infinite goodnes thou soueraigne Law-giuer to arme our harts with the ful furniture of obedience that we may first and principally feare thée which art our Creatour and in thée thy Sonne our Redéemer and in both the holy Ghost our Comforter This if we do as it is not vnlike we shal if thy grace gouerne vs our wils wits shal be brought into such subiection that whatsoeuer duties earthly Magistrates bind vs vnto by Law commandement so the same be not to thy dishonour there shall want no readinesse in vs to fulfill and accomplish Vouchsafe therefore O heauenly Father to keepe vs in thy feare to limit vs within the bounds of true obedience both to thée O our GOD and also to our superiours and betters that whatsoeuer is required of vs in the way of godly submisson and reuerence we murmur not thereat but doe our endeauours therin with all zeale and earnestnesse Amen A Prayer for true and hearty repentance Repentance for our foule misdeeds Graunt vs O God whose grace exceeds WE wretched outlaws O Lord God cast our selus along before thy mercie seate beséeching thée to inspire our minds with perfect wisedome and to arme vs with the true and liuely knowledge of thy Law that both in body also in soule we may walke the way of thy Commandementes and Testimonies So gouerne vs by thy Grace O God and so conduct vs by thy louing kindnesse that being throughly informed and reformed to thy Law we may be stricken inwardly with a godly feare and Christian trembling of transgressing thy preceptes which thou hast appoynted vnto vs in this darke palpable time of securitie and wickednes when all people and nations for the most part stumble at the blockes of their owne sinnes to be a lanterne to lighten our féete and the day starre to direct all our doings And though wée can not of our selues such is the infirmitie of our nature and weaknes of our flesh but fall into the snares of sinne yet wée humbly beséech thée for thy beloued Sonnes sake Iesus Christ our Sauiour to touch our guiltie consciences with the finger of thy grace that through a sorrowfull féeling of them we may by fayth take sure and fast hold of the staffe of thy promises who made a vow to haue mercy on the ssnner repenting him of his lewd life and forsaking his iniquity Grant this O God for the comfort of thy chosen and for thy Sonnes sake Iesus Christ our Mediatour and Aduocate Amen A prayer to the Lord to turn his wrathfull displeasure away from vs. Thy wrath O Lord remember not Though such desert my sinnes allot IVdge me not O Lord in the heate of thine indignation O consume me not in the furie of thy rage I confesse that mine offences cry out for vengeance euen as a dry sandy soyle gapeth for raine Howbeit O most mercifull Father remember thy mercy and let not sentence passe in iudgement to my condemnation my sinnes haue laid out my lot euen thy vengeance O Lord I cannot say the contrary but thou hast Mercy in store which pleadeth against Iustice so that thy Wrath I hope shall not ouerthrow me though my wickednesses like waues ouerwhelme my soule O Lord heare my prayer and for the honour of thy name turne from me the punishments which thou hast denounced against mee in iudgement I am a worme and no man yea the off-scowring of men a wretch and forsaken an outcast and an alien frō the Common wealth of Israel my sinnes haue made a separation of thy fauour from me but the death of thy Sonne hath put out the handwriting and broken downe the partition wall betwixt thée and mee And therefore I come with boldnesse and confidence to thee hoping to taste the swéetnes of thy Mercy though I haue deserued the sharpnes of thy Iustice. As thou wilt O Lord so be it Amen A Prayer for a cleare and quiet Conscience A Conscience cleare from all vnrest Graunt vs O God whose name be blest LEt the light of thy coūtenance shine vpon vs most mercifull Father let the comfort of thy spirit drop into our hearts let thy fauour louing kindnesse be vnto vs a pauilion in the warfare of this life Bee thou vnto vs a gracious God and a Father inclined to compassion that whereas the horror of our sinnes and their haynousnesse together with the manifoldnesse of our offences kindleth in vs a kind of feare vnto death disquieting our consciences and raising vp within vs accusers to giue in euidence against vs for the violating breaking of thy commaundements it would please thee like a Father tenderly to deale with vs as with thy children and not like a seuere Iudge to handle vs as guilty persons giuing vs ouer and leauing vs to the spoyle of our mortall enemies Our conscience indeed layeth dayly to our charge that we haue playd the back-sliders that we haue not kept vs within the compasse of thy holy precepts that wee haue withstood thy heauenly will and like stubborne rebels denied thée the honour due vnto thy Name neuerthelesse O Lord God cast vs not off into confusion neither leaue vs to continuall torment and vexation of conscience for our sinnes but looke vpon vs with the eyes of mercy that the terrour of conscience which we feele for sinne may bee turned into rest and quietnesse least if it happen otherwise wee be driuen with Iudas into desperation From the which we beseech thee to deliuer vs for the honour of thy name O GOD Almighty Amen A Prayer to be Zealous in the hearing of the word of God To heare thy Word and loue the same Vouchsafe O Lord our hearts to frame LOuing Father gracious God forsomuch as thy word is the rule of life and the high way to happines we beséech thee to kindle in vs an earnest desire to heare the same and that not only with the outward eares of the body but with the inward eares of the heart which is the hearing in deed whereby profit and comfort is gathered Thy Word is the Sword to cut downe sinne thy Word is the weapon which thy Ministers vse to conquer the kingdome of Satan It is the felicitie of the faithfull in this life it is the stumbling blocke of offence to the wicked yea to the vncircumcised Philistine it is the sauour of death vnto death but to the circumcised Israelite it is the sauour of life vnto life Vouchsafe therefore O bountifull God to kindle in mee the fire of zeale vnto thy word that I may so estéeme and count thereof as of the chiefest treasure of a Christian in this vale of misery hauing mine eares alwayes open to heare it and my hart ready to receiue it my tongue plyant to speake of it and my mind earnest to meditate in it so shall I reape such profit thereby as thou hast prepared for them that come reuerently therunto This and all things néedfull for this life graunt O
most mercifull Father for thy Sonnes sake our onely Mediatour and Aduocate Amen A Prayer for a patient Minde in trouble In trouble Lord to thee we call A patient Spirit to giue vs all IN all afflictions and tribulations O GOD Father of all mercy and consolation wée beséech thee to looke vpon vs. in the bowels of compassiō to mittigate and asswage our miseries And as it hath pleased thée of thy fatherly pitty to call vs to thée the running Riuer of all refection and comfort so we beséech thée euen then specially to heare our cryes lamentations when we lie groning vnder the heauie burthen of affliction and trouble Thou hast commanded vs to make our meane vnto thée saying Call vpon me in the time of thy trouble and I will heare thee O bountifull and gracious God doe therefore with thy seruāts according to thy word and as thou art faithfull in thy promises so I humbly beséech thée that I among the rest of thy people may féele and tast the swéetnes of thy fauour and grace which is the most soueraigne succour that can be in al necessities and distresses To thee therefore which art the rich treasure of all goodnes the healthfull welspring of all perfect peace we approch submitting our selues before thy face and crauing at thy handes the spirit of patience wherwith as with an vnpeaceable target being defended we may constantly abide and weare out any kind of crosse and tribulation wayting the good time of thy pleasure for our deliuerance Amen A Prayer in time of Prosperitie or Aduersitie If Poore or Rich O Lord we bee Teach vs to know all comes from thee ALmightie GOD Father of our Lord Iesus Christ which madest Heauen and earth the sea all the wonders of the Déepe wée confesse that thou art the author of al things and that vpon thee the whole estate of man doth depend humbly beséeching thée of thy goodnes to guide vs so farre with thy grace that if we sée our selues blessed with the Wealth of this world which winneth worship and credit among people or oppressed with pouerty which bréedeth contempt and abasement we may notwithstanding neither by the one wax proud or insolent neither yet by the other become mistrustfull or desperate but referring all to thee which distributest thy giftes to thine owne liking vpon the tryall of thy seruants wée may learne this that as thou art able to make the rich poore