AN A. B. C. OR Holy Alphabet Conteyning Some plaine Lessons gathered out of the Word to the number of the Letters in the English Alphabet to enter Young beginners in the Schoole of Christ 1 COR. 3.2 I haue fedde you with Milke and not with Meate for hitherto ye were not able to beare it neither yet now are yee able HEBR. 5.12 For when for the time yee ought to bee Teachers yet haue ye neede againe that one teach you what be the first principles of the Oracles of God and are become such as haue need of milke and not of strong meate LONDON Printed by I N. for William Shefford and are to be sold at his shop in Popes head alley 1626 The Authors Aduertisement to the Reader GRosse IGNORANCE accompanied with supine NEGLIGENCE in pursuite of sauing Knowledge I haue not without griefe obserued by experience now of twenty yeares exercise of my Ministrie still to remaine euen raigne both in the Country and Citie This hath made me willing in desire to become all to all 1 Cor. 9.22 and with an ayme of doing good chiefly to them of mine owne Country charge and younger people especially in whom my Ministry through Gods mercy hath euer most reioyced to collect this A. B. C. or Alphabet as I haue thought meete to terme it the * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Elementa prima Heb. 5.12 Apostles phrase sounding to such a title to initiate young beginners in the most necessarie grounds of godlinesse Which labour howsoeuer some perhaps may sleight it as too vulgar or meane a proiect or deeme not so necessary may I trust yeeld direction and encouragement by Gods blessing to some of his weaker seruants the matter hereof being for the most part onely plaine places and selected sentences seruing pregnantly for speciall purposes of holy Scripture wherein Saint Austin * In eis quae apertè in scriptura posita sunt continentur illa omnia quae cōtinent fidem moresque viuendi De doct Christ lib. 2. cap. 9. hath auouched to bee contayned all things concerning faith and manners and no weapon being like to this a Ephes 6.17 sword of the spirit b 2 Co. 10 4 mighty through God to cast downe holdes and to c Heb. 4.12 cut off sinne from the very soule Nor any d Psal 119.109 Lamp or Torch for conueying heauenly light to be compared with this which goeth vnder those glorious titles of e Psa 19.7 the perfect law of the Lord conuerting the soule and sure testimony making wise the simple Onely this I must adde that the promise seeme not more then the performance how it is not in the purpose or compasse of this Alphabet to meddle much with matters of Doctrine already established in our Christian Church nor yet to touch vpon all particulars of Christian Practise neither shall I seeke to digest these directions into any artificiall frame or method as others haue profitably endeauoured in their exact Treatises therein more accommodated to learned and iudicious Readers All here aymed at is answerable to the prefixed title to deliuer some rudiments that may yeeld instruction to poore ignorant people of whom the world is yet full for all our learned and elaborate preaching and set forward young beginners not capable for their weakenesse of the benefit of any artificiall method in that their holy course whereinto they are entred towards Gods heauenly Kingdome Which desired and hoped for fruit such I assure my selfe shall by Gods blessing not faile to finde that shall take paines both seriously to acquaint themselues with the directions in generall and in speciall tye themselues to commit to memory those mayne and Capitall places of holy Scripture laid downe as it were the Text in euery title and by the letter differenced frō the rest in euery section Since these in as much as they be the plaine words of Scripture being once made their owne will in such sort continually sticke by them and more then any the things of men preuaile with them as that thereby they shall still haue lodged within them grounds of Pietie and store of knowledge for their spirituall good and daily growth in those wayes of godlinesse which are the wayes to endlesse happinesse which God graunt E. C. 1 PET. 2.2 As new borne babes desire the sincere milke of the word that yee may grow thereby A short Table of the Titles and Texts of the seuerall Letters of this Alphabet A. A Christians charge or summe of Religion 1. Chro. 28.9 P. 1 B. The Sinners suite for dayly Deuotion Psalm 51. P. 3 C. Dauids blessed man or way to Life Psalm 1.1 2. P. 7 D. The Doctrine and vse of the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11.23 24 c. P. 9 E. The forme force of Fasting Ioel 2.12 13 14. Pag. 15 F. Discouery of sinne by the Commanments 1 Iohn 3.4 P. 22 G. The Practise and power of true Repentance Prou. 28.13 14. P. 25 H. The Tenor of the New Couenant Ezech. 36.25 c. P. 27 I The Lesson of Sauing Grace Tit. 2.11 12 c. P. 30 K. The workes of the Flesh and fruits of the Spirit Gall. 5.19 c 22. c. P. 32 L. The Ladder of Blessednesse or 8. Beatitudes Math. 5.3 4 c. P. 34 M. The straitnesse of the Gate Way to Life Luke 13.23 24. Pag. 37 N. The Name of GOD proclaimed Exod. 34.6 7. P. 39 O. The power and efficacie of the Word Psal 119.9 11. P. 43 P. Reading the Word a meanes of blessednesse Reuel 1.3 P. 50 Q. Hearing of the Word another meanes Iam. 1.21 22. P. 54 R. The continual Christian watch or every-euery-daies Sabbath Psal 90.12 P. 56 S. The Religious obseruation of the Lords day or Christian Sabbath Isay 58.13 14. P. 63 T. The Essentiall properties of Christian Charity 1 Cor. 13.4 5 6 7. P. 67 V. Direction for discharge of particular callings 1 Cor. 7.20 24. P. 69 W. The Christian care required for nurture of Youth Prou. 22.6 P. 74 X. An Item against the excesse and abuse of sports Prou. 21.17 P. 77 Y. A Caueat against Drunkennes and excesse in drinking Luke 21.34 P. 80 Z. The difference of rewards for well-doing and ill Jsai 3 10 11. P. 85 or c. An Addition for Conclusion of some Rules for Knowledge and prescripts with formes of Prayer P. 90 An A. B. C. or holy Alphabet A. A Christians Charge conteined and with a powerful reason pressed in Dauids counsell to Salomon 1 CHRON. 28.9 And thou Salomon my Sonne know thou the God of thy Father and serue him with a perfect heart and with a willing minde For the Lord searcheth all hearts and vnderstandeth the imaginations of the thoughts if thou seeke him hee will be found of thee but if thou forsake him hee will cast thee off for euer See places suteable hereunto to force this Counsell farther Deut. 10.12.13 And now Israel what doth the
