St. John hath transmitted to us one compleat Prayer of his which he used together with his Disciples a little before he was betray'd r John 17. Of the Apostles we read that being met soon after their Lord's ascension they all continued with one accord in Prayer and Supplication Act. 1. 14. Likewise when they were to fill up their number by chusing one into the room of Judas Å¿ Act. 1. 24. and when being assembled at another time the Holy-Ghost fell on them t Act. 2. 1. Again when they were together for the Election of the seven u Act. 6. 6. Thus auspiciously did these wise Master-builders of the Christian Church lay the foundation of their great Work in the humble duty of Prayer The Christians living in the succeeding times of Heathen Persecution were not asham'd nor afraid to worship their God and Saviour when it was most despis'd and frown'd upon by the then ruling Powers and they had Zeal enough to keep up their Religious Meetings though they did thereby run the greatest hazard of their Estates Liberty and Life it self They came together to one place to pray having one common Prayer and with one mind w Ignat. Epist ad Magnes When any new Converts were to be admitted into the Church the great Lesson was They were taught to fast and pray to call upon God for remission of Sins the whole Congregation also fasting and praying Then were they brought to a certain place where Water was c. and after they had been baptiz'd They were brought to the place of the Congregation whither the Brethren were assembled to make their common Prayers to God both for themselves and the baptized x Jus â—â—r Apol. 2. Looking up to Heaven saith Tertullian we pray with hands wide open because they are innocent bare-headed because we are not asham'd without a Monitor because our Prayers are from the heart y Tertul. Apol c. 30. And again We meet in an Assembly or Congregation that we may besiege God with our Prayers as with an Army such violence is pleasing to him z Ib. c. 2. 9 When the Persecutions were so hot and furious that they were not permitted to assemble openly they did then betake themselves to subterraneous Vaults to Fields and desert places and would rather want their sleep than the opportunities of their Devotion for they had their Coetus antelucani a Tertul. de Coron Mil. Assemblies before day their Nocturnae Convocationes b Idem ad Vxor lib. 2. Congregations in the night time And as 't was reported by one of their Persecutors who had made strict enquiry into their way of living They did use to meet together at appointed times before day and sing Hymns to the honour of Christ as God c Plin. l. 10. Epist 97. Moreover their frequency in this holy Exercise is very memorable for beside the morning and evening they had every day three other times of Devotion which being the same as before to the Jews were at the third the sixth and ninth hour or according to our division of the day at nine in the morning at noon and at three in the afternoon Their regard to these hours is supposed to be in imitation of the holy Apostles which is the account given of it by some of the Fathers d Tertul. lib. de Jejun c. 10. Cypr. de orat dom Hieron in Dan. c. 6. Basil in Ascetic for it was the third hour when they were all with one accord in one place Act. 2. 1. 15. at the sixth Peter went up upon the House-top to pray Act. 10. 9. and it was the ninth hour by St. Luke called the hour of Prayer when Peter and John went into the Temple Act. 3. 1. There is no doubt but the Apostles did herein comply with the custom of the Jews as they did in other cases to avoid offence and the better to gain them over to the Faith and from their example it got the rather into the practice of other Christians though without any real obligation on the Conscience for no hour of the day is in it self more acceptable to God than another nor is any preferr'd in the Apostolical Writings but 't is commanded indifferently that we pray at all times e Eph. 2. 18. And this much Tertullian hath declared when speaking of these hours he doth interpose that the observance of them should be Salva indifferentia f Tertul. de Jejun c. 10. with this caution or reserve that it be not thought any necessary duty And he subjoyns a good reason when he reckons it in the number of those things Quae carent Scripturae authoritate That have nothing from Scripture obliging us to them Wherefore we may not vindicate that extravagant honour given to certain Canonical hours as they are call'd both of day and night or the peremptory imposition of them as if they had some peculiar holiness in them or were prescrib'd by a divine Command which afterward obtain'd when Superstition had prevail'd in the Church Nor would we lead the pious Christian near the Confines of the Messalians otherwise called Euchitae an Enthusiastic sort of Heretics who misunderstanding some Texts of Scripture had the vanity to think that their whole time was to be spent in Prayer Whence they cast off all worldly Employments persuading others to do the like and did moreover reject the holy Sacraments and other duties of Religion as accounting Prayer alone sufficient to Salvation g Theod. Hist lib. 4. cap. 11. Aug. Haeres 57. But however the devout practice of the ancient Christians as before mention'd should teach us to be assiduous and frequent in this holy Exercise And though we cannot charge the Conscience with a religious regard to any particular hours because God himself hath not done it yet from the reasons of the Duty it self and from the Scripture Precepts that enjoyn its frequency we must in the general declare it a sinful omission in any Christian if he do not ordinarily twice every day at least worship God in Prayer beside other times of doing the same when usual opportunities or any special occasion shall call him to it In the Jewish Church the morning and evening Sacrifice were appointed by God himself h Exod. 29. 38 39. and hereby saith Calvin they were taught to begin and end the day with the invocation and worship of God i Calv. in cap. 3. Act. Apost Likewise the burning of Incense on the golden Altar was order'd to be at the same times k Exod. 30. 7 8. And surely these are also the fittest seasons for the Spiritual Oblations of our Christian Worship For since our whole time is made up of night and day it seems very meet and expedient whether we respect God or our selves that at the beginning and end of these we should present our Religious Service and Prayers to him in whom we still live and move
and have our being The morning is a fit time wherein to worship and praise God by whom we have been preserv'd and refreshed the night foregoing as also for desiring the guidance and protection of his Grace and Providence and his Blessings both on our selves and our undertakings the day following St. Cyprian doth exhort Christians to pray in the morning that the resurrection of Christ which was at that time may be then celebrated by them l Cypr. de erat Dom. The evening is a time no less convenient wherein to return our Adoration and Thanksgiving for the mercies of the day past to humble our selves for the Sins therein committed as likewise wherein to beg a comfortable sleep and security from all the perils of darkness in the night ensuing And the same holy Martyr doth recommend evening Prayer that so the Sun and Light of this World being withdrawn from us we may then desire the Spiritual Light and the coming of Christ whom he calls the true Sun m Ibid. We may also add that at these periods of our time we are most at liberty from worldly business and therefore the better dispos'd for Religious Duty For in the morning we are not as yet engag'd in the employments of the day and when even is come they are commonly over and laid aside So that our Devotion as thus timed is like to be performed in a manner more pleasing to God and without hindrance to us in respect of ordinary affairs And that we may be persuaded to the daily practice of this so great and necessary Duty we now proceed to alledge some Arguments which if duly considered will not fail of success I. We are oblig'd to it by God's command who hath always required that men should in this way of humble address honour him and seek his goodness It was impos'd on the Jews when they were bid To worship the Lord n Deut. 26. 