^ -7 ^ 
 
 
 ! PRINCETON, N. J. -^ 
 
 Presented by Mr. Samuel Agnew of Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 Division 
 
 Sec/ion 
 
 Number 
 
 
{fe.Ti^t.-^^ t-—^ 
 
 
 •#■ 
 
^1> 
 
The Proteftant's Prayer-Book: 
 
 O R, 
 
 STATED AND OCCASIONAL 
 
 DEVOTIONS, 
 
 FOR 
 
 FAMILIES AND PRIVATE PERSONS, 
 
 AND 
 
 DISCOURSES 
 
 ON THE 
 
 GIFT, GRACE, AND SPIRIT OF PRAYER ; 
 
 TOGETHER WITH 
 
 ESSAYS 
 
 ON THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH, BAPTISM, 
 AND THE LORD'S SUPPER. 
 
 TO WHICH ARE ADDED 
 
 HYMNS 
 
 ADAPTED TO SOCIAL AND SECRET V/ORSHIP. 
 
 By J. M. ''M O F F A T T. 
 
 The principal part of family religion is Prayer, every morning, 
 and evening, and reading fome portion of Scripture ; and this 
 IS fo necefTary to keep alive a fenfe of God and Religion in 
 the minds of Men, that where it is negleded, I do not fee, 
 how any family can in reafoi^ be efteemed a family of chrilli- 
 ans, or indeed have any religion at all. 
 
 Archbifhop Tillotson. 
 
 As for me f andmyhou/e, nve njoill/efve the Lord. Jofh. xxiv. i^. 
 
 jifii and it Jhall be gi'ven you I feeky and ye Jhall find -, knocks and 
 it Jhall be opened unto you. Matt. vii. 7. 
 
 BRISTOL: 
 
 Printed for Arthur Browne and Son, Bookfellers, on the 
 Tolzey; — and fold byR. Baldwin, J. Buckland, C 
 DiLLY, London; W. Grigg, Exeter; R.Goadby, Sher- 
 borne; Mrs. Bond, Stroud; Mr. Bench, Wotton-under- 
 Edge; and Mrs. TouLMiN, Taunton. 1783.* 
 
.c 
 
TO THE 
 
 CONGREGATION 
 
 O F 
 
 PROTESTANT 
 
 DISSENTERS, 
 
 ASSEMBLING 
 AT THE PLACE OF PUBLIC WORSHIP, 
 
 IN THE FOREST-GREEN, AVENING, 
 
 GLOUCESTERSHIRE, 
 THIS 
 
 DEVOTIONAL TREATISE 
 
 IS DEDICATED, 
 BY THEIR AFFECTIONATE FRIEND, 
 AND SERVANT, 
 IN THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, 
 
 J. M, MOFFATT. 
 
t ^ 
 
 ■\R E F A C E. 
 
 THE di(rertations*bn the Gift, Grace, 
 and Spirit of Prayer, were compiled 
 with a fpecial view to thofe members of 
 rehgious fociety, who may be requeited 
 at certain times, to affiR the devotions 
 of their fellow-chriflians, — The firll Chap- 
 ter, is defigned to anfwer the end of that 
 ufeful performance, Mr. Henrys Method of 
 Prayer, which (the author has been in- 
 formed) is become fcarce. And, tho' the 
 nature of the work would not permit to 
 infert fuch a number of fcriptural expref- 
 lioqs under each head, yet, in other re- 
 fpects the variety is greater. 'Tis there- 
 fore prefumed, that thofe who have Mr. 
 Henry, may find additional aid from thefe 
 materials. — Chriftians will judge for them- 
 felves what expreffions under the divifions 
 of Prayer, viz. Invocation, Confeffion, 
 Petition, &c. are adapted to their parti- 
 cular cafes, and confine them to private 
 ufe\ and what are more general, and bed 
 fuited to focial toorjhip^ 
 
 The fecond and third Chapters may be 
 thought too prolix — I have only to fay, that 
 I herein aimed at the edification of com- 
 mon chriftians. On the contrary, fome 
 may object to the brevity of the family pray- 
 ers. 
 
VI 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 ers. — In reply, would refer them to page 
 68, and alfo remark, that perfons of great 
 piety + have fignified their approbation of 
 ihort prayers, in focial worlhip: Indeed, 
 this is agreeable both to our Lord's cau- 
 tion, and that fpecimen of prayer which 
 he has been pleafed to give us in Matt, 
 vi. g, &c. It may be moreover obferved, 
 that it was expedient to be concife, for 
 the fake of thofe laboring people, who be- 
 ing obliged to go early to work, and re- 
 turn home late, are apt to plead want of 
 time, as an excufe for the negleft of their 
 duty. — As the family prayers are not long, 
 in the private have left room for the chrif- 
 tian's own enlargement. — The interceffory 
 part of prayer is often introduced into the 
 daily devotions. Interceffion with God 
 to blefs all mankind with his providential 
 bounties, and enlighten them with his 
 word and Spirit, and to bring them to 
 everlafting happinefs, is one of the divin- 
 eft exercifes that the heart of man can be 
 engaged intj Accordingly the three firjl 
 
 petitions 
 
 f That eminently holy man, Mr. Robert Bruce, was in 
 public prayer, -veryjhort', and he has been heard to fay, that he 
 hath grown weary when others were long in this duty. See 
 Gillies Succefs of the Gofpel, Vol. I. p. 290. 
 
 X Interceilion for particular perfons alfo, is an highly impor- 
 tant duty in the chrilrian life. For if you can once fincerely pray 
 for a man, this will lead you to love him, and difpofe you to 
 every good office towards him. — **V/hen you feel the rifings of re- 
 fentment, envy, or contempt towards any of your fellow crea- 
 tures, pray for them. Thus, little ill-natured palfions are likely 
 to die away, and that fm of evil fpeaking prevented, to which 
 fome (who make no inconfiderable profeiTion of religion) are 
 neverthelefs much given. — I'he ApolUe Paul is a noble example 
 of particular interceffion, Phil. i. 4, 5. 2 Tim. i. 3." 
 
PREFACE. vli 
 
 \.i' 
 
 petitions of the Lord's prayer, are in efFe6l 
 petitions for the fuccefs of the Gofpel, 
 every where. — Frequently to pray for out 
 native country* is a leffon taught us even 
 by Heathens. Morning and evening (fays 
 an heathen writer) we pray for the prof- 
 perity of Italy. 
 
 The 
 
 * More efpecially fhould we attend to fuch a duty at this cri- 
 tical jundure, when we feem to be feeling the eil'edls of the di- 
 vine difpleafure, and have reafon to fear more awful judgments 
 -- T fay more a^vful Judgments. For tho' there be fome who are 
 difpofed to impute national calamities to fome hidden caufe, ra- 
 ther than to natio7ial guilt, and have feverely cenfured the calling 
 thofe calamities divine judgments, yet we conceive, that we are 
 not chargeable with prefumption, for the ufe of fuch language ; 
 fmce this is the light in which Scripture leads us to view them. 
 Pfalm Ixxxix. 31, 32. Jer. ix. 12, 13. It accords with the 
 common apprehenfions of mankind : For we are informed, that 
 the Heathen in a feafon of public diftrefs were accuflom'd to 
 offer expiatory facrifices, to avert the wrath of their Gods. We 
 arc further authorized fo to exprefs ourfelves, feeing the fame 
 fms which are faid to have brought down the vengeance of Heaven 
 upon the Jews, do appear to prevail in an high degree amongft 
 us — as luxury, Amos vi. i, &c. oppreiTion, Chap. iv. i, Sec. and 
 contempt of religion, Zeph. i. 12, 13, 14. Ezek. xxii. — Tho* 
 we are not warranted (fays the prefent Bifliop of London) to in- 
 fer from great and fignal calamities any great and uncommon 
 wickednefs in the fufterers — Yet on the grounds of reafon and 
 experience, and from our notions of the wifdom and jufiicc of 
 God, we may be allowed to obferve a more equal Providence 
 difpenfed in the fates of Kingdoms, than in the affairs of indi- 
 viduals. The cafes are widely different, and the fame reafons, 
 motives, and ends do not hold in both. Kingdoms and Nations 
 us fuch are Beings of the prefent world, and they are obnoxious 
 to the judgment of God in this life only; therefore the counfels 
 of God witk regard to them may be governed by other rules, 
 and we are warranted to eflimate their profperity and adverfity 
 by meafures different from thofe by which we ought to judge of 
 the merits and demerits of private perfons. — Now iince prayer is 
 mentioned in Scripture, as a grand mean for turning av/ay the 
 divine indignation, let every lover of his country be found in 
 the frequent ufe of it, 2 Chron. vii. i <{.. Let us fervently pray 
 for the Spirit of God, to advance that national repentance and 
 reformation, without which, folid peace and true profperity are 
 not to be expeded. Prov. xiv. 34. 
 
Vlll. 
 
 PREFACE, 
 
 The Spirit of God, in facred writ, having 
 furniflied us with a variety of doxologies, 
 which are undoubtedly preferable to any 
 of a human ftamp, have therefore confin- 
 ed myfeif to theai : And cannot But ear- 
 neftly wifli, on many ac<:ounts, that fcrip- 
 tural doxologies were commonly ufed by 
 chriftians. 
 
 The Effays are fuch as appeared to the 
 author proper for a family piece — He 
 has endeavored fo to treat thefe fubjefts, 
 as not to omit the molt material heads of 
 inftruction. 
 
 Ihe {mall collecftion of hymns is added 
 acrreeably to the advice of a judicious 
 friend. 
 
 Among the pious writers to whom I have 
 been confiderably indebted, are Watts, 
 Jenkins, Scott, and Orton, 
 
 Some may think that in the courfe of 
 the work I have given unneceffary expla- 
 nations; but it fhould be conlidered that 
 thefe explanations may be ferviceable to 
 perfons of the loweft abilities. 
 
 Several of the occafional remarks it 
 muft be owned are long; whether they 
 are pertinent and ufeful is fubmittcd to the 
 judgment of the reader. 
 
 —The errors of the prefs, and many 
 other defefts (which the judicious reader 
 may difcern) ftand in need of his candor. 
 If the chriltian meets with any expref- 
 fionthathe cannot confcientioufly ufe, **I 
 truft he will not inftantly cad away the 
 
 book 
 
PREFACE. ix. 
 
 book with rekntmGnt,'' hut Y^ithcr leave out f 
 or alter the expreffion, as he pleafes. — All 
 I a{k, all I dehre is, that the contents may 
 be received, or rejefted, as they are found 
 to accord, or not with the facred Oracles. 
 *•' For that wherein all Proteftants agree, 
 and which they fubfcribe as a perfect rule 
 of their faith and aftions— -is the Bible. 
 The Bible, the Bible only is the religion 
 of Proteftants/' 
 
 I would now requeft the ferious chrif- 
 tian to join me in this petition, that God 
 would deign according to the riches of his 
 grace in Chrift Jefus, to make the follow- 
 ing Treatife a means of promoting fierfo- 
 nal and family religion even that '' religion 
 v/hich confifls of lidit and love." 
 
 N, B. When circumftances require the ufe 
 of one of the occafional prayers, this mark ("f-) 
 in the daily prayers, is deligned to fhew the 
 perfon, who conducfls the fervice, where fuch 
 a prayer, or thankfgiving may be moft properly 
 introduced. 
 
 'T n m ■ 
 
 ^i 
 
 1; 
 
 .^TIIEOLOGIOriL/ 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 CONTAINING OBVIOUS ARGUMENTS FOR 
 PRAYER, AND HINTS RESPECTING THE 
 OBJECT OF WORSHIP— THE MEDIUM— 
 ACCEPTABLE PRAYER—PRAYING ABSO- 
 LUTELY, AND CONDITIONALLY— THE 
 SEASONS OF PRAYER-— EXTEMPORE 
 PRAYER, AND FORMS-FAMILY PRAYER. 
 
 Arguments and Motives. 
 
 I. 'THHE obligation to prayer has been acknow- 
 A ledged by all the nations of the Earth. — " If 
 one travel the world (faith Plutarch) 'tis poffible to 
 find cities without walls, without letters, without 
 kings, without wealth, without coin, without fchools 
 and theatres; but a city without a temple, or that 
 ufeth no worfhip, prayer, &c. no man ever faw :" — 
 Nay, a fenfe of this duty is fo deeply implanted in 
 the minds of men, that even profefTed Atheifts (in 
 a time of danger and trouble) have had recourfe to 
 it. We have a fignal inftance recorded by iEfchilus, 
 the Perfian, in his relation of the overthrow of the 
 Perfians by the Grecian army. " When (obferves 
 he) the Grecian forces hotly purfued us, and we 
 came to the river Strymon, that was frozen, and be- 
 gan to thaw — then, with mine eyes, I fav/ many of 
 thofe gallants, whom I had heard before boldly 
 maintain there was no God, every one upon their 
 knees with eyes and hands lifted up, begging ear- 
 neftly for help and mercy, and entreating that the 
 ice might hold until they got over." 
 
 II. 'Tis a moil reafonable duty. — What can be 
 more fit than to adore him who is the Fountain of 
 all excellencies, and infinitely excellent in himfelf — 
 return thanks to our divine BenefaClor for the fa- 
 vors 
 
Xll, 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 vors we have received — acknowledge the fins commit- 
 ted againft that Being, who can with the utmoft eafe 
 infiid immediate punifhment -, or than to aflc for 
 the bleflings we need : I fay, what can be more rea- 
 fonable, than that we fhould thus em.ploy our bodi- 
 ly powers, as well as the faculties ot the mind? 
 
 III. How freq^uently are we exhorted to prayer, 
 and how numerous the examples of it in the word 
 of God. — 'Thus faith the Lord^ call unto me^ Jer. 
 xxxiii. 2, :j. fFatch^ and pray ^ Mat. xxvi. 41. Fray 
 for them that deftnte fully ufe yoii^ Chap. v. 44. Pray 
 without ceafing{a) i IhefT. v. 17. Cornelius, a Ro- 
 man Centurion, frayed to God alway^ or from day 
 to day, at all the hours of prayer, Ad:sx". 2. More 
 ^fpecially, we have the example of our divine Maf- 
 ter, to enforce this duty. — He W£nt out into a r/ioun^ 
 tain to pray^ and continued all night in prayer to Gody 
 Luke vi. 12. 
 
 IV. Prayer is an excellent means of hv^linefs. 
 For when we engage therein, we are led to behold 
 the eternal Father, and his only begotten Son, in 
 themifelves, and in the great and tender relations 
 they fuftain with refped to us — to confider our un- 
 happy, and dangerous ftate thro' fin — to contem- 
 plate the celeftial felicity, and the boundlefs ocean 
 of eternity. Now, to have our minds ferioufly fix- 
 ed on thofe all important things, tends, to fubdue 
 evil afredions, (l?) and promote the purification of the 
 heart. As one may fay, it puts the foul in a fit 
 pofture, ' to receive that facred fire from above, 
 which confumes our drofs — to receive thofe divine 
 influences, whereby v/e are formed to a deep reve^ 
 rence of, and an high complacency in God-, to a 
 
 fervent 
 
 CaJ That is, pray at all proper feafons. — So the burnt- oiFer- 
 ing pr^.fented e.very morning and evening is called perpetual. 
 Lev. vi. 20 See Doddrige in loc. 
 
 (h) If a perfcn be tempted to injuPdce, impurity, or the like, 
 inftar.cly to pray for alnltirg grace, is doubtlefs one of the molt 
 powerful means for vanquiftiing the temptation. See Pref. 
 p. 6. note \. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Xlll. 
 
 fervent love of our Father and Redeemer; a prone- 
 nefs to do good to all -, an humble and ferene tem- 
 per, the repofe of a contented mind ; a mind fuitcd 
 to thofe regions, where nothing but perfed purity, 
 entire devotednefs to God, love, benignity, order, 
 
 and peace fhall have place for ever.' A certain 
 
 chriftian upon his death bed ohferved to a worthy 
 friend, that his natural temper was not the beft, and 
 that he had been guilty of many fins. But, faith 
 he, t/ia^ place — pointing to his clofet, is a witnefs 
 to my humble prayers and converfe with God, and 
 the pains I have taken, to fubdue my temper, and 
 train up myfelf for that world, to which, I hope 
 thro' grace, I am going. (^) 
 
 V. Prayer is efficacious for obtaining good things 
 for ourfelves, and others, (d^ Call unto me^ and I 
 will mfwer (e) thee^ Jer. xxxiii. 3. It fnall come to 
 pcifs^ that whofoever JJiall call upon the name of the 
 Lord/Iiall be delrcered^ Joel ii. 32. JJJc^ and it JJiall 
 be given you ^ Mat. vii. 7. The efficacy of fervent 
 prayer may in a peculiar manner be feen, in thofe 
 parables of our Lord, Luke xi. 6, &c. Chap, xviii. 
 I, refpeding which, it has been remarked, that 
 our Savior did not intend, in either of them, to 
 reprefent to his difciples the charader and difpofi- 
 tion of the fupreme Being, but to point out, that 
 
 B tho* 
 
 (c) 'Tis true indeed, one might ufe daily prayer, acknow- 
 ledge his fins, and yet not ferioufly intend to forfake them — im- 
 plore divine aids, and yet conftantly negled watchfulnefs, nay, 
 boldly rulh into the way of temptation — beg God to forgive him, 
 and yet at the fame time refufe to forgive his offending brother. 
 — But, this deferves not the name of prayer. 'Tis only a mere Up 
 
 fer^icey whereas prayer (properly fpeaking) is the 'work of the foul, 
 
 (d) Being obliged to ftudy brevity, would refer the reader to 
 Angel's Prayer-Book — where the efficacy of prayer is largely 
 confidered. See p. 18 — 6^] » 
 
 {e) It may not be amifs to take fome notice of the dillin<5lion 
 that has been made between God's anfnveritigi and accepting 
 prayer. — When men put up fuch petitions to God as are good 
 and lawful in themfelves, but are not certain that the thing pray- 
 ed for is fit for them ; yet^ when they do it with fuch fmcerity and 
 
 ^;* ' earneflaefs 
 
XIV. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 tho' God may not fee fit immediately to afford his 
 creatures any fignal evidences of his regard to their 
 entreaties, he will (if they continue in their duty) 
 anfv/er their prayers in a manner moft conducive to 
 their welfare, — The efficacy of prayer fuits likewife 
 with experience. Gen. xxxii. 9, 10, &c. Chap. 
 xxxiil. I, 2, &c. Judges xiii. 8, 9. Ifai. xxxviii. 
 I — 6. A6ts xii. 5 — 12. Befides thefe remarkable 
 anfv/ers to prayer recorded in the preceding pafTages 
 of Scripture, 'twere eafy to produce many credible 
 examples of a much later date. But fhall only give 
 one infiance from the mxcmoirs of Mr. John Jane- 
 away — His worthy Father in his lad (icknefs faid to 
 hini, — O Son, this dying is a folemn buiinefs ! This 
 pafling into eternity is a great thing ! And truly, I 
 am under no fmall fears as to my own ftate for ano- 
 ther world. O that I could fay cheerfully — I can die. 
 — The Son made a proper reply, but feeing his dear 
 father flill continue under defpondings of fpirit, he 
 retired, and earnedly begged of God, that he would 
 be pleafed to give his father fome token for good, 
 that he might joyfully, and honorably leave this 
 world, to go to a better. — After he was rifen from 
 his knees, he came down to his fick parent, and 
 aiked how he felt himfclf. The father made no an- 
 fwer for fome time, but wept exceedingly. At 
 
 length 
 
 earneftnefs as is fuitable to the nature of the duty, and as chrif- 
 tians, in the name of Chrift, and with refignation to the will of 
 God — when we fo pray, God apprc~ues , and accepts cur prayer as an 
 a6i of piety, tho' he does not free us from the affliftion we de/ire 
 to have removed, or bellow upon us the favor we have requefted, 
 becaufe his infinite wifdom fees that fuch a thing would not be 
 for our real good. — With refpedl to God's anfivering of prayer — 
 When our petitions have what is neceffary to render them ac- 
 cepted, and God knows that 'twill be confident with our true j 
 intereft to grant them, then we are to expeft that he will give us 1 
 the things we have allied, at the moft proper time, and in the 
 moft proper meafurc, unlefs our after conduft renders it meet, 
 and necefi'ary, thnt the Deity ihould with-hold fuch bleffings 
 from us — God might be faid many times to anfvver prayer in ef- 
 fe6l, tho' it be not in the manner we have d«fired by prayer. 
 Thus it was in St. Paul's cafe. 2 Cor. xii. 7, 8, 9. 
 
INTRODUCTION. xv, 
 
 length having recovered himfelf, he burfi; out into 
 inch expreffions as thefe — O Son, novv^, it is come •, 
 it is come; it is come; I blefs God, 1 can die-, I 
 know, now, what that fentence means — the peace of 
 God ivhich pajjeth iinderftanding. l^hat fit of weep- 
 ing in which you faw me, was a fit of love and joy 
 fo great, that 1 could not contain myfelf, neither caji 
 1 declare what glorious difcoveries God has made of 
 himfelf to me. — The Son's heart was not aJittle rcr 
 frefh'd to hear fuch words, and behold a fight which 
 was fo clear an anfwer of his own prayer, as if God 
 had from Heaven fliid unto him, thy tears and thy 
 prayers are heard for thy father, thou haft procured 
 the blefling. (f) 
 
 VI. The true believer has found prayer to be a 
 delightful employ. It yields a pleafure unfpeakably 
 fuperior to fenfual enjoyments, (g) Neither is the 
 
 pleafure 
 
 (f) Notwithllanding 'twould be improper to fay, that God 
 may be rendered more favorable in difpofition to his creatures by 
 any thing they can do ; yet, furely he may be rendered more 
 favorable in acl to them. — And as by our prayers, we may ob- 
 tain blefiings for ourfelves from God confident with his immuta- 
 bility, fo likewife we may for others : I fay, the univerfal Father 
 in confideration of the humble and benevolent interceffions of 
 fome of his children for others, may be frequently pieafed in the 
 courfe of his providence to direct events for the advantage of the 
 perfons interceded for, in a manner that would not otherwif« 
 have been done. And is not the anfwering fuch prayers one 
 proper method of gracioufly rewarding the benevolence of Beings 
 to one another.? Job xlii. 8> 9. Price's DifTertations on Provi- 
 dence, &c. p. 178, 206, &c. — rl cannot forbear adding, 'that 
 for any to requell the prayers of their friends, when they do not 
 pray for themfelves, nor ufe fuitable means to procure the blef- 
 iings defired, and live in wilful finj is to be guilty of hypocrify j. 
 not to urge, that they can expeft no benefit from the pray(?rs 
 v/hich are put up for them by others.' 
 
 , (g) The refined pleafures of a pious mind (fays Dr. Blair) 
 are in many refpecTts fuperior to the coarfe gratifications of fenfe. 
 —They are pleafures which belong to thehighell powers and bell 
 aiFe<?:ions of ihe foul ; whereas, the gratifications of fenfe refide 
 in the lowefl region of our nature. To the am the foul rioops 
 below its native dignity : T\\q other rifes it above itfelf. The 
 ove leave always a comfortlefs, often a mortifying remembrance 
 behind them : The ether are reviewed with approbation and de- 
 light. 
 
3cvt INTRODUCTION. 
 
 pleafure of the PhilofopJ^er, who moft attentively 
 furveys the works of the Univerfe, to be compared 
 with that of the devout chrlftian holding communion 
 with his God. For (to ufe the words of an ingeni- 
 ous writer) in ftudying the laws and order of the 
 creation we converfe only with effects ^ with the fha- 
 dows of wifdom, pov/er and goodnefs ; but in devo- 
 tion our minds are immediately turned to the infi^ 
 nite caufe of all, where every faculty within us can 
 
 have room for the utmoft exertion. To approach 
 
 God in prayer, in the name of the blefled Mediator 
 ■ — intenfely to behold his aftonijfhing Majefty and 
 glorious goodnefs and grace — to cxercife towards 
 him love and gratitude, and to have a fenfe of being 
 interefted in the favor of one, who is able to do ex- 
 ceeding abundantly above all that we afk, or think- — 
 certainly, thefe are the grand fources of fubftantial 
 delight and the fublimeft joy. To the truth of this 
 many have borne witnefs \ I mean, fuch who have 
 fhewn that they were pofTeft of the Spirit of real de- 
 votion, being evidently filled with the fruits of righ- 
 teoufnefs and love.* For the encouragement of the 
 young, in particular, that they may feek after the 
 pleafures of devotion, fhall make an extradt from 
 the life of a very amiable youth — It feems, he ufed 
 to retire for devotional exercifes into the church, or 
 fome folitary room. Obferving (fays the Author) 
 this his practice, I once hid myfelf, to take notice of 
 the intercourfe, that I judged was kept up between 
 him and God. But, O ! what a fpe(5lacle did I fee ! 
 furely a man walking with God, and maintaining an 
 holy familiarity with the great Jehovah. Methinks, 
 1 fee him ftill. With what a lovely countenance did 
 he walk up and down, his lips going, his body oft 
 reaching up, as if he would have taken his flight to 
 Heaven ! Truly, his looks, fmiles and every motion 
 
 /poke him to be on the confines of glory. If the 
 
 foul is now fo raifed, and ravifhed with this diftant, 
 qbfcure, and imperfed view — what ardors and rap- 
 ture^ 
 • The Duty and Intereil, p. 76c 
 
INTRODUCTION. xvil. 
 
 tures fliall it feel, when thefe divine views are near, 
 and there is no interpoiing cloud — when the bright- 
 eft glories of God, and all the beauties of the Lamb 
 fhali meet the eyes of the Saint. 
 
 Concerning the object of worship. 
 
 In our religious tranfadions (faith Dr. Watts) we 
 are eminently to look to God the Father, as the per- 
 foH, who is our original Maker, Lord and Sovereign. 
 To him we muft pray, and apply ourfelves eminent- 
 ly — to him as the firft Spring of mercy, f — This is 
 the general current of Scripture language. When 
 ye pray ^ fay^ our Father^ Luke xi. 2. I bow my knees 
 to the Father of our Lord Jefus Chrijl^ Ephef iii. 14. 
 Thro' him^ i. e. Chrift, we both have an accefs by one 
 Spirit unto the Father, {h) Chap. ii. 18. 
 
 When about to addrefs God in prayer, let the 
 young chriftian guard agalnft low and unworthy 
 thoughts of him ; be very careful not to make any 
 image of the Deity in the mind, as if he were like 
 unto corruptible man^ Rom. i. 23. But conceive of 
 God as a Spirit ^ or a Being of no particular form, 
 nor having bodily parts {i) and whom no man hath 
 
 feen, 
 
 t See Watts's Works, Vol. I. p. 500. 
 
 (h) Since the above text plainly fets before us the common 
 method of worfhip, viz. that we are to addrefs the Father as the 
 objea, thro* the Son as Mediator^ and by the holy Spirit as the 
 JJfijtant, it may be allced, whether it be not inconfiftent witli 
 this divine rule, and does not introduce confufion into worfhip, 
 when a chriftian praying with others, fometimes addrelTes the 
 Father, then the Son, and in another part of the fame duty ad- 
 drefles the facred Spirit?— But this by no means forbids the 
 chriftian at other feafons, and particularly on facramental occa- 
 fions, to call upon the name of our Lord Jefus Chrif — to afcribe. 
 glory to the Lamb that ^asflain. See Ads vii. 59. I Cor. i. 2. 
 2 Epift. xii. 8, 9. Rev. v. 12. 
 
 (ij It muft be owned, that the Scripture In many places feem_ 
 to afcribe bodily parts to God ; but thefe exprefTions are to be 
 underftood figuratively ; and are made ufe of in condefcenfion to 
 the weaknefs of human capacities.-^In expreffing the feyeral 
 powers of God, and his different manners of ading (faith a judi- 
 dous writer) all language is ip deficient, that we are obliged to 
 ' " havt 
 
xviii. INTRODUCTI ON. 
 
 feen, or can fee, John iv. 24. Deut. iv. 15, 16. 
 1 Tim. vi. 16. an eternal Spirit, 1 Tim. i. ly, whofe 
 excellency and greatnefs the thoughts of angels can- 
 not reach, Neh. ix. 5 ; every where prefent, Pfalm 
 cxxxix. 7, &c. before whom all things are naked 
 and opened, even the thoughts and intents of the 
 heart, Keb. iv. 12, ig : To whom nothing is im- 
 pofTible, Luke i. 37 : Who is all-wife to guide and 
 dired his creatures in circumftances of the utmoft 
 difficulty, Prov. iii. 6. A Being of fpotlefs purity, 
 hating iniquity with perfed hatred, Hab. i. 13. 
 Jer. xliv. 4. — One of infinite iove, which has moil 
 wonderfully difplayed itfclf in the gift of Chrifl, 
 and eternal life thro' him, 1 John iv. 8, 9, who is 
 
 ready 
 
 have recourfe to comparlfons drawn from our own manner of 
 ailing, to reprefent our conceptions of thefe divine powers : con- 
 fequently, when the Scripture fpeaking of God (uho being an 
 infinite mind is therefore prefent every where alike) reprefents 
 him, as daoelling in Hea'ven^ and halving the Earth for his foot- 
 fiooU this ought to be underilood only as a dekription of his ^ 
 dGminicn cn>er all. When mention is made of the eyes of him, 
 this mull be underdood of his perfeB km^hdge of all things, 
 His looking donvn upon the Earth, iignifies not s.r\y po/Iure, but 
 his nuaich/ul pro'vidence over all events. — When meniion is made 
 of his ear J and of his bo'tving do^xvn his ear towards men, this fets 
 forth his readinefs to regard the prayers of hi^ fervants. Arms ai^d 
 Hands being in men the inftruments of adlion, and the feat of 
 llrength, lignify, when applied to God, his poller and jnight^ 
 Smelling a fnxeet Jd'-vor is nothing but an Hebrew phrafe to ex- 
 prefs 6Wj acceptance of the fervices of his fmcere worfhippers. 
 And the mention of his mouth and lips is a familiar metaphor to 
 fignify his re<vealing his nvill to his fervants. Whenever there is 
 any mention made of God, as in human Jhape, we muil conclude, 
 that it was only feme angelic bei^ig, who fpoke in his name : Or 
 elfc, that it was our great Lord and Savior Jefus Chrifl, the An- 
 gel of the Covenant, who then appeared in a hurnan form agree- 
 able to what has fmce taken place, John i. 14. — If the holy 
 Scriptures feem to afcribe to God affedions and commotions , parti- 
 cularly, reprefenting him, 3,s griea;ed, or as rejoicings we are not 
 to think fuch expreliions fignify the fame ihiftg with what we nn4 
 in ourfelves, and are wont to denote by thofe names. But the one 
 may import that the divine Nature takes a moil ferene compla^ 
 cency in the holinefs and happinefs of men ; and the other may 
 iignify a calm averfion of will in reference to the fms and mife-j 
 rks cf mcDo 
 
INTRODUCTION. xlx. 
 
 ready by his holy Spirit to help our infnnities^ Rom. 
 viii. 26, and not willing that mty fieuld perijli^ but 
 that all /Iiould come to repe7itance^ 2 Pet. iii. 9. 
 
 Of the Mediator. 
 
 ^here is one God^ and one Mediator betti'een God and 
 men^ . the man Chrift JefiiSy .1 Tim. il. 5. If any man 
 ftn^ we have an Advocate with the Father^ J^fi-^ Chrifi 
 the righteous^ 1 John ii. ,1. JVhatfoever ye do in word^ 
 or deed^ do all in the name of ths Lord Jeftis^ giving 
 thanks to God and the Father by hirn^ CoJof. iii. 17". 
 . Let us attend a little to the dignity of this Medi- 
 ator : Even the Kigh-Prieft under the law, when 
 he entered once a year into the Holy of Holies^ to 
 burn incenfe, and fprinkle the blood of the facri- 
 iices before the mercy-feat, as a mean to deliver the 
 Jewifh nation from temporal evils, and that they 
 might enjoy the privilege of approaching to God in 
 the folem.nities of his Temple- v/orfliip. — I fay, the 
 High-Prieft, when ofiiciating on this occafion was 
 certainly a mod venerable objed. — Philo, fpeaks of 
 him as transformed into fomewhat more than man. 
 But, how mean does he appear, if compared with 
 Jcfiis^ Jefiis the only begotten Son of God, John iii. 
 16, who is able to- fuhdiie all things unto himfelf^ Phil, 
 iii. 21. Ffi whom are hid all the treafures of wifdovi 
 and knowledge^ Colof. ii. 3. By whoyn God the Fa- 
 ther created all things^ John i. 3. Ephef. iii. 9 ; and 
 in whom it pleafed the Father that all fulnefs fhould 
 dwell, Colof. i. 19. Between whom and the Father 
 there fubfifts a myfterious union, John xiv. 9, 10, 1 1. 
 And who fhall hereafter come to judge the world 
 upon a great white throne, from whofe majeftic face 
 the Heavens and the Earth fly away^ Rev. xx. 11. — 
 Such an one is Jefus, the Mediator, the High-Prieft 
 of our profeffion, who by his own precious blood en- 
 tered into the holy place^ and fits at the right hand of 
 God, Heb, ix. 12. Colof. iii. i. There he inter- 
 cedes 
 
XX, 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 cedes (k) from age to age, not merely for a fmgic 
 nation, but for all nations^ and kindreds^ and "people 
 and tongues^ Rev. vll. 9, &:c. and obtains for tiiofe 
 who iincerely come unto God by him^ a deliverance 
 from the fecond death, and an abode in that celeftial 
 Kingdom, where dwell righteoufnefs and blefiednefs 
 for ever. Hcb. vii. 25. 
 
 In the name of this glorious and gracious Medi- 
 ator, we are always to prefent our prayers and praifes 
 to God, Ephef. v. 20. On the merits of his righ- 
 teoufnefs, death and interceffion, we fhouid rely 
 with humble and thankful hearts, as the appointed 
 
 method 
 
 {k) Thz njery appearance of Chrifl In Heaven, as a latnh that 
 had beenjlain. Rev. v. 6. may be properly called a virtualinter- 
 cejjicn. But, befides this, he maybe fuppofed to /r^yj or/Ze-^^ 
 for us. Yet, it deferves notice, faith Mr. Orton (with a little 
 variation) that the defign of ChriJI^s intercej/jon is not to remind 
 God, as if he were forgetful ; or to move and perfuade him, as 
 if he were unkind : This would be entertaining difhonorable 
 thoughts indeed of our heavenly Father — I much diflike, and 
 am even fhocked at thofe expreffions of fome divines — ' the blood 
 of Chrifl: being fpiinkled on the burning throne, and turning 
 the wrath to grace.' — * Of its calming the frowning face of 
 God.' — * Prevailing on him to lay by his thunder and fury.* — 
 This is by no means a fcriptural reprefentation of the cafe, but 
 direftly contrary to the general tenor of the Gofpel. For tho' 
 God be fpoken of as a confwning fire to the workers of iniquity, 
 Jhe was rich in mercy., always difpofed to ihew favors to returning 
 iinners. His throne was a throne of grace, a mercy-feat before 
 the blood of Chrift was fprinkled upon it, Exod. xxxiv. 6. Ifai. 
 Iv. 7. Fury was not in him. Chap, xxvii. 4. But in order to 
 difpenfe his mercy in a way honorable to his government, and 
 to preferve upon our minds a fenfe of his fpotlefs holinefs, and 
 utter abhorrence of fin ; he appointed his Son to die, and to a«Sl 
 as our Interceflbr. Thus, the mercy of God was the caufe^ and 
 
 not the effea of Chrift's death, John iii. 16. Pleafe to turn 
 
 to p. 259, note (a), 
 
 * Many readers will recolledl that thefe expreffions are to be 
 found in the hymns of the eminently pious Dr. Watts ; expref- 
 fions, which perhaps he would afterwards have alter'd, if health, 
 and time had permitted : For a late Writer tells us, that he has 
 good authority for faying, that the Doftor, in the latter part of 
 life, ardently wifhed to revife both his pfalms and- hymns, in 
 order to render them wholly unexceptionable to every chriftian 
 profefTor. See Williams's Prelim. Dif. to the Book of Pfalms, 
 page 6. 
 
INTRODUCTION, 
 
 XXI. 
 
 method for attaining the divine acceptance, Ephef. 
 i. 6, and the eye of faith ihould behold him in ever^ 
 fart of the duty, and not jufl at the beginnings or 
 concliifion of prayer. — To aiTifl: us in this refpedt, we 
 are advifed often to mention his name in out addref- 
 fes to a throne of grace, and importunately to plead 
 that dear and worthy name with the Father of mer- 
 cies. — O let us charge our fouls to keep in perpe- 
 tual remembrance Jefiis Chrift, who hath fo loved 
 us, as to lay down his life for our fakes, Rom. v. 6, 
 and thro' whom his difciples receive benefits Infi- 
 nitely valuable. Chap. vi. 23. 
 
 Of acceptable Prayer. J 
 
 It is faid that the facrifice of the wicked is an alo^ 
 mination to the Lord^ Prov. xv. 8. From hence fome 
 have argued, that fuch as are in an unregenerate 
 ftate, are not to be put upon prayer, becaufe, whilfl 
 in fuch a ftatc, nothing that is done by them can be 
 acceptable to God. But, this kind of talk is plainly 
 owing to a negled of fome parts of Scripture which 
 occafions the mifinterpreting (l) of others. If he 
 who is wicked, intends to continue in his wickednefs, 
 without doubt his prayer mufl be an abomination : 
 As it is an infolent attempt to impofe upon an all- 
 feeiftg, almighty God. But, if the wicked man un- 
 der a ferious fenfeofthe evil of his ways, &c. feeks 
 to God for grace to renew and change his heart and 
 
 c life, 
 
 X Seepage 86. 
 
 (I) Since the texts that follow are conncfled with the prefent 
 fubjed, and plain chriftians appear fometimes to mifrake their 
 import, permit me in a few words to explain them. — Ifai.-lxv. j. 
 I am found of them that fought me not. The prophet here foretels 
 the calling of the Gentiles, who while they remained fuch did 
 not inquire after God : But then he exprefsly tells us in ^he pre- 
 ceding words, — / am fought of them that afked mt fqr me. As 
 if he had faid, I am now fought of a people, that fought me.n.ct 
 before I revealed myfelf to them in the Gofpel difpenfation. 
 So that this palTage of Scripture gives not the Icaft encourage- 
 ment to thofe, who live under the found of tlie Gofpel, to ex- 
 
 pea 
 
XXll, 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 life, fuch prayer is far from being offenfive to the 
 merciful Jehovah, J Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 37. — Simon 
 Magus, tho' St. Peter tells him that he was in the 
 gall of bitternefs^ and the bond of iniquity, or one of 
 the vvorft of men, is by this fame infpired Apoftle 
 
 exhorted to pray. Ads viii. 22, 23. We read of 
 
 Ahab the king of Ifrael, that he fold himfelf to work 
 wickednefs', yet, when he heard the divine threaten- 
 ings, and humbled himfelf before the Lord, God 
 fo far regarded his prefent humiliation and prayer, 
 as to declare that he would not bring the evil in his 
 days, 1 Kings xxi. 25, &c. 
 
 Thefe few obfervations may ferve' to encourage 
 the awakened finner earneflly to addrefs God by 
 prayer, and to hope that Chrift will intercede for 
 him, and (as a pious Writer exprefles it) perfume 
 his firft cries for mercy, and fo render them accep- 
 table to the Father. 
 
 Of praying absolutely and conditionally.* 
 
 We may pray abfolutely for the afTillance of the 
 holy Spirit ^ for the gift of repentance, faith, and 
 purity of nature ; for the increafe of national righ- 
 teoufnefs, and the fpread of the Gofpel among all 
 nations, becaufe thefe are petitions which we know 
 to be according to the will of God, Luke xi. 13. 
 Mark vi. 12. Ephef. vi. 23. 1 Thef. iv. 3. Matt. 
 vi. 10. Therefore, fome good people feem to fall 
 
 into 
 
 pe<fl tojind God, while they refufe io feek him by prayer, and in 
 the ufc of other means. 
 
 James iv. 3. Te ajkj and recei<ve noty hecaufe ye ajk amifs.-— 
 What you afk in prayer, is with a view to your prefent pleafure, 
 and not that you may be more inllrumental in glorifying God, 
 and that your fpiritual intereft may be advanced ; therefore your 
 requefts are not anfwered. 
 
 Chap. i. 6. AJk in faith nothing nva'vering, — To believe that 
 God can, and will do good to us, and grant every thing that is 
 neceffary, and not doubting concerning the accomplilhment of 
 the divine promifes made by Jefus Chrift. — This is properly that 
 faith which fhould be joined with our prayers. 
 
 X Wright on Regeneration, * See page 44, 
 
INTRODUCTION. xxiii. 
 
 into an error, who when praying for the advance- 
 ment of virtue and piety, exprefs themfelves to this 
 effed — ' if it be agreeable to thy wIM let thy crea- 
 tures become holy' — Whereas we have feen that the 
 fandification of the creature is a thing perfedly 
 agreeable to the declared will of God : Confequent- 
 ]y, tho' multitudes remain unholy, ihall v/e impute 
 it to any defe6t in the divine goodnefs and love ? 
 Rather, are we not inftruded to impute it to the ob- 
 flinacy of the creature, Pialm Ixxxi. 13. Matt* xxiii. 
 37 — the want of improving fuch talents as the di- 
 vine Being has been pleafed to give. Chap. xxv. 
 15, &c. Rom. i. 20 — the wilful negled of fome of 
 the means of grace [m) in the ufe of which God is 
 wont to beftow the purifying influences of his Spirit; 
 or elfe the attending on thofe means in an indifr'e- 
 rent and carelefs way, Ezek. xxxiii. 31. i Tim. 
 iv. 8? 
 
 Particular outward comforts for ourfelves, friends 
 and relations, and what is generally underfl:ood by 
 the term national profperity — are things that fhould 
 be prayed for canditionally^ viz. That God would be- 
 ftow them if he knows it to be for the bcft. For 
 thefe worldly enjoyments in certain circumftances 
 may be hurtful to us and others. — We fhould alfo 
 take heed to our words when we pray for the afflid- 
 ed — We are not at all events to requefl: a fpeedy 
 deliverance from fuiferings, but to beg that the af- 
 flidion may be produdive of fpiritual advantage, 
 and then, if it be good in t\iQ fight of the only wife 
 God^ that he would in due time remove it, &c. 
 
 The 
 
 (m) By the means of grac^t we of courfe underhand not only 
 private prayer and public worlliip, but alfo attentively reading 
 the word In fecret, John v. 39, keeping the heart, Prov. iv. 23, 
 watchfulneis againtl evil company, and places of temptation. 
 Chap. i. 15, feeking the focietv of the pious for the purpofe of 
 religious converfation, Chap, xiii. 20, ferious refledion, Pfalm 
 cxix. 59, ftriving againft all fm, Jfaiah i. 16, endeavoring ^o 
 comply with every call of duty, ver. 17,, and perfevering in 
 thefe things, Matt. xv. 22, &c. in humble de£endance o\\ th<? 
 aids of the holy Spirit, Prov. i. 23, 
 
XXIV. INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The season of Prayer. 
 
 The ftated feafons for the performance of this 
 duty are morning and evening, — The incenfc, or fra- 
 grant perfumes burned upon the golden altar in the 
 Jewifti Temple, at thefe particular feafons, Exod. 
 XXX. 7, 8, was (we may fuppofe) defigned to be a re- 
 prefentation of morning and evening prayer. In this 
 light it was confidered by the devout Jews, for at 
 fuch times we are informed they offered up their 
 prayers. — Have noted under a preceding head the 
 pradice of our bleffed Lord, Mark i. 35. Luke 
 vL 12. — Truly nature itfelf, I mean the returns of 
 day and night point out to us the duty of morning 
 and evening prayer. Accordingly Plato writes " That 
 at the rifing both of the Sun and Moon, one might 
 every where behold the Greeks and Barbarians, thofe 
 in profperity, as well as thofe under calamities and 
 afflidlionsB proftrating themfelves, and hear their 
 fupplications." 
 
 Of forms and extempore Prayer. 
 
 Where there is but a fmall degree of religious 
 knowledge, or bafhfulnefs in the temper, or a want 
 of readinefs in the utterance, or if a perfon labors 
 under fome bodily diforder — in thefe, and Umilar cir- 
 
 cumftances, forms may be very helpful. Many 
 
 an holy foul (fays Dr. Watts) has found its inward 
 pov/ers awakened, and excited to lively religion in 
 the ufe of a form, where the wants and wifhes of 
 the heart have been happily expreffed ; and confi- 
 dering the various infirmities that furround human 
 nature, even the wifell and bcft of men may be glad 
 of thefe affiftances at fome feafons. 
 
 But, tho' the advantage of forms of prayer be 
 admitted, yet wholly to confine ourfelves to them, 
 without ever attempting alterations, or additions, 
 may be attended with feveral inconveniences. A 
 
 learned 
 
INTRODUCTION. xxv. 
 
 learned and pious Biihop long fince obferved, that 
 for any one to fit down, and fatisfy himfelf with 
 his prayer-book, and to go no further — this were 
 to remain in his infancy, and not to grow up in his 
 new nature. — It hath been alfo remarked, that con- 
 finement to fet forms renders us more efpecially 
 liable to coldnefs and formality in divine worfhip— * 
 that 'tis impoffible any form fhould take in the va- 
 riety of cafes of chriftians at diiFerent times, and 
 anlwer every emergency — that a chriftian is reftrain- 
 ed by the words of a form fo as not to give himfelf 
 the liberty of expreffing his own devout breathings 
 towards God, whatever holy elevation of foul he 
 m.ay feel within himfelf. For theje and other reafons 
 that may be mentioned, Vv^e cannot but approve of 
 extempore prayer (;?) in public as well as private, if 
 the perfon who prays is furnifhed with abilities for 
 performing it in a proper manner. — Indeed, tho' 
 the Church of England hath an eftablifhed form, yet 
 it fo far countenances free prayer, as to allow every 
 clergyman to introduce a prayer of his own compof- 
 ing before fermon. 
 
 Of family Prayer. 
 
 Whatever relation Providence brings a perfofi 
 into, he is bound to ferve God in that relation. 
 Therefore every one who becomes the head of a fa- 
 mily, ihould jointly pray with his houfehold to that 
 God, who is the Founder of all the families of the 
 Earth. — Again, feeing 'tis highly incumbent upon 
 fuch to ftrive to promote the eternal falvation of 
 children, fervants, &c. Gen.xviii. 19. Ephef. vi. 4. — 
 Thus without doubt, among other things, they fliould 
 
 pray 
 
 (n) *' By extempore prayer, we would be underftood to mean 
 not ra-w and undigejied mattery but fuch as is the efred of preme- 
 ditation, fometimes afTided by the Spirit of God, whereby the 
 mind is prepared, and put into a devotional frame, and the me- 
 mory awakened, to furniih ar indite language fuitable to exprefs 
 the fame, tho' not reduced to any limitted precife form." 
 
xxv'i. INTRODUCTION. 
 
 pray together, or elfe where is the profpect of fuc- 
 cefs. (o) — To fet up the worfhip of God in a family 
 'is the way for the divine bleffing to defcend upon tem- 
 poral concerns ; and may be the means of obtaining 
 the fpecial protection of Heaven, in a feafon of 
 imminent danger and general calamity. A worthy 
 Divine makes mention of a moft remarkable pro- 
 vidence to this purpofe, — In the year 1584 there 
 was an earthquake, in Switzerland, by which a 
 mountain was thrown down, and it fell upon a vil- 
 lage that flood under it, and deflroyed every houfe, 
 and the inhabitants, except the half of one houfe, 
 where the mafter of the family was (with his wife and 
 children) earneftly praying to God. 
 
 If any placed by Providence in the fuperior ranks 
 of life, riiould caft an eye on thefe pages, I would^ 
 fain requeft their particular attention to this momen- 
 tous point. Should gentlemen (fays Mr. Law) 
 
 think it too low an employment for their ftate and 
 dignity to exercife fuch a devotion as this for their 
 fervants, let them confider how far they are from 
 the Spirit of Chrift, who made himfelf not only an 
 Interceflbr, but a facrifice for the whole race of 
 mankind. — Let them confider, how miferable their 
 greatnefs would be, if the Son of God ihould think 
 
 it 
 
 {oj Not only thofe fervants, who belong to the family, but 
 alfo fuch as labor for us occafionally, fhould be permitted to join 
 with us in prayer. Neither iliould Mafters be unmindful of the 
 religious interefts of fuch fervants, who tho' not domeftics, yet 
 are employed in work-fhops near their dwellings. — This is par- 
 ticulr.jiv the cafe in clothing-countries. — What excellent advan- 
 tages h^vc thefe gentlemen from their fituation, authority, &c. 
 for admonifhing their people with refpeft to fuch vices, as drun- 
 kennefs, filthy converfation, curfing, fwcaring, fabbath-break- 
 ing, &c. to which even the aged laborers are frequently given ; 
 and hereby net only plunge themfelves into mifery, but alfo 
 dreadfully corrupt the youth. — Thofe Mailers who make a pro- 
 feffion of religion, and 3 er are negligent of this duty, mull con- 
 trad no fmali degree of gui't : Whereas othrs who exert them- 
 felves in this refpe«^, adorn their chriftian character, and ar^ 
 purfuing a condudt that may prove friendly to their temporal 
 welfare. 
 
INTRODUCTION. ^xvll. 
 
 it as much below him, to pray for them, as they 
 do to pray for their fellow-creatures. — Let them 
 likewife be pleafed to refkd:, that where perfons in 
 their elevated lituation pay a ftrid regard to the fab- 
 bath, (avoiding uiinecelTary travelling, vifiting, &:c.) 
 and daily pradife family religion, their example 
 
 may be exceedingly ufeful to thofe around. -To 
 
 one who looks tov/ards a future world, and confiders 
 how much the happinefs, or mifery of individuals 
 when dead and gone may be increafed, according 
 as others are influenced to tread in good, or evil 
 paths by the remembrance of their example, — the 
 thought is very llriking. 
 
 — Heads of families fhould carefully watch agalnfl 
 every thing that would diihonor the duties of fa- 
 mily religion ; as harfli words, unkind adions, and 
 tranfgrefling the bounds of temperance, i Pet. iii. 7. 
 
 — Do not fatisfy yourfelves. Sirs, with praying 
 in your families but once a day — '* Where this un- 
 worthy cuftom prevails, it is generally the evening 
 that is allotted for worfhip. But, if there is then 
 need to comnnt ourfelves to the protection of divine 
 Providence amidft the darknefs and infenfibility of 
 the night, there is certainly equal reafon to offer 
 our acknowledgments for it in the morning, and 
 ftlll greater need to commit ourfelves to the care of 
 the grace of God to preferve us from the fnares and 
 temptations of the day, fince the danger to which 
 our fouls are expofcd by thefc, is far more impor- 
 tant than that to which our bodies are liable in the 
 night \ and the Scripture feems to lay a greater 
 ftrefs upon the worfhip of the morning than that of 
 the evening, 'Pfalmv. 3. lix. 16. and Ixxxviii. 13."* 
 
 — Yield not to that finful fhame, Mark viii. 38, 
 which may tempt you to omit this duty, when 
 ilrangers happen to be prefent. Mr. Fuller tells us, 
 that he had once a perfon of quality lodged with 
 him, and out of excefs of modelly, he forebore fa- 
 mily duty that night : on which he makes a peni- 
 tential 
 
 * See Mr. Reader's fermon on family religion. 
 
xxvHL INTRODUCTION. 
 
 tential reflexion, and forms folemn refolutions and 
 vows, never to be guilty of the like again. — Jt 
 ought to be remembered, that a ftedfaft adherence 
 to our duty at fuch a time, may have a good effedl 
 upon the condud of our guefts, when they return to 
 their own houfes. 
 
 — If the Mafter of the family be abfent the mif- 
 trefs (unlefs a more proper perfon be prefent) fhould 
 difcharge this part of duty* 
 
 — As family prayer fhould be performed In the 
 morning before the hurry '^f worldly bulinefs comes 
 on, fo domeftics fhould be called together for even- 
 ing worfhip before they grow dull and fleepy. — On 
 this account, if circumftances will admit, 'tis advife- 
 able not to fup 'till after prayer. 
 
 — Having gone thro' the propofed hints, fhall 
 conclude the introdu6tion with earneftly entreating 
 every reader vigoroufly to purfue the interefl of the 
 foul, for this is the one thing needful — " needful to 
 our true peace in life, needful to our comfort when 
 death makes his fpeedy approach — needful to our 
 blifs beyond the grave — needful millions of ages 
 hence — needful thro' eternity, and in the prefent 
 negledl of which everlafting ruin inevitably follows." 
 What a grand, abfolute, infinite necejfity then, is this 
 care of the foul, which confifts in the hearty belief, 
 and ferious pradlice of the great things of religion. -}- 
 
 CHAP- 
 
 f See p. 253. &;c. — 286, &c. of this Treatlfe. 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 Page 25. line 16. dele the, p. 30. 1. 33. for follonv ve^A folly. 
 
 p. 44. 1.23. dele w^. P' 52. 1.22. {or fuits redid Jins,- 
 
 p. 63. 1. 20. for aimiahle read amiable. p. 71. 1. 1 1- for 
 
 comm it to memorall read commit to memory all.' p. (^'J * 1* 14* 
 
 for Spir t read Spirit p. 103. 1. 21. ior primitive read/r/- 
 
 *vate. p. 124. 1. 21. dele o/". p. 150. 1. ii. for /x read 
 
 are. p. 209. 1. 15. ior pojjible XQd^Q. poj/ihly,^'-'^^. 24<^» 
 
 L 9. a comma- to be after *way. 
 
CHAPTER 
 
 Of the Gift ^/Prayer. 
 
 THE. gift of prayer may be thus defcribed. ]t. 
 is an ability to fuit our thoughts to all the va- 
 rious parts and defigns of this duty, and a readinefs 
 to exprefs tliofe thoughts before God, in the fitted 
 manner, to profit ourfelves, and others who join 
 with us. 
 
 It is called a gift, partly becaufe it was beftowed 
 on the Apoftles and primitive Chriftians in an im- 
 mediate, and extraordinary manner by the Spirit of 
 GoD; and partly becaufe there is the ordinary aiiift- 
 ance of the Spirit required even to the attainment 
 of this ability to pray. In the firft propagation of 
 the Gofpel it pieafed the Spirit of God, to beftov/ 
 various abilities on believers, and thefe were called 
 the gifts of the Spirit, i Cor. xii. 4, 8, 9. Such 
 were the gifts of preaching, of pfalmody, that is, 
 of making and fmging of pfalms, of fpeaking feveral 
 tongues, &c. Now tho' thefe were given to men 
 at once, in an extraordinary Way then, and the ha- 
 bits wrought in them by immediate divine power 
 made them capable of exerting the feveral adts pro- 
 per thereto on juft occafions, yet thefe pov/ers of 
 preaching, of fpeaking feveral tongues, of pfalmor 
 dy, &c. are now to be obtained by human diligence . 
 with due dependanceon the concurring blejfTing of 
 God. And the fame miufl: be faid coneerning the 
 gift or faculty of prayer.* ^' Prayer, 
 
 * See Watts, V©1, III, p. 123. 
 
[ 2 '] 
 
 " Prayer, is a word of an extcnfive fenfe in Scrip- 
 ture, and includes not only a petition for mercies, 
 but it is taken for the addrefs of a creature on Earth 
 to God in Heaven, about every thing that concerns 
 his God, his neighbour or himielf, in this world, or 
 the world to come. — " 
 
 The chief parts of prayer are thefe eight, viz. 
 
 INVOCATION, ADORATION, CONFESSION, PETITION, 
 PLEADING, SELF-RESIGNATION, THANKSGIVING, and 
 
 BLESSING i all which are contained in this fhort verfe, 
 " Call upon God, adore, confefs; 
 
 " Petition, plead, and then declare / 
 
 " You are the Lord's ; give thanks and blefs, 
 
 " And let Amen conclude the prayer.*^ 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 INVOCATION. 
 
 " TNVOCATION is a calling upon God, or be- 
 X ginning to fpeak to him by fome of his moft 
 holy names, or titles -" fuch as, O Lo7'd^ my God, (a) 
 Moji high and moft holy God and Father, (h) O God 
 of Ifrael that dwelleft between the cherubim* (c) Al- 
 mighty God and everlafting King, (d) Our Father who 
 art in Heaven, (e) God who keepeft covenant with 
 . thy fervants, (f) 
 
 SECTION 11. 
 
 ADORATION. 
 
 " nnO adore God, is to think highly of him, and 
 A to fpeak humbly to him of the high efteem 
 which v/e have of his nature, and works.'* 
 
 I. Ado- 
 
 {a) I Kings viii. 28. {b) Pfal. Ivil. 2. (c) 2 Kings xix. 15. 
 (d)Gen. xvii. 1, Jer.x. 10. (c)Mat,vi.9. f^"^ 1 Kings viii. 23. 
 
 * This exprefiion refers to the Schechinah, or miraculous 
 light (defigned as a token of God's fpecial prefcnce) -which fat 
 between the cherubim over the mercy-feat, &c. 
 
[ 3 ] 
 
 I. Adoration paid to God on the account of his 
 nature, confifts in making mention of (omQ of the 
 attributes or perfedlions of his nature, fuch as his 
 glorious and amiable majefty and bleffednefs, his 
 eternity, immutability, omniprefence, oninifcience, 
 fovereignty, almighty pov/er, wifdom, holinefs, juf- 
 tice, truth, goodnefs and mercy. Having menti- 
 oned thefe divine perfeflions, we mud acknowledge, 
 that there is none to be compared with God j that 
 he is infinitely above us and all other beings j that 
 he is incomprehenfible, fo that when we have faid 
 all we can of his glorious attributes, we fall infinite- 
 ly fhort of the merit of the fubjedl. 
 
 I fhall give fome inftances of all thefe in fcrlp- 
 ture language. 
 
 Hr/?, If we adore the glorious and amiable ma- 
 jefty of God, we do it in this manner. 
 
 O Lord our God, thou art i-ery great, thou art cloth- 
 ed with honour and majefiy ; who cover efi thyfelf with 
 light, as with a garment, {a) 
 
 God is light, and in him is no darknefs at all. (h) 
 
 God is love, (c) 
 
 I'hou art the Father of lights, with whom is no va^ 
 riablenefs, neither fJiadow of turning-^ ^;? J from whom 
 cometh down, every good and perfetl gift, (^d) 
 
 Secondly, If we adore God for that bleHednefs 
 which he has of and from himfelf, we fay, 
 
 Thou art the hlejfed and only Pote?itate, the King of 
 Kings, a7id Lord of Lords, (e) 
 
 Thirdly, If we adore God's eternity and immuta- 
 bility, or unchangeablenefs, we fay. 
 
 Thou art the King eternal, imynortal, invifihle. (f) 
 Thou only hafi immortality, dwelling in the light 
 which no fnan can approach unto, whom no man hath 
 fsen, nor can fee. (g) Befcre 
 
 (a) Pfal. cir. i, z. [l>) f John J. 5;. (c) chap. iv. 16. 
 (fi) James i. 17. (c) jTIm, \ I. J5 . ffJiTlm.i 17, (,<;} chdD. 
 vi. i6. 
 
[ 4 3 
 
 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou 
 hadft formed the Earth and the IVorld-, even from ever- 
 lafting to everla flings thou art God. (h) 
 
 Thou art the Lord^ and changeji not ♦, therefore we 
 are not confumed, (i) 
 
 The fame yefierdayy to day^ and for ever, (k) 
 
 Fourthly, If we adore God as pmniprefent, that 
 is, prefent In all places, we fay, 
 
 JVhither fnall we go from thy spirit ? Qr whither 
 Jliall we flee from thy prefence ? If we afcend up into 
 Heaven, thou art there : if we make our bed ip Hell 
 (or in the depths of the Earth) behold thou art there. 
 If we take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the 
 uttermoft parts of the Sea ; even there fnall thy hand 
 lead us, and tjiy right hand fhall hold us, that vv'e can- 
 not pofTibly efcape thee. (/) 
 
 Thou art a God at hand, and a God afar off, (?n) 
 
 Thou art not far from every one of us\ for in thee 
 we live, and move, and have our being, (n) 
 
 Fifthly, If we adore the omnifcience of God, by 
 which we mean his perfed knowledge of all perfons, 
 g,nd things, we may do it thus, 
 
 O Lord thou haft fe arched \xz, and known us: Thou 
 knoweft our down-fitting, and up-rifmg, thou under- 
 ftandeft our thoughts afar off. Thou compaffeft our 
 path, and our lying down, and art acquainted with all 
 our ways. There is not a word in the tongue^ but lo, 
 O Lord, thou knoweft it altogether, (o) 
 
 T hou fearcheft the hearty and trieft the reins, even to 
 give every man according to his ways, and according to 
 the fruit of his doings. \p) 
 
 All things are naked, and opened unto the eyes of him 
 with whom we have to do j even the thoughts and in- 
 tents of the heart, (f) Sixthly, 
 
 (A) Pfal. xc. 2. {i) Mai. hi. 6. {k) Heb. xili. 8. {t) Pfal. 
 cxxxix. 7, 8, 9, lo. {m) Jer. xxlii. 23. (n) A£ls xvii. Z7, 
 28 {0) Pfal, cxxxix, ij 2, 3, 4, (T*) Jer. xvii. 10. l^") Heb, 
 
[ 5 ] 
 
 Sixthly^ If we adore God's fovereignty, or acknow- 
 ledge that he is the Owner, and ab-folute Lord of 
 all, we do it in this manner, 
 
 The Heaven^ even the Heavens are thine, and all the 
 hofi of them. The Earth is thine, and the fulnefs there- 
 of , the Worlds and they that dwell therein. The Sea 
 is thine, and thou madefi it ; and thy hands formed the 
 dry land. Every heafi of the foreft is thine, and the 
 cattle upon a thoufand hills, (r) 
 
 In thy hand is the foul of every living things and the 
 breath of all mankind (s) 
 
 Thou dofi according to thy will in the army of Hea- 
 ven^ and among the inhabitants of the Earthy and none 
 can flay thy hand^ or fay unto thee, what doeft thou ? 
 or why doeft thou fo ? 
 
 Seventhly y If we adore the power of God, we fay. 
 
 We knowy O God, that thou canfi do every thing, {u) 
 
 Power helongeth unto thee. (^') 
 
 With thee 7iothmg is impoffible. {w) 
 
 Thou killeft^ and thou makeft alive \ thou woundefi^ 
 and thou healefl \ neither is there any that can deliver 
 QUt of thy hands, {x) 
 
 Thou art able to do exceeding abundantly above all 
 that we afk or think, (y) 
 
 Eighthly^ If we adore the wifdom of God, we fay, 
 Thine und erf an ding, O Lord, is infinite, {z) 
 Thou art wonderful in counfel, and excellent in work* 
 ing. {a) 
 
 O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wifdom haft 
 ikott made them all. (b) 
 
 the depth of the riches both of the wifdom and know- 
 ledge of God ! how unfearchahle are his judgments, and 
 h,is ways paft findiiig out I (c) 
 
 Thou art the only wife God. (d) Ninthly^ 
 
 (r)Pfal. cxv. 16, xxxiii. 6. xxiv. i, xcv. 5. 1. 10. (j) Job 
 xli. 10. (t) Dan iv. 35. (w) job xlii. 2; {v) Pfal. Ixii. 11, 
 [to) Luke i. 37, [x) Dent xxxii. 39. fyj Ephef. iii. 20. 
 (z) Pfal. cxlvii. 5, (a) Ifa. xxviii. 29, {h) Pfal, civ. 24. 
 
 (;:) Rom. xi. 33. (d) 1 Tim. i. 17. 
 
[ 6 ] 
 
 Ninthly^ If we adore the unfpottcd holinefs of 
 God, we do it in this manner, 
 
 ^hou art holy^ thou that hihabiteft the praifes of 
 Ifrael. {e) 
 
 Thou art of -purer eyes than to hehoU evil^ and canfi 
 not look on iniquity. (/) 
 
 Thou art holy in all thy ivorks^ and holinefs becometh 
 thine houfe^ O Lord^ for ever, (g) 
 
 Thou art glorious in holinefs, {h) 
 
 Tenthly^ If we adore God, as that jufl one, who 
 in the adminiftration of his government, never did, 
 nor ever will do wrong to any of his creatures, we fay 
 
 Righteous art thou^ Lord, when we plead with 
 thee\ and wilt he juftified when thou fpeah eft ^ and clear 
 when thou judge ft . [i) 
 
 Far be it from God, that hefhould do wickednefs, and 
 from the Almighty, that he fJiould commit iniquity, ifi) 
 . O hord God of Ifrael, thou art righteous \ excellent 
 'in judgment, and in plenty of juftice. (/) 
 
 Jtifl and true are thy ways, thou King of faints, (m) 
 
 Eleventhly, If we adore the truth, the goodnefs, 
 and mercy of God, we may do it in this manner. 
 Thy truth endureth to all generations, {n) 
 Thou art the true God, who cannot lye. (o) 
 Thou art good, and thy mercy endureth for ever, (p) 
 Thou haft proclaimed thy name, 'J he Lord, the Lord 
 God, merciful and gracious, long-fuffering, abundant in 
 goodnefs and truth, keeping mercy for thoufands, and 
 forgiving iniquity, tranfgreffionandfin. {q) 
 
 Thou art good, and doeft good -, good to all, and thy 
 tender mercies are over all thy works : but, truly God 
 is in a fpecial manner good to Jfrael, even to fuch as 
 are of a clean heart, (r) 
 
 How excellent is thy loving kindnefs, God! {s) 
 
 (<;) Pfal.xxil. 3. (Jj Hab. i. 13. (^) Pfal. cxlv. 17. xciii. 5, 
 (A) Exod XV. II. (i) Jcr. xii. i Pfal.li.4. (A)Jobxxxiv. 10, 
 (/) Ezra ix. 15. Job xxxvii 23. {m) Rev. xv. 3. [n) Pfal. c. 5. 
 (0) Jer, X. 10. Tit i. 2. {p) Pfal. cxxxvi. i. {q) Exod. xxxiv. 
 5» 6, 7. (r) pfdl, cxix. 98, cxlv. 9. Ixxiii. i, (i) Pfal. xxxvi. 7. 
 
C 7 ] 
 
 'Twelfthly^ If we adore God as one whofe perfedi- 
 ons are matchlefs, and who is infinitely above all 
 creatures, we fay. 
 
 Who in the Heaven can he compared to the Lord? 
 who among the fons of the mighty can he likened unto 
 the Lord ? (t) 
 
 Among the gods there is none like unto thee^ O Lord^ 
 neither are there any works like unto thy works. For 
 thou art great ^ and doeji wondrous things; thou art 
 God alone, (u) 
 
 All nations before thee are as a drop of a hucket^ 
 and as the fmall duft of the balance^ hehold^ thou takefi 
 tip the ifles as a very little thing. All nations before 
 thee are as nothings and they are counted to thee lefs 
 than nothing., and vanity, {y) 
 
 Laflly., If we adore God as a Being incompre- 
 hcnfible in his nature and attributes, we may do 
 it thus. 
 
 Who hy fearching can find out God ? Who can find 
 out the Almighty unto perfection ? {w) 
 
 Great is the Lord., and greatly to he praifed -, and his 
 greatnefs is unfearchahle. (x) 
 
 IVho can utter the mighty aols of the Lord ? Who can 
 /lie w forth all his praife ? (y) 
 
 Thou art exalted above all hlejfing and praife, {%) 
 
 II. To adore God on the account of his works, is, 
 to fpeak honourably of him, becaufe of his works 
 of creation, providence, and grace. 
 
 I fhall gi\^e feme inftances of this alfo in fcrip- 
 ture language. 
 
 If ^ve adore God for his works of creation, we fay, 
 
 ^hou., even thou art Lord alone., thou haft made Hea- 
 ven., the Heaven of Heavens with all their hoft., the 
 Earth and all things that are therein., the SeaSy and' all 
 that is therein, ^ a) Wc 
 
 (0 Pair. Ixxxix. 6. [u) Pfal. Ixxxvi. 8, lO. {v) Ifa. xl. 
 15. 17. (ry) Job. xi. 7. (x) Pfal. cxlv. 3. {y) Pfal. cvi. 2, 
 (2) Nehcm. ix.5. {a) Nchem, ix. 6, 
 
We worfiilp him who fpake^ and it was done ; whd 
 commanded^ and it flood faft ^ who [aid^ let there he 
 lights and there was light, [h) 
 
 Thou haft made the fun to rule by day^ and the moon 
 and ftars to rule by night : Thou haft Jet all the borders 
 of the earth ; thou haft made fummer and winter, (c) 
 
 Thou d'ldik form man at firft oftheduft of the ground^ 
 and breathed into his noftrils the breath of life ^ and 
 man became a living fouL {d) 
 
 Thou O God^ madeft us., and not we ourfelves, [e) 
 Thou didft make every thing very good. (/) 
 Thou art worthy., O Lord., to receive honour., and 
 glory ^ and power ; for thou haft created all things., and 
 for thy pleafure., for thy praife they are., and were 
 created. \g) 
 
 Secondly., If we adore God for his works of provi- 
 dence, we fay, 
 
 The eyes of all wait upon thee^ and thou giveft them 
 their meat in due feafon. (h) 
 
 Thou art the Moft High., who ruleth in the kingdom 
 of meny and giveth it to whomfoever he will. (/) 
 
 A fp arrow falls not to the ground without thy ^tx- 
 mifTion. [k) 
 
 Thou art he who took me out of the womb ; thou didft 
 keep me in fafety, when I was upon my mother'* s 
 hreaft. The God who fed me all my life long unto this 
 day., and redeemed me from evil. (/) 
 
 Thou upholdeft all things by the word of thy power ; 
 and by thee all things confift (are fupported). Thy 
 kingdom ruleth over all. (m) 
 
 Hallelujah^* for the Lord God omnipotent reigns^-- 
 and hath prepared his throne in the Heavens., — before 
 whom the Seraphim cover their faces, {n) 
 
 (^^)Pfal. xxxiii. 9. Gen. i. 3. (c) Pfal. cxxxvi. 8. 9. Ixxiv. 1 7. 
 {d) Gen. ii. 7. («) Pfal. c. 3. (f) Gen. i. 31. (^) Rev. iv. 11. 
 (A) Pfal. cxlv. 15. (i) Dan. iv. 25. {k) Mat. x. 29, (Q Pfal.' 
 xxii. 9, Gen. xlviii. 15, 16. (7?z) Heb. i. 3. CoUof, i. 17, 
 Pf. ciii. 19. (n) Rev. xix. bi Pfal. ciii. 19, Ifa. vi. a, 
 
 ♦ i. c. Let the Lord be praifed. 
 
[ 9 .1 
 
 Thirdly^ If we adore God for the works of his 
 grace, we (ay, Glory to God in the higheft Heavens, 
 for peace on Earthy yea good-will^ towards men. (o) 
 
 Blejfed be the God and Father of our Lord Jefus Chriji^ 
 who hath blejfed us with all fpiritual bkjfings in Heavenly 
 things in Chrift. (p) 
 
 We would join with the whole creation in faying^ 
 Bkjftng^ and honor ^ and glory ^ and power ^ be unto him 
 who fitteth upon the throne^ and unto the Lamb for 
 ever and ever, (q^) 
 
 Here it may be proper to mention the name of 
 Chriftj who is the only Mediator betwixt God and 
 man, in and thro' whom alone we are brought nigh 
 to God, and can exped to be heard and anfwered. 
 — On this occafion we may exprefs ourfelves in the 
 following manner. — IVe do not prefent our fupplications 
 before thee for our right eoufneffes^ but for thy great 
 mercies in thy beloved Son. (r) 
 
 Thou haft commanded us whatfoever we do in word 
 or deed^ to do all in the name of the Lord Jefus : O 
 that our prefent fpiritual facrifices of prayer and praife 
 may be acceptable to God by Chrifl. {s) 
 
 We approach thee in and thro' that great high 
 Pricft who is entered into heaven itfelf^ now to appear 
 in the pre fence of God for us. (t) 
 
 We look up to thy throne of grace thro' a Medi- 
 ator who is able to fave to the uttermofl^ all that come 
 tinto God by him., filing he ever liveth to make inter- 
 cefjion for them, (u) 
 
 SECT, 
 
 {o) Luke ii. 14. (/>) Ephef. i. 3. {q) Rev. v. 13. 
 (r) Dan.ix. 18. [s) Col. iii. 17. 1 Pet. ii» 5. {t) Heb. ix. 
 24, (tt) Heb. vii. 25* 
 
[ lO ] 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 CONFESSION. 
 
 '' /CONFESSION, is an acknowledgment, that we 
 are not only mean and inconfidcrable creatures, 
 in the fight of our Maker, but that we are alfo 
 finncrs, that our nature is corrupt, that we are 
 chargeable with adual tranfgreirions, that our ini- 
 quities are numerous and aggravated, and that there- 
 fore we deferve to be deprived of every blefllng, and 
 to be puniihed by the great and juft God, &c." 
 
 I. We may confefs our meannefs as creatures, in 
 fuch fcriptural expreffions as thefe : 
 
 Alan is like to vanity. His breath is in his no fir lis : 
 and wherein is he to he accounted of, {y) 
 
 What is man that thou art mindful of him ? And the 
 fon of man that thou vijiteft him (w) . Even with the 
 riches of thy grace in Chrift Jefus. 
 
 IVho am /, O Lord God? And what is my houfe^ 
 that thou haft brought me hitherto P (x) 
 
 Will God in very deed dwell with man on the earth ? 
 with man that is a worm^ and the fon of 7nan which is 
 a worm ? (y) 
 
 let 72ot the Lord be angry ^ now /, who am but duft 
 and aflies^ take upon me to fpeak unto the Lord, {z) 
 
 II. Having acknowledged our meannefs as crea- 
 tures, we may confefs the corruption or depravity 
 of human nature-, and our obnoxioufnefs to death, 
 in confequence of our relation to Adam, the firft 
 tranfgreflbr. 
 
 All have Jinned^ and comefhort of the glory of God, {a) 
 All the world is become guilty before God. {b) 
 There is none righteous^ no yiot one, {^c) 
 
 By 
 
 {nj) Pfal. cxliv. 4. Ifai. ii. 22. {w) Pfal. viii. 4. (;c) 2 Sam. 
 vii. 18. {y) 2 Chron vi. 18. Job xxv. 6. (2) Gen. xviii- 
 ^1* 30« W Rom, iii. 23, [b) Vcr. 19. (c) Vcr. 10. 
 
[ 'I ] 
 
 By one man fin entered into the worlds and death by 
 fin \ and fo death faffed upon all men^ for that all have 
 finned, (d) 
 
 III. We may defcend to particulars, and humbly 
 confefs before God the corruption of the feveral fa- 
 culties of our fouls. — For example, the blindnefs; of 
 our underftandings. 
 
 The underftanding is darkened with refped: to fpiri- 
 tual obje6ls. {e) 
 
 Next we may confefs the perverfenefs of our wills. 
 
 We are like the deaf adder^ that Jtoppeth her ear ^ 
 
 which will not hearken to the voice of charmers.^ charm- 
 ing never fo wifely, (f) 
 
 How have I hated inflrii5fion^ and my heart defpifed 
 reproof? And have not obeyed the voice of my teach- 
 ers, {g) 
 
 We have that carnal mind which is enmity againft 
 God. (h) 
 
 Wc may alfo acknowledge what is am.ifs in our 
 pafTions and affedions, that thefe are placed upon 
 things mean and perifhing, to the negled of objedls 
 inconceivably great and everlading. 
 
 We have been full of care about zvhat we/hall eat^ 
 and what wefJiall drink., and wherewithal we fliall be 
 clothed \ but have not fought with earneilnels the 
 kingdom of God., and t\\7kt right eoufnefs'^Kichi^ necef- 
 fary to our being accepted of him. [i) 
 
 We have looked at (been eagerly purfuing) the 
 things that are feen^ which are temporal^ but have been 
 very unmindful o{ the things that are not feen^ which 
 are eternal, [k) 
 
 Of the Rock* that begat us we have been unmindful., 
 and have forgotten God that formed us. [1) 
 
 We 
 
 C 2 
 
 (^) Rom. V. IS. (d) Ephef iv. 18. (/) V{A. Ivlil. 4. 5. 
 {g") Prov. V. 12- 13. (/?) Rom. viil. 7. (i) Mat. vi. 31. 33. 
 \k\ 2 Cor. iv. 18. (/) 5eut xxxii 18. 
 
 * God may be ftiled a Roik to denote that he is always the 
 fame, and therefoie at all times a lure refuge. 
 
C 12 ] 
 
 IVe have for faken God the fountain of living waters^ 
 for cifterns^ broken cifterns^ thatcan hold no water, * 
 
 We have ferved the creature more than the Creator^ 
 who is blejfed for ever, [m) 
 
 IV. When we have acknowledged our natural 
 corruption, we are humbly to confefs before God 
 cur actual tranfgrefTions. 
 
 Thefe might be diftinguifhed into fins of omifTionj 
 or the duties we have negleded, and fins of com- 
 miifion, or our breaches of Jehovah's holy law, in 
 thought, word, and deed. 
 
 I. We may confefs our fins of ornifTion in fuch 
 fcriptural expreffions as thefe : 
 
 We have left undone thofe things which we ought to 
 have done, (n) 
 
 We have been as fig-trees planted in thy vineyard^ 
 end thou hafl come year after year feeking fruit from 
 us, and hajl found none-, therefore we might have 
 juftly been cut down for cumbering the ground, (o) 
 
 We have hid our Lord's money., not fo much as at- 
 tempting an improvement of our talents, and there- 
 fore deferve the doom of the wicked., and flothful 
 fervant. (p) 
 
 We have been unfaithful Jlewards^ who have 
 wafied our Lord's goods, (q) 
 
 We may here be more particular,!] in acknowledg- 
 ing the duties wherein we have failed, towards God, 
 
 and likewifc towards our fellow-creatures. If we 
 
 confider God, not only as a Being pofTefi^ed of all 
 conceivable excellencies in the higheft perfedion, 
 
 but 
 
 (?«) Jer. ii. 13. ♦ The various uncertain enjoyments of this 
 world— Rom. i. 25. (n) Mat. xxiii. 23. (0) Luke xiii. 6, 7. 
 {p) Mat. XXV. 18, 26. (^) Luke xvi. i. 
 
 II A particular con^c{{wxi of paftfins, (fays one) evenofthofc 
 which we have rcafon to hope are forgiven, may be very ufe- 
 ful ; in order to promote and maintain humility, caution and 
 watchfulnefs ; to keep ou« confcience tender, and incrcafe our 
 aftivity in religion for the future, in this view it is reponi' 
 ?nended in fcripture, Ezek, xvi» 615 63, 
 
[ '3 ] 
 
 but likewlfe as our almighty creator, conflant pre- 
 
 ferver, unerring teacher, and greateft benefador, we 
 ihall fee, that we have been wanting in our behavi- 
 our towards him in various refpedts. For Inftance, 
 we fhall be convinced that we have not loved, and 
 reverenced him as his auguft and amiable perfe(5i:ions 
 require — that our thankfulnefs and gratitude for the 
 many mercies he has freely beftowed upon us, hath 
 been very defedive — that we have not read with at- 
 tention, and ftudied God's holy word as we might 
 have done— that we have leaned to our own under- 
 ftandings, and not afked for divine wifdom to guide 
 us j have been confident of our own ftrength, fo 
 as to flight the holy Spirit, and have made light 
 of Chrifl the appointed Saviour, 2 Cor. ill. 5. Mat. 
 ^xii. /^.— that we have neglected certain divine ordi- 
 nances, particularly the Lord's fupper, without being 
 concern'd for that negle6l— have been wanting in point 
 of ferioufnefs, when we have fpoken of God in our 
 common difcourfe — have not embraced feveral of 
 thofe ftated, and occafional opportunities for divine 
 
 worfhip, with which Vv'c have been favoured when 
 
 we have engag'd in religious exercifes, it has been 
 without that av^ful folemnity, and deep humility which 
 became us ; neither have we delighted ourfelvcs in 
 the Lord our God, nor fhewn a zeal for the advance- 
 ment of his glory in the world. 
 
 Befides the above duties, which more immediately 
 refped God, there are a great variety owing to our 
 fellow-creatures, which we have either wholly ne- 
 gleded, or performed them carelefsly, and by 
 halves. 
 
 Parents by a ferious furvcy of theh- condudt, may 
 fee caufe fufficient hum.bly to acknowledge, that they 
 have not inftruded, and chaftifed their children, 
 nor prayed with them as they ought. 
 
 Children may confefs, that they have not given due 
 honor to their parents, nor exprefs'd a becoming 
 
 thank- 
 
[ 14 J 
 
 thankfulnefs for the benefits they have received from 
 them. 
 
 Hufbands— That they have not manlfefted that 
 tendernefs towards their wives, which might have 
 been reafonably expeded ; nor diligently endeavour- 
 ed to promote their eternal intereft. 
 
 Wives— That they have been wanting in point of 
 afFedlion, and refpe6lful behaviour towards their 
 hufbands. 
 
 Mafters— That they have been negligent in go- 
 verning, reproving, revv^arding, and giving religious 
 inftrudions to their fervants, as each cafe required. 
 
 Servants— That they have been ilothful in their 
 bufinefs. 
 
 Superiors— That they have been far from doing 
 good according to their abilities. 
 
 Inferiors—That they have not paid reverence and 
 honour to whom they are due. 
 
 Magiftrates— That they have not as became them 
 encouraged by precept, and example that which is 
 good, nor difcountenanced, and oppofed that which 
 is evil. 
 
 Subjefls— That they have not rendered to their 
 Ruler the tribute which he juftly claims. 
 
 Minifters — That they have failed to give proper 
 reproofs and exhortations in private, and been de- 
 fedlive alfo in their public work. 
 
 Hearers— That they have not prayed for minif- 
 ters, &c. 
 
 The young ihould confefs their folly in not at- 
 tending to the good counfels of the aged. 
 
 The aged ihould lament it before God, that they 
 have not been more grave in their carriage, and pro- 
 fitable in their convcrfation, when youth have flood 
 before them. 
 
 To clofe. We are to acknowledge (as far as we 
 can recoiled^ the duties we have omitted, whether 
 towards friends or enemies, neighbours or diflant 
 acquaintance, the dlflreffed and afHIded ill body or 
 piind. ijohnm, 17. IfaiahW\\\, "]» 
 
[ '5 J 
 
 2. After we have acknowledged the duties wc 
 have omitted, we are to confefs the fins we have 
 committed. , 
 
 Jn general thus— We have done deeds that ought net 
 to be done, (r) 
 
 Father I have finned againft heaven^ and before thee, (j) 
 
 Againft thee^ thee only have 1 finned^ and done evil 
 in thy fight, {t) 
 
 We have finned., we have done amifs^ and have dealt 
 wickedly, [u) 
 
 We have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God., to 
 walk in his laws which he fet before us., but we have 
 tranfgrejfed thy law., by departing from thee, (v) 
 
 I. But to proceed to particulars: We may con- 
 fefs before God our finful thoughts, in the following 
 fcriptural language : 
 
 Fro7n within., out of our hearts^ have proceeded evil 
 thoughts, (w) 
 
 Amongft the reft, our thoughts of vanity and pride 
 call for lamentation. 
 
 Oh, how long hzvtvain thoughts lodged within us \(x) 
 How have our hearts dwelt upon thoughts which are 
 trifling and foolifh ! Pride hath fv/ollen our breafts. 
 We have thought ^/ourfelves more highly than^t ought:, 
 have been apt to defpife our poor neighbour., and have 
 not walked humbly with our God. (y) 
 
 Wc have facrificed unto our ncts^ and burned incenfe 
 unto our drags., (z) imputed our profperity to our 
 own power and wifdom, inftead of humbly and 
 thankfully acknowledging the hand of God therein. 
 
 We h^vQ fought our own glory ^ more than the glorv 
 of God. {a) 
 
 We have been puffed up with pride, and have eager- 
 ly fought opportunities to gratify it; notwithftand- 
 
 inp- 
 
 o 
 
 (r) Gen. xx. 9. [s) Luke xv. 1 8. U) Pf. 11, 4. {u) z Chrcn. 
 
 vi. 37. (i;) Dan. ix. 10, 11, (rt;) Mark vii. 2 i, (;c) Jer. iv. 
 
 14,' {y) Rom.xii. 3. Prov. xiv. 21. Mic. vi. 8, (2) Hah. i. 
 16, (fl) Frov, XXV. 27. 1 Cor. x, 31, 
 
[ i6 3 
 
 ing wc have read in thy word, that every one that is 
 froud in hearty is an abomination to the Lord, [b) 
 
 Rafh anger and pafTion have raged within. We 
 have had no rule over our own fpirits : have been an- 
 gry with our brother without ^ jufb caufe. (c) 
 
 We have been foon angry ^ and anger hath refted in 
 our bofonis, (d) 
 
 The Sun has gone down* upon our wrath-, hereby we 
 have given place to the devil, {e) Given him an ad- 
 vantage againft us. 
 
 Our covetoufnefs, difcontent, and fenfuality* 
 
 Our hearts have inclined to covetoufnefs. (/) 
 
 We have been guilty of that covetoufnefs which is 
 idolatry, (g) Paid that regard to the things of the 
 world which is due to God alone. 
 
 We have not been contented with fuch things as we 
 have, [h) 
 
 We have minded the things of the flefli more than 
 the things of the fpirit, (J) 
 
 We have been lovers of pleafures more than lovers 
 of God, (k) 
 
 Our unmindfulnefs of the changes we are liable 
 to in this world. 
 
 We hzvt put far away the evil day, and in ouv prof- 
 ferity have faid^ we fhall never be moved. (I) 
 
 We have made gold our hope, or have faid to fine gold, 
 thou art our confidence \ have trufied in uncertain riches 
 more than in the living God, (m) Our 
 
 (^) 1 Cor. V. 2. Prov. xvi. 5." {c) Chap. xxv. 28. Mat. v* 
 22. {d) Prov. xiv. 17. Ecclef. vii. 9, {e) Eph. iv. 26, 27. 
 (fj Pf. cxix. 36. (g) Colof. iii. 5. {h) Heb. xiii. 5. (i) Rom, 
 viii. 5. (A) 2 Tim. iii. 4. (/) Amos vi. 3. Pfalm xxx. 6. 
 (m) Job xxxi. 24, 1 Tim. vi. 17. 
 
 * « It has been faid of the followers of Pythagoras, that if 
 <* the members of theif particular fociety had any difference 
 " with each other, they always ufed to give tokens of rccon- 
 '« ciliation before the Sun went down. — Were family prayers 
 <' conftantly praftifed morning and evening, it might have an 
 «' happy tendency to keep pcrfons (who have differed) from 
 « going to lleep in anger*** 
 
C 17 3 
 
 Our Envy and Malice : 
 
 We were envious^ when we faw the profperity cf 
 others, {n) 
 
 We have had hitter envying andftrife in our hearts (<?) 
 even towards our chrlftian brethren. 
 
 We have been living in malice nnd envy, hateful 
 and hating one another : Have rejoiced when our enemy 
 hath fallen, (p) 
 
 Our impatience under afHidions, and contempt 
 of divine corredions. 
 
 When thou haft chaftifed us, tho' it has been Icfs 
 than our ifiiquitics deferve, yet our hearts have fretted 
 againft the Lord, (q) 
 
 We have either defpifed the chaftening of the Lord., 
 or fainted when we have been rebuked of him. (r) 
 
 2. We may next confefs before God our finful 
 words. 
 
 In the multitude of our words there wanteth not Jin. (s) 
 Our tongues have been unruly^ and we have great- 
 ly offended in our words, {t) 
 
 We have fpoken many idle unprofitable words 
 
 irreverent, proud, flattering, lying, impure 
 
 fpeeches, 6d:c. 
 
 3. We are likcwlfe to confefs our evil actions. 
 vVe have broken ilie law^ and diflwnoured God by 
 
 our wicked adlions. (u) 
 
 We humbly acknowledge oux evil ways ., and owx do- 
 ings that were not good, {y) Such as intemperance, 
 
 diihonefty, quarrelfome behaviour, wantonnefs, or 
 the like. 
 
 4. ProfefTors (hould with forrow acknowledge their 
 Jukewarmnefs, fpiritual iloth, and departure from 
 
 the paths of holinefs. 
 
 We have not been fervent in fpirit^ ferving the 
 Lordy bkit indifferent and flothful. {w) 
 
 D The 
 
 (n) Pfalm Ixxiii. 3. {0) James iii. 14. {p) Tit. iii. 3. 
 Prov. xxiv. 17, (y) Jer. xxxi. 18. Ezr. ix. 13. Prov. xix. 3. 
 {r) Heb. xii. 5. \s) Prov. x. ig. [t) James iii. 8. Ver. 2. 
 ill) Rom. ii, 23, {v) Ezek, xxxvi. 31. izo) Rom, xli, 11. 
 
C i8 ] 
 
 *The things which remain are ready to die j and our 
 works have not been found perfe5l\ but very dcfedlive 
 before God. (^) 
 
 We have been lukewarm^ neither cold nor hoty even 
 where the caufe juilly demanded our warmeft zeal.(jy) 
 
 Vv'e have lofi the fervour of our firji love^ and do 
 come fhort of our firfl works •, we are indeed in a 
 backfliding and declining ftate. (z) 
 
 Our goodnefs hath been as a morning cloudy and as 
 the early dew^ which foon goeth away, {a) 
 
 There is in us an evil heart of unbeliefs which in- 
 clines us to depart from the living God. (b) 
 
 V. We are moreover to make mention of the great 
 evil that there is in fin. — The malignity of its na- 
 ture, and its folly. 
 
 Our fin, which is entirely oppofite to thine holy 
 jufi and good commandment^ is exceeding finful. (c) 
 
 Gody thou knowefi my foolijhnefs -y and my fins are 
 not hid from thee, (d) 
 
 Foolifh was 7, and ignorant : I was as a beafl before 
 thee, (e) 
 
 We were foolifh in being difobedient^ and m ferving 
 divers lufis and pie a fur es, (f) 
 
 The unprofitablenefs and deceitfulnefs of fin. 
 
 1 have finned y and perverted that which was rights 
 and it profited me not, (g) 
 
 We have been hardened thro* the deceitfulnefs of fin (h) 
 — or by its guileful arts. 
 
 The pride of our hearts in particular hath deceived 
 us, {i) — by promifing us fafety, whilfl it expofed us 
 to utter ruin. 
 
 The vafl injury fin has done to our fouls, and 
 the offence it has given to a God of unfpotted pu- 
 rity, and infinite majefly. 
 
 In 
 
 {x) Rev. iii. 2. \^y) Vcr.- 16. (z) Rev. ii. 4, 5. (fl) Hofea 
 vi. 4. {h) Heb. iii. 12. (c) Rom. vii. 12, 13. {d) Pfalm 
 Ixix. 5. {t) Pf. Ixxiii. 22. (/) Tit, iii. 3, (j) job xxxiii, 
 27. {h) Hcb, iii, 13. (£) Obad. ver. 3. 
 
[ ^9 :i 
 
 In finning againfi thee we have wronged our cwn 
 fouls, (k) 
 
 Cur own wickednefs hath ccrre6led us, and our hack- 
 fidings have reproved us j // /j ^;; evil thing and bit- 
 ter^ that we h^YQ forfaken the Lord our God. (/) 
 
 We /z^'u<? provoked the holy one of Ifrael to anger 
 moft bitterly, [rn) 
 
 We have magnified ourfelves, exalted our voices^ 
 and have lifted up rebellious hands even agalnft the 
 Almighty, {n) 
 
 VI. We are to acknowledge the number of our 
 fins, and to confefs the various circumftances which 
 have increafed their guilt. 
 
 Our tranfgreffions have been multiplied, (o) 
 
 Who can under ji and his errors ? (p) 
 
 Mine iniquities are more than the hairs of mine head,[q) 
 
 In many things we offend all. (r) 
 
 Our own hearts condemn us of manifold evils ^ but. 
 oh how vaft the multitude that are feen by that God^ 
 who is infinitely greater than our hearts.^ and knoweth 
 all things, (j) 
 
 Our fins have been attended with feveral circum.- 
 fiances of aggravation. 
 
 Knowledge has aggravated our guilt. 
 
 Thou haft written to us the great things of thy 
 law., but we have accounted them as aftrange thing., (/) 
 ' — difregarded them. 
 
 We have known our Lord's will., but have not done 
 according to his will., and therefore deferve to be 
 beaten with many Jtripes : Whilil: we have taught 
 others., we have not taught ourfelves. [u) 
 
 We have known the way of the Lord., and the judg- 
 ment of our God J and yet have altogether broken the 
 yoke^ and burfi the bonds of duty, [w) 
 
 D 2 W^e 
 
 (k) Prov. viii. 36. (/) Jer. ii. 19. [m) I fa. i. 4. Hofea 
 xii. 14. (n) Jer. xlviii. 26, 2 Kings xix zz. (c) Job xxxv. 
 6. (//) Pfalm xix. 12. (^) xl. 12. (r) Jam. iii. 2. 
 
