very well one for every severall Day of thâ—… Weeke And they may help on the Worke 〈◊〉 our Repentance if we will so often use thâ—… words of those pious Men that made them with their spirit And all the helps in thaâ—… worke are as necessary as they will be advanâ—… tageous For We are charged often and seriously to reâ—…member how we have provoked the Lorâ—… our God to wrath more then once Deu. 9 7 8â—… And the Lord our God is a consuming fireâ—… and a jealous God Deut 4. 24. Thereforâ—… humble thy selfe greatly For the vengeanâ—… of the ungodly is Fire and Wormes Ecclus. 7â—… 17. And if the righteous scarcely be saved where will the ungodly and sinner appeare 1 Pet 4. 18. The Meditation of these places of holâ—… Writ were enough to fright the Impenitenâ—… and make them long to be better acquainteâ—… with Penitentiall Psalmes Then may they heare more comfortablâ—… words For If wee confesse our fins God is faithfuâ—… and just to forgive us our sins 1 Joh. 1. 9. Noâ—… is not the voice of the Gospell only Solomon could put us in that hope long before thâ—… Gospel was sully revealed He that covereth his sins shall not prosper but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy Prov. 28. 13. And others before him have said the like It was God's mercy ever of old Hos. 14. 2 3 4. Hos. 6. 1 2. But we must lay hold on it while it is called to day Hebr. 3. 13 15. There is a long night coming when nothing can be done John 9. 4. And there is no relying or boasting of the little day of our life Prov. 27. 1. We know not how soon the Sun may set for ever upon us and we be conveyed out of the way into our everlasting House Eccles 12. 5. Therefore let us not put off from Day to Day to turne to the Lord. For suddainly his wrath may breake forth and in our security we may be destroyed and so perish in the day of Vengeance Ecclus 5. 7. But God is never so ready to punish as he is to pardon The Royall Prophet that had experience of that mercy tells us that when but he resolved to confes his transgressions unto the Lord the Lord forgave the iniquity of his Sin Psal. 32. 5. And if we would have it confirmed by the Evangelicall Prophet he could tell us God is so mercifull that upon our resolution before we call he will answer and while we are yet speaking He will heare Isay 65. 24. How then can they think to escape that neglect so great Salvation Hebr. 2. 3. After this so needfull and gainfull a Service of Confession As our Church doth so we should do well to addresse our selves to another Confession that of Praise and Thanksgiving In imitation of the Invitatory Psalme and the Te Deum and the like Hymnes in publicke we should have somewhat ready for that purpose in private Such as what now followes XV. A Morning Devotion framed according to St Basil's direction Constitut. Monast. c. 1 and the rare Patterne of the sweet Singer of Israel in many Psalmes PRaise the Lord O my Soul While I live will I praise the Lord yea as long as I have any being will I sing praises unto my God Psal. 146. 1. As long as I live will I magnify him on this manner and lift up my hands in his Name Ps. 63. 5. Every day will I give thanks unto Him and praise his Name for ever and ever Ps. 145. 2. Every day with all readines and thankfulnes of heart I will worship and fall down and kneel before the Lord my God my Maker Psal. 95. 6. By whom I was fearfully and wonderfully made Psal. 139 13 14. My soul cannot but be affected with that curious workmanship even to astonishment and amazement To consider how there is not the least bone or member in my body but tooke along with it an apparent stamp and impression of Divine Power and Wisdome While my whole Body to say nothing of the rate Faculties of the Soule was so cunningly and secretly wrought and embroidered with veines sinewes arteries and other incomparable varieties of necessary parts that as they were first framed and molded secretly in my Mothers wombe so they are not now all of them exposed to the view of every eye but show themselves onely by the use that is made of them Such are the wonders of my Creation How shall I then be able to expresse or conceive how mercifully and freely I was redeemed with a costly and mighty salvation 1 Cor 6. 20. Luc 1. 69. and by no lesse Providence and Goodnes miraculously preserved in fad and perilous times unto this day Therefore shall the first Fruits of every Day be Hâ—…s and the first opening of my mouth the serving and blessing of his holy Name My hearty Prayers and Praises shall come daily before Him like the Incense Psal. 141. 2. ascen ding upward and seasoning and sweetening my thoughts here for the whole day In this manner and for ever Praise the Lord O my Soule and all that is within mee praise his holy Name Praise the Lord O my Soule and forget not all his Benefits Ps 103. 1. c. Which forgiveth all thy sinnes thy great sinnes and healeth all thy Infirmities thy manifold infirmities Which satisfieth thy Body and Soule with variety of good things and so often after a sweet and quiet sleep reneweth thy strength in the Morning and returneth thee to thy Friends and thy own imployments Young and lusty as an Eagle v. 5. that appeares in her fresh plumes vigorous and youthfull againe For this shall my mouth every morning be filled with thy praise O Lord and my Soule make her boast of Thee Ps. 34. 2 3. For this I will remember Thee in my Bed and when I awake Ps. 71. 7. And upon all opportunities sing of thy Honour and Glory all the day long So shall my Soule be more and more satisfied as it were with marrow and fatnes while I thus endeavour to praise Thee with joyfull lips Ps 63. 5. Here we may tender a particular recognition of some speciall mercy and favour showed to us or ours After which we may take others into our Confession of Praise And O that all others might joyn with me in the close of my thankful acknowledgments O that they would praise the Lord with me and let us magnify his Name together Psal ' 34. 3. Though not in the same place yet with the same heart and affection bearing a part in the Angels and our Churches Hymne Glory be to God on high and in earth Peace good will towards men We praise Thee O God we blesse Thee we worship Thee We laud and magnifie thy glorious name evermore praising Thee and saying Holy Holy Holy Lord God of Hosts Heaven and Earth are full of thy glory Glory be to Thee O Lord most high O that men would thus praise the Lord for his goodnesse
and declare the wonders that he doth for the children of men That they would offer unto him the sacrifice of Thanksgiving and tell out all his works with gladnesse Ps. 107. 21 22. O that we could thus every where every morning renew our thanks unto thee O Lord for all thy spiritual and temporal Blessings For all thy mercies in all times of secret or apparent danger More particularly for that mercy that hath watcht over us this night past and continued our life to another day Many in that time no doubt have been cited to thy Tribunal Blessed be thy long sufferance that doth still patiently invite and expect us to Repentance and a lively Faith in Thee Rom. 2. 4. 2 Pet. 3. 15. Inlarge thy mercy O Lord to us all and give us all grace carefully to steward our time as a precious talent To that end teach us every day to deny our selves to submit our wills to thy blessed will and in all the changes and troubles of this mortal life to cast the anchor of our hope sure upon Thee through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen After such a form of Confession and thanksgiving we may when we have more liberty of Retirement adde to these or the like Meditations these that follow XVI Some places of Scripture that may afford us matter of Meditation fit to prepare us for the works of our Calling IN the morning sow thy seed and in the evening let not thy hand rest for thou knowest not whether shall prosper this or that Eccles 116. If thou wilt not labour why dost thou cumber the ground Luc. 13. 7 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this yea also from this withdraw not thy hand Eccles. 7. 18. VVhatsoever thy hand finds to do do it with all thy might For there is no work nor devise nor knowledg nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest Eccles. 9. 10. As we have therefore opportunity let us do good unto all men especially to those of the Houshold of Faith Gal. 6. 10. Let us be stedfast immoveable alwaies abounding in the work of the Lord for as much as we know that our labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor 15 58. And let us not shift off our well-doing with the uncertain hope of a more convenient time as Felix did the hearing of the blessed Apostle Act. 24. 25. Behold now is the accepted time now is the day of salvation 2 Cor. 6. 2. But we know not what a Day may bring forth There is no boasting of to morrow Pnov 27. 1. To day if you will hear his voice while it is called to day Ps. 958. Heb. 3. 13. The Night is coming on when no man will be able to work Joh. 94. For this is the last time 1 Joh. 2. 18. God works no miracles among the dead nor shall the dead rise up again to praise him Ps. 88. 10. Remember the Dayes of darknes shall be many Eccles. 11. 8. And when the Tree falls whether it be toward the South or toward the North in what place soever it falleth there it lies v. 3. Be strong therefore and let not your hands be weak for your work shall be rewarded 2 Chr. 15. 7. VVhatsoever good thing any man doth the same shall he receive recompense for of the Lord. Eph. 6. 8. in good measure pressed down shaken together and running over Luc. 6. 38. Our former Meditations will take the deeper impression if at our best leisure we will take a view not of our Duty onely but of our Frailty too and our uncertain abode in this world which I shall now endeavour to lay open and clear to every eye by such several degrees as will make the best discovery XVII Our daily Duty and the short Time allotted to us THe dayes of man are like the dayes of a Hireling that is all to be spent in labour Job 7. 1. He that hath no greater businesse may please to stay with me a while and hear how this time should be spent Man shall go out unto his work untill the Evening Ps. 103. To his work that is to such a work as befits him and agrees with the functions of a Reasonable Soul of a Christian c. To the Evening that is to the period of his Life So to make it opus diei in die nâ—…stro a Dayes work in the compasse of our Day For in God's Arithmetick our Life is usually reckoned by Dayes The Dayes of Adam Seth Enos Gen. 5. The dayes of my pilgrimage saith old Jacob are few and evil Gen. 47. In the dayes of Josiah Solomon Herod the King c. 1 Reg. 10. All reckoned by Dayes Our Nights slide away insensibly It is well if our Dayes are worth the reckoning Or rather our whole life is but one Day In which Day of our Life as in all other Dayes there are distinct seasons wherein we may apprehend opportunities for any work and we cannot do it but onely in them For who can deter the cool of the Morning to some remoter part of the day who can anticipate the heat of the Noon and take it in the Morning So it is in the Day of our Life The strength of Youth must be used in the Spring and morning of our Dayes and the weaknes of Age must be expected when our Night comes on Therefore in the whole course of our Day we must learn to distinguish betwixt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 betwixt the Day and the Opportunity and season of the Day betwixt our drousy hours and our hours fitter for Action Opportunity not extending it self equally to all our day but lighting upon some parts Which may admonish us that we may be some dayes the more excused to be the more diligent upon other Dayes For indeed as our Church in our Common Prayers in Zacharie's Song doth every day put us in mind our daily task and the end of our Redemption is to serve God in Holines and Righteousnes all the dayes of our life And this must the rather be thought on because some mens daies are like Winter-dayes short and sharp some like Summer dayes fair and long And some men's daies are intermixt but all together are but Dies Nay it is well if they come up to a Day It may be they will prove but as a watch in the night Ps. 90. 4. like a piece of a night rather then a whole day or if a day but dies palmaris David thought his to be such tbat he could span them Ps. 39. 6. measure them at his fingers ends and so may we Nature hath imprinted the memory of it there that we should never forget it For the fingers are longer and longer to the top of the Middle finger which is the highest and then they go lowâ—…r and lower with a descent that is more suddain And so doth our Life with a more violent quick and praecipitate descent and perhaps without such degrees Therefore