10. and to serve him o Deut. 6. 13. 10. 20. and that Prayer was hereby enjoyn'd we have the authority of a great Jewish Doctor It is an affirmative Precept saith Maimonides that men pray to God every day for it is said Ye shall serve the Lord your God p Apud Lud. Cappel in c. 3. Act. Apost Likewise God calls for the same from all people Look unto me and be ye saved all ye ends of the earth Isa 45. 22. And the punishment of their neglect herein is expressed by Jeremiah Pour out thy fury upon the Heathen that know thee not and upon the Families that call not upon thy name Jer. 10. 25. But in the Gospel Prayer is more often and earnestly commanded Our Saviour enjoyn'd his Disciples to watch and pray q Mar. 13. 33. to watch and pray always r Luke 21. 36. He teacheth them that men ought always to pray and not to faint Å¿ Luke 18. 1. And for our direction and assistance in it he hath pleas'd to prescribe us a form compos'd by himself In the Apostolical Writings the same duty is very much urg'd We are exhorted to betake our selves to God in Prayer on all occasions In every thing by prayer and supplication let your Requests bee made known unto God Phil. 4. 6. To call upon him in every place wherever we happen to be I will therefore that men pray every where 1. Tim. 2. 8. To be constant and unwearied in the same for we must continue in Prayer t Col. 4. 2. and pray without ceasing u 1 Thes 5. 17. We must pray always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit and watch thereunto with all perseverance w Eph. 6. 18. Now Almighty God having thus clearly and so often declared his Royal will and command there is no room for debate whether we are to conform to it or no His just authority over us is so great that we cannot but own our selves oblig'd to obey in cases most difficult and troublesom And how then can we be excus'd should we refuse to do it where the duty requir'd is both easie in it self and also that on which our own interest doth very much depend For II. 'T is no small enforcement of this Divine Command that Prayer is also declared in Scripture as a condition on our part by which we become capable of receiving those good things whereof we stand in need Though God be infinitely good in himself and delights in being so to others yet we cannot think he will force his Blessings on such as care not to beg them at his hands No we often read it is quite otherwise for when God giveth good things 't is to them that ask him x Mat. 7. 11. To such only our Saviour hath given assurance that they shall receive y Luke 11. 10. John 16. 24. And he himself would not engage to effect any kindness for his Disciples by his own intercession unless they should also petition for it If saith he ye shall ask any thing in my name I will do it z John 14. 14. When God is said to be nigh unto his people 't is but In all things that they call upon him for a Deut. 4. 7. and if they seek him then he will be found b 2 Chron. 15. 2. Nor shall they find him neither unless they seek him with all their heart c Deut. 4. 29. Jer. 29. 13. If he promise to deliver in the time of trouble he requires to be first call'd upon d Psal 50. 15. If he deliver the Righteous 't is after they cry unto him e Psal 34. 17. That God doth suspend his giving forth his mercies to men on their Prayers for them is clearly express'd in that of St. James where he assigns their not praying for a cause or reason of their not receiving Ye have not because ye ask not f Jam. 4. 2. And this holy Duty is so indispensable in order to our obtaining the favours of Heaven that though God pass his word and make an express promise of bestowing any particular Mercies yet there is no actual performance until he be sought unto for the same Of this we find an instance in the Prophet by whom God had in absolute terms declared of many and good things he purposed to do for his people Israel and had confirm'd their belief thereof with this I the Lord have spoken it I will do it However after all it is subjoyn'd I will yet for this be enquir'd of by the house of Israel g Ezech. 36. 37. So that plainly Prayer is still one condition on which the promises of God are made and his beneficence to be expected by us If we fail in it there is little reason to hope he will bestow his benefits or send us any relief in our time of need III. The duty doth appear highly reasonable and expedient from the consideration of God who is the object of our Prayer as that he is infinitely
A PERSWASIVE TO FAMILY DEVOTION IT was an excellent resolution of Joshua As for me and my house we will serve the Lord a Josh 24. 15. which that great General solemnly declar'd to all the Tribes of Israel letting them know that whether they would as he had exhorted them serve the Lord or no and although all of them should forsake his Worship or bestow the honour due to him on false Gods yet for his part he had fully purpos'd that he would adhere to Jehovah the only true God and honour him with his religious service nor would he only do it himself but also take care that his own house or family and all belonging to it should do the same and it is a laudable instance of like piety in the good King David when he saith I will walk in my house with a perfect heart b Psa 101. 2. professing thereby his serious intention as a domestick Governour to discharge his duty to God with all sincerity and exactness in the discipline and good order of his Houshold in which it must be chiefly impli'd he would take great care that Religion might be there had in due regard and God be faithfully honour'd by himself and by all about him These examples of Domestick piety in two such eminent persons may well challenge the esteem and imitation of all who are Heads and Masters of Families and as many as are in that relation are to be put in mind that if they would be indeed religious if they will serve the Lord and do it with a perfect heart 't is not enough that it be done by themselves only but moreover they are to see to it that the Duties of Religion be perform'd by all under their charge There are indeed many offices of Christian Oeconomicks to which the Governours of Families are oblig'd as to make necessary provision for those of the Houshold to give them a good example of sobriety and all vertue and to discharge their particular obligations to their several Relatives as they are Husbands Fathers and Masters but the principal Duty and of greatest consequence is that they take care to have family Devotion exercis'd in their houses by daily prayer and reading the holy Scriptures this is that which God doth especially require of them and wherein the good and welfare both of themselves and those living with them is most of all concern'd and beside the general considerations moving hereunto taken from the adorable nature of God from our dependance on him and the great importance of piety in order to happiness There are some others which do more particularly respect domestick Governours and their Families As I. The honour and service of God for which we were all born ought carefully to be promoted by every good Christian for God made us for himself c Prov. 16. 4. and we are commanded in whatever we do to seek his glory d 1 Cor. 10. 31. it therefore behoveth us to improve all advantages for this great end and since the Governours of Families as such are in a capacity for setting up the worship of God and have power over those who live under their Roof for causing this holy exercise to be attended by them not to do it must needs be reckon'd a most hainous omission If a Christian Magistrate should make no provision for having the Duties of Religion publickly celebrated by his Subjects in all Parts of his Dominion 't would be judged a very scandalous neglect and it might justly be doubted whether he were really what he profess'd to be Now if the Prince be thus oblig'd to use his power for the service of God and Religion how can we judge otherwise of lesser Governours and how shall it be thought that Masters of Families have any true Principles towards God or any regard to his honour while they take no care to have his worship perform'd within their private jurisdiction If I be a Father saith God where is my honour If I be a Master where is my fear e Mal. 1. 