YALE
UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

F O R M

OF

PRAYER, FOR
¦¦ft
;-), Morning ^nd Evening;
f. r
.Fitted for the Ufe of C h r i s t i a n s of any
Denomination. Tp which are added,
iteur plain and fhort Homilies.
£.et us follow after things which* ^nake for peace,
and. things therewith one may edify another.
k,. Rom. xiv. 19.
What vie may all hold the faith, in unity- of fipi-
rit, in the bond of peace, and in righteoufnefs
f- of life. Common Prayer.
Agreeabiejto the Plan of th** Authors of the Free
4nd Candid Difquifitions : and Publifhed with
the Approbation of feveral worthy Members
ofthe Church of England.
LONDON:
'printed for A. Millar, in the Strand; and
J. -Whiston, in Fleet-Street. MDCCLI. [Price J s. 6 4?

Mv-pU Fnc

'wwT

THE
PREFACE;
TH E great defign of the
Chriftian religion, is to raife
in us the heavenly difpofl-
tions of love, reverence and gratitude
to God; of goodnefs and mercy to,
and unity with one another ; and of
humility and purity in our felves.
Thefe blefled tempers, accompanied
with a fuitable practice, will fit us
for the manfions of eternal peace
and felicity.
To imprefs thefe amiable difpofi-
tions, and to inforee a fuitable prac
tice, is the main view of the author
in this work : who has therefore care
fully avoided every thing that might
A 2 give

iv The P R E F A C E.
give offence, or occafion any dif
pute : and has endeavoured to com
pofe it in fuch a manner, as to fuit
with every denomination of Chrifti
ans, who own the fcriptures for their
only rule, both of faith and practice.
As the author is of opinion, that
forms of prayer, judicioufly drawn
up, are of great ufe, both in public
afiemblies and private families ; fb
he hopes the following performance
may be of fome fervice, towards the
promoting ferious religion among
us: and may excite others of better
judgment and fuperior abilities, to
purfue, and compleat fo ufeful a
work. / have here added part of a let
ter ', from fome worthy members of the
Church of England^ who had perufed
the firft draughty of this work ; fence
enlarged and improved^ by the afftfl^
ance of them^ and others. 2 Thefe

The P R E F A C E. v
tc Thefe papers, after having pafled
through different hands, are now
returned to the author, with great
approbation. It is the opinion of
thofe, who have had the opportuni
ty of perufing them, that they may
do fervice towards promoting religi
on, being drawn up with fincerity -
and piety, and fitted in a plain man
ner for the benefit of common un
derftandings. •
The author's regard to our public
liturgy and the facred fcriptures, in
framing thefe forms of devotion, is
truly commendable *, thofe contain
ing a rich fupply of all proper mate
rials for fuch a defign, and having a
juft claim to our attention and
efteem, in all compofitions of this
nature : which will always be the
more valuable, the more they par
take of the ferious piety of thefe
writings, and are enlivened with the
pe-

vi The PREFACE.
peculiar energy and beauty of theif
expreflions. If the author of this work fhall
think fit to publifh what he has com
municated., it may well be hoped,
that the integrity of his views, will
fufficiently skreen him from oblo
quies, and gain him approbation
with men of candour and piety ;
whofe approbation alone is valuable,
when elTays of this nature are brought
to the teft. Nothing furely can be
juftly objected to a defign fo harm-
lefs, fo benevolent, and fas we think
it) fo likely to prove ferviceable to
the intereft of religion; which ought
above all things to be valued by
thofe, who can difcern it's excel
lence, and are fincerely deiirous of
its prdgrefs. May not this humble
performance be ufed with benefit, at
leaft in private families ? Are not
pious and chriftian families, of what ever

The PREFACE. vii
ever denomination, at liberty to ufe
any pious and chriftian forms, fuch
as they fhall beft approve ? Family-
piety, with concern it is obferved, and
to our fhame be it fpoken, is too
much neglected. The neglect, has
long been attended with bad confe
quences, and may in time be attend
ed with ftill worfe. Finally, it is to
be wifhed, that our fellow protec
tants in this kingdom, who ' fecede
from our eftablifhed communion,
would from henceforward lovingly
unite in introducing public forms a-
mongft them. Let not our little
party prejudices prevail fb much a-
mongft us for the future, as they
have too long, and too unhappily
done hitherto. May the gracious
God of heaven forgive us all our
paft errors, mew us the light of his
truth, give us hearts to follow it,
and difpofe us tp be reconciled to
each

viii The PREFACE.
each other, as much as poffible, up
on the foundation of chriftian prin
ciples, and of brotherly love and for
bearance ! Forbearance and candid
fentiments will do a great deal to
wards union : but if union is not to
be defired, if it be contrary to the
defign of our religion, or difagreer
able to the precepts of its author,
let it never be thought of any more
by Chriftians.
The author will obferve, that we
have here forborne to fay any thing
about the Homilies. It Is fufficient
for us to fay, in one word,' that we
judge them to be as ufeful, as they
are plain and intelligible. We hearti
ly pray, that good fuccefs may at
tend the whole, if made public."

Moaning

( I )

NiNG Prayer*

Lei the mitiifter begin with reading fome of
tbe fpllowittg fentencesi
! H O can fay, I have rhade my
' heart clean, I am pure from
fin? if we juftify ourfelves,
our own mouth (hall condemn
,,,.,f us j if we fay, we are perfect,
kSfalfoproveus perverfe. Pr0v.xx.9l
and fob ix. 20.
There is none righteous, no not one, for
atl have finned, and come fhort ofthe glory
of God, There is not a juft man upon the
earth, that does good, and fins not. Rom. iii.
10, 27. and Ecclef. vii. 20.
J B We

2 MORNING PRAYER.
We all have gone aftray, we have turned
every one to his own way. And if we fay,
we have no fin, we deceive ourfelves, and
the truth is not in us : but if we ctinfefs our
fins, God is faithful and juft to forgive us
our fins, and to cleanfe us from all uririgh-
teoufnefs. lfa. liii. 6. and 1 John i. 8, 9.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, he re
tains not his anger for ever* becaufe he de
lights in mercy : for he knows our frame,
he remembers that we are duft. Exod. xxxiv.
6. Micah vii. 18. and Pfalm ciii. 14.
Have mercy upon us, O God, according
to thy loving kindnefs ; according to the mul
titude of thy tender mercies blot out our
tranfgreffions : and enter not into judgment
with thy fervants, for ¦'in thy fight fhall no
man living be juftified. Pfalm li. 1. and^
cxliii. 2.
Thus fays the high and lofty one, that in
habits eternity, whofe name is holy : I dwell
in the high and holy place, with him alfo
that is of a contrite and humble fpirit, to
revive the fpirit of the humble, and to re
vive the heart of the contrite ones, for I will
not contend for ever, neither will I be alway
wroth. Ifa. lvii. 15, 16.
Come unto me, fays our Saviour, all ye that
labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give
you reft. Take my yoke upon you, and
learn

MORNING PRAYER. 3
learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in
heart, and ye fhall find reft unto your fouls ;
for my yoke is eafy, and my burden is
light. Matt. xi. 28, 29, 30.
Let the wicked forfake his way, and the
unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him
return unto the Lord, and he will have
mercy upon him j and to our God, for he
will abundantly pardon, Jfa. lv. 7.
The foul that fins, it fhall die. But if the.
wicked will turn from all his fins that he
has committed, and keep all my ftatutes,
fays the Lord, and do that which is lawful
and right he fhall furely live, he*fhall not
die : all his tranfgreffion s that he has com
mitted, they fhall not be mentioned unto,
him : in his righteoufnefs that he has. done,
he fhall live. Ezek. xviii. 20, 21, 22.
'Then let him read as follows.
D Early beloved brethren : we are now
afiembled together, to humble our
felves before God for all our tranfgreffions ;
to render thanks to him for the many and
undeferved benefits we have received from
him, to acknowledge his glorious perfections
and infinite power, with our continual depen
dence upon him, to hear and attend to his
.holy word, and to afk thofe things which
B 2 are

4 MORNING PRAYER.
are fit and neceffary, as well for the body,
as the foul. And fince the fcriptures afiure
us, there is no man that fins not, but that
iff many things we all of us offend ; but if
we truly repent of our iniquities, and conr
fefs them to God with a humble and penitent
heart, and turn every one of us from all our
evil ways, and lead a life of univerfal righ-
teoufnefs, goodnefs and virtue for the time
to come ; that then we fhall obtain forgive-
nefs of our paft iniquities, and fhall inherit
eternal life, by the exceeding great goodnefs
and mercy of God, through Jefus Chrift our
Lord : Let us therefore with a fincere and
humble mind, approach unto the throne of
divine grace, with a juft fenfe of our many
defects and offences, and with a firm refo-
lution to forfake our fins, and to reform our
lives. The General Confeffion.
ALmighty God, our moft merciful Fa
ther : we have erred and ftrayed from
thy holy ways ; we have followed the evil
defires of our own hearts ; we have offended
againft many of thy juft and righteous laws j
we have left undone many things which we
ought to have done; and we have done
many things which we Ought not to have
done;

Morning prayer. 5
done ; and have thereby deferved thy juft
difpleafure. But bleffed be thy name, thou
art a God merciful and gracious, who de-
fireft not the death of finners, but that they
Would turn from their iniquities, and live ;
and art ready and willing to forgive all thofe
that truly repent and amend their lives. We
therefore humbly befeech thee, O Lord, to
give us ajqftfenfe ofall our fins, to convince
us of the beauty and ufefulnefs of religion
and virtue, and the deformity and fatal con
fequences of vice : that fo hating every wicked
courfe, and abftaining from every thing that
is contrary to thy holy will, we may with a
well grounded hope, intreat thee to pardon
our paft tranfgrefiions, and to receive us to
thy favour. And may thy patience and for
bearance with us, engage us to be more di
ligent and careful for the time to come ; may
we from henceforth forfake every wicked
way, delight in the practice of our duty, and
amend whatever is faulty in our temper and
behaviour ; that fo leading a godly, righteous
and fober life, and endeavouring always to do
thofe things which are pleafing to thee, we
may obtain eternal joy and felicity, through
Jefus Chrift our Lord. Amen. Then

6 MORNING PRAYER.
Then let the Minifler fay,
Let us. praife the Lord.
People. It is our duty fo to do.
¦Mini ft'. Great is the Lord, and greatly t%
be praifed, and to be had in reverence by all
them that draw near unto him.
Peo. Blefs the Lord, O my foul, and all,
that is within me, praife his holy name.
Then let the following hymn be faid by the.
minifler and people.
Minifl. TT is meet and right above all things
¦*• to blefs and praife thee, O Lord,
to glorify and give thanks unto thee, who
art the only true God, the maker of all things
yifible and invifible, who upholdeft all things
t>y thy power, who art the fupreme gover
nor of thp world, and to whom every thing
i,s fubjecl:. Who art greatly to be feared*
and worfhiped, for thou art the bleffed and
only potentate, the King of kings, and Lord
of lords, whofe power is unbounded, and
who doft whatfoever thou pleafeft in the
heavens and on the, earth, and none can fay
unto thee, what doft thou ?
Peop. Thou art the King eternal, immor
tal and invifible, the only wife God, whofe
greatnefs is unfearchable. Minifl.

