// ^, ^ APR 22 1944 ^ '■^^-tOGICALSl BV 260 .W55 1844 Wilson, Thomas, 1663-1775. Sacra privata o / -o ^, PRIVATE MEDITATIONS, DEVOTIONS, AND PRAYERS / RIGHT REV. T. WILSON, D. D. liORD BISHOP OF SODOR AND MAN THE ONLY COMPLETE AMERICAN EDITION. NEW-YORK : D. APPLETON & CO. 200 BROADWAY. PHILADELPHIA : GEO. S. APPLETON, 148 CHESNUT-STREET. MDCCCXLIV. 6- -O 9- -o PREFACE No words are necessary to introduce the name of Bishop Wilson to the members of that Church, of which he was in his day, and has been since, in sacred language, " a burning and a shining light." Burning indeed and shining, like the Baptist, in an evil time, he seemed as if a beacon lighted on his small island, to show what his Lord and Saviour could do in spite of man ; — how He could at will make for Himself a dwelling-place upon the waves, and a garden in the barren sea, and, when a nation had fallen into his enemies' hands, could preach to it even off its shores, and be nigh at hand, when they would fain leave Him " not so much as to set His 6- o — o 6 PREFACE. foot on." The English soil indeed had its own wit- nesses and teachers at the time ; but none at once so exalted in station and so saintly in character, so active and so tried in his life-time, and so influential in his works, as Bishop Wilson. Of these works not the least important is that which is now submitted to the reader entire ; — those Devotional Exercises, which or the like of which were the groundwork of whatever name and influence he has obtained in the Church of God. These Ex- ercises, while edifying on their own account, are valuable also, as affording a model of what good judges have pronounced to be the best form in which serious persons may keep a record of their own spirit- ual state ; in that prayers against particular failings, such as are here found, at once suggest to the framer what his failings are and have been, and yet are secure, as being prayers, from the various dangers to which the direct enlarging upon failings, without the immediate thought of God's presence, is likely to lead. J. H. N. Okiel Collegs, July 5, 1838. o '■ o- -o &c. On Devotion and Prayer Reflections on Private Devotion The Duties of a Christian . The Duties of a Bishop Prayer Duty, Efficacy, and Importance of Prayer Prayers through Jesus Christ Preparatory Prayer . Morning Prayer .... The Lord's Prayer paraphrased Meditations .... The Bishop's private Prayer . Prayer for Relations, Benefactors, Prayer for Himself and Labours Prayer for Faith .... Prayei against Wavering Prayer against CovetousnesB Prayer for Charity . Player for Repentance and Humility The way of a Happy Life Christian Perfection Noon Meditations Prayer for all Mankind Special Favours Extraordinary Deliverances Merciful Visitation and Chastiyemenls Thanksgiving The Lord's Prayer paraphrased, Page 13 17 18 19 20 31 22 2-2 23 28 31 32 34 35 39 39 39 40 41 42 43 46 46 47 47 48 48 49 Q O 8 CONTENTS. Page Evening Prayer and Meditations 54 Self-Examination .61 Death, Reflections and Meditations on . • • • • 63 SUNDAY MEDITATIONS. EPISCOPACY. Prayer on being called to this Ministration 65 Marks of a true Pastor 66 Bishops, the duty and greatness of their OflSco ..... 68 Translation of Bishops and Pastors , . 71 Church Government 75 Mission Intercession 77 Prayer for a Criminal under Sentence of Death ..... 78 Briefs 79 Lord's Supper, Prayers before 79 Upon placing the Alms and Elements on the Altar . ... 80 After the Consecration ... 80 Confirmation ... 81 The Effect and Blessing of Confirmation ...... 82 Prayer after Confirmation , , 85 Exhortation after Imposition of Hands ....•,. 85 Another Exhortation • • , 87 MONDAY. HOLY SCRIPTURES, &C. Prayer for true understanding and fulfilling the Doctrine contained in the Scriptures 89 Preacher, the true end of Preaching 90 Obscurity of the Scriptures 94 Sermons 95 Duty of Pastors 98 Ejaculations before reading the Scriptures . , , , • 99 TUESDAY. FALSE DOCTRINE. Prayer for Diligence and Zeal to drive away all erroneous Doctrine contrary to God's Word 102 Disputes, Religious 106 The Lord's Prayer paraphrased 107 o o -o CONTENTS. y WEDNESDAY. SOBER LIFE. Page Prayer for grace to resist the Inclinations of Nature, and to be an ex- ample of good works unto otliers 115 Meditations 116 Failings of good Men . 118 Self-Denial 119 Take up the Cross . 123 Afflictions 124 Crosses, Sec. a peculiar favour to Christians ..... 124 Virtues of a Holy Life . 126 Temperance, Self-Denial 127 Fasting necessary 130 Lent, Meditations proper for a Clergyman 131 THURSDAY. CHURCH DISCIPLINE. Prayer for grace to exercise the Discipline of the Church for the con- viction and conversion of the wicked 139 The Importance and necessity of Church Discipline .... 140 Excommunication 141 Absolution 158 Penance 160 Discipline ..•*. 160 Its sole end the public good • • . 162 Exemption •. 163 FRIDAY. ORDinATIOK. Prayer . . . . Meditations, &c. . Ember Week . . , Deacons . . . The True Pastor . Apostles, (Envoys) The Duties of a Minister Fees .... Ordination, Catechising . Institution Reasons for refusing A Christian Priest 167 169 171 172 172 173 174 179 180 180 181 182 1* -o o o 10 CONTENTS. Page Clergy, Faults of the Clergy .... .... 183 Lord's Supper 184 Lives of the Clergy 184 Difficulties 186 Preacher, Sermons .....•;. ^ . . 186 Necessary Subjects i . . . . 187 Test of a good Preacher 189 The Blessing of Levi : 189 SATURDAY. ALMS. Meditations on the great Duties of Mercy and Charity , . . 191 Upon giving of Alms 198 Tithes the Property of the Ministers of the Gospel, how to be appro- priated - 198 Alms, a Blessing to ours.elves and to the poor ..... 202 Conversation 207 Prayer before Study 209 Suiferinga . . . . • 210 A Thanksgiving on the escape of the Bishop's Father and two Brothers from being drowned 214 SUNDAY MEDITATIONS. Daily Form of Thanksgiving, and Confession of God's Glory . . 217 Providence 220 Prayer for Birth-Day 221 New- Year's Day 222 Lord's Day 223 Prayer for all Mankind . . - ... 223 MONDAY. RESIGNATION. Prayer and Meditations while in prison and in trouble . . . 227 Business 230 Master, Servant . . 231 TUESDAY. TROUBLE, PERSECUTION, ETC Prayer in time of Trouble 232 Look unto Jesus 235 6 6 . o CONTENTS. 11 Page Suffering, Afflictions, and Chastisements, Marks of God's Love . 237 Temptation "^I Despair, Hope, Resignation, &c. 241 In time of War .,.,..«•••• 242 WEDNESDAY. C0VET0USNE88. Prayer against Covetousness ..••••• 345 Fasting 247 Prayer in time of Trouble • « • • 247 Directions under Difficulties 249 In a Lawsuit .♦•••• 250 Prayer for Faith 250 THURSDAY. RELIGIOUS DISCOURSE, ETC Prayer, Meditations, &e 252 Rules in Conversation .....••••• ^^ Prayer against Sloth 256 Prayer against Anger . • • ■^7 Prayer to forgive Injuries •'*^° Reflections on Slander ... 259 Reflections on Uncharitableness . 260 Reflections on Alms 260 Charity; or the Love of Gk)d and our Neighbour .... 262 Hospitality 263 FRIDAY. PENITENCE. The Publican ; Meditations on his Penitence 264 Prayer for forgiveness from God, and for a forgiving Temper, with Meditations * • 265 Good use of Time 269 In time of great Distractions 270 Christ's Patience, Love, &c 272 6. -6 ?■ o 12 CONTENTS, SATURDAY. PaSPARATION FOR DEATH. Page What will be the desires and wishes of every man when Death is at hand 274 Prayers, Meditations, and ejaculations on this solemn Occasion . 292 The Litany 295 The Support of a Penitent at the Hour of Death .... 298 Ejaculations, and Meditations on the Love of God and of Christ j on Penitence, Holiness, Morning, Night, &c 298 Collects, their tendency . 308 0- -o 01 DEYOTIOI AlfD PRATER. True devotion consists in having our hearts always devoted to God, as the sole Fountain of all happiness; and who is ready to hear and help His otherwise helpless, miserable creatures. It is to be attained, 1st. By earnest prayer : " He that hungers after righteousness, will certainly be filled." 2dly. By possessing our hearts with a deep sense of our own misery, our wants, and danger : — This is the grace of humility. 3dly. By considering God's goodness, power, and readiness to help us : — This is called faith in God. Lastly. By convincing our hearts of the vanity of every thing else to afford us any real help or com- fort : — This is to be effected by self-denial. 6- -O o o J 4 ON DEVOTION AND rRAYER. Dying persons are generally more devout than others, because they then see their own misery, that nothing in this world can help them, and that God is their only refuge. We must change our lives, if we desire to change our hearts. God will have no regard to the prayers of those who have none to his commands. The spirit of God will not dwell in a divided heart. We cannot feel the pleasures of devotion, while the world is our delight. Not that all pleasures are criminal, but the closer union we have with the world, the less is our union with God. A Christian, therefore, who strives after devotion, should taste sensual pleasures very sparingly, should make neces- sity, not bodily delight, his rule. In order to dispose our hearts to devotion, the active life is to be preferred to the contemplative. To be doing good to mankind, disposes the soul most powerfully to devotion. And indeed, we are surrounded with motives to piety and devotion, if we would but mind them. The poor are designed to excite our liberality ; the miserable, our pity ; the sick, our assistance ; the ignorant, our instruction ; those that are fallen, our helping hand. In those that are vain, we see the vanity of this world. In those that are wicked, our own frailty. When we see good men rewarded, it confirms our hope ; and when evil men are pun- ished, it excites our fear. He that would be devout, must beware of indulg- ing a habit of wandering in prayer. It is a crime O 6 o o ON DEVOTION AND PRAYER. 15 that will grow upon us, and will deprive us of the blessings we pray for. Avoid, as much as may be, multiplicity of busi- ness : neither the innocency, nor the goodness of the employment, will excuse us, if it possess our hearts when we are praying to God. When our Lord bids us to take no thought for the morrow, he intended to hinder those cares and fears which are apt to distract our devotions, — which are the more unreasonable, because they never can change the state of things. Never be curious to know what passes in the world, any further than duty obliges you ; it will only distract the mind when it should be better employed. Never intermit devotion, if you can help it ; you will return to your duty, like Samson, v/hen his locks were cut, weak and indifferent as other people of the world. The oftener we renew our intercourse with God, the greater will be our devotion. Frequent prayer, as it is an exercise of holy thoughts, is a most natural remedy against the power of sin- Importunity makes no change in God, but it creates in us such dispositions as God thinks fit to reward. Make it a law to yourself to meditate before you pray ; as also to make certain pauses, to see whether your heart goes along with your lips. They whose hearts desire nothing, pray for nothing. (j _ 0- -o 16 ON DEVOTION AND PRAYER. Give me, O God, the spirit of true devotion, such as may give life to all my prayers, so that they may find acceptance in Thy sight, for Jesus Christ's sake ! Amen. N. B. The Meditations and Prayers which are proper for the Clergy only, or which weie suitable peculiarly to the Author, are printed between crotchets [ ] foi the sake of assisting the private devotions of the pious reader. I -o SACRA PRIYATA " Thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret ; and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." — Matthew vi. 6. How good is God ! who will not only give us what we pray for, but will reward us for going to Him, and laying our wants before Him. May I always present myself before God — with a firm faith and hope in his promises and mercy ; with great reverence to His infinite Majesty ; with the humility of an offender ; and with a full purpose of keeping all God's commands. May the thoughts of eternity quicken my devo- tions ; my wants make me earnest; my backslidings make me persevere ; and may I never wilfully give way to any distracting thoughts ! May I wait with patience, and leave it to Thee, my God and Father, how and when to grant my petitions ! He that has learned to pray as he ought, has got the secret of a holy life. o- O o- 18 SACRA PRIVATA. It is of greater advantage to us than we imagine, that God does not grant our petitions immediately. We learn by tliat, that whereunto we have already attained, it was the gift of God. The best way to prevent wandering in prayer is, not to let the mind wander too much at other times ; but to have God always in our minds in the whole course of our lives. The end of prayer is not to in- form God, but to give man a sight of his own misery; to raise his soul towards heaven, and to put him in mind that there is his Father and his inheritance. " Ask, and it shall be given unto you," Matthew vii. 7. Grant me. Lord, a faith which shall make me know my wants, that I may ask them with earnest- ness and humility, and depend upon Thy gracious promise. THE DUTIES OF A CHRISTIAN. That man leads a sincere Christian life, 1st. Who endeavours to serve and obey God to the best of his understanding and power. 2dly. Who strives to please his neighbour to edi- fication. 3dly. Who endeavours to do his duty in that state of life unto which it has pleased God to call him. Whoever would continue in the practice of these things unto his life's end, it is necessary that he C O o SACRA PRIVATA. 19 should call himself often to an account, whether he does so or not ; constantly pray for grace to know, and to do his duty ; and preserve himself in such a teachable temper as to be always ready to receive the truth, when it is fairly proposed to him. [THE DUTIES OF A BISHOP, (The state of life unto wliich it has pleased God to call rae,) By the laws of God and the Church, are, To in- struct the people committed to his charge, out of the holy Scriptures ; and to teach, or maintain, no doc- trine but what may be proved from thence. Sunday. To exercise himself in those holy Scriptures ; to call upon God for the true understanding of the same. Monday. To use all faithful diligence in driving away all doctrines contrary to God's Word, and to encourage others so to do. Tuesday. To deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live a sober, righteous, and godly life, so as to be an example unto others. Wednesday. To maintain and set forward, as much as may be, quietness, love, and peace, among all men ; and to correct and punish the unruly, criminous, and disobedient, as fir as God's Word, and the laws of the land, do require and v/ill warrant. Thursday. To be faithful in ordaining, sending, or laying hands upon others. Friday. To be gentle and merciful, far Christ's sake, to C Q ■ O 20 SACRA PRIVATA. poor and needy people, and to all strangers, destitute of help. Saturday/. THE PRAYER. Almighty God, give me grace and power faith- fully to perform these duties of my high calling; that I may be found perfect and irreprehensible at the last day, through Jesus Christ. Amen.] Prevent, O Lord, the wants of a heart which knows not even how to lay them open before Thee : which does not so much as think of doing it : and which does too often shut out the light and consola- tion of which it stands in need. It is a rudeness amongst men to ask a favour, and not stay for an answer. And do we count it no fault to pray for blessings, and never to think of them afterwards, — never to wait for them, never to give God thanks for them ? Let us not run over our prayers with an insensi- ble and distracted mind. Let your prayers be as particular as may be, against the sins of your particular state, and for the graces which you in particular do most stand in need of This is the best preservative against sin ; makes us best acquainted with our condition ; puts us con- tinually in mind of mending what is amiss ; lets us see what particular graces we most want, what are most needful for the cure of our own particular cor- ruption and disorder ; and is the best trial of our hearts. For example : if I pray for charity, and for every instance which is necessary to render me truly O Q . O SACRA PRIVATA. 21 charitable, I pray for grace to avoid evil-speaking — to pray for my enemies, — to do them good, &/C., and so of all other sins and graces. God grant that I may never seek Thy face in vain ! [" The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." — James v. 16. This ought to make me aspire after every possi- ble degree of holiness, that God may hear my pray- ers for my flock, and for such as have desired my prayers. " When thou didst pray, I did bring the remem- brance of your prayers before the Holy One ; and vrhen thou didst bury the dead, I was with thee." — Tobit xii. 12. May the good Spirit of God assist me in the performance of my duty. Fix my attention, excite my affections, and inflame my devotions, that I may attend upon the Lord with pleasure and without dis- traction. Let us make prayer familiar to i»s ; for without the help of God, we are every hour in danger. " And Aaron shall bear the names of the chil- dren of Israel in the breast-plate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually." — Exodus xxviii. 29. Let Thy merciful ears, O God, be open unto the prayers of Thy servant for himself, and for the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made him overseer, for the Lord Jesus' sake. Amen. O o o 22 SACRA PRIVATA. O Lord, say Amen to our prayers, and grant that my whole flock may be made partakers of the bless- ings we have now prayed for ; and may Thy blessings be upon them for ever. Amen. The devil knows, that when we have a relish for prayer, and apply ourselves in good earnest to it, we are in the way of life ; he therefore strives by all ways possible to divert us.] " Lord, teach us to pray." — Luke xi. 1. Pour upon us the spirit of supplication and prayer. God will deny us nothing that we ask in the name of His Son. PRAYERS THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. When we offer our prayers through His mediation, it is then He that prays. His love that intercedes. His blood that pleads, it is He who obtains all from His Father. PREPARATORY PRAYER. O holy Spirit of grace ! give us a true sight of our miseries, and a sincere shame and sorrow when we make confession of our sins : a feelins: sense of our need of mercy, and a hope of obtaining pardon, when we beg it for Thy Son's sake. May we resign our wills to Thee and to Thy goodness, when we pray for temporal things ; and when we pray for spir- itual graces, may we hunger and thirst after right- eousness. Give us a real love for Thy Holy Word, and grace to hear it with attention. May we thank- fully close with all the means of grace and salvation. O O Q P SACRA PRIVATA. 23 When we praise Thee for Thy works of nature and of grace, and give Thee thanks for Thy mercies, let us do it with high esteem and gratitude. Cause us to hear Thy Holy Word with faith and attention, and to profit by what we hear, that we may return from Thy church with a blessing. MORNING PRAYER. " Choose you this day whom you will serve." — Joshua xxiv. 15. Whom have I in heaven but Thee, O Lord ? and there is none on earth that I desire besides Thee. Thou art my God, and I will thank Thee : Thou art my God, and I will serve Thee. Be thou my only Ruler and Governor. They that have a convenient place to sleep in, and they that have the comfort of sleep, have both great reason to be thankful. And even they that want these mercies, ought to bless God, if in the midst of their afflictions He is pleased to refresh them with the comforts of grace. Gracious God, continue to me these favours so long, and in such a measure, as shall most contribute to Thy honour, and my salvation. And in great mercy support and relieve all that want these bless- ings. What shall I offer unto the Lord for His mercies renewed unto me every morning ? — " The sacrifice -O O Q 24 SACRA PRIVATA. of God is a troubled spirit ; a broken and contrite heart God will not despise."* But most unfit is mine to be to God presented until I have obtained his pardon, through the merits of the Lord Jesus, for the many sins by which it hath been defiled. " I am merciful, saith the Lord, and 1 will not keep anger for ever. Only acknowledge thine ini- quity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God." — Jeremiah iii. 12. " I acknowledge my sin unto Thee, O God, and mine iniquities will I not hide." — Psalm xxxii. 5. I do therefore implore Thy pardon, and plead Thy gracious promises, with full purpose of heart, by the assistance of Thy grace, never again to return to folly. " The heart is deceitful above all things, and des- perately wicked: who can know it?" — Jeremiah xvii. 9. I cannot answer for my own heart, — but there is no word, O Lord, impossible with Thee ; in Thee I do put my trust ; let me never be put to con- fusion. Keep it ever in the heart of Thy servant, " that it is indeed an evil thing and bitter to offend the Lord." Keep me from presumptuous sins ; that I may never grieve Thy Holy Spirit, nor provoke Thee to leave me to myself " Watch and pray, that ye enter not into tempta- tion." — Matthew xxvi. 4L * Psalm li. 17. O ; Q O SACRA PRIVATA. 25 Lord, make me ever mindful of my infirmi- ties and backslidings, that I may be more watch- ful, and more importunate for grace for the time to come, '' Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, vt^alketh about, seeking whom he may devour." — 1 Peter v. 8. O Lord, grant that this adversary of our souls may never find me off my guard, or from under Thy protection. " If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me." — Mat- thew xvi. 24. O my Saviour ! how long have I professed to fol- low Thee, without following the blessed steps of Thy most holy lifb — thy patience and humility — Thy great disregard for the world, its pleasures, profits, honours, and all its idols. O Lord, obtain for me the spirit of mortification and self-denial, that I may follow Thee, as I hope to live with Thee for ever. Amen. " No man can serve two masters. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." — Matthew vii. 24. May my fear and love never be divided between Thee and the world. May I never set up any thing, O God, in competition with Thee in the possession of my heart. May I never attempt to reconcile Thy service with that world which is at enmity with Thee, my God and Father. " What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life V —Mark x. 17. 1_ i O Q 26 SACRA PRIVATA. " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind ; and thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." O that this love of God may be the commanding principle of my soul ! May I always have this com- fortable proof of his love abiding in me, that I study to please Him and to keep His commandments. And may my love to my neighbour be such as He has commanded, that I may forgive, and give, and love, as becomes a disciple of Jesus Christ. Amen. " Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man ;" that is, the happiness of man. — Ecclesiastes xii. 13. May I, great God, continue in thy fear all the day long. May I keep thy statutes, and observe thy laws. " All things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." — Heb. iv. 13. Grant that 1 may always live and act as having Thee, O God, the constant witness of my conduct, for Jesus Christ's sake. [" Take heed unto yourselves, and unto all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you over- seers." — Acts XX. 28. Make me, O Lord, a faithful Overseer, and all those that labour with me in the work of the minis- try, every day more worthy of our calling. And grant unto the people of our flock, that they may profit by us daily, for Jesus Christ's sake, the su- preme Bishop and Pastor. " The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." — John X. 11. —0 O-^^ o SACRA PRIVATA. 27 O Sovereign Pastor ! who gavest Thy life for Thy sheep, grant that I may never sacrifice Thy flock to my ovv^n ease, convenience, profit, or pleasure. But that I may employ my time, my substance, my care, my labours, my prayers, for their welfare continually, and thus, at least, " give my life for my sheep." '' I send you forth as sheep among wolves ; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." — Matthew x. 16. Give me, O Jesus, this wisdom and simplicity, that the cause of God may never suffer by my igno- rance or perverseness. Take me and my flock under Thy protection ; and abandon us not to the rage of wolves. Let me never oppose any thing to the vio- lence of man but meekness of spirit. ** If a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God V — 1 Timothy iii. 5. Grant, O Lord, that my care and conduct in the church of God may appear in the order and piety of my own family. O heavenly Lord and Master, bless us, and take us under Thy gracious protection ; make us a household fearing God, and examples to others of order, diligence, faithfulness, and piety.] *' Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might ; for the night cometh when no man can work." — Ecclesiastes ix. 10. Make me, O Lord, ever sensible of the great evil of delaying the work in its season, which Thou hast appointed, lest the night surprise me unawares. " This is the confidence we have in God, that if 6 28 SACRA PRIVATA. we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us." — 1 John V. 14. That it may be unto Thy servant according to this word, I beseech Thee to hear me in the full im- portance of that holy prayer which thy blessed Son hath taught us : — OUR FATHER WHICH ART IN HEAVEN; In whom we live, and move, and have our being ; grant that I, and all Christians, may live worthy of this glorious relation, and that we may not sin, know- ing that we are accounted Thine. We are thine by adoption ; O make us Thine by the choice of our will. HALLOWED BE THY NAME. O God, whose name is great, wonderful, and holy, grant that I, and all Thy children, may glorify Thee, not only with our lips, but in our lives ; that others, seeing our good works, may glorify our Father which is in heaven. THY KINGDOM COME. May the kingdoms of the world become the king- doms of the Lord and of his Christ. And may all that own Thee for their King, become Thy faithful subjects, and obey Thy laws. Dethrone, O God, and destroy Satan and his kingdom ; and enlarge the kincrdom of grace. o —6 SACRA PRIVATA. 29 THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. We adore Thy goodness, O God, in making Thy will known to us in Thy Holy Word. May this Thy Word be the rule of our will, of our desires, of our lives, and actions. May we ever sacrifice our will to Thine ; be pleased with all Thy choices for ourselves and others, and adore thy providence in the govern- ment of the world. GIVE us THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. O heavenly Father, who knowest what we have need of, give us the necessaries and comforts of this life with Thy blessing ; but above all, give us the bread that nourisheth to eternal life. " O God, who giveth to all life, and breath, and all things," give us grace to impart to such as are in want, of what Thou hast given more than our daily bread. — Acts xvii. 25. AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THEM THAT TRESPASS AGAINST US. Make us truly sensible of thy goodness and mercy and patience towards us, that we may from our hearts forgive every one his brother their trespasses. May my enemies ever have place in my prayers, and in Thy mercy. AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION. Support us, O heavenly Father, under all our O Q 30 SACRA PRIVATA. saving trials, and grant that they may yield us the peaceable fruits of righteousness. BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. From all sin and wickedness, from our ghostly enemy, and from everlasting death, good Lord de- liver us. Deliver us from the evil of sin, and from the evil of punishment. Deliver us, O heavenly Father, from our evil and corrupt nature, from the temptations and snares of an evil world, and from falling again into the sins we have repented of. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN. By Thy Almighty power, O King of heaven, for the glory of Thy name, and for the love of a Father, grant us all these blessings which Thy Son has taught us to pray for. Unto Him that is able to do for us abundantly more than we can ask or think, unto Him be glory, in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.* To God the Creator, the Preserver, and Disposer of all things, be the glory of all the good wrought in us, by us, and upon us. * Ephosians iii. 20. 'O SACRA PRIVATA. 31 Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiv- ing, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. Thine infinite power, wisdom, goodness, faithful- ness, and truth, are the only foundation on which we may surely depend. O give us a firm faith in these thy glorious perfections. With angels and archangels, and all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify Thy glorious name, evermore praising Thee, and saying. