them In like manner it goeth with riches estimation friends learning c. yea although we be in these most temperate yet when there wanteth the spirit our regeneratour we are so drowned in them that we vtterly neglect to lift vp our mindes to the good pleasure of God to the end we might imitate and followe God our maker by yeelding our selues ouer duly to vse his gifts to the common priuate vtilitie of our neighbors But now God only is life and eternitie and can not but demaund of vs his handie worke that we should render our selues and all we haue to the ende wherefore wee were made that is to resemble for our portion his goodnesse as they which be nothing else but witnesses and instruments of his mercie So that when wee wholy doe naturally striue against that kinde of life wherevnto he hath created vs by seeking alwais our selues what other thing ought to insue but the he should againe destroie vs and take away his notable giftes wherewith he therfore indued vs that by all kind of wel doing we should resemble his image yea what other thing may ensue but that hee should leaue vs and that eternally that we might feele and by experience proue howe bitter a thing it is to leaue the Lorde in whome is all goodnes Oh that I might therefore finde such fauour in thy sight deare father that thou wouldest worke in me by thy holie spirit a true knowledge of all good things and heartie loue to the same through Christ Iesus our Lord and onelie Sauiour Amen I. B. A Meditation of death and the commodities it bringeth WHat other thing doe we daily in this present life but heape sinne vpon sinne and hoorde vp trespasse vpon trespasse so that this day is worse alwaies thē yesterday by increasing as daies so sinnes and therefore thy indignaiion good Lord against vs but when we shall be let go out of the prison of this bodie so taken into thy blessed companie then shall we be in most safetie of immortalitie and saluation then shall come vnto vs no sicknesse no need no paine no kind of euill to soule or bodie but what so euer good we can wish that shall we haue and what so euer we loath shall be farre from vs O deere father that we had faith to behold these thinges accordingly O that our hearts were persuaded thereof and our affections inflamed with the desire of them Then should we liue in longing for that which nowe we most loath Oh helpe vs and graunt that we beeing ignorant of thinges to come and of the time of our death which to thee is certain may so liue and finish our iourney here that we may be ready and then depart when our departing may make most to thy glory and our comfort through Christ. What is this life but a smoke a vapour a shadowe a warrefare a bubble of water a worde grasse a flower That thou shalt die it is most certeine but the time no man can tell when The longer in this life thou doest remaine the more thou sinnest which will turne to thy more paine By cogitation of death our mindes be often in manner oppressed with darkenesse because wee doe but remember the night of the body forgetting the light of the mind and of the resurrection Hereto remember the good things that after this life shall insue without wauering in certeintie of faith and so shall the passage of death bee more desired It is like a failing ouer the sea to thy home and countrie it is like a medicine or purgation to the health of soule bodie it is the best Physition it is like to a womans trauell For as the childe being deliuered commeth into a more large place then the wombe wherein it did lie before so thy soule beeing deliuered out of the bodie commeth into a much more large and faire place euen into heauen I. B. A meditation vpon the passion of our Sauiour Iesus Christ. OH Lord Iesus Christ the sonne of the euerliuing God by whom all thinges were made and be ruled and gouerned thou the liuely Image of the substance of the Father the eternall wisedome of God the brightnes of his glorie God of God light of light coequal coeternal and consubstantial with the Father thou which of the loue thou hadst to mankinde when he was fallen from the fellowshippe of God into the societie of Sathan and al euill didst vouchsafe for our redemption to become a mediator betweene God and man taking to thy godhead our nature as concerning the substance of it and so becamest man also the heire of all and most mercifull Messias which by the power of thy Godhead and merites of thy manhoode hast made purgation of our sinnes euen by thine own selfe whilest thou was here on earth beeing nowe set on the right hande of thy father for vs euen concerning our nature in maiestie glorie and power infinite I pray and humbly beseech thy mercie to graunt me at this present to rehearse some of thy passions and sufferinges for me the last night that thou wast here before thy death that thy good spirite might therby be effectuall to worke in me faith as well of the pardon of my sinnes by them as mortification of mine affections comfort in my crosses and patience in afflictions Amen In the middest of thy last supper with thy deare apostles these things could not but be before thee namely that they all would leaue thee the most earnest would forsweare thee and one of the twelue should most traiterously betray thee which were no smal crosses vnto thee Iudas was admonished of thee to beware but when he tooke no heede ▪ but wilfully went out to finish his worke contemning thy admonition counsell he could not but vexe thy most louing heart After supper there was contention amongest thy Disciples who should be greatest after thee yet dreaming carnally of thee and thy kingdome hauing this affection of pride and ambition busie amongest them notwithstanding thy diligence in reprouing and teaching them After thy admonition to them of the crosse that would come therby to make them more vigilant so grosse were they that they thought they coulde with their two swordes put away all perils which was no little greefe vnto thee After thy comming to Gethsemane heauinesse pressed thee and therfore thou wouldest thy disciples to pray Thou didst tell to Peter and his fellowes that thy hart was heauie to death Thou didest will them to pray being carefull for them also least they should fall into tentation After this thou wentes◠a stones cast from them and diddest pray thy selfe falling flat and groueling vpon the earth but alas thou feltest no comfort and therefore thou camest to thy disciples which of all others were moste sweete and deare vnto thee but loe to thy further discomforte they passe neither of thy perils nor of their owne therefore sleepe apace After thou hadst awaked them thou goest againe
lowde in thine eares though they speake neuer a worde at all Shoulde I then nowe despaire of thy fatherly mercie whiles presently I feele thee stirre vp my soule and hearte to craue helpe at thy hande Should I thinke that thou wilt absent thy selfe for euer that thou wilt be no more intreated that thy mercie is cleane gone that thy promise is come vtterly to an ende and that thou wilt nowe shut vp thy louing kindnesse in displeasure Nay Lorde for all alterations are of thy right hande and turne alway to the best to them that feare thee All this is but mine owne infirmitie for thou art euer one thy promises be infallible and thy loue towards thine euerlastingly during I will therefore in this my present tentation greuous assaulte powre out the heauinesse of my hearte before thee deare father Out of the deepe will I crie lift vp my soule vnto thee from whom I assuredly know my helpe is comming I will also for my present comfort cal to remembrance O Lorde my God thy tender mercies towards me already shewed the multitude of thy benefites the greatnes of the same the longe continuance of them euen frō my conception vntill this instant finally thy continuall luste desire to powre them vpon me And moreouer sith thy goodnesse is so great O Lord that thou dost not onely pitie miserie but also callest the heauie hearted and afflicted vnto thee promising that thou wilt ease their miserie for as much as by the motion of thy good spirit I loth and abhorre my sinnes feele the greuousnesse of them and thy heauie wrath towardes me for the same and finally what neede I haue of thy gratious ayde and succour therefore Oh Lorde in