MORNING PRAYER. 7
• Minlft. Thou art perfect in wifdom and
knowledge ; thou fearcheft and trieft the
heart, and knoweft all our thoughts ; yea,
all things are naked and open to thy fight,
O God, neither can any thing be hid from
thee; for the heavens and the earth, yea,
the -heaven of heavens cannot contain thee,
for thou art every where prefent ; and in thee
we live, and move, and have our being.
Peop. Whither can we go from thy fpirit,
or whither can we flee from thy prefence,
O Lord ? who filleft all things.
Minifl. Every good and perfect gift pro--
ceeds from thee, the Father of light, with
whom is no variablenefs, nor fhadow of
turning : the God of peace, of comfort and
confolation, who art good to all, and whofe
tender mercies are over all thy works.
Peop. Yea, there is none good, but one,
that is God, who gives to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not.
Mmift. Thou art a Being of unfpotted ho-
linefs, and of purer eyes than to behold ini
quity, neither fhall the wicked dwell with
thee : but thou art merciful and gracious,
long-fuffering, and abundant in goodnefs and
truth, fhowing mercy to thoufands, and for
giving iniquity, tranfgreffion and fin, not
willing that any fhould perifh, but that all
fhould come to repentance.
Peofii

8 MORNING PRAYE&
Peop. Thou art full of compamon, O
Lord, and haft not dealt with us according
to our fins, nor rewarded us according to our
iniquities. Minifl. We blefs thee, 0 Lord, for reveal
ing to us thefe thy glorious perfections : but
above all for thy Son Jefus Chrift our Lord^
who came down from heaven, and gave
himfelf for us, the juft for the unjuft : he'
was wounded for our tranfgreflions> he was
bruifed for our iniquities, and by his ftripes
are we healed : that he might purify to him
felf a peculiar people zealous of good works )
and that all thofe who believe in him, and
repent of their fins, may obtain forgivenefs^
and acceptance with thee, and inherit eternal
life. Peop. Therefore will we blefs thee at all
times, yea, thy praife fhall continually be in
our mouth j for thou, O Lord, art good*
thy mercy is exceeding great, and thy faith-*
fulnefs endures for ever.
Then let the Minifler read a portion of tht
Pfalms, judicioufly chofen : and after that^
the firft Leffon taken out of the Old Tefta*
ment in the fame manner : which ended; let
one of the following Hymns be faid by tht
Minifler and People.
4 Minifl,

MORNING PRAYER. o
Minifl. f~\ Come let us fing unto the
\^jf Lord, let us lift up our voice
to the rock of our falvation.
Peop. Let .us come before his prefence
with thankfgiving, and rejoice before him
with a pfalm.
Minifl. For the Lord is the great God, the
great King above all gods.
Peop. Let all the earth fear him, let all
the inhabitants of the world ftand in awe
ofhim. Minifl. For great and marvellous are thy
works, Lord God almighty, juft and true
are thy ways, thou King of faints.
Peop. Who fhall not fear thee, and glorify
thy name, for all thy ways are right.
Minifl. Juftice and judgment are the ha
bitation of thy throne, mercy and truth go
before thy face.
Peop. Good and upright art thou, O Lord,
merciful and gracious, ready to forgive.
Minifl. Surely it is meet to be faid unto
God, I have born chaftifement, I will not
offend any more.
Peop. That which I fee not, teach thou
me : I have done iniquity, but I will do fo
no more.
Minifl. Thy word, O Lord, will I lay
up in my heart, that I may not fin againft
C thee ;

io MORNING PRAYER.
thee : I will meditate upon thy precepts, and
have refpect uhto all thy commandments.
Peop. I will delight iri thy ftatutes, and
will not forget thy word.
Minifl. The righteous Lord loves righte-
oufnefs, his countenance beholds the upright.
Peop. The prayer of the upright is his de
light, but the facrifice of the wicked is an
abomination to him.
Minifl. Therefore if finners entice us, let
us not confent, but refrain our feet from their
path, neither defire to be with them.
Peop. Left we learn their ways, and get
a fnate to our fouls.
Minifl. Now to God only wife, be glory
through Jefus Chrift for ever.
Peop. Bleffing, and honour, and glory, and
power be to him that fits upon the throne,
and to the Lamb for ever and ever.
Or this.
Minifl. T^Leffed is the man that fears
JD tne Lord> that delights greatly
in his commandments.
Peop. Bleffed are they that keep his tefti-
monies, and that feek him with their whole,
heart. Minifl. The eyes of the Lord are upon
the righteous, and his ears are open unto
their prayers. Peo^

MORNING PRAYER, ii
Peop. Yea, the Lord takes pleafure in
tbem that fear him ; and fuch as are upright
in. the way, are his delight.
Minifl. The Lord is nigh unto them that
are of a humble heart, and faves fuch as are
ofa contrite fpirit.
Peop. As a man chaftens his fon, fo the
Lord our God chaftens us, that he may
humble us, and prove us, and fit us for
eternal life.
Minift. He fearches the heart, and tries
the children of men, and underftands all the
imaginations of the thoughts.
Peop. If we feek him, he will "be found
of us ; but if we forfake him, he will caft
us off for ever.
Minift. Thou art not a God, that haft
pleafure in wickednefs ; thou abhorreft wick
ed and deceitful men.
Peop. The hypocrite fhall not ftand in thy
prefence, O Lord ; thou hateft all the workers
of iniquity.
Minift. Thou wilt cut off all flattering
lips, and the tongue that fpeaks proud things.
Peop. And whofo privately flanders his
neighbour, him wilt thou deftroy.
Minift. Who can underftand his errors ?
cleanfe thou us, O Lord, from every fecret
fault. Peop. Keep back thy fervants alfo. from wil
ful firjs ; let not evil habits have dominion
over us., Mim/l.

12 MORNING PRAYER.
Minift. May our lives and actions, the
words of our mouth, and the meditation of
our hearts, be always acceptable in thy fight,
O Lord, our ftrength, and our redeemer.
Peop. Create in us a clean heart, O God ;
and renew a right fpirit within us.
Minift. Now unto him that is able to do
exceeding abundantly, above all that we afk
or think.
Peop. Unto him be glory in the church
by Jefus Chrift, throughout all ages, world
without end. Amen.
Then let the Minifler read the fecond leffon out
cf the New Teftament, judicioufly chofen.
And after that, let one of the following
exhortations be faid by the Minifter and
People.
Minift. 1^ >TY brethren, the Chriftian Re-
_|_ V X ligion requires us in the firft
place, to believe in the Lord our God ; for
Without faith it is impoffible to pleafe him.
But at the fame time we muft remember,
that faith without works is dead.
Peop. He that comes to God, muft believe
that he is, and that he is a rewarder ofthem
that diligently feek him.'
Minift. Let us add therefore to our faith,
virtue ; to virtue, knowledge ; to knowledge, tempe-

MORNING PRAYER. i3
temperance ; to temperance, patience ; and to
patience, godlinefs, brotherly kindnefs and
charity : that we may not be barren nor un
fruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jefus
Chrift. Peop. For he that wants thefe things, is
blind; but if we do thefe things we fhall
never fall : therefore let us give all diligence
to make our calling and-election fure.
Minift. Let us worfhip the Lord our God
in fpirit and in truth, and turn not to idols,
which neither can fee, nor hear, nor walk :
but let us flee from all idolatry, and the
worfhip of angels, and ferve the living and
the true God.
Peop. For no idolater fhall inherit the
kingdom of God.
Minift. Let us fear the Lord, and ftand
in awe of him ; for the fear of the Lord is
the beginning of wifdom. And let none of
us fwear falfly, or take his name in vain :
but let us ferve him with reverence and godly
fear, for none can deliver out of his hand.
Peop. Let us therefore fear to offend him,
who is able to deftroy both foul and body
in hell. Minift. Let us feek the Lord with our
whole heart, walk humbly before him, and
put our truft in him ; acknowledging him in
all our ways, and patiently fubmitting our
felves to his will in all things. Peop.

14 MORNING PRAYER.
Peop. Yea, let us truft in the Lord at all
times, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlafting
ftrength. Minift. Let us diligently hearken to the
voice of our God, to walk in the ways
which he has commanded us : but let us
be doers of the word, and not hearers only,
deceiving ourfelves ; for whofoever obeys
not the word of the Lord fhall be deftroyed.
Peop. For not the hearers of the law are
juft before God ; but the doers of the law
fhall be juftified.
Minift. Let us alfo love the Lord our God
with all our heart, our foul and ftrength ;
for the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth
to fuch as keep his commandments, and
walk before him with a willing and a perfect
mind. Let. us therefore be thankful unto
him, glorify him in all things, and praife
him for his goodnefs, and for his wonderful
works to the children of men.
Peop. For the Lord is juft and good ; his
ways are ways pf pleafantnefs, and all his
paths are peace.

Or this.

Minift.

MY brethren, the Chriftian Re
ligion commands us to love
our neighbour as ourfelves, to be juft and
upright

MORNING PRAYER. 15
upright in all things, to do no wrong, not
opprefs any one : but that all things what
foever we would that men fhould do to us,
we fhould do even fo to them.
Peop. For as we do to others, fo fhall it
be done unto us; our reward fhall return
upon out? own heads.
Minift. Love fuffers long, and is kind ;
love envies not, boafts not itfelf, is not puf
fed up, does not behave itfelf unfeemsly, is
not eafily provoked, but endures all things :
wherefore let us put on love, which is the
bond of perfection ; for if we love one ano
ther, God dwells in us.
Peop. But he that loves not his brother,
knows not God, for God is love.
Minift. Let us then be kind and compaf-
fionate, and put on bowels of. mercy, with
goodnefs and humblenefs of mind ; being
long-fuffering, and forgiving one another, if
any man have a complaint againft his neigh
bour. For he fhall have judgment without
mercy, that fhews no mercy; and with
what meafure we mete, it fhall be meafured
to us again.
Peop. And if we forgive not men their
trefpaffes, neither will God forgive us our
.trefpaffes. Minift. Let. there be no divifions among
us, but let us bear with one another in love,
endeavouring

16 MORNING PRAYER.
endeavouring as much as in us lies, to live
peaceably with all men : and let us put away
envy and ftrife, emulation and variance, with
all bitternefs and wrath, hatred and evil-
fpeaking. Peop. For they who do fuch things, are
unfit for a kingdom of peace and love.
Minift. Let us therefore remove far from
us a froward heart, and perverfe lips ; nei
ther let us be too ready to judge another, for
with what judgment we judge, we fhall be
judged. But more efpecially let none of us
bear falfe witnefs againft our neighbour, nor
accufe any one falfely. Neither let us flat
ter our brother, nor lie one to another ; but
fpeak the truth always, and lay afide all
hypocrify and deceit.
Peop. For lying lips are an abomination
to the Lord, but they that deal truly are his
delight. Minift. Let us alfo be flow to anger, nei
ther let the fun go down upon our wrath ;
for he that is flow to anger, is better than
the mighty, and he that rules his fpirit,
better than he that takes a city. And if" any
one among us feems to be religious, and
bridles not his tongue, he deceives his own
heart, and his religion is vain.
Peop. And whofoever is angry with his
brother without a caufe, is in danger of the
Judgment. 5 Then

MORNING PRAYER. 17
The let the Minifler read the following
prayers.
ALmighty and everliving God, our
creator and governor, our lawgiver
and judge : who haft ftrictly commanded us
to obey thy laws, and haft caufed the holy
fcriptures to be written for our inftruction.
We acknowledge the righteoufnefs and equity
of all thy ways, and that thy laws are the
dictates of perfeft wifdom, the effedls of in
finite goodnefs and mercy, and defigned for
our eternal and unfpeakable happinefs. En
able us therefore, we befeech thee, rightly
to underftand our duty, and gracioufly affift
us in our careful endeavours to perform it.
May we abftain from every thing that is
contrary to our religion, and form our minds
to the bleffed temper and difpofition which
thy gofpel commands.
May we confider thee as the greateft and
the beft of Beings, and look up to thee with
joy, as the author of all good ; fearing to
offend thee, and diligently living according
to thy precepts, remembring that thou art
continually with us, and obferveft all our
actions. May we therefore learn to put our
whole t-ruft in thee, to refign ourfelves to
thy wife Providence, and to ferve thee in
D holinefs

18 MORNING PRAYER.
holinefs and purity of life, to thy honour
and glory, and our eternal advantage.
May we alfo do to all men, as we defire
they fhould do to us ; being juft, honefl and
upright in all our dealings, free from lying,
deceit and falfehood, hating all manner of
theft and injuftice, and detefting all violence,
oppreffion and extortion, with every mean
and bafe method of over-reaching another.
And may we perform all the duties of love
and benevolence, and improve in every kind
difpofition, being full of goodnefs, mercy
and compaffion, and endeavouring to live
peaceably with all men : and may we banifh
from our breaft, all hatred, envy and ma
lice. And as we are all of us too often
guilty of offending thee, O God, and alfo
our fellow creatures, may we learn to be
long-fuffering, forbearing one another in
love, ready to forgive each other his offences,
remembring always, it is only upon this con
dition that thou haft promifed to forgive us.
We further pray thee, O Lord, to affift
us in our endeavours to bring our paffions
and appetites under the government of rea
fon and religion : may we bridle our tongues,
guard againft anger and every unbecoming
heat, avoid ftrife, contention and quarrels,
. rule our own fpirit, and attain a truly peace
able and quiet temper. May we deteft all
fen-