6. It cannot be thought that men believe they have a Father in Heaven while they care not to give evidence of their dutiful observance and veneration of him and are not at all concern'd that reverential regard be paid him by others nor can we suppose they really own any severe Master above while they are not afraid to neglect his service and the promotion of his honour which is the work he hath impos'd on them and that for which they were sent into the World Wherefore domestick Governours as they would be thought to have understanding enough to know whence they are and for what they were made as they would avoid the most disgraceful and odious censure of being reckoned atheistical are highly concern'd both for attesting the reality of their Faith and Religion and for answering the great design of their being to employ the authority they have in their own houses for Gods glory in ordering the duties of Religion to be there piously observ'd by all belonging to them II. They may also consider it is most just and reasonable that some portions of that time which God hath given them should be allotted to himself and his service as well as all the rest to their own occasions and that he from whom they hold their Lives and Estates should daily be own'd and honour'd by their adoration and thanksgiving as they expect from their Servants that they execute their commands and labour in the work they set them about from the beginning of the day to the end thereof so they must not think it much if the great Master of us all who is in heaven f Eph. 6. 9. Col. 4. 1. have some share of their service each Morning and Evening God hath been pleas'd to take great care that the Governours of Families shall receive the duty and observance of all about them by giving strict charge that their Wives be subject g Col. 3. 18. 1 Pet. 3. 1. their Children obedient h Eph. 6. 1 2. Col. 3. 20. and that their Servants fulfill their commands with fear singleness of heart and good will i Eph. 6. 5 6 7. Col. 3. 22. 1 Pet. 2. 18. and therefore 't is but reason and ingenuity that they make like return to God by using their authority and best endeavour that the same members of their Families pay their just honour and service to him and this they cannot better do then by obliging them to the acts of his worship and the daily exercises of devotion But against those Christians in whose Families the worship of God is neglected the Heathen may one day rise up in judgment for their Religion such as it was they did not confine to their Temples abroad but paid moreover a devout regard at home to the Lares and Penates which were their Houshold Gods and therefore usually called dii familiares and by Tertullian dii domestici k Tertul.
the Spirit t Eph. 6. 17. who doth make use of it in slaying the Lusts and Vices of men and subduing them to the Kingdom of Christ but the Divine Grace is never wanting to them who make a diligent use of this written Word which is the outward means by God appointed and he is ready to assist the same with his own concurrence and blessing Since therefore the goodness and condescention of Almighty God have been so great in vouchsafing the holy Scripture which is his kind Epistle from Heaven imparting his mind to us for our own good what a rude and ungrateful indignity will it be if we care not to read it Since he hath given this light shining in a dark place as 't is called by St. Peter u 1 Pet. 1. 19. that we might not stumble and perish how great is the madness if hiding it under a Bushel w Mat. 5. 15. or shutting our Eyes against it we love darkness more than light x Joh. 3. 19. It is our singular happiness above most other Nations of the Christian world that this Heavenly treasure doth lie open to us in a Language which the unlearned can understand 't is not Heresie with us if a Laick read the Bible nor a Capital crime if he keep one in his house that is in his own Vulgar tongue but the Guilt and Condemnation will be much greater if having this advantage any shall refuse to make use of it It may further recommend to Christian Families the constant use of Prayer and the sacred Scriptures as very necessary to an holy Conversation if we mention what St. Austine hath said to this purpose to whom a great regard is due not only for his Eminent knowledge of Divine things but also for his own great experience in the Practice of Piety by him it is declar'd that the best of men have need of Prayer every day as that by which they secure themselves against the assaults of Sin and Satan By Prayer saith he they strive with the more vigilance and stoutness against the Devil the Prince and King of all Vices that so his deadly suggestions may nothing prevail y Lib. De Continent cap. 8. and elsewhere The daily reading of the Scriptures doth purifie all things it strikes into us the fear of Hell and stirs up the heart of the Reader to the joys of Heaven Whoever would be always with God ought always to Pray and Read for when we pray we are speaking with God and when we read God is speaking with us z De Temp. Serm. 112. likewise hitherto belongs what Tertullian hath said in this very case of domestick Piety when upbraiding the Heathen with their unprofitable Devotion to the Lares excluding that of the true Religion which would be of real benefit to them Quae dei mentio quae Christi invocatio Vbi fomenta fidei ex Scripturarum interlectione a Tert. ad Vxor l. 2. â— 6. he taxeth their Folly as well as Impiety that while in their several Families they were very punctual and solemn in performing superstitious Rites to the Houshold Gods they took no notice of him who was God indeed wholly neglecting the Christian Devotion of Prayer and Reading the holy Scriptures which should nourish in them the saving Faith and Religion of the Gospel VIII It may be another inforcement of Family Devotion to mention how well it hath been practis'd by the Ancient Christians for it ought to have the Authority of an Argument and should demand our Imitation to have before us the good examples of those who were in the first and purer Ages of Christianity now of them it doth appear that they were exceeding careful and zealous in the daily performance of Religious Duties within their Houses in the Morning and Evening of each day all of the same Family did joyn in their Devotion as may be Collected from what we find to this purpose in the Fathers of those times b Clem. Alex paed l. 2. c. 9. Cypr. de Orat. dom Basil in Ascit Chrysost Hom. l. De precat They would not begin the day without desiring the blessing of God on themselves and their undertakings throughout the same nor did they lie down to rest without returning him thanks and imploring his watchful care over them After Supper ended saith Clemens Alexandrinus having render'd our Thanks and Praise to God for that he had supply'd us in the day with the good things necessary for our use and granted us to pass the same prosperously we betake our selves to our sleep c Ibid. Nor did they think it enough to worship God in their Families at the beginning and end of the day but so intent were they on this Duty as to break off their natural rest and leave their Beds in the night time that they might then exercise their Devotions for under the Heathen Emperours while the open practice of religious Duties was so much persecuted it was generally the Custom of Christians to arise from sleep about Midnight for worshiping God with Prayers and Singing of Psalms and the same continu'd in use even after the Pagan Persecutions were over Of these nocturnal Devotions we do often read as in the Father last nam'd when he speaks of Prayers to be put up not only before going to bed but also again in the time of night d Strom. 