20. when he and Jehoram and the King of Edom being distressed for want of water had obtained it by Elijah we read thus It came to passe in the morning when the meat-offering was offered that behold thâ—…re came water by the way of Edom and the country was filled with water Then again we see it in Daniel's vision The Angel Gabriel appeared to Daniel about the time of the Evening oblation it is observed that our Saviour offered himself upon the Crosse the same time And The like observation we have in the time of the Maccab when Onias offered sacrifice for Heliodorus 2. Mac. 3. 32. The like in the Gospel of the Angel appearing to Zachary 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luc. 1. 8. And of Paul and Barnabas separated for the Ministry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Act. 13. 2. 22. 17. And then which more cannot be said the Holy Ghost vouchsafed and chose to make his visible descent at that time XLVI The Place VVE have said enough to make us desirous to keep the Time and we should desire as much to keep the Place too We find the Apostles keeping of them both Going up to the Temple at the hour of Prayer Act. 3. 1. Solomon that built the first Temple acquaints us with the Priviledge of this place The eyes of the Lord are open towards this place day and night 1. Reg. 8. 31. God regards that house more then other places and vouchsafes his presence there in an especiall manner And shall not we regard it and afford our presence to meet Him there What is the signe that the Lord will heale me and that I shall go up to the House of the Lord saith K Hezekiah to the Prophet Isai. 2. Reg. 20. 8. That is the first thing that He would wish to do after his recovery from sicknes But of all other K David hath most pathetically expressed himself for this place Though he was a King yet He would not have been loth to have been a Door-keeper there He thought the very Sparrows happy that were near it And if he had been put to his choice for one thing that He would have desired it should have bâ—…en to dwell in the House of the Lord all the dayes of his life This love to the place we find also in the Gospel We read of Hannah the Prophetesse in her old dayes Luc. 237. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 she went not far from the Temple So of the blessed Apostles Act. 2. 46. They were daily in the Temple they were loth to leave it when they knew it was ready to leave them So of all the Faithful with them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 XLVII Before our private reading of the Holy Scriptures I Will say no more of our publick Service but because I presume you will spend some time every day in reading a part of the holy Scriptures Therefore I would intreat you Either before you begin to read use the Collect for the second Sunday in Advent Merciful Lord who hast caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning grant that we may in such wise hear mark learn and inwardly digest them that by patience and comfort of thy holy word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life which thou hast given us in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And after reading this prayer of Holy David O that my wayes were made so direct that I might keep thy statutes Ps. 119. 5. O Let thy word be a lanthorn to my feet and a light to my paths Or else before or after reading we may recall some one or two of these sayings that follow out of the Holy Scriptures or out of the Fathers Here is the Gate of Heaven Gen. 28. 17. Here is the Fountain of Wisdome Ecclus. 1. 8. The mouth of the righteous is exercised in this Wisdome Ps. 37. 31. The Law of his God is in his heart and his goings shall not slide Here are things which the Angels desired to peep into 1 Pet 1. 12. Blessed is he that reads and they that hear and keep the sayings Rev 1. 3. 22. 7. A good understanding have all they that do thereafter Ps. 112. 10. All that keep it shall come to life Walk in the presence of the light thereof that thou mayst be illuminated Baruch 4. This Commandement is life everlasting Joh. 12. ult Lay up these words in your Heart and in your Soul Deut. 11 18. He that hears and doth them is like a wise man that built his house upon a rock Mat. 7. What nation is there so great that hath such Statutes and Judgments Deut. 4. 8. Able to make us wise unto salvation 2 Tim. 3. 15. profitable for Doctrine for Reproof for Correction for Instruction in Righteousnes That the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works Set your Hearts unto all these words For it is not a vain thing for you It is your life and through this you shall prolong your dayes Deut. 32 46. Kings and Governours shall read in this book all the daies of their life that they may learn to fear the Lord their God c. Deut. 17. 13. He that hath ears to hear let him hear Open thou mine eyes O Lord that I may see the wondrous things of thy Law Ps. 119. y. Chrys. Tom. 1. 1017. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. These are Oracles or Letters sent from Heaven Holy men were the Pen-men of what was dictated by the Holy Ghost Et 5. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A good stomach and desire of meaâ—… is not a truer signe of bodily health then of spiritual health a love and delight in reading and meditating on the word of God which is the food of our Souls S Scriptura cibus est in locis obscurioribuâ—… quia quasi exponendo glutitur potus verò est in locis apertioribus quia it a sorbetur sicut invenitur Gregor in Job 6. The Holy Scripture in the more obscure places is like meat that requires some paines to prepare it for the stomach in easier places it is like drinke that needs no great preparation to carry it thither Augustinus in Psal. 21. in Confess Apâ—…ri â—…ege Tolle lege Justin Martyr As God first made the Light and afterwards gathered it into the Sun so God first opened the light and knowâ—…edge of Himselfe by immediate Apparitions â—…nd Angels c. and then He reduced the â—…ght into the sacred Scriptures and made them â—…ehiculum lucis thence must we look for the â—…rue light Open mine eyes O Lord that I may see â—…he wonders of thy Law Psal. 119. 5. Testamentum vetus velatio novi Novum Reâ—…elatio Veteris Aug. T. 10. The two Testaments are like the two â—…herubims one looking toward the other i. e. one expounding the other booth looâ—…ing to Christ who is our Propitiation Exod. â—…5 The two Cherubims with their outmost â—…ings touched the sides of the House and â—…e
Grave produced these following Ejaculations and Prayers against the sudden and violent approach of Death 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Such true Devotions and Prayers are the surest meanes to procure a Guard of blessed Angels against the greatest dangers of the darkest times Surer then Salomons valiant men that walked about his Bed every one with his Sword upon his Thigh because of the perils of the night Therefore the pious Bishop thought of no confidence and no repose like that of the Royal Prophet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In this confidence he might well conclude his Prayers thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 We are now coming to the incomparable Bishop's last Hymn and sweetest Anthemn in which he was wont to shut up and conclude the Devotions of the whole day Hark Hark! stand a little and listen and admire for it is a full Anthemn and all his best faculties of body and soul make up a Consort in the delivery of it with all his skill and strength Observe the Deepness of the Base and the Height of the Trebles I mean the Lov Descent of his Reverence and Humility with the High Strain of his Joyes and Thankfulness while he Sings a Requiem to his body and soul in a full expression of his service and the glory which he heartily ascribes unto his God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Is not this rare Musick Is it not farr above the strange imaginary Musick of the Spheres Doth it not exceed the natural Consort of the pretty chirping Birds that seem all to joyn together in a kind of Martens and Evensong to the Honour and Glory of the All-creatour that opens his liberall Hands every day to fill all things living with plenty Nay doth it not emulate our Church Musick the cheifest Musick in the world and the best kind of that Musick when the skillfull Artists joyn the sweetest Voices with the variety of sweet Instruments Why shall we not then think this Musical close of all his other Devotions to be his Introduction to conduct him and wellcome him to the Heavenly Quire above to be made acquainted with their Halelujah's and Trisagium's and Doxologies and other wayes of Divine rapture which cannor be learned or practised but in that place whereof the Holy Land was but a Figure For how can we learn or sing the Lords song in a strange Land After this Anthem I can furnish you with no more out of the holy Bishop's papers God be thanked for these which I have received from several hands and laid together to be ready for your use in your private Closets where somwhat would be done besides that which others see you doe in God's House But if you know not how to use them yet may you perhaps be willing after your Scrutiny or Inquisition to go on with these short Meditations and Prayers and Thanksgivings that follow here contracted into a narrow roome for your accommodation Meditations Prayers and praises of God which may be used after the Scrutiny before you goe to Bed Psalm 139. vers 1. O Lord thou hast searched me out and known me Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising Thou understandest my thoughts long before 2. Thou art about my Path and about my Bed and spiest all my waies 3. For loe there is not