MORNING PRAYER. 19
fenfuality and unlawful lufts, carefully abftain
from fornication and adultery, hate every
wicked way, and be chafte and modeft in
our converfation and behaviour. May we
avail© all covetoufnefs and felfifh defires on
the one hand, and all extravagance and
folly on the other, and walk in the middle
and .perfect way. May we put away all
pride and haughtinefs, and the love of vain
glory ; and be meek and humble, contented
with our condition, fober and temperate in-
all things ; endeavouring to employ our time N
well, and to acquire good and virtuous habits;
ufing great moderation in our pleafures and
enjoyments, as Chriftians, who defire not
the pomp and vanities of this world, but
whofe affections are fet upon heavenly and
eternal things ; as knowing, that the luft of
the flefh, the luft of the eye, and the pride
of life are quite contrary to the love of God.
Hear us, O Lord, in thefe our petitions,
pardon our great unworthinefs and our many
failings and infirmities, and reward us not
according to our iniquities; but fpare us,
good Lord, and lift up the light of thy coun
tenance upon us. Enable us to fulfil all our
good defigns : and may both the hopes of
that eternal happinefs, which thou haft pro
mifed to the gopd and obedient ; and the
dread and fear of thofe terrible torments and
D 2 that

so MORNING PRAYER.
that unfpeakable mifery, with which thou
wilt punifh the difobedient and wicked,
make us always endeavour carefully to obey
thy commands, to have our heart and foul
devoted to thy will, and to make thy holy
and reafonable laws the rule of our lives and
adfions. We alfo intreat thee, O Lord, to extend
thy mercy to thefe nations ; make us a holy
and a happy people, and may true religion
and virtue flourifh among us. Preferve us
from ftorms and earthquakes, from war,
fedition and tumults, from plague, ficknefs
and famine : give us kindly feafons for the
producing the fruits of the earth ; and may
our cattle be healthy, and fit for our food
and fervice,
Moreover, as thou art the Creator of all
men, we further befeech thee for all man
kind ; that thou wouldft be pleafed to make
thy ways known unto them, thy falvation
and truth unto all nations : put an end to all
idolatry, fuperftition and perfecution for
righteoufnefs fake : may thy kingdom come ;
may Chriftianity in it's original purity and
fimplicity univerfally prevail, and may all
thofe who call themfelves Chriftians, be
careful to adorn their profeffion by a fuitable
life and converfation. Lead us all into the
way of truth, and deliver us from all un-
charita-

MORNING PRAYER. 21
charitablenefs to one another ; may we, hold
the faith in the unity of the fpirit, in the
bond of /peace, and in righteoufnefs of life :
which we humbly implore in the name of
Jefus Chrift. Amen.
A Prayer for the King, and Royal Family.
ALmighty God, the King of kings, and
Lord of lords. We humbly befeech
thee to blefs with thy favour thy fervant
George our king. Give him wifdom and
underftanding to govern well ; may he rule
with juftice and equity, difcourage all im
morality and vice, and endeavour faithfully
to discharge the duties of that high ftation,
in which thy Providence has placed him,
by carefully purfuing the good and happinefs
of the people committed to his care : and
nnay all his fubjects love and chearfully obey
him, and render him the honour and fub-
jedtion which is due to him. Blefs him with
health and long life, with peace and prof-
perity, be his defender and preferver, giv
ing him the vidtory over all his unjuft ene
mies. Incline him by thy Holy Spirit, to
live in thy fear, to feek thy honour and
" glory, and to make it the great concern
and bufinefs of his life, to recommend reli
gion and virtue by his example,, and to pro
mote

22 MORNING PRAYER.,
mote it by his influence over others. May
he alfo remember, that he that rules over
men, muft be juft himfelf, ruling in the
fear ofthe Lord ; and that this life will foon
pafs away, and therefore he ought fo to
conduct himfelf according to thy laws, that
he may hereafter attain everlafting joy and
felicity. Blefs alfo we befeech thee, the Prince and
Princefs of Wales, the Duke, the PrinceffeSi
the iffue of the Prince and Princefs, and all
the Royal Family. Give them health and
happinefs, and profper them in all their
righteous undertakings. Enable them alfo
by thy kind affiftance to lead godly, righte
ous and virtuous lives ; and may they always
confider that with thee there is no refpect
of perfons ; and that therefore it becomes
them to walk carefully before thee in thy
fear, and to obey all thy holy laws ; that fo
at length they may come to thy everlafting
kingdom, through Jefus Chrift our Lord.
Amen. A Prayer for the Clergy and Magiflrates.
ALmighty and moft bountiful Lord our
God, fend down we befeech thee,
upon our bifhops and paftors, the gracious
influences of thy Holy Spirit, to guide them in

MORNING PRAYER. 23
in their fincere enquiries after ufeful know
ledge, and to affift them in the right un
derftanding of thy holy word : give them
the fpirit of unity and concord, of peace and
charity : and may they by their holy lives,
and good inftrudtions, fuccefsfully recom
mend thy true religion to the practice of
others, be the means of turning finners from
their evil ways, and of ftrengthning the
obedient and faithful.
Send down alfo thy blefling upon the ma-
giftrates, and all that are in authority in thefe
lands ; may our judges and rulers#be fuch
as are juft and upright, fearing God, men of
truth and fincerity, hating covetoufnefs and cor
ruption : give them a wife and underftanding
heart, and may they rule in their feveral ftations
withrighteoufnefs arid equity, that under their
adminiftration we may lead quiet and peace
able lives in all fobriety and honefty.
[* We further befeech thee for * This is to
the High Court of Parliament, hf .read on'/
. ° T.. J , . r dunng the
under our King at this time aj- feffion of Par-
fembled, that it would pleafe thee lian*ent.
to direft all their confutations to
the general good and fafety of thefe kingdoms,
that religion and virtue \ j lift ice and peace
may be eftablifhed among us to all generations. \
all which we afk in the name of Jefus Chrift
our bleffed Lord and Saviour. Amen. A

24 MORNING PRAYER.
A Prayer for the performance of relative
duties.
MOST great and ever bleffed Lord our
God ; fince it has pleafed thee to
place men in different conditions in this life ;
we intreat thee to affift every one of us, to
perform thofe particular duties which our
ftation here requires of us. May fuch as are
rich, and in high rank, be careful wifely to
improve the talents thou haft committed to
them, defpifing no one, but being rich in
good works, and fetting good examples of
piety and thankfulnefs to thee, of juftice and
goodnefs to others, and of virtue and tem
perance in themfelves. And may thofe that
are in low ranks be humble and modeft,
diligent in their refpedtive employments,
honeft, juft and faithful in all things, and
contented with their ftation. May fuch as
are in the married ftate be true and faithful
to each other, live together in mutual love
and friend fhip, and be a real comfort and
happinefs to one another. May parents love
and carefully inftruct their children, bring
ing them up in the fear of the Lord. And
may children honour and obey their parents,
be fubject unto them, and pay the juft re
turns of love and gratitude. May mailers be
juft

MORNING- PRAYER. 25
juft and kind to their fervants, knowing that
they themfelves have a mafter in heaven :
and may fervants obey their mailers with all
readinefs, honefty and fidelity. And may
all others, in whatever relation they ftand
to others, endeavour diligently and faith
fully to difcharge the duties arifing from it,
which we implore through our Lord Jefus
Chrift. Amen.
A Prayer for the Afflicfed.
OGOD, the creator and preferver of
all mankind ; we humbly recommend
to thy fatherly goodnefs, all thofe that are
any ways afflicted or diftrefled
in mind, body or eftate; b/™t£
[* particularly thofe for whom when any de-
our prayers are def red (\ be- fire their Pray*
feeching thee to ftrengthen the
weak, to deliver them that are tempted, to
help fuch as are in danger, to provide for
the poor, to give eafe to thofe that are in pain,
and health to the fick, and to comfort and
relieve all that are afflidted, according to
their feveral neceflities ; efpecially thofe that
fuffer for righteoufnefs fake ; giving them pa
tience under their fufferings, and a happy de
liverance out of all their afflictions.
Give us alfo thy fervants friendly and cha
ritable difpofitions, ready chearfully to affiit
E and

26 MORNING PRAYER.
and relieve all that are diftrefled to the ut-
moft of our power. And may we learn to
be of a patient fpirit, that under all the dif-
penfations of thy wife Providence towards
ourfelves, we may be refigned to thy will.
We afk all through Jefus Chrift our Lord.
Amen. A General Thankfgiving.
ALmighty God, the father of all mer
cies : we thine unworthy fervants
give thee our moft humble and hearty thanks,
for all thy goodnefs and loving kindnefs to
m . us and to all men ; [* par-
be read-only ticularly to thofe who defire now
when any de- to offer up their praifes and
[LVtUT thankfgivings for thy late mer-
cies granted unto them.] We
blefs thee for our creation, and for that reafon
and underftanding with which thou haft en
dowed us ; for thy kind protection from the
many dangers to which we have been ex-
pofed, for all the bleffings of this life, and
for thy patience and forbearance, with us,
though we have provoked thee by our fins and
tranfgrefiions. But above all we praife the#
for thy exceeding great love and goodnefs in
the redemption of the world by our Lord
Jefus Chrift, for the means of obtaining thy
favour,

MORNING PRAYER. 27
favour, and the hopes of eternal glory re
vealed to us by him. We blefs thee for his
holy and unblameable life, who did no fin,
neither was guile found in his mouth, leaving
us an example that we fhould follow his
ftcps. We praife thee for thofe heavenly
doctrines which he taught, and for the nu
merous miracles which he performed ; and
efpecially for his refurrection from the dead,
and afcenfion into heaven, to confirm the
truth of what he taught. We defire alfo to
blefs thee for the light of thy gofpel ftill
continued among us, and for our deliverance
from popery, fuperftition and flavery. May
fuch a due fenfe of all thy mercies dwell
upon our minds, that our hearts may be
truly thankful, and that we may fhow forth
thy praife, not only with our lips, but in
our lives, by giving up ourfelves to thy fer-
vice, and by walking before thee in holinefs
and righteoufnefs all our days, through Jefus
Chrift our Lord. Amen.
The concluding Prayer.
MOST gracious God ; who haft fafely
brought us to this day ; we befeech
thee to take us under thy protection, and to
preferve us from every evil and danger to
which we are expofed ; and according to
E 2 thy

28 MORNING PRAYER'.
thy great goodnefs to give us thofe things
which are needful for us, arid fuch a portion
of health, peace and profperity, as thou in
thy wifdom knoweft to be beft for us : in
all thefe petitions refigning ourfelves to thy .
will, intreating thee to grant us thofe things
which are good for us, and to deny us thofe
things which would be hurtful to us. And
as we are expofed to many and great trials
in this life ; gracioufly affift us to overcome
the temptations of this world, the flefh and
the devil, and be thou our conftant guide arid
fupport. And may the fenfe of the fhort-
riefs of, our continuance here, and the uncer
tainty of the time of our death, make us care
ful to purfue a holy and righteous life, that we
may be always prepared for our great change :
and being fully convinced of the reafonable
nefs and equity of thy laws, may we with
all readinefs and chearfulnefs of mind, con
form our lives to thy righteous will ; and
make thofe amiable difpofitions and habits
the delight of our fouls here, which will be
our conftant exercife hereafter, among the
glorious and happy company of pure and
upright minds. We afk all in the name of
Jefus Chrift our Lord and Saviour, through
whofe mediation we approach thee, as OUR

MORNING PRAYER. 29
OU R Father, who art in heaven, hal
lowed be thy name ; may thy king
dom come ; may thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven : give us day by day our
daily bread ; and forgive us our trefpaffes, as
we forgive thofe that trefpafs againft us : and
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil : for thine is the kingdom, the
power and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.
TH E grace of our Lord Jefus Chrift,
the love of God, and the fellowfhip
~" of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore.
Amen.

Evening

(3°)

Evening Prayer.

