bodies with fode and raiment may shew them selues profitable members of the chrysten publique weale and faythful seruauntes to the their Lorde God whyche alone art worthye all honoure and glorye Amen A prayer for children AS thou O mercyful father hast geuen commaundemeÌ„t vnto al fathers â–ª mothers to brâ—nge vp theyr children in thy feare nourtour and doctryne â–ª so likewyse thy good pleasure is that children shuld honor reuerence their parentes Eâ—odu ix Deute v. Mathe. xix Mar x. Eâ—he â—i Collo iii. Eccl iii. viâ— Tobi. iiii Eccle. iii. Proue xix Proue xxx Deu. xxvii diligentlye geue ear vnto their vâ—rtuous enstruccions and faythfully obey them And as thou hast promised helth honour glory rychâ—s long life all that good is vnto theÌ„ that honour reuerence and huÌ„bly obeye their fathers mothers so haste thou threatned vnt o dysobedyeÌ„t chyldren ignominie euyll fame conteÌ„pt shame dishonour pouertie sickenes short life and suche other plagues Yea in thy holye lawe thou doest not onelye pronounce them accurssed that dyshonor theyr fathers mothers but thou also commaundest that if anye chylde be stubberne disobedieÌ„t and wil not heare but rather despise the commaundemeÌ„t of his father and mother â–ª Deute xxi the same shuld be stoned vnto death without mercy so greatly doste thou abhorre disobedieÌ„ce and rebellioÌ„ agaynst all persons but specially agaynst parentes Deute iiii Heb. xiii We therefore hartely wishyng that the plages of thy fearce wrathe for thou O God art a consumâ—ng fyre maye be far from vs â–ª most huÌ„bly besech the to graue in the harts of all children of whatâ—oeuer age kynd estat or degre thei be true honour harti reuereÌ„ce â–ª and vnfained obedyence toward theyr pâ—rentes Giue them grace o good Lorde that as they profes thi son Christ in name so they may truly represent his maners in their life and conuersacion Luke ii whiche willinglye was obedieÌ„t vnto his mother mary and vnto her husband Ioseph geuyng example to al children of the like subieccion and obedyeÌ„ce towâ—rd theyr parents Engraffe in them such a loue toward theyr fathers mothers that they mai both reuereÌ„ce theÌ„ with outwarde honour and also for their power helpe them socoure theÌ„ prouyde for them comfort anb cherish theÌ„ in their nede eueÌ„ as their pareÌ„ts nourished and comforted theÌ„ in their infancy tender age Esay xliii But aboue all thynges geue theÌ„ grace truly to honour the whyche art the heauenly father yea oure father our redemer whiche hast made vs dayly cherishest vs euen as a father or mother cherishe their mooste deare and naturall chyldren So shall â—t come to passe Esaye xlix that they faythfully honourynge the shal also in order hartely honour and vnfainedly obey theyr carnal pareÌ„tes in thi feare vnto yâ— glory of thy most blessed name which is most worthi to be honored worldes without ende AmeÌ„ A prayer for Masters ALthoughe O Christe thou most hyghest Lorde al power both in heuen and in erth Mâ—t xxviii be geueÌ„ vnto the of thy heauenly father and albeit thou hast geueÌ„ vs a commaundement that wee shuld not desire to be called master Mat. xxiii for we haue but one mayster whyche thou art al we are brethren hauing one father which is in heauen yet forasmuch as thou accordyng to thy blessed will hast appoiÌ„ted some superiours some inferioures some masters some seruaunts some to commaunde some to obey some to rule some to searue and by thys meanes suche as be in superiorytye haue obteyned by thy holye worde the name of maisters or Lordes because they haue seruauntes vnder them and rule vnder the accordynge to thy good pleasure godlie appointment whyche art the mooste supreame power and mooste excellente maiesty Kinge of kinges and Lord of Lordes i. Timo. vi Apoc. â—vii and .xix. to whom all thinges both in heauen and in earth and vnder the earthe do bowe their knees and geue reuereÌ„ce honoure Philip. ii whose praise also euery nacion and language doth auance and set forth coÌ„fessing that thou art the Lorde Iesu Christe vnto the glorye of God the father We moste humblye praye thee whyche arte the greatest master and moste hyghest Lorde to sende thy holye spiryte vppon all suche as are called masters here in earthe and haue superioritie ouer other that they remembrynge them selues to be thy seruaunts Ephesi vi Collo iiii and that thei also haue a master in heaueÌ„ with whoÌ„ ther is no respect of persons may put awaye all threatninges al cruelty al vnrightousnes and do that vnto their seruauÌ„ts whiche is iust equall Eccle. vii Graunte that they entreate not euyll theyr seruauntes whiche worke truly nor the hyreling that is faithful vnto theÌ„ Eccle. iiii Eccle. vii GrauÌ„t that they be not as lions in theyr houses destroyinge their houshold folks and oppressing such as are vnder them but rather that they cherysh and loue their faithfull discrete seruauÌ„tes euen as their owne soul and by no meanes suffer theÌ„ to be vnrewarded for their paines takiÌ„g nor