a word in my tongue but thou Lord knowest them altogether 4. For thou hast fashioned me behind and before and laid thine hand upon me 5 Such knowledge is too wonderful and excellent for me I cannot attain unto it 6. Whither shall I goe then from thy Spirit or whither then shall I goe from thy presence 7. If I climb up into Heaven Thou art there if I goe down to Hell thou art there also 8. If I take the wings of the Morning and remain in the uttermost parts of the Sea 9. Even there also shall thy hand Lead me and thy right shall hold me 10. If I say Peradventure the darkness shall cover me Then shall my night be turned to day 11. Yea the darkness is no darkness with thee but the night is as clear as the day The darkness and light to Thee are both alike 12. For my Reins are thine Thou hast covered me in my Mothers Womb. 13. I will give thanks unto Thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made Marvelous are Thy works and that my soul knoweth right well 14. My Bones are not hid from Thee though I be made secretly beneath in the Earth 15. Thine Eyes did see my substance yet being unperfect And in thy Book were all my Members written 16. Which day after day were fashioned When as yet there was none of them 17. How dear are thy Counsels unto me O God O how great is the summe of them 18. If I tell them they are more in number then the sand of the Sea When I wake up I am present with Thee So said the holy Prophet one of the cheifest Seers of Israel What shall we say that have had no such Heavenly Visions and clear illuminations as he had nor will have Tongues so like the Pen of a ready writer as his was we can discover but little of the wonders of our Creation How then shall we be able to conceive and express how wonderfully we are redeemed with a Costly and Mighty Salvation and Miraculously preserved in Sad and Perilous times unto this day Yet let us endeavour at least to praise the Lord and rouse up our soules to it as he did Praise the Lord O my soul and all that is within me praise his holy name Praise the Lord O my soul and forget not all his Benefits Who pardoneth all thy sinnes thy great sinnes and healeth all thine infirmities thy manifold infirmities Who crowneth thee every day with mercy and Loving kindness Who shadoves thee from the dangers of every night Who renewes thy strength every morning like that of the Eagle that thou
Introduction fitted for them that desire to live like true Christians Wherein if I have said somewhat which by the Good Grace and Blessing of God hath so moved the Heart of some One of my Readers that he wisheth himself worthy the name of Veruâ—… Christianus and that Salvation may this day come to his House as it did to Zacheus's upon the first hearing Christ's voice Let him remember qui non est Hodie Cras minus And if he be but as well affected as Agrippa seemed to be when he said he was almost perswaded to be a Christian. Then I will use the like words to him that the Angel did to Gedeon Dominus tecum i. e. I will say God be with thy good heart goe on in this thy strength God and Men and Angels will be thy Spectators Take Christ's Crosse upon thâ—… and â—…ight under his Banner And that thou mayest pâ—…evail with others Wrastle with God Himself first as Jacob did in his importunate Prayers and let Him not goe without a blessing Then let St. Paul acquaint thee with all the Armour of God and ceâ—…se not to use it till thou hast taken the Kingdome of God by violence It is likely upon such good intentions our worst enemie will rouse himself and prepare to have about with thee and threaten some of his fiery darts and subtle assaults drawn from the greatness of thy sinnes and late Repentance wherein he will as good as say to thee what David's enemies said to him upon occasion of his Two Scandalous Sinnes and the punishments that flew after them For then Many there were that said unto his Soul there was no help for him in his God None in this world none in the world to come as Kimchi doth well expound 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that pregnant double word as the Jewish Grammarians call it Many said so but He was not troubled at it He laid himself down and slept quietly and so rose again in confidence that God would protect him and strike his enemies upon the Cheek Bone i. e. with a blow of disgrace Vse you the like faithfull prayers and such a blow will be enough to silence your stoutest enemies Trust God for this Cherish the good Motions of his Holy Spirit and goe on with your Resolutions and you have done well for this day Betake your selves to your quiet rest close-up the day with these Meditations upon your Pillow And you shall not want a supply of more particular advise I will be ready for you as soon as you awake GENERAL ADVICE more briefly set down for their sakes that have much other businesse In the Morning 1. When we are fully awake we may use these or the like Ejaculations PRaise the Lord O my Soul that hath delivered me from the dangers of this night and by a sweet and quiet rest fitted me the better for his service this day And O my Soul let his service be the chief work of this day O let the first-fruits of this and every day be His and the first opening of my mouth the blessing of his holy name Let my hearty prayers and praises come before him like the Incense to season and sweeten my thoughts for the whole Day that I may the more chearfully serve my God the God of all Mercy and Consolation 2. When we are retired into our Closets or Studies some Ejaculations or prayers may be used to this purpose Lord give me grace to study how I may love Thee above all in whom are all things most eminently that are most worthy of our love Teach me how to serve and honour Thee above all whose Service is both perfect freedom from the slavery of sin and the most honourable way of Employment Teach me how to fear thee above all that I may need to fear nothing else Before we come out of our Closets let us ask our selves how we mean to spend the present day in what actions or entertainments And that we may choose the best let us take a short Memorandum from the wise man which may serve as a short Sermon or Instruction for every day A short Sermon taken chiefly out of the first and last words in the book of the Preacher VAnity of vanities saith the Preacher Eccl. 1. that is All things in the world whatsoever they may be in our mistaken opinion are indeed extreme vanity in respect of those things which are above which should be the chief object of our desires If you will hear the Preacher This is the summe of all that is worth the hearing c. ult v. 13. Fear God and keep his Commandements for that is the whole Dutie of man who being a reasonable Creature owes that service to his Creator and to Him alone Therefore the Preacher adds v. 14. that God will bring every thing unto Judgment discovering all our secret thoughts and actions good or bad and passing his last irrevocable sentence upon them all The best Use that can be made of this truth may be gathered out of the Preachers own words directed to every one of us c. 11. 6. In the morning sow thy seed and in the evening withhold not thy hand that is Lay hold upon all opportunities of doing good every day Begin and persevere to the end and do it with all thy might as well as thou canst c. 9. 10. For there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave whither thou art going apace This short Sermon may sharpen our desires endeavours to make this everyday a Preparation to the last day that we may be fitted for mercy before that day come after which it cannot be done in all the infinite length of Eternity And in all our Meditations of Death and the last Judgment let me comfort my self with this that He only is to be my Judge that is my blessed Saviour and hath fully paid the ransom for my Sinnes and desires not the death of a Sinner but the death of Sin 3. Before we leave our Closets let us have recourse to some sett form of Devotion wherein we may faithfully and thankfully expresse God's tender mercies and our bounden duty Such expressions we may find in the Psalms and Hymns and Anthems or other parts of our publick Service and such are these Be merciful to me O Lord the God of all mercy and consolation give me grace not to pore too much upon the greatnesse of my sins but to fix my thoughts rather upon the greatness of my Saviours love that suffered for them and so purchased my lihertie changing my slavery under sin and Sathan into the happy and honourable Title of the Servant of the most high God which carrieth perfect freedom along with it Teach me to make thy holy praecepts sweeter to me then the hony and the hony comb and of more value then the richest treasures and beauties honours of the world For thou O Lord art the thing that I long for Ps. 7. 4. Thy loving kindness
hath moved us I know not But shall we recall to memory what we have read of our Saviour himself Jesus rising up before day went into a solitary place and there prayed Marc. 1. 35 So he did to preach too and the people flocked as early together to hear Him Luc. 21. 37. If he rose so early to pray for us and teach us shall not we sometime rise as early to pray for our selves and read and meditate upon that which he hath taught Nor must we forget that he hath done more then so For we find him Luc. 26. 23. continuing all night in prayer in our behalf That is more then our rising early in the morning to do it for our selves But without such a high Pattern may not even this of it self prevaile with us Now and then to see the beauty of the rising Sun which declares the glory of the Creator or to heare the Birds of the Aire betimes in the Morning melodiously chanting his praise While we then looke upon the Sun going forth as a gyâ—…nt to run his race it might prompt us with the memory of our race who run here for a crowne of Immortality And while we are taken with the melody of the chearfull Birds our selves might be provoked to call upon God that He would open our lips that our mouthes that are filled with more blessings may shew forth his praise IV. The entertainment of our selves at our waking looking up attiring washing c. IT were well done of us if we would se order our thoughts that every day they might first be initiated with some divine Meditation some ejaculation or expression of our Love and Service to God Upon that first good tincture and seasoning they might be the better preserved the whole day after And we may take a hint of good Meditations from some such passages as these 1. When we wake and looke up How long wilt thou sleep O sluggard A little sleep a little slumber a little folding of the hands to sleep c. Prov 6. 9. As a dore turneth upon the hinges so doth the slothfull upon his bed Prov 26. 14. Awake Arisâ—… be Enlightned Isai. 60. 1. For the true light is come the knowledge of thy Saviour the Sun of Righteousnesse that enlightens every man and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee Ephes 5. 14. before thou couldest wake and beg his grace to raise thee from death in sinne by the light of his countenance graciously shining upon thy dull and drousie Soule Arise for thou hast a great journey to goe I Kings 19. 