Let the Minifler -begin with reading fome of
tbe following fentences.
ILL God indeed dwell on
the earth ? behold the heaven,
and the heaven of heavens
cannot contain thee. Yet
have thou refpect unto the
prayers of thy fervants, and to their fup->
plications, O Lord our God, to hearken
unto the prayer, which thy fervants pray
unto thee, this day. i Kings viii. 27, 28.
Wherewith fhall we come before the
Lord, and bow ourfelves before the High
God ? he has fhe wed thee, O man, what
is good ; and what does the Lord require of
thee;

EVENING PRAYER. 31
thee ; but to do juftly, to love mercy, and
to walk humbly with thy God ? Micah vi.
6, 8.
Wafh ye, make ye clean, put away the
evil of your doings from before mine eyes,
ceafe to do evil, learn to do well, feek judg
ment, relieve the opprefled, judge the father-
lefs, plead for the widow. Come now and
let us reafon together, fays the Lord, though
your fins be as fcarlet, they fhall be as white
as fnow : though they be red like crimfon,
they fhall be as wool. Ifa. i. 16, 17, 18.
Thus fays the Lord God ; turn ye now
every one from his evil way, and make your
ways, and your doings good. For as I live,
fays the Lord God, I have no pleafure in
the death of the wicked, but that the wicked
turn from his way, and live. Jer. xviii. 1 1.
and Ezek. xxxiii. 11.
The facrifices of God are a broken fpirit :
a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou
wilt not defpife. Pfalm li. 1.7.
Let us take diligent heed to do the com
mandments and the laws of God, to love
the Lord our God, to walk in all his ways,
to keep his ftatute?, to cleave unto him, and
to ferve him with all our heart, and with
all our foul. Jofh. xxii. 5.
When a righteous man turns away from
his righteoufnefs, and commits iniquity, and
dies

32 EVENING PRAYER.
dies in them ; for his iniquity that he has
done, fhall he die. Again, when the wicked
man turns away from his wickednefs, that
he has committed, and does that which is
lawful and right, he fhall fave his foul alive:
becaufe he confiders, and turns away from
all his tranfgrefiions that he has committed, he
fhall furely live, he fhall not die. Ezek. xviii.
26, 27, 28.
God is a fpirit, and they that worfhip him,
muft worfhip him in fpirit and in truth.
And now is the hour, when the true wor-
fhippers fhall worfhip the Father in fpirit
and in truth, for the Father feeks fuch to
worfhip him. John iv. 24, 23.
Then let him read as follows.
WE are met together again, to offer up
adoration and praife to the moft
High God, the almighty Creator, and the
fupreme Lord and Governor of the univerfe,
to celebrate his glorious perfections, and to
blefs him for his great goodnefs and loving
kindnefs to the children of men. Let us
therefore lift up our heart and foul to praife
his holy name.
Peop, It is our duty fo to do. Then

EVENING PRAYER. 33

Then let the fallowing Hymn be faid by the
Minifler and People.
Minifl. S~\ Eternal and glorious Lord our
\^y God ; we acknowledge with
all humility and veneration thy perfedt, wif
dom and goodnefs, and thy unfpeakable
power, by which thou haft created all things
in that beauty and order which we behold.
Thou, art the firft caufe . of all things, who
only haft immortality : in whofe hands are
the fouls of every living creature, ai*d whofe
will and pleafure none can refift-
Peop. Thou reigneft over all ; and thy
greatnefsand excellency no thought can com
prehend. Minift. The heavens declare thy glory,
and the firmament fhows thy power : of old
haft thou laid the foundation of the earth,
.and the heavens are the works of thy hand :
they fhall perifh, but thou fhalt endure ; yea,
all of them fhall wax old as a garment, and
as a vefture fhalt thou fold them, and they
.fhall be changed: but thou art the fame,
and thy years fhall have no end.
Peop.. Thou art the ever-living God, the
.firft and the laft, without beginning, and
without end ; even from everlafting to ever
lafting, thou art God. F Minift.

34 EVENING PRAYER.
Minifl. Thou art the Creator of angels
and men, and every living thing ; the foun
tain of life and happinefs, and the preferver
of all thy creatures. The heavens are thine,
and all the hofts thereof; the earth alfo is
thine, and the fulnefs thereof; the world,
and they that dwell therein. Thou caufeft
thy Sun to fhine, and giveft thy rain from
heaven, and fruitful feafons ; thou reneweft
the face of the earth, thou crowneft the
year with thy goodnefs, and giveft food to
all flefh.
Peop. O Lord, how manifold are thy
works ! in wifdom haft thou made them all ;
the earth is full of thy goodnefs.
Minift. Thou art a God of infinite purity
and holinefs ; immutable and unchangeable ;
whofe wifdom and knowledge is boundlefs,
and from whom no fecret can be concealed;
who art poffeft of every perfection, and art
exalted above all bleffing and praife. The
innumerable hofts of angels continually adore
and praife thee, faying, Holy, holy, holy,
Lord God Almighty, who art, and waft, and
art to come ; the heavens and the earth are
full of thy glory.
Peop. Thou art the ever bleffed God : in
whofe prefence there is fulnefs of joy, and
at whofe right hand there are pleafures for
evermore. Minifl.

EVENING PRAYER. 35
Minift. Thou art juft and righteous in all
thy ways ; yet good and gracious to all thy
creatures ; long-fuffering and of great mercy,
forgiving iniquity upon repentance and
amendment of life-: who wilt finally judge
the world with juftice and equity, and wilt
then reward the virtuous and obedient with
glory, honour and everlafting happinefs : but
wilt punifh the wicked and difobedient with
dreadful and unfpeakable mifery.
Peop. O that every finner would therefore
repent, and amend his ways ; for none can
deliver out of thy hand, O God. *
Minift. We blefs thee, O Lord, for the
revelation both of thy mercy, and of thy
juftice, that we may thereby learn not to
offend thee, but may ferve thee with humi
lity and fineerity all our days. But above all,
blefled be thy name, for thy Son Jefus Chrift,
through whom we have redemption, even
the forgjvenefs of our fins, and the chearful
hopes of eternal life.
Peop. Therefore will we blefs thee, O
Lord, and magnify thy name : for thy mercy
is unfpeakable to the children of men.

Then let the Minifler read as follows.

D

jEarly beloved brethren ; fince we have
been celebrating the perfections and
F 2 exceW

36 EVENING PRAYER:
excellency of God; may the due confider
ation of his greatnefs and power, his holinefs
and purity, his righteoufnefs and juftice, with
a thorough fenfe of his authority over us,
and our conftant dependence on him, have
their full and proper effect upon us ; to con
vince us of the neceffity of an obedient life,
to engage us to forfake every finful courfe,
and to turn to him with our whole heart :
As knowing, that unlefs we live a godly,
righteous and fober life, and improve in thofe
amiable difpofitions of holinefs and goodnefs,
and in the conftant practice of that univerfal
righteoufnefs, which his gofpel commands
us, all our religious attendance upon him is
but ufelefs and vain. And when we call to
mindMhe errors and imperfections of our
paft lives, and confider that God is gracious
and merciful, ready to forgive, through our
Lord Jefus Chrift, all that truly repent, and
turn to him : let us approach him with a
humble and contrite heart, confeffing our
tranfgrefiions, and imploring his pardon,
with a firm refolution to amend our ways,
and to reform our lives.

A

The General Confeffion.
Lmighty and moft merciful Lord our
God ; who art flow to anger, and
abundant

EVENING PRAYER. 37
abundant in goodnefs ; we would approach
thee with the fincereft reverence and humi
lity, acknowledging ourfelves unworthy of
thy goodnefs and mercy to us : for we have
neglected to do thofe things which thou haft
commanded us to do; and have in many
inftances followed the evil defires and incli
nations of our own hearts ; and have indulged
our appetites and paffions contrary to our
reafon and better knowledge ; and therefore
juftly deferve to be punifhed for our tranf
grefiions. But, bleffed be thy name, O Lord,
with thee there is forgivenefs upon rqpentance
and amendment of life. We therefore
would humble ourfelves before thee, befeech-
ing thee, according to the greatnefs of thy
tender mercies through Jefus Chrift our Lord,
to pardon all our iniquities. May thy good
nefs and long-fuffering lead us to true re
pentance, and engage us to lead a holy, good
and righteous life for the time to come.
And may thy Holy Spirit guide us into all
truth, caufe us to underftand wherein we
have erred, and affift us in our fincere de-
fires and careful endeavours to amend our
ways, to purify our minds from every de
filement and corrupt defire, and to perfevere
in one regular and conftant courfe of duty
and obedience to thee : that fo we may ob
tain the forgivenefs of our paft fins, may be
delivered

38 EVENING PRAYER.
delivered from the punifhment due to our
tranfgrefiions, and may inherit eternal life,
through Jefus Chrift our Lord. Amen.
Then let the Minifies read a portion of the
Pfalms,judicioufty cbofen. And after thaty
the Firft Leffon taken out ofthe Old Tefta
ment, in the fame manner. Which ended,
let the following Hymn be faid by the Mi
nifler and People.
Minift. TT is a. good thing to give thanks
\^ unto the Lord; to fing praifes
unto thy name, O thou moft High.
Peop. To fhow forth thy loving kindnefs
in the morning ; thy faithfulnefs every night.
Minift. Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous,
enter into his courts with praife, be thankful
unto him, and fpeak good of his name.
Peop. For the Lord is good, his mercy is
exceeding great, his truth and faithfulnefs
endure' to all generations.
Minifl. The law of the Lord is perfect,
converting the foul ; the ftatutes of the Lord
are right, rejoicing the heart.
Peop. The commandments of the Lord
are pure, enlightning the eyes ; the judg
ments of the Lord are true and righteous al
together. Minift.

EVENING- PRAYER. 39
Minift. The fear of the Lord, that is
wifdom ; and to depart from evil, is under
ftanding. PeOp. Therefore bleffed is the man that
fears the Lord, that delights to walk in his
ways. Minifl. With my foul have I defired thee,
O Lord, yea, with my fpirit within me will
I feek thee early.
Peop. For I delight to do thy will, yea,
thy law is within my heart.
Minifl. Great peace have they that love
thy law, and nothing fhall make them fall.
Peop. For thy ways are ways of pleafant-
nefs, and all thy paths are peace.
Minift. But woe unto the wicked, it fhall
be ill with him, for the reward of his hands
fhall be given him.
Peop. God will judge the wicked accord
ing to his deeds, and will recompence him
according to all his abominations.
Minifl. Now unto the bleffed and only
potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of
lords, be honour and power everlafting.
Peop, For thou art worthy, O Lord, to
receive glory, and honour, and power; for
thou haft created all things, and for thy plea
fure they are, and were created.

Or

4o EVENING PRAYER.
. Or this.
Minift'. TT THO fhall abide in thy taber-
V V nacle, O Lord, who fhall
dwell in thy holy hill ?
Peop. He that walks uprightly, and works
righteoufnefs, and fpeaks the truth in his
heart. Minift. He that backbites not with his
tongue, nor does evil to his neighbour, nor
takes up, a reproach againft him.
Peop. He that has clean hands, and a
pure heart, who has not lift up his foul unto
vanity, nor fworn deceitfully.
Minifl. Say ye to the righteous', it fhall be
well with them : for they fhall eat the fruit
of their doings.
Peop. They fhall receive the bleffing of
the Lord, and righteoufnefs from the God
of their falvation.
Minift. Search us, O God, and know our
heart ; try us, and know our thoughts : and
fee if there be any wicked way in us, and
lead us into the way everlafting.
Peop. Thou haft commanded us to keep
thy precepts diligently: O that our ways
were directed to keep thy ftatutes !
Minifl. Then- fhall we not be afhamed,
when we have refpedt unto all thy com
mandments. Peop.

EVENING PRAYER. 41
Peop,. Teach us thy ways, O Lord, and
We will walk in thy paths : incline our hearts
to ferve thee faithfully.
Minift. If thou, Lord, fhouldeft mark
every iniquity, who could ftand before thee ?
But there is forgivenefs with thee, that thou
mayeft be feared.
Peop. Remember not, O Lord, our ini
quities ; but according to thy great mercies,
blot out our tranfgrefiions.
Minifl. Bleffed is the man, whofe tranf
greffion is forgiven, and whofe fin is covered.
Blefied is the man, to whom the fcord will
not impute iniquity, and in whofe fpirit there
is no guile.
Peop. O how great is thy goodnefs, O
Lord, which thou haft laid up for thofe
that fear thee !
Minifl. Now to the only wife God our
Saviour, be glory and majefty, dominion and
power, both now and for ever.
Peop. To him be glory and dominion for
ever and ever. Amen.
Then let the Minifter read the Second Leffon
taken out ofthe New Teftament, judicioufly
chofen. And after that let the following
. exhortations be faid by the Minifter and
People. G Minift.

42 EVENING PRAYER.
Minifl. ]fc /TY ^brethren, the holy Scrip-
X v A tures command us to com
mit no murder, to injure no man ; and to
avoid fornication, adultery and flefhly lufts :
for fuch as do thefe things fhall not inherit
the kingdom of God. Neither may we co
vet what is another's ; but muft carefully ab
ftain from all manner of theft and robbery
and from all fraud and unjuft gain : and let
there be juft weights and meafures, for all
that do unrighteoufnefs v in fuch things, are
an abomination to the Lord.
Peop. Woe unto him that builds his houfe
by unrighteoufnefs, and his chambers* by
wrong: that ufes his neighbour's fervice
without wages, and gives him not for his.
work. Minift. A good man fhews favour and
lends, he will guide his affairs with difcre-
tion. He deals his bread to the hungry, and
brings the poor that are caft out into his
houfe ; when he fees the naked, he cloaths
him, and hides not himfelf from his own
flefh. Pure religion, and unde61ed before
God, is to vifit the fatherlefs and widows in
their affliction, and to keep one's felf un-
fpotted from the world.
Peop. Bleffed is he that confiders the poor ;
the Lord will deliver him in the time of
trouble. Minift.