7. and afterward in the same place Wherefore we must also rise from our beds in the night and God is then to be praised for blessed are they that watch for him per noctem exurgebant oratum they arose by night to Pray e Tert. ad Vxor lib. 2. and again Ita Saturantur ut meminerint etiam per noctem orandum deum sibi esse They so feed at Supper as remembring they are to awake and worship God in the night f Apol. c. 39. thus doth Tertullian testifie of them and to this refers that exhortation of St. Cyprian let us think that we always walk in the light nor should darkness which we have escaped hinder us there should be no prejudice to our Prayers from the hours of night nor our Devotion suffer any dammage through sloth and laziness g De Orat. Domin Likewise these Prayers of the night are recommended by St. Chrysostom in one of his Sermons h In Act. Apost Homil 36. Beside the times of more solemn Devotion from day to day which we have already mention'd they did moreover invoke God as often as they receiv'd their natural food Before we eat saith Basil let Prayers be made suitable to the gifts of God both of the good things he doth bestow at present and also for those he hath provided for the future likewise let Prayers follow after meat and in them let our thankfulness be express'd i Epist 1 ad Gregor Theol. And St. Chrysostom doth prescribe as a necessary Duty that Christians begin and end their Meals with
Refuge in the day of Trouble Vnto thee have I cry'd O Lord in the Morning shall my Prayer prevent thee The Lord is thy Keeper the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand The Sun shall not smile by day nor the Moon by night The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth and for ever Blessed is the man whose Delight is in the Law of the Lord and in his Law doth Meditate day and night And he shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of Waters that bringeth forth his fruit in his Season his leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he doth shall prosper Lead me O Lord in thy righteousness because of mine Enemies make thy way straight before me O hold thou up my goings in thy paths that my footsteps slip not O Almighty God who art infinitely great and glorious the Creatour and Governour of the whole World thou deservest to be feared and Worshipp'd we desire therefore with humble Reverence to Adore thy Divine Majesty presenting our Souls and Bodies as a Morning Sacrifice and earnestly imploring thy favour and blessing without which we cannot be in safety for one day or moment of our Life O lift thou up the light of thy Countenance upon us which is much more desireable than that of the Sun and of greater value than all the Riches this World can afford We confess O Lord that we are guilty Sinners and so justly obnoxious to the frowns of thy displeasure and the severity of thy Justice In Sin we were conceived and brought forth in iniquity there are corrupt inclinations within us to Rebellion and Disobedience against thee and thy holy Commands and these have very much prevailed in the whole course of our Lives for from our Nativity to this present hour we have been still offending the pure Eyes of thy holiness by evil thoughts and inordinate desires by vain Words and irregular Actions We have neglected the Duties by thee enjoined and committed the sins which thou hast strictly forbidden But thou art a God gracious and merciful who delighteth not in the death of a sinner and thy Son is a Mediatour of Atonement and Reconciliation for all who come unto thee through him we do beseech thee therefore for his sake in whom thou art well pleased to pardon all our offences and justifie our persons and to receive us into thy love and favour as thine adopted Children That we may be capable of these great benefits be thou pleased to work in us an unfeigned repentance of all our sins past a lively Faith in the merits of thy Son and serious resolutions of leading a sober righteous and godly life let the power of thy Grace subdue and mortifie all corrupt lusts and the Principles of sin and do thou endue us with all the Vertues of Christian holiness that being sanctified throughout all the Faculties of our Souls and Members of our Bodies may become instruments of righteousness unto holiness in thy Service and for thy Honour Accept O Lord our humble thanks for all thy manifold Mercies both spiritual and temporal for thy care and protection of us the Night past that thou hast refreshed us with sleep and preserved us to the beginning of another day as thou dost lengthen out our life so continue to us thy loving kindness which is better than life it self let thy kind providence Watch over us this day to secure us from those many dangers and evil accidents to which we are always expos'd and grant us thy blessing and furtherance in our lawful Imployments But above all we beg the presence and assistance of thy special Grace to preserve us from sin and all the temptations to it that neither inbred corruption nor the snares of the World nor the suggestions of Satan may draw us aside from the way of righteousness but let a pious fear of thy great and holy name always possess our Souls And that we may be the more careful and circumspect in all our doings help us to bear in mind that we are still under thine all-seeing Eye to which all things are naked and open and that we must one day appear before thy just Tribunal to receive according to the things done in the Body whether good or evil let the consideration of the future punishments which thou hast threatned deter us from sin and the prospect of that glorious happiness which the Gospel doth promise encourage our obedience that having a fixed eye on the eternal recompence of reward we may despise the pleasures of sin which are but for a season O Lord bless thy Church purge it from all corruptions and cause thy Gosple to be known and embraced by all the Nations of the Earth more especially be favourable to thy Church and People of this Kingdome pardon our many and great provocations withold the Judgments we have deserved guide and protect our Soveraign Lord the King and prosper his Government that it may be happy both to himself and his Subjects Comfort and relieve all that labour under any affliction of body and mind give them patient submission to thy good pleasure and an happy deliverance out of all their troubles We implore thy special love and kindness to all who are our friends or more nearly related to us bless them in all their concernments both of body and soul make them good and prosperous here and eternally happy hereafter O Lord pardon the infirmities of this our devotion and grant thy favourable acceptance through the Merits and Intercession of thy blessed Son our alone Saviour Jesus Christ who hath taught us thus further to pray unto thee Our Father c. Thy Grace O Lord Jesus Christ thy Love O Heavenly Father thy Fellowship and Comunion O holy and blessed Spirit be with us and remain with us this day thenceforth and for ever Another Psalm and Prayer for the Morning MY heart is fixed O God my heart is fix'd I will sing and give praise Awake up my glory awake Psaltery and Harp I my self will awake right early I will praise thee O Lord among the people I will sing unto thee among the Nations For thy Mercy is great unto the Heavens and thy truth unto the Clouds The Lord is good unto all and his tender Mercies are over all his Works He holdeth our soul in life and suffereth not our foot to be moved I will extol thee my God O my King I will bless thy name for ever and ever Every day will I bless thee and I will praise thy name for ever and ever The day is thine the night also is thine thou hast prepared the light and the Sun Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice O Lord thou art my God early will I seek thee There be many that say who will shew us any good Lord Lift thou up the light of thy Countenance upon us And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us