yet at the laste to be driuen to beggary for their true seruice doyng but that they liberally rewarding them according to their desertes may shew theÌ„ selues to be thy true seruauÌ„tes which leauest no maÌ„ vnrewarded Math. xvi but geuest to eueri maÌ„ according to his dedes Roma ii to them that do wel and continue in wel doing glory honour peace immortality and euerlastiÌ„g life to them that do euill and coÌ„tinue in the same indignacion wrath displesure trouble sorow and eternal damnacioÌ„ GrauÌ„t therfore O Lorde that all temporall masters may in all their doyngs resemble the which art the heaueÌ„ly and euerlasting master and so be haue theÌ„ selfs both toward theyr seruauÌ„ts and all other accordnig to thy blessed wyl that at the laste daye they maye be founde in the nuÌ„ber of theÌ„ to whom thou shalt say Come ye blessed of mi father possesse the kingdom which was prepared for you from the beginninge of the world Math. xxv Lord let it so come to passe Amen A prayer for seruauntes O Christ my lord and sauiour which being the son of the liuing God yea God him self from euerlastynge didst not disdaine at the wil of thine heuenly father to make thy selfe of no reputation to become man to take vpon the the shape of a seruaunt to obey thi fathers commauÌ„dement to the deathe Philip. ii yea euen the death of the crosse for our saluacioÌ„ refusiÌ„g no seruice no trauail no labour no payne that mighte make vnto the comforte of mankynde we mooste humbly beseche the to geue al seruauÌ„ts grace to practise thy humility and obedyence that as thou moost wyllyngly diddest serue and obey thy heauenly fathers good plesure so they in like manner may wyth moste hartye affeccioÌ„ serue obey their bodely masters in al thynges Ephesi vi that fight not wyth thy blessed
my self that whensoeuer thou callest me froÌ„ the vale of misery I may be fouÌ„d the chylde not of darknes but of light and so for euer reigne with the in glory which art the true euerlastyng light Iho. i. vii â–ª xi and xiiâ— i Iohn i to whom with thy dearely beloued sonne Iesu Christ our alone sauiour and the holy ghost that most swete comforter be al honour glory AmeÌ„ A prayer for the nighte O Lorde God and my heauenly father forasmuch as by thy dyuyne ordynauÌ„ce the nyght approcheth and darcknesse begynneth to ouerwhelme the earthe and time requireth that we gyue our selues to bodely rest and quietnes I reÌ„der vnto the most harty thanks for thy louinge kindenes which hast vouchedsafe to preserue me this day froÌ„ the dauÌ„ger of mine enemies to geue me my helth to fede me so to seÌ„d me al things necessary for the coÌ„forte of thys my pore neady lyfe I most huÌ„bly besech the for Christes sake that thou wilte mercifully forgeue me al that I haue this day committed against thy fatherli goodnes eyther in woorde deede or thought that thou wilt vouchsafe to shadow me this night vnder the coÌ„fortable winges of thy almyghty power and defend me from Sathan froÌ„ al hys crafty assautes that neither he nor any of hys ministers haue power ouer eyther my body or my soul but that although my bodye thorow thy benefite enioyeth swete and pleasauÌ„t sleepe yet my soul may coÌ„tinually watch vnto the thinke of the delight in the euermore praise the that wheÌ„ the ioyful light of the day returneth according to thy godly appoinctment I maye ryse agayne wyth a faythfull soule and vndefyled body and so afterwarde behaue my selfe al the time of my life accordynge to thy blessed wyl and comaundemente Rom. xiii by castynge away the works of darcknes and putting on the armours of light Math. v. that men seing my good works may therby be prouoked to gloryfie the my heaueÌ„ly father which wyth thy only begotten soÌ„ne Iesu Christ our alone sauiour and the holye goste that moste swete comfortoure liuest and reignest one true and euerlastynge God world without end Amen The confession of our sinnes vnto God the Father I Am not able to expres oh wretched sinner that I am how greuously the burden of my sins oppresse me whyther soeuer I turn me whatsoeuer I do speke or thinke I perceiue such corruption and wickednes such abhominacion vnclennes to raign in me Gen. vi Psal â–ª lâ—v Iohn iii. â–ª Genesi iâ—i Eccl vii x Gene viii Prouer x. Iere. xvii Tobi ix Esay lxiiii Genesi iii Roma v. Ephesi ii â–ª Collos. iii that it vtterly confouÌ„deth my conscience and in a manner fettereth me with the cheyne of desperacioÌ„ No maruell For my outward manne is flesh earthe ashes duste donge and all that moost vile is My thought disposicion is altogether nought eueÌ„ froÌ„ my very cradels my harte is vnclean defiled with most filthy synne leude vnable to be searched for the manifolde wickednes thereof but of God alone My works are abominable and lothsome in the syght of the most highest yea my very ryghtousnesses if any I haue are euen as a defyled cloth Againe my inward maÌ„ hath lost his former beautye In steade of the Image of god he is miserabli deformed with the wicked