the poore rich so in thée it is to giue euery man an inward knowledge and assurance of thy will whatsoeuer estate it hath pleased thée to place him or them in the which inward knowledge I beséech thee powre into my spirit that as well in pouerty as in riches I may glorifie thy name vsing my riches as thy blessing in signe of thy careful prouidence and not repining but well contenting my selfe with pouerty as thy chastisement to kéepe me vnder awe and obedience thy will and not my will O Lord be done and fulfilled Amen A praier for patience in time of losse of Goods or Landes The losse of Life of Goods and Lands O gracious God is in thy hands MOst mighty God and merciful father from whō all good things do procéed as tokens of thy kindnesse and all punishments for sinne as signes of thy displeasure which giuest life takest away the same againe at thine appoynted time which inrichest thy seruants with goods of sundry sorts and changest their condition in a moment which blessest thy creatures with Lands and Possessions and turnest all in an instant into extreame need and nakednesse as thou didst deale with Iob. that perfect paterne of patience We beséech thee to inspire vs with an vnderstanding heart that we may so liue as willing to die that we may enioy our goods as not grudging to forgoe them and that wée may hold vs to our Lands as not loth to loose them considering that as they came from thée so in thée it is to dispose them as thou wilt either to blessing or to cursing O gracious God let vs not grow in forgetfulnesse of the life to come by too much louing this present transitorie Life which is but a shadow a smoke and a dreame Let vs not bee drowned in the desires and delights of worldly goods least wee neglect the riches of Paradise which nothing can purchase but Faith in the blood and death of Christ let vs not wed our willes and witts to Landes and Possessions which are but momentany maintenances least in ouerliking them wee loose the sweet inheritance of the holy land Ierusalem not built with hands but glorious and triumphant wherto bring vs O God for his sake that bought vs Iesus Christ the righteous Amen A thankes-giuing for Meat Drinke and Clothing For Meate and Drinke and Cloth to weare Wee praise thy name O God with feare LORD Iesus the Redéemer of all mankind which vouchsafedst to shed thine owne heart Blood vpon the Crosse for the saluation of our soules which else through sinne had miserably perished we praise thée we magnifie thée we worship thée we glorifie thee wee giue thankes to thée for thy great kindnes for thy tender loue for they zealous affection and for thine excéeding goodnesse in caring for vs in louing vs in tendering vs in susteining vs in relieuing vs and in supplying all our wantes and necessities Thou numbrest all the haires of our head and without thy wil they waxe not one lesse Thou giuest vs food nourishment to comfort and strengthen our bodyes Thou giuest vs Garments of sundry wearing both for the safegard of health also for comelines Thou giuest vs Houses to harbour in whatsoeuer wee stande in need of thou of thine abundant grace pourest the same most plentifully into our bosomes Thou féedest the young Sparrowes thou cloathest the Lillies of the field thou garnishest the trées of the Forrest with gréene leaues thou inrichest the secretes of the earth and the sea with precious treasure is it like that thou wilt not haue an eye to man a creature fashiōed after thy owne image and likenesse for whom all these thinges were made and created No no thy loue is euerlasting and thy mercie excéedeth all measure They shall lacke nothing that pitch the pauilion of their pilgrimage vpon thy Prouidence which that wee may euer do and so be blessed with aboundance wee beséech thee giue vs thy Grace so shall we laude and magnifie thee with heart and voyce for euermore Amen A Prayer for ayde and helpe in all extreamities and need Helpe vs O Lord in all our needes And guide our thoughts our wordes and deedes ALl glory honor praise dominion thankes be giuen vnto thée O King euerlasting which hast made me a reasonable creature furnished mee with discretion and iudgement indued me with knowledge and vnderstanding and bestowed vpon me benefits of most singular excellencie Like glory and thankes be giuen vnto thée for thy prouidence and care for
because this world is like a Wildernesse replenished with wild beasts or rather Monsters vices I meane diuelish and damnable as pride adulterie flatterie idolatrie blasphemie disobedience stubbernesse extortion vsuries hipocrisie dissimulation enuie rancour malice murther letcherie surfetting wantonnesse and an infinite number of the like hellish rable whereto we are dayly endangered insomuch that oftentimes we are ready to be deuowred Stretch out O swéete Iesus the arming sword of thy Spirit cut them off by the wast that they may haue no power to assault vs and after this conquest wrought in vs frame vs anew by the word of regeneration that our liues being amended we may like Sheaues of pure Corne be bound vp brought into thy Barne Heare our Prayers O Christ and let our cries come vnto thée for thy name sake Amen A Prayer against vaine delights and worldly pleasures From vaine delights Lord turne mine eyes And saue my soule in losse which lyes LOrd God Creator of all things illuminate my heart with the Lampe of true vnderstanding and knowledge that although mine outward eyes slumber and sléep in the shadow of death yet the eyes of my soule may he kept waking in the way of life Direct me O Lord in thy feare guid me by thy grace turne mine eies from all vaine delights of this world preserue me from al the sweet entismēts of the flattering flesh fortifie strengthen me against all the craftie temptations of Satan And wheras my soule lieth vpō losse is not like but to be lost if if be left vnto it selfe I beseech thee O Father of mercy God of all consolation to take vpon thée the safety of the same that neither Satan my subtile aduersary nor the flesh the alluring harlot nor the world that foule ill fauor'd monster may preuayle against it but by thy power may vtterly be vanquished put to shame confusion Grant this O God for thy sonnes sake Iesus Christ my Sauiour Amen A prayer of a penitent sinner lamenting his former life so ill spent My life misse-led I doe lament And of my sinnes I mee repent LOoke on mée O heauenly Father and gracious God with thy fauourable countenance and in the fulnes of thine euerlasting compassion comfort mée which am swallowed vp with heauinesse And though my Sinnes surmount in thy sight the Sandes of the Seas yet I beséech thee haue an eye to thy Son Iesus Christ whom thou didst send into the world to take vpon his shoulders the whole burden of our sinnes and by his death to make satisfaction vnto thee for the same And albeit O Lord by my deserts I am the child of wrath of death and condemnatiō yet notwithstanding I beseech thée O God giue eare vnto the voyce of my Mediatour Christ Iesus who maketh continuall intercessiō vnto thee not only for mee but also for al such as constantly beleeue in him make him the sure ground work of their saluation Looke not Lord vpon my deformities but vpon his innocencie not vpon mine iniquitie but vpon his righteousnes not vpon the multitude of my misdeedes but vpon the manifoldnesse of thy mercies Remember the bleeding stripes and woundes of thy Sonne my Sauiour in whom alone by the increasing of a liuely iustifying fayth I am a new creature regenerate and made cleane not with Water but by Grace thy Mercie O Father being the fountayne of this Heauenlie benefit O heare the praier of thy poore seruant and for thy Sonnes sake Iesus Christ grant my petition Amen A Prayer of a sorrowfull sinner laying his heart open praying for a firme fayth My heart O Lord wide ope I lay And vnto thee for Faith I pray I Beséech thée O Father of endles mercy to looke vpon me thy poore creature poore indeed and desolate naked and bare of spirituall riches I lay my heart wide open before thee which hath no good thing dwelling in it Lord I beseech thee plough it vp with the Plough of thy Spirit and sow therein the seeds of a true Christian faith such a fayth as may haue attending and wayting vpon it Hope and Charitie as handmaides Also O Lord GOD I humbly beseech thee that as thou hast made me thy Steward and put mee in trust with a Talent of thy blessing namely Riches worldly Wealth transitory Treasures so I may be furnisht with the instrument which is able to informe me how to imploy the same aright euen faith not an idle faith barren and vnfruitfull but a busie fayth flowing full of good workes that thereby I may be as a Citie builded vpon an Hill amiable and beautifull and like a Lanterne of light vnto all men who seeing my good works may glorifie thee O Father to whom all glory belongeth both in Heauen and in Earth Amen A Prayer