3 THE NEW ENGLAND PRIMER: PRAYERS, LESSONS, AND ADVICE

THE YOUNG INFANT’S OR CHILD’S MORNING PRAYER

Rev. Dr. Watts

1683

  Almighty God the Maker of every thing in Heaven and Earth; the Darkness goes away, and the daylight comes at thy Command. Thou art good and doest good continually. I thank thee that thou has taken such Care of me this night, and that I am alive and well this morning. Save me, O God, from Evil, all this Day long, and let me love and serve thee forever, for the Sake of Jesus Christ thy Son. Amen.

THE YOUNG INFANT’S OR CHILD’S EVENING PRAYER

Rev. Dr. Watts

O Lord God who knowest all things, thou seest me by Night as well as by Day. I pray thee for Christ’s Sake, forgive me whatsoever I have done amiss this Day, and keep me all this Night, while I am asleep. I desire to lie down under thy care, and to abide forever under thy Blessing, for thou art a God of all Power and everlasting Mercy. Amen.

A LESSON FOR CHILDREN

Pray to God. Love God. Fear God. Serve God. Take not God’s name in vain. Do not swear. Do not steal. Cheat not in your play. Play not with bad boys. Call no ill names. Use no ill words. Tell no lies. Hate lies. Speak the truth. Spend your time well. Love your school. Mind your book. Strive to learn. Be not a Dunce.

ADVICE TO YOUTH

Now in the heat of youthful blood,
Remember your Creator God;
Behold the months come hast’ning on,
When you shall say, My joys are gone.
Behold the aged sinner goes
Laden with guilt and heavy woes,
Down to the regions of the dead,
With endless curses on his head.
The dust returns to dust again,
The soul in agonies of pain,
Ascends to God not there to dwell,
But hears her doom and sinks to hell.
Eternal King I fear thy name,
Teach me to know how frail I am,
And when my soul must hence remove,
Give me a mansion in thy love.