vnnecessary luggage and fretting cares nor setting vp my rest in any present Inne of outward happinesse or inward means therto but still casting away euery thing that presseth down and the sinne that hangeth so fast vpon me I may run with ioy the race that is set before looking vnto Christ Iesus the Authour and finisher of my Faith and so by him seeing within the rule into the glory that is set before mee I may despise the shame and waite with patience the great recompence of Reward That so neither riches may daunt my Faith by presuming too farre nor depth may quayle it by stooping too low That Principalities may not shake it by force of tentation nor Powers ouercome it by their violent impressions that neither things present may abase it by groueling thereon nor things to come may deiect it by doubtings or false feares That neither life may corrupt it by doting thereon nor death may confound it by vnpreparednesse thereto That nothing may separate me from the loue of God in Iesus Christ in whom by Faith I am more then Conqueror ouer all things Thus grant mee gracious God to walke by Faith and not by sight And that I may receiue the end of my Faith euen the saluation of my soule Oh keepe me by thy mighty power through faith vnto saluation and guide me by the word of Faith in all my wayes that I may not leane to mine owne wisdom bur to thy sure Word as to a Light shining in a dark place that so I may daily grow in knowledge and in the grace of Iesus Christ from Faith to Faith filled with all ioy and peace in beleeuing abounding in all fruits of righteousnesse and perfect holines that so I may be perfect and intyre wanting nothing waiting for the appearance of Iesus Christ that so my Conuersation being in heauen an entrance may bee thereby made vnto me into the euerlasting kingdom of thy deare Sonne euen to take possession by faith in this life therof and to see a farre off by faith into the fulnesse of that glory that so I may fight the good fight of Faith and lay hold of eternall life in full assurance of what I haue alreadie the earnest of by Faith and so in that hâ—pe daily purging my selfe of all wickednesse of the Spirit and of the Flesh that I mâ—y grow vp to perfect holinesse in thâ— fauor of GOD waiting daily by Faith the adoption of the sonnes of God and laboring to attaine the resurrection of the dead that so I may bee kept blamelesse in Soule Body and Spirit vnto the comming of my Sauiour Iesus Christ Grant these things gracious Father euen for his sake in whome thou art well pleased Iesus Christ the righteous To whome with thine owne blessed Spirite one glorious Vnitiue Trinity be glory and prayse Dominion now and for euer Amen A Prayer to feele in heart Spirituall comfort and the liuely sence of our Adoption by Faith O Lord God most mercifull Father now I fully perceiue know that the heart of man is not in his owne hand for thou hast taught mee by diminishing thy Spirit of comfort in my heart that it resteth wholie in thy power to make ioyfull the heart of man and to diminish the same ioy according to thy good pleasure and will For if O God it had beene in mine owne power and will to haue receiued comfort in thy holie word or to haue beleeued thy promises from my hart I would long since haue enioyed comfort and beene confirmed in faith but I cannot most mercifull Father it is thy meere worke I looke therefore O gracious God for thy blessed comfort strength of faith which I beseech thee O Lord send into my heart to fill the same with spirituall ioy that by the working of thy holy Spirit in mee the comfortable promises of thy mercifull protection may be throughly sealed in mine heart and sinke downe deep into my soule that I may be fully assured that thou art my strong rocke and house of defence that thou dost keepe mee as the apple of thine eye as thou hast promised in thy blessed word that thou wilt not lay more vppon mee then thou wilt giue mee strength to abide and that thou wilt assuredly at thine appointed time renew my heart the whole powers of my mind that I may fully glorifie thy holy name But in the meane time O Lord alas my heart is cleane voyde of spirituall ioy yea euen as hard as a stone so that the louing promises of thy holy word although I know them to bee true yet they cannot sinke into my hard stony heart vntill such time as thou by encreasing of thy holy Spirit to me shalt mollifie and make tender my hard heart that it may bee meete to receiue the sweet comfort of thy Spirit Thy holy Spirit O Lord in mee which is the assurance of my saluation doth continually send forth vnspeakable sighs and longings for thy full ioyfull presence I beseech thee therefore deere Father for thy Sonne Christ Iesus sake harken vnto my prayers and grant my requests make tender my hard and stony heart by thy holy Spirit that I may from the bottome of my heart acknowledge thee to bee my most mercifull God and Father and all things