desiring mercy and forgiuenesse Of thee O Lord Mercy I craue For Iesus sake his life which gaue AS thou art a gracious God O thou Iudg of Israel as thou art faythfull in thy promise and iust in thy word so I beseech thee deale fauourably with me poore sinner who bend the knees of my heart before thee crauing that with teares which if I obtaine not alas what shal become of me but death damnation In thee is my hope in thee my trust in thée my confidence let me not be ashamed let me not be forsaken nor confounded but for thy sonne Iesus Christ his sake who suffered a reprochfull death in the face of his sworne and deadly enemies haue mercy vpon me haue mercy vpon me vpon mee miserable soule on whom vnlesse thou haue mercy Satan with his whole power is ready to ouerrun me In time therefore O Lord helpe me in time assist me in time succour me or else I am a cast-away and the child of reprobation Let thy mercy stand betweene my sinnes and thy iudgement for Iesus sake my sweete Sauiour succour mee miserable sinner who neuer cease crying O Father which art in Heauen O our Father which art in Heauen haue mercy O haue mercy Lord in time Amen A Prayer to be prepared against the houre of death Lord at my death the iewell chiefe Which I desire is true beliefe MOst mightie God and mercifull Father as thou hast created and made me of the mould of the earth and inspired into the grosse lumpe of my body a liuing and quickning soule so O Lord I beseech thee to indue me with such knowledge and vnderstanding yea with such an earnest zeale burning desire of thy heauenly dwelling and immortall mantion that I may loath this life which is but a span long and thirst after death which is the entrance to endlesse ioy and happinesse Also O Lord I most humbly beseech thee when it shall please thee to visit me with sicknesse or otherwise to call me out of this life that I may féele working in my heart an vnfained Fayth and a true Christian Beliefe whereby euen in the nipping agonies and pinching
THE CONDVIT of Comfort Containing sundrie comfortable Prayers to the strengthening of the faith of a weak Christian. By Abr. Fleming The fifth Jmpression Printed at London by A. M. and are to be sold by Fr. Groue at his shop without Newgate 1624. To the Christian Reader TO auoyd all doubt of deceit Christian Reader which might bee thought to lie lurking vnder this glorious title The Conduit of Comfort we will make an Anatomie of this Encheridion or Manuel opening the very body laying out the bowels thereof before the eyes of thy iudgement Note therefore euery member for thy full satisfaction as followeth The Anatomie of this Manuell The Conduit of Comfort The Contemplation of a Christian. The Lords Prayer expounded by Sentence and Example The Common Creed expounded by Sentence and Example The Ten Commandements expounded by Sentence and Example The Appurtenances to this Conduit The Cesterne is Conscience The Pipe is Peace The Locke is Loue. The Key is Knowledge THE CONDVIT OF COMFORT A Morning Prayer for a Family MOst gratious God and omnipotent Father which dost from the Throne of thy grace behold all the wickednesse of mortall Men pardon wee beseech thee our most lamentable and grieuous sinnes and wash them away by the precious blood of thy most blessed Sonne Christ Iesus who dyed to saue vs sinful men of which sort we are the most miserable and wicked We giue thee most hearty thankes O Lord that thou hast brought vs safe to the beginning of this day and raysed vs from the sinne of Sloth and Ignorance and grant O Lord that wee may so spend this day that it may be most to thy glory the comfort of our owne Soules giue vs grace most heauenly Father that wee may follow our vocations wherevnto thou hast called vs and that we may doe alwayes those things which may bee righteous in thy sight Graunt these our humble petitions most heauenly Father all things necessary for vs for thy deere Sonnes sake Christ Iesus to whom with thee and the blessed Trinity be all Honour and Glory both now and for euer more Amen An Euening Prayer for a Familie OH Euerlasting Lord God and mercifull Father wee thy poore and wretched Creatures from the bottome of our hearts giue thee most humble and hearty thankes that of thy mercy thou hast vouchsafed to nourish vs with thy goodnesse by thy power preserued vs from all dangers and perils that might haue befalne vs this day yea and at all times of our life heeretofore We most humbly beseech thee in the merits of thy Sonn Christ Iesus our blessed Lord and Sauiour not to respect our vnworthynesse but in his graue to bury our misdeeds which we either wittingly or ignorantly haue done Especially those sins which this day we haue commited against thy diuine Maiesty either in thought word or deed O Lord bee mercifull vnto vs and forgiue vs the euill that we haue committed and supply the good which wee haue omitted Lord restore what we haue lost lighten our darknesse and alter the whole course of our mindes that nothing may bee wanting in vs to the setting forth of thy prayse Wée beseech thee O Lord according to thy goodnesse to defend vs this night from all perills and dangers keepe vs from feareful dreames and vaine cogitations preserue our bodies from eternall death and our soules from euerlasting damnation Grant these things O Lord and all other thy graces requisite for vs euen for thy Son Christ Iesus sake In whose name we conclude this our vnworthy prayer in that forme of prayer which hée in his Gospell hath taught vs saying Our Father c. A Prayer for the obtaining of Grace In this wicked world O Christ whiles I liue To gouerne and guide me thy spirit of grace giue WOrship Praise Honour Glory Maiestie be giuen vnto thee O God my Creator to thée O Christ my Redéemer and to thee O holy Ghost my Sanctifier for all the blessings of thy grace most plentifully powred vpon mee for my election my Creation my Redemption my sanctification and for all other thy good giftes and benefites beséeching thée O swéet Sauiour that as by thy bitter death and passion the power of sinne was suppressed the concupiscence of the flesh subdued the wickednes of the world asswaged and the maliciousnesse of Satan quenched so it would please thee to ouer-shadow mee with the Shield of thy fauour that I a painefull pilgrim and weary wanderer in the world may passe my pilgrimage in peace of conscience comforting me with the hope of thy promises which wilt canst refresh the fainting soule and restore it when it is attainted with any dāgerous disease O Christ my Phisician so prepare the thoughts of my heart vnto thee that I may be swallowed vp in the contemplation of Heauen and heauenly ioyes not regarding the vanities of this world which are but baits and snares to intangle vs and to make vs lothsome in thy sight Giue me grace O thou Son of Dauid to liue in the world as ready to leaue the world Let the world continue as thou diddest make it euen a seruant for the maintenance of men and not a soueraign to rule and haue them at commandement And because thy Kingdome O Christ is not of this world giue me I beséech thee such a renewed heart such a sanctified soule such a godly desire and such an earnest endeauour to do thy wil that I contemning this wicked world with all the transitory pleasures of the same may raigne with thee in thy kingdome purchased for the faithful euen by thy precious Blood Death Passion Graunt this O Christ my Mediator at the appointed time of thy good will and pleasure Amen A Prayer for thankefulnesse to God for his gifts For Wisedome and Wealth with other gifts more Lord giue me the grace To thanke thee therefore IEsus Christ thou which art the Wisedome of thy Father I thy poore creature sometimes a slaue to sinne and a firebrand of Hell but now a child of election and grace as I hope and constantly beleeue giue thee hearty thanks for thy goodnesse diuers and sundry wayes testified vnto mée And because it hath pleased thee to be so bountifull as to endue mée with Wisedome whereas thou mightest haue made mée a senselesse and vnreasonable creature beside that blessed me with worldly wealth I beséech thee be so gracious vnto me as to shew me the way how to vse this Wisedome to thy glory and the comfort of other not boasting therein because it is thy free gift nor abusing it because it is thy blessing Also O swéete Sauiour and Sonne of the eternall God because wealth without thée is but wretchednesse riches pouerty and all earthly pleasures but méere miseries I beséech thée to shine into my heart with the bright beames of thy Spirit that I may like a faithfull Steward not only dispose and lay out the talent which thou hast lent me but also