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to Thee, O God most high. Amen. *' Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the pre- sence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, do- minion and power, both now and ever. Amen." — Jude 24, 25. '' For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things, to whom be glory for ever. Amen." — Romans xi. 36. " To God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ, for ever and ever. Amen." — Romans xvi. 27. " Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." — Matthew v. 16. O my great Master ! may I edify others by my example ; dispense the light which Thy grace shall vouchsafe me, and in all humility direct all the glory to God. -o 32 SACRA PRIVATA. " Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." — Matthew v. 48. All my endeavours without Thy assistance, O Jesus, will be ineffectual.] " All things are possible to Him that believeth." —Mark ix. 23. Yes, Lord, and therefore I beg that faith of Him to whom all things are possible, that I may be able to discover, to avoid, to resist, and to root out what- ever is evil in me. O Jesus, obtain this grace for Thy otherwise help- less creature. Grant that I may this day escape all the snares laid f6r me by the devil, the world, or mine own cor- rupt heart. Grant that I may this day omit no part of my duty. " Give thyself wholly to these things, that Thy profiting may appear to all." — 1 Timothy iv. 15. God grant that I may do so ; and I pray God preserve me from ease, idleness, and trifling away my precious time. " I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers." — Philemon 4. [O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, have respect unto the prayer of Thy servant on behalf of himself and of his people. Lord, give us true re- pentance for our great and crying sins, root out all growing vices, and avert the judgments which we have justly deserved. Put Thy fear into our hearts, and preserve this church in the midst of this uncertain world. Keep 6 b O Q SACRA PRIVATA. 33 US from all wild and dangerous errors, and prepare us for what Thy providence shall bring forth. Bless the Lord of this isle with a spirit of wisdom, justice, and the fear of God ; provide his offices and council with able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hatiuff covetousness. Endue the clergy with all those graces and abili- ties, that are necessary to fit them for their high call- ing.] Extend and suit Thy graces to all conditions of men amongst us, that we may all be upright in our dealings, obedient to our governors, peaceable in our lives, sober, honest, temperate, chaste in our conver- sation, and charitable to the poor, and one towards another. Increase the number and the graces of all such as love and fear Thee. Enlighten the minds of the ignorant, awaken the consciences of the careless, silence the gainsayers, convert the profane, and all that hold the truth in unrighteousness. Rebuke the spirit of antichrist, idolatry, and libertinism, — the sins of drunkenness, whoredom, litigiousness, and defrauding the public. In tender mercy, remember, O God, all sick and dying persons, that they may omit nothing that is necessary to make their peace with Thee. Be gra- cious unto all that are in affliction of mind or body, or under any pressing calamity, all desolate widows and fatherless children, all that call upon Thee in their distress, and have none else to help them. " The King's heart is in the hand of the Lord 2* -O Q __ 34 SACRA PRIVATA. as the rivers of water, he turneth it whithersoever he will." — Proverbs xxi. 1. Let this Thy power, O Lord, be magnified on his Majesty, and on all that are put in authority under him, that we may be governed with truth and justice, by men fearing and honouring God, protecting the Christian religion, and punishing evil-doers. To this end vouchsafe them, I beseech Thee, all the graces necessary for their high station, and for their eternal happiness. " Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven." — Colossians iv. 1. O heavenly Lord and Master, direct me to, and bless me with, good and faithful servants. Let Thy blessing be upon them, and upon my affairs commit- ted to their care ; and may I never be wanting in any part of my duty to them, for Jesus Christ's sake. RELATIONS, BENEFACTORS, ETC. Be gracious, O Lord, unto my relations, bene- factors, enemies, and all that have desired my pray- ers ; all who, by their own labours, do minister to our necessities ; together with all our known and un- known benefactors. Render, O God, a good re- ward, and a plentiful return, to all those who have been kind and charitable. Grant that we may all so live here, as that we may meet hereafter in the para- dise of God. t) ■ —6 -o SACRA PRIVATA. 35 [for myself and labours. Bless all my labours for Thy glory, O Lord, and for the good of Thy Church.] " Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you." — John xvi. 23. These are what I ask, O God and Father, above all things, for myself, and for all that have desired my prayers : — That we may be restored to Thy like- ness, and never deface it by our sins ; that the image of Satan may be destroyed in us, that all carnal affec- tions may die in us, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may dwell in our hearts by faith ; that Thy name, and the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, may be glorified in us, and we in him, that our hearts may be entirely Thine; that we may never grieve Thy Holy Spirit ; but that we may continue Thine for ever, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. " Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hear- ers." — Ephesians iv. 29. Grant, O God, that I may delight in Thy law, that my conversation may be truly Christian. [En- able me to speak of Thy divine perfections as be- comes a Christian bishop, that I may minister grace unto the hearers.] May I never hear with pleasure, nor ever repeat such things as may dishonour God, or injure my neighbour, or my own character. 6- o o 36 SACRA PRIVATA. " Speak not evil one of another." — James iv. 11. " Foolish talking or jesting are not convenient, but rather giving of thanks." — Eph. v. 4. " Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and keep the door of my lips." — Ps. cxxxiii. 3. " Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. How can ye, being evil, speak good things ?" — Matthew xii. 34. O Holy Spirit of grace, enable me to overcome the shame of a degenerate age, which will hear no- thing with delight, but what concerns this world. O touch my heart with the true love of God, the ex- cellencies of His laws, the pleasantness of His ser- vice, the wonders of His providences, &/C. [that I may edify those that hear me.] This I beg for Jesus Christ's sake. " Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." — John xv. 7. These, O Jesus, are the things that I ask. In- tercede for me ! That I may be truly sensible of the diseases I labour under, and thankfully embrace the means which Thy goodness hath ordained for my recovery. Grant that the end of all my actions and designs, may be the glory of God. Enable me to resist all the sinful appetites of my corrupt nature. Grant that I may hunger and thirst after right- eousness. Vouchsafe me the spirit of adoption — of suppli- cation and prayer — of praise and thanksgiving. 6. — O O Q SACRA PRIVATA. 37 Obtain for me, O Jesus, the graces of mortifica- tion and self-denial ; the graces of a true humility, and the fear of God. Grant, O God, that I may never knowingly live one moment under Thy displeasure, or in any known sin. Grant, O God, that as I have been regenerate, and made Thy child by adoption and grace, I may daily be renewed by Thy Holy Spirit, for Jesus Christ's sake. Enable me, gracious God, to escape the corrup- tion that is in the world through lust, that I may be partaker of the divine nature. Lord, grant me grace to withstand the tempta- tions of the world, the flesh, and the devil ; and with a pure heart and mind to follow Thee, the only God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Let Thy love, O God, be shed abroad in my heart, by the power of the Holy Ghost, and grant that it may appear in my life, my conversation, my words, and actions, for Jesus Christ's sake. Blessed be God that I was admitted into the fel- lowship of Christ's religion. Grant, O God, that I may eschew all those things that are contrary to my profession, and follow all such things as are agree- able to the same, for Jesus Christ's sake. Keep me, I beseech Thee, O Heavenly Father, under the protection of Thy good providence, and make me to have a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Put away from me all hurtful things, and give me I Q- 38 SACRA PRIVATA. those things that be profitable for me, through Jesus Christ. Mercifully grant unto me, O God, such a mea- sure of Thy grace, that running the way of Thy commandments, I may obtain thy gracious promises, and be made partaker of Thy heavenly treasure, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Forgive me those things whereof my conscience is afraid, and give me those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of thy Son Jesus Christ. That I may obtain that which Thou dost pro- mise, make me to love that which Thou dost com- mand, through Jesus Christ. Keep me from all things hurtful, and lead me to all things necessary to my salvation, through Jesus Christ. The Lord deliver me from every evil work, and preserve me to His heavenly kingdom ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. O that Thy Holy Spirit may direct and rule my heart, O God, through Jesus Christ. Of Thy bountiful goodness, O Lord, keep me, I beseech Thee, from all things that may hurt me, that I may cheerfully accomplish those things which Thou wouldest have done, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Grant, O God, that I may be cleansed from all my sin, and serve Thee with a quiet mind, through Jesus Christ. Deliver me, O Lord, from the bonds of those O- -o SACRA PRIVATA. 39 sins, which, through my frailty, I have committed, for Jesus Christ's sake. FAITH. O that I may believe in Thee, O God, and put my whole confidence and trust in Thee alone, and not in any thing that I myself can do. Grant, O God, that I may so perfectly and with- out all doubt, believe in Thy Son Jesus Christ, that my faith in Thy sight may never be reproved, for the sake of the same Jesus Christ. AGAINST WAVERING. Grant, O God, that we may not be carried about with every blast of vain doctrine, but that we may be firmly established in the truth of Thy holy Gos- pel, through Jesus Christ. Grant, O God, that I may perfectly know Thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life — the Author of the way, the Teacher of the truth, and the Giver of life ; that I may steadfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life, through the same Jesus Christ. COVETOUSNESS. Give me grace to forsake all covetous desires, and inordinate love of riches and pleasures, through Jesus Christ. 6 O Q— _ O 40 SACRA PRIVA.TA. Grant that 1 may both perceive and know what things I ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same, through Jesus Christ. Grant me, O God, the true circumcision of the Spirit, that my heart, and all my members, being mortified from all carnal lusts, I may in all things obey Thy blessed will. O that we, who know Thee now by faith, may, after this life, have the fruition of Thy glorious God- head ! In all our dangers and necessities, stretch forth Thy right hand to save and defend us. CHARITY. O, send Thy Holy Ghost, and pour into my heart that most excellent gift of charity, that very bond of peace and of all virtue, without which, whosoever liveth is counted dead before Thee. Grant, I do most humbly beseech Thee, O God, that as by Thy special grace preventing me, Thou dost put into my mind good desires, so by Thy con- tinual help I may bring the same to good effect, through Jesus Christ. O everlasting God, grant that as Thy holy An- gels always do Thee service in heaven, so by Thy appointment they may succour and defend us on earth, through Jesus Christ. Grant me grace so to follow thy blessed saints in virtuous and godly living, that I may come to those O : O SACRA PRIVATA. 41 unspeakable joys, which Thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love Thee. I pray God that my whole spirit, (my understand- ing, will, and conscience,) my soul, (my appetites, affections, and passions,) and my body, (the taber- nacle of my soul,) be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ * May I take pleasure in abidmg in Thy presence, O God, in depending upon Thee ; in leaving myself entirely to Thy disposal, as a continual sacrifice to Thy will. Give me a victory over all my sins and imperfec- tions, increase in me the graces of faith, hope, and charity, of humility, meekness, patience, and resig- nation, and all other Christian virtues, for Jesus Christ's sake. Preserve me, gracious God, from spiritual pride, from ascribing any thing I have done, or can do, to myself, and robbing Thee of the glory of saving me from eternal ruin. Take possession, O Jesus, of Thy right in my soul, which Thou hast redeemed with Thy most pre- cious blood, and root out all self-righteousness, self- interest, and self-will ; — that Thou mayest be my righteousness, and all in me, REPENTANCE. Give me, O God, such a true sorrow for my sins, as shall enable me to embrace all the necessary * 1 Thess. V. 15. b o — o 42 SACRA PRIVATA, means, how bitter soever, for rooting sin out of my soul, HUMILITY. "God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." — 1 Peter v. 5. I have all the reason in the world to be humble. Without God I am nothing. Without His help and grace, I can do nothing that is good. Without His word, I know nothing. Of myself, I deserve nothing but punishment. Of my own, I have nothing but faults, imperfections, and sins, an inclination to evil, an aversion to good, unruly senses, ungovernable passions, unreasonable affections. O Lord Jesus Christ, who art made unto us of God, our wisdom, by revealing Him and His glori- ous perfections ; our righteousness, by satisfying the justice of God in our nature ; our sanctification, by procuring for us the Holy Ghost, and by restoring us, being sinners to God's favour ; our redemption, by redeeming us from death eternal, O Jesus, for these mighty favours, all love and glory be to Thee, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, for ever. Ameu. 1 Cor. i. 30- THE WAY OF A HAPPY LIFE. Lay nothing too much to heart ; desire nothing too eagerly ; rejoice not excessively, nor grieve too much for disasters ; be not violently bent on any de- sign ; nor let any worldly cares hinder you from Q O SACRA PRIVATA. 43 taking care of your soul ; and remember, that it is necessary to be a Christian (that is, to govern one's self by motives of Christianity) in the most common actions of civil life. " Whatsoever ye do in vv^ord or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." — Col. iii. 17. He that w^ould not fall into temptation, must have a presence of mind, a watchful eye over himself; he must have great things in view, distinguish betwixt time and eternity, or else he will follow what passion, not what reason and religion, suggest. CHRISTIAN PERFECTION. Whoever aspires after, (that is, in being so united to God as to be one spirit with him,) must resolve to do all things with this sole view, to please God. This I purpose, this I forbear, this I undertake, this I do, this I suffer, in obedience to the will of God ; and because I believe it will be for His glory. This should be our express purpose, at all times, when we have time to make it ; and should be often renewed, lest our own will come to be the rule of our actions. If I am careful to do this, I shall always have my end, whether I succeed or be disappointed, being convinced it is God's will. " Put ye on the Lord Jesus, and make not pro- vision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof" — Romans xvi, 14. Grant, O Lord, that " I may keep under my body, O o O 44 SACRA PRIVATA. and bring it into subjection, lest by any means, [when I have preached to others] I myself should be a castaway,"* " Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another ; be pitiful, be courteous : not rendering evil for evil, nor railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him eschew evil, and do good ; let him seek peace, and ensue it." — 1 Peter iii. 8 — 11. Give me, O Lord, a wise, a sober, a serious, a religious heart, [that I may do Thee honour in a faithful discharge of the duties of my calling. Give me true Christian courage, that I may never faint in the way of my duty.] Preserve me from evil counsels and rash enter- prises. O make Thy way plain before my face. Support me this day under all the difficulties I shall meet with. I offer myself to Thee, O God, this day, to do in me, and with me, as to Thee seems most meet. Vouchsafe me, gracious God, the spirit of adop- tion, whereby I may cry, Abba, Father, and apply to Thee, through Jesus Christ, not as an angry judge, but as to a merciful and loving father. Remember, that the life of man is only to be valued for its usefulness. [" Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruc- * ] Corinthians ix. 27. O 6 -o SACRA PRIVATA. 45 tion, and many there be which go in thereat ; be- cause strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." — Matthew vii. 13, 14. Grant, O Jesus, that I may never flatter myself or others on this subject.] " This is my commandment, that ye love one another." — John xv. 12. O Thou, who hast given me this command and pattern, give me a sincere desire of following, and grace and power to do it. " And the prayer of faith shall save the sick ; and the Lord shall raise him up ; and if he have committed sins, (^acps&ijcrsxaL amoji,) he shall be ab- solved," i. e. upon his confession. — James v. 15. O Lord of life and death ! have mercy upon all those who are visited with sickness ; sanctify this Thy fatherly correction, that they may search their ways, and see whence this visitation cometh. Have mercy upon all that are appointed to die, and grant that they omit nothing that is necessary to make their peace with Thee, and that they may be deliver- ed from death eternal. And God grant that we may apply our hearts to that holy and heavenly wisdom, while we live here, which may in the end bring us to life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. -C o— — ^o 46 SACRA PRIVATA. NOON. " I exhort, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men." — 1 Timothy ii. 1. " For we are all of one blood." — Acts xvii. 26. And charity, that more excellent way, is a ten- der affection for the whole creation of God. [To promote the kingdom of God, is to increase and hasten one's own happiness. That " man is born to trouble," I see wherever I turn my eyes. I know what pain is by experience ; and though I was never in want, yet, from the com- plaints of others, I see it is grievous, and fit are those things to be laid before the throne of grace. And since many have desired my prayers, and others have been my benefactors, and do constantly pray for me, I should not neglect to pray for them. There are also many who cannot, and many who forget to pray for themselves, for whom charity should oblige one to pray. And I should by no means forget the place of my birth, education, and preferment, that I may be some way useful to them, at least desire that God will ac- cept my prayers for them.] O God, almighty and merciful, let Thy fatherly kindness be upon all whom Thou hast made. Hear the prayers of all that call upon Thee ; open the eyes of them that never pray for themselves : pity the sighs of such as are in misery : deal mercifully o ■ o SACRA PRIVATA. 47 with them that are in darkness, and increase the number of the graces of such as fear and serve Thee daily. Preserve this land from the misfortunes of war ; this church from all dangerous errors ; this people from forgetting Thee, their Lord and Bene- factor. Be gracious to all those countries that are made desolate by the sword, famine, pestilence, or persecution. Bless all persons and places to which Thy providence has made me a debtor ; all who have been instrumental to my good by their assistance, advice, example, or writings. And make me in my turn useful to others. Let none of those that desire my prayers want Thy mercy, but defend, and com- fort, and conduct them through to their lives' end. " In every thing give thanks ; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." — 1 Thess. V. 18. [special FAVOURS. That I was born of honest and religious parents, and in a Christian and Protestant country. That I had an early right to the covenant of gtace. That I had an education and preferment beyond the abilities of my father's house. That I had the advantage of honourable and worthy friends ; an excellent wife, and four lovely children. EXTRAORDINARY DELIVERANCES. From dangerous wounds I received in my head and thigh, when a child ; O o- 48 SACRA PRIVATA. From gunpowder ; From fire ; From the dangers of the sea. MERCIFUL VISITATIONS AND CHASTISEMENTS. A fever in 1693. A long indisposition, of which I recovered in 1698. The loss of three children, at such a time as evidently showed the reason of the visitation. The loss of my dearest wife, with a very peculiar circumstance at the funeral, which showed at once the love and the justice of God.] Cause us, O God, to profit by all the visitations of Thy grace and mercy. It becometh well the just to be thankful. O Lord and Father, I am not worthy of the least of all Thy mercies, which Thou hast showed Thy servant, neither can I render due thanks and praise for them ; but, O Lord, accept of this my sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. For all the known, and for all the unobserved favours, deliverances, visitations, opportunities of doing good, chastisements, and graces of Thy Holy Spirit, vouchsafed to myself and to my family, I bless Thy holy providence ; beseeching Thee to pardon my ingratitude, that I have passed so many days and years without observing and without acknowledging Thy great goodness to Thy unworthy servant. For when I soberly consider my dependence upon Thee, for my life, welfare, health of body, peace of O O o- SACRA PRIVATA. 49 mind, grace, comfort, and salvation, I ought to be very thankful. Glory be to God, my Creator ; glory be to Jesus, my Redeemer ; glory be to the Holy Ghost, my Sanctiher, my Guide, and Comforter : — All love, all glory, be to God most high. Amen. Let us never ascribe any thing to ourselves, but all to the grace of God, and render to Him all the glory of His works. Preserve me, O God, from the insensibility of those who receive Thy favours without being affected with them, and from the ingratitude of those who look upon them as a debt. " It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord ; and to sing praises unto Thy name, O Most High ! To show forth Thy loving-kindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness every night." — Psalm xcii. 1, 2. Many and great have been the favours and bless- ings which Thou hast bestowed upon these nations ; for which, O Lord, in conjunction with those who praise Thee for them, and in the stead of those who forget to praise Thee, I bless and praise Thy holy name. " Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." OUR FATHER, WHICH ART IN HEAVEN ; " In thee we live, and move, and have our be- ing." — Acts xvii. 28. Grant, O Father, that all Christians may live worthy of this glorious relation. 6- Q 50 SACRA PRIVATA. O that we may not sin, knowing that we are ac- counted Thy children.* Grant that we may love Thee with all our heart, and mind, and soul, and strength. Blessed be God, who dealeth with us with the tenderness of a father. that we may remember that our Father and our inheritance is in heaven. 1 commit myself, and all that belongs to me, to Thy fatherly care and love. Verily, whatever ye ask the Father in My name, He will give it you.t This is the great support and comfort of sinners. Hear us, for Thy Son's sake ; for as sinners, we have no right to ask any favour. What manner of love is it, that we should be called the sons of God ?| HALLOWED BE THY NAME. *' Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive honour, and power, and glory ; for Thou hast created all things." *' In this is my Father glorified, that ye bring forth much fruit." May Thy children have a great regard for every thing that belongs to Thee. May I never dishonour Thee, O heavenly Father, by word or deed. May I glorify Thee daily by a good life. Fill my heart with a great concern and zeal for Thy glory. * Wisdom XV. f John xvi. 23. J 1 John iii. 1. I -o ?- o SACRA PRIVATA. 51 " Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord." " They that honour me, I will also honour." How little have I done to promote Thy glory ! God be merciful unto me. « THY KINGDOM COME. May all the kingdoms of the world obey Thy laws, and submit to Thy providence, and become the kingdoms of the Lord, and of His Christ ! May all that own Thee for their King, become Thy faithful subjects ! Bless the pious endeavours of all those that strive to propagate the gospel of Thy Kingdom. Vouchsafe to reign in my heart ; and let not Satan ever have dominion over me. Fit us, O God, for the coming of Thy kingdom. May I submit and rejoice to be governed by Thee. O that Thy Holy Spirit may direct and rule my heart; subdue in me all pride and covetousness, hatred, malice, envy, lust, and all uncleanness, and whatever shall offend Thee. THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. *' This is the will of God, even your sanctifica- tion." — 1 Thessalonians iv. 3. Thou hast sent us into the world, not to do our own will, but Thine. May Thy name be honoured by the good lives of Christians. 6 6 6 52 SACRA PRIVATA. O that I may have respect unto all Thy com- mands. May Thy will, revealed to us in Thy holy Word, be the rule of my will, of my desires, of my words, life, and actions. GIVE us THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD. '' Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life." — John vi. 27. Give us the bread which came down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Lord, give us evermore this bread. May we never deprive ourselves of this food, which will pre- serve our souls from death, and restore life unto our bodies. AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THEM THAT TRESPASS AGAINST US. " Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." — Luke vi. 37. Grant, O heavenly Father, that I may close with this merciful condition of pardon. Thou hast been all mercy to me, O God, grant that I may be so to all others. Blessed be the Lord, who has put our salvation into our own hands. May Thy grace, O Father, give me a heart ever ready to forgive ! I o- SACRA PRIVATA. 53 AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION. " Let him that thinketh he standeth (firm), take heed lest he fall. — 1 Corinthians x. 13. Let not any confidence in ourselves provoke Thee, O God, to leave us to ourselves. " The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation." — 2 Peter ii. 9. Thou, O Father, knowest my infirmities, and the power of my enemies ; be not wanting to me in the hour of temptation. " Watch and pray, that ye enter not into tempta- tion." — Matthew xxvi. 4L Make me mindful of my weakness, that I may be more watchful and importunate for grace. Fortify my soul against the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil, for Jesus Christ's sake. BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL. " Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour." — 1 Peter v. 8. Grant, O heavenly Father, that this adversary may never find me off" my guard, or from under Thy protection. In all my saving trials, give me grace and power to overcome, to Thy glory. -O o 54 SACRA PRIVATA. FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, THE POWER, AND THE GLORY, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN. To Thee, to Thee alone, and to Thy Son, and Holy Spirit, be glory for ever and ever. Amen. EVENING. " Let my prayer be set forth in Thy sight as the incense ; and let the lifting up of my hands be as an evening sacrifice." — Psalm cxli. 2. That it hath pleased God to add another day to the years of my life ; that none of his judgments, to which for my sins I am justly liable, have fallen upon me ; that by His grace He hath kept me from all scandalous sins, and from the dangers of an evil world ; that He has given me occasions of doing good, and grace to make use of them ; that He hath supplied me and my family with the necessaries of this life, and with means of attaining a better : — Accept, O God, of my unfeigned thanks for these, and for all Thy mercies from day to day be- stowed upon me. Add this to all Thy favours, I be- seech Thee, that I may never forget to be thankful. Possess my heart with such a deep sense of my obligations to, and dependence upon Thee, for life, and health, and grace, and salvation, that religion may be my delight as well as my duty. But that I may serve Thee with a quiet mind, 6 O Q O SACRA PRIVATA. 