EVENING PRAYER. 43
Minift. Let us not rejoice when our
enemy falls, nor if evil comes to him ; but
love our enemies and do good to them that
Wte us, that we may be the children of
God : for if we forgive men their trefpaffes,
our heavenly Father will alfo forgive us.
Let us then recompenfe to no man evil for
evil ; neither be overcome of evil, but over
come evil with good.
Peop. Say not, I will recompenfe evil ; I
will do fo to him, as he has done to me ; I
will render to the man, according to his
work. Minifl. Let us not be proud, nor wife in
our own conceits, neither be defirous of
vain-glory ; but put on meeknefsandlowlinefs
of mind ; for the Lord refifts the proud, but
giyes grace to the meek and humble.
Peop. A proud look the Lord hates ; and
every one that is proud in heart, is an abo
mination unto him,
Minifl, Let us abhor what is evil, and
cleave to that which is good ; and lay afide
every weight, and the fin that moft eafily
befets us, and run with patience the race
that is fet before us; ftriving to' enter in at
the ftraight gate ; for ftraight is the gate,
and narrow is the way, that leads unto life,
Peop. But wide is the gate, and broad is
G 2 ^ the

44 EVENING PRAYER.
the way that leads to deftrudtion, and many
there be that go in thereat,
Minifl. Let us then not be conformed to
this world ; but take heed to ourfelves, left at
any time our hearts be overcharged with the
cares or pleafures of this life : and let us be
ware of covetoufnefs, for the love of money is
the root ofall evil.
Peop. A little that a righteous man has,
is better than the riches of many wicked.
Or this.
Minifl. "Ji fl Y brethren, the holy Scrip-
i V X tures exhort us to fet our
affections on things above, and not on things
below ; and that we fhould lay up for our
felves treafures in heaven, and not upon the
earth ; affuring us, that where our treafure
is, there will our heart be alfo. Let us
therefore not love this world, nor the things
of the world ; for the luft of the flefh, the
luft of the eyes, and the pride of life, are
not of God, but of the world.
Peop. And if any one love thefe things, the
lpve of the Father is not in him.
Minift. Let us then be temperate in all
things, and live foberly in this world, not in
rioting or gluttony; being alfo contented witk

EVENING PRAYER. 45
with our condition, parent under fufferings,
walking humbly before God. *
Peop. Let us take heed to ourfelvesB left
at any time our hearts be overcharged with
furfeiting or drunkennefs.
Minifl. Whether therefore we eat or drink,
or whatever we do, let us do all to the glory
of God : being fruitful in every good work,
abftaining from the appearance of evil, and
walking worthy of our profeffion ; that we
may adorn the dodlrine of Chrift in all
things, Peop. May we amend our ways and our
doings, purify our hearts, put awfty all ini
quity frotn us, and be renewed in the fpirit
of our minds.
Minift. Let us be pure and holy, chafte
and modeft, abftaining from all uncleannefs ;
and cleanfing ourfelves from all defilement of
the flefh and fpirit. Marriage is honourable
in all, but whoremongers and adulterers God
will judge.
Peop. O that men were wife, that they
underftood thefe things, that they would
confider their latter end !
Minifl. Let us hold fail our Chriftian pro
feffion without wavering, being ftedfaft and
immoveable, always abounding in the work.
of the Lord, . as knowing that our labour
fhall not be in vain : and let us walk care-*
fully,

46 EVENING PRAYER.
fully, not as fools, but as wife, redeeming
the time with all diligence and watchfulnefs.
Peop. Let us confider our ways, and pon
der the paths of our feet, and hold fail to
that which is good.
Minift. Let us hear the conclufion of the
whole matter : fear God, and keep his com
mandments ; for this is the whole duty of
man. For God will bring every work into
judgment, with every fecret thing, whether
it be good, or whether it be evil; and will
render to every one according to his deeds :
to thofe who keep his commandments, and
patiently continue in well doing, he will give
glory and honour, peace and eternal life.
Peop. But all thofe that do iniquity, fhall
be caft into a furnace of fire, where the
worm dies not, and the fire is not quenched.
Then let tie Minifter read ihe following
Prayers.
MOST great and glorious God, who
haft commanded us to obey thy holy
laws, and haft promifed eternal happinefs to
all that turn from their paft iniquities, and
ferve thee for the time to come with a di
ligent and upright mind ; and haft affured
us, that all who will not hearken to, and
obey thy commands, fhall be punifhed with
unfpeak-

EVENING PRAYER. 47
unfpeakable mifery and torments ; and haft
alfo gracioufly promifed thy affiftance to all
thofe that fincerely endeavour to ferve and
obey thee : we therefore implore the direc
tion of thy Holy Spirit, to lead us into thy
paths, and to aflift us in the faithful dif-
charge of every duty. May the. confidera
tion of thy great and glorious perfections, and
of the reafonablenefs and fitnefs of all thy
laws, make us love thee the Lord our God
with all our heart and foul, fearing to offend
thee, and ferving thee with a faithful and
humble mind. May we alfo maintain in
our hearts, a grateful fenfe ofall thy bleflings,
and the obligations we are under to thee ;
and be always ready to make thy will
the rule of our adlions : that we may be
able to look up to thee with gladnefs, who
art the fountain of life, and the author of all
happinefs ; and may rejoice in thee, and put
our whole truft in thee, as one who will not
leave nor forfake thofe that love and obey thee.
We alfo befeech thee to aflift us rightly
to perform the duties due to our neighbour,
that we may love all men, and adl at all
times with' juftice and integrity ; carefully
abftaining from all theft, oppreffion and ex
tortion, from all manner of fraud and de
ceit in our dealings with one another, and
from every mean and bafe action. That we
3 ma/

48 EVENING PRAYER.
may lay afide wrath and anger, ruling oui*
fpirits, and bridling our tongues ; nor fuffer
envy nor hatred to harbour in our minds j
but may put on gentlenefs, kindnefs and
companion, and attain a mild and peaceable
difpofition ; being eafy to be intreated, full
of mercy and goodnefs, and endeavouring
to live in peace with all men. That we
may alfo be ready and willing chearfully to
forgive all that offend us, and to make the
fame allowances for their faults, as we de
fire for our own.
We further intreat thy affiftance, that we
may truly forfake every wicked way, and
every bafe and fordid purfuit ; may avoid both
covetoufnefs and extravagance ; may keep
our paffions, appetites and defires in due
fubjection to our reafon, and to thy laws j
governing our lives at all times with wifdom
and prudence. That we may carefully en
deavour to employ our time well, to gain
the habits of goodnefs and virtue, of holinefs
, and purity, abftaining from even the appear
ance of evil ; examining our own hearts and
lives, and reforming whatever is amifs in our
temper and behaviour. That we may be
chafle and modeft, carefully avoiding forni
cation and adultery, and banifhing intirely
from our breaft all unlawful lulls, and every
impure defire. And that we may cultivate a meek

EVENING PRAYER. 49
a meek and quiet fpirit, lay afide all pride,
vanity and fel&conceit, and he fober and
temperate in all things, moderating our af
fections to this world,- and fetting them upon
heavenly things : to which end, may we
deny ourfelves all the fenfual pleafures, which
are unworthy our re&fonable nature ; and
place our happinefs in imitating thy moral per
fections, and in the practice of every amiable
virtue, that we-? may adorn our Chriftian
profeffion in all things. '
O Lord, who can fay, his heart is pure in
thy fight; even -our beft obedience is im
perfect : thou fearcheft and trieft tHb heart,
thou requireft truth in the inmoft receffes
thereof: cleanfe thou us from every fecret
fault, reform thou the inward temper of our
minds : may we delight in the practice of
our duty, have our will and affedtions rightly
difpofed ; endeavour always to approve our
felves in thy fight, and' to make thy holy
and juft laws the rule of our lives and actions.
• j We further befeech thee, O Lord, to ex
tend thy favour to thefe nations ; look down
with mercy upon our fins and infirmities,
turn from us the evils we deferve, and make
us a holy and righteous people. Preferve us
from florms and earthquakes, -. from war,
fedition and turnults, from ficknefs,. plague
and famine : give us kindly feafons for the
c,r; H pro-

So E V E N I NG PRAYER.
producing the fruit*- of the earth, and may
our cattle he healthy, and fit for our food
and fervice.
We alfo humbly intreat.tb.ee. for all man
kind, that thou wouldft. make thy ways
known unto them, thy truth andfalvation
unto ail nations. Put an end to all idolatry,
fuperftition and .-. perfecution for confcience
fake ; may thy kingdom come, may true ,
Chriftianity univerfally prevail, i and may
Jew and Gentile be. all united, under one
fhepherd, even our Lord Jefus Chrifi: all
which we afk in his name. Amen,
A Prayer for the King and Royal. Family.
Lmighty God, the King of kings, and
Lord of lords ;, we humbly befeech
thee to blefs witb thy favour, thy fervant
Georgx our king, to give him Jiealth and
long life, with happinefs and peace ;< to prof-
per him in all hia'righteous jundertakings, to
¦be his defender, and . preferver from every
evil, and to. give him the vidtory over all his
unjuft enemies. Blefs him alfo with wifdom
and underftanding to govern well ^ may he
feek the good and welfare.of the peqple com^
mitted to his care ; may he encourage virtue
and honefty, and ,difcoujrage all immorality
and vice, endeavour faithfully to diicharge
• the

EVENING PRAYER. 51
the duties of that high ftation, in which thy
Providence has placed him. And may all
his fubjects love and chearfully obey him,
be faithful to him, and render him that duty
and honor, which it becomes them to do.
May he alfo confider, that with thee there
is no refpedt of perfons, and that therefore
it becomes him to live in thy fear, to obey
thy laws, and to fet an example of holinefs
and virtue, that whenever it fhall pleafe thee
to remove him hence, he may be found
worthy to obtain eternal life.
Blefs alfo we befeech thee, the Prir-ce and
Princefs of Wales, the Duke, the Princef-
fes, the iffue of the Prince and Princefs, and
all the Royal Family : give them health and
long life, with peace and profperity. May
they confider what great influence their ex
amples have upon others, and may they fb
condudt themfelves according to thy laws,
that after a life of piety, goodnefs and virtue
here, they may attain to thy heavenly king
dom ; which we implore in the name of
Jefus Chrift our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for the Clergy and Magiftrates^
MOST merciful and gracious God;
we befeech thee to blefs our bifhops
and paftors with thy Holy Spirit, to guide
H z them

52 EVENING PRAYER.
them into true knowledge and a right un
derftanding of thy word : may they lead good
and blamelefs lives, and faithfully difcharge
their duty towards the people committed to
their care. May they be lovers of peace and
charity ; and by the holinefs of their lives,
and the wifdom of their difcourfes, be fuc-
cefsful in their miniftry, to turn finners from .
their evil ways, and to make true religion,
righteoufnefs and virtue flourifh among us.
We alfo intreat thee, O Lord, to blefs
our magiftrates and rulers : may they in their
feveral ftations ftudy the good and welfare of
thofe that are under them, and. judge with
patience and equity : may they rule in the
fear of the Lord, hating covetoufnefs, re
lieving the oppreffed, difcouraging vice, and
maintaining peace and order without any
refpedt of perfons. \* We further
* This is to befeech thee for the high court of
&gL°& ? lament, under our King at
fion of Parlia- this time ajfembled, that thou
ament. wouldft be pleafed to direcl all
their confutations to the general
good and fafety of thefe kingdoms, that peace
and juftice, religion and virtue may flourifh
among us.] All this we afk in the name of
Jefus Chrift our bleffed Lord and SaviouF.
Amen.

EVENING PRAYER.

