дв 4038 Harriet Hull. Eating Aug 13/36. A Alunurt of PRIVATE DEVOTION COMPANION TO THE ALTAR PRAYERS AND consisting of & MEDITATIONS. London Charles Daly. 17. Greville. Street Hatton Garden. PIETAS VICTORIOSA. A Manual OF PRIVATE DEVOTION, AND COMPANION TO THE ALTAR; CONSISTING OF PRAYERS, MEDITATIONS, AND Self Examinations, CHIEFLY SELECTED FROM THE DIVINES OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND. LONDON: CHARLES DALY, 17, GREVILLE STREET, HATTON GARDEN. Go 4038 Univ.- Bibl. Giessen Introduction .. Sunday Morning Evening Monday Morning Evening Tuesday Morning Evening Wednesday Morning Evening Thursday Morning Evening Friday Morning Evening DAILY PRAYERS. CONTENTS. Saturday Morning Evening Ditto Ditto After receiving the Sacrament Confession of Sin Hannah More. Editor. Dr. Pearson. For Pardon and Peace For Repentance For Faith Bishop Taylor. Sir William Jones. Bp. Blomfield. Hannah More. Bishop Taylor. Bishop Blomfield. Editor. OCCASIONAL Before receiving the blessed Sacrament Bishop Taylor. Bishop Sherlock. Robert Nelson. PRAYERS. Bishop Taylor. Bishop Kenn. Bishop Taylor. Archbp. Tillotson. Bishop Taylor. Rev. E. Bickersteth. Robert Nelson. Whole Duty of Mar. For Spiritual Illumination For the Graces of Faith, Hope, and Charity Bishop Taylor.. St. Chrysostom. Pascal. Lord Clarendon. Page For Divine Wisdom For Resignation For Personal Holiness Thanksgiving for Temporal Blessings Thanksgiving for Spiritual Bless ings On Baptiem . 10 . 11 12 . 16 . 18 . 20 . 21 23 25 . 26 28 29 31 . 32 34 35 . 36 37 . 38 39 . 42 . 41 . 43 . 44 Bishop Nicholson. Author of the Retrospect. Dr Yardley.. . ib. 45 . 46 CONTENTS. On the Anniversary of our Baptism Dr. Yardley. Before Confirmation After Confirmation Birth- Day Previous to Marriage At the beginning of a Sickness In the Prospect of Death An Alphabetical List of the Collects in the Book of Common Prayer Prayer The Study of the Holy Scriptures Rules for studying the Holy Scriptures Faith Hope Charity Humility Christian Simplicity Benevolence Enoch walked with God Affliction The Dying Christian Rules for the Christian Life Devotion Prayer Circumspection of Walk Rules for Domestic Happiness Rules for Hearing and Reading the Word of God PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. Self- Examination Grace Sunday The Sabbath Ditto Ditto Dr. Johnson. New Whole Duty of Nursery Scene Morning Evening Confirmation The Heavenly Jerusalem Man Bishop Taylor. Ditto . J. Mason Good. W. Newnham, Bishop Jeremy Taylor. Saurin. Bishop Horne, Jeremy Taylor, Hannah More. Rev. H. Melvill, B. D. 60 LYRICA SACRA. . 47 . 48 .50 51 Fanch. Pearson, Hannah More. 64 Rev. H. Melvill. Chillingworth. Chudleigh, Bp. Reynolds, Bp. Wilson.. 69 Rev. R. Cecil. Williams. Montgomery. C. Wesley. Herbert. Herbert. Cunningham. Lucy Emma. . 52 . 53 55 . 56 Professor Keble. E. H. 860 63468 691 45779 88 58 ........ Rev. Legh Richmond. 77 Rev. Basil Woodd. Bishop Taylor. 71 72 72 .83 .84 -85 86 .86 .87 88 .89 90 90 93 . 94 INTRODUCTION. SELF- DEDICATION to the service and worship of God is the duty and privilege of all When a knowhis intelligent creatures. ledge of our duty has been obtained, the manner of its performance should engage our attention. Prayer is so obviously the duty of man, that both reason and revelation condemn its neglect. It is alike enjoined by Scripture and the example of Christ. Man is a fallen, frail, variable being, placed in a world of suffering and temptation, wherein nothing either of pain or pleasure continueth at one stay. He is a shadow in a land of shadows; an evil doer in a region of evil. His aspect is multiform, and his needs are correspondent. Pardon for sin, strength for ii duty, stedfastness in trials, comfort in tribulation, and hope in death, are indispensable; until these are his by possession, he cannot be safe; until they are his by apprehension, whatever else he knows, he knows not peace. It is by prayer alone these blessings are procured. It assists us in resisting every evil to which we are liable. It gains for us the help of the Holy Spirit to build up the ruins of our fallen nature, and raises the soul to its original structure as a temple of the living God ,. It is a link which unites earth to heaven, and man to God; it is at once our, duty and our joy. Since prayer then is of so much importance, it naturally follows that stated periods should be sacred for its performance. The morning and evening are those periods which have always by pious individuals been selected for devotion. And there appears to be something peculiarly appropriate in this arrangement of duty; for nature herself dictates that at the dawn of each returning day we should offer up thanksgivings for the INTRODUCTION. 1ii blessings afforded us through the night; and at the return of the evening we should implore the guardianship of heaven through the hours of darkness, and the pardon of God for our manifold transgressions: by this means we obtain a spirit of love and dependence, and an universal habit of thankfulness. Let us never then fail to direct our hearts and lips in prayer to God, as a morning and evening sacrifice. Let us daily call upon Him who alone can help us, and his ears will be open to our petitions; and if presented through the Son of his love, he will graciously bestow upon us all that is conducive to our happiness, both for this life, and that which is to come. INTRODUCTION. " There is such an exalted delight to a regenerate being in the act of prayer," says the late Henry Kirke White," and he anticipates with so much pleasure amid the toils of business and the crowds of the world, the moment when he shall be able to pour out his soul without interruption into the bosom of his Maker, that I am persuaded that the iv INTRODUCTION. degree of desire or repugnance which a man feels to the performance of this amiable duty, is an infallible criterion of his acceptance with God. Let the unhappy child of dissipation let the impure voluptuary boast of his short hours of exquisite enjoyment; even in the degree of bliss they are infinitely inferior to the delight of which the righteous man participates in his private devotions; while in their opposite consequences they lead to a no less wide extreme than heaven and hell, a state of positive happiness, and a state of positive misery. If there were no other inducement to prayer than the very gratification it imparts to the soul, it would deserve to be regarded as the most important object of a Christian; for nowhere else could he purchase so much calmness, so much resignation, and so much of that peace and repose of spirit in which consists the chief happiness of this otherwise dark and stormy being. But to prayer, besides the inducement of momentary gratification, the very self- love implanted in our bosoms would lead INTRODUCTION. us to resort, as the chief good, for our Lord hath said,' Ask, and it shall be given to thee; knock, and it shall be opened;' and not a supplication made in the true spirit of faith and humility, but shall be answered; not a request which is urged with unfeigned submission and lowliness of spirit, but shall be granted, if it be eonsistent with our happiness, either temporal or eternal. Of this happiness, however, the Lord God is the only judge; but this we do know, that whether our requests be granted, or whether they be refused, all is working together for our ultimate benefit." It is not the intention of the compiler of this little work, that every expression and sentiment should be strictly followed at all times; his object is rather to encourage the young and timid Christian to" watchfulness unto prayer," amid the distractions of lifeto assist in fervency therein, when sorrow drives him to supplication, or joy leads him to offer a tribute of thanksgiving to his heavenly Father. And as the varied circum vi INTRODUCTION. stances of the Christian require occasional prayers for special seasons, an Alphabetical Table of the beautiful Collects of the Church of England, arranged under proper heads, has been added. DAILY PRAYERS. Sunday. MORNING PRAYER. O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, I thank thee for all the blessings of this life, but especially for appointing the Sabbath to be a day on which we may attend to the salvation of our immortal souls. O LORD, grant that I may rightly use the religious opportunities which I enjoy. Preserve me from inattention during thy public worship. In prayer may I feel my need of the mercies I implore; in the confession of sin may I be affected with the sense of my own unworthiness; and in offering up my thanksgivings, may I pour out my whole heart before thee. When I hear thy word read, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached, enable me to listen with an attentive ear, and receive thy truth with an honest and pure heart. And I beseech thee to preserve in me a right frame of mind throughout the day that is before me. May I think on my ascended Lord, and put away 8 O my from me all folly and vanity, as well as vice, and all eager desires after the things of this life; all anger and passion and covetous desires, and whatever else is hateful in thy sight. I lament, that in passing through the week, I am so often entangled by the temptations and cares of life. I pray thee now to call my thoughts from all earthly considerations, and to fix them on those unspeakable joys which are at thy right hand for evermore. GOD, strengthen my faith, increase my hope, and fill my heart with love to thee, and fervent charity towards my fellow- creatures. Help me also to repent of my sins, examining carefully my conduct during the week, and thus may I learn to amend my life, and to run with patience the race that is set before me. Make me to go to rest this night, thankful for the opportunities of instruction which I have enjoyed, and for all the blessings of the Gospel. And may the peace of GoD keep me ever in his fear and knowledge, and in the love of his dear Son, my blessed Saviour. Amen. SUNDAY. EVENING PRAYER. ALMIGHTY God, I desire to approach Thee, at this time with reverence, humility, and fear. Thou art the Creator and Preserver of SUNDAY. all thy creatures. Thy greatness calls for my adoration; thy goodness, for my gratitude; and thy love, as displayed in the gift of thy Son, for my willing obedience. Worship, and honour, and praise have ascended to thee this day from thy church militant here on earth. O may the services of the earthly sanctuary lead my mind to look forward in joyful anticipation to that blessed state, where saints and angels cease not day or night to worship thee, and the Lamb that sitteth upon the throne. Notwithstanding my unworthiness, thou hast been pleased again to favour me with the mercies of another Sabbath- day; and by the prayers of thy church, and the ministration of thy word, to invite me to become a partaker of those spiritual blessings provided for me in the gospel. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth! May I ever esteem one day spent in thy courts better than a thousand. Oh, do thou constrain me by thy grace, now in this the day of my visitation to accept the overtures of thy love and mercy. May my soul be come daily more and more purified by ne holy principles of the gospel. Nourish within me the graces of thy Holy Spirit, and fill me with all joy and peace in believing. Under all the trials and changes of this mortal life, make me to possess that tranquil 10 and quiet state of mind, which arises from reconciliation with thee, from a reliance on the promises of thy word, and from the cheering prospects of immortality. Make, I beseech thee, all bishops and pastors diligently to preach thy holy word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that we may all receive the crown of everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. MONDAY. Monday. MORNING PRAYER. O MOST merciful and gracious Lord God, the creator, preserver, and governor of the world, look down I humbly beseech thee, upon me thy unworthy servant. I confess, O Lord, that I am a weak and sinful creature; that I have, in many things, acted contrary to thy most holy will; and have neither loved thee, feared thee, nor obeyed thee as I ought to have done. But, O gracious Father, who delightest not in the death of a sinner, look upon I beseech thee, in thy Son Jesus Christ: and for the sake of his merits pardon my many trespasses. Grant that I may amend in whatever I have done amiss; and for the time to come may be more careful to please me, 11 thee, and more sincerely devoted to thy service. And as without thee I am not able to please thee, grant me thy grace and Holy Spirit, that I may pass through all the temptations of the world with peace, innocence, and safety. Suffer me not, O Lord, to be led away by the vain and foolish customs of the world, nor seduced from my duty by the company and example of wicked or inconsiderate persons; but grant that I may make thy laws the rule of all my actions, and faithfully discharge my duty in the station in which thy providence has been pleased to place me. Make me duly mindful that thou art present every where, and knowest my most secret thoughts; so that I may never dare to do any thing but what thou approvest, and of which I may fear to give account at the day of judgment. O fit and prepare me for that solemn time, that when I shall appear before the great Judge of all the world, I may be found in the number of those whom he shall then pronounce blessed. Extend thy mercy, O Lord, to all mankind, and bring them to the knowledge and practice of thy laws. Look down with compassion upon all those who are in any kind of affliction; give them patience and comfort under it, and in thy good time a joyful deliverance. Send down thy blessings both spiritual and temporal upon all my friends and relations, take them MONDAY. 12 MONDAY. under the protection of thy good providence, and so bless, direct, and guide them in this life, that they may at last obtain the greatest of all blessings, the eternal salvation of their souls. I ask all in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ my Redeemer. Amen. EVENING PRAYER. IN an humble acknowledgment of my manifold sins and iniquities, which I from time to time, and more especially this day, have committed against thee, both in thought, word, and deed; I now prostrate myself before thee, O Lord of heaven and earth, beseeching thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, my only Lord and Saviour, to be merciful unto me. Forgive me, O Lord, that I have not rendered unto thee according to thy mercy and loving- kindness; that I have been forgetful and disobedient, and have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight. Let thy Holy Spirit sanctify me throughout, and give me more and more grace and strength, whereby I may be enabled to subdue all my sinful and corrupt affections; grant that I may improve the remainder of my days with all possible care, and give all diligence to make my calling and election sure, that I may so persevere therein unto death, that at last I may attain everlasting life. Enable 13 me by faith to embrace the promises, and obey the precepts of the gospel. Let thy word be my rule and counsellor. Settle in my soul a constant desire and endeavour to fear, serve, and remember thee. Give me a heart and an understanding to keep thy commandments at all times. Prepare me for every condition for which thou hast designed me, and let every instance of thy providence, engage me to cleave more stedfastly unto thee, and to glorify thy name; and in all things, let me look up unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith. Make me more and more sensible of the shortness and uncertainty of this life, and of the eternity of the next. Let my great concern here be, for the glory of thee my God, and the interest of my precious and immortal soul. Let my thoughts be much employed on that day, when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. Suffer not my short life to be the way to eternal misery; but let me make my constant business to prepare myself to be happy for ever with thee. it Enlarge and bless thy holy Catholic church with more abundant peace, purity, and concord. Pardon the sins of the nation wherein I live. Give us grace to search and try our ways, and turn unto thee our God. Make MONDAY. us a people peculiar to thyself, zealous of good works. Bless the king, and all that are in 14 MONDAY. authority under him; bless the ministry of thy holy word and sacraments. Reward all my friends and benefactors, and forgive all Be merciful to all afflicted my enemies. persons, sanctify their afflictions unto them, give them patience under them, and an happy issue out of them. Accept my praises and thanksgivings for all thy mercies vouchsafed me in this life, and for the hopes of a better. And now that I am going to take my rest and sleep, let me consider that thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety; whether I sleep or wake, live or die, let me be found thine own, to thy eternal glory, and my everlasting salvation, through Jesus Christ; in whose blessed name and words I sum up my imperfect prayer; saying, Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against 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. 15 Tuesday MORNING PRAYER O ALMIGHTY God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God of mercy and comfort, with reverence and fear, with humble confidence and strong desires, I approach to the throne of grace, begging of thee mercy and protection, pardon and salvation. O my God, I am a sinner, but sorrowful and repenting: thou art justly offended at me, but yet thou art my Lord and my Father, merciful and gracious. Be pleased to blot all my sins out of thy remembrance, and heal my soul, that I may never any more sin against thee. Lord, open my eyes that I may see my own infirmities, and watch against them; and my own follies, that I may amend them; and be pleased to give perfect understanding in the way of godliness, that I may walk in it all the days of my pilgrimage. Give me a spirit diligent in the works of my calling, cheerfu. and zealous in religion, fervent and frequent in my prayers, charitable and useful in my conversations; give me a healthful and chaste body, a pure and holy soul, a sanctified and an humble spirit; and let my body and sou. and spirit be preserved unblameable to the coming of the Lord Jesus. 16 TUESDAY. Blessed be thy name, O God, and blessed be thy mercies, who hast preserved me this night from sin and sorrow, from sad chances and a violent death, from the malice of the devil, and the evil effects of my own corrupted nature and infirmities. The outgoings of the morning and evening shall praise thee, and thy servants shall rejoice in giving thee praise for the operation of thy hands. Let thy providence and care watch over me this day, and all my whole life, that I may never sin against thee, by idleness or folly, by evil company or private sins, by word or deed, by thought or desire; and let the employment of day leave no sorrow, or the remembrance of an evil conscience at night, but let it be holy and profitable, blessed and always innocent; that when the days of my short abode are done, and the shadow is departed, I may die in thy fear and favour, and rest in a holy hope, and at last return to the joys of a blessed resurrection, through Jesus Christ. Amen. EVENING PRAYER. ETERNAL and incomprehensible mind, who by thy boundless power before time began createdst innumerable worlds for thy glory, and innumerable orders of beings for their 17 TUESDAY. happiness which thy infinite goodness prompted thee to desire, and thy infinite wisdom enabled thee to know! I, thy creature, vanish into nothing before thy supreme Majesty. To thy power I humbly submit; of thy goodness I devoutly implore protection on thy wisdom I firmly and cheerfully rely Irradiate my mind with all useful truth; in stil into my heart a spirit of general benevolence; give understanding to the foolish; meekness to the proud; temperance to the dissolute; fortitude to the feeble- hearted; hope to the desponding; faith to the unbelieving; diligence to the slothful; patience to those who are in pain; and thy celestial aid to those who are in danger; comfort the afflicted, relieve the distressed; supply the hungry with salutary food, and the thirsty with a plentiful stream. Impute not my doubts to indifference, nor my slowness of belief to hardness of heart; but be indulgent to my imperfect nature, and supply my imperfections by thy heavenly favour. Whenever I address thee in my retirement from the vanities of the world, if my prayers are foolish, pity me; if presumptuous, pardon me; if acceptable to thee, grant them, allpowerful God, grant them! And as, with my living voice and with my dying lips, I will express my submission to thy decrees, adore thy providence, and bless thy dispenR 18 WEDNESDAY. sations; so in all future states to which I reverently hope thy goodness will raise me, grant that I may continue praising, admiring, venerating, and worshipping thee more and more, through worlds without number and ages without end. Amen. Wednesday. MORNING PRAYER. O GOD, thou art my God; early will I seek thee. Thou art good, and doest good to all: thy mercy is over all thy works. Unworthy as I am to offer unto thee any sacrifice, thou hast appointed unto me a great High- priest, in whose name I come boldly to the throne of grace, that I may find mercy and grace to help me in time of need. Grant that the frequency and earnestness of my prayers may be proportioned to the greatness of my wants. Make me to rejoice in every opportunity of worshipping thy Divine Majesty, and preserve me from the sin of drawing near to thee with my lips, while my heart is far from thee. I humbly thank thee, O Lord, that thou hast preserved me through the night past, and hast renewed unto me thy goodness this morning. Take me again into 19 WEDNESDAY. me; thy guidance and protection during the day; and so govern me by thy grace, that I may neither think nor speak, nor do anything this day which may displease thee or wound my own soul. Assist me to be sincere and hearty in dedicating myself, my soul, and body, to thy service. Preserve me from the power of evil; from the sin that doth so easily beset from the lusts of the flesh, and the vanities of a wicked world. Send thy good Spirit to direct and guide me in the ways and works of godliness: purify my affections; enliven my devotion; teach me how to pray, and how to hear, and read, and profit by thy holy word. Make me a Christian, not only in name, but also in heart and in hope. Teach me the value of my soul and the salvation which has been wrought for it by Christ Jesus. May I never be ashamed of confessing him before men; but amidst all discouragements and difficulties, give me boldness to show myself his true disciple. Let my conversation be such as becometh his gospel; and whatsoever I do in word or in deed, let me do all in his name, giving thanks to God and the Father through him. And let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Amen. 20 WEDNESDAY. EVENING PRAYER. O LORD God Almighty, I bless thee for all the mercies of the past day, and I pray thee now to take me under thy care, and to deliver me from all the perils and dangers of this night. Preserve me, O Lord, both in body and soul, from every evil, and keep me om all sinful thoughts when I am about to close my eyes in sleep. And pardon, I beseech thee, all my offences, for the sake of Jesus Christ. I confess, Lord, that I have this day left undone many things which I ought to have done, and done many things which I ought not to have done. Pardon all my pride and vanity, my idleness and self- indulgence, my impatience, fretfulness, and discontent. Pardon, O Lord, all the rash and angry words which I have this day spoken, and all the sinful thoughts which have risen up in my mind, and which I have not been careful to resist. And especially, I pray thee, to pardon my forgetfulness of thee, my God, and my want of gratitude and love to Jesus Christ. For these and all my other sins which from time to time I have committed, I here implore thy pardon and forgiveness, in the name of my most merciful Saviour. And since I know that my life is short and THURSDAY. 