the Holy Ghost the Holy Catholick Church the Communion of Saints the Forgiveness of sins the Resurrection of the Body and the Life everlasting Amen Private Devotions laid down in Scripture-Expressions A Prayer for Morning and Evening Our father which art in heaven who ruleth over all the kingdoms of the earth who searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts who art of purer eyes than to behold evil and canst not look on iniquity I which am but dust and ashes nor worthy of the least of all thy mercies being abominable and filthy and a transgressor from the womb do now come and kneel before thee O Lord my maker to offer to thee the Sacrifice of thanksgiving and to call upon thy name O let thy good spirit help my infirmities and make intercession for me for I know not what I should pray for as I ought I confess my transgressions unto thee O Lord I have sinned against heaven and before thee and am no more worthy to be called thy son iniquities so prevail against me that when I would do good evil is present with me O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this death here mention thy most prevailing corruptions O my God I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee my God for my iniquities are increased over my head and my trespass is grown up unto the heavens But Lord to whom shall I go thou hast the words of eternal life thou hast no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live and thou hast said him that cometh to thee thou wilt in no wise cast out O stablish this word unto thy servant who is now devoted to thy fear Remember not the sins of my youth nor my transgressions for thy names sake O Lord pardon mine iniquity for it is great order my steps in thy word and let not any iniquity have dominion over me create in me a clean heart O Lord â—â—d renew a right spirit within me that I may no longer live the rest of my time in the flesh to the lusts thereof but as he that hath called me is holy so I may be holy in all manner of conversation denying ungodliness and wordly lusts and living soberly righteously and godly in this present world Into thine hand I commit my spirit and body O lord God of truth o let integrity and uprightness preserve me instruct me and teach me in the way wherein I should go guide me with thine eye this day Lord preserve my going out and my coming in establish thou the work of my hands set a watch before my mouth and keep the door of my lips encline not my heart to any evil thing to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity but give thy Angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways at night say let the Angel of the Lord encamp round about me that I be not afraid for the terror by night the Lord that keepeth Israel who neither slumbreth nor sleepeth be my keeper In confidence of this I will both lay me down in peace and sleep for thou Lord only makest me dwell in safety Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee that thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all Nations add to the Church daily such as should be saved give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death that the Kingdoms of this World may become the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ O continue thy loving kindness unto them that know thee and thy uprightness to the upright in heart Be a strength to the poor and a strength to the needy in his distress Abundantly bless our provision and satisfy our poor with bread make Wars to cease unto the end of the Earth break the bow and cut the spear in sunder let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end but establish the just and thou who hast commanded that supplications prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men for Kings and for all that are in authority I beseech thee be a sun and shield to our dread Soveraign Lord King Charles O prepare mercy and truth which may preserve him prolong the King's life and his years as many generations that judgment may run down as waters and righteousness as a mighty stream do good in thy good pleasure unto Sion let our Priests lips always keep knowledg that the people may only seek the Law at their mouths and many may be turned away from iniquity O let the work of the Lord prosper in their hands be gracious to my brethren and kinsmen according to the flesh here thou mayest name particular persons and grant that all men do the will of their Father which is in Heaven And now what shall I render unto thee O Lord for all thy benefits towards me Thou art he that took me out of the womb and hitherto hast made me dwell in safety Many O Lord my God are the wonderful works which thou hast done for me I will sing unto thee O Lord as long as I live I will sing praise unto my God while I have my being Blessed be the Lord God who only doth wondrous things and blessed be his glorious name for ever and let the whole earth be filled with his glory Amen Our Father which art c. Another O Blessed and Glorious God who art exalted above all blessing and praise Thou even thou art Lord alone and there is no Saviour beside thee Lord what is man that thou takest knowledg of him or the son of man that thou makest account of him I confess I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee my God for my iniquities are encreased over my head and my trespass is grown up into the heavens I have sinned what shall I do unto thee O thou preserver of men here mention thy particular sins if thou Lord shouldest mark iniquities o Lord who shâ—ll stand but there is forgiveness with thee that thou mayest be feared O Remember not against me former iniquities let thy tender mercies speedily prevent me Help me o God of my salvation for the glory of thy name purge away my sins for thy names sake cast down every imagination that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ O grâ—nt that I may be renewed in the spirit of my mind that I put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness and that I no longer have any fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness And now what shall I render unto thee O Lord for all thy benefits towards me because thou hast commanded thy loving kindness in the day time therefore this night is my prayer unto thee O God of my life Lord be my keeper and
