of mercy, viz. to Feed the hungry, and give drink to the thirsty, to Clothe the naked, to Harbour the stranger and needy, to Visit the sick, to Minister unto prisoners and captives, to Bury the dead. 9. Next to the Holy Commandments and injunctions of the Gospel, be diligent to observe the precepts of the Church, viz. 1. To observe the Festivals and Holydays. 2. To keep the Fasting-days with devo- 3. To observe the Ecclesiastical Customs science of those sins that may grieve you, or scruples that may trouble you, to a learned and discreet Priest, and from him to receive advice, and the benefit of Absolution. 10. Possess your soul with the fear of God, the Judge of all the earth, who is about your path, and about your bed, and spieth all your ways; and dare you sin in His presence? Dare you so highly affront Him to His face, before whom all things are naked and open ? 11. Before you betake yourself to your evening prayers, think upon all the day past how you have spent it; that is, what good or evil actions you have done, and what bad inclinations you have resisted or amended, asking God pardon for all the offences of it. 12. As you undress yourself, consider that the time is coming when you shall put off this body of flesh, as you do now the garments which cover its nakedness; and that you may do this in peace, and to your future happiness, your soul must now be stripped, and put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and put on that new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 13. As you enter into your bed, say, In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who was crucified upon His Cross, and laid into His grave for me, I lay me down to rest; He bless me, and keep me, He save me, and raise me up again; and bring me at last unto life eternal. Amen. 14. As you betake yourself to sleep, say, I WILL lay me down in peace, and take my rest; for it is Thou, Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety. Amen. HAVE mercy upon me, O Lord, now, and at the hour of death. Amen. PRESERVE me while I am waking, defend me while I am sleeping, that my soul may continually watch for Thee, and both body and soul may rest in Thy peace for ever. Amen. 15. Should you in the night time lie awake, say, O LORD, Thou bast proved and visited my heart in the night season, Thou hast tried O Blessed Father, purge me, that Thou mayest find no wickedness in me, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. me; K : LORD, give me grace to make haste, and not to prolong the time to keep Thy Commandments that I may call my own ways to remembrance, and turn my feet to Thy testimonies. And then, at midnight will I give Thee thanks, because of Thy righteous judgments, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Amen. 16. In case you are not presently disposed to sleep, devoutly repeat the 51st Psalm, which to that purpose you must be careful to get by heart. Have mercy on me, O God, &c. BRIEF HEADS OF SELF-EXAMINATION, by way of Articles upon the Ten Commandments, to be INQUIRED INTO BY EVERY CHRISTIAN, ESPECIALLY ON THE FRIDAY, OR THE DAY IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE HOLY SACRAMENT. ENTER into, and commune with thine own self, O my soul; judge thyself, that thou be not judged; condemn thyself, that thou be not condemned with the world; answer for thyself before God, and in the presence of His Holy Angels, Guilty or not guilty of transgressing the First Commandment in all, or any of these instances? 1. HAST thou at any time doubted whether there be a God, or of His providence or His power, of His mercy or justice, or any other of His attributes? 2. Hast thou neglected to know God, or |