idolatry. Most of the holidays which are usually devoted by the world
to feasting-and mirth are very suitable occasions for Christians to fast
and pray; and this for several reasons: (1.) They are seasons of
leisure, when most people are disengaged from worldly pursuits. (2.) The
goodness of God should lead us to repentance. Instead of spending these
days in mirth over the blessings we have enjoyed, we should be looking
into our hearts, to examine the manner in which we have received them;
humbling ourselves on account of our ingratitude; and lifting up our
hearts and voices in thanksgiving for them. (3.) The first day of the
new year, birth-days, &c., are very suitable occasions for renewing our
past lives, repenting of our unfaithfulness, making resolutions of
amendment, and renewing afresh the solemn dedication of ourselves to
God.

When you set apart a day of fasting and prayer, you ought to have in
view some definite and particular objects. The day should be spent in
self-examination, meditation, reading the Scriptures, confession of sin,
prayer for the particular objects which bear upon your mind, and
thanksgiving for mercies received. Your self-examination should be as
practical as possible; particularly looking into the motives of your
prayers for the special objects which bear heavily upon your heart. Your
confession of sin should be minute and particular; mentioning every sin
you can recollect, whether of thought, word, or deed, with every
circumstance of aggravation. This will have a tendency to affect your
heart with a sense of guilt, produce earnest longings after holiness,
and make sin appear more hateful and odious. Your meditations should be
upon those subjects which are calculated to give you a view of the
exceeding sinfulness of sin, and the abounding mercy of God in Christ.
Your reading of the Scriptures should be strictly devotional. Your
prayers should be very particular, mentioning everything relating to the
object of your desires, and all the hindrances you have met in seeking
after it. Carry all your burdens to the foot of the cross, and there
lay them down. Your thanksgiving, also, should be very minute and
particular, mentioning every mercy and blessing which you can recollect,
with your own unworthiness, and every circumstance which may tend to
show the exceeding greatness of God's love, condescension, and mercy.

4. _Come to the work with a preparation of heart._ The best preparation
at al