save Sinners p. 8. Sect. 6. Concerning Christ as Mediator between God and lapsed Man p. 10. Sect. 7. Concerning the Resurrection of our Bodies p. 14. Sect. 8. Concerning the judgment of the Great Day p. 15. Part. II. A particular account of those Duties men are obliged to perform Chap. I. Containing our duty to God Sect. 1. OF Faith Hope Love Fear and Trust p. 17. Sect. 2. Of submission to God's will in respect of Obedience of Patience in suffering and of Honour due to God in his House Possessions his Day and Word p. 21. Sect. 3. Of the Sacraments of Baptisme and of the Lord's Supper p. 26. Sect. 4. Honour due to God's Name Of Swearing p. 28. Sect. 5. Of worship due to God's Name Of Repentance and of Fasting p. 30. Chap. II. Containing our duty to our selves Sect. 1. OF those Vertues which respect our Souls where 1. Of Humility as it is opposed to Pride and Vain-Glory 2. Of Meekness and of Consideration where an enquiry is made after the safe rule of trying our state and condition p. 36. Sect. 2. Of Contentedness and the contraries to it viz. Murmuring Ambition Covetousness Envy and of Diligence with the danger of despising Grace p. 40. Sect. 3. Of those Vertues that concern our Bodies where 1. Of Chastity 2. Of Temperance in eating and drinking p. 43. Sect. 4. Of Temperance in Sleep in Recreation and in Apparel p. 46. Chap. III. Concerning the Duties we owe to our Neighbours Sect. 1. OF Justice 1. To mens Souls 2. To their Bodies where the hazard of drawing men into Sin and the heinousness of the sin of Murder is discovered p. 49. Sect. 2. Of Justice abâ—ut the possessions of our Neighbours against injuring him as to his Wife or his Goods of Oppression of paying of Debts and of Theft p. 51. Sect. 3. Of false Reports false Witness Slanders Whisperings of Scoffing of positive Justice Truth of Lying of Envy and Detraction of Gratitude p. 55. Sect. 4. Of Duty to Magistrates Pastors of the Duty of Parents to Children and of Childrens duty to Parents p. 58. Sect. 5. Of duty to our Brethren and Relations Husband Wife Friends Masters Servants c. p. 62. Sect. 6. Other Branches of our Duty to our Neighbour of Charity to mens Souls Bodies Goods and Credit of Alms-giving and of Peace-making p. 66. The Ten Commandment p. 71. The Lord's Prayer and the Belief p. 72. Private Devotions in Scripture-Expressiâ—ns p. 72. A Prayer for morning and evening p. 72. A Prayer for Children being a Paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer p. 76. Collects for several occasions p 77. A Scriptural Catechism OR The Whole Duty of Man laid down by way of Question and Answer in express words of Scripture PART I. Concerning the Chief Principles of our Religion which we are to believe Sect. 1. Concerning the Being of God Of his Attributes and Perfections Quest VVHat is the whole Duty which God requires of man Answ He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Fear God and keep his Commandments for this is the whole duty of man Mic. 6.8 Eccl. 12.13 Q. Do you then believe there is a God whom ye should fear A. Yes verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth Ps 38.11 Q. Do not the works of God declare the being of God A. Yes for the invisible things of him from the creation of the World are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his eternal Power and Godhead Rom. 1.20 Q. Is he not a fool that denies this truth A. Yes the fool hath said in his heart there is no God Ps 14.1 Q. Is there no other God but one A. No we know that an Idol is nothing in the World and that there is none other God but one Q. There be none then who can compare with God A. No who is like unto the Lord amongst the Gods who is like him glorious in holiness fearful in praises doing wonders Exod. 15.11 Q. What is God A. God is a Spirit who dwelleth in light to which no man can approach whom no man hath seen or can see whose perfection cannot by searching be found out Joh. 4.24 1 Tim. 6.16 Job 11.7 Q. Do you believe that this incomprehensible God is of everlasting being A. Yes before the mountains were brought forth or ever he formed the earth and the world even from everlasting to everlasting he is God Ps 90.2 Q. Do you believe that this glorious God is every-where present A. Yes whither shall I go from his spirit or whither shall I flee from his presence If I ascend up into Heaven he is there if I make my bed in Hell behold he is there Psal 139.7 8. Q. And must he not then know all things A. Yes neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4.13 Q. Do you believe God is unchangable A. Yes with him is no variableness nor shadow of turning Jam. 1.17 Q. Do you believe God is Almighty and can do all things A. Yes with God all things are possible Mark 10.27 Q. Is he not also a most holy and glorious God A. Yes holy holy holy is the Lord of Hosts the whole earth is full of his glory Isa 6.3 Q. And do you believe that he is a just God A. Yes he is a God of truth without iniquity just and right Deut. 32.4 Q. Is he not also a very merciful and gracious God A. Yes he is the Lord the Lord God merciful and gracious long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth Exod. 34.6 Ps 145.8 Q. Is not he then the only living and true God A. Yes the Lord is the true God he is the living God and an everlasting King Jer. 10.10 Sect. 2. Concerning the Trinity that God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost are one God Q. DO you believe that the three persons in the Godhead God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Ghost are one God A. Yes for there are three that bear record in Heaven the Father the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one 1 Joh. 5.7 Q. Doth not the truth of this appear from the form of Baptizing which Christ taught his Disciples A. Yes Go ye therefore and teach all Nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Matt. 28.19 Q. And is it not also very evidently confirmed from the manner of blessing the Apostles observe in the close of their Epistles A. Yes the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with you all 2 Cor. 13.14 Q. And must worship be given to any but God A. No thou shalt worship the Lord thy
possible endeavours for his dâ—liverance A. Yes if thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death and those that are ready to be slain if thou sayest behold we know it not doth not he that pondereth the heart consider and he that keepeth thy soul doth not he know it shall not he render to every man according to his deeds Prov. 24.11 12. Q. Is not the duty of Alms-giving perfectly necessary for the approving of our love to God A. Yes whoso hath this world's good and seeth his brother hath need and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him how dwelleth the love of God in him 1 Joh. 3.17 Q. And is not the performance of this duty very acceptable unto God A. Yes but to do good and communicate forget not for with such sacrifices God is well pleased Heb. 13.16 Q. Must not men beware that they prâ—pâ—se nâ—t tâ— themselves the praise of men as the motive of their charity A. Yes when thou doest thine alms do not sound a trumpet before thee as the hypocrites do in the Synagogues and in the streets that they may have glory of men otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven Mat. 6.2 1. Q. And is it not a vain thing to give alms where love to God and men is not the motive A. Yes though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned and have not charity it profiteth me nothing 1 Cor. 13.3 Q. But must not men give cheerfully and without grudging A. Yes every man as he purposeth in his heart so let him give not grudgingly or of necessity for God loveth a chearful giver 1 Cor. 9.7 Q. Is it not vain and impious to think that the parting with any thing for Christ will impoverish men A. Yes every one that hath forsaken houses or brethren or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for my names sake shall receive an hundred fold and shall inherit everlasting life Mat. 19.29 Q. And hath not God particularly promised that the charitable shall not want but shall have a recompense of reward A. Yes the Liberal soul shall be made far