visare of wily SataÌ„ In the place of innocencye fayth loue hope â–ª pacience mercy obedience goodnes gentilnesse liberality ioy and suche other frutes of the holi gost wickednes vnfaithfulnes â–ª hatred desperacion vengeaunce couetousnes rebellioÌ„ maliciousnes churlishnes vnmercifulnes pensiuenes of minde such other dampnable works of the fleshe are eÌ„tred into me and holy posses me so that whether I consider my outwarde or inward maÌ„ I fynde my self the boÌ„d slaue of Sathan Roma vi Deu. xxvii Mat. xviii Gala iii â–ª Ephesi â–ª ii â–ª Luke xv â–ª Luke x â–ª Esaye â–ª ix â–ª the vile doÌ„ghil of siÌ„ne the miserable debtour of the law the fyre brond of hel the childe of wrath the vessel of vengaunce the sonne of perdicion the wandring shepe the wouÌ„ded maÌ„ an hipocrite an vnprofitable seruant enheritour of euerlasting payne al that euer noughte is To ryd my selfe of al these most detestable enormities I am not able To seeke remedy at any other mans hand to bie their meritâ—s praiers watchings fastiÌ„gs their other workes oh it is but vayne Luk. x. Moses can not heale my diseases neither the Leuite nor the priest can binde vp my woundes and make them whole For vayne is the health that is loked for at mannes hand Psal lix Roma iii. Mat. xviii Psâ— xii Al haue sinned all haue gone astray al owe to that heauenly king ten thousand talentes Al are become abhominable there is not one that dothe good no not one Ah who then can be made cleane of theÌ„ that are vncleane Ah who beynge sycke Iob. xiiii Ecc xxxiiii wyl seke to be made whole of them that are altogether diseased Ah who beyng weake wyll wish to be stayed vp by him whiche for feablenes is not able too stande Canne the man of Inde chaunge his skinne Ierem. xiii or the catte of the mountaine her spots No more canne they make me good whych are them selues naught Ah whither then shal I fâ—e vnto mi self and vnto mine own righteousnes Psa. xciiii ii Cor. iii. I am a moste damnable siÌ„ner and of my self not able to thinke a good thought Unto the lawe it woundeth kylleth condeÌ„neth me It is a yoke Roma iiiâ— ii Cor. iii Ga iii â—iii Actes xv Math xxv that neyther we neyther our fathers wereuer able to bear Unto creatures thei haue not oyle inough for them selues Ah wretche that I am destitute and voyde of all mortall helpe shal I dispayre Farre be that from me But wer ther not a nother maner of doctrine theÌ„ the doctrine of the lawe whych maketh no man perfecte Heb x â–ª were ther not another maner of righteousnes then is fouÌ„d in my selfe â— Cor i Roma iii â—ii and v Gala. ii iii â—iii and â–ª v or in any other sinful creature I se none other but playne desperacion death damnatyon But thaÌ„kes be vnto the O heaueÌ„ly father which teÌ„deringe the health of thy creatures although sinful so oft as they repente beleue and study to amende their life hath set forth in â—hi holâ— scriptures another doctrine euen the doctrine of the gospell that most sweete pleasaunt and ioyful tidings of our saluacion which coÌ„forteth chereth maketh merye weake consciences sorowfull herts andanother righteousnes eueÌ„ the righteousnes of thy welbeloued sonne Iesu Christe Rom â–ª v. i Cori i. Math. iii. and xvii ii Peter i. Iohn iii. â—om viii â—say liii for whose sake art thou wel pleased with maÌ„ and for whose innoceÌ„cy and righteousnes thou frelye of thy bountifull goodnes forgeuest
the seruaunt of the Lorde maye not fighte but be peaceable gentel toward all and redy to tech sufferiÌ„g the euil wyth meknes enforming theÌ„ that reâ—ist if at any time thou O God maiest geue them repentaunce to knowe the truth i. Tim. iiâ—â— â–ª Let them cast away vngodly old wiuish fables teachinge thy heauenly word purely truly be vnto theÌ„ that beleue an example in the word in conuersacioÌ„ in loue in spirit in faith in purenes Let them geue attendaunce vnto reading to exhortacioÌ„ to doctrine let theÌ„ studi to shew theÌ„ selfs in thi sight workmeÌ„ worthi of praise eueÌ„ suche as nede not to be ashamed As in prechinge thy holy worde ii Timo. iâ— Iohn xxi i. Tim. iii. Titus i. â—sa lviii Eâ—om xii so likewise in mainteining hospitaliti in distributing to the necessiti of the saints in feding the hungri in clothing the naked in lodging the harbourles in nourishing godly learned men make them diligent heardemen that they maye be pastores and feders bothe in worde deede Graunte agayne that the parishners may reuerence the byshops other spirituall ministers Paryâ—â—onerâ— geuing them no lesse honour then the childe geueth the father Malach ii 〈◊〉 iiii Math. v. â— Cor iiii Iohn xxi â— Peter v. 