c. And thankes to God for the beleeuing Thessalonians 1 Thess 2.13 For this cause also thanke wee God c. Cornelius his profession of readiness Acts 10.33 Now therefore are wee all here present before God c. And Wisdomes encouragement to attendance Prou. 8.32.34 Heare instruction and be wise and refuse it not blessed is the man that heareth me c. All seruing abundantly to stirre vp and direct vs hereabout According to which grounds there is a little Booke translated into English written by Zepperus intituled the Art of hearing Sermons which prescribeth Rules both for praecedent Praeparation present Attention and after vse for profit as doe many other Treatises so sufficiently in this behalfe that I need to adde no more but onely counsel to take care that our obedience of heart and life doe so continually follow accompany this our hearing Ioh. 13.17 Iam. 1.25 that we may be blessed in our doing and so build on the Rocke Math. 7.24 that wee may remayne vnmoueable in times of triall And this also touching Hearing R. THE commendations giuen a Gen. 5.24 Henoch and condition of the Couenant made with b Gen. 17.1 Abraham in the Old Testament and counsell for wise and euen * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 precise walking with God giuen by the c Epes 5.15 Apostle in the New enforcing vpon vs a continuall wachfullnesse ouer our hearts and wayes doe necessarily bind vs to a prouident d Verse 16 Redeeming the time and therefore to an earnest seeking vnto God which wee may be guided vnto by that pithie Prayer made to that very purpose by Moses the man of God PSAL. 90.12 Teach vs O Lord so to number our dayes that we may apply our hearts to wisdome According whereunto that our Practise may be framed these short Rules may be obserued 1 For the time past euery one so to come back to his own hart saying a Ier. 8.6 What haue I done As that it may abundantly suffice vs as b 1 Pet. 4.3 Saint Peter warneth to haue mispent the time past according to the lusts of sensual men Vers 2. and resolue for the space remaining wholly to conforme our heart and wayes vnto the Will of God 2 For the time to come so wisely euery one to consider our latter ende Deu. 32.29 forecasting the vncertaine shortnesse of our life a Vapour quickly vanishing Iam 4.14 and the stricktnes of our account when euer we shall be called hence to Iudgement 1 Cor. 5.11 that we neuer sing to our soules the rich mans Requiem Luke 12.19 but rather with the Fiue wise Virgins Math. 25.4 continually nourish in our selues a watchfull expectation of the Bridgroomes comming 3 For the time present so euery one of vs with all diligence to improue our opportunities Gal. 6.10 Mat. 25.16 and employ our Talents as that we may doe the worke of him that hath called vs in that day which he giueth vs Ioh. 9.4 thereby preuenting our Sauiours teares and making proofe both to our selues and others that we are taught to know in this our day Luk. 19 41 42. those things that belong vnto our peace And now for a familiar helpe vnto this heauenly skill especially to those of younger yeares whose hearts God shall touch Eccles 12.1 to remember their Creator in the dayes of youth and to endeauour with that noble Courtier Obadiah 1. Reg. 18.3 12. by fearing God timely to feare him greatly Let me adde to aduise as a profitable course if hauing skill to write they be enabled thereunto the keeping of a Diarie or Journall a booke I meane of daily remembrance for spirituall reckonings such as are their owne failings in duty towards God needing humbling and Gods benefits whether publique or personall requiring thankes Which course though I vrge not on all as necessarie yet for them whose disposition and leasure suteth with it and who shall be prouidently carefull onely of setting down matters of secrecie with such abreuiations or characters of their owne framing as that themselues onely may be priuie to them it will be found I doubt not singularly profitable as sometimes it was to a young Noble-man of this Land The late Lord Harington testified in his Funeral Sermon made by M. R. S. and Printed anno 1614. whose example and gaine thereby may recommend it to all others for daily obseruation and right ordering of their wayes and especially for weekely preparation to Sabbath-exercises and furnishing themselues principally for priuate extraordinary humiliations Moreouer to the end that our whole time may be better bestowed and we our selues against all oppositions and impediments may be at all times better armed it shall not bee amisse to adnex for conclusion these two directions 1. For munition to see we be euer armed with the Panoplie or compleat armour of a Christian described by St. Paul Ephes 6 Eph. 6 13. in the seuerall pieces but marke no backe-piece to learne vs neuer to turne backe from our enemies such as are the girdle of truth Iam. 4.7 the breast-plate of righteousnesse the helmet of saluation the shield of faith and the rest M. Gouge M. Dounham Eph. 6.13 which hauing beene by diuers largely opened vnto vs I exhort onely with the Apostle that by feruent prayer they may bee daily buckled and girded vpon vs. 2. For meditation concerning which being the studie or serious musing of the minde and so a chiefe furtherance either to good or euill actions according to the obiects whereon it is exercised leauing the rules thereof to such as haue exactly Doctor Hall and at large discouered that Art vnto vs I will onely adde as generall heads whereon profitably to set on worke our vacant thoughts in such exercise sixe questions all found in seuerall places of Scripture in the very words wherein they are expressed viZ. 1. What is man Psa 8.4 ViZ. That hee should be so highly aduanced 2. Who am I 2. Sam. 7.18 ViZ. That I should be so greatly regarded 3. What haue I done Ierem 8.6 ViZ. For which I should be humbled 4. What shall I doe Act. 16.30 Viz That yet I may be saued 5. Whither shall I flee Psa 139.7 Viz. If sinne be committed 6. What shall I render Psa 116.12 ViZ. For benefits receiued And thus farre concerning the continuall Christian watch or everyday-eueryday-Sabbath which they certainly obserue best who are carefullest to keepe the Lords day as they should doe S. TOuching the which Lords day being to vs Christians in place of the former seauenth day or Sabbath the ordinary Sabbath or weekely day of holy rest founded on our Sauiours glorious resurrection Ioh. 20.1 Act 20.7 1 Cor. 16.2 and from the Apostles practise recorded in holy Scripture commended to the Church I see not why wee may not to raise vp our selues to the highest pitch of holy deuotion therein set before our eyes that religious
and spirituall obseruation of the Sabbath wherevnto as one maine branch of piety in those times put for the whole the Iewes were inuited by promise of rich reward from God ISAI 58. 13 If thou turne away thy foot froÌ„ the Sabbath that is as the words following shew from prophaning it whereto by corrupt nature all are carried from doing thy will on my holy day and shalt call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honorable and shalt honour him not doing thine owne wayes nor seeking thine owne pleasure nor speaking thine owne words 14 Then shalt thou delight thy selfe in the Lord and I will cause thee to ride vpon the high places of the earth and feede thee with the heritage of Iacob thy Father for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Some haue sought to antiquate and quite abolish now vnder the Gospell the authority of the fourth Commaundement as the Papists in their Catechismes expunge the second And Athiests and Blasphemers would as gladly haue the first and third â—azed out But both the deuotion and doctrine of our Church still directing vs to our ten Comandements * The same which God spake in Exod. 20. As see â—n our Church Catechisme and booke of Common Prayer viz in the Communion ministration of Baptisme and in particular to this * In the Homily of the time and place of Prayer sober minded Christians ought and will haue a due respect therâ—unto and as we celebrate in steede of the passeouer the Eucharist as the new Sâ—crament of the Gospell called for distinction from the former by St. Paul the a 1 Cor. 11.20 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lords Supper So likewise to obserue in place of the Sabbath this first day of the weeke as our Christian Sabbath