 (i) 1 John iii. 20. {e) Hof. viii. 12. (2/) Luke xii. 47. 
 
 Rom, ii. 21, (ii;) Jer. v. 5. 
 
[ 20 ] 
 
 .We have known the judgment of God, that they 
 who do fuch things are worthy of deaths yet we 
 have 720 1 only done the fame, but have taken pleafure in 
 thofe that do them : chofen them for our intimate 
 companions, (.v) 
 
 The warnings we have received from the word of 
 God, from our felJow-creatures, and the admoni- 
 tions of confcience which we have treated with nc- 
 gle6l, are further ag^gravations of our iniquity. 
 
 Jehovah hath called, and we have refufed, he hath 
 flretched out his hand, and we have not regarded-^ hut 
 we hivQfet at nought all his counfel, and would none 
 of his reproof; therefore he might juftly laugh at pur 
 calamity, and mock when our fear cometh. (y) 
 
 Thou haft fent to us, faying, O do 7iot this abojui- 
 nable thing that I hate, but we have not hearkened^ 
 nor inclined our ear to turn from our wickednefs. (z) 
 
 W'e have been often reproved by God and man, 
 and our own confciences, and yet ha,ve hardened our 
 necks, and refufed to be guided by good counfels. (a) 
 
 Continuing in fin, when we have been under af- 
 flidions for it, has aggravated our guilt. 
 
 Thou haft ftricken us, hut we have not grieved ; we 
 have made our faces harder than a rock^ and have re- 
 fufed to return, (b) 
 
 When fome have been overthrown, we were as a 
 frebrand plucked out of the burning,* yet have we not 
 returned unto thee O Lord, (c) 
 
 Thou haft chaftened us with the ftripes of the chil- 
 dren of men (correded us mildly like a father) ^yet 
 we have not turned, neither fought the Lord of hofts. (d) 
 
 Cur crimes are greatly aggravated as committed 
 againft divine love and mercy, the wonderful grace 
 of the gofpel. 
 
 We 
 
 (;c) Rom. i. 32. (y) Prov. i. 24, 25, 26. (2) Jer. :jr.iiv» 
 4, 5. (a) Prov. xxix. 1. (6) Jcr. v. 3. (c) Amos iv. 11; 
 (d) 2 Sam, vii. 14. Ifaiah ix, 13. 
 
 * '* A proverbial exprcffion ufed, to fignify a narrow elcap* 
 " out of great danger," 
 
[ 21 J 
 
 We have not rendered again ^ according to the benefit 
 done unto us, but have ill requited the Lord^ as a fooliJJi 
 people and tcn'wife. (e) 
 
 Thou haft nourij/ied, and brought us up as children^ 
 but we hai:e rebelled againfi thee, (f) 
 
 We have finned, notwithilanding we have heard 
 of the aiionifning love of God to our peri/Iiing zvorld^ 
 in giving his only begotten Son^ to be the Redeemer 
 of it. (g)^ 
 
 V/e wilfully tranfgrejfed the commandment of the 
 Lord^ after we had learnt from the holy fcriptc.res, 
 that Jefus Chrift, who was in the form of God,-- took 
 upon himfelf the form of a fervant, and became obedient 
 unto death, even the death of the crofs, that he might 
 put away fin, (li) Thus, O Lord, our rebellion has 
 been aggravated by the vileft ingratitude. 
 
 Our fm has been attended with another circum- 
 fiance of aggravation > it has been committed, af- 
 ter God has been moving by his Spirit on our minds, 
 in fecret, and when under public ordinances. 
 
 The Spirit of Jehovah \i?isjiriven with us •, urged 
 us to an immediate confideration of our latter end, 
 but we have reftfted him. (?) 
 
 We have rebelled and vexed the holy Spirit of God, k) 
 
 The guilt of our iniquity has perhaps been ftiil 
 more increafed by being committed againft promifes 
 of reformation in an hour of diftrefs, or even againft 
 folemn covenant engagements and a ftricT: profef- 
 iion of religion. 
 
 We have faid we would not tranfgrefs, we would 
 not offend my more, if our God would help us in the 
 feafon of trouble \ yet when we received deliverance, 
 we turned again to fin 2indi folly, (!) 
 
 Wc 
 
 [e] 2 Chron. xxxii. 25. Deut. xxxil. 6. (/; Ifaiah \, 2. 
 {g) John iii. 16. [h) i Sam. xv. 24, Philip, ii. 6, 7, 8. 
 Hcb ix. 26. {i) Gen. vi. 3. Deut. xxxii. 29; Afts vii. ^i. 
 (A) Ifaiah Ixiii. 10. (/) Jer, ii. 20. Job xxxiv, 31, Pfaiv 
 Ixxxv, 8. 
 
[ 22 J 
 
 V>^e have not performed the words of the covenant 
 ivhich we made before thee, but as treacherous dealers 
 have dealt treacheroujly^ yea very treacheroujly. [m) 
 
 We have difhonoured that worthy name by which 
 we are called^ and given great occafion to the enemies of 
 the Lord to blafpheme^ (n) — to defpife his holy law. 
 
 We have named the name of Chrifi\ folemnly pro- 
 fefled his religion, and yet have not departed from 
 iniquity, (o) 
 
 VII. After the above confeilions, we muft pro- 
 fefs our fhame and forrow for our iniquities, and 
 humbly own our defert of punifhment. 
 
 O our God^ we are afhamed^ and blufh to lift up our 
 faces to thee^ our God. (p) 
 
 O Lord, to us belongeth confufion of face, becaufe 
 we have finned againfi thee, (q) 
 
 Behold, I am vile, what fhall I anfwef thee ? I ab- 
 hor myfelf, and repent in duft and aflies. (r) 
 
 Oh that mine head were waters, and mine eyes a foun- 
 tain of tears, that I might weep day and night for my 
 tranfgreflions. (s^ 
 
 Thou mighteft juftly punifli us by taking away 
 thine wool and thy fla:4 in the time thereof, and thy 
 cor 71 and thy wine in the feafon thereof, (t) 
 
 Thou may eft feed us with bread of affilElion, and 
 with water of afjli^ion, and put into our hands the cup 
 of trembling, (u) 
 
 Thou mighteftjuftly y^(?<^r in thy vjrath, that wc 
 fhould not enter into thy refl. (w) 
 
 It were righteous in God to cut us off with fwift 
 deflru^ion, yea to condemn us to the blacknefs of 
 darhiefs for ever, (x) 
 
 VIII. We 
 
 (t») Jer. xxxlv# 1 8. Ifaiah xxiv. i6. (n) James ii. y, 
 2 Sam. xii. 14. {0) 2 Tim. ii. 19. (p) Ezra ix. 6.. (q) Dan. 
 ix. 8. (r) Job xl. 4. xlii. 6. {s) Jer. ix. x. {t) Hof. ii. 9. 
 (w) 1 Kings xxii. ^27. Ifaiah Ii. 22, 7.3, (ry) Pfal, xcv. lu 
 [x] 2 Pet. ii. It Jude ver. 13. 
 
[ 23 3 
 
 VIII. We mull acknowledge the admirable pati- 
 ence of Jehovah exercifed towards us, azid his rea- 
 dinefs to be reconciled to the returning finner. 
 
 O the riches of the goodnefs^ and patience, aitd for- 
 bearance of God '^ how long-fuffering is he to iis-zvardy 
 not .willing that any Jhould prijh^ but that all fJwuld 
 come to rcpeyitance, (jy) 
 
 Sentence againjl our evil works has not been executed 
 fpeedily^ but thou haft given us fpace to repent-, O 
 that this goodnefs of God might lead us to repentance, 'x) 
 
 Surely the long-fiiffering of the Lord tends to falva- 
 tion •, therefore will we rend our hearts^ and not our 
 garments * only, and turn to the Lord our God. {a) 
 
 With the Lord there is riierc)\ and with him is plen- 
 teous redemption, (b) 
 
 Thou haft/^/J, and confirmed it with an oath, 
 that thou haft no pleafure in the death of the wicked^ 
 but rather that the wicked turn from their way and 
 live, {c) 
 
 Thou haft indeed faid, return ye hackjliding chil- 
 dren^ and I will heal your backjlidings : behold we come 
 unto thee^ for thou art the Lord our God, (d) 
 
 APPENDIX to the above SECTION. 
 
 SHALL introduce here the advice given by Doc- 
 tor Wright (in an excellent little treatife of being 
 born again) to the ferious reader, for the difcovering 
 the fms of his paft life, in order to an humble con- 
 feflion of them before God. 
 
 Set down (fays that pious writer) and think: over 
 the ftns of childhcod d.nd youth. And take as diriincr 
 an account, as you can, of your mifcarriages wheu 
 
 at 
 
 {y) Rom. ii. 4. 3 Pet. lil. 9. (2) Eccl. viii. 11. Rev. iL 
 21. (a) 2 Pet. ill. 15. Joel ii. 13. {b) Pfalm cxxx. 7' 
 (c) Ezek, xxxiii. 11. (d) Jer. iii. 22. 
 
 * Rending of the garments was amongft; the Jczcs an <?!.'t- 
 \vard token of great inward grief. 
 
[ 24 ] 
 
 dt home with your parents ; and afterwards, when 
 you were fent out for bufinefs, or education, into the 
 world. 
 
 Think of the feveral places you have liv'd in, and 
 what your fins have been in each of thofe. 
 
 If you are fo far advanced in the world, as to have 
 families of your own, think of your fatflts in a re- 
 lative capacity : What fins you have been guilty of 
 againft wife or hiijha7id^ againft children or fewants. 
 
 And fo, likewife, think of your fins againft thofe 
 you may have dealt with in a way of trade -, or con- 
 verfed with' in a way of friend/hip ; or thofe you 
 fhould have help'd in a way of charity. 
 
 Take an account of the fins of your ter,ipefs^ and 
 conjlitutions. 
 
 Then mark down thofe that arife from your call- 
 ing,J and condition.* 
 
 Efpeciallv take care to find out that, which is, 
 moft fl:ri6tly fpeaking, your own iniquity (the fin to 
 which you have been mofl: addided •,) and v/here, in 
 any inftance, this has broke out in fuch a manner, 
 as to leave uneafy imprefilons upon your mind, be 
 fure to take an account of all fuch ads of wicked- 
 nefs. Let 
 
 } Every calling has its temptations : In the various ways of 
 commerce, there are deceitful arts which an upright man ob- 
 ferves and abhors : Some callings expofe to more temptations 
 than others ; fo that without circumfpeftion and care, men are 
 undone in the way of their callings. Some engage perfons in 
 fuch a throng of bulinefs, that from one rifing of the fun t(i 
 another, they never ferioufly remember God cr their fouls. 
 *Tis therefote a point of great wifdom in the choice of a call- 
 ing, to confider what is leaft liable to temptations, and affords 
 more freedom of regarding our fpiritual ftate ; for tho body is 
 not the intire man, and the prefent life is not his only duration. 
 
 * Pride, luxury, fecurlty, and an ungrateful forgetfulncfs of 
 God generally grow in prcfperity. And the contrary (late of 
 poverty, has its peculiar temptations: Difcontent, and theufe 
 of unlawful means to obtain what they want and defire, is the 
 fin of the poor. 'Twas therefore Agur's wife prayer, *' Give 
 me neither poverty nor riches, &c, Prov. xxx. 8. See Bates's 
 works, p. 371." 
 
( 25 ) 
 
 Let the ten commandments be fet before you, when 
 you are making this inquifition : And fet down the 
 feveral fins which you apprehend you have been 
 guilty of, in doing what is forbidden^ or negieBing what 
 is required under each command. 
 
 After this, think of the circumftances which have 
 aggravated your fins.* 
 
 With a view to your private devotions, and to 
 assist you further in the work of self-examina- 
 tion, permit me to present you with the fol- 
 lov/ing particulars : 
 
 5/iV5 AGAINST GOD, 
 
 THERE is the fin of fwearing, and taking the 
 name of God in vain. Exod. xx. 7. James v. 12. 
 
 Profaning the fabbath, by fpending that time idly, 
 or in the common bufinefs, or carnal pleafure, which 
 God has appointed for public and private worfhip. 
 Exod. XX. 8. Ifai. Iviii. 13. 
 
 Laughing at any perfons, or jeering them becaufe 
 they are the minifters or people of God. 2 Chron. 
 xxxvi. 16. 
 
 Making a jeft of the word of God, or preaching, 
 or prayer, or any part of religion. Ezek. xxii. 26. 
 
 31. Quoting fcripture in our common dif- 
 
 courfe, and applying it to a trivial purpofe, (which 
 fome are chargeable with,— without any evil inten- 
 tion) is the way to lefien our reverence for the bible, 
 and may encourage others to go greater lengths. 
 
 SINS AGAINST MAN. 
 
 THAT of defpifing parents, teachers, or rulers 
 in our hearts, or reproaching them with our tongues. 
 Prov. XV. 5, 20. Chap. xxx. 17. Jude ver. 8. 
 
 Difobedience to their juil commands. Collof. 
 iii. 20. Rom,, xiii. i. Ob- 
 
 E 
 
 * See p. 21, <S:c. 
 
( 26 ) 
 
 Obftinacy and ftubbornnefs againft their reproofs 
 and corredions. Deut. xxi. iS, 21. Prov. xxix. i. 
 
 Boaixlng over others, on the account of any thing 
 we pofTefs beyond them, i Cor. iv. 7. " 
 
 Conceitednefs, always contradidling what others 
 fay, and thus treating our fellow-creatures as tho' 
 we were an higher rank of beings than they. Prov. 
 xxvi. 12. 2 Pet. ii. 10. 
 
 A difdainful and fcornful carriage towards others, 
 particularly towards the aged, fervants, and the 
 poor. Levit. xix. 32. Ephef. vi. 9. James ii. 6. 
 Prov. xix. 29. 
 
 Mocking or fcoffing at perfons for what is their 
 calamity, and not their fault, whether it be at the 
 poor, the blind, the lame, &c. Prov. xvii. 5. 
 I Cor. iv.' 7. 
 
 Fretful and pafTionate expreffions. Prov. iv. 24. 
 Chap. XV. I. 
 
 Railing and calling ill names. Mat. v. 22. i Pet. 
 iii. 9. 
 
 Quarrelling and fighting. James i v. i . 
 
 Curling and wilhing mifchief to befall others. 
 Pfalm cix. 17. 
 
 Revenge, or doing evil to our fellow-creatures, 
 for fome real or fuppofed injury, they have done us. 
 Rom. xii. 19. Mat. vi. 15. 
 
 SuUennefs, which if continued long grows into 
 fettled malice and hatred. Ephef. iv. 3 1, 32. i John 
 
 iii. 15- 
 
 Injuftice in its various kinds.' — For inftance, fteal- 
 ing from another, or taking any thing away privately 
 that belongs to him. Exod. xx. 15. 
 
 Robbery, or taking away by force what belongs 
 to another. Levit. xix. 13. 
 
 Cheating others of their right by cunning, or de- 
 ceit, or oppreflion. Levit. xix. 13. Pfalm v. 6. 
 Levit. XXV. 14. 
 
 Not paying what is due, or not performing what 
 is promifed, Pfal. xxxvii. 21. Rom. xiii. 7, 8. 
 
 Ano- 
 
( 27 ) 
 
 Another fin againft our neighbour Is lying, or 
 fpeaking that for a truth, which we know to be falfc. 
 Prov. vi. i6, 17. Rev. xxi. 8. 
 
 Flattering mankind In order to obtain their fa- 
 vour. Pfal. xli. 3. Jude ver. 16. 
 
 Evil fpeaking, or telling any evil ftorles of our 
 neighbour, even tho' they be true, and taking away 
 his good name, when we are not called to It by the 
 providence of God. Tit. HI. 2. i Cor. vi. 10. 
 
 Slandering, or fpeaking fome evil concerning 
 another which Is not true. Pfal. 1. 20, 21, 22. 
 
 The fin of cruelty, which confifts In putting any 
 creature to pain, or grief without necefiity, or in 
 taking pleafure to fee others In mifery, or refufing 
 to relieve them when it is In our power. Gen. xlix. 
 7. Lament. Hi. ^^ Chap. I 21. i John Hi. 17. 
 
 Spitefulnefs, which manlfefts itfelf in vexatious 
 fpeeches, teazing the fplrlts of thofe who are about 
 tis, or in doing mifchievous acllons. Pfal. x. 14. 
 Prov. xxiv. 2. 
 
 Uncharltablenefs, i. e. when vTe cannot have good 
 thoughts of other perfons, nor wifh them well, nor 
 fpeak well of them, unlefs they be of our own opi- 
 nion, or party. When this relates to parties in 
 matters of religion, it is often called bigotry. — The 
 uncharitable man views the condu6l of his neigh- 
 bour in a very unfavourable light, and fo efplcs an 
 evil^ where the eye of charity difcerns a good, or 
 kowever an innoceni intention. Rom. xlv. 3. 10. 
 Mat vll. I. 1 Cor. xiil. 7. 
 
 SINS WHICH CHIEFLY RELATE TO 
 OURSELVES, 
 
 FOR example, adllng contrary to our confciences, 
 i. e. fpeaking or doing any thing which we know or 
 apprehend to be unlawful. Rom. xlv. 5. 22. 2 Cor. 
 i. 12. Prov. xvjii. 14. 
 
 Intemperance, viz. eating or drinking fo much 
 as is hurtful to the body, or diforders the mind, 
 
 E 2 anci 
 
( 28 ) 
 
 and unfits us for our duty. Prov. xxiii. 20, 21. 
 Luke xxi. 34 I Cor. vi. 10. 
 
 Wantonnefs, which confifts in lewd and immodeft 
 words, or adions, and indulging unclean thoughts 
 and defires Rom. xiii. 13. Ephef. v. 3, 4, 5, 6. 
 2 Tim. ii. 22. 
 
 Another fm we may mention is delight in evil 
 company, which difcovers itfelf in a readineis to 
 follow the inticements of fuch perfons, and in con- 
 tinuing among them willingly, and wit-hout necefli- 
 ty. Prov. xiii. 20. i Cor. xv. 2^, 
 
 Wafting time by exceflive fleep, or by fauntring 
 about and doing nothing. Prov. xxi v. 30. 33. 34. 
 Mat. XXV. 26, 30. — By bufying ourfelves often in 
 that which can turn to no manner of advantage, neither 
 as proper work nor as proper recreation. Ephef. v. 
 
 15, 16, 17. *By continuing longer in cur di- 
 
 verfions than is necefiary to refrelh us, and prepare 
 us better for the ferious employments of life. Prov. 
 xxi. 17. 2 Tim. iii. 4. 
 
 The laft fin which relates particularly to ourfelves, 
 IS, thoughtleffnefs of the moft important things to 
 come, fuch as death, judgment, heaven and hell. 
 Deut. xxxii. 29. 
 
 Dodlor Watts at the clofe of a piece entitled a 
 prefervative from fin and folly (from which I have 
 extracted the above) remarks that there are certain 
 follies of youth, Vs^hich the fcriptures do not expofe 
 in a particular way, yet there are feveral hints 
 fcattered up and down in the word of God to cor- 
 recfl, and guard againft them. For the fake of my 
 young readers, and the afTiftance of fome who may 
 be often near them, fhall cite a part of his obferva- 
 
 tions 
 
 * It is another of the miTchievous effefts of this trifling hu- 
 mour, that when the proper hour is come for any duty, they 
 have often fome veiy needlef? thing to do firfl:, or fome duty 
 which fliould have been done long before; and thus they are 
 pUinged into many inconveniences, Prov. xxvii. 1. 
 
( 29 ) 
 
 tions. Thefe (I would fuppofe) will not be eileemed 
 wholly unfultable to the work before us. 
 
 They are comprehended under the follownig 
 heads : 
 
 1. A humourfome temper, viz. a great fondnefs 
 for inconfiderable things, or a great diflike to them, 
 but ftill without reafon: — Now our defires and dif- 
 likes ought to be governed by reafon, and not given 
 up to fancy, which hath no rule nor bounds. 
 
 2. Peeviihnefs, that is, an uneafy temper and 
 carriage to thofe who are about us, where there is no 
 juft caufe for it. 
 
 Reafon againfl this vice. We fhall hereby give 
 perpetual vexation to ourfelves, and be unbeloved by 
 our fellow-creatures. 
 
 ^. Impatience, as when we are fretful under fick- 
 nefs — or fall into a pafTion againfl one who crofTes 
 our wills — or vex ourfelves if things do not happen 
 juft according to our wifhes — when we fret with ea- 
 gernefs to poflefs what we defire, and are violently 
 angry with them who delay it. 
 
 Reafon againft this vice. Impatience under pain 
 or ficknefs looks like finding fault with God. Be- 
 fides, it will hinder the recovery of health, and of- 
 ten increafe the diftempcr. Impatience of op- 
 
 pofition fhould be guarded againft, becaufe the opi- 
 nion of another may be wifer, or his will may be 
 better than ours. — Impatience under difappoint- 
 ments fhould not be encouraged, fince we may after- 
 wards fee that thefe difappointmcnts are for our 
 good. — Im.patience of delay ftiould not be allow'd, 
 for it will many times make us angry with inferiors 
 without caufe, when we imagine they do not make 
 what hafte they can to ferve us ; or angry with our 
 fuperiors, who may know what is fit for us better 
 than we do, and when to give it. 
 
 4. Selfifhnefs, which confifts in being fo entirely 
 wrapped up in ferving and phafing ourfelves, that 
 we take no care to ferve and pleafe our neighbours. 
 
 Reafon 
 
( 30 ) 
 
 Reafon againft this vice. Such are in danger of 
 becoming churlifh, hard-hearted, and covetous. 
 
 5. Uncleanlinefs, which relates to the perfon and 
 drefs. 
 
 Reafon againft it. Uncleanlinefs is injurious to 
 the health, and renders our company offenfive to 
 others. 
 
 Note. In this matter fome young perfons are ready 
 to run into the contrary extreme, of which they 
 fhould be alfo warned. They are foolifhly nice in 
 their meats,. d''ink, apparel, and every thing that 
 belongs to them •, and hereby create much trouble 
 to themfelves, and thofe around them. — There is a 
 medium which we call decency, on this we fhould 
 endeavour to hit, for our own pradice, and for an 
 example to youth. 
 
 6. HeediefTnefs, that is when we take little thought 
 about what we do, or when v,e g ve but little atten- 
 tion to v/hat is faid to us. 
 
 Reafons againft this fault. Heedleflhefs would 
 carry youth into many a miftake and danger : Be- 
 fides, if they are heedlefs, they will neither grow 
 wife nor good •, for they will give fmall attention to 
 inftrudlions at home, and to fermons at church. 
 
 7. Rafhnefs, a temper that inclines us to fpeak 
 very improper things on a fudden, without due re- 
 gard to the occafton or the company ; or to make 
 hafty vows and promifes, and thus bring ourfelves 
 into many difficulties ^ or that leads youth to ven- 
 ture upon bold adions, without any good end, and 
 thereby expofe themfelves to many hazards of their 
 life or limbs. 
 
 Reafon againft this follow. God has given us the 
 power of thinking, on purpofe to dired our words 
 and actions ; and therefore we ought neither to fpeak, 
 nor ad without confideration. 
 
 8. Ficklenefs, as when we are foon weary of what 
 we were very fond of before •, perpetually changing 
 our defires and purpofes, fo that we can ftick to no- 
 thing 
 
( 31 ) 
 
 thing long, but always want fomething new. 
 
 This temper fhould be oppofed, as it hinders the 
 young perfon in the purfuit of knowledge, neither 
 will friends know how to truft a creature, who is ever 
 given to change. 
 
 9. Profufenefs or lavifhnefs, as when youth fquan- 
 der away much money upon trifles. 
 
 Reafons againd profufenefs. It is a waile of the 
 good things which the providence of God bellows 
 upon us : renders us incapable of fupplying the real 
 wants of others ; and leads to gaming, poverty and 
 ruin. 
 
 10. A talkative humour, when we tell all that we 
 fee, or hear, or know, in any place or company, 
 without guard or fear. 
 
 Reafon againft this folly. Such great talkers arc 
 in danger of becoming tale-bearers ; they will talk 
 over in public the private concerns of their own and 
 other families ; will tell one perfon what another 
 fays of him, and thus do a deal of mifchief in the 
 world. — Great talkers are often admoniihed in fcrip- 
 ture, as well as tale-bearers. Prov. xiv. 2]. Ecclef. 
 X. 12, 13, 14. Prov. XX. 3. I Tim. v. 13. Levit. 
 xix. 16. Prov. xi. 13. Chap. xxvi. 20. Chap, 
 xvi. 21. 
 
 SECTION IV. 
 
 PETITION. 
 
 " PETITION, includes in it a defire of deli- 
 X verance from evil, which is called depreca- 
 tion^ and a requeft of good things, which by ibme 
 is called comprecation.'^ 
 
 I. The evils we pray to be delivered from, arc 
 fpiritual, temporal, or eternal. 
 
 I. We are (forinftance) earneftly to beg of God 
 to take away the guilt of our fins^ according to his 
 
 ahun- ■ 
 
( 3^ ) 
 
 abundant merc)\ in and through J ejus Chrift our Sa- 
 viour, (e) 
 
 Be thou merciful to our unrighteoufnefs^ and omfins 
 C7id our iniquities do thou remember 7io more, (f) 
 
 Enter not into judg?nent with thy feri-ant^ O Lord, 
 for in thy fight fJi all no man living bejuflified. (g) 
 
 Hide thy face from my fms^ and blot out all -mine iyii- 
 quities. (/;) 
 
 Take away all iniquity J and receive us gracioufiy. (/) 
 
 Juftify us freely by thy grace^ through the redonption 
 that is injefus Chrifi. {k) 
 
 2. We are to pray to God to ailifl: us by his holy 
 Spirit, againft the power of iniquity, and to help us 
 to refift the temptations of our fplritual adverfaries, 
 the flefh, the worlds and the devil. 
 
 Keep back thy fervants from prefumptuous fins^ let 
 them not have dominion over us. (/) 
 
 May not fin reign in our mortal body ^ that v^t^fliould 
 obey it in the lufis thereof: O give us thy fpirit^ to mor- 
 tify the deeds of the body, {m) 
 
 Let our old man (corrupt nature, evil inclinations) 
 be crucified with Chrift, that the body of fin might be 
 deflroyed^ that henceforth we may notferve fin. (n) 
 
 Suffer us not to be drawn away of our own lufi^ (the 
 luft of our hearts) a7id enticed to fin. (o) 
 
 With refped to temptations from without, we 
 pray, that we might be delivered from the fnares oi this 
 prefent evil world, (p) 
 
 Inftead of walking according to the courfe of this 
 worlds may we oppofe its corrupt cuftoms and evil 
 works, (q) 
 
 Enable us to re/ifi: the devil^ in fuch a manner, that 
 he may flee from us. (r) 
 
 May 
 
 (0 iPet. i. 3i Tit. ill. 6. (/) Heb. vili. I2. {g) Pfal. 
 cxliii. 2. (A) Pfal. li. 9. {i) Hof. xiv. 2. (4) Rom. iii. 24. 
 (/) Pfal. xix. 13. (m) Rom. v'u 12; Chap. viii. 13. (n) Chap. ^ 
 vi. 6. (0) Jam. 1.14. (/>)Gal.i, 4, (^) Ephef.ii. 2, Joh« 
 vii. 7. (0 Jai^cs iv. 7. 
 
[ Z2 ] 
 
 May the bleffed Spirit afliil; us in putting en the 
 ivhole armour of God, that wc may he able to Jia?id a- 
 gainft the wiles of the devil, (j) 
 
 Let no temptation take us, but fuch as is common to 
 man ; and with the tew.ptation make a way for us to 
 efcape. (t) 
 
 3. The other evils we are to pray againf]-, are, 
 that temporal, and more efpccially that everlafting 
 punifhment, our fins have deferved. 
 
 Do not in thy v/rath afflid us with hunger^ and 
 ihirji, and nakednefs, and iv ant of all things, (u) 
 
 Rebuke m.e not in thine anger, neither chaften m.e in 
 thy hot difpleafure. (w) 
 
 Caft me not away from thy prefence 5 and take not 
 thy holy Spirit from me, (.v) 
 
 May we 7iot he hurt of the fccond death, {y') 
 
 We befeech thee good Lord to fave us from that 
 ftate of condemnation and woe where their worm dicth 
 not, and the fire is not quenched, (z) 
 
 II. Having earneflly defired God to deliver U3 
 from evil, v/e are to addrcfs him, for the foliovving 
 fpiritual, tem.poral, and eternal blcflings. 
 
 1. We are to pray for the fandlification of our na- 
 ture. 
 
 Create in us clean hearts, -O Gcd, and renew a right 
 fpirii within us. (^j 
 
 May we be born again, of tliat incorruptible feed, 
 the word of God-, horn of the Spirit, {b) 
 
 Help us to put on the new man, which after (the 
 im^ge of J God is created in right coufnefs and true hcli- 
 nefs. {cj 
 
 2. We may proceed to particulars, and entreat of 
 God to fandtify, or make holy the feveral faculcies 
 of the foul. ' The 
 
 F 
 
 (i) Ephef. vi. II. [t) 1 Cor. x. Ij." {,u) Deut. xxviii. 48. 
 (jy) Pfal. vi. 1. (;c) Pfal. li. 11. [y) Rev. ii. ii. (z) Mark 
 ix. 44; [a) Pfal. li. 10. {b) i Pet, i. 23.- Jo^-n iii, 5. 
 (c) Ephef. iv; 24. 
 
L 34 ] 
 
 The undtYi\3.nding,— Open thou our eyes, (the eyes 
 of the mind) thai wo, may behold wonderous things out 
 of thy law and gofpel. [d) 
 
 May our blinded minds^ become light in the 
 Lord, (e) 
 
 Give us a Jpiritual difcerning of the things of God-, 
 render us wife to that which is good, (f) 
 
 Enlighten the eyes of our underftanding in fuch man- 
 ner, that lin may appear to us as the worft of evils 
 — that we may fee the great impurity of our na- 
 ture, and our danger by iniquity — that wc may dif- 
 cern the beauties of holincfs — that we may be deep- 
 ly convinced of the vanity of the world, and know 
 what are the glorious riches oftht heavenly inheritance 5 
 and that we may be fenfible of the tranfcendent ex- 
 cellencies of our God and Saviour — know thee^ the 
 only true God^ and Jefus Chrijl whom thou haft fent.^ fo 
 as may be life eternal to us. (g) 
 
 May not our knowledge confift of fome faint in- 
 efFedual notions of religion, but grant us that know- 
 ledge of divine things, which fhall imprefs and 
 change our minds ; thus may we be taught of God ; 
 and under the influence oi the f-pirit of truths hz guided 
 into all truth, {h) 
 
 The confcience. — Renew our confciences: awaken 
 them, that they may faithfully warn us of fin, and 
 urge us on to the diligent difcharge of every duty. 
 
 May our confciences from time to time rightly 
 perform their office, in accujing or ey:cufing us. (/) 
 
 O do thou cleanfe our confciences by the blood of 
 Chrift^ from the defilement of dead finful works., that 
 we rci?ij ferve thee the living God with acceptance, {k) 
 
 The will and affedlions. — Put within us a new 
 fpirit, (/) 
 
 Beget 
 
 {d) Pfal. cxix. 18. (<f) 2 Cor.iv. 4. Ephef. v. 8. (/} 1 Cor. 
 ii. 14. II, Rom, xvi. 19. {g) Ephef. i. ; 8. John xvii. 3. 
 {h) Chap, vi 45. Chap. xvi. 13. {i) Rom. ii. 15. {k) Hcb, 
 ix. 14. (/) Ezek. 36, 26. 
 
C Z5 ] 
 
 Beget in our wills a diflike to every evil way ; form 
 them to an entire obedience to the commands of thy 
 word, and may they quietly yield to the difpofals of 
 thy providence. May we be no longer tliQ fervants 
 of fin ^ but delight to do thy willy OGod-, to this end, 
 do thou write thy law in our inzvard parts, (m) 
 
 Make this the language of our hearts on all oc- 
 cafions— T'A^ will of the Lord he done, (n) 
 
 Caufe us to hate vain thoughts ; hut thy law may 
 we love, (o) 
 
 Help us to fet our affections more on things ahove^ 
 X^.zxi on things on the earth, (p) 
 
 The memory.— May our memories be ftrengthen- 
 ed, to retain that which is good. May we give an 
 earneft heed to the things which we hear^ and keep in 
 memory what is preached to us. (q) 
 
 Enable us to rememher thy commandment s^ to do 
 them : May the word of Chrijl dwell in us richly in all 
 wifdom. (r) 
 
 The whole frame of our nature. The very God 
 of peace fan^ify us wholly •, and^o. pray God 6uv whole 
 fpirity and foul y and hody^ may be preferved hlamelefs 
 unto the coming of cur Lord J ef us Chrift. (s) 
 
 3. We arc next to pray for the holinefs of our 
 lives : this might be done in the following compre- 
 henlive expreffions. 
 
 May we dojuftly^ love 'mercy,, and walk hurnhly with 
 our God, (/) 
 
 As he who hath called us is holy^ fo may we he holy 
 in the whole of our converfation, {u) 
 
 May we exercife ourfelves in that pure and unde^ 
 filed religion before [or in the prefence of] God even 
 the Father^ which confifts in vifitiyig the fatherlefs and 
 widows in their affUClion^ and in keeping ourfelves un 
 ffotted from the evil pradices of the world, [yiK 
 
 F 2 O 
 
 (m) Rom. VI. 17. Pfal. xl. %, |er. xxxi. 33. (n^ Afts xxl. 
 14. (0) Pfal. cxix. 113. (/?) Coliof. iii. 2. (.7) Hcb. ii. 1. 
 1 Cor. XV. 2. (r) Pfal. cili. i8. Col. ili. 16. (^ 1 Thcf. v, 
 23. {t) Mic. vi. 8. i:A I Pet. i. t^;, (rr) Jam. i. 
 
 27, 
 
[ 36 ] 
 
 O that we may be brought by that gofpel which 
 difcovers to us the grace of God^ to deny ungodlinefs 
 and worldly lufts^ and to live foberly^ righteoujly^ and 
 godly in this pre fent 'world.{i<) 
 
 O that my ways were dire 51 ed to keep thy ftatutes ! 
 Teach v:e to do thy will^ for thou art my God : thy Spirit 
 is good, lead me into the land of uprightncfs . (into the 
 paths of hoIinefsj.Cj)') 
 
 Put thy Spirit within us, and caufe us to walk in thy 
 ftatutes^ a'eid to keep thj judgments and do them.{z) 
 
 May we be led by the Spirit, that fo we might not 
 fulfil the lufis of theflejh. O that the fruit of the ^'pirit, 
 the fruits of holinefs may adorn our lives. (^^ 
 
 4. We may be more particular here, and men- 
 tion the feveral duties v/e owe to God, to man, and 
 ourfeivesj and pray for grace to perform them. 
 
 OUR DUTY TO GOD. 
 
 To begin with Repentance. — Gr^;;.^ unto us that 
 repentance which is unto life, [b) 
 
 Vouchfafe us that godly forrcw (grief for having 
 di/lionoured a gracious God) that wcrketh repentance 
 tofalvation, i^c) 
 
 Enable us to confefs oux fins — v/ith broken and con- 
 trite hearts, — to forfake ouY evil ways, and unrighteous 
 thoughts, and to return unto thee the Lord. — Help us 
 daily to bring forth fruits meet for repentance, (d) 
 
 Faith. May Vv^e have faith in God. O may we 
 unfeignedly believe that thou art, and that thou art a 
 rezvarder of them who diligently feek thee.(^) 
 
 Unto us let it be given alfo to believe on Chrijl. 
 With our hearts may we believe, that Jefus Chriji is 
 the Son of God; and that he was fent into the world, 
 that the Ivor Id thro'* him might be faved.[f) 
 
 Beflow 
 
 (\) Tir. ii. If, 12. {y") Pfal, cxix. 5. Pfdl. cxliii, 10. 
 (:) iizek. xxxvi 27. {a) Gal. v. 18, 16, 22. {h) Afts xi. 
 iS. (c) 2 Cor. vii. 10. {d) Prov. xxviii. 13. "Pfal. li. 17, 
 Ifai.lv. 7. Mat. iiL 8. (e) Mar. xi. 22. Heb. xi. 6. 
 
 (/") Phil. i. 29. Rom. X. 9, A6ls viii. 37. Joh, iii, i-j. 
 
C zi ] 
 
 Beftow upon us that faith which fhall render the 
 Redeemer precious to our fouls, purify our hearts^ 
 and work by love.(g) 
 
 The life which we live in the fiefJi^ may we live hy 
 faith in the Son of God, who loved us, and gave himfelf 
 for tis,(h) 
 
 We pray moreover for faith as it refpedts an eter- 
 nal ftate. Grant us thit faith which is the fiibfiance 
 of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not feen. 
 
 By faith may we overcome the world, (k) 
 
 Lord, increafe our faith. Make us ftrong in faith, 
 giving glory to God J J) 
 
 Trust and Hope. May we irufl in the Lord with 
 all our hearts ; and in all our ways acknowledge thee, 
 and do thou dire^ our paths, (jn) 
 
 May we truf in thee, O Lord, and do good -, truft 
 in thee at all times-, for thou art God Almighty. Blef- 
 fed is the man that truft eth in thee.(n) 
 
 Help us to truft in Chrift Jcfus, as one who delivers 
 from the wrath to comedo) 
 
 Give us the hope of eternal life. O that we may re- 
 joice in hope of the glory of God-, be partakers of that 
 hope which maketh not afJianied-, and abound in hope 
 thro" the power of the Holy Ghoft.(p) 
 
 Fear, as it conlifts in a defire to pleafe, and a 
 care not to offend God. — Work in us thTitfcar of the 
 Lord which is the beginning of wifdoin. May we be in 
 the fear of the Lord all the day long.(q) 
 
 Love and Obedience. The Lord dire5i our hearts 
 into the love of God. O that we may love thee with 
 
 all 
 
 {g) 1 Pet. il. 7. A£ls XV. 9. Gal. v. 6. (A) Chap. ii. 20. {i) 
 Heb. xi. 1. (/i) 1 Joh. V. 4. (/) Luk. xvii. 5. Rom. iv. 20. 
 (m) Prov. iii. 5, 6. (n) Pfal. xxxvii, 3. Ixii. §. Rev. xvi. 
 7. Pfal. Ixxxiv. \i: [0) Eph. i. 12. 1 Theff. i. 10. (/;} 
 
 Tit. i. 2, Rom. v. 2, 5, Chap. xv. 3. (^) Prov. ix. 10. 
 Chap, xxiii. 17, 
 
[ 38 J 
 
 all our hearty andfoul^ and mind, mid Jlrength^ ^(r) fin- 
 cerely, wholly, conftantly, and with the warmeft af- 
 fedion. 
 
 May we keep ourfelves in the love of God.^s) 
 
 That Jefus whom we have uotfeen, yet may we love^, 
 *— believing in him va^c^^^ rejoice with joy unfpeakabk^ 
 and full of glory . ( / ) 
 
 Let nothing feparate us from the love of Chrift.[u) 
 
 Help us diligently to hearken to thy voice-, and do that 
 which is right in thy ftght, and keep all thy Jlatutes.{x) 
 
 Caufe the love of Chrijl to conftrain us, to live to the 
 glory oi him who died for us, and rofe again, {y) 
 
 Patience and refignation under afilidlions. het the 
 Lord do what feemeth him good.{z) 
 
 The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away \ hlef- 
 fed he the name of the Lord, {a) 
 
 \n us rm.y patience have its perfe5l work.[b) 
 
 Imitation of God and Christ. Enable us to be 
 followers of thee as dear children , may we grow like 
 to our God in knowledge, (of our duty and true in- 
 tereft), right eoufnefs, holinefs, and '^\goodnefs,(^c) 
 
 May we daily behold that example which Chrifi hath 
 left us, and walk even as he walked, (d) 
 
 Worship fmcere, reverent, &:c. O God the infi- 
 nite Spirit help us to worjhip thee infpirit and in truth, 
 ^—May we ferve God with reverence and godly fear.— 
 May we attend upon thee without dif ration: lift up 
 holy hands without wrath -, and pour out our hearts be- 
 fore thec.(£') Jus- 
 
 (r) 2 Theff. iii. 5. Mar^ 12, 30. (i) Jud. ver. 21. (^) 1 
 Pet. i. 7, 8. {u) Rom. viii. 35. {x) Exod. xv. 26. {y) 2 
 Cor. V 14, 15. (2) I Sara. iii. 18. [a) Job i. 21. {b) Jam. 
 i.- 4. 1(c) Ephef. V. i. Col. iii. 10. Ephcf. iv. 24. Pfalm 
 xxxiii. 5. {d) 1 Pet. ii. 21. i Joh. ii. 6. (<;) Joh.. iv. 24. 
 iv. 24. Heb. xii. 28. 1 Cor. vii. 35. 1 Tim. ii. 8. Pfal. 
 Ixii 8. 
 
 * " Thefe exprelTions, heart, foul, ynind, and ftrength, may 
 lignify all the faculties of our nature, viz. the undcriianding, 
 will, affe6lions, and «xecutive powers." 
 
[ ^9 ] 
 7HE DUTIES WE OWE OUR NEIGHBOUR. 
 
 Justice. 27/^/ which is altogether juji may we fol- 
 low. (/) 
 
 Help us to render to all their due. Whatfoe-ver we 
 would (or may reafonably exped) that men fhoidd do to 
 us, may we do even fo to them.(g) 
 
 Brotherly Love. Enable us to love our nejo-h^ 
 hour as ourfelves, (h) 
 
 May we love one another with a pure heart fervently 
 
 Charity in doing good; in forgiving injuries; and 
 in judging and fpeaking of what relates to others. 
 As we have opportunity., may we do good unto all ynen^ 
 efpecially to them who are of the houfJiold of faith. {k) 
 
 O that like our divine mafterwe mav love our erte- 
 mies^ hlefs them that curfe us, do good to iher,i thai hate 
 us, ^C.(l) 
 
 Help us to overcotne evil with good, [m) 
 
 May viQ: judge not according to appearance., but judge 
 righteous judgment. ( ;/ ) 
 
 Let the law of kindnefs be in our tongues -, that wc 
 may not backbite., nor take up a reproach againjl our 
 neighbour, {o) 
 
 Honor and Esteem. In honor may we be pr^fcr- 
 ing one another. Honor (pay a proper refped toy all 
 men. (p) 
 
 Peaceaeleness. As much as lieth in us may we 
 live peaceably with all men, [q] 
 
 Let us follow after the things which make for peace., 
 And things wherewith one may edify another, [r) 
 
 Truth. May v;q put away lying., ^nd fpeak every 
 man truth with his neighbour, [s) 
 
 Lord., keep the door of owx lips. Remove from \xs the 
 way of lying, {t) " Edi- 
 
 (/) Deut. xvi. 20. [g] Rom, xiii. 7. Mat, vil. iz, {h] 
 Luk. X. 27. {i) 1 Pet. i. 22. [k) Gal. vi. 10 (/) Mat. vl 
 44. {m) Rom. xii. 21. («) Joh. vii. 24. (0) Viov xxxi, 
 26. Pfal. XV. 3. [p) Rem. xii. 10. i Pet. ii. 17. [q) 
 -Rom, xii. 18. (r) Chap. xiv. 19, (i) Epb. iv. 25. {t) Pi", 
 cxli. 3, Pf. cxix. 29. ' " ' • 
 
[ 40 ] 
 
 Edification. Caufe us to edify one another by thf* 
 words of wifdom, and good example. (//) 
 
 Let out fpeech be always with grace (mild) feafcncd 
 with fait ^ wholefome and improving. (^) 
 
 May we be blamelefs and harmlefs as the Sons of God, 
 TiXid/hine as lights in the world, (y) 
 
 THE DUTY OF MAN TO HIMSELF. 
 
 Self-Edification. Enable us to ^^/-re;//^^;^; and 
 with all our getting., to get iinderfianding. {%) 
 
 Affifl us in ftriving to enter in at thejlrait gate-, and 
 in labouring for that meat which endureth to c-jcrlofting 
 life. [a) 
 
 Humility and Meekness. May we/^^r;2(?/Chrill 
 to be yneek and lowly in heart ; that fo v/e mvcy find reft 
 to our fouls, (b) 
 
 Put upon us the ornament of a meek and quiet fpirit, 
 which in thy fight is of great price, (c) 
 
 Let us be clothed {as becomes the ele& of God holy 
 and beloved) with bowels of mercies, kindnefs, humble- 
 nefs of mind, meeknefs and long-fufi^ering.{d) 
 
 Contentment, moderate defires towards earthly 
 objedls. 
 
 Teach us in whatfo ever fiat e we are therewith to be 
 content. {e) 
 
 May we ufe this world as not abuftng it \ and conti- 
 nually bear in mind that the time is fhort, and that the 
 fafiiion of this world paffeth away.if) 
 
 Temperance and Chastity. Make us temperate 
 in all things, {g) 
 
 May we abftain from flefhly liifis which war againft 
 the foul', put filthy communication out of our mouths -, 
 and keep ourfelves/>//r £',(//) 
 
 DlLI- 
 
 (m) 1 Theff. v.* It, (;c) Col. iv, 6. i Tim. vi. 3. (jy) 
 Philip ii. 15, i6i (z) Prov. iv. 7. [a] Luk. xiii. 24. Joh. vi. 
 27. {b) Mat. xi. 29. (c) I Pet. iii. 4. {d) Col. iii. 12. {e) 
 Phil. iv. II. (J) n Cor. vii. 29, 31.- {g) Chap. ix. 25. (A) 
 I Pet. ii. II. Col, iii, 8. i Tim. v, 12. («) Ecclef, ix. 10. 
 
( 41 ) 
 
 Diligence and Sblf-^Denial. Whatfccvcr our 
 hands find to do^ may we do it with our might,[i) 
 
 Enable us to do the work of the day as the duty of 
 every day reqiiires.ik) 
 
 May we deny ourfelves^ take up our crofs. daily fol- 
 low Chrift, keep under the body and bring it into fub- 
 je5iion.(l) 
 
 O that' we may keep in view the felf-denial of 
 Chrifi ; like him may we yiot pleafe ourfehes, [ftudy 
 our own eafe, &c.j but be difpofed to pleafe our 
 neighbours^ for their good^ and to their edification, (mj 
 
 We are to pray, that our obedience may be 
 
 SINCERE, UNIVERSAL AND CHEARFUL. /// GV.Y fpiritS 
 
 may there be no guile, Whatfoever we do^ may we 
 do it heartily,, as to the Lord: and always have a good 
 confidence. {n) 
 
 O that we may have our. ccnverfation in the world,, 
 infrmplicity and godly fimcerity .(o) 
 
 Help us to lay afiide every weight,, and the fm which 
 doth fo eafily befct us. May we abftain from all appear- 
 ance of evil. {p) 
 
 Teach us to walk in all thy comrdandments and ordi- 
 nances blamelefs. (q) 
 
 May we fe?'ve thee the Lord our God with joy ful- 
 nefs and gladnefs of heart, (r) 
 
 We are to pray for tenderness of spirit. . 
 May our hearts be tender. — O that we may tremble at 
 thy word; fiand in awe,, and fin not\ and hz grieved,, 
 when we beheld trarfgrcfiors, (s) 
 
 For Zeal, or an earneft concern about a thing- 
 joined with diligent endeavours. Give us to be zea- 
 loufiy affeoled always in a good thing, (t) 
 
 Make us zealous for good works-, and may our zeal 
 be according to knowledge, (u) 
 
 G For 
 
 {k) Ezra iii. 4. (/; Luke ix. 23. 1 Cor. ix. 27. (?;2) Rom. 
 XV. 2, 3. («) Pfal. xxxii. z. Col. iii. 23. Ileb xiii. 18. 
 {o) 2 Cor. i. i 2. (p) Heb. xii. t. 1 Thel". v. 22. {q) Luke 
 i. 6. (r) Deut. xxviii. 47. (s) 2 Chron. xxxiv. 27. Ifaiali 
 Lx.vi. 2. Pfdlm iv. 4. c:;ix. 158. {t] Gal. iv. :8. {u) lit. 
 ii. 14. Rom. X. ii. 
 
( *^ ) 
 
 For spiritual Growth.* May v/Qgrow ingrace^ 
 and in the knowledge of oiir Lord and Saviour J ejus 
 Chrift, {x) 
 
 Let our path be as the JJiining lights that fliincth 
 \nore and more unto the perfeB day. (y) 
 
 May we add to faith^ virtue (holy courage) and to 
 virtue., knowledge-, and to knowledge., temperance-^ and 
 to temperance^ patience \ and to patience.^ godiinefs •, and 
 to godlinefs^ brotherly kindnefs\ and to brotherly kind- 
 yiefs., charity-, O that thefe things may abound in us.(^) 
 
 Lord grant that forgetting thofe things which are 
 behind, we may reach forth unto thofe things which are 
 before, and prefs toward the mark, for the prize of the 
 high calling of God in Chrifl Jefus. (b) 
 
 For Perseverance. Help us to hold fafi the pro- 
 fejfion of our faith without wavering, (c) 
 
 May we continue in the Grace of God^ and not be 
 moved away frcm the hope of the gofpel id) 
 
 BlefTed God grant us according to the riches of thy 
 glory, to be Jirengthened with might by thy Spirit in the 
 inner man ; and efiablifli our hearts unblameable in ho- 
 linefs before thee, at the coming of our Lord Jefus 
 Chrijl. {e) 
 
 CHRISTIAN PRIVILEGES. 
 
 Recgngiliation, or Peace with God. Being juf- 
 tified by faith, may we have peace with God, through 
 cur Lord Jefus Chrifi. (f) 
 
 Now the Lord of peace him f elf give us peace always, 
 by all means, (g) 
 
 Adoption into the Family of God. O that we 
 may become Fellow-citizens with the Saints, and of 
 the houfehold of God. [h) 
 
 Make 
 
 * Growth in wirdom and prudence, hcavcnly-mindednefs, 
 &c; See Mr Orion's Catechifm. 
 
 [x) 2 Pet. iii. i8. {y) Prov. Iv. i8. [a) 2 Pet. i. 5, 6, 7, 8. 
 (^) Phil. iii. 13, 14. (c) Heb. X 23. (fif) Ads xiii. 43. Col. 
 i. 23. [e) Eph. iii. 16. 1 Thef. iii. 13, (y ) Rom. v. 1, 
 (^) 2 Thcf.iii. 16. {It) Ephcf. ii. 19. 
 
[ 43 3 
 
 Make lis heirs of God^ and joint heirs with Chrifi. (i) 
 
 A SExNTSE OF OUR INTEREST IN THE DIVINE FAVOR 
 AND COMMUNION WITH GoD IN RELIGIOUS DUTIES. 
 
 Let thy Spirit witnefs with our fpirits^ that we are the 
 children of God-^ fay unto guv fouls that Thou art our 
 fahation ; and thu3 make us to hear joy and gladnefs.(k) 
 
 May Vv'e have fellowfhip voith thee, O Father^ and 
 with thy Son Jefus Chrifi. (I) 
 
 Grant us the bkffednefs of the man whom thou chufcft 
 and caiifefi to approach unto thee, (m) 
 
 Comfort under Aftli6lIons. Let//z^ eternal God be 
 our refuge^ and underneath be the everlafiing arms, (n) 
 
 The fahation of the righteous is of the Lord j be thou 
 our Jlrength, and a very pre fent help in trouble, (o) 
 
 Enable us to glory in tribulation, (p) 
 
 Divine supports in death, and happinefs in ano- 
 ther world. 
 
 JVhen we walk thro^ the valley of the fltadow of deaths 
 may we fear no evil: be thou with us, may thy rod and 
 Jlaff comfort us.(q) 
 
 In our laft moments help us to ufe that language 
 of triumph. O deaths where is thy fling ? O grave, 
 where is thy vi^ory ? Thanks he to God., who giveth us 
 the victory., through our Lord Jefus Chrifi. (r) 
 
 When ab fent from the body^ may we be pre fent with 
 the Lord, (j) 
 
 Guide us with thy counfel^ and afterwards receive us 
 to glory, (j) 
 
 Grant that an entrance may be miniflered unto us a- 
 bundantly, into the everlafiing kingdom of our Lord and 
 Saviour Jefus Chrifi, (u) 
 
 TEM^ 
 
 G 2 
 
 [i) Rom. vili. 17. {k) Vcr. 16. Pfalm xxxv. 3. Pf. li. 8. 
 (/) 1 John i. 3. [m) Pfalm Ixv. 4. {n) Dcut. xxxiii. ■^-. 
 (0) Pfalm xxxvii. 39 Pf. xlvi. i. {p) Rom. v. 3. {q) Pfil. 
 xxiii. 4. (r) i Cor. xv. 55, 57. [s) z Cor. v. 8. {t) Pfalm 
 Ixxiii. 24, (2^) 2 Pet i. i f . 
 
[ 44 ] 
 TEMPORAL MERCIES. 
 
 We are to pray for the necessary supports 
 OF LIFE. Give us bread to eatj and raiment to put on. 
 
 Feed us with food convenient for ws.(vu) 
 
 May we profper and he in healthy but above all may 
 our fouls profper. {x) 
 
 Preservation from Evil. Let no evil hefal us^ 
 7tor any plague come nigh our dwelling, (y) 
 
 O Lord be thou our JJiade on our right hand^ that 
 the fun may not fmite us hy day \ nor the moon by 
 night, {z) 
 
 Make an hedge about us, and about our hoifes^ and 
 about all that we hlvQ on every fide. (^). 
 
 The Lord prefer ve our going out^ and coming in^from 
 this ti^ne forth and even for evermore, (b) 
 
 Tho' it becomes us to be importunate with God, 
 when we pray for fpiritual favors •, yet when we 
 addrefs him for temporal good things, we fliould 
 limit our petitions in fuch language as this,—" If it 
 *' may be for the true intercft of our fouls and thy 
 " glory, let this favor be granted us ; otherwife we 
 " we would humbly fubmit and fay. Father, not 
 " our wills, but thine be done." 
 
 PETITIONS OR INTERCESSION FOR OTHERS. 
 
 For the spread of the Gospel among the Hea- 
 then, THE conversion OF JeWS AND MAHOMETANS. 
 
 Let thy falvation and thy right eoufnefs be openly 
 (hewed in the fight of the Heathen, (c) 
 
 Caufe the people who fit in darknefs to fee a great light j 
 and to them who fit in the region and fhadow of death., 
 let light fpring up .i^d) 
 
 Give thy fon the Heathen for his inheritance., and the 
 uttermofi parts of the earth for his poffeJfion.{e) 
 
 Let 
 
 {v) Gen. xxviii. 20. (a;) Prov. xxx, 8. (;c) 3 Epifli. of John, 
 ver. 2. (y) Pfal. xci. 10. (2) Pf. cxxi. 5, 6. {a) Job i. !o. [h) PI', 
 cxxi. 8. U) Pfal xeviii. 2. (^) Mat. iv. 16. (d) Pfal. ii. 7, 8. 
 
 * See Watts's Works, \q\. iii. p. 115, 
 
[ 45 1 
 
 Let the people praife[thee^ O God-, let all the people 
 praife thee.(f) 
 
 O that the Jews may turn to the Lord^ and the veil 
 be taken away^ which is upon their hearty when reading 
 the Old Teftament.ig) 
 
 Caufe the fullnefs of the Gentiles to come in^ and all 
 Jfrael to be faved.(h) 
 
 For. the whole church of God. Grace be with 
 all them who love our Lord Jefus Chrijl infincerity.ii) 
 
 Let the word of the Lord^ wherever it is preached, 
 have a free courfe^ and be glorified. ( k ) 
 
 May rigkteoufnefsy peace and joy in the Holy Gliojl 
 abound amongft profefrors.(/) 
 
 For such as are suffering persecution for the 
 sake of religion; and for the destruction of 
 
 THE KINGDOM OF AnTI-ChRIST. 
 
 We would remetnber them who are in bonds for the 
 teftimony of Jefus. O fend from ahove^ and deliver 
 th^m from thofe who hate them.(;/2j 
 
 Let 7iot the rod of the wicked refi upon the lot of the 
 righteous J^n) 
 
 Strengthen the patience and faith of the fuiTerino; 
 faint s., that they mvLy hope and quietly wait for the fcU 
 vat ion of the Lord.[o) 
 
 Let no weapon formed againfi thy church profper. (p ) 
 
 Let the man of fin be co7ifumcdwith the fpirit of thy 
 mouth, and dcftroyed zvith the brightnefs of thy contin^- 
 
 (?) • 
 
 The Lord grant that thofe inihappy fouls who are 
 under the power of a ftrong dehtfton may be undeceiv- 
 ed, and brought to receive the truth in the Icve of it, 
 that they might be faved.(r) 
 
 We are in a particular mannir to remem- 
 ber IN PRAYER OUR NATIVE COUNTRY . Here it V/ili 
 
 be 
 
 (/} Pfal. Ixvil. 3» {g) 2 Cor iil. 14, 15, 16. (//) Rom. xi,. 
 25,26. (^) £ph. vi. 24. (A) 2 "i'JiCiT iit. 1. (/) Rom. xiv. 
 ly, {in) Keb. xiii. 3. Rev- i. 9. Pfal. xviii. i6, 1.7. (n) 
 Pfal. cxxv. 3. {0] Rev. xiii. 10. Lament, iii. 26« (/?) ihi. 
 liv. 17. (2) zTheir. ii, 3,8. (r) Vcr. 11, io. 
 
[ 46 ] 
 
 be proper to join thankfgiving, confefTion and pe- 
 tition together. 
 
 ne lines are fallen to us in fleafayit places \ yea, wc 
 have a goodly heritage (J) 
 
 Thou haft JJiewed thy word unto us, favoured us 
 with a divine revelation; thou hafi not dealt Jo with 
 every nation : ' we yvould praife the Lord for fo great a 
 privilege. (/) 
 
 Lord^ thou haft been favourable unto our land^ 
 wrought out for it wonderful deliverances. tVe have 
 heard with cur ears^ O God^ our fathers have told us 
 what work thou didft in their days^ and in times of eld. 
 And as we have heard^ fo have we feen.{u) 
 
 We muft confefs that we 2ixzafinful nation^ a peo- 
 ple laden with iniquity^ a feed of evil doers \v) 
 
 Iniquity abounds amongft us, and the love of many is 
 waxen cold,{w) 
 
 Though our fins have deferved it, we earneftly 
 pray that thou wouldefl not remove our candleftick {the 
 gofpel^ &c.) out of its place, {x) 
 
 Give us not a famine of the word of the Lord-, but 
 continue unto us the means of falvation, and may 
 this glory always dwell in our land,{y) 
 
 With refpedl to outward enjoyments, we entreat 
 that thou wouldeft not make our heavens as brafs^ 
 and our earth SiS iron ', but ftill caufe our land to yield 
 her increafe.{z) 
 
 Abundantly blefs our provifions^ and fatisfy our poor 
 with bread \a) 
 
 Peace be within our walls^ and profperity within our 
 palaces. [b) 
 
 Though our backjlidings are many^ and we have finned 
 exceedingly againft thee^ yet do thou thefe thmgs'-f or 
 thy name's fake^ for thymercy^s fake in Jefus. Chrift.(f) 
 
 We 
 
 (/) Pfuh xvi. 6. (0 Pfal. cxlvii. i^, 20. («) Pfal. Ixxxv. 
 1. Pfal. xliv. I. xlviii. 8. (f) Ifai. i.4. (w) Mat. xxiv. 12. 
 [x) Rev. ii. 5, {^y) Amos viii. 11. Pfal. Ixxxv. 9. (s) Deut. 
 xxviii. 23. Lcvit. xxvi. 4, (a) Pfal.cxxxli. t^. (b) Pfal. 
 cxxii, 7, (c) Jer, xiv. 7. 
 
[ 47 ] 
 
 We are to pray success to attend all endea- 
 vors TOWARDS REFORMATION OF MANNERS. 
 
 O let the wickednefs of the wicked come to an end,{d) 
 Catife the unclean fpir it topafs out of the land.{e) 
 Let that right eoufnefs abound amongfl us, which 
 exalteth a nation^ and deliver us from Jin, which is a 
 reproach to arty people.(f) 
 
 Heal the unhappy divisions of professors. 
 The God of patience and confolation, grant us to he like 
 minded one towards another, according to Chrift Jefus : 
 that we may with one mind and one mouth glorify God^ 
 even the Father of our Lord Jefus Chrijl.(g) 
 
 We ARE TO pray for THE KING, QUEEN AND ROY- 
 AL FAMILY. 
 
 Make our king a nurfing father, and our queen a 
 nurfing mother to thy Britilh Ifrael.(>^j 
 
 Let mercy and truth prcfcrve the king, and his throne 
 be uphclden by mercy. [i] ' . 
 
 Give the king thy judgments, Q Gcd, and thy righie- 
 oufnefs to the king's f on. (k) 
 
 May the royal offspring be branches of right c oufnefs \ 
 O that thy teftimonies r-iay be their delight, and their 
 counfellors.if) 
 
 For ALL CONCERNED IN THE MANAGEMET OF PUBLIC 
 AFFAIRS, AND FOR MAGISTRATES OF EVERY ORDER. 
 
 - Counfel our counfellors, and teach ourfenators wif- 
 dom.[rn) 
 
 Give them the fpirit of wificm and underftanding, 
 the fpir it of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord, n) 
 
 Make thofc who rule over us able men, fuch as fear 
 God, men of truths and hating covetoufnefs.(o) 
 
 Let rulers be not a terror to Fcod works, but to evil. 
 
 (P) 
 
 May thoie v,ho judge remember tliat they judge 
 not for raan, but for the Lord, who is with thtm in the 
 J udgm^ent . [q ) For 
 
 Pfal. vi 4. (a') Pfal. vli. 9. (e) Zech. xiii. ?. {[) Prov. 
 
 ^'^* 3f' Ig) J^om. XV. 5,6. [h) Ifai xlix. 23. (/) Prov. 
 
 :ix. 28. {k) Pfdl. Ixxii. i. (/) Jer. xxxiii. 15. Pfal cxix. 
 
 24* (w)cv. 22. (77) Ifai. xi. 2. (<?} Exod. xviii. 21. {p) Koni. 
 :iiii, 3. (q) 2 Chron, xix, 6. 
 
[ 48 ] 
 
 For subjects in general. Give grace unto the 
 fubjedls of this land, to fiibmit themselves to every 
 lawful ordinance of man^ for the Lord's fake \ whether 
 it he to the king as fupreme^ or unto governor s.{r) 
 
 May we lead a quiet and "peaceable life^ in allgodlinefs 
 and honefiy^ under thofe who are fent by thee, for the 
 piinifJiment of evil-doers^ and for the praife cf them who 
 do welL{f) 
 
 For ministers and hearers, universities and 
 academies. 
 
 I'lcjine them to give attendance to readings to 7nedi- 
 iate on dW'mQ things^ to give themfelves unto prayer, and 
 to the miniftry of the word, and to give themfelves whol- 
 ly to them, and to continue in them.{f), 
 
 O that minifters may fave themfelves, and thofe 
 who hear them.(^) 
 
 May theyy^ri^^ the Lord with all humility of mind, 
 keep back from their people nothing that is profitable for 
 them, teach from houfe to hoiife as well as in public, tef- 
 tifying repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord 
 Jejus Chrift.{v) 
 
 Make minifters examples to the flock in word, con- 
 V erf at ion, charity, fpirit, faith and purity .{w) 
 
 May they watch for fouls, as they that muft give ac- 
 count, {x) 
 
 O that hearers may receive the word with all readi- 
 nefs of mind, and fear ch the fcriptures daily. [y) 
 
 ^icken thofe who are dead in trefpaffes and fins ; and 
 where thou haft begun a good work, perform (finifti) // 
 until the day ofjefus Chrift.{z) 
 
 Caufe hearers to Jlrive together in thtir prayers to God 
 ybr their minifters. (^) 
 
 May minifters and people grow in knowledge and 
 holinefs, under the care of the gxzzX. fhepherd and bi- 
 fliop of fouls. {b) 
 
 Beftov/ 
 
 (r) 1 Pet. ii. 13. (/) 1 Tim. ii. 2. 1 Pet. ii. 14. {t) i 
 Tim. iv. 13, 15, 16. Aftsvi. 4. {u) 1 Tim iv- 16 [v) Afts 
 XX. 19,20,21. {v)) I Tim. iv. 12. (x) Heb- xiii. 17. [y). 
 Acts xvii. II. (z) Ephef. ii. i. Phil, i 6, {a) Rom. xv. 
 30. {b) 2 Pet. iii. 18. i Ep. ii. 25. 
 
[ 49 ] 
 
 Beftow upon the fchcols of the prophets every good 
 gift^ and every perfect gift, (c) 
 
 Caft the fait ^/divine grace abundantly into every 
 fountain of facred learning, that from thence may if- 
 fue ftreams which fJiall make glad the churches of 
 God.{d) 
 
 For Husbands and Wiv£S. Make them helps 
 meet for each other : may the hufband love his ivife 
 even as him f elf -^ and the wife reverence her hufband. [e) 
 
 Enable them to live as heirs together of the grace of 
 life \ that thQir prayers be not hinder ed.{f) 
 
 Parents and Children. O that parents may 
 bring up their children in the nurture and ad-monition of 
 the Lord-, — train them up in the way th^y f]iould go -, — 
 noiirifJi them up in the words of faith^ and good do Brine-, 
 and not provoke them to wrath.{g) 
 
 Let parents behave themf elves wifely^ and walk with- 
 in their houfes with perfect [fincere] hearts.{Ji) 
 
 May children hear the inJiruBion of th(^ir fathers^ 
 andforfake not the lazv ^/ their mother s.(i) 
 
 Incline the hearts of children to honor and obey their 
 parents in all [lawful] things ^ that it may be well with 
 ihtm.{k) 
 
 Masters and Servants. Caufe maflers to give 
 unto thGir fervants what isjujl and equal -, and may they 
 not rule over them with rigour. {I) 
 
 AfTift heads of families in teaching their houfJwlds to 
 keep the way of the Lord. {m) 
 
 May fervants be faithful to their mafters. — Shew 
 all good fidelity., that they may adcrn the dotlrine of God 
 our Saviour. in) 
 
 Help them to obey in all lawful things t\\t\x mafiers, 
 according to the flejh; acting ;/6/ with eye fervice., us 
 
 H men- 
 
 (c) 2 Chron xxxiv, 22. 2 Kings, ii. ^." Jam. i. 17. {d) 2 
 Kings ii. 21. comp. Mark ix. 49, 50. Pfal. xlvi, 4. (tf) Gen. 
 ii. 18. Ephef. V. 33. (/) i Pet. iii. 7. (g) Ephef. vi. 4. 
 Prov. xxii. 6. 1 Tim. iv. 6. (//) Pfal. ci. 2. '^(^) Prov. i. 0. 
 [h) Exod. XX. 12. Col. lii. 20. Ephef. vi. 2. (/} Col. .iv. J. 
 Lcvil. XXV., 46. [m} Gen, .xviii. 19. {u 
 
t 50 J 
 
 fnen-pleajh's^ but as the ferv ants cfChriJly dpingtlu will 
 of God from the heart, (o) 
 
 For the Young, the Middle-aged, and the 
 Old. 
 
 Give to the young to re?nemhe7'thtt their Creator in 
 the days of their youth, (p) 
 
 O that they may flee youthful lufts j and be fober 
 minded, (q) 
 
 Let the word of God abide in them, that they may be 
 flrong^ and overcome the wicked one,(r) 
 
 Preferve the middle-aged amidfl: the cares of this 
 world from negleding that one thing needful^ the care 
 of their fouls. fjj 
 
 Make them diligent in bufinefs\ Rud fervent in fpt- 
 rit, ferving the Lord,[t) 
 
 For fake not the old and greyheaded-^ caft them not off 
 in the time of old age\ fail them not when their Jlrength 
 faileth.{u) 
 
 May the antient be found in the way of right eoufnefs^ 
 that the hoary head may be a crown of glory, [v) 
 
 Enable olddifciples of Chrift to bring forth fruit in old 
 age-, and may thy comforts delight thQir fouls,[w) 
 
 For the Rich and the Poor. M^y thofe that are 
 rich in this world not be high-minded^ nor truft in uncer- 
 tain riches^ but in the living God, 
 
 May they do good ^ be rich in good works ^ ready to di- 
 firibute^ willing to contmunicate,[x) 
 
 Make the poor of this world rich in faiths and heirs of 
 the kingdom which thou haft promifed to them that love 
 thee.(j) 
 
 May the poor commit themf elves unto thee,(z) 
 Do thou defend the poor^ and fatisfy them with 
 bread,^ that they might praife thy name. (a) 
 
 For Friends and Enemies. Our hearts dejire and 
 
 prayer 
 
 {6) Col, iii. 22. Eph. vi. 6. {p) Ecclef. xli. i. [q) z 
 Tim.ii. e2. Tit. ii. 6. (r) i Joh. ii. 14. (j) Ma^-. iv. 19. 
 Luk. X. 42. {t) Rom. xii. 11. {u) Pfal. Ixxi. i8, 9. [v) 
 Prov, xvi. 31. (ry) Actsxxi, 16. Pfal. xcii. 14, Pfal. xciv. 
 19. {x) I Tim. vi. 17, 18. {y) Jam. ii. 5. (2) Pfal. x. 14. 
 [a) Pfal.lxxxii, 3. Pfal. cxxxii. 15. Pfal, Ixxiv. 21. 
 
[ 5.1 J 
 
 grayer to God for our friends /j, that they might befav- 
 ed,{b) 
 
 khe grace of our Lord Jeftis Chrift he with their fpi 
 rits.(c) 
 
 Father forgive our enemies : lay not any of their 
 fins to .their charge.(d) 
 
 SECTION V. 
 
 PLEADING. 
 
 *' T)LEADING, or ufing arguments with God in 
 
 X an carneft, yet humble manner, to grant our 
 
 feveral requefts, has been confidered by fome as the 
 
 fifth part of prayer." Job xxlii. 4. Jer. xii. \, 
 
 Thefe arguments are very numerous, but I fhall con- 
 fine myfelf to the principal. 
 
 I. We may plead with God, from the perfedions 
 of his nature, particularly his goodnefs and mercy; 
 and from thofe promifes of pardon, &c. he has been 
 pleafed to make to true penitents. 
 
 Remember, Lord^ thy tender mercies^ and thy 
 loving kindnefjes -, for they have been ever of old. — Ofave 
 us for thy inercies fake.{e) 
 
 Thou art good^ and ready to forgive, and plenteous in ' 
 mercy to all them that call upon thee. (/) 
 
 Thou art, O God, full of compajjion, and gracious \ 
 long-fuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth, {g) 
 
 Pardon, we bejeech thee, the iniquity of thy people, 
 according unto the greatnefs of thy mercy, and as thou 
 haft forgiven, even until noiv.(h) 
 
 Remember not againll us the fins of o\xk youth, nor 
 our tranfgreffions: according to thy mercy remember thou 
 us, for thy goodnefs fake, Lord.[i) 
 
 Haft thou not faid that \i the voicked for fake his way y 
 and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and return unto 
 
 H 2 thee 
 
 {h) Rom. x; 1. (c) Philem. vcr. 25. [d) Luk. xxiii, 34.. 
 Aft. vii.6o. (0 Pfal. xxv. 6. Pidl. vi 4. (/j Pfal lx:^xvi. 5, 
 (^) Ver. 15. \h) Ntim. xiv. 19. (i) Pfal xxv, 7. 
 
[ 52 ] 
 
 thee the Lord^ thou wilt have 'mercy upon him, thou 
 wilt abundantly pardon.{k) 
 
 Haft thou not declared that if the wicked will turn 
 from all his fins which he hath committed, and keep all 
 ihyflatutes, he fhall furely live, he fJiall not die .[I) . 
 
 II. From the feveral relations in which God ftands 
 unto men, efpecially to good men, and from the 
 greatnefs of our wants andforrows. 
 
 Thou art our Creator, wilt thou not have a dejire 
 to the work of thine hands. (m) 
 
 O Lord, I am thine, fave tnefn) 
 
 O Lord, truly I am thy fervant, I am thy fervant,^ 
 and the fon of thy hand-maid: accept and blefs me.(o) 
 
 Doubtlefs thou art our father, though Abraham be ig- 
 norant of us, and Jfrael acknowledge us not : thou, O 
 Lord, art our father, our redeemer, thy name is from 
 €verlafiing.[p) 
 
 But now, Lord, thou art our father : we are the 
 clay, and thou our potter, and we all are the work of thy 
 hand, Benot wroth very fore, O Lord, 7ieiiher remem- 
 ber iniquity forever, (q ) 
 
 Innumerable fuits have compaffed us about, our ini- 
 quities have taken hold upon us, fo that we are not able 
 to look up. — Bepleafed, O Lord, to deliver us ; O Lord^ 
 make hajle to help us. (r) 
 
 For thy name^s fake, Lord, pardon our iniquity:, 
 for it is great. (s) 
 
 Help us, O God cf our falvation, for the glory of thy 
 name -, deliver us, and purge away our fins for thy name^s 
 fake.{t) 
 
 The name and honor of God in the world was an 
 argument often ufed in prayer by good men in an« 
 tient times. Jofhua vii. 9. Ifai. xxxviii. 18. 
 
 III. Chrif. 
 
 [k) Ifai. \v, 7. (/) Ezck, xvili. 21. {m) Jobxiv. 151 (n) 
 
 Pfal. cxix. 94. (0) Pfal. cxvi. 16, {p) Ifai. Ixiii. 16. {q) 
 
 Chap. Ixiv. 8, 9, (r) Pfal. xl. 12, 13. {s) Pfal, xKv. 11. (0 
 Pfal. Ixxix, 9. 
 
L 53, J 
 
 III. Chriftians may plead with God from their own 
 experiences, and iikewife the experiences of others. 
 
 ^houhafi been our help^ leave us Ttot^ neither forfake 
 us, O God of ou\' f ah at ion. {u) 
 
 Our fathers cried unto thee^ and were delivered: they- 
 tr lifted in thee^ and were iwt confounded.(y) 
 
 IV. The grand argument is the name and media- 
 tionofChrift, John xvi. 23. Collof. iii. 17.* 
 
 We have finned^ but w^ have an advocate with the 
 father^ Jeftis Chrift the righteous j who is the propitia- 
 tion for our fins ^ and not for our fins only^ hut alfo for 
 the fins of the whole world.[w) 
 
 Hail thou not declared thyfelf the jujlifier of him 
 who helieveth in Jefus. — Lord^ we believe \ help us a- 
 gainfl our unbelief.(x) 
 
 Thy fon hith given his life a ranfom for many : in 
 him may we have life^ may we have it more abundant- 
 
 b'(y) 
 
 Chrift hath redeemed us from the curfe of the law^ being 
 made a curfe for us : — therefore let the bleffing of Abra- 
 ham come upon us Gentiles : O may we receive through 
 faith the promife of the fpirit.{z) 
 
 Seeing that we have a great high prieft^ who is pciffed 
 into the heavens^ J^fi^^ il^^ Son of God^ we come boldly 
 unto the throne of grace ^ that we may obtain mercy ^ and 
 find grace to help in time of need, (a) 
 
 We plead the merits of that blood of Chrift which 
 cleanfethfrom allfin.(b) 
 
 We befcech thee, O Lord^ to grant us redemption 
 through the blood of Jefus, the forgivencfs of fins., ac- 
 cording to the riches of thy grace.(c) 
 
 Harken to the blood of fpr inkling.^ which fpeakeih bet- 
 ter things than the blood of Abel^ and beftow upon us 
 that pardon, peace, and afriftance:we want. (^) 
 
 Since thou haft not fpared thine own fon^ hut deli- 
 vered 
 
 («) Pfal. xxvii. 9. {v) Pfal. xxii. 4, 5. {xv) Luk. xv, 21. 
 1 Joh. ti. 1, 2 {x) Rom. iii. 26. Mar. ix. 24. ( >•) Mat. 
 XX. 28. Joh X. 10. (2) Gal iii. 13, 14. [a] Heb'. iv 14, 
 16. {h) I Joh. i. 7.- (c) Eph. i. 7. {d) Heb. xii. 24. 
 
 * See p. 9, 32. ' 
 
( 54 ) 
 
 T-ered him up for us ally fur el y wiih him thou vvllt free- 
 ly give us all things truly good.(^) 
 
 May that Jefus, the merits of whofe death and in- 
 terceffion we have been pleading, be made unto us wif- 
 domy and right eoufnefs^ and fan^ificationy and redemp- 
 tion.(f) 
 
 SECTION VI. 
 
 SELF-DEDICATION, or Px^OFESSION. 
 
 HIS part of prayer contains the following 
 things. 
 
 I. A declaration of our former tranfacflions with 
 God. We have not only been baptized in thy name^ 
 devoted to thee by this facred ordinance, but have 
 often faid unto the Lordy thou art our Lord/g) 
 
 Yea, we have fiibfcrihed with our hands * unto the 
 Lord of hoJls.{h) 
 
 We have approached thy holy table, and have 
 vowed unto thee, the mighty God of Jacohy that we 
 would take thee/<?r our God, 
 
 We have fworn-\y that we will keep thy righteous 
 judgments. 
 
 We have made a covenant with thee hy commemorat- 
 ing the facrifice of thy Son. ("/J 1| 
 
 II. A prefent furrender of ourfelves to God, a- 
 
 greeablc 
 
 {t) Rom.vili. 32. (/) I Cor. i. 30, {g) Ver. 15. Pfal. 
 xvi. 2. \K) Ifai. xliv. 5. (z) Pfal. cxxxii. 2. cxix. ic6, 1. 5. 
 
 * This language indeed can with propriety only be ufed hy 
 the perfon who has drawn up for himfelf a folemn form of felf- 
 dedication (or elfe has ferioufly confidered lome inftrument 
 jnade by another) and fet his hand to it. 
 
 + The term facrament, which we apply to the Lord's fuppcr, 
 iignifies an oath. 
 
 II The reader will perceive that the above cxpreflions arc d^- 
 figr.ed for the devout communicant. 
 
[ 55 ] 
 
 greeable to the relations he bears to us, and in fuch 
 ways as his word direds. 
 
 ( I.) We devote ourfelves unto God, as our Owner. 
 
 All things come of thee^ and of thine own do we now 
 give thee, (k) 
 
 The God whofe we are we will ferve,(i) 
 
 We are thine, O Lord, not only by creation, but 
 likewife by redemption. Thou haft redeemed us with 
 the precious blood of Chrifl^ as of a lamb without bU'miJh 
 and without fpot .{jn) 
 
 We are bought with a price •, we would, therefore^ 
 glorify God in our bodies.^ and in our fpirits^ which are 
 thine. (;/) 
 
 (2.) We dedicate ourfelves unto God, as cur In- 
 ftrudor. Thou art the Lord our God^ who teacheth us 
 to profj[o)^ [or gives us the knowledge of good 
 things.] 
 
 Good and upright is the Lord : therefore will he teach 
 us in the way^ ^nd guide us with Judgment, (p) 
 
 (3.) We devote ourfelves unto God, as pur chief 
 Good. Thou art our portion., Lord, we in treat thy 
 favor with our whole hearts. {(f) 
 
 The Lord is my portion.^ faith my foul., therefore will 
 I hope in him.(r) 
 
 Whom have I in Heaven hut thee ? there is none upon 
 Earth that I defire befides thee.(s) 
 
 (4.) We are to profefs our refolutions of cleaving 
 to the fervice of God, and aiming at the divine ho- 
 nor, living and dying; and confequently of renoun- 
 cing every thing that is inconfiftent herev/ith. 
 
 O Lordy our God., lords hefides thee have had dcminl- 
 on over us: but by theewQ have been delivered, there- 
 fore we will make mention of thy name only., ferv^e none 
 but thee.(^) 
 
 We would no more yield our members fervants to nn- 
 eleannefsy or to any other iniquity-, but we deiire to 
 
 yield 
 
 [k] I Chron. xxix. 14. (/) A£l. xxvii. 23. [m] 1 Pet. i. 
 
 38, 19. («) I Cor. vi. 20. (0) Ifai. xlviii. 17. (/) Pfa xx\ . 
 
 8. [q) Pfal cxix. 57, 58. (r) Lam. iii, 24. (i) PUI. Ixxiii. 
 45; {t) Ifai, xxvir 13. 
 
( 56 ) 
 
 yield our members fervants to righteoufnefs^ to univerfal 
 holinefs.{u) 
 
 Whatfoever others do ive will ferve the Lord.{y) 
 
 Whether we eat or drink^ or whatfoever Vs'c do^ we 
 defire to do all to the glory of God. [w) 
 
 Whiift we live., we would live unto the Lord j when 
 we die, we yvould die unto the Lord: whether we live 
 cr die., we would be the Lord's.{x) 
 
 (5.) This dedication of ourfelves to God muil be 
 made through that great Mediator, the Lord Jefus 
 Chrift, and with a dependance on the Holy Spirit. 
 
 Engaged by the mercies of God., ^tfrefent our bodies'^ 
 and fouls a living facrifice^ acceptable unto thee by J ejus 
 Chrifi.(y) 
 
 Relying upon the Spirit to help our infirmities^ we 
 would humbly, heartily, ferioufly, and joyfully ;>7V/<;/ 
 ourfelves to God^ honor thee with our fubftance^ and 
 with all our talents. (2;) 
 
 III. When we have thus dedicated our perfons, 
 and every thing we poflefs to the moft high God; 
 we are earneftly to intreat, that he would be pleafed 
 to receive us into his everlafting favor and friendihip. 
 
 O Lord, receive us., and make an everlafiing covenant 
 with us, that thou wilt not turn away from us, to do 
 us good. (a) 
 
 Be thou ^«r God^ and our portion f6jiever.(b) 
 
 Be a father unto us, and never leave us, nor forfake 
 
 US.(f ) 
 
 SECTION 
 
 (m) Rom. vi. 19; (f) Jolh. xxlv. 15. {w) i Cor. x. 31. 
 (jc) Rom. xiv. 8. {y) Rom. xii. i. 1 Pet. ii. 5.- (2) Rom. 
 viii. 26. chap. vi. 13.' Prov. iii. 9. {a) 2 Cor. vi. 17. Jer, 
 xxxii. 40. {b) Pfal. xcv. 7. Pfal. Ixxiii. 26, (c) 2 Cor. vl. 
 18, Hcb, xiii. 5. 
 
 * By bodies in this text wc are to underftand our zv hole perfons ; 
 icQing the body cannot be prefenled to Gc4; z% >^ living facrijice, 
 without thejoul. 
 
[ SI ] 
 SECTION VII. 
 
 THANKSGIVING. 
 
 MANY and great are the benefits God has con- 
 ferred upon us, for which we are bound fre- 
 quently to pay him our grateful acknowledgments. 
 He gave us our exiltence, made us reafonable im- 
 mortal beings, next the angels; for thefe blefTmgs 
 let our hearts and tongues join in thankfgiving, 
 which is the moil delightful part of our devotions, 
 Pfal. cxlvii. I. and peculiarly acceptable to God, 
 
 1. Thou art the Lord that created us, and he that 
 formed us, therefore unto thee we would offer thankf- 
 giving^ and Jhew forth thy praife,(d) 
 
 We will praife thee^ for we are fearfully and won- 
 derfully made, and curioufly wr ought, {e) 
 
 Thou art the Bather of out fpirits, as well as the 
 former of our bodies : we thank thee that thou haft 
 taught us more than the beafis of the earthy and made us 
 wifer than the fowls of heaven.if) 
 
 We thank thee that thou haft made man but a little 
 lower than the angels^ and haji crowned him with glory 
 and honor, {g) 
 
 2. W"e are to render thankfgiving to God, for 
 preferving care. Tliou, O Lord, art our life, and 
 the length of our days-, (the giver and prcferver of 
 life and healtli) let our mouths be filled with thy praife, 
 
 {h) 
 
 O Lord God, by thee have I been holden up from the 
 womb : my praife fJiall be continually of thee. ( i) 
 
 Having obtained help from thee, God, J contivM 
 unto this day,{k) 
 
 3. For daily bread, the bounties of Providence. We 
 give thanks unto tlie God of Heaven, who givcth food to 
 us, and to allfieffi : for his mercy endureth forever .{I) 
 
 I 4. W^e 
 
 (d) Ifauxllii. 1.' Pfal. 1. i4.- li. 15. (e) Pfal. cxxxix. 
 14, 15. (/) Heb. xii. 9. Job xxxv, 11. (^) Pfal. viii. c . 
 (A) Deut. XXX. 20. Pfal Ixxi. 8. ^(r) vcr. 6. [h) Acts xxvi, 
 2 -J, (/) Pfal. cxxKvI. zc, 26, 
 
( SB j 
 
 Praiied he the Lord^ who daily loads us with benefits, 
 even the God of our falvation,(m) 
 
 4. We are likewifc to thank God for fuccefs in 
 lawful bufinefs •, that he hath hlejfed the work of our 
 hands — for the peaceable enjoyment of what we pof- 
 fefs ; that we Jit under our vines^ and under our fig- 
 trees^ and none make us afraid: — for agreeable friends 
 and relatives, l£c,. ^c,{n) 
 
 II. Our high praifes are due to the God of Hea- 
 ven, for fpiritual blelTings. 
 
 1. We thank thee for publifhing to mankind the 
 Holy Scriptures, which contain fuch treafurcs of 
 grace. 
 
 For that word of God which liveth and ahideth for 
 rjer,(o) 
 
 For that divine light which fhineth in a dark place. 
 
 (?) 
 
 2. We would praife thee with our whole hearts^ for 
 thy love and mercy to our fallen world in Chrift Je- 
 fus the Lord : for thofe glorious things which angels 
 defire to look into. {q) 
 
 We thank thee, that when the fullnefs of time was 
 come^ thou did ft fend forth thy Son — made under the 
 law^ to redeem them that were under the laWy that wc 
 nnght receive the adoption of fons.(r) 
 
 That he took hold of perifhing mankind, and was 
 in all things made like unto his brethren ; that he might 
 he a merciful and faithful high-priefi^ in things pertain- 
 ing to God^ to make reconciliation for the fins of the peo- 
 ple's) 
 
 O Lord, vvc receive it, as a faithful fayingy and 
 worthy of all acceptation., that Chriji Jefus came info 
 the world to fave fmners ; even the chief. [t) 
 
 We are to thank God for that holy example which 
 Chrift hath fct before men — for his excellent doc- 
 trine. 
 
 [m) Pfal. Ixvili. 19. {n) Job i. 10. Mic. iv. 4. (0) a 
 ?et. i. 23. [p) 2 Epif. i. 19. {q) PfaU ix. 1. Pet. i. (2, 
 {r\Q?X iv. 4, 5. {s) Hcb ii. 16, i7, (^) 1 Tim, i, 15. 
 
( 59 ) 
 
 trine, and the kind and v/onderful miracles he 
 wrought, to confirm his do(5lrine : that the wo?-ks 
 ivliich he did hore witnefs of him ^ that the Father had 
 fent K\m.{u) 
 
 We are to thank God, efpecialiy for his Son's me- 
 ritorious death. 
 
 That Chrift hath appeared to put nway fin by the p- 
 crijice of hirnjclf. {v ) 
 
 IVorthyis the Lamb that was Jlain^ to receive power ^ 
 and riches^ . and wifdom^ and ftrength.^ and honor ^ and 
 glory ^ and hkjjing-, for he was Jlain^ that h.e might 
 redeem us to God by his blood. (w) 
 
 ^hanks^ eternal thanks unto God^ for this unfpeak^ 
 able gift tlic Lord Jefas : for commending his love to- 
 wards us^ in that while we were yet ftnners^ Chrift died 
 foriis,{x) 
 
 For his rifurredtion from the dead. That as he 
 ■was delivered for our offences.^ (o he rofe again for our 
 juftification •, and was declared to be the Son of Go4^ by 
 this glorious difplay of dawm^ power. (y) 
 
 For his afcenfion. That when QWiiiafcended'Hp on 
 •high^ he led captivity captive., (triumphed over the e- 
 vil fpirits) and gave gifts tint o men.{z) 
 
 For his interceiTiom That having born tlic fin of 
 many., he makes interceffion for tra.nsgrefj€rs,{a) 
 
 For his exaltation, and being conftituted the 
 judge of the quick and the dead. That becaufe he 
 humbled himfelf., and became obedient unto deaths evsn 
 the death of the crofs\ thou \i2Jk given him a namea- 
 hove every name: — that thou hall ^ppomied ^ day in 
 which thou v^Wt judge the world in righteoiifnefs.^ by that 
 man whom thou haft ordained^ and that the Lord Jc- 
 fusfhall then come to be glorified in his faints^ and ad- 
 mired in all them that believe. {b) 
 
 3. We are to thank God for the Holy spirit, in 
 JiismiraoulouSj and common influences. 
 
 I 2 For 
 
 {^C) Joh. V. 36. [y] Heb. ix. 24, 26. [xA Rev. -.v. 9, 1?. 
 (.v) 2 Cor. ix. 15. Rom v 8. {y) Rom. iv. 25. Chap. i. 
 4. (2) Eph.iv. %. (a) Ifal, lili. iz, (b) Phil. ii. ^8, 9. ^\'\a 
 xvii, 3;. 2 Thef. i. 7, ?o. 
 
( 6o ) 
 
 For hearing witnefs to the truth of the gofpel, both 
 withfjgns and wonders^ and divers miracles^ and gifts 
 of the Holy Ghoft.{c) 
 
 For his readinefs to ^ive the Holy Spirit to them that 
 afkhim^ in fincerity, to enlighten, fancflify, quicken, 
 and comfort their hearts. (^) 
 
 4. We are to praife the name of the Moft High, 
 for that eternal life^ which God^ ivhq cannot lie^ hath 
 fromifed to his people. (^) 
 
 That crown of life^ which the Lord fiath promifed to 
 them that love him. (f) 
 
 That inheritance incorruptible y undefiled^ and that 
 fad'eth not away. [g) 
 
 5. We are to thank God, for having guarded the 
 facred Scriptures from age to age, and fupported 
 the Chriftian caufe, amidfl the violent oppositions it 
 has endured, from the enemies of truth and good- 
 nefsi — for the holy lives and triumphant deaths of 
 martyrs and others ; whereby the divine origin of 
 the Scriptures has been further confirmed ^ — for the 
 appointment of Sabbaths, and ordinances, and pro- 
 viding places of worlhip for us. 
 
 6. We are hound to give thanks unto God, if we have 
 enjoyed the advantages of a religious education. — 
 We are to thank hirn for the admonitions of con- 
 fcience — the fecrct and kind motion^ of his Spirit 
 on our minds; and above all, if we have rcafon to 
 hope, that we are regenerated, or horn from above-, 
 created in Chrifl Jefus wito good works, brought to 
 take pleafure in them:— in fuch a cafe, we fhall be 
 led to thank God for the deliverance we have alrea- 
 dy received from fpiritual evil, and the profped of 
 being faved from everlailing condemnation;— for 
 the fpiritual good we enjoy, and our pleafing expec 
 tations as to the next world. The fourth part of 
 prayer, or petition, will furnifh us with abundant 
 fuitable matter here. — I add, gratitude fhould iilj 
 ^ our 
 
 (c) Heb. ii, 4. {d) Luk. xi'. 13. {t) Tit. J. 2. [J) Jam. 
 i. 12, (^) I Pet. i. 4, 
 
( 01 ) 
 
 our hearts, and praife employ our tongues, for any 
 remarkable anfwcr to prayer. 
 
 III. Our thankfgivings may be enlarged by the 
 conlideration of the multitude of our mercies. Ma- 
 ny ^ O Lord^ our God^ are thy wonderful works which 
 thou haft doney and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: 
 they cannot he reckoned up in order unto thee,{h) 
 
 How precious are thy thoughts of kindnefs and mer- 
 cy unto me^ O God I how great is the fum of them ! If 
 1 Jhould count theniy they are more in number than the 
 ' fand,{t) 
 
 By the coniideration of the fclf-fufficiency of God, 
 the author of our bleflings. He ftands in no need 
 of us. Our gocdnefs extendeth not unto thee.(k) • 
 
 By the confideration of our great unworthinefs* 
 pehold, we are not worthy of the leaft of thy mercies, {I) 
 
 SECTION VIII. 
 
 DOXOLOGY, or BLESSING. 
 
 " 'TPHIS principally confifts in afcribing glory to 
 X God, as his eternal due, and wiihing his ho- 
 nors may remain amongfl: his creatures for ever." 
 
 Is ow to God only wife^ be glory through Jcfus Chrift 
 forever, Amen.(m) 
 
 To God he glory in the church by Chrift Jefus^ through- 
 out all ages ^ world without end, Amen.(n) 
 
 Or, having made mention of the name of thrift ^ 
 towards the conclufion of prayer, we may add any 
 of the following doxologies. 
 
 Now bleffedhe the Lord God of Ifrael^ -from everlaft. 
 ing andto everlaftitig. Amen^ and Amen, [o) 
 
 Bleffed be the Lord God^ the God of lfrael^---let the 
 whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen^ and Amen, 
 (P) 
 
 New 
 
 (h) Pfal xl. 5. [i] Pfal. cxxxix. l-j, iS. {k) Pfal. xvi 2. 
 (/) Gcn» xxxii. 10. [m) Rom. xvi. 27. (v) Eph. iii, 21. 
 Q) Pfal. xli. 13. {p) Pfal. Ixxil. 18, 19. 
 
