and Emulation in, and it may prove a piece of good Service to the State to put an end to our Religious, as well as Civil Disputes, this way: For many Men, like some Souldiers, are of that unquiet Temper, that unless you keep them in Action abroad do often prove troublesone at home. This Glorious Work, with many others, seems reserved to this time of Peace, which is now, blessed be God, so happily concluded; and I think we cannot give a better Instance of our unfeigned Thankfulness for the same, than by promoting such like Undertakings both at home and abroad, which have by our paltry Quarrels been too long neglected, to the great Scandal of the Reformed Religion in these Nations. And it is to be hoped our Planters, Merchants, &c. in America, will at length be prevailed with to permit their Negroes, &c. the Benefit of Instruction in the Principles of Christianity, in order to their being admitted to Baptism, they having many and great Reasons to convince them of their indispensible Duty and Obligation herein, not only by the late Judgments there, such as Earthquakes, Plagues, and other Sicknesses, but also by their incredible number of Losses at Sea, throughout this long War, it was a Mercy that they were not totally ruined and destroyed. Their shameful neglect in this particular, together with other enormous Crimes, may reasonably be presumed to have been the principal cause of those dreadful Calamities, I have already observed how the Papists triumph over us, upon account of our shameful Neglect herein, with just Scorn and Indignation. Indeed it is matter of the greatest Scandal the Reformed Religion can be justly charged withal by those of the Roman Communion, because they generally permit their Slaves this invaluable privilege, and, by what I can learn, without any of those dreadful Consequences some here would have us affrighted withal. This being matter of fact, I don't see what can be said, with any colour of Reason, against it: It's certain, nothing will excuse them to good Men here, or to their own Consciences in a dying hour( where this Neglect has been wilful); and we may depend upon it, our Blessed Saviour, who is to be our Judge, will call us to a strict Account for our guilty Omissions herein, as well as for our other Sins, when none of these pretended Excuses( without unfeigned Repentance) will stand us in any stead. I know there has been an Unreasonable Opinion industriously spread, That if you Christen your Slaves, they must be discharged in course from their Servitude. But why so? The Christian Religion requires no such thing; for it's plain SAINT PAUL expressly says the contrary, exhorting all Servants to continue in the same state wherein they were called; nor can I understand that our Laws require any such matter. However to obviate this Objection, that there may be some Temporal Inconveniences really apprehended by virtue of such a Spiritual Indulgence, I doubt not but the LEGISLATIVE POWER will very readily consider, and effectually provide against them. For further Satisfaction, I must refer you to the Negroes Advocate, and other Treatises writ on this Subject by the Reverend Mr. Morgan Godwyn, who whilst he was in Barbadoes, &c. had Opportunity enough to inform himself thoroughly in this Affair, and wanted neither Capacity nor Zeal to set on foot this Glorious Work, had his unfeigned endeavours but met with suitable encouragement. The Journals of the French and other Missionaries in China, &c. may be usefully red also, with some Caution, upon this Occasion. I hearty wish all Parliament Men( present or future) would promote the setting up these Monthly Sacrament-Lectures, and dispersing these and other Useful Books( together with Bibles with the Service) in their respective Boroughs, Cities and Counties, which may be done with small Charge. It would be good Husbandry in them, and a very fair step towards reforming the Kingdom, by the same Method it has been in a great measure corrupted and debauched. It were to be wished that all Elections could be carried on without any Trouble, or expense, to those Gentlemen that are willing to serve their Country upon these Occasions; I am sure it would be no small encouragement to such of them as are most Eminent for Piety, &c. to stand Candidates in all such places: But if notwithstanding the late Act of Parliament, these Scandalous Disorders cannot be presently remedied, others may be made that will effectually prevent the same. In the Interim I humbly submit this to their Consideration, as being a much more Christian Method, and liable to very few Objections; being intimated with some Caution, least it fall into some Mens hands who are too apt to ridicule every thing that is serious, or tends to a Reformation. The whole may be likewise proposed to Lord-Lieutenants, and others of the best of the Nobility and Gentry, &c. by the Reverend Clergy; in whose way it likewise fairly lies to promote the setting the Poor at Work, and putting out their Children to School( to learn English and their Catechisms only), according to the Method of the late Reverend and Pious Mr. Gouge, by employing the Parish Clerks, and others, which