55 forgive me the things whereof my conscience is afraid, and avert the judgments which I have justly deserved. Remember not the offences of my youth ; and in mer- cy blot out those of my riper years. Pardon my sins of the day past, and of my life past, and grant that they may never rise up in judgment against me. Amen. '' If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and He is the propitiation for our sins." — 1 John ii. 1. O most powerful Advocate, I put my cause into Thy hands ; let Thy blood and merits plead for me, and by Thy mighty intercession procure for me a full discharge of all my sins. " Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." — John v. 14. Lord, the frailty of man without Thee cannot but fall. In all temptations, therefore, I beseech Thee to succour me, that no sin may ever get the dominion over me. ["Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear." —1 Peter i. 7. May God give me a salutary dread of the unfaith- fulness of my own heart ; and while my duty obliges me to promote the salvation of others, make me always consider my own frailty and fear for myself " As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." — John xx. 21. O my Saviour ? I acknowledge Thy goodness in appointing unworthy me a successor of Thy Apostles, Cause me thoroughly to weigh the sanctity of my calling, and to discharge it faithfully. — — 6 o o 56 SACRA PRIVATA. / have given you an example. Yes, my Lord and Master, but I am ashamed when I consider how far I come short of this exam- ple ; how poor my pains have been ; how little of my time, my labour, my care, my thoughts, have been spent in Thy service. O Lord, pardon what is past, and give me grace to study Thy spirit and conduct, and follow them more faithfully for the time to come. " My sheep hear My voice ; and I know them, and they follow Me."— John x. 27. And may I, O Sovereign Pastor, always so speak, as that my flock may hear and understand me ; so converse with them, as that I may know them ; and lead such a life, as that they may safely follow me. " Take heed unto thyself, and to thy doctrine ; in so doing, thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee." — 1 Timothy iv. 16. Amen. — The good Lord grant that I may edify the Church both by my life and doctrine ; that I may faithfully teach the mysteries, defend the faith, and maintain the truths of the Gospel. " In meekness instructing those that oppose them- selves." — 2 Timothy ii. 25. O Jesu, impart to me a portion of that Spirit which prevailed with Thee to preach to a people who regarded Thee not, who rejected, who crucified Thee. Make me always sensible of my own infirmities, that I may treat others with compassion. -6 o 9 SACRA PRIVATA. 57 O God, engrave this truth upon my heart, that every moment of my life belongs to Thee. That I may preach Thy Word; and may my prayers be evermore acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer ! " When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing?" — Luke xxii. 35. O bountiful Lord and Master ! Who hast pre- vented all my wants and necessities to this day, grant that no anxious thoughts and fears for the future, no spirit of infidelity, may ever tempt me to distrust Thy providence, or to better or secure my condition by any unworthy means. " Remember the word that I said unto you ; the servant is not greater than his lord." — John xv. 20. My Lord and Master, may I never forget this truth, and then I shall never fear, never complain of injuries, evil treatment, or afflictions. " They watch for your souls, as they that must give account." — Hebrews xiii. 17. We cannot answer for ourselves, and yet we stand charged and are accountable for others. Who can think of this without trembling ? In mercy, O God, communicate to me a degree of grace, and a zeal answerable to the work I have undertaken, and the account I am to give. " Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he Cometh shall find watching." — Luke xii. 37. The good Lord grant that I may be ever watchful in the way of my duty, and faithful in performing it. That I may live in the daily expectation of my Lord's 3* O O o- — — o 58 SACRA PRIVATA, coming; and that when I die, I may be made par- taker of that blessedness which God hath promised His faithful servants.] '' Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." — Psalm xci. 1. May the Almighty God take me, my family, my friends, my relations, my benefactors, and my ene- mies, under His gracious protection ; give His holy angels charge concerning us ; preserve us from the prince and powers of darkness, and from the dangers of the night ; and keep us in perpetual peace and safety ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Hear me, O God, not according to my weak un- derstanding, but according to the full importance of that holy prayer, which Jesus Christ has taught us, and which I presume to offer : — Our Father, which art in Heaven, &C. OUR FATHER, WHICH ART IN HEAVEN ; HALLOWED BE THY NAME. God will be glorified in the salvation of souls. If the Almighty God were not my Father, I might expect vengeance instead of mercy. May I glorify Thee in a faithful discharge of the duties of my calling. ]May I show by my life that God is my Father. O — — o p. o FRIDAY MEDITATIONS. 189 pie admiring a preacher, and being edified by his sermons. TEST OF A GOOD PREACHER. We count him a good physician whose patients we see cured. If the people are cured of their in- temperance, lying, &c., his works will speak for him. *' Neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth, but God that giveth the increase." — 1 Cor. iii. 7. We must depend on God for success, not take that to ourselves which belongs to God alone. It is God who gives his ministers, such as are humble, power over the hearts and souls of men ; when distrusting themselves, they ascribe all the glo- ry to God. We take the work out of the hands of God, when we are pleased with what we have done, and rob Him of the honour due to Him alone. There have been many, who, without any great learning or eloquence, yet by their communication in a humble and low way, have instructed and converted more than famous preachers ; for that they preached not themselves, but Christ Jesus, placing all their confidence in God. THE BLESSING OF LEVI. " Bless, Lord, his substance, and accept the work I 8* C — O o- -o 190 SACRA PRIVATA. of his hands. Smite through the loins of them that rise up against him, and of them that hate him, that they rise not again." — Deut. xxxiii. 11. This is a prophetical declaration of the dreadful punishment of such as shall oppose the priesthood. o- -o SATURDAY ME BIT ATI 1 S . ALMS. Question from the Office of Ordination. — Will you show youiself gentle, and be merciful for Christ's sake to poor and needy people, and to all stran- gers destitute of help ? Answer. — I will so show myself, by God's help. Upon one of the days of the week, (zara fUav :Sa^^drwv^') let every one of you lay by him in store as God hath prospered him.* " Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in the way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, then shall the Lord be my God ; and of all that Thou shalt give me, I will surely give the tenth unto Thee." — Genesis xxviii. 20. " But rather give alms of such things as you have, (or as you are able,) and all things are clean unto you." — Luke xi. 4L That is, proportion your alms to your estate, lest God proportion your estate to your alms.t '' Sell that ye have, and give alms : provide your- * 1 Corinthians xvi. 2. \ Bishop Beveridge. c- o -o 192 SACRA PRIVATA. selves bags which wax not eld ; a treasure m the hea- vens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." — Luke xii. 33. This is still a necessary Christian duty, whatever men think of it ; to part with our worldly enjoyments for the sake of Christ. To sell all ; that is, to renounce all the pleasures, and pomp, and enjoyment, which wealth affords, as if we had actually parted with it; to take to a man's self no more of his estate than necessity requires ; and to make the remainder the support of the poor and distressed : — It being utterly impossible to take delight in the enjoyments of riches, and to love God with all the soul. If God is our only happiness, we shall of course be dead, crucified, to the world. Give to the poor, said our Lord to the rich young man whom He loved. Had there been a better way of disposing of his estate, He would certainly have told him. " Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them. Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth. Thy Father, which seeth in secret, Himself shall reward thee openly." — Matthew vi. 1, 2. By vanity we lose both our riches and our re- ward. It is vanity to boast of our alms, and it is vanity to take pleasure in reflecting upon them. It is sufficient that God will remember them. -O — o SATURDAY MEDITA.TIONS. 193 " It is better to give alms than to lay up gold." — Tobit xii. 8. ** If there shall be a poor man within any of thy gates, thou shalt not harden thy heart, nor shut thy hand from thy poor brother ; but thou shalt open thy hand wide unto him, and shalt freely lend him suffi- cient for his need. Thy heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him, because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee in all thy works." — Deuteronomy xv. 8. *' Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick and needy ; the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble." — Psalm xli. 1. " Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." — Matthew v. 7. " Bow down thine ear to the poor, and give him a friendly answer with meekness ; be as a father unto the fatherless, and as a husband to the widow ; so shalt thou be as the son of the Most High, and He shall love thee more than thy mother doth," — Eccle- siasticus iv. 8. ^' Lay up thy treasure according to the command- ment. It shall bring thee more profit than gold, it shall deliver thee from all afflictions, it shall fight for thee against thine enemies," &c. — Ecclesiasticus xxix. 11. *' If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul, then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon-day. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and sat- isfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones ; I O O o 194 SACRA PRIVATA. and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." — Isaiah Iviii. 10, ll Do not imagine that all that belongs to your church belongs to you. You have indeed a right to live by the altar, but not in luxury.* The church has not had worse enemies, than such as have been raised to estates out of her patri- mony. This should open the eyes of those who make no other use of church livings than to provide por- tions, raise estates and families, enrich relations, &-C, ; from which practices the good Lord keep me. The goods of this world, much more the goods of the church, are mere depositums, put into the hands of men for the common good — of the church and of mankind.! " Set your affections on things above." — Colos- sians iii. 2. It is more to our advantage to have the prayers of a poor, good man, than the smiles of the greatest man on earth. " The Lord loveth the stranger ; love ye there- fore the stranger ; give him food and raiment," &c. — Deuteronomy x. 18, 19. " Sell what thou hast, and give to the poor; and thou shalt have treasure in heaven ; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." — Mark x, 21. My God ! we think we love Thee above all things, when, without being sensible of it, we love a thousand things better ; but as we hope for heaven, we must * St. Bernard, Ep. 2. j Dr. Moore's Divine Dialogues. o o — o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 195 sacrifice even what we love most. This is a neces- sary duty now ; and though it be a very, very difficult one, yet to Thee all things are possible. To sell is only an expression for a disregard for riches ; such as are, being dead to the world, cruci- fied, born again, overcome the world ; all which de- note that temper which Christianity requires. " Inasmuch (for as often) as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." — Matthew xxv. 40. As often ! — Who then would miss any occasion ? The least : — Who then would despise any object ? To me : — So that in serving the poor, we serve Jesus Christ. O comfortable declaration ! It is not out of cruelty or indigence, that Christ suffers any of His members to want or be in misery, but to give others an opportunity of exercising their faith and their love, and of making some amends for their mis-expenses by their alms. " Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in My name, because ye belong to Christ ; verily, (with an oath he assures us,) he shall not lose his reward." — Mark ix. 41. This should always, if possible, be our intention : — This poor, oppressed, this miserable man, belongs to Christ. This would wonderfully enhance the value of our good deeds before God. Mercy is a natural debt, not left to our discretion. He that stands in need of our help is to have it. In- clination, friendship, vain generosity, are selfish mo- tives. 6 o 196 SACRA PRIVATA. The last refuore of a sinner is Alms : it is an art of turning our master's goods innocently to our own advantage, and " making to ourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness;" heaven being the pa- trimony and inheritance of the poor, by our alms we engage them to solicit the mercy of God for us. This is the only way to sanctify riches, which are almost always either the fruit or the seed of unright- eousness and injustice. And indeed we are more obliged to the poor than they to us. Earthly riches are almost always abused without an extraordinary grace. ** I fast twice in the week ; I give tithes of all that I possess." — Luke xviii. 12. Be very careful not to be puffed up with the thoughts of your alms. " I give tithes of all that I possess," was the effect of a pride more prejudicial than the sins of a publican. It is a stratagem of the devil to set before us a sight of our own good works, and to deprive us of that humility which alone can render us acceptable to God. " And Jesus said. Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all : for all these of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God ; but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had." — Luke xxi. 3. God judges not by the greatness of the gift, but by the heart that offers it. The applause which the great gifts of the rich receive, the complacency they take in them, and the -o I O o- SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 197 little religion wherewith they are too often compa- nied, lessen them in the sight of God. The rich indeed may give much, and reserve much for themselves. The poor, who gives all, reserves nothing to himself, but faith in God's pro- vidence. God magnifies the power of His grace in disen- gaging a soul from the love of riches : O my God ! manifest this power upon me ; raise my soul above the fears of poverty, and let me have the greatest part of my treasure in heaven. Shut my heart, O Jesus, against the love of worldly riches. " But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister (that is, to carry alms) unto the saints." — Romans xv. 25. So great an Apostle is not at all afraid that he should debase his character in carrying of alms. A Christian, who considers all other Christians as one body in Jesus Christ, will cheerfully contri- bute even to the necessities of the greatest, remotest strangers. God often spares the rich for the sake of the poor. To the poor, therefore, the rich stand indebted. A rich man, if a good man, is more afraid of not finding fit persons to receive his alms, than a poor man is of not finding persons to bestow alms upon him. We honour Jesus Christ in His poor, when we treat them kindly and help them. The very best of men are only instruments in God's hands, to receive and to give what God bestows O -O O Q 198 SACRA PRIVATA. upon them. And this they should do without any desire of glory or self-interest. Let us make light of money and riches, and send before us into the heavenly treasures, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt ; where neither tyrants nor thieves can take it from us ; but where it will be kept to our eternal advantage, under the custody of God himself.* Thou, O Lord, hast been all mercy to me ; grant that I may be all mercy to others for Thy sake. UPON GIVING OF ALMS. Not unto me, but unto Thee, O God, be the thanks and praise and glory. TITHES. " So hath the Lord (viz., Jesus Christt) ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel."—! Cor ix. 14. That is, out of the labours and revenues of those to whom they preach the Gospel. And this (upon principles of justice as well as of religion : if thou hast much, give plenteously) as God has prospered you, (that is, proportionably to your incomes.) — This no human law can set aside. There is a great deal of difference betwixt being exempt by law and exempt in conscience. * Lactantius. f Matthew x. 10. o O Q SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 199 O Lord, who hast graciously allowed us a recom- pense for our labours, make me a faithful steward of that part of Thy revenues committed to my charge, that I may give Thy servants their portion of meat in due season ; and that I may not feed myself or family with that which belongs to Thy poor. But, above all, I pray God give me grace to preach the Gospel as well as live of it ; and that when my Lord cometh. He may find me so doing. Amen. By what right can those who do nothing at all claim a share of those tithes which are by Jesus Christ appointed for the propagation of the Gospel ? — To satisfy avarice, ambition, luxury, or pleasures, with these, is no better than sacrilege.* *' When ye take of the children of Israel, the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up a heave-offering of it for the Lord, even a tenth part of the tithe." — Numb, xviii. 26. " The Lord (that is, that which God hath re- served unto Himself) is their inheritance." — Deut. xviii. 2. This is said to show, that the priests had as good a right to the tithes and offerings as any of the other tribes had to their land, they being both the gift of God. '' When thou hast made an end of tithino- all the tithes of thine increase the third year,, which is the * Can. Apost. " Omnium negotiorum ecclesiasticorum episcopus habeat, et ea, veiuc Deo contemplante, dispenset." o 200 SACRA PRIVATA. year of tithing, and hast given it unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within thy gates, and be filled ; then thou shalt say before the Lord thy God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of my house, and also have given them unto the Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow, accord- ing to all thy commandments. "-^Deut. xxvi. 12, 13. " Look down from Thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Thy people Israel." — Deut. xxvi. 15. What care is here taken, that men shall not con- found the things that belonor to God with those that they may lawfully convert to their own use ; and indeed a great deal more depends on this than men are aware of, or are willing to believe. " The workman is worthy of his meat." — Mat- thew X. 10. This is a matter of justice as well as of Divine right; but then observe, it is only he that labours, not he that is idle, who has a right to the revenues of the church. Men that are liberal, even to profuseness, to the ministers of their pleasures, that think nothing too much which is laid out upon the body, upon trifles and vanity, will yet grudge him that has the care of their souls, and who stands accountable for them, a very small part of their incomes. After all it is God who maintains His own ministers, and not the peo- ple ; He who gives all, having reserved to His own disposal a part of every man's estate, labour, &lc. 6- ■■_■ I SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 201 " Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits (the best) of all thine increase : so shall thy barns be filled with plenty." — Prov. iii. 9, 10.. " And the first of all the first-fruits of all things, &/C., ye shall give unto the priest, that he may cause the blessing to rest in thy house." — Ezek. xliv. 30. " Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." — Mai. iii. 10. " Let him (that is, he is bound by his Christianity) that is taucrht in the word communicate to him that teacheth in all good things." — Gal. vi. 6. May my gracious God who has blessed me with wealth, may He bless me with humility and grati- tude, and with a perseverance in the most lovely grace of charity. When God left out the tribe of Levi in the division of the land. He did it for his advantage ; for He gave him a tenth instead of a twelfth part ; and even this under such conditions as freed him from bodily labour. Every one is bound to help the poor, not just as he is assessed by human laws, but according to his ability, as God has prospered him ; and if he will do no more than he can be compelled to by law, he will have but a bad account to make. Prescriptions are therefore unlawful. 9* J. 6, !L ^6 o — o 202 SACRA PRIVATA. ALMS. " Say not, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations, (that is, if we wilfully break his laws,) and when I offer to the Most High God, he will accept it." — Ecclus. vii. 9. God has no need of our help to relieve the poor. He commands us for our own profit, to help one another ; that we help the poor with our riches, they us with their prayers. We give nothing to the poor but what we have received from God. How well is a man paid for his alms, when they obtain for him the grace of God, not to mention a reward in temporal blessings. The administering of charity not only supplieth the wants of the poor, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God, and by their prayers for you.* " But if any provide not for his own, and espe- cially for those of his own house (kindred), he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." — 1 Tim. v. 8. A very terrible sentence ! And will not this awaken pastors, masters, parents, now fast asleep in a deplorable neglect of those who stand related to them, both as to temporals and spirituals? We rob the poor when we leave to others the care of maintaining our poor relations, when we our- selves are able to do it ; and thereby deprive those charitable persons of the means of supporting other poor persons. * 2 Corinthians ix. 12. o O SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 203 Remember to ^ive to those that are ashamed to ask ; and do not forget your poor relation, lest you be worse than an infidel. " This Judas said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare (the money) which was put therein." — John xii. 6. Our Lord trusts a thief with the little money that he had for his own, or his disciples' necessities, not for the poor, because he values it not much. My Saviour, Thou who hast intrusted me with the reve- nues of Thy poor, make me a faithful steward ; let me not be proud of the trust, since Judas himself had once the same office ; but let me dread being un- faithful, lest I draw upon me his cursed fate and end ! They who are united in an expectation of an eternal reward, ought to have very little regard to those external advantages which distinguish men. We ought to look upon it as a certain truth, that it is God who sends to us His friends in the persons of the poor and strangers. '' In all thy gifts show a cheerful countenance, and dedicate thy tithes with gladness." — Ecclus. XXXV. 9. Give unto the Most Hiah accordinor as He hath enriched thee. For the Lord thy God recompenseth, and will give thee seven times as much. — But do not think to corrupt (viz. God) with gifts, nor trust to unrighteous sacrifices, for the Lord is judge. '' He that showeth mercy, let him do it with cheer- fulness." — Rom. xii. 18. O O Q O 204 SACllA PRIVATA. The good Lord preserve me from vanity, and from seeking applause for my charity. N. B. — To lend is sometimes better than to give, because it flatters not our vanity ; it puts not the receiver to the blush, and gives not encouragement to idleness and sloth. Jesus Christ has left the poor in His place, and has in them continual wants and necessities to be supplied. There is danger in letting our thoughts run too much upon the good we do, lest we should at last come to fiincy that God is in our debt ; and that He should reward us in this life. The merits of the poor are not to be the rule of our charity. '' If thine enemy hunger, feed him ; if he thirst, give him drink." " 1 was a stranger, and ye took me not in." God Himself maketh His sun to shine upon the evil and upon the good. We should always have enough for the poor, if we would but moderate our vanity, and live accord- ing to the spirit of the Gospel. It will one day be found true, that the measure of the riches which any man possessed should have been the measure of his charity. " Brethren and help are against the time of trou- ble ; but alms delivereth more than them both." — Ecclus. xl. 24. " Manasses gave alms, and escaped the snares of death which they had set for him." — Tobit xiv. 10. o '•-'■' o— SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 205 He who gives to receive glory of men, is as great, but worse beggar than any he gives to. Send thy blessing upon my labours and upon my substance, and continue to me a willing mind to help such as have need according to my ability. " My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable words when thou givest any thing. Shall not the dew assuagre the heat ? so is a word better than a gift. A word is better than a gift : but both are with a gracious man." — Ecclus. xviii. 15, 16, 17. " There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth ; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty." — Prov. xi. 24. Whenever we relieve the wants of the body, we ought not to forget the necessities of the soul : good advice and devout petitions for their eternal welfare, will then be most proper and acceptable to God. O God, who knowest the necessities of all Thy creatures, give Thy poor the spiritual graces they stand in need of Lord Jesus, conduct this poor blind person in the way of light and peace everlasting. Support Thy poor members, O Jesu, under all their difficulties, and sanctify their bodily wants to the salvation of their souls. May Thy poor, O Lord, engage Thee, by a life of resignation and piety, to make them amends in the next world for what they want in this. Let Thy poor have a particular share of Thy 0- Q 206 SACRA PRIVATA. grace and mercy, that they may appear for me at the day of judgment. Let these poor people have Thy grace, whatever else Thou deniest them. May the wants of Thy poor here help to increase their happiness hereafter. Lord, grant that these may bear their poor estate with patience and resignation, and that we may one day meet in the paradise of God. " Freely ye have received, freely give." — Mat- thew X. 8. Give me, O my Lord and Benefactor, an abhor- rence of making a trade of Thy gifts, of which I am only a dispenser. '' He that mocketh and he that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker." — Prov. xiv. 3L xvii. 5. As if he did not order what is best for all His creatures. May this. Thy poor member, O Lord, make a Christian use of this condition in which Thy pro- vidence hath placed him. Jesus Christ is continually humbled in His members ; some are poor, in prison, sick, naked, hungry, &.c. Let me, O Lord, see and help Thee in all these objects. A man that has faith will be glad to discharge himself of the burden (some part at least) of tem- poral goods, in order to secure those that are eter- nal : and to be in some sense the preserver of his brethren. Charity treats the most unknown and remote like O O ?