〈◊〉 xxxiii Esay lviii â—â—bru xiii remeÌ„bring that they be the aungels of God the messengers of Christ the lyghte of the world the salt of the earth the dispeÌ„satours of the misteryes of God the feaders of theyr soules the coÌ„fortours of the weke the Phisicions of the sicke the vpholders of the whole the exhorters vnto vertue the fraiers away froÌ„ vice c. which watch continuallye for the health of their soules Worke in the hertes of al them that ar instructed with the word such a tender loue and good wil toward the Ministers that teche theÌ„ Gâ—la vi that they may giue vnto them abuÌ„dantly al good things wherby the preachers may be the more able not onli to norish their familibut also maintain hospitality for the reliefe comfort of the pore For who goth a warfar any time at his own cost i. Cor. ix who planteth a vineyarde and eateth not of the fruit who fedeth a â—â—ocke and eateth not of the milke Yf the preachers sowe vnto their parishners spiritual thiÌ„gs is it a great thyng if thei reape their carnal thinges Math. â— Thy ordynance is o lord that thei which preach the gospel shuld liue of the gospel Moreouer grant that the husbaÌ„ds mai loue there wiues as their owne bodies HusbaÌ„des not be bitter Ephe. vi Colos. iii. i. Peter ii churlish or vnkynd vnto them but geue honor vnto them as vnto the weker vessels and as vnto them that are felowe heyres wyth thâ—m of the grace of life Likewise grauÌ„t that the wiues be in subiection to theyr owne husbandes as vnto the Lorde in al thinges Wyues and so behaue them selfs as becoÌ„meth womenne of an honest and godly conuersacyon Gyue them grace to aray them selfes in comelye apparell with shamefastenesse and discrete behaueour not with broided here or gold or perle or costlye arai â–ª but with such as it becoÌ„meth women that profes godlines thorow good works Let the inward maÌ„ of the hert be vncorrupte wyth a meke and quiet spirit whych before the O God is much fette by For after this maner in the old time did the holy women which trusted in God tyre theÌ„ selfes â–ª that wer obedient to their own husbaÌ„ds euen as Sara obeied AbrahaÌ„ and called him Lorde Genâ— xvi whose doughters the maried women are so longe as thei do wel Grant that fathers maye not rate their children Fathers Collos iii. Ephesi vi lest they be of a desperat minde but bryng theÌ„ vp in the nurture informacioÌ„ of our Lord god Chyldren Ephesi vi GrauÌ„t also that the childreÌ„ obei their pareÌ„ts in al thinges and honour theÌ„ Masterâ— Colos. i ii Ephe. vi Graunt that al masters may do vnto their seruauntes that which is iust equal putty nge away threatnings and know that thei haue also a master in heauen Seruauntes Ephe. vi wyth whom ther is â–ª no respect of persons Graunt againe that the seruants be obedient vnto theyr bodely masters in al thinges with feare and tremblyng Collos. iii. Titus ii i. Peter ii in singlenes of hert as vnto Christ not with eie seruice only in yâ— eye-sight as meÌ„ plesers but as the seruauÌ„ts of Christ doyng thy wyll O god eueÌ„ froÌ„ the hext with good wyl Gyue them grace also to consider that they serue the Lord not meÌ„ and therfore thei mai be sure that whatsoeuer good a man dothe he shal receyue it agayne of the Lord whether he be boÌ„d or fre Further more graunt Elders Titus ii O most mercyful father that the elder men mai be sober honest discrete souÌ„d in faith in loue and in pacyence The elder wemen likewise grant that they be in suche raymente as becommeth holynes not false accusers not geuen to much drynckyng but teachers of honest thinges to make the yong women sobre minded to loue their husbaÌ„ds to loue their childreÌ„ to be discrete chaste housewifely good and obediente vnto theyr owne husbands that the worde of God be not euyl spoken of Yongemen Graunte also that the yonge men be sobre minded and of honeste conuersacyon To conclude graunte that euery one that professe thy gloryous name maye so lyue and behaue him selfe both in thoughte worde and dede that nothing mai procede come from them that shoulde offende thy deuyne and mooste excellent Maiesty Graunt also O mooste gentle and tender father that our lyghte may so shine before men that they seing our good workes Math. v. maye gloryfye the oure heauenlye father with thi welbeloued sonne Iesu Christ our sauiour and the holye gost that most swete comfortour to whom be al honour and glory for euer and euer Amen A prayer for oure ennemyes THe poisoÌ„ful corrupcioÌ„ of our nature whiche we haue sucked out of our fyrst parentes Adam and Eue worketh so stroÌ„gly in vs O Lord and so myghtely striueth againste the mocyons of thy holy spirit Galathi v. Roma vii that we can not do that we wold nor accomplysh that yâ— requirest of vs. Thou hast coÌ„maunded vs to loue not onlye our frends but also our very enemyes to forgeue them yâ— offeÌ„d vs to blesse theÌ„ that cursse vs Math v. Luke vi to do good to them that hate vs to prai for theim that do vs wronge and persecute vs if oure enemy honger to feede him â–ª if he thyrste Pro. xxv Roma xii to geue him drinke but our corrupt nature Exodu xxi Math. v. which euer striueth agaiÌ„st thy blessed wyl seketh al meanes possible to be reueÌ„ged to requite toothe for toothe and eye for eye to render euyl for euyl when veÌ„gaunce is thyne