and sanctified day of rest for holy worship called for like distinction by Saint Iohn b Reu. 1.10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Lords day In which as that blessed Apostle then in banishment was rauished in the spirit and saw heauenly visions and reuelations So should we also labour who haue receiued the spirit to be in what we may that day wholy spirituall and heauenly minded so withdrawing our mindes and hearts as farre as wee are able except in cases of more vrgent necessities from all distracting whatsoeuer businesses or delights as that wee deuote our selues and be wholy taken vp in publique more priuate seruices of Gods holy worship Psa 92.1 2 heauâ—nly contemplations and workes of Christian charity as in an holy festiuall of reioycing before the Lord. Of which particulars so much hauing been written In the Homily fore-alledged of the time place of prayer and in the Practise of Pietie c. Exod. 20.8 Nehe. 13.22 I spare to adde more but onely exhort that without either superstition or prophanenesse wee so remember before hand to prepare for it euer when it commeth as God would haue vs to keepe it holy that God may remember vs in mercy and we receiue the blessing And thus also briefely for the obseruation of the Lords day the more solemne Christian Sabbath or day of holy rest T. NExt for direction touching Charitie that common and perpetuall Debt of Christians Rom. 13 8 1 Pet. 1 22. Rom. 12.10 owed generally to all but with tender and brotherly affection to true Beleeuers professing and giuing proofe of their precious Faith and walking in Truth which St. Paul termeth the More excellent way 1 Cor. 12.31 Col. 31 4 Rom. 13.10 Ephes 4.4 Ioh. 13.34 Vers 35. the Bond of perfectnesse and fulfilling of the Law tying vs thereto by so many bondes which our Sauiour himself stileth his New Commandement maketh knowne as the chiefe cognizance of his Disciples take notice of the fifteene properties hereof set downe 1 COR. 13. 4 CHARITIE or Loue suffereth long and is kinde or bountifull Charity enuieth not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 charitie vaunteth not it selte or is not thwarting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or doing frowardly it is not puffed vp 5 It doth not behaue it selfe vnseemely it seeketh not her owne things it is not easily prouoked it thinketh none euill 6 It reioyceth not in iniquity but reioyceth in the truth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 7 It beareth or couereth all things it beleeueth all things it hopeth all things it endureth all things By which properties the meaning well apprehended shall we try our hearts and liues as we may doe also in the mutuall good offices of the bodily members 1 Cor. 12.26 it may bee feared we shall finde in vs much want of Charity which since it argueth by Saint Johns rule weakenesse 1 Ioh 4.20 at least in our loue to God wee had the more neede to pray that God who is Charity it selfe Ver. 16. would by his spirit of loue bestow vpon vs and more and more heate and enflame in vs this quickning and working Grace V. FVrther yet the exercise and excellency of this grace of Charitie being most obseruable in Christians carriage about their speciall Callings rules in Scripture are not wanting shall men consult with these Counsellers to guide Christians in such personall duties according to that generall charge Psal 119.24 as the maine and speciall foundation laid by grace of good order in humane societie 1 COR. 7.20 24. Let euery man in the same vocation wherein hee is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 therein abide with God that is doing duties to men therein out of Conscience towards God More speciall directions of which kind applyed to those Domesticall subordinations wherein Families are established Ephes 5.21 that Each may submit to other in the feare of God according to his will we shall find 1 Of Husbands and Wiues the summe whereof comprised Coloss 3.18.19 And more vnfolded Ephes 5. and 1 Peter 3. consisting of feruent and faithfull loue in the Husband and due subiection and reuerence in the Wife is vsefully read by order of our Church in Marriage Solemnities to make both parties and their Neighbours also more mindefull of their duties 2 Of Parents and Children the summe whereof grounded on the fifth Commandement being in Children Honour and thankefull Obedience to their Parents In Parents wise and due care for nurture and education of their Children and euery way towards them Loue and tender kindnesse is by the same Apostle also both in Coloss 3.20 21 briefely touched and Ephes 6.1 2 3 4. more fully opened and by the Legall Promise annexed to the Praecept powerfully perswaded 3 Of Masters and Seruants the summe of the Masters duty which is to doe that which is iust and equal to their Seruants Knowing that they also haue a Master in heauen that regardeth euery mans carriage and respecteth no mans person being deliuered Ephes 6.9 and Coloss 4.1 But more expressely and at large the duty of Seruants as needing in those times most to bee remembred set downe as in
through Christ Iesus our blessed Lord and alone Sauiour In whose holy Name wee continue to call on thee and recommend our selues vnto thee in that perfect prayer which himselfe did teach vs saying Our Father which art in heauen c. A Grace or blessing before Meate GOod Lord forgiue vs all our sinnes that make vs vnworthy of any of thy blessings and remooue from vs all thy Iudgements which are vpon vs or due vnto vs for the same blesse and sanctifie vs euer for thy seruice and thy good creatures at this present for our vse giue them strength to nourish vs and giue vs grace for them and all thy mercies to bee thankefull to thee and to receiue them as tokens of thy loue towards vs through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen A Thankesgiuing or Grace after meate O Lord wee giue thee humble thankes for all thy blessings bestowed vpon vs both for our soules and bodies in regard of this life present that to come and in particular for refreshing vs at this present with thy good creatures We beseech thee continue thy fauour vnto vs and keepe vs euer in thy feare Blesse thy whole Church this Land the King Queene and all the Royall Family our friends and all that are deare vnto vs. Grant thy Gospell a free and a fruitfull passage comfort all thine aflicted seruants and guide vs in the right way to euerlasting life through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen A Prayer for a Family in the Euening O Lord God gracious and mercifull by whose watchfull prouidence wee thy poore and vnworthy seruants haue been this day preserued and with thy rich and vndeserued fauours many wayes comforted and blessed wee returne to render vnto thine holy Maiestie all humble and hearty thanks for these and all thy benefits and blessings out of the euer-flowing fountaine of thy loue towards vs in Iesus Christ aboundantly powred downe vpon vs. O Lord we doe confesse wee be not worthy of the least fauour nay hauing beene sinners from the wombe we deserue wrath and daily goe on to prouoke the eyes of thy Maiestie to displeasure by our manifold sinnes and sinfull corruption still vnto this day remaining in vs and oft-times euery day breaking out vpon vs to thy dishonour We acknowledge O good Lord our ignorance and much want of desire endeauour after the sauing knowledge of thy blessed will reuealed to vs in thy holy word and