and he that watereth shall be watered also himself he that giveth to the poor shall not lack but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse Prov. 11.25 and 28.27 Q. Is not this a putting our wealth in his hands who hath made solemn promise of repayment A. Yes he that hath pity on the poor lendeth to the Lord and that which he hath given will he pay him again Prov. 19.17 Q. And will not the reward be more or less according to to the degrees of our alms A. Yes he that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly and he that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully 2 Cor. 9.6 Q. Sh uld we not be very tender of the credit of our neighbour A. Y s a good name is better than precious ointment and rather to be chosen then great riches Eccel 7.1 Prov. 22.1 Q. Will not mens unmercifull judging of others be paid home to them in the strict and severe judgment of God A. Y s judg not that ye be not judged for with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged and with what measure you mete it shall be measured to you again Mat. 7.1 2. Q. Is it not a christian duty to study to reconcile and make peace among brethren A. Yes blessed are the peace-makers for they shall be called the children of God Mat. 5.9 Q. If Christians will observe all those duties which they owe to God to themselves and to their neighbour may they not expect the reward of eternal life Q. Yes this do and thou shalt live Luke 10.28 Q. Are not Christian duties both profitable and pleasant even when they expose us to outward sufferings A. Yes Christ's yoke is easie and his burden is light and his commandements are not grievous therefore rejoyce that ye are counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ Mat 11.30 1 John 5.3 Act. 5.41 Q. Since the danger of delaying our turning to God is so evident and certain should we not betimes set about it A. Yes whatsoever thy hand findeth to do do it with thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledg nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest Ecc. 9.10 The Ten Commandments 1. THou shalt have no other Gods before me 2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image or any likeness of any thing that is in Heaven above or that is in the Earth beneath or that is in the water under the Eâ—rth Thou shalt not bow down thy self to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my Commandments 3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain 4. Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God in it thou shalt not do any work thou nor thy son nor thy daughter thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattel nor thy stranger that is within thy gates For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and hallowed it 5. Honour thy father and thy mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee 6. Thou shalt not kill 7. Thou shalt not commit Adultery 8. Thou shalt not steal 9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour 10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his ass nor any thing that is thy neighbour's The Lord's Prayer OUr Father which art in Heaven hallowed be thy Name Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven Give us this day our daily bread Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil for thine is the Kingdom the Power and the Glory for ever and ever Amen The Belief I Believe in God the Father Almighty maker of Heaven and Earth and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord which was conceived by the Holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary suffered under Pontius Pilat was crucified dead and buried he descended into Hell and rose again from the dead and ascended up into Heaven and fitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty from thence he shall come to judg the quick and the dead I believe in
them is most true A. Yes all these sayings are faithful and true for holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost Rev. 22.6 2 Pet. 1.21 Q. Do you then believe that the commands contained in the Scripture are most just A. Yes I esteem all these precepts concerning all things to be right Ps 119.128 Q. But will that belief save us if we do not what we are commanded A. No if we would enter into life we must keep the Commandments and if we do this we shall live For not the hearers of the Law are just before God but the doers of the Law shall be justified Mat. 19.17 Luke 10.28 Rom. 2.13 Q. Do you also believe that all those severe threatnings in the word will certainly be executed upon every impenitent sinner A. Yes but the fearful and unbelieving and the abominable and murderers and whoremongers and forcerers and idolaters and all liars shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone these words are true and faithful Rev. 21.8.5 Q. Do you also believe that the promises of God are sure A. Yes I am fully perswaded that what he hath promised he is able to perform and faithful is he that hath promised Râ—m 4.21 Heb. 11.11 Q. But is it not a folly to believe that the promises belong to you how wickedly soever ye live A. Yes having therefore these promises let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit perfecting holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7.1 Q. And was it not to plant a good life among men that Christ who is the foundation of all the promises came into the World A. Yes for the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world Tit. 2.11 12. Q. Our Faith in the promises then can never profit us if we perform not the conditions of the promises A. No as the body without the spirit is dead so Faith if it have not works is dead also Jam. 2.26 Q. But is there no pleasing of God without Faith A. No without Faith it is impossible to please him for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him Heb. 11.6 Q. Is it not every mans duty to hope in God A. Yes it is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of God let Israel hope in the Lord for with the Lord there is mercy and with him is plenteous redemption Jam. 3.26 Psal 130.7 Q. But is it not presumption to hope for mercy while we continue in our sins A. Yes every man that hath this hope purifieth himself even as he is pure 1 Joh. 3.3 Q. What then will become of the hope of the hypocrite and the wicked A. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness but the expectation of the wicked shall perish and their hope shall be as the giving up of the ghost Prov. 10.28 Job 11.20 Q. But may not all that perform the conditions of the promises and who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before them be certain that their hope shall not be in vain A. Yes which hope we have as an anchor of the soul both sure and stedfast and which entreth into that within the vail Heb. 6.19 Q. Is it not every man's duty to love God and Christ A. Yes thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind this is the first and great Commandment and if any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be anathema maranatha Mat. 22.37 38. 