in thy holy word contained to be most certaine and true reuerently embrace the same and into my soule take comfort and ioy in the same that I may deere Father euen vnto my liues end walke before thy face in sinceritie of heart being assured of my saluation through that one alone sufficient sacrifice for my sinnes made by thy deere Sonne Christ Iesu to whom with thee and the holy Ghost bee all honor and glory world without end Amen A Prayer against doubting to strengthen a weake Faith and to perseuere therin GLorious and mightie Lord who by â—hy Soueraigne All-sufficient power as thou madest al things of nothing so thou callest those things which are not as if they were and dost command light to shine out of darkenesse that so wee might bee translated out of darknesse into this maruelous light Holy Father it is thine vnspeakable mercy that I thy most vnworthy seruant being once the child of hell yea darknesse it selfe am now through thy free grace illightning mine heart by Faith enabled to behold thy face in Iesus Christ and so through this light am become light in the Lord being enabled by faith to discerne the great Mystery of Christ and so by faith to lay hold thereon as to bee freely thereby discharged from the guilt of my sinne and to be inuested with the perfect righteousnesse of my Sauiour that so I might bee found acceptable vnto thee Holy Father how vnspeakable herein haue beene thy mercies to me a vilde sinner that passing by the wise and noble of the world it hath pleased thee of thy free grace to visite mee a very reprobate branch with thy sauing health and to
increase and renew their strength giue them victorie and turne their aduersaries hearts if they pertaine to thy holy election otherwise O Lord bring vpon them the confusion that they would bring vpon others into the pit that they haue digged let them fall and neuer rise vp againe O Lord heare vs in these suites pardon our dull spirits in praier and giue vs these and all other graces needfull for vs and the Church to thy glorie for our Lord Iesus Christ in whose name wee pray as hee hath taught vs saying Our Father c. A Prayer for the feeling of the sinne of hyprocrisie that wee may direct our life according to the perscript rule of the word RIghteous Lord God and heauenly Father which art a iust â—udge to punish all them that doe continue to offend thee as thou art a Father most pittifull to receiue to mercie all those which giue ouer themselues to please thee shew mee thy grace and fauour To that I may be truely touched with inward displeasure of my sinnes and that in the place of flattering my selfe to sleepe in sinne I may be so cast downe in heart that the rather I may truely with mouth confesse most humbly to giue thee the honour glorie and prayse due vnto thy holy name and that as thou of thy great mercy dost instruct thereunto by thy holy word so for thy mercies sake make that the same may so lighten and cleere our conscience that in due examination of our life wee may truely learne to be angry and displeased with all our former and corruptible liuing O that it may please thee to draw neere vnto vs in addressing and guiding our footsteps in the true and perfect way of obedience to thy holy Lawes and Commandements Send thy holy Angell to pitch his Tents round about vs that Sathan and his infernall army neuer preuaile against vs but that alwaies with strong faith we may through Iesus Christ withstand all his crafty engines and snares knowing vndoubtedly that thou neuer forsakest them that put their trust in thee O let vs not bee led by the infirmity of our outward flesh but strengthen vs by the vertue of thy holy Spirit Suffer vs not to lie vnder thy heauy wrath and vengeance through hypocrisie but rather touch vs so inwardly that we may without ceasing sigh and grone vnto thee by true and vnfeigned repentance And although we be not alwaies so well disposed to aske and pray as we ought to doe yet good Lord for thy glorious Names sake stretch out thy mighty hand that by the gracious working of thy holy Spirit our mindes and hearts may be drawne from all earthly and corruptible things so that our prayers vnto thee may proceede of an inward earnest vehement affection so that wee neuer presume to come before the throne of thy Maiesty with a double heart knowing that whosoeuer asketh and prayeth for any thing of thee not asking in faith cannot obtaine Increase therefore sweet Lord our faith that we presently may liuely feele the benefite of remission and pardon all our sins through the merits and death of Christ Iesus our Sauiour and so worke in vs for euer heereafter to liue in thy feare and to stand in awe of thy displeasure that thou mayest continue our mercifull Father world without end Amen O Shepheard of sheepe seeke out mee thy wandring sheepe And being found lay mee vpon thy blessed shoulders and bring mee home to the very folde of thy flocke heale my sicke