I. Truths a man should often think of .

THat there is a GOD that sees all things , and will reward according to mens actions . That I may die to day ; and Heaven or Hell follows . That the greatest content , cheerfulness , satisfaction , and serenity of minde , is in keeping a good Conscience , which is a continual Feast . That a good Conscience is kept by desires , resolutions , endeavours of living righteously , justly , temperately ; and , if there be defects through surprize , by begging pardon , and relying on Gods mercy in CHRIST . That sin is the fountain of all misery . And to seek for Remedies of miseries in Voluptuousness , is but like drinking to satisfie the thirst of a Dropfie . That real goodness and vertue , cannot but finde veneration even from those that practise contrary . And even evil men do rejoyce , when they see evil men punished . That of all sins , they are the most sordid and vile , that bring neither credit , nor profit , nor pleasure : As Swearing and Blaspheming , Ribaldry , Romantick lying , &c. That fair opportunities for the compassing honest ends , or prevention of future evils , are not only to be valued , but to be imbraced , and improved , with a mans whole parts and spirit . And that it is a very rare thing to finde a true friend .

II . Rules for the practice of RELIGION and Piety .

REligion is the life and soul of all commendable endeavour : to labour after other perfections and accomplishments without an eye to it , is but to build a fair house without a foundation . Therefore neglect no seasonable opportunities for the exercise of it , in its several acts , of Prayer , Reading , Hearing , participating of the Sacrament , and Conference . Prayer neglect not , morn nor evening at the least , and occasional ejaculations ; in which confess sin , thank God for mercies , intercede for others , and all in the mediation of Christ : performing this duty with a freedom from passion , intentness void of wandrings , and confidence of being heard . Hear and Read with a most fixed attention ; not only with a desire of informing the judgement , but with a full resolution to bring convictions into practice . In the Sacrament , neglect not sober preparations ; and in participation , summon up all the powers of thy Soul to exercise the highest acts of devotion . In Conference , be rather sincere , then ambitious of victory by dispute . But the highest acts of devotion in the Worship of God , is but an empty thing without piety towards men . Therefore , honour the KING , and according to proportion observe the same towards all Superiors , whether natural , civil , or spiritual . And as to all other men , at the least be precisely just , observing the Golden Rule of doing as you would be done unto ; being ready to perform all offices of humanity , and charity , to those that want your assistance .

III . To overcome any HABIT of VICE .

ALl men miscarry , and most men have one disorder they are more addicted to then another : and there is no man , however bewitched or enslaved to any ill habit , but hath oft cause to bewail the mischiefs it betrays him unto . He is not the least happy that can free his neck from the yoke of such a Tyrant . The Considerations of the first Paragraph , will help as to this . Farther consider , That a wounded Conscience makes a man unfit for any thing , making all that we do enjoy to have no rellish with it . Scarce a sinful habit but is injurious to an Estate ; but certainly layes a blot upon the reputation , which should be of value to a wise man . And if a man hath a family , his exemplariness makes such disorders there , that his House which should be his Grotto or Castle , to retire unto for quiet and safety , from the noise and hazards of a tumultuous world abroad , proves as unpleasant as a Jayl . Lastly , Consider , that a mans self is the chiefest , if not the only thing , over which he hath a rightful power ; and stands in a capacity as to himself ( though a Peasant ) to act the parts of a Monarch . But while he continues under the predominancie of any vice , he makes himself a slave , abject , base , and dishonorable ; yet , though he be a King , he is tributary to , and dependant on , the King of kings . Therefore let him pray , and obey , and put in practice those acts which he is free to , as confideration , resolution , watchful endeavour , directly set against that vice which is his greatest Enemy ; not neglecting real industry in business , ( of which every man , if he will be true to his own interest , hath his hands full ) and so he will not be at leisure to be wicked .

IV . How to do BUSINESS well and effectually

IN the morn , consider what is to be done ; at night , examine and review what hath been done . Whatever thou settest thine hand to do , do it with all thy might , to purpose , not negligently and slightly ; and with all convenient expedition , not putting it off unto another time . A man of mean capacity , if he doth all that he can do , with vigour , alacrity , nimbleness and considerateness , may do wonders before he dies . A Book of Memorandums , and frequent recurrence to it , is necessary for every man of business . In all affairs , as near as you can , deal with honest fair-conditioned men , of credit , and not with any that are reputed subtle , debauched , or dissembling . In business of concern , no one that hath any thing of Religion , but knows that Gods blessing in the first place desired , makes him proceed more vigorously , and in all probability the most successful ; therefore let nor that he wanting .