■ o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 207 brethren, as being children of the same heavenly Father, and members of the same body. CONVERSATION. " Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." — Col. iv. 6. One mild, prudent, and edifying conversation has often gained more souls than many sermons. '* Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another." — 1 Thess. v. Jl. These are two express duties of Christian con- versation. May that good Spirit, which appeared in the likeness of tongues of fire, warm my heart, direct my thoughts, and guide my tongue, and give a power to persuade ; that by my conversation and example, as well as by my sermons and writings, I may promote the kingdom and interests of my great Master. Amen. " I will speak of Thy testimonies even before kings, and will not be ashamed." — Psalm cxix. We, of all men, should desire to talk, and be talked to, in our own way, and of things relating to our own profession ; and so we should if our profes- sion were most at our heart. " Behold, I send you forth as sheep among wolves." — Matthew x. 16. My Saviour, give me grace to oppose nothing to the violence of men, but the meekness and simplicity of that creature. c 6 o — o 208 SACRA PRIVATA. " It is not ye that speak, but the Holy Spirit speaketh in you." — Matthew x. 20. O Holy Spirit, speak in me on all occasions, that I may always speak as a Christian. " It shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak." — Matthew x. 19. Let no incredulity, O Jesus, hinder the effects of so positive a promise, that neither want of talents, nor any other defect or surprise, may hurt Thy cause. *' Remember the word that I said unto you. The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you ; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also." — John XV. 20. O Thou great Master of humility and of suffer- ing, how unwilling are we to follow this maxim, and imitate Thy conduct ! O let me learn from Thee never to murmur, never to complain. I can never suffer any thing but what Thou hast suffered. " Carest Thou not that we perish?" — Mark iv. 38. Lord, give me always a great concern for the Church, a true compassion for its evils, and a sure confidence in Thee. O Lord Jesus, Thou seest our afflictions, our troubles, and our wants. Haste Thee to help us, O Lord God of our salvation. d O Q O SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 209 PRAYER BEFORE STUDY. O God, the fountain of all wisdom, in a deep sense of my own ignorance, and of that great charge which lies upon me, I am constrained to come often before Thee, from whom I have learned whatever I know, to ask that help without which I shall disquiet myself in vain ; most humbly beseeching Thee to guide me with Thine eye ; to enlighten my mind, that I may see myself, and teach others the wonders of Thy law; that I may learn from Thee what I ought to think and speak concerning Thee. Direct and bless all the labours of my mind, give me a dis- cerning spirit, a sound judgment, and an honest and religious heart. And grant that, in all my studies, my first aim may be to set forth Thy glory, and to set forward the salvation of mankind ; that I may give a comfortable account of my time at the great day, when all our labours shall be tried. And if Thou art pleased that by my ministry sin- ners shall be converted, and Thy kingdom enlarged, give me the grace of humility, that I may never ascribe the success to myself, but to Thy Holy Spirit, which enables me to will and to do according to Thy good pleasure. Grant this, O Father of all light and truth, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. o 210 SACRA PRIVATA. SUFFERINGS. " Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also." — Luke ii. 35. Thus God treated Mary, and thus He treats those whom He loves ; He mingles bitters with their sweets. He who is called to the ministry of the word, is called to suffer the contradiction of the world, and, if occasion be, to seal the truth with his blood. This should always be our support and comfort, that the tongues, the ill-will, the evil designs of men, are always subject to the power of God ; let us there- fore be intent upon our duty, and leave the rest to God, who continually watches over His faithful ser- vants. " Even the hairs of your head are all num- bered." My God ! settle in my heart a firm belief in Thy providence, and dependence upon Thy will and de- signs, that I may consider nothing but my duty, and fear no evil ; but only lest I should not faithfully dis- charge my duty in all respects. " He preached boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus : but they went about to kill him." — Acts ix. 29. When a man is treated as Jesus Christ was for preaching, it is a good sign that he preaches by His Spirit, and that this is the beginning of his reward ; and indeed opposition, and evil treatment are less to be feared by a minister of Christ, than applause and O O o o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 211 condemnation. " Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you." " We are troubled on every side, yet not distress- ed ; we are perplexed, but not in despair ; persecuted, but not forsaken ; cast down, but not destroyed." — 2 Cor. iv. 8, 9. Observe here an apostolical disposition in the midst of persecution : — Liberty of spirit and joy of heart ; an invincible courage ; a lively belief of the care of God ; a full trust in His assistance in the lowest abyss of trouble ; casting the eyes of faith upon the sufferings of the Lord Jesus; counting him- self happy in fulfilling them in His Mystical Body. " The things which happened unto me, have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel." — Phil. i. 12. He who loses courage under oppositions, is even yet a stranger to the ways of the Gospel. God can and does make His greatest enemies contribute to his work and glory. Let us leave God to act and follow his guidance. " Notwithstandino; the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me." — 2 Tim. iv. 17. The more a minister of Christ is forsaken by men, the more conformable he is to Christ, and the greater consolation he may expect from God. " Consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." — Hebrews xii. 3. If the world, which rose up against Christ, suffer us to be quiet, we should have reason to fear that we I o 6 o —• o 212 SACRA PRIVATA. do not follow His steps, and that the world is pleased with us. " Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." — Hebrews xii. 6. If nature were innocent, a Father so just and so good would not impose a condition so hard upon His children, were it not necessary to our salvation. We are treated as bastards if we are not chastened, but left to our own libertinism ; too sure a sign of repro- bation. Grant, O Lord, that I may submit to, and even be pleased with, those temporal evils which lead to eter- nal happiness. " This is thankworthy, if a man for conscience towards God endure grief, suffering wrongfully." — 1 Peter ii. 19. He who can be content to have God for a witness of his patience and sufferings, has found the secret to make God his friend. We complain of unjust sufferings, and they are the things which we ought most to value. A Christian, whose whole care is to avoid suffer- ings, has forgot his pattern ; and that we are Chris- tians in order to be crucified with Christ. We see in Jesus Christ innocence and holiness itself suffering; and yet we complain of hardships. The meekness of Christ when in the hands of His enemies, and when He had power to have deliv- ered Himself, is what we are always to remember. ** If ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are 6 Q — — — O SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 213 ye : and be not afraid of their terror." — 1 Peter iii. 14. It is plain we do not know the happiness of suf- fering, when we speak of it with abhorrence, and shun it with all our might. Nothing but Thy love, O Lord, can suppress in our hearts the fear of men. " If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye ; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you." — 1 Peter iv, 14. No worldly glory equals this ; nothing causes His spirit to rest upon us more perseveringly ; God will not account of sufferings brought upon a man's self by his own fault ; and yet Christian grace can sanctify even such crimes, when a criminal suffers in the spirit of repentance, and submission to the will of God. To be purified by afflictions is a great mercy ; to be abandoned to prosperity till death, is an in- stance of God's anger. " Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator." — 1 Peter iv. 19. " Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you." — 1 John iii. 13. Let us rather fear that we do not belong to God, if the world spare us. " As ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolations." — 2 Cor. i. 7. O Lord, remove from me all inward disquiet, and O ■ O o o 214 SACRA PRIVATA. grant that, with an entire submission to Thy will, I may ever preserve a peace of mind, and leave my deliverance to Thy choice. The more the world deprives us of its protection for our adherence to God, the more He espouseth our interest, and declares on our side. It is the part of the minister of Christ to labour without ceasing, — to suffer without resentment, — and to leave his cause in the hands of God, with full trust in Him. A THANKSGIVING FOR ST. PETER'S DAY, WHEN MY FATHER AND TWO OF MY BROTHERS MOST WONDERFULLY ESCAPED BEING DROWNED. O Eternal and most merciful God ; Who hast made us happy in the knowledge of Thy providence, which governs and preserves all things both in hea- ven and earth ; by whose goodness my father and two of my brothers were, as on this day, delivered from sudden and untimely deaths; accept of my hearty thanks and praise for this great mercy vouchsafed to the whole family ; and grant that none of us may, while we live, forget these wonderful expressions of Thy loving-kindness to us, the most undeserving of all Thy people. We had sinned many ways against Thee, O Lord, and this was a loud, a distinct, and merciful call of Thine, to every one of us, to repentance, which I o_ O o- o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 215 most humbly beseech Thee give us grace to hear, to remember, and obey. The greatest happiness, O merciful Father, which I can desire, either for myself or those who were sharers in this o-reat deliverance, is what I now hum- bly beg for ; that we may all of us gratefully acknow- ledge Thy great love to us ; meditate on Thy tender mercies ; magnify Thy great and good providence ; and by these mighty favours, be reduced to an obe- dience becoming our redemption. Pass by and pardon the ingratitude we have any of us been guilty of; and give us grace to consider, that, by the merciful goodness of God, we are deliv- ered from a world of dangers, which would otherwise overwhelm us. And according to thy wonted mercies, preserve us, for the time to come, to serve Thee. May the same watchful providence, which has aforetime de- fended us from such imminent dangers, guard us the remainder of our days, through all the changes and chances of this mortal life. This I most humbly be- seech Thee to grant, for Thy own goodness' sake, and for the merits of our Saviour Christ Jesus. Amen. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Who saved thy life from destruction. Lord, what is man, that Thou art mindful of him ; or the sons of men, that Thou so recrardest them ? But what is my father's house, that Thou should- est have such respect to so poor, so sinful a cottage ? Q- -O 216 SACRA PRIVATA. I am oppressed with the load of mercies which we have received from Thee. *' As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as stewards of the manifold grace of God." — 1 Peter iv. 10. We have received them freely, not for ourselves, but for others ; no man is excused ; as stewards we are accountable. Every man should be content with his own talents. o ■o SUlfMI MEDITATIONS.* PRAYERS, THANKSGIVINGS, &c. o- A DAILY FORM OF THANKSGIVING. O Almighty God and most merciful Father, Who, day after day, dost minister to sinful man infi- nite occasions of praising Thee, accept of my un- feigned thanks for all the blessings I have, and every day receive, from Thy good providence. That of Thine own mere goodness, and without any merit of mine, or of my forefathers, Thou hast given me a being from honest and religious parents, and in such a part of the world where the Christian religion is purely taught, and Thy sacraments duly administered. That Thou didst endue me with reason and per- fect senses ; and to make these more comfortable to me, didst give me a sound and healthful body. * These Meditations, and those that follow, are accommodated to general use. 10 -o o -o 218 SACRA PRIVATA. That Thou didst preside over my education, and gavest me an early knowledge of Thee, my Creator and Redeemer. That Thou hast preserved me ever since my birth, and vouchsafed me health and liberty, and a compe- tency of merns to support me. That TLou hast redeemed me by Thy Son, and given me a share in His merits; sanctified me by Thy Holy Spirit ; and heaped many unexpected favours upon me. That Thou hast given me honest friends to ad- monish, to counsel, to encourage, to support me, by their interest and advice. That Thou hast been my refuge in tribulation, and my defence in all adversities, delivering me from dangers, infamy, and troubles. For all known or un- observed deliverances, and for the guard Thy Holy Angels keep over me, I praise Thy good providence. When I went astray. Thou didst reduce me ; when I was sad, Thou didst comfort me ; when I offended Thee, Thou didst forbear and gently correct me, and didst long expect my repentance ; and when, for the grievousness of my sins, I was ready to despair, Thou didst keep me from utter ruin ; Thou hast de- livered me from the snares and assaults of the devil ; Thou hast not only preserved my soul, but my body, from destruction, when sickness and infirmities took hold of me. O Lord and Father, I cannot render due thanks and praise for all these mercies bestowed upon me : such as I have, I give Thee ; and humbly beseech O O o — SUNDAY MEDITATIONS. 219 Thee to accept of this my daily sacrifice of thanks- giving. Pardon, O God, all my former ingratitude ; and that I have passed so many days without observing, without admiring, without acknowledging and con- fessing. Thy wonderful goodness to the most unwor- thy of Thy servants. For (now I soberly consider my dependence upon Thee) as there is no hour of my life that I do not enjoy Thy favours, and taste of Thy goodness, so (if my frailty would permit) I would spend no part of my life without remembering Thee. Praise the Lord, then, O my soul, and all that is within me praise His holy name. Glory be to Thee, O Lord, my Creator. Glory be to Thee, O Jesus my Redeemer. Glory be to the Holy Ghost, my Sanctifier, my Guide and Comforter. All love, all glory, be to the high and undivided Trinity, Whose works are inseparable, and Whose dominion endureth world without end. Amen. When I seriously consider, great God, my de- pendence upon Thy providence, and that the favours and mercies I have received are infinitely more in number than the acknowledgments I have made, I am justly ashamed of my ingratitude, and afraid lest my unthankfulness should provoke Thee to hinder the current of Thy blessings from descending upon me. Forgive me, O merciful Father, my past negli- gences, and give me grace for the time to come to observe and to value Thy kindness, as becomes one who has received so much more than he deserves. o 6 o 220 SACRA PRIVATA. Preserve in my soul, O God, such a constant and clear sense of my obligations to Thee, that upon the receipt of every favour, I may immediately turn my eyes to Him from whom cometh my salvation. That Thy manifold blessings may fix such lasting impres- sions upon my soul, that I may always praise Thee faithfully here on earth, until it shall please Thee, of Thy unbounded mercy, to call me nearer the place of Thy heavenly habitation, to praise my Lord and Deliverer to all eternity. Amen. PROVIDENCE. God has more ways of providing for us, of help- ing us, than we can possibly imagine ; it is infidelity to desire to confine Him to our ways and methods. " Lord, save us, we perish." — Matthew viii. 25. Nothing can better express our own inability, and our whole dependence upon God. Two sure conditions of obtaining help. Since Thy mercy, O God, is ever ready to help all that call upon Thee in time of distress, let Thy goodness answer my wants. Keep me under the protection of Thy good pro- vidence, and make me to have a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy Name, through Jesus Christ.* The more destitute we are of human aid, the more ought we to trust to that providence which God is pleased to exert in extreme necessity. * Second Sunday after Trinity. — -Q SUNDAY MEDITATIONS. 221 O God, give me grace never to condemn Thy providence ; let me adore the wisdom of Thy con- duct, the holiness of Thy ways, and the power of Thy grace. How many sins should we commit, if God did not vouchsafe to oppose our corrupt will ! Blessed be His holy Name, for not leaving me to my own choices. " So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." — Psalm xc. 12. BIRTH-DAY. Blessed be God for my creation and birth ; for giving me a being from honest parents, fearing God, and in a Christian and Protestant country ; for giv- ing me perfect members and senses, a sound reason, and an healthful constitution ; for the means of grace, the assistances of the Holy Spirit, and for the hopes of glory ; for my good education ; for all the known or unobserved favours, providences, and deliv- erances, by which my life has hitherto been preserved ; most humbly beseeching Thee, my God and Father, to pardon my neglect or abuse of any of Thy favours, and that I have so very much forgotten Thee, in whom I live, and move, and have my being. Good Lord, forgive me the great waste of my precious time ; the many days and years of health, and the many opportunities of doing good, which I have lost ; and give me grace, that for the time to O O o— o 222 SACRA PRIVATA. come I may be truly wise, that I may consider my latter end, and work out my salvation with fear and trembling, ever remembering '' that the night cometh when no man can work ;" and that the day of my death may be better to me than the day of my birth. O gracious God, grant that before Thou takest from me that breath which Thou gavest me, I may truly repent of the errors of my life past ; that my sins may be forgiven, and my pardon sealed in Heaven ; so that I may have a place of rest in para- dise with Thy faithful servants, till the general resur- rection ; when the good Lord vouchsafe me a better and an everlasting life, through Jesus Christ. Amen. NEW-YEAR'S DAY. Blessed be God, who has brought me safe to the beginning of another year. Blessed be God, that I am of the number of those who have time and space for repentance yet given them. My God, make me truly sensible of this mercy, and give me grace to consider often how short and how uncertain my time is : that there is one year more of a short life passed over my head ; and that I am so much nearer eternity ; that I may in good earnest think of another life, and be so prepared for it, as that death may not overtake me unawares. Lord, pardon all my misspent time, and make me Q- SUNDAY MEDITATIONS. 223 more dilio-ent and careful to redeem it for the time to come, that when I come to the end of my days, I may look back with comfort on the days that are past. Grant that I may begin this new year with new resolutions of serving Thee more faithfully ; and if, through infirmity or negligence, I forget these good purposes, the good Lord awaken in me a sense of my danger. My heart is in Thy hands, O God, as well as my time ; O make me wise unto salvation ; that I may consider in this my day the things that belong unto my peace : and that I may pass this, and all the years I have yet to live, in a comfortable hope of a blessed eternity, for the Lord Jesus' sake. Amen. LORD'S DAY. " When will the Sabbath be gone, that we may sell wheat?" — Amos viii. 5. Deliver us, gracious God, from this sin of covet- ousness, — from being weary of Thy Sabbaths, which are ordained to preserve in our hearts the knowledge of Thee, and of Thy Son Jesus Christ. O that we may desire, and rejoice in the return of this day, and serve Thee faithfully on it ; and that we may enjoy an everlasting Sabbath with Thy saints, for Jesus Christ His sake. Amen. O that I may be glad when they say unto me. Come, let us go to the house of God ! O Q —— O 224 SACRA PRIVATA. PRAYER FOR ALL MANKIND. " I exhort, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and givinor of thanks, be made for all men." — 1 Timothy ii. 1. O God, almighty and merciful, let Thy fatherly kindness be upon all that Thou hast made. Have mercy upon all Jews, Turks, Infidels, and Heretics ; and grant that none may deprive them- selves of that happiness which Jesus Christ has pur- chased by His death. Bless the pious endeavours of all those that strive to propagate the gospel of Christ ; and may its saving truths be received in all the world. Preserve Thy Church in the midst of the dangers that surround it ; purge it from all corruptions, and heal its divisions, that all Christian people may unite and love as becomes the disciples of Christ. Grant that all bishops and pastors may be careful to observe the sacred rights committed to their trust : — That godly discipline may be restored and coun- tenanced : — That Christians may not content themselves with bare shadows of religion and piety ; but endeavour after that holiness without which no man can see the Lord : — That such as are in authority may govern with truth and justice ; and that those whose duty it is to obey, may do it for conscience' sake. O — ■ o SUNDAY MEDITATIONS. 225 Let all that sincerely seek the truth, be led into it by Thy Holy Spirit ; and to all such as are desti- tute of necessary instruction, vouchsafe a greater measure of Thy grace. Support and comfort all that labour under trials and afflictions, all that suffer wrongfully; and by Thy mighty grace succour all those that are tempted. Give unto all sinners a true sense of their unhappy state, and grace and strength to break their bonds. Visit, with Thy fatherly comforts, all such as are now in their last sickness, that they may omit nothing that is necessary to make their peace with Thee. Be gracious to all those countries that are made desolate by the sword, famine, pestilence, or per- secution. And sanctify the miseries of this life, to the ever- lasting benefit of all that suifer. Preserve this land from the miseries of war ; this Church from perse- cution, and from all wild and dangerous errors ; and this people from forgetting Thee, their Lord and Benefactor. Avert the judgments which we have justly de- served ; and mercifully prevent the ruin that threatens us ; and grant that we may be ever prepared for what Thy providence shall bring forth. Bless all persons and places to which Thy provi- dence has made me a debtor ; all who have been instrumental to my good, by their assistance, advice, example, or writings ; and make me in my turn use- ful to others. Let none of those who cannot pray for them- 9* Q- — O 226 SACRA PRIVATA. selves, and desire my prayers, want Thy mercy ; but defend, and comfort, and conduct them through this dangerous world, that we may meet in paradise, to praise our God for ever and ever. Amen. Enlighten the minds, and pardon the sin, of all that err through simplicity. Let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but guide Thou the just. Relieve and cf)mfort all that are troubled in mind or conscience ; all that are in danger of falling into despair ; all that are in any dangerous error; all that are in prison, in slavery, or under persecution for a righteous cause ; all that are in any distress what- ever, that all may improve under their sufferings. Have mercy upon and reclaim all that are en- gaged in sinful courses, in youthful lusts, in unchris- tian quarrels, and in unrighteous lawsuits. Direct all that are in doubt, all that seek the truth. O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all, have mercy upon all whom Thou hast made and redeemed. Amen. O- O Ots- MONDAY MEDITATIONS. RESIGNATION. -o " Nevertheless, not My will, but Thine be done." — Luke xxii. 42. God, who takest delight in helping the afflicted, help a soul too often distressed with an inward rebel- lion against Thy just appointments. Who am I, that I should make exceptions against the will of God, infinitely great, and wise, and good? 1 know not the things that are for my own good. My most earnest desires, if granted, may prove my ruin. The things I complain of, and fear, may be the effects of the greatest mercy. The disappointments I meet with may be abso- lutely necessary for my eternal welfare. I do therefore protest against the sin and mad- ness of desiring to have my will done, and not the will of God. * Written while the author was prisoner in Castle-Ryshen, August 5, 1722. O O- 228 SACRA PRIVATA. Grant, gracious Father, that I may never dispute the reasonableness of Thy will, but ever close vi^ith it, as the best that can happen. Prepare me alvi^ays for what Thy providence shall brincr forth. Let me never murmur, be dejected, or impatient, under any of the troubles of this life ; but ever find rest and comfort in this ; this is the will of my Father^ and of my God : grant this for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. To the glory of God, and justification of His infi- nite goodness, I do here acknowledge, that in all the dispensations of Providence which have befallen me, to this day, however uneasy to flesh and blood, I have notwithstanding experienced the kindness of a father for his child ; and am convinced that it would have been much worse for me had I had my own choices. O God, grant that for the time to come I may yield a cheerful obedience to all Thy appointments. Amen. Corrupt nature cannot comprehend that afflictions are the effects of the Divine love. It must be Thy grace, O lover of souls, which must work in me this conviction, which I beseech Thee to vouchsafe me. Never set a greater value upon this world than it deserves. If a man is not eager or positive in his desires, he will more readily embrace the appointments of provi- dence. If we place our hopes, or our dependence, upon the power, the wisdom, the counsel, or the interest O 6 o MONDAY MEDITATIONS. 229 we have in man, and not in God only, we shall surely be disappointed. " Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him." — Job xiii. 15. O my crucified King and Saviour, let my sub- mission to whatever afflictions shall befall me, for Thy sake, or by Thy appointment, be to me a pledge and an assurance of my fidelity to Thee, and con- formity to Thy sufferings. It is a favour to be punished and to suffer in this life, when a man makes a good use of his sufferings. But to suffer by constraint, is to suffer without com- fort and without benefit. Our union and conformity with the will of God, ought to be instead of all consolation. Grant, O God, that I may always accept of the punishment of my sins with resignation to Thy good pleasure. Remember me, O Lord, in the day of trouble ; keep me from all excess of fear, concern, and sadness. Grant me an humble and a resigned heart, that with perfect content I may ever acquiesce in all the methods of Thy grace, that I may never frustrate the designs of Thy mercy, by unreasonable fears, by sloth, or self-love. Amen. Think often of God, and of His attributes. His mercy, compassion, fidelity, fatherly care, goodness, protection. Dwell on these thoughts till they pro- duce such a well-grounded confidence as will sup- port us under all difficulties, and assure us that He cannot possibly forsake those that depend on Him. O- O 9 o 230 SACRA PRIVATA. When God deprives us of any thing that is most dear to us, — health, ease, conveniences of life, friends, wife, children, &c., we should immediately say. This is God's will ; I am by Him commanded to part with so much ; let me not therefore murmur or be dejected, for then it would appear that I did love that thing more than God's will. When God thus visits us, let us immediately look inwards, and, lest our sins should be the occasion, let us take care that we seriously repent, and endeav- our to make our peace with God, and then He will either deliver or support us, and will convince us that we suffer in justice for our faults ; or for our trial, and to humble us ; or for God's glory, and to sanctify us. " Be clothed with humility ; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble." — 1 Peter v. 5. Give me grace, O God, to study, to love, to adore, and to imitate that humility which Thy blessed Son hath taught us both by His word and by His most holy example. BUSINESS. " Understanding what the will of the Lord is." — Ephesians v. 17. To engage in any business of importance without knowing this, and taking counsel of God, may cost us dear. O — — Q- MONDAY MEDITATIONS. 231 " Woe to them that take counsel, but not of Me, saith the Lord." — Isaiah xxx. 1. But then, let a man take heed that when he goes to inquire of the Lord, he does not set up idols in his own heart, lest God answer him according to his idols. We are to pray for the direction of God's Spirit upon all great occasions, especially we are humbly to depend on His direction, and cheerfully to expect it, which He will manifest, either by some plain event of His providence, or by suggesting such reasons as ought to determine the will to a wise choice. But to follow the inclinations of the will without reason, only because we find ourselves strongly in- clined to this or that, is a very dangerous way, and may engage us in very dangerous practices. MASTER. SERVANT. Death, in a very little time, may make the master and the servant equal. Let us anticipate this equality, by treating our servants with compassion ; having respect to Christ in the person of our servant, — to Christ, who took upon Him the form of a servant for our sakes. 