53

A Prayer for tie performance of relative
duties.
ALmighty God, our heavenly Father;
we humbly befeech thee to aflift ut?
to perform all thofe duties, which our par
ticular ftate and condition in this life requires
of us. May the rich and great be(have them
felves with wifdom and goodnefs, juftice and
mercy, humility and temperance, fetting
their affections on heavenly things, and not
on earthly, enjoyments, being rich in good
works, and remembring that they muft one
day give an account of the employment,
both of their time and riches. And may
thofe that are in low ranks, be cloathed with
modefty and humility, avoid floth and idle-
nefs, be diligent in their refpective employ
ments, faithful and honeft in all things, and
contented with that ftation, in which thy
Providence has placed them. May fuch as
are married, be true and faithful to one ano
ther, live together irrrnutual love and friend-
fhip, bearing with one another's infirmities,
and endeavouring to be a conftant fupport
and comfort to each other. May parents
love their children, and carefully bring them
up in the knowledge of God, in the paths
of virtue, and in the regular government of
all

54 EVENING PRAYER.
all their paffions and defires. And may
children attend diligently to their parents m-
ftructions, and repay their care and affedtion
with duty and obedience. May mafters be
gentle to, and careful of their fervants, duly
paying them their wages, and giving them
that which is juft and right. And may fer
vants obey their mafters, and be diligent,
honeft and faithful to them. And may all
others, in whatever relation they ftand to
others, endeavour faithfully and diligently
to perform the duties arifing from it. Which
we humbly afk through our Lord Jefus
Chrift. Amen. A Prayer for the afficJed.
MOST merciful and gracious God ;
we humbly recommend to thy fa
therly goodnefs, all thofe that are any ways
afflicted or diftrefled in mind,
be* f2'S only bodv or outward circumftances,
when any de- [* particularly thofe for whom
fire their pray- mr prayers are def red {] be-
feeching thee to provide for
thofe that are poor and in want, to give eafe
to them that are in pain, and health to the
fick ; to help fuch as are in danger, and 'to
deliver thofe that are tempted, and to aid
and aflift all thy creatures under every
trouble ;

EVENING PRAYER. -5S
trouble : more efpecially be with any of thy
faithful fervants, who are in any manner
perfecuted for righteoufnefs fake, Support
them under their afflictions, calm their
minds, and enable them to be fleady in
their duty and obedience to thee; giving
them patience under their fufferings, and a
happy deliverance out of all their afflictions.
And may every one of us in our feveral fta
tions, cultivate a kind and compaffionate dif
pofition, and aflift all that are diftrefled to
the utmoft of our power. May we alfo learn
to be patient under whatever troubles thy
providence thinks fit to lay upon u*s, hum
bling ourfelves before thee, and refigning
our felves to thy will, , in full affurance of
thy fatherly care for us. We afk all, through
Jefus Chrift our Lord. Amen.
A General Thankfgiving.
OMoft glorious Lord God Almighty ;
thou art worthy to receive glory and
praife, who haft created all things by thy
power, who governeft them with unerring
wifdom., and provideft for every living crea
ture out of thy never-ceafing goodnefs. We
blefs thee for our creation, that thou haft
given us reafon and underftanding, haft
made us capable of ferving thee, and of imi
tating

56 EVENING PRAYER.
fating in fome meafure thy glorious per
fections. We blefs thee for thy kind pre
fervation of us, from the many dangers and
evils, to which we have been expofed,
and for all the bleffings we enjoy, [* and
particularly for thy goodnefs to
be'reTfonly thofe* wh° deftre nCW t0 °fer. UP
when any de- their praifes and thankfgivings,
fire. to r"urn for thy late mercies granted to
them.] Bleffed be thy name,
O Lord, for every inftance of thy goodnefs
to us ; and efpecially that thou giveft us ftill
more time, to repent of our evil ways, to
purify our minds, amend our lives, and ac
quire thofe good habits and virtuous difpo
fitions, which are neceffary to fit us for thy
favour. But above all we defire to praife
thee, that after mankind had corrupted their
ways, thou waft pleafed to give us thy Son
Jefus Chrift, who came down from heaven to
lead us into the way of righteoufnefs and
truth, and to redeerri us from all iniquity :
who alfo offered himfelf a facrifice for the
fins of the world, that all thofe who believe
in, and- obey him, might receive the for
givenefs of their iniquities, and inherit eter
nal life. We blefs thee for what he has
done and fuffered for us ; that by him we
know that thou art gracious and merciful,
and can approach thee with good hopes of
finding

EVENING PRAYER. .#
finding favohr and affiftance at all times,
according to our neCeffities. We further
blefs thee for the light of thy gofpel
ftill continued atriong us, and for our
deliverance from popery, fupetftition and
flavefy : many a time has the Lord been on
our fide, and fefcued us, when no othet
arm could fave Us. May fuch a fenfe of
thy mercy and goodnefs dwell uj->on out1
mindsj as may bring forth their proper
fruits, by a life of holiriefs, thahkfulnefs and
obedience : which we afk in the name of
Jefus Chrift. Aniens i
The concluding Prayer.
Lmighty and everlafting God ; who
haft given us liberty at this time, to
make our humble fupplications unto thee :
hear thou frorn heaven, the habitation of
thy glory, the defifes and petitions of thy
fervants : preferve us from the power and
malice ofthe devil, from'the evil defigns of
wicked men, and frOm every danger to
which we are expofed ; and grant us thofe
things which thou knoweft to be needful
and fitting for us, in fuch proportion as may
be moft conducive to our eternal welfare.
Gracioufly accept of our praifes and thankf-
-givings, and forgive whatever thou haft feen
I amifs

5& EVENING |>RAYER,
amifs }n our conduct before thee. An$ as
we are imperfect beings, too often apit tabe?
turned afide by various) temptations ; merci
fully aflift up, O Lord, to overcome the tri
als of this life ; may we dearly perceive the
great excellency, and, the neceffity of religi
on and virtue, fo that no temptation may
turn us from;; them ; and may be truly fenfi
ble of the mifchief and fatal confequences
©f vice, that we may forfake it with the
greateft deteflation and abhorrence. And
grant that by the influence of thy holy Spi
rit, our minds may be ftrengthened, with
fuch firm refolutions, as may preferve us
from every fn^re, and carry us fafely through
this ftate. May pure religion have its full
and proper effedt upon us, to engage; us in
a chearful and.: conftanfc: obedience to thy
commands, that we .m;*-* become fike \mto
thee our God, in the love and practice of
univerfal righteoufnefs and goodnefs, and
thereby be fitted for that heavenly ftate,.
whieh thou haft provided for thofe, who in
the temper of their minds, and in the courfe
of their lives, referable thee. Which we afk
in the name of Jefus Chrift our only medi
ator,, through whom, we approach, thee, as„

OUR

EVENING PRAYER. 59
OUR Father, who art in heaven ; hal
lowed be thy name ; may thy king
dom come ; may thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our
daily bread ; and forgive us our trefpaffes,
as we forgive thofe that trefpafs againft us ;
and lead us not into temptation ; but deliver
us from the evil one : for thine is the king
dom, the power and the glory, for ever and
ever. Amen.
TH E grace of our Lord J«fus Chrift,
the love of God, and the fellowfhip
of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore.
Amem

I 2 The

( 61 )

THE

HOMILIES,
To be read in their order, one at a time, in
the Morning or Evening fervice, when
there is no fermon.

The Firft Homily.

On our duty to God.
i I N C E God is the author of our
being, and our conftant prefer
ver ; and all that we enjoy we
receive from him ; and is alfo
the fupreme governor of all his
rational creatures : we are under the ftridleft
pbligations to a fteady obedience to all his
laws :

62 The HOMILIES.
laws : it therefore highly becomes us care
fully to confider what are the duties he has
commanded. For the great day of judg
ment will come, when every one fhall be
condemned or approved, according to his
adlions and behaviour in this life : and will
then be either thrown into a ftate of inex-
preffible mifery and torment, or be admitted
into the regions of everlafting peace and hap- •
pinefs. If therefore we would obtain the favour
of God, we muft in the firft place, not on
ly believe that he is, but that he is alfo the
rewarder ofall thofe that diligently feek him.
And in confequence of that belief, we muft
fear and reverence him, as the greateft and.
moft powerful being, and walk humbly be
fore him : being careful never to prophane
his holy name by falfe fwearing, nor to ufe
it irreverently in our common difcourfe. We
muft alfo hate and detefl all idolatry, or the
paying any honour to pictures or iniages of
wood or ftone ; or even to the angels them-i
felves, but we muft worfhip the Lord our
God in fpirit and in truth, and him only
muft we ferve. We muft further confider
God $s gracious and merciful, and fix in
our minds a grateful fenfe of his goodnefs to,
ys, who is our Creator, our conftant bene
factor, and the giver of every bleffing : and;
there-

The HOMILIES. 6?
therefore it is our duty to love him with all
our heart, our foul and ftrength, and to walk
before him with a perfedl heart and a will
ing mind, endeavouring to imitate him in
al his moral perfections. And while we are
thus inwardly affedted towards God, it be
comes us alio to take all proper opportuni
ties of expreffing the grateful fenfe of our
minds, by frequently addrefling our felves
to him, >oth in private and public worfhip ;
not forgetting to affemble ourfelves toge
ther, that with one heart and one mind we
may join in acknowledging his glorious per
fections and excellency, and our conftant de-
pendance upon him ; glorifying him in all
things, and offering up our praifes and
thankfgivings for all his goodnefs and mer
cy to us ; with humble petitions for a fup-
ply of all our wants, both temporal and fpi-
ritual ; making our prayers and fupplications
to him, in the name of Jefus Chrift our
only mediator. We muft further put our
truft in him, as in one, who will not for
fake thofe, that humbly depend and rely up
on him. And fince he is not only good,
but likewife poffeft of perfedl wifdom, we
fhould always fubmit our feb/es patiently to
his will, without murmurings or repinings,
and refign our felves to the difpenfations of
his providence towards, us. We muft alfo
a fhow

64 The HOMILIES.
fhow the fincerity of our regard to him, by
a real and unfeigned repentance of all out
fins, with a firm refolution to conform our
lives for the time to come to his laws, and
to obey all his commands without the leaft
hypocrify or referve. Laftly, we ought
deeply to imprefs upon our minds, his ex
ceeding great love, in fending his Son Jefus
Chrift our Lord, to lead us into the way of
truth, to diredl us into the paths of eternal
life, and to fuffer and die for us : and fhould
therefore readily comply with the pofitive
inftitutions of chriftianity, to wit, baptifm,
and the thankful remembrance of our bleffed
Saviour at his fupper, according to his ap-
pointment. Now both the reafonablenefs and necef
fity of our performing thefe duties, and ac
quiring thefe difpofitions and habits, will
plainly appear ; if we confider that God is
poffeft of unbounded and irrefiftible power j
that he is a being of ftridt and impartial
juftice ; who will finally judge all men, and
render to every one according to his works :
and that he requires of us as intire and com-'
plete an obedience as we are able to per
form; becaufe the wilful difobedience of
any one of his righteous laws, unrepented of,
would, if paffed over without punifhment,
defeat the ends of his wife and juft govern ment :

The HOMILIES, 65
ment : for as all his commands tend only to
promote the happinefs of the whole creation ;
fo if we carefully attend to it, we fhall find
that any one vice, if let alone and indulged,
would have the moft fatal confequences ; and
that the happinefs" of the whole is only at
tainable by an univerfal regard to all the di
vine precepts. The ferious confideration of
thefe things will fhow us the neceffity of
paying a conftant fubmiffion to the will of
God, with a ftridt obedience to all his laws,
and will fill us with fuch an aweful fenfe of
his fupreme majefty, as will excite us to the
greateft care, and watchfulnefs over oifr felves,
to a conftant endeavour to pleafe him in all
things, and by no means in any thing to of
fend him : fince none can deliver out of his
band. Further, as in God we live, and move,
and have our being ; as he is prefent every
where, and continually with us, knowing all
our thoughts, words and adlions ; and is him
felf of unfpotted purity and holinefs ; thefe
things fhould teach us to purify our minds
from all manner of vice and. folly, to reform
our thoughts and defigns, to govern and re
gulate our paffions, appetites and defires, and
to behave our felves always pioufly and wife
ly ; acting at aU times, and on all occafions,
as fenfible of his continual prefence, and re-
K mem-

66 The HOMILIES.
membring that he is now the witnefs, who
will hereafter be the judge, of all our adlions.
Moreover, as God is not only the author
of our being, but alfo our conftant bene
factor ; who is truly good, and directs that
goodnefs by the greateft wifdom ; who is the
giver of every bleffing of this life, and on
whom all our future hopes and expedtatiohs
are placed ; and who has affured us by our
Lord Jefus Chrift, that he will gracioufly
pardon all our paft offences, on our fincere
repentance and humiliation, joined with a
real amendment of our lives : thefe things
fhould infpire us with the higheft fentiments
of love and reverence to him, and with the
fincerefl returns of thankfulnefs and obedi
ence. And when we further confider, that
all his laws are fit and reafonable, and that
the corhpliance with them only tends to make
us both happy here, and to fit us for the
bleffed manfions of everlafting peace hereaf
ter ; how ready and willing fhould we be to
comply therewith, to delight in the practice
of our duty, and to make his will the rule
of our adlions ?
Laftly, as God is the moft wife and per-?
feet being, true and faithful to his promifes,
eternal and unchangeable, whofe kind and
fecret providence continually attends upon
all men, but more efpecially upon thofe who
*4ove