boldnesse vouchsafe to graunt of thy speciall goodnesse Amen A Prayer to leade our life according to the will of God To doe thy will teach me O Lord And let my life thereto accord MOst mighty most iust most mercifull most louing most tender deare Father forsomuch as there is no way to heauen but by doing thy wil we say with humblenes of heart as Iesus â—hrist thy Sonne and my swéete Sauiour hath taught Fiat voluntas tua sicut in Coelo in Terra Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heauen And because it is thy will that we should walk in holines and righteousnes before thée all the dayes of our life we beséech thée to be the Schoolemaster of our Soules and Spirites that thy Wisedome instructing and teaching vs to make a difference betwéene good and bad we may follow the one and forsake the other considering that the doers of thy wil and not the knowers of the same shal be partakers of the promises of life and saluation For thy Sonne Iesus Christes sake my onely Sauiour and Redeemer grant this request O most gracious God both vnto mee and to all thy people Amen A Prayer to fast and abstaine from sinne To fast from Sinne is Christians ioy My heart thereto O Lord employ LOrd God maker of heauen earth Iudge of the quicke and the dead thou that by wisedome séest all things and by thy prouidence orderest all creatures wee beséech thée to cast thine eyes of care and compassion vpon vs miserable sinners who from the day of our birth haue liued in wantonnes and all kind of wickednes therby kindling thy wrath and Iustice against vs to our confusion O let vs yet at length haue our eyes opened and sée the brightnesse of thy glorie which the blindnesse of our minds will not suffer vs to behold Let vs not pamper our selues in securitie lyuing out of rule and abandoning all godlinesse which is a kinde of surfetting in iniquity and ouercharging our hearts with heapes of abominations but let vs become new Schollers in the Schoole of Christianitie walking warily redeeming the time louing light and detesting darknesse O Lord vouchsafe to be mindfull of vs thy creatures and of thine owne glory which art our Creator Teach vs to fast aright not superstitiously in abstaining from this or that kind of meate vsing a vaine order in dyet and differences of meates but as thine holy ones haue in times past fasted the true Fast which thou in thy Word requirest so grant I beséech thee that I and all people may fast after the same fashion to fast from sin wickednes that the flesh may bee brought into subiection and the spirit quickened Graunt this O Lord for thy Sons sake Iesus Christ my Redéemer and Sauiour Amen A Praier for grace to forsake euill and to follow that which is good From Heauen O God send vs thy grace Ill to forsake and good t' imbrace ALmightie God I beseech thee to giue mee true vnderstanding knowledge not onely to confesse thée a most mercifull Father but also an vpright Iudge fauouring thy children which liue within the compasse of thy Commandements and punishing offendours which run headlong into all mischiefe not once looking backe to the written Tables of the law And because it standeth not with the frailtie of man to fulfill the summe of the law vpon the breach whereof condemnation doth insue we beseech thée to inrich our harts with the treasure of thy Grace that we waxing wealthy therewith may be able to withstand all the assaults of Satan our subtile aduersarie Moreouer good GOD forsomuch as this Grace of thine is the badge of thy fatherly affection and guydeth the thoughts the words the déedes of euery Christian wée besech thée to shield vs with the same that wée may follow and stand stedfastly in that which is acceptable in thy sight renouncing the Deuill and his workes of darknesse and betaking our selues body and soule to the healthfull guiding of thy grace Amen A Prayer for the assistance of the Holy Ghost Th' assistance of the Holy Ghost Sweete Iesus spread in euery Coast. MOst comfortable Sauiour most victorious Captaine most triumphant Redéemer most mercifull Mediatour Iesus Christ thou beloued Sonne of the eternall God spread abroad the brightnesse of thy Maiestie to the consolation of all people And forsomuch as without thée the whole world is nothing else but a solitarie Wildernesse destitute of faith hope charitie loue gentlenes compassion forbearance and all other workes of Christianitie we beséech thée to be a gracious God as thou art an omnipotent God that where thy power is séene thy mercie may likewise be perceiued Let not thy creatures continue in ignorance of thée their Sauiour but so assist them with the present aide of thy comforting Spirit and the holy Ghost that they may sée in what by-wayes of destruction dangers they trauerse Let thy holy Ghost be their lodesman let the holy Ghost be their teacher let the holy Ghost be their right hand and their left let the holy Ghost be to them all in all that they being thus inspired filled with the power of thy sanctifying Spirit may feele in themselues a spiritual inclination working all desires of the flesh being cut off cast away and may also be receiued into thy shéepfold be reckoned among the number of the faithfull Graunt this O Christ thou tender Sauiour of our soules Amen A Prayer against Wrath and Malice From hatefull heart and fraught with ire Saue vs O Lord wee thee desire BOuntifull God which hast giuen vs commandement to loue all men and to hate none to be angry but not to sinne to be displeased a little but not to let the Sunne set vpon our wrath wée beséech thée to purge our heartes cleane from all hatred from all enuie from all malice from al vncharitablenesse from all vntowardnesse from all bitternesse from all quarrelling from all misreporting from all backbyting from all reuengement seeking sinally from al the motions of a wicked spirit Let loue banish hate let friendlines displace vnkindnes let charitie remooue ouerthwartnes let forbearance dispossesse maliciousnes al which are most shamefull sinnes and so hatefull in thy sight O God that he is no Christian but an Antichristian no child of blisse but of Baall no heire of Heauen but of Hell no vessell of election but of reprobation no partaker of ioy but of woe no souldier of the Church but of the Synagogue in whom they beare rule And therefore most gracious God root out of our hearts all such wéedes of wickednesse that we may become new griftes of righteousnesse through Iesus Christ our Sauiour Amen A Praier for obedience to the keeping of Gods Commandements To liue within the rule of Law keepe vs O Lord in feare awe EVerlasting God whose name is so glorious that it passeth the capacitie of man to giue it due aduancement we beséech thée of thine
me vile créeping worme of the earth who in comparison of thée am much woorse than stinking doung and filthy offscowring of the earth Thou dayly assistest me thou cōtinually regardest me thou euermore defendest me from dangers both bodily and ghostly for had not thy hand ouershadowed me I had sunke long since in mine owne shame and confusion And because Lord manifold are the calamities belonging to this life hurtful to the outward man noisome to the inner man I beséech thée stretch out the shield of safty in full breadth ouer me that I may walke without feare not troubled with wicked thoughtes not tempted with euill words not prouoked to deedes of darknes but keeping my feete in the path of light looking alway to the lampe of thy word which shineth vnto sinners sitting in the shadow of death and leadeth the righteous and true repentant to life euerlasting Amen A Prayer against slaunderous and euill tongues From euill Tongues which poyson spit Vouchsafe O Lord thy flocke t'acquit MOst truely spake thy seruant Saint Iames O my swéete Sauiour that the Tongue being but a little member was notwithstanding a world of wickednesse Which to be so thou knowest in thy secret counsell and thou thy selfe haddest proofe thereof whiles thou keptst thy standing in the faire of this life It pleased thée therefore to instruct and teach thine Apostles before hand what they should be subiect vnto in time to come namely to backbitings slanders acursed spéeches tauntes controlments yea to reuilings buffettings imprisonments For if they spared not the Lord and Master much lesse will it sinke into their hearts to fauour the Seruāts whom they hate vnto the death for their masters sake From euill Tongues therefore O Lord wee beseech thee to saue vs not from suffering the bitternesse which procéedeth from them for we are content to tast that which thou hast tasted before vs but from offending in our tongue which oftentimes woundeth the very soule O Lord giue vs grace to set a watch before our Tongue that we trip not in our talke hurt not onely them against whom wee are maliciously minded but also our selues whom we cānot but greatly annoy whiles we séeke either in thought word or deed to wreake our wrath vpon others considering that thou hast reserued all vengeance to thine owne selfe O Lord be gracious vnto vs and as thou art the Shepheard of our soules feeding vs in the sweete pastures