thy Sonne Christes name with sure confidence and trust in thine infallible promise in this mine anguish trouble I come vnto thee at thy mercifull calling and craue comfort at thy hand For thou hast promised that when I loath my sinnes thou wilt vterly forget them when I feele the greeuous burthen of them thy mercie swalloweth them vp when I seeke that I want thou wilte assuredly graunt it me For sith thou mouest my hearte to desire helpe how shoulde I mistrust but thou wilt for thy truth sake giue me my asking Yea where I knowe not howe or what to desire as I ought thy holy spirite gratiously working in mee maketh intercession mightily for me with groninges which can not bee expressed and therewithall certifieth my spirit that by adoption through thy great mercie and goodnesse I am become thy childe and heire Why should I not then be of good comfort and ioyfull in thee my God For if thou be on my side who can be against mee Since thou diddest not spare thine owne sonne but gauest him for mee euen when I was thine enemie howe shalt thou not with him nowe that by his death I am brought into thy fauour giue mee all thinges with him and for his sake Who shall lay any thing to the charg of thine elect It is thou Lord which iustifiest mee It is Christe that hath dyed for mee yea rather that is risen againe for mee who also is set on thy right hand hath taken possession yea and perpetually maketh there intercession for me vntill that ioyfull day be come when I shall haue full fruition of the moste glorious presence of thy diuine maiestie in that kingdome whiche thou hast prepared before the beginning of the world but in time to thy gratious goodnesse thought best made knowen to me by giuing thy holy spirite into my heart whereby when I first Lord beleeued thy holy worde which is thine owne power to saue all that beleeue I was sealed confirmed and stablished in the certaintie of that thine euerlasting kingdom and inheritāce For the which inestimable benefite of thy rich grace Oh Lorde my God I beseech thee euen for the loue thou bearest to Christe Iesus thy son thy mercie thou haddest on him when he cried on the crosse My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Help help I say inflame my heart with loue so plentifully towardes thee againe that I may be euen swalowed vp in the ioyfull feeling of the same in such sort that I may of verie thankefulnesse loue thee my GOD alone thee I say my deare GOD and nothing but thee and for thy sake O holy spirite whose work this is in mee increase this thy worke of thine infinite mercie and preserue mee that I neuer become vnthankefull vnto thee therefore Amen A prayer for the sicke O Most mercifull God which according to the multitude of thy mercies dost so put away the sins of those which truly repēt that thou remembrest them no more open thy eyes of mercie and looke vpon this thy sicke seruant who most earnestly desireth pardon and forgiuenesse Renue in him most louing father whatsoeuer hath beene decayed by the fraude and malice of the diuell or by his owne carnall will and frailtie Preserue and continue this sicke member in the vnitie of thy Church Consider his contrition ▪ accept his teares assuage his paine as shall bee seene to thee most expedient for him And for as much as he putteth his full trust onely in thy mercie impute not vnto him his former sinnes but take him vnto thy fauour through the merits of thy most dearly beloued sonne Iesus Christ. A prayer to be saide at the houre of death O Lord Iesus Christ which art the onely health of all men liuing and the euerlasting life of them that die in thee I wretched sinner do submit my selfe wholy vnto thy most blessed will and being sure that the thing cannot perish which is cōmitted vnto thy mercie willingly now I leaue this fraile and sinnfull fleshe in sure hope that thou wilt in better wise restore it to mee againe at the last day in the resurrection of the iust I beseech thee most mercifull Lorde Iesus Christ that thou wilt by thy grace make stronge my soule against all tentations and defende mee with the buckler of thy mercie against all the assaults of the diuell I see and acknowledge that there is in my selfe no helpe of saluation but al my confidence hope and trust is in thy rich mercie and goodnesse I haue no merites or good workes which I may alledge before thee of sinnes and euill workes alas I see a great heape but yet through thy mercie I trust to be in the number of them to whome thou wilt not impute their sinnes but wilt accept and take mee for righteous and iust and to be an inheritour of euerlastinge life Thou mercifull Lord wast borne for my sake thou diddest suffer both hunger and thirst for my sake thou diddest teach pray and fast for my sake all thy holy actions and works thou wroughtest for my sake thou sufferedst most greeuous paines and tormentes for my sake finally thou gauest thy most precious bodie and bloode to be
and for euer that we be neuer further proued tempted then thou wilt make vs able to beare and so to helpe vs in the same as may be most to thy glorie and our saluation thorough Iesus Christe our Lorde Amen An Euening prayer O Lorde God father euerlasting and full of pitie we acknowledge and confesse that we be not worthie to lift vp our eyes to heauen much lesse to present our selues before thy diuine Maiestie with confidence that thou wilt heare our prayers and graunt our requestes if we consider our owne wretched deseruings For our consciences do accuse vs our sinnes witnes against vs we knowe that thou art an vpright Iudge which doest not iustifie the sinners and wicked men but punishest the faultes of such as transgresse thy commaundementes Yet most mercifull father since it hath pleased thee to commaund vs to call vpon thee in all our troubles and aduersities promising euen then to helpe vs when we feele our selues as it were swallowed vp of death desperation we vtterly renounce all worldly confidence and trust flee to thy souereigne goodnesse as our only stay and refuge beseeching thee not to call to remembrance our manifold sinnes and wickednesse whereby we continually prouoke thy wrath and indignation against vs neither our negligence nor our vnkindenesse which haue neither worthilie esteemed nor in our liues sufficiently expressed the sweete comfort of thy holie Gospel reuealed vnto vs but rather to accept the obedience death of thy sonne Iesus Christ our Lord who by offering vp his bodie in sacrifice once for all hath made a sufficient recompence for all our sinnes Haue mercy therefore vpon vs O Lorde and forgiue vs our offences Teach vs by thy holy spirit that we may rightly way them and earnestly repent vs for the same and so much the rather O Lord our God because that the reprobate and such as thou hast forsaken can not praise thee nor call vpon thy name but the repenting heart the sorrowful mind the conscience oppressed hungering and thirsting for thy grace shall euer more set foorth thy praise and glorie And albeit we be but wormes dust yet thou art our creatour and we be the worke of thy handes yea thou art our father and we thy children thou art our shepheard and we thy flock thou art our redeemer and we thy people whome thou hast dearely bought thou art our God and we are thine inheritance Correct vs not therefore in thine anger O Lord our God neither according to our desertes doe thou punishe vs but mercifully chastice vs with a fatherly affection that all the worlde may knowe that at what time so euer a sinner doeth repente him of his sinne from the bottome of his heart thou wilt put away all his wickednes out of thy remembrance as thou hast promised by thy holie Prophet Finally forasmuch as it hath pleased thee to make the night for man to rest in as thou hast ordeyned him the day to trauell graunt O deare father that we may so take our bodily rest that our soules may continually watche for the time that our Lord Iesus Christe shall apeare for our full deliuerance out of this mortal life and in the meane season that we be not ouercome by any fantasies dreames or other temptations but may fully set our mindes vppon thee loue thee feare thee and rest in thee in such sort that our verie sleepe also may be to the glorie of thy holy name Furthermore that our sleepe bee