7. and many obstacles in the way It is high time to awake out of our sleepe in sin For now since we have received the light of the Gospell our salvation is nearer then when we first believed Rom 13. 11. The Night is farre spent the Day is at Hand Let us therefore cast off the workes of darknesse and put on the armour of Light 1 Thess 5. 5. For we are all Children of the Light and Children of the Day We have free liberty to make our addresses to the Father of Lights and as great encouragement to expect help and succour from the power of darkness Yet a little while is the Light with us Let us walk while we have the Light Joh. 12. 35. Otherwise This will adde much to our sin and heavy punishment that Light is come into the world and men love darknesse rather then light because their deeds are evil But Open thou mine eyes O Lord that I may see the wonders of thy Law Ps. 119. 18. And love him that said I am the light of the world He that follows me shall not walk in darknesse but shall have the light of life Joh 8. 12. Open thou mine eyes O Lord that I sleep not in Death Ps. 13. 3. Let not ease and security flatter me into a dangerous sleep again nor any thing else be interposed betwixt me and the true light Rather Anoint thou mine eyes with that eye-salve that will make me see clearly Rev. 3. 18. Above all shew me the light of thy countenance and be merciful to me Ps. 67. 1. and remove from me the hazard of that blindnesse which I am apt to bring upon my self Shew me the true light which is the light and life of men The light that shineth in darknesse though the darknesse comprehend it not Joh. 1. 4. The Lord blesse me and keep me The Lord make his face to shine upon me and be gratious unto me The Lord lift up his countenance upon me and give me peace Num. 6 24. That is The Holy Blessed and Glorious Trinity three Persons and one Lord and God blesse me be favourable and merciful unto me and preserve me in his Peace the peace of God that passeth all understanding 2. When we put on our apparrel we may take some hints of holy ejaculations from these following places of Scripture Take not much thought for rayment but consider the Lilies of the field how they grow they toyl not neither do they spin and yet Solomon in all his glory which cost him dear is not arrayed like one of these in their natural attire saith our Saviour Mat. 6. 28. Therefore at least let us take no thought how to make that an Instrument or Accesse to our Pride which had no other end at first then to cover our shame after the discovery of our sin as the Hebrew words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may put us in mind that carry a memorandum of them both That may put us in mind to follow the advice of John the Divine Rev. 3. 8. to purchase the white Robe belonging to them that are willing to lay down their lives for Christ as he did his for them that so in that cloathing the shame of our nakednesse may not appear Then should we be secure though our Saviour himself should come suddenly upon us like a thief in the night Rev. 16. 15. that we should not be found naked to the discoverie of our shame This should be our chief aim for apparrell that apparell that will hide our fin rather then show it as pride doth So far should we be from too much adorning the bodie that may this day be committed to putrefaction And so much it concerns us to labour for the hope of being clothed hereafter with Immortalitie 2 Cor. 5. 2. To that end Let us endeavour more and more to put off the old man with his deeds and put on the nâ—…w man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him saith St Paul Col. 3. 9. And St Peter speakes to the same purpose Our adorning let it not be that outward adorning but let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible We that have been baptized into Christ let us every day put on Christ Gal. 3. 27. put on our Lord Jesus Christ with Him all Christian vertues making provision
for the Spirit rather then for the flesh Rom. 13. 14. By putting on the whole Armour of God without which we cannot fight so manfully under Christs banner as in our Baptisme we undertook In this armour we may be able to stand against all the wiles of the Devil Ephes 6. 11. If we would have a particular note of what is so to be put on St Paul insaâ—…ces In the breast-plate of faith and love and for a hâ—…lmet the hope of salvation 1 Thes. 5. 8. which will inable us with patience to bear off many a shrowd blow And again Putting on as the elect of God bowels of mercie Col. 3. 12. and charity the bond of perfection And to avoid spiritual pride too after all these we may take another Item from St Peter Be sure to be clothed with humility for God resists the proud and gives grace to the humâ—…ble 1 Pet. 3. 5. 3. In the time of Washing When we are thus one would thinke attired and armed cap à pè yet there is something more to acquaint our thoughts withall In the time of Washing to confirme our former meditations and resolutions before we ventet againe into the world which is wholly set upon mischiefe in that sense totus positus in maligno and where we way quickly walke upon nets and snares and fall upon many unexpected hazards if we looke not well about us First in the washing of our hands let us be put in mind of that Preparation to ouâ—… Morning Prayers to wash our hands in Innocency Psal. 26. 6. before we approach nearer and presume to make our humble addresses to the Majestie of God And when we applie the water toward our eyes Let us not forget how many times our eyes should have sent out other water and been turned into fountaines of teares to wash away the sins of our former neglects Then when we wash and swill our mouths let that put a short confession into our mouths of the excesse in eating and drinking and of the evill and unsavory language that hath often polluted them and therefore should have a time of cleansing and of those Secrets which might better have been suffered to rot in our mouths then to have passed that hedge of the teeth which nature hath set as the memorandum of our bounds and limits in that kind 4. While we make use of the Looking-Glasse If through our dulness or somewhat worse we have neglected to prompt our Inventions and Memories with such pious Ejaculations as might easily be drawn out of the former or other like pieces of Sacred Scripture and be made seasonably reducible and appliable to our godly Morning thoughts which should first season us and make us the apter to be in the residue of the day as Vessels of Honour If this be neglected from our first waking till we are up and ready Yet then at least when we informe our selves by the looking-Glasse how fit we are to appear abroad Let us admonish our selves of studying for the inwardbeauty If we appear young and chearful let us perswade our selves to spend that vigour in the service of God while it will be accepted If our looks begin to bear the Characters of old Age let us ask our selves what we have done to make that Age honourable If our gray hairs appear here and there let us take them as the blossomes of the grave the arrows of admonition like those of Jonathan the feathers of the Swan that come when we are neare our last song of nunc dimittu the sensible Alteration of the chiefest and most declining parts of the bodie unto that colour which if it come from the cares of our Calling deserves double reverence If we look all white to the Harvest let us be assured that Death is coming with his sytheâ—… and it is high time to be provided of an other mansion when the soul is chased out of this And lastly If our looks be never so young let us hear with patience that All flesh 〈◊〉 grasse and the glorie of it as the flower of the grasse which may quickly fade away and 〈◊〉 no more seen And what need I thus enlarge my self in these particulars When necessary occasions do not otherwise take up our thoughts 〈◊〉 may from the very kembing of our hair 〈◊〉 excrement wherein some place so much 〈◊〉 their pride and curiosity and from what else we do in the dressing and composing of our selves from all those we might borrow the rise of some good Meditation that would advance our thoughts and be a meanes to keep off those idle phancies which will else be ready enough to encroach upon us V. Preparation to our set-devotions as soon as we are ready WE are then fiâ—…test for devotion when the mind hath not been yet seiz'd upon and possessed with any worldly thoughts And in it self there is no reason that we should meddle with any such thoughts and much lesse with any servile work and businesse of our own till first we have served God Therefore it was generally said of old A Jove principium The light of Nature beside the practice of the Church can direct us that it should be our first task to worship and fall down and kneel before the Lord our Maker i. e. to serve God before we serve our selves The first fruits of every day should be his the first opening of our mouths the blessing of his holy name and the first cast of our eyes and posture of our hands directed to his holy Throne Holy David was of that mind when he said My voice shalt thou hear betimes O Lord. Early in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and will look up Ps. 5. 3. And accordingly let it be our resolution in the morning as soon as we can be composed for it to present our prayers before Him like the Incense that should sweeten our thoughts for the whole day VI. A previous Consideration of Prayer in general and the best Motives to the use of it BEfore we come to give direction for particular Devotions and Prayers it is fit we should say somewhat that may bring us in love with Prayer the Sanctuary of a penitent Soul and the key that opens the way to all Goâ—…'s blessings and favours and admits us into the nearer presence and audience of Almighty God and somewhat that may move and induce us to the constant and right use of it Which I hope will be no hard matter to gain from any man For he that will consider the power and virtue of prayer which may easily be seen in the speedy and wonderful effect of the prayers of Moses Josuah Samuel and many other devout Servants of God He that is conscious of his own ignorance and backwardnesse to foresee and procure what is best in the midst of daily wants and necessities beside the necessities of other men which the law of Charity binds him to regard especially of those men which are members of the