of thy grace so we beséech thee to kéepe vs from all manner of spirituall diseases vs wee say which are thy people and the sheepe of thy pasture Amen A Prayer for Peace in time of Warre or other vexations In time of Warre to pray for Peace A zeale in vs O Lord increase BOuntiful Sauiour thou Sonne of the eternall God thou God of peace-vnitie and concord thou that in stead of Peace plaguest men with Warre tumultes and vprors We beseech thee to prolong peace quietnesse amongst vs not onely peace betwéene people and people but peace of Conscience that precious peace which who so wanteth he is no member of the Common-wealth of Christianitie Not onely for this peace of minde but for the other also of body we beséech thée O Lord frame our heartes aright to pray vnto thee knowing that by Prayer that thing is obtained at thine hands which is not else where to bee sought And because thou art the Author of peace without whom the whole world is set on Warre we humbly beseech thée to prosper that peace which thou hast planted in all Christian kingdomes which because thou hast for our sinnes sake taken from vs for a time sending vs in place thereof Warres and Tumults Wée giue thee thankes notwithstanding acknowledging the same to bee a punishment layd vpon vs for our sinnes and specially for abusing that Peace the benefite whereof whiles we might haue vsed to our true comfort we turned the same as we feele by due proofe at this present into bitternesse Neuerthelesse to thee we come and before thy face we fall not onely praying for the withdrawing of Warre and the restoring of our former Peace but also beséeching thée to kindle increase in vs a zeale to pray not only for Peace but for all other thy good Giftes needfull and belonging to this life to the honour and glory of thy name Amen A Prayer for deliuerance from Foes spirituall and temporall From feare and force of all our Foes Preserue vs Lord and them depose EVerlasting God whose right hand is the shield of safegard to the faythfull we beséech thée of thine vnspeakable goodnesse to looke vpon vs who are incompast round about with enemies not onely of the body but also of the soule Of the body as with swearers backbiters slaunderers fighters brawlers quarellers murtherers c Al which we that are Christians account our Foes insomuch as they are the enemies of Christ thy beloued Sonne and sworne aduersaries of thy holy Gospell Of the Soule as with Satan sinne the flesh the world the Diuell Hel death and damnation and that which we through our weakenesse cannot fulfill doe thou by thy strength supply and bring to passe that we may not onely be defended from theire force but that they and euery of them féeling the weight and greatnes of thy power may lie vanquished vnder foote cease their further assaultes for Iesus Christes sake our onely Sauiour and Redeemer Amen A prayer of a penitent soule ouerburdened with sinne A silly soule to sinne in thrall For mercy Lord to thee doe call WOunderfull wise excéeding righteous art thou in thy iudgments O God a punisher of the vngodly and a iust rewarder of the faithfull O looke vpon mée silly soule ouerwhelmed with wickednes looke vpon mée O Lord. and deliuer me For I am in thrall yea in thrall am I vnto sinne the wages whereof is death O succour me succour me Oh assist me assist me Oh saue me saue me Bitterly I complaine and am sorry for my misdeedes heauily I lament for mine iniquities vnfeignedly I repent me of my life wickedly ledde Appease thine anger O God asswage thy wrath Oh let mee be reconciled vnto thee Cast me not away whom thou hast created let not Satan triumph ouer me whom thy Son hath redeemed Be gracious O be gracious most mercifull Father and let the moystning riuer of thy Mercy quench the boyling fornace of thy Iustice that I being comforted in this life with assured taste of thy clemency may glorifie thy name with consent of heart and voice and that by mine example others may do the like Graunt this O God in Christ thy Sonne mine onely Sauiour Amen A Prayer to be freed from all Vices From Vices all defend vs Sweet Iesus and amend vs. IEsus Christ thou immaculat Lambe which wast slaine for the sinnes of the whole world that by thy death we might all be deliuered from death yea from eternall death due vnto vs by deserte of sinne And
passions of death I may lay fast hold vpon Iesus Christ my Sauiour hoping in him to liue who by his death purchased euerlasting life for all the faythfull O heare my prayer O God and let my cry come vnto thee for Iesus sake vnto whom with thee and the holy Ghost be all laude honour and prayse for euermore Amen A Prayer to leade our liues according to the law and will of God Giue me O Lord a mind and will To loue thy Law and it fulfill LOuing Lord and most mercifull Father thou that art righteous in thy workes iust in thy iudgements faithfull in thy words true in thy promises make me I heartily beseech thee alwayes plyant like Waxe both in mind and will to loue thy Law and to liue after the same Giue my heart the cleere light of true Christian knowledge that I hauing the eies of my soule broad waking may discerne betweene light and darknesse Christ and Beliall God and the Diuell Hell and Heauen the Flesh and the Spirit Guide thou O Lord all my goings by thy grace that all my thoughtes may rest vpon thée Gouerne thou my will and all mine affections that they may keepe within the limits of thy holie Law and Commaundements that all my endeauour may be directed to the accomplishment and fulfilling of thy Statutes and Ordinances so farre foorth as my weaknesse can wade through the rough waues of this most wicked world let thy spirit lead me to doe those things that please thy diuine maiestie that at the last day whē thou shalt sit vpon the Raine bowe treading the Cloudes of the skies vnder thy féete and compassed round about with legions of Angels Cherubim and Seraphim armies of Saintes and holy Martyres I may be receiued into the number of the elect and enter into possession of that inheritaunce which neither Gold nor Siluer but the precious Blood of thy beloued Sonne my swéete Sauiour Iesus Christ bought and purchased Grant this most mercifull Father for thy mercies sake which are vnmeasurable and for thy kindnesse sake which is vnsearchable and for thy tender loue sake which is vnspeakable Amen A Prayer to keepe our tongue from speaking ill From an ill tongue Lord make me cleane To great and small good fayrh to meane ALmighty God which canst not away with a double heart and to whom an euill tongue is fowle dishonour giue me grace I beséech thée to speake nothing but that which is true right and iust not hurting any with my tōgue which thou hast giuen mee to doe all men good and to vse as an instrument for the sounding foorth of thy prayse and glory And be cause a lying and an euill Tongue draweth the soul into death and destruction put backe I beséech thée from my lippes all guilefull speaches all deceitfull communications and al lying wordes Moreouer because thou O Lord art truth it selfe and therefore delightest in truth innocencie giue me grace alwayes to enure my tongue vnto truth abhorring all such talke as may offende thy diuine Maiestie and diminish the honour due vnto thy holy name Let thy sanctifying Spirit take charge ouer my heart that I may doe good vnto all and hurt vnto none vttering that with tongue which I meane in heart purposing as well in déede as in word nothing but good fayth true christianitie Grant this O God for Iesus Christs sake Amen A Prayer to fast and pray aright To Fast aright teach vs the way O Sauiour Christ we humbly pray MOst bountifull Iesu most sweet Iesu most louing Iesu which by thine example diddest teach vs to Faste aright not after the painted fashon of Pharisies and Hypocrites but according to the plaine manner of vnfeigned Christians I heartily humbly beséech thée to giue me grace to exercise my selfe in godly Fasting Prayer that the man of sinne may be subdued and brought vnder that my heart may be cleansed from all sinne and vnrighteousnesse that my thoughtes and cogitations may be scoured from corruption and filthinesse that my wordes may not smell of Heathenish vnholinesse wickednesse that my déedes may not be leauened with beastly wantonnesse but that the course of my whole life may be seasoned with the sauorie salt of sanctification that whatsoeuer I thinke whatsoeuer I say or whatsoeuer I do it may carry with it some signe of the true Fast namely the fast from sin vnto which fast whosoeuer apply themselues they are sure to be thy children and are builded vpon a stedfast hope to inherite that place of endlesse happinesse which thou boughtest with thy precious blod This fasting I beseech thee O sweete Sauiour giue me grace to exercise so shall my sinfull flesh bee kept in awe as a seruant and my Spirit shall beare rule ouer it and kéepe it in subiection