soule feede my hungry soule yea almost dying through hunger watch ouer the same O sweete Lord least the rauening Wolfe do inuade my soule and so slay it to vtter destruction Wherefore O most deere GOD be mercifull to mee a wretched sinner and grant pardon to him that repenteth giue not foorth the voice of thy sentence according to my demerits but like as thy mercy before hath done in the beginning of my life so let it conclude the end thereof to remaine with thee world without end Amen deere God Amen Forasmuch as in this life holy Scriptures doeth promise trouble penuries oppressions increase of griefe and aboundance of temptations vouchsafe O most louing Lord GOD to prepare my heart to all possible patience least I doe faint in thy foote-path compell my sweete Lord this stubborne and rebellious flesh of mine to bee subiect to thy holy Spirite beyond all expectation so that I may possesse my soule in patience and keepe the same continually in thy euerlasting seruice to the which purpose thou of thine infinite goodnesse and mercie hast created the same Wherefore O Lord GOD shew thine almighty power vnto mee most wretched sinner that so long as I fight in this wretched life I may obtaine victorie against mine enemies thou being my defence for there is none other that fighteth for mee but onely thou O God Now I say represse the violence of mine enemies and vouchsafe with great effect to bring into bondage my miserable flesh that tormenteth my soule So that obtaining victory I may giue praise to thee my onely deliuerer in perpetuall eternity Amen A prayer against tbe secret venim and great danger of prosperity O Lord prepare my heart to wisedom prepare it to prayer and teach my soule to feele all the dangers wherewith it is beset on euery side and grant good Father that I mâ—y not pray in wordes or in sound of speech but in Spirite and Faith I acknowledge to thee O Lord thy great mercies toward mee at this time for beside the vnspeakable graces of my redemption and of my holy calling in the Gospell which are euermore good thou hast giuen me a large measure of earthly blessings my table is richly and daintily furnished my Cup ouer-floweth mine enemies are chased away and I feele no want no affliction no sorrow My prosperitie leadeth mee as by the hand from one delight to another and from one pleasure to another In the morning peace is at my right hand and at night quietnesse at my left O Lord are not these thy blessings Hast not thou opened thy mercifull hand and filled me with all these comforts True it is O Lord that they came all from thee and for them I am indebted vnto thee and giue thee hearty thanks But alas O Lord I finde by experience that prosperitie such is our infirmitie carrieth vs too too farre away it feedeth vs from day to day and from time to time with new delights it ingendereth also secretly such peace and confidence in these things which are but as a reede to leane vpon that we are carried away wee forget not thee onely but our selues also But the day of aduersitie the day of sicknesse the day of trouble that layeth open our weakenesse it causeth much care to bee released it prouoketh many praiers for releefe O it is a happy day a day of returning to the Lord a day of repentance as in Sackcloath and Ashes O how may my soule praise the
for a troubled and wounded Conscience 464 The END of the Table A briefe and necessarie Catechisme Very meet to be knowne of euery one before they bee admitted vnto the Supper of the Lord. Question WHat is the cheefest thing which euery one ought to bee most carefull of as long as they liue An. Euery one ought to be most careful of these two points First and chiefely â—ow we can be saued in the day of iudgement before Gods iudgement seate and so come to life euerlasting Secondly how to liue according to Gods holie will during our life In which two points wholly standeth the glory of God so much as of man ought to bee sought for Que. How can we know this how wee are discharged before Gods iudgement seate An. We can neuer know how we bee discharged before the iudgement seate of God vntill such time as we know our owne miserable estate by reason of the greatnesse of our sinnes and the horrible punishment which we deserue for them Que. How doest thou know the greatnesse of thy sinne and the horrible punishment due to the same An. The greatnes of my sinne and the horrible punnishment thereof I knowe â—y the Law of God rightly vnderstood the sum whereof is contained in the tenne Commandements Quest Rehearse the tenne Commandements An. God spake all these wordes and saide I am the Lord thy God which brought â—hee out of the Land of Egypt out of the House of â—ondage 1 THou shalt haue none other but Gods me 2 Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen Image nor the likenesse of any thing that â—s in Heauen aboue nor in the â—arth beneath nor in the water vnder the earth thou shalt