those happy ends bless him whom thou hast anointed King over us fill him with sound wisdom and all princely vertues that so he may rule for thee here and be rewarded by thee in thy Kingdom of Glory We crave thy choicest blessings for all to whom we have any particular obligation be thou a friend to our friends to all who have done us good or do wish us well Extend thy fatherly compassion to such as be in any affliction or distress whether of body or mind comfort the sorrowful relieve those that are in want send ease to all that are under any sickness or pain relieve the oppressed give thy consolation and support to all who are persecuted for righteousness sake and in thy due time redeem thine Israel out of all his troubles We do likewise present unto thee our humble thanks for all thy mercies and benefits so plentifully conferr'd upon us for our being and the preservation thereof for all the good things appertaining to the present life But above all we bless thee for giving thy Son to be our Redeemer for revealing to us the way of Life and Salvation by the holy Scriptures for thine Ordinances and all the means of Grace and for any measure of Faith and Holiness thou hast wrought in us We thank thee for thy good providence over us the day past that thou hast suppli'd our necessities preserv'd us from dangers and prolong'd our life hitherto And prais'd be thy wisdom and goodness for appointing the constant successions of day and night that man may go forth to his work until the Evening and then return to his place of rest and sleep O thou Keeper of Israel who doest neither slumber nor sleep watch over us in our lying down and let thine Angels guard our Habitations grant us to be refreshed with quiet and comfortable repose and that we may awake in health and safety the next morning let thy goodness O Lord continually follow us through all the parts and passages of our life till thou shalt bring us to thine everlasting Kingdom through Jesus Christ our blessed Saviour in whose Words we continue to pray unto thee Our Father which art in Heaven hallowed be thy Name thy Kingdom come thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the Kingdom the Power and the Glory for ever and ever Amen Thy grace O Lord Jesus Christ thy Love O heavenly Father thy Fellowship and Communion O holy and blessed Spirit be with us and abide with us henceforth and for evermore Another Psalm and Prayer for the Evening BLess the Lord ô my soul O Lord thou art become exceeding glorious thou art cloathed with Honor and Majesty Thou hast appointed the Moon for seasons and the Sun knoweth his going down Thou makest darkness and it is night wherein all the beasts of the Forest do creep forth Man goeth forth to his work and to his labour until the evening O Lord how manifold are thy works in wisdom hast thou made them all the earth is full of thy riches The Lord will command his loving kindness in the day time and in the night his Song shall be with me and my Prayer unto the God of my life My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness and my mouth shall praise him with joyful lips When I remember thee upon my bed and meditate on thee in the night watches Except the Lord build the house they labour in vain that build it except the Lord keep the City the watchman waketh but in vain It is vain to rise early and sit up late to eat the bread of carefulness for so he giveth his beloved sleep Consider and hear me O Lord my God lighten mine eyes lest I sleep the sleep of death ALmighty God our heavenly Father who hast commanded us by Prayers and Supplication to make known our requests unto thee and doest promise thy gracious presence where two or three are gathered together in thy Name we vile Creatures do here present our selves and our Prayers to thy divine Majesty humbly confessing that we are unworthy to lift up our eyes to Heaven the place of thine holy Habitation because we have sinned against Heaven and before thee and do not deserve to be owned for thy Children the inward thoughts and affections of our heart the words and actions of our outward life have been very evil and that continually We have been exceeding careless and defective in our Devotion and Piety towards God in the acts of charity and brotherly kindness we owe to men and in that mortification and self-denial which thy Gospel doth require the inclinations of our own corrupt nature we have more readily obeyed than the righteous commands of thine excellent Laws and our care hath been much greater about the things of this present life which are earthly and perishing then about things heavenly and spiritual belonging to the life immortal We do therefore with shame and repentance humble our selves beseeching thee for the Merits and Mediation of thy blessed Son to pardon all our offences and to receive us into thy love and favour as perfectly reconcil'd let not our former unthankfulness or abuse of mercies withhold from us the gifts of thy bounty but be thou pleas'd to bestow and continue to us all the good things that may be requisite and convenient for our comfortable subsistence in this World and for our eternal happiness in the life to come O Lord our Governour who orderest all things both in Heaven and earth guide and dispose all the affairs and occurrences of our present condition as may be most for thy glory and our real benefit preserve to us the health of our bodies the use of our reason of our senses and other necessary faculties and let thy good providence still watch over us to defend us from evil and to do us good More especially we beg the blessings of thy divine Grace for the sanctification of our hearts and lives enlighten our minds with the saving knowledg of thy self and of Jesus Christ whom to know is life eternal regulate our wills and affections that we may chuse what thou doest approve and refuse whatever thou hast forbidden that our love may be to thy Law and our chief delight in doing thy Commandements and that we may hate every evil work Enrich our souls with all Christian Vertues whereby we may be qualified to honour and serve thee to lead a sober righteous and godly life with a Conscience void of offence both towards thee and towards all men Amidst all the dangers and temptations of this mortal state let thine Almighty power be our shield and support give us minds suitable and prepar'd for every dispensation of thy providence that no events whether prosperous or afflicting may do us any
thy private prayers which God may see in secret and reward thee for them openly c Basil in Asc Tom. 2 p. 181. Under this private Devotion in its full notion are comprized Prayer Meditation reading of the holy Scriptures and other pious Books and though we shall proceed with respect to the first of these especially yet we would not be thought to divide such good company but while recommending private Prayer to intend Meditation and Reading too they do indeed mutually assist each other and we cannot be without either of them Now to enforce this excellent Duty in which both the reality and comfort of a Christian do so very much consist we shall briefly propose some perswasive considerations which may easily prevail on all who are truly dispos'd to the Practice of Religion or the prosecution of their own interest I. It doth appear out of holy Scripture that we are not only to worship God and call upon him in company with others but that he expects moreover to be honour'd by the devout service of every man singly and apart and that each person in his own behalf should seek unto him for his benefits this is manifestly contain'd in those Texts where it is given in charge that every one address himself to God on his own particular occasions as to call upon him in the day of trouble c Psal 50. 15. and if any man be afflicted let him pray d Jam. 5. 13. In which places it cannot only be meant that the party afflicted is to crave the Prayers of the Congregation or of the Minister where he lives but chiefly at least that he is himself alone to call upon God and supplicate for his help and deliverance and this must be done in many sad cases which afford no opportunity of having the Prayers of others again when we are bid in every thing to make known our requests e Phil. 4. 