This O Christ and whatsoeuer else is necessary vouchsafe of thy goodnesse to grant vnto me thy poore creature who aske it euen in zealous and hearty prayer Amen A Prayer against wilfull sins and snares of Satan From wilfull sinne Lord saue vs That Satan may not haue vs. Be vnto vs a brasen wale most mercifull Father against all the assaults of sinne specially preserue vs from wilfull offences and from transgressing of very malice which is a wheting of thy wrath against vs and a kindling of our owne confusion without hope of mercy at thy heauenly hands O Lord let vs not be so farre estranged from obedience as of set purpose to runne into contempt of thy glorious name let not our hearts become so flintie as to be void of all feeling of sorrow for sinne yea as to be emboldened to heape sinne vpon sinne to our vtter shame We know this is Satans séeking we are assured this is the Diuels drift we cannot be ignorant that this is Belsebubs intent therby to haue vs wiped in thy wrath out of the Booke of life and so he to haue full sway ouer vs as children of condemnation But thou O Lord art mercifull thou art gratious thou art carefull ouer vs defend vs therefore from all sinn and chiefely from the sin of wilfulnes and malice for the honour of thy name Amen A Prayer for the feare of the Lord and loue of his word Increase in me O Lord thy feare That to thy word I may giue eare ETernall God omnipotent Creatour whose word layd the foundation of the whole world furnished the same with all things behoofefull for the maintenance of man wee humbly beseech thee increase in vs a louing feare of thee and thy word that whatsoeuer we are inioyned and commanded to doe therein wee may rather neglect life lands goods all precious possessions then to leaue it vndone knowing that by hearing thy word wee vnderstand thy will which who so kéepeth they are assured in spirit to be thy faithfull seruants So fill vs therefore O God with this godlie feare that we stopping our eares and waxing dull against all worldly vanities may bee rauished
and clappe your hands all people for God is gratious and fauourable Euermore shall his praise bée in my mouth I will talke of his goodnesse euen among mine enemies yea without ceasing I will extoll and prayse his name Amen The holy Ghost doth sanctifie Such as in faith doth fructifie The wicked stil wax worse wors And run into Gods heauy curse WOrship and honour bee giuen vnto God the holy Ghost by whom we are sancctified vnto life euerlasting Infinite is thy working in holinesse he doth renew the flintie heart maketh it relent at Gods iudgementes Least Satan should triumph ouer vs therefore hath he vouchsafed to clense and purifie our spirit Let vs therefore ascribe vnto him all honour for through sanctification wee are made heires of saluatiō Iniquitie defiled our soules but through fayth increasing in vs we felt an inward reformation And hauing our eyes opened we saw our filthinesse and by the gift of grace became new creatures Many were the enormities which reigned in vs but the holy Ghost purged vs of all and set vs free Long wandred we in by-wayes of wickednesse but are now restored againe vnto righteousnesse As for the vngodly they haue no part of this sanctifying Spirite but dayly waxe worse and worse Much like vnto such as GOD hath cursed in his wrath and denounced sentence of death against thē Be glad O yee iust for you are they whom God loueth in whom he magnifieth his owne name Excellent wonderfull in working is God the holie Ghost who with the Father and the Sonne be praysed and magnified for euer Amen It is not wealth to haue at will That can vs keepe and saue from ill Gods grace it is which worketh that Let vs reioyce therefore thereat WHat is the Wealth of this world but Winde and what Riches but the shadow of Smoke In Wealth to trust is to trust to a broken réede and in Riches to boast is to boast in a thing of naught Lay wealth to the grace of God and what is it Euen filthy Dunge and a worse thing Lay Riches to Gods Grace and what are they Euen painted shewes of transitory vanities In Wealth therefore glory not for there is in it no power to preserue from the euill day And of Riches brag not for in them is no hope of health in the dangerous time of trouble Make the grace of God the perfect ioy of thy heart and trust thereunto as vnto a Brazen wall Looke for safetie from thence in the perilous season for the grace of God is a strong refuge Arme thy soule therewith as with Iron-plate Armour so shall the assaultes of thy aduersaries doe thee no harme Make thy moue vnto the Almightie in the time of tribulation he shall furnish thee with his grace Be thankfull vnto him when thou hast receiued it and shew not thy selfe in any case vnkind Euery day prayse him for his goodnesse and extol his greatnesse among the multitude for he is good and gratious to his chosen O magnifie and prayse him all people Amen To loue to liue in peace and ease The Lord of life doth much displease Let such as lacke and comfort craue Thy helping hand in hazard haue WHen God hath blessed thée with abundaunce of Benefites so vse them as God may be well pleased In peace pamper not thy selfe for that is the way to minister cause of courage and loftinesse to the flesh Looke vnto the Lord who hath giuen thee these good giftes and become not slouthfull with ease Life commeth from the Lord and whatsoeuer belongeth therevnto it proceedeth from his goodnes In prosperitie be mindfull of aduersitie and let not the plentie of thy peace make thee proud A Father of the fatherles shew thy selfe in necessity shut not vp the sluces of mercy against the poore Make not thy Mony thy God and hoord it not vp for thine owne profit onely not regarding others need Let not the poore lie comfortlesse let not them starue and perish whom it is in thee to helpe Apply thy selfe to works of mercy and stretch out thy hand to them that are needy and succourlesse Mooue not God who gaue thee these giftes to wrath least in his anger he turne all to thy shame Beware therefore and let Wisedome rule thee in thy wayes so shalt thou not offend or doe amisse Extoll thy Creator and say that he is gracious mercifull a louing God and a most bountifull Father vnto his Children Amen Looke ere thou leape and vse thine eyes Else shalt thou shew thy selfe vnwise The simple sort with councell ayde Thus ought thy talent out be layde WIsedome is the blessing of God and it is much more excellent then Gold Siluer or precious Stones In time of necessitie it is a present remedie and a sufficient refuge in perill and ieobadie Little auayleth worldly policie where this Wisedome wanteth O happie is he whom God hath armed therewith Leaue riches forsake honor set pleasure at naught to come to the enioying of this preacious treasure Immortalitie followeth this wisdome and such as haue it are sure to grow in estimation and fame Aske it of him who is the Well of Wisedome from whom it commeth euen the Lord God Almighty Make not thy boast thereof neither apply it to thy priuate profite but extend the same to the succour of the simple Learne this lesson That it is but lent vnto thee of the Lord thou art the Steward therof but for a time Abuse it not lest it turne to thine owne cōfusion for as it is the gift of God so will be he honored therein Make it not an instrumēt of follie least God ouerthrow thée in the vanitie of thine owne mind Be a counseller to the vnlearned and teach the ideot vnderstanding so shalt thou glorifie GOD in thy wisedome Enterprise nothing vnaduisedly in all thy beginnings procéedings and endings remember God Amen If thou be poore hold thee content It is a crosse which God hath sent Remember Iob a man most iust From stately seat cast downe to dust WIth thine estate not to be contented it is to repine and murmure at the appoyntment and ordinance of God In pouertie be not desperate but fixe all thy hope vpon the rocke of Gods prouidence for he is faithfull Lament thy sin and bée sorry for the same consider also with thy selfe that pouertie is Gods chastisement Let not pouerty therfore so pull thee downe that thou shouldest thereupon mistrust the Lord God to be mercifull It is a crosse layd vpon thee in this life to keepe thee in subiection and to make thee know thine owne estate A happy child art thou that canst reforme thy selfe and amend that which is amisse in thee by his fatherly correction Marke the example of Iob a man so iust so faithfull so righteous that the Diuell of Hell could not preuaile against him Look vpon him how he was tormented how hee was brought low being sometimes placed in exceeding