wee haue iust cause to bewaile the prophanenesse and stubborne pride and disobedience of our hearts which make vs daily to rebell against thy most righteous lawes both by leauing vndone the duties which thou enioynest and aduenturing vpon those euill courses which thou forbiddest yea O Lord our vile hypocrisie in our best seruices our wretched vnthankfulnesse for thy coÌ„tinuall blessings our murmuring impatience vnder thy fatherly chastisements and tryals our contempt and abuse of thy sacred Gospell our blaspheming of thy glorious and fearefull name and prophaning of thy blessed Sabbaths our selfe-love and high-mindednes our worldlinesse and wicked couetousnesse our wantonnesse voluptuousnesse and other vncleane and sinfull lusts our wrathfulnesse and maliciousnesse our vnmercifulnesse and impenitencie and hard-heartednes and earthly mindednes and a whole world of wickednesse notwithstanding all the meanes of grace vouchsafed still abounding in vs How doe they testifie against vs to our face and in thy sight that wee are most wretched and miserable sinners deseruing in thy iustice shouldst thou enter into iudgement with vs tenne thousand deaths and euen damnation in hell for euer Howbeit since we perceiue euen hereby that it is of thine owne free goodnesse and gracious mercy that we are not consumed because thy compassions faile not but are towards thine renewed euery morning and doe continue with them to the euening We are emboldned to looke vp to thee and in the name of our Lord Iesus Christ in whom alone thou art well pleased to beseech thee for his sake to forgiue vs all our sinnes to wash vs cleane in his bloud and to assure our conscience by the witnesse of thine holy Spirit of the full discharge and pardon of them all Mercifull Father wee most humbly pray thee for his sake to put them all euery one of them great and small out of thy sight and withall by thy blessed Spirit purge them more and more out of our hearts O Lord giue vs grace euery day more and more our selues to see them and the vilenesse of them and how base and filthy they make vs in thy sight and giue vs hearts to bee vnfainedly sorrie that wee haue by them offended thee our so gracious God and grieued thine holy Spirit whereby wee are sealed to the day of redemption Worke in vs an hatred and detestation of all sinnes whatsoeuer giue vs grace for the time to come to striue and labour against them those especially whervnto we are by age education complexion company or any other occasion most enclined as against the deadliest enemies of our soules Yea O Lord God graunt that for this purpose wee may carefully shunne all occasion of euill such as are idlenesse ill company prophanenesse wantonnesse and the like and may more conscionably entertaine and vse all good meanes of grace such as are the hearing reading and meditating in thy holy Word the often calling vpon thy holy name the keeping of thy holy Sabaths the receiuing of thy blessed Sacraments the ioyning our selues in familiarity and fellowship with thy faithfull children and the like that by thy blessing hereupon wee may encrease and grow together with our yeares and age in faith patience and humility in meekenesse temperance and sobriety in loue vnto thee and to thy truth and to other for thy sake in a contempt of this wretched world which will shortly leaue vs and a longing after the ioyes to bereuealed in thy Kingdome and all good fruites of thy sanctifying Spirit which may faâ—ther our reckoning and seale vp our saluation vnto the day of Christ Meane while wee continue our prayers most mercifull God for thy whole Church and all the rest of thy chosen children who are our fellow heires of future glory whersoeuer they be scattered especially all those who being in misery whether in their soules or bodies doe want thy more speciall comfort O Lord instruct them that yet are ignorant conuert those that are prophane raise vp the fallen strengthen them that stand and keepe vs that we neuer fall but that our end may bee better then our beginning and our workes better and more at the last then at the first Be gracious and good vnto all Christian Churches that professe thy Truth restore peace if it be thy blessed will in thy good time to them which are troubled and continue peace and the light of thy Gospell for euer vnto this wherein wee liue Blesse herein wee beseech thee our Gracious King and giue him an heart to feare thee and seeke thy glory to knowe thee and serue thee with a
Lord thy God require of thee c. Mica 6.8 He hath shewed thee O man what is good c. Eccles. 12.13.14 Let vs heare the conclusion of the whole matter c. All which as they prescribe what God expecteth yeelding reason to moue vs to be thereof carefull so do they also administer both motiues and matter of prayer to make vs earnest with God for his strength and grace to enable vs for a meete performance B. THe sinners suite or Dauids repentant Prayer after his fall for himselfe and the Church not vnfit to be vsed in our daily deuotion in regard of our continuall failing in the precedent duties PSAL. 51. 1. Haue mercy vpon me O God according to thy louing kindnesse according to the multitude of thy compassions blot out my transgressions 2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse mee from my sinne 3. For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sinne is euer before me 4. Against thee thee only haue I sinned and done euill in thy sight that thou mayest be iustified when thou speakest and be cleare when thou iudgest 5. Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sinne did my mother conceiue me 6. Behold thou louest truth in the inward affections and hast made mee to know wisedome in the secret of my heart 7. Purge me with a That is with the bloud of Christ sprinkled on my leaprous soule by the holy spirit Dauid for the strēgthning of his faith alluding to that ceremonie in cleansing the Leaper Leuit 14.67 As see 1. Pet. 1.2 1. Cor. 6.11 Hysope and I shall be cleane wash me and I shall be whiter then snow 8. Make me to heare ioy and gladnesse that the bones which thou hast broken may reioyce 9. Hide thy face from my sinnes and blot out all mine iniquities 10. Create in mee a cleane heart O God and renew a right spirit within me 11 Cast mee not away from thy presence and take not thy holy spirit from me 12. Restore to me the ioy of thy saluation and stablish mee with thy free spirit 13. Then will I teach transgressours thy wayes and sinners shall be conuerted vnto thee 14. Deliuer me from b That is the guilt of bloud being the particular sinne that mostwounded Dauids conscience as we vnder this terme may pray against that particular sin which woundeth vs most is to vs as bloud was to Dauid bloud O God thou God of my saluation and my tongue shall sing aloude of thy righteousnes 15. O Lord open thou my lips and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise 16. For thou desirest no sacrifice else would I giue it thee but thou delightest not in burnt offrings 17. The sacrifice of God is a contrite spirit a contrite and broken heart O God thou wilt not despise 18 Be fauorable for thy good pleasure vnto Sion build thou the walls of Hierusalem 19. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousnesse with c These Dauid mētioneth according to the condition of those times answering whereto are now the holy ministery of the word the Sacramēts with prayer praises thanksgiuing As see Hos 14. 