vours to promote the knowledge and love of thy truth, and all the duties of a holy life. And let both their example and their doctrine be such as shall help to save themselves, and those that hear them. O that they may speak as the oracles of God, in demonstration of the spirit and power; and that they may shew themselves patterns of all the good things which they preach to others; not prostituting their holy calling to serve the interests and lusts of men; but conscientiously discharging it, to the glory of their Lord! not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but, by manifestation of the truth, commending themselves to every man's conscience, in the sight of God; and being so good ensamples to the flock, that having preached to others, themselves may not be castaways, but experience the joy of that salvation which they preach; and, when the chief Shepherd shall appear, receive the crowe of glory that fades not away.

Though the world hates and the devil opposes them, and even many that should encourage 'their labours do but strive to weaken their hands, and afflict their hearts, O great and good Lord! do thou shew thy own strength, to accomplish thy own work. Open a wide door to the gospel, and defeat all opposition; ftop the mouths of false prophets, and drive away ravenous wolves from the flock, and give them faithful paftors. And, Lord, crown the endeavours of thy messengers with thy heavenly blessing, that they may be mighty, through God, to pull down the strong holds of sin; and to edify and build up thy church in the true fear

and love of God, and in the right knowledge and faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. And because wise men die, and cannot bequeath their learning and talents unto others; to supply breaches made upon us by their mortality, bless both our universities, and all the schools and nurseries of good learning and true religion in the land that they may send forth men able and apt to serve thee in church and state; and oblige the world, by doing good in their generation, and shewing people the way to be happy both here and hereafter. Amen.

The Author's Prayer for himself as a Minister.

BLESSED Jesus, my Lord and my God! what high honour hast thou done me in calling me to the office which thou was pleased to take upon thyself! who camest not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to preach the gospel of the kingdom, and teach the way of salvation. All glory be to thee, who hast been pleased so to dignify me; but as thou thyself, the head of the corner, art to some a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; so thy messengers are to them that perish, the savour of death unto death, as well as to them that are saved, the savour of life unto life. And if thy wise and holy servant asked, Who is sufficient for these things? well may I, a weak and sinful wretch, tremble under the work of the ministry, lest the blood of those that perish, through my neglect and default, should be required at my hands, and lest, when I have shewed others the way to heaven, I myself should be shut

out; but I look unto thee, O Lord, my life' my strength, and my redeemer, who hast apappointed me in this station, to accomplish me also for it. O thou that ordainest strength out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, magnify thy power in my weakness: and shew thyself so graciously and mightily on my behalf, that I may do all things as I ought, through Christ strengthening me. O let me learn from thee what I shall teach concerning thee. Open my understanding, O Lord, that I may well undersand the scriptures, and rightly divide the word of truth; and be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convince the gain-sayers. O put such thoughts into my mind, and such words into my mouth, that, out of the abundance of my heart, my mouth may speak to the glory of thy name, and to the edification of those unto whom I make my application. O make me wise to win souls, and watchful over them, as one that must give an account of them; not entangling myself in the affairs of this life, but waiting, on my ministry; taking heed to myself, and to my doctrine; studying to shew myself approved to God, and thoroughly furnished to every good work. Give me skill and conduct, prudently to steer my course through all the difficulties in my way; and give me patience and courage to withstand all assaults and opposition which I have to encounter. O my Lord, be with me, and guide me, and help me, and strengthen and succour me, now and always, in the great work lying upon me. Open to me a door of utterance, that I may speak thy word as I ought to speak; and make me

faithful, and diligent, and successful in my sacred calling; doing thy work as thy workman, that need not be ashamed; not preaching myself, but Christ Jesus the Lord; nor seeking the praise of men, but the honour of my God; yea, make me an example of all the holy properties and praise-worthy practices which I preach to others; that I may not lay upon them the burdens which I refuse to bear myself; but go before them in the ways which they are to follow; holding forth the word of life in my conversation, as well as in my doctrine; that I may shine with a convincing light to them; and not lay a stumbling-block before them; neither making the heart of the righteous sad, nor strengthening the hands of the wicked; nor giving just offence to any, but approving myself, as far as I am able, useful. and beneficial unto all; keeping under my body, and bringing it into subjection, lest that, by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be cast away.

And, O thou that givest the increase, command a blessing, I pray thee, upon all my studies and endeavours, that I may not spend my strength for nought, nor labour in vain; but that I may make full proof of my ministry, and be instrumental, through thy grace, to convert the unconverted, and to build up them that are in any measure sanctified; and so, to save myself, and those that hear me, that when I have finished my course, I may give an account of my stewardship with joy, and not with grief; and receive the crown of righteousness at thy

308 For a Blessing upon the Societies, &c.

hands, not for my merits, but for thy mercy's sake. men. Amen.

A Prayer for a Blessing upon the Societies Confederate, to promote Reformation of Man

ners.

RIGHTEOUS Lord, thou lovest rightcO ousness, and thy countenance does behold the upright. Thou favourest them that espouse the righteous cause, and wilt for ever glorify such as turn many to righteousness. Thou hast not only commanded us to be holy, and to walk circumspectly ourselves, but also to shew our concern for the souls of others; to contend for the faith, and contend with the wicked, and not suffer sin upon our brother; but apply our endeavours to convert the sinner from the error of his ways; and to recover those out of the snare of the devil, who have been taken captive by him at his will.

Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, and the faithful fail from among the children of men; even all seek their own; and O how few the things that are Jesus Christ's. Arise, O God, and plead thy own cause; and be with them that rise up against the evil-doers, and that strive to do good to this present evil world, by a merciful severity, to restrain the unruly from undoing themselves, and by executing judgment, to stay the plague and wrath gone out from the Lord against us all. Plead their cause, O Lord, with them that strive with them, and stand up for their help; and stop the way. against them that persecute them; and make them successful to promote the honour of thy