21 me, day by day, to think of O Lord grant me grace so to live, that I may not be afraid to die; and do thou receive my soul at last into thine eternal kingdom. Amen. Our Father,& c. uncertain, help my latter end. Thursday. MORNING PRAYER. Most glorious and eternal God, Father of mercy and God of all comfort, I worship and adore thee with the lowest humility, and give thee all thanks and praise for thy mercies upon me and mine. I acknowledge that I have deserved the greatest of thy wrath and indignation; but thy mercy triumphing over my sins, thou hast still continued to me life and a time of repentance; thou hast opened to me the gates of grace and mercy, and perpetually called upon me to enter in, and to walk in the paths of a holy life, that I might glorify thee, and be glorified of thee eternally. For this thy great and unspeakable goodness, for the preservation of me this night, and for all thy other graces and blessings, I offer up my soul and body, all that I am and all that I have, as a sacrifice to thee and thy service, humbly begging of thee to pardon all my 22 THURSDAY. sins, to defend me from all evil, to lead me into all good, and let my portion be amongst thy redeemed ones in the gathering together of thy saints, in the kingdom of grace and glory. Guide me, O Lord, in all changes and varieties of the world, that in all things that shall happen, I may have an evenness and tranquillity of spirit, that my soul may be wholly resigned to thy divinest will and pleasure, never murmuring at thy gentle chastisements and fatherly correction, never waxing proud, though I feel a torrent of comforts and prosperous successes. Fix my thoughts, my hopes, my desires, upon heaven and heavenly things: teach me to despise the world, to repent me deeply for my sins: give me holy purposes of amendment, and strength and assistances to perform faithfully whatsoever I shall intend piously. Enrich my understanding with an eternal treasure of divine truths, that I may know thy will; and thou who workest in us to will and to do of thy good pleasure, teach me to obey all thy commandments, to believe all thy revelations, and make me partaker of all thy gracious promises. Teach me to watch over all my ways, that I may never be surprised by sudden temptations or a careless spirit, or ever return to folly and vanity. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and keep the door of my lips, that I offend not in my tongue, either against THURSDAY. 23 piety or charity. And teach me to do nothing but what becomes thy servant, whom thy infinite mercy hath sealed up to the day of redemption. Let all my passions and affections be so mortified and brought under the dominion of grace, that I may never, by deliberation and purpose, nor yet by levity, rashness, or inconsideration, offend thy divine Majesty. Make me such as thou wouldst have me to be; strengthen my faith, confirm my hope, and give me a daily increase of charity, that this day I may serve thee according to all my opportunities and capacities, growing from grace to grace; till at last by thy mercies I shall receive the consummation and perfection of grace, even the glories of thy kingdom. Amen. S EVENING PRAYER. ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, who, for my many sins committed against thee mightest most justly have cut me off in the midst of my days, I humbly thank thee, that in the multitude of thy mercies, thou hast hitherto spared me. Accept, I beseech thee, my unfeigned sorrow for my past transgressions; and grant that I may never so presume upon thy mercy, as to despise the riches of thy goodness; but let a sense of the for 24 THURSDAY. bearance and long- suffering work in me repentance, and amendment of life to thy honour and glory, and to my final acceptance in the last day, through the merits of my Saviour Jesus Christ. Keep alive in me, 0 Lord, a true spirit of devotion; and preserve me from the great sin of praying to thee with my lips only, and not with my heart and mind. Convince me of my entire dependance upon thee; quicken me in the pursuit of things eternal; that I may continually press forward to obtain the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus. Dispose me, 1 beseech thee, rightly to discharge the duties of this day. Watch over my path; compass me about with thy favour; preserve me in my going out and coming in; and direct all my steps in the way of thy commandments. Make me truly honest and conscientious in all my dealings; diligent in the performance of my duty; innocent in my conversation; meek, charitable, and forgiving towards others; watchful over myself, and ever mindful of thy presence. Sanctify unto me my crosses and afflictions, if it be thy good pleasure to afflict me; and give me such a measure of patience and godly resolution, that I may be willing to take up my cross daily, and to follow the Lamb, whithersoever he goeth. O Lord, if I have now asked anything amiss, I pray thee pardon my ignorance 25 and infirmity; and whatsoever is good for me, even if I ask it not, be pleased to grant in the name and for the sake of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. to me, FRIDAY. Friday. MORNING PRAYER, Do O THOU who hearest prayer, and art near to all who call upon thee, mercifully incline thine ears to the prayers which I this morning offer to thee. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive all honour, and glory, and power, for thou hast created all things; and for thy pleasure they are and were created. thou give me to feel the intimacy of my dependance on thee, in whom I live, and move, and have my being; who giveth me every breath that I draw, and every moment that passeth over my head. I would address myself to thee, O God, as a real and living object of worship; and do thou deliver me from the sinfulness of those who draw near to thee with their lips, while their hearts are far from thee. Do thou enable me to con. trast aright the sacredness of thy character adore thee for with my own sinfulness. 26 that display of thy character and love, in that I am permitted to approach thee; for that Mediator which stands between thy holiness and my unworthiness. My weakness and manifold infirmities are known to thee, and also the dangers that beset my path. Make me sensible of my own weakness, that my heart may be raised to thee for needful supplies of strength. To thee may my awaking thoughts be daily directed; and with the first ray of light that visits my eyes, lift up, O Lord, the light of thy countenance. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning in my retirement; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Vouchsafe to preserve me this day from every kind of evil, natural, moral, or accidental. Be with me throughout its employments, and in the several services of human life, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. FRIDAY. EVENING PRAYER. ETERNAL God, Father of men and angels, by whose care and providence I am preserved and blessed, comforted and assisted, I humbly beg of thee to pardon the sins and follies of this day, the weaknesses of my services and the strength of my passions, the rashness of my words, and the vanity and evil of my Univ.- Bibl. Giessen FRIDAY. 27 actions. O just and dear God, how long shall I confess my sins, and pray against them, and yet fall under them! Ő let it be so no more; let me never return to the follies of which I am ashamed, which bring sorrow, and death, and thy displeasure- worse than death. Give me a command over my evil inclinations, and a perfect hatred of sin, and a love to thee above all the desires of this world. Be pleased to bless and preserve me this night from all sin, and all violence of chance, and all the malice of the spirits of darkness; watch over me in my sleep; and whether I sleep or wake, let me be thy servant. Be thou first and last in all my thoughts, and the guide and continual assistance of all my actions. Preserve my body, pardon the sin of my soul, and sanctify my spirit; let me always live holily, and justly, and soberly; and when I die, receive my soul into thy hands. O holy and everblessed Jesus; that I may behold thy face and live in thy kingdom, singing praises to God for ever and ever. Amen. 28 Saturday. MORNING PRAYER. BLESSED be the holy and undivided Trinity now and for evermore; and thrice blessed by the great and glorious Majesty of heaven, who hath preserved me the night past, and saved me from the sleep of death. O holy Jesus, the Morning Star, the Day- spring from on high, who comes down to visit us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death; guide my feet into the way of peace. Arise, O Sun of Righteousness, upon my darkened, soul, with healing in thy wings. Make me a child of the light and of the day, show me the way in which I should walk, for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O raise up my soul, out of earthly desires. Quicken my dulness in thy service. Comfort me in all my sadness. Dispel all those mists of ignorance and error which cloud my understanding. Release my heart from the bondage of sin and Satan, and from the fetters of all temptations unto evil, and so strengthen me to run in the way which thou hast commanded, that I may obtain what thou hast promised. Let no persecutions either of my bodily or spiritual adversaries rob me of the hope thereof. Let no false SATURDAY. 29 suggestions either withdraw my heart from the love of thy truth, or from the practice of it in all the actions of my life. Let thy loving- kindness vouchsafe to quicken all my holy desires and endeavours, that when the few days of this life are ended, I may inherit that endless life which thou hast prepared for all who love and fear thee, through Christ our Lord. Amen. EVENING PRAYER. desire GREAT and glorious Lord God! to prostrate myself with all humility before thy divine majesty, under a deep sense of my unworthiness. With sorrow I confess and acknowledge thy infinite mercy and goodness to me, and my own vileness and ingratitude to thee. O Lord God; most gracious and reconcileable, pity and pardon me. With all my heart, O God! do I now renew the sacred vow, which, alas! I have so often violated. Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thy sight, but I return with the prodigal. O let thy paternal kindness descend on me, even on me, O my Father and for Jesus Christ's sake mercifully receive me. Make me, O Lord, to- morrow show a due regard to all the parts of thy worship; that I may enter thine house with 30 SATURDAY recollected thoughts, composed behaviour, becoming reverence, and sincere intentions of love; that I may hear thy word with a serious attention, with a true heart and a particular application. May I to morrow and ever, O Lord, have awful thoughts of thee. May I never mention thy holy name unless on solemn, just, and devout occasions. May I never mention it on those occasions, without acts of love and adoration. O let it be the great business of my life, to love and glorify thy holy name by all the ways I can; by my lips, by my conversation, and by a public confession of thee before men, even to death, whenever thou art pleased to call me to it. Grant these petitions, blessed Lord, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 31 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. Before receiving the blessed Sacrament. O BLESSED JESUS, behold me, miserable sinner, drawing near to thee with the approaches of humility and earnest desire to be cleansed from my sins, to be united to thee by the nearest and most mysterious union of charity, and sacramental participation of thy most holy body and blood; I presume nothing of my own worthiness, but I am most confident of thy mercies and infinite loving- kindness. I know, O Lord, I am blind and sick, and dead, and naked, but therefore I come the rather; I am sick, but thou art my physician; thou arisest with healing in thy wings; by thy wounds I come to be cured, and to be healed by thy stripes; I am unclean, but thou art the fountain of purity; I am blind, but thou art the Sun of righteousness; in thy light I shall see light; I am poor, and thou art rich unto all, the Lord of all the creatures. I therefore humbly beg of thy mercy, that thou wouldest be pleased to take from me 32 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. all my sins, to cure my infirmities, to cleanse my filthiness, to lighten my darkness, to clothe my nakedness with the robe of thy righteousness; that I may with such reverence and faith, and holy intention, receive thy blessed body and blood in the sacrament, that it may be unto me life and pleasantness, and holy nourishment; and that I may be firmly and indissolubly united to the mystical body, and may at last see clearly, and without a veil, thy face in glory everlasting, who livest and reignest for ever one God, world without end. Amen. Or this. GLORY be to thee, O crucified love, who at thy last supper didst ordain the holy Eucharist, the sacrament of feast and love. It was for the continual remembrance of the sacrifice of thy death, O blessed Jesu, and of the benefits we receive thereby that thou wast pleased to ordain this sacred and awful rite; all love, all glory be to thee. Ah dearest Lord, how little sensible is he of thy love in dying for us, who can ever forget thee! Woe is me that ever a sinner should forget his Saviour. And yet, alas, how prone are we to do it! Glory be to thee, O gracious OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 33 Jesu, who to help our memories and impress thy love deep in our souls, hast instituted the blessed sacrament, and hast commanded us to do this in remembrance of thee. Let the propitiatory sacrifice of thy death, which thou didst offer upon the cross for the sins of the whole world, and particularly for my sins, be ever fresh in my remembrance. O blessed Saviour, let that mighty salvation thy love hath wrought for us, never slip out of my mind, but especially let my remembrance of thee in the holy sacrament be always most lively and affecting. O Jesu! if I love thee truly, I shall be sure to frequent thy altar, that I may often remember all the wonderful loves of my crucified Redeemer. I know, O my Lord and my God, that a bare remembrance of thee is not enough; O do thou therefore fix in me such a remembrance of thee as is suitable to the infinite love I am to remember; work in me all those holy and heavenly affections, which become the remembrance of a crucified Saviour; and do thou so dispose my heart to be thy guest at thy holy table, that I may feel all the sweet influences of love crucified, the strengthening and refreshing my soul, as my body is by bread and wine. O merciful Jesu, let that immortal food which in the holy Eucharist thou vouchsafest me, instil into my weak and languishing soul new supC 34 plies of grace, new life, new love, new vigour, and new resolution, that I may never more faint, or droop, or tire in my duty. Amen, Lord Jesus. Amen. OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. After receiving the Sacrament. I GIVE thanks unto thee, Almighty and eternal God, that thou hast not rejected me from thy holy table, but hast refreshed my soul with the salutary refection of the body of thy Son Jesus Christ. Lord, if I had lived innocently and kept all thy commandments, I could have had no proportion of merit to so transcendent a mercy; but since I have lived in all manner of sin, and multiplied provocations against thy divine majesty, thy mercy is so glorious and infinite, that I am amazed at the consideration of its immensity. Go on, O my dear God, to finish so blessed a redemption; and now that thou hast begun to celebrate a holy union between thyself and my soul, let me never throw off the wedding garment, or stain it with the pollution of deadly sin; but let me for ever and ever be united unto thee, OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 35 being transformed into thy will in this life, and to the likeness of thy glories in the life to come, who livest and reignest ever one God, world without end. Amen. Confession of Sin. MOST gracious God, who art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, I desire to humble myself before thee in a deep sense of my own vileness and unworthiness. Forgive, O Lord, all the sins and follies of my life, which have been many and great, which I now with shame and sorrow confess and bewail before thee, for thy mercies' sake in Jesus Christ. Pardon, O God! our manifold neglects and omissions, and slight and careless performances of the duties of religion, without due attention and affection of mind. We acknowledge that we have not served thee with that purity of intention, with that sincerity of heart, with that fervency of spirit, with that zeal for thy glory, with that care, and diligence, and constancy, that we ought to have done. Forgive, O Lord, our sins of ignorance and infirmity which are more than can be numbered, but especially all our wilful transgressions of thy c2 36 holy and righteous laws, the impurity of our hearts and thoughts, all irregular appetites and passions, and every sinful practice and wicked habit, of what nature and kind soever. Make us deeply sensible of the great evil of our sins, and work in us a hearty contrition for them. Have mercy upon us, O Lord! and according to thy tender mercies forgive all our transgressions, for the sake of our blessed Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. For Pardon and Peace. O HOLY Jesus, I adore thy mercies and thy incomparable love expressed in thy voluntary affectionate suffering such tortures which cannot be remembered without a sad compassion: the waters of bitterness entered into thy soul, and the storms of death and thy Father's anger broke thee all in pieces; and what shall I do, who by my sins have so tormented my dearest Lord? what contrition can be great enough, what tears sufficiently expressive, what hatred and detestation of my crimes can be equal and commensurate to those accidents which they have produced? Pity me, O Lord, pity me dear 37 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. est God, turn thou thy merciful eyes towards me, 0 most merciful Redeemer, for my sins are great, like unto thy passion, full of sorrow and shame, and a burden too great for me to bear. Lord, who hast done so much good for me, now only speak the word, and thy servant shall be whole: let thy wounds heal me, thy virtues amend me, thy death quicken me, that I in this life, suffering the cross of a sad and salutary repentance, in the union and merits of thy cross and passion, may die with thee, and live with thee for ever in the possession of thy glories, O dearest Saviour, Jesus. Amen. For Repentance. O THOU, who by the right hand of the Father art exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance and forgiveness of sins, now in this accepted time, I come to thee, for these great blessings. My heart is hard and impenitent, and little affected by my many sins and thy great goodness; I beseech thee, take away the stony heart, and give me a heart of flesh. Vouchsafe unto 38 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. me that broken and contrite spirit which the high and holy God will not despise. May thy sufferings, gracious Redeemer, touch and melt my soul. Let the goodness of God lead. me to repentance. Never leave me to myself, and my own perverse, wayward, and wandering heart. O now bring me back, by thy Holy Spirit, to my heavenly Father; returning to him, may I obtain his mercy, and find that he does abundantly pardon, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. and For Faith O GOD, who hast graciously condescended to establish with Christians a covenant of faith and obedience, with the promises of a present supply of grace and assistance, and of a future reward to crown all those that persevere in thy service; O let me for ever dwell upon this rock, that while I am surrounded with sensible things, I may not be That no shaken by the power of them. charms of present sinful pleasures may make me forget that place of torment to which they consign me. That the cares of this life, and OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 39 the deceitfulness of riches, may never make me neglect a treasure that faileth not, an inheritance with the saints in light. Work in me all those godly affections that may make my faith effectual to my salvation. Let the belief of thy paternal care over me produce love, honour, and dutiful obedience; the belief of thy Almighty power, reverence, and godly fear; the belief of thy righteousness, holiness in all manner of conversation; that faith being the governing principle of my life, it may compose my mind under all events, by a firm trust and confidence in thy wise providence; and that it may dispel all solicitude for worldly supplies by a settled persuasion that thou wilt withhold no good thing from them that walk uprightly; and that ordering all my actions with regard to another world, I may so pass through things temporal, that I finally lose not the things eternal, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For Spiritual Illumination. O LORD My God, who by thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, hast promised thy Holy Spirit to them who ask him of thee; I beseech thee to give him to me in all the 40 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. graces and assistances of which I stand in need. I ask him in all humility and earnestness, as the greatest blessing I can receive. I ask him in the sense of my own weakness, as knowing without his continual inspiration I can desire nothing that is good, nor do anything that is acceptable to thee; O therefore let him be with me, and remain with me, and assist and support me in all trials when I most need his help; let him be to me a Spirit of sanctification to purify my corrupt nature, a Spirit of counsel in all difficulties, of direction in all doubts, of courage in all dangers, of constancy in all persecutions, of comfort in all troubles( especially in the hour of death), and of entire resignation to thy holy will and pleasure in all afflictions that are most grievous to flesh and blood. Leave me not a moment to my own human frailty without his assistance; but let him constantly inspire me with fear, love, and devotion to thee; with truth, justice, and charity towards my neighbours, and with abstinence and sobriety towards myself. Furthermore, I beseech thee, let him be unto me a Spirit of patience under all crosses and in all provocations; a Spirit of truth, and steadfast repose of mind in thy care and providence; a Spirit of forgiveness to my enemies; a Spirit of humility to make me quiet and easy in myself, meek and gentle to others, and to free 41 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. me from all