PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN. ann. as soon as ever they rise in the morning, or are bounfl to obey some other orders in a family, so that they cannot find any so proper time as noon for their retirement : Then let them use chiefly the morning prayer : But let themnot contentthemselves With praying onçe a day, if it be possible for them to find another fit season, in the afternoon, or evening : And if they are forced to omit it once now and then, let it not grow to a custom or con- stant practice, to omit their evening devotions ; yet rather pray Qnçe a day, than not at all. IV. Seek a proper and convenient place for your secret retirements: It is no matter what or where the place be, if it be freest from all disturbance. A bed chamber is generally a proper place"for those who have not the conveniency of closets for themselves. Be not afraid to go alone by yourselves, though it may be sometimes in the dark : You are going to meet with God, and he is ever near to them that call upon him. The pre- sence of God is an almighty security and defence, against all manner of evils, that you can suspect or fear. Nothing can hurt you, while God is with you. V. If you have time andconveniency for it, in your secret worship read a chapter or two, and a psalm before you pray. For my part, I could wish there were select portions of scrip- ture chosen out, and printed by themselves, for children to read in private, that their time devoted to religion and worship might not be spent in such parts of the bible, as are of very little use to them. However, for want of this, I would recommend the book of Genesis, and of Exodus, as far as the xxth chapter, and the book of Proverbs, and the four gospels, with some practical chapters out of the epistles, and especially the book of Psalms, to be the chief subjects of their reading in secret, in their younger years. The book of Proverbs abounds in useful lessons of pru- dence, and instructions of piety : The book of Psalms is full of prayers and praises. And let the word not be read in a slight, or careless and hasty manner, but with a diligent attention, and with an endeavour to remember something of it every day. VI. Leave your business and your sports, and all thoughts of them behind you, when you retire for worship. Let your spirit be composed to great seriousness when you begin to pray. The reading of a chapter will help to compose your thoughts, and fix them moreon divine things. Fall down upon your knees before God in a humble posture, and remember, that you are come into the presence of the Great God, that your are going to speak to the Majesty of heaven, before whom angels worship, and at whose name devils tremble; take heed therefore, that you do not trifle with him, nor take his holy name in vain. He gees your heart, he knows all your thoughts, and he observes all your wanderings from him. And, for your encouragement
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