The H O M I L I E S. 67
love and obey him ; who alfo hears our pray
ers, and will either deliver his faithful fer
vants, or elfe fupport them under all their
afflictions here : thefe confederations fhould
engage Us to apply our felves to him in pray^
er and fupplkation, to implore his guidance
and protection, to put our hope and truft
in him, and with all humility and patience
~ to commit ourfelves to him under all our
troubles, in full affurance that every afflic
tion we meet with, is kindly defigned, either
to reform or improve us ; and will finally
turn to our everlafting advantage, if, we be
have ourfelves well under it.
Let us therefore cultivate all thofe difpo
fitions, which we know to be acceptable to
God. For he only is his true and faithful
fervant, who out of a juft fenfe of his fo-
vereign authority, conforms all his anions to
his will ; and who, from a thorough convidlion
of the wifdom and equity of the divine go
vernment, conducts himfelf with an humble
and regular fubmiffion to his laws.
The Second Homily.
On our duty to our Neighbour.
AS our bleffed Lord and Saviour has
affured us, that the firft and great
commandment is to love the Lord our God,
K 2 with

68 The HOMILIES.
with all our heart, our foul and mind : fo
he has alfo declared, that the fecond, which
requires us to love our neighbour as our
felves, is like unto it : and accordingly has
obliged all his followers to be very careful
to do to all men, as they would have others
do to them. How diligent then ought we
to be, to fulfil all the obligations, which a
law fo juft and reafonable lays us under,
and on which the happinefs of all focial be
ings depends ?
In the firft place therefore, we muft not
commit any murder, adultery, nor fornica
tion, but carefully guard againft every ten
dency to them : neither muft we bear falfe
witnefs againft, nor accufe any one falfely,
nor flander another : nOr be guilty of theft,
or robbery either in great or fmall matters ;
but all thefe things fhould be our greateft
abhorrence. We alfo muft not hurt, vex or
afflict any one, nor do the leaft wrong or in
jury ; but hate all manner of violence, op-
preffion and extortion, all fraud and unjuft.
gain, and every mean art of cheating or
over-reaching another : and let the weights
and meafures be always juft, for all that do
unrighteoufly in fuch things are an abomi
nation to the Lord ; and if any one has in
any thing defrauded another, he is obliged
to make reftitution. And the more effectu ally

The HOMILIES. 69
ally to prevenbany tendency, to thefe crimes,
we are^ commanded to be contented with
fuch things as we have, and not to covet
what is another's ; but to be juft and righte
ous, honefl and upright in ail our dealings ;
and to put away all falfehood from us, fpeak-
ing the truth in fincerity and uprightnefs, and
laying afide all guile and hypocrify ; for ly
ing lips are an abomination to the Lord ;
and befides, he that deceives another by a
lie, fhould confider, that ,he will not be ea-
fily believed another time, even when he
fpeaks the truth. We muft alfo avoid all
flattery to one another, for flattering lips and
a double tongue, the Lord hates.
We muft further avoid ftrife and conten
tion, and put away from us a fro ward mouth
and perverfe lips : and let paffion, ill lan
guage and bitternefs of fpeech, with all un
becoming heats, (more efpecially upon
trifling occafions,) be intirely banifhed from
us ; remembring that he that is angry withr
his brother without a caufe, is in danger of
the judgment : and that he who bridles not
his tongue, deceives his own heart, and his
religion is vain. Nor muft we at any time
fuffer even our juft anger to lie kindling in
our breafts, left it grow up to refentment
and hatred, malice and revenge : but, we
muft be flow to anger, and eafily appeafed,
4 not

7o The HO MIL it S.
not fuffering the fun to go down upon our
wrath. We are further obliged by our Saviour's
laws to love our neighbour as our felves : it
is therefore our duty to improve in every
kind affedtion and benevolent difpofition to
wards all men ; to reftrain all felfifhnefs and
covetoufnefs, and to be truly good and gene
rous. We muft confider one another as
brethren, and behave our felves in a friendly
and becoming manner to all men, without
haughtinefs or pride : for a proud look the
Lord hates, and every one that is proud in
heart is an abomination to him. We muft
alfo lay afide all morofenefs and peevifhnefs,
and attain a mild and peaceable difpofition j
being gentle and courteous, eafy to be in-
treated, and full of mercy ; nor take plea*
fure in fpeaking evil of any man ; and en*
dfeavour to give no offence, but to live peace
ably with all men : overlooking the faults
and failings of one another, fhowing mercy
and compaffion every man to his brother,
and helping every one that wants our affift-
ance in any way, with all chearfulnefs and
readinefs of mind .: to the attaining of all
which excellent difpofitions, a wife and-re-
gular government of our own paffions and
defires, will greatly contribute.
We

The HOMILIES. ys
_ We are alfo obliged by the common prin
ciples of reafon and humanity, to extend
our mercy and goodnefs, even to all the brute
part of God's creation : and the facred fcrip
tures have made it the mark, as well as du
ty of a good man to be merciful to his
beafts : who therefore will by no means load
them with too great burdens, nor punifh
them with feverity, nor with-hold from them
the neceffary food, reft and refrefhment,
which their condition and labour require ;
aiid more efpecially, will not ufe any living
creature with the leaft cruelty, nor afflict" it
in any degree, without a good and* reafon-
able caufe : and when we kill them, it
fhould not be Wantonly or cruelly, but up
on juft occafions, and with as little pain to
them as we can.
We are further commanded to extend our
love and kindnefs to our enemies, nor to re
joice when evil comes upon them : but to
blefs them that curfe us, to do good to them
that hate us, and to pray for them that def-
pitefully ufe us, and perfecute us; that we
may be the children of God, and imitate
him, who is kind and merciful even to the
evil, and the unthankful. We muft there
fore recompenfe to no man evil for evil, but
freely forgive all that injure us ; being long-
fuffering, forbearing one another in love^ and

72 The HOMILIES.
and not taking upon us to cenfurc or con
demn others ; for with what judgment we
judge, we fhall be judged, and with what
meafure we mete to others, it fhall be mea-
fured to us again. Moreover, fince we are
every one of us guilty of many faults, too
apt to offend both God and our neighbour ;
and fince God is always ready to make gra
cious allowances for our failings ; thefe con-
fiderations fhould the more effedtually incline
US, to exercife all that mercy and forgive
nefs to thofe that any ways offend us, which
we would defire fhould be fhown to our
felves in like cafes ; and by no. means to mag
nify their faults, but eafily to excufe their
offences, and impute them to the fame
thoughtiefsnefs, want of confideration or ig
norance, which we often find to be the cafe
in our felves : always remembring how
much our own happinefs is concerned in
fuch a conduct, as being affured by our Lord
and mafter, that if we forgive others, we
fhall be forgiven ; but that if we forgive not
thofe that trefpafs againft us., God will not
forgive us our trefpaffes.
It is indeed our duty to exhort one ano
ther to good works, to inftruct the ignorant,
to endeavour to turn a finner from the er
rors of his ways, and to admonifh and re
prove

The HOMILIES. 73
prove our brother, and not fuffer fin to be
upon him : but thefe things are to be done
With meeknefs and gentlenefs, endeavouring
to convince and perftjade him in the fpirit of
love, of the neceffity of felf-government,
and of a holy, good and virtuous life : and
we are therefore directed to withdraw from
the hardened and the fcornful, left without
any profpedt of doing good, we hurt our
own minds.
Laftly, let us be truly good, kind and be
neficent to all men, rejoicing in their prof
perity and happinefs ; and not fuffer any en
vy, or fecret repinings to harbour in our breaft;
but let us live in love and peace with all
men ; behaving our felves always with meek
nefs and humility ; that we may attain thofe
bleffed difpofitions arid habits which will fit
Us for thofe heavenly manfions of love and
peace, where nothing that offends or defiles,
will be permitted to enter.
The Third Homily.
On the Relative Duties.
HAVING in fome former difcourfes
confidered our obligations to God, and
likewife thofe which we owe to our neigh
bour in general : we now come to treat of
L thofe

74 The HOMILIES.
thofe other duties which we owe to one ano
ther; arifing from the different conditions and
various relations, that providence has thought
fit men fhould ftand in to each other ; and
by the regular performance - whereof, the
peace, order and harmony of fociety is main
tained. Let princes, nobles, and all that are in au
thority confider themfelves as exalted to thofe
high ftations for the good of their fellow
creatures ; and that therefore they are obliged
to ftudy the intereft and welfare ©f thofe that
are under them ; to fet an example of ftridt
obedience to the laws they make, and to be
juft and honeft themfelves, diligent and faith
ful in the difcharge of the duties of their fe
veral ftations, ruling in the fear of the Lord,
and avoiding floth, luxury and vanity, as
knowing their example is of great influence
to all about them. Let them alfo judge
with patience and equity, hating covetouf-
nefs and corruption, relieving the oppreffed,
difcouraging vice, and maintaining peace and
good order, without any refpect of perfons.
Let fubjedts honour the king, and chear
fully obey all that are in authority over them :
nor endeavour to evade the force of the laws
by any art or cunning : but without any mur
muring, render tribute, cuftom and honour
to whom they are due. Let

* The H O M I L I E S. 75
Let the minifters of the gofpel be faithful
and diligent in the difcharge of their duty
towards the people committed to their care ;
living holily and unblameably as examples
to their flock : being juft, fober and tempe
rate, not Covetous or greedy of lucre ; not
felf-will'd, nor foon angry, but gentle unto
all men, ready to teach, patient, in meeknefs
inftrudting thofe that oppofe themfelves ; re
buking and exhorting finners with all long-
fuffering ; and ftrengthening and confirming
the good and faithful. — And let their peo
ple remember them that labour amorig them
in holy things, and efteem and love them for
their work's fake, and diligently attend to
their religious inftrudlions : let alfo him that
is taught in the word, give unto him that
teaches ; for fo has the Lord ordained, that
they which preach the Gofpel, fhould live
by it, and the labourer is worthy of his re
ward. Let marriage be a ftate of chriftian friend-
fhip, and mutual comfort. and afliflance : let
each party bear with one another's infirmi
ties, and ftudy to help and pleafe each other,
which is the foundation and fupport of all
domeftic happinefs : let them likewife be
true and faithful to each other. Let the huf-
band love his wife, even, as himfelf, being
truly kind and affectionate to her. And let
the wife fee, that fhe loves and reverences
L 2 her

76 The HOMILIES.
her hufband, and is in fubjedlion to him :
being of a meek and quiet fpirit, which in
the fight of God is of great value.
Let parents love their children, and be kind
and gentle to them, yet at the fame time
keeping them in due fubjedlion ; bringing
them up in the knowledge and fear of the
Lord, teaching them to obferve his com
mandments, and carefully training them up
in the paths of virtue, and in the wife and
regular government of their appetites and
paffions ; being alfo themfelves very careful
to fet their children a good example. Let
them likewife provide for their children,
cultivate and improve their minds, and bring
them up in fuch induftry and bodily labour,
as their circumftances in life require, and as
their tender ages will admit of; left when
they grow up, they be expofed to every
temptation, through idlenefs, effeminacy and
want of employment. Let children alfo learn
to behave with decency and modefty ; and
to obey their parents ; for this is well pleafing
to the Lord ; honouring them, attending di
ligently to their inftrudlions, and paying the
juft returns of love and gratitude.
May the univerfities, and all our public
and private fchools for the education of
youth, think it not fufficient only to inftrudt
thofe that are committed to their care in ufe-
ful learning and knowledge j but may they
further

The HOMILIES. 77
further confider, that it becomes them more
efpecially to take care of their moral con-
dudl ; to teach them to be fober and virtuous,
to be ftridlly juft and honeft in all things,
true to their word, and obedient to their fu-
periors : as knowing that their future life and
manners greatly depend upon the foun
dation laid in their younger years : and that
they themfelves will be anfwerable for it, if
they neglect to inftrudt them in thefe things
which are of the greateft moment.
Let mafters and miflreffes be gentle and
.careful of their fervants, and. not rule with
rigour ; but give unto them thaf which is
juft and equal, forbearing threatning, know
ing that they likewife have a mafter in hea
ven, neither is there any refpedt of perfons
with him. Let them alfo pay their fervants
and wofk-people the wages due to them :
for woe unto him that ufes his neighbour's
fervice without wages, and gives him not
for his work, or detains it from him any
time. Let them alfo be careful both
by their own good example, and by their
kind and prudent inftrudtions to aflift and
improve their fervants in the knowledge of
God, and in the practice of true religion and
virtue, after the excellent example of Abra
ham and Jofhua * ; that they alfo with them-
* Gen. xviii. 19. Jofhua xxiv. the end ofthe 15th
•verfe, . ,
filves