not excessiue or ouer much after the insatiable desire of the flesh but onely sufficient to content our weake nature that we may the better be disposed to liue in all godly conuersation to the glorie of thy holie name and profite of our brethren through Iesus Christe our Lorde in whose name we make our humble petitions vnto thee as he hath taught vs. Our father which c. Almightie and euerliuing God vouchsafe we beseech thee to graunt vs perfect continuance in thy liuely faith augmenting and increasing the same in vs daily vntill we growe to the full measure of our perfection in Christe whereof we make our confession saying I beleeue in God the father c. The Lorde blesse vs and saue vs the Lorde make his face to shine vpon vs and be mercifull vnto vs the Lorde turne his fauourable countenance towardes vs and graunt vs his peace The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ the loue of God and the communion of the holie Ghost be with vs and remaine with vs for euer So be it 2. Cor. 13. An other Euening prayer MOst mercifull God and tender Father which besides thine inestimable mercies declared and giuen vnto vs in the making of the world for our sakes in redeeming of vs by the death of thy deare Sonne Iesus Christe in the calling of vs to the knowledge of thy blessed worde in keeping of vs hitherto in thy holie Church and in thy most gratious gouerning of vs and all things hitherto for our singular wealth and commoditie hast also most fatherly cared for vs and kept vs this day from all daungers both of soule and body giuing vs health food apparell and all other thinges necessary for the comfort and succour of this poore and miserable life which many other do want for these and all other thy good gifts and gratious benefites which thou of thine owne goodnesse only and fatherly prouidence hast hitherto powred vppon vs and doest presently powre vppon vs and many other wee most humbly thanke thee and praise thy holy name beseeching thee that as all things are now hidden by meanes of the darkenes which thou hast sent ouer the earth so thou wouldest vouchsafe to hide and burie all our sinnes which this day or at any time heretofore wee haue committed against thy holy commaundementes and as nowe wee purpose to lay our bodies to rest so graunt the garde of thy good Angels to keepe the same this night for euermore and when soeuer our last sleepe of death shall come graunt that it may be in thee good father so that our bodies may rest both temporally and eternally to thy glorie and our ioye through Iesus Christ our Lorde So be it An other Euening praier O Eternall God and most mercifull father who this day and al the time of our life hast gratiously defended nourished and preserued our soules and bodyes and made such fatherly prouision for vs poore sinners the of thy louing kindnesse we haue rich portions not only in the creatures of heauen and earth but also in that plentiful redemption which thy most deare sonne Iesus Christ hath purchased for vs graunt vnto vs O merciful father the assistance of thy grace and holie spirite that as our bodies shall nowe take their naturall rest euen so our soules and mindes at the beholding of thy goodnesse towardes vs may quiet themselues in thee and conceiue such inward
compassion make to arise in our heartes a true feare of God and a true faith and knowledge of thy mercie which the eternall father of our Lorde Iesus Christ hath promised vnto vs for his sonnes sake Be our comforter in all our counsels and daungers Illuminate our vnderstanding fill our heartes with newe affections and spirituall motions and renewe vs both in soule and bodie that we may die to sinne and liue to righteousnesse and so in true obedience may prayse the father of our Lorde Iesus Christ his sonne our redeemer and thee also our comforter euerlastingly A thankesgiuing to God the Father the Sonne and the holy Ghost WE render thanks vnto thee O almightie eternall GOD with thy deare sone our Lord Iesus Christ with thy holy spirit for that of thine exceeding great goodnesse thou hast made thy selfe knowne vnto vs by most assured and euident testimonies for that thou hast gathered and chosen vnto thy selfe a perpetuall Church wouldest that thy sonne our Lorde Iesus Christ shoulde suffer death to restore vs from death to life for that thou hast giuen to vs thy Gospel and the holy Ghost for that thou forgiuest vs our sinnes deliuerest vs from the power of the diuell and from eternall death and giuest vnto vs euerlasting life finally for that thou hast visited vs with many great benefites giuing vs life foode doctrine peace in such places as we haue liued in hast diminished the paines which we haue iustly deserued We giue thankes vnto thee O Lorde Iesus Christ sonne of the liuing God crucified for vs and risen againe because thou hast coupled vnto thee our humane nature and of thy inestimable loue diddest giue thy selfe to death for vs turning vpon thee the great wrath of God thy father conceiued against vs to recoÌ„cile vs vnto him and to purchase vs eternall redemption because thou hast brought vs to this grace wherein wee stande and reioyce in hope of the glorie of GOD because thou doest preserue cherishe and defende thy Church against the Diuell and all thine enemies because thou giuest renewest often the light of thy Gospell and mayntainest the ministerie of thy worde because thou doest forgiue vs our sinnes and giuest vnto vs euerlasting life because thou art our Mediatour and makest continuall intercession for vs finally because thou doest succour and preserue vs in all our necessities daungers and afflictions We giue thankes also vnto thee Oh holy spirit the giuer of life whiche wast powred vpon the Apostles because thou kindlest thy light in our hearts because thou rulest instructest admonishest and helpest vs because thou gouernest and guidest the labours and workes of our vocation and sanctiâ—iest vs to eternall life A prayer to God for his helpe protection against the obstinate enemies of the trueth MOst righteous Iudge God of all mercie and comfort which by thy secrete iudgement and wisedome doest suffer the wicked to triumph and increase for a time for trial of the faith of thy welbeloued litle flock and the mortifying of their lustes but at length to the vtter confusion of thy enemies and ioyfull deliuerance of thy people looke downe wee beseeche thee on thy dispersed sheep out of thy holy habitation in heauen and strengthen our weakenes against their furious rages abate their pride asswage their malice confounde their deuises wherwith they lift vp themselues against Christ Iesus thy sonne our Lord sauiour to deface his glory and to set vp Antichrist We be not able of our selues to thinke a good thought much lesse to stande against their assaults except thine vndeserued grace and mightie arme defende and deliuer vs Performe thy promises made to Iacob and stoppe the mouthes of the cursed Edomites Call them to repentaunce whome thou hast appointed to saluation bring home them that runne astray lighten the blind and teach the ignorant forgiue all those that wilfully and obstinatly rebell not against thy holy will. Let thy fearefull threatnings pearce our stonie heartes and make vs tremble at thy iudgementes Make the examples of them whome thou hast ouerthrowne in their owne deuises as Cain Cham Nimrod Esau Pharao Saul Achitophel Iudas and such other to be a warning for vs that we set not vp our selues against thy holye will. Graunt free passage to thy holie worde that it may worke effectually in vs the worke of life and blessed hope of our saluatioÌ„ to the eternall praise of thy maiestie through our mediator Christe Iâ—sus to whom with thee the holy Ghost three persons and one God be praise and thankesgiuing in all congregations world without end So be it A prayer for the afflicted and persecuted vnder the tyrannie of Antichrist O Mercifull Father who neuer doest forsake sucâ— as put their trust in thee stretch foorth thy mightie arme to the defence of our brethren by the rage of enemies persecuted and greeuously tormented in sundrie places for the true profession of thy holy Gospel who in their extrem necessities crie for comforte vnto thee Let not thy long suffering O Lord be an occasioÌ„ either to