V. How a man may thrive as to his ESTATE .

BE diligent and industrious in your Calling , and imploy , whatever it is ; and labour after perfection , and exactness in it . Beware of frequent small expences , for they 'll waste a great Estate ; of Building , Suretiship , dealing in things you have no skill in , all suits and controversies in Law ; of gaming , of a luxurious and delicious palate , frequent entertainments , travails and excursions , extravagant clothing beyond call or ability ; of many , idle , and unfaithful servants ; of running in debt , especially if you neglect the due paying of the interest . Keep accounts exactly of all that comes in , or goes out . Be careful in all things that by decay will require expence , to be quick in repair upon the least breach or need . Buy when things are cheap , and store ; but manage that store as if you were to buy by the penny . Be careful to keep a purse aforehand , for that may at a dead lift prove a true friend though it says nothing . Make no vain-glorious shews , neither boast of any thing you have ; for that tempts the thief , or begger , or borrower , and at best doth but attract envy : struggle amain to be freed from debts , and pinch rather than run into them ; for he that is out of debt begins to be rich . But above all , be charitable to the Poor . For there is that scattereth , and yet increaseth ; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet , and it tendeth to poverty .

VI . How a man may preserve his HEALTH .

OBserve Temperance , Cheerfulness , and Business , ( provided you be not too much intangled ) and moderate Exercise , and Recreation , avoiding exorbitant passions of Love , Grief , or Anger : Keep your head warm in the night , and your feet dry in the day . Rise and lye down early : at meat be merry ; forgetting all trouble , and laying aside all business . Listen to Natures call , for evacuation of Excrements ; but especially in the morning , which by use will become natural : and be in every thing cleanly ; and in an ordinary course you cannot be other than healthy .

VII . How a man shall live so as to be beloved .

IF thou wilt be beloved , LOVE is Seneca's great Philter . But it is an hard thing to love men , there being so many deformities in mens natures , conditions and practices ; therefore labour to love what is lovely , as they are Men , as Countrymen , as Neighbors , as the same temper , humour , imployment , as having any thing commendable ( for the worst men cannot be in all things bad ) but above all , as Christians . And so loving others , bring your self to express it , even to those that deserve least , in all things possible : As with a clear , cheerful , affable , obliging carriage ; giving good words to all , speaking well of all ; doing small offices of humanity and urbanity , if you cannot do greater ; condemning & censuring none , unless Honour or Christianity oblige . Watching all opportunities to shew your self a sympathizer with others sorrows and necessities ; especially in visiting when sick , in Prison , disconsolate , or any other obscurity ; speaking good words to them , and for them . Congratulate with cheerfulness the good , and condole with an evident resentment the bad fortunes of your Friends and Acquaintance . Labour to acquire a stock of such things which make a man acceptable society ; which may be by taking leasure times to read History , by furnishing your self with facete and pleasant relations ; by observation of the carriages of men using to give apposite , fit , and well-worded characters and representations thereof : by taking notice of remedies for Diseases , and communicating them , or any thing that may be for the profit , or honest pleasure of mankind . In a word , in all converses with men , to use an honest , plain , hearty , chearful simplicity ; yet with civility , due respect , and good manners ; concerning which there may be many Rules , but these following the chiefest .

VIII . Concerning GOOD MANNERS .