2. Heb. 13.15 burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings then shall they offer young bullocks vpon thine Altar And now to direct and encourage vs to this continuall duty of holy prayer one most vsefull forme to furnish vs both for words and matter whereunto may be as I conceiue this blessed Psalme to that end proposed take notice farther of these prescripts promises and presidents Math. 7.7 8. Aske and it shall be giuen you c. Psal 50.15 Call vpon mee in the day of trouble c. Rom. 8.26.27 Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities c. Jsai 65.24 Yea before they call I will answere c. Dan. 9.20.21 And while I was speaking and praying c. Ver. 23. At the beginning of thy supplication the Commandement came forth c. All assuring vs of Gods readines to heare when euer by his grace he stirreth our hearts to pray whereby wee may euen prophesie of the successe of our desires according to that acknowledgement Psal 10.17 O Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble thou preparest their hearts and then causest thine eare to heare C. DAuids blessed man pointing out yet more particularly the right path to life in renouncing euill wayes and cleauing vnto Gods word PSAL. 1.1.2 1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsell of the vngodly nor standeth in the way of sinners nor sitteth in the seate of the scornfull 2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and in his law doth he meditate day night Agreeing hereunto see likewise Iob 22.21.22.23 Acquaint now thy selfe with God and be at peace c. Ephesi 5.8 11. Yee were darknesse but now are light in the Lord walke as children of the light And haue no fellowship c. As also Psal 119.1.2.3 26.4.5.6 All warning vs if euer we would be happy aboue all to flye as wee are still in Scripture warned the contagion of ill company Pro. 1.10.4.14.23.20 that fixing our delight vpon Gods law 2. Cor. 6.14 we may entertaine familiarity and fellowship with the Lord our both Sunne and shield Psal 84.11 Psal 16 11 in whose presence is fulnesse of ioy and pleasures at his right hand for euermore D. THe Doctrine and vse of the holy Sacrament of the Lords Supper together with an adioyned direction for a meete preparation thereunto deliuered by St. Paul 1. COR. 11. 23. For I haue receiued of the Lord that which I also deliuered vnto you that the Lord Iesus in the same night that he was betrayed tooke bread 24. And when hee had giuen thankes hee brake it and said Take eate this is my body which is broken for you this doe in remembrance of me 25. After the same manner also he tooke the Cup when he had supped saying This Cup is the new Testament in my bloud this do yee as often as yee drink it in remembrance of me 26. For as often as ye eate this Bread and drinke this Cup ye doe shew the Lords death till he come 27. Wherefore whosoeuer shall eate this Bread and drinke this Cup of the Lord vnworthily shall be guilty of the Body and Bloud of the Lord. 28. But let a man examine himselfe and so let him eate of this Bread drink of this Cup. 29. For hee that eateth and drinketh vnworthily eateth and drinketh damnation or iudgement to himselfe not discerning the Lords body THe direction for preparation in the twelue questions following 1. Quest How may a Christian fit himselfe for the Lords Table A. He must consider 1. why 2. how he shold come thereunto 2. Q. Why is he to come An. In obedience to Christs commandement who hath bidden vs so to doe in remembrance of him 3. Q. What profit may hee expect hereby to make him come willingly A. He is called
endeauour euen to rent our hearts and to be truly humbled before the Lord with godly sorrow 10. Qu. How shall wee bring our hearts to this heart-renting sorrow An. The remembrance of Gods great kindnesse and our owne wretched vnthankefulnesse but especially our looking vpon Iesus Christ pierced for our sinnes Zach. 12.10 and seriously considering what he endured to redeeme vs from death 2. Cor. 7.10 are chiefe meanes to bring vs to this godly sorrow causing repentance not to be repented of 11. Qu. What may we expect vpon this humiliation A. If being thus humbled in our selues we shall repaire to God and as in Dan. 9. EZra 9. and Nehem. 9. we haue presidents shall penitently confesse our sinnes with hearty prayer to God for pardon and grace and with a thorough resolution to forsake all our euill wayes and henceforth to liue in obedience to Gods holy will we may haue assurance that our sinnes are pardoned and shall finde grace renewed in our hearts to make vs to performe what wee haue resolued and promised 12. Qu. How serueth the outward ceremonies of rest and abstinence to this inward substance An. The bodily exercise of Rest and Abstinence is of profitable vse 1. In respect of time which is thereby gayned for the better dispatch without distraction of such holy duties 2. For the duties themselues whereunto these outward obseruances serue more or lesse either as signes to testifie or as helps to further our humiliation prayer and true repentance Adde here that for the better examination of our hearts and liues as is required in the ninth Question it may bee fit for people who are more ignorant to take a view of the explication made by M. Perkins of the breaches of the seuerall Precepts in his little Treatise of the nature and practise of repentance as also it will be expedient for the same purpose to obserue as keyes to open vnto vs the more full knowledge of the Commaundements the Rules set downe in the section following F. SIxe generall Rules for the better vnderstanding of the true meaning due extent and binding power of the ten Commaundements for the better discouering of the knowledge of sinne according to that ground of truth and definition of sinne set downe by S. Iohn 1. IOHN 3.4 Whosoeuer committeth sin transgresseth also the Law 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For Sinne is the transgression of the Law THE Rules are these following 1. Where any a Mat. 15.4 and 4.10 duty is enioyned the contrary sinne is forbidden and where any b Eph 4.28 1. Thes 4 3.4 5. sinne is forbidden the contrary duty is required 2. Vnder one maine c 1. Ioh. 3.15 duty or crime expresly mentioned all degrees and branches of the same kinde are either commaunded or forbidden together with all d Pro 23.31 1. Thes 5.22 occasions or means furthering thereto and all effects signes or proper consequents of the same 3. The Precepts being giuen generally doe binde all estates and persons without exception e Rom. 3.19 Col. 3.25 both themselues to keepe them as also to take heede how they make themselues f 1 Tim. 5.22 Ephes 5.11 Rom. 1.31 accessaries to others breaking of them 4. None can g Iam. 4.12 dispence with any Commandement but God onely nor can any h Gen. 22.2 Exod. 12.35 36. breake them without sinne except by Gods speciall warrant to the contrary nor can any be held i Iam. 2.10 Psal 119.6 Luk. 18.21 22. conscionably to obserue any of them that hath not a due respect to all of them 5. The least breach of any precept is k 1 Ioh. 3.4 sinne and in it selfe l Rom. 6.23 mortall deseruing euerlasting wrath yet in each Commandement are different m Math. 5.22 Math. 7.2 degrees of sinne and the breaches of the Cōmandements of the n Mat. 22.38 1. Sam. 2.25 first table greater comparing them in a lik◠degree then of the second 6. One and the same duty or crime may be in different respects referred to o Pro. 25.18 Mal. 3.5 diuers Commandements and the breach principally of one table be in other respects the breach also of the other The Scriptures cited in the margent being well considered may giue some light for the iustifying and clearing of these Rules propounded G. THe knowledge of the Law hauing a two-fold vse the one to humble vs by sight of sinne vnto repentance and the other to guide vs being qualified by the Gospell in the way of righteousnesse Concerning the practise and power of the former of these two viz. repentance wee may take it briefely in these words of Salomon PRO. 28. 