Page images
PDF
EPUB
[graphic]

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

A

FABLE XII. OF THE FISHERMAN AND THE FISH.

FISHERMAN having cast his line into the water, pre-
sently after drew
up a fish.

The little captive entreated the fisherman that he would spare her (she being but small) till she was grown larger; then she would suffer herself to be taken by him again.

No, no, replies the fisherman, I am not to be so served: if I let you go, I must never expect to see you any more; neither should I have caught you now, if you had known there was a hook within the bait: and I was always of that temper, that whatever I could catch, I had rather take it away than leave it behind me.

The interpretation.

Never let go a certainty for an uncertainty.

9

PART V.

PARTICULAR FORMS OF PRAYER.

PUBLIC PRAYERS FOR The use of SCHOOLS.

IN THE MORNING.

LMIGHTY God, the fountain of all wisdom, we humbly beseech thee to pour into our hearts, as into their proper channels, the pure waters of learning. And because thou hast made no man for himself ouly, but all of us for the mutual help of each other, grant that we may so diligently apply ourselves to our studies, that, increasing every day in piety and good literature, we may at length become not only useful to ourselves, but ornamental also, both to the state we live in, and to the true holy catholic church. More espe

cially we pray thee, to give us all grace to grow wise unto the eternal salvation of our immortal souls; and this we beg for Jesus Christ his sake: in whose holy name and words we further pray unto thee saying,

[ocr errors]

UR Father, which 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.

TH

HE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

IN THE EVENING.

ALMIGHTY God, and most merciful Father, we humbly pray thee to forgive all the errors and transgressions which thou hast beheld in us the day past; and help us to express our unfeigned sorrow for what has been amiss by our care to amend it. What we know not, do thou teach us: instruct us in our duty, both towards thee, and towards men; and give us grace always to do these things which are good and well pleasing in thy sight. Whatsoever good instructions have been here given this day, grant that they may be carefully remembered and daily followed; and

whatsoever good desires thou hast put into our hearts, grant that by the assistance of thy grace they may be brought to good effect; that thy name may have the honour, and ourselves may have the comfort at the day of account, through Jesus Christ our Saviour; in whose holy name and words we further pray unto thee, saying, Our Father, &c.

PRIVATE PRAYERS.

A PRAYER FOR WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE, TO BE SAID BY A CHILD GOING TO SCHOOL, OR AT ANY OTHER TIME.

na

ALMIGHTY Lord and merciful Father, maker of heaven and earth, who of thy free liberality givest wisdom abundantly to all, who with faith and full assurance ask it of thee: beautify by the light of thy heavenly grace, the towardness of my wit; the which, with all the powers of ture thou hast poured into me, that I may not only understand those things which may effectually bring me to the Knowledge of thee, and the Lord Jesus our Saviour; but also with my whole heart and will, constantly follow the same, and receive daily increase through thy bountiful good.css towards me, as well in good life as in doctrine: so that theu who workest all things in all creatures, mayest make thy gracious benefits shine in me, to the endless glory and honour of thine immortal majesty. Amen.

A MORNING PRAYER FOR A CHILD.

LORD our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought me to the beginning of this day, defend me in the same with thy mighty power. Direct me in all my laudable and praise worthy undertakings for the best, and bless me in them. Enlighten my understanding, strengthen my memory, sanctify my heart, and guide me in my life. Let the duties of this day be cheerfully undergone by me; and give me grace so to apply myself to my learning, that I may thereby become a useful member of the commonwealth. Grant that I may be obedient to my parents and to those who have the care of my education, to behave myself soberly, and with good manners to every one, and that I may lead an innocent and inoffensive life. Lord, protect and defend all my relations and friends; and grant that none of us may fall into sin, neither run into any kind of danger, but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance to do always that which is righteous in thy sight: through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

[ocr errors]

AN EVENING PRAYER FOR A CHILD.

LORD God Almighty, by whose providence I have been preserved this day from all dangers that might have befallen me, 1 humbly beseech thee to continue thy watchful providence over me this night. Let my guardian angel defend me from all the perils and dangers of it; and from all assaults of my spiritual enemies. And do thou, who art always more ready to hear than I am to pray, and are wont to give more than either I desire or deserve, pour down upon me the abundance of thy mercy; forgiving me those things whereof my conscience is afraid, and giving me those good things which I am not worthy to ask: graft in my heart the love of thy name; increase in me true religion; nourish me with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep me in the same. And grant, O Lord, that I may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that I fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises, which exceed all that I can desire through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

GRACE BEFORE MEAT.

ANCTIFY, we beseech thee, O Lord, these creatures to our use and our-, selves to thy service; through Jesus Christ our Lord.—Amen.

GRACE AFTER MEAT.

OD'S holy name be blessed and praised for this present refreshment; and for all his mercies from time to time bestowed upon us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[ocr errors]

BEFORE GOING INTO THE CHURCH. TAY here all worldly thoughts, and all vanities, that I may entertain heavenly meditations.

FOR A CHILD SEATING HIMSELF IN THE CHURCH. LORD, I am now in thy presence, grant me such a measure of thy grace, as may enable me seriously to attend to thy most sacred word; and obediently to practise the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

WHEN DIVINE SERVICE IS ENDED.

LORD, pardon the coldness and wanderings of all my petitions: and deal with me according to my needs, and thine own rich mercies: bless me this day, and all the rest of my life; and grant me thy heavenly grace, That I may ever hereafter serve thee with a clean heart to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

FINIS.

« PreviousContinue »