LEt the carriage of the body be decent , and not affected . In all addresses or partings , answer others civilities with equal returns ; and if possible , go beyond them . Stand bare before all persons of Quality , and to all , while they speak to you , or you to them : Give to every one as pleasing looks as possible ; which cannot well be without discernable evidences of counterfeiting , unless you put on a sweet and courteous frame of spirit ; motions of the body , and looks of the countenance , following the minde . In all society therefore , put off all prejudices or jealousies , and all solicitous thoughts of business , or melancholy and perplexed reflections on cross emergencies . If it be possible , let there not be the least appearance of weariness , but with a cheerful , yet respectful complaisance , be wholly theirs in whose company you are . Watch and take every opportunity to be facete , without sarcasm , ribaldry or profuse laughter . In discourse , minde exactly what others say ; and by the eye , and an open frank countenance , make it manifest that you do minde . Approve of what is well spoken by another , and put the best gloss and fairest interpretation on what may not be so well . Gibe not at , neither deride , the meanest , or most ( if not insufferable ) impertinent . In all discourse ( where matter of dispute is ) labour not to be thought victorious ; and though you may have spoken better reason or sence , yet commend ( if without injury to truth or vertue it will bear it ) what hath been spoken by your opponent , and let that conclude your discourse . But , to conclude mine , let me minde you , that it is most inevitably certain , that there is no man in this world , ( however he may appear to you before you know him throughly ) but hath his troubles and burthens , which are heavier or lighter according to the frame and temper of a mans own spirit , over which ( if over any thing ) a man hath the greatest right of mastery and dominion . There are in the minde two great evils , ( viz. SO●ROW and FEAR ) which if he can out overcome , I know not why he should not be happy in the midst of what the world calls unhappiness . The remedies for both must principally be found in the minde , fortifying it self by considerations . A few of which , let me give you in these two last Paragraphs .

IX . Remedies against SORROW .

COnsider the injury it does to the whole man ; impairing bodily health , disquieting the soul , and discomposing all ; so as that it proves injurious to the whole capacity of a man . It hightens those evils which come from without ; and certain it is , that by sorrow and trouble of spirit I cannot remove them , or lessen them ; but rather weaken my self for resistance : and then suppose I have losses , crosses , enemies , reproach , prisons , or what else ; others better then I have had them , they are things common to men , yea upon the score of necessity : but it is not necessary that a man should abuse himself because he is abused . Consider too , that there is scarce an it convenience but it hath its commo●●●y or advantage , that shall countervail it : there is no honest or considera●e man , but in his life-time hath abundance of experience to confirm this truth . The worst of miseries is Poverty , because a complicated Evil : yet that not intolerable to be born by him that considers with how little Nature may be supported , and that it is not very difficult , ( if a man will keep up his spirits in vigour and cheerfulness , and not put too great an estimate on the opinion of others concerning himself ) to get that little honestly . Nay , possibly , if the person hath real worth , he need not seek , but that sufficiencie for sustentation may be sent . Nay , without Romance , there is a real pleasure in the mean fare of quiet and unenvyed Indigencie ; and Bread may be as sweet and delicious , as the varieties of a loaded Table . But then as to real cheerfulness , if the other Rules be followed , so that a man keeps a good Conscience , is in health , does his business successfully , thrives in his Estate , and gets the love of those he converses with , he cannot want it ; but especially if he keeps a good Conscience : and as to the other , though sick , poor , unsuccessful , and hath Enemies ; yet having done his endeavour in an ordinary and fair way , he shall not want content .

X. Remedies against FEAR , and means for the support of Courage .

WIthout courage there can be nothing done nobly , throughly , and handsomly : and Fear is a base , fordid , weakning thing . And what is FEAR , but a trouble of Spirit proceeding from a conjecture of something future which may happen ? Consider in general , that all the fear in the world cannot prevent , what will come ; nay , in many cases it comes with a fear . Perchance it may not come ; and then , what a Fool was I to fear ? But if it do come , Why should I torture my self before the time ? The greatest evil that can come , is but Death . And that will be certain , and all the fears in the world cannot prevent it . Labour therefore to get your Spirit above the fear of Death , and all other fears will vanish . Now the way not to fear to dye , is so to carry a mans self , as not to be ashamed to live . And if at all you fear to dye , be afraid to dye basely , as impenitent , in debt , or cowardly ; and so fear shall be a cure of fear : therefore while you live , keep a good Conscience void of offence to God and man , and you need neither to be afraid or asham'd . And doing so , know , 't is a sin not to be confident , open , bold , frank ; and if not a sin , yet a very great imperfection or defect ; and he that is timorous or unnecessarily bashful , is either guilty of evil , or would make the world believe he is . In a word , the practice of the other directions will cure a mans Spirit of the disease of fear or shame . And every Direction followed , will help out he other . If these brief Rules be put into practice , ( and the way to practise them , is frequently to recur to them ) a man may become , a Religious , Honest , Vertuous , Thriving , Healthy , Beloved , Orderly , Contented and Couragious person ; and one that will do his business well in this world , and make sure of the next .