holinesse Mark 12.31.33 Let your conuersation be without couetousnesse be content with those thinges that ye haue Heb. 13 5. Godlinesse is great gaine if a man be content with that he hath Religion is the true riches 1. Tim. 6.6 A foolish mans foote is soone in his neighbours house but a man of experience is ashamed to looke in Eccles. 21.22 Follow not thy lusts but turne thee from thine owne appetites for if thou giuest thy soule her desires it shall make thine enimies that enuie thee to laugh thee to scorne Eccle. 18.30 Let not sinne therefore reigne in your mortall body that ye should obey it in the lustes thereof The mind first ministreth euill motions wherby mans will is enticed thence burst foorth the lustes by them the body is prouoked and the body by his actions doth sollicite the minde therfore we are commanded at the least to rule our bodies Rom. 6.12 Sit not at al with another mans wife neither ly with her vpon the bed nor banquet with her least thine heart incline vnto her and so through thy desire fall into destruccion Eccl. 9 11. Giue me thy vineyard that I may make me a garden of hearbes thereof c. Achabs inordinate lust after Naboths inheritance sharpely punished 1. Kin. 21.2.4.6 c. If mine heart hath been deceiued by a woman to lust after her or if I haue laid waite at the doore of my neighbour let my wife grinde vnto another man and let other men bowe downe vpon her To abuse her Iob. 31.9.10 The leprosie therefore of Naaman shall cleaue vnto thee to thy séed for euer To be an example to all such as by whose couetousnes Gods word might be slaundered because Gehazi was the seruant of Elisha the Prophet named in Scripture The man of God 2. King 5.27 Lord haue mercie vpon vs and by the operation of thy holy Spirit incline our heartes to keepe these Lawes Amen The necessarie appurtenances belonging to this Conduit The Cesterne to this Conduit A Cesterne to this Conduit of Comfort must haue The water thence flowing vnsoyled to saue Of this vnprouided no Christian should bee The nature and vertue thereof if they see And therefore neglect not so precious a thing Which beside other benefites Gods blessing doth bring A Cesterne is required heere To keepe this Conduit-water cleere For precious Pearles and Oyntment sweet Must places haue for them most meete Haue care to keepe thy Conscience cleane This is the Cesterne which I meane It must be swept it must be scowrd Before this water in be powrd Pure wine which hath a fragrant in all Into a Pot not sauouring well The Wine will change the vertue gon This hurt doth follow therevpon Euen so a Conscience soyld with sinne Corrupt and cankred all within With diuelish thoughts vngodly lusts Vile auarice in wealth which trustes Neglecting God the well of wealth And vnto his the horne of health A Conscience staind and blemisht thus If we perceiue to lodge in vs The grace of God ecclipsed is So that we must needs doe amisse For leâ— vs learne and beare away Our conscience doth our deedes bewray And layeth load with heaue and shoue At vs before the Lord aboue And as in Courtes where Iudges sit The custome is not to acquit Vh'offender of his foule offence Except there come in euidence And make his cauâ—e vpright and good Dischargd is he trueth vnderstood Euen so it fares with euerie one whose sinnes to such excesse is growne That in themselues their conscience sits And Serpent like against them spits Ten thousand thousand sore complaintes And with sharpe torments them attaines Thus doth their conscience them arraine And to confesse doth them constraine All such misdeedes as they haue done So that into Gods curse they runne Which threatens death and hell to such As of this world haue made so much That truth contemnd lies vnder foote The plants thereof rent vp by roote Gods word and will is set at nought An euill conscience this hath wrought A conscience voyd of Gods good grace Not hell it selfe so ill a place This is the worme which euer gnawes The corsiue salue which sharply drawes This is the fire which fiercely burnes And all our ioyes to torments turnes In such a place no rest can dwell And why it is a verie Hell O well are they that liue vpright Pleasing the Lord with all their mi Keeping his law hearing his word To cut downe sinne the spirituall sword For why all such shall feele within A conscience cleare from spots of sinne And puâ—ifide it may persume The fragrant flowers and sweete perfume Of godlie praier vnto the Lord To sacrifice with heartie accord This is the Cesterne marke it well Of dregs or leeze which must not smell For if it doe this Conduit spout No drop of comfort yeeldeth out A conscience pure therefore possesse And things amisse with speed redresse Least this sweete Conduit being shut From hope of comfort thou be put In summe if thou Gods child wilt be And wouldst that prayer should comfort thee Prepare thy heart thy minde apply Thy conscience seeke to sanctifie Amend thy life imbrace that 's good And fire thy fayth on Christes blood Then shall thy prayers sweetly smell Before the Lord and like him well And thou shalt haue thy hearts desire And vnto hope of health aspire Which grant O God vnto vs all To whom by fayth for grace we call That we may pray and praying please Thy Godhead and thy wrath appease O people we thrice happy then Graunt this O God Amen Amen The Pipe to this Conduit A Pipe to this Conduit by leuell is layd where through pleasant liquor of life is conuaid This Pipe and the Cesterne are ioyned in one Both must be imbraced or both let alone Which that with reâ—oycing each christian may doe Th' almightie by prayer must be sued nto THe Pipe is peace more worth then Gold A Iewell for no riches sold. It is not peace twiâ—t King and King Although this be a precious thing For where in peace Kings weare the Crowne There all dissention is cast downe There people liue in hearty loue There is no cause to fend and proue Their high estates such dutie haue As their degrees and callings craue Th' inferiour knowes and vnderstands What their superiours state demaunds The baser to the better bowes And seruice due likewise allowes There is no grudge there is no strife Where people passe in peace their life The seedes which we in soyle doe sow Spring vp and spread increase and grow Vnto our charge we haue an eye Our labours doe our lackes supply We worship God His name we feare And to our Prince true heartes we beare Among our selues in loue we liue These are the fruits which peace doth giue But yet the peace which doth surmount All precious thinges that we can count It is not peace twixt man and man Which no long time continue can It is
that peace which bringeth blisse Their precious peace perpetuall is The authour of This peace is God Who for our sinnes with vs was od For as we know through Adams fall To God his wrath We were in thrall So that hereby this gaine we got Euen death for life ah hellish lot Our owne misdeedes deserueth death And God who giueth life and breath Suppressing peace became our foe And from the heauens aloft did throw His thunderbolts of fearefull threates And in his heate his sword he wheats Even warriour like to strike vs downe For man doth melt when God doth frowne Thus with the Lord we were at ods Ours was the smart the vengeance Gods Which whiles it did endure and last All hope of peace was gone and past Till he from heauen beholding vs With wrethednesse inclosed thus Prouided in this heauy case T' amend our state by his good grace This he vouchaft to bring to passe A wonderous work of his it was From mercie seate he sent his Sonne At whose corruption peace begunn God did ordaine that Christ should die Vpon a Crosse reard vp on hie By losse of life to purchase peace True Christian comfort to increase Among the Iewes betrayd he fell One of the twelue presumd to sell. For thirtie pence his Maisters life The losse whereof abolisht strife The Iewes did lay on him their hands His limbs and ioynts they bound with hands They scoft and mockt him too too bad Their wish and will on him they laid Vpon the Crosse he made his end His soule to God he did commend This sacrifice God highly pleasd And this his rigorous rage apeasd Heere reconcilement first began And peace was made twixt God and man The price of this most perfect peace Which Christian comfort doth increase Declares thereof the dignitie This peace remaynes immortally This peace confirmd twixt God and vs And true attonement sealed thus That through this Pipe of peace may spout And pleasantly in streames run out Such comfort as in thee doe dweâ—l Which are the fountaine and the well The Conduit and the liuely spring Of euery good and healthfull thing Thus Lord if thou vouchafe to worke Ingratitude which loues to lurke Whithin our heartes them to possesse Shall banisht be by thankfullnesse and we shall praise Iehouah then Grant this O God Amen Amen The Locke to this Conduit A Locke to this Conduit of right doth belong Prouided of purpose substantiall and strong Of this Locke t is needfull Christs sheepe to haue skill That opening this Conduit their hearts they might fill With true ioy and gladnesse with peace and with rest And all kind of comfort that we can