November 2002

By far the oldest book in my study is ‘The Practice of Piety’ by Lewis Baily, one time Bishop of Bangor. In the preface (written for the first edition) he dedicates the volume to ‘the High and Mighty Prince Charles, Prince of Wales’, later to become Charles I. It was a book treasured by John Bunyan and his first wife Mary. Such was its popularity that it was reprinted in some forty editions between 1612 and 1700. My version dates from 1684. Its binding is in a better condition than several much newer books on my shelves. Its size is just right. I love to hold it and imagine whose hands have held it before mine over the last three centuries. Some pages have annotations evidently made in a quill pen.

Though the language is in places quaint, Baily’s exhortations are both practical and timeless. This is especially true of the following adapted extract on Bible reading and prayer in the morning:

Brief directions how to read the Holy Scriptures

‘Before thou prayest in the morning, read a chapter in the Word of God. Then meditate a while with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it:

First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works, and to a holy life.

Second, what threatenings of judgement against such and such a sin, and what fearful examples of God’s punishment or vengeance upon such and such sinners.

Third, what blessings God promises to patience, chastity, mercy, alms-deeds, zeal in his service, charity, faith and trust in God.

Fourth, what gracious deliverances God hath wrought, and what special blessings he hath bestowed upon them who were his true servants.

Fifth, apply these things to thine own heart, and read not these chapters as matters of historical discourse, but as if they were so many letters sent down from God out of heaven unto thee.

Sixth, read them therefore with that reverence, as if God himself stood by, and spake these words unto thee.

‘In a word, apply all that thou readest in holy Scripture to one of these two heads chiefly; either to confirm thy faith, or to increase thy repentance. The reading of the Bible in order will help thee the better to understand both the history and scope of the Holy Scripture.

But it may be thou wilt say that thy business will not permit thee so much time, as to read every morning a chapter. O man, remember that thy life is but short, and all this business is but for the use of this short life: but salvation or damnation is everlasting! Rise up therefore every morning by so much time the earlier. Defraud thy soggy flesh of so much sleep; but rob not thy soul of her food, nor God of his service. And serve the Almighty while thou hast time and health.

Meditations to stir us up to prayer in the morning

‘Think not any business or haste (though never so great) a sufficient excuse to omit prayer in the morning, but meditate:

1. That the greater thy business is, the more need thou hast to pray for God’s good speed and blessing thereon: feeling it is certain that nothing can prosper without his blessing.
2. That many a man, when he thought himself surest, hath been soonest crossed – so mayest thou.
3. That many a man hath gone out of his door and never come in again. Many a man who rose well and lively in the morning hath been a dead man ’ere night. So may it befall thee.
4. That the time spent in prayer never hindereth, but furthereth and prospereth a man’s journey and business.

A brief prayer for the morning

‘O merciful Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, I beseech thee forgive me all my known and secret sins, which in thought, word or deed I have committed against thy divine majesty; and deliver me from those judgments which are due unto me for them: and sanctify my heart with thy Holy Spirit, that I may henceforth lead a more godly life.

I praise thy holy name that thou hast refreshed me this night with moderate sleep and rest. I beseech thee likewise, defend me this day from all perils and dangers of body and soul. I commend myself to thy blessed protection and government, that whether I live or die I may live and die to thy glory. Bless me therefore O Lord in my going out and coming in. And grant that whatsoever I shall think, speak, or take in hand this day, may tend to the glory of thy name, the good of others, and the comfort of mine own conscience, when I shall come to make before thee my last accounts.

If I at any time this day shall through frailty forget thee, yet Lord I beseech thee, do thou in mercy remember me.

And I pray not for myself alone but I beseech thee also be merciful unto thy whole Church wheresoever they live upon the face of the earth. Defend them from the rage and tyranny of the devil, the world, and Antichrist. Give thy gospel a free and joyful passage through the world, for the conversion of those who belong to thine election.

Grant this, O Heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ thy Son’s sake, in whose blessed name I give thee thy glory, and beg at thy hands all other graces which thou seest to be needful for me this day.’

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