faâ—â—heful prayeâ— obtayneth of God as oure Sauyoure Christe sayeth what so euer ye shall aske in prayer If ye beleue ye shall receyue it For asmuche therefore as nothynge is more necessarye too bee vsed of thee treue Christians for the contynuâ—unce of goddes fauoure and of hys heauenlye blessynges towarde them and for the auoydynge of all plages and dyspleasures than prayer for asmuche alâ—o as nothynge dothe so muche adorne garnyshe and seâ—te forthe the goodlye and prosperous state of a common wealthe as euerye manne diligentlye fayeth fullye and quyetly to lyue in his vocacion and callynge I not otherwyse knowinge howe I may be able to doo good to my countrye out by prayinge preachynge and wryghtynge for fortune gooeth foorthe frowardelye too trowne vppon me haue these fewe weekes paâ—â—e compiled and made a boâ—e 〈◊〉 Prayers comprehendynge not onely necessaâ—y â—nd conuenyenâ— Prayers for al degrees or menne euen froÌ„ the highest to the lowest but also for al other thynges necessary to be prayd for So that yf wee wyll folâ—we the order of charytye and do the wyl of God whiche commaundeth vs to pray one for another â—gayne if we wil praye to obtain vertue and to flâ— vyce â–ª this booke shall miniâ—â—er to the godly conuenyenâ—e and mere prayers And because the prayers shoulde bee the more acceptable vnto god â–ª and souÌ„d the better in hys godly eares agayne that the godly exercisers of prayer may praye wyth the more fruite and bee the better editted I haue trauayled to the vttermooste of my power too vse in theese prayers as fewe woordes of my owâ—eaâ— I coulde and to gleâ—e oute of the frutieful fyelde of the sacred scryptures what so euer I founde meete for euerye prayer that I made that whan it is prayed not manne but the holy Ghost may seme to speake After I hadde finyshed theese prayers mooste vertuous Ladye youre 〈◊〉 came fyrste too my remembrance as a worâ—â—ye Patrones boothe of the godlye and of godlynesse boothe of the learned and of learninge to whom euen of most bounden dutye I oughte to offer thys my laboure The gyfte I confesse is small and slender if it beâ— compared wyth youre graces lyberalytye whyche your grace hathe mooste bounteouslye shewed vnto me sence I came fyrste too youre seruyce Notwythstandynge I am so fullye perswaded of youre gâ—aces mooste gentle nature and godlye dysposyon toward so many 〈◊〉 are godly and well bent and vertuouslye minded that I feare nothinge to oâ—â—er this my â—ooke vnto your grace as a testimonye of my seruiseâ—â—le heart and ready bent good wyll towarde your grace It is a flower I graunte Notwithstandynge suche a flower as if it be ryghtelye vsed is of synguler vertue and myghtye in operatyon No euylaâ—er can huâ—te where the â—â—uoueâ— of thys flower commeth yea the deuil the world the flesh caÌ„ not abide the ayer of thyâ— flower so mighte is the spiritual operacion therof The flower geâ—â—th a smel in the streâ—es to the soule of the faythefull as Cimamone and Balme â–ª that hathe so good â— sauoure â–ª yea a swete odoure doth it gyue as it wer mirre of the best I therfore most humblye besechâ— your grace to take thys my small gyft in good part which comminge as it were from your Grace into the handes of many shal I doubt not doo manye good and bee the occasion that vyce shal decrese and vertue abundauntly encrease among vs. God whose holye worde your Grace most feruently loue and moste earnestly practise in your daylye conuersacion mought vouchsafe to â—reserue your Grace wyth my Lordes Grace youre moste louyng husband and al your godly â—eâ—tuous chyldreÌ„ in coÌ„tinual health dayly eÌ„crease of honour vnto the glory of his name and â—he comfort of al vs your graces moostâ— humble and faytheful serâ—â—â—nts Amen ¶ The Prayer Of oure Lorde O LORD God our father in heaueÌ„ we thi miserable chyldrene vppon earth besech thee mercyfully to loke vppon vs and sende vs thy grace that thy name maye â—e sanctifyed amonge vs and in all the worlde throughe the pure preachynge of thy woorde â–ª and trewe knoweledge and vnderstandinge of thee same and thoroughe earneste charytye in oure dayelye conuersacyon and lyuynge Seclude thou gracyously frome vs all false doctryne and euyll lyuynge whereby thy worthy name myghte be blasphemed and slauÌ„dered Oh let thy kyngedome come and bee greate to all synfull and blynde people and such as be houlden captyue of the deuyll and his kingdome brynge thou Lorde to repentaunce and to the knowledge of the trewe faith in Iesus Christ thy sonne Strengthen vs Lord with thy grace to do thy wyl in life and deathe in well and in woo that our wil may be alwaies broken offered vp and mortified Geue vs our daily bread preserue vs from all couetousnes â–ª and immoderate carefulnes of the belly that of the we maye be assured to haue aboundaunce of all good thinges necessary for vs. Forgeue vs oure trespasses â–ª that we maye haue a glad and a quietâ— conscyence in the in that we receiue forgeuenes of our synnes as we be wyllyng to forgeue all them that trespasse againste vs. And