6- o- -o TUESDAY MEDITATIOIS. TROUBLE, PERSECUTIONS, AFFLICTIONS, ETC. " Call, upon Me in the time of trouble, so will I hear thee, and thou shalt praise Me." — Psalm 1. 15. O God, who seest all our weaknesses, and the troubles we labour under, have regard unto the prayers of Thy servant, who stands in need of Thy comfort, Thy direction, and Thy help. Grant that I may suffer like a Christian, and not grieve like an unbeliever ; that I may receive troubles as punishments due to my past offences, as an exer- cise of my faith, and patience, and humility, and as a trial of my obedience ; and that I may improve all my afflictions to the good of my soul, and Thy glory. Thou alone knowest what is best for us : let me never dispute Thy wisdom or Thy goodness. Direct my reason, subdue my passions, put a stop to my roving thoughts and fears, and let me have the comfort of Thy promise, and of Thy protection, both now and ever, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. " If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons : for what son is he whom the father 6 -O O— -Q TUESDAY MEDITATIONS. 233 chasteneth not ? But if ye are without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." — Hebrews xii. 7. " I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him." — Micah vii. 9. If I am despised or slighted, I ought to consider it as a favour, since this is a mark of God's children ; and therefore I ought to thank Him for it, and not be angry with those whom He makes His instruments to subdue and mortify my pride. " Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are made partakers of the sufferings of Christ ; that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy," — 1 Peter iv. 13, — viz., because your reward will be proportionable to your sufferings. " Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad ; for great is your reward in Heaven ; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." —Matthew v. 11, 12. The mystery of the Cross is to be learned under the Cross. " Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul : but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both body and soul in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing ? and one of them shall not fall to the ground without your Father. The very hairs of your head are all numbered." — Matthew x. 28, 29. " Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of O o o 234 SACRA PRIVATA, God, [under great afflictions which he suffers to befall you,] that He may exalt you in due time : casting all your care upon Him ; for He careth for you." — 1 Peter v. 6, 7. " Thy will be done." — Matthew vi. 10. It is just, great God, it should be so ; for who should govern the world but He that made it ? And yet we poor creatures repine wlien any thing crosses our hopes or designs. What strange unthoughtful- ness ! what presumption is this ! And it is Thy great mercy that any of us are sensible of this folly, and become willing to be governed by Thee. With all my heart and soul, O God, I thank Thee, that in all the changes and chances of this mortal life, I can look up to Thee, and cheerfully resign my will to Thine. It is the desire of my soul, and my humble peti- tion, that I may always be ready and willing to sub- mit to Thy providence, that Thou mayest order what Thou judgest to be most convenient for me. I have trusted Thee, O Father, with myself; my soul is in Thy hand, which I verily believe Thou wilt preserve to eternal happiness : my body, and all that belongs to it, are of much less value. I do, there- fore, with as great security and satisfaction, trust all I have to Thee, hoping Thou wilt preserve me from all things hurtful, and lead me to all things profitable to my salvation. I will love Thee, O God ; being satisfied that all things, however strange and irksome they appear, shall work together for good to those that do so. O O o o TUESDAY MEDITATIONS. 235 I know in whom I have believed; I have a Sav- iour at Thy right hand, full of kindness, full of care, full of power ; He has prayed for me, that this faith fail me not ; and by this faith I am persuaded, that neither tribulation, nor anguish, nor persecution, nor famine, nor nakedness, nor peril, nor sword, nor death which I may fear, nor life which I may hope for, nor things present which I feel, nor things to come which I may apprehend, shall ever prevail so far over me, as to make me not to resign my will entirely to Thee. In an humble, quiet, and dutiful submission, let me faithfully run the race that is set before me, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who, for the joy that was set before Him, despised the shame, endured the cross, and is now seated at the right hand of God ; to whom I most humbly be- seech Thee to bring me in Thy good time ; and for whatever shall fall out in the mean while, thy will BE DONE. Amen. LOOK unto JESUS. He was despised and rejected of men ; His life was sought for by Herod ; He was tempted by Satan ; hated by that world which he came to save ; set at nought by His own people ; called a deceiver and a dealer with the devil ; was driven from place to place, and had not where to lay His head ; betrayed by one disciple, and forsaken by all the rest ; falsely accused, spit upon, and scourged ; set at nought by Herod and 6 6 o o 236 SACRA PRIVATA. his men of war ; given up by Pilate to the will of His enemies ; had a murderer preferred before Him ; was condemned to a most cruel and shameful death ; cru- cified between two thieves ; reviled in the midst of His torments ; had gall and vinegar given Him to drink ; suffered a most bitter death, submitting with patience to the will of His Father. O Jesu, who now sittest at the right hand of God, to succour all who suffer in a righteous way ; be Thou my advocate for grace, that in all my suffer- ings, I may follow Thy example, and run with pa- tience the race that is set before me. Amen. Take all things that befall you as coming from God's providence, for your particular profit. And though they are evil in themselves, yet as He per- mits, or does not think fit to hinder them, they may be referred to Him. God no sooner discovers in your heart an ardent desire of well-doing, and of submitting to His will, but he prepares for you occasions of trying your vir- tue ; and therefore, confident of His love, receive cheerfully a medicine prepared by a physician that cannot be mistaken, and cannot give you any thing but what will be for your good. See Ecclus. chap. ii. The whole chapter.* Lord, prepare my heart, that no afflictions may ever so surprise, as to overbear me. * This chapter (says the author) was the lesson for the day, March 25th, 1727, at a time when I was much perplexed about the attempts made upon the Episcopal jurisdiction ; and this I cannot but remark, since to my ex- ceeding great comfort and dire<;tion, it has often so happened, I am per- suaded, by a special providence of God. 6 Q O TUESDAY MEDITATIONS. 237 Dispose me at all times to a readiness to suffer what Thy providence shall order or permit. It is the same cup which Jesus Christ drank of; it is He sends it. He sees it absolutely necessary that I must be first partaker of His sufferings, and then of His glory. " And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake ; but he that shall endure to the end shall be saved." — Matthew x. 22. It is indeed grievous to nature to be thus treated ; but when it is for Thy name's sake, O Jesus, and for the sake of Thy truth, and for being true to Thee ; how lovely is this hatred ; and how advantageous when salvation is the reward ! ** The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord." — Matthew x. 24. He who keeps this saying in his heart, will never complain of what he suffers, nor seek for any other way to save himself, but by humiliation and the Cross. SUFFERING. O Lord, grant that whenever I suffer, it may be for being faithful to Thee, and without drawing it unseasonably upon myself We are in God's hands ; we often take ourselves out of His hands, by trusting to the help and protec- tion of men, more than that of God. God can render none miserable but those whom He finds sinners. Let us apply this to ourselves 6 Q 238 SACRA PRIVATA. when in affliction, but not unto others, or to their personal faults. " As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten ; be zealous, therefore, and repent." — Rev. iii. 19. Blessed be God, who vouchsafes, by salutary chas- tisements, to awaken us when we fall asleep through sloth and lukewarmness. Grant that I may, with a true zeal, and timely repentance, make good use of all Thy rebukes. Grant, O God, that I may never murmur at Thy appointments, nor be exasperated against the minis- ters of Thy providence. In Thee, O Jesus, we find matter of consolation, in every affliction that can possibly befall us. All visitations are from God. He is not delighted with the miseries of His poor creatures ; afflictions are therefore designed for our good. He will either show us the reason of this visitation, or make us reap the fruits of it. People that may be well disposed, may yet live under the power of some evil custom, which is dis- pleasing to God ; a man may have been guilty of some great sin which he has yet never truly repented of, or been truly humbled for. This was the case with the sons of Jacob ; they had attempted the life of, and afterwards sold, their brother, and endangered the life of their aged father ; under which guilt they passed their life well enough for many years, till God visited them ; and then they thought of their sin, confessed, and repented. o- . _ o TUESDAY MEDITATIONS. 239 God, by afflictions, often fits us for greater de- grees of grace which He is going to bestow. Though I suffer, yet I am well, because I am what God would have me to be. Lord, do not permit my trials to be above my strength, and do Thou vouchsafe to be my strength and comfort in the time of trial. Grant, O Lord, that I may never be wanting to the cause of truth, nor expose it by any indiscretion, or unseasonable transports of zeal. Jesus Christ avoids persecution.* To suffer for righteousness' sake is well pleasing to God ; but then it must be done according to the appointment of God, not out of a proud zeal. Give me grace to take in good part whatever shall befall me, and let my heart acknowledge it to be the Lord's doing, and to come from thy providence, and not by chance. God makes use of afflictions — sometimes by way of prevention ; " lest I should be exalted," said St. Paul ;f to reform them ; " before I was afflicted, I went astray ;"| to perfect them ; patience, courage, submission to the will of God, are graces not so much as understood by people who meet with no adversi- ties ; " we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God;"|| to prove men, and show them for examples ; if a man had no enemies, how could he show his charity in forgiving them? Never consider so much the instrument of your * John vii. 1. f 2 Cor. xii, &;c. J Psalm cxix. || Acts xiv. 22. o o 240 SACRA PRIVATA. afflictions as the meaning of the good providence of God in these things. Afflictions are no marks of God's displeasure. Jesus loved Mary and Lazarus, yet they w^ere both afflicted. — John xi. 5. Punishment is due to sin. We must be punished here or hereafter ; it is the cause of all afflictions, and designed by our gracious God to bring us to re- pentance. Prosperity is a most dangerous state ; we fancy it is owing to our merit, and it is followed with pride, neglect of duty, fearlessness. It is happy for us when God counts us worthy to suffer for His name's sake ; to contend with Satan, as Job did, and be able, through God's grace, to overcome so powerful a spirit. Afflictions, undergone with resignation, are the great test of our love of God ; when we love Him, then He chastens us. May God sanctify all our afflictions to us all. May I receive every thing from Thy hand with patience and with joy ! Remember me, O God, in the day of trouble. Secure me, by Thy grace, from all .excess of fear, concern, and sadness. Let the afflictions I meet with be in some mea- sure serviceable towards the appeasing of Thy wrath. Let them prove the happy occasion of forwarding my conversion and salvation. O O o— o TUESDAY MEDITATIONS. 241 TEMPTATION. We are exposed to temptation all our days. Men are never more dangerously tempted, than when they think themselves secure from temptation. This is a proof of the power the devil has over them. We tempt God when we expose ourselves unne- cessarily to dangers, through a false confidence of his assistance. DESPAIR. HOPE. Grant, O God, that, amidst all the discourage- ments, difficulties, dangers, distress, and darkness of this mortal life, I may depend upon Thy mercy, and on this build my hopes, as on a sure foundation. Let Thine infinite mercy in Christ Jesus deliver me from despair, both now and at the hour of death. RESIGNATION. Grant that I may receive the punishment of my sins with patience and resignation. INJURIES. PERSECUTION. Give me, O God, a heart to consider, that man could have no power against me, unless it were given from above.* * John xix. 11. 10 -o o— o 242 SACRA PRIVATA. ENEMIES. A Christian should not discover that he has ene- mies any other way than by doing more good to them than to others. " If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink." He will therefore be careful not to lose such occasions. Jesu ! whose charity all the malice of Thy bitterest enemies could not overcome, shed abroad in my heart that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace, and of all virtues. " Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead ; but remember that we die all." — Ecclus. viii. 7. Our enemies are our benefactors, procuring for us a new right to heaven. 1 pray God convert all those who hate us without cause. I beseech Thee for my enemies, not for ven- geance, but for mercy ; that Thou wouldst change their hearts by Thy grace, or restrain their malice by Thy power. IN TIME OF WAR. O sovereign Lord ! Who for our sins art justly displeased, I prostrate myself before Thee, confessing my own sin and the sin of this people ; acknowledg- ing the justice of any scourge which Thou shalt think fit to bring upon us; and trembling to think how much I may have contributed toward it. O- T TUESDAY MEDITATIONS. 243 Thou hast already spoken to us both by Thy judgments and mercies, both by the scarcity and plenty of bread ; and we have not regarded it. Thou hast taken away the lives of many, very many, in their very sins, by which numerous widows and father- less children have been left miserable. The sins of whoredom and drunkenness ; of swearing, lying, and perjury ; of litigiousness, injus- tice, defrauding the public, and sacrilege, are made light of. The sins of impiety, of profaneness, of despising the means of grace and salvation, are too common amongst us. What shall we say, to prevail with God to avert the judgments which these sins deserve ? God be merciful unto us, and put a stop to this torrent of wickedness ; put Thy fear into all our hearts, that we may return to Thee ; that we may repent, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance ; and that iniquity may not be our ruin. May the dread of Thy now threatened judgments deter us from evil ; may Thy goodness and patience lead us to repentance ; weaken the power of Satan ; take from among us the spirit of slumber, of igno- rance, and inconsideration. Let every one of us see and feel the plague of his own heart, and say, '' What have I done to bring these evils upon us ?" So that bringing forth fruits answerable to amendment of life, we may escape Thy judgment now hanging over us ; and above all, Thy judgment against sinners in the world to C o o 244 SACRA PRIVATA. come. And this I beg for Jesus Christ His sake. Amen. JUDGMENT DAY. Grant, O Lord, that I may be of the number of those that shall find mercy that day. ZACCHiEUS. The good Lord grant that I may give a proof of the smcerity of my conversion by a change of life. 6- o- -o WEMESDAY MEMT ATIOIS. COVETOUSNESS, FASTING, DIFFICULTIES, ETC. " All these things will I give Thee. Get thee hence, Satan, for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." — Matthew iv. 9, 10. Great and glorious God, Who alone art worthy of our love and service, cure me of, and preserve me from, the sin and vanity of admiring this world. Give me grace to renounce all covetous desires, all love of riches and pleasures ; to desire only what is necessary, and to be content with what Thou, O Lord, thinkest so ; — Not to be troubled at the loss or want of any thing besides Thy favour ; — That no business, no pleasures, may divert me from the thoughts of the world to come : — That I may cheerfully part with all these things when Thou requirest it of me ; — -O 246 SACRA PRIVATA. And that I may ever be prepared to do so, dis- pose me to a temperance in all things, and to lay up my treasure in heaven, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. " Woe unto you that are rich, for ye have received your consolation," — Luke vi. 24. A man must have but little faith, vt^ho can read these words, and yet love riches, and the pleasures they afford. Lord, grant that I may resist every temptation to the love of creatures ; lest they steal my heart from Thee, my God, Whom I desire to love w^ith all my soul. I know that I must, in a great measure, renounce all other objects of my affection, in order to love Thee with all my heart. Lord, give me grace and strength to put this in practice. " Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world ; if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." — 1 John ii. 15. Grant, O Lord, that I may never hope to recon- cile two things so inconsistent as the love of Thee and the world. '' Blessed are the poor in spirit ; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew v. 3. To be poor in spirit, is to be disengaged from wealth ; to look upon it as a burden, or as a trust. " Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content." — 1 Timothy vi. 8. And yet even the Christian world is not content without superfluities and excess. These disorders are not less criminal because so common. -O — o WEDNESDAY MEDITATIONS. 247 " Following the way of Balaam." — 2 Peter ii. 15. Nothing is more to be dreaded than covetousness ; when a man has sat his heart upon his own interests, he easily forgets those of his Great Master. Give me, O Lord, the eyes of faith, that I may see the world just as it is ; the vanity of its promises, the folly of its pleasures, the unprofitableness of its rewards, the multitude of its snares, and the danger of its temptations. FASTING. Jesus Christ spared not his innocent flesh, but fasted ; the sinner cherisheth his continually, refus- inff it nothincr. Fasting is in some sense a punishment and expi- ation for past sins, a remedy for present temptations, and a preservative against future. *' My heart is smitten, and withered like grass, so that I forget to eat my bread." — Psalm cii. 4. The humble and afflicted soul is not much con- cerned to please the appetite, " Woe unto you that are full, for ye shall hunger." — Luke vi, 25. That is, ye whose daily meals are feasts, who make profession of a life of sensuality, who know not what it is to fast, even when the church requires it : — woe to such Christians ! If we judge ourselves with severity, we shall be judged with mercy. IN TIME OF TROUBLE. " When Thou with rebukes dost correct man for — 6 O — _ Q 248 SACRA PRIVATA. iniquity, Thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth." — Psalm xxxix. 11. merciful God, Who, in thy wise providence, dost so order even natural events, that they serve both for the good of the universe, and for the con- viction of particular sinners, so that men shall have reason to acknowledge Thy glorious attributes ; I do with great sorrow of heart, but with all submission to Thy good pleasure, confess Thy mercy as well as justice to me in the judgments, afflictions, sorrows, of this day. 1 acknowledge Thy voice, O merciful God, I acknowledge my own transgressions, which have pro- voked Thee to speak to me after this manner, and at this very time. O Lord, give me true repentance for all the errors of my life, and particularly for that which was, in all probability, the occasion of this affliction. Blessed be God, that my punishment was not as great as my crime. Blessed be God, that He has given me time to repent of the sin that provoked Him to deal with me after this manner. Blessed be God, that when he spake to me once, yea, twice, that I regarded it at last. Good God of mercy, give me grace that I may not provoke Thee any more to repeat this word to me, but that I may faithfully perform those vows which are upon me. This I cannot do without Thy gracious assistance, which I most humbly beseech Thee to vouchsafe me, for Jesus Christ's sake. Who 0-- ■A WEDNESDAY MEDITATIONS. 249 by His merits has purchased this grace for all that faithfully ask it of Thee ; for His sake, O merciful God, grant me this grace. Amen. I do, in all humility, accept of the punishment of mine iniquities. I will hold my peace, and not open my mouth, because it is Thy doing and my deservings. I know, O Lord, that it is good for me to be in trouble, or Thou wouldest not suffer it so to be. Let Thy merciful kindness be my comfort, accord- ing to Thy promise to all that love and serve Thee. DIFFICULTIES. We are to pray for the particular direction of God's Holy Spirit upon all great occasions ; we are humbly to depend upon and cheerfully to expect it, which He will manifest, either by some plain event or determination of His providence, or by suggesting such reasons as ouo-ht to determine the will to a wise choice. But to follow the inclinations of the will without reason, only because we are strongly inclined to a thing, is a very dangerous way, and will engage men in evil practices and endless scruples. The Spirit of God brings into our minds new lights, sets them home, inclines us to attend to them, &/C. But let men take heed of setting up idols in their hearts ; and then go and inquire of the Lord — He will answer them. O O o 250 SACIIA PRIVATA. IN A LAW-SUIT. Convince me, O God, if I am under any mistake in this affair. Direct, assist, and support me under all the dif- ficulties I shall meet with. Put a happy end, in Thy good time, to this trou- blesome controversy. Dispose the hearts of those with whom we have to do to peace and justice. Give me grace to rest satisfied with whatever shall be the issue, believing assuredly, that God can make good any loss I may sustain, or sanctify it to my eternal welfare. Lord, in this and in all other things I undertake, *' Thy will be done, and not mine." manifest Thy will to me, preserve me from evil counsels, and from rash enterprises. Give me true Christian resolution, which will neither be tried nor discouraored with difficulties while I am in the way of my duty, FAITH. Grant, O God, that I may with humility receive, and with perseverance hold fast, all those truths which Thou hast revealed. 1 thank Thee, O God, for Thy Holy word, and for that Thou hast not left us in the affair of eternity, to the uncertainty of our own reason and judgment. O: — O -o WEDNESDAY MEDITATIONS. 251 Defend me against all delusions of error ; the snares of wit and learning ; the railleries of profane men ; and from deserting the truth under oppression. Grant, O God, that neither education, interest, prejudice, nor passion, may ever hinder me from dis- cerning the truth. Open the eyes of all that are in error ; heal the wounds of the divided church ; that we may be one fold under one Shepherd. Amen. O- -Q o THURSMY MEMTATIOIS RELIGIOUS DISCOURSE, FORGIVENESS, ALMS, CHARITY, ETC. " Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hear- ers." — Ephesians iv. 29. " Foolish talking and jesting are not convenient." Ephesians v. 4. Preserve me, O God, from a vain conversation. Give me grace never to be ashamed or afraid to speak of Thee, and of Thy law. Give me a lively sense of the value of religion, and make it the delight of my heart ; that I may speak of it with great judgment, seriousness, and affection, and at all seasonable times. " Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another." — Malachi iii. 10. " Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. — How can ye, being evil, speak good things ? — By thy words thou shalt be justified, and O- -o o o THURSDAY MEDITATIONS. 253 by thy words thou shalt be condemned." — Matthew xii. 34. We count words for nothing, and yet eternity depends upon them. " Set a guard, O Lord, upon my mouth, and keep the door of my lips. — Psalm cxli. 3. '* The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment." — Psalm xxxvii. 30. The want of religious discourse in common con- versation is one of the chief causes of the decay of Christian piety. Hearts truly touched with the love of God, will communicate light and heat to others in their ordi- nary conversation, — will speak honourably of God, of His perfections, His justice, goodness, wisdom, and power ; the excellency of His laws, the pleasant- ness of His service, the instances of His love, the rewards He has promised to His friends, and the punishments He has prepared for His enemies. And by doing so, we shall recommend God and relicrion to those we converse with — win over sub- jects to Him, &lc., and add to our own happiness. " Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." — Matthew v. 16. *' Let us consider one another, to provoke unto love, and to good works." — Heb. x. 24. The more spiritual our minds are, the more hea- venly will our conversation be with those we dis- course with. 6 : b o— o 254 SACRA PRIVATA. RULES. Never talk of religion but when you think seri- ously of it. Not to betray the want of it by one's discourse of it, which should be decent, grave, sober, prudent. That our discourse of religion be practical rather than notional, or disputing ; that it be devout, edify- ing after a hearty and affectionate manner. That it be seasonable ; that is, when men are like to be the better for it. Not in promiscuous company ; not mixed with sports, hurry, business, nor with drink. And that we join a good life to our religious con- versation ; and never contradict our tongue by our deeds. " As He sat at meat. He took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them, and their eyes were opened." — Luke xxiv. 30. We may know religious persons, not only in the exercise of religious actions, but even in the most common actions of life, which they convert into holy actions, by the manner of doing them, the holiness of their dispositions, by prayer, thanksgiving, 6lc. We always do good or harm to others by the manner of our conversation ; we either confirm them in sin, or awaken them to piety. It is too true, that some evil passion or other, and to gratify our corruption, is the aim of most conversations. We love to speak of past troubles ; O — — O CO — o THURSDAY MEDITATIONS. 255 hatred and ill-will make us take pleasure in relating the evil actions of our enemies. We compare, with some degree of pride, the advantages we have over others. We recount with too sensible a pleasure, the worldly happiness we enjoy. This strengthens our passions, and increases our corruption. God grant that I may watch against a weakness, which has such evil consequences. " Refrain not to speak when there is an occasion to do good." — Ecclus. iv. 23. It is an extraordinary talent to be able to improve conversation to the advantage of religion, by taking some fit occasion to say something that is edifying and beneficial. The great subject of a Christian's discourse should be, about the true way of attaining the grace of God, through the blood of Christ, and by the assistance of the Holy Spirit. But then they must say no more than what they are sure of, lest they should lead men into error. For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain, and speaketh not the truth as it is in Jesus. Let us take all opportunities of communicating our belief of Christ to others, both to bear witness and confess Him before men, and to increase our own faith and reward. May I never hear, never repeat with pleasure, such things as may dishonour God, hurt my own character, or injure my neighbour. " I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh ; and o- o 256 SACRA PRIVATA. your sons and your daughters shall prophecy," fcc. —Joel ii. 28, 29. That is, their discourse shall be chiefly upon sub- jects of practical Christianity, of Jesus Christ, and what he has done and suffered for us, and of the way to attain eternal happiness. " Speak not evil one of another." — James iv, 11. True humility makes us see our own faults, with- out concernincr ourselves with the faults of others. " A word spoken in due season, how good is it !" — Proverbs xx. 23. AGAINST SLOTH. " Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep." — Pro- verbs xix. 5. O God, who hast given me an active spirit, and many opportunities of doing Thee service, give me grace to make use of all occasions of serving Thee faithfully and doing good in my generation ; make me to abhor that sloth which would lead me into an insensibility and forgetfulness of Thee and of my errand into the world ; keep me from idleness, which would expose me to temptations, enfeeble my mind, and cover me with rags ; make me ever sensible of the great evil of delaying to do the work in its season which Thou hast appointed me, that whatever my hand by Thy providence findeth to do, I may do it with all my might ; so that whenever I am called to give an account of my labours to my great Master, I may not be judged an unprofitable servant. Accept O O o- THURSDAY MEDITATIONS. 