es (except in the cases mentioned in these
Directions) are to be disapproved, as tending to the hinderance of the
Religious exercise of each Familie by it self, to the prejudice of the
publike Ministery, to the renting of the Families of particular
Congregations, and (in progresse of time) of the whole Kirk: besides many
offences which may come thereby, to the hardning of the hearts of carnall
men, and grief of the godly.

VIII. On the Lords Day, after every one of the Family apart, and the whole
Family together have sought the Lord (in whose hands the preparation of
mens hearts are) to fit them for the publicke Worship, and to blesse to
them the publike Ordinances; The Master of the Familie ought to take care
that all within his charge repair to the publike Worship, that he and they
may joyne with the rest of the Congregation; And, the publike Worship
being finished, after prayer, he should take an account what they have
heard, And thereafter to spend the rest of the time which they may spare,
in Catechising and in spirituall conferences upon the Word of God; Or else
(going apart) they ought to apply themselves to reading, meditation, and
secret prayer, that they may confirme and increase their Communion with
God; That so the profit which they found in the publike Ordinances may bee
cherished and promoved, and they more edified unto eternall life.

IX. So many as can conceive prayer; ought to make use of that gift of God:
Albeit these who are rude and weaker may begin at a set form of prayer;
But so, as they bee not sluggish in stirring up in themselves (according
to their daily necessities) the spirit of prayer, which is given to all
the children of God in some measure. To which effect, they ought to bee
the more fervent and frequent in secret prayer to God, for enabling of
their hearts to conceive, and their tongues to expresse convenient desires
to God for their Familie. And in the mean time, for their greater
encouragement, let these materialls of prayer be meditated upon, and made
use of, as followeth.

Let them confesse to God how unworthy they are to come in his presence,
and unfit to worship his Majesty; And therefore earnestly ask of God the
spirit of prayer.

They are to confesse their sins, and the sins of the Family accusing,
judging, and condemning themselves for them, till they bring their souls
to some measure of true humiliation.

They are to pour out their souls to God, in the Name of Christ, by th