the sin and torment of envy, malice, and avarice; and finally so let him guide and govern me, through the whole course of my life here, that I may not fail to obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For the Graces of Faith, Hope, and Charity. O LORD God of infinite mercy, of infinite excellency, who hast sent thy holy Son into the world to redeem us from an intolerable misery, and to teach us a holy religion, and to forgive us an infinite debt; give me thy Holy Spirit, that my understanding and all my faculties may be so resigned to the discipline and doctrine of my Lord, that I may be prepared to die for the testimony of Jesus, and to suffer any affliction or calamity that shall offer to hinder my duty, or tempt me to shame, or sin, or apostacy; and let my faith be the parent of a good life, a strong shield to repel the fiery darts of the devil, and the author of a holy hope, of modest desires and confidence in God, and of a neverfailing charity to thee, my God, and to all the world; that I may never have my portion with the unbelievers, or uncharitable and desperate persons but may be supported by 42 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. the strengths of faith in all temptations, and may be refreshed with the comforts of a holy hope in all my sorrows, and may bear the burden of the Lord, and the infirmities of my neighbour, by the support of charity; that the yoke of Jesus may become easy to me, and my love may do all the miracles of grace, till from grace it swell to glory, from earth to heaven, from the imperfections of a beginning and a little growing love, it may arrive to the consummation of an eternal and never- ceasing charity, through Jesus Christ the Son of thy love, the anchor of our hope, and the author and finisher of our faith: to whom with thee, O Lord God, Father of heaven and earth, and with thy Holy Spirit, be all glory, and love, and obedience, and dominion, now and for ever. Amen. For Divine Wisdom. O LORD! thou Lover of mankind, enlighten my heart with the pure light of thy divine wisdom, and open the eyes of my understanding, that I may understand the preaching of thy gospel; and graft in me the fear of thy blessed commandments. Grant me to subdue all carnal desires, that thinking and doing every thing according to thy good pleasure, OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 43 may arrive at the spiritual habitation; for thou art the life of my soul and body, O Christ, my God! and to thee I offer up my praise, together with thine eternal Father, and thy holy, blessed, and life- giving Spirit, now and for ever, even unto ages of ages. Amen. For Resignation. O LORD, take from me that sorrow which the love of self may produce from suffermy ings, and from my unsuccessful hopes and designs in this world, while regardless of thy glory; but create in me a sorrow resembling thine. Let me not henceforth desire health or life, except to spend them for thee, with thee, and in thee. I pray not that thou wouldst give me either health or sickness, life or death: but that thou wouldst dispose of my health and my sickness, my life and my death, for thy glory, for my own eternal welfare, for the use of the church, and the benefit of thy saints, of whose number, by thy grace, I hope to be. Thou alone knowest what is good for me; thou art Lord of all; do, therefore, what seemeth thee best. Give to me, or take from me; conform my will to thine; and grant that with humble and perfect submission, and in holy confidence, I may 44 be disposed to receive the orders of thy eternal providence; and may equally adore every dispensation, which will come to me from thy hand, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. For Personal Holiness. GRACIOUS God, who hast vouchsafed to let us know upon what conditions we may be received into thy protection and eternal favour; give me grace to practise those virtues thou hast enjoined in thy Word; make me to love justice in all my actions, and uprightness in all my words; make me as tender in the wrongs and injuries done to my neighbours, as if they were done to myself; infuse into my heart an abhorrence of all vice, and a love and reverence for virtue, and of virtuous men, in how little esteem soever they are in this world; and let me do all this out of sincere love to Thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. Amen. Thanksgiving for Temporal Blessings. O God, since thou hast been so mindful of me, never suffer me to be unmindful of Thee; since thou hast showed thy mercy in OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 45 visiting and redeeming mankind, never let me show myself unthankful for this thy visitation and redemption. Suffer me not to abuse thy creatures, which thou hast given me for food, nor thy gifts bestowed for clothing. But give me grace so highly to esteem thy rich mercies, and with such temperance and sobriety to use thy creatures, that thy name thereby may still be more magnified, thy bounty exalted, thy providence more declared, thy honour enlarged, thy person glorified, and my soul at last saved, by the merits of Jesus Christ. Amen. Thanksgiving for Spiritual Blessings. WHAT shall I render unto thee, O my God! for all thy mercies! Aid me with thine own Spirit to offer up all the gratitude and praise which a poor heart like mine is capable of. Yes, I will praise thy holy name, for making me willing, in the day of thy power, to come out from the ambitious, restless pursuits of men, who desire their good things here. I adore thee for showing me the vanity and danger of seeking my portion on earth, and the madness of expecting happiness in the paths of the destroyer. How many of my competitors and companions in 46 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. the race of sin and vanity have stumbled, and fallen, and perished! Still I am among the living to praise thee! Hence, O Lord, let me seek and find all my repose and all my happiness in thee. Whatever comforts thou art pleased to communicate through the medium of thy creatures to my body, and whatever refreshments may be supplied through ordinances and means of grace to my soul, still, O my God, may I see and receive all as coming from thee, through Jesus Christ. Amen. On Baptism. To be added at any time to our Private Devotions. O HOLY and eternal Jesus, who in thine own person wast pleased to sanctify the waters of baptism, and by thy institution and commandment didst make them effectual to excellent purposes of grace and remedy; be pleased to verify the holy effects of baptism to me and all thy servants whose names are dedicated to thee in an early and timely presentation; and enable us with thy grace to verify all our promises, by which we were bound, then when thou didst first make us OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. thy own portion and relatives, in the con mation of a holy covenant. O be pleased to pardon all those indecent and wicked interruptions of that state of favour, in which thou didst plant us by thy grace, and admit us by the gates of baptism; and let that Spirit which moved upon those holy waters, never be absent from us, but call upon us and invite us, by a perpetual argument and daily solicitations and inducements, to holiness; that we may never return to the filthiness of sin, but by the answer of a good conscience may please thee and glorify thy name, and do honour to thy religion and institution in this world, and may receive the blessings and the rewards of it in the world to come, being presented to thee pure and spotless in the day of thy power, when thou shalt lead thy Church to a kingdom and endless glories. Amen. On the Anniversary of our Baptism. O LORD, heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, who of thine infinite goodness towards me, when I was born in sin, and was no other than an heir of everlasting wrath, didst vouchsafe that I should, as upon this day, be born again of water and the Holv Univ.- Bibl. Giessen 48 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. Ghost in the blessed laver of baptism, being thereby made a member of Christ, and an heir of eternal life: for this thine inestimable favour I do here gratefully commemorate that happy day, and in most humble and hearty wise I do extol the abundant riches of thy glorious grace; in thy sight renewing that sacred vow which was then made in my name, to forsake this wicked world, and to live as a Christian ought to do, in obedience to thy holy faith and commandments: most humbly beseeching thee of thy great mercy to pardon me all former breaches of my solemn promise, and to endue me so with the assistance of thy Holy Spirit, that henceforth I may walk in newness of life, worthy of that blessed estate whereunto thou hast called me; and keeping myself unspotted from the world, the flesh, and the devil, I may daily die unto sin, for which cause I was baptised into the death of Christ and as I have had my part this day in the first regeneration, so I may at the last day have my part in the second and great regeneration of the world, to live and reign with thee for ever, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Before Confirmation. Most merciful God, by whose gracious Providence I was born of Christian parents, 49 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. and early dedicated to thee in holy baptism; make me thoroughly sensible, I beseech thee, of thy infinite goodness in bestowing upon me the blessed privileges of being made a member of thy church, a child of God, and an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven. Grant, O Lord, that by the assistance of thy grace, I may carefully and zealously perform all those conditions, upon which thou wert pleased to vouchsafe to me such inestimable benefits: that I may constantly resist the devil, and all those temptations by which he seeks to destroy me: that I may renounce all covetous desires of honour, riches, and pleasure, and all those evil customs and maxims of the world, which alienate men's minds from the love of God: that I may mortify the inordinate appetites of my own corrupt nature, of my own carnal mind: that I may believe all thy holy revelations, and keep thy blessed will and commandments all the days of my life. And now, O Lord, that I am about to renew the solemn vow of my baptism, and publicly in thy presence to ratify all those things I then promised by my sureties; I humbly beseech thee to enlighten my mind with the knowledge and understanding of that solemn engagement I then made, and am now about to confirm; influence my will, and all the faculties of my soul, heartily and D 50 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. sincerely to perform it. Let not the many and grievous sins that I have committed, deprive me of those assistances of thy Holy Spirit which I now expect to receive; but on my true repentance, let the precious blood of my Saviour wash away all past sins, and grant that I may be enabled to mortify and subdue them for the time to come. And forasmuch as without thee, I am not able to please thee, pour thy Holy Spirit into my heart, that by his holy inspiration I may think those things which are good, and by his merciful guidance may perform the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. After Confirmation. BLESSED and praised be thy holy name, O Lord, for those fresh supplies of grace, which thou hast been pleased to communicate to me. Blessed be thy name for those comfortable assurances thou hast given me of thy favour and goodness towards me. Blessed be thy name for that privilege thou hast now bestowed upon me of approaching thy holy table, and of strengthening and refreshing my soul by partaking there of the body and blood of Christ. Increase in me, O Lord, more and more 51 the gifts of thy Holy Spirit, that I may be wise for eternity, and make it the chief business of my life to please thee in all my actions; that I may love and fear thee above all things; that I may be just and righteous in all my dealings, and ready to communicate to the necessities of others; that I may keep a constant watch over myself, so as not to exceed the bounds of temperance and sobriety. OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. Grant, O Lord, that my corrupt nature may be daily renewed and purified by thy Holy Spirit, that no danger or persecution may affright me from my duty; that no pleasure may make me careless and negligent in the performance of it; and that under afflictions most grievous to flesh and blood, I may be entirely resigned and submit to thy holy will and pleasure. Let thy Holy Spirit, O Lord so guide and govern me through the whole course of my short life in this world, that I may not fail to obtain eternal life in the world to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Birth- Day. ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, who hast brought me to the beginning of another year, grant me so to remember thy goodness D2 52 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. as that every year and day which thou shalt yet grant me may be employed in the amendment of my life, and in the diligent discharge of such duties as thy providence shall allot me. Grant me by thy grace to know and do what thou requirest. Give me good desires, and remove those impediments which might hinder them from effect. Forgive me my sins, negligences, and ignorances, and, when at last thou shalt call me to another life, receive me to everlasting happiness, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Previous to Marriage. Most gracious God! who hast instituted the holy estate of matrimony, as a means to continue the world, and for the comforts of life, under the various evils, cares, and labours thereof, by the mutual society and help that married persons ought to have one for the other, both in prosperity and adversity, and for the good of human society in general; grant that as I have now thoughts of entering into that state, I may so seriously consider the chief end of its institution, and the solemn vow and promise I shall then make, as not to enterprise the same unad. OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. visedly, lightly, or wantonly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of thee, considering that if I marry, my future happiness and misery of life will very much depend upon the choice I make. Let not a wild and sensual desire, a sordid love of money, or any heedless and inconsiderate spirit, rule me in this momentous change of my life; but grant that reason and religion, prudence and consideration, and, above all, thy good providence, may direct my choice. 53 PRAYERS TO BE USED BY SICK PERSONS. At the beginning of a Sickness. O LORD, my God, who chastisest every one whom thou receivest, and with thy fatherly correction smitest all whom Thou consignest to the inheritance of sons: write my soul in thy book of life, and number me amongst thy children, whom Thou hast smitten with the rod of sickness, and by thy chastisements hast brought me into the lot of the righteous. Thou, O blessed Jesu, art a helper in the needful time of trouble; lay no more upon me than Thou shalt enable me to bear, and let thy gentle correction in this life, prevent the insupportable stripes of the OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. Smite me vengeance in the life to come. now, that Thou mayest spare me to all eternity; and yet, O blessed High Priest, who art touched with a sense of our infirmities, smite me friendly, and reprove me with such a tenderness as Thou bearest unto thy children, to whom Thou conveyest comforts greater than the pains of chastisement; and in due time restore me to health, and to thy solemn assemblies again, and to the joy of thy countenance. Give me patience and humility, and the grace of repentance, and an absolute dereliction of myself, and a resignation to thy pleasure and providence, with a power to do thy will in all things, and then do what Thou pleasest to me; only in health or sickness, in life or death, let me feel thy comforts refreshing my soul, and let thy grace pardon all my sins. Grant this, O blessed Jesus for my trust is in Thee only; Thou art my God, and my merciful Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. 54 In the Prospect of Death. O LORD Jesus Christ, our health and life, our hope and our resurrection from the dead, I resign myself up to thy holy will and pleasure, either to life, that I may live longer to thy service, and my amendment; or to death, OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 55 to the perpetual enjoyment of thy presence and of thy glories. Into thy hands I commend my spirit, for I know, O Lord, that nothing can perish, which is committed to thy mercies. I believe, O Lord, that I shall receive my body again at the resurrection of the just. I relinquish all care of that, only I beg of Thee mercy for my soul; strengthen it with thy grace against all temptations, let thy loving- kindness defend it as with a shield, against all violences and hostile attempts of Satan; let the same mercy be my guard and defence, which protected the martyrs, crowning them with victory in the midst of flames, horrid torments, and most cruel deaths. There is no help in me, O Lord; I cannot by my own power give a minute's rest to my wearied body; but my trust is in thy sure mercies; and I call to mind, to my unspeakable comfort, that Thou wert hungry, and thirsty, and wearied, and crowned with thorns, and mocked, and crucified for me. O let that mercy which made Thee suffer so much, make Thee do that for which Thou sufferedst so much- pardon and save me. Let thy merits answer for my impieties, let thy righteousness cover my sins, thy blood wash away my stains, and thy comforts refresh my soul. As my body grows weak, let thy grace be stronger; let not my faith doubt, nor my hope tremble, nor my charity grow 56 able. cold, nor my soul be affrighted by the terrore of death; but let the light of thy countenance enlighten mine eyes, that I sleep not in death eternal: and when my tongue fails, let thy Spirit teach my heart to pray with strong cryings and groans that are unutterO let not the enemy do me any violence; but let thy holy mercies and thy angels repel and defeat his malice and fraud, that my soul may, by thy strength, triumph in the joys of eternity, in the fruition of Thee, my life, my joy, my hope, my exceeding great reward, my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. TABLE OF COLLECTS. AN APHABETICAL TABLE OF THE COLLECTS IN THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. [ To be used on Special Occasions.] Affliction, Third after Epiphany, Eighth after Trinity, Fifth in Lent. Angels, for their guardianship. St. Michael. Charity. See Love. Chastity. First in Lent. Christ, to imitate. Sunday before Easter, Second after Easter. Christ's Death, for its Benefit. The Annunciation. Church, for the Universal. Fifth after Epiphany, Third after Easter, St. John, Good Friday, Fifth, Sixteenth, and Twenty Second after Trinity. Church, its Unity. St. Simon and St. Jude. 57 TABLE OF COLLECTS. Comfort, for Spiritual. Sunday after the Ascension Contrition. Ash Wednesday. Covetousness, against. St. Matthew. Courage, Christian. St. John Baptist. Enemies, Deliverance from. Third in Lent. Example of Christ. See Christ. Faith. Trinity Sunday, Saint Thomas, St. Mark. Faith, Hope, and Charity. Fourteenth after Trinity. Grace and Assistance. Fourth in Advent, Second in Lent, Easter- day, First, Seventh, and Thirteenth after Trinity. Heaven, for Admittance to the Enjoyment of God in Heaven. Collects for the Epiphany. Heavenly Desires, Ascension- Day. Humility and Patience. Sunday before Easter. Illumination, Divine. First after Epiphany, Ninth after Trinity. Judgments, Deliverance from. Septuagesima, Sexagesima, Fourth in Lent. Love to God, and his Laws. Fourth after Easter, Sixth, Seventh, and Fourteenth after Trinity. Love and Charity. Quinquagesima Sunday. Ministers. St. Matthew, St. Peter, Third in Advent. Mortification. Circumcision, Easter Eve. Obedience to Apostolical Doctrine. Conversion of St. Paul, St. John Baptist. Prayers, for their Acceptance. Tenth after Trinity. Providence, for God's. Second, Third, Fourth, and Twentieth after Trinity. Purity of Heart. The Purification. Regeneration. Christmas- Day. Religion, an Increase of True. Seventh after Trinity, Saints, to imitate them. St. Stephen, St. Philip, St. James, St. John Baptist, All Saints. Scripture, before Reading, Second in Advent. Sin, for Conversion from. First in Advent, First after Easter, St. Andrew, St. James, St. Matthew. Sin, for Pardon of. Twelfth, Twenty- first, and Twenty- fourth after Trinity. Sincerity. Third after Easter. Spirit, Holy, his Guidance. Fifth after Easter, Nine teenth after Trinity, 58 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. Temptation, Deliverance from. Fourth after Epiphany, Second in Lent. Thoughts, against Evil. Fifth after Easter. Unbelievers, for Jews, Turks, Infidels, and Heretics. Third for Good Friday. Works, Good. Fifth after Easter, First, Ninth, Eleventh, Thirteenth, Seventeenth, and Twenty- filth after Trinity. PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. " In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength."- ISAIAH, PRAYER. THOU when thou prayest, enter into thy chamber, and shut the door. And the reason is plain. He who would pray, must first retire; the spirit of the world and the spirit of prayer are contrary the one from the other, and experience will teach any one that he cannot well pray in a crowd. Business, or pleasure, or even common conversation, if it be about the things of this world, and continue for any long time, will strangely indispose the mind for devotion; and the soul, before she can take her flight to heaven, must plume and balance her wings by holy meditation: she must rally her scattered and dissipated thoughts, and fix them on the business she is going about: she must consider PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. 59 the nature of God, to whom she is to pray; of herself who is to pray to him; and of those things for which she is to pray to him; she must know the sins she has been guilty of, to confess them; and the graces she stands in need of, to petition for them. All this is not to be done but by deep meditation, which is the mother of devotion, is the daughter of retirement. They who do not meditate, cannot pray; and they who do not retire can do neither.- BISHOP HORNE. PRAYER is the peace of our spirit, the stillness of our thoughts, the evenness of recollection, the seat of meditation, the rest of our cares, and the calm of our tempest; prayer is the issue of a quiet mind, of untroubled thoughts; it is the daughter of charity, and the sister of meekness.- JEREMY TAYLOR PRAYER draws all the Christian graces into its focus. It draws Charity, followed by her lovely train- of forbearance with faults, forgiveness of injuries, pity for errors, and relieving of wants. It draws Repentance, with her holy sorrows, her pious resolutions, her self- distrust. It attracts Faith, with her elevated eye. Hope, with her grasped anchor. Beneficence, with her open hand. Zeal, looking far and wide to serve. Hu 60 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. mility, with introverted eye, looking at home. Prayer, by quickening these graces in the heart, warms them into life, fits them for service, and dismisses each to its appropriate practice. Prayer is mental virtue; virtue is spiritual action. The mould into which genuine prayer casts the soul is not effaced by the suspension of the act, but retains some touches of the impression till the act is repeated.