you, Beloved, I am more sensible of my own frailty, than to reckon upon a much longer continuance in the world (which we all shall find to be so short a thoroughfare to the place of our eternal abode) and while I live, I desire nothing more from than the consolation of observing your devotion, and striving together with me in your prayers for your own salvation. And when I am dead and gone, I would leave behind me, not only some token of my love to you, but also some assistance in that way of your duty, wherein you are to follow those who are already entered into the heavenly glory. I am apt to think, that some who are convinced of this duty (to use daily prayers) and who also feel an inclination to it, and some disposedness for it in their hearts, may yet be under a discouragement for want of suitable helps in a readiness to discharge the work. For such, alas! is the dulness and indifferency of sinful men to that which is best for them, and which most highly. concerns them, that they are not apt to be. solicitous (so as they use to show themselves in their worldly concerns) to seek out after the provisions and conveniences for the spiritual life, unless these fall directly in their way, and are set just before them. And therefore this Prayer Book I have had in my thought to provide, and put into the hands of some of the poorer sort; and (without imposing upon any) I would also move such able friends, as may favour the design, to lend a charitable hand in assisting to furnish more of those poor creatures, who by the help of such a gift, might be put in a way to get the best and greatest riches: but I shall not offer to disturb any that are in the possession of better means already; no, let them go on with the use of them, and God's blessing be upon them; and if but any thing here should be found agreeable and useful to others, they are at liberty to collect and take what they will, and pass over the rest. For (as the celebrated Dr. Hammond tells us) [Pract. Cat. book 3. sect. 2, answ. 5.] "The Church being obeyed in the observation of the prescribed Liturgy, in public; it is not supposed by our Church, but that every one in private, may ask his own wants in what form of words he shall think fit yet, that he may do it fitly and reverently, it will not be amiss for him to acquaint himself with the several addresses to God, which the Book of Psalms, and other parts of Holy Writ, and other Helps of Devotion, will afford him, either to use as he finds them fit for the present purpose, or by those patterns, to direct and prepare himself to do the like." Now may this poor attempt of mine be an in vitation to some of my pious and learned brethren Your devoted Servant in the Work of our LORD, B. J. CONTENTS |