and would be a means to bring thofe under your charge to remem– ber ami profi t ~y what they receive. See Chrift:'s example in cal– ling his family to an accouut, l.1atth. 16. II,I3, IS• 3. Often take an account of the fouls under your care, concern– ing their fpiritual eftates. [Hereinyou rnuft be followers ofChrift, Matth. I 3. I o, 36, s 1. Mar. 4. I o, I I .] Make enquiry into their co1dirion, infift much upon the finfulnefs and mifery of their na– tural eftate, and upon the neceffity of regeneration ~ nd convrr.. [Ion, in order to their falvation: Admoniih them gravely of their fins, encourage beginnings ; Follow them earnefrly, anrllet them have no quiet for yoti, rill yQu[ee them in a faving change. This is a dutyof high confequence, but (I am afi-aid) fearfully ncgleeted. Doth not confCience fay , thou art the man? · 4· Look to the frri5t fan ·.:tifying of the Sabbath by all your houC:-holds, Exod. 20 . 19. Le vit. 23 g. Many poor families have little time elfe. Oh, improve but yourSabbath-days asdiligently in labouring for knowledge, and doing your Maker's work,. as you do the other days in doing your own work, and I doubt not but you may coat~ to fome proficiency. 5. I:et the Morning apd Evening-facrifice of folemn prayer be dailyoffered upinallyour families, P[al.92. 1)2 Exod. 30, 7,8. Lub,: I. 9, to. Beware theybe not found among the families that call not upon God's name: For why fhould there be wrath fro.rn the tord, upon your families? 'j.er. Io 25. 0 mi(erable familie~, with?.Ut God in the~orld, th,atare without family-prayer ! V{hat t have you fo ·many family-fins, fdmily-wants, family-mercies! what, and yet no family-prayers? How do you praywith all prayer and fupplication, -ifyott do not with family-prayer? Ephef. 6. IS Say not, 1have no time. \Vhat! Haft thou all thy time on purpcfc tp ferve God, a-n0 fave-thy foul; and yet is this it for which thow canf\: find no time? Find but a heart, and Twill find time : Pinch out of your meals, and fleep, rather than wa.nt for prayer. Say not, My bufit).efs will nat give leave: This is the greateft bufi nefs, to fave thy fel& and tlae fouls committed to thee. Befides, a whet will be no lett. Inaword, the bleffing of~11 is to begor hy p~·aycr, 'jer. 29. 1 I, I 2. 2 Sam. 7 . 29. Aud what ts thy bufi nefs, Wlthout GQd's bleffing? Say not, I am not ab!e: Ufe the one talent, and G-od. will incl'eafe, Matth . 25 . 24. &c. Helps are tobe had, till thou art better able : But if ther~ be no other remedy , thou mu ft j0yn with thine abler neighbour ; God hath fpecial regard to joint prayer, . Yam. 5. 4, to 19• ..Aft. ;r2. s, to, 12. 2Cor. 1. 11 . and therefore yeu muft improve family-advantages for the performing of it. 6. Put every ~ne iJ4 your families ·upmt priva te prayer. Ob– ferve whether they do perform it. . Get them the help of a. for~, if they need it, till tht:y are abl~ to go without it. Direct them how
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