If in the Morning , use this Preface .

CAuse Thy Face to shine upon us , Preface for the morning . and lift up the Light of Thy Countenance ; and let the words of our mouth , and the meditation of our hearts , be now and always acceptable in Thy sight .

If in the Evening , use this Preface .

LEt our Prayer be set before Thee as Incense , Preface for the Evening . and the lifting up of our hands as the Evening Sacrifice .

The Prayer followeth .

OH Almighty God , Compellation the King of kings , and Lord of lords , glorious in holiness , fearful in praises , doing wonders . Thy Name is excellent in all the earth , and Thou hast set Thy glory above the heavens . Thou art a great God , and a great King above all gods : before Thee are honour and majesty , and in Thy Sanctuary are strength and beauty . Thou lookest down from heaven , and beholdest all the sons of men : Thou knowest our down-sitting and our up-rising , and understandest our thoughts afar off . Thou art of purer eyes then to behold evil , and canst not look on iniquity with approbation .

With what confidence then can we , poor sinful Creatures , come into Thy presence ? 't is Thy mercy , O Lord , that incourageth us : for who is a God like unto Thee , that pardoneth iniquity , and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage ? Thou retainest not Thine anger for ever , because Thy delight is in mercy ; even towards those that are less then the least of all Thy mercies .

And such we must acknowledge our selves to be , Confession . by reason of our sins , both original and actual . Thou didst plant our Parents a noble Vine , a right Seed ; but they quickly degenerated ; so that we are transgressors from the Womb ; and we are not able of our selves to think any thing that is good . Our hearts are deceitful above all things : our wills make us servants unto sin , and our bodily members are instruments of unrighteousness . We do not ( as we ought ) regard the works of the Lord , nor consider the operation of Thy hands . We too often draw nigh unto Thee with our mouths , when our hearts are far from thee . We have not feared as we ought the threats of Thy Law , nor valued as we ought the sweet tenders of Grace in Thy Gospel , esteeming Thy precious Promises as the Joy of our hearts . Our sins we have not been sufficiently humbled for : our repentance seldome or never hath born proportion to the multitude or greatness of our miscarriages ; but we have too too often tempted , grieved , quenched the holy Spirit of God , whereby we should be sealed unto the day of Redemption . Who can tell how oft he offendeth ? Our iniquities are increased over us , they are more then the hairs of our head . If one sin in Adam were enough to condemn the whole world , what then may a world of sins do in every one of us ? If one man sin against another , the Judge shall judge him ; but if a man sin against God , who shall intreat for him ? If thou shouldst be extream to mark what is done amiss , Oh Lord , who may abide it ? But there is mercy and forgiveness with Thee , that Thou mayst be feared . Thou knowest our frame , and considerest that we are but dust .

Oh think upon Thy servants as concerning Thy Word , Petition for Pardon . wherein Thou hast caused us to trust : heal our backslidings , and love us freely . Though the Wages of sin is death , yet this is our comfort , that the Gift of God is eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord . Grant therefore , Oh Lord , that we may be justified freely by Thy Grace , through the redemption that is by Jesus Christ . According to the multitude of Thy tender mercies , blot out our transgressions : wash us throughly from our iniquities , and cleanse us from our sins .

So sanctifying us , Petition for Sanctification in general that sin may not reign in our mortal bodies , that we may not walk according to the course of the world , fulfilling the desires of the flesh . Give unto us a new heart , and put a new spirit into us . Grant us , according to the riches of Thy glory , that we may be strengthned with might by Thy Spirit in the inward man . Lead us into the paths of righteousness , that in simplicity and godly sincerity we may have our Conversations in this world ; that denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts , we may live soberly , righteously and godly in this present life ; holding faith and a good conscience , patiently continuing in well-doing , without weariness , knowing that in due time we shall reap , if we faint not .