not bowe downe to them nor worship them For I the Lord thy God am a iealous God and visit the sinnes of the Fathers vpon the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me and shew mercie vnto thousands in them that loue mee and keepe my Commandements 3 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy GOD in vaine for the Lord will not hold him guiltlesse that taketh his name in vaine 4 Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day six daies shalt thou labour and doe all that thou hast to do But the seuenth day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God In it thou shalt do no manner of worke thou thy sonne and thy daughter thy manseruant and thy maidseruant try cattle and the stranger that is within thy gates For in sixe dayes the LORD made heauen and earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seuenth day wherfore the Lord blessed the seauenth day and hallowed it 5 Honor thy Father thy Mother that thy dayes may be long in the Land which the Lord thy God giueth thee 6 Thou shalt do no murder 7 Thou shalt not committe Adultery 8 Thou shalt not steale 9 Thou shalt not beare false witnesse against thy neighbor 10 Thou shalt not couet thy Neighbours house thou shalt not couet thy Neighbours wife nor his manseruant nor his maide nor his Oxe nor his Asse nor any thing that is his Qu. What is the first Commandement An. Thou shalt haue no other Gods but me Que. What is the meaning of this Commandement A. The Lord God straitly chargeth vs in this first commandement that wee worship God alone which worshippe standeth in three points First that wee loue God aboue all SecoÌ„dly that we make our praiers to none but to God Thirdly that we acknowledge God alone to be the guider and gouernour of all things of whom wee receiue all the benefites we haue and therefore that we trust and stay vpon him alone Que. What is the second Commandement An. Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen Image or the likenesse of any thing that is in heauen aboue c. Qu. What is the meaning of this Commandement An. In this second Commandement bee contained three things First that wee should not think God to be like either man or woman or any other thing therefore that we make no image of God in any case Secondly that we make no image of any other thing either to worship the image it selfe either God Saint or Angell by the image neyther yet to this end to bee the better put in minde of God by the Image Thirdly that we worship not God in any other outward worship according to our owne fantasies but as God commandeth vs in his word Que. What is the 3. Commandement An. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vaine Que. What is the meaning of this Commandement Ans God chargeth vs in this third Commandement these three things First that we vse with a most high reuerence the name of GOD whensoeuer we either speak or thinke vpon him Secondly that wee neuer blaspheme the name of God in our common talke although the matter bee neuer so true but only where the glory of God is sought or the saluation of our Bretheren or else before a Magistrate in witnessing the truth when we are thereunto lawfully called In which causes we must onely sweare by the name of God But as for Saints Angels Rood Book Crosse Masse or any other thing wee ought in no case by them to sweare Que. What is the 4 Commandement An. Remember that thou keepe holy the Sabbath day Que. What is the meaning of this Commandement An. The hallowing of the Sabbath day is to rest from our labours in our Calling and in one place to assemble our selues together and with feare and reuerence to hear marke and lay vppe in our hearts the word of GOD preached vnto vs to pray all together that which we vnderstand with one consent And at the times appointed to vse the Sacraments in Faith and Repentance and all our life long to rest from wickednesse that the Lord by his holy Spirit may work in vs his good worke and so begin in this life the euerlasting rest Que. What is the fift Commandement An. Honor thy Father thy Mother Que. What is the meaning of this Commandement An. The meaning of the fift Commandement is that we should honour that is to say loue feare obey and releeue our Parents or any other that are vnto vs in their stead As our Princes Rulers and Magistrates our Pastours and Teachers our Masters and all other which are aboue vs in any calling placed by God the Aged and â—ray headed and that all Superiors do shew themselues indeed Parents in defending and guiding their Inferiours Qu. What is the sixt Commandement Ans Thou shalt doe no murther Que. What is the meaning of this Commandement An. First the Lord God forbiddeth vs in this Commandement all killing fighting and quarrelling all reproaches mocks and taunts Secondly he forbiddeth all killing in heart that is al anger and malice all desire of reuenge Thirdly on the other side he commandeth vs to preserue life by exercising the workes of