6. it must needs intend that we are to do it in particular cases and matters of private concern though they fall not under the publick or ordinary Prayers And when 't is commanded that in all places we lift up holy hands f 1 Tim. 2. 8. it doth certainly include the places of our privacy and retirement and this Text Mr. Mede will have peculiarly understood of private Prayer g Conc. Lat. De Vener Sac. But the precept of our Saviour is very express Enter into thy Closet and when thou hast shut the door pray to thy Father which is in secret h Mat. 6. 6. the words are plain and to neglect the duty enjoin'd in them is to live in a known sin which we are highly concern'd to beware of as we tender the safety of our souls II. Let us set before us the examples of eminent and renowned persons by whose practice this Duty of private Devotion is recommended to us That it was in use with the holy Patriarks of old doth appear on sacred Record of Abraham Gen. 15. 2. and Chap. 17. 18. of Isaac Gen. 25. 21. and of Jacob Gen. 32. 9. Concerning Isaac that other Text Gen. 24. 63. might also be added where it is in our translation that he went out to meditate in the Eventide but the original word doth signifie submissa voce loqui labio tenùs murmurare to speak just moving the lips without any audible sound as is wont to be in private prayer more than in meditation and thus it was in the supplication of Hannah i 1 Sam. 1. 13. but that the Verb in that place may signifie to pray doth appear from hence that the Substantive coming from it is used for Prayer in other Texts of Scripture as Psal 5. 1. and 19. 14. and therefore both in the Caldee Paraphrase and the Arabick version it is And Isaac went out to pray likewise it is thus understood by Munster Vatablus and the same is approv'd by Grotius we are also told by the first of these that the Jews themselves have generally taken the Text in this sense but whether it be meant of Prayer or Meditation 't is much indifferent to the present purpose since the latter as well as the former is an act of Devotion 〈…〉 the resolv'd custom 〈…〉 devout Prince 〈…〉 â—â—â—self to God three times every day At Evening saith he and Morning and at Noon will I pray k Psal 55. 17. and the same was done by the Prophet Daniel nor could any danger affright him from it for notwithstanding a Royal decree to the contrary which made it Capital in his Chamber he kneeled on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks unto his God l Dan. 6. 10. That the Apostle St. Peter was wont to retire for his Devotion may be seen Act. 10. 9. where 't is said that about the sixth hour one of the usual times for that Duty he went up upon the house to pray chusing that place as most distant from all noise and disturbance likewise St. Paul as we often read had his private Prayers they were such in which he be sought the Lord thrice that the Thorn in the Flesh might depart from him m 2 Cor. 12. 8. and those wherein he did earnestly intercede for the Churches himself had planted whereof there is mention in his Epistle to them n Eph. 1. 16. 3. 14. Phil. 1. 9. Col. 1. 9. It is in Ecclesiastick History concerning James the brother of our Lord who for his eminent sanctity was sirnamed The Just that by frequency of praying his Knees became void of sense being harden'd like those of a Camel o Eus Hist Eccles l. 2. cap. 23. And the learned Origen as from his childhood he had been accustom'd to religious Duties under the education of his good Father So he was most strict in the Practice of his Devotion throughout his whole Life all his time almost both by day and night was divided between Prayer and Reading the Scriptures nor would he take the natural refreshments of the body without those others of the soul for whenever he sate down to meat somewhat of the Bible was still read and the same was done at his lying down to sleep p Hieron ad Marcel Epist 18. The Emperour Constantine thought it his greatest honour to have access to God in private Devotion for it is reported of him that notwithstanding all the affairs of his vast Empire Every day at stated hours shutting himself up he alone conversed with his God q Euseb de vit Const l. 4. c. 21. And we read of our King Alfred who wore the Crown of this Realm about nine hundred years ago that as he allotted the one half of his Revenue to pious uses so he devoted the like proportion of his time to the exercise of Religion they who speak least say that dividing the twenty four hours of each natural day into three parts one eight hours he allow'd himself for eating sleeping and recreation another
dangerous folly to live in neglect of the Duty on the presumption it will so be Be persuaded therefore O Christian to seek the Lord while he may be found to honour him with thy constant devotion that thou mayst have comfortable assurance of his ready help when in any case of extremity thou shalt call upon him he is thy best friend whom alone thou canst relie upon and if thou wouldst maintain that friendship with him which thou art to prize above all things in the World it must be by converse and intimacy in this heavenly Duty And consider with thy self what an honour and priviledg it is that thou who art but a clod of earth art allowed the freedom of access to the great God of heaven and to present thy Petitions to him as often as thou shalt please If thou hadst the like liberty with thy Prince on earth thou wouldst certainly value it very highly and think it a great weakness not to make use of it for thine own advantage how then canst thou excuse thy self if notwithstanding the leave and encouragement given thee thou neglect thine approaches to him who is the great Lord of the whole Universe and having all things at command is able to do for thee whatever thou canst request of him If thou desirest the good things of this World the God whom thou art to wait upon is he who giveth Riches and Wealth Å¿ Eccles 5. 19. and his blessing maketh men to thrive t Prov. 10. 22. wouldst thou ascend to honour he is the highest fountain of it for promotion cometh not from the East nor from the West but God setteth up one and pulleth down another u Psal 75. 6. and them that honour him he will honour w 1 Sam 2. 30. dost thou wish to enjoy health of body consider that he to whom thy Prayers should be presented and he alone doth keep off diseases x Deut. 7. 15. and to confide in other Physitians is to hazard thy life y 2 Cbron. 16. 12 13. if thou hast a mind to be wise and knowing thou art directed to ask wisdom of him who giveth liberally z Jam. 1. 5. and take for a great truth that saying of the famous Luther Bene orasse est bene studuisse to pray devoutly t is the same as to study hard For confirmation whereof hear the experience of Aquinas the Angelical Doctor of the Schools who himself profess'd That his knowledg and learning he had acquir'd more by praying then by study a Corn. a Lap. in Zach. c. 12. If thou art real in Religion thou believest a divine providence that thy self and all thy concerns are in Gods power and at his dispose and how canst thou rest satisfy'd if thou seek not his favour by doing him service and without imploring to thy self his particular care and kindness thou knowest that in him thou doest live and move that without him thou canst not be prosperous in any undertaking nor avoid the many evil occurrences to which thou art still expos'd every hour of the day and how then wilt thou presume to set forth in the morning without begging his gracious presence his blessing and safe-guard thou canst not be ignorant what unhappy Casualties may attend the night what Dangers there are from the Prince of darkness and the violence of ill men And wilt thou venture to lie down without committing thy self and what is thine by earnest Prayer to that Keeper of Israel who never sleepeth b Psa 121. 4. and who saveth them that trust in him e Psal 37. 