78 The HOMILIES.
felves may be fitted for eternal happinefs.
And let fervants be obedient to their mafters
and miftreffes, diligent in their fervice, with
all faithfulnefs and honefty, and endeavour
to pleafe them, not with eye-fervice only, as
men-pleafers, but in truth and finglenefs of
heart, as fearing God.
Let fuch as have the riches of this world^
be careful to fpend them wifely and charita
bly, remembring that they muft one day
give an account of their difpofal of them :
let them not therefore heap up wealth un-
profitably, nor fpend it in luxury and vani
ty, or in the encouragement of vice and fol
ly : but let them confider that the pleafures
of this world, and the deceitfulnefs of riches
often choak the word of God, and render
it unfruitful. And fince it has pleafed God
to place men in various flates and conditions
in this life, for the exercife of different vir
tues ; let not the rich defpife the poor, nor
the great ones of this world defpife thofe
that are in low eftate : but let every one ac
cording to what he has, be rich in good
works, ready to diflribute to the neceffities
of others ; more efpecially by employing thofe
poor who are able to work, in ufeful la
bour, without exacting too much of them,
or taking advantage from their neceffities to
opprefs them ; and in relieving the wants
of the fick and lame, the infants and aged :
remem-

The HOMILIES. 79
remembring, that whofoever has this world's
goods, and fees his brother has need, and
fhuts up his bowels of compaffion from him,
how dwells the love of God in him ? They
ought likewife to do good with a willing
and a chearful mind, being affable and con-
defcending in their behaviour, and careful to
avoid all oftentation, or the doing it from
any mean motive, as looking for their re
ward from God alone. Let thofe alfo who
are in the middle ftations and conditions
of life, take a conftant delight in doing good,
that fo they may get the habits of love and
compaffion ; which excellent difpofitions will
teach them to retrench many ufelefs expen-
ces, and fpend both their time and money
in adls of benevolence, which are too often
laid out in pleafure and vanity, in luxury of
drefs, grandeur and high living, (if not in
excefs of rioting and drunkennefs) but might
much more ufefully be employed to their
own eternal advantage.
Let alfo thofe that are poor, be faithful,
honeft and juft in all things, and not info-
lent nor murmuring^ but modeft and hum
ble, thankful to their benefactors, and having
food and raiment, and the neceffaries of this
life, be contented therewith : neither muft
they be flothful or idle, but labour diligent
ly at their employments, left they be tempt
ed to fleal : neither are they excufed from
helping

go The HO M I L I E S.
helping and affifting one another, in what
ever way they can.
Let therefore all men carefully endeavous*
fo to perform the duties of their feveraJ
ftations here, that when the great day of
judgment comes, they may be able to deli
ver up their accounts with joy, and may
receive from their Lord and judge, that moft
comfortable and reviving fentence : Well
done ye good and faithful fervants, inherit
the kingdom prepared for you : which God
grant to us all, through Jefus Chrifi.
The Fourth Homily.
On- the Duties which regard ourfelves.
AS we are under the higheft obligations
of love, reverence and obedience to
God, and of doing to all men, as we would
defire they fhould do to us : fo alfo we are
obliged to ufe the greateft diligence in the
government of our own felves ; without
which we are utterly incapable of perform
ing the other duties. * To this end, we muft
be fober and temperate, and govern our paf
fions and appetites, by reafon and the laws
of God. For as God is a being of perfect
wifdom and rectitude of will, fo he expects,
and has made it our duty to imitate him in
all his moral perfections ; which therefore
2 calls

The HOMILIES.- , 81
calls for our utmoft care. For when we
Confider on the one hand, that God requires
of us an univerfal obedience to all his laws,
with a conftant perfeverance in it ; that we
muft go on from- one degree of holinefs to
another, and endeavour to be perfedl in our
ftation, even as our heavenly father is per
fect.; that we muft ftrive to enter in at the
ftraight gate, and give all diligence to make
our calling and election fure ; being ftedfaft
and immoveable, not weary in well-doing,
remembring that he only that endures unto
the end fhall be faved : and when we confi
der on the other hand, our own imp-frfedti-
ons, the temptations of this life, and the
difficulties and difcouragements which attend
us in purfuing our chriftian courfe : we muft
plainly perceive what care and watchfulnefs
of our felves, and what fincere prayers for
divine aid are neceffary to enable us to per
form fuch important duties. How careful
ought we to be in reading and ftudying the
holy fcriptures, and in examining our hearts
and lives by the word of God, to learn to
know our felves, and what is required of
us, and thereby to correct and amend what
ever is faulty in our temper and conduct,
and to perfevere in a regular and conftant
practice of every amiable virtue ? And when
ever (notwithftanding all our care) we fall
into any fin, we muft repent of our folly,
humble our felves before God, and with
M double

82 The HOMILIES.
double diligence watch over our felves, that
we may not fall into the fame again : and as
every one of us have generally fome one or
more predominant vices, which we are moft
liable to fall into, either from our natural
difpofitions, or acquired habits, we muft
take care more particularly to guard againft
thofe fins, which moft eafily befet us. For
the rooting out of any vicious habit, is a
work of time, and calls for the continued exer
cife of all our faculties. And the introducing
into our minds the contrary difpofitions, not
withftanding thti oppofition of cuftom and
evil habits, requires our utmoft diligence
and care. Neither muft we be difcouraged
by our weaknefs, nor let our failings and
imperfections difpiritus; but we* muft ftill
perfevere, and redouble our care, till at laft
we have got the better of them, and are
become truly conquerors.
In order to attain this perfection, which
the chriftian religion requires of us ; it is in
the firft place neceffary For us to have right
and juft notions of our own felves ; to confi
der that we are impefredt beings, too apt to
be turned afide from our duty by various
temptations, and to be milled by paffion and
prejudice, by ignorance and folly : and that
therefore it becomes us to poflefs our minds
with a humble and modeft fenfe of our own
felves, and to be cloathed with a meek and
lowly fpirit, laying afide all pride and vain
conceit,

The H O M I L I E S. 83
conceit, all arrogance and foolifh boaftings.
And let us think foberly of our felves, as
knowing, that the beft of us have ftill many
fecret corruptions within him, and that even
our beft obedience is imperfedl : wherefore
God declares, he takes delight in thofe that
are of a meek and humble fpirit, but that
every one that is proud in heart is an abo
mination to him. Neither muft we be de
firous of praife and vain-glory, for a modeft
and good man is content with doing well,
thereby approving himfelf to God, without
feeking the applaufe of men.
We muft likewife be patient under every
affliction, not apt to be difcompofed at every
difagreeable event, nor impatient under any
greater trials, which God may think fit to
lay upon us ; knowing that in the end they
will work out for us an exceeding degree of
glory : we muft not therefore let the frowns
or terrors of this world, either reproach, ad-
verfity or perfecution, make us give up our
faithful and fteady obedience to God ; nor
fuffer it's allurements and vanities, the love
of riches, honour or power, to intice and fe-
duce us to part with our integrity : but we
muft take up our crofs, and follow our
bleffed Saviour's example ; for he only that
overcomes the trials and temptations, to
which he is expofed in this life, fhall inhe
rit the kingdom of heaven.
M 2 We

84 The HOMILIES.
We muft alfo be holy, without which no
man can fee God ; and be chafle and mbdeft
in our thoughts and .actions, and fuffer no
corrupt or unclean difcourfe to proceed out
of our mouth : but hate all lafcivioufnefs,
fornication and adultery, with every impure
defire, and unlawful pleafure : for all thefe
things are highly unfuitable to our moft ho
ly religion, to a virtuous temper of mind j
and will deprive us of the favour of God.
We muft likewife be fober and temperate
in all things, without luxury, gluttony or
drunkennefs; and' ufe great moderation in
all our pleafures, and' in every enjoyment of
this life ; as chriftians, whofe perfection and
happinefs do not confift in fenfual enjoy
ments, but in thofe which are fpiritual : arid
the gaieties and follies, nay even the innocent
amufements of this world, when too much
indulged, and too often repeated, are apt to
fink and debafe the mind, to fill it with a
trifling levity, and unfit it for the perform
ance of the important and neceffary duties of
this life. Let alfo the inward humility of
our minds appear in the modefty and decen
cy of our outward behaviour, of our xlrefs
and apparel ; without pride and vanity, with
out the love of pomp and fhow, or the de
fire of emulating others : and let us follow
no fafhion or cuftom that is inconfiftent
with modefty ; but fet a good example to all
around

The^HOMILIES. 8>
around us ; for the luft of the flefh, the luft
of the eye, and the pride of life are utterly
inconfiftent with the love of God,
We muft further endeavour wifely to re
gulate all Our paffions andaffedlions, to bring
them under a due command, and rightly to
•diredt and govern them, by the rules of
reafon and religion ; to bridle our tongues,
to be flow to anger, and to rule our own
fpirit ; keeping Our bodies in fubjedlion, and
denying our felves, yet maintaining a chear
ful and contented fpirit. We muft alfo hate
every wicked Way, turn away froiji every
fin, and follow no one to do what is evil :
but cleanfe our felves from all pollution of
the flefh and fpirit, and let our religion be
'fincere and unaffected, without inward guile
and hypOcrify, or vain oftentation and fhow :
endeavouring to walk worthy of our pro
feffion^ and to adorn the dodtrine of Chrift
in allthings : being harmlefs, and without
-blame, the children of God, keeping our
felves unfpotted from the world, and ab-
'ftajriing from even "the appearance of evil;
as: knowing that we wreflle not only with
flefh and blood, but with principalities and
; powers of darknefs. We muft therefore take
heed to ourrfelves, and walk circumfpedtly,
redeeming the- time, and watch and pray
that we fall not into temptation ; not being
flothful, but 'diligent, not lukewarm, but
zealous

86 The H O M I L I E S.
zealous to promote whatever is praife-worthy
and excellent. But at the fame time we
ought to take great care, that our paffions
have no undue influence upon us, that
while we think we are in the purfuit of one
virtue, we do not break in upon the pradlice
of another : nor fuffer on the one hand a
miftaken love of God, and zeal for religion,
to make us uncharitable or fevere to our
neighbour, from whom we may happen to
differ ; remembring we have all of us one
lawgiver and judge, by whom we our felves
are alfo to be judged : but we muft treat
him with that love and forbearance, that
mercy and compaffion, which we would de
fire to be treated with, by thofe who differ
from us : nor on the other hand muft we
permit our partial fondnefs for our neigh
bour, to break in upon our fteady regard to
God, or make us neglect our duty to him :
but we muft pay an univerfal obedience to
all his laws, and ftrive to perform our
whole duty both to God and to one ano
ther ; endeavouring after our own perfection,
with all long-fuffering and forbearance to
others. We muft alfo every one of us avoid all
loofe and criminal converfation, and be very
careful what company we keep, and the
perfons with whom we are intimate, for
evil communication corrupts good manners. Where-

The HOMILIES. 87
Wherefore if finners entice us, let us not
confent, but refrain our feet from their paths,
neither defire to be with them ; left we learn
their ways, and get a fnare to our fouls. For
whoever gives himfelf up to the fociety of
the ungodly and vicious, will quickly be loft
to all virtue and goodnefs, and will too foon
become like the company he choofes.
Therefore all men fhould endeavour, in their
feveral ftations, to encourage religion, righte
oufnefs and virtue, and to difcourage vice
and prophanenefs.
Laftly, we fhould be careful everv one of
us, to employ our time well, improving in *
ufeful and worthy knowledge, and avoiding
idlenefs, which is the foundation of folly
and wickednefs. Let fuch as are engaged
in any bufinefs and employment, be diligent
in it, that with the bleffing of God, " they
may be enabled both to provide for them
felves and families, and to do good to others :
and let fuch as have leifure from labour and
domeftic cares, more particularly endeavour
to employ that time which providence gives
them, in improving their own minds, and
being ufeful to others. And let all of us be
contented with our condition, reject all bale
and fordid views, and nOt be covetous, nor
greedy t>f heaping up riches : for a man's
happinefs confifts not in the abundance of
the things he poffeffes ; and the love of mo-
4 . ney

88 The JlOMlLlESi
ney is the root of many evils, and they that
will be rich, fall into great fnares and tempta
tions, which prevent their progrefs in the
chriftian virtues. Neither let any of us be
overcharged with the cares or pleafures of
this world, but let our behaviour and con-
verfation in all things here, be fuch as be
comes the doctrine of Chrift ; fetting, our af
fections upon things above, and endeavour
ing to acquire all thofe bleffed difpofitions
and habits, which will fit us for the favour ,
of God. For they that refufe to do his will,
here, and are difobedient and wicked, fhall
be thrown into that ftate of inexprefiible
mifery, prepared for the devil and his an
gels, where the worm dies not, and the fire
is npt quenched, and fhall be punifhed there
with dreadful and unfpeakable torments :
while they who obey the laws of God here,
fhall gain his approbation, whofe favour is
only to be valued or fought ; and fhall be
admitted to the glory ofGod, in whofe pre- ,
fence there is fulnefs of joy, and at whofe .
right hand there are pleafures for ever
more.

FINIS.