suck it in at the other senses and make our selves senseles by the organ of sense When our wild apprehensions expose us to scorn and contempt if not to the danger of Schism and Heresy or what else may proceed from the rash and disordered notions of the weak brain of man When we make our selves sick of the Epidemical diseases of self-discontent and the desire of change though a thousand to one for that which is far worse We can pick misery out of others seeming Felicity and like all but what we have â—…ot And when we have got what we longâ—…d for we can long as much to be rid of that 〈◊〉 exchange for a new Vanity of another â—…ame Thus we tire our selves out of one â—…ish into another and through severall Emâ—…loyments run our selves out of breath As if â—…ur short miserable life had not shortnes and â—…isery enough of it selfe but we must catch â—…t all meanes and devises that may shorten the â—…ne and fill up the other If all that we have hitherto said be not eâ—…ough to fill the bosome with excesse of miseâ—…y there is nothing about us but is able to â—…rompt our memories with the sad accesses that â—…re often made to all the former dangers by â—…ome heavy and disastrous event The Earth we tread on hath often deceived â—…er inhabitants and devoured whole Cities on 〈◊〉 suddain The Air we live by hath often infected â—…hole whole Countries anf made the most â—…opulous places a solitary wildernes Fire and Water that we refresh our selves â—…ithall have been the unexpected destructiâ—…n and ruine of many healthy bodies and â—…ourishing states The like may be said of other Creatures â—…at some time or other seem to conspire â—…gainst us But from no Creature do we sufâ—…er more then we do from those of our own â—…ind Man's greatest â—…isery is to fall into the hands of man Homo homini Daemon Nature hath not armed any one Creature with such shrewd weapons to fight against menâ—… as we have invented engines and stratagems and malititious devises to make away one another by whole troupes And yet forsooth Man is he that is naturally Animal politicum a lover of society Man is he that Nature brings forth unarmed as if she intended him for Peace and Charity How many of us then are very unnatural For we find it too true there is no such cruelty as the cruelty of one man to another No such variance as that between man and maâ—… between brother and brother Nay I may come nearer No such variance no such civil wars 〈◊〉 those which we have within our selves 〈◊〉 own Affections and Reason are at the greateâ—… oddes The Body and Soul are not so united but that their dissentions are as great 〈◊〉 any Therefore no wonder if we are often affâ—…cted and vext with other men with our beâ—… friends and kindred For we seldome continue long in peace and good termes with ouâ—…selves And which of us is not conscious of somâ—… bitter conflicts that we have had with ouâ—… own passions if we be not ruled by them which is far worse To say nothing of the cruel whippes and lashes that some have had from their own conscience too This is the top of all the misery that can fall upon man Hardly can we adde any thing to this fulnes Put altogether you will say we have heard enough in confirmation of this truth though only by way of Instance and Induction Where the very reckoning up of the Particulars is able to tire and convince us and make us willing to be freed from any further proof XX. The close and fruit of the former Meditations I Hope the pious and heedfull Reader will find out sometime seriously to weigh the former Advertisements which are fit and proper Motives not onely to humble us but to weane us from too much love of a short and miserable life and from doting upon wealth and honour which may leave us or we them we know not soone For our life is so uncertaine that in our greatest strength and hope it is but a puff of breath in our nostrels that puts a difference between our estate and the estate of the dead And againe in this little uncertaine time so full of trouble that every particular Day hath his full measure 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sufficient to the day is the evill thereof saith our blessed Saviour himself Mat 6. 34. And if that move us not yet remember that while we procrastinate and spin out the time that spends so fast of it self Vengeance and Damnation do not sleep 2 Pet. 2. 3. While we go on securely live as we list and rant it we know not who sets all upon the score Therefore let us not defer our amendment and reconcilement to God and our selves Let us quickly make sure for those Cordials and Supports that will stand us in most stead when the cup of our Affliction is fullest and the tide of our miseries begin to overflow And withall Let the short continuance of us and our misery here teach us not only to be the more patient our short sufferings working an eternal weight of Glory but the more valiant too and the more desirous of employment wherein to expresse our selves In other cases the more the hazard is the more we rouse up and are pleased with the fair occasions that we have to show our Valour Optat Aprum aut fulvum descendere monte leonem i e. the love of our credit will make us slight all danger But in all cases we take good encouragement from the thought of the reward And why should we not here For If shortnes of time and fulnes of misery cannot awake us this I hope will that they which live well shall have them both answered with length of time and fulnes of joy in the presence of God where there are pleasures for evermore I intend to say more of that fulnes but first I will conclude what hath been said with this Morning prayer following that may help to prepare us for the busines of the day A Morning Prayer IN all that we shall do this day prosper thou O Lord the work of our hands O prosper thou our handy-work Ps. 90. 17. In all that we shall think or say let the words of our mouth and the Meditations of our heart be such as may be ever acceptable in thy sight O Lord our strength and our Redeemer Ps. 19. 14. that thou maist for ever vouchsafe to be with us both in life and death Wherein for the short time of our life here give us grace so to behave our selves as in thy presence fearing nothing so much as thy displeasure hating and sorrowing for nothing so much as our sins loving and joying in nothing so much as in Thee and thy glory And for the time of our Death wee beseech thee in thy good providence and mercy so to order it that we be not found either unprovided or unwilling to
thanks with the best member that I have XXXVII A second Task in this Preparation AFter this first care in our Preparation a second would be to inflame our hearts with the love of that holy place and that holy work to which it is fit we should come with ready and chearful minds And that may best be done by borrowing some Light and Heat from those servants of God that have excelled in that kind and especially from the Royal Psalmist by meditation upon these or the like streins of his or theirs wherein we shall see that they accounted this place the Joy of their Glory the desire of their eyes and that whereupon they set their minds Ezek. 24. 25. One thing I have desired of the Lord which I will require that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the dayes of my life to behold the fair beauty of the Lord and to visit his Temple Psal. 27. 4. O Lord I have loved the habitation of thy House and the place where thine Honour dwels When shall I come to appear before the presence of my God Ps. 42. 2. O how amiable are thy dwellings thou Lord of Hosts My Soul hath a desire to enter into the Courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh rejoyce in the living God Psal. 84. 2. I will offer in thy dwelling an oblation with great gladnes Ps. 27. 7. My lips will be saine when I sing unto thee so will my Soul Ps. 71. 23. Give thanks O Israel to the Lord in the Congregation from the ground of the Heart Ps. 68. 26. XXXVIII Our passage toward the Church and our entrance into it AS we passe by the graves in the Church-yard or other Dormitories we may when we are alone and can do it without seeming Affection and Hypocrisie put our selves in mind of our Mortality and the hope of a joyful Resurrection out of those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which are God's Storehouses for the Bodies of his Servants that have their Souls in Paradise or rather His Paradise his Garden set with Beds of those flowers that shall bud out again in the great Day of our general Spring In like manner as we cast our eye upon the Font and Pulpit we may sometime recall the memory of that solemn vow that we openly undertook at our first Initiation into the Church and of those many Sermons that have often rubbed the remembrance of that with little appearance of successe in our practise But we must never forget to come in and out and do all in the Church with that decent and reverend behaviour of our selves that is due to a place of Gods more especiall presence and our more peculiar service unto Him Whereupon Jacob called his Bethel a place of dread and the Jewes stiled theirs 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Palace or place of Majesty where they conceived God sitting between the Cherubim as upon a throne of state and the Christians called theirs in the same sense 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whence we had our Kirk and Church All these names putting us in mind of that which was the very letter of the Law that we should reverence Gods Sanctuary Levit. 19. 30. Though in it self it was no peculiar Act of Law but rather the Dictate of Reason that God should be approached to and served in the compleatest kind of service with all inward and outward reverence that is fitting for us The Holy and Princely Prophet carried this thought along with him when he went to Gods House and how doth he expresse it We will go into thy Tabernacle and fall low on our knees before thy Foot-stool that is before the Ark. Psal. 132. 7. And in other words of his we invite our selves every morning to the same duty in ô Venite adoremus O come let us worship and bow down that is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and kneel before the Lord our Maker Psal. 95. 6. i. e. before him that made body and soul joyn'd them both together and will expect they should both be joyn'd together in his service Our Invitatory Psalm calls for it by the example of Holy David in the Tabernacle That his example prevailed with the Jewes we see it in Solomon's time For as soon as they had a Temple we find them all the whole congregation bowing themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement and worshipping 2 Chron. 7. 3. Nehem. 8. 6. And who knows not that it was a custome of the Jewish Church when they were abroad to pray towards the Temple and when they were in the Temple to worship towards the Altar The first we see in Daniel's practice Dan. 6. 10. The other confirmed by good K Hezekiah's command Incurvate vos coram Altari hoc 4 Reg. 18. 22. If the Christian Church hath the like Practice before the holy Table it is no more bowing to the Table then K David or K Hezekiah's adoration before the Altar was adoring the Altar in those dayes or man's kneeling before his seat is kneeling to his seat 2 Chron. 29. 29 30. And if the Christians Reverence was more then that of the Jewes good reason for it we have more ingagements that call for more respect and might cast us lower before his Footâ—… stool that first bowed the Heavens and descended as low as earth that hemight raise us as high as Heaven then in his agonie bowed again and fell on his face to pray for us that now think it much to stoop a little in the Church when we come to pray for our selves Mat. 26. 39 The glorious Saints above they do it they bow when they addresse themselves before Him In the fourth of the Revelation you may see them falling down and worshipping and casting their Crownes before the Throne Rev. 4. 10. They that pretend to be cunning in the Revelation think they could tell us best who they are whether Caelestial Spirits or the Reverend Fathers of the Church that go there under the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Elders or Priests Whosoever they are they are such whose example we had better follow here then defer it till we think to see them in Heaven But if they will continue as stiff in the knees as they are in the neck I must tell them the very Devils did it Marc. 3. 11. They bowed before our Saviour when he was in the state of his humility shall we be loth to do it when he is in his state of glory Surely he that commanded us not to bow to idols did not mean but we should bow down to himself Yet if we doubt of his meaning let us learn what that means in the Psalmist Give the Lord honour due to his name worship the Lord with holy worship Holy worship will have the heart and due Honour will have the lowest submissive expression of bodily Service which is no more then our bounden Duty to God and the one will easily follow the other