increase the tyranny of thy enemies or to discourage thy children but with speed O Lorde consider their great miseries and afflictions Preuent the cruell deuise of Haman stay the rage of Holophernes breake off the counsell of Achitophell Let not the wicked say Where is nowe their God. Let thy afflicted flocke feele present aide and releefe from thee O Lord looke downe vppon them with thy pitifull eye from thy holy habitation send terrour and trembling among their enemies make an ende of their outragious tyrannie beate backe their boldenesse in suppressing thy truth in destroying thy true seruantes in defacing thy glorie and in setting vp Antichrist Let them not thus proudly aduaunce themselues against thee and thy Christ but let them vnderstand and feele that against thee they fight Preserue and defende the Uine which thy right hande hath planted and let all Nations see the glory of thine anointed Amen A prayer to be saide before the preaching of Gods word ALmightie God and most mercifull father whose word is a lanterne to our feete and a light vnto our stepes wee most humbly beseech thee to illuminate our minds that we may vnderstand the mysteries conteined in thy holy lawe and into the selfe same thing that we godly vnderstand wee may bee vertuously transformed so that of no parte we offende thy diuine maiestie through Iesus Christe our Lorde An other IN this great darkenes of our souls O Lord thou shinest diuers ways vnto vs by the light of thy grace but in nothing so effectually as in the preaching of thy worde Great is the Haruest as thou thy selfe hast saide and the workmen are few The greatest part of men are ignorant wrapped in miserable blindnes and fewe there be that teach thy worde truely and as they ought We beseech thee therefore to sende foorth workemen into thy haruest Sende teachers O
lord Amen A prayer taken out of the second Psalme WE perceiue most mercifull mightie God that not onely Antichrist but also the power and strength of the whole world coÌ„spireth against thee and against thy Christ which thinke the Gospel and â— building vp againe of thy Church to be an intollerable bondage harde yoke Wherefore they labour by all possible meanes to breake a sunder the societies and congregations of the faithfull and cast away all discipline But forasmuch as thou sittest in heauen and 〈◊〉 not ignorant what the diuell or wicked flesh goeth about laugh thou to scorne their â—aine counsels and bring their purposes to nought Let them feele thine anger to bekindled against them and make them astonished at the fiercnes of thine indignatioÌ„ so that they may not be able to destroy thy Church ouer whom thou hast apointed Iesus Christ our onely sauiour to be a gouernour that in it he might raigne by his word and spirite with inuinciblâ— might and power Wherefore grant vnto vs although vnworthie and shrinking children such faith and constancy that we may finde him and also coÌ„fesse him to be our onely king and that we may nothing doubt but that we be his nation people and heritage being most assured of this that he is of such strength and power that with his word more strong then yron he is able to destroy whom he will and breake them in peeces like earthen pots Therefore O God turne the Kings and Princes of the world vnto thee that they may be wise and vnderstand whereby they may vnfaignedly acknowledge imbrace and kisse thy sonne least when his anger shall once be kindled they perishe and be destroyed for euer And when it shall be thy good pleasure make them blessed for euermore which coÌ„mit themselues to thy gouernance and protection by Christ Iesus our Lord â–ª Amen Out of the same Psalme MOste Mightie and mercifull Lord God though the diuell rage the powers of the world daily rise vp and the flesh with al her bondslaues coÌ„spire against the kingdome of thine onely begotten sonne Iesus Christ our Lord yet make vs to vnderstand with constant faith to be persuaded that thou deridest contemnest al such whoÌ„ thou caust in thine anger fierce displeasure when thou wilt sodenly destroy and bring to nought In this faith seeing we are somtimes so weak that being ouercome with sundrie kindes of terrour and dread we are not so obedient to thy coÌ„maundements as we ought to be â–ª we therefore beseech thee for thy great â–ª goodnes sake to bee mercifull vnto vs and grant that we may constantly beleeue thy son our king and our redeemer to haue the highest power and dominion with thee in all thinges For seeing thou hast begotteÌ„ him thou hast also deliuered to him all nations to be ruled by his power as his own inheritaÌ„ce Graunt therfore vnto vs that yet at the length we may be wise vnderstand in such sort as we may serue thee with all due feare and worship that in the last day we be not dashed in peces as earthen vessels with the rodde of thine indignation through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen A prayer which M. Iohn Bradford said a little before his death in smithfeelde MErciful God father to whom our sauiour Christ approched in his feare and neede by reasoÌ„ of death and found comfort gratious God and most bounteous Christ on whoÌ„ Stephen called in his extreme neede and receiued strength most benigne holy spirit which in the midst of all crosses and death didst comfort the Apostle S. Paul with more consolations in Christ then he felt sorrowes and terrors in the world haue mercie vpon me a most miserable vile and wretched sinner which now drawe neere the gates of death deserued both in soule and bodie eternally by reason of my manifolde horrible olde and newe transgressions â–ª which to thine eyes O Lord God are open and knowne Oh be mercifull vnto mee and forgiue mee for the bitter death and bloodsheading of thine onely sonne Iesus Christ. And though thy iustice do require in respect of my sinnes that nowe thou shouldest not heare mee contemning thy dayly callings yet let thy mercie which is aboue al thy works and wherewith the earth is filled let thy mercie I say preuaile towardes me through the merites and meditation of Christ our sauiour for whose sake it pleaseth thee to bring mee foorth nowe as one of his witnesses and a record bearer of thy veritie and trueth taught by him to giue my life therfore Of which dignitie I doe acknowledg deare God that there was neuer any so vnworthie and vnmeete no not the theefe that hanged with him on the crosse I humbly therefore praye thee that thou wouldest accordinglie ayde helpe and assist me with thy strength and heauenly grace that with Christ thy sonne I may finde comfort with Stephen I may see thy presence and gratious power with Paul and al others which for thy names sake haue suffered afflictions and death I may finde so presente with mee thy gratious consolation that I may by my death glorifie thy holye name set foorth and ratifie thy veritie comfort the hearts of the heauie confirme thy Church in thy truth conuert some that are to be conuerted and so depart out of this miserable world where I do nothing but daylie heape sinne vpon sinne and enter into the fruttion of thy blessed mercie whereof nowe giue and increase in me a liuely tast sense and feeling where through the terror of death the tormentes of fire the paines of sinne the dartes of sathan and the dolours of hell may neuer ouercome me but may be driuen away through the working of that most gratious spirit which now plentiously indue withall that through the same spirite I may offer as now I desire am readie to do in Christ and by him my selfe wholy soule and body to be a liuely sacrifice holy and acceptable in thy sight deare father whose I am and always haue beene euen from my mothers wombe yea euen before the worlde was made to whom I commend my selfe faith and name familie friends country and all the whole Church yea euen my verie enimies according to thy good pleasure beseeching thee intirely to giue once more to this Realme of England the blessing of thy word againe with godly peace to the teaching and setting forth of the same Oh deare father now giue me to com vnto thee so purge and purifie me by this fire in Christes death and passion through thy spirite that I may be a burnt offering of sweete smell in thy sight which liuest and reignest with the sonne and the holy Ghost nowe and euermore worlde without end Amen The Letanie O God the father of heauen haue mercie vppon vs miserable sinners O God the father of heauen c. O God the sonne redeemer of the world haue mercie vpon vs miserable sinners O God the sonne redeemer