1 Cor. 16.22 Q. Can we have true love to God when we keep not his Commandments A. No for this is the love of God that we keep his Commandments and he that saith I know him and keepeth not his Commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him 1 Joh. 5.3 and 2.4 Q. And will not those who have any true love to God desire to enjoy him in his Ordinances A. Yes how amiable are thy tabernacles O Lord of hosts my soul longeth yea even fainteth for the Courts of the Lord my heart and my flesh cryeth out for the Living God for a day in thy Courts is better than a thousand Psal 84.1 2 10. Q. Will it serve our turn to say we love God A. No let us not love in word neither in tongue but in deed and in truth 1 Joh. 3.18 Q. Is it the duty of every man to fear God A. Yes I will forewarn ye whom you shall fear fear him which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell yea I say unto you fear him Luke 12.5 Q. Can any be said truly to fear God that is not thereby with-held from sin A. No the fear of the Lord is to hate evil and he that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord Prov. 8.13 14.2 Q. Is it not a folly to fear men more than God A. Yes In God have I put my trust I will not be affraid what man can do unto me Psal 56.11 Q. And is not their state of life secure who have God on their side A. Yes The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear The Lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be affraid Psal 27.1 Q. And will not God even restrain the wrath of their enemies A. Yes when a mans ways please the Lord he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him Prov. 16.7 Q. Is it not the duty of every man to trust in God A. Yes Trust in him at all times ye people pour out your heart before him God is a refuge for us Psal 62.8 Q. Is it not our wisdom then in all dangers to trust in God A. Yes What time I am affraid I will trust in God for the Lord delivereth the souls of his servants and none of them that put their trust in him shall be destitute Psal 34.22 Q. But may none expect to meet with deliverance from God in trouble but those that fear him A. No the Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil Psal 34.7 16. Q. May we not rely on the creatures for help A. No cursed is the man that trusteth in man and placeth his confidence in the arm of flesh Q. But may not a man commit the least sin for the saving of his possessions or his life A. No for what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul Mat. 17.29 Q. Is it not our duty to trust God for a supply of our wants also A. Yes behold the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him upon them that hope in
his mercy to deliver their souls from death and to feed them in time of famine Psal 33.18 19. Q. Should we then give up our selves to idleness and expect to be fed by miracles A. Upon no means for the command is If any will not work neither shall he eat 2 Thes 3.10 Q. But what if our condition be such that we are not able to work may we then cast our burden upon God A. Yes cast all your care upon him for he careth for you 1 Pet. 5.7 Q. But if we use the means and yet cannot have whereupon to live may we in this case trust in God A. Yes when the poor and needy seek for water and there is none and their tongue faileth for thirst I the Lord will hear them I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water Isa 41.17 18. Q. Is it not then an extraordinary folly to distrust God A. Yes therefore I say unto you take no thought for your life what you shall eat or what you shall drink neither for your body what you shall put on behold the fowls of the air for they sow not neither do they reap nor gather into barns yet your heavenly Father feedeth them are ye not much better than they c. Mat. 6.25 26 Q. But I want grace and will God give me this if I ask it A. Yes if ye being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your heavenly Father give the holy spirit to them that ask him the Lord will give grace and glory and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly Luke 11.13 Psal 74.11 Sect. 2. Of submission to God's will in respect of obedience of patience in suffering and of honour due to God in his house possessions his day and word Q. IS it not the duty of every man to give chearful obedience to the will of God A. Yes behold to obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams therefore I will hear what God the Lord will speak and I will say the will of the Lord be done 1 Sam. 15.22 Psal 85.8 Acts 21.14 Q. What is that obedience that God requires of man A. He hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Miâ— 6.8 Q. Doth not God give up men to walk in their own counsel when they refuse to hearken to his will A. Yes but my people would not hearken to my voice and Israel would none of me so I gave them up unto their hearts lust and they walked in their own counsels Psal 81.11 12. Q. Is not a proud person very unfit to obey A. Yes the wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God Psal 10.4 Q. But may not men have high conceits of their obedience to God's will A. No when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you say we are unprofitable servants we have done that which was our duty to do Luke 17.10 Q. Is it not the duty of every Christian to be patient under affliction A. Yes take my brethren the Prophets who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering affliction and of patience behold we count them happy which endure ye have heard of the patience of Job be also patient Jam. 5.10 11.8 Q. We should not then murmur or grudg at whatever he does A. No it is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good I was dumb I opened not my mouth because thou didst it 1 Sam. 3.18 Psal 39.9 Q. Is it not very unlike the act of a child to oppose his Fathers will A. Yes furthermore we have had Fathers of our flesh that corrected us and we gave them reverence shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of Spirits and live Heb. 12.9 Q. Is it not sin that bringeth affliction upon people A. Yes fools because of their transgression and because of their iniquities are afflicted Psal 107.17 Q. God doth not then willingly send afflictions A. No he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men Lam. 3.13 Q. Is it not a mercy to many that they have been corrected A. Yes it was good for me that I have been afflicted before I was afflicted I went astray but now have I kept thy words Ps 119.71.67 Q. Should we not study fruitfulness under corrections A. Yes the Lord's voice cryeth unto the City and the man of wisdom shall see thy name hear ye the rod and who hath appointed it Mic. 6.9 Q. Is it not the duty of every man to honour God A. Yes a Son honoureth his Father and a Servant his Master if then I be a Father where is mine honour and if I be a Master where is my fear saith the Lord of Hosts unto you Mal. 1.6 Q. Should we not then have the highest and most excellent esteem of him in our hearts A. Yes O Lord our Lord how excellent is thy name in all the earth thy righteousness O God is very high who hast done great things O God who is like unto thee Psal 8.9.71.19 Q. And should we not so far honour his house as to set it a-part wholly for his use A. Yes and Jesus went up to Jerusalem and found in the Temple those that sold Oxen and Sheep and Doves