he so successfully carried on both in London and Wales, for many Years, by the assistance of many worthy Gentlemen and Citizens, &c. of his Acquaintance: And if public Workhouses and Free Writing-Schools were set up in all Cities and Corporations, by such Parliament Men, &c. there would be the best Foundation in the World laid for an Industrious and virtuous Posterity; and add to these Parish Libraries, no less for a Pious, Learned and Laborious Clergy. I have computed the whole Charge of supplying this Kingdom with these Christian Monitors, &c. at about Five Thousand Pounds, by a Method that is liable to very few just Exceptions; which may be Collected by Subscription, or otherways, in the several Counties, and at our County Feasts held in London, with the greatest Ease imaginable. And to the end these little Books may be of more general Use in Wales, I humbly propose that about Ten Thousand of the same be Printed in that Language( as the Bible and Common-Prayer already is, together with Dr. Beveridge's Sermon of the Excellency and Usefulness of the same), which, with as many more in English, may be sufficient for that Principality, where such Books will be of more than ordinary Use, by reason of the remoteness of many Parish Churches, &c. I do most earnestly recommend the whole to your serious Consideration, hoping it will meet with a speedy and suitable compliance, as believing, it may be of very great Use in this intended Reformation, to have the Reverend Clergy the chief Promoters of the same, which will tend not a little to their Honour as well as to the greater Glory of God, and the Good of his Church. I ask Pardon for this Freedom, begging the most favourable Construction; and conclude with unfeigned Respects, as being with the greatest Sincerity, Reverend SIR, Your most Affectionate Friend, and Humble Servant. POSTSCRIPT. THis Christian Monitor is now Translated into French, ready for the Press; and if encouragement be given will be Printed in that; or any other Language. This PROPOSAL May be Reduced to practise: Thus, SUppose 100l. were laid out in these Christian Monitors and Familiar Guides,( and so in proportion for a greater or a lesser Sum) to be disposed as follows. 1. To set up Monthly Sacrament Lectures in about Sixteen Market-Towns in a County, if so many,( if not in Two or more Counties) the Reverend Clergy of such Towns to open the same, and to be gratified with Fifty of these Useful Books, to be distributed gratis amongst their respective Parishioners of the poorer sort. 2. These Lectures to be continued Monthly in such Towns upon Market-days, by the Parochial Clergy out of all the adjoining Villages; their Gratuity to be much about the same, delivered them in these Books, expressly to be given away, ut supra. 3. These Lectures to last for One Year, or longer, until such time as a whole County shall be tolerably well supplied with the same. But that it may be more speedily and effectually done, it were convenient that the Reverend Clergy should make some addition of their own; which will procure them the Love and Esteem of all their Neighbours, and mightily contribute to the Success of their Ministry. 4. If One Years time shall be found too short for the effectual carrying on of so great and good a Work, these Lectures may be continued for a much longer time, by changing the Reward; for instead of these Christian Monitors and Familiar Guides; other Practical and Devotional Pieces may be afterwards usefully added, and disposed of after the same manner. But if the Richer sort desire the same, it is but Reasonable they should pay for them, though it's possible they may gratify their Ministers better some other way. 5. This whole Design is capable of considerable Improvements, but I would not willingly have it lessened, materially altered, nor fall into any profane Hands, your own Example herein will be of greatest Use to others of your Reverend and Pious Brethren; and it's to be hoped that when the Gentry, &c. shall see the great Usefulness of this Design, they will generally encourage the same, and also supply their Tenants, poor Neighbours, Servants, &c. with these, and other such like, Useful Treatises. Note, The Charge of setting up one of these Lectures in a County being but 6 l. per Annum, may be very easily collected. I am persuaded, the Benefactions will be more than sufficient, coming from so great a variety of Contributors. Benedicat Deus Operi& Faventibus. FINIS. Some Modern Books proper to be Recommended, upon this Occasion, to the Reverend and Parochial Clergy. ANnotations upon the Holy Bible by Bishop Patrick, Bishop Kidder, Dr. Hammond, Mr. Pool, and others. The Explanation of the 39 Articles by Ellis and Rogers. A. B. Tillotson's Sermons. B. Sanderson's Sermons. A. B. Tenison of Idolatry. A. B. of York's Sermons. B. of Worcester's Works. B. Cov.