( 62 ) 
 
 Now unto the King eternal^ mmortal^ inviftbk^ the 
 mily wife God^ be honor and glory ^ for ever and ever, 
 Amen.{r) 
 
 Now unto him who is able to keep us from fallings 
 and to prefent us faultlefs before the pre fence of his glory 
 with exceeding joy ^ to the only wife God our Saviour^ ht 
 glory and majefty^ dominion and power ^ both now and 
 ever, jimen,{s) 
 
 Bkffing^ and glory^ aitd wifdora^ and tha-nkf giving, 
 and honor ^ and power ^ and might be unto God^ for ever 
 and ever. Amen, if) 
 
 Salvation to our God who fitteth upon the throne, and 
 to the Lamb,{u) 
 
 Unto him that loved us, and wafned us from cur fins 
 in his own blood, and hath made us kings and pri efts un- 
 to God and his Father ; to him- he glcry and do'minion for 
 ever and ever. Amen.{v) — The Hebrew word ^f;?^;?, 
 fignifies t7'uth, or fur ely. By the ufe of this term at 
 the end of our prayers, we declare, that we believe 
 what we have faid ; that we heartily wifh God may 
 regard our requeils, &c. hereby alfo we exprefs our 
 hope of acceptance with him. 
 
 THE FOLLOWING PSALMS MAY BE CONSIDERED AS 
 A KIND OF SUPPLEMENT TO THE PRECEDING 
 SECTIONS :— LET US GIVE THEM A FREQUENT 
 AND ATTENTIVE PERUSAL, THAT SO OUR MINDS 
 MAY BE FURTHER ENRICHED WITH SUITABLE 
 MATTER FOR ADDRESSES TO GOD. 
 
 Pfalms of prayer, thankfgiving and praife, XVL 
 XXXIII. XLVU. LVII. LXVI. LXVII. CIIL 
 CTV. CVII. CXV. CXIX, Aleph, Daleth, He, 
 Pe, Tau. Pfalms CXXXVL CXLV. CXLVI. 
 CXLVII. CXLVIII. 
 
 Penitennal Pfalms, VI. XXXII. XXXVIII. LI. 
 CXXX. CXLIII. 
 
 Morning 
 
 (r) I Tim. i. 17. (i) Jud, vcr. 24, 25. (J) Rev. vii» i7c 
 {u) Ver. 10. iv) Rev. i, 5, 6. 
 
( ^3 ) 
 Morning Pfalms, III. V. XIX. 
 
 Evening Pfalms, IV. VIII. CXXXIX. 
 
 Morning or Evening Pfalms, XCI. CXXI. 
 CXLI. 
 
 Pfalms for the Lord's day, XLV. XLVIII, 
 LXIII. LXV. LXXXIV. XCII. XCV. XCVL 
 C. CXXII. CXXXII. for the devout Chrilllan, 
 who is detained from public worfhip by the hand of 
 Providence, XLII. XLIII. 
 
 Pfalms adapted to a {cafon of outward afflic- 
 tion or inward diftrefs, XXV. LXIX. LXXXVL 
 LXXXVIII. CXIX, Jod, Nun. CXLII. adapted 
 to national troubles, LXXVII. LXXX. CXXIII. 
 
 Pfalms on recovery from ficknefs, and deliverance 
 from other calamities, XVIII, XXX. XXXIV. 
 XL. CXVI. CXVIIL Public deliverance, LXXVL 
 CXXIV. CXXVI. 
 
 Funeral Pf^dms, XXIII. XXXIX. XC. CII. 
 
 In fonie of thefe pfalms we meet v/ith pafTagcs that. 
 ?.re neither fuitable to our circumftances or the aimia- 
 bie fpirit of the Gofpel ; fuch exceptionable parts 
 the reader will difcern, and not vSc them in his acri: 
 of devotion. — Thus, for inllance, as Dr. Watts- 
 obferves, while we are kindling into divine love by 
 the meditations of the loving kindnefs of God, and 
 the multitude of his tender mercies, within a few 
 verfes, fome dreadful curfes againft men prefent 
 themfelves-, that God would pc:ir out his indigna- 
 tion upon them^ and let his ivrathful anger take hold of 
 them^—bht them out of the hook of the li-ving^ PfaL 
 Ixix. 24 — 28. vw'hich is fo contrary to the new com- 
 mandment of loving our eneraie>, and even under 
 
 the 
 
i ^4 3 
 
 the Old Teftament is beft accounted for, by confi- 
 dering thefe expreffions as prophecies of the deftruc- 
 tion of the perfons to whom they refer, and not as- 
 David's prayers againft his enemies. 
 
 DIRECTIONS 
 
[ 65 ] 
 
 DIRECTIONS RELATING TO MATTER, 
 METHOD, EXPRESSION, VOICE, AND 
 GESTURE.* 
 
 THE MATTER OF PRATER, 
 
 WE fliduld endeavour to furnlili our minds with 
 a variety of matter, that we may not be 
 forced to make too long paufes, and to prevent vain 
 
 repetitions in prayer. A rich fupply of divine 
 
 thoughts will affift the exercife of our own, and the 
 graces of our fellow worfhippers. 
 
 In order to furnifh ourfelves with proper matter, 
 
 I. Let us labour after an extenfive knowledge of 
 God in his nature and perfedions, and the various 
 glorious and gracious manifeftations of them in his 
 works and word. We ought likewife to take fre- 
 quent views of our fins, forrows, wants, mercies, 
 and hopes : the former will fupply us with fuitable 
 thoughts for invocation, adoration and praife ; and 
 will fuggeft to us many arguments in pleading with 
 God for his favourable regards : the latter will help 
 us in confeilion, petition and thankfgiving. 
 
 II. I would humbly and earneftly requeft you, to 
 get a good acquaintance with the colledlions of fcrip- 
 ture given in this book. — If you have time and abi- 
 lity, fet down all the parts of prayer, viz. Invoca- 
 tion, Adoration, &c. as common-places, and un- 
 der thefe heads you may write the moll fuitable and 
 affecfling pafTages you meet with in reading the Bi- 
 ble*, or other authors, or fuch as you hear deliver- 
 ed in prayer or in fermons. It is very im- 
 proving, when you return from a nlace of worfliip, 
 
 K ' to 
 
 * The author here prefents the reader with what appears to 
 be moft material in Dr, JVatts's traft on the Gift of Prayer. 
 
t 66 ] 
 
 to join with Tome fellow chriftian in ^ecolleding the 
 particulars of the fermon you "have both heard -, then 
 retire, and (fo far as the fermon is fuited to your own 
 fpiritual ftate) make it the fubftance of your addrefs 
 to God. This may be done feveral times in the fame 
 week ; hereby the fermon will of courfe be deeply 
 imprefled on your memory, and your ftock of mat- 
 ter for the duty of prayer be increafed. 
 
 III. When you are about to engage in prayer, let 
 it be your common pradlice to read lome part of the 
 word of God, or the works of fome ferious writer, 
 and fpend a little time in meditating upon religious 
 fubjeds ; this will not only fupply you with matter, 
 but alfo compofe your thoughts to a becoming fo- 
 lemnity. 
 
 IV. If, after all, you hardly know how to frame 
 a prayer before God of yourfelves, you may take a 
 book in your hand that contains patterns of pray- 
 er ; and, above all the Pfalms of David, or fome 
 chapters in the New Teftament : thus you may lift 
 up your hearts to God in fecret, m Jhort requefis, a~ 
 derations^ and thankfgivings^ according as the verfes 
 or paragraphs you read are fuited to your own cir- 
 
 cumftances. 
 
 * Suffer me to lay down two cautions about the ufe of fcrip- 
 ture-language. — One is, That we fhould not affeft too much to 
 ufe words of fcripture in our prayers allufively, nor in a fenfe 
 very different from the true meaning of them. Not that I 
 would utterly condemn all fuch allufive expreffions ; as for in- 
 ffance, that which is ufed when we defire mercies for our fouls 
 and bodies, " To afk the bleffings of the upper and nether 
 fprings," Jofhua xv. 19. There may be fome fuch phrafcs 
 ufed pertinently enough ; yet, if we ufe fcriptural expreffions 
 in an allufive fenfc very foreign to the original purpofe of them, 
 we fhall be in danger of leading ourfelves into many miftakes 
 in the interpretation of fcripture. 
 
 Another caution, in ufing fcriptural language, is this, that 
 we abftain from all thofe expreffions which are of a very 
 doubtful fenfe, and hard to be underftood ; if we indulge the 
 ufe of fuch dark fentences in prayer, we might as well pray in 
 an ur.known tongue. 
 
[ ^7 ] 
 
 cumftances. This has obtained the name of mixed 
 prayer, and many chriftians have experienced great 
 advantage from it in their fecret retirement. — Blfhop 
 WiLKiNS fays concerning fecret prayer, " That it is 
 not always neceflary here, that a perfon fhould keep 
 on in a continued franie of fpeech -, but may fome- 
 times make a confiderable paufe, wherein by medi- 
 tation he may recover new matter for carrying on 
 this duty. 
 
 Let it be remarked, that when the chriftian finds 
 his mind fo very barren, and unafFeded with the 
 things of religion, that he can fcarce fay any thing 
 to God in prayer, and he is fenlible that his dull 
 frame is owing to his own negligence, or to fome late 
 guilt brought upon the confcience, at the fame time 
 that he earneftly pleads with God for his Spirit, he 
 fhould abafe himfelf before his offended Sovereign 
 for this fin in particular, and implore forgivenefs. 
 
 Permit me now to lay down a few diredions re- 
 fpe6ling the right management of the matter of our 
 prayers. 
 
 I. There is no neceiTity of our infilling upon all 
 the parts of prayed- iii every addrefs to God ; though 
 in our ftated prayers there are but few of thein that 
 can well be left out. However, let us be fure to in- 
 fifl chiefly upon thofe things that are warmeft in our 
 own hearts, when they are fuch as the company that 
 joins with us may properly be concerned In too. 
 
 II. We fhould fuit the matter of our prayer to the 
 circumflances of time, place, and perfons, v/ith, or 
 for whom we pray. — 'The time. If it be In the morn- 
 ing, then we give thanks to God for preferving us 
 through the hours of darknefs, &c. In the evening 
 we return thanks to God for the mercies of the day, 
 &c. or v/hen we pray on a Lord's day, or in a time 
 of war or peace, the exprellions of our prayer fliould 
 be fomewhat fuited to the particular occa(ion. — -T/^^ 
 place and -perfons. If in our fecret retirements, here 
 we ought to confefs our more particular fins, v/hich 
 
 the 
 
[ 68 ] 
 
 the world knows not, and to pour out our hearts to 
 God with great freedom and plalnnefs. When we 
 pray in a family, the matter muft be fuited to the 
 ftate of the houfhold, whether thofe with whom we 
 live are fick, or lately recovered from illnefs, &c. 
 In public worfhip, where true chriftians and many 
 of a different charader are prefent, the perfon who 
 fpeaks in prayer fhould confider the circumftances of 
 the whole congregation, and plead for fuitable mer- 
 cies ; but I think he ihould not be afhamed to ex- 
 prefs his faith and hope in his addrefs to God, where 
 there are fome^ to join with him, though there may 
 be a number of hearers who cannot heartily join in 
 thefe expreifions ; for '|:Is not neceifTary that every 
 worshipper fhould lift up his mind to God according 
 to every fentence fpoken in focial prayer, but only 
 in fuch as are fuited to his own condition, and as he 
 can lincerely fpeak to Gqd himfelf. 
 
 III. Affed not to pray long, for the fake of length, 
 iince this will be attended with many inconveniences. 
 As for inftance, a perfon is betrayed by an affeda- 
 tion of long prayers into rafh and unfeemly expref- 
 iions : let fuch confider the advice of Solomon. Ec- 
 clef V. 2. — We are tempted hereby to tautologies, 
 to fay the fame thing over and over again, which our 
 Saviour highly blamxcs. Mat. vi. 7. — Again, we 
 ftiall be in danger, through an afFedation of length, 
 of tiring thofe who join with us.-— We are likely al- 
 fo, by this means, to exceed the fcafon allotted us 
 for prayer, and to make one duty thru ft out ano- 
 ther. We are told that when Jacob wreftled with 
 the angel, he wa? required to let him go, for it was 
 break of day. Gen. xxxii. 26. — I might add, that 
 by this affedtation of length, without an equal degree 
 of the fpirit of prayer, fome imprudent chriftians 
 have given occafion to the irreligious to fpeak re 
 proachfully of all conceived prayer. 
 
 While I am perfuading young chriftians againft 
 that affedation of length in prayer v/hich arifes from 
 
 a defire 
 
[ 69 ] 
 
 a defire of iKewIng their abilities, or from a fuper- 
 flitious hope of pleafing God better by faying many 
 words, I would not have my readers imagine that 
 the fhorteft prayers are always the beft. Our finful 
 natures are too ready to put off God with a few mi- 
 nutes of worlhip, from wearinefs of holy things; 
 hereby we omit a great part of the neceflary work of 
 prayer. Prayer in public aflemblies fhould not be 
 fo fhort as though the only defign of it were a mere 
 preface before the fermon, or a benedidion after it. 
 In a word, prudence will teach us to determine the 
 length of our prayers agreeable to the occafion and 
 prefent circumftances, and according to the meafurc 
 of our own ability for this work. 
 
 Of the METHOD of PRATER, 
 
 METHOD is necefTary in prayer, in order to fe- 
 cure us from confufion, and that our thoughts 
 may not be mingled together in a diforderly man- 
 ner. This alfo will be of ufe to prevent repetitions 
 of the fame thing, and is proper to ftir up and main- 
 tain our own devotion and their's who join with us. 
 
 Would recommend to you thefe three rules : 
 
 I. Let the general and particular heads of prayer 
 be well diftinguifhed, and ufually let generals be 
 mentioned firft, and particulars follow. For exam- 
 ple, in adoration we acknowledge, that God is all 
 glorious in his nature, clothed with honor and ma- 
 jefty, &:c. and we mention this with the deepeft re- 
 verence and abafement ; and then we defcend to 
 praife him for his particular attributes of power, 
 wifdom, goodnefs, &c. and exercife our particular 
 graces accordingly. Sometimes indeed there is a 
 beauty in fumming up all the particulars at laft in one 
 general •, as when we have confefled feveral lins, we 
 fall down before God, acknowledging that we are 
 covered with guilt and defilement. 
 
 II. Let 
 
[ 70 ] 
 
 II. Let things of the fame kind, for the moft 
 part, be put together in prayer. Yet I would give 
 this limitation, that fometimes the fame matter may 
 come in naturally, under two or three parts of pray- 
 er. As the mention of fome of the attributes of God 
 under the head of adoration^ where we praife him for 
 his own perfedions, might again be introduced un- 
 der the head o^ pleading for 7nercy^ when we ufe his 
 power, wifdom, or goodnefs, as an argument to en- 
 force our petitions ; and under the head of thankf- 
 giving^ when we blefs God for the benefits that pro- 
 ceed from thefe perfedlions. So towards the conclu- 
 fton of prayer, it is not amifs to ufe a fentence or 
 t^o confifting of much the fame matter as may have 
 been before mentioned, viz. to afk forgivenefs of all 
 the imperfe(51:ions of our holy things, or the like. 
 But then all this fliould be done with fome variety of 
 exprefTion. 
 
 III. Let thofe things which are the proper ob- 
 jedls of our judgment be firft mentioned, and then 
 thofe that move our afFedions. Though it is a very 
 wrong cuftom which fome perfons have indulged in 
 prayer, to run great lengths in a dodrinal way, yet 
 there is occafion frequently under the feveral parts of 
 prayer to mention divine truths, and thus lay a pro- 
 per foundation on which to raife pathetical expref- 
 Sons. For inftance, *' My fins are great, and mine 
 iniquities have many aggravations \ O that I could 
 pour out my heart before thee in forrow." 
 
 Having laid down thefc general rules, the beft 
 particular method is, that divifion of the parts of 
 prayer which we have already fet before you, i. e. 
 to begin your prayers with invocation^ or calling upon 
 God^ then proceed to adore God, becaufe of his glo- 
 rious nature and perfedions ; next we are naturally 
 led to the work of confejfion -, here we humbly ac- 
 knowledge what contemptible creatures we are in the 
 prefence of a God of fuch majefty-, how many and 
 
 great 
 
i: T- J 
 
 gi-eat our fins have been, and what are our fevcral 
 wants : then -petitions for fuitable bleiTings for our 
 fouls and bodies, and pleading with God naturally 
 follow. — Next, we reftgn ourfelves into the hands of 
 God, and exprefs our/^i^-i^J/V^//(?« to him. After- 
 wards we recoiled the mercies we have received, both 
 fpiritual and temporal, and pay our fincere thankfgiv- 
 ings to God. At the clofe, as God is glorious in 
 himfelf, and in his works, we I?lefs* him, and afcribe 
 everlafting glory to him, — Young perfons would do 
 well to comm it to memorall thefe heads in order. 
 
 Though the above method be quite natural, yet 
 it is granted that perfons who have a good degree 
 of the gift of prayer, even when they engage in pub- 
 lic (and chriftians of inferior abilities in their fecret 
 retirements) are under no necefTity of confining them- 
 lelves to this or any other method; but in the very 
 beginning of a prayer (if it be moft fuitable to the 
 prefent frame of their minds, &c.) they may infift 
 upon what ufually comes in near the end, as thcinkf^ 
 giving^ or felf-rejignation. 
 
 Of EXPRESSION in PRATER. 
 
 THO* prayer be the proper work of the heart, 
 yet, in the prefent ftate, in fecret as well as fo- 
 cial prayer, the language of the lips is ufeful in more 
 refpeds than one. Words ferve to awaken the holy 
 
 paflions 
 
 * The ciifference between thefe tliree parts of prayer, ado- 
 ration, thankfgiving, and the doxology or bleiling, is this; — . 
 
 Adoration, confifts chiefly in offering praife to God, becaufc 
 of the glorious perfeftions of his nature, or the greatnefs of his 
 works. 
 
 Thank/giving is the praife which is offered to God for fome 
 peculiar inflances of goodnefs or mercy to men, and particu- 
 larly to ouifelves or our friends. 
 
 Doxology or Blejfing, in its complete fenfe, implies not only an 
 afcription of praife and glory, but alfo an acknowledgment of 
 the duenefs of it, and a defire of the eternal continuance of his 
 honors amOHg his creatures. 
 
[ ^^ ] 
 
 pafliohs of the foul, as well as to exprefs them.— 
 They fix and engage all our powers in worfhip, and 
 regulate as well as increafe our devotion. — — Hofea 
 xiv. 2. 
 
 I ihall lay down fome dire6tions how to attain a 
 large treafure of expreffions in prayer, and then give 
 rules about the choice of them. 
 
 !• Befides that general acquaintance with God and 
 yourfelves, which was prefcribed elfewhere, labour 
 after a particular and lively fenfe of the greatnefs and 
 grace of God, and of your own wants, fins, and 
 mercies, when you are about to pray. This will fur- 
 niih you with abundance of proper expreffions. The 
 pafTions of the mind, when they are moved, do 
 greatly affift the tongue ; yea, they almofl conflrain 
 the dumb to fpeak. There is a remarkable inflance 
 of this in ancient hiflory, when Atys, the fon of 
 Croefus, who was dumb from his childhood, faw his 
 father ready to be ilain, the violence of his pafTion 
 broke the bonds wherewith his tongue was tied, and 
 he cried out to fave him, 
 
 II. Pray earneftly for the gift of utterance. — The 
 wife man tells us, Prov. xvi. i. Th3.t the prejtaration 
 of the heart in man^ and the anfwer of the tongue is from 
 the Lord, 
 
 The rules about the choice and ufe of proper ex- 
 preffions in prayer are the following. 
 
 I. Chufe thofe expreffions that befl fuit your mean- 
 ing : for the defign of prayer is to tell God the in- 
 ward thoughts of the heart ^ if you fpeak therefore 
 what is not in the heart, it is but a folemn mockery. 
 
 II. Avoid fuch a way of fpeaking as may be unna- 
 tural and difficult to be underflood, and difagreeable 
 to thofe who join with you. The apoftle fays to the 
 
 Co> 
 
( n ) 
 
 CoHnthians concerning their public wcrfhip, i Cor. 
 xiv. 9. Except you utter by the tongue words eafy to be 
 underftood^ how fliall it be known what is fpoken ? 
 
 Avoid thofe exprefTions which are too philofophi- 
 cal, and which lavor much of myftical divinity. 
 As, for inftance, it is not proper to fay to God in 
 public prayer, " Thou art hypoftatically three, and 
 " effentially one." — " Thou art an abyfs of light, a 
 " circle whofe centre is every where, and its circum- 
 " ference no where." 
 
 Avoid a long train of dark metaphors, and ex- 
 preffions that are ufed by violent party-men. — 1 
 mean the ftraining of a fimilitude fo far as to injure 
 the dodlrines of religion by a falfe fenfe, or very un- 
 becoming expreffions. Such was the language of a 
 weak writer, who bids us, " Give our hearts to the 
 " Lord, cut them with the knife of contrition, take 
 " out the blood of our fins by confefTion, &c." — 
 By expreiTions that favor of party-zeal, I mean 
 fuch as would be ofFenfive to chriftians of dif- 
 ferent judgments, who join with us in prayer. We 
 fhould not (for example) in our prayers too much 
 infift upon the corruption of dodrine and worihip in 
 any church, when fome of that communion are prc- 
 fent ; nor of the infant's intereft in the covenant of 
 grace, when baptifts are worfhipping with us. Our 
 prayers fhould not favor of anger and uncharitable- 
 nefs, for we are bid to //// up holy hands without wrath ^ 
 1 Tim. ii. 8. 
 
 Avoid length and obfcurity in your fentences, and 
 in the placing of your words ; and do not interline 
 your expreffions with too many parenthefes, which 
 entangle the fenfe. 
 
 III. Let your language be plain, but not mean* 
 Guard on the one hand againft lofty and glittering 
 language. Such as the following, " The beatific 
 " fplendors of thy face irradiate the celeflial region." 
 
 L — -" rhere 
 
C 74 3 
 
 — " there arc the moft exuberant profufions of thy 
 " grace, &c." 
 
 Beware, on the other, of coarfe and too familiar 
 expreffions, fuch as excite any contemptible ideas, 
 or fuch as raife irreverent thoughts, or impure images 
 in the mind. The phrafes of *' rolling upon Chrift," 
 ••' of taking a leafe of Chrift for all eternity," and 
 the like, are very unfeemly. — I would here defire 
 private chriftians to confider, that fome expreflions 
 which might appear decent an hundred years ago, 
 would now be highly improper: for words, as well 
 as things, grow old and uncomely.— It is therefore 
 no fufficient apology for the prefent ufe of fuch ex- 
 prefBons, if men eminent for their learning and piety 
 have ufed them heretofore.— The beft dircdion I can 
 give you, with refped to language, is this : Make 
 ufe of fuch language as you generally do in your fe- 
 rious difcourfes upon religious fubjeds.— The lan- 
 guage of a chriilian in prayer, is the cloathing of his 
 thoughts, or the drefs of the foul ; and it fhould be 
 compofed, like the drefs of his body, (when in a 
 place of public worfhip) decent and neat, but not 
 pompous or gaudy. 
 
 IV. Seek after thofe ways of expreflion that are 
 pathetical, fuch as have a peculiar tendency to a- 
 waken and exercife our love, hope, holy joy, &c. 
 We fhould avoid (as already hinted) fuch a fort of 
 ftile in prayer as looks like preaching. Perfons who 
 fall into this error, want to be reminded, that pray- 
 er is not an addrefs to men, but an addrefs to God, 
 which is to be performed with warmth aind proper af- 
 fedions. There are fcveral modes of expreflion that 
 promote this end. — As, 
 
 ^ Exclamations, which ferve to fet forth an affec- 
 tionate wond-er. Pfal. xxxi. 19. O hoiv great is thy 
 goodnefs^ which thou haft laid up for themJ hat fear thee! 
 
 PfaL 
 
( 75 ; 
 
 Pfal. cxxxix. 17. How precious are thy PltoughU to me^ 
 O God^ hoiv great is the Jura of them ! 
 
 Interrogations, when the plain lenfe of any thing 
 we declare unto God is turned into a queirion, to 
 make it more emphatical and affeding. Pfal cxxxix. 
 7. Whither JJiall I go from thy fpirit ? Whither Jliall I 
 flee from thy prefence ? Rom. vii, 24. Who fJiall deli- 
 ver me from the body of this death ? There is a parti* 
 cular fort of interrogation, fit to exprefs not only 
 deep dejections of the mind, but to enforce any ar- 
 gument in pleading with God, either for mercy for 
 his people, or the den:ru(5lion of his enemies : this 
 is called expoftulation, Ifaiah Ixiii, 17. O Lord^ ivhy 
 hafi thou made us^ [or, as it may be rendered, fuffered 
 as] to err from thy ways? Ifaiah li. 9, 10. Awake^ 
 awake^ put on firength^ O arm of the Lord^ i^c. Pfal. 
 Ixxvii. 7. Will the Lord cafl off for ever ? and will he 
 be favourable no more? 
 
 Appeals to God, concerning our wants or for- 
 rows, our fincere and deep fenfe of the things we 
 fpeak to him. Lord^ thou knowefi all things^ thou, 
 knoweft that I love thee, John xxi. 17. My fins are 
 not hid from thee, Pfal. Ixix. 5. My witnefs is in hea- 
 ven^ and my record is on high. Job xvi. 19. 
 
 Options or Wishes, fit to fet forth ferious and 
 earneft defires. O that my ways were dire^ed to keep 
 thy ftatutes I Pfal. cxix. 5. 
 
 Apostrophes, that is, when in the midft of our 
 addreffes to God, we turn off the fpeech abruptly to 
 our own fouls, being led by the vehemence of fome 
 fudden devout thought. So David, Pfal. xvi. 1,2. 
 Preferve me, God, for in thee do I put my truft, O 
 my foul, thou hafl faid untp tl\e Lord, thou art my Lord. 
 In meditationsj pfalms., bymns, &c. our apodrophes 
 
 mav 
 
( 76 ) 
 
 may be longer ; but In prayer they fbould be very 
 fhort. ' ' ' 
 
 Ingeiviinations, or redoubling our expreflions, 
 which argue an inflamed affedlion. Pfal. cxxx. 6. 
 My foul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch 
 for the morning : I fay^ more than they that watch 
 for the morning, Dan. ix. 19. O Lord hear^ O Lord 
 forgive^ O Lord hearken and do^ defer not^ for thine 
 own fake ^ O my God. — But here let us take care to di- 
 ftinguifh between thofe repetitions that arife from 
 real fervency of fpirit, and that arife from want of 
 matter. It is far better, at leaft in public prayer, 
 to fhorten the duty, than to fill up our time with 
 conftant repetitions ; fuch as, " O Lord our God ;'* 
 ^' if it be thy bieffed will ;" *' we intreat thee;" " we 
 befeech.thee-," " O Lord, have mercy upon us:" — 
 Now, though fome of thefe expreflions may proper- 
 ly enough be repeated feveral times in a prayer, yet 
 introducing them into almoft every fentence does not 
 help our own devotion, nor their's who join with us, 
 but Is difcompoflng. 
 
 Shall finilh what relates to exprefTion in prayer 
 with obferving, that as we ihould not confine our- 
 felves to one fet form of words, to exprefs any par- 
 ticular requefl, fo we ought not to avoid an expref- 
 fion, merely becaufe we have ufed it in prayer here- 
 tofore. To exprefs one thing always In the fame 
 words, would render that part of our prayers dull 
 and unafFeding : and, on the contrary, if we give 
 way to a perpetual afledation of new words, we fliall 
 perhaps be often driven to great impropriety of 
 ipeech. 
 
 Of the VOICE in PRATER, 
 
 THO' the beauty of our exprefTions, and the 
 tuneablenefs of the voice, can never render our 
 worfhip more acceptable to God, the infinite Spirit; 
 
 yet 
 
L 11 j 
 
 yet our natures being compofed of fleih and fpirit, 
 may be affifted in worlbip by the harmony of the 
 voice of him who fpeak:.. Should the matter, me- 
 thod, and expreflion be never fo well chofen in pray- 
 er, it is poffible for the voice to injure the devo- 
 tion of our fellow worfhippers. 
 
 The grand and general rule I would lay^ down for 
 managing the voice in prayer is this ; het us ufe the 
 fame voice with which we fpeak in ferious converfation^ 
 efpecially upon affeBing [iihje^ts. For a perfon to ufe 
 a new and different voice in his prayers, or to exprefs 
 a pleafarable fentence in an airy manner, and with a 
 broad fmile, will be offeniive to thofe who hear him. 
 
 To this general rule permit me to add fome par- 
 ticular directions. 
 
 I. Let your words be all pronounced diftindr, and 
 not made fhorter by cutting off the laft fyllable, nor 
 longer, by the addition of " hems and ha's, of long 
 breaths, affeded groanings, and ufelefs founds of 
 coughing 'or fpitting, &c.'* It is far better to make 
 a confiderable paufc, and keep a decent filence, than 
 to fall into fuch indecencies of found, whereby re- 
 ligion is difgraced. 
 
 Obferve a due medium between exceflive fwiftnefs 
 and flownefs of fpeech. — A due diftance between 
 your words, and proper Hops between your fen- 
 tences, will give the hearer tim^e to confider what 
 you fpeak, and more heartily to join with you, as 
 ivell as make the work more pleafant to yourfelves. 
 On the other hand, if you are too flow, the hearers 
 having done with the fentence you fpoke laft, will 
 wait in pain for the next. 
 
 II. Let every fentence be fpoken loud enough to 
 be heard, yet none fo loud as to affright or offend 
 the ear.-— In the beginning of prayer a lower voice 
 is more becoming, as it befpeaks humility and re- 
 verence, when we enter into the prefencc of God. 
 
 It 
 
( 78 ) 
 
 It is alfo a great convenience to the ergans of fpeech 
 not to arife too high at firfl; for it is much harder 
 to fink again afterwards than to rife to higher accents, 
 if need require. 
 
 With regard to the foregoing dircdions, let the 
 fenfe of each fentence be a rule to guide your voice, 
 whether it muft be high or low, fomewhat quick, or 
 leifurely. In invocation^ adoration^ confeffion^ and 
 felf-refignation^ the voice, for the moft part fhould 
 be flower, and not quite fo loud. But in "petitions^ 
 pleadings^ thankfgivings^ and rejoicing in God, ferven- 
 cy and holy joy will raife the voice fome degrees 
 higher, and give it a fwifter motion. 
 
 III. Let proper accents be ufed in fpeaking, and 
 guard againft the following things :— Avoid a con- 
 ftant uniformity of voice, that is, when every word 
 and fentence are pronounced without any difference 
 of found: like a boy at fchool, who repeats his lef- 
 fon in one dull note.— Take heed of beginning every 
 fentence in prayer with an high voice, and ending it 
 in a low -, or of beginning each line with a deep bafe, 
 and ending it with a ihrill found. — Beware of laying 
 a great flrefs in pronunciation upon little words and 
 particles, which bear but fmall force in the fentence. 
 Some perfons are fo unhappy, that thofe little words 
 —they, and that, and of, and by, ihall have the great- 
 efl force of the voice bellowed upon them, whilfl the 
 expreffions of chief fignification are fpoken with a 
 cold and low voice.— One inftance more of falfe pro- 
 nunciation is, when we fall into a mufical tone, as 
 though we were finging inftead of praying.-— Thefe 
 feveral faults fhould be guarded againfl by all, who 
 would promote the edification and pleafure of fuch 
 as worfhip with them. 
 
 Of 
 
( 79 ) 
 
 Of GESTURE in PRATER, ' 
 
 IN fpeaking of geftures fit for worihip, we fhall 
 briefly confider, firft, the pofture of the whole 
 body V and fecondly, of the particular parts of it. 
 
 I. Thofe poftures of body, which the light of na- 
 ture and rule of fcripture, feem to didate as moft 
 proper for prayer, are ftanding, kneeling, or proftra.- 
 tion. 
 
 Prostration, is fometimcs ufed in fecret prayer, 
 when a perfon is under a deep fenfe of fin, &c.— 
 This we find in fcripture made ufe of upon many oc 
 cafions. Gen. xvii. 3. Jof. v. 14. Rev. xix. lo. 
 
 Kneeling, this pofture hath been pradifed in all 
 ages, and amongft all nations, and various inftances 
 of it are to be met with in the facred writings, 2 
 Chron. vi. 13. Ezraix. 5. Dan. vi. 10. Luke xxii. 
 41. 
 
 Standing, is alfo a poflurc proper for this worr 
 Ihip. Our Saviour fays to his difciples, whenye ftand 
 prayings Mark xi, 25. The publican flood and pray- 
 ed, Luke xviii. 13. Standing feems to have been 
 the geflure of worfhip amongft the Jews*, in a large 
 affembly, 2 Chron. xx. 4, 5, 13. and a learned au- 
 thor-t- has fhewn it to be the ufual pradice of the 
 firfl ages of the chriftian church. 
 
 However, it feems proper to conform to the cuf- 
 tom of thofe with whom we worfhip, whether fland- 
 ing or kneeling, as each of thefe geilures exprefs hu- 
 inility, and neither of them are made abfolutely ne- 
 ceffary by the word of God, 
 
 * Vid. Dr. Lightfoot's Hor. Heb. on Mat. vi 5. 
 + See An Enquiry into the Worfhip of t}ie Primitive Church, 
 chap, ii, § I, 
 
 But 
 
[ 80 ] 
 
 But I cannot think that fitting, or other poftures 
 of reft, ought to be indulged in our ftated and folemn 
 feafons of prayer, unlefs perfons are in any refpedt 
 infirm or aged, or the prayer be drawn out to fuch a 
 length as to make it painful and difcompofing to the 
 mind to keep in one pofture.— Pious ejaculations, or 
 fhort addreffes to Heaven (to which fome devout 
 chriftians, like David*, may often find themfelves 
 difpofed), with refped to thefe, there can be no pof^ 
 ture of the body improper. 
 
 II. The pofture of the feveral parts of the body, 
 that are moft agreeable to worftiip, may be thus e- 
 numerated. 
 
 As for the head, let it be kept generally without 
 motion. To ftiake the head in prayer has a very 
 difagreeable appearance.-— In cafes of great humili- 
 ation, the hanging' down of the head is indeed no 
 improper method to exprefs that temper of mind. 
 Nehem. viii. 6. But in our expreflions of hope and 
 joy, it is natural to lift up the head. Luke xxi. 28. 
 1 might alfo mention the apoftle's advice, that he 
 who prays ought to have his head uncovered, i Cor. 
 xi. 4. 
 
 In divine worftiip the whole countenance fiiould 
 be compofed to gravity and folemnity, to exprefs a 
 reverence of the majefty of God, and the high im- 
 portance of the work wherein we are engaged.-— Tho' 
 whilft we are confcftlng fin, melancholy may be fuf- 
 ■fered to appear in our faces; and, on the other 
 hand, marks of facred joy, when we give thanks to 
 God for his mercies ; yet ftill the charaders of the 
 countenance fiiould fall below the inward aft^ecftions 
 of the mind.— We fliouid have a care of all difagree- 
 able diftortions of the face, as it were to fqueeze out 
 our words, or our tears, Mati vi. 16. at the fame 
 time we fiiould avoid carelefs and drowfy geftures, 
 
 which 
 
 ♦ Pfal. cxixr 55, 
 
[ 81 ] 
 
 which difcover the floth of the mind, Jer. xlvlli. lo. 
 
 To lift up the eyes to Heaven is very natural in 
 prayer, Pfal. cxxi. i. and cxxiii. i. —Guard againft 
 a roving eye in this duty, which not only looks ir- 
 reverent, but may perhaps break the chain of our 
 thoughts ; or lead away our hearts from God by 
 means of that or the other objed. Upon thefe ac- 
 counts fome perfons have found it moft agreeable to 
 keep their eyes clofed in prayer. 
 
 The lifting up of the hands, fometimes folded to- 
 gether, or fometimes apart, is a very natural ex- 
 preflion of our feeking help from God j Pfal. xxviii. 
 2. and cxxxiv. 2. 
 
 As the elevation of the hands to Heaven is a very 
 proper gefture when one prays for himfelf ; fo when 
 a fuperior prays for a bleffmg to defcend upon an in- 
 ferior, it is natural to lay his hand upon the head of 
 the perfon: this we find pradlifed in ancient times. 
 It is true indeed the laying on of hands was ufed by 
 the prophets and apoftles, when they pronounced 
 authoritative divine blefTings upon men, and com- 
 municated miraculous gifts. But I efteem it not 
 fo much a peculiar right belonging to the prophe- 
 tical benedidion, as it is a natural expreflion of the 
 defire of the divine favor from one perfon to ano- 
 ther ; and therefore when a perfon is devoted to God 
 in any folemn office, whilfl: prayers are made for a 
 divine bleffing to defcend upon him, impofition of 
 hands feems a gefture of nature ; and, confidered in 
 itfelf, I cannot think it either unlawful or necefTary.* 
 
 M With 
 
 * It is the obfervation of a late writer, that miraculous gifts 
 were not always conferred, even when the apoftles laid their 
 hands on perfons: for A6ls vi. 6. they are faid to have pray- 
 ed, and laid their hands upon the feven deacons, who were 
 already full of the Holy Spirit, ver. 3. And the prophets at 
 Antioch fafted and prayed, and laid their hands on Barnabas 
 and Saul ; to whom the Lord Jefus Chrift had appeared at Je- 
 rufalem, and communicated the Holy Spirit immediately, and 
 in the greateft plenty. Compare Afts xi. 30. xii. 25. xiii. 2, 
 3. with Afts xxiii, 17, &c, and 2 Corinth, xii, 4, 5, ^. Gal, 
 ii. 6, 7, 8, 9, 
 
[ S2 ] 
 
 With regard to the other parts of the body, almoft 
 all motions fhould be avoided. If we give way to 
 various movements or noifc made by the hands, feet, 
 or any other parts, it will tempt fome to think that 
 our minds are not very intenfely engaged -, or at leaft 
 it will appear fo familiar and bold a behaviour, as 
 we would fcarce be guilty of in the prefence of our 
 fuperiors here on Earth. 
 
 I fhall conclude what relates to the gift of prayer, 
 with fome heads of advice addrefled more efpecially 
 to the young. 
 
 I. Obferve thofe minifters and private chriftians 
 who excel with regard to matter, method, expref- 
 fion, &c. and endeavour to imitate them. At the 
 fame time take notice of all the irregularities and in- 
 decencies that any perfons are guilty of in this part 
 of worfhip, not indeed with a view to make unkind 
 remarks to others, but in order to avoid them your- 
 felves. 
 
 II. Intreat the afliftance of fome judicious acquain- 
 tance, to give you notice of your own faults in 
 prayer •, and efteem thofe the moft valuable of your 
 friends ?vho will put themfelves to the trouble of 
 giving you a modeft hint of your imperfedions. For 
 want of this, fome perfons in their youth have gain- 
 ed fo ill an habit of fpeaking in public, as hath ex- 
 pofed the worfhip of God to contempt, and hindered 
 the edification of thofe who join with them. 
 
 III. Ufe all proper means to obtain courage in re- 
 ligious performances. To this end, make religious 
 converfation your pradice ; agreeable to a forego- 
 ing hint, talk over ferioufly one with another, at 
 proper feafons, the fermons you have heard, thofe 
 parts of the word of God you have lately read, the 
 books of divinity with which you have been conver- 
 fant, and your own experiences of divine things, Pf. 
 
 Ixvi. 
 
[ S3 ] 
 
 ixvi. 16. but here, I confefs, you muft proceed with 
 great care, as you are in danger of fpiritual pride* ; 
 — Exercife the gift of prayer for fome confiderable 
 time in fecret, before you begin in public; and take 
 heed that your hearts be well prepared, and let the 
 matter of your prayer be duly premeditated in the 
 firft: years of your pracSlice of this duty. 
 
 Strive to maintain upon your mind a much greater 
 awe of the majefty of that God to whom you fpeak, 
 than of the opinion of thofe fellow-creatures with 
 whom you worfhip. 
 
 Make your firft eflays in the company of a few of 
 your moft intimate, ferious and candid acquaintance; 
 or join in fociety with fome young chriftians of equal 
 ftanding, and fet apart times for prayer together, 
 which is an excellent way to obtain this gift. 
 
 Do not aim at length of prayer in your younger 
 attempts, but rather be fhort ; and if your firft ex- 
 periments are unfuccefsful, let not this difcourage 
 you: many a chriftian has in time excelled in the 
 gift of prayer, who in their early efiays have been 
 very defedive. 
 
 I add — Importunately beg of God that you may be 
 endowed with chriftian courage. By thefe means you- 
 are like to attain readinefs in this facred exercife. 
 
 * It is the genius of fome who profefs acquaintance with God 
 and Chrift:, when they feel delicious fpkitual joy«, to report 
 them to others, without any great occafion for it, and to blaze 
 them every where* — They love that otliers fhould know how 
 nobly they are treated ; and fo they lay a double fnare : one 
 for themfelvcs, by the high conceit which they may raife in 
 their fellow-creatures of their excellencies; znd a fe^'ond for 
 their neighbours, by the difcouragement they may feel for 
 want of fuch elevations. — You know that when our Lord was 
 transfigured in the holy mount, the brightnefs wherewith he 
 was clothed he commanded to be concealed as a great fecret, 
 till a fit fe;;fon to divulge it. Mat. xvii. 9. This may teach us 
 to keep to ourfelves what paffes between God and our own fouls, 
 till we apprehend that the good of oihers make it necelTary that 
 it fhould be revealed. Bilhop Patrick's Pilgrim, p. 132, 
 
 CHAPTER 
 
[ ^4 ] 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 Of the GRACE of PRJTER* 
 
 IN the foregoing chapter have iinlfhed what I pro- 
 pofed concerning the external parts of prayer; I 
 proceed now to take a fhort view of the internal and 
 fpiritual part of that duty ; and this has been ufually 
 called the grace of prayer, &c. 
 
 Here fhall endeavour to explain what it means, 
 and fhew how properly the term is ufed : afterward 
 fhall particularly mention what are thofe inward and 
 fpiritual exercifes of the mind, which are required 
 in the duty of prayer, and then give diredlions how 
 to attain them, 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 What the GRACE of PRAYER is, and how it difftrsfrom 
 the GIFT. 
 
 (^RA CE, in its moft general fenfe, implies the free 
 and undeferved favor of one perfon towards ano- 
 ther that is efteemed his inferior ; and, in the language 
 of the New Teftament, it is ufually put to fignify 
 the favor and mercy of God towards finful creatures, 
 which, upon all accounts, is acknowledged to be free 
 and undeferved. Now, becaufe our natures are a- 
 verfe to what is good, and when they are inclined to 
 
 God 
 
 * This and the following chapter arc an abridgment of Dr. 
 Watts, «' On the Grace and Spirit of Prayer.** 
 
C 85 ] 
 
 God and divine things, this is done by the power of 
 God working in us •, therefore this very change of 
 nature is called in the common language of chrilliansi 
 by the name o^ grace. 
 
 The word grace denotes good difpofitions, with a 
 peculiar regard to God as their principle, intimating 
 that they proceed from his favor. 
 
 Sometimes this word is ufed in a compreheniive 
 fenfe, to fignify the whole train of chriftian virtues, 
 or the univerfal habit of holinefs^ Joh. i. 16. Of his 
 fullnefs have all ive received grace. 2 Pet. iii. 18. 
 Grow in grace. We fay fuch a one is truly gracious, 
 that is, he is a man of religion and virtue. Some- 
 times it is ufed in its fmgular fenfc, and means any 
 one holy inclina.tion or principle in the mind. So 
 we fay the grace of faith, the grace of repentance, 
 
 the grace of hope, or love^ 2 Cor. viii. 7. 
 
 "Therefore as ye abound in faithy— knowledges'—in your 
 love to us, fee that you abound in this grace alfo^ viz. 
 liberality. Sometimes it is ufed in a fenfe a little 
 more enlarged, but not univerfal, and it implies all 
 thofe pious qualifications that belong to any one ac- 
 tion or duty : fo we read of the grace that belongs to 
 converfation, Colofl'. iv. 6. The grace of finging^ 
 Col. iii. 16. And the grace of prayer, Zech. xii. 10. 
 
 The ^r^t'^ of prayer, in the common acceptation, 
 is not any one fingle ad, or habit of the mind, but 
 it implies all thofe holy difpofitions of foul, which 
 are to be exercifed in that part of divine worfhip. 
 Hence will appear the great difference that is between 
 the gift and grace of prayer. 
 
 The gift chiefly confifts in a readinefs of thought, 
 • agreeable to the feveral parts of prayer, and an eafy 
 manner of expreffing thofe thoughts in fpeaking to 
 God. The grace confifts merely in the inward work- 
 ings of the heart and confcience toward God and reli- 
 gion. 
 
 The gift and grace are many times feparated from 
 one another ; and it hath been often found that the 
 
 gift 
 
C 86 ] 
 
 gift of prayer has been attained in a great degree by 
 iludy and pradice, and by the common operations 
 of the Spirit of God, communicated to fome perfons 
 that have appeared to be void of true grace. Thi:re 
 may be alfo the grace of prayer in lively exercife in 
 thofe who have but a very fmall degree of the gift; 
 and that hardly know how to form their thoughts 
 and defires into a regular method, or to exprefs them 
 in tolerable language. But where the gift and the 
 grace meet together, fuch a chriftian brings honor 
 to God, and has a greater capacity and profpedt of 
 edifying and comforting others. 
 
 Thofe ads of the fandified foul in all its powers, 
 which are put forth in the duty of prayer, may pro- 
 perly be called fo many graces of the Holy Spirit, 
 drawn forth into exercife. And of thefe/^w^ belong 
 to the whole work of prayer, and ot/jers are peculiar 
 to the feveral parts of the duty. 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 General GRACES of PR /ITER, 
 
 TH E graces that belong to the whole work or 
 duty of prayer, are fuch as thefe : 
 
 I. Faith, or the belief of the being of God, his 
 perfed knowledge, and his gracious notice of all 
 that we fpeak in prayer. This rule the apoftle gives, 
 Heb. xi. 6. He that cometh to God muft believe 
 that he is, and that he is a rewarder of all that dili- 
 gently feek him. We fhould endeavour to imprefs 
 our minds with a lively belief of God's exiftence, by 
 attentively viewing the works of nature, as we have 
 opportunity. 
 
 It has been juftly obferved, that if we take but e- 
 ven a flight furvey of this lower world itfelf, we fhall 
 fee an admirable correfpondence between its parts; 
 however different they are^ yet every one is iitted 
 
 to 
 
[ 87 ] 
 
 to.^another, and to all the reft, To as to make the 
 wtiole a convenient dwelling place for the fevcral 
 tribes of animals which live upon it, and for man- 
 kind efpecially. Thus, as the apoflle fpcaks, The 
 invijihle things of him (viz. God) from the creation of 
 the worlds are clearly feen, being underjlood by the things 
 that are made^ even his eternal power and Godhead^ 
 Rom. i. 20. The fame infpired writer argues the 
 prefent point in the follov;lng eafy and conclufive 
 way : JEvery hoiife is builded by fome man \ hut he that 
 built all things is God, Heb. iii. 4. As if he had 
 faid, " Does the meancft houfe declare itfelf to be 
 *' the work of fome fkilful architecfl ? and does it 
 *' not much more evidently appear that this commo- 
 *' dious and magnificent ftruchire (the world) mull 
 *' have been planned and reared by proportionable 
 *' wifdom and power ?" As the various obje6ls a- 
 round us bear eminent marks of a divine hand, fo 
 likewife the curious fram.e of our own bodies, and 
 the noble faculties of our fouls do loudly pro- 
 claim the being and perfedlions of God. — This is a 
 truth therefore that has been generally acknowledged 
 by mankind in all ages, a truth fo deeply impreffed 
 upon the human heart, that even profeft atheifls 
 themfelves, in a time of danger, have earneftly 
 prayed to that God whofe being they pretended a 
 little before to deny ; thus they have fhewn their be- 
 lief, not only of the divine exiflence, but alfo of the 
 over-ruling providence of God.-^It will be very 
 proper to commit thefe plain arguments to memory, 
 and to recoiled them when about to engage in the 
 duty of prayer. 
 
 II. Gravity and ferioufnefs of fplrit. When we 
 fpeak to the great Creator (who mufl alfo be our 
 judge) about concerns of infinite and everlafling mo- 
 ment, we ought to have our fouls clothed with fo- 
 lemnity, and not to aflume thofe airs which are law- 
 ful 
 
[ 88 ] 
 
 ful at other Teafons, when wc talk with our fellow- 
 creatures about meaner affairs j Gen. xviii. 27, 
 
 III. Heavenly-mindednefs fhould run through 
 the whole of this duty. Pfal. iv, 6, 7. Coloff. iii. 1. 
 For prayer is a retirement from Earth, and a retreat 
 from our fellow-creatures to attend en God, and 
 hold converfe with him that dwells in Heaven.- — -- 
 Therefore, though it is true that God permits us to 
 converfe with him about many of cur tem.poral af- 
 fairs in prayer, yet we fhould take care that the things 
 of our fouls and the eternal v/orld, alvvays pofTefs the 
 chief room in our hearts. And whatfoever cares of 
 this life are fpread before the Lord, let us fee that 
 we defire earthly comforts only fo far as thefe are con^ 
 fiftent with the honor of God, and our everlafting 
 intereft. 1 Cor. x. 31. 
 
 IV. Sincerity is another grace that muft run thro' 
 this worfhip ; Joh. iv. 24. Whether we fpeak to 
 God concerning his own glories, whether we give 
 him thanks for his abundant goodnefs, or confefs 
 our various iniquities before him, or exprefs our de- 
 iires of mercy at his hand, ftill let our hearts and 
 lips agree, and not be found mockers of God. 
 
 V. Holy watchfulnefs and intention of mind upon 
 every part of the duty in which we are engaged 5 our 
 thoughts muft not be fuffered to wander among the 
 creatures, and rove to the ends of the Earth, when 
 we come to converfe with the high and holy God. 
 Without this watchfulnefs our worfhip will become 
 formal, and we fhall find coldnefs and indifference 
 creeping upon our fpirits, and fpoiling the fuccefs 
 of our duties. Watch'^unto prayer, is adiredtion of 
 the great apoflle, Col. iv. 2.. 
 
 SECT. 
 
( 8^ ) 
 SECTION III. 
 
 X^kACES that belong to the particular Parts of PRAYER. 
 
 THE graces that peculiarly belong to the feveral 
 parts of prayer, are diilinguiihed according to 
 the parts of this duty^ viz. 
 
 I. Invocation, or cdlling upon God, requires a 
 fpecial awe of his majefty to attend it, and a deep 
 fenfe of our own meannefs and ilnworthinefs ^ and at 
 the fame time we ihould exprefs holy wonder and 
 pleafure, that the moft high God, who inhabits 
 eternity, will fufFer fuch beings as we arc to hold 
 converfe with him. 
 
 il. The work of ddbratidn or praife runs through 
 the feveral attributes of the divine nature, and re- 
 quires of Us the exercifc of our various afFe(5lions 
 fuited to thofe feveral attributes. As when we men- 
 tion God's felf-fufficierice and independence, it be- 
 comes us to be humble, and acknowledge our de- 
 pendance : when we fpcak of his power and wifdom, 
 tve fhould abafe ourfelves before him, becaufe of our 
 weaknefs and folly, as well as ftand in holy admi- 
 ration at the infinity of thofe glories of God. When 
 we mention his love and compafHon, our afredlions 
 fhould go forth ftrongly towards him. When we 
 think of his juftice^ we fhould have an holy awe up- 
 on our fpirits, fuited to the prefence of the jufl and 
 dreadful God. And the thought of his forgivenefs 
 fhould awaken us to hope and joy. 
 
 III. In the cdnfeHion of our forrows ahd fins, hu- 
 mility is a necefTary grace, and deep contrition of 
 foul, in the prefence of that God v/hofe laws we 
 have broken, whofe gofpel we have abufed, whofe 
 Ihajefty we have affronted, and whofe vengeance we 
 
 N have 
 
( 9« ) 
 
 have dcfervcd. Here all the fprings of repentance 
 fhould be fet open, and we ihould mourn for fin, 
 even at the fame time that we hope it is forgiven. 
 Shame and felf-indignation, and holy revenge a- 
 gainfl the corruptions of our hearts, fhould be a- 
 wakened alfo in this part of prayer. 
 
 IV. In our petitions we Ihould raife our dcfires to 
 fuch different degrees of fervency, as the nature of 
 our requefts makes necefTary. When we pray for 
 fpiritual bleflings, we cannot be too warm in our 
 defires. But when we feek the mercies of this life, 
 the degree of fervency fhould be abated, for it is 
 pofTible that we may be happy, and yet go without 
 many of the comforts of the prefent ftate.— -Submif- 
 iion is here required. 
 
 While we make interceflion for our friends, or e- 
 nemies, we ought to feel in ourfelves warm love, 
 and lively compaflion ; and when we pray for the 
 church of Chrifl, we fhould animate all our expref- 
 fions with a burning zeal for his glory, and tender- 
 nefs for our fellow-chriilians. 
 
 V. Pleading with God calls for humble importu- 
 nity : for the arguments that we ufe with God, in 
 pleading with him, are but the various forms of im- 
 portunate requeft. But becaufe we are only crea- 
 tures, and we fpeak to God, humility ought to min- 
 gle with every one of our arguments. Our plead- 
 ings with him fhould be fo exprefTed as always to 
 carry in them that decency and diflance that be- 
 comes creatures^ in the prcfence of their Maker. 
 In pleading alfo we are required to exercife faith in 
 the promlfes of the gofpcl, faith in the name of 
 Chrifl Jefus our Mediator, faith in the mercies of 
 "God, according to the difcoveries he hath made of 
 himfelf in his word. We are called to believe that 
 he is a God hearing prayer, and will beflow upon us 
 %vhat we feek, fo far as is neceffary for his glory and 
 
 our 
 
[ 9^' } 
 
 our falvation : Heb. xi. 6. Here too the grace of 
 hope comes into exercifc -, for while wetruft the pro- 
 mifes, we hope for the things promifed. We muft 
 dired our prayer unto God^ and look up, as David^ 
 Pfal. V, 3. 
 
 VL fn'that'part of prayer which is called profef- 
 fion, or felf-refignation, great humility is again re- 
 quired ; a fweet fubmiffion to God's will, a compof- 
 ednefs of fpirit under his determinations, even tho% 
 for reafons of infinite wifdom and love, he with-hold 
 from us' the particular comforts that we feek. Here 
 let patience have its perfeft exercife, and let the foul 
 continue ja an humble frame, waiting upon God. 
 As we give ourfelves up to God, a fteadinefs of 
 mind fhould attend it, and the firmed courage of 
 heart againft all oppofitions, while we confirm our 
 felf-dedrcations to the Lord. 
 
 ' VIT. In thankfgiVing a nioH hearty gratitude and 
 10 Ve is required ; and a readincfs to retu^-n untP God 
 (to the uttermoft of our capacities), according to the 
 variety and riches of his gopdnefs and grace towards 
 us. Here' alio, with holy wonder, we acknowledge 
 the condefcenfion of; God, to beftow fuch favors up- 
 6n us to unworthy J and this wonder fhould arifc and 
 grow up into, divine joy, whilft we blefs him for the 
 benefits of this life, and for an intercft in redeeming 
 fov^.; And In oi^r thankfgivings we fhould be fure 
 to take notice of all merciful appearances of God in 
 anfwer to our requefts •, otherwife our converfe with 
 him will be very deficient. 
 
 VIII. When we blefs God, we fhould fhew aa 
 earned defire after the honor of his name, and our 
 fouls fhould breathe fervently after the accomplifh- 
 ment of thofe promifes wherein he hath engaged to 
 fpreadhis own honors and to magnify his own name, 
 and the name of his Son j we fhould, as it were, ex- 
 ult 
 
[ 92 3 
 
 ult and triumph in thofe glories, which God, our 
 God, pofTefles, and rejoice to think that he ftiall e- 
 ver poiTefs them. 
 
 Then we conclude the whole prayer with our Amen 
 of fincerity and of faith, in one fhort word expreff- 
 ing over again our adorations, confeffions, and pe- 
 ticnsj trufting and hoping for the audience of ouf 
 priiyers, and acceptance of our perfpn^ from whence 
 we fhould take encouragement to rife from this duty 
 with a fweet compofure of mind, and maintain a joy- 
 ful and heavenly frame, as thofe that hgve been 
 lyithGodf;:' ' 
 
 But, left' fomc pious and humble perfons fhould 
 be difcouragcd, when they find not thefe lively 
 exercifcs of faith, hope, love, fervency of defire, ancj, 
 divine delight in worfhip, and thence conclude that 
 they have not the grace of prayer; I would add this 
 caution, viz. That all the graces of prayer are fel- 
 dom at work in the foul at once, in an eminent and 
 fcnfible degree ; fometimes one prevails more, and 
 fometimes another, in this imperfedb ftate ; and when 
 a chriflian comes before God with much deadncfs 
 of heart, burdened with worldly thoughts, and feels 
 great backwardnefs to the duty of private prayer, 
 and falls down before God, condemning himfelf, 
 and with fighs and deep groans ^nakes known 
 his cafe and his fins to God; though he can fpeak 
 but few words before him, fuch a frame and temper 
 of mind will be approved of by that God who judges^ 
 the fecrets of the heart, and makes mofl compafTip- 
 nate allowances for the infirmity of our flefh. 
 
 ii.. 
 
 SECTION 
 
( 93 > 
 S E C T I ON IV. 
 
 Dtre^iomfor attaining the GRACE of PRATE I^. 
 
 IN order to dired us in the fpiritual performance 
 of this duty, we muft conlider it is an holy con- 
 verfe maintained between Earth and Heaven, betwixt 
 the great and holy God, and mean and finfui crea- 
 tures. Now the moft natural rules that I can think 
 of, to carry on this con verfe, gre fuch as thefe : 
 
 I. Diredion. PofTefs your hearts with a moft af- 
 fedling fenfe of the charadlers of the two parties that 
 are to maintain this correfpondence ; that is, God 
 and yourfelves. This indeed is one diredion for 
 the gift of prayer, but it is alfo moft neceflary to 
 attain the grace. Let us confider who this glorious 
 Being is, that invites us to this fellowftiip with him- 
 fclf ; — how awful in majefty ! how ftridl in righte- 
 oufnefs ! how irrefiftible in pov/er ! how unfearcha- 
 ble in wifdom ! how all-fufHcient in bleftednefs ! how 
 condefcending in mercy ! — Let us alfo confider, who 
 are we that are invited to this correfpondence : — — 
 how mean in our original ! how guilty in our hearts 
 and lives ! how needy of every blefling ! how utter-f 
 ly incapable of helping ourfelves ! and how mifera- 
 ble for ever, if we are without God. 
 
 And if we have fincerely obeyed the call of the 
 gofpel, and have attained to fome comfortable hope 
 of God's love-, let us confider, how infinite are our 
 obligations to him, and how necefTary and delight- 
 ful it is to enjoy his vifits here, with whom it will 
 be our happinefs to dwell forever. When we feel 
 our fpirits deeply imprefTed with fuch thoughts as 
 thefe, we are in the beft frame, and moft likely way 
 to pray with grac^ in our hearts, 
 
 II. Diredlion. When you come before God, re- 
 member the nature of this correfpondence, it is all 
 
 fpiritual ; 
 
C 94 ] 
 
 fpiritual; remember the dignity and privilege, the 
 defign and importance of it. A fenfe of the high 
 favor, in being admitted to this privilege and ho- 
 nor, wili fill your fouls with humble wonder, and 
 with heavenly joy, fuch as becomes the worihippera; 
 and favourites of an infinite God. A due attend- 
 ance to the defign and importance of this duty, will 
 fix your thoughts to tht moft immoveable atten- 
 tion, overfpread your fpirit with ferioufnefs, and 
 raife your defires to holy fervency. You pray 
 to him that hath power to fave and to deftroy^ about 
 your eternal deftrudlion, or eternal falvation; and 
 if eternity, with all its awful attendants, will not a- 
 waken fome of the graces of prayer, the foul muft 
 be in a very ftupid frame. 
 
 III. Dircdion. Seek earneflly a ftate of reconci- 
 liation with that God with whom you converfe ; la- 
 bour after a good hope and aflurance of his friend- 
 ihip. Now, in order to attain this friendfhip, ap- 
 proach unto God in prayer through Jefus the,Medi- 
 ator: Joh. xiv. 6. ifl gniDn^oi^ :toD 
 
 IV. Direftion. Maintain always a praying frame-'J 
 and reft not fatisfied till you find pleafure in prayer. 
 
 Whatever opportunities you enjoy for focial 
 prayer, do not negledt conftantly praying in fecret. 
 
 When you join with others in prayer, where you 
 are not the fpeaker, let your heart be kept intent to 
 the v/ork. 
 
 Take frequent occafion, in the fiiort intervals be- 
 tween your worldly affairs, to lift up your fouls to 
 God. Thus you rmy pray without ccafing^ as the A- 
 poftle direds; and your graces may be ever lively. 
 Whereas, if you only make your addrefies to God 
 in the morning and evening, and forget him all the 
 day, your hearts will grow indifferent and fornai in 
 worfhip. 
 
 CHAPTER 
 
[ 95 ] 
 
 CHAPTER IIL 
 
 Of th^ SPIRIT of PRJTER, 
 
 ALL the rules that have hitherto been laid down, 
 in order to teach us to pray, will be inefFedu-- 
 al, unlefs we have divine aids. If therefore we would 
 attain the gift or grace of prayer, we are to feek 
 both from Heaven ; and iince the mercies of God of 
 this kind, are ufually attributed to the Holy Spirit, 
 he may very properly be called the Spirit of prayer; 
 and, as fuch, his afTiilance is to be fought with dili- 
 gence and importunity. — The Spirit of prayer, in- 
 deed, in our language, may fometimes fignify a tem- 
 per of mind well furniihed for this facred work. 
 
 My bufinefs now is to prove, by plain and eafy 
 arguments, that the Spirit of God doth aflift his 
 people in prayer. Then to ihew what his afTiftances 
 are, and how far they extend, that we may not ex- 
 pert more from him than fcripture promifes, nor at- 
 tribute too little to his influences : and after a few 
 cautions laid down, fhall proceed to give fome di- 
 reftions how the aid of the Holy Spirit may be ob- 
 tained. 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 Proofs of i^e ASSISTANCE of the SPIRIT of GOD in 
 PRATER, 
 
 THE methods of proof which I ihall ufe are thcfc 
 three:— Exprefs texts of fcripture,— Collatc- 
 i*al texts,— The experience of chriftians. 
 
 I. The 
 
( 96 ) 
 
 I. The firft argument is drawn from fuch expref^ 
 texts of fcripture as thefe : 
 
 Zech. xii. lo. I will pour upon the houfe of Bavid^ 
 and the inJiabitants of Jerufalem^ the Spirit of grace and 
 of fupplications. — This promifc, which refers to th« 
 Jews at the time of their convcrfion, belongs alfo to 
 believers amongft us Gentiles, as appears ^om GaL 
 lii. 14. 
 
 Lukexi. 13. After Chrift had anfwered the re- 
 queft of his difciples, and taught them how to pray, 
 by giving them a pattern of prayer,- he recommends 
 them to afk his Father for the Holy Spirit^ in order 
 to a further inftrudion in the work of prayer. This 
 the v;hole context feems to intimate. 
 
 Rom. viii, 26. Ihe Spirit helpeth our infirmities \ 
 for we know not what we fhould pray for as we ought ^ 
 but the Spirit itfelf maketh interceffion for us* with 
 groanings that cannot be uttered^ raifing in our minds 
 thofe holy and fervent defires which we arc unable to 
 cxprefs. 
 
 James v. 16. Which we tranflate the effe^ual fer- 
 vent prayer of the righteous. In the original it is, 
 hy\<T\.<; fvf^yajicfvrj, the inwrought prayer^ or prayer wrought 
 in true chriftians by the good Spirit that pofleffes and 
 guides them. The word £i/f^ya/xfi/)j is ufed in this 
 fenfe in 1 Cor. xii.. 11. 
 
 Jude ver. 20, 21. Fraying in the Holy Ghofl^ keep 
 yoiirfehes in the love of God, This epiftle is written 
 to them that are fan5fified by God the Father^ and pre* 
 ferved in Jefus Chrifi^ ver i. They are all dircded 
 to pray by the affiftance of the Holy Ghofl: ; and 
 thofe who have not this Spirit, in ver. 19, are faid to 
 ht fenfuaL See moreover Epkef ii. 18. 
 
 Do not the above paflages of fcripture plainfy 
 fhew, that though the gifts oi prayer, by immedi- 
 ate infpiration, beitowed upon the apoftlcs and o- 
 
 thers, 
 
 * Maketh intercenion for us, — or, as fome chufe totranflat-c 
 it, — Manages affairs for us ; feeing the office of an intcrceffor 
 with God isfo peculiarly that of Chrift; Joh, ii^ 1. 
 
( 97 ) 
 
 thcrs^ arc- not now to be expeded, yet fiill there 
 are certain aids of the Spirit (explained in the follow-^ 
 ing fedion) attainable by chriftians in all ages, 
 
 II. The fecond argument for the aids of the holy 
 Spirit in prayer, is drawn from collateral fcriptures; 
 fuch are thofe texts which reprefent the blefled Spi- 
 rit as the fpring of what is good in us, and prove 
 that all other duties of the chriftian life are to be per- 
 formed in, and by this Spirit. Saints are horn of the 
 Spirit^ Joh. iii. 6. Are led by the Spirit^ Rom. viii. 
 14. fFalkinthe Spirity Ga\, V, 16. Live in the Spi^ 
 rit^ ver. 25. By this Spirit mortify the deeds of the 
 body^ Rom. viii« 13, and we are told, ver. i6. I^he 
 Spir t beareth witnefs with our fpirit^ that we are the 
 children of God. 
 
 III. The third argument to prove that the Spirit 
 of God doth fometimes aflift men in the work of 
 prayer is, the experience of chriftians with regard to 
 the grace of prayer, and many chriftians in the exer- 
 cife of the gift of it too. The great difference that 
 is between fome believers and others in this refpe^l-^ 
 even where their natural abilities are equal j and 
 the difference between believers themfclves at dif- 
 ferent times and fcafons, fcems to denote the pre- 
 fence or abfence of the holy Spirit, Some perfons at 
 fpecial feafons will break out into a divine rap- 
 ture in pra,yer, and be carried fat beyond 
 themfelves: their thoughts, language, ahd every 
 thing that belongs to their prayer, feems to have 
 
 fomething of heaven in it. 1 vv^ill allow that in 
 
 certain perfons this may be afcribed tp a great de- 
 gree of underftanding, invention, fancy, memory, 
 natural affedions of the mind, and volubility of the 
 tongue : but many times alfo it fhall be obferved, 
 that thofe who have this gift of prayer in exercife, do 
 not excel! nor equal the reft of their neighbours in 
 fancy, invention, pafTion, or eloquence^ it may be 
 
 O they 
 
I 9S J 
 
 they are perions of very mean parts, and below the 
 common capacity of mankind. 
 
 Nor can it be always imputed to a warm ima- 
 gination, at thofe times they are carried out in 
 prayer beyond themfelves ; for this happens when 
 they find their natural fpirits not raifed, but the 
 powers of nature labour, perhaps, under a decay, 
 and they can hardly fpeak or think about common 
 siiFairs, 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 How the SPIRIT ajjip us in PRAYER. 
 
 WE have endeavoured to prove that there is 
 fuch a thing as the afTiftance of the Spirit of 
 God in the work of prayer; but how far this afTift* 
 ance extends is a fubjedt of inquiry. 
 
 I think thofe perfons expedl too much from the 
 Spirit in our day, 
 
 I. Who wait for all their inclinations to pray^ from 
 immediate and prefent didates of the Spirit of God. 
 I find in fcripture frequent exhortations to pray, and 
 a command to pray* without ceaiing, i Thef. v. 17, 
 that is to pray upon all proper occafions ♦, but I find 
 no encouragement to exped the holy Spirit will, 
 by fudden and immediate impulfes in afenfible way, 
 didlate to me every feafon of prayer. Therefore 
 though the Spirit of God fhould fometimes withdraw 
 himfelf in his influence, yet my duty to conftant 
 prayer flill remains. 
 
 II. Thofe who expedt fuch aids of the holy Spirit, 
 as to make their prayers become the proper work of 
 
 infpi- 
 
 * Here may be an alludon to the burnt-offeiing prcfentcd c» 
 very morning and evening, which is cdiWtd perpetual ^ Levit. vi., 
 20. compare Luk* xxiv, 53^ with A6ts ii. 46, 47. See Dod= 
 drig. Fam, Expofit, 
 
C 99 3 
 
 Infpiration. Let us not be fo fond as to perfuadc 
 ourfelves that the aids of the holy Spirit given to mi- 
 nifters or others, while they teach or pray, arife to 
 the charader of thofe miraculous gifts that were 
 given to the apoftles and primitive believers-, fuch 
 as are defcribed in the church of Corinth, i Corinth, 
 xii. 8, &c. and elfevv^here. For at thofe times a 
 whole fermon, or a whole prayer, was a conftant 
 impulfe of the holy Spirit, perhaps for the words, 
 as well as the matter of it, which made it truly di- 
 vine. But in our prayers, the Spirit of God leaves 
 us much to ourfelves, to mingle many defeds with 
 our duties, both in the matter, manner, and words ; 
 fo that we cannot fay of one whole fentence, that it 
 is the perfeft work of the Spirit, 
 
 III. Thofe who hope for fuch influences of the 
 Spirit as to render their own ftudy and labours ntcd- 
 lefs; who never have given diligence to furnifli 
 themfelves in a rational way with an ability to pray, 
 upon prefumption of thofe divine impulfes ; nor up- 
 on any occafion will meditate before hand, but 
 rufli upon the duty. — Thefe perfons, I fay, certainly 
 expedt too much from the holy Spirit. In vindica- 
 tion of themfelves, they will cite perhaps the text 
 which was addreffed to the difciples, Mat. x. p.— - 
 H^/ien they deliver you up^ take no thought how or "djhat 
 ye fnall fpeak^ for it Jhall he given you in that fame hour 
 what ye fhall fpeak. But this text has quite another 
 defign. It may be queftioned whether this promife 
 of Chrift forbids them ail premeditation, butonly an 
 anxious care, as we are bid to take no thought for the 
 morrow^ Mat. vi. 34. that is, '' Be not over folici- 
 tous or difquieted about provifion for to-morrow,'* 
 But if Chrift did utterly forbid them all preparation,' 
 yet that command and promife to the apoftles in mi- 
 raculous times, when they fhould appear before ma- 
 giftrates, can never be given to encourage the floth 
 
 of 
 
[ loo ] 
 
 of every Gommon chriftian in oijr day, when he ap- 
 pears in worihip before God. 
 
 Having diligently confulted the word of God, I ann 
 ready to conclude, that the mofi: confiderable and 
 common afliftance in prayer, which is peculiarly at- 
 tributed to the bleflcd Spirit, as a Spirit of prayer, 
 and may be expected from him in our day, chiefly 
 confifts in this. — He compofes our minds, gives us 
 fecret hints of our real wants, and brings to our re- 
 menibrance fome fcriptural arguments a^d promifes 
 to plead with God; Rom. vjii. 26, 27. — He with- 
 draws the heart more from the world, and raifes it 
 to things divine, Pfal. Ixxx. 18. li. 12. He awakens 
 ^he graces of love, fear, hope, and joy, that are 
 fuited to this duty ; and it may be chiefly upon this 
 account that he is called, ^^ The Spirit of grace and 
 fupplication,'* Zech. xii. 10. When thefe are raifed 
 to an high degree, the heart will have a natural in- 
 fluence upon the invention, the memory, the lan- 
 guage, and the voice. Out of the abundance of the 
 heart the mouth will fpeak. And, for the moft part, 
 the utterance will be proportionable to the degree of 
 inward afFedion, and to the natural and acquired a« 
 bilities of the perfon who prays •, excepting fome rare 
 ;n|tances, where men are carried beyond ther^- 
 felves, by the uncommon prefence of the Spirit* 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 CAUTIONS ahoui the INFLUENCES of the SPIRIT, 
 
 I./^ Aution. Do not believe all manner of urgent 
 V-/ impreflions of the mind to go and pray, pro- 
 ceed fro|n the Spirit. 
 
 For inftance, when we are engaged in fome other 
 bufinefs that is the proper duty of that feafon. Now 
 iHe bleffcd Spirit draws us to God at a fit feafon, fa 
 
as' not to fet afi^e another neceffary duty toward God 
 or man^ 
 
 II. Caution. Do not expecft the influences of the 
 Spirit in prayer fhouid be fo vehement and feniible, 
 as certainly to dillinguiih them from the motions of 
 your own fpirits -, for the Spirit of God generally 
 a(5ls towards his people, agreeable to the difpenfation 
 under which they are, either in a more fenfible, or 
 imperceptible way. Under the Old Teftament, the 
 Spirit of God often carried the prophets away, as if 
 it were in an extafy beyond themfelves j their flile, 
 their gefturc, as well as inward commotions of heart, 
 were frequently different from the common manner 
 of men, and did fufficiently evidence to themfelves, 
 and in fome meafure to others alfo, that they were 
 under the impreffions of the holy Spirit at fpeciaj 
 feafons. 
 
 Under the New Teftament, the apoflles had a 
 more conftant and habitual affiftance of the Spirit, 
 tho' it was alfo extraordinary ^ in a calmer way 
 they were influenced in prayer and preaching more 
 agreeable to rational nature; yet, without doubt^ 
 they themfelves well knew when they were under the 
 certain condudt of the holy Spirit. 
 
 In our day, when we have no reafon to expedl ex^ 
 traordinary infplratlons, the Spirit of God ufually 
 leads us in fo foft and filent a manner, agreeable to 
 the temper of our own fpirits, and concurrent citr 
 cumflances of life, that his operations are not to be 
 cafily difl:inguiflied by ourfelves or others, from the 
 rational motions of our own hearts, influenced by 
 moral arguments ; though by the favor and reliih of 
 divine things that we then feel in our fouls, and the 
 confequent fruits of holinefs in our hearts and lives, 
 we Icnow we had fome afliftance from the blefled Spir 
 rit. Such are his operations generally in converflon, 
 fandification, and ponfolationa 
 
 III. Cau- 
 
[ I02 3 
 
 III. Caution. Though we have no fure ground 
 to expe<5t extraordinary influences from the Spi- 
 rit of prayer in our day, yet we ought not to de- 
 ny them utterly ; for God hath no where bound him- 
 felf not to beftow them: the chief ends for which im- 
 mediate infplration was given, are long ceafed a- 
 mong us where the gofpel is fo well ellabliihed ; yet 
 there have not been wanting inftances in every age of 
 fome extraordinary teftimonies of the Spirit to the 
 truth of the gofpel, both for convidion of unbeliev- 
 ers, ^nd for the inftrudlion, encouragement, and 
 comfort of true chriftians. 
 
 In the converfion of a finner, the Spirit's work is 
 ufually gradual, and begun and carried on by provi- 
 dences, fermons, occafional thoughts, and moral 
 arguments, from time to time, 'till at laft the man 
 is become a new creature. Yet there feem to be 
 now and then furprifing converfions wrought by the 
 extraordinary influences of the holy Spirit, fome- 
 thing like the converfion of St. Paul. 
 
 In the confolation of faints, the Spirit generally 
 aflifls their own minds in comparing their hearts with 
 the rule of the word, and makes it appear they are 
 the children of God, by finding the charaders of a- 
 doption in themfelves •, this is his ordinary way of 
 witnefTing, and that fafe way in which the believer is 
 to feek for folid comfort ; but I think there are in- 
 flances when the Spirit of God hath in a more imme- 
 diate manner fpoken confolation, and this hath been 
 evidenced to be divine, by the chrlftlan's increafed 
 humility and greater readinefs to every good work. 
 
 So it is in prayer. The ordinary afliftances of the 
 Spirit, given in our day to minifters, imply no 
 more than what I have defcribed in the foregoing 
 chapter: but are there not inftances wherein the Spi- 
 rit of God hath carried a devout perfon in worfhip 
 far beyond his own natural and acquired powers, and 
 raifed him to an uncommon and exalted degree of 
 
 the 
 
[ 103 ] 
 
 the CKcrcife of praying graces, very near to thofe di- 
 vine impulfes which the primitive chriflians enjoyed ? 
 
 if a minifter in a public afiembly has been ena- 
 bled to fpread the cafes of the whole congregation 
 before the Lord in fuch expreflive language, that 
 almoft every one prefcnt hath been ready to confefs, 
 fuirely he knew my heart j if fmners have been 
 converted in numbers, and faints made triumpj^ant 
 in grace, I fhould not be afraid to fay, " Surely^God 
 is prefent in this place with the extraordinary power 
 and Influence of his Spirit." 
 
 If a chriftian hath been taught by this Spirit mak- 
 ing IntercefTion in him, to plead with God for fome 
 particular mercy in fuch an unufual drain of hum- 
 ble and heavenly argument, that he has found 
 inward affurances that the mercy fhould be be- 
 ftowed, by fomething of a prophetical impulfe, and 
 has never been miftaken •, 1 fhould not forbear to be- 
 lieve the extraordinary prefence of the Spirit of pray- 
 er with him at that feafon. Docflor Winter in Ireland^ 
 and feveral minifters and primitive chriflians of the 
 lafl age in Scotland^ have been efleemed glorious in- 
 fiances hereof. If a ferlous and humble worfhipper, 
 who hath been long feeking after the knowledge of 
 fome divine truth, fhould find himfelf enlightened 
 upon his knees with an heavenly beam fhinlng upon 
 that truth with mofl peculiar evidence, and teaching 
 him more in one prayer than he had learned by- 
 months of labour and fludy, I fhould venture to ac- 
 knowledge the immediate aids and anfwers of the Spi- 
 rit of prayer and Illumination. Luther is fald to have 
 enjoyed fuch divine favors, at the reformation of the 
 church from poplfh darknefa. 
 
 If a good man hath been confllding with doubts 
 and fears, and waiting upon God in all his appointed 
 ways, feeking comfort ; if while he hath been at the 
 throne of grace, he has beheld God reconciled, and as 
 it wqre feen the work of God in his own heart in a con- 
 vincing light J and perhaps by fome comfortable word 
 
 of 
 
i 204 ] 
 
 cf fcripture impreft on his mind, hath been afturcd 
 of his love to God, and the love of God to him j if 
 from that immediate fenfation of divine love he has 
 been filled with, joy imfpeakable and fullof glory^ 
 and warmed with heavenly zeal for the honor of Godj 
 £nd the happinefs of mankind, I muft believe fuch a 
 one to be fealed as a child of God, by the influence 
 of ijhe Spirit of adoption, teaching him to cry Abba^ 
 Fat her* - 
 
 But concerning fuch operations of the Spirit as 
 thefe are, becaufe there have been many vain pre- 
 tences to them, I would make three remarks, 
 
 Firft^ Thefe are rare inftances, and beftowed by the 
 Spirit of God, according to the fecrct counfels of his 
 own wifdom, that no particular chriflian hath any furc 
 ground to exped them. 
 
 Second^ They are beft diftlngulflied from the mere 
 cflrefls of a warm fancy, and the fpirit of dclufion, 
 not fo much by the brightnefs and vehemence of the 
 prefent imprellion, as by their agreeablenefs to the 
 ftanding rule of the word of God, and their influence 
 towards humility and growing holinefs. 
 
 There is therefore the fame rule to judge of the 
 Uncommon, as well as the common afllfl:ances of the 
 holy Spirit. 
 
 'Thirds How near foever thefe extraordinary im- 
 pulfes come to the infpiration of the Apoflles and firfl 
 chrifl:ians in the truth and power of them, yet they 
 fall far fhort in the diftindl evidence 5 for the Spirit of 
 God hath not taught us fo far to diftinguifli any par- 
 ticular parts or paragraphs, even of fuch an extraor- 
 dinary prayer, as that any one can fay, thefe are per- 
 fe<5t divine infpirations ^ becaufe he would have no- 
 thing fl:and in competition with his written word, aj 
 the rule of our faith and pradice. 
 
 IV. Caution. Do not make the gift of prayef the 
 meafure of your judgment concerning the Spirit of 
 
 prayer. 
 
[ i05 ] 
 
 prayer. If we follow this rule, there are three cafes 
 where we may be led into miftake. 
 
 Firfl^ When the gift is in very lively exercifc.-— 
 Have a care of believing that all thofe perfons pray 
 by the Spirit who pronounce pious expreffions with 
 great feeming fervency, and much volubility of 
 fpeech ; when, it may be, their charader is ex- 
 ceedingly iinful in the fight of God. 
 
 Much lefs can we fuppofe that noify gefture, a 
 diftorted countenance, violence and vociferation are 
 any figns of the divine Spirit. Sometimes truly 
 extraordinary anguifh of mind, or inward fervor of 
 afFedion, have extorted from good men groauings 
 and loud complaints. David at times pradlifed this, 
 as appears by his pfalms. Jefus Chrift himfelf, when 
 prefled with forrows heavier than man could bear, 
 offered ftrong cries and tears, Heb. v. 7. But ne- 
 verthelefs there may be a great noife, and violent 
 commotions ufed to make a fhew of fervency, and 
 with a defign to make up the want of inward devo- 
 tion. God himfelf was indeed prefent at Sinai with 
 thunder and lightning, and the found of a trumpet, 
 Exod. xix. But when he came down to vifit Elijah^ 
 he was not in the earthquake, nor in the tempcft, 
 but in the ftill fmall voice, i Kings xix. 11, 12. 
 
 1 would not impute the difference between the 
 prayers of one minifler and another, one private 
 chriilian and another, merely to the prefence or ab- 
 fence of the holy Spirit. Natural conftitutions, ca* 
 pacities, acquirements, natural affedions, and pro^- 
 vidential circumftances can make a great diftcrenc.Ci 
 Nor would I impute the difference bctween^ the 
 prayers of the fame true chriilians at different fea* 
 fbns only to the unequal affiftances of the holy Spi* 
 rit; for many other things may concur to mak^ 
 them more or lefs cold or fervent in the exercifc of 
 the gift of prayer. 
 
 The fecond cafe wherein we may be in danger of 
 miftake is, where there is but a fmali meafure of XhQ 
 
 P gift 
 
( io6 ) 
 
 gift of prayer. How ready are feme pcrfons to judge 
 the ^/J/nV of prayer is abfent from the heart of that 
 man who fpeaks to God, if he hath but a mean gift. 
 
 Now, though fuch as have fo very fraall a talent 
 fhould not be forward to pray in a great affembly, or 
 among ftrangers, 'till by practice in a private way 
 they have attained more of this facred ikill ; yet 
 there may be much of the Spirit of prayer in their 
 hearts. Perhaps they arc young chriftians lately 
 converted, and are but beginning to learn to pray. 
 And natural bafhfulnefs may fomctimes hinder the 
 exercife of a good gift in prayer. 
 
 Or it may be they have very low natural parts, a 
 , poor invention and memory, want of words, or fomo 
 difficulty in their common way of expreffing them- 
 felves about other affairs. 
 
 Or perhaps they have long difufed thcmfelves 
 from praying in public, therefore at firft, when they 
 are called to it again, they may be much at a lofs 
 as to the gift of prayer, though ^r^f<? may be advanc- 
 ing in the foul. 
 
 Or they are overwhelmed with fears of divine de- 
 .fertion, or wrefting hard with feme ftrong tempta- 
 tion, or under a prefent depreffion of mind by fome 
 heavy forrow, and may be in the ca£e of Bavidy 
 when he was fo troubled that he could not fpcak, 
 Pfal. Ixxvii. 4. 
 
 After all, God may with-hold from fome perfons 
 the ufual aids of the Spirit In prayer to puniih them 
 for a negleded duty ; and particularly for careleflhefs 
 in feeking after this holy ability of fpeaking to God. 
 
 Sometimes it may happen that the Spirit of prayer 
 is communicated in a great degree to an humble chrif- 
 tian, who falls into many thoughtiefs indecencies of 
 gefture; or delivers his fentences withamofl unhap- 
 py tone of voice, for want of care in his education. 
 vVe are not therefore to defpife all fuch prayers, but 
 endeavour to feparate what is pious and divine from 
 the human frailty and weaknefs, and be fo much the 
 
 more 
 
( ^07 ) 
 
 more excited ourfelves to feek after every thing that 
 is agreeable in the gift of prayer. 
 
 The third cafe wherein we are in danger of mif- 
 take is, when the gift is not exercifed at all. Some 
 chriftians have been ready to imagine they could not 
 pray by the Spirit, but when they exercifed the gift 
 of prayer themfelves. But this is a great miftake. 
 For tho' one perfon be the mouth of the reft to God, 
 yet each that joins with him may be juftly fald to 
 pray in Spirit, if the graces that are fuited to the 
 duty of prayer, and to the expreflions that are then 
 ufed, are found in lively exercife. And an hum- 
 ble chriftian may pray in the Spirit, in the filence 
 of his heart, while the perfon who fpeaks to God in 
 the name of others, hath very little or nothing of 
 the Spirit with him. — Though tKe Spirit of prayer, 
 in the common language of chriftians, is never ap- 
 plied to the exercife of the gift where there is no 
 grace 'y yet it is often applied to the exercife of the 
 grace of prayer, without any regard to the gift. 
 
 SECTION IV. 
 
 Direaions to obtain and hep the SPIRIT of PRATER. 
 
 I.'pXIredion. Seek earneftly after faith in Jefus 
 U Chrift; for we are told. Gal. iii. 14, that it 
 is by faith in Chrift Jefus that this Spirit is received, 
 and that he dwelleth in believers, Rom. viii. 9. Let 
 all chriftians therefore who would maintain and in- 
 creafe in. the gifts of the holy Spirit, be frequent in 
 ads of dependance on the Son of God ; for the Spi- 
 rit is given to him without meafure, that from his 
 fulnefs we may derive every gift, and grace, John 
 iii. 34. chap. i. 16, Of his fulnefs have all we 
 received, and grace for grace, or grace upon grace. 
 As in the natural, fo in the fpiritual or myftical bo- 
 dy, the fpirits that give life and aftivity to the heart 
 and tongue, and to all the members, are derived 
 
 from 
 
( io8 ) 
 
 from the head. He that lives as our Intercellbr 
 and Advocate, to prefent our petitions to the throne, 
 will fend his own Spirit down to Earth, to affift us 
 in drawing them up. I fay then, regard him as your 
 vital Head. 
 
 II. Dire<5i:ion. Give all diligence to acquire this 
 gift, according to the rules concerning the matter, 
 methgd, and manner of prayer, which we have laid 
 down before ; and be much in the pradtice of pray- 
 er, both in fecret and with one another, that young 
 habits may be improved by exercife. The Spirit of 
 God will com$ and blefs the labours of the mind to- 
 wards the acquiring of fpiritual gifts. Timothy is 
 commanded to give attendance to reading, to me- 
 ditation, &c. though he received the gifts of in- 
 fpiratiott, i Tim. iv. 13. compared with ver. 14, 
 15, and 2 Tim. i. 6. — Much more ihould we do it 
 who are not infpired. 
 
 Though prophecy was a gift of immediate infpira- 
 tion, yet there were of old the fchools of the pro- 
 phets, in which young men were trained up in the 
 fludy of divine things ; that they might be the bet- 
 ter prepared to receive, and ufe the Spirit of pro- 
 phecy : and thefe were called the fons of the pro- 
 phets, 2i Kings vi. I. 2 Chron. xxxiv. 22. St. 
 Paul laboured with his natural powers while the Spi- 
 rit wrought mightily in him. Col. i. 29. 
 
 Do not imagine you are in danger of quenching 
 the Spirit, by endeavouring to furnifh yourfelves 
 with matter, or elxprefTions of prayer, for the Spirit 
 of God commonly works in, and by the ufe of means » 
 As in the things of nature, fo in the things of grace, 
 . it is a true and divine proverb j ^he foul of thefluggard 
 dtfireth^ and hath nothings hut the foul of the diligent 
 fliali be made f^t^ Prov. xiii» 4. 
 - We are to put forth our bell efforts, and then hope 
 for divine affiftance •, for the Spirit of God helps to- 
 gether with us, (rvv<M^iA<»jtA^«vfTin, Rom. viii. 26. A^ 
 
 if 
 
( 109 ) 
 
 if a man fhould take hold of one end of a burthen in 
 order to raife it, and fome mighty helper fhould 
 make his labour eifedual by railing up the other. 
 —It was the encouragement which David gave his 
 fon Solomon^ i Chron. xxii. 16. yfr//^, and be doings 
 and the Lord be with thee, 
 
 III. Diredion. Pray earneftly for the promifed 
 Spirit, as a Spirit of prayer. — The holy Spirit fhall be 
 given to them that alk aright, Luke xi. 13. 
 
 IV. Diredlion. Do not confine yourfelves to any 
 fet forms whatfoever. Though the Spirit of God be 
 prefent, and ailift in the exercife of grace, while we 
 ufe forms of prayer, yet let us have a care how we re- 
 ftrain any good defires, and heavenly afFedions, that 
 are ftirred up within us when we pray, which are not 
 expreffed in the form written down before us. 
 
 While you borrow the beft aids in your devotion 
 from thofc prayers that are endited by the Spirit of 
 God in Scripture, I prefume you are not required to 
 confine yourfelves entirely to fuch words and expref- 
 fions ; for if this had been the cafe (it may be fup- 
 pofed), we fhould have had an hint of it in holy writ. 
 
 V. Direction. Dare not indulge yourfelves in a 
 round of formality and lip-fervices, without pious 
 difpofitions and warm devotion in your own minds. 
 How can we think the Spirit of God will afTift, if our 
 fpirits are abfent from the work. 
 
 Take notice of the frame of your minds in prayer ; 
 and fince you are bid to pray always in the Spirit, 
 Ephef. vi. 18. be not fatisfied with any one prayer, 
 where you have found no devout affe(5lions. O the 
 difmal charader and temper of thofe perfons who pafs 
 whole years of worfhip, and multiply religious du- 
 ties, and no Spirit in them ! 
 
 VI. Di. 
 
( IIQ ) 
 
 VI. Diredion. Be thankful for every aid of the 
 Spirit, improve it, and always beware of grieving this 
 
 ciivine afliftant by pride, &c. Comply with his 
 
 holy motions, and abide in prayer when you feel 
 your graces lively ; imlefs there fhould be fome other 
 important duty that demands your fpeedy attention. 
 
 Guard (I fay) againft fplritual pride, when at any 
 time you feel fervent aifedlions, and delight in pray- 
 er. The gift of prayer in flowing exercife will be 
 m danger of puffing up the unwary chriftian; but 
 -let us remember, that it is with the humble God 
 will dwell, Ifai. Ivii. 15, and to the humble he giv- 
 eth more grace. Jam. iv. 6. 
 
 Grieve not the holy Spirit in the courfe of your 
 converfatlon in the world, Ephef. iv. 29. — Grieve 
 him not by wilful fins or by unwatchfulnefs. — In 
 foch a cafe he will hardly vouchfafe you his prefence 
 m the clofet, or in the church. Obey him, there- 
 fore,when he makes a vifit of convid:ion to your 
 confciences, and comply with his fecret ditS:ates, when 
 lie would lead you to the mod difficult and felf-deny- 
 ing duties. JValk in the Spirit y Gal. v. 25. if you 
 would fray in the Spirit, 
 
 Shall iinifh this fecStion with a word of advice 
 to thofe from whom the Spirit of prayer is in a great 
 mcafure withdrawn, in order to their recovering his 
 wonted affiftance. 
 
 I. Advice. Be deeply fenfible of the greatnefs of 
 your lofs. Recoiled the times when you could pour 
 out your whole heart before God in prayer, with a 
 rich variety of expreffions and lively graces ; com- 
 pare thofe jQiining hours with the dull and dark fea- 
 fcns of retirement of which you now complain, Go 
 and mourn before your God, and fay, " How vigor- 
 ous were all the powers of my nature heretofore in 
 worfhip ? How warm my love? How fervent my 
 zeal? How deep my repentance, and how joyful 
 isiy thankfgivings and praifes } — But now^ " What 
 
 a cold-. 
 
( III ) 
 
 a coldnefs hath feized my fpirit ? How d«ad Is my 
 heart, and how far from God and Heaven, even 
 while my knees are bowed before him in fecret? 
 How long, O Lord, how long ere thou return a* 
 gain ?" You may receive no fmall encouragement 
 
 from Jerem. xxxi. i8 — 20. Let me enforce it 
 
 upon you a fecond time, not to be fatisfied with a 
 courfe of duties without the life, power, and plea- 
 fure of religion. 
 
 IL Advice. Look back and remark the ilt-ps 
 whereby the Spirit of God withdrew himfelf, and 
 fearch after the fins that provoked him to depart. 
 
