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vices by reading, by meditation, Eccles. v. 1, 2; and by putting away all filthiness, James i. 21. 1 Peter ii. 1, 2; that is, repenting of every sin; and casting away the superfluity of naughtiness; that is, let no sin be allowed or suffered to reign in you. Then pray for yourself, and for the minister, Eph. vi. 18 - 20, that God would give him a mouth to speak, and you an heart to hear, as you both ought to do. All this, before you shall assemble for public worship. Being thus prepared, bring your family with you to the church. Join with the minister and congregation. Set yourself as in the special presence of God, following the example of good Cornelius, Acts x. 33, with all reverence attending and consenting; saying Amen with understanding, faith, and affection, to the prayers uttered by the minister; believing, Heb. iv. 2, and obeying, James i. 22, whatsoever is by him commanded you from God. Afterward, by meditation, and by conference, Acts xvii. 11, 12; and if you have opportunity, by repetitions, call to mind, and wisely and firmly lay up in your heart what you have learned, Psa. cxix. 11. The like care must be had before, at, and after, the evening exercise.

The nature and design of baptism, and the Lord's Supper, &c.

1. If baptism be administered, stay, Ezek. xlvi. 10, and attend unto it, (1.) To honour that holy ordinance with the greater solemnity. (2.) And in charity to the persons to be baptized, joining with the congregation in hearty prayer for them, and in a joyful receiving them into the communion of the visible church. (3.) Also in respect of yourself. For hereby you may call to mind your own baptism, in which you did put on Christ, Gal. iii. 27, which also does lively represent the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, together with your crucifying the affections and lusts, Gal. v. 24; being dead and buried with him unto sin, and rising with him to newness of life, Rom. vi. 3 - 5, and to hope of glory, Col. i. 27. ii. 11 - 13; understanding clearly that the blood and Spirit of Christ, Heb. ix. 14, x. 22, signified by water, doth cleanse you