& Litchfield ditto. Dr. Barrow's Works. B. Pearson on the Creed Dr. Scot's Chr. Life, 4 P. Dr. Hammond's Pra. Ca. B. Wilkins's Ecclesi. &c. Dr. Cave's Works. Bishop of Rochester's ditto, especially his late Visitation Charge. B. Sarum's Pasto. Care, &c. Bishop Patrick's Works. B. Kidder's Works. Mr. Dodwell's 2 Let. Ad. Dr. Taylor's Works. Dr. cumber on the come. Pra. Bishop Fowler's Design of Christianity. The Works of the Author of the Whole Duty of Man. Bishop Williams, Dr. Bently, Mr. Harris, &c. Sermons at Mr. Boyle's Lecture. Mr. Butler, Mr. Bradford, &c. Sermons before the Societies of Reformation. Dr. Hick's Case of Infant-Baptism. Aqua Genitalis. Mensa Mistica. Dr. Bray's Catechitical Lectures, &c. A Scripture Catechism. Bishop Williams, Dr. Isham, &c. Exposition of the Church Catechism. Dr. Addison's Catechumen. Introduction and Genuine Use of the Sacraments. Dr. tailor, Dr. Hammond, &c. of Confirmation. Weeks Preparation to the Sacrament. Christian Sacrifice, and Devout Christian. Divine Banquet. Officium Eucharisticum. The Familiar Guide, with the Perswa. to freq. come. Crucified Jesus. Happy ascetic, &c. Unworthy Non-Communicant. Bishop Gauden, Mr. Kettlewell, Mr. Rawlet, &c. on the Lord's Supper. Kettlewell's Measures of Christian Obedience, and Practical Believer, &c. Dr. tailor, Dr. Ingelo, Dr. pain, Dr. Goodman, &c. on Repentance. Mr. William Allen's Works. Cases of the London Divines. Gildas Salvianus. Mr. Herbert's Country person. Arch-Bishop of Dublin, Bishop of Worcester, Bishop of Bathe and Wells, and Bishop of Chester, &c. Visitation Charges. Dr. Calamy, Dr. Wake, Dr. Pelling, Mr. Dorington, Dr. Horneck, Mr. brag, Dr. Clagget, Mr. Norris, Mr. Kettlewell, &c. Sermons. Mr. Ray's Wisdom of God in the Creation of Man, &c. Moral Essays, Dr. Moor's Mystery of Godliness. Dr. Clagget of the Operation of the Holy Spirit. Lord Chief Justice Hales Contemplations, &c. Bishop Hopkins on the Lord's Prayer, &c. Dr. Towerson on the Creed, Lord's Prayer, and Ten Commandments. Dr. Sherlock on Death and judgement. Ditto on Providence and Knowled. of Jesus Christ. A Conference with a Theist, in Four Parts; by Dr. nicols. Mr. Edwards upon difficult Texts of Scripture. Reflections on a Pamphlet, entitled, An Account of the growth of Deism. Bishop of Worcester, Mr. brown( of Dublin), Mr. Milbourn, Edwards, &c. against the Socinians, &c. The Occasional Paper, &c. Dr. Sherlock's Sermon before the Lord-Mayor. Callamy on Religious Vows. Collier's Essays; with the Office of a Chaplain. — on the Immorality of the English Stage. Grotius of the Truth of the Christian Religion. Dr. Bates Harmony of the Divine Attributes. Mr. Butler, Dr. Lucas, &c. Sermons at the Elect Lord-Mayors, 1696 and 1697, fit for all Magistrates. The late Queens Life. Lord Chief Justice Hales Life. Bishop Bedells Life. Earl of Rochester's Life, &c. Earl of Marlborough's Penitential Letters, and others. Mr. Rawlet's Answer to a Popish Catechism, fit for all Papists. The Snake in the Grass: Satan disrobed: Institution of Water-Baptism and the Lord's-Supper, &c. which with Mr. Bugg's History and Picture of Quakerism, very proper to be put into the hands of all Quakers, &c. Bishop King's Invention of Men in the Worship of God. Bishop Hall's Art of Divine Meditation. Bishop Duppa's and Laud's Devotions. Monsieur Jurieu's plain Method of Christian Devotion. Cum aliis, mentioned in Dr. Bray's Bibliotheca Parochialis, Pret. 2 s. 6 d. whose Useful Design very well deserves the Consideration and encouragement of the Pious Nobility, Clergy and Gentry, and more particularly of all Merchants, Rich Traders, &c. Some Books proper to be Recommended to the Nobility, Gentry, &c. BIshop Patrick, Bishop Kidder, Dr. Hammond, &c. on the Old and New Testament. Articles and Homilies of the Church of England. Dr. Scot's Christian Life, in 4 parts. Arch-Bishop Tillotson's Sermons. Dr. Taylor's Holy Living and Dying. The Works of the Author of the Whole Duty of Man. Dr. Sherlock on Death, judgement and Providence, &c. Dr. Cave's Primitive Christianity, &c. Mr. William Allen's Works. Dr. Combers, Dr. Beveridge, Mr. Clutterbuck, on the Common-Prayer. Dr. Pelling's Existence of God. Grotius of the Truth of Christianity. Mr. Ray's Wisdom of God in the Creation of Man. Dr. Addison's Catechumen, and gen. Use of the Sac. Mr. Dorrington's Discourses. Mr. brag on the Parables of our Saviour. Mr. Norris's Sermon of Religious Discourse, &c. Dr. Goodman's Winter-Evening Conferences and Penitent pardoned. Dr. nicols Conference with a Theist, in 4 parts. Dr. Horneck's Law of Consideration and happy ascetic, &c. Monsieur Jurieu's plain Method of Christian Devotion. Bishop Patrick's Devout Christian, and Christian Sacrifice. — Parable of the Pilgrim. Advice to a Friend and Friendly Debate, &c. The Familiar Guide, with the persuasive. Mr. Ketthlewell's help to Worthy Communicating. Unworthy Non-Communicant, &c. Lord Chief Justice Hales Contemplations and Life. Dr. Barrow on the Creed, Lord's Prayer, &c. Dr. Sherlock's Sermon against the Socinians, &c. Mr brown, of Dublin, against Ditto. Bishop of Worcester's Letter to a Deist. A Collection of the best Lives, and of dying Penitents, ut supra. Collier's Essays. — of the Immorality of the English Stage. Sir Sam. Morland's Urim of a good Conscience. Dr. Hammond's Reasonableness of the Christian Religion. Bishop Patrick Witnesses to Ditto. Bishop Hall's Art of Divine Meditation, Bishop Duppa's Devotions. Cum Aliis.