13. He that hideth his sinnes shall not prosper but who so confesseth and forsaketh them shall finde mercie 14 Blessed is the man that feareth alwayes but hee that hardeneth his heart shall fall into euill Agreeing whereunto see those counsels and comforts annexed Jsai 55.6 7 8. Seeke ye the Lord whilst c. Isa 1.16.17 18 19. Wash you make you cleane c. As also that excellent place 2. Cor. 7.10.11 where are set downe the seauen properties of true repentance an exposition whereof may be found in that plaine but profitable and powerfull Sermon of Repentance made by M. Dent which together with his booke of the Plaine Mans Path-way deserue to be recommended to ignorant persons and all yong beginners in the wayes of godlinesse to awaken them vp to some light and loue of life and saluation H. FOr further encouragement hereunto let vs lay vp in our hearts the tenour of the new and comfortable couenant of grace with the stipulation on our part by GOD required EZEK 36. 25. Then wil I sprinkle cleane water vpon you and yee shall be cleane from all your filthinesse and from all your Idols will I cleanse you 26. A new heart also will I giue you and a new spirit will I put within you and I will take away the stonie heart out of your flesh and I will giue you a heart of flesh 27. And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and ye shall keepe my iudgements and doe them 28. And yee shall dwell in the land that I gaue vnto your Fathers and ye shall be my people and I will bee your GOD. After which followeth the stipulation or condition on our parts required 31. Then shall ye remember your owne wicked wayes and your doings that were not good and shall loath your selues in your owne sight for your iniquities and for your abominations 32. Be it knowne vnto you that I doe not this for your sakes saith the Lord therefore be ashamed and confounded for your owne wayes O house of Israel The summe of which said couenant see also excellently expressed by the Prophet Ieremie Ier. 31 33 34. Behold the dayes come saith the Lord that I will make a new couenant c. And againe Ier. 32.38 39 40 41. And they
shall be my people and I will be their God c. And the effect which is the stipulation by God intended EZech 16.62 63. And I will establish my couenant with them c. All to assure vs that we may not doubt through vnbeliefe of Gods thoughts of peace his firme Rom. 4.20 Ier. 29.11 as free purpose of good towards vs hereby emboldening vs to importune and euen implead the Lord vpon his promise as Dauid sometime doth 2. Sa. 7.25.27 Ezek. 36.37 God expecteth his people should that so he may performe the same vnto them I. ACcording to the tenour of this couenant of grace and the other fore-named vse of the right knowledge of the Law is the lesson of sauing grace deliuered by St. Paul to aduise seruants and all of all sorts to doe their duties that they may adorne the Gospell and expect the glory of Christ their Sauiour TITVS 2. 11. For the grace of GOD that bringeth saluation hath appeared to all men 12. Teaching vs that denying vngodlinesse and worldly lusts we should liue soberly righteously and godly in this present world 13. Looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the mighty God and our Sauiour Iesus Christ 14. Who gaue himselfe for vs that hee might redeeme vs from all iniquity and purge vnto himselfe a peculiar people zealous of good workes Answerable whereunto wee may take notice of those Euangelicall exhortations giuen by St Paul vpon the same ground and to the same purpose Rom. 12.1 2. I beseech you brethren by the mercifulnes of God c. And 2. Cor 7.1 Hauing therfore these promises dearely beloued c. And also that notable place by lighting vpon which St. Augustine confesseth himselfe to be fully conuerted to the faith Lib 8 confes cap. 12. Rom. 13 11.12 13. The night is past c. Therefore let vs walke as in the day not in gluttony and drunkennesse c. but putting on the Lord Jesus c. All which agreeing with the rule of the new creature Gal. 6.16 promise peace and mercie to as many as walke thereafter and proue themselues thereby to be the true Israel of God cleane-hearted Psal 73.1 Ioh. 1.47 and like Nathaniel free from guile K. FVrther for triall of our Christian state and standing in grace that wee may know whether wee walke after the flesh or as those that are in Christ Iesus after the spirit Rom. 8.1 obserue heedefully the workes of the flesh and fruites of the spirit expressed as contrary one to the other by S. Paul GAL. 5. 19 Now the workes of the flesh a That is of that whole maÌ„ not regenerate or of the fleshly part of the man regenerate Rom. 7.18 are manifest which are these adulterie fornication vncleanenesse wantonnesse 20 Idolatrie witchcraft hatred debate emulations wrath strife seditions heresies 21 Enuying murthers drunkennesse reuellings and such like of the which I tell you before as I haue also told you in times past that they which doe such things shall not inherit the Kingdome of God 22 But the fruit of the Spirit b That is of men made spiritual or of the spirituall part in the man regenerate by Gods spirit is loue ioy peace long suffering gentlenesse faith 23 Meekenesse temperance c That is no law to hurt them the curse which is the streÌ„gth of the law being taken away by Christ Gal. 3.13 against such there is no law 24 And they that are Christs haue crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts A like opposition whereto wee may take notice of in other pregnant places for the same purpose As Col. 3.5 6 7. Mortifie therefore your earthly membâ—rs c. 1. Iohn 2.15 16 17 Loue not the world neither the things of the world c. As also Iam. 3.15 In the difference put betweene earthly and heauenly wisedome by the properties and fruites All to learne vs true wisedome to labour to finde our selues taught of God Isai 54 13 1 Pet. 2.11 2 Cor. 5.14 Rom. 8.14 not caried by the world or our owne lusts but constrained by Christs loue and led by his free spirit in the way to life L. MOreouer as sure markes of our saluation and earnests in hand of our future and full happinesse let vs striue to climbe vp that Ladder of blessednesse consisting of those eight rounds commonly called the eight beatitudes deliuered by our Sauiour MATH 5. 