Memorials of Godliness and Christianity, Directions
Particular Directions for the LORDS DAY.
1. REmember it before it comes for thy ſelf and family, that none of the ſacred time be loſt, through worldly buſineſs occaſioned by putting it off careleſly, wilfully, or ſleepineſs, by too much tiring out the ſpirits overnight, overwatching or overworking.
2. Count it a day of ſpiritual liberty, wherein thou and thine, may without interruption converſe with God, and benefit your ſouls.
3. Unleſs upon true neceſſity, make it not ſhorter than other days by late riſing, or early going to bed.
4. Rather, as much as thy body and ſpirit will give leave enlarge it, as a delightful opportunity of Good, by riſing earlier, and ſitting up as long as thou canſt.
5. Count the publick Aſſemblies, the ſolemneſt ſervice of the day, and let no pretence (ordinarily) hinder thee, or thine, from being preſent, from the firſt (continuing to the laſt) both moring and afternoon.
6. Let all private and Family-duties, tend to fit thee for, or to improve the pubilck.
7. Neglect not to take a through account of thy ſelf, of every main parcel of the Word, publickly read; namely of the ſeveral parts, one by one, the ſeveral Pſalms and Chapters, and learn ſomewhat from every one of them.
8. The better to do this, diſcourſe with thoſe that are willing to hear and anſwer, or ſuch as may not refuſe (as thy Inferiours) concerning each of theſe; this will help to remember, and quicken ſpiritual attention, of profitable things to be learned, above that which one would imagine. We loſe much benefit of the Word, becauſe we do not bend our minds to it.
9. As the maineſt Rule of wiſdom, in the ordering of time this day, to the beſt advantage, bethink thy ſelf over-night, or in the morning early (or both) what the preſent frame and temper of thy mind is, and what thou wanteſt, that thou maieſt ſtudy for a remedy to ſupply, and watch what God will ſpeak to thee in his Word, or by his Miniſter about it, that day.
10. Pray that thou maieſt be attentive to what ſpecially concerns thee, and particularly the matters ſo thought upon; and that without miſtake, and ſpecially without repugnance of ſpirit.
11. Admit not, as much as lies in thee, any unneceſſary worldly diſcourſe, no not at meals: rather than look moſt to it, as being the time of greateſt danger ordinarily.
12. Much leſs begin any worldly diſcourſe, whether among other Chriſtians, or other perſons.
13. Rather than ſquander away thoſe precious hours, or even minutes upon the world or vanity, if thou canſt with any convenience, retire thy ſelfe, and ſit alone in thy chamber.
14. By thy good will, admit not of any worldly thoughts being alone, or ſilent in company.
15. But pray, read, meditate, go in to good company (if any be near) ſleep were better, if any need of it, than when God and thy conſcience cal for thy thoughts (which are the preciouſeſt thing thou haſt) to beſtow them upon the world or vanity
16. Neglect not thy uſual perſonal devotions, but rather enlarge them.
17. Take ſpecial care to improve to the uttermoſt, the Word preached that day, by prayer, diſcourſe, meditation.
18. Take heed of the leaſt exceſs in thy diet, that thy ſoul loſe not of her nouriſhment, by that means.
19. Yet afflict not thy body ordinarily by faſting or overſpare diet, leaſt that alſo interrupt thee ſomewhat, beſides that it ſuites not ſo properly with a day of rejoycing, as this is.
20. Before thou go to reſt, fail not to conſider what this day thou haſt gained or loſt, that thou maiſt give thanks to pray.
The God of all wiſdom and peace teach us to know his will, and practice what we know more and more to his glory, and our everlaſting comfort, through Jeſus Chriſt. Amen.
FINIS.
End of the text · Herbert Palmer, Memorials of Godliness and Christianity (1670)