and the Changers of money sitting and he said unto them take these things hence make not my Fathers house an house of merchandize Joh. 2.14 16. Q. Should we not also be glad when we have the opportunity of going thither A. Yes I was glad when they said unto me let us go unto the house of the Lord Psal 122.1 Q. But should we not be very careful over our hearts and all our senses when we go to the house of God A. Yes keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools Eccl. 5.1 Q. Is it not our duty also to have such a respect to his peculiar possessions which are set a-part for the maintenance of those that attend his service as not to turn it to any other use A. Yes will a man rob God yet he have robbed me yet ye say wherein have we robbed thee in Tithes and Offerings ye are cursed with a curse Mal. 3.8 9. Q. Is it not just and necessary that something be allotted for the support and maintenance of those that attend the service of God A. Yes the labourer is worthy of his reward and if we have sown unto you spiritual things is it a great thing if we reap your carnal things 1 Cor. 9.11 1 Tim. 5.18 Q. But should the Ministers of the Gospel have support and maintenance as well as those who did wait at the Altar were partakers with the Altar A. Yes Do
Heaven neither by the Earth neither by any other oath Matt. 5.34 Jam. 5.12 Q. Should not men then pray earnestly that God will enable them to overcome this wicked custom A. Set a watch O Lord over my mouth and keep the door of my lips Psal 141.3 Sect. 5. Of Worship due to God's Name of Repentance and of Fasting Q. IS it not the duty of every man to worship his Maker A. O come let us worship and bow down let us kneel before the Lord our maker for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture Psal 95.6 7. Q. Is religious worship to be given to God and to him alone A. Yes thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve Mat. 4.10 Q. We must not then give this worship to any creature A. No and I fell at his feet to worship him and he said unto me see thou do it not I am thy fellow-servant and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus worship God and let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of Angels and change not the truth of God into a lie in worshipping and serving the creature Rev. 19.10 Col. 2.18 Rom. 1.25 Q. Is not the only way of coming to the Father by the Son and to ask in his name A. Yes Jesus saith unto him I am the way and the truth and the life no man cometh to the Father but by me Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name that will I do for he is our peace who hath made both one and hath broken down the middle-wall of partition between us and through him we both have an access by one spirit unto the Father Joh. 14.6.13 Eph. 2.14 18. Q. Are we not obliged to pray for all men A. Yes I exhort therefore that first of all prayers supplications intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men for Kings and for all that are in authority 1 Tim. 2.1 2. Q. Must we pray for our enemies A. Yes but I say unto you love your enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despightfully use you Mat. 5.44 Q. Must we pray for the dead A. No while the child was yet alive I fasted and wept for I said who can tell whether God will be gracious to me that the child may live but now he is dead wherefore should I fast can I bring him back again I shall go to him but he shall not return to me 2 Sam. 12.22 23. Q. Vpon the committing of sin is it not our duty to confess it if we would have the guilt removed A. Yes I acknowledged my sin unto thee and mine iniquity have I not hid I said I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin Psal 32.5 Q. Must we not also give thanks for the mercies we receive A. Yes what shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord Psal 116.12 13. Q. But will God hear our prayers if we ask any thing that is lawful A. Yes and this is the confidence that we have in him that if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us 1 Joh. 5.14 Q. But may we pray for wealth that we may live in riot and excess A. No ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss that ye may consume it upon your lusts Jam. 4.3 Q. May we pray to gain the praise of devotion among men A. No and when thou prayest thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets that they may be seen of men Mat. 6.5 Q. Must we not take heed to what we say and not suffer our minds to wander A. Yes with their mouths they shew much love but their heart goeth after covetousness Ezek. 33.31 Q. Should we not be fervent and very zealous in prayer and not cold and faint A. Yes be fervent in spirit serving the Lord for the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much Jam. 5.16 Rom. 12.11 Q. May we expect the answer of that prayer that is not put up in Faith A. No ask in Faith nothing wavering for he that wavereth is like a wave of the Sea driven with the wind and tossed for let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord Jam. 1.6 7. Q. Will God hear prayers offered up from an impure heart A. No I will therefore that men pray every-where lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting for if they regard iniquity in their heart the Lord will not hear their prayers the sacrifice of the wicked being an abomination to the Lord 1 Tim. 2.8 Psal 16.18 Prov 15.8 Q. But will a prayer from an humble pure and upright heart be heard in the day of trouble A. Yes the prayer of the upright is his delight Call upon me in the day of trouble and I will answer you He will regard the prayer of the destitute and not despise their prayer and the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much Prov. 15.8 Psal 50.15 Psal 102.17 Jam. 5.16 Q. May we go to work in our own strength without looking to God for his help A. No we are not sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God 2 Cor. 3.5 Q. But should we not then beg the aid of the spirit of God to assist us in prayer A. Yes he will give the holy spirit to them that ask it likewise the spirit helpeth our infirmities for we know not what we should pray for as we ought but the spirit it self maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered Luk. 11.15 Rom. 8.26 Q. May not these Families and Kingdoms that call not upon God be afraid of the divine wrath A. Yes pour out thy wrath upon the Heathen that have not known thee and upon the Kingdoms and Families that have not called upon thy name Psal 79.6 Jer. 10.25 Q. Is it not our duty to be present at the publick prayers of the Church A. Yes and my house is called the house of prayer therefore forsake not the assembling of your selves together as the manner of some is but let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of Faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience Mat. 21.12 Heb. 10.25 22. Q. Ought we not also to pray frequently in secret A. Yes when thou prayest enter into thy closet and when thou hast shut thy door pray to thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly Therefore pray always with all prayer and supplication of the spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all Saints Mat. 6.6 Eph. 6.18 Q.