Fill us with knowledge of Thy Will , Petition for particular Graces . Knowledge . Faith . in all wisdom and spiritual understanding . Open our hearts to believe all the truths of Thy holy Word . Make us to trust in the Name of the Lord , Trust in God . and to relie on Thee in all our troubles . Love . Make us to love Thee with all our hearts , souls and mindes . So frame our spirits , Zeal . that we may be zealously affected in every good thing , and not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ , which is the power of God unto salvation . That we may serve Thee with joy and gladness of heart , Joy spiritual . delighting greatly in thy Commandments . Patience . Give us patience under all the evils we suffer , Submission to God . and a submissive heart to accept of the punishments of our iniquities , waiting on God in the way of his Judgements . Work in us such a sanctified fear , Fear of God . that we may not be afraid of men that shall die , and the sons of men that shall be made as grass ; but that we may fear him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell . Cloath us , Oh Lord , with the great ornament of meekness and humility , Meekness and Humility . that we may not minde high things , nor be wise in our own conceit . Make us to walk as becomes holiness towards all men , being kindly affectioned one to another , Brotherly Love . with brotherly love , without dissimulation ; not in word onely and tongue , but in deed and in truth , loving each other with a pure heart fervently . Direct us to behave our selves aright towards all Relations , gravely and modestly towards our Inferiours , teverently and dutifully towards our Superiours , thankfully to our Benefactors , friendly to our Equals , in honour preferring one another . Mildness and peaceableness . Give us mild and peaceable spirits , that we may be slow to anger , putting on bowels of mercy and kindness , and humbleness of mind , meekness , long-suffering , forbearing one another , forgiving one another ; even as God for Christs sake forgave us . Chastity . Enable us to possess our vessels in sanctification and honour , that we may keep our bodies undefiled , as being members of Christ , and temples of the holy Ghost . Thou , Oh Lord , who art the God of all Grace , who hast called us into Thine eternal Glory by Christ Jesus , make us perfect : establish us , strengthen and settle us , that we may continue in the Faith , Faith . and not be moved away from the Hope of the Gospel ; Hope . laying aside every sin that so easily doth beset us , holding fast our profession without wavering ; Perseverance . that we may abide in Christ , and his words abide in us ; continuing in the things which we have learned , being faithful unto death , that then he may bestow upon us a Crown of Life .

As to our temporal Concernments , Petition for temporal things . let us not want any thing that is good , and defend and protect us from all evil . Continue unto us the use of our Wits and Memories . Fill us with gladness of heart , peace and serenity of mind . Continue unto us our health and strength , repairing all decays . Preserve unto us our Reputations , restraining others from reproaching , and us from scandals and appearances of evils . Raise up unto us such that may be kind unto us , and give us comfort in all our Relations . And , Oh Lord , supply us with food and raiment convenient for us , keeping our hearts from being troubled with carking Cares , teaching us how to abound , and how to want , and in all estates to be content .

Defend and protect us from all evil ; from sicknesses , Deprecation of evils . enemies , and reproaches ; from want , confusion and trouble . Keep us from brutishness and stupidity , from trembling of heart , and sorrow of mind . Give us not over to vile affections , a seared Conscience , or a reprobate sense . Deliver us , Oh Lord , from the deceits of our corrupted Natures , the malice and subtilty of Satan , the allurements or terrours of the world . Finally , Oh Lord , cut us not off with swift destruction ; snatch us not out of the Land of the Living with out sins and our fears upon us ; and cast us not into those Regions of darkness , where there is nothing but weeping and gnashing of teeth .

Not onely do we pray for our selves , Intercession for others . but we make bold to bring our Intercessions for others into Thy presence . Be merciful unto all Thine elect people , For the whole Church and bless them , and cause Thy face to shine upon them , that Thy way may be known upon earth , and Thy saving health among all Nations . We pray Thee to inform the ignorant , reclaim the erronious , strengthen the weak , comsort the sorrowful , restore the sick , For our own Nation . relieve the needy . In all respects be good unto our own Nation : Pardon our sins , purge out our corruptions , heal our distempers , send and continue unto us a righteous peace . Abundantly bless our provision , and satisfie our poor with bread , that our Garners may be full , affording all manner of store . Deliver and preserve our Nation from domestick Confusions , and sorreign Invasions , and the noysome Pestilence , or other infectious Diseases . Let not Death come up into our Windows , nor enter into our Palaces , to cut off the Children from without , and the Young Man from the street , We pray Thee to bless the King , For the King giving him a wise and understanding Heart to judge the people , that he may be a terrour to evil doers , and an incouragement to them that do well : preserve and defend him from all his enemies .

Endow all the Nobility and Gentry with such Vertue and spiritual Graces , Nobility . as can alone truely ennoble them , whereby they may be made the children of God , and heirs of heaven . Bless all publick Judges and Counsellors ; make them wise and upright , Judges and Counsellors . and successful in all the difficult businesses they are called unto .