may offer therwith our obedience vnto god Hereof we haue examples of Christ when he saide father if it be possible let this câ—p passe froÌ„ me neuertheles not as I vvill but as thou vvilt With this obedience to the wil of God spake Dauid when he desired to be brought againe into his kingdome saying If I shall find fauour in the sight of the Lord he vvill bring me againe but if he shall say vnto mee thou doest not please mee I am ready let him do as it seemeth him good And Iob saith though he kill me yet vvil I put my trust in him Therefore for as much as wee do knowe that it is the lotte of Gods children to be alway vnder the crosse and therefore concerning these corporall benefites we knowe not how or what to aske as we ought wee must herein offer our obedience vnto GOD abiding his good will and pleasure so longe as it shall seeme good vnto him to exercise vs in the want therof who suffereth vs somtime to be afflicted for our chastisement and for the probation of our continuance and also that we may receiue with greater gladnesse if to his diuine wisedome it seeme expedient for vs that which with ardent desire we long looked for S. Paul saith VVhen vve are iudged vve are chastened of the Lorde because vve shoulde not be condemeed vvith the vvorld But wheÌ„ we pray for spiritual things we must aske them absolutely and without condition for therevnto doe perteine the chiefe promises of the Gospell of the which God woulde haue vs most assured Verilie verily I say vnto you saith Christe he that beleeueth in me hath euerlasting life As sure as I liue saith the Lorde I vvill not the death of a sinner but that he returne and liue To the promises of God we muste ioyne examples whereby we learne that God hath heard holpen those that call vpon him For all deliuerances whether they be of other whereof the scripture is full or of our selues whereof we haue experience are examples of Gods promises Hereby did Dauid comfort himselfe in the anguish and heauines of his heart saying I vvill remember the vvorkes of the Lorde and call to minde thy vvonders of olde time Thou hast mightily deliuered thy people euen the sonnes of Iacob and Ioseph Againe I vvil be glad and reioyce in thy mercie for thou hast seene my trouble thou hast knovvne my soule in aduersitie And thus being warned both by promises and examples let vs learne to cast our care vpon the Lorde to call vpon him and to looke for helpe at his hand So shall our faith by little and little be more firme certaine and our heart shall rest in hope expectation of Gods helpe But for as much as of our selues we are vnworthie to appeare in Gods sight whose terrible maiestie comming once into our minde it is impossible but that we shoulde flie from him as a fearefull iudge therefore he hath giuen vnto vs a mediatour euen our Lorde â—esus that he being a meane betweene GOD and vs might change the throne of dreadfull glorie into the throne of grace and that we by his merites hauing accesse vnto God might haue assured trust to finde grace in his sight If any man sinne saith S. Iohn vve haue an aduocate vvith the father Iesus Christ the iust and he is the Reconciliation for our sinnes To him saith S. Peter beare all the Prophets vvitnes that through his name all that beleeue in him shall receiue forgiuenesse of their sinnes By vvhome saith S. Paul vve haue boldnesse and entraunce in all confidence through faith in him And againe VVee haue not an high Prieste vvhich can not haue compassion on our infirmities but vvas in all pointes tempted like as vvee are sinne execpted let vs goe boldly therefore vnto the throne of his grace that vvee may receiue mercie and finde grace to help in time of neede And as we are commaunded to call vppon God and haue a promise also to bee heard euen so we are commaunded to make our prayers vnto him in the name faith and confidence of this our mediatour and wee haue no promise to be heard without him in whome are all the promises of God yea and Amen confirmed and fulfilled And no man commeth to the father but by the sonne For he is our mouth whereby wee speake to the father hee is our eye whereby wee see the father and hee is our right hande whereby wee offer our selues to the Father Whatsoeuer therefore wee aske in his name wee haue a promise to obtaine it Verily verily saith Christ I say vnto you vvhatsoeuer yee shall aske the father in my name he shall giue it you in my name that is for my sake your high byshop praying for you Hitherto ye haue not asked any thing in my name aske and ye shall receiue In that day ye shall aske in my name and vvhatsoeuer ye aske I vvill doe that the Father may be glorified in the Sonne Of prayer there be two partes Petition and thankesgiuing By petition wee poure foorth our desires before God requiring first those thinges that may set foorth his glorie and then such benefites as are profitable and necessarie for vs By giuing of thankes we prayse and magnifie his benefits bestowed vpon vs acknowledging that whatsoeuer good thinges we enioie we haue receiued them of his free goodnes and liberalitie Therefore Dauid ioyneth these two partes togither in one verse when he saith Call vpon me in the day of necessitie I vvill deliuer thee and thou shalte glorifie me The scripture commaundeth vs to vse both and that continually For our necessitie is so great our life is so full of troubles and calamities and so many daungers hange ouer our heades euery moment that wee haue all cause ynough yea euen the most holy with sighes and groninges continually to flye vnto God and to call vppon him in most humble wise But this wee may better perceiue in things pertaining to the soule For when shall so many great sinnes whereof wee know our selues guiltie suffer vs to bee without care and not to craue pardon of GOD for the same when will sathan giue vs reast and quietnes when wil he cease to range about seeking whome he may destroy when shall our tentations giue vstruce so that we shall not need to hasten vnto GOD for helpe Finally the desier of the kingdome and glory of God ought so to drawe vs wholy vnto it not by fits but coÌ„tinually that all times should be fit conuenient for vs to pray Wherefore not without cause we are so often commaunded to pray continually And though we be not driuen with like necessitie at al times to pray yet in this case S. Iames teacheth vs what we ought to doe Is anie man heauie or afflicted saith he Let him pray that iâ— let him craue of God helpe and comfort vvho so
and giue vnto vs a true and liuely faith working in vs vnfained repentance and amendment of our sinnefull life Haue mercy vpon vs and forgiue vs our sinnes for thy Sonnes sake certifie our consciences of remission of the same by thy holy spirite by whose operation so mortifie in vs our olde man the whole body of sinne that we continually dying vnto sinne may walke in newnesse of life to the glorie of thy holie name through Iesus Christ our Sauiour Amen An other confession of sinnes O Eternal God and most merciful father we confesse and acknowledge here before thy diuine maiestie that we are miserable sinners conceiued and borne in sinne and iniquitie so that in vs there is no goodnesse for the flesh euermore rebelleth against the spirite whereby we continually transgresse thy holie precepts and commaundements and so purchase to ourselues through thy iust iudgement death and damnation Notwithstanding O heauenly father for as much as we are displeased with our selues for the sinnes we haue committed against thee and doe vnfeinedly repent vs of the same we most humbly beseech thee for Iesus Christes sake to shew thy mercy vpon vs to forgiue vs al our sinnes and to increase thy holy spirit in vs that we acknowledging from the bottome of our harts our owne vnrighteousnesse may from hencefoorth not onely mortifie our sinfull lustes and affections but also bring foorth such fruites as may be agreeable to thy most blessed wil through Iesus Christ our onely Sauiour whome thou hast already giuen an oblation and an offering for