But must we not be sure to be at peace with God by doing his will since God heareth not sinners A. Yes can two walk together except they be agreed therefore wash ye make you clean put away the evil of your doings learn to do well elsâ— I will hide mine eyes from you yea when ye make many prayers I will not hear Amos 3.3 Isa 1.16 15. Q. Is repentance so necessary a duty that without it we certainly perish A Yes except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish Turn ye turn ye why will ye die Luke 13.5 Q. Is this repentance any other thing but a turning from sin to God A. No repent and turn your selves from your idols and turn your faces from all your abominations and it is the design of the Gospel to turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God that they may receive forgiveness of sins Ezek. 14.6 Acts 26.18 Q. But will God forgive men their iniquities if they forsake their sins and amend their lives A. Yes repent and turn your selves from all your transgressions so iniquity shall not be your ruine When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed and doth that which is lawful and right he shall save his soul alive Ezek. 18.30 26. Q. Is it not our duty to repent of our sins although we had only some probability that God will forgive A. Yes repent therefore of this thy wickedness and pray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee who can tell if God will turn and repent and turn away from his fierce anger that we perish not Act. 8.22 Jon. 3.9 Q. But have we any instance of God's with-holding of the threatned judgment upon repentance A. Yes and God saw their works that they turned from their evil way and God repented of the evil that he had said that he would do unto them and he did it not Jon. 3.10 Q. May men defer their repentance till death-bed A. No to day if ye will hear his voice harden not your hearts Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth while the evil days come not Psal 95.7 8. Eccl. 12.1 Q. Is it not our duty to joyn fasting with prayer and repentance A. Yes therefore also now saith the Lord turn ye even to me with all your heart and with fasting and with weeping and with mourning and rent your heart and not your garments and turn unto the Lord your God Joel 2.12 13 Q. What is that fast that God calleth for and is acceptable to him A. Is not this the fast that I have chosen to loose the bands of wickedness to undo the heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house when thou seest the naked that thou cover him then shall thy light break forth as the morning and thine health shall spring forth speedily then shalt thou call and the Lord shall answer Isa 58 5.6 7 8. Q. Is not fasting very seasonable when we have any extraordinary thing to request from God A. Yes go gather together all the Jews that are present in Sushan and fast ye for me and neither eat nor drink three days night nor day I also and my maidens will fast likewise and so will I go in unto the King which is not according to the Law and if I perish I perish Esth 4.16 Q. Should we not avoid vain-glory in fasting A. Yes moreover when ye fast be not as the hypocrites of a sad countenance for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast But thou when thou fastest anoint thine head and wash thy feet that thou appear not unto men to fast but unto thy Father which is in secret and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly Mat. 6.16 17 18. CHAP. II. Containing our Duty to our selves Sect. 1. Of those vertues which respect our souls where first of Humility as it is opposed to Pride and Vain-glory of Meekness and of consideration where an enquiry is made after the safe rule of trying our own state and condition Q. IS not humility a duty absolutely necessary to Christians A. Yes he hath shewed thee O man what is good and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Mic. 6.8 Q. Is it not a great sin to have an high and great opinion of our selves A. Yes every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord for he hates a proud look God resisteth the proud but giveth grace unto the humble Prov. 16.5 6.16 Jam. 4.7 Q. Is it not a very dangerous sin A. Yes the wicked through his pride doth persecute the poor and through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God Psal 10.2 4. Q. Is not pride the cause of anger and wrath A. Yes proud and haughty scorner is his name who dealeth in proud wrath Prov. 21.24 Q. Is it not also the cause of strife and contention A. Yes only by pride cometh contention Prov. 13.10 Q. And will this sin which is in it self so heinous and the root of all other vices go unpunished A. No pride goeth before destruction and an haughty spirit before a fall Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord though hand joyn in hand he shall not be unpunished Prov. 16.18 5. Q. Is it not a great folly for a man to be proud of beauty strength or wit of riches honours or preferments or of any vertue or grace though of themselves desirable A. Yes I said unto the fools deal not foolishly and to the wicked lift not up the horn lift not up your horn on high speak not with a stiff neck for promotion cometh neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south but God is the Judg he putteth down one and setteth up another Man that is in honour and understandeth not is like the beasts that perish It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory therefore lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations there was given to me a thorn in the flesh the messenger of Satan to buffet me Be not wise in your own conceits Psal 75.4 5 6. 49.20 2 Cor. 12.7 Rom. 12.16 Q. Is it not a great sin to thirst after the praise and applause of men A. Yes let us not be desirous of vain-glory How can ye believe that receive honour one of another Joh. 5.44 Gal. 5.26 Q. Does not this destroy the fâ—uit of the best actiâ—â—â— A. Yes but all their works they do to be seen of men And when they give alms they sound the trumpet that they may have glory of men Mat. 23.5 6.2 Q. Is not vain-glory a very dangerous siâ— A. Yes nevertheless among the
eyes walking and mincing as they go and making a tinkling with their feet therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughter of Zion and take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments Isa 3.16 17 18. Q. But may not those whom God hath placed in an higher condition than others wear gorgeous apparel A Yes behold they which are gorgeously apparelled and live delicately are in Kings Courts Luke 7.25 Q. Is not the distinguishing of persons in respect of sex another end of apparel A. Yes the woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man neither shall a man put on a womans garment for all that do so are an abomination unto the Lord thy God Deut. 22.5 Q. When men consider the original of cloaths have they any reason to be proud A. No and the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked and they sewed sig-leaves together and made themselves aprons Gen. 3.7 Q. Are not Christian vertues the only rayment that will make men lovely in God's eyes A. Yes whose adorning let it not be that outward of plaiting the hair and of wearing of gold or of putting on of apparel but let it be in the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible even the ornament of ameek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price 1 Pet. 3.3 4. CHAP. III. Concerning the duties we owe to our Neighbours Sect. 1. Of Iustice 1. To mens Souls 2. To their Bodies where the hazard of drawing men into sin and the heinousness of the sin of Murder is discovered Q. WHat is the sum of that duty we owe to our neighbours A. Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self Matt. 22.23 Q. Should we not then do to others what we would have them do to us A. Yes all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you do ye even so to them for this is the Law and the Prophets Mat. 7.12 Q. Doth not the Lord require that every man do justly A. Yes what doth the Lord require of thee O man but to do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God Mic. 6.8 Q. And doth not God regard the perverting of justice in a Province A. Yes if thou seest the oppression of the poor and and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a Province marvel not at the matter for he that is higher than the highest regardeth and there be higher than they Eccl. 5.8 Q. Is it not a great act of injustice done to a mans soul to entice him to sin A. Yes wo unto you Scribes and Pharisees hypocrites for ye compass Sea and Land to make one proselyte and when he is made you make him twofold more the child of Hell than your selves Mat. 23.15 Q. Should we not studiously shun and wisely slight the wicked counsels of men A. Yes if sinners entice thee consent thou not if they say come with us let us lay wait for blood we shall find all precious substance walk thou not in the way with them refrain thy foot from their path Prov. 1.10 11 13 15. Q. Should we not be careful to do no wrong to the bodies of men A. Yes thou shalt not kill Exod. 20.13 Q. Is not the sin of murder a very heinous and crying sin A. Yes and the Lord said unto Cain what hast thou done the voice of thy brothers blood crieth unto me from the ground Gen. 4.10 Q. Is there any pity to be given to those who lye in wait to shed innocent blood A. No thine eye shall not pity him but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood Deut. 19.13 Q. Is not the guilt of this sin so great that it leaveth a stain upon the Land where it is committed if it pass unpunished A. Yes by swearing and killing they break out and blood toucheth blood therefore shall the Land mourn and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish Hos 4.2 3. Q. Doth it not then bring temporal judgments upon a Kingdom A. Yes then there was a famine in the days of David three years year after year and David enquired of the Lord and the Lord answered it is for Saul and for his bloody house because he slew the Gibeonites 2 Sam. 21.1 Q. Is not the sin of murder an high contempt and despite towards God himself and therefore deserving a severe punishment because it is the defacing of his image A. Yes whoso sheddeth mans blood by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God made he man Gen. 9.6 Q. Will not this sin of murder be punished with everlasting torments also A. Yes but the fearful and abominable and murderers shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone Rev. 21.8 Q. Is not maiming a great injury and deserving severe punishment A. Yes under the Law it was eye for eye tooth for tooth hand for hand foot for foot burning for burning wound for wound stripe for stripe Exod. 21.24 25. Q. Will it excuse a man to say that what he has done was only in return of some injury offered him by another A. No recompence no man evil for evil avenge not your selves but rather give place unto wrath for it is written vengeance is mine I will repay saith the Lord Rom. 12.17 19. Sect. 2. Of Iustice about the possessions of our Neighbours against injuring him as to his Wife or his Goods of Oppression of paying of Debts and of Theft Q. SHould we not abstain from all covetous desires towards the possessions of our neighbours A. Yes thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house thou shalt not covet thy neighbours wife nor his man-servant nor his maid-servant nor his ox nor his asse nor any thing that is thy neighbours Exod. 20.17 Q. Is it not the duty of every man to be content with his own portion A. Yes let your conversation be without covetousness and be content with such things as ye have Heb. 13.5 Q. Is not the enticing a mans wife the greatest injustice and the most irreparable and provoking injury A. Yes jealousy is the rage of a man therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance he will not regard any ransom neither will he rest content though thou givest many gifts Prov. 6.34 35. Q. Is not malicious injustice in wishing or doing mischief to our neighbour a very great sin A. Yes wo to them that devise iniquity and work evil upon their beds and devise mischief therefore let all bitterness be put away from you with all malice Mic. 2.1 Psal 36.4 Eph. 4.31 Q. Are we not obliged to prevent the spoil destruction and damage of our neighbours goods although he were our enemy A. Yes if thou meet thine enemies ox or his asse going astray thou shalt surely bring it back to him again if thou see the asse of him that hateth thee lying under his burden and would'st
I shall not be afraid for the terror by night in the night therefore is my prayer now unto thee O God of my life preserve my going out and my coming in and grant that I order my conversation aright I desire also to pray for all men for Kings and for all that are in authority O prolong the King's life and his years as many generations prepare mercy and truth which may preserve him Let the people praise thee O God let all the people praise thee O let the earth be full of the knowledg of the Lord let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end but establish the just Be gracious to my brethren according to the flesh do thou O Lord for them exceeding abundantly above all that they ask or think Now unto him that is able to keep me from falling and to present me faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding ioy to the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power both now and ever Amen A Prayer for children being a Paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer OUR Father which art in Heaven from whom every good gift and every perfect gift cometh in whom I live and move and have my being hallowed be thy name for all thy benefits towards me thou art he that took me out of the womb and hitherto hast made me dwell in safety thy mercies they are new every morning and daily thou loadeth me with benefits I will sing unto thee O Lord as long as I live I will sing praise to my God while I have my being Let thy Kingdom come O Lord that thy way may be known upon earth thy saving health among all Nations Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven O Lord shew me thy ways teach me thy paths lead me in thy truth and teach me to say not my will but thine be done Give me this day my daily bread feed me with food convenient for me and bless my provision help me to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and I know my heavenly Father shall add these other things he knoweth I have need of Forgive me my sins O Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the World Remember not against me former iniquities purge away my sins for thy names sake O cleanse me from all filthiness of flesh and spirit let integrity and uprightness preserve me and grant that I may remember thee my Creator in the days of my youth Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil be a shield and buckler unto me this day preserve my going out and my coming in give thy Angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways this night the Lord that keepeth Israel who neither slumbreth nor sleepeth be my keeper O hearken unto the voice of my cry my King and my God there is nothing too hard for thee for all that is in the Heaven and in the Eaath is thine thine O Lord is the greatness and glory and thou reignest over all In thine hand is majesty and might for thine is the Kingdom the Power and the Glory for ever Amen Collects for several occasions very useful in Private Devotion comprehending the chief Heads of Prayer laid down in the language of the Holy Scripture Head I. Confession of Sin I Confess my transgressions unto thee O Lord I acknowledg my sin I am a transgressor from the womb Behold I was shâ—pen in iniquity and in sin did my Mother conceive me When I would do good evil is present with me O my God I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee my God for my iniquities are encreased over my head and my trespass is grown up