- HANNAH MORE, THE STUDY OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES. THIS Book, the Word of God, is the most precious jewel, and most holy relic, that remaineth upon earth. We must approach it, as we would the ark of God, with a profound reverence, with a wholesome fear of violating its purity, and with the offering of our whole heart. Seeking, in all humility, the knowledge of God's will, and not the confirmation of our own, we shall obtain the blessed guidance of the Holy Spirit, who will, at once, purify our bosom and enlighten our understanding. With the Word of God let us begin, and with the full blessing of the Word of God we shall end.- Compiled from CRANMER and EVANS. 61 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. Or all the boons which God has bestowed on this apostate and orphaned creation, we are bound to say that the Bible is the noblest and most precious. We bring not into comparison with this illustrious donation the glorious sun- light, nor the rich sustenance which is poured forth from the storehouses of the earth, nor that existence itself which allows us, though dust, to soar into companionship with angels. The Bible is the development of man's immortality, the guide which informs him how he may move off triumphantly from a contracted and temporary scene, and grasp destinies of unbounded splendour, eternity his life- time, and infinity his home. It is the record which tells us that this rebellious section of God's unlimited empire is not excluded from our Maker's compassions; but that the creatures who move upon its surface, though they have basely sepulchred in sinfulness and corruption the magnificence of their nature, are yet so dear in their ruin to Him who first formed them, that he hath bowed down the heavens in order to open their graves. Oh, you have only to think what a change would pass on the aspect of our race, if the Bible were suddenly withdrawn, and all remembrance of it swept away, and you arrive at some faint notion of the worth of the volume. Take from Christendom the Bible, 62 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. and you have taken the moral chart by which alone its population can be guided. Ignorant of the nature of God, and only guessing at their own immortality, the tens of thousands would be as mariners, tossed on a wide ocean, without a pole- star, and without a compass. The blue lights of the storm- fiend would burn ever in the shrouds; and when the tornado of death rushed across the waters, there would be heard nothing but the shriek of the terrified, and the groan of the despairing. It were to mantle the earth with a more than Egyptian darkness; it were to dry up the fountains of human happiness; it were to take the tides from our waters, and leave them stagnant, and the stars from our heavens, and leave them in sackcloth, and the verdure from our vallies, and leave them in barrenness; it were to make the present all recklessness, and the future all hopelessness, the maniac's revelry and then the fiend's imprisonment, if you could annihilate that precious volume which tells us of God and of Christ, and unveils immortality, and instructs in duty, and woos to glory. Such is the Bible. Prize ye it, and study it more. Prize it, as ye are immortal beand more. ings, for it guides to the New Jerusalem. Prize it, as ye are intellectual beings, for it giveth understanding to the simple. REV. H. MELVILL, B.D. PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. 63 Rules for Studying the Scriptures. 1. BEGIN with bumble and devout prayer, that you may obtain divine light to direct your judgment, and divine grace to determine your choice of those excellent things the Bible offers for your consideration, and that you may be enabled to discharge, faithfully, the various duties the law of God requires. 2. In studying the Bible, make use of the writings of the New Testament, as the best comment upon the Old; and compare the prophecies of the Old Testament with the history of the New. 3. Examine what was the faith or belie. of the ancient patriarchs and prophets concerning Christ; particularly what they believed concerning his divine nature; his becoming man; the end and design of his obedience to the law, and of his bitter sufferings and death upon the cross; of his resurrection from the dead; his ascension into heaven; the preaching of the gospel throughout the world, and the last judgment. With this view, consider diligently our Lord's discourses or sermons, as recorded by the four evangelists; the sermons of the apestles, in the Acts; their epistles, and especially that to the Hebrews. Mark the places cited by them out of the Old Testament, as 64 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. confirming their doctrines: and from the whole you will, under the teachings of the Holy Spirit, learn how perfectly the saints of the Old Testament agreed with the faith of those of the New Testament. 4. Read the Psalms, the Book of Job, and the prayers of the patriarchs and prophets; compare the pious workings of their hearts towards God and heavenly things, with the devout breathings of love towards Christ, which are to be observed in the apostles and primitive Christians; observe the sameness of spirit there is in them all, and compare this with the experience of real Christians in these latter days, who have felt the power of the gospel; and, from the whole, you will see the reality and uniformity of experimental religion. 5. Endeavour, as much as in you lies, always to read the word of God with a humble, unprejudiced, and unbiassed mind. Do not teach your Bible, but let your Bible teach you.- FANCH. FAITH. THE origin of faith is celestial, its nature is divine, its influence is extensive, and its object is glorious. It is, therefore, called precious faith." It appreciates the Saviour of sinners as the most suitable and valuable 66 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. object; it appropriates him in all the various offices he sustains, and the tender relations he bears; it brings the soul into happy contact with Deity; it produces consolation under all the vicissitudes of mortality; it converts crosses into comforts, darkness into light, and pain into pleasure; it smoothes the rugged path of life, leads us gently down to the valley of death, and opens a prospect of immortality and glory. 65 FAITII is the link that binds me to my Saviour; good works the link that binds me to my fellow- men. Faith is the light of the soul; love is the mirror in which it is reflected. The mind is the prism of faith; the heavenly ray falls on it, and we call the refraction by the names of" joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, and temperance."- Faith without works is a vine without grapes; faith without love is the faith of devils.- Faith is a fruit- tree; and neither oaks nor elms, however full of leaf, are accounted such.- Without faith it is impossible to please God; without good works, it is impossible to attest its reality before men.- Faith is the channel by which all that is pure and angelic is received into the soul; love is the overflowing of that fountain, which gushes out in benevolence and 66 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. good- will to all.- Faith sees with the eyes, feels with the heart, and works with the hands of love.- PEARSON. FAITH is the only successful competitor with secular allurement. The world offers things great in human estimation, but it is the property of this grace to make great things look little; it effects this purpose by reducing them to their real dimensions. Nothing but faith can show us the emptiness of this world's glory at the best, because nothing else views it in perpetual contrast with the blessedness of heaven; nothing else can give us such a feeling conviction of its brevity at the longest, as that principle which habitually measures it with eternity. It holds out the only light which shows a Christian that the universe has no bribe worth his acceptance, if it must be obtained at the price of his conscience, at the risk of his soul. HANNAH MORE. HOPE. " Ir is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.( Lam. iii. 26.) Hope is a beautiful meteor; like the rainbow, it is not only lovely because of its seven rich and radiant 67 stripes, it is the memorial of a covenant between man and his Maker, telling us we were born for immortality, destined, unless we sepulchre our greatness, to the highest honour and noblest happiness. Hope proves man deathless- it is the struggle of the soul breaking loose from what is perishable, ai d attesting her eternity; and when the eye of the mind is turned upon Christ delivered for our offences, and raised again for our justification, the unsubstantial and deceitful character is taken away from hope. Hope is one of the prime pieces of that armour of proof in which the believer is arrayed; for Paul tells us to take for an helmet the hope of salvation. It is not good that a man hope for wealth, since" riches profit not in the day of wrath;" and it is not good that we hope for human honours, since the mean and the mighty go down to the same burial. But it is good that he hope for salvation. The meteor then gathers like a golden halo round his head; and, as he presses forward in the battle- time, no weapon of the evil one can pierce through that helmet. It is good, then, that he hope; it is good, also, that he quietly wait. There is much promised in Scripture to the waiting upon God. Men wish an immediate answer to prayer, and think themse ves forgotten unless the reply be instanIt is a great mistake. The delay taneous. E2 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. 68 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. is often part, and a great part of the answer. It exercises faith, and hope, and patience; and what better thing can be done for us than strengthening those graces, to whose growth shall be proportioned the splendours of immortality? It is good, then, that ye They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint, REV. HENRY MELVILL. wait. 66 CHARITY. CHARITY is a virtue which never goes alone, and is busied in solitary places, being reserved and excluded from the society and communion of other graces; but it is that which seasons, gives life and efficacy to all the rest; without which, if it were possible for me to enjoy all the graces that the bountiful hand of God ever showered upon a reasonable creature; yet, if St. Paul speaks truth, I should be nothing worth; it is that which fulfils all the commandments. This is evident to all that shall but slightly, and in haste, read over 1 Cor. xiii., beginning at verse 4, and so onwards, where we may behold almost all the virtues that can be named, enwrapt in one virtue of charity and PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. 69 love, according to the several acts thereof, changed and transformed into so many several graces: it suffereth long, and so it is longanimity; it is kind, and so it is courtesy, it vaunteth not itself, and so it is modesty; it is not puffed up, and so it is humility; it is not easily provoked, and so it is lenity; it thinketh no evil, and so it is simplicity; it rejoiceth in the truth, and so is verity; it beareth all things, and so it is fortitude; it believeth all things, and so it is faith; it hopeth all things, and so it is confidence; it endureth all things, and so it is patience; it never faileth, and so it is perseverance. CHILLINGWORTH. HUMILITY. HJMILITY is the most charming attribute of the mind, and gives the finishing stroke to all its other perfections. It invites the admiring spectator, and joins love with veneration; while pride, like the fiery guardian of Paradise, keeps us at a distance, and mixes fear and aversion with the bonours we pay to the great.- CHUDLEIGH If thou art a vessel of gold, and thy brother but of wood, be not high- minded, it is 70 God maketh thee differ; the more bounty God shows, the more Humility he requires. Those mines that are richest are deepest; those stars that are highest seem smallest; the goodliest buildings have the lowest foundations; the more God honoureth men, the more they should humble themselves; the more the fruit, the lower the branch on which it grows; pride is ever the companion of emptiness, Oh, how full was the apostle, yet how low was his language of himself ," Least of all saints, last of apostles, chief of sinners, no sufficiency to think, no abilities to do;" all that he is, he is by divine grace.- BP. REYNOLDS. PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. The flower of Christian graces grows only under the shade of the Cross, and the root of them all is Humility. I have all the reason in the world to be humble. Without God I am nothing. Without his help and grace, I can do nothing that is good. Without his word, I know nothing. Of myself, I deserve nothing but punishment. Of my own, I have nothing but faults, imperfections, and sins, an inclination to evil, and aversion to good, unruly senses, ungovernable passions, unreasonable affections.- Br. WILSON, PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. CHRISTIAN SIMPLICITY. God has marked simplicity of faith with peculiar approbation; he hath done this throughout the Scripture; and he is doing it daily in the Christian life. An unsuspecting, unquestioning, unhesitating spirit he delights to honour. He does not delight in a credulous, weak, and unstable mind. He gives us full evidence, when he calls and leads; but he expects to find in us, what he himself bestows, an open ear, and a disposed heart. Though he gives us not the evidence of sense, yet he gives such evidence as will be heard by an open ear, and followed by a disposed heart." Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." We are witnesses what an open ear and a disposed heart will do in men of the world. If wealth is in pursuit- if a place presents itself before them- if their persons, and families, and affairs, are the object, a whisper, a hint, a probability, a mere chance, is a sufficient ground of action. It is this very state of mind with regard to religion, which God delights in and honours. seems to put forth his hand, and say" Put thy hand into mine, and follow my leading; keep thyself attentive to every turn."- REV. R. CECIL He 72 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. BENEVOLENCE. No disposition is considered as more important, in the realization of genuine Christianity, than true benevolence: amid all the glories of religion, this is the most resplendent. Repentance wears a countenance smiling grief and placid in tears," looking unto him who has been pierced." Faith stands on the rock of eternal ages, and keeps her eye fixed on the cross of Christ. Hope reclines upon her anchor, whilst storms and billows howl around.' But Benevolence, surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven, smiles with ineffable beneficence; stretches out her hand to relieve the wants of mankind; and, mingling her praises with those of the celestial world, attunes her songs to the melody which encircles the throne of God. WALKING WITH GOD. To walk with God, we must take heed to every step of his providence and his grace. We must have a holy fear of not keeping close to him; though he will never leave us, if we leave not him. We must maintain a sacred communion with him, and have our conversation in heaven rather than on earth; we must be perpetually receding from the world, and withdrawing from its attach PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. 73 ments. We must feel our hearts glow with a greater degree of love to him, and, by the influence of his Holy Spirit upon our affections, become gradually more assimilated to the Divine nature. We must take his word for our directory, his promises for our food, and his blessed Son for our sole reliance, making the foot of the cross our only restingplace. If we thus walk with God through the wilderness of life, he will walk with us when we reach the dark" valley of the shadow of death;" and though we cannot hope for the same translation as Enoch, still, like him, we shall not be, because God hath taken us."- J. MASON GOOD. AFFLICTION. Affliction, when it is well sustained, affords the means of improving every part of the Christian Character. It is a discipline, which, by pruning redundancies, discovering and healing diseases, and exciting and encouraging languid actions, and dormant principles, diffuses its influence over the heart, and consequently shows itself in the life, in more correct and energetic practice, more diligence, more of the Christian spirit, and of resemblance to the Christian's great and perfect Exemplar, more entire devotedness 71 to the service of the Most High.W. NEWNHAM. PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. In sickness the soul begins to dress herself for immortality. And first, she unties the strings of vanity, that made her upper garment cleave to the world and sit uneasy. She puts off the light and fantastic summerrobe of lust and wanton appetite. Next to this, the soul, by the help of sickness, knocks off the fetters of pride and vainer complacencies. Then she draws the curtains, and stops the light from coming in, and takes the pictures down; those fantastic images of selflove, and gay remembrances of vain opinion and popular noises. Then the spirit stoops into the sobrieties of humble thoughts, and feels corruptions chiding the forwardness of fancy, and allaying the vapour of conceit and factious opinions. Next to these, as the soul is still undressing, she takes off the roughness of her great and little angers and animosities, and receives the oil of mercies and smooth forgiveness, fair interpretations and gentle answers, designs of reconcilement and Christian atonement, in their places. BISHOP JEREMY TAYLOR. PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. 75 THE DYING CHRISTIAN. Thus speaks the dying Christian: When I consider the awful symptoms of death, and the violent agonies of dissolving nature, they appear to me as medical preparations, sharp but salutary; they are necessary to detach me from life, and to separate the remains of inward depravity from me. Beside, I shall not be abandoned to my own frailty; but my patience and constancy will be proportional to my sufferings, and that powerful arm which hath supported me through life, will uphold me under the pressure of death. If I consider my sins, many as they are, I am invulnerable; for I go to a tribunal of mercy, where God is reconciled, and justice is satisfied. If I consider my body, I perceive I am putting off a mean and corruptible habit, and putting on robes of glory. Fall, fall, ye imperfect senses, ye frail organs; fall, house of clay, into your original dust; you will be sown in corruption, but raised in incorruption; sown in dishonour, but raised in glory; sown in weakness, but raised in power.( 1 Cor. xv.) If I consider my soul, it is passing, I see, from slavery to freedom. I shall carry with me the delicacy of taste, the harmony of sounds, the beauty of colours, the fragrance of odoriferous smells. I shall surmount heaven and earth, nature and all terrestial things, and my ideas of all their 76 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. beauties will multiply and expand. If I consider the future economy to which I go, I have, I own, very inadequate notions of it; but my incapacity is the ground of my expectation could I perfectly comprehend it, it would argue its resemblance to some of the present operations of my mind. If worldly dignities and grandeurs, if accumulated treasures, if the enjoyments of the most refined voluptuousness, were to represent to me celestial felicity, I should suppose, that, partaking of their nature, they partook of their vanity. But, if nothing here can represent the future state, it is because that state surpasseth every other. My ardour is increased by my imperfect knowledge of it. My knowledge and virtue I am certain will be perfected; I know I shall comprehend truth, and obey order; I know I shall be free from all evils, and in possession of all good; I shall be present with God, I know, and with all the happy spirits who surround his throne; and this perfect state I am sure will continue for ever and ever. Such are the all- sufficient supports which revealed religion affords against the fear of death.- Such are the meditations of a dying Christian; not of one whose whole Christianity consists of dry speculations, which have no influence over his practice, but of one who applies his knowledge to relieve the wants of his life. SAURIN PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. 77 RULES FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. 1. Begin and end every day with humble and earnest prayer to God, through the intercession of Jesus Christ. 2. Read carefully every day some part of the Holy Scriptures, and examine your heart and life by it. 3. Avoid, as much as you can, all wicked company, and all temptations to sin; and be ever in the way of duty. 4. Keep the Lord's Day most religiously, both in public and private. 5. Think often and seriously, that God's eye is always upon you; and that you are continually hastening to death and judgment, to heaven or hell. 6. Labour with all your might to do your duty, but depend on God all the while for assistance and success, through his Spirit, and for acceptance, through his Son. CIRCUMSPECTION OF WALK. 1. Adhere most scrupulously to truth, and labour to preserve the strictest integrity, simplicity, and sincerity. 2. Engage in no pursuit in which you cannot look up to God, and say" Bless me in this, O my Father!" Univ.- Bibl. Giessen 78 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. 3. Strive to be as kind, forbearing, and forgiving, as you can, both to friends and foes. 4. Never speak evil of any one, on any pretence whatever. 5. Strive to recommend religion by the courtesy, civility, and condescending character of your conduct. 6. Watch against irritation, positiveness, unkind speaking, and anger; study and promote love. 7. Mortify lusts, sensuality, and sloth. 8. Never allow others to speak well of you; nor especially yourself, to say or think any thing of yourself but as poorly done. Keep down pride; let it not be indulged for a moment, but watch against it. 9. Shut out evil imaginations and angry thoughts. 10. Let it be your sole business here to prepare for eternity. Consider every moment of time in that view. 11. Remember that you have to contend with a legion of devils; a heart full of deceit and iniquity; and a world at enmity with God. 12. Pray that you may ever rejoice in the advancement of Christ's kingdom, and the salvation of sinners; and labour in every way to promote these objects. de air zot PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. 79 Prayer is the only weapon which can subdue your corruptions, and keep your evidences bright. Cultivate prayer. REV. LEGH RICHMOND. RULES FOR DOMESTIC HAPPINESS. 1. Every day let your eye be fixed on God through the Lord Jesus Christ, that by the influence of his Holy Spirit you may receive your mercies as coming from him, and that you may use them to his glory. 2. Always remember, if you are happy in each other, it is the favour and blessing of God that makes you so: if you are tried and disappointed, God does thereby invite you to seek your happiness more in him. 3. In every duty act from a regard to God, because it is his will and your duty." Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus," and look to him to bless you and your partner, and that you may abide in his love. 4. Never suffer your regard for each other's society to rob God of your heart, or of the time which you owe to God and your own soul. 5. Recollect often, that the state of marriage was designed to be an emblem of the love of Christ and his church, a state of mutual guardianship for God, and a nursery for the church and the skies. 80 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. 6. Remember that your solemn covenant with each other was made in the temple of the Lord, in the presence of his church, and that the most high God was called upon as a witness. 7. Be careful that custom and habit do not lessen your attentions to each other, or the pleasing satisfaction with which they were once both shewn and received. 8. Whenever you perceive a languor in your affections, always make it a rule to suspect yourself. The object which once inspired regard, may, perhaps, be still the same, and the blame only attaches to you. 9. Be sure to avoid unkind and irritating language. Always conciliate. It is your interest and your duty. Recollect this very day what God has borne with in you, 10. Study your partner's character and disposition. Many little nice adjustments are requisite for happiness. You must both accommodate, or you will both be unhappy. The kindest and the happiest pair Will find occasion to forbear, And something, every day they live, To pity, and perhaps forgive. 11. Do not expect too much. You are not always the same, no more is your partner. Sensibility must be watched over, or it will soon become its own tormentor. PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. 81 12. When you discover failings which you did not suspect, and this you may be assured will be the case, think on the opposite excellence, and make it your prayer that your regard may not be diminished. If you are the heirs of the grace of life, your failings will shortly be over; you will herea ter both be perfect in the divine image. Esteem and love each other now, as you certainly will then. Forbearance is the trial and grace of this life only. 13. Time is short, the way of life is too short to fall out in, and the comfort of life too uncertain to be ensnared by. Pray for the wisdom of the serpent and the harmlessness of the dove. 14. Forget not that one of you must die first one of you must feel the pang and chasm of separation. A thousand little errors may then wound the survivor's heart. It is policy to anticipate it. O that when you meet again, the deceased may say in heaven," I am, under God, indebted to you that I am here!" 15. Pray constantly. You need much prayer. Prayer will engage God on your behalf. His blessing only can make you happy in the midst of your mercies. His blessing can make even the bitterness of life wonderfully sweet. He can suspend all our joys. Blessed be his holy name! he can, F 82 PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. and often does, suspend all our sorrows. Never pass a day without praising him for all that is past; glorify him with your present mercies, and trust him for all that is to come.- REV. BASIL WOODD. RULES FOR IIEARING AND READING THE WORD OF GOD. 1. Set apart some portion of thy time, according to the opportunities of thy calling, and necessary employments, for the reading of Holy Scripture; and, if it be possible, every day read, or hear some of it read; you are sure that book teaches all truth, commands all holiness, and promises all happiness. 2. When it is in your power to choose, accustom yourself to such portions, which are most plain and certain duty, and which contain the story of the life and death of our blessed Saviour. Read the Gospels, the Psalms of David, and especially those portions of Scripture, which, by the wisdom of the church, are appointed to be read on Sundays and holidays, viz., the Epistles and Gos pels. In the choice of any other portions, you may advise with a spiritual guide, that you may spend your time with most profit. 3. Fail not diligently to attend to the read ing of Holy Scriptures on those days where PRIVATE MEDITATIONS. 83 in it is most publicly and solemnly read in churches; for, at such times, besides the learning our duty, we obtain a blessing along with it; it becoming to us, on those days, a part of the solemn divine worship. 4. When the Word of God is read, or preached to you, be sure you be of a ready heart and mind, free from worldly cares and thoughts, diligent to hear, careful to mark, studious to remember, and desirous to practise, all that is commanded, and to live according to it. Do not hear for any other end, but to become better in your life, and to be instructed in every good work, and to increase in the love and service of God. 5. Beg of God, by prayer, that he would give you the spirit of obedience and profit, and that he would, by his Spirit, write the word in your heart, and that you describe it in your life. To which purpose, serve yourself of some affectionate ejaculations, to that purpose, before and after this duty. BISHOP TAYLOR. LYRICA SACRA. - DEVOTION. While Thee I seek, protecting power! Be my vain wishes still'd; And may this consecrated hour With better hopes be fill'd. Thy love the powers of thought bestow'd; To Thee my thoughts would soar; Thy mercy o'er my life has flow'd:That mercy I adore! In each event of life, how clear Thy ruling hand I see! Each blessing to my soul more dear, Because conferred by Thee. In every joy that crowus my days, In every pain I bear, My heart shall find delight in praise, Or seek relief in prayer. When gladness wings my favour'd hour, Thy love my thoughts shall fill: Resign'd, when storms of sorrow lower, My soul shall meet thy will. My lifted eye without a tear, The low'ring storm shall see; My steadfast heart shall know no fear:That heart shall rest on Thee! LYRICA SACRA. PRAYER. Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, Utter'd or unexpress'd, The motion of a hidden fire, That trembles in the breast, Prayer is the burden of a sigh, The falling of a tear, The upward glancing of an eye When none but God is near. Prayer is the simplest form of speech That infant lips can try; Prayer the sublimest strains that reach The Majesty on high. Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, The Christian's native air, His watchword at the gates of death- He enters heaven with prayer. Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice, Returning from his ways, While angels in their songs rejoice, And say," Behold he prays!" In prayer on earth the saints are one In word and deed and mind, When with the Father and the Son, Sweet fellowship they find. Nor prayer is made on earth alone, The Holy Spirit pleads; And Jesus, on the eternal throne, For sinners intercedes. 0 Thou, by whom we come to God, The life, the truth, the way! The path of prayer thyself hast trodLord, teach us how to pray! 85 86 LYRICA SACRA. SELF- EXAMINATION. At evening to myself I say, My soul, where hast thou glean'd to- day? Thy labours how bestowed? What hast thou rightly said or done? What grace attained, or knowledge won, In following after God? - GRACE. My stock lies dead; and no increase Doth my dull husbandry improve. Oh! let thy graces, without cease, Drop from above. If still the sun should hide his face, Thy house would but a dungeon prove; Thy works, night's captives. Oh! let grace Drop from above. The dew doth ev'ry morning fall: And shall the dew outstrip thy Dove? The dew, for which grass cannot call, Drop from above? Death is still working like a mole, And digs my grave at each remove, Let grace work too, and on my soul Drop from above. Sin is still hammering my heart Unto a hardness void of love. Let suppl'ing grace, to cross his art, Drop from above. Oh! come; for thou dost know the way; Or, if to me thou wilt not move, Remove me where I need not say, Drop from above.' LYRICA SACRA. SUNDAY. O day most calm, most bright; The fruit of this, the next world's bud; Th' indorsement of supreme delight, Writ by a friend, and with his blood; The couch of time; care's balm and bay:-- The week were dark, but for thy light; Thy torch doth show the way. The other days and thou Make up one man; whose face thou art, Knocking at heav'n with thy brow: The worky days are the back part; The burden of the week lies there, Making the whole to stoop and bow, Till thy release appear Man had straight forward gone To endless death. But thou dost pull And turn us round, to look on one, Whom, if we were not very dull, We could not choose but look on still; Since there is no place so alone, The which He doth not fill. Sundays the pillars are On which heavy'n's palace arched lies: The other days fill up the spare And hollow room with vanities. They are the fruitful bed and borders, In God's rich garden; that is bare, Which parts their ranks and orders. The Sundays of man's life, Threaded together on time's string, Make bracelets to adorn the wife Of the eternal, glorious King. On Sunday, heaven's gate stands ope; Blessings are plentiful and rife; More plentiful than hope 8° 88 LYRICA SACRA. This day my Saviour rose And did enclose this light for his; That, as each beast his manger knows, Man might not of his fodder miss. Christ hath took in this piece of ground, And made a garden there, for those Who want herbs for their wound. The Rest of our creation Our great Redeemer did remove, With the same shake which, at his passion, Did th' earth, and all things with it, move. As Samson bore the doors away, Christ's hands, though nail'd, wrought our salvation, And did unhinge that day. The brightness of that day We sullied, by our foul offence; Wherefore that robe we cast away, Having a new at his expense, Whose di ops of blood paid the full price That was required, to make us gay, And fit for paradise. Thou art a day of mirth; And, where the week- days trail on ground, Thy flight is higher, as thy birth. Oh, let me take thee at the bound, Leaping with thee from seven to seven; Till that we both, being tossed from earth, Fly hand in hand to heaven! THE SABBATH. Dear is the hallowed morn to me, When village bells awake the day; And by their sacred minstrelsy, Call me from earthly cares away. LYRICA SACRA And dear to me the winged hour, Spent in thy hallowed courts, O Lord! To feel devotion's soothing power, And catch the manna of thy word. And dear to me the loud Amen, Which echoes through the blest abode, Which swells and sinks, and swells again Dies on the walls, but lives to God. In secret I have often prayed, And still the anxious tear would fall; But on thy sacred altar laid, The fire descends, and dries them all. Oft when the world with iron hands, Has bound me in his six- days' chain, This bursts them, like the strong man's bands, And lets my spirit loose again. Then dear to me the Sabbath morn, The village bells, the shepherd's voice; These oft have found my heart forlorn, And always bid that heart rejoice. Go man of pleasure, strike thy lyre, Of broken Sabbaths sing the charms, Ours be the prophet's car of fire, That bears us to a Father's arms. NURSERY SCENE. He kneels and clasps his little hands, And bends his head in prayer, And close beside his mother stands, Like guardian angel there; 89 Word after word, and line by line, The simple prayer to teach, Nor doubt that to the courts divine That simple prayer will reach. 90 LYRICA SACRA. No sound beside- though she is here Who through the live- long day With glee that could the sad heart cheer] Pursued her merry play. All silent now- she may not speak Until his prayer is done, But kisses on her brother's cheek She gives him many a one. And round his neck her little arms All silently, are thrown, And sees she then a thousand charms At other times unknown. On cherished ones- all life and love, Bright in unconscious bliss, Gaze not the angels from above On such a scene as this? Gazes not He?-Himself a child Once in the world He made: He who on little children smil'd, And bless'd them as he pray'd. Here, Saviour! let Thy blessing restEarly Thy grace be giv'n, With Thee and with Thy Spirit blest, be their home in heaven! - MORNING. In sleep's serene oblivion laid, I safely pass'd the silent night; Again I see the breaking shade, drink again the morning light. New- born, I bless the waking hour, Once more, with awe, rejoice to be; Mly conscious soul resumes her power, And springs, my guardian God, to Thee! LYRICA SACRA. O guide me through the various ma My doubtful feet are doom'd to treau; And spread thy shield's protecting blaze Where dangers press around my head. A deeper shade shall soon impend, A deeper sleep mine eyes oppress; Yet then thy strength shall still defend, Thy goodness still delight to bless. That deeper shade shall break away, That deeper sleep shall leave mine eyes; Thy light shall give eternal dayThy love, the rapture of the skies. EVENING. ' Tis gone, that bright and orbed blaze, Fast fading from our wistful gaze; Yon mantling cloud has hid from sight The last faint pulse of quivering light. In darkness and in weariness The traveller on his way must press, No gleam to watch on tree or tower, Whiling away the lonesome hour. Sun of my soul! Thou Saviour dear, It is not night if Thou be near: Oh, may no earth- born cloud arise To hide Thee from thy servant's eyes! When round thy wondrous works below My searching rapturous glance I throw, Tracing out Wisdom, Power, and Love, In earth ur sky, in stream or grove;Or by the light thy words disclose Watch Time's full river as it flows, Scanning thy gracious Providence, Where not too deep for mortal sense:91 92 LYRICA SACRA. When with dear friends sweet talk I hold, And all the flowers of life unfold; Let not my heart within me burn, Except in all I Thee discern. When the soft dews of kindly sleep My wearied eyelids gently steep, Be my last thought, how sweet to rest For ever on my Saviour's breast! Abide with me from morn till eve, For without Thee I cannot live: Abide with me when night is nigh, For without Thee I dare not die. Thou framer of the light and dark, Steer through the tempest thine own ark: Amid the howling wintry sea We are in port if we have thee. The rulers of this Christian land, " Twixt Thee and us ordained to stand ,Guide Thou their course, O Lord, aright, Let all do all as in thy sight. Oh, by thine own sad burthen, borne So meekly up the hill of scorn, Teach Thou thy Priests their daily cross To bear as thine, nor count it loss! If some poor wandering child of thine Have spurn'd, to- day, the voice divine, Now, Lord, the gracious work begin; Let him no more lie down in sin. Watch by the sick: enrich the poor With blessings from thy boundless store: Be every mourner's sleep to- night Like infant's slumbers, pure and light. Come near and bless us when we wake, Ere through the world our way we take: Till in the ocean of thy love We lose ourselves in heaven above. LYRICA SACRA. CONFIRMATION. Saviour and Lord! accept the vow 1 offer in thy presence now: With thoughtful heart and trembling fear My contrite spirit ventures near. I come- O Lord of grace and truth, God of my strength, accept my youth; And may Thy loving mercy show The road the pilgrim needs to go. Seest Thou the deep- set root of sin Hidden this careless heart within? Know'st Thou how oft I turn aside, E'en when I say," be Thou my Guide?" Now each repentant feeling wake, And save me for Thy mercies' sake! Unconscious of Thy guardian care, Me to thine arms my sponsors bare; But now, for all these powers of thought, For mercies given though long unsought; For youth's high hope; for feeling strong Affection's gleam my path along; For peace on earth; for hope of heaven; All- all thy blessed love hath given; For all I have, and all I know, Accept the worthless praise I owe; And call me thine.- I cannot tell What I should do;-Thou teachest well: Oh come in mercy and in power, Seal Thou my Confirmation hour. And if in life's so busy day, Too oft my heart may turn away, Bring back with thine own Spirit's grace, The memory of that holy place; Spread o'er me still thy loving hand, And lead me to my Father's land 93 94 LYRICA SACRA. THE HEAVENLY JERUSALEM. Jerusalem! my happy home! Name ever dear to me! When shall my labours have an end, In joy, and peace, and thee? When shall these eyes thy heaven- built walls And pearly gates behold? Thy bulwarks, with salvation strong, And streets of shining gold? O, when, thou city of my God, Shall I thy courts ascend, Where congregations ne'er break up, And Sabbaths have no end. There happier bowers than Eden's bloom, Nor sin nor sorrow know; Bless'd seats! through rude and stormy scenes, I onward press to you. Why should I shrink at pain and woe; Or feel at death dismay? I've Canaan's goodly land in view, And realms of endless day. Apostles, martyrs, prophets there, Around my Saviour stand; And soon my friends in Christ below, Will join the glorious band. Jerusalem! my happy home! My soul still pants for thee; Then shall my labours have an end, When I thy joys shall see. EXHORTATION TO THE HOLY COMMUNION. THE sacrament of the supper is a memorial of the love and compassion of Christ, a lively emblem of his sufferings for sin. It is a public acknowledgment of our attachment to his cause. Having seriously and sincerely examined ourselves, and finding that we can humbly claim the characteristics of the true disciple, we may come to this feast of love, and commune with our Lord, and with one another, in a composed and humble frame of mind. If our greatest burden is sin, and our only ground of confidence is the Saviour, we have nothing to fear, but every thing to hope, from this delightful and affecting ordinance. Much of the profit of partaking of this sacrament, you will recollect, depends on your fidelity in the work of self- examination. If that be neglected, you have no reason to look 2 EXHORTATION. for a blessing. If it be performed in a hurried and superficial manner, you need not expect much enjoyment in the ordinance. God will be glorified in them that make so near an approach to the mercy- seat. Esteem the sacramental season as one of your most precious privileges. It is then that you are invited to sup at the royal banquet. You have a place at the King's table, and it becomes you to array the soul in the beauties of holiness. Were you invited to the table of some earthly monarch, how eagerly would you anticipate the honour; and what solicitude would you feel that your apparel might be appropriate, and your conduct correct! But what is this honour, compared with that of sitting at the table of of your Lord? See, then, that you are adorned with the wedding garment. Anticipate an audience with your King, and rush not into his presence with the carelessness of one who only goes to an ordinary meal. Nor would I array that sacred table with terrors to your mind. I am convinced that many throw around the hallowed elements a dread solemnity, which makes the timid EXHORTATION. and faltering believer feel, that if he, if one so vile as he, should touch them, he would eat and drink damnation to himself, and seal for ever his hopelessness and his ruin. It was never the intention of our Lord to hold up such fearful views of this feast of love. There is every thing about it that is inviting. It is a most pathetic appeal to the fearful and troubled soul. It wooes, in silent but eloquent terms, the weary and heavy laden, to come and find rest. It is not Sinai, but Calvary. It is not the smoke, or the lightning, or the thunder- No, weak and mourning believer it is the uplifted cross, and the expiring victim, whose blood speaks peace from every vein. Look on those significant, simple, memorials; is there any terror in this scene? Is it not all peace, and love, and mercy? When you approach the table, I would recommend it to you to simplify your views as much as possible. By endeavouring to think of many things, the mind becomes confused. Having lifted your soul to God for light and feeling, look on the elements, and endeavour to view them as the appropriate memorials of your bleeding Lord. What do A 2 EXHORTATION. you see in that broken bread? Is it not the emblem of the mangled body of the Lamb of God? What meaneth that flowing wine? Is it not the emblem of his blood, which was shed for the remission of sins? And wherefore was that body broken, and that blood poured forth? O, my soul, let thy guilt and transgressions answer. Without the shedding of that blood there had been no remission. What then can I render to my Lord for all this dying love? I am speechless in gratitude. Here, blessed Saviour, I give thee all I have this broken, contrite heart. Take it, O take it as thine own, wash it in thy blood, and seal it for thyself. A VILLAGE PASTOR. MEDITATION FOR SUNDAY MORNING. On the Love of God to Mankind, particularly manifested in this Sacrament. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us. 1 JOHN iii. 16. BEHOLD, Lord, thus encouraged, thus invited, I come; yet I do not presume to do so, trusting in my own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. I feel, alas! my weaknesses and wants, and betake myself to thee for relief: sick and diseased, I fly to the Physician of souls; hungry and thirsty, to this fountain of living water, and bread of life; poor and needy, to the bountiful King of heaven; a servant to his kind Master; a creature to his compassionate Creator, who hateth nothing that he hath made; and a forlorn, disconsolate wretch, to thee, the holy, the eternal, the only Comforter. But Whence is this to me, that my God should vouchsafe to come unto me? or, who am I, that thou shouldest communicate to me thy own self! how shall a wicked sinner dare to Sunday Morning. appear before thee? or how canst thou, who art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, endure to make such condescending approaches to a soul polluted with sin and with uncleanness? thou seest my very inward parts, and knowest I have nothing in me that is good; nothing to invite such mercy; nothing fit for the reception of so pure, so glorious a majesty. I will, therefore, humbly confess my own vileness and thy unspeakable goodness; will thankfully admire, praise, and adore thy marvellous love, and exceeding abundant grace. For this is purely thine own act. Nothing on my part could deserve, nothing could move thee to it. The more unworthy I am, the more conspicuous is thy goodness, the more amazing thy mercy and condescension. 