40. thou art convinc'd that thy being and the continual preservation of it together with all the good things thou doest partake of whether pertaining to this life or the next are from God as the sole Author of them and canst thou find in thine heart to be so base and unworthy as to deny him thy poor homage and the cheap returns of Thanksgiving and Praise thy nature is frail thy life uncertain and there are many ways by which death may at unawares break in upon thee so that in the morning it is doubtful to thee whether thou shalt out-live the day and in the Evening whether thou mayst survive the night and therefore of what mighty consequence is it that each Morning and Evening thou make thy peace with God by a Penitent Confession of thy Sins and an humble supplication for the Pardon of them through the Merits of thy Redeemer In short thy unspeakable obligations to Almighty God the constant dependance and necessities of thy being the notices and convictions of thine own mind do all inforce upon thee this great Duty and by it thou art wisely to consult both the security and prosperous state of thy present life and also thine eternal happiness in that to come And remember the day is coming in which God will Judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ d Rom. 2. 16. in which he will discern between those who served him in private and those who served him not then shall our Saviours promise be faithfully perform'd who hath said that if thou make it thy Religious practice to enter into thy closet and there pray to thy Father which is in secret thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly e Mat. 6. 6. and at the general retribution for thy private Acts of Piety thou shalt be publickly own'd before the great assembly of Men and Angels and be advanc'd to a Kingdom of everlasting Glory DEVOTIONS FOR THE USE OF Particular Persons PRAYERS FOR Particular Persons IN THE MORNING A Prayer before Reading the Scripture Oeternal God thy goodness Morning is exceeding great and thy Mercies are renewed to me every Morning I come now to acknowledge my dependance on thee presenting my religious service and imploring thy blessing although I am altogether unworthy to draw near unto thee and unable to perform any Duty that shall deserve thine acceptance yet be thou pleas'd to receive me with thy wonted Mercy and let thy Spirit help mine infirmities grant me rightly to understand and readily to embrace thy blessed Word that it may be for direction and comfort to me through the whole course of my life cause it to abide in me that I may be throughly furnish'd unto all good Works through Jesus Christ to whom with thy self and the holy Ghost be all honour and glory world without end A Prayer for the Morning HEarken unto the voice of my cry my King and my God for unto thee will I pray My voice shalt thou hear in the Morning O Lord in the Morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and will look up ALmighty God the Maker and Preserver of all things from whom I have my life and subsistance I do with humble prostration admire and adore thine infinite Majesty for thou art God and there is none beside thee thy Nature is most Excellent and Glorious in Wisdome Power Goodness
Meditations and Desires may be heavenly and that I may serve thee in holy Sunday Morning Duties with sincere Devotion grant that by a pious Celebration of this religious Rest on Earth I may be the better prepar'd for keeping an eternal Sabbath in thine heavenly Kingdom These things I humbly beg in the name of thy beloved Son my blessed Saviour concluding as he hath taught me Our Father c. Thy grace O Lord Jesus Christ thy Love O heavenly Father thy Fellowship and Communion O holy and blessed Spirit be with me this day and for evermore Amen PRAYERS FOR Particular Persons IN THE EVENING A Prayer before Reading the Scripture O Lord my God blessed be Evening thy Name for this great priviledge of waiting upon thee and that thou hast given me a willing heart to make use of the same 't is of thy Mercy that I am alive this Evening and not numbred among those many who have the day past perished from the Land of the Living I do acknowledge thy long-suffering and goodness and I will not give sleep to mine Eys nor slumber to mine Eyelids till I have render'd unto thee my bounden Duty of Worship and Praise be thou pleas'd to assist and accept my present Devotions teach me by thy holy Word to live according to thy Will and lead me by it in the way to everlasting Life through Jesus Christ my blessed Redeemer Amen A Prayer for the Evening LOrd I cry unto thee make hast unto me give ear unto my Voyce when I cry unto thee Let my Prayer be set before thee as incense and the lifting up of my hands as the Evening Sacrifice O Eternal God thy property it is that thou hearest Prayer and though thou art the high and lofty One yet art thou nigh unto all that call upon thee be thou pleas'd to bow down thine ear at this time to the Supplications of me thine unworthy Servant and let me find Grace and acceptance with thee while I Worship at thy Footstool I do here offer up my self a living Sacrifice and do humbly adore thy divine Majesty as the great Creatour and Governour of the whole World as the Authour of all that I am and of all that I do enjoy unto thee O Lord belong Honour and Service and Praise but unto me nothing but shame and punishment for I have offended the pure Eyes of thy holiness from day to day by repeated transgressions and as thou hast not ceased to do me good so have I been constant in the unhappy returns of unthankfulness and disobedience I have neither lov'd nor fear'd nor serv'd thee as I ought to have done and my sins are more then I am able to number I do therefore humble my self before thee with hearty repentance imploring thy gracious pardon through the Son of thy Love whom thou hast set forth to be a Propitiation for sin Be thou reconcil'd unto me for his sake and make me partaker of all those benefits which are the purchase of his redemption Impute not unto me the iniquities of the day past but forgive whatever I have therein thought or said or done amiss either against God or against man O Lord grant me thy favour speak peace to my Conscience and that I may no more return to folly be thou pleas'd to work in me both to will and to do the things by thee requir'd give me an hatred of sin and a love of holiness that I may abhor what is evil and cleave to that which is good incline mine heart unto thy Statutes and let not any iniquity have dominion over me O thou who knowest my sinful frailty and to how many Temptations my life is expos'd assist me by thine own Grace and strengthen me with all might in the inward man help me to crucisie the Flesh with the affections and lusts thereof to reject all the allurements of Sin and so to resist the Devil that he may flee from me Whatever temporal blessings I receive at thine hands grant me to use them aright with all thankfulness and sobriety and also to undergo with Christian patience any chastisement or affliction thou shalt please to lay upon me let every dispensation of thy Providence be sanctify'd to my spiritual good that nothing may ever separate me from thy love and favour for as much as this World passeth away and all the enjoyments of it are of short continuance suffer me not to set my heart or affections on any thing here below but raise them up to the things above to that glorious inheritance reserv'd in heaven which fadeth not away and since my days come to an end and I am still hastening on toward my great change help me to be alwaies preparing for it by doing good and working out my Salvation with fear and trembling that so death may not be terrible but a welcom passage to a life of glory Bless the Land of my Nativity grant us peace and plenty and let the truth and purity of Religion still continue and prevail among us Be thou a Friend and Patron to all my Friends and near Relations make them holy and prosperous in this World and for ever happy in the next Send thy consolation and succour to all who are in sorrow want sickness or any other affliction but especially to such as do suffer for the sake of