be now and shall bee to the end of the world Of the which number I beleeue that I am one I beleeue that God knoweth them all and hath a most tender care ouer them Que. What callest thou the Communion of Saints An. The Communion of Saints is the society that all we which beleeue haue one with another as members of one head Iesus Christ whereby wee are ready to communicate all Gods benefites both Spirituall and Temporall to the mutuall health and comfort one of another according vnto the measure which we haue receyued of God in this life Que. What is it to beleeue the forgiuenesse of sinnes An. I beleeue that Iesus Christ hath wholy appeased God for my sinnes paide the full punishment due to them and therfore that they be freely forgiuen mee and shall neuer be laide vnto my charge Que. What beleeuest thou of the rising againe of the body Ans I beleeue that after this life eÌ„nded my soule shal go to God that gaue it and my body shall rest in the graue vntill the appoynted time and then I shall see God in my flesh and mine eyes shall looke vpon him and this my bodie shall bee made like to the glorious body of Christ without al corruption Que. What is it that thou sayest of Life euerlasting An. I beleeue that when God shall raise againe this my body and ioyn it againe together with my soule that then I shall liue with Christ for euer in his euerlasting kingdome of glory Que. By what means do we attaine to this which thou hast heere confessed An. The holy Ghost hath appointed the preaching of the word to be the ordinary meanes whereby hee worketh in our hearts this true and liuely faith and without this preaching of the Word we can neuer haue faith Que. After that GOD by the meanes of his word hath wrought in our hearts faith by what meanes afterward doeth he strengthen the same An. This faith doth God strengthen in vs by the selfe same preaching of the word and also by the vse of the Sacraments Que. What callest thou the Sacraments An. Sacraments bee outward signes ordaind of God for the greater assurance and strengthening of our Faith beeing vnto vs sure pledges of these benefits of our Saluation which we receiue in Christ to be ours and are represented vnto vs by the outward signes of water in baptisme and Bread and Wine in the Supper of the Lord. They serue also for a marke of our profession whereby we differ from other people which be Heathen Qu. How many Sacraments be there An. There be two Sacraments that is to say Baptisme and the Supper of the Lord. Qu. What strength of faith hast thou through Baptisme Ans I am taught and assured by Baptisme that my sinnes are forgiuen mee for as the water washeth away the filthinesse of my bodie euen so should I through the holy Ghost be thereby fully certified and perswaded that the bloud of Christ beeing sprinkled vpon my soule by the hand of Faith hath washed away both the guiltinesse of my sinne and the punishment due vnto the same the fruite and effect whereof appeareth heerein that through the power of Christ his death and resurrection I am dead as touching sin and raised vp againe in newnesse of life vvhich two things in whomsoeuer they appeare not they may well haue the name title of Baptisme but indeed they are no Christians Qu. What strength of faith do wee finde in the vse of the Lords Supper Ans The Supper of the Lord thorough the holy-Ghost doth strengthen my Faith that I should not doubt but as surely as I receiue the Bread and Wine into my body to become wholly mine so my soule receiueth withall Christ with his passion and righteousnesse to be wholy mine as surely as if I had wrought them mine owne selfe Que. Are not then the bread and wine in the supper of the Lord turned into the body and bloud of Christ An. The bread and wine as touching their nature and substance are not turned but as touching the vse of them they differ from common Bread and Wine in that they are appointed of God to serue vnto vs as Seales â—ledges of those benefits which Christ in his body hath wrought for vs. Qu. In what maner oughtest thou to prepare thy selfe to the receiuing these misteries An. In preparing my selfe to receiue the supper of the Lord I ought diligently to obserue these three things First to examine my selfe whether I stand in faith or no which I shall know if I feele my hart assured by the Spirit of God that the punishment of my sins is fully discharged in Christ and that whatsoeuer hee hath done pertaineth not onely to others but euen to me Secondly to examine my selfe whether I find my hart inwardly sorry for my sins with inward hatred and lothing of sin and an earnest desire and sure purpose wholy to conforme my selfe to the will of Gods word Thirdly if any offence be betwixt others and me that I reconcile my selfe vnto them All these things although they ought earnestly to be considered in the whole course of our life yet then especially when