For as fire will shew it self by smoak and Faith by good works so will the inward devotion of the Soul interpret it self by the outward carriage of the body that men seeing our hearty service may by our good example be led to glorify our Father which is in Heaven XXXIX Our timely addresse and stay to the end of Divine Service LEt us take order that we may be there from the beginning to the end to come in with the first and go out with the last that our Hearts and Tongues may bear a part throughout which is a good means to make us partakers both of the Absolution at the beginning of Prayer and the Blessing at the end For if we would be loth to rise from Table before we have dined or supped much more should we be unwilling to deprive our selves of our spiritual Food in the word of God and in Prayer where above all other places it should be our Meat and Drink to do the will of our Heavenly Father We should rather be willing to wait for the loving Kindnes of God in the midst of his Temple ps 48. 8. and follow that of S. Basel de abdicatione rerum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to let no pretence interrrupt or take us off from any part of Divine Service XL. At our first Kneeling HAving entred into the Church with due reverence we may at our first kneeling down present our selves to Almighty God in one of these or the like short Ejaculations Either in that of King David Psalm 19. 14. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be now and ever acceptable in thy sight O Lord my strength and my Redeemer Or that of K. Hezekiah 2 Chron. 30. 18. The good Lord pardon every one that here prepares his heart to seek after the Lord. Or Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come fit us all for thy service Revel 4. 8 Or Merciful Lord gratiously accept us all that come hither to present our selves our souls and bodies unto thee for Jesus Christ's sake that vouchsafed to present himself bodily in the Temple for us in great love and humility Or that we may hoc agere O most gracious Lord God give us grace to make the best use of our time in thy House and not to offer the sacrifice of Fools and so indanger our selves most where we may be best fitted for Heaven where the Lord God Almighty the Lamb are the Temple thereof Apoc. 21. 22. VVhen we are return'd from Prayers say Lord make our earnest and constant endeavours abroad expresse the heartines of our publick and private Prayers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hierocles XLI Of publick Prayers and Sermons AFter our Reverence and Devotion hath made a good entrance that the rest of our Employment in God's house may be answerable to that good beginning it will not be amiss to say somewhat before hand of publick Prayers and Sermons 1. Of these the first thing I would say is that the Church is the proper place for them not any secret Conventicles Our Saviour commonly made that choice for his Preaching where it might be had He taught daily in their Synagogues The Apostles did the like They went into the Temple at the hour of Prayer Act. 3. 1. And for their Preaching there they had direction to do so from no lesse then an Angel who spake it in these words Go stand and speak in the Temple to the People Act. 5. 20. 2. Another thing to be said of publick prayer and preaching is this that being publick Actions they should appear to be so by the Auditory that is Prayer should ascend to Heaven not from the Priest alone as if it were onely his but from all the People too their hearts going along with him and their tongues declaring it to be theirs also by joyning with him in the Responsals and their Amen which is the seal that confirms it to them They to be parties and partakers in the benefit of that Prayer And so for the Sermon the Preacher should not preach to himself onely though his heart should first and most be affected with it yet if it be the word of God that is delivered by him as Gods Embassador at that time then the Hearers should lay it up and give it their Amen by their Practice which seals up the benefit unto them 3. A third thing we should desire that we may have all the service without mangling or maiming have it as Religion and the Church prescribes not leaving out Prayers or Lessons for the Sermon 's sake but upon special occasions For whatsoever the Sermon may prove we are sure the Lessons are the word of God and God speaks to us by them which we cannot say of our Sermons unlesse they may be reduced to that Touchstone of the written word of God and thence receive their Warrant And be the Sermon what it should be yet they are much mistaken who think they have done their Service if they come soon enough to hear the Sermon For the Sermon is the work of another and tendred in God's behalf to us but our service to God though it be in both in our hearing and praying yet is it rather in our prayers and other the like publick Duties of the Church For which especially Churches were erected and from which they were called Oratoria in the Primitive times and before that in both Testaments Domus Orationis Houses of Prayer where we meet him and make our solemn Addresses unto him 4. Our next desire would be that we may have our Prayers in that Form wherein the Church tenders them without Battologies and extemporary flashes For that which is enjoyned by the Church is most safe and warrantable and wherein the whole Church joyns with us in the same petition and the same terms beside many other advantages which they have And the very proposing of them in a sett Form is that which the Church learned from God himself In times of great affliction wherein there was need of hearty prayer it was God's own direction by the mouth of Hosea Take unto you words and return unto the Lord and say Take away all iniquity c. Hos. 14. 2. And again by the mouth of Joel Let the Priests weep and say Spare thy people O Lord. Joel 2. 17. And have we not a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from our Saviour himself the very word of God when you pray say Our Father we must say it saith our Lord himself And what if we say it more then once what if the Collect of the Day come twice and the Lords prayer thrice into our Service Have we not our Saviours own warrant for it implied in these words of St Mat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mat. 26 44. When our Saviour was to teach his Apostles that were to be guides and directors to us all he puts them into this way of a set form and in his most earnest
of God and with the Common Prayers of the Church the best expressions of our daily wants Who would not think such men in a fair way in due time to be received into the Promised Land with Joy and Blessedness while many other straglers in the Common Road demurre so long upon it that they often loose themselves at last by diverting into some Wilderness of Trouble and vexation Those of the first ranck in a better Retired course in some other employment so frequently found in viis Domini are or should be most of them of David's mind and men after Gods own Heart first seeking the Kingdome of God and the Righteousness thereof resolving to follow David rather then Saul in hope they shall not end like Saul but as David did For Saul began with seeking and following after Asses though he quickly stumbled upon a higher employment then he knew well how to manage but David's walking so much in lege Domini proved to be the better choice and got him at last as good a Title as Saul's was upon better tearmes and with a better blessing and seconded with a Heavenly crown Indeed a man might guess that Saul dreamed of some such Happiness sometimes because we read of some of his Enthusiasms and some of his accidentall employments in good company Though it was so seldome alas that all wondered at it and it begat a Proverb is Saul also among the Prophets But when he fell once to the purpose upon worse courses and followed the bias of his own inclinations his punishment followed as hard after them like a Fury and haunted him to death as appeares by his own last words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a costly-embroidered Coat hath laid fast hold on me and will doe so while my life and soul is within me which in the force and weight of the original words seemes to bear this meaning My enemies doe now compass me about and which way soever I look I see nothing but the grim picture of Death But my greatest anguish is from my guilty Conscience which represents unto me the likeness of such an Embroidered Coat as I have seen the High Preist wear upon his Ephod That puts me in mind of my rashly Murdering of many innocent Preists whose Coat I should have somewhat regarded and doing it upon a vain and slender pretence by the hand of Doeg the Edomite who after he had slain no less then 85 persons of that Holy Order then smote the whole City of the Preists c. The sad memory of this is now the worst sword that can goe through mee Therefore any Sword in this extremitie shall have leave to rid me if it can from this ghastly fight Thus ended Saul in the face of his Prophane Enemies without any Preist to assist him which is enough to fright all others out of his careless waies After his Death the Crown was set upon David's head Whose constant Pious Life and Holy Devotions in Hymnes Psalms and Spiritual Songs are left as the best Patterns Directions and Encouragements to all Posterity And we are sure enough that he himself after his own use of them to shew the difference betwixt His end and Saul's was happily assured to be one of the Heavenly Quire above and there Crowned again with an immortal Crown of Glory David is an ancient Pattern a Royal Prophet and Grand Guide to such as are willing to fight the Battles of the Lord in their Pilgrimage towards the true Land of Promise If we would have another an Eminent Holy Person of our Time and Profession and Country whose memory is yet fresh amongst us In the Appendix I will endeavour to represent Him unto you and withall to acquaint you with somthing that may be useful to your Evening-Devotions AN APPENDIX To the Directions For Private DEVOTIONS And Retirements By DAVID STOKES D. D. and Fellow of Eaton Colledge Isai. 26. 20. Come my people enter thou into thy Chamber and shut thy doors about thee Amos 4. 12. Prepare to meet thy God O Israel Psal. 4. 