 See if you cannot find fome iniquity indulged. 
 — David might well fear, after his fcandaious iin, 
 that God would lake away his hoJj Spirii from him, 
 PfaL li. II. 
 
 Afk your confcience whether you have not refilled 
 this bleffed Spirit, when he hath brought a word of 
 conviftion, reproof, or command to your foul ? 
 
 Refled whether you have not frequently abfeiited 
 yourfelf from your clofet, or left it almoft as ibon as 
 you came, from a finful wearinefs of duty ; or 6c- 
 caufe your hands are generally too full of woridiy 
 bufmefs, or for want of well timing your ieveral con- 
 cerns. It is no wonder then if the Spirit abicnc 
 iiimfelf from your clofet, even when the world gives: 
 you leave to go thither, &c. 
 
 Confider whether you have not grown vain hi gifts 
 and attaintments •, and thus the holy Spirit h^xk beea 
 provoked to leave you to yourfelf, to abafe yoiu 
 pride. 
 
 Beg earnellly of God, that he would plainly djl- 
 cover to you the fin that hath given him fo juil of- 
 fence ; and when you have found out your iniquity^ 
 confefs it before the Lord with deep humiliation; 
 apply to the throne for pardon; ilrive dBiij againtl it ^ 
 earneftly implore ftrength from Heaven ^ and renev/ 
 
 your 
 
t 112 ] 
 
 your engagements to be the Lord's, and to walk 
 more watchfully before him. 
 
 III. Advice. Remember how you obtained the 
 Spirit of prayer at firft : read over all the foregoing 
 directions, and put them in pradice. Was it by faith 
 in J efus Chrift that the Spirit was firft received ? 
 Then by renewing ads of faith in Chrift feek his re- 
 turn. — Was it by a diligent attention to duty that 
 you found the Spirit's firft afliftance, then ftir up 
 all the powers of your foul to the fame diligence, de- 
 pending on the Spirit's fecret influences, and hoping 
 for his return. — Do not indulge a negled of prayer 
 upon pretence that the Spirit is departed; for you 
 cannot exped he ftiould revifit you without you ftir 
 up your foul to feek him. 
 
 If the frame of your mind is fuch, that you are 
 not furniftied with matter of prayer, take with you 
 
 words from the facred Bible, Hofea xiv. i — 4. 
 
 Plead with him his own promifes to returning back- 
 fl-iders, Jer. iii. 22. Ezek. xxxvi. 25, 31, 37, or 
 you may turn your attention to that moving repre- 
 fentation of the divine eompaflions, in the parable 
 of the prodigal fon, Luk. xv. When you have 
 found him, entertain his firft appearances with great 
 thankfulnefs, and aim to abide in him in all fubjec- 
 tion. Dare not again indulge thofe follies that pro- 
 voked his anger and abfence, left he give you up to 
 months and years of darknefs, and that meafure of 
 the gift of prayer you had attained fhould be (o 
 ftrangely imprifoned, that you may be hardly able 
 to pray at all.* 
 
 * Sometimes a chriftian (cfpecially an aged chrlftian) who 
 walks humbly with Gody may labour under a great dejeftlon of 
 mind, which might confiderably unfit him for the exercifes of 
 devotion. Now this may arife merely from bodily difordcr. 
 <t The ftate of the blood is often fuch, as neceffarily to 
 fiaggeft gloomy ideas, even in dreams, and to indifpofe the foul 
 for taking plea fare in any thing: and when it is fo, why Ihould 
 it beimagined to proceed from any peculiar divine difpleafure, 
 
I 1^3 ] 
 
 CHAPTER IV, 
 
 FAMILY PRAYERS FOR EVERY 
 MORNING AND EVENING IN THE 
 WEEK, &c. 
 
 mere FA MILT PRATER has been hitherto negleb- 
 ed^ it may be very proper to enter upon the duty with 
 fuch an addrefs as the following : 
 
 ETernal and Infinile Jehovah : Thou art continu- 
 ally furrounded with myriads of glorious angels ■ 
 who behold thy face in righteoufnefs, who celebrate 
 
 thy praifes, and execute thy ple'afure with rapture. 
 
 The Heavens are thine, the Earth alfb is thine, the 
 Sea, and the fullncfs thereof: Thou haft formed 
 the innumerable creatures that are therein, and made 
 abundant provifion for them. — We adore thee as the 
 Author of our exiftence, our conftant Supporter 
 and unwearied Benefac^lor. Thou haft caufcd thy 
 
 Q, favors 
 
 if the foul does not find it's ufual delight in religion? Or why 
 fhould God be thought " to have withdrawn his holy Spirit" 
 from us, becaufc he fuffers natural caufes to produce natural 
 efFe£ls,. without breaking the connetlion by a miracle P—When 
 this is the cafe, the help of the phyfician is to be fought." 
 
 " In other inftance^, the dejeclion of the mind may arlfe 
 from fomething uncomfortable in our worldly circumftances ; 
 thefe may cloud as well as diftraft the thoughts, and render ns 
 in a great degree unfit for the lervicesand pieafure of religion: 
 When it is fo, doubtlefs, the remedy i. to be fought in fiib- 
 mifTion to divine providence, in abftra6ling our affcfiions as 
 far as poflible from the prefent world, in a prudent care to eafe 
 ourfelves of the burthen fo far as we can, by moderatinci unne- 
 ceffary expences, and by diligent application to bufinefs, in 
 humble dependance on the divifne blefTing, ^c." Soe Dod- 
 ridg. Rife and Prog, p. 242. 
 
( iH ) 
 
 favors plentifully to defcend on u$, as a family; wc 
 have been diftinguiihed by thy kindncfs and mercy.-. 
 O what reafon have wc to abafe ourfelves in thy pre- 
 fence ! feeing we have refufed to acknowledge thy 
 goodnefs, which has been fo long exercifed towards 
 us. The God in whofe hands our life and breath is 
 we have not glorified! — Juftly therefore mighteft 
 thou have deprived us of our feveral comforts, and 
 poured out thy fury on a family which hath not call- 
 ed on thy name.— With inward remorfe and broken 
 hearts we would fall before thee, on account of our 
 paft omiffions of duty, our horrid ingratitude ; and, 
 as humble fupplicants, we implore, earneftly im- 
 plore thy forgivenefs through the blood of Chrift, 
 And fince we refolve, from henceforth, to join as a 
 family in the daily worfliip of our heavenly Father, 
 do thou, O Lord, fucceed our good purpofes by thy 
 gracious afTiftance •, do thou be pleafed to have re- 
 ipedt to our morning and evening offerings. 
 
 "When thy word is read to us (at thofe feafons) 
 may we be all attention to its momentous and inte- 
 refting declarations. — " When we are prefenting our 
 " prayers to thy throne, adoring thine infinite per- 
 *' fedions, may we feel a reverent and joyful fenle of 
 ** them upon our hearts. W^hen we contefs our fins 
 *' before thee, may we mourn over them, greatly 
 *' abhor them, and be infpired with firm refolutions 
 " to forfake them, and to guard againft every ap- 
 *' pearance of evil. Excite in our fouls earneil de- 
 *' fires after thofe fpiritual blefTings which we afk.at 
 *' thine hands. May we interceed for others with 
 ♦' fervent charity. May we acknowledge thy mer- 
 *' cies with the moft lively gratitude, and devote 
 " ourfelves to thee with all our hearts." 
 
 Ever preferve us from depending on the forpis 
 of godlinefs, from refting in a dead faith ; but may 
 we experience the power and efficacy of divine truth, 
 transforming us more and more into the image of 
 thy well-beloved Son. May we be the inllrumcnts 
 
 of 
 
( i'5 / 
 
 of quickening and encouraging each other in thy 
 fervice, and iikewife of ftirring up many around 
 us, to feek the Lord whiltl he may be found, and to 
 call upon him whilft he is near. And when we have 
 done the work which thou haft given us to do, and 
 fuffered all that thou faweft meet for the trial of our 
 faith, hope, and fubmifTion to thy Vv'ili, may we be 
 united to the bright, happy, and vaft aflembly of 
 
 perfed worlhippers above. Hear us, accept us, 
 
 afnd anfwer us, for the Lord Jefus Chrift's fake. 
 
 New unto him who is able to keep us from fallings 
 and to prefent us faultlefs before the prefence of his glcry 
 with exceeding joy\ to the only wife God our Savior be 
 glory and majejiy^ dominion and power y both now and e^ 
 'Ver. Amen. 
 
 ^ P RAT'S R for a Family on the Morning of the Lord's 
 
 Day. 
 
 OThou Inexhauftible fountain of life, light, love 
 and joy ; who haft no need of the fervice of the 
 moft exalted order of beings, for thy glory is eflen- 
 tial and unchangeable.— Thou art, therefore, repre- 
 fented as humbling thyfelf, to behold the things that 
 arc in Heaven and on the Earth. — Vouchfafc at this 
 time to behold us thine unworthy creatures from the 
 height of that throne where mercy dwells forever]^ — 
 Accept our fincere thanks that thou haft brought us 
 again to fee another of the days of the Son of man. 
 — We adore the rich mercy of our God, that he has 
 not left the jfinful race of mankind to perilh without 
 hope. Blefied be thy name, gracious Father, for 
 that marvellous fcheme of divine and everlafting fal- 
 vation by Chrift Jefus. Let this, the wonder of 
 angels, God manifefted in the ftefti, be the aftoniih- 
 ment and joy of our fouls! — O may we attend to 
 day with cheerfulnefs upon the ordinances of thine 
 lioufe, and find thy prefence in the affemblies of thy 
 people? Suiter not any of us tp be drowfy, idle, or 
 
( ii6 ) 
 
 forgetful h«arers •, , but while thy word is read, or 
 preached, may we* take heed how we hear. May 
 our fouls be lifted up to thee with due fervency in 
 prayer, and our lips fing thy praifes with melody 
 in our hearts. Make us all to find fomething in thine 
 holy inlHtutions fuited to our fpiritual.ftate. May 
 we on this Sabbath increafe our knowledge of God, 
 gain a vidory oyer fin, and make fome happy ad- 
 vances in real religion : And let us depart from 
 thine houfe under the light of thy countenance, and 
 ^rdencly defiring the return of fuch opportunities. 
 
 Hear, O mofl: merciful God, the prayer of thy 
 p.eople for the enlargement of that kingdom of truth 
 and righteoufnefs, which thou haft fet up among 
 men : May the whole world know that thou haft fo 
 loved it, as to give thy only begotten Son, that 
 whofoever believeth in him fiiould not perifii, but 
 have everlafting life. — And where the word of thy 
 grace is already come, let it not be received in vain: 
 More efpecially rnay the profefibrs of the Goipel in 
 our native land, and throughout the whole firitifh 
 empire, grow up in every chriftian grace and virtue, 
 being favored with the fupplies of thy good Spirit. 
 
 Pour down the choiceft of thy blefiing.s upon his 
 piajefty king George, the queen, and the royal fa- 
 mily ; may they truly adorn the high ftations to 
 which thou haft raifed them, and become bright 
 examples of all goodnefs. May inferior rulers be 
 guided by thy wifdom, and influenced by thy grace, 
 to purfue the intereft and happinefs of the public. — 
 Regard the minifters of the everlafting Gofpel; may 
 they diligently ftudy their Mafter's will, and faith- 
 fully deliver it to others -, and we pray that thou wilt 
 profper their labors for the convidion of finners, and 
 for the building up thy church and people, — Blefs 
 cur friends, and forgive our enemies. 
 
 Thou God of all compaflion, be the Father of the 
 fatherlefs, and the widow's Judge-, bind up the bro- 
 ken in heart, comfort thofe that mourn, fupport the 
 
 aged. 
 
( ir; ) 
 
 aged, fuccorthe tempted, fatlsfy the doubting, and 
 fupply the poor with bread. '^^ 
 
 O Thou, in whofe hands are our immortd fouls, 
 and all that we have and are, to thee we would again 
 Solemnly dedicate ourfelves, in thy future guidance 
 we would put our truft, to prote<5l us from every real 
 evil, and at length to crov/n us with compleat falva^- 
 tion. 
 
 In the name of Jefus Chrid the righteous, we of- 
 fer up this our morning facritice of prayer and praife». 
 ^0 him he glory both now and fcr ever. Amen. 
 
 A F RATER for a Family on the Evening of the hordes 
 
 Bay. 
 
 OThcu who inhabited eternity ; the Father of 
 glory, and the God of all grace. As thy per- 
 fedions are more than v/e can comprehend, fo thy 
 mercies are more than we can number. — To us, O 
 Lord, to us, thou haft made known thy very won- 
 derful works, even thofe things which many prophets 
 and kings defired to fee, and hear, and could not. 
 particularly, this day, thou haft permitted us to 
 hear the words of life, and alfo to join with thy peo- 
 ple in'^prayer and thankfgiving. But how mean and 
 imperfed are our beft fervices ! How unworthy, how- 
 very unworthy of thy notice, O God ! before whom 
 angels, and arch-angels veil their faces, aftoniftied at 
 thy glory, acknowledging themfelves as nothing, as 
 lejfs than nothing, when compared with thee! 
 
 We dcftre to confefs, with ftiame and forrow, how 
 heavy and dull our fpirits have been amidft the 
 quickening ordinances of thine houfe. How often 
 have our thoughts been withdrawn from the great 
 and noble obje6ls of religion, and wandered afar a- 
 mong the cares, pleafures, and vanities of this life. 
 O moft gracious God, pardon the iniquity of our 
 holy things, and fufFer not the work of the Sabbath 
 to be entirely loft, as to any one of us. But, whilft 
 
 we 
 
( ii8 ,) 
 
 we arc endeavoring to recolle<5l the weighty inftruc- 
 tions which have been given us, may thy blefled 
 Spirit fo aflift us herein ^ that we may retain fome 
 fenie and favor of divine truths for the time to come. 
 Yea, do thou, O Lord, caufe the good feed fown to 
 fpring up, and bring forth much fruit in our future 
 converfation. 
 
 O that we may be brought to worfhip God with 
 more fpirituality.— May we rejoice in Chrill Jefus.— 
 To our fellow creatures may we be jufl and charita- 
 ble, kindly affedionate, and ready to do good, as 
 we have ability and opportunity. Let us be exam- 
 ples of felf-denial, patience, meeknefs, contentment, 
 and heavenly mindednefs ; and may we come behind 
 in no good thing, looking for the mercy of our Lord 
 Jefus Chrift, unto eternal life. 
 
 Wherever ferious impreflions have been made up- 
 on the minds of hearers, to day, by thy word, may 
 the influences of thy holy Spirit render them effec- 
 tual to their fpiritual welfare and growth in grace. 
 
 Whilft we celebrate thy praifes, O God, for the 
 liberty we have of waiting upon thee in thy temple, 
 we would fympathize with fuch of our chriilian bre- 
 thren, as are deftitute of this privilege. Deliver 
 them, we befeech thee, who are perfecuted for righte- 
 oufnefs fake, deliver them from the hands of thofe 
 that hate them, and grant them the pleafures of thy 
 fanduary. 
 
 Heal the unhappy diviftons that prevail among the 
 profeffors of Chriftianitv : May the multitude of 
 them that believe be of one heart, and of one foul,^ 
 and love each other not only in word, but in deed. 
 
 O Thou great Father of the whole family in Hea- 
 ven and Earth ; we would with grateful hearts ac- 
 knowledge thy prefervation of us, the day paft. 
 
 And now, let the feafonable ileep of the night- 
 watches prepare us to meet the m^orning with plea- 
 fure and praife. ] 
 
 Accept thefe our imper fed petitions for ourfelves 
 
 . and 
 
( »i9 ) 
 
 mn others, and our thankfglvings ; regard us and 
 our fervices according to thine infinite companions 
 manifcfted through Chrifl the Savior, who hath 
 taught us, when we pray, to fay, Our Father who 
 art in Heaven, &c. 
 
 Ajiother P RAIDER for a Family on the Lord's Day 
 Morning, 
 
 OGod of Ifrael, who dwelleft between the cheru- 
 bim; great art thou, and greatly to be praifed- 
 thy greatnefs is unfearchable: as thou art great fo 
 ' thou art good, abundant in goodnefs, and thy mercy 
 endureth for ever. By thy powerful and kind hand 
 '^we were at firft enabled, to fee the light of life; by 
 . that fame hand we have been brought, through X.)\^ 
 darknefs of the night paft, to behold the light of 
 
 * the morning. This is the day which the Lord hath 
 
 * made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. 
 
 May we all cheerfully lay afide our worldly em- 
 ployments, and difengage our minds from earthly 
 ^ cares, that fo we may vi'ait upon thee without di- 
 ftradlion. 
 
 We defire to keep this day to thine honor, 'O 
 
 Almighty Father, Creator of Heaven and Earth.- — 
 
 ^ Worthy art thou to receive blelling and honor, ^n^ 
 
 ^ glory and power, for thou haft created all things, 
 
 , and for thy pleafure they are and v^ere created.— 
 
 Shine, great God, into our hearts, as on the firft 
 
 day of the creation thou didft caufe the light to fhine 
 
 out of darknefs. — May we feel the power of thy 
 
 word, may it give a divine light to our fouls, and 
 
 may we become thy workmanftiip, created in Chfift 
 
 Jefus unto good works. 
 
 ' We defire to keep this day holy alfo to the honor 
 of Jefus Chrift thine own Son and our Lord and 
 Savior; we would obferve it in memory of our de- 
 liverance by him," from fin and Hell. We woirld 
 xu)w call to mind (with peculiar thankful hefs> his 
 
 ineti- 
 
( I20 ) 
 
 meritorious death, and triumphant refurredion, 
 whereby he was declared to be the Son of God with 
 power. We believe that Chrift is rifen, that he is 
 rifen indeed, and will be the Author of refurredion 
 and everlafling life to all who put their tfuft in him, 
 
 and obey the Gofpel. This Jcfus may v7e fecei^e 
 
 in all his offices : May our minds be refigned to his 
 do(5trines as our Prophet : May we rely on his fatri- 
 fice and mediation as our Prieft ; and may we yield 
 fmcere, conftant, univerf^l and cheerful obedience to 
 him as our King. 
 
 We would moreover keep this day holy, to the 
 honor of the facred Spirit, who on the hrft day of 
 the week was fent down from the Father, by the Son^ 
 to qualify the apoftles, and others, to preach the word ■ 
 of falvation to men of all nations : May this blefled 
 Spirit breathe upon our dead hearts, that they may 
 live: Let us richly enjoy his quickening, fandlifying, 
 and comforting influences : O that the Spirit of love, 
 joy, peace, long-fufFering, gentlenefs, goodnefs, faith,' 
 meeknefs, and temperance, may work th'efe amiable 
 graces in our fouls. *P 
 
 May we be in the Spirit, on this tKy day : Grant 
 that we might go through the facred fervices of it 
 with profit and pleafure : Do thou glorify the houfe 
 of thy glory, by affording the marks of thy p?e- 
 fence; and we beg that prayer and Gofpel miniflrati- 
 ons may be powerful not only to our falvation, but 
 likewife to the falvation of numbers befides.- -Hear 
 us, O our God, and gracioufly a'ccept of us in Jefus 
 Chrifl, our ever-living Advocate with thee our hea- 
 venly Father: To whom be praife and dominion for e'l/er 
 Mnd ever. Amen. 
 
 Another FRATER for a Family on the Lord's Day 
 Evening, 
 
 OLord, our God ! nlofl high, moft holy, moft 
 wife, and mofl merciful Father. Thou fend- 
 cft out thy light and thy truth amongf} us, to ikake 
 
 the 
 
( 121 ) 
 
 th-Q way of life and falvation plain before iis; thou 
 giveft us many opportunities and advantages to quick- 
 en and further us in the knowledge of thyfelf, and in 
 that way of our duty which leads to the Kingdom of 
 Glory. We have line upon line, and precept Upon 
 precept; thy meflengers come to us early and late, 
 to open and apply thy word for the promoting our 
 edification here, and our falvation forever. Thus, 
 O Lord, thou haft not been wanting to us, but we 
 have been exceedingly wanting to ourfelves, and de- 
 fedive in the duty which we owe uhtb thee. It 
 Is very little to be {qqti in our lives, how good ami 
 kind the Lord has been to our fouls ; we have even 
 loved darknefs more than light, and chofe to follow 
 the evil inclinations of our own hearts, rather than 
 to be guided by the excellent rules of thy holy word. 
 And, now. Lord, feeing we have fo little improved 
 the invaluable talents which thou haft put into our 
 hands ; we confefs that thou mighteft juftly take 
 away the Gofpel from us, and give it to others, that 
 fhould bring forth fruits more anfwerable to it thaii 
 we have done. — Becaufaj-thou haft called, and we 
 have refufed ; thou haft ftretched forth thy hands 
 and we have not regarded •, thou mighteft therefore 
 leave us to our own perverfenefs and impenitence, till 
 our iniquities became our ruin. 
 
 But O God, merciful and long-fuifering, we hum- 
 bly befeech thee that thou wilt not fo enter into 
 judgement with thy fervants: Rather in mercy par- 
 don our contempt of thy word, and our hot profiting 
 by the other means of grace which we havfe enjoyed. 
 Help us for the time to come, better to ufe and im- 
 prove fuch precious opportunities fet b<:if6re us, to 
 the glory of thy name, and the benefit of our fouls. 
 
 O make thy word inftru mental aiid effcdual to 
 produce thy grace where it is not, and to eftaolifti 
 and increafe thy grace where it is. 
 
 Thou Almighty Maker of mankind, look down 
 and pity a world Iving in darknefs : Send thy Gofpel 
 
 R o 
 
( 122 } 
 
 of light and love among the Heathen nations ^ reflore 
 thy ancient people the Jews to thy favor, recover 
 thofe parts of the Earth which lie under the deluiion 
 of Mahomet^ put an end to Popifh Idolatry, fuper- 
 ftition, and tyranny over the confcicnces of men. 
 Wherefoever the Gofpel of Chrift is preach- 
 ed (particularly in our own land) let it be made very 
 fuccefsful. ^Y 
 
 Endow our fovereign king George, with all thofe 
 human and divine qualities, which are necelfary for 
 fuch a governor. — Let wife and faithful counfeJlors 
 ever Hand before him. — Affift him by thy grace to 
 purfue the things that make for his own true honor 
 and happinefs, for the welfare of the nation, and the 
 peace of thy churches. 
 
 Blefs the queen and the royal houfhold of princes, 
 and princefTes; may they be trained up in the know- 
 ledge and pradice of religion, that in their growing 
 years they may become bleflings to the world. O 
 that holinefs and piety might be defended and en- 
 couraged by all that are exalted to ftations of honor 
 and authority in the kingdom. 
 
 May the minifters of the Gofpel live according to 
 that pure dodrine which they preach to others ; may 
 they fave themfelves, and thofe who hear them. 
 
 May the fick, weak, and afflided, the diilreiTed, 
 whether in body, or mind, be the objedls of thy ten- 
 der compaflion -, let all that are related to us in the 
 bonds of nature, or that are united to us by the ties 
 of friendfhip, belong to the bright and blifsful fo- 
 ciety above. 
 
 After the various requefts we have offered for 
 ourfelves and others, we beg leave to render humble 
 thanks to thy Majefty, for the numerous and great 
 benefits we have received. We praife our God for 
 the meafure of eafe and health which we enjoy, and 
 for all thofe comforts of life that have been continu- 
 ally provided for us. — Above all, we blefs thee for 
 the wonders of thy grace, in providing fuch a glori- 
 ous 
 
( 123 ) 
 
 ous method of recovery for finful mankind; bleffed 
 be God, that he has fent his only begotten Son into 
 the world, that we might live through him. O how 
 exceedingly good and merciful haft thou been unto 
 us ; not only beyond all that we have had reafon to 
 exped from thee, but above all that v/e are able to 
 exprefs here before thee. | 
 
 We now defire to commit ourfelves to thy protec- 
 tion for the enfuing night, fpare us to the 
 morning of the next day.— May we carry with us a 
 fenfeof fabbath mercies and duties through the whole 
 week; and may all the lawful bufmefs ofitprofper 
 in our hands. Make us more fit for another fabbath 
 than we were for this, and prepare us for that fabbath 
 which wili^never end. Attend we entreat thee to 
 thefe petitions, for the fake of Jefus Chrift our Lord; 
 in whofe words we fum up all our requefts to thee, 
 Our Father who art in Heaven, &c. 
 
 A PRATER for a family on Monday morning, 
 
 OThou God of Gods, and Lord of Lords ; thine is 
 the greatnefs and the glory, and the majejly ; for 
 all that is in Heaven is thine, or on the Earth is thine. 
 
 Thou haft made the day for the bufinefs of life, 
 and haft raifed us from our beds of fteep to fee ano- 
 ther morning with comfort. For this frefh inftance 
 of thy goodnefs, accept our unfeigned thanks. 
 
 We acknowledge before thee, we are utterly un- 
 worthy to corne into thy holy prefence — Our origi- 
 nal is from the duft, and our natures unholy and un- 
 clean ; our daily tranfgreflions v/itnefs againft us, 
 and deferve deftrudion from the hand of thy juftice: 
 ■ — But is there not forgivenefs with thee, that ftnners 
 may be encouraged to return to Gpd with hope and 
 love ? 
 
 Let thy m.ercy blot, out our oiFences, and do thou 
 caft all our fins behind thy bac4c. Pity us, heavenly 
 Father, under our fpirltual bjindiiefs and ignorance 
 
 inftrutf-- 
 
[ 124 ] 
 
 inftnid us by thy word and thy good fpirit^ that we 
 might know more of our own wants and weaknefles, 
 and that we may know thee better in the difcoveries 
 of thy grace. 
 
 Work in our minds true repentance for all our of- 
 fences, and let our faith in Jefus, be fuch as thou 
 wilt approve, fuch as jpay raife our hearts to God, 
 and produce the good fruits of obedience in the whole 
 ccurfe of our lives. 
 
 Help us to fet a conftant watch over all our fenfes, 
 and wandeJring imaginations, and to fupprefs undue 
 refentments, of whatfoever injuries we meet with, 
 from our fellow creatures : O that fuch a ferene tem- 
 per may be wrought in us, as appeared in our blefled 
 Savior. Kindle in our fouls, fuch a pious flamxe of 
 love to thyfelf, and charity towards men, that we 
 might make it our delight to do good unto all, even 
 to them who have done us evil. But may v/e in a 
 fpecial manner love thofe who appear to be the fer- 
 vants of God. Let none of the little diftindions of 
 of party, opinion, or intcreft prevent our exercifing a 
 chriftian affedion towards them. 
 
 We further pray, that thy kind providence might 
 fecure us from the fnares and temptations of this vain 
 world,. O let not iniquity gain a vidory over us; 
 fufFer us never to be led away by evil companions, 
 from the paths of truth and godlinefs ^ nor let us 
 ever be afraid or afhamed to profefs ourfelves wor- 
 fhippers of God and believers in Jefus. 
 
 May health and peace be continued to us this day, 
 and no evil accident attend us: dired: and incline our 
 hearts to employ every hour of our time aright, and 
 enable us to fulfil our various duties to God and man, 
 that we may in fome meafure approve ourfelves, in 
 the evening, to the inquiries of our own confciences 
 and be approved by thee, our Judge, in the lail day. 
 
 When thou feefl: it needful to cor.red us, may the 
 effect thereof be to take away our fins, and to make 
 Us partakers of thv holinefs. -f 
 
 We 
 
( 125 ) 
 
 We refign ourfelves up' entirely to thy good plea, 
 fure, and to the conduc5b of thy wifdbm. We defire 
 to be thine in life and death, and In the V/orld to 
 come. 
 
 Great are the favors v/e have requefted ofthe^, O. 
 that our pleas may come up before thy throne with 
 acceptance. 
 
 We know indeed that we have deferved nothing at 
 thy hands : But dofl thou not delight to difcover thy 
 free and rich mercy, and to make thy grace trium- 
 phant over the unvv'orthlnefs of thy creatures ? haft 
 thou not promifed to hear the cries of the humble,^ 
 has not jefus Chrift pleafed thee in all things, and 
 procured by his obedience unto death, all the blef- 
 iings of the glorious Gofpel ? We befeech thee there- 
 fore by the infinite gracioufnefs of thy nature, and by 
 the blood of thy Son, that the lives of our fouls may 
 be precious in thy iight. 
 
 In his name we offer up our humble thanks for the 
 mercies that we enjoy, and all that we have In pro- 
 fped. It is to thee,0 God, we are indebted for our lives 
 and being, our health and eafe, and the ufe of our 
 fenfes and limbs; it is from thee we derive all the be- 
 nefits of food and raiment, the daily fupports of na- 
 ture, together with the rich promifes of grace and 
 eternal redemption. To thee therefore we pay all ho- 
 nor and praife, even to that God i^ho is able to do ex- 
 ceeding abundantly^ above all that we ajk or think j unto 
 him be glory in the church by Chriji Jefus throughout all 
 ^^geSy world without endy Amen, 
 
 A PRATER for a Family on Monday Evening, 
 
 O Eternal Father ! thy name alone Is excellentj 
 and thy glory none can comprehend. One ge- 
 neration of men fliall declare thy mighty atis unto ano^ 
 ther ; they fliall abundantly utter the memory of thy great 
 goodnefsy and fnall Jtng of thy righteoufnefs. — Thy pro- 
 vidence runs through all the earth, to behold the 
 
 condition 
 
( 126 ) 
 
 condition, and f apply the wants of thy creatures. — 
 We adore thee,- O Lord, as one who gave us our be- 
 ing, and as the fource of all our happinefs. By thy 
 watchful providence we have been preferved from 
 manifold evils ; and by thy never-failing bounty we 
 have been fupported. — Surely goodnefs and mercy 
 have followed us all the days of our lives.-— While 
 we confider the innumerable common favors by 
 which we are encompafled, we would . not forget 
 thofe which relate to our redemption from fin and 
 mifery. For that ineftimable gift of thy love, 
 Chrift Jefus, and for the hope of falvation by and 
 through him, we would magnify thee, the God of 
 all compafTion. And we defire to refled with great 
 thankfulnefs on that unparalleled love wherewith 
 Chriil hath loved us, who readily defcended to our 
 abode, that we might afcend and dwell with God, 
 who died on the crofs, that we might live for ever. 
 Yet, O Lord, though thy care, thy kindnefs, and 
 thy grace have abounded towards us in fo wonderful 
 a manner, we, even we, have negledled the God who 
 made us, and lightly eiieemed the rock of our fal- 
 vation, and our defires and purfuits have been eager 
 after' the things of the world.— -Numberlefs are the 
 ofFences which we have committed againfl clear light 
 and tender love.— But thou art ftill encouraging our 
 hope, by afluring us thou retaineft not thine anger 
 for ever, becaufe thou delighteft in mercy.— We 
 vvould therefore come as humble fupplicants, en- 
 treating thy forgivenefs, through the mediation of 
 thy Son.-— O that the complerJ: and perfed falvation, 
 which he hath wrought out for us, may be dear and 
 welcome to our fouls.— Gracious God, who doftgive 
 to all men liberally and upbraidefl: not, help us to 
 fee the viienefs of fm : may we confider it as an af- 
 front to thine authority, and ingratitude to the beft 
 of beings; may we view it as the loweft debafement 
 of our natures, and as mort oppofite to our prefent 
 and future happinefs.- --0 cleanfe thou us from all 
 
 our 
 
( 1^7 ) 
 
 our fins, ' and fill our hearts with the love of truth 
 and goodnefs. 
 
 May we know more of God and ourfelves, and 
 more of the grace of God, through Jefus Chrlft our 
 Lord. As we profefs to be the followers of the 
 blefied Jefus, may we be conformed to him in the 
 temper of our minds, and copy his example in do- 
 ing good with delight, both to the fouls and bodies 
 of men, O that we may fhew our love to him by. 
 obeying all his commands. ---Afliil us againfl the 
 temptations and fnares of the prefent ftate ; amidil 
 the greatefl: difficulties may we preferve our integri- 
 ty, and by continuance in faith and holinefs inherit 
 thQ promifes. 
 
 O thou who art the common Father of mankind, 
 the Lover of fouls ; graciously hear us when we pray 
 — that thou wouldeft enlighten the whole world with- 
 the glory of the Gofpel of Chriil, and fow the feeds 
 of holinefs and happinefs every where. 
 
 The Lord mercifully regard our intercelTions in 
 behalf of this finful nation; may we return each one 
 from his evil way, that iniquity may not be our ruin: 
 and do thou blefs thy people Vv'ith peace. 
 
 Raife up amongfc us from time to time, wife and 
 righteous rulers, together with laborious and faith- 
 ful minifters, and do thou crown their endeavors 
 withfuccefs. — Extend thy mercy to all the afflid:ed.4- 
 
 We hurjibly pray thee to beftow upon our friends 
 and relatives, whatever thou knoweil to be bed for 
 them ; and be pieafed to turn the hearts of our 
 enemies. 
 
 We thank God for the bleilings of every day. May 
 we lie down this night pardoned and accepted -, let no 
 evil befal us, nor midnight outcries affright us 
 
 Thefe our imperfecl requefls, v/e offer up unto 
 thee, in comfortable hope of thy gracious regard, 
 thro' Jefus Chrifl:, in whofe comprehenfive words we 
 conclude our addrefs to thee. Our Father who art in 
 Heaven &:c. 
 
 J PR J 2^- 
 
( 128 ) 
 
 A PR J TER for A Family on I'uefday Morning, 
 
 INcomprehenfible Jehovah! thou art infinite in 
 in power, wifdom, and g :odnefs ! thou art, and 
 ever waft, and ever fhalt continue blefTed and glori- 
 ous, above all that we are able to exprefs or conceive. 
 Thou doft not need the fervices of men or angels to 
 make the leaft addition to thy glory and happinefs. 
 We cannot be profitable to God : our goodnefs can- 
 not extend unto thee. Therefore 'tis not for the 
 fake of thine own advantage, but in kindnefs and 
 love to our fouls, that thou art pleafed to lay thy 
 commands upon us, to wait upon thee in the duties 
 of religion. For we ftand in great and continual 
 need of thee. 
 
 We need, O Lord, we ftand in abfolute need of 
 thy forgiving mercy, the aids of thy grace, and the 
 light of thy countenance J fince without thefe we 
 muftbe miferable. 
 
 May the defire of our fouls, therefore, be to thy 
 name, and to the remembrance of thee — Our eyes 
 are towards thee, and all our expedlation is from 
 thee ; we will wait, and call, and depend upon thee, 
 until thou haft compaflion on us according to our fe- 
 veral neceflities, and according to the riches of thy 
 grace. 
 
 O remember not agalnft us our former iniquities ^ 
 enter not into judgment with us according to the de- 
 fert of our fins: but according to thy mercy remem- 
 ber thou US, for thy goodnefs fake, O Lord. Blot out 
 our tranfgreftions as a cloud, and juftify us freely by 
 thy grace, through the redemption that is in Jefus 
 Ghrift. — Aflift us gracious God in turning away 
 from all our iniquities, and in living and ading ac- 
 cording to thy holy word. 
 
 And to this end, be thou pleafed to enlighten our 
 darkened minds with the beams of thy faving truth, 
 that we may not be unwife, but underftand what the 
 will of the Lord is, Reform too our ftubborn wills, 
 
 incline 
 
( 129 ) 
 
 incline them to a cheerful compliance with all the 
 motions of thy Spirit. Regulate our unruly pafilons^ 
 purify our corrupt affedtions ; and make all the fa- 
 culties of our fouls, and the members of our bodies, 
 to be inftruments of thy glory, as they have been of 
 thy diihonor. Sandify us wholly, that we may (as 
 we ought) fandify thy blefied name. 
 
 O do thou be pleafed to quicken us all, to hear thy 
 voice, while it is called to-day. — May we make hafte^ 
 and not delay to keep thy commandments. — Caufe 
 us frequently and affedlionately to call to mind the 
 fhortnefs of our time, the frailty of our lives, and 
 the uncertainty of every thing pertaining to this 
 world. — Surely we have no continuing city here, but 
 are ftrangers and fojourners, as all our fathers were: 
 O let the confideration of this, have fuch a prevail- 
 ing influence upon us, as to crucify the world to us, 
 and make us more concerned for our everlafling 
 welfare, and more careful to improve every* prefent 
 enjoyment to our fouls eternal advantage^ — May the 
 work of thy grace go on fuccefsfully upon our hearts, 
 and improve our converfation, till it has made us 
 ready for the joys and glories of thy Kingdom.— 
 Forgive the fins and relieve the miferies of thy crea- 
 tures every where. 
 
 Our own unv/orthinefs, O Lord, would make us 
 defpair of obtaining thofe great and good things 
 which v/e have afked at thy hands : but the remem- 
 brance of thy continual bounty, and of that unutter- 
 able gift, the Son of thy love, puts life into our hopes, 
 and encouragement into our prayers, and leaves us 
 no reafon to doubt of thy willingnefs to beftow upon 
 us flirther bleffrngs. With united hearts v/e would 
 thank thee, in that thou haft been our Guard 
 through the night, and preferved us from all harm. 
 — How many are thy wonderful works, which thou 
 haft fnewn us — Glory be to thy name, that when no 
 eye pitied, when no hand but thine could fave, then 
 was the time of thy love, then was infinite wifdom 
 
 S and 
 
( 130 ) 
 
 and mercy difplayedby the coming of ChrlH:. — Di- 
 redall our fteps, and fucceed all our lawful labours 
 through this day; may we enter upon our bufinefs in 
 the fear of the Lord, and in dependence on thy care 
 and help, -f Hear our prayers and accept our praifes, 
 for the Redeemer's fake, thejirft andthelafi^ that liv- 
 eth and was dead^ ^r^d is alive for evermore. Amen, 
 
 A PRATER for a Family on Tuefday Eveiiing, 
 
 OLord God of hofts, who is there on Earth, or 
 in Heaven like unto thee, or whofe works 
 are to be compared with thine? — 'Thy faithf nine fs 
 reaches unto the clouds^ thy right eoufnefs is like the 
 great njountains^ thy judgments are a great deep^ thy 
 ■inercy :s in the Heavens.— Day andnight^ feed time and 
 harvejl^ fummer and winter^ in their conflant fuccef- 
 fions, declare thy providential care to be over all thy 
 works. 
 
 Thou, the great Lord of life, haft been our Keeper 
 through another day, and our many temporal com- 
 forts ftand fecured by thy watchful eye, and guardian 
 •hand. 
 
 To thee we owe our being, all our powers, all our 
 good things ; thy mercy we thankfully acknowledge, 
 and humbly confefs our own unworthinefs; for as we 
 never deferved, fo we have ill improved the conftant 
 inflances of thy bounty. 
 
 Great indeed has been the ingratitude and difobe- 
 dience of our hearts, and our lives have been very un- 
 fruitful. — O Lord we defire to have the deepell: con- 
 trition of foul for all our paft iniquities, and do ear- 
 neftly implore thy heavenly aids ta redlify our inv- 
 ward diforders, and to make us holy, as thou art 
 hoiy. May we refemble thee in ail goodnefs. Help 
 us to fhew love to each other, and to be merciful, as 
 our Father alfo is merciful. May we be tender 
 hearted and willing to forgive; as God for Chrift's 
 
 fake 
 
fake is ready to forgive us, and fufrer us not to be 
 weary in v/ell doing. 
 
 While our fouls are held in life, and we fnd and 
 feel, by every day*s experience how good and gra- 
 cious thou art, let our fpirits be nlled with thank- 
 fulnefs, our lips with praife, and may our converfa- 
 tion greatly adorn the Gofpel. — Extend thy kind re- 
 gard to allour dear relations, to our chrifiian'friends, 
 acquaintance, and neighbors ; our fervent prayer to 
 God for them is, that they might be faved. Help 
 us to rejoice with them that rejoice, and to weep with 
 them that weep. May we aim to promote the hap- 
 pinefs of all around us, as far as we are able. 
 
 Let not the minifters of Jefus Chrift labor in 
 vain, but may they be the happy and honored in- 
 {truments of promoting the caufeof real religion. 
 
 Leave not our country and our coail unguarded, 
 but be thou our continual defence-, crown the year 
 with thy goodnefs. Infpire the king and royal houfe 
 with all wifdom : adorn them with publick and pri-. 
 vate virtues, and make the people eafy and. happy 
 under them. 
 
 Free the world of mankind from the yoke of Satan, 
 and from perfecuting princes and priefts: eftabliih 
 truth, righteoufnefs, and peace on the Earth, that 
 God may delight to dwell here belov/. f 
 
 And now Lord, pardon whatever we have done 
 amifs this day; pardon all our negledt of duty, for- 
 give, O forgive the fms of our whole lives: is there 
 not fufficient virtue in the blood of Chrift to cleanfc 
 away our guilt .^ the merits of his death with all 
 thankfulnefs we plead with thee. — This night may 
 we lie down in favor with God ^ may we reft in 
 peace and fafety, awake rcfrefhed, and better fitted 
 for the fervices of another day : By a daily care to 
 pleafe thee in our tempers, words, and anions, let 
 us be gradually more and more prepared for the Vi-^ 
 fion of thy face, and for beholding the glory of the 
 great Mediator, in and through whom, we would at 
 
( 132 ) 
 
 ^11 times addrefs thee ; who hath direded us when we 
 pray, to fay, Qur Father, &:c„ 
 
 A F RATER for a Family on Wednefday Morning, 
 
 BLefied God! ^y name is moft excellent in all the 
 Earth ; zvho haft fet thy glory above the Heavens^ 
 and thou art worthy to be celebrated with the ever- 
 lafting praifes of men and angels. — As by thine al- 
 mighty power the v/orlds were created, fo by thine 
 incomprehenfible providence they are fjftained.— 
 Thy hands made and fafnloned us, thou art the 
 pireferver of our lives, and from thee we receive every 
 comfort and bleffing we enjoy. Thou haft form- 
 ed us for thyfelf, that we fhouid fhew forth thy 
 praife, and live to thy glory, as we continually live 
 upon thy bounty. 
 
 But O Lord, we have not brought thee that glory 
 thou hail: made us capable of, and to which thou haft 
 in fo.many ways obliged us. Inftead of this, how 
 greatly have we difhonored thee, our God, in the courfe 
 and condu6l of our lives ! time after time have we 
 forgot the gracious giver of our good things, though 
 thou art ever mJndful of us. We have been weary 
 in thy fervice, though thou haft never been weary in 
 doing us good. Yea, we have not only negledled thy 
 works, but we have often difobeyed thy word ^ and 
 have gone on after our own foolifti and hurtful lufts, 
 which are condemned both by thy laws and our own 
 confciences. 
 
 For thefe things we defire to pour out our hearts 
 in godly forrow, and to abafe our whole perfons be- 
 fore thee: O moft merciful Father, grant us repent- 
 ance and pardon for all that is paft, wherein we have 
 offended theej whether by omitting of duty, fail- 
 ing in it, or adling contrary to it. In whatever re- 
 fped we have tranfgrefled, humble us duly under a 
 fenfe of the fame, and for thy dear Son's fake, {-t^ 
 us from the guilt thereof. 
 
 Strength- 
 
C 133 ] 
 
 Strengthen us, good Lord, with might by thy 
 Spirit in the inner-man, make us watchful againfl^ 
 and victorious over the cgrruption of our nature, 
 the temptations of the devil, and the diflradions 
 and allurements of this finful world. O deftroy in 
 us every vicious inclination, every evil habit, and re-. 
 bellious motion, that exalts itfelf againil: the know-, 
 ledge of God, ami againftthe obedience required by 
 our Lord Jefus Chrift. Implant in us divine w^if- 
 dom, faith, holy fear, love, and every grace of 
 thy bleffed Spirit necefiary for us. — Make our lives 
 comfortable to ourfelves, profitable to others, and 
 to the glory of thy name. And however it goes 
 with us, as to the concerns oftim^e, may we alv/ays 
 be found in the way of our duty, fearing God, and 
 working righteoufnefs ; fo that when the important 
 hour fliall arrive, in which fiefh and heart, and every 
 earthly comfort fliailfail us, Jehovah may be near 
 as the ftrength of our hearts, and our portion for 
 ever. 
 
 Be pleafed to remember all for whom we ought to 
 entreat thy mercy and favor. O bring nigh unto 
 thee, fuch as are yet afar off, and make manifefl 
 tht favor of thy knowledge in every place. 
 
 May each one Vv^ho names the name of Chrifl de- 
 part from iniquity: let profeilbrs in general adorii 
 the do<5lrine of God their Savior in all things, and 
 put to filence the ignorance of fooliih men by well 
 doing, -jr 
 
 We would now magnir'y thee, O Lord, who crown- 
 eft each day of our lives with thy mercies. We 
 blefs thee for our lafl night's prefervation and pro- 
 tedtion, and for the refi and refreihment once more 
 aitorded us. 
 
 Guide us to-day in all our ways, that we might 
 pleafe tliQe^ and that fo thou mayefl: beftow upon us 
 blefTmgs and good fuccefs : help us to fee thy pow- 
 er, toown thy prefence, to admire thy wifdom, and 
 to love thy goodnefs in all thy creatures. And by 
 
 tern- 
 
C >34 ] 
 
 temporal benefits may we be brought nearer to that 
 God, from whom they proceed; and find our medi- 
 tations of thee to be pleafant, yea, very delightful. 
 Thefe our prayers we prefent unto thee, through 
 the High- Prieft of our profeilion, Chrift Jefus, iz^ko 
 gave kimfelf for our fins ^ that he might deliver us from 
 this prefent evil worlds accordiyig to the will of God and* 
 '€ur Father : I'd whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen, 
 
 A F RATER for a Faynily en Wednefday Evening. 
 
 OThou mighty one of Ifrael^ the herd over all the 
 Earthy ■ and the Ki?ig of Glory ! We durft not 
 appear in the prefence of thine holy and auguft Ma- 
 jefty^ in our own names, or trufting in any merits 
 in ourfelves ; for we are confcious of fo much hn 
 and guilt, as may make us afliamed to come 
 before thy face, and to tremble for fear of thy 
 judgments. But we approach thee in the name of 
 Jefus, whom thou dofl: infinitely love, and who con- 
 tinually inrerceeds at thy right hand for jmmortal 
 fouls. Deliver us therefore, moil gracious Lord, 
 from our tranfgreilions, feal to us, we befeech thee, 
 a full pardon in that blood of fprinkling, which 
 fpeakcth better things than the blood of Abel. 
 
 O that the time pail of our lives v/herein we have 
 been ferving our lulls and pleafures, may fufBce us : 
 let us not venture to live any longer to ourfelves, 
 'nor go on to neglett the honor of that God, who 
 made, and conilantly preferves us, and fent Jefus 
 Chriil to blefs us. 
 
 Grant us clean, humble, and contrite hearts ; hearts 
 that tremble at thy word and prefence, and that hate 
 all iinful ways. 
 
 Caufe the thoughts of our minds to be frequently 
 employed about thee, and the main tendency of our 
 fouls to be towards thee -, may we experience fatisfac- 
 tion and pleafure in waiting upon thee, and in commu- 
 nion with thee, both in the publick and private exer- 
 
 cifes 
 
[ 135 ] 
 
 -clfes of devotion: may not the moft tempting things 
 of an earthly nature draw away our hearts from the 
 -Creator to an immoderate love of the creature. Let 
 nothing here below hinder us in the purfuit of what 
 our faith forefees, and what thy love has prepared 
 for, and promifed to thy faithful fervancs in another 
 vyorld. 
 
 O thou almighty Sovereign, and compaffionate 
 Father, hear us when we pray to thee in behalf of all 
 men. Send the means of grace to fuch as are defti- 
 tute of them •, and make them the favor of life to thofe 
 who enjoy them. Be favorable to this our native 
 land, to the king and to others in authority ^ couTifel 
 all our counfellors, teach our teachers, and order 
 publick affairs to the glory of thy name, and the wel- 
 fare of the nation. Turn away from us, O Lord, 
 we befeech thee, the judgments which we feel or 
 fearj continue to us the comforts for our bodies, 
 and the advantages for our fouls, Vv'hich through 
 thy patience we pofiefs. 
 
 Sandlify thy corrections to- the afflided, fupport 
 them under their feveral burthens, and in due time 
 deliver them from all the prelTures that are upon 
 them. Do good to our friends and neighbors, 
 and reward our benefadlors. Preferve us» from^ our 
 enemies, and reconcile them both to us and to 
 
 And now we humbly entreat thee, to accept. our 
 evening facrifice of praife and thankfgiving, for the 
 mercies of the day paft, and for the benefits that 
 have followed us through our whole lives. Our lives 
 have been filled with thy mercies, and thou Haft 
 a.bounded towards ^us in a rich variety of bleilings, 
 pertaining to the prefent and eternal ftates. 
 
 O God, imprint and preferve upon our hearts, a 
 deep and grateful fenfe of all thy kindnefs towards 
 us ; that our fouls as well as our lips may blefs thee, 
 and all that is within us may praife thy holy name. 
 We beg that we may experience the continuance of 
 
 thv 
 
[ '35 j 
 
 thy great goodnefs towards, and of thy tender care 
 over us this night. Give us fleep and reft to ftrengthen 
 us for our duty ; and prepare us, O Lord, for our 
 fleep in death, and for that ftrid account which v^.^ 
 inuft give before the divine tribunal, in the great 
 and laft day.-f--0 that our prayers at this time may 
 be acceptable in thy fight, through Jefus Chrift, ih^ 
 whofe words we clofe our requefts to thee, Our 
 Father, &c. 
 
 J PRATER for a Family on Thurfday Morning. 
 
 OGod the Judge ofall^ whom the Heaven of Hea- 
 vens cannot contain-^ though thou art high^ yet 
 ha.fi thou refpeEl unto the lozvly^ and art ready to hear 
 the poor when he criethunto thee^ and to fave the fouls of 
 
 the needy, In thee we ever live, move, and are ; 
 
 on thee we continually depend for all the good we 
 have, or hope to receive. Thou haft taken care of 
 us in our moments of fleep, when we were peculiarly 
 incapable of caring for ourfelves.— Every morning 
 affords us nev^ occafions for gratitude and praife. But 
 alas ! hov/ very defedlive have we been in the dif- 
 charge of this duty.— We have not ferved the Lord 
 with gladnefs of heart, even when his hand hath 
 been opened widely on our behalf, yea, whilft our 
 God has daily renewed our lives and his mercies, 
 we have abufed the gifts of thy goodnefs, and de- 
 fpifed the bleftings of his grace, fet before us in the 
 
 Gofpel. O thou offended Sovereign, thou 
 
 much injured Benefa<5tor ! withdraw not thy 
 great mercies from us, for our ingratitude to thee : 
 but give us hearts truly penitent for all the evils com- 
 mitted by us, be ftill gracious unto us, and heal our 
 fpirits. Grant us likewife a comfortable fenfe of 
 thine acceptance and kind intentions towards us in 
 Chrift Jefus, the Lover of fouls, 
 
 O that the joy of the Lord might be our ftrength ; 
 that fo we might be able fuccefsfully to oppofe our 
 iins. 
 
( 137 ) 
 
 fins, efpeclally the fins to which we are moft addicfted^ 
 and whereof we are in greateft danger. May the 
 joy of the Lord alfo make us more ready to every 
 good work, and difpofe us better for all the duties 
 of piety, juftlce, charity, and fobriety. 
 
 Herein may we exercife ourfelves to have always 
 the confcience void of offence towards God, and to- 
 wards man. — O help us to walk circumfpedly, not 
 as fools, but as wife, carefully redeeming the time 
 we have loft, and confcientioufly improving all thofe 
 feafons and means of grace, which thou art pleafed 
 to put into our hands, for the advantage of our fouls. 
 — While we are upon earth, give us all things 
 needful and convenient for our prefent pilgrimao-e, 
 and fandify to us all our enjoyments and employ- 
 ments, and every event that may befall us. — At 
 length, through the multitude of thy mercies, and 
 the merits of the Redeemer, may we be conduced 
 in fafety to that world, where we fhall be for ever 
 with the Lord. + 
 
 Gracious Father, keep us, we befeech thee, this 
 day in thy fear and favor, and help us to live to thy 
 glory, — If thou guide us not, we fhall run into er- 
 rors ; if thou preferve us not, we fhall fall into dan- 
 gers.— O let thy good providence be our defence 
 and fecurity, and let thine holy Spirit condud us in 
 all our ways ; that it may prove a feafon of true 
 pleafure to ourfelves, and of great ufefulnefs to 
 others. 
 
 Now to God only wife^ be glory through Jefus Chrift 
 for ever. Amen, 
 
 A F RATER for a Family on ^hurfday Evening, 
 
 OThou righteous and holy Sovereign of Heaven 
 and Earth, whilft thou hateft the workers of 
 iniquity, and haft threatened fm with death; yet for 
 the glory of thy mercy, and in pity to thy creatures, 
 hafl thou fent thy Son, to be the Savior of the 
 T world. 
 
( 138 ) 
 
 world, and promifed forgivenefs through his blood, 
 to all who confefs and leave their fins, and believe 
 in him. — We humbly own, O Lord, that we are 
 miferable finners. Like fheep we have gone aftray, 
 and turned every one to our own way. — Though 
 thou art King of the whole world, and thy laws are 
 holy, juft, and good ; yet we have refufed fubjedlion 
 and obedience unto thee. 
 
 Though thou art infinite in goodnefs, yet have we 
 not chofen and loved thee, as our Father, and beft 
 portion -, but we have been fetting our fupreme afi-'ec- 
 tions on the perifhing enjoyments of the prefent fi:ate. 
 We have not with due reverence drawn nigh to thee. 
 We have not done to others as we would be done unto : 
 How little forgivenefs hath been in our tempers and 
 practice •, we have finned not only in our foolifii paf- 
 fions, but prefumptuoufiy, and with deliberation ; 
 we have too often fupprefi^ed convidlion, refifted light, 
 oppofed truth, and been deaf to the admonitions of 
 confcience. — How very heavy is our load of guilt. 
 — Thou haft commended thy love tovv^ards us, in 
 giving Chrift to die for us, and in fending thy 
 mefiengers to invite us to accept the offers of pardon 
 and eternal life ; but we have made light of it, and 
 negledted the great falvation. 
 
 O remember notagainftus our heinous iniquities, 
 but deliver us, and cleanfe us from our fins, and 
 caufe thy tender mercies to come nigh unto us 5 be 
 pleafed to filed abroad thy fandlifying influences on 
 our fouls, to form us for each duty thou required. 
 Implant every grace and virtue deep in our hearts, 
 and maintain the happy temper in the midft of thofe 
 afi^aults from within, and from without, to which we 
 are continually liable. 
 
 Fill our breafts, we befeech thee, with good afi^ec- 
 tions towards thee our God, and towards our fellow 
 creatures. — Remind us always of thy prefence, and 
 may we confider, that every fecret fentiment of our 
 fouls is open unto thee j may we therefore guard 
 
 againft 
 
c ^39 y 
 
 agalnfl the firfl ri/ings of fin, and the firfl approaches 
 to it: and that Satan may not find room for his evil 
 fuggeftions, do thou fill our hearts by thine holy 
 Spirit, and dwell in us, and walk with us -, and may 
 we go on from one degree of faith, and love, and zeal, 
 and holinefs to another, till we appear perfe(5b before 
 God in Zion. 
 
 Caufe the chariot of the everlafting Gofpel to go 
 with triumph over the world, conquering kingdoms 
 and hearts to the Redeemer.— -May thofe perfons 
 who are endowed with power, exercife that power in 
 the fear of God.— Let great grace be upon thy 
 churches, and eminent fuccefs attend the labors of 
 thy miniftering fervants. O that the Gofpel of peace 
 might be fincerely and thankfully received by mul- 
 titudes, and efpecially by our friends and relatives; 
 may every difpenfation of thy providence refpefting 
 them work for their good. 
 
 We would now adore and praife thine almighty 
 power, and great goodnefs, which are perpetually 
 difplayed in raifing up, fupporting, and making a 
 bountiful provifion, for the innumerable families of 
 thy creatures around us. And O let thy name be 
 celebrated in the highefi; firains, for thy amazing 
 condefcenfion and compafiion, and for all the glori- 
 ous manifeilations of divine love, in the Gofpel of 
 Chrifi:, towards both Jews and Gentiles, f 
 
 Make us truly thankful for the mercies of another 
 day: may thy watchful eye protedtus and our dwell- 
 ings-, and v/hen the morning returns, may we have 
 hearts to joy in God, through Jefus the Mediator, 
 in whofe moll excellent words, we ftill call upon 
 thee, as, Our Father who art in Heaven, &c. 
 
 J P RAT E R for a family on Friday Morning. 
 
 Invocation. 
 
 J-JEarken to the voice of our cry ^ cur King and our 
 God', for unto thee will we fray, 
 
 >;>ilJ 9V^ A D O R A- 
 
( HO ) 
 
 A D O R A T I o lir. 
 
 Thou art the fir ft and the lajt^ the only true and liv- 
 ing God, thy glorious name is exalted above all blef- 
 fing and praife.—'Th.Q whole creation is the work 
 of thine hands, thou ruleft amongft the armies of 
 Heaven, and amongft the inhabitants of the Earth, 
 thou doft what pleafeth thee.— Thy works of nature 
 and of grace, are full of wonder, and fought out by 
 all thofe that have pleafure in them. 
 
 Co NFESSION. 
 
 Whereas thou art from everlasting, and haft fixed 
 thy throne in the higheft Heavens: our being is but 
 ofyeftcrday, and our foundation is in the duft. 
 
 Whilft we are mean as creatures, we are alfo vile, 
 as finners,— We would acknowledge and lament be- 
 fore thee, the pride and vanity of our minds, the 
 yiolence of our pafTions, our want of love to God, 
 our earthly-mindedncfs, our carnal fecurity, our un- 
 thankfulnefs amidft abundant mercies, and our im- 
 patience in a timeofafflidlion, our unbelief and hard- 
 nefs of heart, the dilhonor we have brought toi 
 God, and all our mifcarriages towards our fellow 
 creatures.— Thefe our iniquities have been commit^ 
 ted againft much light, and againft great love. — 
 Wc defcrve, O Lord, to fall under the curfe of that 
 law which we have broken, and to be for ever ba- 
 niftied from the bleffmgs of that Gofpel which we 
 have fo long difregarded —But do not thou reward 
 ws according to our fins, do not punifti us according 
 to our iniquities: rather deliver us from thofe dread- 
 ful evils, to which we have expofed ourfelves, by 
 iinning againft thee. 
 
 Pleading. 
 
 Suffer us in an humble and fervent manner to plead 
 the caufe of our fouls before thee.— Is not thy loving 
 kindncfs infinite .^ O let this loving kindncfs be dif- 
 
 playcd in our falvation. We plead, that near 
 
 Jflation in which thou doft ftand to us. Art 
 
 not 
 
{ HI ) 
 
 not thou our Creator ? furely thou wilt have a deflre 
 to the work of thine hands. 
 
 We plead moreover the riches of thy grace in 
 Chrift Jefus.— Thy word declares, that thou hail 
 fentthy Son into the world, that the world throuo-h 
 him might be faved. We entreat thee therefore, by 
 that great facrifice which he once oiFered up on the 
 crofs, and by the interceflion of this our High Prieft 
 above, to beflcw upon us the benefits of the new 
 covenant. 
 
 Petition. 
 
 O deliver us from our fpiritual enemies, and from 
 the hands of all that hate us. Make us the partakers 
 of a divine nature. May we love thee, the Lord our 
 God, with all our hearts, and with all our fouls, and 
 with all our minds, and with all our ftrength. May 
 we entertain the mod faithful and affectionate regards 
 to the bleffed Jefus ; may he be precious unto us, as 
 he is to them that believe. 
 
 May we receive the Spirit of adoption, whereby 
 we may be enabled to cry, Abba, Father.-^Incline 
 us, O Lord, diligently to purfue holinefs in its 
 various branches. — May we humble ourfelves un- 
 der thy mighty hand ; be decked with that orna- 
 ment of a meek and quiet fpirit, which in thy fight 
 is of great price. May we be pure in heart, temperate in 
 all things, and learn in whatfoever ftate we are, there-r 
 with to be content. 
 
 Form us, we befeech thee, to a proper temper to- 
 wards our fellow creatures; may we love our neigh- 
 bors as ourfelves. — As muchas lieth in us, may we 
 live peaceably with all men. May we be merciful, 
 like the great Father of mercies. May we fpeak 
 the truth from our hearts, and never judge othera 
 feverely, that we may not be judged with fcverity. 
 
 O thou almighty and gracious God, beget in us 
 thofe various qualifications of the chriftian temper, 
 and render us ftedfaft and unmoveable, and make us 
 
 always 
 
( H2 ; 
 
 always to abound in thy work, as knowing that our 
 labor in the Lord fhall not be in vain. 
 Thanksgiving. 
 
 We tha,nk God for the members of our bodies, 
 and the faculties of our fouls, for the health we enjoy, 
 and for continuing to us the proper ufe of the pow- 
 ers of our minds. Blefled be thy name, that we are 
 preferved to this morning, that we are ftill wltnejfTes 
 of thine indulg-ent providence And more efpecially 
 would we praife thee, for Jefus Chrift, who is exalt- 
 ed both as a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance 
 and remiffion of fins. May the whole world be made 
 acquainted v/ith the grace of the Gofpel, and let 
 every creature under Heaven join in thankfgiving 
 and praife to God, for that peace and reconciliation, 
 that immortal glory and fullnefs of joy, to which fm- 
 ners are invited by the Mediator, -f 
 
 We commit ourfelves to thy fatherly care this day, 
 dlred all our fteps, fucceed our labors and ftudies, 
 and raife our hearts to thyfelf ; that our delight may 
 be in God, and our meditations on the moft High, 
 be frequent and fweet. — Graciourty hear and accept 
 us in the Lord, our Redeemer and Advocate. 
 
 We now afcribe, Bleffing^ and glGry\ and 'wifdom^ 
 dnd thankfgiving^ and honor ^ andpower^ and might un- 
 to jour God for ever and ever. Amen, 
 
 A T RATER for a Family on Friday Evening. 
 
 OLord God, thou art lights and in thee is no 
 darknefs at ally as the great fountain of light, 
 thou haft the moft clear -and perfedt knowledge of all 
 things, thine holinefs is unfpotted, and to thee be- 
 long infinite goodnefs and happinefs. 
 
 Angels and faints on high, reft not day nor nighty 
 from giving glory and honor ^ and tJwJikfgiving to him 
 that Jitteth upon the throne^ and thou art worthy^ O 
 Lordy to receive itj and thou alone art worthy. 
 
 We 
 
( 143 ) 
 
 We would likewlfe fall down with thofe glorified 
 fpirits, and pay fome worship to the fovereign Ma- 
 jefliy of Heaven: though it be impoffible for us to 
 equal theirs. With them, we would adore thofe ex- 
 cellencies of thy nature, v/hich fhali furnifh holy be- 
 ings with matter for everlafting entertainment and 
 furprize.— We praife thee, for the bright difplays of 
 thine attributes in the various works of creation, and 
 providence. And we thank thee for thy goodnefs to 
 us in particular.— Yes, our grateful acknowledg- 
 ments are due unto God, for giving us an exiftence; 
 for teaching us more than the beafts of the Earth, and 
 rendering us wifer than the fov/ls of the Air; for 
 making us immortal beings, capable of the enjoy- 
 in ent of him felf. Our thankfgivings fhall afcend to 
 thee, the great and good Jehovah, for keeping the 
 fprings of life in motion, for bell:ov/ing upon us daily- 
 bread, for fuccefs in worldly affiiirs, for preferving 
 us going out, and coming In, waking and ileeping, 
 and for every temporal benefit. ' 
 
 And O, what praifes and thankfgivings become 
 our tongues for the Gofpel, that Book of life, for 
 ■the wonders of redeeming grace. 
 
 Blefled be the God and i^'ather of our Lord Jefus 
 Ghrift; who hath blefled us Vv^ith all fpiritual bleffings, 
 in heavenly things in Chrlft. Surely, that abundant 
 goodnefs, that rich mercy which thou haft ihcwn un- 
 to us, called for our flaming love, our vigorous obe- 
 dience; therefore whatreafon have we to blufh, and 
 be confounded, when v/e confider, that our hearts 
 have been cold towards thee, that thou hail feldom been 
 in our chofen thoughts, that we have negledled thy 
 fervice, and wilfully broken thine holy commands? 
 —Our iniquities againft thee have not been few, but 
 many, yea innumerable. Our years that are pafled 
 away, have been years of vanity and fin.— For ever 
 adored be that divine patience, which hath fo long 
 waited upon us, which hath fpared our guilty fpirits 
 to the prefent hour. O that a fenfe of our provoca- 
 tions. 
 
( 144 ) 
 
 tions, and bafe ingratitude, might caufe our fouls 
 
 to fhed tears of godly forrow. Though 
 
 we have deferved to be deprived of every blefTing, 
 and to be call into the regions ofdarknefs; yet do 
 not thou thus deal with thy jfinful creatures ; do not 
 make us feel the future eternal efFedls of thy righ- 
 teous difpleafure : but have mercy upon us, yea, do 
 thou abundantly pardon. Whilft we are alking fuch 
 an invaluable benefit, we would turn our eyes to the 
 death, righteoufnefs, and mediation of Chrift ; who 
 was delivered for our offences, and raifed again for 
 our juftification. We would gratefully view him, 
 as one who is able to fave to the uttermofi thofe that 
 come unto God by him, always living to interceed 
 for them. We would now devote ourfelves through 
 him, to thee the Father : O regard us, notwithftand- 
 ing our great unworthinefs, and caufe thy face to 
 Ihine upon us. — Be unto us a God, and may we be 
 thy people. 
 
 Confer upon us a knowledge to difcern the things 
 that are evil, and blefs us with an exa6t fenfe of our 
 duty. May we defire the good of others and pro- 
 mote their welfare as we have opportunity. In 
 doubtful cafes, may we hope the beft, and fpeak of 
 others with caution and tcndernefs. May we be of 
 a forbearing and forgiving temper. O that we may 
 watch over ourfelves, and fee to it, that we do not 
 live in the wilful pradlice of iniquity, that we do not 
 indulge ourfelves in any inward lufts : but may we 
 renounce all the vanities and evil courfes of this 
 world, and walk in all the ways of the Lord blame- 
 lefs.— Thou haft commanded us to make fupplica- 
 tions for all men.— We beg, therefore, that Jefus, 
 whom thou haft given, as a Light to lighten the Gen- 
 tiles, and to be the glory of thy people Ifrael, might 
 be univerfally owned, and cordially received. And 
 where the Sun of righteoufnefs is already rifen, may 
 not that highly favored people obftinately fhut 
 their eyes againft hi§ cheering beams > left Emma- 
 nuel's 
 
( 145 ) 
 
 nuel's land fhould foon prove to them a land of de«. 
 ftrudlon, and the valley of death, j- 
 
 O thou fovereign Ruler amongft all the kingdoms 
 of the Earth! Blefs the great fenate of this nation, 
 and the king's council ; that the refult of their mea- 
 fures may be peace, liberty, and happinefs to thefe 
 kingdoms. May the miniflers of the Gofpel not 
 feek their own, but the things of Jefus Chrift. 
 
 Accept our evening vows.^ receive us under thy 
 care during the recefs of the night, give us the com- 
 fort of the morning light, and fit us for the morning 
 of the refurredlion-day, for the Mediator's fake, who 
 taught his difciples to fay. Our Father, &c. 
 
 A PRATER for a Family on Saturday Morning. 
 
 OThou God and Father of univerfal nature; 
 who haft thoufands of angels worihipping be- 
 fore thee, and ten thoufand times ten thoufand mi- 
 niftering unto thee, whofe honor and happinefs it is 
 to wait the intimations of thy will, and do thy 
 pleafure. We adore thee for the encouragements 
 we have received to drav/ near unto thee. We 
 adore thee, that thou hafl revealed thyfelf unto us, 
 as merciful and gracious, ready to pardon our 
 imperfedions, and lend a willing ear to our fup- 
 plications. — Lord help us to call in our wandering 
 thoughts, and do thou compofe our minds to a be- 
 coming ferioufnefs, whilft we are prefenting our- 
 felves before thee. We are come to bow down 
 at thy footftool, for our commiflions of fm, and 
 omilTions of duty, which have been exceedingly 
 numerous and great: for we have tranfgrefled againfl 
 thy mercies, againfl the rebukes and warnings of thy 
 word and providence, and the frequent admonitions 
 of our confciences. — O may we loathe ourfelves be- 
 caufe of thefe our evil doings, whereby we are ex- 
 pofed to that doleful ftate, where there is nothing, 
 but weeping, wailing, and gnafhing of teeth. 
 
 U O God 
 
( h6 ) 
 
 O God, let not the fentence of final cSncJemnalii 
 pafs ,upon us-^ but be thou merciful unto us, iind. 
 caft our fins into the depth of the fea. Grant thh 
 mofb important and earftefi requeft of our fouls, 
 through Jefus Chrid, who is the propitiation for 
 the iiiis of the whole world. And through him, 
 fnay we receive the promifed Spirit,; to fubdue,our 
 iniquities, and efpecially the fin which moH; eafily 
 befets us. — Put thy law into our'hearts, and write it 
 in our minds, and may we ever retain it, as a law of 
 love, rendering our obedieio^ce to thy precepts eafy. — 
 As thou haft gracioufly brought us to the beginning 
 of another day ; be with us every where, and upon 
 all occafions. May we know the worth of time,, and 
 improve it, in attending with diligence on fuch du- 
 ties, as thou haft appointed us. — Whilft from the in- 
 cxhauftible treafures of thy goodnefs, thou art dif- 
 penftng unto us neceftaries, conveniences, and a va- 
 riety of temporal comiforts, may our hearts adore 
 and praife thee : And O that the fire of facred love 
 and gratitude may be kindled within us, and may 
 our tongues break forth in ftrains of lively thankf- 
 givings for that grace and truth, that life and immor- 
 tality, which are brought to light by theGofpel. — If 
 we are affiidted, may we not entertain hard thoughts 
 of God, but readily fay, thy will be done. — If we 
 are in temptation, do thou make a way for us to 
 efcape. — When v/e are in the company of others, may 
 it be our wifti and care to get real good, and like- 
 wife to edify them. And when we are in fecret, 
 may we confider, that thou Lord feeft us. — Whe- 
 ther we eat or drink, or whatfoever we do, may we 
 do all to thy glory. — As we are going through this 
 world, vouchfafe us that peace of God, which pafieth 
 all underftanding. In our laft . moments, may we 
 abound in hope, and pafting through the gate of 
 death, may we enter on a happy eternity, f 
 
 V/c 
 
( V47 ) 
 
 • Wc humbly pray for all that are related to us in the 
 
 *bands of nature, that they may receive mercies fuit- 
 
 ed to their various wants, and wifely improve them. 
 
 Hear thou from Heaven, thy dweUing place, and 
 
 mercifully accept us, through our great High Pirieft, 
 
 who is even at the right hand of God. 
 
 Ngw unto the King eternal, mmvrtd^invijihle^ the 
 only wifs Godl be honor and glory for ever and ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 A PRAT^ER for a Family in Saturday Evenings 
 fcriptural language. 
 
 in 
 
 o 
 
 A D O Pv A T I O N. 
 
 Thou whcfe, tiame alon^ is Jehovah,^ the yncH High 
 
 over 
 
 ' alt the Earthy wUh tvhom all things are po£i- 
 hle\ and -ovhcfe eyes are in every place, beholding the evil 
 and the gocd^. 'Wonderful, arf thou in counfel^ glorious 
 in holinefs^ jufl and true, are thy vu ays : A God of great 
 kindnefs\/kw,Jo angQr^ nnd rich in mercy » Bcfules 
 th^e fncre is nV God.— -XJiqu^ Lord ^ in the beginning haft 
 laid the foundation of the Earthy and the 'Heavens are 
 the works of tj^ine hands: . they 'fhall perijli^ hut thou re.^ 
 mainefl ; end they fhall all wax aid as doth a ^garrneniy 
 and as a veflurt fhalt thou fold them up^ and ikey jliall 
 he changed: hut thou art the far-ie^ and^ thy years fhall 
 not fail. "-Behold thou hafi made our days as an hand-^ 
 breadth^ and our age is as 'nothing before thee j vertBi 
 every man at his b eft flat e is altogether vanity. 
 Petition. 
 teach us fo to number our days, that ive may apf)Iy_ 
 our hearts unto wifdom. , Help us by thy goo d,^ Spiritf-^ to 
 put off the old man mth his deeds, May^we '/^j afpd^ 
 all malice, hypocrifies, envies^ backbitmgs; and filUiy 
 cmimunication: let 7iot 2.x\y f/n tiave dominion over us. 
 Enable us to put on bowels ' ^ ^mercies, kindnefSy 
 humblenefs of mind, meeknefs, long-fufferi?tg, forbear- 
 ing one another, and forgiving one another. Let ths 
 v^ord of Ch^rifl dwell in us vchh ^'?^ ^l^ wifdor/i, O may 
 
( 148 ) 
 
 we daily feek tliee with the whole hearty and keep thy 
 precepts diligently: to-sly we have refpe5i unto all thy 
 commandments^ and delight greatly in them. And what- 
 Joever we do in word or deed^ may we do all in the 
 name of the Lord Jefus^ giving thanks to God the 
 Father by him. 
 
 Thanksgiving. 
 
 O thou who art good to ally and whofe mercy is great 
 above the Heavens. All thy works JliaJlpraife thee^ and 
 thy faints JJiall blefs thee.-'-^hou hafi granted us life and 
 favor., and thy vifitation has preferved our fpirits. 
 ^hou hcfi filled our hearts with food and gladnefs., and 
 cur mouth fJiallfpeak thy praife. — Behold thou haftfhewn 
 to us the exceeding riches of thy grace., in thy kindnefs 
 towards iis^ through Jefus Chrifi. Praife the Lord^ O 
 eur fouls y who is worthy of all praife. And it is a good 
 a7td pleafant thing to give thanks unto thee^ and to ftng 
 praifes unto thy name \ tofliew forth thy loving-kindnefs 
 in the mornings and thy faithfulnefs every night. 
 Confession, 
 
 Neverthelefs, we have been very far from render- 
 ing unto the Lord thankfgiving and praife^ according to 
 the benefits done unto us ; yea., we have requited him 
 
 evil for good. Hear^ Heavens ^ and give ear O 
 
 Earth \ for the Lord hath nouHflied and brought us up as 
 children^ and we have rebelled againft him.— Father of 
 mercies^ we are no mere worthy to be called thy children^ 
 hut deferve to be cafi off for ever. 
 
 Pleading. 
 
 Yet \}[io\\^ we have thus forfaken the Lord, and 
 provoked the Holy One of Jfrael unto anger ^ fiill our hope 
 is in thee., for with the Lord there is plenteous redemp^ 
 tion.—O fay unto our foulsy /, even I am he that blot- 
 eth out your tranfgrefiionsfor mine own fake. 
 
 We bcfeech thee to make us accepted in the Beloved. 
 And may ihe God of hope fill us with all joy and 
 peace in believing^ andfupply all our zvants. 
 
 Self- 
 
( H9 ) 
 
 SELF-DEDICATIO^^ 
 
 We would now give ottrfehes to the Lord, ^ruly 
 "jje are thy ferv ants ^ vje are thy [erv ants 'whom thou hafi 
 redeemed with the precious blood ofChrift, We defne 
 thee as our/Iiield^ and our exceeding grea t Reward. Re- 
 ceive us^ and help us to walk worthy cf God, who hath 
 called us to his Kingdom and Glory. . 
 
 Inteticession. 
 
 O God cf thefpirits of all fiefn^ who wouldft ham all 
 men to hejaved, grant that thy way may be known upon 
 Earth., and thy faving health among all nations .—Con- 
 tinue thy loving kindnefs unto them that know thee-, and 
 do good unto therrk^that be good., and to them that are up- 
 right in their hearts. Make wars to ceafe in all the 
 world.— Think thoughts of peace towards thy BritiJJi If- 
 raeL May thofe that rule over us hejufl., ruling in the 
 fear of God ; and all under authority lead a quiet ., peace- 
 able life., in all godlinefs and honefty.— Grant thatpaflors 
 may take heed to their miniflry that they fulfil it. 
 
 Such as are in affdulion preferve from dcfpifing the chaft- 
 ening of the Lord., a?id from fainting when rebuked ofhim-^ 
 may afli^ion yeild unto theyn the peace able fruit cj right e- 
 cufnefs. — Cur hearts def re for our brethren., and our 
 kinfmen according to the fief i^ is., that they, might do the 
 will of God. And omx prayer for our enemies is., Lord., 
 lay not their fins to their charge. 
 
 O thou Keeper of Ifrael., who doft neither fiumber 7io^ 
 fieep ; make us this night to dwell in fafety. As to-mor- 
 row is the Sabbath., may we keep it holy in our habitations^ 
 and alfo go to pay our vows in the courts of the Lcrd'^s 
 Houfe^ and to behold the beauty of the Lord in his Temple, 
 And when our facred and common days are numbered 
 andfinifhed, m?iy v^t enter into that tttrxi^l refi., which 
 remaineth to the people of God. •]■ 
 
 Hear us, O Lord hear us, through Jefus Chrift^ the 
 righteous ^ who hath taught us to pray after this 7nan- 
 ner., Our Father who art in Heaven., hallcived be thy 
 name-, thy Kingdom come., thy will be done., on Earthy 
 as it is in Heaven, Give us this day our daily bread., and 
 
 forgive 
 
( 150 ) 
 
 forgive us cur dehts^ as v^e forgive cur debtors:, Ar.d 
 Mad US 7iot into temptatioit^ hut deliver us from evil-, -for 
 r thine is the Kingdom^ and the Fower^ and the Glory ^ for 
 
 eV€r. Amen, 
 
 PETITIONS AND THANKSGIVINGS SUIT- 
 ED TO PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTAN-^ 
 CES, BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC, TO 
 BE UNITED WITH TIIE PRECEDING 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS. 
 
 PE'TITIONS for the Jffli^ed, 'when the Symptoms of 
 a Diforder is not very dargerous* 
 
 HEar our prayer, O Lord, ?.nd give ear unto our 
 cry, for one under thine affii6ling hand. Look 
 upon his Lher] afHicflion and pain, and forgive all his 
 [her] fins ; purify his [her J foul, and let patience 
 have its perfeft \vork. — I-Ieal him [her] and he [fhe] 
 ihall be healed. O may he [ihe] live to praife thee, 
 — Prepare each of us for every important change. 
 
 PETITIONS for the Sick, if in a State of Infenfibilliy, 
 
 OGod of all power and love, v/e entreat thy mer- 
 cy for a perfon who is incapable of the duty of 
 prayer. As thou didil create the faculties of the 
 mind, thou canft eafily reftore them. Be pleafed to 
 redify what is difordered, and enable him [her] to 
 give attention to the great concerns of his [her] im- 
 mortal fpirit. — O fhevv thyfelf gracious, and do all 
 that thou knoweil to be needful and good for him 
 

 ETItlGNS for one who ispajl Hopi 
 
 C'^OmpafTionate Jehovah, regard our prayers for a 
 J perfon who. appears to be drawing nigh to the 
 Spates of death and the grave: may his [her j eyes fee, 
 'iiid his [her] heart feel thy faivation, before he [ihej 
 leaves this world. When he [ihej walks through the 
 valley of the fhadow of death, be thou with him, 
 [her] let thy rod, and thy flaiF comfort him, [her] 
 and do thou receive him [her] into an houfe not made 
 with hands, eternal in the Pleavens. 
 
 TET FT' IONS for a difeafed Child. 
 
 OThou who comfortefr them that are c aft down, 
 pity a fick childj May not its afHidion be un- 
 to death: but deal gracioufly with us, and fend the 
 child relief from ali>,oye. Yet ilill v^ would fay " the 
 will of the Lord be done." — O fhouldefc thou re- 
 move it hence, admit the child (we befeech thee) in- 
 to thy Kingdom of peace and joy. 
 
 THANKSGIVING for a recovery from Sichiefs. 
 
 OThou v/ho art able to bring down to the grave, 
 and to raife up again; all glory to thy name, in 
 that thou haft heard the voice of our fuppiications, 
 and healed the fick. May fuch remember the loving 
 kindnefs of the Lord, and walk before thee in truth, 
 and with a perfed heart, and do that which is good 
 in -thy fight. 
 
 I'hits^ for a Child refiored to Health, 
 
 O Indulgent Father, we will extol thee on account 
 of a child, v/hom thou haft helped in a feafon of 
 danger, and delivered it from a threatening com- 
 plaint. As this child increafes in ftature, may it 
 grow in wifdom, and in favor v/ith God and man. 
 
 Make 
 
( 152 ) 
 
 Make the child indeed an eminent blefTing. In its 
 day and generation. 
 
 PETITIONS for any who are going a Journey^ or a 
 
 Voyage, 
 
 WE would commit to thy providential care, any 
 going abroad; compafs fuch with thy favor 
 as with a fhield, afTift the perfon [thefe perfons] to 
 order every affair with difcretion, do thou make the 
 way profperous, and caufe fuch to return again in 
 peace. 
 
 THANKSGIVING for a fafe Return from a Journey^ 
 or Voyage, 
 
 OThou who lookefl: to the ends of the Earth, 
 and feed under the whole Heaven ! we acknov/- 
 ledge that prote6lion which thou haft afforded to thy 
 fervant, [fervants] all the kindnefs thou haft ftiewed 
 to fuch whilft from home. — Blefled be the Lord God 
 of Abraham, who hath not left us deftitute of his 
 mercy. Be pleafed to write the characTcers of true 
 thankfulnefs on every mind, for this frefti inftance 
 of thy goodnefs, and may the gratitude of our hearts 
 be known, by our living from day to day, as becomes 
 highly favored creatures. 
 
 PETITIONS for a Woman drawing near the Time of 
 Difficulty J or in TravaiL 
 
 AS all help Cometh from the Lord, who made 
 Heaven and Earth -, we entreat thee to regard 
 an handmaid in her prefent circumftances. — O may 
 the fame goodnefs and mercy which have given her 
 ftrength to conceive, bear her up to the appointed 
 hour, and enable her to endure the pangs of nature 
 with patience. Save her in childbearing, and make 
 
 her 
 
lier the joyful mother of a living and well fofmed 
 infant. At laft may fhe experience that beft deliver- 
 ance, even a deliverance from all fin and mifery, be 
 raifcd to a perfedion of holinefs, and a fullnefs of 
 joy in the heavenly world. 
 
 THANK S G IVING after a fafe Delivery; 
 
 GRacIous God we rejoice in thy kindnefs towards 
 thine handmaid, who has been relieved by thee 
 in her time of diftrefs.— -Be pleafed to complete 
 the mercy thou haft ftiewed her, and let a fenfe of 
 the obligations under which Ihe is laid, infpire her 
 with love to thee-, and may her future life be de- 
 voted to thy fervice, with joy and gladnefs. 
 
 We adore that divine hand, by which the infant is 
 fearfully and wonderfully made; may it be fpared to 
 know thee betimes, and do thou always guide him 
 [her] with thy counfel, and afterwards receive him 
 [her] to glory. 
 
 Ihus^ — when the Child is dead^ hut the Mother 
 preferved. 
 
 OThou only wife God ! whilft thou haft feen fit 
 to cut off the tender branch, we praife thee for 
 fparing thine handmaid ; perfedt her health and 
 ftrength.— May ftie meekly fubmit to the bereaving 
 providence, and have her heart filled with unfeigned 
 thankful nefs unto thee, for her own ^refervation, in 
 the feafon of extremity. 
 
 ON DEATH in a Family. 
 
 O Eternal Father, thou haft caufed difeafe and 
 death to enter our habitation. Remove far 
 irom us every murmuring thought, and help us to 
 fay, " the Lord gave, and the Lord hath tak^n 
 away, blefTed be the name of the Lord/* Forgive, 
 X ' O for- 
 
( 154 ~) 
 
 O forgive, wc entreat thee, wherein we have failed 
 in our duty towards the deceafed.— May the mournful 
 event lead us ferioufly to confider, that our life is 
 even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and 
 then vaniiheth away. May we therefore in the pre- 
 fent day of health, ufe all diligence to obtain an inte- 
 rcft in the divine favor and friendihip j that when the 
 appointed feafon is come, we may depart in peace, and 
 find death to be our unfpeakabic gain. 
 
 PETITIONS fuited to fuck as are in Pr if on for 
 their Crimes. 
 
 INcIine thofe that are bound in afPiiclion and iron, 
 becaufe they have rebelled'againil the words of 
 God to bethink themfelves and repent, and makefup- 
 plication unto thee, and return with all their heart, 
 and with all their foul. 
 
 Deliver them from the bondage of corruption, and 
 bring them into the glorious liberty of the children 
 of God, 
 
 PETITIONS for Thofe who are wrongfully imprifoned. 
 
 O Lord be with them, as thou waft with Jofeph 
 in the prifon ; and ihew them mercy. Let the 
 fighing of the prifoner come before thee. Prcfervc 
 thou thofe that are unjuftly appointed to die. 
 
 PETITIONS for condemned Malefa^lors. 
 
 O Pluck them as brands out of the fire-, deliver 
 them from the wrath to come ; and may they 
 give glory to God, by making confeflion. 
 
 Though the flefh be deftroycd, let the fpirit be 
 faved in the day of our Lord Jefus. 
 
 Give them repentance unto falvation, that they 
 may own thou art juft, in all that is brought upon 
 them. 
 
 PETI^ 
 
( ^55 ) 
 
 PET'iriONS for Rain, 
 
 OThou who dellghtcft in mercy, are there any 
 among the vanities of the Gentiles that can caufe 
 rain ? or can the heavens give: fhowers ? art not thou 
 he, O Lord, our God ? therefore we will wait upon 
 thee, for thou haft made all thefe things. Caufe the 
 rain to come down in its feafon, and let there be 
 fhowers of blefling, make grafs to grow for the cat- 
 tle, and herbs and fruits for the fervice of men,— 
 fapprefs all our repinings under any of thy dealings, 
 and prepare us to receive the mercies we want. 
 
 PE TITIONS far fair JVeather. 
 
 OGod of nature, thou mighteft indeed juftly turn 
 a fruitful land into barrennefs, for the wicked- 
 nefs of them that dwell therein. But we humbly en- 
 treat thee, to fpare, and pardon, and reform us. — 
 Command the overflowing fhowers to ceafe, and 
 punifh us not with a fwecping rain, which leaveth 
 no food. 
 
 PETITIONS in Time of Thunder^ or fame terrible . 
 Tempeft, 
 
 Ighteous, and almighty Jehovah, who looketh 
 
 . upon the Earth, and it trembles, and toucheth 
 
 the mountains, and they fmoke. Thunder and light- 
 ening, ftormy winds, and other dreadful commotions 
 of nature fhew the power of thy hand, which no crea* 
 ture is able to refill. 
 
 We befeech thee to protedl us and our habitations In 
 this time of danger, from that awful ruin we have fo 
 juftly deferved. And the Lord grant, that we may 
 iind mercy of the Lord, not only now, but likewife 
 in that great day, wherein the Heavens being on fire 
 fhall be dlffolved, and the elements fhall melt with 
 fervent heat, and the Earth with all its works be 
 
 burnt 
 
 R 
 
( r56 ) 
 
 burnt up. — Remember fuch of our fellow-creatures 
 as are in like circumftances of danger and difl-refs. 
 In tender mercy c,aufc the threatening deftrudion to 
 pafs over thep, and may thy terrors leave deep im- 
 preffions upon their minds, that they with all iince- 
 rity may adore the fupreme Ruler of the world, and 
 in thine holy fear, keep back from every prefumptu- 
 ous fin, 
 
 PEXI'^ION S in Time of any piblic Calamity^-^ adapt- 
 ed to a Faji-Bay. 
 
 Reat Ruler, and Judge among the nations. 
 Thou canft eafily confume us by an immediate 
 blow of thine hand, or arm any of thy creatures 
 againft us. — Thou art now making the land to mourn, 
 becaufe of our trefpaffes ; for our fins are many, and; 
 our tranfgreflions are highly aggravated.-— How have 
 we flighted our mercies, abufed our peace and plenty ! 
 How have we negleded the glorious advantages, 
 which by the Gofpel are beflowed upon us ! And 
 when thou hafl appeared in our favor, bringing fal- 
 vation, how foon have we forgotten thy works! 
 Surely thou mightefl juflly deprive us of every pri- 
 vilege, and utterly deflroy us. But we rejoice to 
 think, that we have to do with one, who doth not af- 
 flid willingly, nor grieve the children of men, and 
 whofe darling attribute is mercy. We are therefore 
 encouraged to fay, hear from thy throne in the Hea« 
 vens, and pardon our numerous and crying iniqui- 
 ties. — Pity thy people, and come and fave us. — 
 Give peace in our day, O Lord.— O that our prefent 
 troubles may be fanc5lified to us. Whilfl thy judg- 
 ments are feen and felt, may we remember our evil 
 ways, and loathe ourfelves for them ; and may true 
 religion and righteoufnefs, mutual love and charity 
 flourifh and abound amorgftus; and we pray, that: 
 the Gofpel of purity and peace may be continued to 
 our. native, country, till time fhall end.— Having 
 
 made 
 
( H7 ) 
 
 made humble {bppiication unto thee, for deliverance 
 from ourdiftreffesi we would alfo thankfully acknow- 
 ledge the various bleffings we as yet enjoy : O may 
 a fenfe of thy continued goodnefs to a nation laden 
 with iniquity, pov/erfully affed. the minds of princes 
 and people. 
 
 o 
 
 THANKSGIVING fvr Rain. 
 
 Thou Preferver of man and beall; who haft* 
 opened unto us the. good treafures of Heaven, 
 a^nd fent a plentiful rain upon thine inheritance, to 
 refrefh, and make fruitful the dry and thirfty land. — 
 May we fear, and love the Lord our God, who giveth 
 us rain, both the former and the latter in its feafon. 
 
 "THANKSGIVING for fair Weather, 
 
 OLord, thou haft given to thy Britifli Ifrael, a 
 frefh teftimony of thy loving kindnefs and com- 
 paflion, by fcattering the thick clouds, which feem- 
 cd to threaten deftrudion to the fruits of the Earth. 
 Glory be to thy name, thou great Preferver from evil, 
 and Author of all good, that we are now favored with 
 the cheering influences of the Sun. — Let the people 
 praife thee, O God, let all the people praife thee: 
 and God, even our own God ihall blefs us, 
 
 "THANKSGIVING for the Frofpe5i cf a -plenteous 
 Harveft, 
 
 OThou v/hofe nature is love and goodnefs itfelf; 
 thou haft vifited the Earth and watered it; 
 thou haft made it foft with.fliowers, and blefted the 
 fpringing thereof j thy paths have dropped fatnefs : 
 they drop upon the paftures, and the little hills re- 
 joice on every fide. The paftures are clothed with 
 flocks, the valleys are covered with corn, they fhouc 
 for joy, they alfo fing. — O that men would praife 
 
 the 
 
( Hi ) 
 
 the Lord for kis goodnefs, and for his wonderful 
 works to the children of men. 
 
 .- THANKSGIVING nfter Harveft. 
 
 THou bountiful and gracious Benefa(5lor, who 
 haft referved to us the appointed weeks ofhar- 
 veft, and provided -bread for the eater, and feed for 
 the fower. Our meditation of thee fhall be pleafant ; 
 we will be glad in the Lord, who hath thus crowned 
 the year with his goodnefs. We call upon the facul- 
 ties of our fouls to adore and praife thee, for thefe 
 thy mercies conferred upon ourfclves, and others. — 
 May none of us be guilty of fuch ingratitude, as to 
 confume upon our lufts, thofe fruits of thy benevo- 
 lence : but may we in the moderate ufc of them cheer 
 fully ferve thee. 
 
 THANKSGIVING for Pre fervraion, during a <vii~ 
 lent Storm of. Thunder and Lightening^ or arr^f other 
 threatening Commotion. 
 
 THou art the God who doft wonders ; wonders of 
 power, '^nd wonders of mercy. We will adore 
 thy power, and fing aloud of thy mercy, for thou 
 haft defended us and our dwellings, when danger was 
 nigh: thou haft been our refuge, when dcftrut51ion 
 hung over our heads.— O what fhall vv^e do unto thee, 
 for who can profit the moft High? — Whilft it is imi- 
 poftible to anfwer \}[it obligation thy kindnefs has 
 laid upon us, yet, may v/e admire, love, blefs and 
 praife thee, to the utmoft of our capacities : and may 
 ;^11 who have enjoyed the fame prote(5iion, magnify 
 thee with thankfgiving. 
 
 THJNiQS^ 
 
( 159 ) 
 
 "THANKSGIVING for the Rcmo^rof^ National 
 Calamity-y^uited to the ^th of Novembery or any D^y 
 of Public Ihankfgiving. 
 
 Worthy art thou^ O Lord our God, to receive 
 all honorand glory, all thanks and praife, and 
 love and obedience, in the courts of Heaven, and in 
 tlie aiTemblies of thy faints here on Earth; for thou 
 art great, and doft wonderous things, thou art God 
 alone. Thy mercy is over all thy works^ and en- 
 dureth for ever. — T^hough -iiiahy times the Brltifii 
 nation hath provoked thee t& -flretch forth thy hand^ 
 anddeftroy it; yet, hitherta mercy hath gloried over 
 judgment. — When the Hta'vens have grown black 
 over our heads, and diftrefs j^nd dread were on eVery 
 fide, thou haft caufed the Heavens again to clear up, 
 and fmile upon us. 
 