unto the Heavens I have forsaken thee the fountain of living waters and hewed out cisterns broken cisterns that can hold no water Light is come into the world and I have loved darkness rather than light I have sinned what shall I do unto thee O thou preserver of men I acknowledg my transgressions and my sin is ever before me Father I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight and am no more worthy to be called thy son O Lord to me belongeth confusion of face because I have sinned against thee Head II. For Pardon of Sin HAve mercy upon me O God according to thy loving-kindness according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin For thy names sake O Lord pardon mine iniquity for it is great Remember not the sins of my youth nor my transgressions cleanse me from secret faults Heal me O God of my salvation for the glory of thy name and purge away my sins for thy names sake O remember not against me former iniquities enter not into judgment with thy servant for in thy sight shall no man living be justified But thou O Lord art a God full of compassion and gracious long-suffering and plenteous in mercy and truth O turn unto me and have mercy upon me O Lord hear O Lord forgive O Lord hearken and do defer not for thine own sake O my God Head III. Against the Power of Sin O Let not sin reign in my mortal body that I should obey it in the lusts thereof but grant that I may put off concerning the former conversation the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts and that I put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it self against the knowledg of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ O keep back thy servant from presumptuous sins let them not have dominion over me Head IV. For the Light of God's Countâ—nance GIve ear O Shepherd of Israel thou that dwellest between the Cherubims shine forth Turn me again O God and cause thy face to shine and I shall be saved make me to hear joy and gladness that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit Hear me speedily O Lord my spirit faileth hide not thy face from me lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit Quicken me O Lord for thy names sake and cause me to hear thy loving-kindness for thy loving-kindness is better than life O turn unto me and have mercy upon me shew me a token for good and cause thy face to shine upon me How long wilt thou forget me O Lord for ever How long wilt thou hide thy face from me Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon me with-hold not thou thy tender mercies from me O Lord make thy face to shine upon thy servant and let the Lord be upon me Head V. For Grace and Spiritual good things SHew me thy ways O Lord teach me thy paths lead me in thy truth
and teach me for thou art the God of my salvation Order my steps in thy word and teach me thy statutes Thy hands have made me and fashioned me give me understanding that I may learn thy Commandments Thou art good and doest good teach me thy statutes encline mine heart unto thy testimonies and not to covetousness Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity I am a stranger in the earth hide not thy commandments from me Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me Take away the stony-heart and give me an heart of flesh that I may be renewed in the spirit of my mind and strengthned with might by thy spirit in the inward man O let the blood of Christ purge my conscience from dead works that I may serve the Living God Teach me thy way O Lord and I shall walk in thy truth unite my heart to fear thy name So teach me to number my days that I may apply my heart unto wisdom O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes Head VI. In times of Affliction I Know O Lord that thy judgments are right and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me thou art just in all that is brought upon me for thou hast done right but I have done wickedly But O contend not for ever be not always wroth lest the spirit should fail before thee and the soul which thou hast made Let I pray thee thy merciful kindness be for my comfort Turn thee unto me and have mercy upon me for I am desolate and afflicted the troubles of my heart are enlarged O bring thou me out of my distresses Look upon mine affliction and my pain and forgive all my sins with-hold not thou thy tender mercies from me O Lord let thy loving-kindness and thy truth continually preserve me for innumerable evils have compassed me about Be pleased O Lord to deliver me O Lord make hast to help me Behold O Lord for I am in distress my bowels are troubled mine heart is turned within me I weep mine eye mine eye runneth down with water because the comforter that should relieve my soul is far from me O Lord behold my affliction thou hast said thou dost not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men Remember I beseech thee that thou hast made me as the clay and wilt thou bring me unto dust again Are not my days few cease then and let me alone that I may take comfort a little before I go whence I shall not return even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death Head VII In the time of Sickness HAve mercy upon me O Lord for I am in trouble mine eye is consumed with grief my life is spent with sighing I am weary with my groaning all the night make I my bed to swim I water my couch with my tears my days are consumed like smoke and my bones are burnt as an hearth mine age is departed and is removed from me as a Shepherd's tent with pining sickness from day even to night wilt thou make an end of me O Lord I am oppressed undertake for me O my God take me not away in the midst of my days thy years are throughout all generations have mercy upon me O Lord for I am weak O Lord heal me Return O Lord deliver my soul O save me for thy mercies sake for in death there is no remembrance of thee in the grave who shall give thee thanks The grave cannot praise thee death cannot celebrate thee they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth what shall I say my times are in thy hand O save me for thy mercies sake Remove thy stroke away from me I am consumed by the blow of thine hand When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth surely every man is vanity Hear my prayer O Lord and give ear unto my cry hold not thy peace at my tears for I am a stranger with thee and a sojourner as all my Fathers were O spare me that I may recover strength before I go hence and be no more Head VIII A Thanksgiving for Recovery I will extol thee O Lord for thou hast lifted me up O Lord my God I cried unto thee and thou hast healed me O Lord thou hast brought up my soul from the grave thou hast kept me alive that I should not go down to the pit Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me bless his holy name Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits who forgiveth all thine iniquities who healeth all thy diseases who redeemeth thy life from destruction who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies O Lord what shall I say thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption the living the living he shall praise thee as I do this day Return unto thy rest O my soul for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee I love the Lord because he hath heard my voice and my supplications because he hath enclined his ear unto me therefore will I call upon him as long as I live The sorrows of death compassed me and the pains of hell gat hold upon me I found trouble and sorrow I said in the cutting off of my days I shall go to the gates of the grave I am deprived of the residue of my years I said I shall not see the Lord even the Lord in the Land of the living I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the earth But thou hast delivered my soul from death mine eyes from tears and my feet from falling thou hast loosed my bonds O Lord truly I am thy servant I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O Lord my Strength and my Redeemer FINIS