wee come to the supper of the Lord. Que. Now seeing wee be saued by Christes Works without our deseruings wherto then now serueth our wel doings or what auaileth it to do good workes An. We must do good workes not to deserue our saluation by them but by our works to glorifie God in walking as becommeth Gods Children declaring thereby our thankfulnes to God for our redemption Secondly by our works to make our election more certaine vnto our selues Thirdly to winne others vnto Christ by our holy life and conuersation Quest What works callest thou good works An. Our works can neuer be accepable and good in the sight of God vnlesse in doing them wee keepe these two things First that they be framed according to the rule of Gods lawes Commandements not after our owne deuice Secondly that they proceede from an heart purged by faith If either of these two pointes be lacking our workes are abhominable in the eyes of Almighty God although they appeare neuer so glorious in the sight of men Que. Because prayer is one especiall meanes which Gad will haue vs vse to increase our faith tell me what belongeth to true prayer An. It is requisite in true prayer that we obserue these fiue things First that we make our prayers onely to God thorough Christ and not to Saints Secondly that we be inwardly touched with neede of the thing we aske hauing our minde wholly bent therupon and not caried away with by-thoghts Thirdly that our prayers be grounded vppon Gods promise with full assurance that they shall be granted so farre as the Lord doth know them to be meete and needfull for vs. Fourthly that we continue in prayer although we haue not our requests at the first Fiftly that we aske not those things which we thinke
and feeling faith for we feel it oftentimes in vs very weake and troubled with many doubtes Increase it in vs O Lord that wee may through thy holy spirit bee assured that the punishment of our sinne is fully in thy Sonne discharged Make vs O Lord our God to feele the same in our soules and consciences that Iâ—sus Christ is ours and all that hee hath done that we are ingrafted into his body and made one with him and therefore fellow-heires with him of euerlasting life Let vs not onely haue these words in our mouths good Lord but through thy holy Spirit let vs feele the comfort of them in our hearts fully sealed setled in vs that we feeling our selues inwardly before thy Iudgement seate discharged and our consciences towards thee appeased may bee swallowed vp with an vnfained loue towards thy heauenly Maiesty and towards our Bretheren for thy sake Make sinne to die in vs daily more and more that wee may hate detest and vtterly abhorre all sinne and wickednesse in all men but especially in our selues that wee mâ—y strongly through thy holy Spirit sette our selues in open defiance against all sin and wickednesse that wee please not our selues in our sins but straightly examining sin by the iust rule of thy holy Lawes wee may vtterly from the bottome of our hearts condemne euen the least sinne in our selues hauing our whole ioy comfort and consolation vpon those things which bee agreeable to thy blessed will alwaies being afraide to doe any thing contrary to the same that wee may euen from the bottome of our hearts examine and try our thoughts before thy presence that they bee vpright vnfained not hypocritical in outward shew only appearance but that euen all the corners of our hearts being opned and disclosed before thee we may euen as though it were openly before the face of the whole world bring them in shew knowing that a double heart is destitute in thine eyes and that wee may walke alwayes as before thine eyes not onely before the eyes of man being more carefull to walk circumspectly in this respect that we haue thee to be a viewer of our doings a thousand fold more then the eyes of man That thus wee may walke as becommeth thy Children not onely in outward shew but also in sincerity of hart abhorring euen the least sinne in our selues striuing resisting and fighting against sinne not nourishing the same in our breast but earnestly embracing and studiously seeking after those things which bee pleasant in thine eyes that neyther the feare of man nor losse of goods life landes possessions or friends draw vs away from thee to doe anie least thing contrary vnto thy will and pleasure neither the fauour and friendship of man nor yet the flattering enticements of this World nor the vaine promotions of the same do mooue vs â—ny whit from the true and endlesse ioy delight pleasure which we ought to haue in those things which be agreeable to thy will and the constant performance of the same but that alwayes to the end of our life wee may continue in thy pathes growing and increasing from faith to faith from strength to strength till at length we shall come to thine euerlasting rest Amen ¶ A Prayer for the prosperous estate of the whole Church O Lord our