X. These exercises ought to be performed in great since*

rity, without delay, laying aside all exercises of worldly busi- ness or hinderances, notwithstanding the mockings of atheists and profane men ; in respect of the great mercies of God to this land, and of his severe corrections wherewith lately he hath exercised us. And, to this effect, persons of eminency (and all elders of the kirk) not only ought to stir up them- selves and families to diligence herein, but also to concur effectually, that in all other families, where they have power and charge, the said exercises be conscionably performed. XI; Besides the ordinary duties in families, which arc above mentioned, extraordinary duties, both of humiliation and thanksgiving, are to be carefully performed in familiesj when the Lord, by extraordinary occasions, (private or publick,) calleth for them.