 If it had not been the Lord who was on our fide, 
 when men rofe up againll us ; they had fwallowed us 
 up quick, when their wrath was kindled againft us.; 
 Bleffed be the Lord, who did not give us as a prey, 
 to their teeth. BlefTed be the Lord, who appeared 
 for us in the time of need, and hath made us to 
 know the joy of his falvation. O magnify the Lord 
 with me, and let us exalt his name together. Praife 
 the Lord from the Heavens; praife him In the 
 heights : let fmall and great, young and old, yea, 
 every thing that hath breath, praife the Lord. — But 
 O moft gracious God, while we adore and thank thee, 
 for treating us as the particular objeds of thy good- 
 nefs, and for fignalizing us with thy mercy, what 
 reafon have we to abafe ourfelves In thy pr#fence, on 
 the account of abounding iniquity, and the lukewarm- 
 nefs of profefTors: with what ftiame and contrition of 
 foiil, fhould we confefs our p^rfonal, and our nation- 
 al ingratitude. — O that the divine loving-kindnefs, 
 might be the means of alluring us Into the pleafant 
 paths of obedience; that fowe may be continuallv 
 
 proteded 
 
-protended by the mighty ariti, and fed by'the boun* 
 tifulhand of the Lord Jehovah. 
 
 Of the LORD'S PRAYER. 
 
 THE Lord's Prayer, is plain, fhort, and compre- 
 henfive. Cyprian, who died a martyr, calls it 
 --ia compendium of heavenly doftrine. — This prayer, 
 feems to have been given in our Lord's fermon on 
 -the mount, Matt. vi. as a diredory, according to 
 'which, his difciples were to make other prayers. — 
 Whereas, in Luke xi, Chrift appears, in compliance 
 with their requeft, to have given it as a form.— Some 
 have urged, that the fecond and fourth petition of this 
 prayer, could be intended only for a temporary ufe: 
 but it is moft evident, that fuch a fenfe may be put 
 upon thefe petitions, as fhall fuit.all chriftians, in all 
 iages; for it is always our duty to pray, that Chrift*s 
 kingdom may be advanced in the world, and to pro-^ 
 fefs our daily dependance on God's providential care. 
 — Doctor Giiife indeed, has excellently fhewn, that 
 this prayer in its original fenfe, was peculiarly adapt- 
 ed to the difpenfation then prefent, as introdudory 
 to the Mejfiah's kingdom. But, there is not a claufe 
 in it, which will not exprefs what ought to be our 
 daily temper, and the breathings of our hearts be- 
 fore God. Mr, Baxter in his laft ficknefs, faid, that 
 he found great comfort in repeating the words of the 
 Lord's prayer ; for there were all neceflary petitions 
 for foul and body contained in it. 
 
 Neverthelefs, there is no reafon to believe, that 
 Chrift meant to enjoin it fo abfolutely on all his difci- 
 ples, that they fhould be obliged conftantly to uf*^ 
 this form, or even always to difpofe their prayers in 
 this method. — The omiiTion of the name of Chrift in 
 this prayer, compared with John xiv. 13, 14, fhews 
 that it is not to be ordinarily ufed ^lone : and fome 
 of the petitions being exprefied in the jewifti ftile 
 
 (familiar 
 
( l6'i ) 
 
 (familiar to the apofllqs, though not to usj Is an ar- 
 gument why itfhould be explained. 
 
 Shall therefore give an explanation of this prayer, 
 according to the .further difcoverics made by Chrift 
 and his apoftles, after the Redeemer's refurredionj 
 and the wonderful defcent of the Holy Spirit. * 
 
 rhe lord's prater. 
 
 OUR Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy 
 Name, thy Kingdom come, thy .will be done on 
 Earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily 
 bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our 
 debtors: And lead us not into temptation, but deli- 
 ver us from evil ; for thine is the Kingdom, and the 
 Power, and the Glory, for ever. Amen. 
 
 rhe LORD'S PRATER paraphrafed. 
 
 OThou our kind and companionate Father^ who 
 art ready to attend to the petitions of thy chil- 
 dren, from thy throne in Heaven. — As our firil con- 
 cern ought to be for thy glory, we offer it as ournrfl 
 requeft. Hallowed be thy yiame\ may we think of, 
 and fpeak to thee with all reverence and humility ; 
 may the whole race of mankind, yea, the whole 
 world of creatures, who have abilities for it, pay that 
 dutiful regard to thy divine Majefty, which thy 
 matchlefs perfecfllons fo juftly demand. And for 
 this purpofe, may thy Kingdom oi %x?i.z<z^ which thou 
 haft been pleafed long fince to fet up, under the go- 
 vernment of the Meffiah, thy well beloved Son, come 
 more univerfally. May his Gofpel be preached far 
 and wide, and be heartily embraced by all nations. 
 And as an evidence of Its making very deep, and de- 
 lightful impreffions on the minds of men, may thy 
 
 Y wife, 
 
 * SeeDoDDRiG, Le*^. p. 487. Watts on prayer, and others. 
 
( i62 ; 
 
 wife, holy, and gracious will be done^ (a) as in Hea- 
 ven, fo in Earth, May the methods of thy provi- 
 dence be as readily fubmitted to, and the commands 
 of thy word as cheerfully obeyed, as it is poffible for 
 mortals, in this imperfed ftate, to refemble bright 
 fpirits above; and may the Holy Ghoft defcend in 
 his powerful influences, to bring about this great 
 and good work. During our continuance here belov/, 
 we humbly beg, that thou wouldeft give us day by day 
 our daily bread, (b) providing fuch a fuitable fupply 
 for our prefent neceflities, as may enable us to attend 
 without diftradioii and uneafinefs to the performance 
 of our duty. If thou feefl: fit to beftow upon us 
 more than the neceflaries of life, may we not make 
 an ill ufe of thy kindnefs, but coniider our temporal 
 enjoyments, as talents for which we muft be account- 
 able, and endeavor faithfully to improve them. And 
 though we have in many refpeds been difobedient, 
 and ungrateful children, yet, we befeech thee, to 
 forgive us our fins vv^hereby we {land chargeable, as it 
 were, in thy book with debts, which we can never 
 clear ; O do thou grant us a full pardon, through the 
 death and interceffion of the Lord Jefus Chrift ; for 
 we alfo (the bowels of whofe mercy cannot be com- 
 pared with thine) defire to forgive every one that is 
 videhtedto, or who has offended and injured us, — Yea, 
 fuch pardon may we receive from thee, our God, as 
 
 we 
 
 (a) This petition (obferves Mr. Jddifon') is the moll: humble, 
 as well as the moil prudent, that can be ofrered up from the crea- 
 ture to his Creator; as it fuppofes the fupreme Being wiUs no- 
 thing but what is for our good, and that he knows better than 
 ourfelves what is fo. 
 
 (h) Bread is put for all forts of needful provifion. — Git^c tis- 
 day by day cur daily bread, — Here is a moil excellent Ici^^oviy to 
 teach us, on the oneliand, moderation in our deiires, and on the 
 other, an humble dependance en divine providence for the moft 
 neceffary fupplies, be our pofTeiTicns, or our abilities ever fogreat- 
 «— Dgddrigi:, 
 
( 1^3 ) 
 
 we are willing to impart to them, (c) And to pre- 
 vent us hereafter from falling into fin, fo difpofe of 
 us, and guide our affairs, as to lead us not into cir- 
 cumfliances of preffmg /^;;7p/^//^;/, i*?// if any tempta- 
 tions do lie in the way of our duty, and we cannot 
 avoid them, may we receive fufHcient grace to refift, 
 and overcome them. And feeing our adverfary the 
 devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about feeking whom 
 he may devour, we earneftly pray, thou wouldell de- 
 liver us from the power of this evil one, that fo he 
 may never triumph in our fall and ruin •, and in due 
 timeraife us to that heavenly ftate, where we fnallbe 
 entirely free from temptation, fin, and forrow. Thefe 
 things we know thou canft do for thy children, and 
 as we are a part of thine off-fpring, with humble 
 boldnefs we would afk them at thine hands, in the 
 name of the great Mediator. For thine is the King- 
 dom^ the dominion over all nature, and the fullnefs 
 of almighty power ^ and the glory of infinite perfedlion, 
 and to thee be thepraifeof the various works of cre- 
 ation, providence and redemption, afcribed/(?r ever. 
 Amen. We mofl fincerely wifh, that it may be in 
 all particulars, as we have requefled. 
 
 ON SATING GRACE. 
 
 f^RACE before meat., ox . entreating Gcd to make our 
 food a means of nourifning cur bodies ., and fitting us 
 fqr his fervice: and grace after meat., or returning thanks 
 to God for "johat we have received^ is a duty the Scrip- 
 ture 
 
 (c) It is hardly poiTible to Imagine a more eiTe^ual expedient, 
 to promote the fbrgivenefs of injuries, than this of making it a 
 part of our daily prayer, to aOc fuch pardon from God, as we im- 
 port to our offending brother. For in this circumilance, every 
 malicious purpofe againft him^ would turn this petition into an 
 imprecation, by which we fhould, as it were, bind down the 
 wrath and vengeance of God upon ourfelves, T}oddrig>, Fam^ 
 Expo/. Vol, I, p. 263, 
 
( 1^4 ) 
 
 ture commends to us again and again. See the Old 
 Teftament, Deut. vlii. lo. Joel ii. 26. In the New, 
 fee Mat. xiv. 19, Chap. xv. 36. A6ls xxvii. 35, 
 and i. Tim. iv. 4, 5. And the duty is (o very reafon- 
 able, that it has been the practice not only of Jews, 
 but likewife Heathens of every age. — Though it be 
 admitted, that this cultom is ftill obferved in the 
 generality of chriftian families, the moil candid muft 
 own, tis frequently fo performed, as to look like a 
 mockery upon devotion. — " Some (as a ferious writer 
 hath remarked) mutter a fev/ words v/ith fo low a. 
 voice, as if there was no need for the reft of the com- 
 pany to join with them. Others in this part of wor- 
 fhip, affedt very indecent airs, as though they had 
 no {Qn{Q of the great God to whom they fpeak. Not- 
 only fo, but fuch is the ftate of things amongft us, 
 that we can hardly bear with him who fays grace with 
 any degree of ferioufnefs ; and look upon it as a fign 
 of a fanatical temper, if the perfon has not done, juft 
 as foon as he begins. Now, whilft we condemn thofe 
 flight familiar airs; and hurrying over a fentence be- 
 fore any of the company are prepared to lift up a 
 thought to God, we alfo difapprove of the condudl 
 of thofe, who put on an unnatural folemnity, and 
 give themfelves aloofe into a long prayer, and amidft 
 a multitude of petitions, have -not had one relating 
 to the provifion before them.'' 
 
 The general rules of prudence, See. would correal 
 thefe disorders , and teach us^ that a fentence or two 
 fuited to the occafion, delivered with an audible and 
 proper v6ice, accompanied with inward r ever en ce^ 
 ahd gravity of countenance, are fufficient, efpecially, 
 if ftrangers are prefent : Yet in a religious family, 
 or where all the company are of a piece (and no 
 other circumftances forbid it) I cannot difapprove. a 
 pious man's joining any other prefent occurrence of 
 Providence together with the table worfhip. Let 
 me add, that every one prefent fliould exercife aft 
 inw-ard ferioufnefs, and manifeft an outward behavior 
 
 be- 
 
( 1 65 ) 
 
 becoming thofe who profefs to join in an addrefs to 
 the all-feeing infinite Jehovah. Was the duty dif- 
 charged in this Manner, 'twould be very likely to 
 teach every head of a family, and his guefts, that 
 intemperance and loofe difcourfe v/ere mockingly in- 
 confiftent at thofe meals, which begin and end with 
 devotion. 
 
 Whereas it is grown rather common to neglej^l 
 this a6t of worfhip at breakfaft (if it be thus Vv^ith any 
 of my readers) I would beg leave to aik fas I have 
 done elfewhere,) fince breakfail; is a regular znd 
 flated meal as well as dinner, and fupper^ why the 
 religious a6l fhould be omitted in the one cafe an^-^ 
 more than in the other ? 
 
 GRACE before Medt: 
 
 We befeeth thee mofl mercifiil God, to blefs us 
 in the life of this J)roviiion, and help us to improve 
 thy vaHous and great favors, thro' Jefus Chriil:. — 
 Ameru ' .... 
 
 G RACE-rJter Mettv, 
 
 What (hall we nendcr to the Lt>rd for all his bfe* 
 h^^ts ?— O that the gratitude of our hearts might 
 appear in the obedience of our lives, for Christ's 
 
 jimiher <^}^ACE hefere Meat. 
 
 ,^ 'tJeayenJy'Father, ma^y' thefe 'gifts 'of ijhy hcs^inty 
 promote the health and firength of oiir bodies, and 
 may a {^\\{^ of thy goodnefs lead us to ferve theein 
 truth, and with willing minds, thro' Jefus Chfiit'tinf 
 Lord. Amen, 
 
 ^:;- - Another <jR ACE after Me.^t, 
 
 ';.:!Lct.God be praifed for pur qprefent enjoy^ment^, 
 aYi.d More-efpecially for theirape cjf eternal life, thro* 
 Jefus Chrift. Amen. ^ ' , 
 
 CH!AF; 
 
( i66 ) 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 CONTAINING PARTICULAR DIRECTIONS 
 FOR THE RIGHT IMPROVEMENT OF 
 EACH PART OF THE DAY, SUITED TO 
 CHRISTIANS OF EVERY RANK, TOGE- 
 THER WITH PRAYERS TO BE USED IN 
 SECRET, &c. 
 
 THE DIRECTIONS. 
 
 For Morning Devotions. 
 ET the morning be a witnefs to the obedience 
 
 L 
 
 we pay to the following command : Enter into 
 thy clofet^ and when then haft JJiut thy door, pray to 
 thy Father which is in fecretJ^ or who Is prefent with 
 thee. A command which comes from that Jefus, 
 who though he was the brightnefs of his Father's 
 glory, and the exprefs image of his perfon, for our 
 fakes became obedient to death even the death of the 
 crofs. 'Tis therefore a command enforced by the 
 higheft authority, and unparallelled love. — The word 
 which we tranflate clofet^ lignifies alfo a chamber, or 
 any other private place •, confequently none are to 
 negled this duty for want of fo convenient an apart- 
 ment as they could wilh, only they ihould be care- 
 ful to be as retired as their circumftances will ad^- 
 mit. {a) Our 
 
 * Mat. vi. 6. 
 
 {a) If Providence has caft your lot in a family, where you have 
 fcarce ever an opportunity of being out of the fight of fome body 
 or other, yet prayer is lliU to be perform'd : For tho' you are not 
 to pray with a view to be feen of men, far be it from you to. ne- 
 gledl prayer, merely becaufe you are unable to avoid the eyes of 
 others. I rather infift on this point, as I fear fome who jdwell in 
 fmall houfes, or fervants, &c. do frequently omit this duty for 
 want of more privacy. 
 
( 16; ) 
 
 Cur work in fecret is reading, meditation, (i') and 
 lelf-examination, as well as prayer. In our retire- 
 ment, we may begin with taking a profped of the 
 day before us : " Where, and how 'tis likely to be 
 *' fpent ; then confider what buHnefs is to be done, 
 " and In what order j what opportunities we may ex- 
 " pe6l either of doing or receiving good -, what temp- 
 " tations it Is probable we may be aflaulted with in 
 " any place : In what Inftances we have lately failed, 
 " and how we ihall be fafell now." To afhft in the 
 recoUedion, it may not be improper (if we can) to 
 make ihort memorandums of thefe things. — -After 
 fuch a review, we are to lift up the heart to God, 
 entreating him, that he would quicken us to every 
 duty, aid us to overcome each temptation, patiently 
 to bear the afflictions of the day, and give us fuccefs 
 in the purfuit of our lawful concerns. 
 
 We may next proceed to read attentively fome part 
 of Scripture, efpecially the Pfalms, or the New Tef- 
 lament: and thofe might be read in regular courfe^ 
 and If we can have the afTirtance of a Commentary^ 
 Illuftration, or the like (In order to our better under- 
 ftanding the more dlfricult paffages) 'tis defirable. 
 The portion which has been read ihould be ferioufly 
 refiecled on, and we fiiould charge it upon ourfelves^ 
 not merely to be readers, but doers of the word. 
 Jam. i. 25. For what regards felf-examlnation beg 
 leave to refer you to the diredlion for the evening. 
 
 As to prayer, that which is called free prayer, or 
 fiich as is no: confined to any fet form of words, has 
 
 been 
 
 {b) E\'en as foon as we are awake, and while we are riiing, 
 Ms beccming the chriilian to make pious refleclions, '' The fecu- 
 rity we have enjoyed in the hours of fleep, the provifion<of warm 
 and decent apparel, the cheerful light of the Sun, or even the 
 contrivances of art taught and furnilhed by the great Author of 
 all our conveniences, the hope of returning to the dear fociety of 
 our friends, the profpe'fl of fpending another day in the fervice 
 of God, and the improvement of our own minds, the lively hope 
 of a refurre(flion to an eternal day of happinefs and glory. — All 
 ihefe are pioper fubjefls for meditaaon."— Doddrige. 
 
( i68 ) 
 
 hcQii generally acknowledged to be mofl fuitable in 
 private. Yet flill thofe who have not ability for it, 
 iaould undoubtedly ufe fonns, and whilfl: they are 
 attending to fuch helps, if a pertinent and aiTeding 
 thought arifes in their minds, it may be exprefs'd 
 before God ; and they fnould attempt likewife to in- 
 troduce into their prayer part of the verfes juft read 
 (if adapted to their condition): By this method, in 
 time, they may be able to addrefs God without a 
 form. 
 
 Whether we pray extempore, or ufe a form, let 
 us fee to it that the mind be deeply imprefl with a 
 {tnCe of the divine prefence. " We are to pray, as 
 tho' we fav»/ the eternal Jehovah {landing in fome vi- 
 fible glory before us, and attending to every word 
 we utter." * 
 
 Refpeding the voice in fecret prayer, it fhould be 
 rather lov\^, to avoid oftentation •, but if a chriflian 
 finds that a louder voice is helpful to his attention, 
 and to the devout affedlions, 'twill be beft: to get as 
 far as he can out of the hearing of others. 
 
 The pofture of the body fhould be fuch as gives 
 mod eafe to the mind, whether kneeling, {landing, 
 or protlration ; or a perfon may even fit during 
 prayer, if by reafon of the infirmities of age, &c, 
 any other podure is found to difcom^pofe the fpirit. 
 
 Some excellent perfons have recommended the 
 reading and iinging a pfalm, or hymn before prayer, 
 as tending to difperfe the dullnefs of the mind, to 
 kindle an holy flame in the chriflian's bread, and 
 lead him to joy in God. And as the imagination has 
 great power over the heart, we are advifed by one, 
 to call in its aid, as a means to increafe the fervor 
 of devotion, (c) 
 
 In 
 
 * Mr. Orton. 
 
 {c) Imagine E. G. that you had been one of thofe who joined 
 with our bleffed Saviour when he fung an hymn. Imagine to 
 yourfelf, with what majcfly he locked. Think how your heart 
 would have been inflamed, what extafies of joy you would have 
 
 then 
 
( 1% ) 
 
 In regard to the length of our fecret devotional 
 exercifes, this is a matter not eafily to be decided, 
 fince the iituations of men, and even of the fame 
 perfon, may be different at one time, and another. 
 
 Let thofe who by their poverty and the neceffary 
 demands of their families have but little time to 
 employ in fecret, make the beft improvement they 
 are able of that fmall portion; and let others whom 
 Providence has placed in eafier circumftances be on 
 their utmoft guard, not to plunge themfelves into 
 fuch a multiplicity of bufinefs, as leaves them from 
 day to day but a very few minutes for their devo- 
 tions. This is to be guilty of cruelty to the fupe- 
 rior part of our natures the foul. 
 
 When the duty is ended, we fhould coniider whe- 
 ther it has been perform'd with a clofe attention 
 and folemnity of fpiritj for if we go thro' the work 
 in an hafty and negligent manner, tho' we may be 
 faid, " to repeat prayers, we can fcarcely be faid to 
 pray,'* fince acceptable prayer muft proceed from 
 the heart. 
 
 Moreover let it be remembered, as a thing of the 
 higheft moment, that it is incumbent upon all to 
 look to their after condud, as well as to the frame 
 of their minds when engaging in divine worfhip. 
 To confine religion to feafons of worfhip, public, or 
 private, and forget God the reft of the day, indulg- 
 ing fuch evil tempers, as paffion, fretfulnefs, pride, 
 covetoufnefs, &c. is a fatal error indeed. 
 
 "Religion is neither public or private prayers, but 
 prayers both public and private are parts of reli- 
 gion» Religion, in the full fenfeof the word, figni- 
 
 Z fies 
 
 then felt, when finging with the Son of God. Again : Imagine 
 to yourfelf, that you faw the Heavens open, and the glorious 
 choir of cherubim and feraphim about the throne of God. Ima- 
 gine that you hear the mufic of thofe angelic voices, that ceafe 
 not day and night to fing the praifes of him that //, and <was, 
 and is to come. 
 
 Help your imaginations with fuch pafTages of Scripture as 
 thefe, Rev. V. ii, i2, 13. Chap. vii. 9, 10, 11, 12. — LavV. 
 
( 170 ) 
 
 iies a life fpent in the fervice of God." {d) This 
 idea is mofl agreeable to the language of facred 
 writ. — Be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long, 
 — Be ye holy in all manner of converfation. — Whether 
 ye eat^ or drink^ or whatfoever ye do^ do all to the 
 glory of God. — Thefe divine exhortations you may 
 perceive are not defigned for any particular order of 
 men, as miniifters, but for profeiTmg chriftians of 
 every rank and condition. Suffer me therefore to 
 lay down fome plain diredtions, relating to the chrif- 
 tian temper and behavior in the courfe of the day. 
 
 Every one may be fuppofed to have fome daily 
 ufeful employ, fince no man was ever fent into the 
 world to lead an idle and ufelefs life. Our law con- 
 fiders not only men, but v/omen of family and for- 
 tune, to be of fome profefTion ♦, therefore during 
 their virgin ftate, it calls them fpinfters : and we are 
 informed, that it is the cuftom of the Eafterns, to 
 inftrud perfons of the higheft quality in fome occu- 
 pation. If we confult the divine Word, there we 
 fhall find lloth condemned in the fevered terms; (<?) 
 and how idlencfs was detefted even among Hea- 
 thens, appears from hence, that by Solon's law fuch 
 were to fuffer death. 
 
 Application to fome bufinefs is advantageous and 
 honorable; for in this way, we are moft likely to 
 avoid fin and temptation ; and we become the fol- 
 lowers of the greatefi: and beft of examples. Yes, 
 herein we refemble angels, who are ftiled minijlering 
 fpirits ; yea we imitate our divine Lord and Mafter, 
 and God himfelf. My Father worketh hitherto and I 
 work § fays Chrift. On 
 
 {^) Lavv*s Serious Call, &c. 
 
 \e) 2 Their, ill. lo, ii, 12. i Tim. v. 8. It is faid in- 
 deed, John vi. 27, Lahor not for the meat nvhich perijhethy Sec. 
 But thefe words are to be taken comparatively, viz. That our 
 care and labor fhould not be fo great for temporal good things, 
 as for fpiritual and eternal enjoyments. So when we are com- 
 manded to take no thought for foe d and raiment — Matt. vi. 25, 31. 
 —according to the original the meaning is, that we Ihould not 
 indulge an exceflive anxiety about thefe matters. 
 
 § John V. 17. 
 
( 171 ) 
 
 On Business and the Improvement of our 
 
 Talents. 
 
 HEre we Intend to infift feparately on what refpeds 
 the laborer, the tradefman, and the gentleman. 
 If we are poor and enjoy health and ftrength, (f) 
 we are not to feek a maintenance from the bounty of 
 others, but to work with our hands in a fuitablc 
 calling, with diligence and faithfulnefs ; purfuing 
 our labor in the manner our mafter directs, tho' it 
 fhould coft us more pains, and leffen our profits. 
 Endeavoring to lead a mafter to believe that we have 
 complied with what he expected, when we are con- 
 fcious to ourfelves, that we are fecretly a6ling a con- 
 trary part, is to make our daily bufinefs, a daily 
 fcene of iniquity. On the other hand, were we 
 pundually to fulfil his commands, doing the fame 
 when he is abfent, as when he is prefent, we fhould 
 feel in our minds that fatisfadion, which would well 
 repay us for our increas'd bodily labor, and for giv- 
 ing up any unjuft gains. Befides acting juftly in the 
 profecution of our work, we fhould be always ready 
 to oblige our fuperiors, fo far as we confiftently 
 can : (g) And tho' we receive rough treatment, when 
 \^e have given no juft occafion for it, yet let us pa- 
 tiently 
 
 (f) If we are far advanceci in years, and pafl: ability for la- 
 bor, or in a fick ftate, or would be glad to be employed but can 
 meet with no employment — in thefe and the like cafes 'tis fuf- 
 iiciently obvious that we may apply for charity. 
 
 (g) Suppofmg a mafter fhould require what is unreafonable, 
 much more what is evidently iinful of a fervant, for infrance, to 
 profane the fabbath by doing unnecefTary work on that day, the 
 fervant fhould expoftulate the cafe with him in a modeft manner, 
 telling him that he is quite difpofed to obey his orders, fo far as 
 confcience will permit ; that he hopes his mafter will reconfider 
 the matter, and then perhaps it may appear to him in a different 
 light. — If after all, the fervant cannot prevail, let him not yield 
 to any fmful compliance, but leave fuch fervice, and feek for 
 employ elfewhere. This perfon has reafon to apprehend, that 
 the fame divine Providence which provides for the birds of the 
 air will interpofe on his behalf. — Should the fear of man at fuch 
 a time, be like to get the better of the calls of duty, let us re- 
 coiled that text. Matt. x. 2S. 
 
( 172 ) 
 
 tiently endure it, and remain filent, whilft the maf- 
 ter's fit of pafTion continues, or at leaft return a foft 
 anfwer. Thus we fhould ad out of refped to the 
 declared will of our divine Lord, and as defiring to 
 pleafe him, whofe eye is always fixt upon us -, then 
 we may hope to receive the reward of grace, and 
 he will regard even our common labors, as fo many 
 ads of religion. Ephef, vi. 5, Colof. iii. 22, 23, 
 24. Tit. ii. 9, 10. 
 
 If we are mafters, we fhould confider whether the 
 trade in which we engage be fuch as tends to the 
 benefit of fociety. If fo, whether we carry it on in 
 a lawful manner (^)rendering unto Casfar the things 
 that arc Ca^far's, (i) not defrauding the laborer of 
 his due wages, (/^j or his time5(/) keeping at a dif- 
 
 tance 
 
 {/?) Inns or public houfes ire of fervlce to the traveller, &:c. 
 but if the mafter or miftrefs encourage any to idle away their 
 time, or to proceed to intemperance (from, whence may arife a 
 variety of atrocious evils) fuch houfes are great nufances, and 
 fuch perfons might be faid (fnocking thought) to live on the vices 
 of their unhappy fellow-creatures. — I remember one in this fitu- 
 3tion, whofe cullom it was every evening at a certain hour, to 
 defire the company to withdraw, and then he proceeded to fa- 
 mily worlhip ; and if any ftrangers lodged there, they were wel- 
 come to join with him, or not; as agreeable to themfelves :— 
 And he took care alfo, that travellers fhould have Bibles, or 
 other books of devotions placed in the rooms in which they were 
 
 to fleep.- Would juft hint here, that for any tradefman to 
 
 pinch the laborer in his wages, in order to be able to underfell 
 others, is both injuftice and opprefiion ; and what an aggrava- 
 tion is it of fuch evil conduft, where perfons already poflefs an 
 jibundance. 
 
 (/) Matt. xxii. 21. Rom. xiii. 7. As we fhare in the bene- 
 fits of government we fhould moll readily contribute our part to- 
 wards the fupport of it. 
 
 (i) Deut. xxiv, 14, 15. We fhould not with-hold the poor 
 man's dues when his labor is finifhed and his prefent necefiities 
 require that he fhould be immediately paid. Prov. iii. 28. 
 
 (/) How does it pain a perfon of humanity, if he happens to 
 fee a poor man waiting for hours at his mafler's door (efpecially 
 in the winter) before he is ferved. And on the fuppofition that 
 this laborer is employed by his mailer in occafional work, going 
 errands, &c. without fatisfadlion being made him.-— where wc 
 to exchange conditions with the man, fhould we not. think the 
 ufage hara and unjull ? 
 
( '73 ) 
 
 tance from every fpecles of opprefTion. — We fhould 
 treat thofe who are dependent upon us with huma- 
 nity and tendernefs. And if laborers have. given 
 apparent or real offence, and our minds are greatly 
 difturb*d, we fhould not proceed againft them at 
 fuch a time, as we are incapable of judging of the 
 merits of the caufe, but fhould referve the decifion 
 of the affair for our calmer moments. Prov. xix. 1 1. 
 Particularly, we fhould not in an inftant charge 
 them with difhonefly, when the fufpicion refts on a 
 flender foundation; but inflead of fuppofing the 
 worfl, we fhould fuppofe the beft, i Cor. xiii. 7, till 
 on further examination, we have plain proof againfl 
 the party, and then let the punifhment iniiided be 
 according to the didates of reafon and religion. 
 Ephef. vi. 9. Te majlers do the fame things unto 
 them ; perform the duties of your ftation towards 
 your fervants ; forbearing threatening^ fevere menace, 
 reviling and reproachful language, as well as rigo- 
 rous treatment ; knowing that your Mafier alfo is in 
 Heaven^ neither is there refpe^ of ferfons with him^ 
 but he will impartially judge mafters and fervants 
 in that day. Was this apofl;olic admonition always 
 kept in view, in our dealings with fervants and other 
 inferiors, then we fhould be difpofed to make pro- 
 per allowances for the great difficulties .they have 
 fometimes to encounter with in doing their bufinefs, 
 and be inclined to make " the yoke of fervitude as 
 light and eafy as we well can." 
 
 To proceed, we fhould expc6l difappointments 
 in the courfe of trade, and then our tempers will 
 not be fo much rufHed when they come ; and that 
 we may not injure thofe with whom we are con- 
 cerned in bufmefs, (as a means alfo to promote the 
 general eafe of our minds,) we fhould obferve exadt 
 order and regularity in our accounts, and give them 
 a frequent infpe(5lion. i Cor. xiv. 40. And as 
 accountable creatures, let us purfue trade, not mere- 
 ly with a view to enrich ourfelves, but that we may 
 
 -be 
 
( 174 ) 
 
 be ufeful to mankind. If our bufinefs be followed 
 under the influence of this chriftian motive, me- 
 thinks 'twill induce fuch who have fufficient fums 
 of money at hand, to go on in trade (in a feafon 
 when labor is fcarce, and when mafters have no con- 
 iiderable profits to allure them) for the fake of the 
 poor workmen. This would be affording a fubftan- 
 tial proof of love to our neighbor, and might be 
 deem'd carrying on trade to the glory of God.(;;^) 
 
 Should we notwithflanding our care and diligence 
 thro' lofTes, &c. fail in the world, let us do what 
 ftill lies in our power to demonflrate our love of 
 equity and juflice.(;2) I add, in all our tranfadlions 
 v/ith mankind, let us aim to guide our condud by 
 that divine rule, /which is indeed fuited to every 
 purpofe, flation, and charadler. JVhatfoever ye would 
 that men fnoiild do unto you^ do ye even fo unto them. 
 Matt. vii. 12. 
 
 We are now to fpeak of the employ of thofe who 
 are placed by Providence in the higher ranks of life. 
 Befides reading for the improvement of their minds, 
 and giving a daily attention to their family concerns, 
 
 fuch 
 
 {m) It has been obferv'd, that it was a cuftom in former days, 
 for merchants in their books of accounts, to have " laus Deo" 
 or " praife to God" written in the beginning of every leaf, and 
 it flood on the head of the page in large and fair letters, to put 
 them always in mind, that in their human affairs, they fhould 
 carry on a defign for the glory of God. 
 
 (») A very honeft perfon (thro' unforefeen misfortunes in trade) 
 might injure others, and it may be never in his power to repair 
 the injury, whereas had he been afterwards of ability, he would 
 gladly have fhewn to the world his heneit principle by paying 
 his former debts. Rom. xiii. 8. Inflances of this kind are to 
 
 be found, tho' too few. Sometimes, we have feen a worthy 
 
 pattern of juftice, in the condu^ of an individual, to whom have 
 been left the elfefts of one, who contrafled debts which he ne- 
 ver difcharged, not for want of ability, but for want of will. — 
 This m-an tho* not oblig'd by human laws, yet out of regard to 
 the lav/ of God, and confcience, has paid thefe debts. The 
 fatisfadcion and pleafure enjoy'd by thofe, who aft this part, is 
 fuch as no worldly gain whatever can bring with it. And little 
 does it fignify, that we flourifh as to gutward circumftances, if 
 the mind be a ftranger to folid peace. 
 
( 175 ) 
 
 fuch are under peculiar obligations to devote their 
 talents to the fervice of religion, and to confult and 
 purfue the good of mankind. 
 
 A gentleman who has his time and fortune at 
 command, may be exceedingly ufeful, not only by 
 encouraging book focicties, for the propagation of 
 religious knowledge among the poor, and by contri- 
 buting to the fupport of charity-fchools, &:c. but alfa 
 by condefcending to make ftated vifits to thofe little 
 feminaries, to examine into the childrens progrefs. 
 The expedled prefence of their fuperiors may pro- 
 duce very benign eiFeds. A lady may do honor 
 
 to her religious profeflion by imitating Dorcas in 
 making garments for the poor, and by her readi- 
 nefs to perform other kind offices for them. What 
 great bleffings are perfons of fortune " who have eyes 
 quick to behold, hearts tender to feel, and hands 
 prepared to relieve the wants of their fellow-crea- 
 tures •," and more efpecially the neceffities of the 
 aged and fick. (^) And 'tis a pleafing circumftance, 
 when fuch do not appear in the diftribution of their 
 charity to adt from prejudice, humor, (p) or par- 
 tiality, (^) but to be guided by confcience ; and to 
 be under the influence of a principle of univerfal be- 
 nevolence. Then (we may exped) that the favors 
 
 be- 
 
 (o) The Countefs of Richmond, mother to Henry 7th, per- 
 formed all her life time To many noble a6ls, and charitable deeds 
 (fays Stow, the hiftorian,) that they cannot be exprefs'd in a 
 fmall volume. And her high rank was fo far from infpiring her 
 with pride and haughtinefs, that fhe would frequently drefs the 
 wounds of poor and diftrefs'd people with her own hands. 
 
 (p) Some thro' caprice and fancy will give largely in one 
 cafe, but do nothing in another, tho' the latter (it may be) 
 equally deferves their affiftance : Such charity is fcarccly entitled 
 to the name. 
 
 (q) We fhould beware of that cpntradled notion of confining 
 charity to the parifh in which we refide, or to the religious foci- 
 ety with whom we are connected. The divine precept runs 
 thus — Do good unto all men. Gal. vi. 10. If indeed two ob- 
 jefts fought our help, and it was. out of our power to aifift both, 
 then that which ftands in the nearell relation to us, or the moft 
 worthy chara^er, or where the neceiTity is the grcateft, is to be 
 prefered. 
 
( 176 ) 
 
 beftowed on the indigent, will be conferr'd in an en- 
 gaging manner and with cheerfulnefs : where indeed 
 this is wanting, the benefit done is much leflened 
 in the efteem of the perfon who receives it, neither 
 can it be truly acceptable to God. . 2 Cor. ix. 7. If 
 chriftian benevolence is deeply rooted in the hearts 
 of the rich, 'twill alfo difpofe them (when a matter 
 of moment to the welfare of inferiors calls for im- 
 mediate attention) willingly to be interrupted, tho' 
 fat down to their common repaft, rather than ne- 
 glcdl the labor of love. The condudl of the Son of 
 God in a cafe of this nature is truly admirable, (r) 
 
 Numerous and ftrong are the motives for em^ 
 ploying our weahh, advice, power, and influence (j) 
 on the behalf of the diftrefs'd and necefTitous. — 
 Hereby (as already hinted) we fliould be the inftru- 
 ments of diminiihing the fum of human mifery, and 
 every objedl of our benevolence would add to our 
 happinefs. Whereas if riches increafe, and we have 
 no heart to do good with them, they will add to 
 our care and trouble, or if we wafte them in luxury, 
 we may be faid to wafte that which might be made 
 " as eyes to the blind, as an hufband to* the widow, 
 as a father to the orphan."f The 
 
 (r) Mark iii. 20, 21. And the multitude cometh together again \ 
 fo that they could net fo much as eat bread : And nvhen his friends 
 heard of it, they ^ent out to lay hold on him, for they faid he is he- 
 fide himfelf; or rather as the Greek word generally fignifies he is 
 greatly tranfported. — Wc may fuppofe, that our Lord's attend- 
 ants feared, left the prefent fervency of his fpirit, Ihould injure 
 his health, and well they might, for it appears from Luke vi. 
 12, &c. that our Lord had fat up the preceding night (/pending 
 it in afts of devotion) and eaten nothing this day; but was en- 
 gaged in the morning, in giving a charge to his new-chofen apof- 
 tles, and in the advance of the dgy, in preaching to a vaft audi- 
 tory, and working many miracles Doddrige in loc. 
 
 (j) The Hon. Mr. Boyle, who was many years a diredor of 
 the Eaft- India Company, and was peculiarly ferviceable to them 
 in procuring their charter — the only return he expefted for his 
 labor was, the engaging the company to come to fome refolution 
 in favor of the propagation of the gofpel, in that part of the 
 world. To this end, he was at the expence of printing at Ox- 
 ford, in 1677, five hundred copies of the four Gofpels, and the 
 Afts of the Apollles in the Malayan tongue. 
 
( ^11 ) 
 
 The wealthy Chriftian fhould alfo confider, that 
 the time is fhort and precarious in which he can have 
 any concern in the difpofal of his riches. And if 
 he has ground to conclude, that his fuccefibr will 
 either fquander away the talent, or as the fcripture 
 exprefTcs it, lay it up in a napkin^ 'tis a further reafon 
 for the Chriftian's eagerly feizing every opportunity 
 of ufefulnefs. 
 
 And tho' to be extenfively ufeful may require felf- 
 denial as to the fuperfluities of life, yet experience 
 would foon tell us, that this is not fo painful a thing, 
 as is generally imagined. (/) 
 
 Permit me now to enforce thofe arguments with a 
 few ftriking and animating paflages of Scripture. 
 Matt. XXV. 30, &c. Luke xii. 48. Adls xx 35. 
 I Pet. iv. 10. I Tim. vi 17, 18, 19. Charge them 
 that are rich in this worlds that they be not high minded^ 
 nor truft in uncertain riches^ but in the living God, who 
 giveth us richly all things to enjoy : That they do good^ 
 that they he rich in good works, ready -to diftribute, 
 willing to communicate, hying up in ft ore for themf elves 
 a good foundation againft the time to come, that they 
 may lay hold on eternal life, (u) 
 
 Thofe excellent perfons who have walked In the 
 way defcribed, have lived belov'd, died lamented, 
 and the memory of fuch, and of thofe in the prefent 
 day, who tread in their fteps, may have a mofi: happy 
 influence on the condud of pofterity. And tho' 
 good works are not meritorious, yet it is undeniably 
 A a evi* 
 
 (/) The perfon in affluent circumftances, who abftalns from 
 high meats and drinks, from great flate and equipage, and from 
 expenfive amufements, that he may be capable of doing more 
 good, will feel a pleafure far furpaifing any of the pleafures of 
 
 («) Archbifliop Sharp in his fermons. Vol. I. p. 136, explains 
 thefe phrafes in the following manner. Let the rich endeavor in 
 general to do good, not only now and then, in fome fcanty pro- 
 portion, but frequently, conllantly, and abundantly ; not only 
 with their time, labor, and intereft, but by diftributing of their 
 fubftance too ; and this as freely as if it were a common itock ta 
 which all had a right. 
 
( 178 ) 
 
 evident, from the above paflages, and other parts 
 of holy writ, that thofe which proceed from an aim 
 to pleafe God, from faith in Chrift, and pure love 
 to our fellov^ creatures, fhall through grace meet a 
 reward. 2 Cor. ix. 6. 
 
 Whilil: it is required of the rich to be eminent in 
 all ads of piety ana goodnefs, it is likewlfe incum- 
 bent on Chriftians in inferior ftations, to embri^ce 
 every opportunity of doing fervice to God and man, 
 according to our ability. Be ready to every good work-y 
 is a general exhortation. It is therefore expedled 
 of the poor (if they are able) (v) to do fomething 
 towards the relief of thofe who are more neceffi- 
 tous than themfelves. And here I would remark 
 for the encouragem.ent of fuch (tho' it may be 
 efteemed a kind of digreflion) that the laborer who 
 diligently follovv's his bufinefs, in order to procure 
 fupport for himfelf and family, and that he may 
 have to give to him that needeth^ Ephef. iv. 28, and is 
 ftriflly honcft in every part of his condud, fuch a 
 profeiilbr of religion, greatly adorns the dodrine of 
 pod his Saviour : And " the little he gives out of 
 his little, may appear a nobler facrifice in the eye of 
 God, than fums vaftly larger beftowed out of a 
 plentiful abundance." (w) — In fhort, let every onp 
 be concern'd to be ufefui according to his talent, 
 fince we are folemnly afTured, that he who had but 
 one talent was called to account for it, and con- 
 demned 
 
 t Tit. ill. I. 
 
 (1;) The poor as well as others mufl remember, to be jiift, be- 
 fore they are charitable. For the poor to give in charity, or to 
 a religious nfe, what they owe their neighbours, inftead of be- 
 ing Acceptable to God, 'tis fomething like prefenting him wit|i 
 rqb^eryfcr a burnt offering. Ifai. Ixi. 8. There is a great beauty 
 in.it, when a poor perfon will rather ft^ifer hardfhips, than run 
 in" debt ; as foon as his cafe is known, he may exped willing af- 
 fiftance from the charitable. ' - 
 
 (au) S^e.the cafe of the widow who call her tw© mites into the 
 treafury, , ^^rk,?cii. 41, &c. 
 
( 179' ) 
 
 demned to darknefs and woe for his mir-improv{^" 
 mtni thereof. Matt. xxv. 24, &c. j: 
 
 Amusements.* 
 The befl of men will allow, that we require fome 
 intervals for relaxation and amufement, and, that 
 thefe are more efpecially proper for the melancholy^ 
 and perfons who are loaded with the cares of the 
 world. For recreations refreih nature, give vigor 
 to the fpirits, and prepare us for the important du- 
 ties of our ftations. To anfwer thefe purpofes, 'tis 
 fufficiently obvious, that our diveriions ihould be 
 of the innocent (^) and ufeful(i') kind: And with 
 regard to fuch diveriions, we fhould be very cautious 
 that they do not break in on the hours of bufmefs 
 and devotion: Ecclef iii. i. One frivolous amufe- 
 ment indulged out of feafon, will often carry per- 
 plexity thro' a long fuccefllon of affairs. -)- — " Let 
 us ahvays remember, that our faculties and the ad- 
 vantages of the chrifiian revelation were beflowed 
 upon us, that we may purfue and attain fome great 
 and noble ends, and that we are to indulge ourfelves 
 in recreations no farther than as they make a part in 
 a fcheme of rational, benevolent, and pious con- 
 duct." — And yet ("painful reflection !) are there not 
 perfons that wear the chriftian name, who are fo 
 given to fenfual pleafure, as to make amufements 
 their bufinefs ? 
 
 Pro- 
 
 X The Intelligent and candid reade'r will excuTe the length and 
 particularity of this part of the fubjedl, fince it hath for Its ob- 
 jcd, not only perfonal, but domciilic and public happinefs. 
 
 * In what remains ihall follow the plan laid down by Do6lor 
 Doddridge in his ** Rife and Progrefs," and give an abftraft of 
 his thoughts with fome additional obfervations. Sec Chapter 19 
 of that work. 
 
 {a) How utterly inconfiflent with the character of a ChriHian, 
 how deftruflive to the health of the body and theeafe of the mind,. 
 the gaming table, nightly revels, &c. are, I need not fay. 
 
 (i?) See p. 36 of a piece entitled " The Duty and Intcreft of 
 every private perfon, &c," By the Author. 
 
 t Blair. 
 
( i8o ) 
 
 Providences to be observed. 
 " That we enjoy the comforts of healthy that we 
 " are furnlfhed with food for fupport and pleafure ; 
 " that we have fo many agreeable ways of employ- 
 " ing our time ^ that we have fo many agreeable 
 *' friends; that our bufinefs goes on profperoufly ; 
 *' that we go out and return in fafety ; and that we 
 *' have compofure and chcerfulnefs of fpirit, without 
 *' which nothing elfe could be enjoy'd, — all thefe 
 *' fhould be regarded as providential favors, and fuit- 
 *' able acknowledgments fhould be made to God for 
 *' them. On the other hand. Providence is to be no- 
 *' ticed in every difappointment, in every lofs, in 
 *' every pain, in every inftance of unkindnefs from 
 " fuch as have profefled friendfhip, and in the in- 
 " firmities and follies, in the temper and condudt of 
 ** thofe around us : And we fhould endeavor to ar- 
 *' gue ourfelves into a patient fubmifTion from this 
 ** confideration, that if thefe things are not properly 
 '' the work of Providence, they are however under 
 ** the divine diredion." 
 
 Watchfulness against Temptations. 
 It is neceflary when changing our place or employ- 
 ment to refled — " What fnares attend me here ?" 
 Arid as this ihould be our habitual care, fo we fhould 
 Cin a particular manner) guard againfl the fnares 
 which in the morning we forefaw : And when we are 
 entering on thofe circumftances in which we ex- 
 pedled the affault, we fhould think (efpecially if it 
 be a matter of vafl importance) of that great cloud 
 of witnefTes who look down as it were from their 
 heavenly thrones, attentively obferving our beha- 
 vior : To increafe our courage, to awaken all our 
 ardor, we fhould alfo turn our eyes to that bright- 
 eft and nobleft objed, Jefus, the Author and Fi- 
 nifher of our faith, who — endured the crofs, de- 
 fpifing the fhame, and is fet down at the right hand 
 of the throne of God j and has promifed the chrif- 
 
 tian 
 
( i8i ) 
 
 tian conqueror, that he ihall fhare in th« honors and 
 jovs of the. great Captain of falvation. Rev. iii. 
 
 21. (C) 
 
 Dependance on Divine Grace. 
 " As the light of reafon is a kind of divine illu- 
 mination it /liouid by no means be defpifed : yet 
 iliil our reafonings on fubjedts ought to be purfued 
 ill an humble fenfe of our dependance on the Father 
 of lights, or elfe where we think ourfelves vAki}:^ 
 we may become vain in our imaginations." Let us 
 therefore always call upon God, and fay (for inftance) 
 when we are going to pray, " Lord fix my atten- 
 tion ! Awaken my holy afFedions." — When taking 
 up the Bible or any other good book, " Enlighten 
 mine underftanding, warm my heart : May my good 
 refolutions be confirm'd, and all the courfe of my 
 life in a proper manner regulated." — When addref- 
 fing ourfelves to any worldly buHnefs, *•' Lord prof- 
 per my honefl endeavors !" — When going to fome 
 
 recreation, (d) " Lord blefs my refrefhments!" 
 
 When coming into company, " Lord may I do^ 
 
 and get good!'* When entering upon diiiicuities, 
 
 " O give me that Vvifdom which is profitable to di- 
 rect !" — W^hen encountering with temptations, " Let 
 thy (Irength, O gracious Redeemer, be made per- 
 fed in my weaknefs, &c. &c." 
 
 The 
 
 CcJ The excellent Mr. Philip PIenry ufed to 1-ecofnmend 
 to profelTors theie four arguments againft fin, expre/Ted for the 
 fake of the memory in verfe, to be ready in an hour of temp- 
 tation : 
 
 Is this thy kindnefs to thy Friend ? § 
 
 It will be bitternefs in the end. |t 
 
 The vows of God upon me lie ; f 
 
 Should fuch a man as I am fly ? t 
 
 § Gen. xxxix. 9. 1] Jerem. ii. 19. f Pfalm Ivi. 12. — 
 
 X Nehem. vi. 11. 
 
 C^J If we are going to purfue any Amufement on which we 
 cannot confcientioufly implore the divine bleffing, what ftrongcr 
 reafon than this can be given for abftaining from fuch a recre- 
 ation ? 
 
( lS2 ) 
 
 The Government of our Thoughts. 
 Some may imagine that if their outward conduct 
 be fair, nothing more is requir'd of them. But the 
 Scripture fays, keep thy heart 'with all diligence \ for 
 out of it are the iffues of life, Prov. iv. 23. The 
 ftate of the heart determines our real charadler be- 
 fore God, and on its being holy, or unholy, de- 
 pends our true happinefs, or mifery. As a remedy 
 againft vain and finfal thoughts, we fhould ofterl 
 review what paffes in our minds, and afk ourfelves 
 whether it would not fhame and confound us were 
 our fellow-creatures to know our prefent thoughts. 
 We fhould ftrive to have our minds imprefs'd with 
 awful apprehensions of the prefence of the Maj eily 
 of Heaven : Yes, we fhould coniider that the flam- 
 ing eye of Deity continually beholds the fecrets of 
 our hearts : and that there is a pen, (as on(t ex- 
 preffes it) always v/riting over our heads, and mak- 
 ing up that great record of our thoughts, words, and 
 adions, from which at laft we are to be judged. — - 
 That our minds might be well employed during 
 any intervals of leifure, let us fet before them fome 
 profitable fubjed: of meditation, fiich as the infinite 
 excellencies of God, the condefcenfion and love of 
 Chrift, the worth of tim-e, the perifhing and unfa- 
 tisfying nature of the world, the fhortnefs of life, 
 the certainty and nearnefs of death, judgment, and 
 eternity; the inconceivable bllfs of Heaven, and 
 the piercing forrows of Hell : Thefe ftriking points 
 are peculiarly proper for rcfleclionj when our minds 
 are getting into a very light and trifling frame.—- 
 We may too at our intervals confider, what we have 
 obferv'd as to the flate of our own fouls v/ith re- 
 gard to the advance or decline of religion ; or we 
 may refledl on the lafl: fermon we heard, or the lafl 
 
 portion of fcripture we read. '' It might like-* 
 
 wife be very ufeful to feled: fome one verfe of Scrip- 
 ture which we met with in the morning, and trea- 
 furc it up in our minds, refolving to think of that 
 
 at 
 
( i83 ) 
 
 ^t any time when we are at a lofs for other matter." 
 The courfe here propos'd inftead of being an hin- 
 drance to us in our worldly affairs, would rather 
 ftir us up to profccute the common labors of life 
 with more diligence and fidelity, and lead us to a6t 
 in a more honorable manner in our dealings with 
 one another. 
 
 The Goveri^met^t of our Conversation. 
 " When in company, we ihould take care that 
 nothing may efcape us v/hich can expofe us, or 
 our chriftian profeiTion to cenfure. Nothing in- 
 jurious to thofe who are abfent, or to thofe who arc 
 prefenc ; nothing malignant, nothing inlincere, no- 
 thing v/hich may corrupt, nothing which may pro- 
 voke, nothing which may miflead thofe about us ; 
 I fay, we fhould beware of an extravagant way of 
 fpeaking, which fome are much addidled to, and 
 hereby lead others into great miftakes. Nor ihould 
 we by any means be content, that what we fay is 
 innocent, it fhould be our defire that it may be edi- 
 fying, to ourfelves, and others. In this view, wc 
 ihould endeavor to have fome fubjedl of profitable 
 difcourfe always ready, in which we may be affifled 
 by the hints given about furniture for thought, un- 
 der the former heads. It may be very proper to 
 
 commit to memory, the moft remarkable and in- 
 flrudive pafTages we may m.eet with in the lives of 
 good mien, as thefe are mod likely to draw the at- 
 tention of the company. We fhould watch for de- 
 cent opportunities of introducing ufeful refietflions, 
 and if a pious friend attempt to do it, we fhould 
 fecond it immediately. When the converfation does 
 not directly turn on religious fubjeds, v/e fhould aim 
 to make it improving fome other way. We fliould 
 refied on the charader and capacities of our com- 
 pany, that we may lead them to talk of what they un- 
 derftand beil, for their difcourfes on thefe fubjeds will 
 probably be moil pleafing to themfelves, as v/ell as 
 |]:]Q$ profitable to lis. And in paufes of difcourfe, it 
 
 .1 * v^^y 
 
( 1^4 ) 
 
 may not be improper to (end up a devout wifh to 
 God; that he would aflift us and our friends, in our 
 endeavors to do good to each other, that all we fay, 
 and do, may be worthy the charad:er of reafonable 
 creatures and chrifdans."^ As we fhould be rea- 
 dy, if we are in the ecmpany of thofe whofe know- 
 ledge is inferior to our own, modefcly to fay fome- 
 thing for their inftrudion ; fo if we are with fuch 
 who excel us in knov/ledge, we fhould give them a 
 clofe attention, and fuppofmg they are rather back- 
 ward in fpeaking, we ihould aik them queiiions on 
 ufeful fubjedts.— If we chance to be in com.pany 
 with the profane, who give a loofe to their tongues, 
 %ve ought to exprefs difapprobation by our looks, or 
 by immediately withdrawing from their fociety, or 
 by adminiilering reproof with chriftian meeknefs ; 
 tho' it muft be confefs'd, that as to' verbal reproof, 
 it is beft to give it in private, if we have the pro- 
 fped of an opportunity. 
 
 Evening Devotions. 
 Should advife to read in the firft place a portion 
 of Scripture with fuitable refledions, &c. as re- 
 commended in the morning -, then to read an hymn 
 orpfalm^ after this to enter on felf-examination — a 
 duty ftridlly inculcated upon us in the facred oracles. 
 2 Cor. xiii. 5. Gal. vi. 4. — I offer you therefore 
 the following queries to afTift you in this part of fe- 
 cret worfhip.— " Did I awake as with God this morn- 
 " ing, and rife with a grateful fenfe of his goodnefs ? 
 ** How were the fecret devotions of the morning 
 ^' performed ? Did I offer my folemn praifes and 
 *' renew the dedication of myfelf to God with be- 
 " coming attention and fuitable affedions ? Did I 
 *' lay my fcheme for the buiinefs of the day wifely ? 
 '* How did I read the Scripture, or any other devo- 
 '' tional piece ? Did it do my heart good, or were 
 " it an amufement ? How have the other ftated 
 ** devotions of the day been attended, whether in 
 •• public, or in the family ? Have I purfued the com- 
 
 '' mon 
 
€C 
 
 ( 185 ) 
 
 ** mon bufinefs of this day with diligence^ In fcafonf 
 « and in fuch a manner as I apprehended would be 
 " moft pleafing to God? What time have I loft this 
 « day, in the morning, forenoon, or evening *, and 
 " what has occafioned the lofs of it P. With what 
 " temper, and under what regulations have the re« 
 *' creations of this day been purfucd ? Have I 
 « thankfully beheld the hand of God in my mer- 
 « cies, health, food, cloathlng, prefervatlon in jour- 
 « nies, fuccefs in bufinefs, kindnefs of friends, &c.? 
 *' Have 1 feen it in affliaions, and particularly m 
 little things which had a tendency to vex and 
 difquiet me, and have I received my affliAions 
 fubmifllvely ? How have I guarded againft the 
 ' temptations of the day, particularly againft this 
 ' or that temptation which 1 forefaw in the morn- 
 ' mo ? Have I maintained an humble dependance 
 ' oS divine aids, when about to engage in that or 
 ' the other duty? Have I governed my thoughts 
 ' w^U ? Have I governed my difcourfes well in fuch 
 '' and fuch company ? Did 1 fay nothing paftionate, 
 ' mifchievous, (landerous, imprudent, imperti- 
 '' nent ? Have I fought, found, and improved op- 
 ^^ portunities of doing and getting good? With 
 '' what attention have I read the Scripture this even- 
 " ing? How was felf-examination perform'd the laft 
 '• night, and how have I profited this day by any re- 
 " marks on former negligences and miftakes ? With 
 «' what temper did I lie down, and compofe mylelt 
 
 tc to fleep ?" After we have ferioufty put toour- 
 
 felves fome fuch queries as thefc, we may clofe with 
 prayer. In this addrefs to the throne of grace 
 among other things "we are to entreat that God would 
 « pardon the omiffions and oft"ences of the day, to 
 « praife him for mercies temporal and fpiritual, to re- 
 « commend ourfelves to his protedion for the enlu- 
 « ing; nicrht, and join to thefe proper petitions tor o^ 
 - ^ ° "^ thers, 
 
 B b 
 
 t See page 28, note.* 
 
( i86 ) 
 
 ^' thers whom we ought to bear on our hearts be- 
 *' fore him, and particularly for thofe friends with 
 '' whom V7e have conversed, or correfponded in the 
 *' preceding day." 
 
 The fentiments with which we fhould lie down up- 
 on our beds, and compofe ourfelves to fieep arefuch 
 as thefe.— 'We fhould think of the divine goodnefs 
 in adding another day and the mercies of it, to the 
 former days and mercies of life. We fhould take 
 notice of the indulgence of Providence in giving us 
 commodious habitations, and in continuing us fuch 
 health of body, that we can lay ourfelves down at 
 "eafe upon our beds, hoping for refrefhing flecp.— 
 Thus may our fleeping as well as our waking hours 
 in fome fenfe be devoted to God. 
 
 It will be likewife exceedingly proper to accuflom 
 ourfelves to take a ferious view of death.— " Another 
 " of thy mortal days (may the Chriflian fay to him- 
 *' felO 13 now irrecoverably gone. Think O my foul 
 *' how foon all the fchemes and cares, the hopes and 
 *' fears, the pleafures and fcrrows of life will come to 
 ** their period. Think how foon thou wilt be fix'd in 
 *' Heaven, or Hell.— -To-m.orrow's fun may not en- 
 " lighten mine eyes, but only fliine around a breath- 
 " lefs corps : 1 his fudden awful change has pafs'd 
 " on one and another of my acquaintance, and who 
 *' knows but I may be the next.— And now, O my 
 *' foul, anfwer as in the fight of God : Art thou ready, 
 " art thou ready ?-— Is there no fin unforfaken (and 
 *' fo unrepented of) to fill me with anguiih in my 
 *' departing momients, and to caufe me to tremble on 
 *' the brink of the eternal world? — Dread to remain 
 *' under the guilt of it, and this rnoment renew thy 
 *' mofl earnefl applications to the mercy of God 
 *^ thro' the Mediator for deliverance from it," 
 
 But if confcience can witnefs that forgivenefs of 
 iniquity has been importunately fought thro' the 
 blood of Chrift, that no fin is indulg'd, that it has 
 been your defire and aim to be holy, and to do good 
 to others, and that you prefer the heavenly blefled- 
 
 nefs. 
 
( 18; ) 
 
 nefs, to all the eafe, profit, pleafures, and honors of 
 the world ; then inflead of Parting at death, you 
 may welcome its arrival, looking upqn fudden death, 
 as fudden glory. 
 
 Considerations to animate the Christian 
 thus to live and act. 
 
 That we may be influenced to put in pradlce the 
 preceding diredtions (fo far as they are adapted to 
 our various fituations) let us attentively Vv'eigh the 
 following reafons. 
 
 We fee the perfon who is devoted to pleafure, in 
 ardent purfuit of new gratifications ^ the worldly 
 minded man unwilling to keep at the fame fland, is 
 ftriving hard to make an addition to his riches ; and 
 the ambitious not contented with his prefent condi- 
 tion, but afpiring after higher honors. And fliall not 
 the Chriftlan be for increafing in the increase of God^ 
 for advancing daily in grace, and likenefs to the 
 Deity? 2 Per. Hi. i"^, Ephef^ v. i. Phil. iii. 12, 
 
 'Tis an old obfervatlon, that a perfon cannot really 
 love holinefs (or be a true Chrlfllan) who does 
 not defire to be more holy ; and that fuch fmcere 
 defires will lead to fuitable endeavors. 
 
 As growth or excellence in religion evidences the 
 truth, fo it fecures the comforts of it : Philip, iv. 
 8, 9. And how ftrong the comfort, how enliven, 
 ing the joy that fprlngs from the teftimony of a 
 good confclence \ from a fenfe of reconciliation with 
 God thro' Jefus Chrlft the righteous ; from con- 
 verfe with the Father of our fplrits In ads of devo- 
 tion ; from the fledfaft hope of being guarded by 
 an omnipotent arm through the dangers of the pre- 
 fent flate i and from the profped of complete blifs, 
 glory, and immortality beyond the grave. 2 Cor. 
 i. 12. Rom. V. I. I Joh. i. 3. Heb. xlii. 5, 6. 
 Rom. li. 7, 10. 
 
 Let the chrlflian alfo Hften to the voice of grati- 
 tude.— — Is it poilible, is it pofTible to exert our- 
 
 felves 
 
( 1 88 ) 
 
 felves too much in the fervicc of that God from 
 whom we deriv'd all our powers of thought and 
 adlion, and every thing we pofTefs? Rom. xii. i, 
 —Were the above diredions for fpending each part 
 of the day, to be from henceforth confcientioufly 
 regarded by us, fhould we ever fay on refiedlion, 
 that lefs diligence, lefs fidelity, lefs zeal were fuffi- 
 cient for the great Jehovah who offers himfelf to us 
 as our portion. Rev. xxi. 7 ; or for that Jefus who 
 gave himfelf for us, to the fhame and agonizing 
 pains of the crofs : Tit. ii. 14. 
 
 When afflictions come (which are to be expeded, 
 as being needful (e) for chriftians in general) if ac- 
 tivity, zeal and love have attended our courfc, then, 
 we are likely to feel thofe confolations of God which 
 are neither few, nor fmall, Rom. v. 3. 2 Cor. vi. 10. 
 
 Another argument (big with importance) may be 
 taken from mens apprehenfions of things on the ap- 
 proach of death.—*' Let confcience fay if thofe v/ho 
 plunged themfelves deeply into amufements, or in- 
 tenfely purfued earthly honors, pofleflions, and de- 
 lights, whilft they were flothful and cold in their 
 fpiritual concerns, let confcience fay, if when they 
 were about to enter the valley of the fhadow of death, 
 whether they approved, or condemned their pad 
 condudl ? — Again, let confcience fay, if there was 
 ever any one among the moft ftridl and exemplary 
 chriftians, who at this lafl hour, lamented that his. 
 heart and life had been too zealoufly devoted to 
 God and Chrift ? — Or fuppofe you were yourfelf 
 dying, and a dear friend or child flood near you, 
 and fuch rules as the foregoing fhould come into 
 your thoughts, would you caution that friend or 
 child againft conducing himfelf by thefe rules ?— 
 
 The 
 
 (e) I Pet. I. 6. If need he you are in hsa'vinefs. The people 
 of God (to ufethe familiar language of Mr. Henry) have the 
 fame need of afflidions that our bodies have of phyfic, that our 
 trees have of pruning, that gold and filver have of the furnace, 
 or that a child has of chaftifcment. 
 
( i89 ) 
 
 The queftion perhaps may feem unneceffary, where 
 the anfwer is fo plain and certain." 
 
 Think, O think of that remorfe and ancrulifh 
 which feizes the breaft of a chriftian in his departing 
 moments, who fees a multitude of duties he has 
 omitted, tho' he enjoy'd opportunity upon oppor- 
 tunity for performing them-, duties which now mufl 
 be left undone for ever.— Confider on the other 
 hand, the unutterable fatisfadion, peace and com- 
 fort of the chriftian, who can refled in a dying fea- 
 fon,- that he has aim'd to glorify his heavenly Fa^ 
 ther, and has with faithfulnefs and fome degree of 
 
 diligence finifhed the work given him to do.- - 
 
 2 Tim. iv. 7, &c. 
 
 There is one motive more of the mofl powerful 
 nature, v/hich prefents itfelf to the chriftian's view 
 ETERNITY. 2 Cor. iv. 18. Let us remember 
 that we live for eternity ; that there is nothing but 
 this thin veil of flefh which feparates between us, 
 and eternity; that the critical moment is juft at 
 hand, and (as I hinted above) may arrive unthouc^ht 
 of, which will bear us on its wings to eternity ; 
 even that eternity which fhall fwailow up ^vQry 
 temporal concern. 
 
 DAILY PRAYERS TO BE USED 
 
 IN SECRET. 
 
 I. A Morning Prayer. 
 
 /^ THOU who art the true God, and the ever- 
 ^^ lafting King ; a Being of incomprehenfiblc 
 glory, of fpotlefs holinefs, and adorable goodnefs ! 
 From thy throne thou beholdeft all the children of 
 men, and their moft fecret adlions are perfectly dif- 
 cerned by thine all feeing eye.— Thou knoweft my 
 down-fetting and mine up-riling : Thou under- 
 
 ftaiidefl 
 
( ^9^ ) 
 
 ftandefl my thoughts afar off: Thou compafleft my 
 path, and my lying down ; and art acquainted with 
 all mj ways. — O what an ungrateful and rebellious 
 part have I acled in thy light ! Have I not even re- 
 nounced the God of my life, and the fcurce of my 
 mercies?---! have defpifed thy goodnefs, trampled 
 upon thy authority, and abufed thy patience and 
 long-fufFering (a) — For thefe my manifold tranf- 
 greffions thou mayeft juftly caft me away from thy 
 favorable prefence, and make me an example of thy 
 avvful difpleafure for ever. But 1 know, O Lord, 
 that thou defireft not the death of a finner, but ra- 
 ther that he jfhould repent and live: And hail de- 
 clared thyfeli willing to receive returning olfenders, 
 and to be reconciled to them notwithitanding all 
 their pair tranfgrelTions. To thee therefore I come 
 through the mediation of thy dear Son. O for thy 
 tender mercies f ke, for my Saviour's fake have pity 
 upon m^e, who without thine alTiilance am loft for 
 ever.—.-Since thou haft given me thy Gofpel as an 
 outward means to fave, and recover me, O do thou 
 enable me by thy blefted Spirit thoroughly to con- 
 iider, and firmly to believe it. Convince m.e more 
 of my danger by fin, and of the fuitablenefs and 
 excellency of Chrift, as a Redeemer : Be pleafed to 
 affed mine heart with fuch a piercing fenfe of my 
 offences, as may caufe floods of unfeigned grief to 
 flow from it. O that I may utterly deteft my fins, 
 and wherein I have done iniquity, may I do fo no 
 more,— Give me, O Lord, fuch views of thy good- 
 nefs and grace, as may fill my foul with admiration 
 and love of thee ; and infpire me with a reverence of 
 thy greatnefs. Enable me to yield an unreferved 
 obedience to thy commands, and humbly to fubmit 
 
 to 
 
 {a) Here a perfon might make a particular confeilion of thofe 
 iir.s of which he has been guilty, mere efpecially of fuch as lie 
 with\veight upon his confcience. — The 3dSeftion of Chapter i. 
 of this Trearife, if examined with care, and the fuitablc paflages 
 f'ightiy mark'd with a pen, in order to be ferioufly read over a- 
 i,:dn, would (I prefume) be helpful in the prefent cafe, 
 
( 191 ) 
 
 to the difpofals of thy Providence. Make me like 
 a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth 
 forth fruit in his feafon. May I be filled with the 
 fruits of righteoufnefs, which are by Jefus Chrirb 
 unto thy glory and praife. 
 
 I defire to blefs thee for that degree of bodily 
 health and eafe which I enjoy ; for any comfort in 
 my relations ; and for what is agreeable in my place 
 of abode. 1 thank th^Q for prote6tion thro' the pail 
 night, and for every good thing pertaining to the 
 
 prcfent ftatfe. Above all, I would praife thee 
 
 that thou haft taken companion on a world that lay 
 in wickednefs and mifery, and haft prepared falvatioii 
 for thofe who were ready to perifn. With all my 
 foul would I blefs thee, for that mine ears have heard 
 the joyful found, and that the exceeding great and 
 precious promifes of the Gofpel are made known un- 
 to me. May not thefe wonderful and interefting dif- 
 coveries be received in vain ; but grant that i may 
 be a partaker of the glory that fhall hereafter be re- 
 vealed. 
 
 O that the pure and undeftled religion of Jefus 
 might fpread its light to the moft diftant parts of 
 the Earth. Diretfl our national concerns for the 
 beft. Support, and comfort the afflicfted, and in due 
 time give them deliverance. Remember all my dear 
 relations and friends ; make them heirs of the grace 
 of life, the expeclants of eternal happinefs in the 
 world to come. 
 
 And now I am about to engage in my earthly 
 concerns, O let thy holy Spirit be with me, to keep 
 my confcience awake, to aid me againft every temp- 
 tation, and to lead me in the good way ; and may all 
 temporal things be added to me, fo far as they are 
 ufeful. O Lord hear, O Lord forgive, O Lord 
 hearken, and do according to thy rich grace, in 
 Jefus Chrift^ the fame yeflerday^ and to day^ and for 
 fver. Amen. 
 
 JL An 
 
( 192 ) 
 
 II. An Evening Prayer. 
 
 /^THOU who art tranfcendently great and good^ 
 ^^ and rich in mercy to all that call upon thee in 
 truth. — It is by the guardian hand of my God, that I 
 am brought in fafety to the clofe of another day : thro' 
 all the changes of time thy Providence hath been 
 my fupport, and the author of my numerous com- 
 forts. I will continually mention the loving kind- 
 nefs of the Lord, and the praifes of my God : For 
 thou art he who has done marvellous things, who 
 has fhewn immenfe love to the world of mankind. 
 O let glory be afcribed to God in the higheft Hea- 
 vens, for that covenant of grace and peace, which 
 thou hail eftablifhed with thefmful children of men, 
 in thy Son's blood.— Thanks, everlafting thpnk? to 
 thy name, that unworthy as I am of thy ccmmon 
 bounties, thou hafl freely tendered to my acceptance, 
 
 a fhare in thefe ineftimable fpiritual benefits. For 
 
 thofe difplays of thine unfpeakable kindnefs and 
 love, I have made thee very unfuitable returns. I 
 have lived a flranger to the God who formed me, and 
 forgotten the rock of my falvation. I have made 
 light of Jefus notwithftanding his amazing com- 
 pafTion, and condefcenfion unto death. I have ne- 
 gleded my foul, and a blefled immortality for the 
 fake of the vanities of this life.— Praifed be thine 
 abundant mercy, that after fo many provocations, 
 thou haft not fhut thine ears againft my cry. Hea « 
 venly Father come over the mountains of my guilt, 
 and viiit me with thy forgiving grace. Stretch forth 
 thy powerful arm to my finking foul, and deliver mc 
 from the fetters of my lufts. 
 
 Thou haft promifed to afTift the endeavors of thy 
 frail creatures, promifed to ^iv& thine holy Spirit 
 to them that afk thee. I befeech thee, therefore, 
 to quicken my faint attempts, ftrengthen my weak 
 faith, and enliven my languid affedtions. May I 
 indeed be eiFedually perfuaded to part with every 
 
 fin^ 
 
( 193 ) 
 
 fin, be it be ever fo dear to me, and to comply 
 with every duty, be it never fo oppoiite to my in- 
 clination.— To thee, O my God, I would now make 
 an entire furrender of myfelf : I entreat thee to take 
 the full poflefTion of my heart: O keep me clofe to 
 thyfelf, and let nothing feparate me from thy love. 
 Help me to walk before tliQQy as a child of the 
 light, in all goodnefs, righteoufnefs, and, truth; and 
 let thy grace be mighty in me, to make me in every 
 thing fuch as thou wouldefl have me to be : And 
 having glorified thee on Earth, may I be condud:- 
 ed to the ravifhing joys of Heaven. 
 
 Known unto God are the circumftances, and 
 wants of all his creatures-, therefore with refpedt to 
 my worldly fltuation, I defire to fay, do thou Lord 
 chufe mine inheritance for me. 
 
 Pardon whatever thou haft Cetn amifs in my tem- 
 per and condud to day : As the fhadov/s of the 
 evening are ftretched over me, may it imprefs upon 
 me the moft ferious thoughts of the night of death, 
 and the vaft importance of preparing for it. O 
 raife me up in the morning fitted for the duties of 
 another day. 
 
 The Lord blefs my friends and relations, do 
 good unto them all, according to their various 
 cafes, and neceffities. 
 
 Let the words of my mouthy and meditation of my 
 heart he acceptable in thy fight ^ O Lord^ my Strength ^ 
 arid my Redeemer. Now unto God and my Father^ he 
 glory thro" Chriji JefuSy for ever and ever. Amen, 
 
 III. A Morning Prayer. 
 
 INTERNAL and Almighty Sovereign ^ who art 
 •*^ God over all, and the Father of my Lord and 
 Saviour Jefus Chrift. The brighteft and moft ami- 
 able glories of thy Majefty, and love are manifefted 
 to angels, and the fpirits of the juft made perfed:. 
 Thrice happy are thefe thy fervantSj who ftand be- 
 C c fore 
 
( 194 ) 
 
 fore thy throne, who fee thy face without a veil, 
 and caft down their crowns at thy feet, faying, thou 
 art worthy to receive praife, honor, and power. 
 Happy alio in a lower degree are thofe on Earth, 
 who fee the milder difplays of thy glory, and talle 
 the beginnings of redeeming mercy. — That I may 
 be able to praife and honor thee as I ought, and to 
 feek my happinefs alone in thee, who art all-fuffici- 
 ent, may it be the genuine language of my fplrit, 
 *' As the hart panteth after the water-brooks fo 
 *' panteth my foul after thee O God. — ^My foul 
 *' thirfteth for God, for the living God, when fhall 
 " I come and appear before God ?" To this end, 
 deliver me from the inordinate love of earthly ob- 
 jedls, and fuffer not my mind at any time to be 
 over-charged with the cares of the world. By the 
 mighty operations of thy grace enable me faithfully 
 to perform every good refolution. Infpire me with 
 patience and conftancy, that I may ftand faft when 
 attacked by temptations. Suggeft to my mind 
 thof:. holy examples recorded in thy word, efpecial- 
 ly that of my bleffed Saviour, and incline me to 
 imitate them. May I have always near at hand 
 fome wife and faithful guide, to affift me in my fpi- 
 ritual necelfities. And lince thou art prefent with 
 me where-ever I am, and doft always behold me 
 whatfoever I am doing, O imprefs upon me fuch a 
 ftrong and abiding fenfe of it, as may be a conftant 
 eheck to evil delires, and render me afraid of of- 
 fending thee. And grant, I entreat thee, that a 
 fenfe of my paft failings, might make me more 
 watchful for the future, againft the temptations 
 which overcame me — That I may not again run 
 myfclf unneceflarily into temptation, preferve me 
 from floth and idlenefs, and from intermeddling 
 with matters that do not belong to me ; and make 
 me diligent and upright in the ftation wherein thou 
 haft placed me. That 1 may ferve thee with free- 
 dom and pleafure, remove from me all unprofitable 
 
 fadnefs 
 
( 195 ) 
 
 fadnefs and melancholy, and help me to acquire 
 cheerfulnefs of fpirit.— -Do thou, good Lord, favor 
 me with a lively fenfe and earneft expedlation of 
 yonder blifsful ftate : O that this glorious tran- 
 sporting profped may be always in my eye, that I 
 may go on with joy and triumph over all the diffi- 
 culties, and trials which oppofe me. I befeech thee 
 likewiie, to flir up my flothful mind to a diligent 
 attendance on public ordinances : May I conftantly 
 hear thy word with clofe attention and reverence, 
 offer up my prayers with faith and fervency, and 
 praife thee with melody in my heart : And* may I 
 approach thy table with all that humility and love, 
 gratitude and reiignation of foul, that becomes this 
 folemn reprefentation of my dear Saviour's fufferings 
 and death. Thy grace is able to begin, and perfed: 
 thine own work in me-, that grace I ftill earneftly im- 
 plore, may that grace defcend in fuch a manner, as 
 to produce thofe charming effeds. O that I may be 
 a fignal inftance of thy goodnefs and mercy here, and 
 an happy inftrument of thy praife to eternal ages. 
 
 I defire to remember before thee all mankind : 
 Pity thy great family below, and ihew them favor. 
 Let the Gofpel of the grace of God be proclaimed 
 from one end of the world to the other, that all na- 
 tions may be blefled in Jefus, and all nations may 
 call him blefled. — Reform the Proteftant churches : 
 Banifh a fpirit of party and uncharitablenefs, and 
 pour down the fpirit of grace and love upon them. — 
 O that the inhabitants of Great-Britain and Ireland, 
 and the dominions thereto belonging may be pre- 
 ferved from thofe deftroying evils, we have fo much 
 rcafon to fear; purify us from our tranfgreflions, 
 
 that glory may dwell in the Land. Look down 
 
 upon our fovereign king George, eflablifh his 
 throne in righteoulnefs, and in the hearts of his 
 people. Blefs the queen, and all the royal family, 
 adorn them with every grace and virtue.— Blefs our 
 masfiftrates % may they all in their ftations be faith- 
 ful, 
 
( »96 ) 
 
 ful, and ferviceable to the interefts of the nation.— 
 Efpecially, I befeech thee, O Father of mercies, to 
 regard the minifters of the divine word, may they 
 fee the excellency of the truths of the Gofpel, and 
 feel their power, and be very ufeful to thofe among 
 whom they labor. 
 
 Beftow upon my friends and relations fuch a mea- 
 fure of health and profperity, as fhall be moft con- 
 ducive to their everlafting welfare. 
 
 Thou great Benefac^lor, who giveft to all life, 
 and breath, and all things -, I adore thee as my Be- 
 nefactor ; I praife thee as that God, who hath fed 
 me, and kept me all my life long unto the prefent 
 day •, and notwithftanding the number and weight 
 of my fins, thou haft not appointed me to wrath, 
 but to obtain falvation by Jefus Chrift : yea, tho' I 
 have rcfufed thy kind offers, yet thou art even now 
 earneftly inviting me by thy word, and Spirit, to 
 receive the vaft treafures of thy grace, to inherit 
 the riches of thy glory. Return unto thy reft, O 
 jny foul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with 
 thee. — " I will fing unto the Lord, as long as I 
 live, I will ftng praife unto my God, while I have 
 my being." 
 
 1 befeech thee, to prepare me for the events of 
 this day. Help me to keep mine heart with all di- 
 ligence, knowing that from thence are the ifiues of 
 life. May I walk and a6t fo as to pleafe thee in all 
 things. O my God, I importunately requeft thee 
 to forgive, accept, and blefs me, thro' Jefus Chrift, 
 the Head over all things to the churchy by whom I 
 would give glory ^ and honor^ and thanks to him that 
 
 fits on the throne^ who liveth for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 IV. An Evening Prayer, 
 
 f\ Thou who art the firft, the greateft, the wifeft, 
 ^-^ and beft of Beings ; glorious in all perfedion. 
 —I would bow my knees before thee, under a deep 
 
 and 
 
( 197 ) 
 
 and affefting fenfe of thine aflonifhing Majefly, and 
 my own meannefs; of thy liberality, and my wants; 
 of thy juftice, and my guilt j of thy purity, and 
 my defilement. 
 
 With fhame and grief I would confefs, that I 
 have been very unmindful of thee, and of thy ma- 
 nifold benefits ; and when I have profefTed to draw 
 nigh to God v/ith my lips, too often my heart has 
 been far from thee. I have likewife in a multipli- 
 city of inflances negledled my duty towards my 
 neighbor. Have not duly fympathized with others 
 in a time of trouble, or relieved their neceflities 
 with cheerfulnefs. And O how little regard have 
 I paid to their higheft, their eternal intercfts. And 
 tho' thou haft charged me in thamoft ftric5l and aw- 
 ful manner to forgive mine enemies, yet, I have 
 been exceedingly backward to forgive, and love 
 thofe, who have injured me. I have mif-improv- 
 ed my time and talents, have negleded Chrifl and 
 the wonderful Grace of the Gofpel. — In what a num^ 
 ber of inftances have I offended thee, a(5led injuri- 
 oufly to others, and done wrong to my ovv'n foul. 
 *' Thou O Lord knoweft all my foolifhnefs, and 
 my fins are not hid from thee." 
 
 Moft merciful Father, enter not into judgment 
 with me, left I become as miferable, as I am finfuh 
 
 — Blefled be God, that I am in a ftate of hope. 
 
 Praifed be the holy One of Ifrael, that tho' my 
 fins be of a fcarlet and crimfondie, forgivenefs may 
 be obtained. 'Tis indeed a faithful faying, and 
 worthy of all acceptation, that Jefus Chrift came 
 into the world to fave finners, even the chief of 
 finners. Adored be thy name for his perfed: doc- 
 trine, and for the beauties of holinefs which flione 
 forth in his example. Adored be thy name, that 
 when he had by himfelf purged our fins, he fat 
 down on the right hand of the Majefty on high, 
 where he ever lives to intercede for tranfgrefTors. 
 
 Adored 
 
 f^J See note, page 90. 
 
( I9S ) 
 
 Adored be thy name, that thou refufeft none, who 
 in the (incerity of their hearts, come unto thee by 
 CJifift; but that fuch is thy matchlefs condefcenfion 
 and love, thou wilt make them heirs of Heaven^ 
 and joint heirs with the Mediator. — By this Jefus 
 who is the way, the truth, and the life, I would 
 now approach unto God ; through him I earneftly 
 implore the full forgivenefs of my countlefs and 
 grievous iniquities: And that my difeafed and im- 
 pure nature might be rendered holy and divine, 
 • — Affift me in rooting out every evil afFedion, and 
 do thou caufe the feveral chriftian difpoiitions and 
 graces to fpring up in my mind. Particularly, do 
 thou be pleafed to beftow on thine unworthy crea- 
 ture fuch a lively faith, and vigorous hope, as may 
 raife my foul above the prefent world, and teach 
 me to defpife its vanities, whenfoever they would 
 either allure, or terrify me from purfuing heavenly 
 enjoyments. Excite in me that vehement thirft af- 
 ter the rivers of pleafures above, which may every 
 day render me more indifferent to earthly things, 
 more contented under all the events of thy provi- 
 dence, and more adive in the difcharge of the du- 
 ties of life. And I befeech thee, to give me fuch 
 clear apprehenfions of thine effcntial beauties and 
 glories, and of thy boundlefs loving kindnefs to 
 thy creatures, as may every day improve my love 
 to thee. O that I may love thee for what thou art 
 in thyfelf considered, as well as for what thou haft 
 been to me thy creature. Under the influence of 
 this great and excellent principle the love of God, 
 may I grow in grace, and be rich in good works; 
 may I go on from weaknefs to ftrength in the habits 
 of grace. O let me never flacken my pace, but in- 
 creafe my fpced, as I approach the glorious immor- 
 tal prize-, help me to be adding daily zeal to my 
 diligence, abafement to my humility, and fervor to 
 my love. When by thine afliftance I have perfedly 
 conquered depraved nature within, and temptations 
 
 without. 
 
( 199 ) 
 
 without, and am arrived at the ftate of triumph, I 
 will lay all my victories at thy f^Qt, and with palms 
 in my hands, and hallelujahs on my lips celebrate 
 thy praifes not only for thoufands and thoufands of 
 ages, but as long as a deathlefs foul fhall live. 
 
 Lord, in the multitude of thy tender compaf- 
 flons, favor all the earth with the fame fpiritual 
 privileges which I enjoy. And blefs in an efpecial 
 manner Great-Britain and her connexions ; O pour 
 out a fpirit of reformation on all ranks and degrees 
 of men. — May all my friends and relatives be the 
 objedls of thy peculiar care and love, and may mine 
 enemies be interefled in thy pardoning grace. 
 
 1 thank thee for the mercies of this day and of 
 ^y pail years ; mercies more than I can reckon up, 
 and infinitely more than I deferve. I would again 
 yield myfelf unto the Lord as thy fervant, whom 
 thou haft bought v/ith a price of ineftimable value, 
 even the blood of thy Son. I take thee for my 
 Father and my God, for my glory and mine ever- 
 lafting blifs. Let me lie down this night in peace 
 with thee, and with all mankind; defend me from 
 every difafter, refreih my body with comfortable 
 reft, and may I arife with my mind filled with holy 
 and delightful thoughts of thee. Grant that mine 
 earthly concerns may be always under the diredlion 
 of thy wifdom, and difpofed of according to the 
 good pleafure of thy goodnefs. Thefe mine imper- 
 fedl thankfgivings and petitions, I offer unto thee, 
 in the name of thy beloved Son, Jefus Chrift, w/ia 
 is gone into Heaven^ and is on the right hand of God^ 
 mgels^ and authorities^ and powers being made fubjeSi 
 to him. — Alleluja (c) falvation, and glory ^ and honor 
 and power unto the Lord my God, Amen. 
 
 V". For 
 
 (c) See Note page 8. 
 
( 200 ) 
 
 V. For the Morning, or Evening, (d) ■ 
 
 r\ THOU infinite and eternal Spirit: The Father 
 ^^ and Savior of the human race, and the Foun- 
 tain of my being and all my enjoyments; who haft 
 fhewn a thoufand times more love to me, than I 
 have fhewed to myfelf. — Thy mercies are new every 
 morning, they are frefh every evening, great O 
 'Lord is thy faithfulnefs. — But after all the vaft and 
 moft endearing obligations thou haft laid upon me, 
 this vile and ungrateful heart of mine feems to re- 
 tain fome enmity agalnft thee. 
 
 Were not my mind ftill infeded with the malig- 
 nant difeafe of fin, how could I think of thee with- 
 out raptures of love, how could I draw nigh unto 
 thee without tranfports of delight ? But, now I can 
 think of all thy goodnefs and love with cold and 
 frozen affedtions. I can come into thy prefence not 
 only with indifference, but even with unwillingnefs. 
 Good God ! what an Infenfible foul is mine : Well 
 may I be afhamed of myfelf, and confounded with 
 the fenfe of my own bafenefs. — Fain would 1 fhake 
 ofF this clog my corrupt nature, but it hangs upon 
 me, and finks down my foul when it attempts to 
 afpire towards thee. O my God have compafTion 
 upon me, be pleafed to deliver me from this body 
 of fin, eafe my heavy laden fpirit of its grievous 
 burthen. And if thou haft kindled in me tho' but 
 a fpark of the divine life, fulfer it not to be extin- 
 guifhed, but fo cherifti it, I befeech thee, by thy 
 grace, as that at length it may furmount all oppo- 
 Jition, and rife into a bright and glorious flame. — 
 Then fliall I approach thee with joy, my heart ftiall 
 be firmly united to thee in a devout and ardent af- 
 fedlion, and my prayers fhall afcend as incenfe be- 
 fore thy throne •, then fhall every grace be in vigo- 
 rous exercife, and I fhall diligently and cheerfully 
 
 attend 
 
 f/JJ Peculiarly fuited to the cafe of a chrlftian, who finds 
 himfelf in a dull frame of fpirit— rather averfs to religious dBti^s. 
 
( 201 ) 
 
 attend on every duty : O then fhall I be an inftru- 
 ment of fhewing forth the praifes of mine infinite 
 Benefadlor, God, and of advancing the intereft of 
 Jcfus, my divine Lord and IntercefTor. 
 
 I would recommend to thy gracious regard all the 
 kingdoms of the Earth; m.ay the Sun of righteouf- 
 nefs r:fe upon them with convincing light and glory, 
 and may the caufe of the Redeemer llourilh greatly 
 in the Land of my nativity. 
 
 Grant that thofe with v/hom I am conneded by 
 the ties of relation or friendfhip might walk in love, 
 bearing each other's burdens, and fo fulfil the law 
 of Chrift. If any of 'em at the prefent inftant are 
 bowed down by reafon of pain or trouble, give them, 
 O Lord, " beauty for afhes, the oil of joy for 
 mourning, and the garment of praife, for the fpi- 
 rit of heavinefs." * — Open thine ears of mercy, I 
 befeech thee, and receive thefe my requefts, thro' 
 the mediation of Jefus mine High Prieji^ who is holy^ 
 harmlefs^ undefiled-^ — and made higher than the Hea- 
 vens ', to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 VL For the Morning, or Evening, [e) 
 
 'T'HOU art a great God, and a great King, who 
 
 ^ fhall declare thy greatnefs O Lord ?— All pof- 
 
 fible excellence belongs to thee, and all real and 
 
 fubftantial good flows from thee.— Thou art indeed 
 
 D d exalted 
 
 * Ifai. Ixi. 3, This verfe fignlfies ** a change of condition, 
 defcribed by a change of apparel, fuited to the change of cir- 
 cumftances, from a calamitous, to a profperous ftate. — Whereas 
 mourners ufed to put aflies on their heads, now they ihould wear 
 a crown ■*■ or diadem in token of their joy: They Ihould likewife 
 anoint themfelves (which the Jews abllained from in a time of 
 mourning) and change their mourning garments for fuch as they 
 ufed to wear when they gave public thankfgiving to God." 
 
 + The Hebrew word which we render beauty fignifies an orna- 
 ment for the head. 
 
 (?) Suitable for a chriflian whofe mind and afFeftions are vigo- 
 roufly difpofed towards God, and Chrift, and heavenly things. 
 
( 202 ) 
 
 exalted infinitely beyond the conception of angels 
 and archangels.— One day tells another, and one 
 night proclaims unto another renewed inftances of 
 thy goodnefs. —It becomes thy faints continually to 
 magnify thy goodnefs ; but O how high fhould they 
 rife in thankfgivings to thee for the bright and ra- 
 vifhing difplays of thy grace, whereby the finful 
 children of men are delivered from an abyfs of mi- 
 fery, and raifed to the heights of glory and felicity. 
 Let them fay, adored be the Father of all for his 
 immenfe compafTions and benevolence ! Adored too 
 be Jefus the Son of the Blefled, for that love which 
 he hath manifefted to mortals, love that furpaffes 
 knowledge ! Sing praifes unto the Lord, ling praifes 
 unto the God of falvation, for it is good to fing 
 praifes, it is pleafant, and praife is comely. My 
 foul fhall join to magnify the Lord, my fpirit re- 
 joiceth in God my Saviour; for thou haft touched 
 my foul with a vigorous fenfe of the exceeding riches 
 of thy grace and mercy ; I feel it like an aclive 
 flame infinuating into my heart : It fires my love, 
 cherifhes my hope, wings my devotion, and raifes 
 me up into an heavenly ftate — Truly thou haft con- 
 quered me by thy love, and I refign myfelf unto 
 thee with a moft cheerful mind: I am entirely thine; 
 I am thy fervant, and in this title I glory unfpeak- 
 ably more than in all the honors of the world. — 
 But tho' I am exalted by ferving thee, yet thou art 
 fo infinitely blefled in the boundlefs perfedions of 
 thine own nature, that thou canft receive no other 
 advantage from it except only the pleafure of feeing 
 thy poor creature made happy by it. What then 
 fhall I render unto thee, O thou joy of my life, 
 thou treafure of my love, thou fupreme felicity of 
 my nature. Alas ! I have nothing but myfelf to 
 give thee, nothing but this mean heart that pants 
 and breaths after thee, and defires above all things 
 to be filled with the fulnefs of God.— If I had ten 
 thoufand hearts to love thee, ten thoufand tongues 
 
 to 
 
( 203 ) 
 
 to praife thee, I would devote them all to thee as 
 freely as I do myfelf : '' For whom have I in Heaven 
 but thee, and there is none upon Earth I defire be- 
 iides thee." In thee I am bleft, and in the light of 
 thy countenance I rejoice, far far more than in all 
 the pleafures of this world. " My heart is ready, O 
 Lord, my heart is ready, I will fing and give praife. 
 Awake up my glory, awake all the powers of my 
 foul, I myfelt will awake, and celebrate thy praifes." 
 — Praifed be the God of glory, praifed be the God 
 of love, praifed be the Father of mercies, praifed 
 be the beft Friend of fouls ; for thy goodnefs reaches 
 to the Heavens, thy glory fhines thro' the creation, 
 and thy mercy is fpread over all thy works. Who 
 can comprehend thine infinite beauties, who can re- 
 hearfe thy noble adls, who can fhew forth thy praife ? 
 I do confefs my expreiTions are too fcanty, my af- 
 fed^-ions too narrow, my thoughts infinitely too fhort 
 to comprehend and fufficiently admire and celebrate 
 thy glory and grace. But, O my God, thou know- 
 eft that 1 love thee, and bleffed be thy name, I feel 
 infinite reafon fo to do ; O that I could love thee 
 more, that I could love thee as much as angels and 
 departed faints do, who yet cannot love thee as 
 much as thou deferveft, becaufe thou deferveft to 
 be loved infinitely. O when fhall I ihake off this 
 clog of finful mortality that deprefies me, and flee 
 to thofe happy regions, where thy tranfcendent glo- 
 ries and excellencies ftiall kindle freib ardors in my 
 foul to all eternity. And now Lord fmce thou haft 
 gracioufly infpired my mind with thefe delightful 
 thoughts of thee, and enlarged my heart with fuch 
 charming tranfports of love to thee, grant I befeech 
 thee that they may not only pleafe, but profit me : 
 
 grant that hereby my ftrength may be renewed to 
 encounter my fpiritual enemies, that my endeavors 
 may be quickened, and my diftruftful heart be com-* 
 pofed into a ftedfaft dependance upon thee. May 
 
 1 keep myfelf pure and temperate ; Make me care- 
 
 ful 
 
( 204 ) 
 
 ful to render to all their dues, and to provide things 
 honefl in the light of all men. Grant that I may be 
 very fruitful in good works, and may I take pleafure 
 in doing every kind office in my power to all my 
 fellow-creatures ; thus may I live as a citizen of 
 Heaven. — Having (cqu the beauties of divine truths 
 and felt fomething of its transforming influence, 
 'tis my earneft requeft that my dear friends may be 
 rnade to fee and feel the fame •, O may all around 
 me be brought to rejoice in the Lord like the righ- 
 teous, and to ihout for joy as the upright in heart. 
 Yea, let all nations whom thou haft formed come 
 and worfKip before thee, O Lord, and glorify thy 
 name, and be exceeding glad in thee. Thefe my 
 fupplications, thankfgivings and praifes J humbly 
 prefent unto thee, thro' the merits of Jefus Chrift, 
 in whom it pleafed the Father^ that all ftdnefs Jhoidd 
 dwell. With that great multitude — who fiand before, 
 the throne^ and before the lamb^ clothed with white 
 robes^ and palms in their hands ^—1 would afcribeyi?/- 
 'vation to our God whofjtteth upon the throne^ and unto 
 the Lamb, Amen and Amen. 
 