257 I, I of my ambition of serving Thee, great God ; and O, grant, that when my Lord comes He may find me so doing. Amen. AGAINST ANGER. " Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, for anger resteth in the bosom of fools." — Ecclesiastes vii. 9. O Lord, who art a God ready to pardon, slow to anger, and of great kindness, remove far from me all occasions and effects of causeless and immoderate anger ; all pride and prejudice, and too much con- cern for the things of this world ; all intemperate speeches, and indecent passions. Give me, O Lord, a mild, a peaceable, a meek, and an humble spirit, that, remembering my own infirmities, I may bear with those of others ; that I may think lowly of myself, and not be angry when others also think lowly of me ; that I may be patient towards all men, gentle and easy to be entreated ; that God, for Christ's sake, may be so towards me. Amen. " Be angry, and sin not : — Let not the sun go down upon your wrath." — Ephesians iv. 26. " The discretion of a man deferreth his anger." — Proverbs xix. 11. " A soft answer turneth away strife." " He that is slow to ancrer is better than the mighty ; and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city." — Proverbs xvi. 32. " Be kindly affectioned one towards another." — Romans xii. 10. O o 258 SACRA PRIVATA. Suppress the very beginnings of anger. Do not use to indulge it even where there are real fauhs ; but try the gentle way, which may proba- bly succeed better, and, to be sure, with more ease by far. Seldom do people vex us on purpose, and yet prejudice very often makes us think that they do. A sense of one's own integrity will make one pass by injuries more easily. Be not too much concerned to tell the injuries you have received. Accustom yourself to silence, if you would learn to govern your tongue. Nemo consilium, cum clamors dat. — Seneca. Deliver me, O God, from all violent and sinful passions, and give me grace to stand against them. " Blessed are the meek." — Matthew v. 4. Instruct me. Lord, in this Christian virtue ; Thou Who art the Master and Teacher of it. FOR FORGIVENESS OF INJURIES. " Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." — Luke vi. 37. O God, Who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men, show mercy to Thy servant, in forcing my corrupt nature to be obedient to Thy commands. O God, Who hast made it my everlasting inter- est, as well as my duty, to forgive my neighbour whatever wrong he has done me ; help me to over- CD O 9 9 THURSDAY MEDITATIONS. 259 come all the difficulties 1 have to struggle with, all pride, prejudice, and desire of rendering evil for evil, that I may not deprive my soul of that mercy, which Thine infinite goodness has offered to sinners. *' He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shown no mercy," — James ii. 13. O blessed God, help me in this great concern, that I may never fall under Thy wrath for want of showing mercy to others ; but grant, O blessed Jesus, that in this I may be Thy disciple indeed. Amen. SLANDER. " The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say. Behold a man gluttonous and a wine- bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners." — Mat- thew xi. 19. Whatever measure a good man takes, he will hardly escape the censures of the woild ; the best way is, not to be concerned at them. It is an instance of humility silently to bear the calumnies which are raised against us, when they relate to ourselves only ; but it is a duty of prudence and charity modestly to vindicate ourselves, when the honour of God and the Church is concerned. Both Jesus Christ and John the Baptist were slan- dered ; who then will complain that they cannot satisfy the world, and stop men's mouths ?* " Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue." — Psalm cxx. 2. * Luke vi. 33, 34. O — O o 260 SACRA PRIVATA. UNCHARITABLENESS. Envy makes us see what will serve to accuse others, and not perceive what may justify them.* A truly good man is always disposed to excuse what is evil in his brethren, as far as truth will suffer him. ALMS. " Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." — 1 Cor. xiii. 3. If external acts of charity do not proceed from charity, that is, from a love of God, and of our neighbour for his sake, they are as nothing in the sight of God, My God, pour into my heart this most excellent gift, the very bond of peace and of all virtue. The Apostles and their successors are the proper trustees for the charity of Christ. " Let us do good unto all men." — Galatians vi. 10. He who seeks for Jesus Christ in the poor, in order to relieve and assist him, will not be too soli- citous to find any other merit in them than that of Jesus Christ. For our earthly things, O Lord, give us heavenly : for temporal, eternal. '* He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none." — Luke iii. H. * Matthew xii, 3 — o o - — - - — -—- — ^ o I THURSDAY MEDITATIONS. 261 That is, let him that hath plenty — to spare, of any thing necessary for life, let him give to him that wants. The proportion of charity, appointed by God him- self to His own people for the relief of the poor, was every year a thirtieth part of all their incomes, or a tenth every third year ; to be laid up every third year as a fund for charitable uses.* This was the Jew's proportion. He that came short of this was a breaker of the law, and without repentance and restitution, had no hopes of pardon. The Christian's proportion ought to be greater, as his hopes and rewards will be greater. " Whosoever shall give a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." — Matthew x. 42. We should, in all our charities, direct our eye towards Christ in His members ; it is this which heightens the smallest mfts. Men reward what is done on human motives ; God such as are done for His sake. The more a man gives to the poor, the more he receives from God. The increase is like that of the five loaves and two fishes, which produced twelve baskets of fragments, after five thousand were filled. He that for his good actions expects the applause of men, runs the hazard of losing the reward of God. " Whoso shall receive one such little child in My name, receiveth Me." — Matt, xviii. 5. Jesus Christ is received in the persons of the * Deuteronomy xxvi. 12, 13. o 262 SACRA PRIVATA. poor. These must be received not out of human respects, nor ostentation, nor for our own satisfaction, but in the name and for the sake of Christ. This renders our hospitality truly Christian. The poor are, as it were, the receivers of the rights and dues belonging to God ; we must have a care of defrauding them. " A good (a charitable) man will guide his affairs with discretion." — Psalm cxii. 5. That is, he will cut off, and retrench all needless expenses in apparel, diet, diversions, &/C., that he may give to him that needeth. In alms and charity to the poor, and good works, a good Christian will always endeavour to be better than he appears to the world to be, that thine alms may be in secret as much as may be. CHARITY ; OR, THE LOVE OP GOD AND OUR NEIGHBOUR. It is but the first essay of charity to give alms. Whoever shows mercy to men will certainly re- ceive mercy from God. " Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer." — 1 John iii. 15. A man has already killed him in his heart, whose life is grievous to him, and at whose death he would rejoice. " He that loveth not his brother, abideth in death." — I John iii. 14. o o THURSDAY MEDITATIONS. 263 Can we believe that it is God that saith this, and delay one moment to be reconciled ? " And hereby (that is, by a true charity) we shall assure our hearts before him." — 1 John iii. 19. Namely, at His coming, when His sentence will be founded upon the exercise or omission of this duty. It is not enoucrh to love our brethren : we must love them upon a principle of faith, in the name, for the sake, and as members of Jesus Christ. Give me, O my God, a heart full of Christian meekness and charity, that I may willingly forgive the evil I have received, and be always disposed to do good to others. We love our neiorhbour after a Christian manner, when we love him for God's sake, and for God's sake do him good. HOSPITALITY. Hospitality does not consist in keeping a plentiful table, and making great entertainments ; but in pro- vidinop a sober and suitable refreshment for such as are in want, and for such as come to visit us. O O PRIDAI MEDITATIONS PENITENCE. " The publican standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes to Heaven ; but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner." — Luke xviii. 13. What would become of me, if Thou, O God, shouldst not have mercy upon me ? When I seriously consider these dreadful truths, — " That all they are accursed who do err and go astray from Thy commandments,"* — *' That the un- profitable servant was cast into outer darkness :" — f When I think of these things, I cannot but fear for myself, and tremble to think of the account I have to give. " To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at My word." — Isaiah Ixvi. 52. * Psalm cxix. 21 f ^^a"* xxv. 30. -6 o o FRIDAY MEDITATIONS. 265 " The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a con- trite heart ; and will save such as be of a humble spirit." — Psalm xxxiv. 18. Look upon me, gracious Lord, with an eye of mercy. " For Thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquities, for they are great." — Psalm xxv. 2. My only comfort is, they are not too great for Thy mercy. And the Lord Jesus our Advocate has assured us, even with an oath, that all sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men.* That is, if with hearty re- pentance and true faith they turn unto God. O most powerful Advocate ! I put my cause into Thy hands ; let it be unto Thy servant according to this word ; let Thy blood and merits plead for my pardon ; say unto me, as Thou didst unto the peni- tent in Thy Gospel, Thy sins are forgiven. And grant that I may live to bring forth fruits meet for repentance. " If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive your trespasses." — Matthew vi. 14. Even the power to perform this most kind con- dition, must be from Thy grace, O Jesus ! And I trust Thou wilt grant me this grace, be- cause the very will to ask it is from Thee, and from Thy will, which wills nothing in vain. Perfect, therefore, O my Saviour, the work which Thou hast begun in me ; and let me feel the effects * Markiii. 22. 12 O : O 266 SACRA PRTVATA. of Thy grace in the constancy of my devotions, — in the care for my soul, — in the faithful discharge of my duty, and in all such acts of righteousness, piety, and charity, by which I shall be judged at the last day. " Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee." — John v. 14. Make me, O Lord, ever mindful of my infirmities and backslidings, that I may be more watchful, and more importunate for grace for the time to come, " Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." — Matthew v. 7. Give me, O Lord, a true compassion for the wants and miseries of others, that Thou mayest have compassion upon me. " For there is joy in the presence of God over one sinner that repenteth." — Luke xv. 10. Lord, increase the number of penitents, and the joys of heaven, in delivering myself and all sinners from the power of the devil, and in vouchsafing us the grace of a true conversion, '* Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." — Matthew v, 4, O, Lord, grant that I may seek for comfort, not in the things of this world, but by a sincere repent- ance for my sins, by which God is dishonoured, and his judgments hanging over my head, " The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." — Luke xix. 10. O comfortable words for lost sinners ! God himself seeks to save them. O Thou, who sought me when O O o FRIDAY MEDITATIONS. 267 I was astray, save me for Thy mercy's sake, and^ preserve that which Thou hast sought and found. " Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I vi^ill give you rest." — Matthew xi. 28. O Jesu, conduct and keep me to Thyself, or I shall surely miss the way. " Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling ; for it is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." — Phil. ii. 12. It was not in myself, O God, to begin the work of my conversion ; — finish, I beseech Thee, what Thou hast begun in me ; — may I close with Thy grace, and persevere unto my life's end. " God retaineth not his anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy." — Micah vii. 18. " O Lord God, behold we are before Thee in our trespasses ; we cannot stand before Thee for this." — Ezra ix. 15. " Pardon, I beseech Thee, the iniquity of Thy servant, according to the greatness of Thy mercy." — Numbers xiv. 19. O say unto me as Thou didst unto Moses, " I have pardoned thee." " All his iniquities that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him." — Ezekiel xviii. 22. Lord, be merciful unto us, for we have sinned in the midst of light, and even against light ; in con- tempt of the grace we received at our baptism. " If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un- righteousness." — 1 John i. 9. O ^ O o o 268 SACRA PRIVATA. These are comfortable words to one whom the sight of his sins has cast into a dread of the judg- ments of God. Both that dread, and the hatred of sin, and the dependence upon the promise of God, and the love that that produces in the soul, are owing entirely to the blood of Jesus Christ. *' What is Thy servant, that Thou shouldst look upon such a dead dog as I am V — 2 Samuel ix. 8. My only support is, that my sins have not put me out of the reach of that mercy which is infinite. Who can understand his errors 1 O cleanse thou me from my secret faults. O Lord, be favourable unto me ; pardon and de- liver me from all my sins. Grant that my sins may never rise up in judg- ment against me, nor bring shame and confusion of face upon me. My soul truly waiteth still upon God, for of him Cometh my salvation. " It is I, be not afraid." — John vi. 20. Lord Jesus, in all the troubles that shall befall me, speak these comfortable words to my soul. It is I, be not afraid ; and then I shall be secure, both from presumption and despair. " If ye believe not that I am he, (that is, the Messiah, the Son of God,) ye shall die in your sins." — John viii. 24. O Jesus, the only refuge of sinners, does the world know what it is to die in sin ? I believe ; Lord, increase my faith, and deliver us all from the dread- ful state of final impenitency. O O o — — FRIDAY MEDITATIONS. 269 " If ye continue in My word, then are ye My dis- ciples indeed." — John viii. 31. May I, O Jesus, love the truths of Thy word ; make the Gospel my delight ; and continue in the practice of them to my life's end. *' If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death." — John viii. 51. Jesus, Thou hast made known to us another death, besides that which separates the soul from the body. O may Thy grace and mercy secure us from the bitter pains of eternal death. '* Say the word, and my servant shall be healed." — Luke vii. 7. 1 acknowledge, O Jesu, the almighty power of Thy grace, to heal all the disorders of my soul ; O deal with me according to the multitude of Thy mer- cies, and heal my soul of its sad disorders. " God is a Spirit : and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." — John iii. 24. Give me, O Jesus, an inward disposition to holi- ness, an humble and contrite heart, a dependence on the will of God, and acknowledcrment of His orood- ness, and a zeal for His glory ; to which all the ordi- nances of the law and gospel should lead us. GOOD USE OF TIME- Grant, O Lord, that as I hive but a short time to live, and an eternal interest depending, 1 may not a O o o 270 SACRA PRIVATA. squander away one moment in vanity, or in that which will not profit me in the day of adversity. " Blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in, and so all Israel shall be saved." — Romans xi. 16. O God, the God of Abraham, look upon thine everlasting covenant ;* cause the captivity of Judah and of Israel to return. They were Thy people ; O be Thou their Saviour ! and may all who love Jerusalem and mourn for her, rejoice with her,t for Jesus Christ's sake, their Saviour and ours. IN TIME OF PUBLIC DISTRACTIONS. O sovereign Lord ! I prostrate myself before Thee, confessing my own sin, and acknowledging the justice of any scourge which Thou shalt bring upon us ; and trembling to think how much I may have contributed towards it ; beseeching Thee to have compassion on us, in these days of confusion. O Lord, prevent the judgments that threaten us ; purge this nation from all such crimes as may be the cause of Thy heavy displeasure against us — from whoredom and drunkenness ; from swearing, lying, and perjury ; from sacrilege, injustice, fraud, disobe- dience, malice, and uncharitableness. Take from among us the spirit of atheism, irreligion, and pro- faneness ; and in mercy rebuke and convert all such as give encouragement or countenance to any of these vices, which may provoke Thee to give us up * Genesis xvii. 7. t Isaiah Ixvi. 11. o -o FRIDAY MEDITATIONS. 271 to infidelity or destruction. O let Thine anger be turned away from us ; give us not over unto the w^ill of our adversaries, and unto such as strive to bring all thino;s into confusion. Preserve this church in the midst of all dangers ; and restore unto us peace and unity ; and grant us grace to make a better use of these blessings, for the time to come, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. We complain of oppression, of our laws being perverted and trampled upon ; of arbitrary govern- ment, &LC. Let us not be wiser than God, Who judges these things to be necessary — to exercise the good — to punish the wicked — to reclaim the sinner — to recover those that are going astray, to make all serious. Let us not impeach the ways of Providence, Who brings good out of evil ; but reverence and submit to His will. His wisdom, and justice. " For the transgression of a land, many are the princes thereof" — Proverbs xxviii. 2 — that is, it is punished with a confused government. " Ye that are the Lord'sj.emembrancers, keep not silence ; give Him no rest till He establish, and till He make Jerusalem (His Church) a praise in the earth." — Isaiah Ixii. 6. " Thy kingdom come." — Though we are alto- gether unworthy of the good times thou hast pro- mised Thy church, yet be beseech Thee deprive us not of them. O Lord, hear ; O Lord, forgive ; O Lord, hearken, and do not defer these good days, for Thine own sake, oh ! our God. o o 272 SACllA PRIVATA. We hope a day is coming when all the world will come and worship Thee, O God. See Jeremiah xxxi. — The whole chapter. SCRIPTURE EXAMPLES. " Persecuted for righteousness' sake." — Such the Lord never forsakes. *' But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison." — Genesis xxxix. 21. Christ's patience. What sorrows did He undergo, and with what patience did He suffer them ! Patient when Judas unworthily betrayed Him with a kiss ; patient when Caiaphas despitefully used Him ; patient when hur- ried from one place to another ; patient when Herod with his men of war s^t Him at nought ; patient when Pilate so unrighteously condemned Him ; patient when scourged and crowned with thorns ; patient when His cross was laid upon Him, when He was reviled, reproached, scoffed at, and every way abused. Lord Jesus, grant me patience, after this example, to bear Thy Holy will in all things. Christ's love and charity. Where shall we take our pattern but from Thee ? Thou callest Thy followers Thy friends. Thou didst -o FRIDAY MEDITATIONS. 273 stoop down to wash their feet who were not worthy to untie Thy shoe. Thou didst forgive and restore Peter, when he had abjured Thee. Thou didst vouchsafe to satisfy Thomas, who would not believe but upon his own terms. Thou didst forgive and pray for Thy bloody persecutors. O Thou fountain and pattern of love, grant that I may love Thee above all things, and my neighbour as myself. O- 12* -6 o -o SATURDAY MEBITATIOIS PREPARATION FOR DEATH. " O THAT they were wise, that they would con- sider their latter end !" — Deut. xxxii. 29. " The night cometh, when no man can work." — John ix, 4. A very gracious intimation. Lord, grant that I may never forget it ; and that now, now, is the time in which to provide for eternity. What a wise man then, when he comes to die, would wish he had done, that he ought to do forth- with, for death is at hand, and the consequences of a surprise most dreadful. He will then wish, if he has not done it, with all his soul, — 1st. That he had made a just and Christian set- tlement of his worldly concerns ; so as not to be dis- tracted with the cares of this world, when all his thoughts should be upon another. 2ndly. That he had made his peace with God by a timely repentance. 3dly. That he had faithfully discharged the duties of his callinof. O- -6 Q Q SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 275 4thly. That he had weaned his affections from things temporal, and loosened the ties which fasten us to the world. 5thly. That he had crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts; so that being weary of this life, he might be more desirous of a better. 6thly. That by acts of justice, mercy, charity, and alms, he may be entitled to the mercy of God at the hour of death. Tthly. That he had got such habits of patience and resignation to the will of God, during his health, as may render death, with all the train of miseries leading to it, less frightful and amazing. Sthly and lastly. That by a constant practice of devotion preparatory for death, he had learned what to pray for, what to hope for, what to depend on, in his last sickness. And this, gracious Lord, is what I wish for, what I pray for, and what I purpose shall be the constant practice of my life. Amen. " Set thy house in order, for thou shalt die, and not live." — 2 Kino-s xx. 1. May God, who has every way provided for me, and put it into my power to be just to all men, chari- table to the poor, grateful to my friends, kind to my servants, and a benefactor to the public : may He add this to all His favours, and grant that in making my last will, I may faithfully discharge all these en- gagements ; and that for want of that, no curse may cleave to myself, or to any thing I shall leave behind me. Amen. o 6 Q 276 SACRA PRIVATA. But, above all things, I beg of Thee, O God, to enable me to set my inward house, my soul, in order, before I die. Give me true repentance for all the errors of my life past, and steadfast faith in Thy Son Jesus Christ ; that my sins may be done away by Thy mercy, and my pardon sealed in heaven. " Whoso confesseth and forsaketh his sin, shall have mercy." — Proverbs xxviii. 13. Behold, O God, a creature, liable every moment to death, prostrate before Thee, begging, for Jesus Christ's sake, that faith and repentance to which Thou hast promised mercy and pardon. Discover to me, O Thou searcher of hearts, the charge that is against me, that I may know, and confess, and bewail, and abhor, and forsake, and repent of all the evils I have been guilty of. Have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me, most merciful Father, who desirest not the death of a sin- ner ; for Thy Son Jesus Christ's sake, forgive me all that is past. And, O blessed Advocate, Who art able to save them for ever who come unto God by Thee, seeing Thou ever livest to make intercession for us, I put my cause into Thy hands ; let Thy power defend Thee ; Thy blood and merits plead for me ; supply all the defects of my repentance ; procure for me a full discharge of all my sins before I die ; and by Thy mighty grace confirm and strengthen me in all goodness, during the remainder of my life, that my -O c- o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 277 death may be a blessing to me, and that I may find mercy at the great day. Amen. " Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." — Ephesians iv. 24. This, O God, is what I desire and purpose, by Thy grace, to do ; and do again renew the vows which I have so often made, and too often broke, I renounce the devil and all his works ; the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous desires of the same, and the carnal desires of the flesh ; re- solving, by Thy grace, neither to follow nor be led by them. I desire, and purpose, to redeem my misspent time. And, O God, assist me, that neither sloth nor corruption may ever make me lay aside or forget these resolutions ; but that I may live to Thee ; be an instrument of Thy glory, by serving Thee faith- fully, and by doing good in my generation ; and that I may be found so doing when Thou art pleased to call me hence, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. " Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth." — Colossians iii. 2. And may Almighty God, who alone can do it, effectually convince me of the vanity of all that is desirable in this present life, that I may not, like an unbeliever, look for happiness here. Give me, O Lord, a perfect indifference for the world, its profits, pleasures, honours, fame, and all its idols. (y (^ o o 278 SACRA PRIVATA. Represent Thyself unto me as my true happi- ness, that I may love Thee with all my heart, and soul, and strength ; so that when I am called out of this world, I may rejoice in hope of going to the paradise of God, where the souls of the faithful enjoy rest and felicity, in hopes of a blessed resur- rection, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. " If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.'' — Luke ix. 23. Blessed Jesus, who pleased not Thyself, but took- est upon Thee the form of a servant, to teach man- kind the great duty and blessings of self-denial ; assist me to follow Thy commands and Thy holy ex- ample, though I should be obliged to lose any thing, as dear as a right hand or a right eye. Give me resolution to deny my inclinations for the good things of this world, even while I may com- mand them ; to subdue my corrupt affections, and to take revenge upon myself — for my intemperance, by mortification ; for misspending my time, by retire- ment ; for the errors of my tongue, by silence ; and for all the sins of my life, by a deep humiliation, patiently submitting to all the troubles with which Thou shalt think fit to exercise or punish me ; so that being effectually weaned from this world, and weary of its corruptions, I may long to repose my- self in the grave, in hopes of a better life, through Thy mercy and merits, O Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. " Charity covereth the multitude of sins." — 1 Peter iv. 8. O O o— ■ o I SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 279 Possess my soul, O God, with a sincere love for Thee, and for all mankind. Let no malice or ill-will abide in me. Give me grace to forgive all that have offended me ; and for- give my many offences against Thee, and against my neighbour. Make me ever ready to give, and glad to dis- tribute, that Thy gifts, passing through my hands, may procure for me the prayers of the poor ; and that I may lay up in store for myself a good founda- tion against the time to come, that I may attain eter- nal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THY WILL BE DONE. Fortify my soul, blessed Jesus, with the same spirit of submission with which Thou underwentest the death of the cross, that I may receive all events with resignation to the will of God ; that I may re- ceive troubles, afflictions, disappointments, sickness, and death itself, without amazement ; these being the appointment of Thy justice for the punishment of sin, and of Thy mercy for the salvation of sinners. Let this be the constant practice of my life, to be pleased with all Thy choices, that when sickness and death approach, I may be prepared to submit my will to the will of my Maker. And O that, in the mean time, my heart may always go along with my lips in this petition, — " Thy will be done." Amen. " It is appointed unto men once to die ; but after this the judgment." — Hebrews ix. 27. O — — O o o 280 SACRA PRIVATA. May the thoughts of death, and of what must fol- low, by the grace of God, mortify in me all carnal security, and fondness for this world, and all that is in it, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. And O that I may make my call- ing and election sure, that I may die in peace, and rest in the mansions of glory, in hopes of a blessed resurrection, and a favourable judgment at the great day. And may the consideration of a judgment to come oblige me to examine, to try, and to judge