And all inferiour Magistrates ; Inferiours Megistrates . make them men of courage , fearing God , wise and faithful in their places , baters of reward , and without respect of persons .

For all that minister about holy things , Ministers . however dignified or distinguished . We pray Thee that Thou wouldst give unto Thy people Pastors after Thine own heart , who may be gratious in their lives , painful and powerful , diligent , wise and faithful in the discharge of their duty . 〈…〉 own Pa●… rs . Especially for him or them who are by Thy Providence more particularly set over us , that in life they may shew themselves paterns of good works , behaving themselves as stewards of the mysteries of God ; & as to their Doctrine , that they may study to approve themselves unto God , workmen that need not to be ashamed , rightly dividing the Word of Truth ; supporting them under all discouragements that they may meet with in the way of their holy Calling .

Make the common people humble , ●… mmon people . peaceable , charitable , not so easily carried about with every wind of Doctrine .

Bless all those that are our brethren according to the flesh : ●… r friends and ●… ations . those that have been instrumental for our good , either in souls , bodies or estates , remember them for good in the day of their troubles , and recompence an hundred fold for all the kindness that we have received from them .

Even we pray Thee for our Enemies , Our enemies . and such as hate us without a cause : let not their offence against us be laid to their charge , but convert their souls unto Thy self .

Bless our Neighbourhood and our Families , Our Neighbourhood and families . that we may live at Peace and Unity amongst our selves ; faithfully discharging our several duties , adorning our profession , considering one another , provoking unto love and good works .

Thus , Oh Lord , Thanksgiving for because there is all fulness with Thee , we make our Petitions to be supplyed with mercies of all kinde ; and we are incouraged by our experience of Thy readiness to supply us ; for we dayly and hourly have received good things at thy hands , for which we praise and bless Thy Name .

For our beings ; Temporal Blessings . for that in the degrees of Creation , Thou hast made us little lower then the Angels : That we are born free , and not slaves ; Christians , and not Pagans and Infidels : That thou hast preserved us , when in anger Thou mightest have cut us off , and cast us into Hell : That Thou continuest unto us our understandings and our healths : That Thou hast inclined the hearts of any to shew us favour : That we are not a reproach and by-word as to our reputation : That Thou hast constantly supplyed us with food and raiment : That we have not been a prey unto the sword , or given over at any time to the will of our enemies .

But above all , Spiritual Blessings . we praise Thee for spiritual blessings , and Jesus Christ the Fountain of all . For our election unto salvation , our redemption by the blood of Thy Son ; our vocation , in that Thou hast called us by Thy Gospel to the obtaining of glory by Jesus Christ ; for justification and pardon of sin by the merits of Thy Son ; for any measures of sanctification .

Many , General Thanksgiving . Oh Lord , are the wonderful works which Thou hast done , and Thy thoughts which are to usward cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee . Blessed be the Lord God of Israel , who onely doth wondrous things ; and blessed be his glorious Name , and let the whole earth be filled with his glory .

Amen and Amen .

At Morning Prayer proceed as followeth , otherwise with what following that is suited to every Prayer ; summarily recommending our selves and concomments in Gods hands .

In the Morning .

Oh Lord , Summary Recommendation in Conclusion . we recommend our souls and bodies , and all concernments , into Thy hands this day . Protect us , and watch over us by Thy fatherly Providence . Defend us from the sins and dangers we may be exposed unto . Give Thy Angels charge over us to keep us in all our ways . So direct and assist us , that we may glorifie Thy Name in thought , word and deed ; and make us walk circumspectly , not as fools , but as wise ; considering that God is about our paths , and is acquainted with all our ways . That we may be wise and moderate in our carriage , humble and moderate in our passions , temperate and sober in our dyet , diligent and chearful in our business . Give us success in all honest undertakings . Send us good speed this day , and shew Thy kindness to us . Enable us this day , and every day , to proceed forward in our spiritual growth , to get mastery over our own evil heart and affections , to renew and practise all those holy purposes and resolutions which we have formerly made ; that proceeding from grace to grace , we may at length come to be perfect in Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour . In whose Name and words we call upon Thee as he himself in his most holy Gospel hath taught us to pray , saying , Our Father , &c.