 ESSAYS ON THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH, 
 BAPTISM, AND THE LORD's SUPPER, 
 TOGETHER WITH PRAYERS ADAPTED 
 TO THESE OCCASIONS, AND OTHERS 
 OF A PRIVATE NATURE. 
 
 01^ THE RELIGIOUS OBSERVATION OF 
 THE LORD'S DAT. 
 
 THE Sabbath is a very ancient inftitution. Gen, 
 ii. 3. which (we may fuppofe) was obferv'd by 
 the Patriarchs, tho' it be not exprefsly noticed in 
 the hiftory of thofe excellent men. (a) When 
 
 CaJ " The hiftory indeed of the Patriarchs is very ihort; and 
 therefore we cannot expe<^ any particulars of the manner and 
 
 time 
 
( 205 ) 
 
 When God entered into a covenant with the If- 
 raelites, and chofe them as his own people, this di- 
 vine ordinance made one of thofe ten com.m.and- 
 ments, that were written by the finger of God, and 
 laid up in the ark, on which the bright cloud, or 
 vilible glory of Jehovah refted. Pfalm xcix. i. 
 A circumftance intimating the high importance of 
 fuch a precept, and the peculiar and lalling refpec^ 
 due to it. 
 
 Our blefTed Lord during his perfonal miniflry, 
 /hewed his regard for the fabbath, by a regular at- 
 tendance on the facred fervices of the fynagogue. 
 Luke iv. i6. And after his refurredion, appears 
 to have taught his difciples, ftill to keep holy one 
 day in {evQn^ and that it fliould be the firft day of 
 the week inftead of the lail. John xx. 19, 26, 
 A6I3 XX. 7. I Cor. xvi. I, 2, C<^j This appoint- 
 ment of Chrift, is fpoken of by the early chriftian 
 writers ; and accordingly the churches from the 
 times of the apoftles to the prefent, have kept the 
 firft day, as a day of public worfhip. 
 
 That 
 
 time of their worfhip. But the filence of Mofes on that head, 
 will no more prove that they did not obferve the weekly Sabbath, 
 than the filence of the other facred hillorians between Mofes and 
 David, who fay not a v/ord about it, will prove that it was not 
 obferved in that period, as it is certain it was. The fame might 
 be faid concerning Circumcifion : no inltance of the ufe of that 
 rite occurring from the time of Jofhua to John the Baptifl." — » 
 Mr. Or TON. 
 
 (^) In the above pafTage, Paul orders the Corinthians to mak^ 
 a collection for the faints, on the firil day of the week,, and gives 
 the fame direclion to the churches of Galatia. The collection 
 here fpoken of, anfwers to that which ufed to be made for tho 
 poor, in the Jewifli fynagogues on the Sabbath ; and confsquent- 
 ly leads us to conclude that the grand defign of their meeting on 
 the firil day of the week was for religious worlhip. — Since the 
 firll day of the week is fo often fpecified by name in the New 
 Teli. and we are alfo informed of religious meeting being held 
 on that day, v.'hereas there is no fuch mention made of the fe- 
 cond, third, fourth, fifth, &c. this is a ftrong intimation that 
 there was fome peculiar holinefs belonging to it, that 'twas or- 
 "' dain'd 
 
( 206 ) 
 
 That one day in the week (under the Gofpel as 
 well as under the law) ihould be {tt apart for af- 
 fembling together on a religious account, feems to 
 have been foretold by the Prophets ; particularly 
 by Ifaiah, who difcourfing of the latter day, or the 
 times of the Melilah, fays, " And it fhall come to 
 pafs that from one Sabbath to another all flefli ihall 
 come to worship before me." f 
 
 Indeed the Sabbath is an inflitution agreeable to 
 the general practice of the Pagan nations (r) an in- 
 ilitution that fpeaks for itfelf. To adopt the words 
 of a pious writer " Were the obfervation of the 
 Lord's day dropt but for one year, what an inunda- 
 tion of ignorance, fuperftition, and profanenefs 
 would break in upon us, and bear down every thing 
 that is facred and valuable." — The Sabbath keeps 
 piety alive, and fpreads the knowledge of religion. 
 
 We proceed to point out the duties of the Sab- 
 bath both private and public : ^ 
 
 Rifing as early on this as on common days, we 
 fliould betake ourfelves to religious retirement. 
 Here we are to call to remembrance the reafon given 
 for the appointment of the patriarchal and jewifh 
 Sabbath, and the defign of the chriftian Sabbath..—^ 
 
 That 
 
 tlain'd to be the chrlftian Sabbath. -It may not be altogether 
 
 improper further to remark, that Providence has diftinguiflied 
 this day with no fmall honors. As it was on the firll day of the 
 week that Jefus was railed from the dead by the glory of the 
 Father. On the firft day of the week the holy Spirit defcended 
 from Heaven in his wonderful miraculous gifts. And on the 
 firil day of the week about three thoufand fouls were added to 
 the church, who continued fledfaftly in the religion they had 
 embraced, and facrificed all their worldly intereft to it. 'Twas 
 natural therefore for the chrillian Fathers, when they mention 
 the Lord's day, to ftile it, *' The chief of our days, the Queen, 
 and Emprefs of our days," 
 
 f Chap. Ixvi. 23. 
 
 (f) The ancient Heathens obferved one day In the week as 
 facred, in which they publickly worshipped their Gods. — The 
 Mahometans keep the iixth day of the week, and the. Indians 
 the fourth. 
 
( 207 ) 
 
 That the former was intended to put man in mind 
 of the creation of the world by the living and true 
 God, and the latter to commemorate the glorious 
 refurredlion of Chrift. Therefore amongil other 
 fubjecfls of meditation, in our fecret devotions, we 
 fhould not forget to contemplate the attributes of 
 God, his power, wifdom, and goodnefs, as they 
 are wonderfully difplayed in the formation of the 
 creature, and in condiantly upholding and making 
 fuitable proviiion for the various works of his 
 hands. (J) We ought too as chriftians, to meditate 
 on the aftonilhing, fublime, and delightful fcheme 
 of our redemption, by Jefus Chrift ^ that ad of 
 pure, rich, and unutterable grace.(^)— Thus to en- 
 gage the mind, is fo far to anfwer the end both of 
 the old and new inftitution.-— Jn our private prayers, 
 we are to be fure and put up petitions for the mi- 
 nifter on whom we are to attend, in the courfe of 
 the day, otherwife we can fcarcely expedl a bl effing 
 to accompany the word preached. Says the excel- 
 lent Mrs. Bury in her Diary " I have heard a fer- 
 mon to day, but I forgot to pray for the minifter, 
 and I fped accordingly." 
 
 If you are the Head of a family (having joined 
 together in family prayer) go with them in proper 
 feafon to the place of public worfhip. When you 
 are approaching the temple of the Lord, guard a- 
 gainft fuch thoughts and converfation as would dif- 
 compofe your minds; and to infpireyou with folem- 
 nity of fpirit, refled on the following Scriptures 
 Prov. iv. 23. John iv. 24. Confidering you now 
 as In the Houfe of God, fhall lay before you fomc 
 plain diredions, for hearing the word, &c. to edifi- 
 cation. As this is a matter of inlinite moment, you 
 will excufe my being rather particular. Have 
 
 (d) To alTifl; our meditations we may turn to the following 
 Pfalms xix, xcii, xcv, cxlv. 
 
 {/) To aid our meditations here, we may find fuch pafTages 
 as thefe ufeful Luke ii. 8 — 16. John iii. 16. Ephef, iii. 17, 
 18, 19, Tit. ii. II, 12, 13, 14. I Pet. i. 3, 4. 
 
( 208 ) 
 
 Hear the wOxRd sirs with a fixed, and serious 
 
 ATTENTION. To compofe ourfelves to fleep in a 
 
 place of worihip, (f) or every now and then to turn 
 the eye from feat to feat, and from objed: to objedj 
 or whiift the eye is fixed on the preacher, and we 
 appear to others to be attentive, yet to employ our 
 thoughts about fome worldly fcheme,— this is the 
 way efi^dually to prevent our profiting by the^means 
 of grace; 'tis ading as if we apprehended the truths 
 of the Gofpel were of no concern to us; and 'tis caft- 
 ing great contempt upon the divine Majefty. Yes, 
 when a perfon is addrefling us, not in his own name, 
 but in the Name of God, about affairs relating to 
 the foul and eternity, to be carelefs and negligent at 
 fuch a time, is grofsly to affront the infinite Jeho- 
 vah. Luke X. 1 6. I might have remarked, that a 
 clofe attention is necefTary to prevent miftakes, as 
 to the meaning of what is fpoken. Some hearers 
 for want of this, have been apt to take one thing 
 for another, and to put fuch conflrudions upon the 
 minifter's words, as he never intended. Be per- 
 fuaded then to apply your minds clofely to what is 
 delivered, that you may underfland. " Hearken un- 
 to me every one of you, and underfland" * fays 
 our Lord. 
 
 Be ferious In your attention. By ferioufnefs, we 
 mean not only a gravity of countenance, in oppofi- 
 tion to lightnefs and laughter, (g) but alfo a deep 
 
 reverence 
 
 (f) Where this Is owing to a bodily infirmity, and it is the 
 peribn^s grief, in token of which he ufes ^vtry mean to prevent 
 it, and yet after all is overcome, fuch a one is more deferving 
 of pity than reproof 
 
 * Mark vii. 14. 
 
 (g) If any of us, who fullain the miniHerial charafter, 
 fhould adopt a mode of preaching that tends to produce this 
 light behavior, the blame would fall upon fuch. Doubtlefs we 
 are to take the Apoftles and more efpecially our divine Mailer 
 for a pattern, as public .fpeakers. .Now in his difcourfes to the 
 people, tho' his comparifons were familiar, yet not low and 
 grofs; and were admirably adapted to illullrate the. fubjed he 
 
 was 
 
( 2G9 ) 
 
 reverence of fplrit. — Does not feriouftiefs become 
 the nian who is hearing a defcription of the auguft 
 attributes of God ? Or of the dangerous condition 
 we are in by fin ? Or of the all-important offices of 
 Chrift ? Or of the unfpeakable glories and boundlefs 
 joys of Heaven ? Or of the bitter agonies of the fe- 
 cond death ? — He that hath ears to hear^ with all 
 ferioufnefs, let him hear. Mat. xi. 15. 
 
 If we have any regard to our own spiritual 
 advantage, we should never attend on divine 
 ordinances with prejudice, and a design to 
 carp and find fault ; but hear with candor, 
 humility, meekness, and self-application j and 
 
 FRING WHAT WE HEAR TO God's WORD, AS THE 
 GRAND UNERRING STANDARD. Pofllble pCrfonS 
 
 may be prejudiced againft a miniiler on account 
 of a party name, which perhaps has been very un- 
 juftly given him. Or becaufe they have conceived 
 an unfavorable idea of the place from whence he 
 comes. They are ready to fay as Nathaniel did 
 concerning the divine Savior, " Can any good 
 thing come out of Nazareth?" Let fuch remember 
 Philip's reply, to that fincere, but miftaken Ifraclite 
 *^ Come and fee."f And let them when under the 
 E e miniftry 
 
 was upon. And is there not moreover a becoming gravity run- 
 ning thro* the whole, fo that as his fimiles were adapted to 
 ftrike the attention, they were likewife calculated to beget in 
 the minds of hearers a reverential awe. Therefore, how unlike 
 is it to our divine Pattern, in popular addrelTes, to ufe mean 
 and unfeemly comparifons, pitiful puns, and idle ftories. And 
 tho' we fhould apprehend good efxbcls arifing from hence, (by 
 the way we are to remember, that we may often miftake appear- 
 ances for realities) this will not vindicate us, in doing evil, that 
 good may come of it. — 'Tis too obvious, that introducing into 
 our difcourfes things that tickle the fancy, ferves to give hearers 
 a diftafte for thofe parts of a fermon, that are defign'd to inform 
 the underftanding, and convey fubftantial knowledge to the foul; 
 and how great an evil this is, and whither it tends, I need not 
 fay. Let us then Sirs take heed, that we do not leave room for 
 ferious and intelligent hearers, to charge us with ludsre ctimfacriu 
 
 t John i. 45) 46. 
 
( 210 ) 
 
 miniilry of the word, confider rather what is fp;>- 
 ken, than who It is that fpeaks. 
 
 We fhould be far from indulging a carping turn 
 of mind ;— charging minifters (for inftance) with not 
 preaching Chrift, becaufe they do not introduce cer- 
 tain doctrines of the Gofpel into every difcourfe. 
 A little refledllon will convince us, that different 
 texts require, that fometimes one truth, and fome- 
 times another, is to be explain'd, and enforced.— 
 Neither ought we rafhly to impute to them the de- 
 nial of the influence of divine grace, when (it may 
 be) they are only guarding agalnfl the abufe of it. 
 Nor fhould we cenfure thofe miniflers as legal prea- 
 chers, who in their fermons, largely infifl on the 
 feveral branches of the chrifllan temper, and the 
 necefTity of bringing forth the fruits of hoiinefs in 
 our lives. For tho' It be at once admitted, that 
 good works cannot juflify us before God, and ren- 
 der us deferving of the blefTmgs of falvation, yet 
 what can appear more evident from Scripture than 
 this, that faith without works is of no avail. James 
 ii. 17.— Hearers who difrelifh fuch fubjecls, would 
 without doubt have diflik'd the preaching of St. 
 Paul to Felix : nay would have difreliih'd the preach- 
 ing of Chrift himfelf. See our Lord's Sermon on 
 the mount, Matt. v. &c. Beware in an efpeclal 
 manner of going from place to place, to hear the 
 word only with an intention to lay hold on fome 
 expreflion, in order to turn it to the difadvantage of 
 the fpeaker. (h) This is to imitate the difciples of 
 the Pharifees, in their condudl towards Jefus. Mark 
 xii. 13. And is it not hearing to condemnation? 
 Is it not taking the ready way for the word preach- 
 ed, to be a favor of death unto death ? 
 
 On 
 
 {h) Was indeed a ferious and judicious perfon to hear any- 
 thing of an extravagant nature, and dangerous tendency deli- 
 vered, he may certainly take fuch notice of it afterwards, as is 
 necefiary to prevent thofe of weaker judgments from being mif- 
 led by it. 
 
( 211 ) 
 
 On the contrary, we iliould hear v/ith candor ; 
 viewing things in the moft favorable light, and ab- 
 ftaining from ill-natured remarks on little defeats. 
 
 We fhould attend with humility and meeknefs. 
 Rom. xii. 16. James i. 21. In cafe the minifter 
 ifhould advance fomething that does not accord with 
 our own fentiments, we arc not inftantiy to fet him 
 down for an erroneous perfon, but rather admit the 
 thought, that ('tis more than pofTible) we ourfelves 
 may have been miftaken: Of courfe for our further 
 fatisfaftion, we fhould go to him in private, and talk 
 over the matter with a chriftian fpirit, and a mind 
 open to convidion. C/ J— Moreover, hear with felf- 
 application. Let us not attend fo much to our 
 neighbor's concern In the word preached, as to for- 
 get our own. And fuppofing the difcourfe is pecu- 
 liarly adapted to ourfelves, we fhould not be dif- 
 pleafed, and turn our backs upon the miniller, John 
 vi. 66, as thinking that he held us up to public 
 view; but confider it, as a feafonable voice from 
 Heaven, and receive the admonition in the fpirit of 
 \ove,(k) — Try the dodlrines you hear, not by hu- 
 man Itandards, not by the fentiments of a Luther, 
 a Calvin, or an Arminius, &c. for thefe men, how- 
 ever great, wife, and good, were liable to error. 
 But try them by the law and the teftlmony ; try them 
 by the Gofpel, thofe infallible writings of the di- 
 vinely infpired Apoftles. And to know the fenfe of 
 a particular paflage of Scripture examine the con- 
 nedion in which it ftands 5 reflecl on the circum- 
 
 ftances 
 
 {j) Where hearers inftead of attending to this rule, have ei- 
 ther fecretly infinuated, or openly fpoken things againft a mini- 
 ller's do^rine, his ufefulnefs of courfe has been injured, and per- 
 haps the aiFair has fo affedled his mind, as to be a means of 
 Ihortening his days. 
 
 (i) It might be frequently the cafe, that fome part of a pub- 
 lic difcourfe may be fo exaftly fuited to the evil conduil of a 
 hearer, that fuch a hearer might think himfelf delignedly point- 
 ed at by the preacher, when the preacher perhaps is entirely ig- 
 norant of the matter. 
 
( 2.1!^ ) 
 
 fiances of the perfon or perfons to whom It was ori- 
 ginally addrefs'd -, the time in which it was fpokenj 
 compare it with parallel texts, and explain the more 
 difficult by the plainer parts of facred writ. And if 
 you are ftill at a lofs for the meaning, requeft the 
 aijd of your minifter, or fome other pious, humble, 
 and judicious friend. And be fure to feek by prayer 
 the illuminations of God's Spirit to lead you into 
 the way of truth. 
 
 We are to attend on the word with a view 
 TO increase our knowledge of divine things.^— 
 The duty of hearers in this refpedl, is at once feen, 
 from what the Scripture fays of the dreadful confe- 
 quences of religious ignorance, Hof. iv. 6.— from the 
 reproofs addrefTed to fuch chriftians whofe improve- 
 ment was far from being anfwerable to their oppor- 
 tunities, I Cor. XV. 34. Heb. v. 12.— -from the 
 exhortations that 'are given to grow in chriftiaii 
 knowledge, Prov. ii. i. 2 Pet. i. 5. and a promife 
 to fucceed our endeavors, Hofea vi. 3.-— from the 
 commendation bellowed on chriftians who made it 
 their daily pradice to fearch the facred oracles, Adls 
 xvii. 1 1, and from the fpecified end of the minifte- 
 rial office, Ecclef. xii. 9. Jer. ii. 8. i Tim. ii. 7. 
 
 Religious knowledge is of the utmoft importance 
 to mankind: For 'tis, a means appointed by God 
 ^'to purify the heart from fm, and to dired the 
 courfe of the life." (^) 2 Cor. vii. i. 'Tis the 
 food of the mind, i Tim. iv. 6. moft pleafant food^ 
 Jer. XV. 16. This is eminently the cafe as to the 
 knowledge of the Gofpel of the grace of God, when 
 fandified to the foul. But if we do not ftrive to get 
 
 know- 
 
 (a) It may be faid, that there is fometimes confiderable.know- 
 ledge, where the praiTtice is wanting. This is granted. But it 
 only fhevvs that an invaluable talent may be mifimprov'd. — The 
 tendency of knowledge is undeniably good. — The perfon that 
 has fed upon it by clofe meditation join'd with fervent prayer, 
 can hpa.r witnefs to its excellency.— It has in a great variety of 
 inflances (with the divine bleiling) wrought the Jiioil noble tf- 
 ie^ls in the tempers, and lives of men. 
 
( 213 ) 
 
 knowledge, how can we exped that it fliould be 
 fandified to us ?(^)— 'Tis not with us (remember) 
 gs 'twas with the apoftles, they indeed had fuch fu- 
 pernatural afliftance, as rendered their own endea^ 
 vors lefs neceflary. Yet one of a diftinguifhed 
 rank, who lived in primitive times, and enjoyed 
 the miraculous influences of the Spirit, is command- 
 ed to give attention to reading, and meditation, 
 Scc,(c) that his profiting might appear unto all, 
 
 1 Tim. iv. 13 — i6.f 
 
 To the end that we might advance in chriflian. 
 knowledge by the word preached, we are to ufe 
 every proper means to affift the memory. — We 
 ihould have our Bibles with us, to turn to the proofs, 
 as they are mentioned by the minifter : frequently 
 recoiled in the courfe of the fermon the heads, and, 
 parti9ulars in their order, or any fentimcnt deli- 
 vered, which was peculiarly fuited to us. Or if we 
 are able let us commit thefe things to writing.— 
 When minifters preach two or three fermons on a 
 tcxty in the laft difcourfe (it may be) they repeat 
 
 fome 
 
 {i) " Tho' you may be fmcere chrlflians, yet the Jefs you 
 know of God, and of his word, and ways, and the lefs you do 
 for him, and his fervice, — the lefs happinefs you will be capable 
 of enjoying." Mr. Orton. 
 
 (c) This may teach us, that minifters unlefs called to preach 
 unexpededly, and are fo circumftaiiced, as not to be able to 
 make previous preparation, fhouldi)e provided with proper mat- 
 ter, method, &c. before they enter the pulpit. — To make it a 
 common practice to fpeak in public, without giving a clofe at- 
 tention to the fubjed before hand, and trufting to fudden fug- 
 geftions, may be deemed ferving God with that which coft us 
 nought; and we are in danger of uttering foraething raflily, 
 which might lead chriftians of low abilities into great error. — 
 St. Paul's advice to Timothy deferves frequent recolledion. 
 
 2 Tim. ii. 15. — As to preaching without notes, where the fub- 
 je«5l has been well digefted, and there is fufficient ftrength of 
 memory, we are fo far from objeding to it, that in our humble 
 opinion it may have its advantages; particularly for introduc- 
 ing a pertinent and ftriking thought, that may arife in a miiji- 
 iler's mind whilft addrelTing the auditory, 
 
 t Seep. 99, 108, 
 
( 214 ) 
 
 fome of the leading and moft momentous thoughts, 
 that have been enlarged upon before, Phil. iii. i. 
 then is the time for perfeding yourfelves in the for- 
 mer part of the fubjed. (J)— tLet pub);': hearing be 
 followed with private refledion, and ferious converfe 
 
 with your friends on the minifter's difcourfe + 
 
 confidering the fermons you hear on the Sabbath as 
 apart of your fpiritual food for the enfuing days of 
 the week, you fliould meditate upon them when 
 you retire to your beds, Pfal. Ixiii. 6. and think of 
 them alfo in your work, fo far as does not interfere 
 with the bufinefs in hand. This method would both 
 further you in knowledge, and be a good expedient 
 (as remark'd elfewhere) to keep out vain thoughts. 
 Let me then moft earneftly befeech you, Sirs, to 
 receive the word of exhortation, and aim to advance 
 in divine knowledge by your attendance on public 
 inftrudtions. This is not only for your perfonal be- 
 nefit, but will render you more ufeful as heads of 
 families, more ufeful as members of religious foci- 
 ety, more ufeful to your neighbors, efpecially when 
 you yifit them in a feafon of affiidion. To which 
 we add, that an extenfive knowledge may prevent 
 your imitating the example of fome hearers, of a 
 forward temper, who often find fault with what is 
 deliver'd^ for ^^nt of a more thorough acquaints 
 
 ance with" the word of God. We fiiall clofe this 
 
 head with the following texts. Ifai. xlii. 23. i Cor. 
 XV, 2. By which alfo ye are faved, if you keep in me- 
 mory what I preached unto you^ unlefs ye have believed 
 in vain. Heb. ii. i. ^Therefore we ought to give the 
 more earneft heed^ to the things which we have heard^ 
 left at any time we fiiould let them flip. 
 
 We 
 
 {d) Says a judicious and aged minifler, preachers fhpuld take 
 care that their ** divifions be few, Ihort, and plain" and were 
 a recapitulation made towards the clofe of the fermons ferious 
 hearers may be both edified, and pl^afed. 
 
 t See page 66. 
 
( 215 ) 
 
 We should hear with a resolution by divine 
 assistance (^j to reduce what is spoken to prac- 
 TICE. Some may imagine, that the end of their 
 
 going to a place of worfhip is anfvvered, if their 
 paflions are ftruck •, if they fhed tears of forrow, or 
 joy, whilft an awful threatening, or delightful pro- 
 mifc is founding in their ears. We own that 'tis a- 
 greeable to be touch'd in this manner. — " 'Tis a 
 iign that fuch are not given up by the Spirit of God 
 to a judicial hardnefs of heart. But then we are not 
 to lay the ftrefs of our hopes upon any impreflions 
 made on the natural affeftions, unlefs they are pro* 
 dudive of holy fruits.'* Mat. xiii. 20. 
 
 The great thing, is to hear and obey.— To illu- 
 
 ftrate this point familiafiy. Were any of us, who 
 
 are mafters, to call our fervants before us from tim.e 
 to time, and order them fo and fo, we fhould expert 
 to be obeyed. Inftead of this, were they only to 
 give us the attentive hearing and fair promifes, and 
 negledt our bufinefs, we fhould coniider our autho- 
 rity as contemned, and manifeft marks of difplea- 
 fure towards them. 
 
 Thus 
 
 (f) When we are attending on the word, we Hiould join prayer 
 to our holy refolves againft fuch fins, and in favor of every way 
 cf our duty as may be pointed out to us, — Thns for example, if 
 the miniller is treating of fome evil courfe, and the confcience 
 of a hearer fays — you are the guilty perfon, let fuch an one im- 
 mediately make this Ihort addrefs to God — *' O Lord may the 
 prefent difcourfe be a means of raifmg in my breaft an hatred to 
 my iins." ** Help me to overcome this, and every iniquity.*' 
 Or fhould the miniller be difplaying the beauties of fome chrif- 
 tian grace, the language may be, *' O thou fountain of grace! 
 grant tkat this grace might be in me and abound." ** Implant 
 each divine virtue in my heart, and caufe them to llourifh." Or 
 if the preacher is inculcating fome duty in which we are defec- 
 tive, be it charity, family prayer, or the like ; the requeft fhould 
 be, *' O God incline my heart to keep this law." ** Yea may 
 I keep all thy precepts, and greatly delight in them." In brief 
 when a fentence that is delivered ftrikes us more than common 
 or is quite adapted to our ftate, fecretly to lift up the foul to 
 God, in fuch ihort ejaculatioiis as the preceding, is the way for 
 the word preached to becoiite 3 favor of life. 
 
( 2l6 ) 
 
 Thus when the divine Mafter calls upon men^ to 
 appear before him in his Houfe, and makes knowti 
 his mind and will to them, by the mouth of the 
 minifter, he may well exped obedience to be paid 
 to his word. Whereas if we only hear his commands 
 with feeming regard, but do them not, the divine 
 authority is defpifed, and we expofe ourfelves to 
 the terrors of the Almighty. Hear and obey is the 
 concurrent language of Scripture. Ezek. xxxiii. 31. 
 Luke xi. 28. Mat. vii. 24, 25, &c. " Whofoever 
 keareth thefe fayings of mine, and doth them, I 
 will liken him unto a wife man, who built his houfe 
 upon a rock," and James i. 22. " Be ye doers of 
 the word, and not hearers only^ deceiving your 
 ownfelves." 
 
 The word preached should be followed with 
 
 1>RIVATE MEDITATION, AND PRAYER. Many fecm 
 
 to apprehend that the bulinefs of the Sabbath is 
 over when they have been at church, or meeting, 
 both parts of the day. Accordingly they fpend the 
 remainder, either in the fields for pleafure, or in 
 making common vifits, (f) or elfe at home converf- 
 
 ing 
 
 (f) '* Were our companions religious, and our converfation 
 edifying (fays Mr. Turner), I fhould make no fcruple to give 
 my voice in favor of Sunday vilits.^ But alas! where do we 
 find fuch company ? When do we hear fuch converfation ? The 
 general converfation atthofe feafons, is about "worldly matters.'* 
 And is not this * utterly' inconfiftent with the negati<ve law re- 
 lating to the Sabbath ? Ifai. Iviii. 13, Not finding thy on.vn plea* 
 fure\ not /peaking thy on»n words', converJing on fublime and 
 heavenly fubjeds, not on low earthly affairs, which having no 
 reference to the Creator's honor are therefore called thy D<vjn. — 
 It alfo breaks the pofiti^e law of the Sabbath. — Remember the 
 Sabbath day to keep it holy ; devote the whole of it to facred 
 purpofes. Neither will the whole day be too long, if we make 
 confcience of difcharging the feveral duties of religion, reading, 
 examining our hearts and ways, &c. teaching our children and 
 domeflics.— We may further obfcrve, that thefe diffipating inter- 
 views are the ravenous birds which follow the Seedfman (reprcr 
 fented in the parable Mat. xiii. 19.) and devour the grain : So 
 that nothing takes root : No frui;'of faith, or love is produced. 
 
( 217 ) 
 
 ing about trade, news, &c. — Some as foon as they 
 leave one place of worfhip (and this perhaps be- 
 fore divine fervice is concluded) inftantly repair 
 to another. (^) Thus fecret meditation, and family 
 inftrudtion, {h) are negledled. Now as for fecret 
 meditation, what duty is more reafonable and ne- 
 F f cefTary, 
 
 — Let the profeffing chrlftian likewife refleft, that on a dying 
 bed, the mif-improvernent of all our time will be moft bitterly 
 regretted : How much more the mif-improvement of thofe hours 
 which God himfelf has fet apart for the nobleft purpofes, and is 
 wont to blefs in an efpecial manner ? While others were feek- 
 ing the pearl of great price, and gathering thole treafures of 
 wifdom and grace, which endure to everlafting life, I alas, was 
 fquandering away the precious opportunities in very vanity. To 
 fee the curtain of time dropping ; to fee a vaft eternity opening 
 before us ; and to have fuch refledlions haunting our confcience : 
 This will caufe mifery not to be exprefled, create anguifli not to 
 be conceived/' See Mr. Turn'er's fhort meditations on feleft 
 portions of Scripture. 
 
 (g) If we mirtake not, the cuftom of going from place to 
 place, and fpending nearly the whole of facred time in hearing, 
 prevails particularly in London. — This courfe proves an obftacle 
 to the increafe of religious knowledge. For as it hath been faid 
 of perfons who vvilh to be univerfal readers, that tho' they read 
 a vail deal, yet for want of giving themfelves time to digell 
 what they read, are little the better for it: So numbers who 
 hear much (for want of time for ferious refledlion on divine 
 truths) their knowledge is fraall and fuperficial. Such may ima- 
 gine that their zeal for hearing is owing to their great love to 
 the word. — But will not a genuine love to the oracles of God, 
 engage us to meditate, as well as hear? Examine and fee whe- 
 ther the real motive is not novelty and curiofity. — '^ Perhaps the 
 minifter is one who has been feldom or never heard before ; or 
 there is fomething peculiar in his addrefs,'* or in the place 
 where divine worfhip is to be performed. Now if we are in- 
 duced by any thing of this fort, to lay afide, or flightly to attend 
 to fo evident a duty, as fecret retirement. — Are ^e not carnal ? 
 I Cor. iii. 4. 
 
 (h) Certainly there is a very clofe connexion between pub- 
 lic and family religion. We fee how this conneflion was ob- 
 ferv'd in David's time, particularly by the king himfelf.^ — 
 " When he brought the Ark from the houfe of Obededora to 
 Zion, (the grand public folemnity being ended) it is faid, all 
 the people departed every man to his own houfe; and that Da- 
 vid alfo returned to blefs his houfe. i Chron. xvi. 43. Or to 
 
 join 
 
( 2l8 ) 
 
 cefTary. Did we apply for advice to a friend^ 
 
 in our temporal affairs, on leaving him, would 
 it not be natural for us to refteft — how far the ad- 
 vice given anfwered to our cafe? So when 
 
 we go to the Houfe of God, to aik counfel of him, 
 refpeding our immortal intereft, is it not equally, 
 or much more becoming (upon our return home) 
 to meditate on the inftrudions that have been given 
 us by the minifter, in God's name ? — Doubtlefs, 
 we Ihould retire to our chambers, and converfe v/ith 
 our own hearts in the following manner : " The 
 
 minifter 
 
 join with his family in prayer to God, for a blefling upon him- 
 felf and them, and on the public fervices of the day; and we 
 are to fuppofe, that he alfo attended to other family duties, 
 fuch as examination, and religious inflruftion. Pfal. Ixxviii. 3, 
 4, 5 . — Are not heads of families taught by the example before 
 us, that when they and their families return from the place of 
 public worfhip, on the Lord's day, they are ferioufly to engage 
 in domeftic devotions. On thefe occafions, we are not only to read 
 jind pray with our families, but moreover to examine them re- 
 fpeding the public work of the day. Some perhaps can only re- 
 peat the text; '* Defpife not the day of fmall things." Others 
 may be able to mention the leading heads of a fermon, and at 
 length the inferences drawn from them. Wc might occafional ly 
 inquire, whether any of them are able to comprehend the differ- 
 ence between primary and fecondary truths ; and if they did not, 
 we fhould inform them, iha-tprtmary truth, mean fuch truths, 
 as are plainly exprefs*d in Scripture, and delivered in the lan- 
 guage of Scripture ; and that by fecondary truths , you mean, thofe 
 inferences and afTertions, which preachers, or others may deduce 
 from, or attempt to fupport by the word of God, We muft ac- 
 quaint them, that much more regard is due to truths of the firfl 
 clafs, than to thofe of the fecond ; and that thefe fecond ihould 
 be examined with great care by Scripture : remembering that they 
 are the affertions of men, who are liable to error. — We fhould 
 try likewife to bring home thofe things to their confciences, by 
 general quellions like thefe. — "Are fpiritual bleffings the blef^ 
 iings you moft efteem and feek ?" — ** While your fole confidence, 
 and expedation are placed on Jefus Chrift, as your Advocate with 
 the Father, '^ are you conftantly concerned to do thofe things 
 that are pleafing in his fight ?" — Were this method of examina- 
 tion commonly praftifed, it may be productive of eminent bene- 
 fit to children and fervants, and to heads of families themfelves; 
 and may alfo be of great fervice to minifters, by flirring them up, 
 
 to 
 
( 219 ) 
 
 minifler to day delivered fuch and fuch things : 
 They were fpoken to me in particular : Yes, he 
 touch'd on a fin with which I am chargeable -, he 
 difcourfed of a duty that I have left undone; and he 
 moft folemnly declared, that the path in which I 
 have been walking leads to deftrudion, eternal de- 
 ftrudtion." — When one has mufed for a while on 
 thefe, or fuch like interefting points, and finds him- 
 felf deeply affedted, Pfalm xxxix. 3. let meditation 
 be clofed with prayer : (/) For your encouragement 
 herein, call to remembrance Matt. vii. 7. Luke 
 xviii. I. And that you may pray with a degree of 
 
 fervor 
 
 to take good heed in their public difcourfes, to fpeak as become 
 the oracles of God — to bring forth from fabbath to fabbath, fuch 
 fpiritual provifion, that theJIockofGodmigI?tbefed^.uithknonv- 
 ledge atid under Jianding ; that under the divine influences, hearers 
 may htcome fiilful in the nxjord of right eoufnefs^ and gro^w in grace, 
 •—To examination, feafonable exhortations, admonitions and 
 encouragements ihould be added, i ThefT. 5, 14, Let your au- 
 thority be mingled with gentlenefs; and O recommend what you 
 inculcate, by your own examples. — Since it appears, that the 
 fabbath is defigned partly to be the fabbath of the Lord in our 
 dwellings.— Lord's-day evening le^lures, however neceflary for 
 thofe who live in irreligious families, are not fo for ferious heads 
 of families, if hereby they are prevented from the due difcharge 
 of thofe family duties we have now been enforcing. See a Letter 
 to the Heads of Chrillian Families, by Mr. Aiartin. 
 
 (/) Shall introduce here, fome hints refpefting our behavior 
 in public prayer. — Every ferious mindmuft be fliocked at the be- 
 havior of thofe, whofe pradice it is, during public prayer, to 
 fuffer their eyes to run to and fro thro' the affembly ; loll upon 
 their pews ; or (how a carelefs air of countenance. I muH there- 
 fore recommend it to hearers, to keep their eyes clofed, or fo co- 
 vered, or bent downward, during prayer, that their devotion 
 might not be prevented by perfons coming into the aiTembly, &c. 
 In this view, fome advife the kneeling pollure, where it can be 
 ufed. — ^The thoughts Ihould be clofely applied to the words^ which 
 the piinifler expreffeth before God, that we mzcy pray njoith the un- 
 dsrjiandingt I Cor. xiv, 15 : And of courfe the miniiter fliou^d 
 take care not to ufe language above the capacities of the unlearn- 
 ,.ed, nor to be too quick in his pronunciation ; fee p. 73, 74, 77, 
 We ihould give an hearty ajfent to the truths declared in public 
 prayer, and an hearty confent to the feveral requells that are ex- 
 prefs'd.in it; or .we ihould fay 4mm to the diiFere.»t parts of the 
 
 prayer | 
 
( 220 ) 
 
 fervor reflcd, that your concerns with God are in- 
 finitely important, f O the thoufands of pre- 
 cious fouls, that are haftening forwards to awful 
 ruin, for want of confideration, even that confide- 
 
 ration 
 
 prayer; for the word Jmen includes both thefe fenfes. To il- 
 luftrate the matter a little, fuppofe a minifter to be adoring the 
 pcrfedlions of God, acknowledging that he is almighty, all wife, 
 perfectly good and gracious ; to this you may fecretly fay. Amen, 
 that is, * you believe what is fpoken to be true*. — Again, is a 
 minifter praifmg God for our creation, prefervation ; for our 
 temporal or fpiritual bleffings ? We are to add Amen to this, or 
 to fay, ' Lord 1 have received thefe mercies from thee : Thanks 
 be to God for thefe benefits.' — Again, is the minifter confeffing 
 fm (which confeftion fhould always be made in the moft general 
 terms that it may fuit the cafe of all as far as may be) when he 
 is thus acknowledging fm, we are to add our Amen^ or fecretiy 
 to fay, * Lord I am the perfon ; againft thee I have thus fmned.' 
 —Again, doth the minifter pray that God would be merciful to 
 us and forgive us, that he would fubdue our fms, and renew and 
 fanftify our hearts, &c.? We are to add our Amen, or to fay, * Let 
 it be fo, this is what I earneftly defire.' — Poth he pray for a blef- 
 fing on our bodies, on our fubftance, or our families ? We are 
 to add our Amen^ or * So be it' or * Lord grant this or the other 
 earthly bleffing, to me and my fellow worlhippers, if thou know- 
 eft it to be good for us.'— Doth the minifter exprefs in prayer re- 
 iignation to the divine will ? Our language ihould be Amen, or, 
 
 * Lord I defire to fubmit, and give up all to thee.' — Doth he fay, 
 ' Let thy name O Lord be praifed ?' Amen fhould we fay, or, * Lord 
 let it be praifed.' — Once more, doth the minifter make intercef- 
 fion for others, for the world, for the church, for our own coun- 
 try, for perfons in public ftations, or in private affiidions ? To 
 each of thefe interceiTions, we are to join our Amen, or to fay, 
 
 * Suit thy mercies to thefe feveral cafes.' — In favor of this ufe of 
 the word Amen, fee the i6th verfe of the chapter quoted above. 
 It was a cuftom among the Jews and firft Chriftians, for the peo- 
 ple to fay Amen at the conclufion of every prayer, and it is to be 
 wifli'd that this alfo were ftill done in all chriftian aftemblies.— 
 There are fome perfons, who thro' bodily infirmities, &e. may 
 find it very difficult to keep their minds attentive to a whole pray- 
 er; I would recommend it to fuch, fecretly to repeat the prayer 
 after the minifter. — It is proper in this connexion ; to exhort 
 hearers to great attention while the bleffing is pronounced at the 
 conclufion of public worfhlp — haftening away, or getting into a 
 pofture for removal (at fuch a time) is highly irreverent. Mr. Or- 
 ton on Chriftian worfhip. — For what relates to finging the divine 
 praifes in religious aftemblies, fee the clofe of this treatife. 
 
 t Page 93. 94- 
 
( 221 ) 
 
 ration which might ftir them up, to call upon God 
 that they perifh not.— How well does the ancient 
 complaint fuit the prefent day, Deut. xxxii. 29.-. 
 To give weight to the above exhortation, let mc 
 cite the words of an infpired Apoftle, 2 Tim, ii. 7. 
 Confider what I fay^ and the Lord give thee under ft and- 
 ing in all things. 
 
 Once more, we should be steady and con- 
 stant IN OUR attendance ON THE MINISTER WE 
 
 HAVE CHOSEN, 2 Tim. iv. 3. By fteadinefs is to 
 be underftood, our keeping clofe to his miniftra- 
 tions ; avoiding the pradice of thofe, who frequent- 
 ly leave their own minifter, and perhaps go far a- 
 
 broad to hear on the Sabbath. This is a conduffc 
 
 to be guarded againft on many accounts- -particu- 
 larly we fhould beware of ading thus, for the fake 
 of the religious intereft to which we profcfs to be- 
 long •, feeing irregularity and confufion may be in- 
 troduced by the influence of our example on fellow 
 hearers : nay ('tis poflible) we may be the inftru- 
 ments of its entire fubverfion.— We ihould beware 
 of ading thus, for the fake of our children and fer* 
 vants •, for when we go far from home, they are 
 like to be negleded in more refpedts than one. — 
 We fhould beware of fuch a pradtice for our own 
 fakes : By going to and fro, we may loofe the con- 
 nexion, and gain a very imperfedl idea of the mi- 
 niiier's fubjed, for want of attending to the whole. 
 Or, if we needlefsly betake ourfelves to a confider- 
 able diitance, on a Lord's day, when we return 
 home, we may be fo much fatigued, as to be unfit 
 for the private duties of the evening ; or we may 
 have but little time for them.— Whether thefe are 
 not great evils let our confciences decide. 
 
 Further, we fhould (where it can properly be 
 done) attend public worfhip both parts of the day : 
 Our duty on this head indeed has in effedl been alrea- 
 dy prov'd above.— There are numbers, who attend 
 only in the afternoon, and are conflantly abfent from 
 
( 222 ) 
 
 the morning fervice, who it is to be feared are inca- 
 pable of rendering a fuiiicient reafon for their prac- 
 tice. We fnould coniider, that thofe fermons wc 
 negledl, were (it may be) more efpecially adapted 
 to our fpiritual circumftances ^ and therefore we 
 
 cannot tell, how great a lofs we hereby fuftain : 
 
 Should any fay in general terms, that they are ne- 
 eeffarily detained from public worlhip, on the for- 
 mer part of the day — Let me aik, would the pro- 
 fped of hearing a ftranger, or of otherwife gratify- 
 ing your curiofity bring you out in a morning ? if 
 fo, fay no more that you are under a necelTity of 
 ftaying at home — for can it be ajuflifiable necellity, 
 fuch a neceffity as you will venture to plead before 
 the Judge of all ? 
 
 A SERIOUS ADMONITION TO THOS^E WHp MISPEND 
 
 THE Lord's day. 
 
 Therje are fome v/ho attend no where ; others 
 who go to a place of worlhip now and then. — One 
 you may fee on sl journey, another following his 
 common bufinefs, in violation of the laws both 
 of God and man,(^j a third at his recreations, or 
 profaning the Sabbath at feafts, Vv^akes, &c.(/) To all 
 
 Sab- 
 
 (i) ''Our laws ordain that no tradefman, artificer, workman, 
 ^' laborer, or other perfon whatfoever, fhall exercife any world- 
 " ly labor, bufinefs, or work at their ordinary calling, upon the 
 ** Lord's day, or any part thereof, under a penalty. NoBut- 
 '* cher is allowed to fell meat; and no perfon whatfoever is to 
 *' expefe to fale, any ware, merchandife, fruits, herbs, or goods 
 *' whatfoever, on the Sabbath day, or any part thereof, upon 
 *' pain of forfeiting the fame.'* 
 
 By the way, fince the merciful Creator Intended the Sabbath 
 as a day of reft for cattle as well as men, it is (as one fays) a de- 
 gree of cruelty, as well as a breach of the divine commandment, 
 to ufe our cattle on Sundays, except in cafes concerning which 
 confcience bears witnefs, that they. are cafes of abfolute ne- 
 ceffity." 
 
 CO Certain perfons, who ^re pretty regular in their attend- 
 ance on public ordinances, yet (where the cafe does not require 
 
( 223 ) 
 
 Sabbath breakers we would fay, confider how high- 
 ly you difhonor the infinitely glorious Deity whilft 
 you trample on this command !— the horrid ingra- 
 titude you are alfo guilty of towards him, to whom 
 you are indebted for every moment of your time.— 
 Confider what a vaft injury you do to yourfeives ; 
 you loofe all the happinefs that flows from that in- 
 valuable promife Ifaiah Iviii. 13, 14. — and expofe 
 your fouls to the divine indignation. And are you 
 not alfo ading the part of enemies to your families^ 
 neighbors, and country. Neh. xiii. 17, 18. What 
 evil thing is this that ye do^ and 'profane the Sabbath 
 day ? Did not your fathers thus ? and did not our Goi 
 bring all this evil upon us ?—Tet you bring tnore wrath 
 upon Ifrael by profaning the Sabbath. O let the time 
 pafl of your lives wherein you have polluted the Sab- 
 
 hath^ be reckoned more than enough to fufficc. 
 
 Pray unto God with earneftnefs for the forgivenefs 
 of all your fins, and efpecially for the contempt 
 you have cafl on his holy day. Entreat him for 
 Chrifl's fake to deliver you, not only from the guilt, 
 but likewife from the power and defilement of fin ; 
 to reftore you to fpiritual health, i. e. to make you 
 holy \ then your minds will relifh the provifions of 
 his Houfe, love the place where his honor dwells, 
 and you will call the Sabbath a delight, attending 
 to the duties of it yourfeives, and perfuadc others 
 to do the fame, {m) 
 
 An 
 
 it, but merely to fave their common time) will take phyfic on a 
 Lord's day. Such fhnuld refleft, whether this be a likely way^ 
 to obtain a divine bleffing on the means. 
 
 [m) As we are to beware of Sabbath breaking ourfelves. To 
 we are to take care that we are not the occafion of others falling 
 into this fm. Jt may be alk'd, are not thofe chargeable with 
 both, who employ barbers on a Lord's day ? For the confe- 
 quence is, numbers of that profeffion are depriv'd of the benefit 
 of public worfhip. — Some may plead as an excufe, that they or- 
 der the hair-dreiler to come long before church time. — But at 
 leaft does not your example encourage others to have them dur- 
 ing the morning fervice, or perhaps when afternoon fervice is 
 
 ?uft 
 
( 224 ) 
 
 An address to such as strictly observe 
 THE Sabbath. 
 
 Be thankful for the inftitution of a Sabbath, and 
 that you enjoy it peaceably. As a mean to in- 
 creafe the gratitude of your hearts, on this account, 
 call to remembrance the former days, — " The chrifti- 
 " ans who lived under heathen Emperors, when 
 " they attempted to celebrate a Sabbath, were lia- 
 " ble to be disturbed by thofe around them : Our 
 '' proteftant anceflors too at the beginning of the 
 *' reformation from popery, were expofed to inter- 
 ** ruptions. — And ftill more lately, when devout 
 *^ perfons aflembled together for the worfhip of 
 " God, it was at the hazard of their property and 
 " liberty, if not of their lives." 
 
 See that the work of the Sabbath has a fuitable 
 influence on your temper and behavior through the 
 whole week. — O Itt it never be faid of you, that 
 you are vain in your converfation, unjuft In your 
 dealings, intemperate, idle and unprofitable, harih 
 and unmerciful, or the like.— But rather may it be 
 faid, that your converfation is agreeable to your 
 profeffion, that you are diligent in your callings, 
 pundually juft in all your tranfadlions, temperate in 
 
 all 
 
 juft ready to begin ?-— I recolledl the cafe of a barber in the Weft, 
 who refufed attending his cuftomers on the Sabbath, and I never 
 heard that his worldly circumftances were the worfe for it. Let 
 thofe of the trade imitate fo worthy an example, and Providence 
 will not forget their confcientioufnefs. 
 
 '* Tho' every body knows that it is lawful for phylicians, 
 <* apothecaries, &c. to vifit the fick on the Lord's day, yet it 
 *' muft be admitted, (fays a ferious author) that wifdom and 
 ** piety require, that if poflible they contrive their vifits fo, as 
 <* to have time to join in public worfhip. And care lliould be 
 ** taken by them, that their vifits on that day, be a6ts of reli- 
 <* gion and charity, and not made merely as the common labor 
 '* of their calling and to get money. There have been feve- 
 ** ral inftances of pious phyflcians, who, fenfible of this, have 
 ** devoted all the fees they received on the Lord's day to chari- 
 *• table ufcs." 
 
( 225 ) 
 
 all things, benevolent and charitable, tender heart- 
 ed and fympathizlng. — Thus, Sirs, you will honor 
 the Sabbath -, moft efFedually recommend the ob- 
 fervation of it to the rifmg generation ; and know 
 the exalted, the joyful hope, that you are indeed 
 fellow citizens with the faints^ and of the houfehold of 
 God. 
 
 A PRATER before public Worfliip, 
 
 /^RACrOUS Lord my God, who giveth to all men 
 ^^ liberally^ and upbr aide th not, — O that my heart 
 might be prepar'd to feek thee this day.— Make it the 
 language of niy foul, How amiable are thy tabernacles 
 O Lord of hojls : A day in thy courts is better than a 
 thoufand elfewhere^ I had rather be a door-keeper in the 
 Houfe of my God^ than to dwell in the tents of wicked^ 
 nefs. — AfTift thy miniftering fervant mfpeaking whole- 
 fome words ^ even the words of our Lord Jefus Chrifi^ 
 and the dotlrine which is according to godlinefs. — Help 
 me to hear and to underftand^ and may I receive the 
 truth with humility, meeknefs^ and love; and be faved 
 by it. And grant that the word preached 7n ay profit 
 all who fhall hear it. Thefe things I humbly aflc-, 
 thro' Jefus thine own Son^ and my High Prieft^ who 
 is over the Houfe of God. Amen. 
 
 A PRATER after public Worfhip. 
 
 /^^REAT, merciful and long-fufFering Jehovah! 
 ^^^ Enable mc to give fuch an earneft heed to the 
 things which I have heard^ that I might nai let them 
 flip: And may I remember thy commandments to do 
 them. ' Aid me to walk in all thy ways., ajid to fervf 
 thee with all my hearty and to cleave unto thee. — Be 
 with minifters in general, and with thy fervant on 
 whom I have attended in particular : May he not 
 feek the praife of men., but the honor which cometh 
 from God. Make him wife to win fuls^ and watch^ 
 ful over them 9 may he fhew himfelf a pattern of good 
 worksy and hereafter receive a crown of right eoufnefs. 
 G g 'fTis 
 
( 226 ) 
 
 'Tis my farther requeft, that chrlftlans might be 
 like minded one towards another^ according to Chriji 
 Jefus^ and with one 7nind^ and one mouth glorify Gody 
 and promote the common falvation. And O that the 
 found of the Gofpel might be heard thro' all the 
 Earth, and thy words reach the ends of the world. All 
 which, I earneftly implore, in the name of Chrift, 
 that one Mediator betwiat God and man^ and who is 
 the Lord of Glory. Amen. 
 
 ON THE ORBIJSIANCE OF BAPTISM,-\ 
 
 /^Hriftian Baptifm, is awafhing with water, in the 
 ^^ name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghofl. {a) Matt, xxviii. 19. 
 
 Some who offer their children to this ordinance, 
 feem to entertain wrong notions of it. As when 
 parents imagine that the baptifm of an infant confiils 
 IN JUST GIVING THE NAME. Whereas naming the 
 infant on this occafion, is a thing diftinft from tht 
 ordinance itfelf ; fo that the baptifm would be per- 
 fed, if there was no mention made of it, but the 
 minifter was to exprefs himfelf thus—Child, I bap- 
 tize 
 
 f 'Tis my intention to treat the fubjefl praflically, and with 
 a view to promote mutual edification and love ; and I hope the 
 truly candid will meet with nothing, which may give them rea- 
 fon to fay that the intention has been forgotten. 
 
 Y^J This ordinance is adminiftred in the name of the Father, 
 becaufe the falvation which the Gofpel contains proceeded from 
 the wifdom and grace of the Father. 2 Cor. v. 18. We are 
 baptized in the name of the Son, becaufe it was revealed and 
 preached by the Son of God^ and it is thro* his obedience unto 
 death, we are made partakers of it. Heb, ii. 3. Ephef. i. 7. 
 Rom. vi. 23. And we are alfo baptiz'd in the name of the 
 Holy Spirit, becaufe the truth of this word of falvation was a- 
 bundantly eilablifti'd by the miraculous influences of the Spirit, 
 poured out on the Apoftles, in confequence of which, they were 
 capable of healing difeafes, raifing the dead, fpeaking di- 
 vers tongues, they had never learnt, and of foretelling things 
 to come. Heb. ii. 4. And it is this facred Agent, by whom 
 we are fanftified, i Pet. i. 2. and aflifted in our confliQ:s with 
 fin, Rom. viii. 13. and in becoming more meet to inherit falva« 
 tion with eternal glory. Ephef. iii.' 16. 
 
( 227 ) 
 
 tize thee, &c. — However, as the Jews named their 
 children at the time o^ circumciftony Luke ii. 2i. the 
 fame cuftom has been adopted by chriftians at the 
 time of baptifm^ and when 'tis confidered as an ad- 
 drefs to the perfon calling him by his name, rather 
 than as the manner of giving a name to him^ it is ufed 
 with propriety, (b) 
 
 Again, we conceive thofe to be miftaken, who lay 
 fuch a vaft ftrefs upon baptifm, as if it were neces- 
 sary TO THE SALVATION OF INFANTS. NcVCrthelcfs, 
 
 we own that the ordinance as applied to infants may 
 anfwer feveral worthy ends of religion, — For exam- 
 ple, as infants fuffer in confequence of their rela- 
 tion to Adam, baptifm may be viewed as an outward 
 iign which movingly fets forth before the eyes of pa- 
 rents, the grace of God towards infants \ or their 
 intereft in the bleflings which come by Chrill, Rom. 
 V. 14 — 19. Mark X. 14, and Luke xviii. 15, 16. (^) 
 — The facred vows too made by parents on this oc- 
 cafion, tend to quicken them in their duty towards 
 their ofF-fpring, Prov. xxxi. 2. Pfal. cxix. 106. — - 
 And fince baptifm is an obligation to after holincfs 
 of life (like circumcifion. Gal. v. 3O (d) is not pecu- 
 liar weight hereby given to the admonitions minifters, 
 or others addrefs to thefe children, as they grow up ? 
 Our general idea of baptifm is — that 'tis an ordi- 
 nance OF DEDICATION. — " This notion of chriftian 
 baptifm naturally arifes from the manner of St. Paul's 
 G g 2 put' 
 
 (h) Dr. DoDDRiGE in his preaching Ledlures, advifes his pu- 
 pils (when fettled in the miniilry) to take care that the name of 
 the child be fo mentioned, that it may evidently be feen, that 
 the end of the ordinance is not gi'ving the tiame, but fomething 
 far more important. 
 
 (c) Some may imagine, that thofe who do not hold with in- 
 fant baptifm, entertain very gloomy fentiments about the future 
 ftate of infants. But this is an error. For (among others) Dr. 
 Stennett has obferved, that he thinks it highly probable from 
 thefe paffages, that all who die in their infancy are admitted to 
 Heaven — being fitted for it by the holy Spirit. Stennett on 
 Baptifm, p. 54, 64. — The above fcriptural hints may ferve to fa- 
 tisfy the minds of fuch chriftian parents, whofe infants have been 
 fuddenly remov'd by death, before they had an opportunity of 
 prefenting them to God in the ordinance of baptifm. 
 
 ^</>l Read alfo Deut. xxix, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15. 
 
( 228 ) 
 
 putting that queftlon to the Corinthians, Were ye 
 baptized in the name of Paul? — The fame notion is 
 confirmed, by his faying, / thank God that I baptized 
 none of you \ but Crifpus and Gaius, left any fhoidd fay^ 
 that I had baptized in my own name^ i Cor. i. 12,^ i^, 
 15. This he faid not in difparagement of baptifm, 
 but becaufe they had accidentally made an ill ufe of 
 it; and fome amongft them had fet him up for the 
 head of a party. Since therefore things had fo fallen 
 out, St. Paul was very glad, that he had given his 
 enemies fo little handle to accufe him of making a 
 party to himfelf, and devoted to his own intereft. 
 This he calls baptizing in his own name. And thus 
 his words plainly reprefent baptifm as an ordinance 
 of dedication. "* 
 
 If the party baptized be an adult^ he is faid to de- 
 dicate himfelf ;tp: God. — 2 Cor. viii. 5. 
 
 Jf it ho, a^ infant y fuch an infant is confidered as 
 devoted to God by its parents. — i Sam. i. 28. 
 
 Therefore when parents prefent their children to 
 be baptized, the language of their hearts ihould be 
 " We give up our off-fpring to God -, receive them 
 into the number of thy children.—- O that they may 
 partake of thofe ineftimable bleffings which proceed 
 from the Father, vSon, and Holy-Ghoft."- At the 
 fame time, parents bring themfelves under a folemn 
 engagement, to ufe their beft endeavors (whilft fup- 
 plicating the aids of divine grace) for training up 
 their children in the ways of religion. Ihis is im- 
 plied in the adl of dedication. 
 
 As adults are baptized on their own profefTion of 
 faith, children AVQ admitted to baptifm on the pro- 
 feffed faith of their parents. — For this reafon, 'tis 
 highly proper, that chrirtian parents ihould be ac- 
 quainted with fome plain and folid arguments for the 
 truth and divine authority of Scripture, and that 
 Jefus was indeed the Merfiah, foretold by the pro^ 
 phets, and the appointed Savior of the world. (/) 
 
 * Mr. TwocooD on Baptifm, part the fecond. 
 (/J The ufefulnefs of fuch knowledge is Itill more apparent 
 wlien we confider — That if we axe tempt«d by Satan to queftion 
 
 the 
 
( 229 ) 
 
 Was a minifler then to aik parents on their rcr 
 quefting the baptifm of a child — Why they believ- 
 ed Jes.usoF: Nazareth to BE THE Messiah, the 
 Son OF God and the Savior of men? Thofe pa- 
 rents fhould be able to make fome fuch a reply as 
 the following ; 
 
 Anfwer i. Jefus wrought miracles — he gave fight 
 to the blind-, enabled the dumb to fpeak j and raifed 
 the deadi particularly Lazarus, who had been dead 
 four days. Now to thefe miracles Chrlfi appeals, 
 as a proof of his divine miiTion, f|-J John v. 36. 
 
 2. The excellency of his dodrine, and the holi- 
 ncfs of his life is another evidence, that Jefus came 
 from God. Even the officers who were fent to ^pT 
 prehend him, were obliged to confefs, that Jiever mati 
 /pake like this man^ John vii. 46. — His dodrine tend- 
 ed to the glory f of his Father, and to promote the 
 holinefs, and confequently the happinefs of mankind. 
 In this view, our Lord fpeaks of it, as a proof that 
 ^he was a true Teacher, John vii. 18. — As his doc- 
 trine was moll excellent,(//) his life was free from fm. 
 
 the truth of Scripture, we may be able in Tome meafure to over- 
 come the temptation by calling to remembrance thofe familiar 
 evidences — Or that in cafe we are in the company of any who 
 ipeak againft divine Revelation, we may be qualified to return a 
 proper anfwer — Befide, we have Scripture precept and example 
 to excite us to acquire this kind of knowledge, i Pet. iii* 15. 
 Afts xvii. 10, II. 
 
 {£) *' The eftefts and plain tokens of thefe miracles (fays 
 Dante, a celebrated ancient writer) are now vif.ble in the dif- 
 ferent parts of the world. For if the world was induced to receive 
 the religion of Jefus Chrift without miracles (a religion altogether 
 ungrateful to flefh and blood, oppofite to the prepofieirions, pro- 
 je6ls and interefts of worldly men) I fay, if the world was induced. 
 to receive fuch a religion without miracles, that m.uft be a miracle 
 indeed ! the greateft of all miracles that ever the Sun beheld'" 
 
 f "As we argue the truth of the chriftian religion, from its ten- 
 dency to advance the glory of God ; fo we may infer the falfchood of 
 the Mahometan religion, from its being calculated for Mahomet's 
 grandeur, wealth, and pleafure, and to raife a wordly dominion." 
 
 {J}) The intelligent chriftian will hardly be difpleafed with the 
 following quotation from the works of Dr. Chandler, — " The 
 excellency of the Gofpel is apparent from its completenefs and 
 abfolute perfedlion, fo that 'tis in nothing defective, relating 
 either to principles, duties, motives, and encouragements. This 
 completenefs of the chriftian religion is the more reiiiarkables 
 
 CQn- 
 
( 230 ) 
 
 Hear his appeal to his enemies, John viii. 46, and 
 alfo the confeflion of that difciple, who betrayed him. 
 Matt, xxvii. 4. — Surely, if Jefus prfeached fo very 
 excellent a dodlrine, and led a moft holy life, thofe 
 are things which fhew that God -Was with him, and 
 that he came in the name of God, agreeable to his 
 . own declaration, John v. 43." 
 
 3. The voice which' rej^eatfedly came from Heaven, 
 proclaiming Jefus to be the Son of God, is an addi- 
 tional evidence. Matt. iii. 16, 17. Chap. xvii. 5. 
 1 his divine teftimony borne to Jefus is noticed by 
 the Apoftle Peter, 2 Epift. Chap. i. 16, &c. 
 
 4. The wonderful things which happened at the 
 death of Chrift, are to be confidered as a further proof 
 of his divine miffion, viz. "The darknefs over the whole 
 land ofjudea^ which lafted from the fixth hour to the 
 ninth, or from twelve to three o'clock in the after- 
 noon. Now this could not be a natural darknefs, 
 occafioned by an eclipfe of the Sun, becaufe we know 
 it was then full Moon, when the Moon being oppo- 
 fite to the Sun could not pofTibly hide the Sun from 
 any part of the Earth. Therefore it follows, that 
 the darknefs which overfpread Judca at that time 
 was raifed by the power of God, contrary to the com- 
 mon courfe of nature. 
 
 There was alfo an earthquake and the rocks rent,'-- 
 Mr. Fleming tells us " that an unbeliever travelling 
 thro' that part of the world, was converted by view- 
 ing one of thofe rocks which ftill remains torn afun- 
 der, not in the weakeft place, but crofs the yeins, 
 a plain proof that it was done in a fupernatural 
 manner." Thefe 
 
 confidering the infinite varieties of religion that then obtained in 
 the world : The grofs corruptions introduced into the religion of 
 the Jews, the innumerable fuperftitions that prevailed among all 
 the nations of the Earth, and the contrary errors that were taught 
 by the wife and learned men of thofe times, who differed not 
 more from each other than from the truth, &c. At this time, our 
 bleffed Lord appears in the world, full of grace and truth, and 
 in the fhort miniftry of about three years taught fo perfect a 
 fcheme of religion, as made up all that was defedlive or mifre- 
 prefented in the Mofaic difpenfation, and conduced men by an 
 infallible clew thro' all the intricate fnares that the fuperftitions 
 of nations, or the fubtilties of Philofophv had created." 
 
( 231 ) 
 
 Thefe amazing prodigies made even the Heathen 
 centurion, who kept guard at the place of execution 
 to cry out, truly this Jefus of Nazareth was the Son 
 of God. Matt, xxvii. 54. 
 
 5. We may add to the above, the teftimony which 
 
 John the Baptift bore to Jefus Chrift. We learn 
 
 from the New Teftament, that John was a very ex- 
 traordinary perfon himfelf. Matt. xi. II. One who 
 had fuch a regard for the caufe of truth and righte- 
 oufnefs, that he was not afraid to reprove perfons 
 in the higheft ftatlons, when the cafe required it. 
 Matt. xiv. 4. And not only the Evangelifts, but 
 likewife Jofephus the Jewifh hiftorian bears witnefs 
 to John's eminent holinefs, ftiling him the bejl of 
 men. 
 
 Certainly then the teftimony of fuch a one, on 
 the prefent point, is moft worthy of regard. Hear 
 him t\\trt^orQ— John feeth Jefus coming unto him and 
 faith^ Behold the Lamb of God^ which taketh away 
 the fin of the worlds John i. 29. Compare this with 
 Ads xiii. 24, &:c. 
 
 Now tho' we never faw the miracles f of Chrift, 
 or heard the voice from Heaven, declaring him to be 
 the Son of God, &c. yet we receive our account of 
 thefe matters, from perfons who heard the one, and 
 were eye witnefTes of the other, i John i. 1. And 
 we have abundant reafon to believe they were tho- 
 roughly perfuaded of the truth of thofe things which 
 they pubiifhed, feeing hereby they expofed them- 
 felves to difgrace, deep poverty, fevere perfecu- 
 tions, and death, i Cor. iv. 9, 10, ii, 12, 13. — 
 If we credit fome ecclefiaftical writers, all the Apof- 
 tles and Penmen of the New Teftament (/) except 
 
 John 
 
 t See page 229, note {£). 
 
 (/) For our greater fatisfadion, and to fhew the deep reve- 
 rence and high eftcera we fliould have for the Gofpel, fhall take 
 fome brief notice of what relates to the canon of the New Tell. 
 — the evidence we have for the genuinenefs of each Book — the 
 dependance we may place on our o\^'n tranflation of them, 5;c. 
 
( 232 ) 
 
 John fuffered martyrdom. — I might have obferv^cd 
 that the Spirit of piety towards God, and of 'good- 
 will 
 
 By the canon + of the New Teilament, we mean thofe Books 
 that were written by the Apoftles^ or others under their infpec- 
 tion,* and publiihed to the world, as an unerring rule of faith 
 and practice ; by which the truth or falfehood of other writings 
 was to be determined — If we look into Church Hiftory, we ihal! 
 £nd that the fame Books (Gofpels and Epiflles) which now make 
 up our New Teftament, were received as canonical by the pri- 
 mitive chriftians. The four Go/pels, the Acls, thirteen Epijiles 
 
 nf Paul, one of Peter y one of John^ were received upon fuch evi- 
 dence, that Eufebius a moft accurate Critic, (who lived in the 
 4th Century) could not learn that they had ever been difputed ; 
 And afterwards the remaining Books of the New Teftament, 
 viz. Hebrenvs, fafneSy the fecond of Peter^ the feccnd and third of 
 John, and the Re'velationsy were admitted as genuine, and added 
 to the reft. Eufeb. Hill. Ecclef. h. III. Chap. 25. compared 
 with Chap. 3. of the fame book. Origen, who lived in the be- 
 . ginning of the 3d Century, mentions every book of the New 
 Teilament in different parts of his works ; and in the chriftian 
 writers of the two firft Centuries, there appear to be either allu- 
 fions to, or quotations from almoft the whole of the prefent 
 Canon. 
 
 That the New Teflament as we now have it in the original 
 is uncorruptedy or in the main fuch as it was when it came out 
 of the hands of thofe by whom it was written — might be proved 
 thus — From the tirft ages they were read in the churches ; juft as 
 Mofes and the Prophets were in the Jewilh fynagogues. — They 
 were prefently fpread far and wide as the boundaries of the 
 Church were increafed. — They were early tranflated into other 
 languages, of which tranflations fome remain to this day. — Since 
 this was the cafe, how could any confiderable corruption pof- 
 
 fibly be made in the writings of the New Tellament r Be- 
 
 fides, 
 
 •»■ The word Canon is origiftally Greek, and did in that lan- 
 guage commonly denote, that which was a rule or ftandard, by 
 which other things were to be examined and judged. And inaf- 
 much as the books of divine infpiration contained the moll im- 
 portant rules of all others, the colleftion of them in time ob- 
 tained the name of the Canon, and each book was called canon- 
 ical. Mr. Jer. Jones. 
 
 * Tho' two of the writers of the New Teflament, Mark and 
 Luke, were not Apollles, yet they were the companions of fuch, 
 and their gofpels mull have been peruled and approved by the 
 Apoftles, as is certain from their being univerfally received in 
 the earliefl: ages, which is the fame as if thefe Gofpels had been 
 uiclated by the ApoHIes themfdves. 
 
( ^33 ) 
 
 will to men, which appears thro' the whole writings 
 of the Apoftles, and the ingenuous manner in which 
 
 H h the 
 
 fides, there have been numerous quotations from the New Tef- 
 tament, in chriiHan writers of all the latter -ages, and even from 
 the beginning of the third Century or earlier, and all thofe do 
 in the main agree with our piefent copies, in fenfe, if not in 
 words: We readily allow., that the hand of a tranflator, or of a 
 printer, might chance in fome places to infert one letter or word 
 for another; and indeed the various readings (of /^/x, as well as 
 of all other ancient books) prove that this has fometimes hap* 
 pened. Neverthelefs, thofe various readings are generally of 
 little importance, and when copies come to be compared, there is 
 often fo great a number en one fide, againfl thofe of the other, 
 that it io eafy to fettle the true reading. 
 
 With refpedl to the tranjlation of the New Tefiament now in 
 our hands, (fays one eminent for learning and piety) I can fo- 
 lemnly afi'ure the unlearned chriftian, that on a diligent compa- 
 rifon of our tranflation with the original, I iind that of the New 
 Tellament (and I might alfo add that of the Old) in the main 
 faithful and judicious. But not to reft a matter of fuch moment 
 on my teftimony alone, let me put you in mind, that the agree- 
 ment of learned men of different denominations and religious 
 opinions, in the ufe of this fame tranflation, is as great evidence 
 as could reafonably be defired, that fuch a tranflation is in the 
 main right. 'Tis true, minifters may on fome occafions ani- 
 madvert upon it; but thefe remarks aifeft not the fundamentals 
 of religion, and fcldom reach any farther than the beauty of a 
 figure, or the connexion of an argument. Nay, I can confi- 
 dently' fay,, that to the beft of my knowledge and remembrance, 
 as there is no copy of the Greeky fo neither is there any tranjlation 
 of the New Tellament, that I have fecn, from which all the 
 principal fafts and dodrines of chriftianity might not be learnt, 
 fo far as the knowledge of them is neccffary to falvation, or even 
 to fome confiderable degrees of edification in piety. 
 
 Having in a brief manner attempted to prove the gsnuinenefs of 
 the .writings of the New Tellament, fhail alfo mention a few 
 words of their di'vine authority, — Our Lord promifed his Apof- 
 tles the gift of the holy Spirit, to lead them into all truth ; 
 John xvi. 13 and the Apoitles upon feveral occafions declare 
 that they had this extraordinary guidance. — They call their doc- 
 trine the commandment of ihs Lordy the ^wifdom <-jjhich God had re- 
 <veahd to them by his Spirit, &c. 1 Cor. xiv. 37. Chap. ii. 5 — 10= 
 Accordingly the primitive chrillians fpeak of the New Tefiament 
 as the oracles of God, and in fome of their councils, it was 
 placed on a throne, to fignify their concern, that all their con- 
 troverlies and adions might be determined, and regulated hy 
 it. See DoDDRiGfi on the evidences of chriiUanity. 
 
( 234 ) 
 
 the Evangelifts relate their faults, fhew how worthy 
 they are of univerfal credit. 
 
 6. We mufi: not forget, that an argument of 
 very confiderable force for the truth of the chrif- 
 tian religion may be deduced from certain praphe- 
 cies recorded in the Old Teftament. (^k) — The pro- 
 phets fpeak of an illuftrious perfon, whom God 
 would raife up among the Jews-, and (befides other 
 particulars) tell us — That he fhould be born of a 
 virgin ; be a worker of miracles ; and yet defpifed 
 and rcjecfled, and at laft put to death even by his 
 
 own people the Jews. That he fhould be raifed 
 
 from the dead before his body was corrupted, and 
 
 received into Heaven. Thefe prophets alfo 
 
 affirm, 
 
 Ck) Permit me to fay fomething here, on the genuinenefs and 
 tnfpiration of the Old Teftament. — Ezra is fuppofed to have col- 
 lefted the books of the Old Teftament into one volume, when 
 the prophets Haggai, Malachi, and Zechariah were yet alive; 
 and that by divine infpiration he added certain things after the 
 deaths of the authors. — This volume* was received by the Jew- 
 ifti church as infpired writings, and from hence called by way of 
 eminence ths Scriptures or the Writings § — The divine authority 
 of the Old Teftament was acknowledged by Chrift and his Apof- 
 tles. Luke xxiv. 27, 44.. 2 Tim. iii. 16. 2 Pet. i. 19, 20, 21. 
 
 That this facred Volume mentioned by Chrift and his Apof- 
 tles, contained the fame ^writings as are found in our Qld Tefta- 
 ment is evident from hence — Some hundreds of years before the 
 birth of Chrift, the facred Scriptures of the Jews had been tran- 
 flated into the Greek language : Now this fame Greek verfion 
 hath been preferved to our times, and has the very fame books 
 
 of 
 
 * To this volume the Author of the Epiftle to the Hebrews 
 appears exprefsjy to refer. Chap. x. 7. 
 
 § The prophetical parts of Scripture, *' fuch as thefe relating to 
 ** the captivity of Ifrael and Judah, to the judgments threatened 
 " againft Tyre, Egypt, Nineveh, Babylon, &c. likewife all the 
 *' prophecies of the New Teftament, fuch as thefe relating to the 
 ** deftruftion of Jerufalem, and thercjeftion and di{periion of the 
 '' Jews and the coming and power of Antichrift.*' — I fay all the 
 prophecies of Scripture which have been accomplifti'd — that thefe 
 were written by infpiration of God is certain from the very na* 
 ture of the things themfelves. — See Mr. Kid dell on the Infpi- 
 ration of the Scriptures, and Doddr'ige's Leisures. 
 
( '^25 ) 
 
 affirm, that after the appearance of this glorious 
 perfon, whom the Jews ftiled the MeiTiah, the holy 
 Spirit ihould be poured out on the children of men, 
 in a furprizing manner, that the do6lrine of the 
 MeiTiah fhould take a vaft fpread among the Gen- 
 tiles, who hereby would be brought to the know- 
 ledge of the God of Ifrael. — Now thefe things have 
 been literally accompUfh'd in Jefus of Nazareth. 
 See Matt. i. i8 — 20, compared with Ifaiah vii. 14. 
 -^Matt. xi. 4, 5, compared with Ifaiah xxxv. 5, 6. 
 — Chap. liii. 3—8, compared with Matt. xiii. ^§^ &c. 
 Chap.xxvii. 22, 26. — 1 Cor.xv. 4—7, compared with 
 Pfalmxvi. io.(/) — A6ls i. 9, 10, 11, compared with 
 
 Pfalm ex. i,(m) Ads ii. i— 11, compared with 
 
 Joel 
 
 of which our Old TeftamCnt is compofed. We may alfo remark, 
 that the Old Tcftament came early into the hands of the chrifti- 
 ans, and have continued in their hands ever fince ; fo that the 
 Jews (if they had been thus difpofed) could hardly have made 
 any material alteration in them, without its being difcovered : 
 That fuch an alteration h^s not taken place might be farther ar- 
 gued, ** from the prophecies Hill remaining in their Scriptures, 
 concerning the humiliation and fufFerings of the MefTiah, in 
 which Chriftians always triumphed, when they difputed with the 
 Jews ; becaufe thefe prophecies (as we have fhewn above) have 
 been fo exaftly accomplifhcd in our blefTed Lord. Thefe paflages 
 therefore we may affure ourfelves would have been the yfr/? the 
 Jews would have altered, if it had been in their power, or their 
 inclination to do it.'* — Thefe hints may fuffice to convince us of 
 the great regard due to the Old Teftament as well as /h Neiv, 
 feeing both were divinely infplredj and on that account arc emi- 
 nently ililed t/je Scriptures. 
 
 {I J St. Peter has in an admirable manner explained this vexCc, 
 Adts ii. 22 — 32. 
 
 Cm J The Lord /aid unto my Lord, Jit thou at my right hand, &c. 
 So great a King as David (the penman of this pfalm) would 
 fcarcely have called any man on Earth his Lord. — ^" It is upon thii 
 foundation the argument of our Savibr is built. Matt. xxli. 41-46, 
 viz. that the Lord of David here fpoken to, could be no other than 
 Chrift the MefHah, who is now gone into the Heavens in a hu- 
 man form, and fits at the right hand of Go^— there Stephen the 
 martyr <kw him. A^svii. 55, _$6." 
 
( 236 ) 
 
 Joel li. 2S-32. («)— Ifaiah xlix. 5, 6, and Dan. vii. 
 13, 14, (^J compared v;ith Rom. xv. 16-20. Chap. 
 3C. 18. 
 
 Suck reafons as thefc carry with them convinc- 
 ing evidence, that Jefus of Nazareth is truly the 
 MefTiah promifed to the Fathers, that he is indeed 
 fas he profefled to be) the Son of God, and the Sa- 
 vior of men, " we would therefore maintain a con- 
 " ftant regard to the blood and intcrcefTion of Je- 
 *^ fus, in our approaches to God ; feek pardon, 
 *' peace, and every blefling in this new and living 
 *^ way \ and by the aids of divine grace obey the 
 *' holy laws of Chrift, our heavenly Prince: And 
 *^ we alfo purpofe to train up our children in the 
 ^^ chriftian faith," 
 
 To Parents. 
 Who will deny, but what it is the incumbent du- 
 ty of parents, clofely to attend to the religious edu- 
 cation of their children, though few pradifc it. As 
 this is the great duty of all in general, fo peculi- 
 arly of thofe parents, who by defiring their chil- 
 drens baptifm, have laid themfeives under volun- 
 tary folemn engagements (p) hereto ; And confe- 
 quently '^ they can no more negled: the religious 
 education of their children, than a perfon could ali- 
 enate a facred oblation from God, without being 
 guilty of facrilege." Shall I then earneftly entreat 
 
 you 
 
 fn) Jpd it Jhallcome to pafs in the lafi days, l^c. By this ex- 
 preflion in the laji days, Manaffeh ben Ifrael tells us, that all 
 the wife men among the Jews underltood the days of the Mef- 
 fiah, or the Chrift. 
 
 (0) Qm like the San of man came nvith the clouds ofHea'ven, l£c» 
 Ajiani or the word which we tranilate clouds, was a known name 
 of (hQ Meffias among the Jewiih writers; which proves that 
 they upderftogd this text as fpoken of him. 
 
 (/) I would importunately requcft fuch as ar« defired to be- 
 come fponfors, ferioufly to reflcft beforehand, whether they /w- 
 iend, or are able to fulfil the vows they enter into on thofe occa- 
 fions. 
 
you chriftian parents to apply yourfelves to this mo- 
 mentous work. — Bring them betimes to the folem- 
 nities of public worihip ^ watch over their beha- 
 vior whilft there j and fee that they are fuitably em- 
 ployed when they return home.* Encourage " them 
 to learn their catechifm;" examine yourfelves into 
 the progrefs they make, and charge them to remem- 
 ber the commands of God and perform them, Ephef. 
 vi. 4. Urge your dear offspring fometimes by the 
 terrors of the Lord to feek an intereft in Chrift, flee 
 youthful lufts, and follow after righteoufnefs : But 
 more frequently perfuade them by the charms of 
 divine love and mercy, by the excellency of holi- 
 nefs which is a fource of prefent happinefs, and by 
 yonder fulnefs of joy, and pleafures for evermore.-]- 
 Were parents to exert thcmfelves in this manner, 
 they may be the inftruments of greatly furthering 
 the labors of minifters, who as under fhepherds 
 have received a diredion from Chrift the chief Shep- 
 herd and Biftiop of fouls, to feed the lamhs. Yet, 
 whilft parents guard againft remifthefs in the dif- 
 charge of fiich duties, they fliould alfo take care 
 not to render religious exercifes burdenfome to 
 young perfons, by extending them to an immode- 
 rate length \ or expecfting too much from children. 
 
 ^' Proper 
 
 * See page 217, Note (h). 
 
 f One means ufed by Mr. Philip Henry, to Imprefs the 
 minds of his children with an early fenfe of religion was this — 
 hp taught and explained to them fuch a form of ^vords as the fol- 
 lowing ; which each of them folemnly repeated every Lord's day 
 in the evening after they were catechifed, — ■'* I take God the. 
 ** Father to be my chief good and highefl end— I take the Son 
 ** of God to be my Prince and Savior — I take the Holy-Ghoft 
 ** to be rny Sandlifier, Teacher, Guide, and Comforter — I take 
 " the word of God to be the rule of my conduft, &c. — And I de- 
 " vote unto the Lord all I am, and all I have, &:c/' — When 
 they had done, he put his Amen to it ; and fometimes added— 
 /ofay, and fo do, and you are made for ever. — As they grew up, 
 he made them all write it over with their own hands, telling 
 them he would keep it by him, and produce it as a telHmcny 
 againft them, if they Ihould afterwards depart from God. 
 
( ^3^ ) 
 
 « Proper allowances are to be made for their tender 
 age, &c. that they may be taught, and trained up 
 as they are able to bear it." Luke v. 33—35. — 
 Neither ihould any thing parents wifh to have them 
 learn, be enjoined as a tafk, but rather propofed 
 as an advantage, and as granting them a favor, (q) 
 Therefore, tho' you will think it your duty to teach 
 your children fo pray (as well as pray for them) you 
 fhould never force them to the fervice. On the con- 
 trary, aim to make it a matter of their free choice^ 
 by reprefenting to them in a few plain and affedli- 
 onate words, " what an high honor and privilege it 
 " is, for creatures fo mean, unworthy, and neccfTi- 
 *' tous, to be permitted to fpeak to the great God, 
 '' who has fignilied, that he will hear and anfwer, 
 " nay that he takes pleafure in thofe, who delight to 
 *' call upon him; for he is an infinitely good Being, 
 *' from whom they receive all they do, or can enjoy." 
 Such like familiar reafonings may be ufed by pa- 
 rents, as a mean to difpofe children willingly to go 
 to a place of public worfhip. — Whilft you are far 
 from giving way to their foolilh tempers, and gra- 
 tifying every craving appetite,(rj deny them not 
 any indulgence that is confiftent with their real in- 
 tereft-, and thus lead them readily to obey you, by 
 a winning treatment. Always fhew yourfelves pleaf- 
 ed when they do well, and as uniformly manifeil 
 marks of difplcafure on their acling amifs. fj)-- 
 
 Cq) Dr. Cotton Mather (if I remember right) ufed to 
 make the good behavior of his children, the condition of his 
 hearing them read, or teaching them any thing; and they were 
 brought to confider his refufmg to inflruft them, &;c. as a mark 
 of high difpleafure. 
 
 (r) Thofe parents are very much to be blamed, who not only 
 humor their childrens fancies, but alfo fufFer them to obtain their 
 defircs by clamor, and crying ; which is often a ftriving for maf- 
 tery, and an open declaration of their infolence and obftinacy. 
 
 (j) Beating children for their faults, and all other forts of ila- 
 vifh and corporal punifhments, are rarely to be applied, and that 
 onlyincafesofcxtremit)'; bccaufe tho' the child fubmits, whijfl 
 
 the 
 
( 239 ) 
 
 If mild reproofs are difregarded, or the fault be very 
 bad (/) the rod of corredlion muft not be fpared. 
 Prov. xix. 1 8. But then chaftife them with calm- 
 nefs, and let them fee that you confider it as a mod: 
 difagreeable bufinefs -, aim to convince them of the 
 evil of their condud, and tell them that duty to 
 God, and a view to their good, oblige to this feve- 
 rity. 'Tis alfa a point of the utmoft importance, 
 that you do not fufFer them to aflbciate with any 
 children from whom they might learn vain and pro- 
 fane language, or any ill habit. And with refpedt 
 
 to 
 
 die fear of the rod hangs over him ; yet when that Is removed, 
 and he can proraife himielf impunity, he gives the greater fcope 
 to his natural inclination : Or fliould this feverity work a cure 
 upon the prefent unruly diftemper, it is frequently bringing in 
 the room of it, a worfe difeafe, by breaking the fpirits. On 
 the other hand, promiling children money, fine clothes, or 
 fomething to pleafe their appetites, as a reward for their obedi- 
 ence, &c. is a method by no means to be approved, as it teaches 
 them luxury, pride, or covetoufnefs. — The re<wards and punip^ 
 ments whereby we Ihould keep children in order, are of a diffe- 
 rent kind, viz. ejietm and difgrace,^ The Father fhould carefs 
 
 «nd commend them when they do well, and fhew a cold and 
 negledful countenance to them, upon doing ill ; and let this be 
 accompanied by a like carriage of the mother, fervants, and ail 
 who are about them. Mr. Locke on Education. 
 
 (/) Lying and dijhonejiy are (of courfe) to be reckoned among 
 the more heinous faults, and are by no means to be flightl^ no- 
 ticed.— The firft time the child is found in a lye (fays the above 
 wriVerj it Ihould indeed be rather wondered at as a monftrous 
 tl^TL^ i-a him, than reproved as an ordinary fault. If that keeps 
 him libt from repeating it, the next time he muft be fharply re- 
 buked, and for a while after his parents and the whole family 
 fhould carry themfelves exceedingly fhy towards him. — And if 
 
 this work not the cure, you muft come to blows. Let them 
 
 know, that tnventy faults are fooner to be forgiven, than even 
 the draining of truth to cover atiy one by an excufe. — The fame 
 Author has juftly remark'd, that parents Ihould prevent chil- 
 dren as much as they can, from hearing or reading frightful 
 ftories : And they fhould be alfo careful, not to threaten to put 
 them into fome dark place, with a view to awe them into fub- 
 jcftion ; for then, you may expeft that terrifying ideas will 
 follow them, whenever they are alone ; yea fuch ftrong irapref- 
 nons may be made upon their minds, that they may be afraid of 
 their very {hadows and darknefs all their lives after. 
 
( 240 ) 
 
 to yoiirfelves, do or fay nothing which you would 
 not have them imitate. — How cutting to a parent, 
 to hear fuch words from a child as one formerly 
 addrefs'd to his father, " If I have done evil, I 
 learnt it of you." Be folicitous then, to add to in^ 
 ftrudion the force of an upright example. O let 
 them learn from your lives, and not merely from 
 your lips, how they ought to walk and to pleafe 
 God! Pfalm ci. 2. — By the way fhew the fame af- 
 fedlion to every child (if the carriage be the fame) 
 otherwife you take the very method to promote en- 
 vying amongft them. — When you propofe to fend 
 them abroad to fchool, feek for a mafter that is not 
 only a man of abilities, but likewife of a ferious and 
 engaging difpofition, and who at the fame time main- 
 tains his authority amongll his pupils. — As foon 
 as they are arriv'd at a proper age to be taught a 
 trade (u) do what you are able to provide for them 
 fome ufeful, and fui table (''zc;) calling or profeflion ; 
 and if you regard their immortal welfare place them 
 in a fober family. Since this is a thing of unfpeak- 
 able moment, let me befeech you not to be induced^ 
 by any worldly confideration whatever, to fix your 
 children in a family deftitute of religion. — When 
 
 you 
 
 {u) " It is much to be wifhed that the children of wealthy 
 parents were alfo obliged to learn fome manual trade (foi'^th^. 
 employment of their leifure time) as gardening. Sec. hereby '^t]^f| 
 mifchievous confequences of idlenefs would be.prevented; ne^IxJi 
 promoted ; and habits of diligence and felf-denial early con- 
 tracted : So that if by an adverfc Providence they fhould be re- 
 duced to low circumllances (having been fomewhat ufed to labor, 
 and endure hardncfs) they are not likely to become the burthens 
 of fociety, or to do any wicked or mean things to fupport them- 
 felves. — Children delicately brought up are generally ruined for 
 both worlds." — See Mr. Orton's fermons. Vol. I. page 77. 
 Locke on Education, p 306, &c. and p. 170 of this Treatife. 
 
 (w) Such an employment as appears to be moft adapted to 
 the natural genius of a child, — For parents (fays a late writer) 
 to direft a ftrong inclination in a child, to any kind of ftudy, or 
 trade, from its natural courfe, is feldom, if ever attended with 
 any good in the end; but very often brings miferyand utter 
 ruin. 
 
< 241 ) 
 
 you thus part, yet ilill follow them with your coun- 
 lels and prayers, Job. i. 5. 
 
 To parents who go on from day to day in the 
 negledt of fuch advice as the preceding, we have rea- 
 ibn to fay— tremble to think of your children being 
 loft: for ever, and their blood being required at your 
 hands. 
 
 To parents who endeavor to train up their chil- 
 dren in wifdom's ways.— Should you not fuccced 
 according to your wifhes, you will however have the 
 teftimony of confcience to be your fupport under fa- 
 mily troubles : But if ygur pious attempts be crown- 
 ed v/ith fuccefs (which you have reafon to exped, 
 Prov. xxii. 6,) and you and your offspring walk to- 
 gether in the fe^r of God, befides the comfort it 
 will afford you, whilfl: pafling through this vale of 
 tears, what pleafing reflection will it yield in your 
 dying moments— what a joyful meeting will you have 
 at the right hand of the glorious Judge, and how 
 will it add to your happinefs thro' endlefs ageso 
 
 To Children. 
 Ye children, the lambs of the flock, let me ac- 
 quaint you, that Jefus the great and good Shepherd 
 fees and regards you : For when he was upon Earth 
 young children were brought to him, that he fhould 
 touch them; and he took them up in his arms, 
 put his hands upon them, and bleffed them, Mark 
 X. 13, 16. 'Tis not too foon then for you to learn 
 to know your heavenly Father and compafHonate 
 Redeemer. — Since to know, love, an^ fervc God 
 and Chrift, is the way for you to be happy for ever, 
 you fhould gladly hearken to fuch as are ready to in- 
 flrud you in your catechifms, and be alfo willing to 
 go to the Houfe of God on Sabbath days, and try 
 to remember fomething of what the minifter fays.-— 
 Daily beg your parents to affifl you in lifting up 
 your infant hands in prayer and praifes. Matt. xxi. 
 {5, and obey thera^ in all things, Cplof. iii. 20.—= 
 
 I i Play 
 
( 242 ) 
 
 Play not with thofe children who ufe bad words ; ne- 
 ver tell a lye, or take that which belongs to another^ 
 be loving and kind to all around you. — O my tender 
 charge, it is my hearfs defire and grayer to God for 
 you^ that you may be a feed to ferve hiniy and he ac- 
 counted to the Lord for a generation. 
 
 To Youth. 
 Attend (I befeech you) to the plain advice of 
 one, who would fain be the inftrument of promoting 
 your beft intereft. — Have you been devoted to God 
 iDy your parents in baptifm ? Be concerned to an- 
 fwer the end of that dedication. To eifed: this de- 
 iign, you muft be fenfible how neceflary it is to take 
 good heed in the choice of your companions : Evil 
 company (x) is the great bane of youth, — " the 
 *' means of wearing out all ferious imprefiions, ex- 
 *' pofes to numerous temptations to fin and folly ; 
 " puts out of the way of reformation \ leads to ma- 
 " ny temporal difafters (blading the good name, 
 " wafting the fubftance, impairing the health, and 
 *' fhortening the days) and atlaft finks the foul into 
 *' a ftate of horror and defpair :" You may there- 
 fore perceive, with how much reafon the infpired 
 writer addrefles that earneft difluafive to youth. — 
 Enter not into the path of the wicked^ and go not in the 
 way of evil men : Avoid it^ fafs not by it^ turn from it^ 
 iind pafs away, " As if he ihould have faid, fhun 
 
 the 
 
 ^) '' By e'uil company we mean, not only perfons of the moft 
 abandoned charaders, but thofe too who manifeft a negle^ of 
 
 religion, tho' free from grofs and fcandalous immoralities. 
 
 When we perfuade you to avoid fuch company, you will fcarce 
 imagine, that we are advifing you to have nothing to do with 
 them in the common affairs of life, and the bufmefs of your call- 
 ing, fmce then as the Apoftle r.xprefles it you muji needs go out of 
 the njocrld. Nor will you fuppofe that we are leading you to an 
 omilTion of any offices of humanity, or civility to them : Leaft of 
 all can it be thought that we would hinder you from applying 
 yourfelves to them by ferious admonitions : The folly we would 
 caution you againfl is, chufmg irreligious perfons for your inti- 
 mate friends, and delighting to fpend your vacant hours in vain 
 con ver fation with them . " D o d d r i c e . 
 
