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Nothing can be of more moment to you, than living virtuously on earth, as the salvation of your souls in future is one of the objects nearest my heart. May you practise this friendly admonition contained herein, being assured I wish no harm or evil to any part of the human race, but for the love of my Redeemer, and the certain hopes of mankind zealous in faith and good works being rewarded with perpetual bliss, which the wicked and the negligent in pure religion will not inherit, unless they be reclaimed, and walk in newness of life, like the good and faithful which will produce repentance, and forgiveness from past sins, is the only object of my addressing this small tract of religion for your future private and public conduct. It is almost ten years since my late most invaluable friend, John Randolph, late bishop of London, Bangor, and Oxford, in the year 1804, conferred on me an everlasting monument of friendship (which had existed unshaken more than thirty years), in presenting me to the living of Orton on the Hill; and with tributes of gratitude I daily looked upon it my bounden duty to have prayed for him during his life, and for the benefit of his surviving widow and family, for their present and future happiness; knowing you cannot be displeased at my imitating such a great example of Christianity, to invite you to pursue the blessed steps of a merciful Redeemer, who came into the world to save miserable lost sinners. It was my first inquiry to know your characters and circumstances individually, and having minutely watched and observed your actions, though not extreme to mark what has been done amiss, I will allow there has been great improvement in general in religious exercises since my first appearance among you. Some exceptions there are, and I am fearful ever will be; there being scarce any flock without some wandering sheep; yet happy should I be, if both my parishes were more exemplary in temperance, integrity, religion, and chastity, than any others in the diocese of Lincoln; but remember, those who have been exceptions, I have gently warned them of their errors and manner of life, privately at home, as well as in the church, to turn from their evil ways, and live; for why should the obstinate sinner practise bad habits, which will ruin both body and soul, instead of being forgiven by a merciful God, on hearty sorrow and repentance? In the first place, I shall recommend private prayers, morning and evening, to you in your respective dwellings, that God may bless your industrious, honest endeavours, in this life with prosperity, and patiently to bear adversity. In the morning, the first thing you think on, think on your God that made you, and his Son Jesus Christ, who redeemed the whole world from sin, and upon your bended knees offer up these two following prayers, and when finished, rise up and say your belief; and ye that are parents, teach them your children before you go to your daily labour.