leade vs not into teÌ„ptacion but streÌ„gth then vs Lord wyth thy spirite to subdue the flesh to dispise the worlde wyth the vanities thereof to ouercome the deuell wyth all hys crafty assaultes And finally deliuer vs from al euil both bodely and ghostlye temporall and eternal for thine is the kingdome the power and the glorye for euer So be it The Flour of godly praiers most worthy to be vsed in these our daies for the sauegard health and comforte of all degrees and estates Newlie made by Thomas Becon ¶ A prayer for the mornynge O Heauenly Father Psal. xxxi Psal. xxvii Psal. xii whiche lyke a dyligent watchmaÌ„ attendest alwayes vpoÌ„ thy faythful people wheither they wake or â—lepe mightely defendest theim not onely from Sathan that old enemy of maÌ„kind but also from all other their aduersaryes so that throughe thy godly power they bee harmlesse preserued I moost hartely thancke the that it hathe pleased thy fatherly goodnesse soe toe take care of me thyne vnprofytable seruaunt thys nyghte pâ—ste that thou hast bothe safelye kepte me frome all myne enemyes also giueÌ„ me swet slepe vnto the great comforte of my bodye I most entireli besech the o most merciful father to shew the like kindnes toward me this day in preseruing my body soule that as my enemies may haue no power ouer me so I likewyse maye neyther thincke breath or speake or doo anye thynge that maye bee dipleasaunt to thy fatherly goodnes daungerous to my selfe or hurtful to my neighboure but that all my enterprises may be agreable to thy moost blessed wil whiche is alway good and godly doinge that Leuiti xix Mat. xxii Roma xiii Galla. v Luk. ii that may auaunce thy glory aunswer to my vocacion and profyt my neyghboure whoÌ„ I ought to loue as
promyse blesse our laboures and bring theÌ„ vnto a fortunate ende For we O Lorde Psal. xcv feede not oure selues but we are the shepe of thi pasture Thou feedest vs. Thou geuest meat to the hungry Psa. cxlvi Thou prepareste manne hys corne and prouydeste for the earthe Thou watrest her forrowes Psal. lxv thou breakest the harde clods thereof thou makeste it softe with the droppes of raine and blesseste the encrese of it Thou crowneste the yeare wyth thy bountifulnesse and thy footesteps drop fatnesse Thou also makest the dwellyng of the wildernesse fatte that they droppe wythall and the litle hilles makest thou pleasaÌ„te on euerye side Yea thou makest the valleies to stand so thick with corne that they laugh and synge Psal. ciiii Thou causeste the wels to springe vp among the valies and the waters to runne amonge the hylles that all the beastes of the fylde maye haue dryncke and that the wylde Asses may quenche their thryste Thou waterest the hyls froÌ„ aboue the earth is filled with the fruts of thy workes Thou bringest forth gras for the cattel grene herbs for the seruice of meÌ„ Thou briÌ„gest foode oute of the earthe wyne to make gladde the hearte of man oyl to make hym a chereful countenaunce and breade to strength mannes hearte O Lorde howe manifolde are thy works ryghte wyselye hast thou made them al yea the earth is ful of thy riches It is thy blessynge Pla. cxiiiiâ— that our garners are full and plentous wyth al manner of store that our shepe brynge forth thousandes hundred thousandes in our vyllages and fyeldes that oure oxen be â—ustye and fatte that we haue all thynges plenteouslye for the sustentacyon of oure bodyes Psalmâ— v. For wheÌ„ thou openest thy hand thou fylleste euerye lyuynge creature wyth thy blessing but when thou hydest thy face thei are sorowfull mourne and dye for honger Forasmuch then O moost mercyfull father as we receiue of the alone all good thynges Psal. lâ—â— vouchesafe we moost hertely besech the to shew vs thy face to lyghten thy continuance vppon vs to blesse vs to make the erth frutful and to preserue the fruits of the same that we â–ª thi creatures receiuing at thy merciful haÌ„d al things necessary for this our nedy beggerli lyfe may liue and magnifi thy blessed name both in this world and in the worlde to come thorow Iesu Christ thy soÌ„ne our lord Amen A prayer that we maye haue the feare of God before our eyes in all our doings O Almighty and euerlastynge God Mala i. thi holi worde teacheth vs that thou arte not onlie a father but also a Lorde not onlye a forgeuer but also a reuenger not onlye a sauioure but also a Iudge And as thou beeinge a father a forgiuer a sauiour dost pardon shew mercye so thou beinge a Lord a reuenger a Iudge punysheste and condempneste Neyther dothe thy holye scripture onelye set fourth vnto vs a gospelle whyche comforteth vs quyckenethe vs sheweth vs mery tidings forgiueth our sinnes quyeteth our conscience and briÌ„geth vnto vs euerlastynge lyfe but also a lawe whych reproueth accuseth condemneth vs ii Cor. iii. woundeth and sleath oure conscyence yea and throweth vs down headlonge into the deepe dongeon of helle And as the Gospell lyfteth vs vp and maketh vs merie with the hope of remissioÌ„ and forgiuenes