God and heauenly Father forasmuch as by thy holy word we are commanded in our Prayers not onely to be mindefull of our selues but also of all other thy children yea euen of our enemies wee commend vnto thy diuine Maiestie all thy whole true and Catholicke Church and euery member thereof that as it hath pleased thy goodnesse by the bright beames of thy holy word to shine ouer the whole world whereby thou hast expelled driuen away caused to vanish the darke and misty cloudes of ignorance and superstition so thou wouldest vouchsafe by thy holy Spirit to touch the hearts of men that they may ioyfully imbrace that thine so high a Treasure sent amongst vs that through our vnthankefulnesse wee prouoke not thy Maiesty in anger to take it from vs. Crush bruise and destroy with the breth of thy mouth the mightie power of that man of sin which so proudly exalteth himselfe aboue al that is called God Let not thy simple flocke deere Father in whose consciences he so long time hath yet doth sit as God bee any longer poisoned with his sweet inticing poisons but so lighten their harts that they may perceiue his iuglings embrace the sweet and comfortable doctrine of life euerlasting reuealed in thy glorious Gospell And forasmuch as it hath pleased thee in mercy aboue all Nations of the earth to powâ—e down the sweet showers of thy heauenly graces vpon this our English Nation aboundantly in more plentifull wise watering the same with the giftes of thy holy Spirite in promoting thy Gospell and ouerthrowing Idolatrie we beseech thee continue thy fauour towards the same and vttery roote out all Remnants Reliques and Monâ—ments of Idolatrie that thy glorious name may be throughly exalted in sincere pure and holy worship And as thou hast in mercie from amongst vs in this thy Church vtterly banished all false venomous and poisonfull doctrine wherewith the soules of thy Children heretofore haue beene wounded â—o death and in place thereof hast placed the true and comfortable doctrine of life euerlasting wherewith the soules of thy children may be fedde and norished to euerlasting ioy so in like mercie and fauour we beseech thee deare Father establish in the same thy Church a true perfect and sincere regiment therof according to the prescript rule of thy blessed Word all fantasies of mans brains and dreames of humane policie vtterly abolished that thy glorious Maiesty onely may be exalted in the light of thy glorious Gospel and that thy Church may flourish increase being through thy protection aided supported maintained and defended we beseech thee â—â—thy holy Spirit guide and rule euery part and member thereof especially thy seruant Iames our King whome thy gracious fauor and mercifull prouidence hath appointed a cheefe member of the same vnder whose winges next vnto thy protection it hath a cheefe succour and support Grant vnto him O Lord a pure and perfect zeale aboue all things to promote thy glorie first cheeflie in labouring and endeuoring of himselfe earnestlie in wiping away and purging out of the Church all blots and deformities to reduce the same to a pure sincere forme of worshippe agreeing to thy blessed word vtterly to remooue all stumbling blockes which stay and hinder the course of thy Gospell Giue in like manner O Lord GOD the spitit of wisedome discretion gouerment that with equitie and iustice he may see this whole Realme which thou hast committed to his charge peaceably quietly gouerned that hee may studiouslie labour that as well through the whole Realme vertue be exalted vice abandoned as especially in his owne house and Court that all wicked
vanities of this world all licentious and inordinate life all flattering and dissimulation being vtterly banishâ—d the fâ—are of thy glorious Maiesty may so reigne in the harts of all within his Highnesse Pallace and Court that their liues and conuersation may bee agreeable to thy blessed will in sinceritie and true holinesse and integritie of life that from them as from the head may shine purity of life and conuersation as an example and patterne of true godlinesse to the whole Realme Preserue him wee beseech thee good Lord from all conspiracies and Treasons that if it bee thy good will he may haue a long quiet raigne ouer vs to the benefite of thy Church and aduancement of thy glory Indue the whole Counsell good Lord with true and perfect wisedom that in all their consultations Counsels hauing thee present before their eies they may consult of those things which principally cheefly may bee for the aduancement of thy glory and the commodity of thy Church and next for the quiet peace and gracious gouernment of this his Realme So lighten all inferior Magistrates of this Realme good Lord with brightnesse of thy holy Spirit that vnderstanding thy will they may zealously defend maintaine and further the course of the Gospell with the sword of iustice cut off the wicked and cherish the godly Defend and