our sinnes and for whose sake we are certainly persuaded that thou wilt denye vs nothing that we shall aske in his name according to thy will. For thy spirite doth assure our consciences that thou art our mercifull father and so louest vs thy children through him that nothing is able to remoue thy heauenly grace and fauour from vs To thee therfore with the sonne and the holy Ghost be all honour and glorie world without end So be it A prayer to be said in the Morning O Eternall GOD and heauenly father seeing that by thy great mercy we haue quietly passed this night graunt we beseech thee that we may bestowe this day wholy in thy seruice so that all our thoughts wordes and deedes may redound to the glory of thy name and good example of our brethren And as it hath pleased thee to make the sunne to shine vpon the earth to giue vs bodilie light euen so vouchsafe to illuminate our vnderstanding with the brightnesse of thy spirit to direct vs in the way of righteousnesse so that what thing so euer we shall applie our selues vnto our speciall care and purpose may be to walke in thy feare and to serue and honour thee looking for all our wealth prosperitie to come from thy only blessing and that we may take nothing in hand which shall not be agreeable to thy most blessed will. Furthermore that we may in such sort trauell for our bodyes and for this present life that we may haue alwayes a further regard that is to the heauenly life which thou hast promised to thy children and in the meane season that it may please thee to preserue and defend vs both in bodie and soule to strengthen vs against al the temptations of the diuell and to deliuer vs from all perils and daungers that may happen vnto vs if we be not defended by thy godly power And for as much as to begin well and not to continue is nothing we beseech thee to receiue vs not onely this day into thy holy protection but also for the time of our whole life continuing and increasing in vs daily thy grace and good giftes therof vntill thou shalt bring vs to that happie state where we shal fully and for euer be ioyned vnto thy Sonne Iesus Christ our Sauiour which is the true light of our souls shining day and night perpetually And to the end that we may obtaine such grace at thy hand vouchsafe most mercifull father to forgiue and forget all our sinnes which we haue heretofore committed against thee and for thine infinit mercies sake to pardon the same as thou hast promised to those that aske of thee with vnfeined heart for whom as for our selues we make our humble petitions vnto thee in the name of thy sonne our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ in such sort as he hath taught vs saying Our father c. An other prayer to be said in the Morning O Almightie and most gratious God we hartily thanke thee for the sweete sleepe and comfortable rest which thou hast giuē vs this night past and for as much as thou hast commaunded by thy holy word that no man should be idle but all occupied in godly and vertuous exercises euery man according to his calling we most humbly beseech thee that thine eyes may attend vpon vs daily defend vs cherish comfort gouerne vs and al our counsels studies and labors in such wise that we may spend and bestowe this day according to thy most holy will setting thee alwaies before our eyes lyuing in thy feare working that may be found acceptable before thy diuine Maiestie through Iesus Christ our lord So be it An other prayer for the Morning WE humblie and heartily giue thankes vnto thee O heauēly father through thy dearely beloued sonne Iesus Christ that to thy innumerable benefites hitherto powred vpon our soules and vpon our bodies thou hast kept vs this night past from many euills both spirituall and corporall and nowe of thy mercy doest offer giue vs time to repent and to amend our liues so that we might liue hencefoorth not as we will but as thou wilt and as our bodyes doe drawe continually nearer and nearer their end the graue I meane so our soules might approch to their end that is heauen and not hell for in one state we stand not still but either we are nearer nearer the happie state of life or else the vnhappie condition of death eternal Wherefore we beseech thee to be mercifull vnto vs good father and as of thy goodnesse thou giuest vs time to repent and liue godlie so of the same thy goodnesse in Christe we humbly beseech thee to giue vs thy gratious gift of true holie perfect perpetuall repentaunce that we may more and more lament our former sinfull life trusting vnfeignedly in thy rich mercy through the merites of Iesus Christe for the pardon of all our sinnes and that we may vnfaignedly purpose and effectually labour to amende our liues this day so long as we haue to liue in all our doings and wordes and euen in our verie thoughtes to the praise of thy holie name and good example of our brethren And for as much as thou knowest our weaknesse our ignoraunce and great vntowardnesse to carrie any great crosse or affliction we beseech thee our sweete father so to temper and order al things towards vs this day
Iuda thou coÌ„querour of hel and death euer liuing and immortall thou art nowe risen from death for vs thou art now ascended to thy father and our father and sittest at his right hand in glorie suffer vs to come neare vnto thee that wee may kisse thee yea Lorde thou louer of our soules come thou rather vnto vs and kisse vs with the kisse of thy mouth that we may bee glad and reioyce in thee drawe vs that we may runne after the sauour of thy sweete oyntmentes that wee may beholde thee in righteousnesse and when thy glorie shall appeare we may be satisfied for in thy presence there is fulnesse of ioy and in thy right hand there are pleasures for euermore A prayer for true repentance MOst gratious God mercifull Father of our Sauiour Iesus Christ because I haue sinned don wickedly and through thy goodnesse haue receiued a desire of repentaunce wherevnto this thy long suffering doth drawe my harde hart I beseech thee for thy great mercies sake in Christ to worke the same repentance in me and by thy spirite power and grace so to humble mortifie and feare my conscience for my sinnes to saluation that in thy good time thou maist comfort and quicken me again through Iesus Christ thy dearely beloued sonne So be it I. B. A prayer for the strength and increase of faith O Merciful God and deare father of our Lord and sauiour Iesus Christ in whome as thou art well pleased so hast thou commanded vs to heare him for as much as he often biddeth vs to aske of thee and also promiseth that thou wilt heare vs and grant vs that which in his name we shal aske of thee loe gratious father we are bold to begge of thy mercie through thy sonne Iesus Christ one sparkle of true faith and certaine persuasion of thy goodnesse and loue towards vs in Christ where through I being assured of the pardon of all my sinnes by the mercies of Christe thy sonne may bee thankefull to thee loue thee serue thee in holinesse and righteousnesse all the dayes of my life I. B. A prayer for the true sense and feeling of Gods â—auour and mercie in Christe OH Lord God and deare Father what shall I say that feele all things to be in maner with me as in the wicked Blind is my mind crooked is my will and peruerse concupiscence is in mee as a spring or stinking puddle O howe faint is faith in me How little is my loue to thee or to thy people How great is selfe loue Howe harde is my heart â–ª By the reason whereof I am moued to doubt of thy goodnes towardes me whether thou art my mercifull father and whether I be thy childe or no. In deede worthily might I doubt if that the hauing of these were the cause not the fruite rather of thy children The cause why thou art my father is thy mercie goodnes grace truth in Christe Iesus which can not but remain for euer In respect whereof thou hast borne me this goodwill to bring me into thy Church by baptisme and to accept me into the number of thy children that I might be holie faithfull obedient and innocent and to call me diuerse times by the ministerie of thy worde into thy kingdome besides thy innumerable other benefites alwayes hitherto powred vppon me All which thou hast done of this thy good will which thou of thine owne mercie barest to mee in