3 Blessed are the poore in spirit for theirs is the Kingdome of heauen 4 Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted 5 Blessed are the meeke for they shall inherit the earth 6 Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousnesse for they shall bee filled 7 Blessed are the mercifull for they shall obtaine mercy 8 Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God 9 Blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousnes sake for theirs is the Kingdome of heauen Euidences of like nature on our part to make sure that our Election the foundation whereof on Gods part standeth firme and immoueable 2 Tim. 2 19. are those eight linkes of St. Peters Golden chaine to adorne themselues wherewith Christians are inuited 2. Pet. 1.5 6 7 8. Ioyne moreouer vertue with your faith and with vertue knowledge c. As also those peculiar qualities of euery rightfull dweller in Gods Tabernacle and holy hill by way of question moued to God and resolution adioyned deliuered by Dauid Psal 15.1 c. Lord who shall dwell in thy Tabernacle c. The Selah or conclusion of assurance in the Prophet and Apostle being the same both to proue it attaineable and to establish the true beleeuers heart therein against all vncomfortable doubting of falling away from Grace for who so doth or if ye doe these things Psal 15.5 2. Pet. 1.10 ye shall neuer fall M. FInally to make vs yet the more carefull that we be not shut out of Gods Tabernacle let vs remember the straitnesse of the gate and way and how for want of earnest striuing many shall want desired entrance from that prying question made to Christ and that profitable resolution thereupon by him deliuered LVKE 13. 23 Then said one vnto him Lord are there fewe that shall be saued And hee said vnto them 24 Striue to enter in at the straite gâ—te for many I say vnto you will seeke to enter in and shall not be able A further explication and confirmation whereof see as in the Treatise published oâ— that * The strait Gate and narrow way to life Text so in the verses following 25 26 27. When the good man of the house is risen vp c. As likewise Math 7 21 22 23. Not euery one that saith vnto mee Lord Lord c. And in that also Math 5.20 Except your righteousnesse exceede the righteousnesse of the Scribes c. All
Dauid and Daniel thrice a day yet at least Psal 55.17 Dan. 6.10 morning euening ordinarily to come before God on bended knees as well taught children to aske blessing Math. 6.11 and their daily bread of him our heauenly Father and moreouer often and still vpon more speciall occasions in secret Psal 62.8 to poure out their soules to God for such graces and blessings as they stand in neede of or to render humble thanks for his receiued fauours and benefits As helps to the weaker sort in which holy exercise and perhaps necessary In M. Hierons helpe to Deuotion and The Practise of Piety as Truckles are to young children to learne them to goe there want not many good wholsome formes of prayers already penned for seuerall purposes But knowledge in the word with a right vnderstanding of the Lords prayer and Psal 51. gotten into their heart to such as haue receiued of God the spirit of Grace and Prayer Zach. 12.10 will bee the best Schoolemaster to helpe their infirmities Rom. 8.26 and to teach them how to make suites to God no matter though in broken English so it bee with contrite and broken hearts according to the will of God so as he the searcher of the hearts Verse 27. may know and graciously accept them in Christ Iesus 3 Besides these there is one other duty of prayer which concerneth chiefely the gouernours of families of whatsoeuer estate or condition who would haue the commendations giuen Cornelius a Act. 10.2 of fearing God with all their housholds carefully to see performed in their families euery day morning and euening whereunto at times as their occasions callings may permit some b Deut. 6.7 reading in the word and c Col. 3.16 singing of Psalmes with Catechising and instructing of their children and seruants Act. 17.11 repetition of what they haue heard and such like holy exercises should be profitably adioyned especially on the Sabbath day For this as it will approue them a Gen. 18.19 children of Abraham and men of b Iosh 24.15 Ioshuah his godly resolution and make their houses rightly accounted as the faithfull ones by c 1 Cor. 16 19. Coloss 4.15 Saint Paul saluted as little Churches so will it not only free them from that execration made by the Prophet d Ior. 10.25 against such families as call not on Gods name but giue them farther hope of Gods blessing as sometimes c 2 Sā 6.11 on Obed Edoms house for the presence of the Arke vpon them and theirs and f Iob 5.24 Gods peace to rest and abide vpon their dwellings Which religious duty of family-prayer together with thanksgiuing or Grace alwayes at our meales by our Sauiours owne example Ioh. 6.11 1 Tim. 4.5 and his Apostles both prescript and president recommēded to vs howsoeuer either through ignorance it bee in Act. 27.35 many places vtterly vnknowne or out of prophanenesse or want of ability for performance it be wofully neglected in most families yet being a seruice so well pleasing vnto God and of such speciall consequence I cannot but heartily wish that it may be henceforward by all that would be held to feare God more conscionably practised yea euen among such ignorant ones and in such small poore families where through weaknesse and want of skill in any to reade they bee able to doe no more then kneele down with their folke and ioyne together in rehearsing the Lords prayer and praying God to blesse and keepe them and if they can get that also into their heads and hearts making vse of the 51. Psal before to that end proposed or of some other good forme of prayer The helpe to Deuotion The Practise of Piety such as those that are added in the end of our Bibles and booke of Common Prayer or which may bee found in other approued Anthors or if they want others these short formes which for Conclusion of these directions shall here bee annexed A short Morning Prayer for a Family O Most holy and glorious Lord God and in Christ Iesus our most gracious and mercifull Father as In thee we liue mooue and haue our being and from thee doe dayly receiue our well-being and all our good So is it meet and our bounden duty by humble suit vnto thy Maiestie and hearty thankesgiuing to acknowledge and professe the same vnto thy praise Wee therefore thine vnworthy seruants prostrating our selues here before thy foote-stoole doe render vnto thy Maiestie all hearty thanks and praise for all thy mercies and blessings continually bestowed vpon vs both in regard of our soules and bodies euer since we were born vntill this present and in particular we blesse and praise thy Fatherly goodnesse for safe keeping vs this night past by thy watchfull prouidence when wee could not keepe our selues refreshing vs comfortably with thy good blessing of sleep and raising vs vp againe in some measure of health and strength this day to doe thee seruice Now O Lord we beseech thee take vs into thy fauour and Fatherly protection and keepe vs continually in thy most holy feare Pardon graciously and forgiue vnto vs for Christ Jesus his sake all our sinnes past put them quite out of thy sight and purge them cleane out of our hearts and so sanctifie vs throughout with the grace of thy holy spirit that we may take no longer delight to walke after the lusts of our owne wicked hearts but may giue vp our selues hence-forward wholly in obedience to thy blessed will so doing in particular this present day the duties both of our generall speciall callings as that by thy blessing and prouidence being vpon vs wee may be preserued from all dangers that otherwise might befall vs and finde much comfort in thy seruice so as that at night wee may againe returne with reioycing and thankefull hearts to resigne and giue vp our selues both soules and bodies into thine hands Meanewhile and euer remember also we most humbly beseech thee most mercifull God and Father together with our selues thy whole Church on earth and all thine afflicted Children and in particular this Land and Christian Countrey wherein we liue Herein blesse the Kings most Excellent Maiestie together with the Queene and the Princes the whole Royall Family with the Nobles and all set in Authority and place of Charge or gouernment ouer vs either in the Church or Common-wealth Our priuate Friends also kindred and godly acquaintance who are by any bond more neere vnto vs or haue desired to be in our prayers remembred by vs. In speciall manner blesse O Lord this whole Family with all that belong thereto or are therein giuing vs all grace to liue in thy feare and to doe thee seruice so knowing our places and endeauoring with sincerity and singlenesse of heart to doe our duties that wee may bee for comfort each to other and all of vs in all things to thy glory
