The peril of the times displayed. Or The danger of mens taking up with…

Woodward, a Divine of the Church of England. He further relates, that there are many Hundreds of Young men freely and solemnly engaging themselves to Live strictly, and as becomes our Holy Religion. Some of the ⟨p. 8⟩Articles or Orders, which they consent unto, and promise to walk accordingly, are these following (vid. p. 121. and 130.) That the Members of this Society shall meet together, one Evening in the week, at a convenient place, in order to encourage each other in Practical Holiness, by discoursing on Spiritual Subjects, and Reading Gods Holy Word, and to Pray to Almighty God, and to Praise His Name together. That none shall be admitted into this Society, without giving notice thereof to the Stewards, who shall acquaint the whole Society therewith; and after due enquiring into their religious purposes and manner of Life, the Stewards may Admit them to Subscribe their Names, if the major part of the Society allow it, and not otherwise, and with the like joint consent they may Exclude any Members proved guilty of any misbehaviour after due Admonition, unless he giveth sufficient Testimony of his Repentance and Amendment before the whole Society. It is recommended to every person concerned in this Society, to consider the many Inconveniences (and many times Sins) which attend Ale-houses and Games, and wholly decline them, and to shun all unnecessary Resort to such Houses and ⟨p. 9⟩Taverns, and wholly to avoid lewd Play-Houses. The Respective Members of this Society, shall heartily endeavour through Gods Grace, to be just in all their dealings, even to an Exemplary Strictness. To Pray many times every day, remembering our continual Dependence upon God, both for Temporal and Spiritual Things. To partake of the Lords Supper, at least once a month, if not prevented by a reasonable Impediment▪ To practise the profoundest meekness and humility. To watch against Censuring others. To accustom themselves to holy thoughts in a•l places To shun all foreseen occasions of evil. To think often of the different Estates of the Glorified, and the Damned in the Unchangeable Eternity, to which we are hastening. To examine themselves every night, what good or evil, they have done in the day past. To keep a private Fast once a month, (especially near their approach to the Lords Table) if at their own Disposal.