request FIrst loue the Lord. who formed thee And like himselfe created thee Loue Iesus Christ who thee redeemd So precious he thy soule esteemd Loue him whose loue with losse of life Twixt God and vs cut of the strife Loue him aboue all earthly treasure And lone with loue most kindly measure Loue thou his Saints and holy ones As of his Church the liuely stones Whose head is he his members they Who hates his Saints doe him betray· Loue thou Gods word his Gospell heare Therein of life are riuers cleare It is the pearle whereby was wrought A wonder worthy dayly thought loue vnto all thy neighbours beare And let thy loue shine euery where To all and some to friend and foe To them that seeke thine ouerthrow Loue all hate none to christ commaunds Herein the Law consistes and standes Loue Strangers well no gaudge them beare Remembring once we strangers were Though Denizons now by Gods good grace His loue restord vs to this place Loue vertuous life and goodnesse seeke And like to Christ learne to be meeke Loue lowlinesse and spit at pride Gods spirit in such will not abide Loue to forgiue and to forbeare This is a signe of Christian feare Thy brothers fault though worthy blame Dissemble thou and hide his shame Thus armd with loue thou mayst be hold Sinne Satan Death our enimies old Shall not haue power to doe thee harme God is thy helpe he is thine arme This is the Locke which thou and I And euery one before we die Ought set vpon our hearts and mindes Where treasure lie of sundry kindes Which Locke if we doe seeke to haue It is not Death nor yet the graue Thou shalt abridge our heauenly blisse In Christ our Conduit kept it is Of all therefore this is the summe If to this Conduit we will comme And thence fetch comfort at our need This is if we to pray proceed And aske of God the things we want Beseeching him the same to graunt For Iesus sake his onely Sonne By loue this worke must be begonne Which if we haue then sure we may Before the Lord approch and pray For otherwise all that we doe Is sinne and death belonges thereto This locke of loue O graunt vs then Sweet Sauiour Christ. Amen Amen The Key to this Conduit A Key to this Conduit of Comfort pertaines Whose vse and due seruice whosoeuer disdaines Aloofe from this Conduit them selues let them keepe Christ is not their Shepheard nor they of his Sheepe This Key therefore learne we to vse and possesse Our Shepheard Christ Iesus then may we confesse FIrst â—now thy selfe but flesh and blood Nay nay but art thou halfe so good Know rather this thou art but dust From Earth thou camst to Earth thou must Know thine estate by Adams fall Exild from life to death in thrall To sinne a slaue to Hell a pray Know this and cast all pride away Knowst thou thy selfe a blast of winde And hearst about a lofty winde Knowst thou thy state to be but nought Thy life a threed but slightly wrought And settest vp the Peacocks plume As though nothing should thee consume This knowledge but fond and vaine A better knowledge doth remaine A knowledge which from God proceedes This knowledge guides our thoughtes and deedes This knowledge shewes as in a Glasse That sinne in vs had brought to passe Eternall death and endlesse paine In Hell where damned soules remaine· This knowledge learnes vs likewise this That albeit we did amisse And kindled Gods consuming ire Yet Christ his blood hath quencht that fire So that this knowledge marked well May be supposed to excell All earthly things which passe away As Flowers in hâ—ate of Summers day This knowledge leades vs to the Lord And makes our willes with his t' accord Know God aright know Christ his sonne Know thou the thing he will haue done Know him that made the heauen and earth Aâ—d fed thee since thy day of birth Know him that giâ—es thee in thy need Conuenient Victuals thee to feed Know him in Christ his Sonne first â—orne The sauiour of our soules forlorne Know God the Father onely wise Know him in heart with faythfull eyes Know him whom heauen and earth obey Whose word ordain'd both night and day The world and all that is therein Are lessons where
we may beginn To learne to know him as he is The God of peace and endlesse blisse None other knowledge is required By this great numbers haue aspired Vnto the top of ioyfull state Such knowledge neuer comes too late Know that to stand in feare and awe Are meanes and wayes to keepe the Law This knowledge is the very Kay Without the which we can not pray No comfort can this Conduit giue Looke for no liquor whiles we liue Vnlesse this Key of Knowledgâ— come That is in briefe to shew the summe Except we know the Lord of Host And Christ his Sonn and th' holy Ghost Our selues our wants and dayly neede And pray in hope that we shall speed Our prayers turne to little good Let this be learnd and vnderstood True knowledge Lord Giue vs therfore Which is the Key to ope the doore Of perfect Prayer gushing out With comforts sweet like to a Spout Beginning at the Conduit head For at the Fountaine it is feed This Knowledge graunt vs Iesus then Say people all Amen Amen The Summe or Conclusion POssesse a good Conscience in running thy race Seeke peace and attonement with Gods diuine grace Let Loue be the Iewell and ioy of thy heart And Knowledge instruct thee to learne what thou art Then enter Gods Temple and there humbly pray In hope what thou crauest to carry away Amen FJNIS Graces to be sayde before and after Meate Before Meate O Lord God heauenly Father Creator and feeder of all liuing creatures we humbly and heartily thanke thee for these thy creatures as pledges of thy fauor for the nourishing of our bodies beseeching thee to sanctifie them vnto vs and vs vnto thy selfe that we receiuing them as from thee our soules may also be nourished and fedde with spirituall Manna from Heauen Amen After Meate WEe thanke thee O Lord God Almighty for satisfying and feeding vs with thy blessing at this all other times sanctifie and blesse vs we beseech thee with thy holy spirit grant that wee being refreshed with these thy cretures may follow our lawfull vocation in thy feare and true obedience that when soeuer we die we may die in thy fauour Amen Before Meate BLesse these thy giftes most gracious God From whom all goodnes springs Make cleane our hearts And feede our soules With good and needfull thinges A thankfull heart renew in vs According to thy will Aboue our strength Lord proue vs not But saue vs from all ill Amen After Meate WEe thanke thee most gracious God for this thy feeding our thirsty Bodies so vouchsafe to feede our silly soules with the bread of eternall life that after this life ended we may ascend where Christ is gone before vs. Amen FJNIS The chiefe Poyntes or summarie Contentes of this Booke FIrst a Prayer for Morning and Euening A Prayer A Prayer for the obteining of Grace For thaÌ„kfulnes to God for his graces gifts For loue vnitie with all men For the hearing true Vnderstanding of the word of God To God for forgiuenes of manifold grieuous sinnes To bee setled in the truth To lead our life according to the will of God To fast and abstaine from sinne For grace to forsake euill to follow that which is good For the assistance of the holy Ghost Against wrath malice For obedience to the keeping of Gods commandements For true hearty repentance To the Lord to turne his wrathful displeasure away from vs. For a cleare and quiet conscience To be zealous in the hearing of the worde of God For a patient mind in trouble In time of prosperitie or aduersâ—tie For patience in time of los of goods or lands A thankes giuing for meate dainke clothing For ayde helpe in all extremities neede Against slaunderous euill tongues For peace in time of Warre or other vexation For deliuerance from foes spirituall temporall Of a penitent soule ouer turned with sin To be fâ—eed from al vices Against vaine delights worldly pleasures Of a penitent sinner lamenting his former life so ill spent Of a sorrowfull sinner laying his heart open praying for a firme faith Desiring mercy forgiuenesse To bee prepared against the houre of death To lead our liues according to the Law and will of God To keepe our tongue from speaking ill To fast pray aright Against wilfull sins snares of Satan For feare of the Lord and loue of his word The Contemplation of a sinner The seauen Petitions of the Lords prayer with a briefe exposition thereof drawne out of holy Scripture The Beliefe of a Christian commonly called The Apostles Creede deuided into twelue Articles and expounded The ten Commandements of Almighty God called The two Tables of the Law expounded by sentences and examples The necessary appurtenances belonging to this Conduit and first of the Cesterne to this Conduit is Conscience The Pipe to this Conduit of comfort is Peace The Locke to this Conduit of Comfort is Loue. The Key to this Conduit of Comfort is Knowledge Godly Graces to be sayd before and after meate FINIS