perfect heart and a willing minde that thou mayest blesse him and his Throne for euer Blesse also our gracious Queene and giue her an vnderstanding heart to knowe the Truth and with Mary to chuse the better part that she may bee an helper also and furtherer of thy glory Blesse the rest of the Royall Familie the Counsell Ministery and Magistracy in this whole Land and all that haue place of command charge or gouerment ouer others in the Church or Common-wealth Particularly O Lord blesse we beseech thee all our Kindred and Friends and specially vs of this Family that we may liue in thy feare and bee blessed with all things necessary both for our soules and for our comfort in this present life And now as thou hast added this day vnto the dayes past of our life Lord adde our repentance wee beseech thee vnto the day and let vs rest in peace this night vnder the shaddow of thy winges that being refreshed by thy good blessing of sleepe which our beds cannot giue vs but thou O Lord who giuest thy beloued rest we may be inabled the better to serue thee in our callings the day following to thy glory for others good and our owne comfort through Iesus Christ our Lord in whose name we conclude our prayers as himselfe hath taught vs saying Our Father c. A priuate Prayer framed for the most part out of the precedent Scriptures and especially the 51. Psalme O Lord God mercifull and gracious that forgiuest iniquity and yet wilt by no meanes cleare the guilty I thine vnworthy and sinfull Seruant am bold to come before thee in confidence of thy mercy but with all humble and free acknowledgement that I am greeuously guilty and that by reason of the sinne both of my nature and life For I was shapen in iniquitie and in sinne did my Mother conceiue mee And this sinne wherein I was conceiued enough of it selfe to condemne me hath bene too to fruitfull in bringing foorth both sinnes of Omission and Commission in the whole course of my life whereby it hath come to passe that I haue neither denyed vngodlinesse and worldly lustes nor liued soberly righteously and godly in this present world I haue not knowne thee my God so much as I might nor serued thee so well as I ought but haue greatly failed euen in the most principall duties not Reading thy Word so diligently not hearing it so heedfully not receiuing the Sacrament so preparedly not keeping the Sabbath so conscionably not calling vpon thy Name so often and earnestly as I should haue done much lesse haue I regarded that extraordinary seruice of Fasting and humiliation though so many weightie occasions both publique and priuate haue called vpon mee for it And when I haue at any time performed these duties it hath not beene with so perfect an heart and so willing a minde as thou requirest but there hath bene much both heauinesse and hypocrisie in my best Deuotions I haue too to much distasted and shunned the narrow way not walking in my Calling so faithfully not vsing Recreation so moderately nor thy Creatures so soberly and inoffensiuely nor carrying my selfe towards my Neighbour for the good both of his soule and body and state so religiously Charitably and iustly as it had beene meet I should But besides this want of delighting in thy Law and holy duties I haue committed many grieuous sinnes against thy Maiestie following very fearefully especially in the time of You h and ignorance both the Company and the Counsels and the Courses of Wicked men and so instead of bringing forth the holy and pleasing fruites of the Spirit haue wrought and brought foorth the fiâ—thy and noysome workes of the Flesh Yea O Lord against thee against thee haue I sinned and besides Common euils an guilty as holy Dauid of bloud of some notorious and speciall prouocations Nor haue I beene thus sinnefull O Lord for want of instruction and meanes to be better for thou hast taught me wisdome and made known thy Word vnto me wherby I might haue bin cleansed and amended but it is because I haue wanted care haue not taken heede to my wayes according vnto thy Word nor laid vp that word of thine in my heart whereby I might haue beene kept from sinning against thee So that I can by no meanes iustifie my selfe nay O Lord I am so farre from that that say what thou wilt against mee in thy Word lay what thou wilt vpon me with thy Hand I doe freely confesse Thou shalt be iustified when thou speakest and cleare when thou iudgest Neuerthelesse O gracious Father since thou hast proclaimed thy selfe to be a God that pardonest iniquitie and transgression and sinne Let me finde grace I beseech thee in thy sight and pardon my iniquitie and my sinne I haue nothing to plead for my selfe but Haue mercy on me O God according to thy louing kindnesse according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions I cannot deny O Lord but I am a great Sinner but I know that the bloud of Iesus Christ cleanseth vs from all sinne Purge me therefore with that Hyssop and I shall be cleane wash me and I shall be whiter then the Snow So make me to heare the voyce of ioy and gladnesse that my heart afflicted with sinne may reioyce in thee It s true O Lord thou art a GOD that doest by no meanes cleare the guilty yet haue mercy on mee while by this meanes the guilt of sinne is remoued from me Nor doe thou onely Hide thy face from my sinne O Lord and blot out all my iniquitie but together with the guilt of sinne take away the filthinesse likewise Wash mee throughly from mine iniquitie and cleanse me from my sinne yea Create in me a cleane heart O God and renew a right spirit within me Vouchsafe vnto mee the benefit of the new Couenant of grace working that grace in me that thou requirest of me Take away more and more the stony heart out of my flesh and giue me an heart of flesh that so I may remember my former euill wayes and my doings that were not good and loath my selfe in my owne sight for my iniquities and my abominations Together with this Repentance yea that I may haue this Repentance worke in mee that Faith whereby the House of Israel enquires after thee and whereby I a wretched Sinner finding my selfe heauy laden may so come vnto thee as to haue ease from thee And because none shall haue mercy but hee that forsaketh his sinne as well as confesses it Giue me so much grace as to forsake my wicked wayes yea and all my vnrighteous thoughts that so thou mayest haue mercy on me and abundantly pardon mee And because forsaking of sinne is not enough neither without returning vnto thee my Lord and my God make mee I beseech thee to goe in the pathes of thy Commandements and so put thy Spirit within me as to cause mee to walke