of our siÌ„nes so doth the law plucke vs down and almost driue vs vnto desperacyon for feare of the plages and euerlastynge punishementes whyche thou haste prepared for them that despise thi holy ordynances so that we may not onelye loue the as a father a forgeuer a sauioure but also fere the as a Lord a reueÌ„ger a iudge Forasmuche therefore O moost gentel sauyoure and moost righteous iudge as nothynge doeth so myghtelye put awaye synne and maketh vs to walke in the wai of thy coÌ„maundements â—ccle i. as reuerentelye to feare the to stande in awe of thy iudgement and heuye displeasure we most entirly pray the to geue vs that feare whyche thou requireste of vs in thy holye scriptures 〈◊〉 xxxiiii â—â—ii.cxxviii and whereunto thou haste promysed so manye large bouÌ„teous benefites that we may not only loue the as a sauiour honor the as a father but also reuerence the as a Lord fear the as a iudge O Lord all thynges are open vnto thy eyes neyther is any thynge hid from the which seeste the verie secretes most inward thoughtes of oure heartes geue vs therfore grace that in all oure enterprises Hebru iiii Ieri xvii we euer set thy feare before our eies so stand in awe of the and of thy righteous iudgements that we attempt nothing wherby we shuld prouoke thi heauie displeasure against vs but so walke in thy feare and in thy holie ordinances that we may at all tymes loue the as a sauioure honour the as a father reuerence yâ— as a Lorde feare the as a iudge So shal it come to passe that we reuerentelye fearynge the as the chylde dothe his father shall not onlye auoide all suche euilles as might make the oure heauy Lord and ferce iudge but also embrace those vertues whyche shall both euidentelie declare oure faithfull loue true honour vnfained reuerence and humble feare towarde the and also make the our louing father and moost mercyfull sauioure thorowe Iesu Christe oure Lord. Amen A prayer for ffayth VUe are taughte by thy holye Apostle O mooste louynge Rom. xiiii sauioure that what soeuer is not of faith is synne and that it is impossible to please the with oute fayth 〈◊〉 xi and therfore they that come vnto the must beleue that thou art God yea and such a God as is both able and also wil abundauntelye rewarde all them that with true faieth seke the. Ieremy v. For thy eyes O Lorde looke vpon faythe and thou doest appere and shewthi selfvnto them Sapien. i. that haue faith in the Ose. iii. yea thorowe fayeth thou beinge the kinge of glory art maryed to the souls of the faithful and makest them partakers of thy deuine nature thorow the wonderful working of thy blessed spirite Thorow faith so many as beleue ar iustified Roma iii. iiii and .v. Gal. ii iii.iiii and .v. Ephe. ii Marke xi made the sonnes and heirs of God haue euerlasting lyfe By faith we obtein of god al good thiÌ„gs euen whatsoeuer we axe iÌ„ thy name SeiÌ„g yâ— faith is so precyous a iewel in the sight that wtout it nothing is acceptable vnto thy deuyne maiestye and we of oure owne nature can not haue thys moost synguler treasure excepte thou geuest it vnto vs froÌ„ aboue and doest breath it into our herts by thy holie spirite for we of oure selfs are blynd ignorant folysh i. Corin. â—â— by no meanes can perceiue the thinges that perteine to the spirit of God we moost hertely besech the to take awai froÌ„ vs al infideliti
with broyded heaâ—e other gold or pearles or costly araye but wyth such as becommeth wemeâ— that professe the worshippinge of God thorow good workes â–ª that the hid maÌ„ of the hert be vncorrupt with a meke quiet spirit which spirâ—t is before God a thynge much set by Againe graunt O Lord that both the husbandes and the wyues may so walk in thy feare and in thy holy lawe that thou maiste haue a plesure in them blesse theÌ„ prospere theyr enterpryses make them frutfull ioyful parentes Finally the children that thou seÌ„dest theÌ„ giue theÌ„ grace so to bring vpin thy nourter doctryne Ephe. vi that they liuing together many years doth ioyfully quietly maye with one voice with one mind gloryfy thi blessed name for euer ameÌ„ A prayer for women with childe THou O Lord art wonderful in al thy workes and whatso euer thy good plesure is that doest thou easly bryng to pas Psa. cxv nether is ani thing impossible with the that thou wylte haue done Mathe. xix Mark x. And albeit thys thine almyghty-power sheweth it self abundantlye in al thi workes Luke xviii yet in the coÌ„ceâ—nyng forming and bryngyng forthe of mâ—n it shineth noâ—te eâ—ydentlye At the begynnynge o heauenly father when thou mâ—deste manne and woman thou coâ—maundest them to encrease multiply and replenish the earth If thorow the subtâ—le entisemeÌ„teâ— of SataÌ„ Geâ— i.ix. they had not traÌ„sgressed thy coÌ„mauÌ„dement by eatyng the forbyddeÌ„ fruite the woman whom thou haste appoyncted the organ 〈◊〉 iii. i. Tim. ii instrument vessel to coÌ„ceiue norishe bringe forth man thorow thy wondâ—rful workmaÌ„shippe had without any laâ—oure paine or trauayle