6 Since, therefore, thou art pleased to stoop so low, be it unto me according to thy word. Since thou hast thought fit to command my approach, I will most gladly testify my ready obedience; and only beg that my own sinfulness may not render me odious in thy sight, nor frustrate these inestimable mercies to me. I will supply my want of ability by the earnestness of my zeal; and most humbly beseech thee to accept those hearty desires of the inestimable benefit by which my soul and all its faculties thirst and pant most im Sunday Morning. patiently after thee and thy righteousness. I will turn my eyes into my own heart, and entertain myself with the mortifying prospect of my own unworthiness, laying my soul low before thee; and from a sense of my sin I will flee to thy mercy, that I may be made whole by the body and blood of my Redeemer. How wise, how saving was thy design, in the first institution of this holy supper! how rich, how delightful a banquet hast thou prepared for thy guests, by ordering thy own body and blood for the mystical entertainment of the faithful; how astonishing are the operations of thy grace and power! how incomprehensible the methods of fulfilling thy most true promise! Thou spakest the word in the beginning, and all things were created, and by the same almighty word, thou commandest bread and wine, and they nourish souls to life eternal! And thou, my soul, rejoice and be exceeding glad for so noble a favour, so heavenly a refreshment, so rich a consolation, to support and sweeten thy passage through this vale of tears and misery. For every time thou attendest these holy mysteries, thou dost spiritually eat the flesh of Christ, and drink his blood; thou dost act, as it were, over again the work of thy redemption, and effectually partake of thy Sunday Morning. Saviour's merits and sufferings. For his love continues always the same, and the excellence and worth of his propitiation is an inexhaustible spring of mercy. Come, therefore, hither, with new exalted zeal, enlarge thy heart and its desires, and doubt not but thou shalt, at every approach, return with fresh and plentiful accessions of grace. 8 Let not the frequency abate thy devotion: for this favour should always seem great, this feast always honourable, and the delights of it always new. And by the force of pious meditation, the mystery will affect thy wondering mind at every repetition, as if the Son of God were just that moment born from the womb of his mother: as if thy suffering Redeemer were in that instant labouring under all his agonies; and thine own eyes beheld him hanging, and bleeding, and dying on the cross. A Prayer on Sunday Morning, before the Communion. Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. John vi 53. O ALMIGHTY GOD, and merciful Father, who hast given thy only Son Jesus Christ to die for us, who did institute a holy feast in commemoration of that his most precious death, Sunday Morning. thereby to preserve in our minds a constant remembrance of his great love, in laying down his life for our sakes; I, thy unworthy servant, who am now invited to thy holy table, do humbly adore thy Divine Majesty, acknowledging that I am not worthy of my daily bread, much less of that which came down from heaven, and which thou hast given to be the food and nourishment of our souls. I confess, O LORD, my sins may justly cause me to tremble, when I appear before thee; but, O most merciful Father, encouraged by thy wonderful goodness and love, in giving thy Son to die for all penitent and returning sinners, I present myself before thee at this time; beseeching thee, in great humility, to continue to me that love, and admit me to thy holy table, that I may taste and see how gracious thou art, and how wonderful in thy doings towards the sons of men. Oh! make my longings and desires after this divine food some way answerable to my great need of it! that my soul being sensible of all its wants, it may no longer seek for relief from the unsatisfying objects of this world; but coming to thy holy table with a true spiritual hunger and thirst, may there find a full supply of all those graces and blessings that it stands in so much need of. And to this end, O Lord, fit and prepare Sunday Morning. my heart to partake of so great a mercy, by giving me a just abhorrence of my own unworthiness, and an unfeigned repentance of all my sin. Root out of my heart all sinful and corrupt affections, all prejudice, hatred, and ill- will; and plant all those devout and pious, charitable and humble dispositions, that become the worshippers of the holy Jesus; that when I presume to appear before thee, I may bring with me a heart raised above the corruptions that are in the world, and full of the strongest desires and resolutions of loving and serving thee. Deliver me, 0 my God, from all coldness and formality, when I attend upon thee in holy and religious duties; and grant that by going to this holy feast, I may have my pardon sealed, my weaknesses repaired, all my evil inclinations subdued, my faith strengthened, my hopes enlarged, my charity increased, and my soul so entirely and inseparably united unto thee, that nothing may ever be able to dissolve the union; but that being begun here in grace, it may hereafter be consummated in glory, through the merits of him that died for me, even the Son of thy eternal love, Jesus Christ the righteous; to 10 hom with thee, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, be ascribed, as is most due, all honour, glory, power, thanksgiving, and praise, both now and for evermore. Amen. 11 Sunday Morning. [ This last prayer may be added to your other devotions the morning you receive, and may be frequently used in the week preceding, the Sacrament.] Ejaculations when you first come into Church. How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!-Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, they will be always praising thee. My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand years: I had rather be a door- keeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. A Prayer to be said before or after the Prayers of the Church, as time shall admit. It is but too apparent, blessed LORD, how apt we are to forget thy dear love to us, and thy bitter sufferings for us; our continual transgressions publish it, and our former stupidity and indevotion do plainly declare it. Praised, therefore, be thy goodness for the lively emblems thou hast given us of thy most meritorious cross and passion! O that the characters of thy love may be so deeply imprinted upon my heart, that no time nor temptation may wear them out! may I now most affectionately call to mind 12 Sunday Morning. the humility of thine incarnation, the merits of thy death, the power of thy resurrection, and the glories of thy ascension. Oh! how much do we owe thee, most blessed Redeemer! how great is the price which thou hast paid for the ransom of us miserable sinners! what shall I render unto thee for the incomprehensible benefits thou hast bestowed upon me? Alas! I have no return to make but a broken and contrite heart, which thou wilt not despise; and this is yet a further instance of thy goodness, that thou expectest no other testimony of gratitude, but my sincere affections in serving thee, the only true God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A Prayer to be used as soon as the Sermon is ended. O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness, and declare the wonders that he doth for the children of men! Psalın evii. 20, 21. O ETERNAL and Almighty God, by whose bounty and goodness I have now an opportunity offered me of approaching thy table, and of pleading before thee the prevailing merits of the death and passion of thy Son Jesus Christ; I am sensible, O LORD, of my great unworthiness; but the positive command of my blessed Saviour, when he was about to Sunday Morning. 13 lay down his life for my sake, has made it absolutely necessary; and the many spiritual wants I labour under, oblige me to apply to this sovereign remedy, for the repair of those breaches my sinful follies have made in my soul. Therefore, assist me, O LORD, with thy Holy Spirit, in the great duty and service I am about to perform; grant that nothing, during all the time of this holy action, may make me unmindful of that reverence and respect which I owe unto thy Divine Majesty; or of that attention which becomes the celebration of these holy mysteries. Fill my heart with such an awe of thy presence as may fix my wandering thoughts, compose my disorderly affections, and stir up my faint and cold desires, that I may feel the power, and taste of the sweetness of this divine banquet. O LORD, grant that I may have such a sense of my Saviour's sufferings, as may fill my soul with love and gratitude toward him for those inestimable benefits he has purchased for me; that I may have such a sight of my sins, which occasioned all his sorrows, as heartily to bewail and detest them; such a faith in that full, perfect oblation and satisfaction made upon the cross for the sins of the world, that I may so importunately plead the merit of it in this commemoration of that Sunday Morning. sacrifice, as to render thee gracious and propitious to me a miserable sinner; such a conviction of my own weakness and insufficiency, as may procure thy gracious aid and assistance; such longing desires of being made conformable to thy holy will and pleasure, as may transform me into thy divine image, and fix me to continue thy faithful servant all the remaining days of my life; through the merits and mediation of thy Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 14 THE COMPANION FOR THE ALTAR. DIRECTIONS. I would advise you, my devout Communicant, by all means to read over the following Companion for the Altar, with the Directions and Prayers, some time before you go to the Sacrament, that you may with more readiness and devotion go along with, and bear your part in the Communion Service; which with very little pains you will be able to do, especially after your first communicatiug; when, if you should be at a loss, and under some disorder and confusion, do not be disturbed nor troubled; but resolve to endeavour to amend what you have observed to be done amiss, as soon as you have another opportunity of re ceiving again. And though, after your best endeavours, you should always find occasion to lament your defects and frailties, in the performance of this as well as other duties of religion: yet never fear that any involuntary failings, or infirmities, will ever rise up in judgment against you. Do your duty as well as you can, and though it may not be done so exactly as you could wish, my soul for yours, you are certainly safe; beginning your devotions on this occasion with the following ejaculations. Mo OST Gracious GoD, I come to thy altar to renew my baptismal covenant, of which this Sacrament is a seal. O heavenly Father, I come to testify my sense of thy love in so loving the world as to give up thy only Son to die for me. O blessed Saviour, I come to testify my faith in thee, and my love toward thee, and thankfully to commemorate thy wonderful love in dying for me. 16 The Companion for the Altar. O LORD, I come to testify my steadfastness in the communion of thy church, and my charity to all the world. O LORD, I come to this thy table, out of the sense I have of the want of that spiritual food to which thou invitest me in this holy Sacrament. I know there is no food can strengthen my soul but thy body, no cordial can revive my drooping obedience but thy blood. O gracious LORD, grant that I and all that communicate with me, may be fed, refreshed, and nourished in our souls to life everlasting. Amen. DIRECTIONS, Now, laying aside all fears and despondencies, proceed to the Communion Service, and then to the Saerament, with as much joy and satisfaction as a guilty criminal would go to plead his pardon at an eartny triounal. At your approach to the chancel, drop all thoughts of things on earth, and give up yourself wholly to the remembrance of the sufferings of our Saviour, lifting up your soul to him in these words. I will wash my hands in innocence, O LORD, and so will I compass thy altar, that I may show the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. T Then shall the priest return to the Lord's table and be gin the offertory, saying one or more of these sentences fol lowing, as he thinketh most convenient in his discretion. DIRECTIONS. When the Minister begins to read the Offertory( which chiefly relates to the duty of beneficence to all men by our alms and charitable contributions, which are to be disposed of to pious and charitable uses, at the discretion of the Minister and Church- wardens), you must be very attentive, and with your eye, not voice, read along with him: and be The Companion for the Altar. sure you make what short application you can to yourself of what is read, and wherein you perceive you have been wanting either in charity or justice to any one, and in particular of being just to those who are your spiritual guides, you will resolve to make up those defects for the time to come; for assure yourself, you will be highly unjust if you detain from them what is their due. 17 When it comes to your turn to make your offering, do not let the basin pass by you without putting something into it; for this reason among others, that you may join in that part of the Prayer for the Church Militant wherein you beseech God to accept your alms; and you may depend upon it, he will accept them as given to himself, if they bear a proportion to your ability, and are done in obedience to his commands, and with an eye to his glory, as a grateful acknowledgment of his mercies to yourself, and as a testimony of your dependence upon him for the continuance of them. With such reflections, your present offering, and all your other gifts to the services of religion and the uses of charity, ought to be accompanied. They that are poor, and cannot give as they are disposed.n their hearts, must remember that the alms, given on this occasion, are not matter of necessity, but a free gift; and that their small contributions will, like the poor widow's two mites, be preferred to the richest oblations of the wealthy. And even he that hath nothing at all to give, is invited freely to partake of these spiritual blessings with out money and without price. THE OFFERTORY. LET your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. v. 16. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth; where the rust and moth doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven; where neither rust nor moth doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. Matt, vi. 19, 20. 14 The Companion for the Altar. Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do unto them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matt. vii. 12. 18 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matt. vii. 21. Zaccheus stood forth and said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I have done any give to the poor: and if wrong to any man, I restore fourfold. Luke xix. 8. Who goeth a warfare at any time at his own cost? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or, who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? 1 Cor. ix. 7. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we should reap your worldly things? 1 Cor. ix. 11. Do ye not know, that they who minister about holy things live of the sacrifice? and they who wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so hath the LORD also ordained, that they who preach the gospel, should live of the gospel. 1 Cor. ix, 13, 14, He that soweth little shall reap little; and he that soweth plenteously shall reap plenteously. Let every man do according as he The Companion for the Altar. is disposed in his own heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for GoD loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. ix. 6, 7. 19 Let him that is taught in the word minister unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived, GoD is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he reap. Gal. vi. 6, 7. While we have time, let us do good unto all men; and especially unto them that are of the household of faith. Gul. vi. 10. Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with that he hath: for we brought nothing into this world, neither may we carry any thing out. 1 Tim. vi. 6, 7. Charge them who are rich in this world, that they be ready to give, and glad to distribute; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may attain eternal life. 1 Tim. vi 17, 18, 19. GOD is not unrighteous, that he will forget your works, and labour that proceedeth of love: which love ye have showed for his name's sake, who have ministered unto the saints, and yet do minister. Heb. vi. 10. To do good, and to distribute, forget not; for with such sacrifices GoD is well pleased. Heb. xiii. 16. B2 The Companion for the Altar Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 John iii. 17. 20 Give alms of thy goods, and never turn thy face from any poor man, and then the face of the LORD shall not be turned away from thee. Tobit iv. 7. Be merciful after thy power. If thou hast much, give plenteously; if thou hast little, do thy diligence gladly to give of that little: for so gatherest thou thyself a good reward in the day of necessity. Tobit iv. 8, 9. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and, look, what he layeth out, it shall be paid him again. Prov. xix. 17. Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick and needy: the LORD shall deliver him in the time of trouble. Psalm xli. 1. Whilst these sentences are in reading, the deacons, churchwardens, or other fit persons appointed for that purpose, shall receive the alms for the poor, and other devotions of the people, in a decent basin or plate, to be provided by the parish for that purpose; and reverently bring it to the priest, who shall humbly present and place it upon the holy table. A Prayer at offering your Alms. Thy prayers and thy alms are come up for a memorial before God. Acts x. 4. THY bounty, O LORD, is the fountain of all I possess; for it is from thee I have received all my worldly goods, and to thy holy The Companion for the Altar. 21 name be the glory. Accept of this free- will offering of my hands, as an acknowledgment of thy right to all I enjoy, and as a testimony of that piety, love, and charity to my necessitous brethren, which thou requirest, and art pleased to take as done to thyself. Therefore I will dedicate a part of those good things which thou hast bestowed upon me, to relieve the poor; because thou hast made it an evidence of my love to thee. And grant that all my alms- deeds may be performed with such purity of intention, and in such a proportion to what thou hast given that they may be acceptable in thy sight, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Amen. me, T And when there is a communion, the priest shall then place upon the table as much bread and wine as he shall think sufficient. After which done, the priest shall say, DIRECTIONS. Here the priest beginning LET us pray for the whole state of Christ's church militant here on earth. the prayer for the whole state of Christ's church militant here on earth, you must join with him in heart and spirit in Almighty and ever- the same, living God, who, by gregation thy holy apostle hath taught us to make prayers and supplica- up to God. tions, and to give thanks for all men; we humbly beseech thee most mercifully[ to and with the conin their attention, and say the Amen with them, that you may reap the advantage of that common fervency with which those prayers fly 22 The Companion for the Altar. accept our alms and oblations, † and] to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto thy Divine Majesty, beseeching thee to inspire continually the universal church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord: and grant that all they that do confess thy holy name, may agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in unity and godly love. We beseech thee also to save and defend all Christian kings, princes, and governors; and especially thy servant Victoria, our queen, that under her we may be godly and quietly governed: and grant unto her whole council, and to all that are put in authority under her, that they may truly and indifferently minister justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion and virtue. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and curates, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy sacraments. And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace, and especially to this congregation here present, that with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear and receive thy holy word, truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life. And we most humbly beseech thee of thy goodness, O + If there be no alms nor oblations then shall the alms and oblations] be omitted The Companion for the Altar 23 LORD, to comfort and succour all them who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity; and we also bless thy holy name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear, beseeching thee to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom. Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only mediator and advocate. Amen. At the time of the celebration of the Communion, the Communicants being conveniently placed for the receiving of the Holy Sacrament, the Priest shall say this Exhortation DEARLY beloved DIRECTIONS. You must seriously attend and instruction: it shows you in the LORD, ye that to this exhortation, for it is mind to come to the full of excellent information holy communion of the great benefit of coming worthily, that is, with a true the body and blood penitent heart, and lively of our Saviour Christ, faith, to this Holy Sacrament, and the great danger of must consider how coming unworthily, that is, without repenting of your St. Paul exhorteth sins, and without trusting in all persons diligently God's mercy through Christ. to try and examine themselves before they presume to eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For as the benefit is great, if, with a true penitent heart and lively faith, we receive that holy Sacrament;( for then we spiritually eat the flesh of Christ, and drink his blood; then we dwell in Christ, and Christ in us; we are one with Christ, and Christ with us;) 24 The Companion for the Altar. so is the danger great if we receive the same unworthily; for then we are guilty of the body and blood of Christ our Saviour; we eat and drink our own damnation, not considering the LORD's body; we kindle God's wrath against us; we provoke him to plague us with divers diseases, and sundry kinds of death. Judge therefore yourselves, brethren, that ye be not judged of the LORD; repent you truly for your sins past; have a lively and stedfast faith in Christ our Saviour; amend your lives, and be in perfect charity with all men: so shall ye be meet partakers of those holy mysteries. And above all things, ye must give most humble and hearty thanks to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, for the redemption of the world by the death and passion of our Saviour Christ, both GoD and man; who did humble himself even to the death upon the cross for us miserable sinners, who lay in darkness and the shadow of death; that he might make us the children of God, and exalt us to everlasting life. And to the end that we should alway remember the exceeding great love of our Master and only Saviour, Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, and the innumerable benefits which, by his precious blood- shedding he hath obtained to us; he hath instituted and ordained holy mysteries, as pledges of his love, and for a continual 25 The Companion for the Altar. remembrance of his death, to our great and endless comfort. To him therefore, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, let us give( as we are the most bounden) continual thanks; submitting ourselves wholly to his holy will and pleasure, and studying to serve him in true holiness and righteousness all the days of our life. Amen. T Then shall the Priest say to them that come to receive the Holy Communiou, DIRECTIONS. Being thus called upon to make your humble confession to Almighty God, be sure to let your whole heart be lifted up to the throne of Divine pray that YE that do truly, and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighgrace, and hum bours, and intend to you may have a share in that lead a new life, fol- pardon which is soon after lowing the command- nister. ments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort, and make your humble confession to Almighty God, meekly kneeling upon your knees. to be pronounced by the MiT Then shall this general Confession be made in the name of all those that are minded to receive the Holy Communion, by one of the Ministers, both he and all the People kneeling humbly upon their knees, and saying, DIRECTIONS. In this Confession of sins. ALMIGHTY GOD, Father of our Lord Jesus join with the Minister both in Christ, Maker of all heart and voice, with the things, Judge of all greatest humility, for you are nen; we acknowledge with him. concerned The Companion for the Altar. and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, which we from time to time most grievously have committed, by thought, word, and deed, against thy Divine Majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us; the burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past; and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please thee in newness of life, to the honour and glory of thy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 26 T Then shall the Priest( or the Bishop, being present) stand up, and turning himself to the people, pronounce this Absolution: DIRECTIONS. When the Absolution beALMIGHTY GOD, our heavenly Father, who gins, then hold your peace, of his great mercy hath and attend to the Minister, with all your heart; and, promised forgiveness placed in an humble posture, beg earnestly of God that he of sins to all them that will please to confirm in heawith hearty repentance sins, pronounced at this time ven the absolution of your and true faith turn un- by his minister. But for any one to repeat the Absolution to him, have mercy word for word with the mi upon you, pardon and mister, is very absurd, and shows much ignorance, for deliver you from all the people's part here is to vour sins, confirm and be silent and to attend, and to say nothing but a most strengthen you in all earnest Amen, with a firm resolution to lead a new life The Companion for the Altar. 