been made, except in one single word, which, if particularly noticed by a Caviller, might possibly have administered to strife.

To the best of his power, the Editor has consulted the benefit of the Church of Christ; and, if this Volume be found in future better adapted to their use in the family and the closet, he shall consider his labour as very richly compensated.

ΤΟ

THE RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD,

JOHN,

LORD BISHOP OF CHICHESTER.

MY LORD;

I WAITED with some impatience to see that design accomplished by your accurate pen, which is here attempted now by my weak hand. Ever since you were pleased to acquaint me with your intention to publish something of this nature, it raised my expectation of your obliging the world with your printed PRAYERS, as you have done with many of your learned and seasonable SERMONS; but after you had let me know the reason of holding your hand, the same might have stopt mine too, and I should have desisted, had the good Doctor who prevented you, or any of those worthy AUTHORS that thus bestowed their pains, descended to such particulars, as I

thought fit for the use of those whom I

desire to serve.

But now that I am engaged, MY LORD, your favour showed to the well-meant performance here, has given me the boldness of this Dedication. And the advancement of such persons to high dignity in our CHURCH, as are known so well to deserve it, encourages me also to hope, that the gracious GOD hath yet a greater blessing for us than our own demerits give us reason to expect.

I beg your fatherly benediction upon me, and my poor endeavours, who am,

MY LORD,

Your obliged Kinsman,

In all humble Observance,

BEN. JENKS.

PREFACE.

To my Neighbours and Acquaintance, particularly those in the Parishes committed to my Care.

MY DEAR FRIENDS:

IT is especially for your sakes, and primarily for your service, that I publish this Manual of Prayers, fitted to the capacities of your minds, to the necessities of your souls, and to the several conditions and occasions of your lives. Notwithstanding all the books of devotion already extant (many of which are very useful and excellent in their kinds, and such as I should recommend to you without offering any other, did those with which I am best satisfied, reach as far as I have designed here to go; and did not I think the strain of some too high for many of you, and the words and expressions of others that I have seen in your hands, too low and flat, or too obsolete and improper, and which will rather offend, than edify such as have their senses better exercised