myself, that I may prevent a severe judgment of God, by a true repentance, and lead a life answerable to amend- ment of life, and that I may find mercy at the great day. '' All that are in the orraves shall hear His voice, and come forth ; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life ; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." — John v. 28. May that dreadful word oblige me to work out my salvation with fear and trembling, that through the merits of Jesus Christ, I may escape that dread- ful doom. And may the hopes of heaven and happiness sweeten all the troubles of this mortal life. O Lord Jesus, who hast redeemed us with Thy precious blood, make me to be numbered with Thy saints in glory everlasting. Amen. let my name be found written in the Lamb's book of life at the great day. 1 thank Thee, O Lord, for all the favours of my _ o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 281 life, and especially for that Thou hast vouchsafed me time and a will to think of and prepare for death, while I am in my full strength, while I may redeem my misspent time, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Let us consider death as a punishment, to which, as sinners, we are justly condemned. But then let us look on it in another view, namely, as a sacrifice for sin, which God will mercifully accept of, in union with that of His Son, if we sub- mit to it as due to our offences. It being a sacrifice, it ought to be voluntary ; beinor a debt, it ought to be made out of love to ius- tice ; and being a satisfaction, we must be humbly resigned. My God, I humbly submit to it, and to Thy jus- tice ; and trust to Thy mercy and goodness and pro- mises, both now and at the hour of death. Death is inevitable ; the time uncertain ; the judgment which follows without appeal ; and followed by an eternity of happiness or misery. Lord, grant that I may consider this as I ought to do. Let me remember, that I shall come forth out of the grave, just as I go in ; either the object of God's mercy, or of His wrath, to all eternity. He lives to no purpose, who is not glorifying God. Our greatest hopes should lie beyond the grave. No man must go to heaven when he dies, who has not sent his heart thither while he lives. Our greatest security is to be derived from duty, o— o 282 SACRA PRIVATA. and our only confidence from the mercy of God throuorh Jesus Christ. Sickness, if you consider it as painful to nature, and not as a favour from God, will be a torment to you. To make it really comfortable, believe it to be ordered by a loving Father, a wise Physician ; that it is the eifect of His mercy for our salvation : that being fastened to the cross, you become dearer to God, as being most like His own Son. God will loose you when it is best for you. We often hinder our recovery by trusting to phy- sic more than to God : means succeed just as far as God pleases ; if He sends diseases as a remedy to cure the disorders of the soul, He only can cure them ; while you are chastened, you are sure God loves you ; you are not sure of that, when you are without chastisement. A timely preparation for death frees us from the fear of death, and from all other fears. A true Christian is neither fond of life, nor weary of it. The sting of death is sin ; therefore, a holy life is the only cure for the fear of death. We ought to fear sin more than death, because death cannot hurt us but by sin. " To me to die is gain." — Philippians i. 21. O that I may be able to say this, when I come to die; and so I shall, if I live as becomes a Christian. Holiness being a necessary qualification for hap- piness, it follows, that the holiest man will be the happiest, for there are certainly degrees of glory, O % O o — o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 283 therefore a Christian should lose no time to gain all the degrees of virtue and holiness he possibly can ; and he that does not do so, is in a fair way of not being happy at all. It concerns us more than our life is worth to know what will become of us when we die. Who will pretend to say, that he is not in a very few days to die 1 The only happiness of this life is to be secure of a blessed eternity. Now is the time in which we are to choose where and what we are to be to all eternity ; there is, there- fore, no time to be lost to make this choice. No kind of death is to be feared by him who lives well. If we consider death as the night of that day which is given us to work in, in which to work out our salvation ; and that when the night is come, no man can work : how frio^htful must death be to such as are not prepared for it ! And if we consider it as the beginning of eternity, it is still more dreadful. It is for this reason called the " Kino- of Terrors :"* and the Psalmist, when he would express the worst of evils, saith, " The terrors of death are fallen upon me."t " If the Lord were pleased to kill us, He would not have received a burnt offering at our hands, nei- ther would He have showed us all these thinors." — Judges xiii. 23. And this is the comfort of all God's servants ; if * Job xviii. 14. f Psalm iv. 4. O ( o o 284 SACRA PRIVATA. He gives them opportunities of renewing their vows, and a will to do them ; if He accepts their alms and their good deeds, that is, gives them a heart to do such ; if He touches their hearts with a sense of their unworthiness : if He opens their ear to disci- pline ; if He chastises them with His Holy Spirit, &,c. All these are reasons for a Christian to hope, that these graces are not in vain, but that God will crown them with pardon, favour, and happiness eter- nal. " And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him." — Matthew xxv. 6. A terrible voice to all such as shall meet Him, not as a Bridegroom, but as an inexorable Judge. Grant, O Lord, that I may not be of the number of those who dread Thy coming, who cannot but with regret submit to the necessity of dying, and who have neglected to prepare for death, till the last hour. " And the door was shut." — Matthew xxv. 10. Death shuts the door. No more to be done. It is then too late to repent, to resolve, to promise, and to do any thing. ** Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of Man cometh." — Matthew xxv. 13. A person, whose life is full of good works, whose heart is devoted to God, whose faith and hope are pure and sincere, will never be surprised by death. " Jesus Christ yielded up the ghost," — Matthew O SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 285 xxvii. 50, — and so His death became a voluntary sacrifice. Let mine be so, O blessed Jesus ! Let Thy death sanctify me ; and let my spirit be received with Thine ! " Being justified by faith, we have peace with God, throuo-h our Lord Jesus Christ." — Romans v. 1. Give me, O Lord, that desire and earnest longing, which I ought to have, for that happy moment, which is to release me from this state of banishment, and translate me to a better place ; and grant, that I may never lose the sight of that important moment. Let me, O God, have my lot and portion with Thy saints. When we come to die, the great enemy of our souls will then attack us with all his stratagems. It is good therefore to be prepared. If he attacks your faith, say with St. Paul,* " I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day." I believe in God the Father, who hath made me and all the world. I believe in God the Son, who hath redeemed me and all mankind. I believe in God the Holy Ghost, who hath sanc- tified me and all the elect people of God. I give Thee hearty thanks, O heavenly Father, that Thou hast vouchsafed to call me to the know- ledge of Thy grace and faith in l^hee. Confirm this faith in me evermore ; grant that I may die in this * 2 Timothy i. 12. I o 6 o 286 SACRA PRIVATA. faith, and in the peace and communion of Thy holy church ; and that I may be united to Jesus, the Head of this church, and to all his members, by a love that shall never end. Amen. " Whosoever believeth in Jesus Christ shall not perish, but have eternal life." — John iii. 15, I believe : — Lord, increase my faith ; and let it be unto Thy servant according to this word. " This day shalt thou be with me in paradise." — Luke xxiii. 43. O blessed Jesu ! support my spirit when I come to die, with this comfortable promise, " This day shalt thou be with me in paradise." We indeed suffer justly the sentence of death. O Thou, Who didst nothing amiss, and yet didst suffer for me ; remember me, O Lord, now that Thou art in Thy kingdom. What terror, what affliction, can equal that of a Christian, who has never thought of weaning his heart from the world till he comes to die ? Who can find nothing in his life, but what must render him unworthy of mercy ? But the greatest of all miseries would be to despair of mercy, and not to have re- course to it. Need a person, who has received the sentence of death, be persuaded to prepare for death ? And is not this our case ? Consider death, as appointed by God, as a neces- sary penance, as the completion of the Christian sacrifice, as a passage to a better life, as the deliver- ance of a prisoner, as the recalling of an exile from O O O Q SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 287 banishment, as the end of all miseries : — and then you will strip it of much of that terror which it has when considered as an accident of nature only. *' And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord," — Luke xii. 36. He who waits for his master will always endeavour to be in that state in which he desires to be found. A Christian should not look upon death with anxi- ety, but with the satisfaction of a good servant, who waits with impatience for his master's return, in hopes of being approved of " Be ye ready also, for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not." — Luke xii. 40. And are not so many sudden deaths sufficient to convince us of the folly of assuring ourselves of one day 1 Let every one of us, therefore, count himself of the number of those that are to be surprised by death ; this will make us watchful. " Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing," — Luke xii. 43, — That is, doing his duty. And then, miserable will he be, whom death sur- priseth either doing evil, or doing nothing, or doing that which God does not require of him. Can one imagine, that the generality of Christians believe this truth ? Suffer me not, O God, to fall into a forgetful- ness of it. We complain (saith Seneca) of the shortness of life ; he answers. Vita, si scias ufi, longa est, — " Life is long, if you know how to use it." But then it is Christianity only can teach us how to use O : 6 o -O 288 SACRA PRIVATA. our life ; namely, " in working out our own salva- tion :" and we are sure it is long enough for that, because God has appointed it for that very end. As Christianity alone can take from us the love of life, so it is this alone that can free us from the fear of death. It signifies little how a man spends his life and his time, if he does not employ them in securing a blessed eternity. Eternity adds an infinite weight to all our actions, whether grood or bad. If we desire that our death should, like that of Jesus Christ, be a sacrifice of love and obedience, we must take care to make our life so too. " This woman was full of good works and alms- deeds ; and she died." — Acts ix. 39. Happy that soul which death finds rich, not in gold, furniture, learning, reputation, or barren pur- poses and desires, but in good works. " And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." — Acts vii. 59. O my God, enable me to live to Thee, that when the hour of death shall come, I may thus with con- fidence offer up my spirit to Jesus Christ. '* Thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon Thee." — Rev. iii. 3. j Is it not then the highest presumption to persuade | ourselves that we have always time sufficient, when | Jesus Christ himself declares that we have not one moment certain ? o ■ —6 o o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 289 Death being the effect and punishment of sin, we ought to expect it with great submission, since it honours God by expiating of sin, and saves the man by punishing the sinner. It is purely for want of faith, that we tremble at the approach of our Deliverer ; and which is to destroy in us the reign of sin, and instate us in that of glory. Let us resign up ourselves to God, as to the man- ner in which it shall please Him to determine our lives, praying only that it may be to His glory and our salvation. What does it signify how this house of clay per- isheth, which hinders the perfect renovation of the soul, and the sight of God ? " For we know, that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." — 2 Cor. v. 1. We know, we believe, we promise ourselves this, but we think too seldom of it, and we still make less use of what we know, in order to wean our hearts from this world. Would we look upon our bodies as houses of clay just ready to fall, we should think of that eternal house ; we should sigh after our native country, and be willing to leave a place of misery and banishment. Remember, that death is the punishment of sin ; we ought therefore to resign ourselves up to it in a Christian manner, looking upon ourselves as con- demned to it in Adam. 13 O O o o 290 SACRA PRIVATA. Consider well, that life is given and continued for no other end, but to glorify God in working out our salvation. He who has lived and looked on earth, as in a place of banishment, will look upon death as a gra- cious deliverance from it. A man goes with confidence to meet the bride- groom, when he has been faithful to him, and believes him to be his friend. " And deliver them who through fear of death were all their life long subject to bondage." — He- brews ii. 15. Bondage is the sentence of rebellious slaves ; we were condemned to it in Adam ; and being under this sentence of death and the Divine justice, we ought to expect it with submission, and be always preparing for it. This is the only way to be secure, and from fearing death when it comes. Gather us, O God, to the number of Thine elect, at what time and in what manner Thou pleasest ; only let us be without reproach, and blameless ; let faith, and love, and peace, accompany our last periods. We look upon a body without a soul with horror. We can see a body with a soul, which is like to die eternally, without concern. " Wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God (I am delivered) through Jesus Christ our Lord." Grant, O Lord, that though my outward man de- cay daily, yet that my inward man may grow and increase in piety and virtue unto the day of my death. 6 O O Q SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 291 He that hath lived best will stand in need of mercy at the hour of death, and in the day of judg- ment ; and he that hath lived the w^orst has not sin- ned beyond the efficacy of the blood of Christ, pro- vided his repentance be sincere. My God ! let Thy glory be magnified by saving a sinner, by redeeming a captive slave, by enlighten- ing a heart overwhelmed in darkness, by changing a wicked heart, by pardoning innumerable transgres- sions, iniquities, and sins. If my hopes were placed upon any thing but the infinite mercies of God, in Jesus Christ, which can never fail, I should utterly despair. *' Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved." — Acts ii. 21. These, my God, are thine own words ; give me leave to trust in them, to depend on them, both now and at the hour of death. " I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do." — John xvii. 4. O Lord, the very best of men come infinitely short of this pattern ; how then shall I, an unprofit- able servant, appear before my Lord and Judge ? " The seed of the woman shall bruise the ser- pent's head." — Genesis iii. 15. This, my God, is Thy sure. Thy eternal promise ; I believe it ; I trust in it ; I will hold me fast by it. '* That I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not laboured in vain." — Phil. ii. 16. " Nevertheless not my will, but Thine be done." — Luke xxii. 42. 6 o 292 SACRA PRIVATA. May I, O blessed Jesus, when my death ap- proaches, breathe out my last with these words, and with the same spirit of submission. DEATH OF FRIENDS. Let us caist our eyes upon sin, which is the cause of death, and then we shall weep with reason. Preserve in us a lively sense of the world to come. And when I shall not be able to pray for myself, the good Lord favourably hear the prayers of His Church for me. Grant that the sins which I have committed in this world may not be imputed unto me ; but that escaping the gates of hell, I may dwell in the regions of light, with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, until the day of the general resurrection, and that I then may hear those joyful words of Thy Son, — " Come, ye blessed children of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world." Grant that I may have a perfect conquest over the world, sin, and death, through Christ, Who by His death hath overcome him who hath the power of death. " This day shalt thou be with Me in paradise." — Luke xxiii. 43. O Jesus, who hadst compassion on this thief, even at the hour of death, have mercy upon me, who now repent of all my misdoings. Suffer not the gates of paradise to be shut against me when I die, I O — O o . o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 293 Thou that hast opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Restore my soul at the great day to life eternal. Give me the patience of Job, the faith of Abra- ham, the courage of Peter, and the comfort of Paul, and a true submission to Thy will. Apply to my soul all the wholesome medicines of Thy Son's passion, death, and resurrection, against the powers of Satan, against all unreasonable fears and despair, and ease my fearful conscience. Hear the prayers of Thy Church for me, and for all in my condition, for Jesus Christ's sake. " Cast me not away in the time of age ; forsake me not when my strength faileth me." — Psalm Ixxi. 9. Grant, O Lord, that the end of my life may be truly Christian ; without sin, without shame, and, if it so please Thee, without pain. " My flesh and my heart faileth ; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." — Psalm Ixxiii. 20. " It is the Lord ; let Him do what seemeth Him good." — 1 Samuel iii. 18. Lord, be merciful unto me ; heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee. I confess my wickedness, and am sorry for my sin. For Thy name's sake, O Lord, be merciful unto my sin, for it is great. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, and will save such as are of a humble spirit. O o o 294 SACRA PRIVATA. " And now, Lord, what is my hope ? truly my hope is in Thee." — Psalm xxxix. 8. " Lord, Thou knowest whereof we are made : that we are but dust." — Psalm ciii. 14. Let my misery, my fear, my sorrow, move Thee to compassion. Despise not, O Lord, the work of Thine own hands. I freely forgive all that have offended me. O Thou that never failest them that seek Thee, have pity on me. Nevertheless, though I am sometimes afraid, yet put I my trust in Thee. O Lord, I beseech Thee, deliver my soul. Gra- cious is the Lord and righteous, yea, our God is merciful. O go not far from me, for trouble is at hand, and there is none to help me. The sorrows of my heart are enlarged ; O bring Thou me out of my troubles ! O keep my soul, and deliver me ; let me not be confounded, for I have put my trust in Thee. Withdraw not Thy mercy from me, O Lord ; let Thy loving-kindness and Thy truth alway preserve me. O Lord, let it be Thy pleasure to deliver me ; make haste, O Lord, to help me. Show Thy servant the light of Thy countenance, and save me for Thy mercy's sake. O deliver me, for I am helpless and poor, and my heart is wounded within me. 6 Q O SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 295 Wherefore hidest Thou Thy face, and forgettest our misery and trouble ? My God ! save Thy servant, who putteth his trust in Thee. Thou, O Lord, art full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering, plenteous in goodness and truth. When I am in heaviness, I will think upon God ; when my heart is vexed, I will complain. Will the Lord absent Himself for ever ? Will He be no more entreated ? Hath God forgotten to be gracious ? And I said, it is mine own infirmity ; but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. THE LITANY. O God, the Father of heaven ; have mercy upon me, keep and defend me. O God the Son, Redeemer of the world ; have mercy upon me, save and deliver me. O God the Holy Ghost ; have mercy upon me, strengthen and comfort me. Remember not, Lord, mine offences, nor the offences of my forefathers ; neither take Thou ven- geance of our sins : Spare us, good Lord, spare Thy people, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever. From Thy wrath and heavy indignation ; from the guilt and burden of my sins ; from the dreadful sentence of the last judgment ; O O o o 296 SACRA PRIVATA. Good Lord, deliver me. From the sting and terrors of conscience ; from impatience, distrust, or despair ; from extremity of sickness and pain, which may withdraw my mind from God ; Good Lord, deliver me. From the bitter pangs of eternal death ; from the gates of hell ; from the powers of darkness ; and from the illusions of Satan ; Good Lord, deliver me. By Thy manifold and great mercies ; by Thy manifold and great merits ; by Thine agony and bloody sweat ; by Thy bitter cross and passion ; by Thy mighty resurrection ; by Thy glorious ascension, and most acceptable intercession ; and by the graces of the Holy Ghost ; Good Lord, deliver me. For the glory of Thy name ; for Thy loving mercy and truth's sake ; Good Lord, deliver me. In my last and greatest need ; in the hour of death ; and in the day of judgment ; Good Lord, deliver me. As Thou hast delivered all Thy saints and ser- vants which called upon Thee in their extremity, Good Lord, deliver me ; — and receive my soul for Thy mercy's sake. Be merciful unto me, and forgive me all my sins, which, by the malice of the devil, or by my own frailty, I have at any time of my life committed against Thee. O 9 _ Q SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 297 Lay not to my charge, what in the lust of the eye, the pride of life or vanity, I have committed against Thee. Lay not to my charge, what by an angry spirit, by vain and idle words, by foolish jesting, I have committed against Thee, Make me partaker of all Thy mercies and pro- mises in Christ Jesus. Vouchsafe my soul a place of rest in the para- dise of God, with all Thy blessed saints ; and my body a part in the blessed resurrection. O Lord. God, Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world ; Have mercy upon me. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, Grant me Thy peace. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God, Have mercy upon me. Have mercy upon me, and receive my prayer ; even the prayer which Thou hast taught me : — Our Father which art in heaven, &lc. O Lord, deal not with me after my sins ; neither reward me after mine iniquities, O God, merciful Father, that despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desires of such as be sorrowful : mercifully assist my prayers which I make before Thee — at such times especially as I am preparing for death and for eternity. And, O Lord, graciously hear me, that those evils, those illu- sions, and assaults, which my great enemy worketh against me, may be brought to nought, and by the 13* O O o — — — o 298 SACRA PRIVATA. providence of Thy goodness they may be dispersed ; that Thy servant, being delivered from all tempta- tions, may give thanks to Thee, with Thy holy church, to all eternity. Amen. Let us endeavour, by a timely repentance, to pre- vent the reproaches which otherwise our consciences will cast upon us at the hour of death. THE SUPPORT OF A PENITENT AT THE HOUR OF DEATH. " God so loved the world, that He gave His only- begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." — John iii. 16. " We have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous," (1 John ii. 1,) Who came into the world to save sinners. Who died for us when we were His enemies, that He might offer us unto God. It is our Judcre Himself who hath assured us, that *' all sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men." EJACULATIONS. Take from me all evil imaginations, all impurity of thought, all inclinations to lust, all envy, pride, and hypocrisy, all falsehood, deceit, and an irregular life, all covetousness, vain-glory, and sloth, all malice, anger, and wrath, all remembrance of injuries, every o . 6 o— — o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 299 thing that is contrary to Thy will, O Most Holy God ! LOVE OF GOD, ETC. Bless me, O God, with the love of Thee, and of my neighbour. Give me peace of conscience, the command of my affections ; and for the rest, Thy will he done ! O King of peace, give us Thy peace, keep us in love and charity ! Make Thyself, O God, the absolute master of my heart ! '' They that be whole need not a physician." — It belongs to Thee, O sovereign Physician, to make us sensible of our maladies, and to go to Thee for help. O say unto my soul this w^ord of salvation, " Behold, thou art made whole !" " Without Me, ye can do nothing." — Miserable indeed is he who pretends to walk without Thee. O give me light to see, a heart to close with, and a power to do Thy will. From Thy Spirit I hope to receive these graces. " If any man serve Me, let him follow Me ; and him will My Father honour." — John xii. 26. Let me never flatter myself that I serve Thee, my Saviour, unless I follow Thy example at the expense of every thing I love or fear besides. O keep my heart fixed upon that honour which God has prepared for those that follow Thee. O Divine Spirit, render me worthy of Thy pre- sence and consolation. b o 300 SACRA PRIVATA. Fill my heart with a holy dread of Thy judg- ments. Give me a true sense and knowledge of the dan- ger and the evil of sin ; and may I, with a prudent moderation only, be concerned for temporal things. Jesus Christ is always in His temple, and near you, (if your soul be fit for Him to dwell in j) to Him apply on all occasions : — As your Master, for grace to study, to love, to teach, and to follow His instructions. He requires nothing but what He first practised Himself As your Lord ; that you may love and serve Him faithfully, and fulfil all His commands. As your pattern ; that you may follow His exam- ple, and imitate His virtues. As your Saviour ; that he may be your refuge and confidence, your strength and support, your peace and consolation, your Saviour now and at the hour of death. As your King ; that He may give laws to your soul, and that you may surrender yourself to His commands ; and never rebel or resist His authority. As your Shepherd. Keep me in Thy flock by Thy Almighty grace. I am one of the lost sheep which Thou earnest to seek. O take me under Thy care, and restore me to Thy fold. Increase Thy flock for the honour of Thy name. WILFUL SIN. Let me rather choose to die, than to sin against my conscience. O —6 o ■ — ~ — ^o ! SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 301 / / PENITENT. I am ashamed to come before Thee, but I must come or perish, I know that Thou art angry with me for my sins, but I know too that Thou pitiest me, or why do I yet live 1 Make me full of sorrow for my sin, and full of hopes of Thy mercy and par- don. Look upon the infirmities of Thy servant, and consider his weakness. Sensible of my own sad con- dition, weak and miserable, sinful and ignorant, lia- ble to eternal death, I prostrate myself before Thee, imploring Thy help and pardon. Gracious God, never abandon me to the opposi- tion I shall at any time make to Thy grace. Blessed be God, that he has so often prevented me, and not left me to the desires of my own heart. Put a stop to the torrent of wickedness and pro- faneness which carries all before it. I confess my sins .unto Thee, my God ; do Thou hide them from all the world. ETERNITY. Lord, imprint upon my heart a lively idea of eternity, that the sorrowful passages of this life, which are so uneasy and frightful to nature, may vanish, or be borne with patience. EXAMPLE. Pardon my sin, and forgive all such as have been misled by any evil example of mine. I o o 302 SACRA PRIVATA. '' Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." — Matthew v. 48. O Divine repairer of our corrupt nature, may Thy all-powerful grace make me as perfect as Thou hast commanded me to be. HOLINESS. God, who hast called me to holiness, give me a firm faith in Thy power, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that by His assistance I may get the mastery over all my sins and corruptions ; that I may be re- deemed from all iniquity ; that I may be holy, as He who has called me is holy. Possess my soul with an earnest desire of pleas- ing Thee, and with a fear of offending Thee. Let me be ever ready to forgive injuries, and backward to offer any. Give me, O Lord, faith and patience, that I may neither murmur at Thy appointments, nor be angry against the instruments of Thy justice. Deliver me from the errors and vices of the age we live in ; from infidelity, wicked principles, from profaneness, heresies, and schism. 