27 goodness, and bring And therefore let me warn you in all the public prayers, you to everlasting life, that you join with the ministhrough Jesus Christ ter where you are bid; and at all other times be silent, atour Lord. Amen. tend and make it your own by saying a hearty Amen. The observance of order and decency in prayer tends much to edification; whereas the contrary begets distraction, and disturbs both yourself and your neighbour: it much offends devout and understanding people, to hear men and women say their prayers absurdly and indecently, being silent where they should speak, and joining with the minister aloud where they should only hearken and say Amen: but what can be more improper than to hear them promiscuously absolve themselves, and one another, and taking the priestly office on them, in a part of it which is one of the most distinguishing he has! When the absolution is over, attend diligently to the Sentences of Scripture which the minister is to read and when he bids you lift up your hearts to God, you must be sure not only to do it in word, but in deed, and with great earnestness. T Then shall the Priest say; Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to him. Come unto me, all that travail and are ye heavy laden, and I will refresh you. Matt. xi. 28. gave So GOD loved the world, that he his only- begotten Son to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John iii. 16. Hear also what St. Paul saith. This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Tim. i. 15. Hear also what St. John saith. If any man sin, we have an advocate with 28 The Companion for the Altar. the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and he is the propitiation for our sins. 1 John ii. 1. After which the Priest shall proceed, saying, Lift up your hearts, Answ. We lift them up unto the LORD. Priest. Let us give thanks unto our LORD GOD. Answ. It is meet and right so to do. Then shall the Priest turn to the Lord's Table and say, It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, * Holy Father, almighty and everlasting God. These words,[ Holy Father,] must be omitted on Trinity Sunday. T Here shall follow the Proper Preface, according to the time, if there be any special appointed; or else immediately shall follow, Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee, and saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD GOD of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory; Glory be to thee, O LORD most high. Amen. Proper Prefaces. Upon Christmas- Day, and seven days after. Because thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be born as at this time for us; who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, 29 The Companion for the Altar. was made very man of the substance of the Virgin Mary, his mother; and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin. Therefore with angels,& c. Upon Easter- day, and seven days after, But chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the very paschal lamb which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again hath restored to us everlasting life. Therefore with angels,& c. Upon Ascension- day, and six days after. Through thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who after his most glorious resurrection manifestly appeared to all his apostles, and in their sight ascended into heaven to prepare a place for us; that where he is, thither might we also ascend, and reign with him in glory. Therefore with angels, & c. Upon Whitsunday, and six days after. Through Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose most true promise, the Holy Ghost came down as at this time from heaven with a sudden great sound, as it had been a mighty wind, in the likeness of fiery tongues 2001 The Companion for the Altar. lighting upon the Apostles, to teach them, and to lead them into all truth; giving them both the gift of divers languages, and also boldness with fervent zeal constantly to preach the Gospel unto all nations; whereby we have been brought from darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son Jesus Christ. Therefore with angels,& c. Upon the Feast of Trinity only. Who art one God, one LORD; not only one person, but three persons in one substance: for that which we believe of the glory of the Father, the same we believe of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or inequality. Therefore with angels,& c. 3.0 After each of which Prefaces shall immediately be sung or said, Therefore with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee, and saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD GOD of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O LORD most high. Amen. T Then shall the Priest, kneeling down at the Lord's ta. ble, say, in the name of all them that shall receive the Communion, this prayer following. 31 The Companion for the Altar. DIRECTIONS. We do not presume to come to this thy When the priest acknowtable, 0 merciful ledges in this form of humiliation, his own, and the ComLORD, trusting in municants' unworthiness and our own righteous- admitting them to his Holy ness, but in thy ma- Table, make this act of huminifold and great mercies. We are not God's unmerited kindness, in liation your own by your most devout attention, and joining with a hearty Amen. worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table; but thou art the same LORD, whose property is always to have mercy: grant us, therefore, gracious LORD, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen. When the Priest, standing before the Table, hath so ordered the Bread and Wine, that he may with more readiness and decency break the bread before the people, and take the Cup into his hands, he shall say the Prayer of Consecra tion, as followeth. ALMIGHTY GOD, DIRECTIONS. the bread and wine, our heavenly Father, This is the Prayer of Consecration, to be said by the priest who of thy tender alone; and while he is consemercy didst give thine raise up your soul to see with only Son Jesus Christ the eye of faith what great things the Lord hath left you to suffer death upon in that Sacrament; and pray that they may be a means of the cross for our re- conveying into your soul all demption, who made the benefits of his precious Ideath; saying secretly, there( by his one ob 52 The Companion for the Altar. lation of himself once, offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death until his coming again: Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech thee, and grant that we, rereiving these thy creatures of bread and wine, according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ's holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed body and blood: who, in the same night he was betrayed( a) took bread; and when he had given thanks( b) he brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, ( c) this is my body which ( c) And here to lay his hand upon all the bread. is given for you: Do this in remembrance of me. Likewise, after supper,( d) he took the cup; and, when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying Drink ye all of this; for this( e) is my blood of New Testament, which is shed for you the Send down thy Spirit and blessing upon the means of grace and salvation, which thou thyself, O Jesu, hast ordained. ( a) Here the Priest is to take the paten into his hand. ( b) And here to break bread. ( d) Here he is to take the cup into his hand. ( e) And here to lay his hand upon every vessel ( be it chalice or flagon) wine to be consecrated. in which there is any The Companion for the Altar. 33 and for many for the remission of sins: Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me. Amen. DIRECTIONS. Be not discouraged if you cannot fill up all spaces with regular devotion, or with intense meditation between the Prayer of Consecration and the time of receiving the Bread and Wine; in this case do as well as you can: remember your own offences with as much sorrow as you can, and the mercies of God to you in Christ Jesus, with as much love, joy, and gratitude; recommend to God's mercy your parents, relations, friends, and all the world. Do any thing that is good and proper to fill up the time; and leave the rest to God, who is a bounteous rewarder of them that seek him. Or when the Prayer of Consecration is over, if you have time before the Bread and Wine are brought to you, use the following Prayer. A Prayer immediately after the Consecration of the Bread and Wine. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the sight of all his people; in the courts of the Lord's house, even in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem, Praise the Lord. Psalm cxvi. 14, 15, 16. Now, O my GOD, prostrate before thine altar I dare not so much as look upon this mystery of our salvation, if thou hadst not invited me: I beseech thee, therefore, accept of this representation we make before thee of that all- sufficient sacrifice, which thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ made upon the cross: let the merit of it plead effectually for the pardon and forgiveness of all my sins and render thee favourable and propitious to me a miserable sinner; let the power of it C The Companion for the Altar. prevail against all the powers of darkness; let the wisdom of it make me wise unto salvation; and let the peace of it reconcile me unto thee, and bring to me peace of conscience. 34 And then, O blessed Jesus my Redeemer, I shall be enabled to adore thee, who didst endure the painful and shameful death of the cross, to recover me from the state of sin and misery I admire thine infinite condescension, who was pleased to be made miserable, that I might be made happy; poor, that I might be enriched; and didst die that I might live for ever. With all my soul, O dear Jesus, I love and praise thee, for the stupendous expressions of thy bounty and goodness toward me: O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon me; O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant me thy peace. Amen, Lord Jesus. Amen. T Then shall the Minister first receive the communion in both kinds himself, and then proceed to deliver the same to the Bishops, Priests, and Deacons in like manner( if any be present) and after that to the People also in order, into their hands, all meekly kneeling. DIRECTIONS. The first person that receives is the Minister, who has a request to you in behalf of himself, namely, that as he prays for you with great fervency, you would comfort and encourage him with an hearty Amen upon your knees, to the petitions at his taking the holy elements and in the interval between his receiving the bread and wine, use the following Prayer: The Companion for the Altar. A Prayer, to be said when the Priest is receiving the Bread and Wine. 35 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness: and let thy saints sing with joyfulness. Psalm cxxxii. 9. GIVE thy grace, O LORD, we humbly beseech thee, to all those who are called to any office or administration in thy Church; and so replenish them with the truth of thy doctrine, and endue them with innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory of thy great name, and benefit of thy holy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. DIRECTIONS. After the Minister has received the Communion in both kinds, and is proceeding to deliver the same to the People, lift up your heart to God in the following Prayer: A Prayer before receiving the Holy Sacrament. BEHOLD, gracious LORD, I come to this holy table, as a sick man to the great Physician of Life; I beseech thee, O LORD, to cure my infirmities, and let me not only receive the outward and visible sign, but the inward and spiritual grace, the body ana blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, that so all carnal affections may die in me, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow in me; that I may have power and strength, and victory to triumph against the C 2 86 The Companion for the Altar. world, the flesh, and the devil; and also may be endued with all such heavenly virtues which are pleasing to thee, and which thou wilt eternally reward, for the merit of thy Son's death; to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen. Another Prayer just before receiving the consecrated Bread, if time will permit. If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matt. v. 23, 24. LET it be thy pleasure, O God, to work in me whatsoever is wanting to fit me for thy Divine acceptance, and a worthy receiving of these holy mysteries; give me repentance unto life, not to be repented of; endue me with a lively faith, a perfect love, and a uniersal charity; pity my weakness, and forgive my infirmities, that I may worthily receive these elements of bread and wine, to my support and comfort in this life, and my eternal happiness in that which is to come. Amen. DIRECTIONS. When the Minister is arawing near you, and before you receive the Bread fix your thoughts upon Jesus Christ dying for the sins of the world. 37 The Companion for the Altar. And when the Priest delivereth the bread to any one, he shail say, DIRECTIONS. Lord When the Minister comes to give you the consecrated Bread and Wine, I would you intent upon THE body of our Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body what you are about; but take and soul unto everlast- great heed, lest, while you are striving to raise your ing life. Take and eat heart, you be not lost and bethis in remembrance wildered in your thoughts. Strive rather for a serious that Christ died for and composed mind; let your devotion be rather regular thee, and feed on him and equal, than exalted and in thy heart by faith transported; attend gravely with thanksgiving. says: and when he has repeated that excellent prayer, The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life;" be sure you say softly a most hearty Amen; for is that not the thing you come for and desire? When he has said," Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving" take it with your right hand, and glove off, but without lolling with your elbows on the rails or any other careless and indecent posture; and while you are taking it, say," O blessed Jesu! who,"& c. as follows: After receiving the Bread. O BLESSED JESU! who vouchsafest to be my food, nourish my soul to eternal life, create in me a mighty hunger after righteousness, and let this Divine food instil into my weak and languishing soul new supplies of grace, new life, new vigour, and new resolutions; that I may never again faint, or droop, or tire in my duty. 38 The Companion for the Altar. DIRECTIONS. When the Minister is drawing near you with the cup, fix your thoughts upon Jesus Christ dying for the sins of the world. Before receiving the Cup. O MERCIFUL Gon, grant that this cup, which I am about to receive, may be unto me a cup of blessing. Sprinkle me with the blood of the ever- blessed Jesus, that my soul, being cleansed from all corruptions, may attain to life everlasting. And the Minister that delivereth the Cup to any one shall say, DIRECTIONS. THE blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy bo- Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and dy and soul unto ever- soul' unto everlasting life," lasting life. Drink be sure you say, in heart, When the Minister delivers blood of our Lord Jesus the Cup, and says," The this in remembrance that Christ's blood was shed for thee, and be thankful. Amen. And when he has said," Drink this in remembrance that Christ's blood was shed for thee, and be thankful," take it and drink very moderately, regarding neither thirst or pleasure i that draught. But let me re mind you that you do not pretend to repeat, either loud or softly, the words the Minister uses in delivering the bread and wine; your business being to attend soberly to what he says, and then to say, Amen. I tell you this, because an idle custom has prevailed of people repeating what the Minister says, to the disturbance of the Minister, and to the hinderance, I dare say, of their own devotions, which would be furthered by a grave and silent attention, which I take all occasions to recommend to you. And if these devotions 1 39 The Companion for the Altar. do not hold to the end, you may listen to the Minister delivering the bread and wine to the other Communicaats, and say a hearty Amen to each of them, for that is praying for the greatest blessing God can bestow on them, the preservation of their body and soul unto everlasting life. Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and 1 in him. John vi, 54, 55, 56, When you have received both kinds, say, I HAVE done, O LORD, as thou hast commanded me, and let thy name be for ever blessed; O let me find the great benefits of this thy Divine institution; pour down thy graces upon me, direct my goings in thy ways, and enable me by the power and strength of this divine food to persevere in the practice of a holy and religious life, even to the last moment of my days; be thou my peace and refuge, and let my pleasure and safety depend on thee; be thou my portion and greatest treasure, and let my eternal happiness be fixed in the enjoyment of thee, who didst vouchsafe not only to take our nature upon thee, that thou mightest die for our sins, but hast left us a perpetual memorial thereof in this holy Sacrament. Amen. The Companion for the Altar. A Prayer of thanksgiving, as soon as you have retired from the Lord's table. 40 I will sing of the Lord, because he has dealt so lovingly with me: yea, I will praise the name of the Lord most highest. Psalm xiii. 6. ALL honour, glory, and power, might, majesty, and dominion, be unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb that was slain for ever and ever. I give thee most humble and hearty thanks, O LORD, that thou hast been pleased to admit me to renew my baptismal covenant with thee in this holy Sacrament. That thou hast vouchsafed to feed me with the spiritual nourishment of the body and blood of thy Son Jesus Christ; and this not for any merits of my own, but for the sake of thy infinite goodness and mercy. Unworthy though I am, yet thy bounty, O LORD, never fails; the love of my Saviour is not diminished; and the virtue of his propitiation is never exhausted: Grant, there. fore, I beseech thee, that this holy Sacrament may never turn to my judgment and condemnation. But that it may be health and recovery under all weaknesses and infirmities; Safety and defence against all the attacks of my spiritual enemies; Vigour and strength to all my holy purposes and resolutions; The Companion for the Altar. Comfort and support under all the afflictions and calamities of life; Assistance and directions under all difficulties and doubts; 41 Courage and constancy under all dangers and persecutions, especially in times of sickness, and at the hour of death. Finally, let it procure for me pardon and forgiveness in this life, mercy and favour at the day of judgment, and a never- fading crown of glory in thy heavenly kingdom; where, with thy Son Jesus Christ, and the blessed Spirit, thou livest and reignest one GOD, world without end. T If the consecrated Bread or Wine be all spent before all have communicated, the Priest is to consecrate more according to the form before prescribed; beginning at" Our Saviour Christ in the same night," for the blessing of the bread; and at" Likewise after supper," for the blessing of the cup. TWhen all have communicated, the Minister shall return to the Lord's table, and reverently place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated elements, covering the same with a fair linen cloth. DIRECTIONS. When the Minister begins the remaining part of the Communion office( by some called the Post Communion) be sure you be not unready to join with him; nay, though you should not have ended your private devotions, yet break them off, though in the middle, and join with the public ones, for that is better, and your duty; and go on with him in heart till he has made an end. Then shall the Priest say the Lord's Prayer, the People repeating after him every petition. OUR Father, which art in heaven, hal 42 The Companion for the Altar. lowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven: give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. T After shall be said as followeth: O LORD and Heavenly Father, we thy humble servants entirely desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole church may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion. And here we offer and present unto thee, O LORD, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee, that all we who are partakers of this holy Communion, may be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction. And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice, yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ 43 The Companion for the Altar. our Lord; by whom, and with whom, in the anity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen. Or this: ALMIGHTY and ever- living God, we most heartily thank thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us, who have duly received these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious body and blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodness toward us, and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the merits of the most precious death and passion of thy dear Son. And we most humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in thy holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in, through Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen. T Then shall be said or sung, GLORY be to GoD on high, and in earth We praise peace, good- will toward men. thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we The Companion for the Altar. glorify thee, we give thanks unto thee for thy great glory, O LORD GOD, heavenly King, God the Father, Almighty. 