4 Stand in awe and sin not commune with your own hearts and in your Chamber and be still Micah 6. 8. He hath shewed O man what is good OXFORD Printed by A. L. LICHFIELD Printers to the University for R. DAVIS 1668. An APPENDIX To the Directions for PRIVATE DEVOTIONS And RETIREMENTS BEFORE I remove my Pen far from my Paper I desire a word or two with Scholars apart with those especially of our Profession that have most need of daily Prayers and Devotions to draw down the continual blessings and assistance of Almighty God For I would recall to their memories an extraordinary remarkable Person that besides his common observance of the hours of Publick Divine Service was wont every day to pick out some hours also for Private Meditations and retiredness to God and his soul nor only in occasionall Soliloquies and short Ejaculations which exceed all waies of premeditation but beside them too in Penitentiall Eucharisticall and other-like Formulae's and set expressions of a good heart as in a daily Sacrifice pleasing and acceptable unto God Why should I keep you any longer from the Pretious Perfume of his sweet Name Such a one was the most Learned and Reverend Lord Bishop Andrews that singular Linguist Incomparable Preacher and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in his time 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is the greatest and most remarkable Divine of that age It is not long since he appeared amongst us as a burning and shining light or a Starre of so great a magnitude and in so high a Sphere that he could not but be taken notice of yet was he more or less locked up every day in some Private Holy Retiredness in the midst of his great and publick employments Being Bishop of Winchester Lord Almoner Dean of the Chappel and Privy Counsellour to King James after he had been first Dean of Westminster then Bishop of Chichester then Bishop of Elie. His Charitable and every way exemplary life and his Pious and Learned works speak him best and loudest as you may be better informed by that R. R. and Worthy Prelate the Lord Bishop Buckeridge in his Funeral Sermon which is Printed at the end of Bishop Andrews his Sermons in folio I have the more reason with all thankfulness to make Honorable mention of Him because he was pleased to make himself the cheifest Guide and encourager of my Studies and put me into the happiest Method and order of them But what speak I of my poor self or the helpes that I had from that walking Library and Miracle of Learning and Goodness He was a rare Pattern of true Piety and constant Religious Devotion to this whole Church Therefore we may the easier be perswaded to follow and make use of such choice Papers of his as may be found out which is as good as the observing the light of his Candle and treading in the foot-steps of his blessed and holy waies
Redemptione Regeneratione Catechismo Vocatione Patientia tua Compunctione meâ Preventione tua Curatione Parentibus bonis Magistris doctis Benefactoribus Amicis Domesticis fidelibus Beneficiis quae accepi Siquid benè egi Consolatione praesenti Fiducia futura Donis Naturae Fortunae Gratiae Omnibus qui mihi Scriptis Concionibus profuerunt Precibus Colloquiis Reprehensione Exemplis Jnjuriis Liberatione à Periculo Ab Insania Inquietudine Sanitate Mentis Corporis Statu competenti Hisce omnibus omnibusque aliis Cognitis vel Incognitis Quae Recordor vel obliviscor Confiteor tibi confitebor Benedico benedicam Gratias ago Gratias agam Omnibus diebus Vitae meae Haec 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 graecè paulò alitèr se habet 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aliud gratissimae devotissimae Animae Sacrificium Eucharisticum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But what if I should not deliver this in Latine or Greek which two languages the learned Bishop was commonly wont to use in his Closet and to whom all usefull languages were as familiar as his own tongue Methinks I should speak a little English in love to my Countrymen and to let them see how easily by the help of some linguist and the use of their Bibles they might partake of some of these and other-like Devotions to the great benefit of themselves and their Interpreters and all their Friends Blessed be God the Creator Preserver and Governour of all things Whose Kingdome is an everlasting Kingdome and his Dominion from Generation to generation Dan. 4. 3. He is the blessed and only Potentate King of Kings and Lord of Lords Who only hath Immortlity dwelling in a light which no man can approach unto 1 Tim. 6. 15. And though He hath his dwelling so high yet he humbles Himself to behold the things that are in Heaven and Earth Psal. 113. 5. Takeing the Wise in their own craftiness Job 5. 13. Pulling down the Mighty from their seats and exalting them of low degree Filling the hungry with good things and sending the rich empty away Luke 1. 52. Lord what is man that thou hast such respect unto him and the Son of man that Thou dost so regard him Psal. 144. 3. Blessed be the God of the Spirits of all flesh Numb 16. 22. In whom we live and move and have our being Act. 17. 23. Who would have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth 1 Tim. 2. 4. Not willing that any should perish but that all should come to Repentance 2 Pet. 3. 9 For his thoughts are not our thoughts nor our wayes His wayes Isai. 55. 8. He being God and not man i. e. As God exceeds man so doe His mercies exceed the mercyes of man Hos. 11. 9. O that men wonld therefore praise the Lord for his goodness And offer unto him the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving and tell out His works with gladness Psal. 107. 21. O give thanks unto the Lord For He is gratious and his Mercy endureth for ever Psal. 106. 1. Who can express the noble acts of the Lord but who would not desire to express them It 's good to keep close the secrets of a King but it 's Honorable to declare the works of God Tobit 12. 11. Let 's all be glad and rejoyce and give Honour to Him Apoc. 19. 7. As for my soul It shall be satisfied as it were with marrow and fatness Psal. 63. 6. Therefore let my mouth be filled wirh thy praise that I may sing of thy glory and honor All the day long Psal. 71. 7. This is the happiness of the 4 Creatures in the Revelation They rest not day nor night saying Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty which was and is and is to come Apoc. 4. 8. I draw toward the end of my task You have seen the good Bishop's Domesticall Devotions I will now let you see the like before His going out of Town and then how He closed up the day and prepared for Night Oratio peregrè profecturi Qui puerum Abrahae ductu Angeli Qui magorum iter ductu Stellae Qui Petrum fluctuantem Qui Paulum navigantem Adesto Domine mihi Dirige mihi viam Conduc Deduc Reduc. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Monita Meditationes Praeparatoriae in Vespertinâ ad Deum Elevatione mentis In Bello Cantus est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ad agendum accōmodatus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quo palantes revocantur sic Mens humana ut manè excitanda ita ad vesperū quasi Anacletico ad se Ducemque suū revocanda Per Scrutinium Inquisitionem vel examen sui Preces Gratiarum Actiones 1. Scrutinium Inquisitio vel Examen Aug. Vir bonus praeponit scire infirmitatem suam magis quam scire fundamenta terrae fastigia coeli Illa verò scientia infirmitatis suae non paratur absque inquisitione diligenti sine qua coecus plerumque est animus atque in propriis nihil videt Cicero Multae sunt in animo latebrae multique recessus Seneca Deprehendas te oportet antequam emendes Ignotum ulcus in deterius abit curatione destituitur Jer. 17. 9. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cor profundum est tortuosum Homo vetus mille involucris obtegitur Itaque 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Attende Tibi ipsi Hoc autem maximè inquirendum Quid hodie Egeris Dixeris Legeris Scripseris quod deceat Christianum Sacerdotem Patrem c. confirmet fidem obedientiam augeat Scientiam vel Regimen animi corporis operetur Salutem tuum aliorum Deum ipsum videmus singulos primae Creationis dies non aliter claudentem quà m per recognitionem operum cujusque diei Et vidit quod bona essent Gen. 1. Cicero Cato diurni negotii à se rationem exigebat Pythagoras etiam Ausonius ex Pythag. Nec prius in dulcem declinent lumina somnū Omnia quam longi repetiveris acta die Rex David exacto die meditabatur 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In hoc Areopagitico nocturno Examine Vide ne Patronum te ostendas peccatorum sed judicem Et in tribunali mentis Tuae dic Dic cum dolore indignatione Iniquitatem meum agnosco Domine Psal. 51. O! Quis dabit menti meae flagella Quae peccatis meis non parcant Ecclus. 23. 2. ' El 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 11 31 Oratio est 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dormientiū custos 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vigilantiū fidueia Gr. Nys Neque eum tutum arbitramur qui non fueric Orationis armis praesidioque munitus Rectè igitur Rab. J. de poenitentiâ non in crastinum differendâ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Ecce spes fructus salutis falsa tibi erit in aeternum nisi animam tuam etiam hac nocte eripueris Et hujusmodi examen si per aliquot dies
Saint Paul calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He would willingly listen to one that would sometime pray for himselfe as Christ prayed for us with strong cries and teares Hebr. 5. 7. Remembring how Importunity prevailed with the unjust Judge in the Parable of our Saviour and how it may prevaile for them that will give God no rest till he vouchsafe to answer them Such were holy David's prayers wont to be set forth in the sight of God as the incense Ps 14. 2. like frankincense laid upon hot coales So should ours be as if our hearts as well as our tongues were touched with a coale from the Altar mounting upward with that fervour attention and devotion which carries our â—…houghts from earth and presents us as it were for that time before the Throne of God's Royall Majesty in Heaven Now they will more happily and easily compasse this fervency and intention of spirit that are able to follow Saint Peter's advise to joyne Sobriety amd Watchfulnesse unto Prayer 1 Pet. 4. 