I 



166 A DISCOURSE 



fhhigs living with thy hountij. Vouchsafe, therefore, O Lord, the blessings 

 of the heavens, and the dews from ahove : the blessings of the springs, 

 and the deep from beneath : the returns of the sun, the conjunctions of the 

 moon : the benefit of the rising mountains, and the lasting hills : the 

 fulness of the earth, and all that breed therein : 



A fruitful season. 

 Temperate air. 

 Plenty of corn, 

 Abunda?ice of fruits. 

 Health of body, and 

 Peaceable times ; 

 Good and wise government. 

 Prudent counsels. 

 Just laws. 



Righteous judgments. 

 Loyal obedience. 

 Due execution of justice. 

 Sufficient store for life, 

 Happy births. 

 Good and fair plenty. 

 Breeding and institution of 

 children. 



That our sons may grow up as the young plants, and our daughters may 

 be as the polished corners of the temple : that our garners may be full 

 and plenteous with all manner of store : that our sheep may bring forth 

 thousands: that our oxen may be strong to labour: that there be no 

 decay ; no leading into captivity ; no complaining in our streets : but that 

 every man may sit under his own vine, and under his own fig-tree, in 

 thanlfulness to thee ; sobriety, and charity to his neighbour ; and in what- 

 soever other estate thou wilt have him, therewith to be contented : and this 

 for Jesus Christ his saJee, to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 



Hitherto I have spoken of trees, their kinds, and propagation in par- 

 ticular. I shall now say a word or two concerning their ordering in 

 general, as it relates to coppices, lopping, feUing, &c. After this, 

 I shall add something concerning their uses as to fuel, &c. and cast such 

 accidental lessons into a few aphorisms, as could not well be more 

 regularly inserted. I shall next give some serious observations in 

 reference to the main design and project of this Discourse, as it concerns 

 the improvement of his Majesty's forests for the honour and security 

 of the whole kingdom. And, lastly, I shall put a conclusion to this work 

 with an historical account of the sacredness and use of SxANDixa 

 Groves. 