righteousness and a good conscience Accept I pray thee my humble thanks for all thy Mercies for thy holy Scriptures and the means of Grace for all the good things pertaining to this life I bless thee for thy great kindness toward me the day past that I have escaped dangers that my life is continued to me together with thy wonted benefits both for the necessities and comfort of my present condition And since thou who hast made the Day for action and business hast also ordain'd the Night for a time of rest and repose be thou pleas'd to watch over me in lying down and to grant me the comfortable refreshment of a quiet sleep O Lord let thy Grace and Goodness never forsake me till I shall enter into thine everlasting rest in the highest Heavens through thy rich Mercy in Jesus Christ To whom with thy self and the holy Ghost be ascrib'd all Honour and Glory Worship and Praise World without End Amen Thy Grace O Lord Jesus Christ thy Love O heavenly Father thy comfortable Communion O holy Spirit of Grace be with me and thy whole Church henceforth and for ever Another Prayer for the Evening THe Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day time and in the night his Song shall be with me and my prayer unto the God of my life I will both lay me down in peace and sleep for thou Lord only makest me dwell in safety MOst gracious God the Maker of all things and the Giver of every good and perfect Gift thou deservest to be worshipp'd and serv'd to receive Thanksgiving and Praise from thee I have derived my life
and being and 't is of thy great Mercy I am not consumed thy goodness hath been my support and comfort ever since I was born I do therefore prostrate my self with humble adoration submitting my soul and body to thy divine Majesty and offering up my thankful acknowledgments of all thy Mercies and Benefits conferr'd upon me I bless thee for my redemption by Christ and all the means of Grace and Salvation for the comforts of this present life and all my temporal enjoyments I thank thee for that kind Providence which hath watched over me this day that thou hast continued my life and preserv'd my person from those many evils to which I am alwaies expos'd O Lord I am less than the least of all the Mercies I have received at thine hands for my sins have been very many and exceeding great I have broken thy righteous Laws both by neglecting what thou hast commanded and by doing what thou hast strictly forbidden and my practice hath been very unsuitable to the rich Grace and holy Precepts of thy excellent Gospel so that I have justly deserv'd thy wrathful displeasure and the severities of thy justice But thou art a God plenteous in Mercy ready to forgive and thou hast given thine own Son to be a propitiation for Sin O Lord I come unto thee in his Name most humbly beseeching thee that through his Merits the Transgressions of my life may be all blotted out and my person freely justifi'd from all unrighteousness More particularly I beg the pardon of whatever Sins I have fallen into the day past whether in thought word or deed O merciful Father be thou perfectly reconcil'd unto me this Evening And be thou pleas'd to deliver me more and more from the power and dominion of sin that I may be the servant of righteousness and live in constant obedience to thee and thy commands strengthen me by thy Grace against the corruptions within me and all temptations from without and keep me by thy mighty power through Faith unto Salvation Bless thy Church and People throughout the World and let the Kingdom of thy Son be daily enlarg'd Be propitious to this Church and Nation pardon our great sins and avert the judgments we have deserv'd keep us in peace and safety and let truth and holiness still flourish among us Shew thy favour to all my friends to such as have done me any good or do wish me well bestowing on them all the blessings that pertain both to life and godliness Have pity on all who are in any distress or tribulation giving to them thy speedy comfort and relief and be thou a present help in the needful time of trouble to all who cry unto thee finally I commend my self to thy Fatherly care this Night humbly praying that thy watchful Providence may be my guard and defence grant unto me a quiet and comfortable rest that my frail nature being refresh'd thereby I may awake the next Morning the better fitted for the Duties of another day Hear me O Father of Mercies and do for me above what I can ask or think through the Merits of my blessed Redeemer To whom with thy self and the holy Ghost be all Glory Dominion and Praise World without End Amen Sunday Evening Thy Grace O Lord Jesus Christ thy Love O heavenly Father thy Fellowship and Communion O holy and blessed Spirit be with me all thine and mine henceforth for evermore Amen A Psalm and Prayer for the Evening of the Lords day IT is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord to sing praises unto thy name O most high To shew forth thy loving kindness in the morning and thy faithfulness every night The earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof the World and they that dwell therein Thy hands have made me and fashion'd me give me understanding that I may learn thy commandements All thy works shall praise thee O Lord and thy Saints shall bless thee They shall speak of the glory of thy Kingdom and talk of thy Power My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee and my soul which thou hast redeemed I was glad when they said unto me Let us go into the house of the Lord. One day in thy Courts is better than a thousand How sweet is thy Word unto my tast yea sweeter then hony to my mouth Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee I will delight my self in thy Statutes and I will not forget thy Word I will bless the Lord who hath given me Counsel my Reins also shall instruct me in the night season Into thine hands I commit my spirit for thou hast redeemed me O Lord God of truth O Most glorious God the mighty Creatour and wise Governour of all things the heaven is thine the earth also is thine with all that in them is and thou canst do whatsoever thou pleasest in all places of thy dominion wherefore unto thee alone it doth appertain to receive honour and worship and service from the Sons of men I do thankfully acknowledge it is a very great favour and priviledge that I am so often admitted into thy presence and have this liberty granted of presenting my supplications unto thee who art a God hearing Prayer for what am I vile Dust and Ashes that I should take upon me to speak unto the Lord or how can I expect to find any acceptance with thee who have so greatly offended thine holy Majesty by my repeated transgressions O Lord my very righteousness is as filthy rags and my best performances are sinful and poluted I have waited upon thee this day in the duties of thy Worship but it hath been with much weakness and distraction my thoughts and affections have not been heavenly and devout nor have I honour'd thee as I ought on the day consecrated to thee and thy service But O God who art gracious and merciful slow to anger and of great kindness be thou pleas'd to overlook whatever hath been amiss in my life and actions from my Nativity to this moment grant me an interest in the Merits and Redemption of the Lord Christ and let his precious blood cleanse me from all unrighteousness pardon the defects of my obedience and of all my religious duties through his most perfect Sacrifice who hath taken away Sin by the Oblation of himself once for all Add thy blessing to all the opportunities and means of Grace vouchsaf'd to me and cause thy Word to abide in me that it may be as good seed taking deep root and bringing forth abundantly the fruits of righteousness Grant O Lord that as I have been created by thee so I may make it my chief business to honor and serve thee both in soul and body and as Christ died for my Sins and rose again for my Justification so I may crucifie the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof and rise daily from the death of sin to a life of holiness Enable me