7. For Sobriety makes us fit to watch and if we bring not a hearty vigilant prayer we may pull a curse upon our selves rather then a blessing We cannot but thinke so if we consider that Prayer is one of the chiefest Services that we performe to God and therefore we must not think that God will indure to have that done coldly and lazily and carelesly Prayer gives us accesse unto the Throne of God and leave to speake and hope to have Audience before his Divine Majesty Therefore should we study to offer it up attended with those graces and virtues and ushered in with that preparation that may put us in further hope of Acceptance after we are heard In that regard the holy Saints of God in all ages being to commence some speciall suit unto God have not been unwilling many times to prepare themselves with Fasting and lay hold of all other good helps whereby they might come as well fitted as they may be for a businesse of so high consequence as that of Prayer XIII The close of this Meditation with a returne to the time ANd now having given a view of most of those helps to conclude this Meditation I will only adde that some advantage to Prayer may be drawne from the very Time which brought us into this discourse Of all other the Morning is the fittest time for Prayer While we are more fresh fasting and sober while our best thoughts affections vigilance intention and fervor not yet taken off or abated with worldly affaires are the more ready to attend our Prayers Therefore let us use the more care not to let that time of our Devotions be passed over but as it should be And both then and ever Let us not presume to pray without some serious preparation or some praevious ejaculation sent before to that purpose For we had better spend lesse time in Prayer then rashly and unpreparedly adventure upon such a worke too soon Preparatory Ejaculations fit to be used when we compose our selves to Prayer OLord all hearts and all things else are naked and manifest in thy sight Hâ—…b 4. 13. and all at thy disposall O Cleanse the thoughts of my Heart by the inspiration of thy holy Spirit and make it fit for Prayer and other holy Duties Graft in it with the hatrâ—…d of Sinne the love of thy holy namt Give me that Faith that may conduct my selfe and that Charity that may take others along with mee to the Throne of thy grace Teach my Heart the Reverence due to thy Divine Majesty in the presenting of my humble Petitions Make my servent and vigilant Prayer truly expressive of the value of that which I came to begge conformable to thy holy will and in the name and mediation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is enough to be spoken of Prayer in generall in reference to our present purpose From this Digression we will now returne to our particular Morning-Devotions For which we learne of our Mother-Church by what she doth in publick Prayer to begin our private Addresses then too with a form of confession which is to begin with our pardon and peace first humbly begged from Almighty God I shall therefore commend unto you first a Confession and Prayer used by Bishop Andrewes then another used by Archb. Laud. XIV Confessio cum Precatione ALmighty God and most mercifull Father all-mercifull and Mercy it self I have wiâ—…tingly and willingly run from thy wayes erred and strayed from them more like an untamed heifer and wild asse then a lost and wandring sheep I have followed too much or rather altogether the absurd devices and brutish desires of my own heart I have not only offended against but even been offended at thy holy Laws thy most holy Laws I have left undone nay not done all those things which I ought to have done I have done done nothing else but those things which I ought not to have done And there is no health nor hope of health in me But thou O Lord have mercy upon me miserable most miserable sinner the greatest of sinners and the most unthankefull for so great grace as hath been offered to me Spare me and all them O God which confesse their faults Restore thou them that be penitent that desire to be penitent that wish they were so that feare they are not enough that are sorry they are not more penitent for this is according to thy promises thy most gracious most sweet promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord that invites all and promiseth to refresh all that feel the weight and â—…urden of their sins and come to Him for ease Grant therefore O most mercifull Father â—…or his sake who is our Redeemer Advocate Author and Finisher of our Faith Propitiation Righteousness and Justification that I and all penitents may ever hereafter live a Godly Righteous and Sober life Grant that we may do this to the glory of thy Holy Name and the Salvation of our own Soules Amen Pro Remissione Peccatorum O Eternall God and most Mercifull Father Pardon I beseech Thee all the Sins Omissions Commissions Thoughts Words and Deeds by which I have provoked Thee â—…o anger from the time of my birth to this present moment that no one nor all of my â—…ins together may ever be able to cry oftâ—…er or lowder in thine eares for vengeance â—…hen the cry of my Prayers may ascend up to Thee for Mercy and forgivenesse and obâ—…ain what they sue for Particularly I humbly â—…eseech Thee forgive unto me my greater and â—…ore clamorous Sins Such as are O Lord â—…gainst Heaven and against Thee have I â—…nned and committed foul transgressions 〈◊〉 Thy sight But I beseech Thee wipe â—…em all out of the Booke of Thy Remembrance through Jesus Christ our Lord anâ—… onely Saviour Amen To these if you will adde a Penitentiaâ—… Psalme There are seaven of them that is thâ—… 6. 32. 38. 51. 102. 130. 143. They will 〈◊〉
maiest chearfully go through the works of thy Calling In this manner and for ever praise the Lord O my soul. And O that all others would joyn with me to magnifie the Lord together as it was that holy Prophets earnest wish O that we might all praise Him In the Angels and Churches Hymne O that we might with Angels and Arch-Angels and all the Company of Heaven laud and magnifie Thy Holy Name O Blessed Lord. Evermore Honouring and Praising Thee Evermore Worshiping and Glorifiing Thy Blessed Name For all Thy great Mercies rejoycing in Thee and saying Holy Holy Holy Lord God of Hosts which was and which is and which is to come Heaven and Earth are full of Thy Glory Glory be to Thee O Lord most High And let all in Heaven and Earth say Amen Amen Halelujah After the Hymn if you are not inclinable to sleep then that the better use may be made of your last Prayers and Meditations concerning the wonders of our Creation Preservation and Divine Omni-present Assistance I will furnish you with a short Paraphrastical Exposition of those Verses of the 139 Psalm which I commended to you before as fit for the time A Paraphrastical Exposition of some Uerses in the 139 Psalme 1. O Lord thou knowest me as well as if thou had'st made a narrow search and strict examination of all my inward parts Thou art privy to my times of Rest and Retirement and after them thou seest how I fit my self for employment and how I demean my self in it Thou observest my intimate and familiar thoughts and inclinations and intentions long before they are actually mine 2. Thou art no stranger to my labour in the day or my repose sleep and dreames in the night Thou art throughly acquainted will all my recreations and all my best and worst actions and all my faillures or more perfect proceedings in the whole course of my life 3. There is not a word at my tongues end but thou can'st discern it wholely and infallibly before it come óut Thou hast no need that I should express it unto Thee for Thou Lord knowest it better then I doe And as well do'st Thou know and observe what care I use not only in the governing of my thoughts and deeds but also in the bridleing and regulating of my Tongue which I keep not in with good heed besides the hedge of my Teeth which is my Monitor to warn me of it all my Religion will prove vain and of no esteem in thy pure eyes who art the great Judge and rewarder of all 4. Thou do'st compass me as close on every side as a City is beset in the straitest siege I can stirre as little from thy Presence as if thou had'st laid thy hands upon me to hold me fast 5. This Thy knowledge of me and of all my thoughts words and deedes is so high above my capacity that I can neither comprehend it nor hinder it nor be concealed from it 6. For whether can I goe to hide my self from thy knowledge of me How can I be secured from thy dreadfull omnipresence that frights thine enemies or deprived of thy comfortable omnipresence which is the unspeakable defence of thy servants 7. 8. If I could mount my self as high as Heaven or couch my self as low as Hell If I were as nimble and swift as Light it self which is like the wings of the morning and could be conveyed in a moment from East to West land disposed of in the most remotest parts of the Sea 9. Even there must I expect to be led by Thy hand and no other but Thy gratious conduct could be my guide 10. If I should think to hide my self in some dark corner the darkest night would not therein differ from the clearest day 11. For to Thee the glorious Fountain of Light the day and night the clearest and the darkest places are all one 12. And the abstrusest and most secret parts about me my very Reines the seat of Affections and Original Inclinations to sinne lie all open and naked to thy view who did'st cover me with flesh and compact me with bones and sinewes in a secret place in my Mothers womb 13. So that if there were no other cause yet for my very Creation alone I am bound with all thankfulness to admire and blesse and praise thy holy Name My soul cannot but be affected with that strange and curious workmanship even to astonishment and amazement 14. For there is not so much as the least bone or member of my body but takes along with it an apparent stamp and impression of thy divine Power and Wisdom while my body it self to say nothing of the rare faculties of the soul was so cunningly and secretly wrought and imbroidered with Veines and Sinewes Arteries and other incomparable varieties of necessary parts which as they were first framed and moulded secretly in my Mothers womb so are they not now all of them exposed to the view of every eye but shew themselves only by the use that 's made of them 15. All this frame and substance of the body lay open and naked to thy all-seeing eye while it was yet an imperfect Embryo under the hand of thy mighty power and unsearchable wisdom that lap'd up all the several parts rowling and winding them up together as orderly and exactly to their compleat number as if they had been all Registered in a Book with directions how and in what method they should be placed 16. All this seemed to be so punctually contrived before they had their right frame and fashion that they might be day by day moulded and ordered by a strict and insensible way of growing to perfection 17. O how dear and pretious should all these things that belong to thy Creation and Providence be in my sight that seem in my poor apprehension as the effect of much thought advice and contrivance in the variety of so many several parts and wayes that I should be never able to recollect the summe of them 18. Should I venter upon it with my poor Arithmetick I were as good settle my self to number the sand of the Sea In various meditation of them I may lull my self a sleep and yet when I awake return to Thee again in a fresh way of Rapture and Admiration of thy wonderful works And if this were my employment every day and constant entertainment of my thoughts every night Yet were it too impossible for me in the course of my whole life to comprehend A TABLE Containing The Heads and Chapters In this Book General advice more briefly set down for their sakes that have much other business pag. 1. Ejaculations to be used in the Morning when we are awake p. 1. Ejaculations to be used when we are retired into our Closets p. 2. A short Sermon taken cheifly out of the First and Last words of Ecclesiastes p. 2. A Short Set Form of Devotion to be used before we leave our Closets p. 4. Advice concerning our