brought forthe her fruite But that whychâ— thy goodnesse made easye syn disobedience hath made hard painful dauÌ„gerous if thy helpe wer not impossible to be broughte to passe Gen. iii. so that now al womeÌ„ bring forth their children in great sorowes paines troubles Psa. xlviii Notwithstanding yâ— shewest thi selfe vnto thi creatures a father of mercy Ecl. xlviiâ— â–ª God of all consolacion For that which thorow their own inperfeccion fiblenesse thei are not able of them selfes to bringe to passe â—saye xiii Ier. vi xxx Eâ—ech â—xx thou thorow thyne vnspeakable power makest easye in theÌ„ Ose. xiii bringeste vnto a fortunate ende We therfore beinge fully perswaded of thy bente and redy goodnesse Miche i ii Iohn xvi of thy present helpe of thy swete coâ—fort in al miseryes and necessities knowyng also by the testimonies of thy holy woorde howe greatand intollerable the paines of women are the trauail of childe if thorow thy teÌ„der mercies they be not mitigated and eased most humbly pray yâ— for Iesu Christes sake thy sonne and our lord that thy louyng kyndneâ—se may make that easye tollerable which sin hath made hard and paynefull Ease â–ª o lord thou paines which thou moste ryghteouslye haste put vpon al women for the syn and dysobedience of our graund mother Eue Genesi iii. in whom al we haue sinned and geue vnto al such as haue coÌ„ceiued be wyth chylde strength to brynge forth that whiche thou woÌ„derfully hast wrought in theÌ„ Be present with theÌ„ in their trouble helpe them and deliuer theÌ„ Let thy power be shewed no lesse in the safe bringing forth theÌ„ in the wonderful fashioning of the child the that whiche the haste begun in them mai come vnto good successe Make them glad ioyfull mothers that they thorow thy goodnesse being safely delyuered and restored to theyr old strenghthes maye lyue and prayse thy blessed name for euer Amen ¶ A thankesgeuynge vnto God for theyr delyueraunce AMong other thy benefytes yea and those innumerable which thou dayly bestowest vpoÌ„ vs thi nedy pore creatures this is not the least o most merciful father that thou of thi tender goodnes doest vouchsafe for the conseruacion of maÌ„kynde to preserue the women that are wyth child and to geue theÌ„ safe deliueraunce of theyr burden by thys meanes makyng them glad and wyfull mothers For this thy benefyt and good wyl towarde vs we so hartely thanke the as hert canne thynke besechinge the to worke suche thaÌ„kefulnesse in the harteâ— of al mothers by thy holy spyryte that they beynge not vnmindeful of this high benefyt of theyr safe deliueraunce wrought only by the the sauiour of al man kynde maye shewe them selfes thankefull vnto the for this thy goodnesse â–ª and neuer forget that thy preseÌ„t helpe and moste swete comforte which thou mercyfully shewedst vpon theÌ„ in theyr great trauayles Psalme l. Pro. xviii labours and paynes wheÌ„ thei fled vnto thy holy name for succour as vnto a stroÌ„ge bulwarke and holy defeÌ„ce Go forth o Lorde Psa. cxiiii to make them the ioyful mothers of many childreÌ„ Endue them with loÌ„ge life Ps. cxxviii that thei may se then childres children And the chyldren that thou geueste vnto theÌ„ Luke i ii make thou as in age so likewise in wisedome in the abundaunce of thy holye spirite to encrease that they may haue fauor bothe with the and with all good men vnto the glorye of thy moste blessed name Amen A prayer for Fathers and Mothers FOR asmuche O heauenlye father Psâ— xviii as thou haste dealte wyth the chyldren of menne more nobly then with brute beastes and with other thi creatures by geuing them not only an amiable body â–ª but also a mynde whiche is immortall and neuer shall dy Gene. i. Sapi. ii and for the garnyshyng of the same that it mai be made like vnto the similitude like nes and Image of the hast in thy holy law commauÌ„ded all fathers and mothers Deu. iiii xi Eccle vii â— xxx xl.ii Ephe. vi Tit â–ª ii whome thou haste blessed with the gifte of chyldren to take diligeÌ„t care for the vertuous bringyng vp of theyr soÌ„nes doughters that they maye learne euen from theyr very cradels to know the theyr Lorde God to beleue in the to feare and loue thee to call vpon thi blessed name to be thaÌ„kfull vnto the and to walke in thy holye commaundementes al the daies of their life We knowing how frowarde euil disposed â–ª and vntoward the harte Gene. viii wyt and disposicion of manne is euen frome his very youth if it be not restrained with the byt of thy most blessed lawe hertely pray the to geue al fathers and mothers grace after the example of Abraham Gene. xviii ii Reg. ii Tob. i. â—iii i. Math. ii Dani. â—iii Actes xxi ii Tim iii. Dauid Tobi Mathathias the pareÌ„tes of Susan Philip the EuaÌ„gelist and suche other to brynge vp theyr chyldren euen froÌ„ theyr very infaÌ„ci in thi feare in thi nourture and in the knowledge of thy most healthful word that they sekyng no lesse the garnishinge of their childreÌ„s myndes with learning vertue theÌ„ the preseruiÌ„g of their