Christ and for Christe before the worlde was made The which thing as thou requirest straitly that I should beleeue without doubting so wouldest thou that in all my needes I should come vnto thee as vnto a Father and make my mone without mistrust of beeing heard in thy good time as most shall make to my comfort Loe therefore to thee deere Father I come through thy sonne our Lord mediator and aduocate Iesus Christ who sitteth on thy right hand making intercession for me and pray thee of thy great goodnes and mercie in Christ to bee mercifull vnto me that I may feele in deede thy sweete mercie as thy childe The time Oh deare Father I appoint not but I pray thee that I may with hope still expect and looke for thy helpe I hope that as thou for a little while hast left mee so thou wilt come and visite me and that in thy great mercie whereof I haue need by reason of my great miserie Thou art wont for a little season in thine anger to hide thy face from them whome thou louest but surely O Redeemer in eternal mercies thou wilt shew thy coÌ„passions For when thou leauest vs O Lord thou doest not leaue vs verie long neyther doest thou leaue vs to our owne losse but to our iucre and aduauntage euen that thy holie spirite with bigger portion of thy power and vertue may lighten and cheare vs that the want of feeling of our sorrowe may be recompenced plentifully with the liuely sense of hauing thee to our eternall ioy and therefore thou swarest that in thine euerlasting mercie thou wilt haue compassion on vs Of which thing to the end we might be most assured thine oth is to bee marked for thou saiest As I haue sworne that I will neuer bring any more the waters to drown the world So haue I sworn that I wil neuer more be angry with thee nor reprooue thee The mountaines shal remoue and the hilles shal fall downe but my louing kindenesse shall not moue and the bonde of my peace shall not faile thee Thus saist thou the Lord our mercifull redeemer Deare father therefore I praye thee remember euen for thine owne truth and mercie sake this promise and euerlasting couenant which in thy good time I pray thee to write in my hart that I may know thee to be the onely true God and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent that I may loue thee with all my heart for euer that I may loue thy people for thy sake that I may be holie in thy sight through Christ that I may alwayes not only striue against sinne but also ouercome the same daily more and more as thy children doe aboue all thinges desiring the sanctification of thy name the comming of thy kingdome the doing of thy will here on earth as it is in heauen c. through Iesus Christ our redeemer mediatour and aduocate Amen I. B. A prayer against our spirituall enemies the diuel the worlde and the flesh O Lord God the diuell goeth about like a roaring Lion seeking whom he may deuour the flesh lusteth against the spirite the world persuadeth vnto vanities that we may forget thee our Lord God so for euer be damned Thus are we miserably on euery side beset and besieged of cruell vnrestfull enemies and like at euery moment to perish if we be not defended with thy godly power against their tyrannie We therefore poore and wretched sinners despairing of our owne strength which in deede is none most hartily
didest the Israelites of that horrible destruction which came vpon them whom thou first in mercie diddest cal to repentance by the preaching of thy worde but when no warning would serue thou diddest send them monstrous and fearefull signes and tokens to declare that thy visitatiō was not farre off But they like vnto vs at this day did always interpret these things after the imagination of their owne vaine hearts promising to themselues peace when destruction was ouer their heads Which things when we do call to minde for as much as they are written for our learning example and warning it maketh vs to tremble and quake for feare of thy iust iudgements For if thou hast thus dealt with thine owne deare and chosen children in token of thy great wrath against sinne what shall wee looke for who do no lesse deserue thy fearfull scourge for of mercie it is that thou doest thus long forbeare vs and liue as though there were no God at all to be reuenged vpon our sinnes It maketh vs to feare crye inwardly in our soules Come Lorde Iesu holy true in all thy doings shorten our daies bring this our pilgrimage to an end suffer vs not to heap sinne vpon sinne vntill the day of vengeance least we be caught vp amongst the number of the wicked and reprobate which shall neuer see thy louing countenance It maketh vs to crie to thee O Lorde Let thy kingdome come and end this our sinefull life wherein we doe nothing but prouoke thee to wrath Correct vs not O Lord in thine indignation neither chasten vs in thy heauy displeasure And though to vs belongeth nothing but shame confusion though our offences haue deserued to be visited with the rod and our sinnes with scourges yet in mercie Lorde with fatherly correctiō chasten vs and thy louing kindnesse take not away from vs. To thee we flee for succour vnder the winges of thy mercy shal be our refuge vntill thou turne thy wrathfull countenaunce from vs We know that thy mercie is aboue all thy works and euen as great as thy selfe therfore wit we say with holy Iob Though thou kill vs yet will wee put our trust in thee Thou camest to comfort pluck out of the dungeon of hell suche wretches as wee are Thou art the good Samaritan that camest to heale our deadly woundes thou art that good Physitian that camest to cure our mortall infirmities thou art the good sheepheard that camest to seeke vs wandering and lost sheepe and to bring vs to thy folde againe more then that thou art our brother flesh of our flesh and bone of our bones which hast tasted of our infirmities felt our temptations and borne the burden of our sinnes therefore at thy handes we looke for mercie against the day of vengeance And though thou punish vs yet our hope is and euer shall be that thy rodde shall no further touch vs then shal make to thy glorie our commoditie and the strengthening and increase of our faith Let this thy Preaching sundrie ways O Lord be sufficient for our warning and graunt that we may speedily from the bottome of our heartes repent endeuour to doe thy righteous and blessed will reuealed in thy worde and frame our liues according to the same that we may here liue in thy feare all the dayes of our life and after this our sinnefull course is ended may dwel with thee in thy blessed kingdome through the death merites of Iesus Christ our onely redeemer So be it Another praier for the auoiding of Gods deserued wrath hanging ouer vs for our sinnes WHen we looke backe and behold our sinful life past what a dongeon of errours vice wickednes openeth it selfe vnto vs so that there is no man but he must needes be ashamed of him selfe when he calleth to mind what he hath ben trembleth when he considereth the wickednes and sinneful course of his life to come for who shall vndertak◠that the rest of our life shall bee any better then that is past How can we thē sufficiently magnifie praise thy great mercy which hast deferred thy punishmēt so long Beholding therfore this our daungerous miserable state we come vnto thee O thou great and mightie Iudge in trembling and feare humbly beseeching thee not to heape vpon vs thy deserued vengeance but let thy tender kindnes loue thou bearest to Iesus Christ thy sonne our gratious Lord and redeemer couer our iniquites for whose sake though we deserue all extremitie thou doest pardon vs. If thou Lorde shall straitly marke our iniquities O Lord who shal be able to abide it Psal. 103. A prayer to be saide of all such as suffer any kinde of crosse ALmightie God king of al kings gouernour of al things whose power no creature is able to resist to whome it belongeth iustly to punish sinners to be mercifull vnto them that truely repent wee confesse thou doest most iustly punishe vs for wee haue greeuously sinned against thee and wee acknowledge that in punishing vs thou doest declare thy selfe to be our most mercifull father as well because thou doest not punishe vs in any thing as we haue deserued as also because by punishing vs thou doest call vs and as it were draw vs