( 243 ) 
 
 the very place where fuch unhappy creatures aflem- 
 ble, as you would, if It were infeded with the moft 
 malignant and dangerous difeafe : And if you have 
 unwarily taken any fteps towards it, ftop fhort, and 
 dired your courfe another way.'' Yes be a compa- 
 nion of them that fear the Lord, and of them that keep 
 his precepts. Pfal. cxix. 6'^. When you cannot 
 enjoy their fociety, let ufeful books be your compa- 
 nions. -—As you advance in years, aim to incrcafe 
 in divine knowledge^ to this purpofe, let me en- 
 treat you to pay due attention to the diredions gi- 
 ven in this treatife, for hearing the word preached 
 to edification, f Not only hear and read the Gof- 
 pel, &c. for your improvement in knowledge, but 
 refled upon your own concern in its all important 
 contents, and be not eafy till by the aids of the Spi- 
 rit, you liave felt it to come in power, even m fuch 
 power, that you can affirm with St. Paul, That Uis 
 a faithful faying^ and worthy of all acceptation^ that 
 Jefus Chrifl came into the world to fave finners^ thf 
 chief of finners — with fuch power as to melt your 
 hearts into a godly forrow for fin ; as to beget the 
 fame mind in you which was alfo in Chrifl Jefus ; 
 and as to influence you to walk in that holy and 
 profitable manner, in which he alfo walked, who 
 
 w^ent about doing good.- The advantages of 
 
 early piety are many, and great. — *' It will yield you 
 " that true and durable delight which a flattering 
 ^' world is unable to give, Prov. iii. 17. Your ex- 
 " ample peculiarly tends to roufe the old, and ani- 
 *' mate the young to feek the things that are above, 
 " I Tim. iv. 12. Your pious friends will rejoice, 
 " 3dEpif!:. of John verfe 4. God will behold you 
 " with fpecial approbation, Jcr. ii. 2. Should you 
 " become the heads of families, you will have the 
 " beft qualifications for that momentous fliatlon, Pfal. 
 " Ixxviii. 4, 6. If you are fpared to advanced life, 
 " you are like to be bright ornaments to religidh, 
 " I Kings xviii. 3, 12. And great vviil be your re- 
 
 t See page 212, &c. 
 
( 244 ) 
 
 " ward In the kingdom of Heaven, i Cor. xv. 5S.'* 
 On the contrary, if you delay the work of falvation 
 to fome diftant period, " you will not only loofe a 
 *' confiderable portion of folid pleafure, but likewife 
 *' the habits of fm will increafe their ftrength, the 
 *^ cares of the world prefs upon you, and the influ- 
 ^' ences of the Spirit may be with-held more than 
 *' heretofore, and thus your converfion become more 
 ^' difficult. Jer. xiii. 23. i Cor. vii. 35. Philip, ii. 
 '' 12, 13. Or perhaps death may make you an awful 
 '' vifit in the midft of your days, cut oiF your pur- 
 ^' pofes, and not leave a glimpfe of hope for an eter- 
 " nity to come." — Let me therefore importunately 
 exhort you, my dear young friends, to devote the 
 morning of your days, that golden feafon to the fer- 
 vice of your God and Redeemer. Begin the folemn 
 tranfadion in fecret, and then approach the table of 
 the Lord, and publickly declare yourfelves to be the 
 difclples of Chrift, and that you glory In his crofs. 
 In this folemn, yet pleafant manner, do you remem- 
 ber your Creator and Savior in the days of your youth y 
 before the evil days come^ and the years draw nigh^ when 
 you Jhall fay^ you have no pleafure in them. 
 
 To Adults who ap^e candidates, &:c. 
 Should any arrived to years of maturity (not bap- 
 tized in their infancy be defirous of chriftian baptifm) 
 happen to read thefe pages, — I would beg leave to 
 oiFer a few things to the ferious attention of fuch. — 
 Pleafe to confider e. g. that as baptifm is a profeflion 
 of your faith In Jefus, or that you believe him to 
 be the Mejfiah promifed In the Old Teftament, the 
 Son of God, and the appointed Savior of the world, — 
 I fay, as you profefs to believe thofe important 
 points, it is without doubt neceflary, that you as 
 well as chriftian parents fhould be acquainted with 
 the arguments for them : Therefore I humbly re- 
 commend to you, clofely to reflect on what has 
 been advanced above to prove the divine mi ffion of 
 
 Chrift, 
 
( 245 ) 
 
 ChriJ}^ and the truth and infpiratio7t of the Scriptures,{y) 
 What I now inculcate, you may fee exemplified in 
 the cafe of the Eunuch. Adls viii. 32 — '^^, 
 
 Thofe who are about to enter themfclves into the 
 chriilian church by the ordinance of baptifm, ought 
 alfo to remember, that the baptifm of water is only 
 the fign (%) and the baptifm of the Spirit the thing 
 Jignified^ and on which faivation depends. There- 
 fore, when our Lord fays. Except a man he horn of 
 water ^ and of the Spirit^ he cannot enter i?tto the King- 
 dom of God. -f- Grotius and others apprehend the 
 water of the Spirit to be here meant. — As if he had 
 faid. Except a man be born of the water of the Spirit, 
 or fpiritual water, &c. — the regenerating influences 
 of the holy Spirit in Scripture being often compar- 
 ed to water.* 
 
 When you are approaching this folemn ordinance, 
 you are moreover to bear in mind, that you hereby 
 profefs " to yield yourfelves unto God, (thro'Jefus 
 " the Mediator, with an humble dependance on the 
 " aids of the Spirit, Matt, xxviii. 15. Ephef. ii. 18.) 
 
 " and 
 
 (y) It has been obferved, that faith cannot be founded on 
 the authority of the Old and New Teilament, till we are per- 
 faaded and convinced of that authority ; and yet how little is 
 
 this point attended to by numbers of profeffing chriilians. 
 
 ** Ke who has but the leaft occafion to acquaint himfelf (fays 
 •* Mr. Je R.Jones) with the religious ftatc of mankind, cannot 
 '* but with furprizing concern have remark'd, how ilender the 
 ** principles are upon which men receive the Scriptures, as the 
 ** word of God. The truth is (tho' a very melancholy one) 
 ** that many perfons commence religious at iirfl, they don't know 
 ** why, and fo with a blind zeal perfiil: in a religion, which is 
 *' they don't know what; by the force of cuftom, iScc. they re- 
 ** ceive the Scriptures as the word of God, without making any 
 *' ferious enquiries after thofe folid reafons, which fatisfado- 
 
 *' rily prove their divine authority, &c." See alfo what has 
 
 " been faid p. 228, Note (f). 
 
 (2) Tho' the baptifm of water be only a fign, it appears net 
 to have been fuperfeded by the baptifm of the fpirit, for St. Pe- 
 ter exprefsly ordered thofe very peribns to be baptized with wa- 
 ter, who had received the Holy Ghoft already. Afts x. 44, 48. * 
 
 t John iii. 5. * Chap. vii. 37 — 4c, 
 
( 246 ) 
 
 " and to believe the declarations of the Gofpel of 
 « Chrift, A(5ls xvi. 31--35, you teftify your dcfire 
 ** after the exceeding bleffings of the covenant of 
 *' grace, Ads ii. 41, promife to forfake all your 
 *' fins, Mark i. 4, and to ferve God in purity and 
 *' righteoufnefs, Romans vi. 4." 
 
 Having devoted yourfelves to God in baptifm, 
 keep at the utmoft diftance from the defilements of 
 fin ; and be perfeding holincfs ; knowing this, that 
 if you are unholy your baptifm can profit you no- 
 thing. * For as St. Peter obferves, the baptifm that 
 faves is not the putting away the filth of the flejh by the 
 ufe of water, hut the anfwer of a good confidence to- 
 *uoards God. (a) i Epifi:. iii. 21. 
 
 Let me therefore exhort you (my dear friends) to 
 employ your hearts and heads, your hands and 
 tongues, and every power ' in the moil honorable 
 manner for God, and the mofi: ufeful for the good 
 
 of men.' Thus approve yourfelves fuch as are 
 
 baptized with the Holy Ghoft — the members ofi Chrifi^s 
 body — the fions and daughters ofi the mofi High, 
 
 A PRATER to be ufied by parents befiore a chiWs 
 baptifim, 
 
 r^REAT GOD! thou art our rightful Owner, 
 ^^fovereign Ruler, and bountiful Benefadtor. We 
 are fallen, guilty and impure creatures ; exceeding- 
 
 ly 
 
 * *' Therefore when any converted to chriftianity, are fpoken 
 of as being fanjed by being baptized, it does not fignify, that bap- 
 tifm had in itfelf fomething efficacious to eternal faivation, but 
 their being brought into the m oft certain way of faivation; and 
 their being brought out of the darknefs of their heathen ftate, to 
 the light and knowledge of that Gofpel, which teaches us what 
 we muft do to be faved." 
 
 {a) It is well known (fays Doftor Doddrlge) that the Jews 
 laid a great ftrefs upon their luftrations. The Apoftle therefore 
 vtiy properly cautions them againft fuch foolifh dependencies. 
 A courageous readinefs in the performance of their whole duty, 
 was abfolutely necelTary in order to maintain that good con fcience, 
 to which in their baptifm they folemnly engaged themfelves ! 
 
( 247 ) 
 
 ly unworthy of, and unfit for communion with thee.' 
 —But, adored be the riches of thy grace ! thou haft 
 appointed a Mediator, thro' whom offending crea- 
 tures may come unto God -, and haft alfo fent down 
 the holy Spirit, to fandtify our fouls, and render 
 them meet for the divine prefence.— Forbid it Lord, 
 that we fhould treat with contempt that excellent 
 provifion thou haft made for our recovery to a ftate 
 of purity and happinefs,— We would nov/ give up 
 ourfelves unto God, thro' the bleffed Redeemer, 
 and by the help of the facred Spirit : Be pleafed to 
 receive us, and be a Father unto us, and may we 
 be thine obedient children. We would alfo at- 
 tempt (eondefcendi.ng Jehovah!) to devote our ofF- 
 fpring unto thee. O that we may do it in iinccrity, 
 with humility, folemnity, and thankfulnefs. In 
 whatever we engage (agreeable to thy mind and will) 
 may we be gracloufly accepted, thro' Jefus Chrift 
 our Lord, to whom is given all power in Heaven and 
 in Earth. Amen, and Amen. 
 
 A 'PRATER for the ufe of -parents after a child's 
 haptifm, 
 
 Q Thou Father of lights^ from whom cometh dozvn every 
 good gift^ and every perfect gift^ with whom is no 
 
 variablenefs^ nor the leaft fJiadow of a change, We 
 
 offer up our thankfgivings to thee, for that kind 
 notice which is taken of children in the glorious Gof- 
 pel. O that thou wouldeft be pleafed to look with 
 a moft favorable eye towards our dear child, who 
 has been lately prefented unto thee. — W^hatfoever 
 guilt or pollution may cleave to our offspring, in 
 confequence of its relation to thtfirft Adamy may 
 all be removed by the blood of Chrift, and the bap- 
 tlfm of the holy Spirit. — If infinite wifdom fee it 
 for the bcft, may the child be long fpared. O that 
 it may prove a comfort indeed to us, the parents ; 
 an inftrument of promoting the happinefs of mul- 
 titudes, 
 
( 2.45 ) 
 
 titudes, and- eminently glorify thee both living and 
 dying. — [Pour thy Spirit upon all our feed^ thy hlef- 
 fing upon our offspring that they may fpring up as wiU 
 lows by the water courfes. ] 
 
 With refped to us parents, we pray that the fo- 
 lemn profeffion of chriftianity we have been making, 
 and the voluntary engagements under which we have 
 laid ourfelves, may ftir us up to a(5l a part becoming 
 the chriflian name and character. Aflift us in 
 teaching thy commandments diligently unto our 
 children; abundantly fucceed us in the difcharge of 
 the various duties we owe to all, who are committed 
 to our care : and help us at all times to behave our- 
 felves wifely^ and to walk within our houfe with perfeEi 
 hearts. And, grant moft gracious God, that we, 
 and every branch of our family, may hereafter he ac- 
 counted worthy to Jland before the judge, and partake 
 of the honors, triumph, and joys of that day. — Incline 
 thine ear^ O our God, and hear •, for v;e do not prefent 
 cur fupplications before thee for our right eoufneffes, but 
 for thy great mercies ^ in Jefus Chrift ; who is the image 
 of the invifible God: Of thee, and thro" thee, and to 
 thee are all things \ to whom be glory for ever. Amen, 
 
 A PRATER for an Adult before Baptifm, 
 
 [Xhis may be ufed by the ferious Chriftian at any other- 
 time, as a folemn form of felf- dedication , or cove- 
 nant with God.^ 
 
 /^ Thou who art unchangeably holy and blefTed, 
 ^^ and before whom all things are naked and open. 
 Deeply aifed my mind with this truth, that thou art 
 a prefent tho* unfeen witnefs of the folemn affair in 
 which I now engage.-— I am taking hold of thy ftrength^ 
 that I may make peace with thee, and would fain 
 embrace thy covenant, which is well ordered in all 
 things andfure, — I renounce the glories and vanities 
 of the world •, would regard them no more as my 
 chief good ; and defire to part with every iniquity.— 
 
 1 chufe 
 
( 249 ) 
 
 I chufe the Father of mercies for my Father^ and my 
 highefi and .everlafiing happinefs.—l accept of the Son 
 ef God as mine all-fiifficient Savior . To his holy word 
 I would give an attentive ear ; to his fufFerings, 
 death, and interceffion I thankfully look, as the ap- 
 pointed way in which to obtain forgivenefs and re- 
 conciliation with the offended Jehovah ; and this 
 Jefus, I wifh to obey as Head over all things to the 
 church. — 1 alfo take the eternal Spirit for my Santlifier^ 
 and Comforter : His i^^fluence I would earneflly feek 
 and yield to his motions on my heart, by avoiding 
 the evil he difcovers to me, and doing the good he 
 fets before me. — Holy Majefty of Heaven, I do now 
 devote to thee all that I am^ and all that I poffefs^ be- 
 feeching thee not to refufe this mean offering, for 
 tho' it be infinitely unworthy of thine acceptance, 
 *tis the befl I am able to prefent thee ! O do thou 
 from henceforth number me among thy peculiar peo- 
 pky cleanfe me from my fins in the blood of Chrifi:, 
 and let thy blefied Spirit fandify my impure nature, 
 and impart to me that peace of God, which paffeth all 
 underflanding \ and carry on his divine work till it 
 be brought to a fi:ate of perfe6lion. 
 
 [When I fhall dedicate m.yfelf to thee in a public 
 manner, may it be done with profound reve- 
 rence, fulnefs of confent, and great gladnefs of 
 heart-, and do thou fmile on the living facrifice, 
 and lift up the light cf thy countenance upon me.] 
 
 O Lord hear, Lord forgive, thro' Jefus the holy 
 
 and true. ^o whom he honor and power everlafiing. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 A PRATER for an Adult after haptifm^—or after the 
 chrijlian^s firji approach to the table of the Lord. 
 
 OThou who lookeft down from the exaltations 
 of thy Majefty, and who rideji upon the Heavens 
 in thine excellency. — Fury is not in thee : Thy name, 
 O God, thy chofen name is love-, 'tis the beginning 
 
 K k and 
 
( 250 ) 
 
 and end of all thy works, the glorious end thou 
 hadft from all eternity in view,-— T'^^^r^ is no God like 
 thee who keepeft covenant and mercy ^ with thy faithful 
 fervants. — I recoiled it with joy, that I have re- 
 nounced all former Lords, and avouched thee the 
 Lord to be my God before many witnefies. I have 
 confecrated to thee, the faculties of my mind, the 
 members of my body, my worldly pofleflions, and 
 my influence over others, to be ufed for thy glory. 
 As I am a weak creature let the power of the mofl: 
 High be prefent to help me in the hour of tempta- 
 tion. put thy fear in my heart that I may not de- 
 part from thee^ that neither the world with all its 
 flatteries, nor death or Hell with all their terrors 
 may prevail upon me to break my facred vows.— In 
 the name of the Lord of Hofts may I be daily ad- 
 vancing towards the celeftial ftate, making my boaft 
 in the Lord^ rejoicing in thy falvation^ and bringing 
 forth abundance of fpiritual fruit, to the divine praife, 
 and the benefit of mankind. In due feafon, may I 
 be joined to the general ajfemhly of the firfi born whofe 
 names are written in Heaven, 
 
 Since I am bound by my religious engagements 
 to feek the profperity of Zion — I pray, that thy blef- 
 fmg may be on all thy people. And may great addi- 
 tions be made to thy churches in all places.— O teach 
 tranfgreffors thy way^ and mayfinners be converted unto 
 thee. And grant I befeech thee that all the profef- 
 fors of chriftianity, may grow in knowledge, faith, 
 love, and holinefs. Hearken Lord to the f applica- 
 tions <?/ thine unworthy ferv ant ^ make mt perfect ^ Jia- 
 hlifli^ flrengthen^ and fettle me, for the fake of thy 
 well-beloved Son, and my Savior. To God be glory for 
 ever and ever* Amen. 
 
 ON 
 
( 251 ) 
 
 ON rHE LORD'S SUPPER,(a) 
 
 THE great Father of all, who knows how much 
 v/e arc touched with fcniible things, has wifely 
 ordered it, that we fhould have feme confiderable 
 points of religion held forth to our fenfes, in thofe 
 ordinances of the Gofpel, Baptifm and the Lord's 
 Supper : And it muft be own'd, that thefe are fuch 
 fenfiblc memorials of God's grace, and our duty, 
 as help the meditating faculties of the foul. 
 
 The nature of the Ordinance. 
 
 It confifts in receiving breads vv'hich the miniftcr 
 has broken and h\t^td^(h) and eating it in remem- 
 brance (c) of the body of Chrift broken on the crofs 
 for us ; and in taking wine poured out by the mi- 
 nifter into the cup, and drinking it in remembrance 
 of the blood of Jefus which was fhed for our fins. 
 
 Matt. 
 
 [a] This ordinance is flilcd in Scripture the Lord's Supper, 
 I Cor. xi. 20, becauie it was appointed hy Chr'i^ our Lord and 
 Majiery and eilablilhed at the clofe of t\iQ pafchal /upper : Yet 
 tho' it was firfi: inftituted In the evening it may with propriety 
 amongfl us be adminiftered at noon, fince dinnsr time being our 
 chief meal anfwers to the /upper the chief meal among the Jews. 
 — The primitive chriftians often communicated in the morning 
 before day, which fhews they did not lay any great ftrefs upon 
 the time. — Doddrige's Ledl. p. 528. 
 
 {b) '' That may in the language of fcripture be faid to be ble/- 
 '' /ed which is in a folemn manner fet apart from a common to a 
 ** facred ufe. Gen. ii. 3. And a perfon may be faid to ble/s ;/, 
 " who folemnly prays that God may attend the ufe of it with 
 ** fuch influences from above, as may make it the occafion of 
 ** edification to the foul." 
 
 {c) As the end for which our Lord ordained this duty was the 
 remembrance 0/ him/el/^ from hence, (it has been obferv'd) the 
 unlearned chriilian is furnifh'd with a fhort and plain argument 
 to prove the abfurdity and falfehood of the popifh dodrine of 
 tran/ub/antiation, (or that the bread and wine are actually 
 changed into the body and blood of Chrift, upon the prieft's 
 having pronounced thofe words over the elements, this^ is my 
 body.) — ** The doing any aft in remembrance of a perfon implies 
 " his bodily ab/ence, and if he is bodily pre/ent, we can never be 
 ** faid to perform that adion in order to remember him.'* 
 
( 253 ) 
 
 Matt. xxvi. 26—28. — This is my body which is given^ 
 Luke xxii. 19, or broken for you^ i Cor. xi. 24. As 
 much as to fay, this broken bread reprefents my body 
 to be broken on the crofs for your fakes.— Our 
 Lord fpeaks of the tvent, as if already paft to de- 
 note its certainty, [d) &:c. And he took the cup (e) 
 
 i. e. a cup with wine in it— faying this is my blood of 
 the New Tejiament or New Covenant, viz. this is 
 the reprefentation of my bloody whereby the New 
 Covenant of God with men is confirmed. 'Tis to 
 be confidcred as a token, that the Father will be- 
 ftow fpiiitual blefTmgs, particularly the forgivenefs 
 of fin ("thro' Chrift Jefus) on all worthy receivers. 
 
 The Lord' s flipper then, is an ordinance appoint- 
 ed to preferve the memory of Chrift, i Cor. xi. 24, 
 and more efpecially of his fufFerings and death ; thofe 
 intenfe fufFerings he underwent in the garden of 
 Gethfemane, and that difgraceful, exceedingly pain- 
 ful, and lingering death of the crofs (f) he fo wil- 
 lingly endured, Luke xii. 50. Pre- 
 
 {d) It is very common in Scripture, to fpeak of what fliould 
 certainly and quickly he, as if it was already done, John xvii, 4. 
 Ephef. ii. 5, 6. Heb. xii. 22. Rev. xviii. 2. 
 
 {e) The laity among the papifts are not permitted to drink of 
 the facramental wine, tho' Chrift exprefsly commands that his 
 difciples Ihould all drink of it : The reafon for their treating the 
 people thus, is becaufe the popifn church faith that the bread 
 contains the whole body of Chrift, a notion grounded on the 
 above-mentioned foolifh and monftrous doftrine of tranfubftan- 
 tiation. 
 
 (y) Crucifixion was a punifliment which caufed fuch extremity 
 of torture, that it was a cuftom to give the malefactor a mixture 
 to ftupify him. This cup was offered to Chrift, but he refufed 
 it, being determin'd (for wife reafons) to bear the full force of 
 his pains, Mark xv. 23. As to the ignominy of this kind of 
 punifhment, the Romans held it fo particularly difgraceful, that 
 they ufually inflifted it on none but^^^t-^'j-, or the 'worji of crimi- 
 nals. Accordingly, we read Heb. xii. 2. oi x\\^ Jhame of the 
 crofs. With refpedl to the long contijiuance of the intolerable pains 
 -—We find in the account given of our Lord's death, that his fuf- 
 ferings on the crofs lafted the fpaceoffix hours, Mark xv, 25, 34. 
 — Befides all this, there were certain circiunfiances attending the 
 fufterings of Chrift, which greatly aggravated them, Mat. xxvi. 
 56. Chap. 27, 39—47. See Wh ITT Y on the Lord's fupper. 
 
( ^53 ) 
 Preparation for it. 
 
 Let a man examine himfelf^ ^c, i Cor. xl. 28. We 
 fhould go to the facred table With, fuit able difpofitionSy 
 and our minds fhould be ftored vAth. proper materials 
 for meditation. 
 
 For example, we ought to approach the Lord's 
 fupper WITH FAITH — faith in God, in a future ftate, 
 Heb. xi. 6, and in Jefus Chrift, John xiv. j, — True 
 faith in God^ is fuch a perfuafion of his Being and 
 perfedions, and the relations In which he flands to 
 us, as our Creator, Prefcrver, bountiful Benefactor, 
 rightful Sovereign, and the gracious Reftorer of 
 mankind, as leads us to reverence his power, and 
 implore its protcdion -, to admire his wifdom, and 
 feek its guidance; to efteem and celebrate his good- 
 nefs and compafTion; heartily to obey his righteous 
 commands; and patiently fubmlt to the afflidlive 
 difpenfations of his Providence — being defigned for 
 
 our advantage. See, how faith wrought in 
 
 Abraham, the renown'd pattern of believers, James 
 
 ii. 21, 22, compared with Gen. xxii. i, 2, 3. 
 
 Faith in things future^ is fuch a deep convidion of 
 their certainty and high importance^ that they affed 
 the mind in a great degree, as if they were prefent: 
 So that the chriftian prefers Heaven to Earth, Colof. 
 iii. 2, and his chief care is to fecure an intereft in 
 celeffcial treafures, John vi. 27, Agreeable hereto, 
 he prays and watches againft every thing that would 
 be his hindrance in this refped, and refolves to pur- 
 fue thofe holy paths that condud to the inheritance 
 of the faints in light, tho' he fhould hereby expofe 
 himfelf to reproach, worldly lofTes, pain and tribu- 
 lation. — Mark the triumphs of faith in the ancient 
 worthies. Heb. xl. 33 — 40. — Faith in Jefus Chrift j; 
 
 is 
 
 X For the fake of chriftlans of lower abilities, \vc may remark, 
 that as faith in Chrift in the more extenfive fignih cation of the 
 term means a hcliefoi the whele doctrine of the Gofpel, — now 
 
 feeing 
 
( 254 ) 
 
 is an acknowledging and Tincerely receiving him 
 under every charadter, in which he is reprefented to 
 us in divine revelation. Particularly, we may con- 
 fider it as confifting in an affedionate regard to him 
 as our High Pirieft, who having once offered him- 
 felf a facrifice for fin, paffed into the Heavens, 
 where he ever liveth to make interceflion for us ; 
 Heb. iv. 1 4-- 1 6, as confiding alfo in a fubjedion 
 of heart and life to the lawsf of his fpiritual king- 
 dom, Ephef V. 24. ^-For the attainment and in- 
 
 creafe of the faith briefly defcribed, we are atten- 
 tively to obferve the evidence offered for fuch a 
 faith. Rom. x. 17. We iliould meditate on fuch 
 paflages of Scripture asthefe. Heb. iii. 4.* — In my 
 Father's houfe are many manfions—-! go to 'prepare a 
 place for you^ John xiv. 2. 2 Cor. xii. 2, 3, 4. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 feeing in this Gofpel, Jefus hath revealed the Father to us, in 
 the honors of his majelly, and in the brighteft glories of his grace, 
 Toh. i. 18. and life and immortality are here brought to light by 
 him, 2 Tim. i. 10, confequently, y<?///:' z« C/6rzy? includes each 
 ofthefe. — Ofcourfe when we are commanded X.Q belienje in the 
 Lord Jefus y we are in eiFeft alfo commanded to helie^ve in God the 
 Father, and in future realities. 
 
 f Thus it appears with abundant evidence X.\i2it facing faith 
 is fuch an affent to the truth of the above infinitely weighty 
 points, as purifies the heart from the defilements of iniquity, 
 A(5ls XV. 9, and renders the life and converfation holy, Gal. v. 
 
 6. James ii. 18.— Faith (as a judicious writer exprefTes it) is 
 
 the fpring, duties the ftreams that flow from it : Or faith is 
 the root, good works the branches: Or faith is the inward prin- 
 ciple of a divine life, the chri^an graces and virtues are the 
 (igns of a divine life. Suitable to thefe views of faith the Gofpel 
 we are called upon to believe, Mark i. 15, furnilhes us with 
 unfpeakably momentous and engaging motives to obedience ; 
 and is faid to be made known to all nations for the obedience 
 of faith, Rom. xvi. 26. Should a perfon therefore ilile himfelf 
 a true believer, whilft he lives in allowed fin ; his pretenfions 
 would be utterly vain. Whatever *' boaft he might make of in- 
 ward joys,'* his faith in the language of Scripture is a dead 
 faith, James ii. 26, a faith that leaves him in a ftate of con- 
 demnation. He that belie-ueth not on the Son, or (as it is in the 
 original) he that is difobedient to the Son, the ivrath of God a- 
 hideth on bim, John iii. 36. 
 
 * See page ^6-]^ 
 
( 255 ) 
 
 Rev, xxi. 2, &c. — He is able to fave them to the ut-^ 
 termofi, that come unto God by him. Heb. vii. 25. 
 He became the Author of eternal falvation to all that 
 obey him. Chap. v. 9. We are to remember, that 
 thefe are the declarations of Jefus the true One^^ and 
 of his Apoftles, who eftablilhed the truth of their 
 dodlrine by miracles. The grace of faith is more- 
 over to be fought by prayer. Ephcf ii. 8.—" O God 
 faith is thy gift, be pleafed to bell:ow that precious 
 gift on me." Or the chriftian's requefl may be '^Lord 
 increafe my faith." 
 
 With repentance. Matt. ix. 3.— The word re- 
 pentance fignifies " an inward change of the ftate and 
 temper of the mind." The true penitent approves 
 of the law of God, as holy, juft and good. He dreads 
 the divine difpleafure far more than the frowns of 
 the moft powerful creature, and is therefore earneft- 
 ly defirous of obtaining forgivenefs and reconcilia- 
 tion with God through the Mediator. Ingenuous 
 grief works in his heart, becaufe he has finned 
 againft a Being of fo great loving-kindnefs. He is 
 filled with fiiame and confufion before God, under a 
 fenfe of his utter unworthinefs ; hates fin as th^ 
 great comprehenfive evil, and detefts his former felf 
 for hearkening unto the voice of temptation : And 
 determines by the help of God's grace to root out of 
 his heart that bitter thing. Rom. vii. 12. Ezra ix. 6. 
 2 Cor. vii. 9, 10, II.— Genuine repentance extends 
 alfo to the life : Each evil way is forfaken, and the 
 charming fruits of righteoufnefs beautify the outer 
 man, Ifaiah i. 16, 17. Matt. iii. 8. — As a means to 
 produce this repentance, we are clofely to view the 
 manifold very malignant effedts of fin : View it in- 
 troducing diforder and corruption, trouble and paia 
 into our nature •, unfitting us for the noble and de- 
 lightful employ of converfe with God here, and the 
 blifs of Heaven hereafter ; and expofing us to fu- 
 ture lafiiing miferies : View it as an affront to the 
 divine Majefl;y, infinitely hateful to his holinefs, in- 
 gratitude 
 S See page, 230, &c. 
 
( 25^ ) 
 
 gratitude to God's goodnefs, a defplfing of his afto- 
 niihing mercy in Chrift Jefus, and a ftriving againft 
 the benign influences of the facred Spirit.— Let us 
 likewife give all pofTible attention to the following 
 moving exprefTions, and powerful motives to repent- 
 ance. Ezek. xxxiii. ii. 2 Pet. iii. 9. Rom. ii. 4. 
 Chap. vi. 10, II, 21. Ads xvii. 31. Chap. iii. 19. 
 To thefe reflexions let prayer be added. " Enable 
 me O Lord to repent of fin with that repentance 
 which is unto life." Or, "Aflift me in offering un- 
 to thee the facrifice of a broken heart and contrite 
 fpirit." 
 
 With love to God, Matt. xxii. '^^'^^ 38.— This 
 fublime affedion difpofes a perfon to engage in the 
 •duties of religion with pleafure ; Pfal. Ixxiij. 28, 
 and to value the divine favor above all things, Pfal, 
 iv. 6. Whilfl: the chriftian is delighted with the 
 infinite beauties of God, he feels a folemn awe of 
 the divine glories. Heb. xii. 28. It keeps him back 
 from deliberately purfuing any evil courfe, or from 
 proceeding in the wilful negled of an evident com- 
 mand, J Pfal. xcvii. 10. I John V. 2. In propor- 
 tion as the love of God prevails in the heart, there 
 will be a more ready compliance with the duties of 
 felf-denia], and heavy afllidions will be borne with 
 
 increafed refignation. Rom. v. i— 6. To kindle 
 
 this facred love in our hreaft^ we are ferioufly to 
 confider, that God is fupremely great and amiable, 
 the Source of life, and the Giver of all the happi- 
 nefs that is enjoyed throughout the univerfe. Par- 
 ticularly, we fhould think of the pleafmg difplays 
 of his goodnefs, and the riches of his grace, where- 
 in he has abounded towards us in all his wifdom and 
 
 pru- 
 
 X A perfon may imagine, that he loves God, becaufe he ap- 
 proves Qi\i\% goodnefs and mercy — " whereas true love to God re- 
 *' fpefts not Ciily bis bene'volence and grace, but alfo his purity 
 ** and righteouffte/s ; and forafmuch as the law of God is a tran- 
 '^ fcript of his holinefs, therefore thofe who love Crt'^ as they 
 ** ought, love his/«w.'* Pfalm cxix. v«r. gy. 
 
( 257 ) 
 
 prudence. Oiir thoughts fhoiild efpecially dwell on 
 the following parts of holy writ. — God Jo loved the 
 world^ &c. John iii, i6. — God commendeth his love 
 towards iiSy &c, Rom. v. 8. i John iv. 9, 10. — > 
 Then attempt to lift up the foul and fay, * The 
 Lord dired my heart into the love of God.' 
 
 With love to the blessed Redeemer, i Pet, 
 i. 8. — Szich love as excites us to crucify the flefh 
 with its afFedions and lufts : Gal. v. 24, and wil- 
 lingly to do the things which he has taught us in 
 his word, John xiv. 21. — To in/pire us with love and 
 gratitude to Jefus^ the image of the tnvifible God^ let us 
 mufe on thofe divine declarations, Tho' he was rich 
 yet for our fakes he beca/me poor^ 2 Cor. viii. 9. He 
 gave his life a ranfom for many^ Matt. xx. 2 8 . Unto 
 him who hath loved us and waflied us in his bloody iic. 
 Rev. i. 5, 6. — ' Pray for the holy Spirit to take of 
 the things that are Chrift's, and fo apply them, that 
 Jefus may indeed be precious to the foul.' 
 
 And wlth love to our fellow creatures. Matt. 
 xxii. 39. --2"/^^/ /(?x'^ which confifts in defiring and pray-- 
 ing for their happinefs, i Tim. ii. i, warning thent 
 of danger ; imparting to them friendly advice; ad- 
 minift^ring kind and meek reproof, if a man be over- 
 taken in a fault, Heb. iii. 12, 13. Gal. vi. 1, appear- 
 ing on the behalf of thofe who are injured, whether 
 in their reputation, perfons, or property; Ifai. i. 17/ 
 feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, vifiting 
 the iick, comforting the feeble-minded. Matt. xxv. 
 35—41. I Thef. v. 14. In fhort, embracing every 
 opportunity of doing good to others, in regard to 
 things temporal and eternal, and that with a ready 
 
 mind, Rom. xii. 8. Tho' our love be due more 
 
 efpecially to good men, yet "tis to be ihewn towards 
 all in general, even to enemies,* Gal. vi. 10. Mark 
 xii 25. — To incline us to fuch love^ we ought to recoi- 
 led, that we are the creatures of the f^me God, 
 
 LI ' mate 
 
 * See Sedlion Xth, i)art the 2d, of apiece entitled, The Duty, 
 and Intereft— by the Author. 
 
( 258 ) 
 
 /made of one bloody Ads xvii. 2 5. that chriftians are 
 conne&ed by ftill more endearing bonds. Gal. iii. 28. 
 that pure love is moll ftriclly commanded in Scrip- 
 ture, John xiii. 34. Matt. v. 44. Rom. xii. 21, and 
 ftrongly and charmingly enforced by the example of 
 God and Chrift^ Matt. v. 45. Ephef. iv; 32. ColoC 
 lii. 13. Heb. ii. 9, that the exercife of it affords 
 pleafure of the nobleft kind to the heart, and quali- 
 fies the chriilian (in difpofition) for that celeftial 
 paradife which is the very element of love, Gal. v, 
 22. I Cor. xiii. 8. At the clofe fay, ' O help me 
 to love my fellow chriftians with a pure heart fer- 
 vently.' ' May 1 love all men, not only in word, 
 but in deed and in truth.' ' Aid me to forgive 
 from the heart every enemy, and to do good to 
 them who hate me.'-|- 
 
 A VARIETY OF DEVOUT THOUGHTS, AND SHORT 
 EJACULATIONS, TO EMPLOY OUR MINDS IN THE CLO- . 
 SET, JUST BEFORE WE GO TO THE LoRD's SuPPER, 
 
 AND ALSO AT THE SACRAMENTAL TABLE. ThESE 
 
 ARE TAKEN FROM THE SEVERAL ENDS OF THE ORDI- 
 NANCE 
 
 f Tis very obvious from the above fcriptural view, that true 
 faith t repentance y and /ca>^ will operate on the mind in fuch a 
 manner, as to engage the chriflian to yield a fincere and willing- 
 obedience to each divine command. — The young chriflian will 
 alfo perceive, that where one of thefe graces really cxifts (in the 
 heart of a perfon who is brought to the knowledge of the Gof- 
 pel) the reft will have an exiftence. The connexion between 
 them is neceflary — Faith lays a foundation for repentance, or an 
 ingenuous forrow for fin, and a turning from it unto God. Heb. ' 
 vi. I. For if a fenfe of the common goodnefs of the Deity leads 
 to repentance (as the Apoftle remarks) much more does a firm 
 belief of the mercy of God difplayed through Chrift Jefus^ and 
 extending not only to the forgivenefs of fin, but even to the 
 conferring of eternal life. Jude ver. 21. Lonje too is the efFedl 
 ^i faith: Since the Gofpel, or the word of faith (as we have 
 feen) fupplies us with the weightieft and moft winning reafons 
 for our exercifing love to God, the Savior, and one another, 
 that loHje which renders obedience peculiarly eafy and pleafant 
 I Tim. i. 5.- — Beholding/<2/V<6 in this light accounts for the very- 
 honorable mention made of this grace, and the great ftrefs laid 
 upon it, in the oracles of truth. Habakkuk ii. 4, 2 Pet. u I. 
 Markxvi, 16. Afts xvi. 31. 
 
{ ^59 ) ' 
 
 NANCE SPECIFIED IN THE DIVINE WORD, AND TH£ 
 NAMES GIVEN TO IT, WHICH WE HAVE BRIEFLY IL- 
 LUSTRATED. — What shall be offered, may bb 
 
 HELPFUL at least TO THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN (PAR- 
 TICULARLY AT THE TIME OF RECEIVING J) IF THE 
 COMMUNICANT ENDEAVORS BEFORE-HAND, TO LAY Up 
 JN MEMORY SUCH OF THE MATERIALS, AS HE FINDS 
 BEST ADAPTED TO HIS OWN STATE AND FRAME. 
 
 In this ordinance^ ive have a view of the death of 
 Chrijl^asafacrificeforfin.{a) Ifaiah liii. 5. John 
 1. 29. Rom. iil. 25. 2 Cor. v. 21. For he hath made 
 
 X Some mlnifters during the diftribution of the elements fpeak 
 but little, that their fellow woriLippers may purfuc the courfe 
 cf their own meditations without interruption. 
 
 (a) Does fin render the creature liable to bodily pains, an- 
 guifli of mind, everlafting baniiliment from the blifsful prefence 
 of God, and the curfe of the Almighty ? — Jefus after a life of 
 perfefl obedience, endured the deepell diflrefs of mind, Mark 
 xiv. 34, excruciating pains of body ; the withdrawment of the 
 ufual; manifeftations of his Father's fmiles ; and was made a 
 curfe. Matt, xxvii. 34--40. Gal. iii. 13. Now thefe fufferings 
 of one fo completely holy, and of fuch trsnfcendcnt dignity, 
 I Pet. ii. 22. Heb. i. 3, born with wonderful refignation, fer- 
 vor of zeal for his Father's glory, and glowing love and com- 
 paffion towards mankind, merited for himfelf the highell medi- 
 atorial honors and felicity, and were likcwife fufficiently effica- 
 cious to make way for the difplay of the abundant mercy and 
 f;ivor of God to penitent fmners, in confidence with the har- 
 mony of the divine attributes, and the honor of God's govern- 
 ment, Heb. xii. 2. Rom. vi. 23. Therefore the death of Chrift 
 may be termed a proper facrifice for fin, as the end of facrifices 
 was to remove the caufe of the divine difpleafure, and to reftorc 
 friendihip between God and man. — This fcheme cf falvation 
 wherein the Son of God carried his obedience to that m.arvellous 
 pitch, and with which the Father ihewed himfelf fo well pleaf- 
 ed, as to beftow exceeding great glory and blelTednefs on the 
 myriads of the human race for his fake. Rev. vii. 9, 14, 15. 
 may be likewife defigned as a means to promote the caufe of 
 goodnefs and piety among all orders of intelligent beings, who 
 are acquainted with it. Indeed there may be many reafons in 
 the divine counfels, for the appointment of the Redeemer to 
 fuch labors and fufferings, reafons kept fecret from us on this fide 
 the grave. So that we may fay of the redemption of man, * that 
 it is a fcheme of the moil adorable love difpenfed by the moil 
 
 coa-' 
 
( 26o ) 
 
 him to befth^ that is, a fin-ofFerlng/jr «j, even that 
 Jefus who knew no ftn. Gal. ili. 13. Heb. ix. 26. 
 Chap. X. 12. I Pet. ii. 24. Chap. iii. 18. * 
 
 O MY SOUL, now turn afide, and be- 
 hold that great fight, God in Chriil reconciling the 
 world unto himfelf ! Behold that wonderful objed, 
 a crucified Savior. — Did he who is ftiled the Son 
 of God, to denote his dignity, and the Lamb of 
 God, to fignify his innocence — did he die to take 
 away the guilt of fin? — How great mufl: that guilt 
 be which required fuch an atonement ! 
 
 ' Let me learn from hence to abhor, and depart 
 from fin, as that which is exceedingly finful.* 
 
 ' Lord, afTift me to crucify the flefh, with its af- 
 fe6tions and lufts.' 
 
 ' Aid me in laying afide the fin that moft eafily 
 bcfets me.' ' Let 
 
 confummate wifdom.' — To convince us of the obligations we 
 are under both to the Father and Son in regard to the eftablifhed 
 method of falvation, let it be confidered, that the humiliation 
 and extreme fufferings of Chrift were voluntary, i Tim. ii. 6. 
 that had he not interpofed in fuch a manner on our behalf, it 
 may have been inconfi/tent with the nature of the divine go- 
 vernment thus to have faved and bleft the pofterity of Adam. 
 Rom. viii. 3, 4. We are to refle6l alfo, that God the Father 
 may according to ftri<fl juftice have left men to fall into that 
 ftate of final ruin which is the natural confequence of fin : But 
 inftead of this he has provided a Savior for us, even his o'wn dear 
 Son, Gal. iv. 4. for whom he prepared a body, and communi- 
 cated to him the Spirit above meafure, to qualify him for the 
 office of Mediator. Heb. x. 5. Ifaiah Ixi. i. John iii. 34, The 
 gift of eternal life is faid to proceed from the Father, in and 
 through the Son, i John iv. 9, and our Lord has declared that 
 the Father loves him more efpecially becaufcof his readinefs to 
 die for fmners, John x. 15, 17. — ' O that every heart may be 
 fired with the warmeft admiration and gratitude towards God 
 and the Lamb, for this glorious and ravifhing difplay of love !* 
 Rev. viir.p, 10. 
 
 * The following texts (like the above) if imprinted on the 
 mind may be of excellent ufe to feed the flame of devotion onta- 
 cramental occafions — Ffal. xl. 6, 9, — Ifaiah xlix. 6 — Mat. i. 21 
 — John iii. 14, 18 — Chap. vi. 33, 51, 53 — Aftsiv. 12-^Rom.iv. 
 25 — Chap. v. 8 — 2 Cor. v. i8, 19 — Gal, ii. 20 — Chap. iv. 4,-<j 
 — Colof. i. 19, 20 — iTimothyi. 15 — Tit. ii. 11, i5---Heb. v. 
 8, 9*~Chap. xii. 22, 23, 24 — i Pet i. 10, 11, 12 — Rev. iii. 20. 
 
( 26l ) 
 
 * Let no iniquity have dominion over me.* 
 ' As Chrift died for fin, may 1 die unto fin.* 
 
 WERE the fuiferings of my Savior (o 
 
 very bitter in the garden, and upon the crofs ? . 
 
 This may ferve to convince me of the certainty, and 
 dreadfulnefs of the future punifhment of the un- 
 godly. For if fo much was done /<? the green tree 
 (to him that was righteous and innocent, and fo like 
 green wood not fit for fuel for the tire) what JJiall 
 be done to the dry — to thofe who by impenitency in a 
 fmful courfe, render themfelves vefTels of wrath fit- 
 ted for deflrudion, as much fitted for it, as dry 
 wood is to burn. 
 
 ' Tremble therefore, O my foul, at the thought 
 of continuing in fin, becaufe grace abounds.' 
 
 ' Hark ! how awful as well as afFedionate is the 
 voice, that founds from yonder crofs — Flee from 
 the wrath to come.' 
 
 HATH God indeed given up his Son 
 to death, on the behalf of finners .? G what a lively 
 hope of pardon does this afford the humble peni^ 
 tent, Rom. viii. 32.— Am I mourning for fin, do I 
 flrive, watch and pray againfl all iniquity, and -^tt 
 ready to fear that my fins are too many^ or too ag^ 
 gravated to be forgiven.? Flere is fomething to fcat- 
 ter my doubts, and afTure me that God is ready to 
 pardon, nay, that there is with him plenteous re- 
 demption. - Behold Jefus according to the wife and 
 gracious propofal of the Father, putting away fin 
 by the facrifice of himfelf. — And now addrefs thine 
 offended, injured, heavenly Parent, in fuch lan- 
 guage as this : 
 
 ' I acknowledge my fin unto thee; verily I am 
 guilty.' 
 
 ' Father I have finned againfl Heaven, and in 
 thy fight.' 
 
 ' I am afhamed, yea, even confounded becaufe 
 of my tranfgreffions.' 
 
 * God be merciful to me a finner,' 
 
 * Wafh 
 
( 262 ) 
 
 ' Wafh me throughly from mine iniquity, and 
 cleanfe me from my fin.' 
 
 ' Having a great high Prieft, that is pafTed into 
 the Heavens, Jefus the Son of God, I come boldly 
 unto the throne of grace, that I may obtain mercy, 
 and find grace to help in time of need.' 
 ' Say unto my foul, I am thy falvation.' 
 ' I have blotted ou<: as a thick cloud thy tranf- 
 grefilons. — Sing, O Heavens -, for the Lord hath 
 done it.* 
 
 This facred infiitution gives me alfo the hejt view of 
 the bright and lovely example (h) ofChrift, i Pet ii. 21. 
 CONTEMPLATE, O my foul, the 
 aftonifhing humility and obedience of Jefus j his 
 glowing zeal for his Father's glory, and ardent con- 
 cern for the eternal welfare of men. — V'/ho (fays the 
 Apoflle) being in the form of God--took upon him 
 the form of a fervant— became obedient unto death, 
 even the death of the crofs. 
 
 ' Let this mind be in me, which was in Chrift 
 Jefus.' 
 
 OBSERVE the eminent patience, and 
 refignation of the Lord Jefus — 'Twas in the hour 
 of the powers of darknefs(f^~when the horrors of 
 
 the 
 
 (h) *' One powerful means of holinefs, which the Gofpel has 
 prefcribed, is, that we (hould propofe to ourfelves the beft exam- 
 pies, and follow them: Heb. vi. 12. But becaufe the examples 
 of the beft of men have m?.ny imperfedlions, we are therefore 
 jpore particularly directed to the example of our divine Mailer, 
 I Cor. xi. I, who has given us a perfect living copy of all thofe 
 graces and duties, that are pleafmg to God and commanded in 
 his word. We are therefore to perufe the hiftory of his facred 
 life, and diligently obferve his carriage, and clofely apply it to 
 ourfelves. — Thus and thus my Savior afted, and thus he fuffer- 
 cd. — To fet the example of Chrift before us, and imitate it, 
 is, fays one of the ancients, to eat and drink of him ; for as meat 
 and drink taken into the body nourifh, fo gccd examples admit- 
 ted into the mind wonderfully ftrengthen it.— 'Tis our Lord's 
 own injundlion. John xiii. 15.'* 
 
 {c) Dr. Scott and Mr. Fleming both imagine that Chriil 
 now ftruggled with the fpirits of darknefs, who (fays the former) 
 cxercifed all their force and malice, to perfecute and diftrai!^ his 
 innocent foul. Matt. xxvi. 37. Mark xiv. 33. 
 
( ^^^ ) 
 
 the crofs were juft before him, and the agopy of his 
 mind had brought upon him a bloody fweat - iheriy 
 then it was the dear Redeemer uttered thofe memo- 
 rable words — ' Father, not my will, but thine be 
 done.' 
 
 ' Thus under the heavieft afHidion, may I m.ani- 
 feft entire fubmiffion, like my divine Mafter.'J 
 
 ' O that I might fay in fmcerity— It is the Lord, 
 let him do what feem.erh good in his fight.' 
 
 MARK the great meeknefs of the Son 
 of God towards his adverfaries — towards his mur- 
 derers-)----When he was reviled, he reviled not again, 
 I Pet. ii. 23. "Father forgive them, cries the dying 
 Redeemer." 
 
 ' So may I fhew all meeknefs unto all men.' 
 
 ' 1 charge thee O my foul, by the moft amiable 
 example of thy Lord, to blefs them that curfc thee, 
 to pray for them who defpitefully ufe thee, always 
 to overcome evil with good.' 
 
 ' LET me take a further furvey of the 
 glorious pattern of Jefus, the Author of mine high, 
 and heavenly calling— Behold him moft fervent in 
 prayer, Luke xxii. 44-, cheerful in his obedience, 
 John iv. 34; unwearied in doing good, A(5ls x. ^^-^ 
 heavenly minded, John viii. 23; pafiing through a' 
 feries of felf-denial, Mark iii. 20, 21-,* fympathiz- 
 ing, John xi. '^r^ •, fpeaking of the faults of his friends 
 
 f When the general of an army lies on the fame hard ground, 
 drinks of the Jame cold ftreami carries t\ic fame weight of ar-' 
 mour with the Icwell centinel, can any of his foldiers repine at 
 what they endure : O let the poor afflifl'ed chriflian (in or- 
 der to hufh every complaint, and to be contented with his lot) 
 look at his divine Commander, raifing poverty from contempt 
 by afluming it for his own condition, and ennobling adverfity 
 by fliaring it v^th us. Blair. 
 
 f Submifiion to God under great afHiolion, and forgivenefs of 
 oul- enemies are (as one obferves) tvv'o of the moil diincult du- 
 ties ; now thefe were admirably exemplified in the fuiFering 
 Redeemer; we learn- them here in a manner that v/e cannof 
 learn them el/eivhere, " 
 
 *■ See page 176, note (r). 
 
( 264 ) 
 
 in the gentleft terms. Matt. xxvi. 41 ; and putting 
 the moft favorable conftrudion on the condudt of 
 his foes — " They know not what they do.'* 
 
 ' May I refemble this beft of friends, in all thofe 
 admirable and charming virtues and graces, which 
 fhone forth in what he faid, in what he did, and in 
 what he fuffered.' 
 
 ' Blefled God ! help me fo to put on the Lord 
 Jefus Chrift.' 
 
 ' Beholding in this ordinance, as in a glafs, the 
 glory of the Lord, even his glorious holinefs, may 
 I be changed into the fame image, from glory to 
 glory, by the Spirit of the Lord— by his aflifting In- 
 fluences, and be a fhining light in the world.' 
 
 The fufferings and death ofChrifl^ here /hewn fopth^ 
 afford the firongeft tejiimony to the truth of his do5frme> 
 Accordingly he is called^ Rev. i. 5, The faithful wit^ 
 nefs^ or martyr, 
 
 THOUGH Jefus by his divine know- 
 ledge was perfedly acquainted with the treachery of 
 Judas's heart, and the agreement between him and 
 the chief priefts and fcribes, {d) yet inftead of con- 
 certing meafures for his own prefervation, he goes 
 to the garden ofGethfemane as ufual, where he 
 might be eafily found, and apprehended ('^)— When 
 Chrift appeared before the high prieft (being fo- 
 lemnly adjured to fay upon oath who he was) he did 
 not fhun to make that true declaration, which he knew 
 would expofe him to death, {f) And when he was 
 brought before Pontius Pilate, inftead of ufing any 
 kind of means to deliver himfelf, at the expence of 
 truth — He tells him, that he was a King, (g) This 
 ' (we may fuppofe) is that good confeiTion, to which 
 
 the 
 
 (d) John xiii. 21, 26, 27. (f) Chap, xviii. 2. (f) Matt, 
 xxvi. 63 — 67. 
 
 {g) Com. John xviii. 37. Chap. xix. 12 — 23. and Luke xxiil. 
 4. from whence it appears, that our Lord's boldly owning him- 
 felf to be a King, was fuch a confeffion, as would induce the 
 Roman governor to put him to death, tho' he believed him to 
 be an innocent perfon. 
 
( 2^5 ) 
 
 the Apoftle Paul refers, i Tim vi. 13. — Thus Je- 
 fus voluntarily fubmitted to death, as a folemn and 
 afFeding proof, that he was fuch a one as he had 
 before profefTed himfcif to be, and that his dodrine 
 was from Heaven. 
 
 *■ When I refled on thefe things, when I review 
 my Redeemer's death, the miraculous circumflances 
 that attended it,-}- the glorious event that foon fol- 
 lowed. Matt, xxviii. 1 — 7. I am naturally led to cry 
 out— Jefus is indeed the Son of God, the King of 
 Ifrael— that illuflrious perfon, in whom it was fore- 
 told the Gentiles Ihould truft.— On him, I reft mine 
 immortal all— On that Jefus, who even in the depth 
 of his humiliation appeared mighty to fave : For 
 obferve the godlike manner in which he addrefTed 
 the penitent malefador,-.-To day fhalt thou be with 
 me in Paradife. And now he is exalted to the right 
 hand of power, who can doubt that he is able to 
 fave to the uttermoft.— As his ability fo his willing- 
 nefs is not to be qucftioned. Hear thofe words full 
 of grace and truth, which he fpeaks from his celef- 
 tial throne.— Whofoever will, let him take of the 
 waters of life [fpirilual buffings'] freely. 
 
 JESUS, by readily laying down his life, 
 rather than renounce his former pretenfions, and 
 dodlrine, hath fet a pattern to his people of adhere- 
 ing conftantly to the truth, whatever it may coft 
 them. Numbers of the firft chriftians followed the 
 footfteps of the Lamb of God, in this refped. 
 And fo indeed did thofe in Queen Marfs days who 
 yielded their bodies to the flames, rather than be- 
 tray or forfake the truth. 
 
 ' Here let me confider a little -is it not neceflary 
 that fomething of this fame fpirit of the martyrs 
 fhould be in every fincere chriftian .? Therefore, O 
 my foul, if thou art at anv time tempted (thro' fear 
 of man) to conceal what thou apprehendeft to be the 
 truth — as a means to overcome the temptation, look 
 ftedfaftly towards thofe excellent perfons— above all 
 M m look 
 
 t Seepage 230. 
 
( 266 ) 
 
 look unto Jefus— -God grant that this may be the 
 deliberate language of my heart— I am ready not 
 to be bound only, but alfo to die for the name of 
 the Lord Jefus, fooner than deny the truth, than 
 apoftatize from his Gofpel.' 
 
 By coming to the Lord's tahle^ we puhlickly declare 
 mir fellow/Iiip with Chrift^ i Cor. x. i6; we converfe 
 with him by the exercife of faith y and exprefs our ardent 
 wijhes to partake of thofe choice benefits^ which Jefus 
 hath procured^ particularly by his great fufferings and 
 death, 
 
 JESUS is fpiritually prefent at this fa- 
 cred feaft— Behold the majefty and love that unite 
 in him: His eyes are as a flaming firej his coun- 
 tenance is as the Sun fhineth in its ftrength; he 
 holdeth in his right hand {^vtn ftars : And yet, he 
 alfo appears like a lamb that has been flain.— -Be all 
 attention, for he is about to fpeak— Him that com- 
 eth unto me, I will in no wife caft out. 
 
 ' To whom Lord fhould we go but unto thee, for 
 thou haft the words of eternal life.' 
 
 HE fpeaks again— Eat O friends, and 
 drink O beloved. 
 
 ' Moft gladly do we accept thy gracious invita- 
 tion, O thou Son of the Blefled ; for thy flefh re- 
 ceived by faith is meat indeed to the foul, and thy 
 blood is drink indeed.' 
 
 THE divine Redeemer fpeaketh yet once 
 more— To him that overcometh will I give to eat of 
 the hidden manna, and lead him unto living foun- 
 tains of water \ he fhall wear the brightnefs of the 
 morning ftar, and fit with me on my throne. 
 
 ' Dear and adorable Jefus ! how exceedingly cheer- 
 ing are thy words, fweeter than honey or the honey 
 comb— Thus encouraged, I will draw near and make 
 known unto thee the fervent defires of my heart.' 
 
 ' Glorious Immanuel in whom dwelleth all the ful- 
 ncfs of the Godhead bodily, be thou mine Advocate 
 with the Father, to introduce me into the divine 
 favor.' ^ Holy 
 
( 2^7 ) 
 
 * Holy One of God, make me pure, as thou art 
 pure/ : 
 
 ' O thou in whom are hid all the treafures of wif^ 
 dom and knowledge ! out of thy fulnefs^ may I re- 
 ceive every needful fupply.' 
 
 ' Great Captain of falvation, when danger is nigh, 
 may thy ftrength aid my weaknefs.' 
 
 ' O thou who haft power to fubdue all things to 
 thyfelf, enable me to triumph over the laft enemy 
 death.' 
 
 ' When abfent from the body, may I be prefent 
 with the Lord.' 
 
 * Blefled Jefus, who art the refurrecPcion and the 
 life, in thee may 1 have life, yea may I have it more 
 abundantly, even everlafting life.' 
 
 Are we not to look upon the ordinance too as a pledge 
 of Chrifi's fecond appearance^ and by engaging therein^ 
 do we not openly avow cur firm belief of that inter efling 
 event? j Cor. xi. 26. [h) 
 
 BEHOLD he cometh with clouds, and 
 every eye fliall fee him— he cometh in his own glory, 
 and the glory of his Father, with his mighty angels, 
 to reward every man according to his works, Rev, 
 i. 7. Matt. xvi. 27. Chap. xxv. 31. 2 Thef. i. 7. 
 
 ' The Lord grant that I might find mercy of the 
 Lord in that day.' 
 
 NOW the Judge appears on a great v;hite 
 throne-— the Heavens pafs away with a tremendous 
 noife, and the elements melt with fervent heatj the 
 Earth and all things therein are burnt up. 
 
 ' Seeing O my foul thou lookeft for fuch things-- 
 be diligent that thou mayeft be found of him in 
 peace, without fpot and blamelefs.' 
 
 THIS exceedingly awful, is yet a moft 
 delightful fubjed to the thoughts of the watchful 
 
 chrif-* 
 
 {h) The Apoflle in the above text acquaints us not only with 
 the defign, but likewife the perpetuity of the ordinance, as ap^ 
 pointed to be a Handing memorial of the Redeemer's fuffcrings 
 till the end of the world. 
 
( 268 ) 
 
 chrlftian, the ardent lover of his Savior, the good 
 and faithful fervant, for he is well afTured, that the 
 Redeemer comes to be glorified in his faints. 
 
 * Come Lord Jcfus (cries fuch a chriftian) come 
 quickly.' 
 
 *^is a profeffion of brotherly love as tkofe who keep 
 the chriftian pajfover^ eat of the fame breads (i) i Cor. 
 X. 17.—" To have the fame Redeemer^ the fame facred 
 fymbolsby which we declare our common zeal for his dir 
 "vine perfon^ our common inter eft in him^ and our com- 
 mon relation to one another— -what an incentive and help 
 muft it be to chriftians mutually to ftudy^ and promote 
 each others welfare" 
 
 "O MY SOUL let thy moft ardent 
 wiihes, thy moft importunate prayers, thy moft un- 
 wearied endeavors be for the peace and unity of the 
 chriftian church. And refolve that no prejudice, 
 no provocation ihall ever alienate thine affedions 
 from any of thofe, who are fellow members of the 
 fame body with thee— Continually bear in mind thy 
 Maftcr's new command, John xiii. 34, 35." 
 
 ' Follow after charity or love.' 
 
 * The Lord make me to abound in love towards 
 fellow chriftians, and towards all men.' 
 
 " HOW great the happinefs of brethren 
 dwelling together in unity and love — The Pfalmift 
 compares it to fuch things as are moft refreftiing to 
 the heart of man ; to the fragrancy of the richeft 
 odours, and to the reviving influence of foft hea- 
 venly dews." It is like the precious ointment pour- 
 ed on the head of Aaron; and like the dew of Her- 
 mon, even the dew that defcendeth on the moun- 
 tains of Zion, where the Lord commandeth the blcf- 
 fing even life for evermore. 
 
 • * Above all things then may we kave fervent cha- 
 rity among ourfelves.' 
 
 'As 
 
 (ij Elzner has fliewn, that eating together in a religious man- 
 ner, hath been in almoft all ancient nations a token of mutual , 
 friendfhip. 
 
( ^^9 ) 
 
 ^ As Chrift hath loved us, and laid down his life 
 for us, fo may we love one another—be ready to 
 lay down our lives for the brethren.' (k) 
 
 One name anciently applied to this holy inftitution^ ts 
 the [acr anient \ which fignifies an oath \ for fo the Ro^ 
 mans called the oath that foldiers took to be true to their 
 Qenerals^ and our law ufes the word facrament in the 
 fame fenfe, — Ihe communicant moji folemnly devotes him- 
 f elf to the fervice of God a?id Chrift-, promifes faithfully 
 to inaintain the warfare againft ftn (/) and fat an, 
 
 * I am thine, and thee will I ferve,' 
 
 * I avou^ih the Lord this day to be my God.' 
 
 * Thou haft redeemed me with the precious blood 
 of Chrift J therefore I would glorify thee with my 
 body, and with my fpirit which are thine.' 
 
 * I engage before God and man, to ad the part 
 of a good foldier of Jefus Chrift.' 
 
 ' May the Spirit of grace help mine infirmities.' 
 ' O preferve me by thy mighty power, thro' faith 
 unto falvation.' 
 
 /r has been alfo termed the Eucharift^ which means 
 ihe thankfgiving^ the fokmn thankfgiving : ^Tis fo calU 
 ed^ becaufe Chrift when he inftituted this part of wor- 
 Jliip, gave thanks. Matt. xxvi. 27. j^nd beftdes^ in 
 this ordinance^ we commemorate the unfpeakable ?nercy of 
 God, in fending his Son into the worlds even to die for 
 finners, ijohniv. 10. and the mat chiefs love of Chrift^ 
 who gave himfelf a ranfomfor all^ 1 Tim. ii. 6,—'Noia 
 
 it 
 
 fk) That is, when the life and happiness of many is concern- 
 ed, we ought to be willing to facrifice our c^j:n. \i one only were 
 to be refcued on fuch terms, the argument would in a great mea- 
 fure fail, unlefs that 07ie were of fo great importance, that in dy- 
 ing for him, wc died for many. Doddridge. 
 
 /^/yl Pliny, an Heathen Governor, writing to Trajan the Em» 
 peror of Rome about the chriftians gives this account of them, 
 which he had received from feme apoftates. — " That they were 
 wont to affemble on a ftated day, before it was light (being thea 
 under perfecution) and to fmg a hymn to Chrift, as a God; 
 binding themfelves by a facrament, not to commit any wicked- 
 x^fiiiy and to make good their engagements, &c." — —Lib. 10. 
 Epift. <)-j. . 
 
( 270 ) 
 
 // is evident enough^ that thefe are things which deferve 
 the higheft exprejfions of thankftdnefs and joy, 
 
 CONTEMPLATE O my foul the love 
 of thine heavenly Father— How free, Ephef. iv. 32, 
 how great. Chap. ii. 4-6. i John v. 11, and how 
 extenflve, John iii. 16. Rev. xxli. 17. 
 
 * Bleffed be God the Father of mercies, and t-He 
 God of all comfort for the gift of his Son, and fqr 
 eternal life in and through him.' - ,V 
 
 'Although the fig-tree fhall not bloflbm, neither 
 fruit be on the vines, &c. [the outward means of 
 fupport be taken from me] yet, I will rejoice in^the 
 Lord, 1 will joy in the God of my falvation.' v 
 
 ' Thanks be to God who caufeth me to triumpli 
 in ChrifL' 
 
 ' To the praife of the glory of his grace, wherein 
 he hath made us accepted in the Beloved.' 
 
 ' Blefs the Lord ye his angels that excel in flrength, 
 that do his commandments, hearkening unto the 
 voice of his word : Blefs the Lord all, his work'^, .in 
 all places of his dominion: Blefs the Lord O rny 
 foul, from th>s time forth and for evermore.' 
 
 LET me alfo meditate on the grace of 
 Chrlil Jefus— Behold him leaving the bofom of the 
 Father, and defcending to the loweil: conditionartiong 
 men : Think of the painful labors he encountered, 
 John xxi. 25, and the bitter pangs he felt for the 
 fake of finners.— O the breadth, and length, and 
 depth, and height of the love of Chrift, Ephef. iii, 
 18, 19. 
 
 ' Hofanna, blefTed is he that cometh in the namq 
 of the Lord.' 
 
 ' Whom having not feen I love/ 
 ^ I count all things but dung, that I may will 
 Chrift, and be found in him.' 
 
 ' Worthy art thou, O Prince of peace, to take the 
 book, and to open the feals thereof, for thou waft 
 flain, and haft redeemed us to God by thy blood.' 
 
 * Fain 
 
( 271 
 
 * Fain would I join with the ten thoufartd times 
 ten thoufand and thoufands of thoufands, in faying, 
 with a loud voice, worthy is the lamb that was flain, 
 to receive power, and riches, and wifdom, and 
 ftrength, and honor, and glory, and blefTmg.' 
 
 O MY SOUL, remember that a grand 
 end of this difplay of the love of God and Chrift, 
 was to make me more holy and ufeful. Tit. ii. 14. 
 For love begets love, i John Iv. 19. And where 
 love is implanted in the heart, 'tis the chief fpring of 
 adion ; makes fuch a perfon moft felicitous to pleafe 
 and ferve the objedl beloved. Therefore, redeem- 
 ing love (being the chief difplay of divine love) 
 Rom. viii. 32, is the ftrongeft motive to obedience, 
 that was ever given to mankind.— The Apoftle Paul 
 and the primitive chriflians felt the force of this 
 motive.— O that I might feel it alfo ; may it fweet- 
 ly conftrain me to live to his honor, who died for 
 my falvation, 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. 
 
 * Shed abroad thy love in my heart, that thy com- 
 mands may not be grievous, but very delightful to 
 me.' 
 
 * May I efleem thy precepts as gold, yea more 
 than much fine gold.' 
 
 * Love the Lord, all ye his faints, and run the 
 way of his commandments.' 
 
 IFhen taking the facramental hread^ the chrifiian may 
 Jecretly ufe words to this effe^ : 
 
 * I praife thee, O my God, for all thy benefits, 
 but in particular for that true bread which cometh 
 down from Heaven.' 
 
 ' Abundantly blefs this provifion to my fpirltual 
 nourifhment and growth in grace' 
 
 ' Or thus— -Whilft my body partakes of that na- 
 tural bread which reprefents Jefus the bread of life, 
 O aid my fpirit fo to feed upon him by faith, that I 
 may not die eternally, but live for ever.' 
 
 iVhen about to recdve the cu^^the communicant may 
 fay in his heart : ' ;''';-^"-^- :" ' ^'-' 
 
 ^ ^Thls 
 
( 272 ) 
 
 * This is the cup of bleffing (»?)— Thanks be to 
 God for Jefus Chrift the mercy of mercies.' 
 
 * May the blood of Chrift (of which this wine is 
 a reprefentation) cleanfe me from all fin.' 
 
 Or thus,—' Grant me redemption thro' the blood 
 of Jefus, the forgivencfs of fins, according to the 
 riches of thy grace.' 
 
 vf/ the conclufion of the Ordinance, 
 
 * I have now profefied to receive Chrift Jefus, as 
 my Lord-, let it be my main care to walk fo as to 
 pleafe him.' 
 
 * I have fworn, and muft perform it, that I will 
 keep thy righteous precepts.' 
 
 * Lord help me to cleave unto thee with full pur- 
 pofe of heart.' 
 
 ' Strengthen me with might by thy Spirit in the 
 inner man, that I may be faithful unto death.' 
 
 * Hallelujah — The glory of this great falvation 
 be afcribed unto God who fitteth upon the throne, 
 and unto the Lamb. Amen and Amen,* 
 
 Miscellaneous hints humbly addressed to 
 Professors. 
 
 Tho' we have had rapturous flights of the ima- 
 gination and ftrong workings of the paflions, whilft 
 at the Lord's table, we are not to judge of the be- 
 nefit we derive from the ordinance by thefe^ but by 
 
 other evidences, {n) 'Tis a thing of very ill 
 
 confequence, for any to fancy that they are obliged 
 to greater ftridlnefs the next day, or the following 
 week after a facrament, than they are when it hath 
 been longer paft, if they think the more ftrid they 
 
 are 
 
 (w) The facramental cup may be called the cup of blefling, as 
 being an appointed means to bring to our remembrance fafl, 
 and a pledge of our participating/arar^ blelfings. 
 
 («) True chriftians may be affefted in very different degrees 
 by meditation on the work of redemption : The reafon is, be- 
 caufe the affedions or pajjions are feated partly in the body ; and 
 confequentiy depend in a great meafure upon the conftitution 
 
 or 
 
( ^73 ) 
 
 are t^efore and dfier a facramental feafon, the Icfs 
 care of their behaviour they are obliged to in the 
 time between ; for furely the behaviour fhould be 
 afterwards the fame as it ought to be before^ and at 
 all other feafons, that is uniformly holy." 
 
 N n This 
 
 or temperament of the body: f Accordingly fome are of To even 
 and uniform a temper, that they feem fcarce to have any 
 pailions at all : Now thefe may experience but little warmth of 
 mind in hearing the word ; or at the table of the Lord. Some 
 on the other hand, are moved at fmall matters, and foon put in- 
 to a ferment j Thsfe latter it is probable may be more fenfibly af- 
 fedled under ordinances than xh.Qform£r ; and yet not excel them 
 in real conformity to Chrift ; nay, it may be, not equal them, 
 but may have greater failings. When therefore we have Jefas 
 evidently fet forth as crucified before our eyes, are we confidera- 
 bly affeded for the prefent, and feem to admire him, but go 
 away* and forget what manner of perfon he was, and what reafon 
 we have to love him? However we may flatter ourfelves, thefe 
 are not fo much the operations oi grace a^ Oi -nature. The pro- 
 fefTor who is alTuled by this ordinance to fee the great evil of fin, 
 and the love of Chriil in delivering from it, and to perceive the 
 many forcible engagements (to all holinefs of converfation) that 
 are here fet before him — fo as to be more in love with his duty, 
 to have his pious refolutions more eftabliflied, the tendernefs of 
 his confcience increafed, and to be brought more under the in- 
 fluence of the doftrines and precepts of the Gofpel in all his ac- 
 tions — this is he who may be faid, to enjoy a good opportunity, 
 to receive moft worthily, and to grow in grace, whether he has or 
 
 has 
 
 f '' There are other circumllances indeed which may contri- 
 bute to the lively ivorkingof the affe8ions on the fubjeiTt of redeem- 
 ing love. For inilance, when divine light fliines in upon the 
 mind of a great fmner, and he becomes a true convert ; -as there 
 is joy in heaven for fuch a one, fo his own heart muft needs bq 
 transported with peculiar gratitude and pleafure, Luke vii. 47. 
 It is eafier for /y^^jow//^ (ordinarily) to exercife warm aite(ft:ion?, 
 X}ci7m ^or the aged \ becai^fe the pafTions depend much upon the 
 animal fpirits*, v/hich fail in thofe who are in years — We might 
 mention more things of the like kind, which influence the affec- 
 tions, but thefe may be fufficient to convince us, that 'tis fafer to 
 derive our hopes from a good confcience witnefling to the fimpli- 
 city and godly fmcerity of our converfation, than from fome or- 
 cafional emotion of the paflions." 
 
( 274 ) 
 
 This IS wliat we are to be concerned for, and not 
 
 to truft to occaftonal heats and ft arts in religion." — 
 
 I Pet. i. 15. Guard 
 
 I 
 
 has not the happmefs* of warm and melting alFeflions. Of courfe, 
 watchful and diligent chriflians (of a cooler or calmer difpofition) 
 ihould not be difheartened, when they hear others fpeak of their 
 tranfportsy efpecially if they are ignorant, or not of aftrid con- 
 verfation. 
 
 Having faid thefe things for the fatisfa(5lion of fome ferious 
 humble prcfelTors, would next obferve, that 'tis undoubtedly the 
 duty of every chrillian to endea^vor to have the devout affections 
 raifed to the highefl pitch, when he is going to the Lord's fupper: 
 For this purpoie, there mufl be a good acquaintance with the 
 Scripture account of our Savior's paffion, the defign and end 
 of it, Luke xxiv. 32. We fhould labor and pray for compofurc of 
 mind ; fix on foine one fuilable paffage of facred writ]: and pur- 
 fue the charming fubjed with clofenefs and intenfcnefs of thought ; 
 whilft we are thus mufing, v/e may hope that the holy Spirit will 
 defcend, and a facred fire be kindled, in our breafls: yes, we 
 may hope to participate that true fpirit of ardent devotion, as 
 ihall moderate our defires towards things feen, make us more 
 concerned for the advancement of the kingdom of Chrift, and in 
 fpire us with vigor and alacrity in the ways of righteoufnefs. — 
 Therefore, the reafon why fom.e profeffing chriiHans feel no more 
 of this ardor and delight in religious exercifes may be owing to 
 their inattention, the weaknefs of their faith, and the imperfec- 
 tion of their characters. Suffer me further to remark, that tho* 
 perfons of cold natural tempers, who are but little moved by any 
 of the common occurrences of life, may polTefs the true fpirit of 
 devotion, notwithftanding they are Grangers to raptures in reli- 
 gion, yet thofe who find themfelves greatly afteded with what 
 relates to their temporal affairs, whilft they are hardly moved at 
 all by fubjeds hca^-vcnly and di'vine — have ground to conclude, 
 that they are entirely dellitute of the fpirit of devotion, and that 
 their love of the world exceeds their love to God and the blefled 
 Redeemer. Vide. Whitty's Sermons and Grove on the Lord's 
 Supper. 
 
 * '* Tho' quick pajjions may fcmetimes be of great ufe, yet at 
 other times they may be as great a difadvantage : We have this 
 exemplified in St. Peter — pleafe to confult the following paflages, 
 Mat. xiv. 28, 30. Chap. xvi. 16 — 24. Chap. xxvi. 33, 6g, yc. 
 Sec. Upon the whole, a more /edate temper feems more eafy to 
 the chriflian himfelf, more amiable to others, and (generally 
 fpeaking) the fitteft for adts of devotion ; and this appears to have 
 been the temper of that di/ciple John ivhom Jefus io-ved, or for 
 whom he had a particular regard. John xxi. 20, 24."—— 
 The liablenefs of profefTors to be millaken in the point we have 
 been confidering, may apologize for the length of this note. 
 
 X See page 260 note *. 
 
( ^75 ) 
 
 Guard agalnft hard thoughts of God.(^) — Be it 
 far from us to entertain fuch notions of the divine 
 Sovereignty (p) as we are unable to reconcile with 
 divine juftice and love But let us fuppoTe that God 
 in dealing with his creatures " is governed by the 
 eternal rules of wifdom, equity, and goodnefs.'* 
 And tho' in certain cafes it may not be apparent to 
 us, yet where it is leaft fo at prefent, if we faw things 
 
 ill 
 
 {o) Is pain and trouble the common portion of the human race ? 
 This is not to be imputed to any defed in the goodnefs of God, 
 but toy?// in m.an — '* Angels, who are perfedly holy (we have 
 reafon to believe) are fubjed to no difagreeable fenfations. 
 
 Do we fee fome of the mofl excellent of the earth laboring 
 under the greatcit fuiferings and reproach? Let us confider the 
 end of the Lord. They are cafl into the furnace of afflidlion to 
 purify their fouls more and more. They are abafed, that in due 
 time they may be exalted : They fovv in tears, that they might 
 reap in joy. 
 
 Do we hear, or read of lovely babes periflung in the furious 
 flames, or cut off by the fword of a cruel tyrant ? Let us recoiled, 
 that Providence may fuffer thefe events to take place, as a means 
 to free the minds of parents from an inordinate and dangerous at- 
 tachment to earthly enjoyments, and to lead them to feck heaven- 
 ly and immortal blifs ; and that with refped to the infants them- 
 iz\\z% (as Doftor Doddrige obferves in the cafe of the infants at 
 Bethlehem) the agonies of a few moments might tranfmit them 
 to the abodes of peace and joy. 
 
 (p) The afore-named pious writer, in a note on Rom. ix. 13. 
 Jacob hwve 1 lo'vedy and Efau ha^ve I hatedX thus exprelTeth him- 
 felf. — It is certain the apoftle does not here fpeak of the eternal 
 ftate of Jacob and Efau (whatever fome may fuppofe deducible 
 from what he fays) nor does he indeed fo much fpeak of their/^-r- 
 fons as of their pojlerityt fince it is plainly to the pojierity that 
 both the prophecies which he quotes in fupport of his argument, 
 refer Gen. xxv, 23. Malachi i. 2, 3. God^s laying ivajie the heritage 
 of the EdcTTiites for the dragons cf the ivilderne/sy is fo different a 
 thing from his appointing the perfon of Efau to eternal mifery, 
 by a mere aft of fovereignty, without regard to ajiy thing donc^ 
 or to be done by him to deferve it, that I will rather fubmit to 
 any cenfure from my fellow i^rvants than deal fo freely with my 
 Maker, as to conclude the one from the other. — We have here 
 an inftance of the importance of attending to a direflion already 
 given (p. 211) viz. to compare fcripture with fcripture in ordex" 
 to know the true meaning of a particular paffage. 
 
 1 See Duty and Inter, p, 140, rote f 0^ 
 
( 276 ) 
 
 in their connedlion, we may obferve the above-men- 
 tioned attributes molt illuftrioufiy difplayed. Job 
 xlii. 12. James v, ii. 
 
 Lay not fuch a ftrefs on any fuppofed paft attain- 
 ments in the chriftian life, as to grow fecure or ne- 
 gligentg upon an apprehenfion that all is fafe and 
 well. I Cor. ix. 24, &c. Hcb. iv. i. Doubtlefs, 
 we ihould give an earneft heed left we take convic- 
 tion for converfion, allowed fins for chriftian infir- 
 mities, and a warm ftufti of the fancy (1^) for the 
 witneftings of the holy Spirit. If 
 
 f <^) We believe, that God doth fuggcft unfpeakable comforts 
 to good men ; but then it is to be confidered, that this is a gift 
 he feldom bellows, unlefs in extraordinary cafes, when 'tis necef- 
 fary to encourage us to fomc great work, or to fupport us under 
 fome very heavy fuffering. And tho' fuch immediate fuggeftions 
 of the fpirit of God m?.y ferve to good purpofes at fuch feafons, 
 yet they are by no means to be built upon as the foundation of 
 our ordinary ftanding afTurance. For fo long as there is an evi'i 
 fpirit without, and a difordered fancy within us, that can imi- 
 tate thefe divine whifpers, we are in danger of miftaking an in- 
 je<5tion of Satan, and the deliriums of the imagination, for the 
 teflimony of the holy Spirit ; and by this means may be often lul- 
 led into falfe confidences. — Scctt's Chriftian Life. Says the ex- 
 cellent Mr. Jennings, having been to hear a lefture, when I came 
 liome and wrs retired, refolving to enter upon a narrow fcarch 0^ 
 my heart and ways, I had on a fudden fuch a flafh of joy darted 
 in as took me oiffrom the duty of examination, and poffe/fed me 
 with a ftrong confidence, that there was a thorough work of grace 
 already. But when the flaih was over, and I entered again 
 ypon ferious reftediions, there was a fecond fiafh of j:oy after 
 the former manner. But as foon as it was paft, I began to 
 fufpecl that both thefe were the delulions of Satan, 2 Cor, 
 xi. 14. becaufe they tended to take me off from a neceiTary 
 duty. Returning to the work and fearching my heart about 
 the reality of rny converfion, I had reafon to fear, that at this 
 time I vv'as in an unconverted ilate. — Therefore, whatever imme-; 
 diate fiiggeilions of the fpirit, we miay apprehend that we havei' 
 been favored with, lUU let us examine ourfelves hy that written, 
 word, which Contains the vinerring,di<^a'te$ of the divine Spirit, 
 and learn from tfceAce whether we havfe- the marks of falvation. 
 This is the way to be preferved from felf-deceit, and to attain, 
 to that foi^d-joy in the Holy Ghoft, which is intimately conned:-? 
 ed with an holy temper and condu^; Rom. xiv. 17. Phil. iv. 8,' 
 o. Pieafe to turn to p; 102, of th^ Treatife before you. Let me 
 ^ ' ' * ■■' add 
 
( 277 ) 
 
 If you are troubled with blafphemous thoughts, 
 'tis the advice of the good old divine Mr. Green- 
 ham, that you fhould not fear but abhor them. And 
 when fome chriftians were miferably aiilided with 
 appreheniions that they had committed the unpar- 
 donable fin againft the Holy Ghoft, he ufed to tell 
 them, that if they would not have committed it, it 
 was certain that they had not fallen into it.-f 
 
 In fearching after truth, beware of the influence 
 of common prejudices. For example, we are not 
 to infer that a dodlrine is true, becaufe 'tis pro- 
 feiTed by numbers ^ (r) or has been efpoufed by 
 great and good meftj(j) or makes a flrong impref* 
 
 iion 
 
 add in this place, that profefTors fhould not be ready to fpeak 
 comfort to themfelves, on account of fome fcripture promife, that 
 is fuddenly brought to their remembrance, till they have feriouf- 
 ly inquired, whether they are fuch perfons as t/^e ijoord of promt fe 
 fuppofes. He who obeys the prectpt may take comfort from the 
 ^romi/e, 
 I f • See p. 74 of the Duty and Intereft, by the Author. 
 
 (;*) Were the inultitudes who profcfs a doftrine an argument for 
 its truth, fuch an argument may be urged by Mahometans, for 
 the delufions of that impoftor have a greater fpread at the prefent 
 time than the Gofpel of Chriil (which indeed may be eafily ac- 
 counted for, as I have fhewn elfewhere,- fee Duty and Intereft, , 
 p. 88, note (§). — Popularity (as .i lats Author obferves) is noi ^ 
 to be afcribcd to the truth of mens particular fentimenjs, but to 
 other- caufes ; efpecially to an happy manner of addreffing a po- 
 pular auditory, with refpeft to which fome rben of all fentiments-, 
 are formed defe(Slive, and the bell of men are fometimes moft fo.— '; 
 Again, 'tis manifeft, that we are not to recTcon a doftrin'e/}?^;^ 
 becaufe 'tis embraced by few. Even the perfonal miniftry of^ 
 dur blelTed Lord (comparatively fpeakihg) was attended witK"^ 
 friiairfuccefs, John iii. 32.— Strong prejudices, cuilom, wbrMI^r':^ 
 intereft, &c. rhay prevent the fpread of the truth for a! while;/, 
 vvhereas afterwards it may flourifli gr:eatly, Confult Ifaiali 
 xlix. 4 — 7. 
 
 ' (j) We fhould remember that the beft of men are liable ir^ 
 error; accordingly hiftory acquaints us, that thofe who have 
 given equal proofs of zeal in the fcrvrce of God and Chrift, h^ve 
 confiderably varied in their fentimehts. This was particularly 
 the cafe as to thofe celebrated reformers Luther and Melandoa 
 on the ons part, and CEcolampadius and Zuinglius en the oth«r. 
 
( 27S ) 
 
 fion on the imagmation : (/) or becaufe of the ve- 
 hemence and pofitivity of the fpeaker. («) I fay, 
 we are not to efteem a dodlrine true or falfe merely 
 on the account of either of thefe things. 
 
 To come to the knowledge of the truth, we ihould 
 aim to divefl ourfelves of every kind of prejudice 
 " lay afide anger, pride, &c. and repair to that 
 fountain whofe ftreams all confefs to be pure. Now 
 this fountain is not the confeffion of faith of any 
 particular denomination of chriftians, but only the 
 word of Gody which is infallibly true. For tho* 
 various perfons and parties fince the Apoftles days, 
 have been ready to claim infallibility, none befides 
 the Apoftles and Prophets (who indeed gave abund- 
 ant proof of a divine miflion) can juftly make the 
 following them, or their dodrine, the ftandard of 
 
 truth. 
 
 (/) Surprifmg imprefiions have been made on the minds of 
 men by principles that are now univerfally condemned. So that 
 were we to judge of truth by this criterion, and negle(fl the dic- 
 tates of reafon (as enlightened by the word of God) ungrounded 
 fears, or delulive hopes may be raifcd in the breaftj indeed 
 there is no knowing whither fuch impreffions will carry us ; or 
 what they may ilir us up to do. For hereby we lay ourfelves 
 open to the power of all forts of delufions, and provoke our gra- 
 cious Father to give us up to thefe moH formidable evils, as a 
 juft judgment upon ns for refufing to make ufe of the r^W/f of 
 the Lord. — See Flavel, Vol. IV. p. 204, 260, and Turner's 
 Letters, p. 172. 
 
 (a) The confident manner In which fuch perfons exprefs them- 
 felves (about points (it may be) concerning which the wifeft and 
 holicft of men have entertained different opinions) inftead of be» 
 ing an argument for the truth of what they affirm, only indi- 
 cates the warmth of their tempers, and that they have not read, 
 or clofely thought on the fubjedt; and confequently are unac- 
 quainted with the difficulties attending it. Therefore we fee 
 that fome of thefe perfons, when their youthful heat begins to 
 abate, and they have maintained a freedom of intercourfe with 
 thofe of different fentiments become more moderate, nay even 
 
 embrace the oppofite tenets.- We who fuftain the minifterial 
 
 charafter fhould bear in mind, that nominifter is aathoritatively 
 to impofe his own fentiments upon his hearers, fmcc an Apoflle 
 fays — Not that ive ha-ve dominion ever your faith y but are helpers 
 ^/jourjoj, 2 Cor. i. 24, 
 
( ^19 ) 
 
 truth. The apoftollc dodrine, as contained in the 
 Scriptures, and that alone is to be the rule of 
 faith. (w) I John iv. 6. 
 
 Examine the facred Oracles .with diligence, pati- 
 ence,(^) and impartiality jfj) in your rcaronings(2;) 
 with others about the meaning of a pafTage of Scrip- 
 ture be calm ; and be earneft v/ith God in prayer 
 
 for 
 
 (w) Thofe worthy perfons who fuffered for confcicnce fake in 
 the year 1147, would admit of no teftimonies for the proof 
 of the doctrines of religion, but only out of the Scriptures, and 
 therefore were called apoftolics. Gillies Vol. I. p. 3 J . 
 
 Mr. Fox (the famous Author of the Book of Martyrs) refufed 
 fubfcribing to any thing but the bible. 
 
 Saith the great Mr. Chillingworth — I fee plainly that there 
 are Popes againll Popes, Councils againft Councils, fome Fa- 
 thers againft other Fathers, the fame Fathers againll themfelves, 
 a confent of Fathers of one age, againll a conient of Fathers of 
 another age. — In a word, there is no fufficient certainty, but of 
 Scripture only, for any confidering man to build upon. This 
 therefore, and this only I have realbn to believe : This I will 
 profefs ; according to this I will live ; and for this if there be 
 occafion, I will not only willingly, but even gladly loofe my 
 life. 
 
 That we may be led to keep clofe to the word of God, would 
 recommend the frequent recolleftion of fuch pa/Tages as thefe, 
 Galat. i. 8. 2 Tim. iii. 15, &c. Rev. xxii. 18, 19. 
 
 {x) It is more for our eafe, to take for granted, that the fen- 
 timents in which we have been educated are true. But this does 
 not correfpond with the advice of St. Paul. — Pro^ve all things y He. 
 I Thef. v. 21. — What pains were taken by fome in the days of 
 perfecution to knouv the holy Scriptures, Gillies Vol. I. p. 76. 
 
 Truth (fays Mr. Flavel) lies deep, like the rich veins of gold; 
 if therefore we would get the treafure, we muil (as the infpired 
 writer expreffes it) not only beg, but di^ for this end.-— 
 Prov. ii. 3, 4. 
 
 (_y ) Pay an equal attention to all Scripture, I mean to thofe 
 parts that feem to oppo/e, as to thofe which accord with your pre- 
 sent fentiments ; elie how can it ever be expelled, that a right 
 knowledge of the mind and will of God (hould be attained. 
 
 (2) Let me take fome notice here of the ufe of reafon in the 
 matters of religion* — " What we are fure God fpeaks be it ever 
 fo iricomprehenfible to human reafon, reafon has nothing to do 
 but to attend and fubmit. Yet notwithftanding this conceflion, 
 reafon ads in character, when it humbly endeavors to find out 
 God's mind exprelTed in Scripture words, and examines human 
 
 foims 
 
( 28o ) 
 
 for the teachings of his Spirit. -f-— -Thus accing, we 
 may hope to be fecured from every deftrudlive error^ 
 and to be led into every truth neceflary to the faith- 
 ful difcharge of our duty at prefent, and to our per- 
 fed and immortal happinefs hereafter^ Suitable to 
 this fentiment are. Matt. vii. 7. John v:i. 17. 
 James i. 5. 
 
 Thofe who have voluntarily joined themfelves to 
 a religious fociety, fhould confider what are the du- 
 ties they owe the paftor of ity(a) and their fellow- 
 members, (i*) and difcharge them with becoming 
 
 attention 
 
 forms of exprefllon by /acred ones. ^* — Much to the fame purpofe 
 are the words of Mr. Hervey — I declare, I look upon my reli- 
 gion to be reafon in its higheft refinement. My reafon fays, ad- 
 mit nothing without fatisfaftcry proofs, and when any thing 
 is revealed by God, receive it as an oracle. I cannot but think 
 that every part of our religion (tho* abfolutely undifcoverable by 
 Teafon) is, when difcover'd and underftood, peffeftly rational, 
 as it comports with the attributes of the Godhead, fuits the ilate 
 of man, and is admirably adapted to difplay the divine glory, 
 and redrefs human mifery. 
 f See Page 212. 
 
 {a) Certain of the duties of church members towards their 
 pallors are — Cordially to receive and fubmit to their adminiflra- 
 tions in doftrine and difcipline, fo far as is confiftent with true 
 chrillian liberty, and the due prefervation of the rights of con- 
 fcience, and private judgment, James i. 21, 22. Heb. xiii. 7, 
 17. — To pray heartily for them, 2 Thcf. iii. i, 2. (Seep. 207.) 
 ——To provide for their temporal fupport and maintenance, 
 1 Cor. ix. 7, 13, 14. Gal. vi. 6. — If they have more pallors 
 or teachers than one, they fhould take heed of undue diftindlions, 
 and dividing into parties in favor of one to the prejudice of the 
 other. 1 Cor. i. 10, 12. 
 
 el? J The duties of church members one towards another are— 
 To meet together for focial prayer and free converfe on religious 
 fubjeds * Mai. iii. 16. Ads i. 14. Heb. x. 24, 25. — To culti- 
 vate 
 * " Stated religious conferences in particular Ihould be managed 
 with great caution and prudence, or elfe inftead of anfwering 
 valuable purpofes, they will ferve only to expofe the weaknefs 
 of fome, cherilh the fpiritual pride of others, bring llrife and 
 contention into the church, and thereby religion itfelf into con- 
 tempt. And even focial prayer, tho' a more manifeft and necef- 
 fary duty, and what ihould be encouraged more than it is, is not 
 without its inconveniences, and dangers, if no: properly con- 
 duded," 
 
( 28l ) 
 
 attention and diligence. In the profecution of this 
 work, we fhould abhor the thought of adopting any 
 unworthy methods, to weaken other facred interefts, 
 with a view to increafe the particular church to 
 which we are united : Therefore if we perceive one 
 of another fociety expreffing diflike to his prefent 
 connexions, on account of fome frivolous affair 
 (where confcience is not concerned) inftead of ftriv- 
 ing to make a profelyte of fuch an individual, we 
 ought rather do all we can to remove the prejudicej^. 
 and to promote a reconciliation. This is what a 
 regard to the general caufe of Chrift requires at our 
 hands. Phil. i. i8. — If a perfon is difpofed to with- 
 draw himfelf from that church with which he now 
 holds communion — before he proceeds, he fhould 
 weigh the matter well, confider whether the reafon 
 for fuch a feparation be fufficiently important to lead 
 him to take a ftep that may endanger the tranquility 
 of the church ^ he fhould advife with thofe who arc 
 mofl capable of giving him diredion ; ufe every 
 proper mean to get his judgment rightly informed, 
 and efpecially feek wifdom from above. And then, 
 
 O o if 
 
 vate peace and harmony, avoiding wlufpenngs and backbiting^, 
 Rom. xiv. 19. 2 Cor. xii. 20. Mutually to give and take reproof 
 in the fpirit of meeknefs. Matt, xviii. 15, 17. Gal vi» i. To 
 keep their places in the church as long as a good confcience, and 
 as far as providential circumilances will permit, James iv. 7. 
 Submit your/el'ves to God, or as the expreffion in the original 
 exaftly fignifies keep the ranky even that rank which God' has 
 alTigned you. Hearing a variety begets at leaft a weak fondnefs 
 for novelty, and an unfleady condad in religion, (fee p. 221.) 
 However in cities and great towns where there are feveral churches, 
 and where the members of thofe churches may happen to live at a 
 confiderable diftance from the place, where the church to which 
 they belong ufually meets, it cannot be unlawful for them to at- 
 tend the common duties of public worfliip occa/ionally nearer 
 home; tho* a diftinguilhing regard fhould be paid to the particu- 
 lar fociety with which they have connefted themfelves, in order 
 to prevent that confufion and even ruin to the very cxiftence of 
 particular churches, which mull be the confequence of indifcri- 
 minate and unconnefted affemblics* Mr. Turner's Compendium 
 of fecial Religion, p. 128, 6wc. 
 