1 most heartily thank Thee, O God, for Thy per- petual care of me, for all Thy mercies bestowed upon me, for the blessings of nature and of grace. Give a blessing to those means which Thou Thy- self hast appointed. Grant, O God, that I may never receive Thy grace in vain, but that I may live like one who be- lieves and hopes for the joys of heaven. O O o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 303 Let me ever be sorry for my sins, thankful for Thy blessings, fear Thy judgments, love Thy mer- cies, remember Thy presence. Vouchsafe me Thy Holy Spirit to bear witness with my spirit, that I am Thy child. Give me a humble mind, a godly fear, and a quiet conscience. Weaken, O Lord, the power of Satan in this place, and the tyranny of his ministers IN TIME OF PESTILENCE OR DANGER. Set Thy saving mark upon our houses, and give orders to the destroyer not to hurt us. " Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name. He will give it you." — -John xvi. 3. " Lord, if Thou wilt. Thou canst make me clean. — I will, be thou clean." — Matthew viii. 2, 3. Upon this promise, blessed Lord, I depend ; be- seeching Thee, O heavenly Father, for Thy dear Son's sake, to give me the graces I most stand in need of AFTER PRAYERS. Vouchsafe us those graces and blessings which Thou knowest to be needful for us, notwithstanding our great unworthiness. O- — O ?• o 304 SACRA PRIVATA. RICHES. Shut my heart, O Lord, against the love of worldly riches, lest I betray Thee as Judas did. May Thy Holy Spirit, O God, fill my heart, that it may appear in all my words and actions, that I am governed by it. " And when he saw him, he had compassion on him." — Luke x. 33. O Jesus, the true Samaritan, look upon the wounds which sin hath caused in my soul, and have compassion on me. May I always resign my will and my desires to Him who knows what is good for us better than we ourselves do. HOLY SCRIPTURES. Give me, O God, a sincere love for the truths of the Gospel, a teachable heart, and an obedient will. PERSEVERANCE. Finish, O my God, the work of mercy and con- version, which Thou hast begun in me. Save, O Lord Jesus, a soul which Thou hast re- deemed by Thy blood. There is no merit in me, O God, to attract Thy mercy and goodness, but only my great misery and blindness. May I make a suitable return by a holy life. O o — ,_ o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 305 According to the greatness of Thy goodness, and the multitude of Thy mercies, look upon me. Sanctify my soul and body with Thy heavenly blessings, that they may be made Thy holy habita- tion, and that nothing may be found in me, that may offend the eyes of Thy Majesty. Protect and keep me in the midst of the dangers of this corrupt world ; and by Thy light and grace direct me in the way to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ. MORNING. I laid me down and slept, and rose again, for the Lord sustained me. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Raise me up, O Lord, at the last day, to life and happiness everlasting. Blessed be the Lord for His mercies renewed unto me every morning. O that my eyes may ever be fixed upon the ex- ample that our blessed Lord hath left us, and that I may daily endeavour to follow him. Amen. NIGHT. May the Saviour and Guardian of my soul take me under his protection this night and evermore. '' Attend upon the Lord without distraction." — 1 Cor. vii. 35. O Holy Spirit of Grace, help my infirmities, that O 306 SACRA PRIVATA. I may fix my thoughts upon my duty ; and that I may serve Thee with all my heart and mind. That I may never give w^ay to wandering thoughts, but watch against them continually. Look upon me, O Lord, and pity me ; make me, and let me be Thine by the choice of my will ! Make me serious and thoughtful at all times, that I may not fail being so when I attend upon God. Let not my heart, O God, be inclined to any evil thing. Keep me, O God, from every thing that may displease Thee. O make me wise unto salvation. " For all seek their own, not the things which are Christ's."— Phil. ii. 2L The good Lord deliver me from this dreadful judgment. " I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." — Phil. iv. 13. O that I may never forfeit this power by presump- tion or want of faith. " Thomas said, My Lord and my God !" — John XX. 28. Thou art indeed, O Jesus, my Lord, for Thou hast redeemed me by Thy precious blood ; Thou art my God, for I am dedicated to Thee, and sanctified by Thy Spirit. '' And all that believed were together, and had all things common." — Acts ii. 44. May God grant, that as we are all members of the same body, have one and the same Father, the same Saviour, and the same Spirit, and hope to meet in the same paradise ; that we may live in unity and 6 o — -o SATURDAY MEDITATIONS. 307 godly love, and be charitable to the poor according to our ability, and as every one hath need. The good Lord grant that in the day of Christ I may rejoice that I have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain. O- o- -o COLLECTS THEIR TENDENCY. Comfort of the Holy Ghost, . . Humiliation, Direction of the Holy Ghost, . . Manifold gifts of the Holy Ghost, Means of Grace ; Hearing, . . Reading, . . ■ Fasting, . To convert us from sin, First Sunday after Ascension. Whitsunday. Nineteenth Sunday after Trinity. St. Barnabas. St. Bartholomew. St. Luke. Second Sunday in Advent. First Sunday in Lent. ' Tenth and twenty- third Sundays after ! Trinity. 'First Sunday in Advent. Fiist Sunday after Easter. St. Andrew. St. James. St. Matthew. ( Twelfth, twenty-first, and twenty- Pardon of sin, and acceptance with \ fourth Sundays after Trinity. God, . . J Purification, ' Second Sunday after Epiphany. To rescue us from temptation, Fourth Sunday in Advent. Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. Eighteenth Siuiday after Trinity. o o o o COLLECTS : THEIR TENDENCY. 309 I C Fifth Sunday after Easter. To enable us to do good, . . . . ) Fi"t' ninth eleventh thirteenth, = » 1 seventeenth, and twenty-fifth ( Sundays after Trinity. To bring us to glory, ... . | ISsSday after Epiphany. Regeneration, Christmas Day. Charity, duinquagesima, M»'«=-"«». JEirsr Contrition, Ash Wednesday. Sincerity, Third Sunday after Easter. r Fourth Sunday after Easter. Love of God and his laws, . . . . ^ Sixth and fourteenth Sundays after ( Trinity. Heavenly desires, Ascension. Faith right, Trinity Sunday. ( Seventh Sunday after Trinity. Faith firm, ^ St. Thomas. ( St. Mark. I™,.a.io„ of Chris. li?c?„S7a;\ft:fE.,.a,. 'St. Stephen. St. Paul. W,aUo„of,aiaU •! It SlitfEipS Innocents. ^ All saints. Guarding of angels and God's provi- S Second third, fourth, and twentieth ' ( St. Michael. Deliverance from enemies, . . . Third Sunday in Lent. e Sexagesima. Deliverance from judgments, . . . ^ Septuagesiraa. ( Fourth Sunday in Lent. Support under afflictions, . . . . | '^^' EpjpEfn/^"'^^ ^""^^^^^ ^"®' Defence from evil, and supply of { Eighth and fifteenth Sundays after good, ( Trinity. For Jews, Turks, &c Good Friday. 6 o- -o 310 COLLECTS : THEIR TENDENCY. That ministers may be fit, diligent, and successful, . . That the people may be kept in Truth, unity, and peace, . . St. Matthias. St. Peter. Third Sunday in Advent. ''Good Friday. St, John. St. Simon and Jude. Fifth, sixth, and twelfth Sundays after Trinity. J. F. Trow & Co., Pbintbbs, 33 Ann-Street. BOOKS IN THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLISHED BT ► . APPI.ETON & CO., ]VEl¥-Y©ISIi AND GEORGE S. APPIiETOX, PI1II.ADEL.PII1 A. HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND, By Gilbert Burnet, D.D., late Bishop of Salisbury. With a Collection of Records, and a copious Index, revised and corrected, with additional Notes and a Preface, by the Rev. E. Narcs, D.D. Illustrated 'vvith a Frontispiece and twenty-three Portraits on steel. Form- iug four elegant 8vo. vols, of near 600 pages each. ^8 00. To the student either of civil or religious history no epoch can be of nnore importaTice than that of the Reformation in England. It signalized the overthrow, in one of its strongest holds, of tlie Romnn power, and gave an impulse to the human mind, the full results of wliich are even now but parll)' realized. Almost all freedom of inquiry — all toleration in matters of religion, had its birth-hour then ; and witliout a familiar acquaintance with all its principal events, but little progress can be made in understanding the nature and ultimate tendencies of the revolution then effected. The History of Bistiop Burnet is one of the most celebrated and by far the most frequently quoted of any that has been written of this great event. Upon the original publication of the first volume, it was received in Great Britain with the loudest and most extravagant encomiums. The author received the tlianlcs of both Houses of Parliament, and was request- ed by them to contmue the work. In continaing it he had the assistance of the most learned and eminent divines of his time ; and he confesses his in- debtedness for important aid to Lloyd, Tillotson and Stillingfleet, three of the greatest of England's Bishops. *' I know," says he, in his Pre- face to the second volume, " that notliing can more effectually recommend tliis work, than to say that it passed with their hearty approbation, after they had examined it withtiiat care which their great zeal for the cause con cerned in it, and their goodness to the author and freedom with him, obliged them to use." The present edition of this great work has been edited with laborious care by Dr. Nares, who professes to have corrected important errors into which the author fell, and to have made such improvements in the order of the work as will render it far more useful to the reader or historical student. Preliminary explanations, full and sufficient to the clear understanding of the author, are given, and marginal references are made throughout the book, so as greatly to facilitate and render accurate its consultation. The whole is published in four largo octavo volumes of six hundred pages in cacli — printed upon heavy paper in large and clear type. It contains por- traits of twenty-four of the most celebrated characters of the Reformation, and is issued in a very neat style. It will of course find a place in every theologian's library — and will, by no means, we trust, be confined to that comparatively limited sphere. S D. Appleton ^ Co.^s Catalogue of Valuable Worksf. BURNET ON THE XXXIX. ARTICLES, An Exposition of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of Eng- land. By Gilbert Burnet, D.D., late Bishop of Salisbury. With an x\ppcndix, containing the Augsburg Confession — Creed of Pope Pius IV., (fee. Revised and corrected, with copious Notes and additional References, by the Rev. James R. Page, A.M., of Queen's College, Cambridge. In one handsome 8vo. volume. ^2 00. "No Churchman, no Theologian, can stand in need of information as to the character or value of Bishop Burnet's Exposition, whicli long since took its fitting place as one of the acknowledged and admired standards of the Church. It is only needful that vt'e speak of the labours of the editor of t!ie present edition, and these appear to blend a fitting niudesty with eminent industry and judgment. Tlius, while Mr. Page has carefully verified, and in many instances corrected and enlarged the references to the Fathers, Councils and other authorities, and greatly multiplied the Scripture citations — for the Bishop seems in many cases to have forgotten that his readers would not all be as familiar with the Sacred Text as himself, and might not as readily find a passage even when they knew it existed — he (Mr. P.) has scrupulously left the text untouched, an(} added whatever illustrative mat- ter he has been able to gather in the form of Notes and an Appendix. The documents collected in the latter are of great and abiding value." PEARSON ON THE CREED. An Exposition of the Creed. By John Pearson, D.D., late Bishop of Chester. With an Appendix, containing the Principal Greek and Latin Creeds. Revised and corrected by the Rev. W. S. Dobson, M. A., Peterhouse, Cambridge. In one handsome 8vo. volume. $2 00. The following may be stated as the advantages of this edition over all others. First — Great care lias been taken to correct the numerous errors in the references to the texts of Scripture which had crept in by reason of the re- peated editions through which this admirable work has passed ; and many references, as will be seen on turning to the Index of Texts, have been added. Secondly— The Quotations in the Notes have been almost universally identified and the references to them adjoined. Lastly — The principal Symbola or Creeds, of which tlie particular Articles have been cited by the author, have been annexed ; and wherever the ori- ginal writers have given the Symbola in a scattered and disjointed manner, the detached parts have been brought into a successive and connected point of view. These have been added in chronological order in the form of an Appendix. — Vide Editor. Jflagee on ^^loneinent and Sficri/fce, Discourses and Dissertations on the Scriptural Doctrines of Atone- ment and Sacrifice, and on the Principal Arguments advanced, and the Mode of Reasoning employed by the Opponents of those Doctrines, as held by the Established Church. By the late most Rev. Wm. M'Gee, D.D., Archbishop of Dublin. Two vols, royal 8vo. beautifully printed. ^5 00. "This is one of the ab!est criiical and polemical works of modern timpB. Archbishop Mngcc ia trnly a maleus hereticolum. He is an exi ellent schular, Jtn acute rcasoiier, and is po«-etsed of a most exl^nsive acquaintance with the w.de field of ai'gimient to which his volumci are devoted— '.ha nrofoimd Biblical information on a variety of topics wliich llw Archbishop brings forward, must en- flew hie name to all lovers of Chriwi&nity,' — 0?«e. D. Applefon ^ Co, ^8 Catalogue of Valuahle Works. PALMER'S TREATISE ON THE CHURCH. A Treatise on the Church of Christ. Designed chiefly for the use of Students in Theology. By the Rev. William Palmer, M.A., of Worcester College, Oxford. Edited, with Notes, by the Right Rev. W. R. Whittinghara, D.D., Bishop of the Pro- testant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Maryland. Two vols. 8vo., handsomely printed on fine paper. ^5 00. "Thelreatise of Mr. Palmer is the best exposition and vindication of Church Principlea that we have ever read ; excelling contemporaneous treatises in depth of learning and ^oli- e, and confers on it its distinctive excellence. Tlie style of the author is distinguished for fkings of a pious and highly gifted mind." — Q,uur. Review. 4 D. Appleton ^ Co.^s Catalogue of Valuable Worlon of the influence of mothers on their sons; and tL subiSu;a"ed w°th the same ong.nal.ty and beauty which characterize the author's other works It wiJl blfou d tlLXXu ttVi:- r'""' compan>oni„ the nursery, and itstfluenc:' an ha d J Jdil to be lelt, first, m quickening the sense of responsibihty on tlie part of moUiere • ind L'fvlr°ur-i,i':r^:fr""°' ''^ --Sgeneratfoa to a W a.Ldarl oTillliru^erce GEMS FROM TRAVELLERS. Illustrative of various passages in the Holy Scripture, with nearly one hundred H^ngravnigs. Among the authorities quoted will be found the following dis- tinguished names : Harmer,Laborde, Lane, Madden, Clarke, Pococke, Chandler, Malcom Hartley, Russel, Jowitt, Came, Shaw, Morier, Neibuhr, Bruce, Calmet, H. Blunt, Belzoni, Lord Lindsay, &c. &c. 1 vol. 12mo. %pi (JO. „»1Tk,^,"^°'^ Scriptures contain many passagee full of importance and beauty, but not ee- to ^o^. t„ I. ° ,i ^^""""'^ '^^y- ':""l'^'}/""'ion to inannirs and customs, familiar inde^ ohv^n^r.hU H ffi"" ll'^^.r'^ originally addressed, but imperfectly known to us. In order to obviate this difficulty, this volume is now presented to tlie public, consisting of extracts from who"rr"werp?rnl''.*'^"'" ^^° ^"'^ '"^""^'^ "'« customs of the orien^l nations, foS the thn^, ih.n .h. ^''""'f "'^^' ""^"^ '^''""^^ 3""""^ "-^^ t° ^hi, day, such as existed at lilfill A "»« Scriptures were written, and Uiat these names ar« q many instances hule changed emce the patriarchal limes. The compiler of this volume trusts tha? U miy ba the means, under God's providence, of leading unlearned readers to a more general ao quamtanoe with Eastern customs, and a83i8t them to a clearer perception of the pXiety and beauty of the illustrations so often drawn from them in the Bible proprieiy D. Appleton ^ Co.'s Catalogue of Valuahle Worhe. Works by the Rev. John Angell James. THE TRUE CHRISTIAN. By the Rev. John Angell James. With an Introduction by the Rev. Wm. Adams. 1 vul. l8ino $0 50. " We opine that tlie publisliers of this volume made an accurate calculation when they labelled lliese ' Addre.-.ses ' — stereotfiped ; for they are among the choice eti'usions which alrfady have 30 highly beiieiited Christian siioiety from the noble heart and richly- endowed mind of Mr. James. They are ministerial counsels to the members of i/is coiigre gation, and are oflered as monthly epistlea for a year, bting twelve in number, and are tluis entitled: 'Increased Holiness of the Church; Spirituality of Mind : Heavenly MindeJ- ness; Assurance of Hojie; Practical Religion 8»en in every thing: A Profitable Sabbalh ; Christian Obligations ; Life of Faith; Influence of elder Christians; Spirit of Prayer; Pfi- vate Prayer, and Self Examination.' " — Christian IntelUffeticer. THE YOUNG- MAN FROM HOME. In a series of Letters, especially directed for the Mnral Advancement of Youth. By the Rev. John Angell James. Tenth edition. 1 vol. 18ino. 37? cts. "This work, from the able and prolific pen of Mr. James, is not inferior, we think, to any of its predecessors. It contemplates a young man at the most critical period of life, and meets Lira at every point as a guide in the paths of virtue, as a guard from the contagious influence of vice." — Albany Aduer titer. THE CHRISTIAN PROFESSOR, Addressed in a series of Counsels and Cautions to the Members of Christian Churches. By the Rev. John Angell James. 1 vol. 18mo. 62? cents. " The author remarks ia this excellent volume: 'When I look into the New Testament and read what a Christian should be, and then look into the Church of God, and see wliat Chiistians are, I am painfully aflecled by observing the dissimilarity; and in my jealou?"y for the honour of the Christian profession, have made this eflbrt, perhaps a feeble one, and cer- tainly an anxious one, to remove its blemishes, to restore its impaired beauty, and thus raise it8 reputation.' " THE ANXIOUS ENQUIRER AFTER SALVATION Directed and Encouraged. By the Rev. John Angell James. 1 vol. 18mo. 37f cents. Twenty thousand copies of this excellent little volume have already been sold, which fully attests the high estimation the work has attained with the religious community. HAPPINESS, ITS NATURE AND SOURCES. By the Rev. J. A. James. 1 vol, 32mo. 25 cents. " This is written in the excellent author's best vein. He has, with a searching fidelity, exposed the various unsatisfying expedients by which the natural heart seeks to attain the great end and aim of all — happiness, and with powerful and touching exhortations directed it to the never-failing source of all good." — £)uange'ist. THE WIDOW DIRECTED To the Widow's G-od. By the Rev. John A. James. 1 vol. 18mo. 371 cents. " The book is worthy to be read by others besides the class for which it is especially de- signed ; and we doubt not that it destined to come as a friendly visitor to many a house of i«ourning, and as a healing balm to many a wounded heart." — N. Y. Observer. CRUDEN'S CONCORDANCE. Containing all the Words to be found in the large Work relating to the New Testament. 1 vol. 18mo. 50 cents. THE POLYMICRIAN NEW TESTAMENT. Numerous References, Maps, &c. 1 vol. 18mo. 30 cents THE SACRED CHOIR: A COLLECTION OF CHURCH MUSIC: Consisting of Selections from the most distinguished authors, among whom are the names of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Perqolessi, &c. &c. ; with several pieces of Music by the autltor ; also a Progressive Elementary System of Instruction for Pupils. By George KlNSSLEY, author ef the So- cial Choir, &c. ^o ^^^ to be the oi^Z S^^^^^^^ T '^ ^"^"""'' °f "-'^-^he teacher Ehcir simplicity. ' '^ '° ''" rendered gracious without endangering BURNS' COMPLETE POETICAL WORKS. The complete Poetical Works of Robert Burns, with Explanatory and Glossarial IJotes, and a Life of the Author, by James Cu'^ lie, M.D. 1 vol. 16mo. $1 25. MILTON'S COMPLETE POETICAL WORKS. The complete Poetical Works of John Milton, with Explanatory Notes and a Life of the Author, by the Rev. Henry Itebbin/ A.M. Beautifully illustrated. 1 vol. 16nio. il 25 The Latin and Italian Poems are included in this edition. ' aIluJ[on?S°;:rrt.r^^ ^" ^^-/^-^-^ ^^e learned T>, P ?^,^xTT^ POETICAL WORKS. The Poetical Works of Sir Walter Scott, Bart.-Containin^ Lay of the Last Minstrel, Marmion, Lady of the Lake, Don Rode- ^^. ^.}'^' Ballads. Lyrics, and'Songs, with a Life of the - wlh •«. Uniform with Cowper, Bums, &c. 1 vol. 16mo Si 25. servS r M 5' "''k"°'^ P"!^^^"*" "'^ ^" '^' P"^^^ "^ '^^^ Present day, and de servediy s^. He describes that which is most easily and geueruiiv understood with more v.vacty and effect than any other writer. His ftrle is clear flow?^ and transparent ; his sentiments, of which his style is 4 faW and natifal m? dium, are common to him with his readers."— ifL?^^. nacuiai me 10 p. Appleton ^ Co.^s Catalogue of Valuable Works. GENERAL HISTORY OF CIVILIZATION In Europe, from the fall of the Roman Empire, to the French Revolution. By M. Guizot, Professor of History to the Faculty des Lettres of Paris. Printed from the second English edition, with Occasional Notes, by C. S. Henry, D.D., of New York. One handsome volume, i2mo. $100, The third edition of this valuable work has just appeared, with numer- ous and useful notes, by Professor Henry, of the University of New- York, M. Guizot, in his instructive lectures has given an epitome of Modern His- tory, distinguished by all the merits which in another department, renders Elackslone a subject of such peculiar and unbounded praise ; a work close- ly condensed, including no'.hing useless and omitting nothing essential : written with grace, and conceived and arranged with consummate ability. THE NATURAL HISTORY OF SOOIETY IN THE BARBAROUS AND CIVILIZED STATE. An Essay towards Discovering the Origin and Course of Human Improve- ment. By W. 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Let no library or book-room be without it ; the more it is studied the more it will be esteemed. "—Literary Gazette. SOUTHEY'S POETICAL NA^ORKS. The Complete Poetical Works of Robert Southey, Esq., LL.D. The ten volume London edition in one elegant royal 8vo, volume, with a fine por- trait and vignette. $3 50. *.* This edition, which the author has arranged and revised with the same care as if it were intended for posthumous publication, includes many pieces which either have never before been collected, or have hitherto re- mained unpublished. SCHLEGEL'S PHILOSOPHY OF HISTORY. The Philosophy of History, in a course of Lectures delivered at Vienna, by Frederick von Schlegel, translated from the German, with a Memoir of the Author, by J. B, Robertson. Handsomely printed on fine paper. 2 vols. I2mo, ^2 50. THE LIFEOF ALEXANDER HAMILTON. Edited by his son, John C. Hamilton, 2 vols, 8vo. $5 00. "We cordially recommend the perusal and diUgent study of these vol- umes, exhibiting, as they do, much valuable matter relative to the Revo- lution, the establishment of the Federal Constitution, and other important events in the annals of our coxmlry ."—New- York Review, D. Appleton ^ Co.^3 Catalogue of Valuable WorJcs. 11 " THE NEW PURCHASE; Or, Seven and a Half Years in the Far West. By Robert Carlton, Esq. Alter et Idem. Two handsome volumes 12mo. ^1 50, *+* This work is characterized by much original humour and information. A GALLOP AMONG AMERICAN SCENERY. Sy Augustus E. Silliman. One elegantly printed volume. 16mo. 75 cents. THE AMERICAN IN EGYPL With Rambles thro-igh Arabia-Petrsea and the Holy Land, during the years 1839-40. By James Ewing Cook}'. Illustrated with numerous Steel Engravings, also Etchings and Designs by Johnston. One handsome volume, octavo, of 610 pages. $2 00. Cheap edition, paper covers, $1 00. " No otlier volume extant can ^\ve the reader so true a picture of what he woulrl be likely to see and meet in Egypt. >o other book is more practical and plain in its pifture of precisely what the traveller himself will mnet. Other writers have orne account to give of their jour- ney on paper, and another to relate in conversation. Mr. Cootey has but one story fur tha fireside circle and the printed page." — Brother Jonathan. THE FLAG SHIP ; OR A VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD, In the United States Frigate Columbia, attended by her consort, the Sloop of War John Adams, and bearing the broad pennant of Commodore George C. Read. By Fitch W. Taylor, Chaplain to the Squadron. 2 vols. I2mo. plates, $2 50. TOUR THROUGH TURKEY AND PERSIA. Narrative of a Tour through Armenia, Kurdistan, Persia and Mesopotamia, with an introduction and Occasional Observations upon the Condition of Mohammedanism and Christianity in those countries. By the Rev. Horatio Southgate, Missionary of tlie American Episcopal Church, 2 vols. 12mo. plates. $2 00. SCOTLAND AND THE SCOTCH; OR THE WESTERN CIRCUIT. By Catharine Sinclair, Author of Modern Accomplishments, Modern Society, ndix of seventy pages, including thirty-two very interesting characteristic anecdotes, nine- teen lyrical poems, and a niiiuUe chronological table of events in American Naval History. It is appropriately adorned witli steel cugraved'portraits, numerous vignettes, and full page representa- tions of various conflicts. The Book of the Navy deserves, and will doubtless have, a very extend- ed circulation." — National Intelligsncer. INCIDENTS OF A XA^HALINQ VOYAGE. To which is added Observations on the Scenery, Manners, and Customs, and Missionary Stations of the Sandwich and Society Islands, accompanied by numerous plates. By Francis AUyn Olmsted. One handsome volume, 12mo. $1 50. PICTORIAL VICAR OF NA^AKEFIELD. The Vicar of Wakefield. By Oliver Goldsmith. Elegantly illus- trated with nearly 200 Engravings, making a beautiful volume, octavo, of about 350 pages. $1 25. "We love to turn back over these rich old classics of our own language, and rejuvinnte ourselves by tlie neyer-lailing associations which a re-perusal always oalh up. Let any one who has not read diis immortal tale for filteen or twenty years, try the experinitiit, and we will warrant, that he rises up from the task— the pleasure we sliould have said— a happier and a better man." —Sav. Rep. PICTORIAL ROBINSON CRUSOE. The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. By Daniel De Foe. With a Memoir of the Author, and an Essay on hia Writings, illustrated with nearly 500 spirited Engravings, by the celebrated French artist, Grandvilie, forming one elegant volume, octavo, of 500 pages. $1 75. "Wasthereeveranything written by mere man that the reader wlshod longer, except Koblason Crusoe, Don Q,Mixotle, and the Pilgrim's l^rogresa?"— /Jr. Johnson. " Ko'.v happy that this, the most moral of romances, is not only Ibe mosl chaiming of booki but. Uiemominsuuclive."— 4. Cha,lmeTl% D. Appleton ^- Co.'s Catalogue of Valuable WorTcs. 13 A DICTIONARY OF ARTS, M AN U FACTU R ES AN D MINES, Containing a clear exposition of tlieir Principles and Practice. By Andrew Ure, M.D., F.R.S., &c. &C. Illustrated ivilh One Thousand Two Hundred and Forty-one Engravings on wood. Containing upwards of 130U closely printed pages, forming one very thick volume 8vo., strongly bound in sheep. $5 00. ITT" The same woik bound in two volumes. $5 50. In every point of view a work like the prssent can but be re»arileil as a benefit done to theo- retical and practical science, to commerce anil niiiujtry, and an importint addition to a spe- cies of literature the exclusive production of the present century, and the present state of peace and civdizatinn. Criticisms in favour of its intrinsic value to all classes of the commu- nity might he proiiiced, if space would permit, from upwards of three hundred of the leading journals in Europe and this country. " This useful and most excellent work, which has been issuing in Monthly Numbers, for some time past, is now completed. It is a publication of most decided and permanent value, one of which no library should be destitute. It is filled with information upon precisely those subjects with wlilcli erery one should be familiar, upon the practical operations of the arts, the scientific princip^s and processes of mechanics, and the history of all improvements in every departmeut of Science and Industry. The auilior is a man of eminence and ability, and the work enjoys the highest reputation in England, where it was first published. We trust it will be welcomed by the intelligent of every class of our citizens. 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