to increase in repentance in faith in prayer in contemning of the world and in heartie desiring for euerlasting life and thy blessed presence Grant vs therfore gratious Lord thankefully to acknowledge thy great mercie which hast thus fauourably dealte with vs in punishing vs not to our confusion but to our amendement And seeing thou hast sworne that thou wilt not the death of a sinner but that he turne and liue haue mercie vppon vs and turne vs vnto thee for thy dearely beloued sonne Iesus Christes sake whome thou wouldest shoulde bee made a slaine sacrifice for our sinnes thereby declaring thy great and vnspeakeable anger against sinne and thine infinite mercie towards vs sinfull wretches And for as much as the dulnesse blindnes corruption of our hearts is such that we are not able to arise vp vnto thee by faithfull and heartie prayer according to our great necessitie without thy singular grace and assistance graunt vnto vs gratious Lorde thy holy and sanctifying spirite to worke in vs this good work with grace to weigh and consider the neede and greatnesse of that wee doe desire and with an assured faith and trust that thou wilt grant vs our requestes because thou art good and gratious euen to younge Rauens calling vppon thee much more then to vs for whome thou hast made all things yea and hast not spared also thine owne deare sonne because thou hast commaunded vs to call vppon thee because thy throne whereto wee come is a throne of grace and mercie because thou hast giuen vs a mediator Christe to bring vs vnto thee being the way by whome wee come being the dore by whome wee enter
Lord which are taught of thee and instructed by the spirite of godly wisedome and vnderstanding which by their preaching will seeke not themselues but thee because they are godly and can so do because they are wise vnderstande Giue to the preacher of thy worde here present out of the treasures of thy wisedome that which hee may powre vpon vs to our saluation and vnto vs giue thy grace holy spirit O Lord so to heare and to receiue thy worde that the good seede whiche falleth vppon vs be not choked with thornes or withered away with heate or deuoured by the foules of the aire but may growe vp in a good grounde and fructifie with great increase A prayer to be saide after the Preaching of Gods worde ALmightie God most mercifull father wee heartily beseech thee that this seed of thy worde nowe sowen amongest vs may take suche deepe root that neither the burning heate of affliction or persecution cause it to wither neither the thornie cares of this life do choake it but that as seede sowne in good ground it may bring forth thirtie sixtie and an hundreth folde as thy heauenly wisedome hath appointed And because we haue neede continually to craue many things at thy handes we humbly beseech thee O heauenly father to graunt vs thy holy spirit so to direct our petitions that they may proceed from such a feruent minde as may be agreable to thy most blessed will. And seeing that our infirmitie is such that we are able to do nothing without thy helpe and that thou art not ignorant with howe many and great tentations we poore wretches are on euerie side compassed and inclosed let thy strength O Lorde susteine our weakenesse and assist vs with thy grace that we may be safely preserued against all the assaults of Sathan who goeth about like a roaring Lyon seeking to deuoure vs Increase our faith O mercifull Father that wee doe not swarue at anie time from thy heauenly worde Augment in vs hope and loue with a carefull keeping of all thy commandements that no hardnes of hart no hypocrisie no concupiscence of the eies nor inticements of the world doe draw vs away frō thy obedience And seeing the times are dangerous wherin we liue let thy fatherly prouidence defende vs againste the violence of all our enemies and specially againste the furious rage of that Romishe idoll enemie to thy Christ. Furthermore for as much as by thy holy Apostle we bee taught to make our prayers and supplications for all men we pray not onely for ourselues here present but beseech thee also to reduce all such as be yet ignorant from the miserable captiuitie of blindnesse and errour to the pure vnderstanding of thy heauenly trueth that we all with one consent and vnitie of minde may worshippe thee our onely God and sauiour We beseech thee also most deare father for all pastors and ministers to whome thou hast committed the dispensation of thy holy worde and charge of thy chosen people that both in their life and doctrine they maye be found faithfull setting onely before their eyes thy glorie and that by them all poore sheep which wander and go astray may be sought out and brought to thy folde Againe that it would please thee to deliuer thy Church from such idle sheepeheardes wolues and hirelinges as seeke themselues and their bellies and not thy glory and the safegarde of thy flocke Moreouer because the heartes of rulers are in thy handes wee make our prayers vnto thee for all Princes and Magistrates to whome thou haste committed the administration of iustice especially O Lorde for the Queenes Maiestie that it would please thee to indue her with thy plentifull grace and principall spirite that she may with a pure faith acknowledge Iesus Christ thy onely sonne to be King of all Kinges and gouernour of all gouernours euen as thou hast giuen all power vnto him both in heauen and in earthe so work in her heart that she considering whose minister she is may hartily seeke and zealously promote thy true honour and glory carefully traueling to bring thy people committed to her charge yet remaining almoste in all partes of this realme in miserable blindnesse and darke ignorance to the true knowledge of thee ruling and guidinge them as she is taught commaunded by thy holy word Also we beseech thee to indue all such as are in any authority vnder her with thy grace and holy Spirite that they may be founde vprighte faithfull in their calling fauourers and furtherers of thy holy Gospell maintainers defenders of the true Preachers and ministers therof and such as in singlenes of heart wil seeke not themselues but thy glory and the commodity of thy people And for that we be all members of the mysticall body of Christe Iesus wee make our requestes vnto thee O heauenly father for all such as are afflicted with any kinde of crosse or tribulatiō as warre plague famine sickenes pouertie imprisonment persecution banishment or any other kinde of thy roddes whether it be griefe of body or vnquietnesse of minde that it would please thee to giue them patience and constancie till thou sende them full deliueraunce out of all their troubles Finally O Lord we most humbly beseech thee to shew thy great mercie vppon-our brethren which are persecuted cast in prison and daily condemned to death for the testimonie of thy trueth and though they be vtterly destitute of all mans aide yet let thy sweete comforte neuer depart from them but so inflame their heartes with thy holy spirite that they may boldly and cheerefully abide suche triall as thy godly wisedome shall appoint so that at length as well by their death as by their life the kingdome of thy sonne Iesus Christ may increase and shine through all the worlde In whose name we make our humble petitions vnto thee as he hath taught vs saying Our father which art c. A prayer to be saide before the receiuing of the communion O Father of mercie and God of all consolation seeing all creatures do acknowledge and confesse thee to be their gouernour and Lorde it becommeth vs the workemanship of thine owne handes at all times to reuerence and magnifie thy godly maiestie Firste for that thou hast created vs to thine owne image and similitude but chiefly because thou hast deliuered vs from that euerlasting death and damnation into the which Sathan drewe mankinde by the meanes of sinne from the bondage whereof neither man nor Angell was able to make vs free but thou O Lord rich in mercie infinite in goodnes hast prouided our redemption to stande in thine onely and welbeloued sonne whom of very loue thou diddest giue to be made man like vnto vs in all thinges sinne excepted that in his bodie he might receiue the punishment of our transgression by his death to make satisfaction to thy