( 282 ) 
 
 if he is convinced that 'tis not an itch for novelty, 
 or any other low end, but the preferving a good 
 confcience that induces him to withdraw, let him 
 leave that chriftian fociety in the moft peaceable 
 and orderly manner. Rom. xiv. 5. i Cor. x. 32. 
 Ephef. iv. 3. 
 
 To prevent our judging and condemning thofe 
 who differ from us in their religious fentiments, we 
 ought to refled:, that many things which divide the 
 chriftian world are controverfies about words more 
 than ideas — that at beft we fee thro' a glafs darkly, 
 and therefore are liable to cenfure fuch as do indeed 
 hold the truth as it is in Jefus. — That the grand 
 principle of proteftantifm is the right of private 
 judgment (c) that lincere chriftians may be of dif- 
 ferent opinions owing to the diveriity of their con- 
 ftitutions, capacities, educations, connedions, or 
 the like (^d) fo that after our utmoft pains, we may 
 not all be of one mind even in things that are efteem- 
 ed of moment — that we are folemnly forbid to cen- 
 fure others, {e) Rom. xiv. 4, 10.— that the Scrip- 
 tures 
 
 fcj Yet while protellants acknowledge in words (fays a writer 
 pf the prefent day) that the fcriptures are the rule of faith, and 
 alone Sufficient to make men wife unto falvation — inftead of the 
 fcriptures, parties would flip in their own explications, bind their 
 decifions upon others as an infallible ftandard, and oblige them 
 to fee with their eyes. And what is this but popery under ano- 
 ther name ? It is the moft pernicious part of it, having heretofore 
 occafioned violent perfecutions, horrible maflacres fo diametri- 
 cally oppofite to the Gofpel, Luke ix. 54, 55, 56. 
 
 (d) Therefore (as Mr. Philip Henry ufed to fay) we may as 
 foon expedl all the clocks in a town to ftrike together, as to fee 
 all good people of one mind in every thing on this fide Heaven, 
 
 (e) 'Tis to be remembered, that we are fpcaking only of mat- 
 ters of «?/>///7V«, and not oi pra6iice. We may (as one obferves) 
 fafely fay of fuch as live a wicked ungodly life, that they cannot 
 inherit the Kingdom of God without true repentance, becaufe 
 the fcripture has exprefsly afferted the fame; but in matters of 
 opinion, there are fo many allowances to be frequently made, 
 for the ftrength of early prejudices, and the want of advantages 
 for being belter informed, that 'tis the hardeft thing in the world 
 
 for 
 
( 283 ) 
 
 tures moft ftridlly inculcate unanimity and chanty, 
 X Cor. i. 10. (f) Phil. ii. i, 2. Yea do they not rank 
 
 a tur- 
 
 for us to fay upon good grounds, that a perfon's miftake is in* 
 confiftent with the fincerity of his heart ; or that he is in fuch a 
 fundamental % error, as will certainly exclude him from the be- 
 nefits of falvation. In this let no man be forward to judge ano* 
 ther, rather let the judgment be left to God. 
 
 (f) New 1 befeech you brethren^ — that you be perfectly joined to- 
 gether in the fame mind, and in the fajne judgment. The Apoftle 
 co\i\A not htre mQ2in unity of opinion^ becaufe he does not urge 
 any argument to reduce them to fuch an agreement ; nor fo much 
 as declare what that one opinion was in which he would have 
 them agree : The words muft therefore exprefs that peaceful and 
 unanimous temper which chriiHans of different opinions may, and 
 ought to maintain towards each other, and which will do a muclj 
 greater honor to the Gofpel than the moll perfedl uniformity in 
 fentiment that can be imagined. Doddridge. 
 
 :j: It may not be improper to take fome notice in this place of 
 what is termed a fundatnental article cf faith — Whatever is a fun- 
 damental (it has been faid) muft not only be a truth, and re- 
 vealed by God, but muft be a truth fo far revealed to the pei- 
 fon to whom tis fuppofed to be a fundamental, as that he is ut-i 
 terly inexcufable, and can't poffibly mifs difcerning it, if he be 
 fmccre: Confequently that may be a fundamental to one man 
 (or a truth neceffary to be believed in order to his falvation) that 
 is not fo to another, who is difl^"erently circumftanced. For ex- 
 ample, what may be a fundamental with reference to us proteft- 
 ants, who by the good providence of God have the free ufe of 
 our Bibles, 'might not be fo to our anceftors before the reforma- 
 tion, when the Bible was locked up from them &c. Further, 
 that may not be a fundamental to the fame man at one time, 
 which may become fo at another, even as foon as he hath had the 
 means of conviftion offered him. See the cafe of Nathaniel, who 
 (tho' our Lord declares him to be an Ifraelite indeed. in whom 
 there was no guile) yet being led away with the common pre- 
 judice of the Jews, would not atfirft admit that Jefus of Nazareth 
 was the promifed Meffiah; but having ftriftly fearched^ into the 
 matter, he received fuch fatisfaction, that addreiTmg himfelf to 
 Jefus, he fays. Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the King 
 oflfrael, Joh. i. 43—51. See likewife the cafe of the Apoftles 
 relative to that great dodrine the refurreaion of Chrift, Luke 
 xxiv. II, 34, &c. 
 
( 284 ) 
 
 a turbulent, difputing (g) and uncharitable fplrit a- 
 mong the worft of crimes. Gal. v. 20. i Tim. vi. 
 4, 5. It may alfo be remarked, that a bigoted tem- 
 per caufes us to overlook the real excellencies of our 
 difTenting fellow-chriftians, and difluades us from 
 following them, even in thofe parts of their con- 
 dud where we may do it with a fafe confcience and 
 poflibly to no fmall advantage, (h) 
 
 Methinks for fuch reafons as the above, we fhould 
 be very cautious how we venture to call others ("who 
 may fee fome points in a different light from usj I 
 fay we fhould be exceedingly cautious how we ven- 
 ture to fpeak of them as Jirangers to the Gofpel. (i) 
 as denying the Lord that bought them. 2 Pet. ii. i. Or 
 how we apply to them that paffage we meet with in 
 
 St. 
 
 (g) Whereas friendly debate may (trvQ to promote the interefl: 
 of truth, religious controverfies warmly agitated are produdive 
 of confiderable evils : Thefe fweil the heart with pride ; cftrange 
 the minds of chriftians from each other ; give rife fometimes to 
 ihocking expreffions, and are moft contrary to the power and fpi- 
 rit of pradical religion and godlinefs, 2 Tim. ii. 14, 16, 23, 
 24* 25. 
 
 (h) It muft hurt a truly candid and judicious chriftian, to 
 hear a perfon fay, I difapprovc ofyo and foy becaufe 'tis pradtifed 
 by fuch a party. Doubtlefs the inquiry fhould be, whether the 
 particular practice is good in it/elf, if fo, then let it be imitated 
 from what quarter foever it comes. Were this rule adhered to, 
 every one may fee, that our differences would lelTen, our mutual 
 afFedlion be increaied, and the chriftian church attain to greater 
 degrees of purity and perfedion. 
 
 (i) In like manner, it fhould be far, very far from any of us 
 of the facred character, who are all equally fallible, to charge 
 our brethren of an unblameable converfation and ufcful life with 
 Jiot preaching the Gofpel, becaufe their views of it differ from 
 our own. — Truly the Gofpel is not confined to this, or that par- 
 ty of men. — Tis poffible that they who monopolize the Gofpel 
 to themfelvcs may be furthcft from the fpirit of it, and moft mif- 
 taken, where moft pofitive. No Judge of herefy (fays the emi- 
 nent Dodor Owen) fince the Apoftles Days, but hath been ob- 
 noxious to error in that judgment; and thofe that have been for- 
 vvardeft to affume a judicature, and power of difcerning between 
 truth and error, fo as to have others regulated thereby, have er- 
 red moft foully. Owen's Colle€t. S^rm. p. 227, 
 
( 2SS ) 
 
 St. John, 2d Epift. verfe 10. If there come any unto 
 you^ and bring not this do5irine^ receive him not into 
 your houfe^ neither bid him God fpeed.(k) Nay, fo far 
 fhould we be from treating them in this manner, that 
 if they profefs to love our Lord Jefus Chrift, and 
 are giving this teftimony of the fincerity of their af- 
 fedion, viz. walking in ail his commandments and 
 ordinances — we lliould embrace them with heart and 
 hand, admit them (when defired) into the commu- 
 nion of the church {I) and readily unite with them 
 in thofe fchemes that are adapted to advance the 
 common intereft of our great Mafter. For do they 
 not appear to bear fuch marks of real difciplefhip, 
 as are laid dov/n by Chrift himfelf, and his Apoftles 
 after him. Matt. vii. 17, 20. John xiv. 23. Chap. 
 XV. 14. Ephef. vi. 24. Rom. x. 9 ? Let us not 
 therefore be diflatisfied with thefe plain evidences, 
 and demand others, refpc6ting which we are more 
 liable to be deceived : Since in this cafe, we may 
 be found to have condemned fome whom Chrift ap^ 
 proves, and who are the living members of his myf- 
 tical body.^-An obfervation made by the worthy 
 Mr. Philip Henry, and another by the pious Dr. 
 Doddridge are very deferving the attentive regard 
 
 of 
 
 {k) As the words of the Apollles, Peter and John, qnou-'d a- 
 bove, are to be confidered as referring to apollates, ,or to thofe 
 who endeavored to propagate do6lrines utterly inconfiftent with 
 the known doftrines of the Gofpel, juft to anfvver worldly ends, 
 how does this in the leaft countenance our treating with coldnefs 
 and negledl, fuch, who tho' they co not agree in fentiment with 
 us, yet acknowledge Jefus to be the MeiTiah, the Savior of the 
 world, the only Mediator betwixt God and man, profefs an high 
 efteem for him, and confcientioufly keep his comnar.ds ; and 
 who (for ought we know) have been as diligent and ferious in 
 fearching after the truth, and as fervent in prayer for divine 
 teachings as ourfelves. 
 
 {I) Where can we read that the primitive chriftians, notwith- 
 ftanding fome very wide differences among them, upon points 
 they thought of the highelt confequence, Afts xv. i, 2, &c. 
 were ever encouraged by the Apoftles to feparate from each other, 
 but rather they taught the Jews and Gentiles to bear with and 
 receive one another, Rom, xv. 1,7, Chap. xvi. 17. Turner. 
 
( 286 ) 
 
 of profefTors.'— "It is not (o much our difference of 
 opinion that doth us the mifchief, but the mifma- 
 nagement of that difference." — " Love is the firfc 
 and greateft of our Lord's commands; and after alj 
 the clamor that has been made about notions and 
 forms, he who pradifes and teaches love beft, fhall 
 be the greateft in the kingdom of Heaven." 
 
 — If v,^e would honor our bleffed Lord in the eyes 
 of the world, we ought like the pious Pfalmift to 
 take heed to our ways^ that we offend not with our 
 tongues. Vain and foolifh, or cenforious (m) and 
 unkind language, is a dreadful difgrace to the chrif- 
 tian profeffion ; and whatever favorable thoughts 
 fuch may entertain of themfelves, an infplred Writer 
 has declared, that he who governs not -his tongue 
 is deftitute of the Spirit of true piety, is a felf-de- 
 ceiver, James i. 26. Let us then aim in our dif- 
 courfe both to pleafe, and edify thofe with whom 
 we converfe,(;/) Ephef. iv. 29. Colof. iv. 6. — It be-^ 
 comes us to guard againft that llghtnefs in our be- 
 havior, which makes a perfon appear weak and little, 
 and to fhew that chriftian gravity which the Apoftle 
 recommends, Philip iv. 8. Whatfoever things are ho- 
 neft or (as the word imports) grave^ think on thefe 
 things. — Follow after humillty(d?j even that humility, 
 
 which 
 
 (m) Th^re is a jewifli proverb to this effecl — An evil tongue 
 kills three, him that fpeaks, him that hears, and him of whom 
 he fpeaks. — 'Tis mentioned in the lite of Doftor Mather, a fel- 
 low of the Royal Society, that he made it a rule to fpeak evil 
 of no man, unlefs it was to anfwer feme good purpofe ; as for 
 inftance, to keep others from being impofed upon by fuch a one's 
 artifice, or for a warning to thofe who may be in danger of the 
 fame crime, and then infift upon />6^ rr/wf without mentioning 
 the name of the offender, unlefs (T fay) there was an apparent nc- 
 ceifity for fo doing. Tit. iii. 2. 
 
 («) See page 183 of this Treatife. 
 
 (0) The more humble^ the more ready we fhall be in the cafe 
 of offences and injuries, to apply ourfelves firll for peace. It ar- 
 gues (as the excellent Mr. Hugh Owen long fmce obferved) 
 pride, and more love to ourfelves than to Jefus Chrill and his 
 
 ways. 
 
( 28? ) 
 
 which renders the chriftian lovely in the fight of 
 God and man, Pfal. cxxxviii. 6, and leads to the 
 heights of celeftial glory. Matt, xxiii. i2.('/J He that 
 fliall humble himjelf Jhall be exalted. How beautifully 
 was that humble temper, which Jefus inculcated in 
 his preaching, difplayed in his own conduct, par- 
 ticularly when he wafhed his difciples feet,('^) John 
 xiii. 5. — Contentment with that fituation, in which 
 the providence of God has placed us (tho' it may 
 be low and mean) is a grace very ornamental to the 
 chriftian charader. 'Tis the apoftolic charge, i Cor. 
 vii. 24. Brethren let every man wherein he is called^ 
 therein abide with God^ i. e. " let every one who is 
 converted to chriftianity, in confequence of the call 
 of God by the Gofpel of Chrift, patiently, and con- 
 tentedly 
 
 ways, and religion fufTers, when profefibrs inftead of complying 
 with that divine command Matt, xviii. 15. — fay, * Its they of- 
 fended, and not I, they fhould come to me, and not I to them.' 
 
 Turn to page 257, Note * and page 263, Note f The fame 
 
 humble mind will lead us not to aggravate what fcems to be 
 amifs in others ; and if a good fenfe can be put upon what ano- 
 ther fays, and does, never to take it in a bad one: and particu- 
 larly to make the moft candid excufes in any cafe, wherein we 
 think ourfelves to have been treated unkindly. It has been 
 efteemed a juft and beautiful obfervation of Archbiihop Tillot- 
 fon, that the gentle rebuke our Lord gives his difciples, and 
 the kind apology he makes for them. Matt. xxvi. 40, 41. are 
 very remarkable ; and the more fo, as his mind was then difcom- 
 pofed with forrow ; fo that he muft have a deeper and tenderer 
 lenfe of the unkindnefs of his friends. 
 
 (/) No one fentence of our Lord's Is fo frequently repeated as 
 this, which occurs at leaft ten times in the Evangelilb. 
 
 {q) In fo doing Jefus performed one of the lovveft offices of 
 menial attendants : This was fo to a proverb, fee i . Sam. xxv. 41 . 
 Hereby he intended to inftruft his difciples, in every age, (not 
 that they Ihould prattife juft the fame thing, becaufe in many 
 places and circumftanccs, it would be rather an inconvenience 
 than a kindnefs, to do it for our friends) but that we ought to 
 regard both the neceffary prefervation and mutual comfort of 
 each other, and where thofe ends are to be anfvvcred, we Ihould 
 with pleafure purfuc the humbleft offices of duty and love towards 
 tliofe in the lov/eft llations. Doddridge. 
 
( 288 ) 
 
 tentedly continue in his ftation, (r) out of regard to 
 him, who has appointed it, if he cannot change it 
 to his advantage by fuch methods as God approves." 
 And he fays verfe 21. Jrt thou called being a fervant 
 or (as t^a^ original fignifies) ajlave^ care not for it.[s) 
 The contented thankful {t) chriftian will of courfe 
 manifcfl- that cheerfulnefs in his common deport- 
 ment, which does no fmall credit to the caufe of re*- 
 ligion, and is quite confiftent with the gravity en- 
 forced above, i Thef. v. 16. 
 
 Let 
 
 (r) As perhaps we have fometimes heard even profefTors fpeak- 
 ing in a ftrain that favors too much of envying others, in higher 
 ftations, and as if they were not properly fenfible, that different 
 circumftances of life are permitted, and dircfted by God, to bring 
 about ends worthy the perfections of his nature, and conducive 
 to the general welfare of mankind. — We would beg fuch to con- 
 fider (as a late writer has judicioufly remarked) that in the vari- 
 ety of conditions and capacities, that runs thro' all the nations 
 of the earth, there is an evident excellence. Many ufeful and 
 important duties and comforts arife out of them, which could 
 never take place was there an abfolute equality of circumftances 
 and abilities. — Let the chriftian (whofe outward condition is 
 low) further refleft, that whatever are the inconveniences and 
 difadvantages of fuch a condition, God would never have allotted 
 that condition to his particular ihare, had not God known that 
 all circumftances confidered, it would be fitteft for him j that 
 God forefaw that plenty and abundance Vv'ould have been very 
 hurtful to him, and that ftraits and indigences would be inftru- 
 mental to prepare him for better things. — 2. Cor. iv. 17. The 
 Receifitous chriftian fhould too recoiled with great pleafure, that 
 his prefent indigent ftateis not only for his ownperfonal benefit, 
 but alfo fubfervient to promote the future happinefs of thofe in a 
 fuperior ftation, who know his wants and are inclined from a 
 light principle to minifter to the relief of them, i Tim. vi. 
 17, 18, 19- . 
 
 {s) If liberty itfelf (as one hath finely noted on this text) 
 that liberty which is the firft of all temporal bleffings, be not of 
 fo great importance . as that a man blefled with the high hopes 
 and glorious confolations of chriftianity fhould make himfelf very 
 folicitous about it, how much lefs is there in thofe comparatively 
 trifling diftinftions, on which many lay fo difproportionate, fo 
 extravagant a ftrefs. 
 
 (/) See the reafons for thankfulnefs page 57 &c. of the Trea- 
 tife before you. — To encourage to the work of thanksgiving, Mr. 
 Henry was wont to fay — new mercies call for new returns of 
 praife, ^nd then thofe new returns will fetch in new mercies. 
 
( 2Eg ) 
 
 Let us likewife. Sirs, ad the part of zealous chrif- 
 tians. Our zeal fhould difcover itfelf in endeavor- 
 ing to advance (according to our various abilities) 
 the knowledge, holinefs, and falvation of relations, 
 friends, and others, as well as in exerting ourfelves 
 for their good in a temporal view,{u) Thus we are 
 to ftrive together for the faith of the Gofpe!^ Phil. i. 27. 
 Or as another Apoftle exprefles it, to contend earneftly 
 for the faiih (v) which was once delivered to the faints^ 
 P p Jude 
 
 (a) 'Tis obferved in the life of Mr. Henry, that whenever he 
 gave an alms for the body, he ufually gave with it a fpiritual 
 alms, fome word of reproof, inftruftion, or comfort, as fuited 
 the occafion. — Such opportunities fhould in an efpecial manner 
 be embraced, if the party applying for affiflance be one, who has 
 made a profeflion of religion, but has aded in confidently with 
 it. I fay, thefe cafes deferve peculiar notice, not only for their 
 own fakes, but likewife becaufe of the great influence of their 
 evil example on others ; even a very clofe admonition at fuch a 
 time, inftead of irritating, may have a good efFeft. Rebuke them. 
 Jharply^ faith the Apoftle, that they may he found in the faith y Tit. i. 
 13. or, (as the context explains it) that they may renounce their 
 corrupt praftices condemned by the Gofpel, the unerring rule of 
 faith ; and particularly that they may ceafe from the infamous and 
 moll pernicious fm of lying, fee ver. 12. and lead holy lives, as 
 became the profelTors oi found 2ivA wholfome doBriney that dodrine 
 of holinefs, that excellent fpiritual food which being received into 
 the heart tends to promote the health, vigor, beauty and hap- 
 pinefs of the foul. Chap. ii. i, 2, 3, &c. 
 
 (nj) By the ttrm faith is here meant the word of faith*, or the 
 Gofpel, which contains the doctrines delivered by Chrift and his 
 Apoftles, rcfpeding what we are to believe, and to do. This 
 Gofpel as exprefled not in the nvords 'which man^s *wifdom teachefh, 
 hut in the words ^which the holy Ghoji teacheth, I fay, this pure 
 Gofpel, is the great thing, the intereft of which we (hould ftrive 
 to advance, both at home and abroad, by exhorting our fellow 
 creatures daily to confult it, John v. 39 ; exemplifying its holy 
 precepts in our own lives and converiation, i Pet. iii. i ; de- 
 voting of our fubftance to religious ufes, Prov. iii. 9; by a readi- 
 nefs (if needs be) to fufFer in the defence of the truth, Phil. i. 12, 
 13, 14, and by exciting others according to their abilities, to 
 engage in doing good, and to continue therein. Gal. vi. 9. Ad- 
 ding to all this our prayers to God, to profper our attempts, to 
 caufc his kingdom of grace to increafe, till it iills the whole 
 
 earth, 
 
 * Parallel texts Ads vi. 7. Gal. i. 23. 
 
( 290 ) 
 
 Jude verfe 3. ' In concluding our zeal (having exa- 
 mined the word of God to determine what is right, 
 and ought to be done) let prudence and difcretion 
 guide us, that our defign may not be defeated, nor 
 our good, evil fpoken of.' — In order that our hearts 
 may glow with chrilHan zea.\,{w) let us pay an atten- 
 tive regard to former hints;* confider the many 
 noble patterns of divine zeal that have appeared in 
 our world •, more efpecially let our eyes be tixeu on 
 
 the 
 
 earth, 2 Theff. iil. i. And as dlrePied above, wefhould not on- 
 ly /rt've hxiljlri've earnejily to promote the knowledge and prac- 
 tice of the Gofpel ; for 'tis an affair that deferves intenfenefs of 
 mind, and the exerting every nerve, fince we have fuch unanAver- 
 able evidence! that the Gofpel is a revelation from Heaven (fee 
 page 229, &c.) and as it is the greateft blelFing that was ever be- 
 llowed on the children of men. — With regard to our own expli- 
 cations offcripture, which are the refult of diligent reading, clofe 
 meditation, and fervent addrelTes to God, we are on all proper 
 occafions in thefpirit of meeknefs, and love, Ephef. iv. 15, to 
 declare them, and produce our arguments for them. Yet at the 
 fame time, requelling our hearers, in imitation of the primitive 
 chriftians to fearch the fcriptures for themfelves, to fee whether 
 thofe things are fo, or not. Ads xvii. 1 1 : and if in confequence of 
 fuch an examination, they profefs confcientioufly to differ from 
 us, we ought (as urged before) calmly and impartially to attend 
 to what they have to fay in favor of their opinions, and treat 
 them with that affe£lion, which is due to fellow chriftians. 
 
 (w) 5c;;7^ Ihevv affeflion and give encouragement to thofe who 
 tife their ov/n diftinguifliing modes and acls of worffiip, while 
 they look fhy upon thofe who from confcience towards God, 
 think and aft otherwife. But is this chriilian zeal? Such perfons 
 fliould ferioufly inquire, whether it be not felf-love in another 
 form ; whether hereby they are not refpefting and defending 
 themfelves and their own party rather than Chrift and his caufe ? 
 Phii. ii. 21. — Others are vs^arm and eager in defending and pro- 
 pagating their own fentiments on controverfial points j they cen- 
 fure and condemn all who do not hold thefe, and reprefent them 
 it maybe as enemies to the truth. Now here, does not the difci- 
 ple of the meek and loving Savior appear to be loft in the bitter- 
 r.efs of the difputer of this world ? What laith St. James Chap, 
 iii. 14. If you ha^e hitter en'vying or zeal (as the word lignifies) 
 Gild jirife in your hearts^ glory not ; do not call this grace, and 
 zeal for God. Or ton on chriftian zeal, 
 
 * See page 187, &c. 
 
 f Duty and Intereft^ p. 91, note {k) 
 
( 291 ) 
 
 the Lord Jefus Chrifi:, who put on righteoufnefs as 
 a breajl-platey mrd was clad with zeal as a cloke\ who 
 refigned for a while the glory he had with his Fa- 
 ther before the foundation of the zvorld^ and dwelt in 
 mortal fleih, willingly fubmitted to toil, hunger, 
 and thirft, to the contradiction and revilings of Im- 
 ners, whilft purfuing his Father's honor and the 
 falvation of men: And oh what zeal fired his heart, 
 when to complete the work that was given him to 
 do, he meekly yielded to a death, difgraceful to 
 the laft degree, and painful beyond conception, (x) 
 Now it is defcribed as a great end for which Chrift 
 gave himfelf for us, viz. that he might purify unto 
 himfelf a peculiar people zealous of good works. Tit. 
 ii. 14. — Moreover, we fhculd earneftly feek the in- 
 fluences of the Holy Ghoft, '' To ihew the neceffity 
 of this, obferve the condudb of the Apoftles before, 
 and after the afceniion of Chrift. Before it, they 
 were all contending who fhould be greateft, and en- 
 joy the chief honor and profit in that temporal king- 
 dom, which they fuppofed their Mafler was about 
 to eftablifh. But after the defcent of the Spirit upon 
 them, when they received larger communications of 
 his enlightening and fandlifying influences, as well as, 
 of his extraordinary gifts, they declined no labors, 
 nor fuiTerings for Chrifl's fake, but rejoiced that 
 they were counted worthy to fufrer fhame, reproach 
 and death in his caufe. Let us therefore pray, that 
 theinfluenccs of this Spirit may be communicated 
 to us, and to all ground, to purify the earthly- mind, 
 
 ^ to 
 
 {x) Accordingly we are told, the Romans were wont to ex- 
 prefs their idea oi pain by a word borrowed from crucifixion, 
 
 {f^ Thefe Scriptures, chiefly relating to the duty of chriflians 
 one towards another, and towards mankind in general deferve 
 to be often, and attentively confidered. — Pfal. xv. i — 4. Prov, 
 vi. 16 — 20. Micah vi. 8. Matt. v. 9. Chap. vii. 1 — 6. Chap. 
 xi. 29. Rom. xii. 16 — 19. i Cor. x. 12. Galat. v. 19 — 26. 
 Ephef. iv. I — 3. Philip ii. 3. Chap. iv. 5. i Tim. v. 13, 14. 
 Chap. vi. I — 6. Tit. iii. 8, 14. James iii. 17, 18. Chap. ivc. 
 II, 12. 2 Pet. i. 4—12. 
 
( ^92 ) 
 
 to inflame the cold atFcCillons, to make each one 2..^;- 
 /rj(/{v (-jfi^liJ j/:c\;)J //; a^^c^J /y^v;.;^'-. G:il. iv. i8. ' O 
 that we may iliinc with all the radiant graces of a 
 ckrlftian evidently meetening for glory,' and fo fhew 
 forth the praifes of him who hath called us into the 
 fcUowihip of his Son Jcfus Chrill. 
 
 The principal excuses for neglecting the 
 L^ord's supper briefly answered, and an earnest 
 exhortation- to christians to co.me to the sa- 
 cred table. 
 
 'Tis indeed greatly to be deplored, that fach mul- 
 titudes who wear the chriilian name, fliould live in 
 the habitu;d negled of this divine inlHtution. Was 
 a pagan (who had ever heard, or read Luke xxii. 
 19, 20,) to be prcfcnt at our public worfhip on fa- 
 crdincntal fabbaths, and fee one and another, the 
 aged as well as the young, leaving the fociety as foon 
 as this dilHnguilhing ordinance was about to be ad- 
 miniilered, would he not be likely to conclude that 
 thofe perfons wexe the profclfors of fome otlier re- 
 ligion ? 
 
 Jf;:cK^ ths various tltitigs which present an atieiii- 
 cT,u 6fs //W L&rJ*s fupptr^ enefeems to he an apprchcn- 
 fisii^ tha: th:)j<i ^ho do mot cGmmumcate are net obliged 
 to^ tk^it drcum^e^icn and care in their tcha'iiorj and 
 di/ccurUy Sh^ Shajlt an 'uha do commujiicatc. 
 
 Shall return an aiifwer here in the words of a pious 
 Author, '^ Do not they know that wlutever blef- 
 fing they enjoy, temporal ot fpiritual, their obliga- 
 tion to ferve and glorify God is thereby rendered 
 the greater ? ' Are they not under llronger obliga- 
 tions to a holy life for being chrifti*ins than if they 
 were heathens r Protellants than if they had been 
 trained up in the darknefs of popery- ? But it it was 
 in their choice would they thereiore change condi- 
 tions with Papifb or Heathens r Whether they are 
 communicants or not, they are obliged by their 
 profellion of chrillianity to an obfervadon of tht 
 
( ^93 ) 
 
 felf fame duties, and to an abftinence from the fame 
 fins, as they value the favor of their God, and their 
 Savior. Befides, it is not only aclually receiving 
 the Lord's fupper, but their being invited to receive 
 it that they are to give an account of i nor is their 
 privilege the lefs becaufc they negled to make any 
 advantage of it; on the contrary, fo much the greater 
 is their guilt and folly. 
 
 ^he plea of others may be — they, have Jo much worldly 
 huftnefs upon their hands ^ that they cannot /pare fuffici^ 
 ent time for examining themf elves in private prrvious to 
 their partaking the facrament \ or are fo fituatcd^ that 
 'tis out of their poller to give a flated attendance on 
 preparatory fermons \ befides they diligently obferve the 
 other duties of public vjorfhip^ and therefore hope that 
 God will not be fir i 51 to mark this omijfion^ efpecially as 
 it is fo common a cafe. 
 
 We reply, " that if being engaged in a multipli- 
 city of bufinefs is not the ^^^d or choice but necef- 
 fity, and you would willingly, if you could, fhake off 
 this and every other incumbrance, you have no 
 reafon for banishing yourfelves from any ordinance 
 of the Gofpel. — Employ what time you can com- 
 mand, and may find to be of ufe, for the putting your 
 heart into a fuitable frame, for waiting upon the 
 Lord, and you may hope to be gracioufly accept- 
 ed." (a) 
 
 A$ 
 
 (a) It hath been well obferved, trtat the examination Si. Paul 
 recommended to the Corinthians, i Epift. Chap. xi. 28, be- 
 fore they partook of the Lord's fupper, was entirely owing to 
 this, that fome of the corinthian chriftians had gone af:de ia 
 their practice from the inltitution of Chrift. The examinatioa 
 therefore propofed by the ApoHle appears to have beer. — that 
 chriftians fnould ccnfider, what they were going to perform, and 
 fee that their hearts v.ere engaged therein. The prefent re- 
 mark ought to be remembered, that fo no believer (who has ap- 
 proved himfelf to his own confcience in thefe particulars) may 
 make it a pretence for his pafTmg by a facramental opportunity^ 
 that he has not had time for a long examination into his whole 
 
( 294 ) 
 
 As for preparatory fcrmons, we know that thefe 
 aire not commanded in Scripture, and therefore are 
 not neceflarily connedted with the Lord's fupper r, 
 of courfe, the want of opportunity for hearing them, 
 is no fort of excufe for abfenting ourfelves from the • 
 Lord's table. (^) And with refped to a clofe and ;^ 
 
 regular^^' 
 
 paft conduft. This does not in the leaft imply, that chriftians 
 may not wifely chufe to fpend a longer time in ferious confidera- 
 tion and prayer, juft before their coming to the holy commu- 
 nion, if they have leifure, and think it of more advantage to 
 them to do it upon this occafion than upon any other. But then, 
 we are not to confine felf-examination to facramental feafons, 
 for this is a duty proper for every feafon of our time, and every 
 part of our life. Turn to page 184. 
 
 {l>) For chriHians ftatedly to fet apart an hour or two of their 
 common time to meet together for reading and hearing, or reli- 
 gious conference and prayer, tends confiderably to their mutual 
 fpiritual edification, Prov. xxvii. 17. Heb. x. 25. And it is to 
 be lamented that both rich and poor are fo backward in this re- 
 fpeft. The poor perhaps may think themfeives excufed, bccaufe 
 ofthe ftraitnefs of their circumilances : But tho' we own that at-« 
 tendance on feveral focial meetings, in the courfe of the week, 
 may break in upon the neceffary concerns of life, and hereby the 
 good ways of God be difcredited, — yet certainly the fmall por- 
 tion of time juft mentioned, can make no great difference in a 
 worldly view, nay 'tis not an unlikely method for furthering our 
 temporal! as well as fpiritual intereft. — Neverthelefs, fays an aged 
 miniHer of eminent piety, it may be queftioned, whether the 
 cuflom of many chriilian churches to obferve days of fafting and 
 preparation, and to attend fermons and prayers previous to re- 
 ceiving the Lord's fupper, and with a particular view to that fer- 
 
 vice 
 
 f The Rev. Mr. Brand meeting a poor man, that was wont 
 to attend his leftures, but had for feme time abfented — he in- 
 quired of him the reafon ? The poor man replied, it was not for 
 want of inclination, but that he could not fpare the time ; his 
 whole week-days earnings hardly fupplying the neceflities of his 
 family. ' Mr. Brand told him, that rather than his foul (hould 
 fuffer lofs, he would allow him fix-pence a week, which the man 
 acknowledged was more than he could earn in the time omitted 
 from his labor. This man had at lail: let his allowance run into 
 a longer arrear than ordinary, which Mr. Brand queftioning 
 him about, he thanked him for his laft fupply, acknowledging 
 he now found God fo to blefs his labors, that he had no further 
 need of that aid. 
 
( ^95 ) 
 
 regular performance of the reft of the duties of re- 
 ligion — how can that lefien our obligation to obey 
 
 in the prefent inftance ? James ii. lo. Afk your- 
 
 felves then " If you believe the Lord's fupper to be 
 a duty that Chrift has enjoined his difciples in every 
 age of the church, can you be fafe in the negledl of 
 it ?" A Jew who refufed to keep the palTovcr, tho' 
 only the memorial of a temporal deliverance, was 
 to be cut off from the people of Ifrael. Numb. ix. 
 13. And is there nothing for thofe to fear, who ne- 
 glect the chriftian pafibver, that memorial of an un-. 
 fpeakably greater deliverance, and who go on with 
 unconcern in this omillion, taking it as it were for 
 granted without due examination, that 'tis a matter 
 of little moment? — Neither will it render your con- 
 du6t excufable, to plead the examples of multi- 
 tudes, no not even of thofe who on other accounts 
 are worthy of imitation. If fuch live in the omif- 
 iion of a duty that is evidently appointed by divine 
 authority, here we are to leave them, and follov; the 
 word and example of Chrift. 
 
 Many are afraid that they are unmeet for the holy 
 communion^ and therefore ahftain from it. 
 
 We anfwer, fome affert, that the Lord's fupper 
 (like other ordinances) fnould be open even to the 
 moft immoral, as a means of reclaiming them. But 
 fays Mr.Turner this is to fet up a feliowfhip betwixt 
 
 Chrift 
 
 vice be worthy of imitation ; lince thefe things are not enjoined 
 in the Gofpel of ChriH, and no fuch cuftom was ever found ia 
 the primitive churches. Let thofe therefore, who chufe to ob- 
 ferve fuch preparatory feafons, lay no more fcrefs on them than 
 in reafon they ought, and never cenfure or defpife their fellow 
 chriftians who are of a different judgment ; feeing their non-ob- 
 fervance of fuch public preparatory exercifes mr.y proceed from 
 confcientious motiveSj viz. a fear of a£ling, as if they were v.'ife 
 above what is written ; or of being chargeable with fuperflition 
 (as Dr. Doddridge obfcrves) by feemmg to fet the Lord's fupper 
 at a vaft diilance from all other ordinances ; or lefl they ihould 
 be the means of giving young perfons terrifying ideas of the fa- 
 crament, and difcourage them from joining in it. Here let both 
 parties bear in mind the apoilolic direction, Rom, xiv. s, 6. 
 
( 296 ) 
 
 Chrift and Belial, contrary to the defign of our chrif- 
 tian vocation, and may prove deftrudive of church 
 difcipline, and indeed appears to be quite inconfiftent 
 with I Cor. V. II. Our advice to fuch is, to pro- 
 ftrate themfelves before God in private, confcfling 
 their fins, and earneftly imploring forgivenefs and 
 renewing grace thro' Jefus Chrift, and to have no 
 longer fellowfhip with the unfruitful works of dark- 
 nefs, but rather reprove them; and then approach 
 the facred ordinance. And let me befeech you, firs, 
 to ufe all fpeed, for you are not only unfit for cele- 
 brating the Lord's fupper, but mufl be fenfible, that 
 you are unfit for death ; that was death to feize you 
 the next minute (which is no impofUble cafe> you 
 would be plunged into a flate not to be ferioufiy 
 thought of without horror. — Yet flill, be it far from 
 us to affirm, that none are to come to the table of 
 the Lord except thofe, who have very few doubts of 
 their being already fanflified, and pardoned. If any 
 live fo as not to difcredit a chriilian profefTion, if 
 they feel fome defires after Chrifl, and the infinite 
 bleflings offalvation, if they are forming refolutions 
 againfl every iniquity, and in favor of every divine 
 precept, if they pray and ftrive to keep thofe refo- 
 lutions, let them be no longer terrified from an at- 
 tendance on the Lord's table thro' a mifapplication 
 of the words of St. Paul, i Cor. xi. 29. (f^ but let 
 
 them 
 
 {c) For die fatisfaftion of tender minds, we fhall confider the 
 whole pafTage — The Corinthians feem to have retained but a very 
 imperfedl idea of the directions formerly given them by St. Paul, 
 concerning the manner in which the Lord's fupper was to be ce- 
 lebrated, and the great defign of it. Therefore, when they met 
 together profeffedly to attend on this ordinance, they treated the 
 Lord's fupper as a common mealy and each perfon appears to 
 have brought his own feparate provifion, which was the cuftom 
 of the Greeks at their facial /uppers ; and thefe Corinthians per- 
 haps might think it fufficient to mingle a few thoughts of the 
 death of Chriji with their eating and drinking. — Whereas, chrif- 
 tians were not to come to the Lord's table to fatisfy their hun- 
 ger and thirf, but only to partake of fomc fffiall portion cf the 
 
 bread 
 
( '^91 ) 
 
 them come, O let them come and publickly comme- 
 morate the death of their dear Redeemer, as a moft 
 powerful means to increafe their good defires, and 
 confirm their good refolutions. 
 
 Not merely one^ h\it fever dl confiderations may be 
 urged to prevail with the ferious chriftian againll de- 
 laying to become a guefl: at the Gofpel-Feaft. The 
 duty to which you are invited is plain and very ex- 
 prefs. Matt. xxvi. 26, 27. — 'Tis no burdenfome rite, 
 but compliance with it is eafy — yeaj the command is 
 Q^q plea- 
 
 bread and wine, ver. 22, 34, and on fuch an occaiion, inftead 
 of providing every one for himfelf different portions, they were 
 to eat of the fame loaf of bread, in token of their being mem- 
 bers of the fame fpiritual body, and of the love which fhould 
 prevail among them, i Cor. x. 17. Neither were they to content 
 themfelves with a feixj flight thoughts of a fuffering Redeemer, 
 but to have their minds devoutly employed thro' tfje njohole fer- 
 ^ice, I Cor. xi. 24. Now then the Corinthians could not be faid 
 to eat the Lord's fupper, ver. 20, tho' there had been nothing 
 more in their conduft than we have already noticed. But it is 
 evident, that they were even chargeable with confufon, intem- 
 perance, and unkindnefs one towards another; the rich provid- 
 ing plentifully for themfelves, and fparing nothing of their 
 abundance to the poor, ver. 21 : So that they eat and drank un- 
 ^worthily in the moft notorious manner, * and were eminent- 
 ly guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, i. e. of affronting 
 Chrift himfelf, by profaning that which is intended to reprefent 
 his body and blood, ver. 27. And yet this heinous fm was by 
 no means unpardonable. 'Tis true, the Apoftle fays, ver. 29, 
 He that eateth and drinketh un^worthily, eateth and drink eth damna- 
 tion to himfelf, not difcerning the Lord's body, or not eating the 
 bread, &c. that is intended to reprefent Chrift's death more re- 
 verently than common bread. But let it be obferved, that the 
 context ihews beyond all manner of doubt, that the word tran- 
 llated damnation fhould have been vtndQVtd judg?nent , 1. e, tempo- 
 ral judgment, ver. 30. Fai' this caufe many are <vj&ak and fickly 
 
 amo7:g 
 
 * We might indeed be faid to eat and drink univorthily, how- 
 ever outwardly decent in the aft of communicating, if we eat 
 the bread and drink the wine with minds inattenii've to the great 
 objects reprefentedby them. — And do not they alfo eat and drink 
 unworthily, who receive the facrament to qualify themfelves for 
 fomc civil office, i. e. with a view to their temporal advantage, 
 and not to their fpiritual improvement ? 
 
( 298 ) 
 
 pleafantj hew truly pleafant to contemplate the ftu- 
 pendous condefcenfion and love of our heavenly 
 Father, and the Redeemer dilplayed towards the 
 unworthy children of men. — 'Tis an ordinance high- 
 ly beneficial. Looking unto Jefus, melts the heart 
 Into deep forrow for fin; gives {Irength to faith 5 
 enlivens the believer's hope; adds vigor and delight 
 to obedience; raifes the mind to heavenly realities; 
 in a word, looking unto Jefus, is adapted to make 
 all the chriftian graces ^r^ie; exceedingly {d) therefore 
 
 a negledl 
 
 among youj ^c. Bodily difeafes were inflifted on feme of thefe 
 chrillians, as a judgment for their unworthy communicating. 
 The Apoftle adds, ver. 32, IVe are judged or (as he immediately 
 explains it) ay? are corretled that we may not be condemned j which 
 plainly fnews the judgments fpoken of may be fatherly chaflife- 
 ments. — Now what is there in the cafe we have been confider- 
 ing, that fliould raife dread of the Lord's fupper in the breafts 
 of thofe who have a knowledge of the ordinance, approach it 
 reverently, and aim to keep this facred fcaft in fmcerity and 
 truth. I Cor. v. 8. — We acknov/ledge that unworthy receiving 
 as any other fm does indeed expofe us to condemnation, fhould 
 God be extreme to mark it; but ftill, it no more excludes a per- 
 fon from mercy than irreverent behavior under any other ordi- 
 nance does. — They who negleft the Lord's fupper becaufe liable 
 to partake of it improperly, have equal reafon for the negleft of 
 all religious duties; and tho' chriftians chiefly fear the confe- 
 quences of communi eatings yet, to fay the leail, there is as much 
 reafon to fear the confequences of negle fling to communicate,'-—— 
 To conclude this note, eating and drinking unworthily (fays 
 Dr. GuYSE^) relates not to the unworthinefs of the p erf on s that 
 come to the Lord's fupper, but to their unworthy man?ier of re- 
 ceiving it; and plainly refers to the uncharitable and fcandalous 
 behavior of the Corinthians at the ordinance :— nay to remove dif- 
 couragement ftill further from the mind of the humble chriftian, 
 let it be remembered, that even the Corinthians were not forbid 
 by St. Paul from coming to the Lord's fupper again ; on the 
 contrary, 'twas ftill fuppofed to be their duty, and they were 
 required to come to it in a ferious and chriftian manner, ver. 28, 
 33, 34..— See on this fubjeft Doddrige's Fam. Expof. Mr. 
 Toller on the Lord's fupper, &c. 
 
 (dj We here fee the advantage of frequent communions, and 
 the anfwer to the common objedlion againft them. — The ad^van- 
 tage (as we have Ihewn above) is, that thefe frequent communi- 
 ons tend to promote our progrefs in the chriftian life : The objec- 
 tion 
 
( 299 ) 
 
 a negletfl of this facred inftitution may deprive you 
 of much edification, and prefent comfort, and alfo 
 occalion diftreffing thoughts in a dying hour.— Many 
 inilances of this kind have been known. 
 
 As the fubjed we are dlfcuffing is of no fmall mo- 
 ment, I cannot forbear purfuing it further, and ad- 
 dreffing myfelf in particular to youth,-f i.e. to thofe 
 young perfons who ?irQ fiber- minded^ Titus ii. 6, and 
 with an heart-felt concern are inquiring the way to 
 the celeftial Zion. — The Jewifh Authors inform us, 
 that at twelve or thirteen years old, the Jews made 
 their firil appearance at the pafTover; which may be 
 alfo infered from Luke ii. 41. 42. Since this facred 
 feftivai nearly anfwers to the Lord's fupper, 1 Cor. 
 V. 7, 8, is not here an argument v/hy you fhould 
 give an early attendance on the chriftian pafTover? — > 
 Youth is the feafon of temptation : Now, when you 
 are ftrongly preflcd to omit duty, or commit fin, the 
 recolledlion of your facramental engagements ma)^ 
 be found an admirable means, to vanquifh the temp- 
 ter.— > This folemn profefTion of religion, this mark 
 of your devotednefs to the fervice of Chrift will re- 
 dound to your honor; render you more honorable 
 than your brethren, i Chron. iv. 9, 10. We read 
 of one, who abandoning the pleafures and fplendor 
 .of his own court, retired and affumed the name of 
 Chrifiodulus^ or a firvant of Chrijl^ accounting tho. 
 glory of that name did outfhine not only that of his 
 other illuftrious titles^ but of the imperial diadem 
 too. — By paying a regard to the command, the dy- 
 
 tion againll them is, that communions if frequent will lofe their 
 
 iblemnity. We (hould think it very odd reafoning fhould we 
 
 hear men take up a refolution not to worfhip God all the week 
 long in their families, or clofets, to the end that the duties of 
 God's worihip may be the more folemn, when performed in his 
 own Houfe, and on his own day. Let us not therefore of choice 
 take up with very rare communions, or where circumftances will 
 admit of it be againft having them more frequently. — The pri- 
 mitive chriiUans communicated every Lord':i day. — Mr. Grovf 
 
 I See page 28, 243, <5ic. 
 
( 30O ) 
 
 ing command of Jefus, bejfides your own improve- 
 ment in religion, your condudt (as hinted at before) 
 may happily influence thofe of the fame age, and 
 fuch likewife as are more advanced in life : And may 
 you not naturally fuppofe, that your prefence at this 
 holy ordinance will aiford joy to the pious on Earth; 
 yea, will give joy to the angels of God. 
 
 Ye hearts with youthful vigor warm. 
 
 In fmiling crouds draw near. 
 And turn from every mortal charm, 
 
 A Savior's voice to hear. 
 
 Eternal wifdom has prepar'd 
 
 A foul reviving fcaft. 
 And bids your longing appetites 
 
 The rich provifion tafte. 
 
 All things are ready ; come away, 
 
 Nor weak excufes frame, 
 Hafte to your places at the feaft. 
 
 And blefs the Founder's name. 
 
 \A PRATER to he ufed before partaking of the 
 Lord's Supper. 
 
 OThou all-holy, all-glorious, and all-good and 
 gracious God — I am indeed lefs than the lead 
 of thy mercies; infinitely unworthy to go to the ta- 
 ble of the Lord, and draw fo near to thy facred 
 Majefty. Yet as thou haft been pleafed to command 
 me thus to do, 1 would not negled fo plain a duty, 
 fo great a privilege— O give me a fpiritual appetite 
 to the plentiful and choice provifion of thine Houfe. 
 May 1 feel a moft earneft defire to eat of the chrif- 
 
 tian p^flbver. And when I am prefent at the holy 
 
 ordinance, and have Chrift as crucified fet before 
 mine eyes^ may my heart be fincerely, and deeply 
 afFedlcd. Whilft I behold Tcfus fcaling the truth 
 
 of 
 
C 301 ) 
 
 of his teflimony with his blood, may my faith be 
 confirmed in him, as one whom the Father hath 
 fent to fave finners. Viewing him as a perfed pat- 
 tern of patience and forgivenefs, and of every nea- 
 venly grace, may I partake of his image. And may 
 the contem.pl ation of Jefus as wounded for my traqf- 
 greiTions, and bruifed for mine iniquities, lead me 
 to loathe, and carefully avoid every way of fin, and 
 to pradife, and delight m holinefs. — O that the 
 unfeigned language of my heart (when leaving the 
 facred table) may be—" God fortid that I Jhouldglory^ 
 fave in the crofs of my Lord Jefus Chnft^ by ijchm 
 the world is crucified unto me^ and I unto the world. 
 — All which I humbly entreat thro' th.Q merits of 
 Him, who is the brightnefs of thy glory ^ and the exprefs 
 image of thy perjon -, and who hath loved his peo- 
 ple, and wafhed them frora their fins in his own bloody 
 and hath inade them kings and 'pr lefts unto God even his 
 Father ; to him be glory and dominion for tvcr and 
 evfrr Jmen, 
 
 THANKSGIVING and PRATER to be ufed in the 
 clofet after partaking of the Lord's Supper. 
 
 O Almighty God, the PoflefTor of Heaven and 
 Earth, from whom all creatures derive what- 
 ever excellencies or advantages they enjoy. I will 
 rejoice in thy goodnefs, I will adore thee for thy 
 manifold works.— Above all, I will magnify thy 
 Name, in that thou haft not with-hcld thy Son, thine 
 only Son, but given him to be the propitiation for 
 the fins of the whole world, — Blefled be Goa for my 
 lliare in this highefl expreffion of thy love and 
 bounty. — O how infinitely indebted alfo am I to 
 Jefus, the Captain of falvation, in dying that 1 might 
 live in a ftate of true and immortal joy. — Having 
 been permitted this day to fit down at the farra- 
 mental table, and to eat of wifdofu's bread, and d^ ink 
 of the wine which ihe has mingled^ may I admire more 
 
 than 
 
( ^oz ) 
 
 than ever the wonders of redeeming grace. — -May I 
 approve myfelf a friend to the crofs of Chrift, by 
 facrificing the deareil luft, and love him fervently, 
 ijuho loved me^ and gave him f elf for me. And may I 
 have fuch a grateful fenfe of thy tender mercies dif- 
 played in Jefus, that it might be as my meat and 
 drink to do the will of my heavenly Father. — The 
 Lord kindle in my breaft a bright and Heady flame 
 of love towards my fellow-chriftians ; may I cheer- 
 fully communicate to the fupply of their wants, and 
 flrive to promote peace and union among them. And 
 may this be done in lively and joyful expedation of 
 •the Savior's fecond appearance. — Forgive, gracious 
 God, what the eyes of thy fpotlefs purity faw amifs 
 in me, while v^^aiting upon thee. O that the fufFer- 
 ings and death of Chrifl: ('which I have been com- 
 memorating) may atone for all my tranfgreflions. 
 Wherever I am, may 1 not forget that I have fo- 
 lemnly devoted myfelf afrefh to thy fervice. God 
 of ail grace, help mine infirmities, preferve thy fer- 
 vant in every circumftance of danger, who deiires to 
 truil in thee.— -Teach me to fet an high value upon 
 facramental feafons, and conftantly to improve by 
 them j and in thy good time may I be called to ce- 
 lebrate the marriage fupfer of the Lamb in thy Tem- 
 ple above. — Affift every one who has profeffedly re- 
 ceived Chrift Jefus the Lord, to walk in love. And 
 O that the Redeemer might take to himfelf his 
 mighty power, and reign triumphantly through the 
 Earth, that millions and millions may fhout for joy, 
 on account of his great falvation. — Gracioufly accept 
 of me, and of all my poor attempts to ferve thee, 
 for thy mercies fake in and and thro' thy well-be- 
 loved Son, whom thou haft appointed to be the Sa-*^ 
 vior, even of the chief of finners. Bleffingy and ho- 
 nor, and glory y and power be unto him thatjitteth upon 
 the throne^ and unto the Lamb for ever and ever^ Amen, 
 
 ne 
 
( 3^3 ) 
 
 T/te PRJTER of a perfon inficknefs. 
 
 nrHT Name, Lord^ endureth for ever', and thy 
 memorial throughout all generations. Thou even 
 thou art he who killeth^ and maketh alive, who wound- 
 eth^ and healeth, neither is there any that can deliver 
 out of thine hands. Therefore, I coire unto thee; 
 O look down upon me In this feafon of diftrefs, tho' 
 my multiplied and aggravated fins have rendered 
 me Infinitely undeferving thy favorable notice, and 
 expofed me to final condemnation and mlfery. — 
 Blefied God, may It be In mercy to my foul, that 1 
 am now chaftened of thee. May I learn fuch things 
 by means of the prefent afilidlion, as may Ifiue in 
 
 my everlafting benefit. Whilfi: thy ftroke Is upon 
 
 me, keep me from repining at thy dealings, and ena- 
 ble me to be all patience and refignatlon to thy will. 
 Yea, make me fo fenfible of thy kind defigns, In 
 this vlfitatlon, that I may not only be contented, but 
 thankful. Thus may I be an Inftrument of great- 
 ly glorifying thee In the hour of adverfity.— With 
 fubmifiion to Infinite wlfdom, I befeech thee to re- 
 buke the diftemper, and caufe the cup of afSidlon 
 to pafs away from me -, and to this purpofe direft to 
 fultable means, and command a blefiing upon them. 
 And when reftored to health, may I live all the day 
 long In thy fear, and to thy praife. — Or If thou haft 
 determined that this ficknefs fiiall be unto death; do 
 thou thoroughly fit me for the folemn event. For- 
 bid it Lord, that I fhould be called to appear before 
 thine awful bar In an unpardoned and unholy condi- 
 tion. But, I Importunately befeech thee, to cleanfe 
 me from my fins with the Invaluable blood of Jefus, 
 and array my foul \xi the beautiful garments of ho- 
 llnefs. Vouchfafe me a comfortable pafi^age out of 
 time, and fafely condud me to the realms of ever- 
 laftlng light, love, and joy. And I entreat thee alfo, 
 to follow my dear friends with thy gracious good- 
 nefs, both in life, and at death.— With all fincerity 
 
 and 
 
( 3^4 ) 
 
 and earneftnefs, I offer thofe requefts unto thee (O 
 moft merciful Father) thro' Jefus my worthy Inter-- 
 cefTor, who hath the Keys of deaths and of the unfeen 
 world. Amen and Amen. 
 
 THANKS G IVING for recovery from Jicknefs^ or for 
 deliverance from any trouble ^ or danger, 
 
 (^ My God and my Father : None can increafe, 
 ^^ none can lefTen thine eflential glories and excel- 
 lencies. Thou art thine own Heaven, thine own 
 happinefs. How pure and dijinterefied is thy good- 
 nefs and love ! And O how great is thy goodnefs, 
 how rich and numberlefs thy mercies towards the 
 works of thine hands. — Whilft the inferior creatures 
 are partaking of thy bounties, praifed be God for 
 the diftingwfhing temporal bleflings thou art con- 
 ferring on the human race. But far fublimer praifes 
 are due to tliee, for fending thy dearly beloved Son 
 to teach men the moft weighty and ravifhing truths, 
 to redeem from the worft of enemies, and to make 
 the pofterity of Adam like the Angels in Heaven. 
 O what inestimable benefits arc thefe ! and how fur- 
 prifing the grace which offers them to thofe, who 
 have in innumerable inftances overlooked and abufed 
 them 1 —Of this grace I am a partaker. On me, even 
 on me, a worthlefs worm, thou haft bedowed thou- 
 fands and thoufands of invaluable favors.— Very 
 lately thou haft peculiarly interpofed on my behalf: 
 Yes, O Lord, wiien the ibrrows of death compafTed 
 me, thou didft redeem my life from deftrudlion ; 
 thou didft fend me efFedual aid in the time of need; 
 and 'tis owing to fuch help obtained of God, that I 
 continue to this hour. — Surely it becomes me to be 
 glad and joy in thee, my adorable Redeemer ! I 
 therefore earneftly implore, that the feafonable de- 
 liverance received may be fo imprinted upon my 
 mind, that I may never forget^ never flighty 7ievermif- 
 imp'ove it. May the high praifes of my God fill my 
 
 heart. 
 
( 3<^5 ) 
 
 heart, and employ my tongue thro' the remainder 
 of my days.— May every power of my nature, and 
 all my talents be joyfully confecrated to thee; when 
 my voice is expiring in death, may I flill attempt 
 thy praifes. And O may I reach the celeilial Canaan, 
 and refound the praifes of my Maker and Savior 
 with thofe myriads of pure and happy Beings, who 
 
 ftand around thy throne. Let Heaven and Earth, 
 
 let all the creation unite in the moll exalted and 
 
 everlafting ftrains of bleihng and praife. Thus 
 
 would I give thanks always for all things unto God even 
 tM Father^ in the name of my Lord J ejus Chrifi^ who 
 came into the world that fmners might have life and that 
 they might have it more abundantly. Amen. 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 
 ON SINGING THE DIVINE PRAISES. 
 
 THIS facred exercife is enforced by various fcrip- 
 tural precepts, and examples, i Chron. xvi. 23. 
 2 Chron. v. 1 2 ; and among others that of our divine 
 Lord, Matt. xxvi. 30. " 'Tis the nobleft and high- 
 eft employment of the foul, wherein we make the 
 neareft approach to the bleiTed inhabitants of the 
 heavenly world," Pfalm 1. 23. Rev. v. 9. — When 
 we perform this duty, we iliould clofely attend to 
 the Jignification and ir,ipcrtance of what v/e fing, Pfalm 
 xlvii. 7. And the perfon who fixes upon the hymn, 
 or pfalm in focial worfhip, fhould aim to chufe fuch 
 as is eafy to be underftood, and in which ferious 
 chriftians of diirerent fentiments may confcientioufly 
 join. As the under fianding fo the heart is to be en- 
 gaged in the fervice, Ephef v. 19. If we utter a 
 devout breathing after any fpiritual good thine:, un- 
 
 R r ^ lefs 
 
( 306 ) 
 
 lefs our defires go with the v/ords, are we not utter- 
 ing a falfeJiGod and mocking GodF~-\NQ fhould dif- 
 charge the duty vjith. Jui table affe^ions : When cele- 
 brating the inconceivable perfedions of Jehovah, 
 we fhould do it with the deepefl reverence, Rev. iv. 
 10, II, and whilft recounting the numerous and 
 great benefits which flow from the divine loving- 
 kindnefs, glowing gratitude fhould fire our fpirits, 
 and holy joy [a) accom.pany the fong of praife, 
 Pfalm xcv. 2. — Since tht harmony of the voice is an 
 help to the devotion of the mind, thofe who are ca- 
 pable of it fhould learn to fing, 2 Chron. xxiii. 13. 
 And thofe who have but an indifferent ear for mu- 
 fic fhould be careful not to interrupt the melody ; 
 " particularly they fhould not run into an unfeemly 
 noilinefsj nor begin before the reftj nor drawl out 
 notes to a tedious length, when the refl have done." 
 
 Refpefting the pofiure of the body in finging, 
 
 fome tYim\!ifianding moft fuitable, i Chron. xxiii. 30. 
 whilft others confider fitting (b) as not improper. — 
 We would further obferve that this is a duty not to 
 be confin'd to a few but to be perform'd bv ^//, (c) 
 
 Pfalm 
 
 faj '' There feems to be a glaring impropriety in finging pe- 
 nitential and mournful pfalms and hymns, containing confelTions 
 of fin, humiliation and forrow before God, prayers for pardon, 
 and complaints under afHidions. St. James evidently prefcribes 
 a contrary practice. Is any among you affiided? let him pray. Is 
 avy merry, cr cheerful ? let him Jing pfalms. Chap. v. 13, — It ap- 
 pears from the hiilory of the Old Teftament, that the only pfalms 
 ufed in the fervice of the Jevvifh tabernacle,, and temple were the 
 language of praife and thankfgiving.'* 
 
 (^) A certain perfon on this point exprelfes himfelf thus — 
 Singing is an ordinance wherein we fpeak concerning God, rather 
 than to him ; accordingly it is called a pubUping the name of the 
 Lordy Deut. xxxii. 3. A teaching and admonijhing one another y 
 Colof. iii. 16. Hence the pradice in our feveral congregations 
 of fitting. — Hence alfo we fee the miHake of thofe, who affirm 
 that all we fmg muft be applicable to ourfelves. 
 
 {/) Here fome devout chriftians objeifl, that in the churches 
 to v^hich they belong, the profeffed fingers have introduced fuch 
 a large variety of tunes, and are frequently introducing new 
 onesy and fome of them fo full oi repetitio7is and fouripes, that 
 
( 307 ) 
 
 Pfalm Ixvlil. 22. Pfal. cl. 6, and as before Intimat- 
 ed, every one Ihould be follicltous to perform it in 
 the heft manner^ remembering that the moil: glorious 
 praifes we can give God are incomparably fhort of 
 what is due to his infinite perfedlions.— Should a lit- 
 tle emmet (fays Dr. Watts) that feels the Sun-beams 
 lift up its head and fay, " O Sun thou art warm" a 
 creeping infed that knows little or nothing of the 
 nature, the glory, the vaft circumference, and the 
 wonderful properties of this prodigious world of iire: 
 Yet this defpicable emmet gives praife to the Sun, 
 much more than we can do to our God, much more 
 than angels can do, more than all created nature can 
 do; becaufe there is fome proportion between the 
 praifes of this creeping worm, and the glories of the 
 Sun; they are both finite: But the glories of our 
 God are infinite; therefore no creative praife bears 
 any proportion. 'Tis only the voice that built the 
 Heavens and the Earth can tell what God/V, and what 
 God has done^ and that can pay him fufficient praife. 
 
 MORN- 
 
 it is impoffible for them to learn them; {o that they cannot join 
 as they would vvifh to do in this part of worfiiip.— The ingenious 
 Dr. Gregory hath obferved, thsit Jimplicity in K::e!ody is abfo- 
 
 lutely neceflary in all mufic intended to reach the heart. See 
 
 Mr. Or TON, and The Morning Exercifes on finging the praifes 
 of God. 
 
 8:1=' Let me remind fingers of the apprehended evil of learning 
 to fmg after divine fervice on a Lord's day. Does not this break 
 in upon the time w'uch fhould be employ'd in fecret meditation? 
 And does not the converfation which generally takes place on 
 thofe occafions tend to wear off any ferious imprefhons v/hich 
 might have been made on the mind by the fermon juft preached? 
 — Would likewife advife fuch when they meet together on com- 
 mon days, to improve in finging — as their minds are peculiarly 
 taken up with the tune, not to ufe words n^ery denjotional, but 
 rather to ufe pfalms on fome moral 'virtue, as jujiice, kindnefs^ 
 meeknefs, &c. — Neither can I forbear mentioning a word to 
 thole, who at a particular feafon of the year go about from houfe 
 to houfe drinkingy ^nd finging. There is foraething very fhocking 
 in the idea of perfons in the midft of their intemperance engag- 
 ing in anthems of praife. — ^And are not thofe partakers of the 
 fia, who countenance the pradi<;e ? 
 
( 3oS ) 
 
 MORNING AND EVENING HYMNS, 
 EQUALLY SUITABLE FOR THE FAMI- 
 LY AND THE CLOSET.* 
 
 For the Lord's Day Morning. — Long Metre, i. 
 
 The excellency of the Word, 
 
 1. TlcrHEN Ifrael through the defert pafs'd, 
 
 ^^ A fiery pillar went before. 
 To guide them through the dreary wafte, 
 And lefTen the fatigues they bore. 
 
 2. Such is thy glorious Word, O God, 
 
 'Tis for our light and guidance giv'n ; 
 Ir flieds a luftre all abroad, 
 
 And points the path to blifs and Heav'n. 
 
 3. It fills the foul with fv/ret delight, 
 
 And quickens its inadlive pow'rs. 
 It fets our v/and'ring footfceps right, 
 Difplays thy love^ and kindles ours. 
 
 4. Its promifes rejoice the heart. 
 
 Its dodtrines are divinely true ; 
 Knowledge and pleafure it imparts. 
 It comforts, and inftructs us too, 
 
 5. Ye Britifh Illes blefs'd with this Word, 
 
 Ye. faints who feel its faving pow'r. 
 Unite your tongues to praife the Lord, 
 And his diftinguifh'd grace adore. 
 
 The Lord's Day Morning.— Common Metre. 2„ 
 
 1 . ''"p H I S is the Day the Lord hath made, 
 
 -^ He calls it all his own ; 
 Let Hgav'n rejoice, let Earth be glad, 
 And'pTaife furround the Throne. 
 
 2. To-day he rofe and left the dead. 
 
 And Satan's Empire fell ; 
 To-day the faints his triumphs fpread. 
 And all his wonders telL 
 
 * Jee page 168 note (<•). 
 
and fingj 
 
 ( 309 ) 
 
 Hofanna to th' anointed King, 
 
 To David's holy Son ! 
 Help us, O Lord ; defcend and bring 
 
 Salvation from thy throne. 
 
 Hofanna in the higheft ftrains 
 
 The church on Earth can raife; 
 The highefl Heav'ns in which he reigns. 
 
 Shall give him nobler praife. W, 
 
 Lord's Day Evening. — Long Meaf. 3, 
 
 CWEET is the work, my God, my Kin?, 
 ^ To praife thy name, give thanks a 
 To fhew thy love by morning-light, 
 And talk of all thy truth at night. 
 
 My heart fhall triumph in the Lord, 
 And blefs his works, and blefs his Avord ; 
 Thy works of grace how bright they ihifie ! 
 How deep thy counfels ! how divine ! - - 
 
 Lo ! I fhall fhare a glorious part, 
 When grace hath well refin'd my heart, 
 And frefh fupplies of joy are fhed 
 Like holy oil to cheer my head. 
 
 Then fhall I fee, and hear, and know 
 
 All I defir'd, or wifh'd below ; 
 
 And every pow'r find fweet employ. 
 
 In that eternal world of joy. W, 
 
 Lord's Day Evening. — Common Metre. 4, 
 
 •pREQUENT the day of God returns 
 -■- To fhed its quickening beams ; 
 And yet how flow devotion burns ! 
 How languid are its flames 1 
 
 Increafe, O Lord, my faitii and hope, 
 
 And fit me to afcend. 
 Where the Affembly ne'er breaks up. 
 
 The Sabbath ne'er fhall end. 
 
 Where I fhall breathe in heavenly air. 
 
 With heavenly luftre fhine; 
 Before the throtie of God appearj 
 
 And feafl on love divine. 
 
( 3^0 ) 
 
 4. ' Where I, in high feraphic ftrains. 
 Shall all my powers employ; 
 Delighted range th' etherial plains. 
 
 And take my fill of joy. B. 
 
 A Morning Hymn.— Long Meaf. 5, 
 
 1. f^ OD of the morning at whofe voice 
 
 ^^ The cheerful Sun makes hafte to rife. 
 And like a giant doth rejoice 
 
 To run his journey thro' the fkies ; 
 
 2. From the fair chambers of the Eaft 
 
 The circuit of his race begins. 
 And without wearinefs or reft, 
 
 Round the whole Earth he flies and fhines : 
 
 3, Oh like the Sun may I fulfil 
 
 Th' appointed duties of the day. 
 With ready mind and a6i:ive will 
 
 March on, and keep the heav'nly way , 
 
 4, Give me thy counfel for my guide. 
 
 And then receive me to thy blifs ; 
 May each defire and hope befide 
 
 Be faint and cold compar'd v.^ith this, W, 
 
 A Morning Hymn.^ — Common Meaf. 6» 
 
 1. /^NCE more my foul the rifing day 
 ^^ Salutes thy waking eyes ; 
 Once more my voice thy tribute pay 
 
 To him that rules the fkies. 
 
 2. Night unto night his name repeats, 
 
 1 he day renews the found, 
 Wide as the Heavens on v/hich he fits. 
 To turn the feafons round. 
 
 3. 'Tis He fupports my mortal frame. 
 
 My tongue fhall fpeak his praife ; 
 My fins would roufe his v/r?..n to flam?. 
 And yet his wrath delays. 
 
 4. Great God, O let my heart be thine, 
 
 Whilft I enjoy the light ; 
 Then fhall my Sun in fmilts decline. 
 
 And bring a peaceful night. Wa 
 
I. 
 
 2. 
 
 ( 311 ) 
 
 j^N Evening Hymn.— Long Meaf. 7. 
 
 ' S y? ?/' .^?T7 ?^^P' ^^"^^ ^^"^^ mine eyes, 
 •^ J ir d with beholding vanities : 
 
 Welcome fweet fleep, that drives away 
 
 The toils, and follies of the day. 
 
 On thy foft bofom wiil I lie, 
 Forget the world and learn to die. 
 O Ifrael's watchful Shepherd fpread 
 Thine Angel-tents around my bed. 
 
 Clouds and thick darknefs veil thy throne 
 Its awful glories all unknown; ' 
 
 O dart from thence one cheerino- ray. 
 And turn my mid-night into day. 
 
 Thus when the morn in crimfon drefs'd, 
 
 iJreaks from the chambers of the Eaft 
 
 My grateful fongs of praife fliall rife/ 
 
 Like fragrant incenfe to the fides. j 
 
 An Evening HyMN.—Common Metre. 8. 
 
 r\ Lord, my God, how wond'rous ^reat 
 ^^ Is thine exalttd Name ! 
 The glories of the heav'nly ftate 
 Let men and babes proclaim. 
 
 When I behold thy works on high. 
 
 The Moon that rules the ni^hl:. 
 And ftars that well adorn the &y, 
 
 Thofe moving worlds of light. 
 
 Lord, what is man, or all his race. 
 
 Who dwells fo far below. 
 That thou fhould'H vifit him with grace 
 
 And love his nature fo ? 
 
 That thy beloved Son fhould bear 
 
 Like me a mortal form. 
 Made lower than the Angels are. 
 
 To fave a dying worm ? 
 
 Let him be crov/n'd with majefty 
 
 Who bov/'d his head to death ; 
 And be his honors founded high 
 
 By all things that have breath. W, 
 
( 312 ) 
 A Morning or Evening Hymn, 
 
 Common Metre. 9. 
 
 1. TT OS ANN A with a cheerful found, 
 -'^ To God's upholding hand ; 
 Ten thoufand fhares attend me round. 
 
 And yet fecure I ftand. 
 
 2. That was a moft amazing pow'r 
 
 Thafrais'd me with a word. 
 And ev'ry day, and ev'ry hour, 
 I lean upon the Lord. 
 
 3. My breath is forfeited by fm 
 
 To God''s moft holy law ; 
 I own thy Grace, immortal King, 
 In ev'ry gafp I draw. 
 
 4. God is my Sun, whofe daily light 
 
 My joy and fafety brings ; 
 My feeble flefh lies fafe at night 
 
 Beneath his fhadowy wings. W. 
 
 A Morning or Evening Hymn. 
 Common Metre. 10. 
 
 1. npHRTCE happy fouls who born from Heav'n, 
 
 -*- While yet they fojourn here. 
 Who all their days with God begin. 
 And fpend them in his fear ! 
 
 2. So may mine eyes with holy zeal 
 
 Prevent the dawning day; 
 And turn the facred Scriptures o'er 
 And praife thy. name and pray. 
 
 3. Midft hourly cares may love prefent 
 
 Its incenfe to thy throne ; 
 And while the world mine hands employs^ 
 Mine heart be thine alone. 
 
 4.. As fan61:ified to nobleft ends 
 
 Be each refrefhment fought ; 
 And by each various providence 
 Some wife inftrudion brought. 
 
 5. When 
 
( 3^3 ) 
 
 5. When to laborious duties cal^d. 
 
 Or by temptations try'd, 
 I'll feek the (belter of thy wings. 
 And in thy ftrength confide. 
 
 6. At night I lean my weary head 
 
 On thy paternal breaft ; 
 And fafely folded in thine arms, 
 
 Refign my pow'rs to reft. D. 
 
 A Morning or Evening Hymn. 
 
 Common Metre, ii. 
 
 1. CHINE on my foul eternal God, 
 ^ With rays of beauty fhine : 
 O let thy favor crown my days. 
 
 And all their round be thine. 
 
 2. Did I not raife mj hands to thee, 
 
 My hands might toil in vain ; 
 Small joy fuccefs itfelf could give. 
 If thou thy love reftrain. 
 
 3. With thee let ev'ry week begin. 
 
 With thee each Day be fpent. 
 For thee each fleeting hour improv'd. 
 Since each by thee is lent. 
 
 f . Thus cheer me thro' this defart road, 
 'Till all my labors ceafe ; 
 And Heav'n refrefh my weary foul 
 
 With everlafting peace. D, 
 
 A Morning or Evening Hyp,in. 
 
 Long Metre. 12. 
 
 r, IVT'^ ^^^ ^^^ endlefs is thy love ! 
 IVX Thy gifts are ev'ry evening nev/ ; 
 And morning mercies from above 
 Gently diftil like early dew. 
 
 2. Thou fpread'ft the curtains of the night. 
 Great Guardian of my fleeping hours -, 
 Thy fov'reign word reftores the light. 
 And quickens all my drowfy pow'rs. 
 S f 
 
( 3H ) 
 
 I yield my powers to thy command ; 
 
 To thee I confecrate my days 5 
 Perpetual bleflings from thine hand 
 
 Demand perpetual fqngs of praife^^ gjf^^^ iv.F'v.t 
 
 A MoRNmo OR Evening HymM^^^ 
 
 '■■\ ''3 
 
 Common Metre. 13. 
 
 r. INDULGENT Father ! how dkih^P^f . 
 ■*■ How bright thy bounties are ! ->- i-juA 
 
 Through Nature's ample roiind they fliine, ■ - 
 Thy goodnefs to declare. 
 
 2. But in the nobler work of grace, .^^ 
 
 What fweeter mercy fiiiiles, "f^" ' 
 
 In my benign Redeemer's face, '^ ^^/oi/x 
 And ev'ry fear beguiles. 
 
 3. Such wonders. Lord ! while I fUrvey, 
 
 To thee my thanks Ih^U rife. 
 When morning ufhers in the day. 
 Or ev'ning veils the Ikies. 
 
 4. When glimm'ring life refigns its fiame, 
 
 Thy praife fliall tune my breath ; 
 The fweet remembrance of thy name 
 Shall gild the fhades of death. 
 
 5. But oh ! how bleft my fong fhaH rife. 
 
 When freed from feeble clay ; 
 And all thy glories meet mine eyes^ 
 In one eternal day. 
 
 A Morning or Evening Hymn, 
 Common Metre. 14. 
 
 1, 'T'HE glories of my Maker God 
 
 -*■ My joyful tongue fhall fiiigj 
 And call the nations to adore 
 Their Former and their King. 
 
 2. *Twas his right hand that (hap'd my clay, 
 
 And wrought this wond'rous frame -, 
 But from his own celeftial breath. 
 My nobler fpirit came. 
 
3. I bring my mortal pow'rs to God, 
 
 And worfhip with my tongue ; 
 I claim fome kindred with the Ikie?, 
 And join the heav'nly fongs. 
 
 4. Let beafts which in the paftures feed. 
 
 Or in the defarts lie, 
 Filhes that move within the feas, 
 And fowls beneath the fky. 
 
 5. Let rocks, and woods, and fires, and feas, 
 
 Their various tribute bring; 
 And one united anthem raife 
 To God all nature's King. 
 
 6. Ye planets to his honor (hine. 
 
 As thro' your orbs you run ; 
 Praife him in your eternal courfe 
 Around the fteady Sun. 
 
 7. The glory of my Maker's name 
 
 The wide creation fills. 
 And his unbounded grandeur flies 
 
 Beyond the heav'nly hills. W. 
 
 A Morning or Evening Hymn. 
 
 Long Metre. 15. 
 
 r . XT A'^ H E R of men thy care >ve blefs, 
 
 ^ Which crowns our families with peace : 
 From thee they fprung, and by thy hand 
 Their root and branches are fuftain'd. 
 
 2. To God moft worthy to be prais'd, 
 Be our domeftic altars rais'd ; 
 
 Who Lord of Heav'n fcorns not to dwell 
 With faints in their obfcureft celL 
 
 3. To thee may each united houfe. 
 Morning and night prefent its vows : 
 Our fervants there, and rifin^ race 
 Be taught thy precepts, and thy grace. 
 
 4. O may each future age proclaim - • 
 The honors of thy glorious name ; ' 
 While pleas'd ^nd thankful -yve reanpye^ s^wT" 
 To join the family above. ^ . ,~J^ri.>^' 
 
 f This and the »f*-/.:t*Ki-eader:wiil perceive are particularly 
 a4apted to family worlhip. ;5.x*iiq 4iiiq^ i:^iCQTi f jVI 
 
'^ 
 
 ( 316 ) 
 
 A Morning or Evening Hymn. 
 
 Short Metre. 16. 
 
 1 . "D LE S T are the fons of peace, 
 -^ Whcfe hearts and hopes are one, 
 Whofe kind defigns to fervu and pleafe 
 
 Thro' all their anions run. 
 
 2. Bleft is the pious houfe 
 
 Where zeal and friendfnip meet. 
 Their fongs of praife, their mingled vows 
 Make their communion fv/eet. 
 
 3. Thus on the heav'nly hills 
 
 The faints are bleft above, 
 Where joy like morning-dev/ diflils 
 
 And all the air is love. Vv^o 
 
 OCCASIONAL HYMNS, 
 
 For those who practise Infant Baptism. 
 Common Metie. 17. 
 
 1. C EE Ifrael's gentle Shepherd ftand 
 ^ With all-engaging charms, 
 Hark ! hov/ he calls the tender lambs, 
 
 And folds them in his arms.f 
 
 2. Permit them to approach, he cries. 
 
 Nor fcorn their humiblc nam.e, 
 For 't?was:to blefs fuch fouls as thefe 
 The Lord of angels came. 
 
 3. We bring them, Lord in thankful hands, 
 
 And yield them up to thee. 
 May wc ourfelves indeed be thine, 
 Thine let our off-fpring be. 
 
 A. Yc little flock with plcafure hear, 
 Yc children feek his face. 
 And fly with tranfport to receive 
 
 The bleffings of his grace. J). 
 
 Mark x. 14. Luke xviii. 15, &c. 
 
( z^l ) 
 
 A Practical Improvement of Adult Baptism.* 
 
 Common Metre. iB. 
 
 1. A TTEND ye children of your Godi 
 ^^ Ye heirs of glory hear; 
 
 For accents fo divine as ihefc. 
 Might charm "the dullefl ear. 
 
 2. Baptiz'd into your Savior's death, 
 
 Your fouls to fin muft die; 
 With Chrifl your Lord ye live anew, 
 With Chriil afcend on hieh. 
 
 3. Rife from thefe earthly tribes, rife 
 
 On wings of faith and love; 
 Your choiceft, brightefl: treafure lies. 
 And be your hearts, above. 
 
 4. But Earth and fin will drag us down 
 
 W^hen we attempt to Hy; . 
 Jjord, fend thy (Ircng attractive force 
 
 To raife and fix us hio;h. D, 
 
 A Sacramental Hvmn.— Com. Metre. 19. 
 
 /^ OME, let us join the rapturous fongs 
 ^ Of ano-els round the throne ; 
 
 I. 
 
 Ten thoufand thoufand are their tongues. 
 But ail their joys- are one. 
 
 " Worthy the Lamb that dy'd," they cry, 
 
 " To be exalted thus, 
 " Worthy the Lamb," cur lips reply. 
 
 For he was flain for us. 
 
 Th° whole creation join in one 
 
 To blcfs the f:'cred name 
 Of Him that fits upon the throne. 
 
 And to adore the Lamb. Vv\ 
 
 A Sacramental HYMN.---Ccm. Metre. 20, 
 
 S 
 
 A LV AT ION ! O melcdioas found 
 To wretched dying men ' 
 
 Salvation, which from God proceeds 
 And leads to God a^rain ! 
 
 o 
 
 Colof. iii. lo 
 
( 3i8 ) 
 
 2. Refcu'd from Hell's eternal gloom. 
 
 And fin's moft hateful chain : 
 Rais'd to a paradife of blifs. 
 Where love and glory reign ! 
 
 3. But O ! may a degen'rate foul. 
 
 Sinful and weak as ming, 
 frefume to raife a trembling eye 
 To bleffings fo" divine ? 
 
 4. The luflre of fo bright a blifs 
 
 My feeble heart o'er-bears ; 
 And unbelief almoft perverts 
 The promife into tears. 
 
 5. O Lord, my God, no voice but thine 
 
 Thefe languid hopes can raife ; 
 Speak thy falvation to my foul. 
 And turn its doubts to praife. 
 
 6. O Lord, my God, this broken voice 
 
 Tranfported fhall proclaim. 
 And call on all th' angelic harps 
 
 To fouiid thy gracious name. I>. 
 
 Praise for Deli:veranc^ from Sickness, 
 
 Long Metre. 21. 
 
 T Will extol thee, Xord, en high, 
 
 -''■ At thy command difeafes fly ; 
 
 Who but a God can fpeak, and fave 
 
 From the dark borders of the grave f '^f 
 
 Sing to the Lord, ye faints of hi§, . 
 
 And tell how large his goodnefs is ; 
 
 Let all your pow'rs rejoice and blefs __ 
 
 While you record his holinefs. 
 
 Hisangerbutan^ent ftap; •>^^hdjuO 
 
 His love IS lire and length of days ; .J. ^H-^.fj 
 Tho' grief and cears, the night emplaj^^' ^^^^ ^|.| 
 The n^orpipgrftaiv^^ores^axe ^^ ^.^^i^^^ a ^' 
 
( 319 ) 
 
 A Hymn for New-Year's-Day. — L. Metre. 22* 
 
 1. INTERNAL God, I blefs thy name ; 
 
 ^ The fame thy power, thy grace the fame ; , 
 The tokens of thy friendly care 
 Open, and crown, and clofe the year. 
 
 2. I 'midft ten thoufand dangers ftand. 
 Supported by thy guardian hand ; 
 And fee, when I furvey thy ways 
 Ten thoufand monuments of praife. 
 
 3. Thus far thy arm has led me on ; 
 Thus far I make thy mercy known ; ' 
 And while I tread this defart land, 
 New mercies fhall new fongs demand. 
 
 4. My grateful fongs on Jordan's fhore. 
 Shall raife one facred pillar more ; 
 Then bear, in thy bright courts above 
 Infcriptions* of immortal love. 
 
 A Hymn for the Fifth of November; 
 Long Metre. 23. 
 
 1. TT A D not the Lord, may Ifr'el fay, 
 
 "*^ Had not the Lord maintained our fide. 
 When men, to make our lives a prey, 
 Rofe like the fwelling of the tide. 
 
 2. The fwelling tide had ftopt our breath. 
 
 So fiercely did the waters roll. 
 We had been fwallow'd deep in death ; 
 Proud waters had o'er-whelm'd our foul. 
 
 3. For ever blefled be the Lord, 
 
 Who broke the fowler's deadly fnare. 
 Who fav'd us from the murd'ring fword. 
 And made our lives and fouls his care ! 
 
 4. Our help is in Jehovah's Name, 
 
 Who form'd the Earth and built the SkieS ; 
 He who upholds that wond'rous frame ; 
 
 Guards his own church with watchful eyes. 
 
 * Rev. iii. 12. 
 
( 320 ) 
 
 The happy Nation.— -Long Metre. 24, 
 
 TTAPPY the city where their fons 
 ■*■-*' Like pillars round a palace fet. 
 And daughters bright as polilh'd ftones 
 Give ftrength and beauty to the ftate, 
 
 Happy the country where the flieep. 
 Cattle, and corn have large increafe; 
 
 Where men fecurely work or fleep, 
 Nor fons of plunder break the peace. 
 
 Happy the nation thus endow'd ; 
 
 But more divinely bleft are thofe 
 On whom the all-fufiicient God 
 
 Himfelf with all his grace beftows. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 I 
 
 NTRODUGTION containing the moft obvious arguments 
 for prayer, &c. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 
 
 Page. 
 
 Of the Gift of Prayer 
 
 ^ 
 
 I 
 
 Section I. Invocation _ - - - 
 
 - 
 
 2 
 
 11. Adoration 
 
 
 
 III. Confeflion - - - . 
 
 - 
 
 lO 
 
 Appendix to the above Section, to aflifl in 
 
 the 
 
 
 duty of felf-examination - 
 
 . 
 
 23 
 
 IV. Petition and Interceffion 
 
 - 
 
 31—4+ 
 
 V. Pleading 
 
 - 
 
 51 
 
 VI. Self-dedication 
 
 - 
 
 54 
 
 VII. Thankfgiving 
 
 - 
 
 57 
 
 VIII. Doxology -, - 
 
 - 
 
 61 
 
 Supplement to the preceding Sections 
 
 - 
 
 62 
 
 Relating to Matter , - - 
 
 - 
 
 65 
 
 Method 
 
 - 
 
 69 
 
 Expireffion 
 
 - 
 
 71 
 
 Voice - - - 
 
 - 
 
 76 
 
 Gefture in prayer 
 
 - 
 
 79 
 
 CHAP. II. 
 
 Of the Grace of Prayer - " 84 
 SiCTiOM I. Wliat is meant by the grace of prayer. 
 
 II. General graces of prayer - - - 86 
 
 III. Particular graces - - - - ^9 
 
 IV. How they are to be attained - - 95 
 
 C HAP. III. 
 
 Of THE-SpiRfT of-Prayer - • 95 
 
 Section I. Proofs of the Spirit's affillance 
 
 II. How the Spirit affiils - - - ^ gS 
 
 III. Cautions about the influences of the Spirit 100 
 
 IV. Dire6lioi>s to attain, and preferve the aids 
 
 of the Spirit . - - - 107 
 
 C H A P. IV. 
 
 Family Prayers for every Morning and Evening in 
 the week, preceded by a fuitable addrefs, where 
 prayer has been hitherto negledcd - - - 5^3 
 
 A prayer for Lord's day Morning - - 115 
 
 Evening - - U7 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Pa^e 
 
 Another prayer for Lord's day Morning - - 119 
 
 Evening - - 120 
 
 Monday Morning - - 123 
 
 Evening - - 125 
 
 Tuefday Morning - - 128 
 
 Evening - - 130 
 
 Wednefday Morning - - 132 
 
 Evening - - 134 
 
 Thurfday Morning - - 136 
 
 Ev^etiing - - 137 
 
 Friday Morning - - 1^9 
 
 Evening - - 142 
 
 Saturday Morning - - 145 
 
 Evening - - 147 
 
 Petitions and Thanksgivings fuited to particular 
 circuinftances, to be united with the preceding 
 Morning and Evening Prayers - - - 150 
 
 Petitions for the afflicled, when the Symptoms of a 
 diforder are not very dangerous 
 
 For the fick, if in a flate of infeniibility 
 For one who is paft hope - - - 151 
 
 For a difeafed child. 
 Thankfgiving for recovery from Sicknefs. 
 
 For a child reftored to health. 
 Petitions for any who are going a journey, or voyage 152 
 Thankfgiving for a fafc return. 
 Petitions for a woman drawing near the time of dif- 
 ficulty, or in travail. 
 Thankfgiving after a fafe delivery - - - 153 
 
 When the child is dead, but the mother preferved. 
 On death in a family. 
 Petitions fuited 
 
 To fuch as are In prlfon for their crimes 154 
 
 For thofe who are wrongfully imprifoned. 
 
 For condemned Malefactors. 
 
 For Rain ._-._, j^^ 
 
 For fair Weather. 
 
 In time of Thunder, or fome terrible Tempell. 
 
 In time of any public Calamity — adapted to 
 
 a Faft-day ------ 156 
 
 Thankfgiving for Rain - - - - - 157 
 
 For fair Weather. 
 
 For the profped of a plenteous Harveft. 
 
 After Harvcft . . _ - - j^$ 
 
 For prefervation during a violent florm of 
 
 ThuHder, &c. 
 For the removal of a national Calamity— fuited 
 to the 5 th of November, or any other day of 
 public Thankfgiving - - - - 159 
 
 Of the Lord's prayer - - - - - 160 
 
 The Lord's prayer paraphrafed - - - - 161 
 
 On faying Grace, and examples of it - ^ - 163, &c. 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 C H A P, V. 
 
 T> Page. 
 
 rARTicuLAR DIRECTIONS for the right improvement of 
 
 each part of the day, luiLsd to chriii-ans of every 
 
 rank, &c. &c. 
 
 The diredlions for Morning Devotions - , 155 
 Bufmefs and the improvement of 
 
 oar Talents - - - ij^ 
 
 Amufements - - _ j^g 
 
 Providences to be obferved - iSq 
 Watchfuhiefs again ft Temptations. 
 
 Dependance on divine Grace - 181 
 
 The Government of our Thoughts jg^ 
 
 ^— ^ of oar Converfation 183 
 
 Evening Devotions - - - i8r 
 
 Confiderations to animate the chriflian thus to live, and ad 1S7 
 
 Daily Prayers to be ufed in fecret. 
 
 I. A Morning Prayer - - - 180 
 
 II. An Evening Prayer - _ » jq^ 
 
 III. A Morning Prayer - - - ig-j 
 
 IV. An Evening Prayer - - - jq5 
 V. For the Morning or Evening — fuited to the 
 
 cafe of a chriflian who finds himfelf in a 
 dull frame . _ . . 200 
 
 VI. For the Morning or Evening — fuitable for 
 
 a chriitian in a good frame - 202 
 
 Essays — On the christian sabbath; and hear- 
 ing THE V/ORD preached - 204 
 
 A Prayer before public vvorfhip - .- - 2.25 
 
 After public worfliip. 
 
 On THE Ordinance of Baptism - - 226 
 Confidered as an Ordinance of Dedication - 227 
 Plain arguments for the truth, and divine autho- 
 rity of Scripture ----- 228 
 Addrefs to Parents ----- 236 
 •'■ to Children - - - - - 241 
 — — -^ to Youth ----- 242 
 to Adults who are candidates, &c. - 244 
 
 A Prayer to be ufed by parents before a child's Baptifm 246 
 
 After a child's Baptifm 247 
 
 A Prayer for an adult before Baptifm - - 248 
 
 After Baptifm - - 249 
 
 On the Lord's Supper, 
 
 The nature of the Ordinance - - - - 251 
 
 Preparation for it - - - - - 25^ 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 A Variety of devout Thoughts to employ our minds 
 jufl before we go to the Lord's Supper, and at the 
 
 facrarncntal Table - , - _ , . 259 
 
 Mifcelianeous hints humbly addreiTed to profeflbrs 272 
 The principal excufes for neglecting the Lord's Supper 
 
 briefly anfwered ----- 292 
 
 Serious Youth earneftly exhorted to "come to the 
 
 facred Table - -. - - - - 299 
 
 A Prayer before partaking of the Lord's Supper 300 
 Thankfgiving and Prayer after partaking of the 
 
 Lord's Supper -- - - - - 301 
 
 The Prayer of a perfon in ficknefs - - - 303 
 Thankfgiving for recovery from ficknefs, or for de- 
 liverance, from any Trouble or Danger - - 304. 
 
 CHAP. VI. 
 
 On SINGING THE DIVINE Praises - - 305 
 
 Morning arid Evening Hymns, fuitable for the Family 
 
 and the Clofet. Hymn, 
 
 Ahend ye children of your God — On adult Baptifm - - 18 
 
 Bleil are the fons of peace — Morning or Evening - - - 16 
 
 Come, let us join the rapturous fongs — Sacramental - - 19 
 
 Eternal God, 1 blefs thy name — New Year's Day - - - 22 
 
 father of men thy care we blefs — -Morning or Evening - 15 
 
 Frequent the day of God returns — Lord's day evening - 4 
 
 God of the morning at whofe voice - » - - - ^ 
 
 Had not the Lord, may Ifracl fay — 5th of November - 23 
 
 Happy the city where their fens - - - - - 24 
 
 Haianna with a cheerful found — Morning or Evening - 9 
 
 Indulgent Father! hov/ divine— Morning or Evening - 13 
 
 I will extol thee. Lord, on high— Deliverance from iicknefs 21 
 
 My God how endlefs is thy love— Morning or Evening - 12 
 
 O Lord, my God, how wond'rous great-r-Evening - - 8 
 
 Once more my foul the rifing day—Mcrning - - - 6 
 
 See Ifrael's gentle Shepherd ftjand — -Infant Baptifm - - 17 
 
 Salvation ! O rnejodious fouod — Sacramental - - - - 20 
 Sleep, downy, iieep^ come clof^ mine eyes — Evening - . .-„„ 7 
 
 Sweet is the work, my God, my King^-'Lord's day Evening 3 
 
 The glories cf my Maker, God — Morning or Evening - 14 
 
 This is the day the Lord hath made — Lord's day Morning 2 
 
 Thfice happy fouls who born from Hcav'n — Morn or Even. 10 
 
 When Ifrael through the defert pafs'd-— Lord's day Morning i 
 
Puhlijhed hy the fame ^Juthor^ 
 
 And fold by J. Buckland, Paternofler-Row, London, 
 THE 
 
 DUTY and INTEREST 
 
 Of every PRIVATE PERSON and 
 the KINGDOM at LARGE 
 
 At the prefcnt Junaure* 
 
 Price 2s. 6d. 
 
im^ML^ti^.- 
 
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