44 O LORD, the only- begotten Son, Jesus Christ: O LORD GoD, Lamb of GoD, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us: thou that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayers: thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy; thou only art the LORD thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of GOD the Father. Amen. Then the Priest( or Bishop if he be present) shall let them depart with this blessing. The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen. Then say, LET this day, O my God, be noted in the book of life.- Forget not my prayers, O LORD, nor let my coldness and wanderings, and infinite unworthiness, turn them into sin.- LORD, hear my prayers, and let my cry come unto thee. 45 The Companion for the Altar. Ejaculations and a short Prayer when the Communion Service is ended. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation. Luke ii. 29. Now, O LORD, refreshed with this heavenly banquet of thy Son's institution, I have sealed my repentance, and flee unto thee for pardon for all those imperfections that have accompanied me at this time, in my attendance at thy altar, forgive the deadness and dulness of my affections, the wanderings of my thoughts, and distractions of my mind; let the sincerity of my holy purposes and resolutions be accepted, notwithstanding my weakness and frailty. Oh! let this commemoration of my cracified Saviour influence all my thoughts, words, and actions, that my conversation may be as becometh the Gospel of Christ. Reward me not according to my deserts, but according to my great necessities, and thine own rich mercies in Jesus Christ; to whom, with thee, O GoD the Father, and GoD the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen. DIRECTIONS. Now arising, depart reverently from the Lord's table with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance: preserve good thoughts in your mind; behave with gravity, yet be not sullen nor morose; for a Christian's behaviour should not be without innocent alacrity nor cheerfulness. 46 INSTRUCTIONS How to live well after a worthy receiving of the Sacrament. The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us, and to our children for ever. Deut. xxix. 29. Ir thou wouldst preserve thy faith incorrupt, and thy devotion from distraction, content thyself with reverencing and admiring these holy mysteries; and do not indulge a busy curiosity, in bold and unprofitable inquiries concerning them, for this is one way to damp a godly zeal, and to perplex thy mind with intricate and endless doubts. Happy is that meekness and poverty of spirit, which industriously declines the rugged, thorny paths of controversy and captious disputes, and walks in the plain, smooth way of duty and practical religion; which studies GOD's commands, and labours to understand things of a size with its own capacity, without troubling itself about his doings and decrees. Too many instances there are of daring men, who, by presuming to sound the deep things of religion, have cavilled and argued themselves out of all religion. These men mistake their business for the thing required of a Christian is not penetration, and subtilty of wit, nice distinction, or sublime notions, Instructions. 47 but victorious faith, and an honest holy life; sobriety, and temperance, and chastity, justice and charity, piety and devotion. These doubts are not always sinful, nor always from themselves, but frequently owing to the temptations of the devil, and industriously scattered by him, with wicked artifice and malicious design. Be not therefore too anxious upon these occasions. Trouble not thyself to argue nicely, nor employ thy thoughts upon the matter, nor hold thyself concerned to be able to answer every cavil, which he puts into thy head: but keep close to Scripture, and do thy duty; and the enemy will soon retreat when he finds thee neglect his attempts. Think not these inward distractions a sign that thou art forsaken of God. They are rather, on the contrary, a mark of grace. GOD suffers them, to exercise thy patience, to try thy constancy, to promote thy spiritual advantage. Proceed then in thy Christian course with resolution and patience, and still frequent the Sacrament with stedfast faith, and humble reverence. Whatever thou findest to exceed thy un derstanding, put it to God's account: and leave him to make it good, though thou canst not conceive how it should be done. He will not deceive thee; but they who rely upon their own understanding, are sure to deceive themselves. For, Instructions. Remember, GOD hath said, that he walks and dwells with the humble, and shows his ways to the meek; that he reveals himself to babes; that he opens the eyes of the honest and sincere; but hides his grace and knowledge from the proud and wise in their own sight. Human reason may both deceive and be deceived; but faith hath God for its foundation, and cannot err; because, depending upon one who is the truth itself, incapable of mistaking, or of imposing upon 48 others. It is therefore highly fit, and in matters of religion absolutely necessary, that these two principles should know their order, and respective stations; and each contain itself within its proper sphere. Faith( which supposes a revelation received and acknowledged) challenges the highest place: and Reason ought to keep her distance, to serve and follow after, not to set bounds to, or assume, and encroach, and usurp over the other. For, Faith and Charity are the two pillars upon which Christianity stands; the two governing principles of a good man's opinions and actions. And their authority and influence are, in no one instance, more considerable, than in this of the blessed Sacrament. GOD is infinite and eternal, his power unbounded, and incomprehensible, he does whatsoever leaseth him in heaven and earth; and who can Prayer of Thanksgiving. understand his counsels, or find out all his methods? If the works of God were such as buman reason could penetrate with ease, they would lose great part of their glory. We should soon abate of our veneration for the Author, if his dealings were not above the power of our tongues to express, and the utmost extent of our imaginations to conceive. O that men would therefore praise the LORD for his goodness, and confess the wonders that he doth for the children of men! for great and marvellous are thy works, O LORD GOD Almighty; how unsearchable are thy judgments, and thy ways past finding out. 49 A Prayer of Thanksgiving, in our retirement, after we are returned home from the Lord's Table. Behold, thon art made whole, sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon thee. John v. 14. O LORD My GOD! I acknowledge with all thankfulness of heart thy great mercy and goodness, in giving me an opportunity of approaching thy holy table, in disposing my mind to commemorate the infinite love of my crucified Saviour, to render him thanks ant praise for laying down his life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, and to represent D Prayer of Thanksgiving. unto thee that sacrifice as a full satisfaction for them; whereby thou dost incline me humbly to hope for all the benefits of his death and passion. But, 50 What thanks, most gracious Gop, can I return unto thy Divine Majesty, for impressing a sense of my duty upon my mind; and for that strength and power, whereby thou hast, in some measure, enabled me to perform it? I will praise and magnify thy great and glorious name, and I will entirely devote myself to thy service, as long as I have any being. Blessed be thy name for those fresh supplies of grace I have received; grant that they may make me run the way of thy commandments with delight and pleasure, that I may never more faint, or droop, or tire in my duty. Blessed be thy name for those comfortable assurances thou hast given me of pardon and forgiveness. Let this thy compassionate goodness be a perpetual obligation to love and gratitude: let it put me upon my guard, that I may watch over all my ways, and do always that which is wellpleasing in thy sight. Blessed be thy name for that peace and quiet thou hast restored to my soul; for those resolutions thou hast wrought in me to persevere in thy service to the end of my days; make them firm, vigorous and con Prayer of Thanksgiving. stant; and never let any sinful passions any more ruffle and discompose my mind. Blessed be thy name for that relish thou hast given me of spiritual delights, that desire of possessing the eternal inheritance. Let the enjoyments of sense appear mean and contemptible; and let not the pleasures of the world henceforward any more prevail upon me to transgress thy holy laws. Grant, O LORD, that I may walk worthy of these thy distinguishing mercies, and live as it becomes the redeemed of the LORD, Without thee, O blessed Jesus, I can do nothing without thee, who art the Sun of righteousness, I shall walk in darkness: without thee, who art the Physician of souls, I shall languish and die; without thee, who art the joy of all devout minds, I shall consume my days away in sadness. Remain, therefore, O LORD, and abide with me for ever; I shall then be enabled to do thy will in this life, and thereby be qualified to partake of thy glories to all eternity in the next. Amen. D 2 51 52 Conclusion. DIRECTIONS. Thus having complied with the duties of the morning, you may refresh yourself with a temperate and cheerful meal, and thankfully enjoy the good things of this life which God hath blessed you with. As to the afternoon of this, and all other Lord's Days, you are piously and prudently to divide it between the public service, family duties, private devotions, offices of charity, if they present themselves; and I will add, your own necessary refreshment: for I am not so strict as totally to forbid you some time upon that day, to anbend your mind, and relax your thoughts, by any company and conversation that is instructive, and innocently diverting; but I absolutely forewarn you against all places of public resort, all gaming, and sportful exercises, as giving offence to some, and bad examples to others; for they are unsuitable to the seriousness and solemnity of the duty, and indeed savouring too much of levity and profaneness. N.B. After these good instructions and devotions, if you would, my devout Christian! persevere in your duty, and desire to lead a holy and godly life for the future, I would advise you, by all means, to make" Bishop Taylor's Introduction to a Holy Life" your companion for the Week ensuing, as it will furnish you with such considerations of the general instruments and means serving to a holy life, by the care of your time, purity of intention, and practice of the presence of God, in your daily walk and conversation: daily seeking the grace of God, that you may so pass through things temporal, that you finally lose not the things eternal. *** Those servants and others, who have not the command of their own time, and therefore cannot employ as much of it in those exercises as they could wish and desire; they may rest assured that God approves and accepts their willing mind, provided they go on in a sincere resolution to avoid and forsake sin, and live in the fear of God; and behave themselves with conscience and honesty in those several stations of life which hus providence has appointed them. 53 PRINCE EUGENE'S PRAYER I BELIEVE in thee, O my God- do thou strengthen my faith; I hope in thee, confirm my hopes; I love thee, influence my love more and more; I repent of all my sins, but do thou increase my repentance. As my first beginning, I worship thee; as my last end, I long for thee; as my eternal Benefactor, I praise thee; and as my supreme Benefactor, I pray unto thee, that it may please thee, O LORD, to guide and lead me by thy providence, to keep me in obedience by thy justice, to comfort me by thy mercy, and protect me by thy almighty power. I submit to thee all my thoughts, words, and actions, as well as my afflictions, pains, and sufferings; and I desire to have thee always in my mind, to do all my works in thy name, and for thy sake to bear all adversity with patience. I will what thou wilt, O GOD, because it is agreeable to thee. Oh, give me grace, that I may be attentive in my prayer, temperate in my diet, vigilant in my conduct, and unmovable in all good purposes. Grant, most merciful Lord, that I may be true and faithful to those who have intrusted me with their secrets; that I may he courteous and kind towards all men: end 54 Prince Eugene's Prayer. that both in my words and actions I may show unto them a good example. Dispose my heart to admire and praise thy goodness, to hate all error and evil works, to love my neighbour, and to despise the world. Assist me, good LORD, in subduing lust by mortification, covetousness by liberality, anger by mildness, and lukewarmness by zeal and fervency. Enable me to conduct myself with prudence in all transactions, and to show courage in danger, patience in adversity, and in prosperity an humble mind. Let thy grace illuminate my understanding, direct my will, sanctify my body, and bless my soul. Make me diligent in curbing all irregular affections, zealous in imploring thy grace, careful in keeping thy commandments, and constant in working out my salvation. Finally, O God, make me sensible how little is the world, how great thy heavens, how short time, and how long a blessed eternity. Oh, that I may well prepare myself for death, that I may dread thy judgments; that I may avoid the torment of hell, and obtain of thee, O GOD, eternal life, through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 55 FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD. LET us diligently strive to walk with God; and let our souls be so influenced and trained, that we may both rightly apprehend him, and always acknowledge his presence; not without holy fear, and an earnest desire of the divine approbation. Let us appropriate him to ourselves by a holy faith; let us hold converse with him daily; let us consult him in all our difficulties, and make earnest application to him in all our necessities; let us securely rely on his providence; let us gratefully recollect all his mercies; let us exercise ourselves in the pious practice of a holy obedience, as well with respect to those holy solemnities which have a more immediate relation to his worship, as with respect to the duties incumbent on us in our particular callings; carefully avoiding whatever may in any measure displease him; and immediately endeavouring, by a speedy repentance, to recover his favour, which, by our manifold sins, we had worthily deserved to lose. Let us sincerely refer ourselves, and all our actions, to his glory; let us surrender up ourselves 56 Fellowship with God. and all we have to him; yea, and let us walk with him alone, rejecting with scorn and disdain the fellowship of the world. Let us move on with him, without loitering or wandering out of the way; and, lastly, let us walk with the God of our salvation cheerfully, constantly, and with perseverance. And then Enoch's motion will at length assuredly conduct us to Enoch's rest, even to eternal glory. BISHOP HALL. 57 SACRAMENTAL HYMNS. - Invitation to the Sacrament. MY God, and is thy table spread? And doth thy cup with love o'erflow? Thither be all thy children led, And let them all thy sweetness know. Hail, sacred feast which Jesus makes! Rich banquet of his flesh and blood; Thrice happy he who here partakes That sacred stream, that heavenly food Why are its dainties all in vain, Before unwilling hearts displayed? Was not for you the victim slain, Are you forbid the children's bread? Lord, let thy table honoured be, And furnished well with joyful guests And may each soul salvation see, That here its sacred pledges tastes. Let crowds approach, with hearts prepared; With hearts inflamed let all attend; Nor, when we leave our Father's board, The pleasure or the profit end Revive thy dying churches, Lord, And bid our drooping graces live: More of that energy afford A Saviour's blood alone can give. 08 Sacramental Hymns. Invitation to the Sacrament. JESUS invites his saints To meet around his board: Here pardoned sinners sit, and hold Communion with their Lord. For food he gives his flesh He bids us drink his blood; Amazing favour, matchless grace Of our descending God! Here we survey that love Which spoke in every breath; Which crown'd each action of his life, And triumph'd in his death. Here let our pow'rs unite, His glorious name to raise: Pleasure and joy fill every mind. And every voice be praise. And while we share the gifts His gracious hands bestow, Our hearts by Jesu's love inspired, With kind affections glow. Let love inflame each breast, And dictate every thought; Be angry passions far removed, And selfish views forgot. Invocation. COME. Holy Spirit, calm my mind, And fit me to approach my God; Remove each vain, each worldly thought, nop And lead me to thy blest abode. Sacramental Hymns. Hast thou imparted to my soul A living spark of holy fire? O kindle now the sacred flame, Make me to burn with pure desire. Impress upon my wandering heart, The love that Christ to sinners bore: Then mourn the wounds my sins produced And my redeeming God adore. A brighter faith and hope impart. And let me now my Saviour see; O soothe and cheer my burden'd heart, And bid my spirit rest in thee. Supplication for Mercy. SHOW pity, Lord! O Lord, forgive! Let a repenting sinner live: Are not thy mercies large and free? May not the guilty trust in thee? My crimes, though great, do not surpass The power and glory of thy grace; O wash my soul from every sin, And make my guilty conscience clean. My lips with shame my sins confess, Against thy law, against thy grace: Lord, should thy judgment grow severe, 1 am condemned; but ou art clear. 59 Yet save a trembling sinner, Lord, Whose hope, still hovering round thy word, Would light on some sweet promise there, Some sure support against despair. 60 Sacramental Hymns. " This do in remembrance of me." According to thy gracious word, In meek humility, This will I do my dying Lord, I will remember thee. Thy body broken for my sake, My bread from heaven shall be, Thy testamental cup I take, And thus remember thee. Gethsemane can I forget? Or there. thy conflict see, Thine agony and bloody sweat, And not remember thee? When to the cross I turn mine eyes And rest on Calvary, O Lamb of God, my sacrifice! I must remember thee: Remember thee, and all thy pains, And all thy love to me; Yes, while a breath, a pulse remains, Will I remember thee. And when these failing lips grow dumb, And mind and memory flee, When thou shalt in thy kingdom come, Jesus, remember me. Crucifixion to the World. When I survey the wondrous cross On which the prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the cross of Christ my God: All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood. Sacramental Hymns. See from his head, his hands, his feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e'er such love, such sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown? Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. Holy Communion. O GOD of mercy, God of might, How should pale sinners bear the sight, If, as thy power is surely here, Thine open glory should appear? For now thy people are allow'd To scale the mount and pierce the cloud, And faith may feed her eager view With wonders Sinai never knew. Fresh from the atoning sacrifice The world's Creator bleeding lies, That man, his foe, by whom He bled, May take him for his daily bread. O agony of wavering thought When sinners first so near are brought! " It is my Maker- dare I stay? 66 My Saviour- dare I turn away?" Thus while the storm is high within Twixt love of Christ and fear of sin, Who can express the soothing charm, No feel thy kind upholding arm, 61 Sacramental Hymns. My mother Church? and hear thee tell Of a world lost, yet lov'd so well, That Hle, by whom the angels live, His only Son for her would give.* And doubt we yet? thou call'st again; A lower still, a sweeter strain; A voice from Mercy's inmost shrine The very breath of Love divine. Whispering it says to each apart, " Come unto me, thou trembling heart;"+ And we must hope, so sweet the tone, The precious words are all our own. Hear them, kind Saviour- hear thy spouse Low at thy feet renew her vows; Thine own dear promise she would plead For us her true though fallen seed. She pleads by all thy mercies, told Thy chosen witnesses of old, Love's heralds sent to man forgiven, One from the Cross, and one from heaven.t This, of true Penitents the chief, To the lost spirit brings relief, Lifting on high th' adored name:" Sinners to save, Christ Jesus came." That, dearest of thy bosom Friends, Into the wavering heart descends:" What? fall'n again? yet cheerful rise, " Thine Intercessor never dies." " God so loved the world, that He gave His only- begotten Son." See the sentences in the Communion- Service, after the Confession. + Come unto me, all ye that travail, and are heavy.aden, and I will refresh you. t St. Paul and St. John. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all men to be received, That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Sacramental Hymns. The eye of Faith, that waxes bright Each moment by thine altar's light, Sees them e'en now: they still abide In mystery kneeling at our side; And with them every spirit blest, From realms of triumph or of rest, From Him who saw creation's morn, Of all thine angels eldest born, To the poor babe, who died to- day, Take part in our thanksgiving lay, Watching the tearful joy and calm, While sinners taste thine heavenly balm. Sweet awful hour! the only sound One gentle footstep gliding round, Offering by turns on Jesus' part The Cross to every hand and heart. Refresh us, Lord, to hold it fast; And when thy veil is drawn at last, Let us depart where shadows cease, With words of blessing and of peace. Welcome to the Table. THIS is the feast of heav'nly wine, And God invites to sup; The juices of the living vine Were press'd to fill the cup. O bless the Saviour, ye that eat, With royal dainties fed: Not heav'n affords a costlier treat, For Jesus is the bread. 63 64 Sacramental Hymns. The vile, the lost, he calls to them, Ye trembling souls, appear! The righteous in their own esteem Have no acceptance here. Approach, ye poor, nor dare refuse The banquet spread for you; Dear Saviour, this is welcome news, Then I may venture too. If guilt and sin afford a plea, And may obtain a place, Surely the Lord will welcome me, And I shall see his face. At the Communion Table. FORTH from the dark and stormy sky, Lord, to thine altar's shade we fly; Forth from the world, its hope and fear, Saviour, we seek thy shelter here: Weary and weak, thy grace we pray; Turn not, O Lord! thy guests away. Long have we roam'd in want and pain: Long have we sought thy rest in vain; Wilder'd in doubt, in darkness lost, Long have our souls been tempest- tost; Low at thy feet our sins we layTurn not, O Lord! thy guests away! 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