gouerne by thy holy Spirit the Pastours of thy Church and labourâ—rs in thy vineyard that â—hey may zealously earnestly and diligently feed thy flocke committed vnto them with the food of life thy bl ssed word wherewith their soules may bee nourished to life euerlasting Increase the number of them deare Father place ouer euery flocke a godly learned and painfull Pastor who may painfully carefully trauell euery one in his charge to bring thy people which now alasse in many parts doe wander and goe astray like lost sheepe to the true knowledge of their Lord and God and of thy deare Son Iesus Christ their Sauiour And for thy mercy wee beseech thee to take pitty vppon thy poore and simple flocke roote out all rauening woolues which haue craftily crept into thy sheepfold and doe make hauocke of the soules of thy simple Flocke Câ—st out all hirelings time-seruers dumbe Dogges which to fill their bellies onely haue thrust themselues among thy sheepe and doe pittifully suffer the Flocke of Christ thy Sonne to be deuoured and scattered of the Woolfe Stirre vp good Lord and place in their roomes faithfull Sheepeheards which diligently painefully carefully and earnestly may labour in thy Vine-yard seeke to winne the soules of thy people out of the tyranny and power of Sathan to the freedome of thy deare Sonne Christ Iesus our Lord. And that thy Church may better be furnished with godly learned Pastors wee beseech thee good Lord to prosper and increase in all Godly knowledge all schooles of leaâ—ning especially the two Vniuersities Cambridge and Oxford Grant deare Father vnto all the students of the same that the chiefe end of all their studies may bee to the furtherance of thy Church and maintenance of the common-wealth Blesse their studies deare Father that al vaine studies set aside they may so fructifie in all profitable and godly Sciences that hereafter they may become profitable members of thy Church godly Vpholders of the Common-wealth Grant good Lord to all the whole Commons of this Realme that their hearts being touched with a sincere feare and reuerence of thy Heauenly Maiesty acknowledging thy mercy in placing ouer them a godly Religious Prince they may euery one in their callings walke in all true and humble obedience vnto him in thee and for thee without resistance tumults Insurrections conspiracies or rebellions knowâ— grâ—at to resist the higher Powers is to rebel against thy Maiesty Finally wee beseech thy goodnesse so to giude gouerne the hearts of all the whole Realme of euery degree that euery one in his calling being by thy holy wisedome supported may so occupy his Talent that thy glory in all things may be aduanced thy church inlarged this whole Realme into sincere godlines vertuously reduced Moreouer wee beseech thee O Lord our God in Mercy to behold all those which suffer persecution for thy glorious words sake whether it bee imprisonment death or banishment or whatsoeuer else strengthen them good Lord that they hauing thee alwaies before their eyes and the glory laide vp for them in the life to come may continue constant in defending thy truth without feare of man or vaine allurements of the world that whether it come by life or death they may glorifie thy holy Name in continuing in the truth to the end Preserue in like manner wee beseech thee all others thy Children whome it hath pleased thee with any kind of Crosse to chasten for their amendment whether by pestilence famine warre pouerty Imprisonment sicknesse or banishment trouble of conscience vexation of spirit vnquietnesse of minde want of spirituall comfort or whatsoeuer kinde of affliction of body or minde thou dost try them with that by thy holy spirit being fully assured that thou by this thy correction mindest to call them backe to a feeling of their sinne due consideration of their life conuersation they may patiently abide thy Fatherly tryall looking for aide helpe and comfort from thee when it seemeth most conuenient to thy holy wisedome and being by thy mercifull hand once deliuered may acknowledge thy singular power and worke giuing all laud and praise to thy glorious name and afterwards all the daies of their life study and liue before it hee in sincerity and perfect holinesse euen to their liues end This O Lord we beseech thee in Mercy to grant for thy beloued Sonnes sake Iesus Christ our Lord and onely Sauiour Amen Morning prayer for priuate Houses and Families O Gracious God and louing Father according to thy commandement wee doe here present our selues before the throne of thy mercy acknowledging and confessing from the bottome of our hearts that we be miserable sinners daily breaking thy commandements both in thought word and deed wherein wee iustly deserue euerlasting damnation and to bee vtterly throwne from thy presence yet O Lord wee see thy goodnesse againe toward vs who not suffering vs thus to perish in our sins hast sent thine owne deare Sonne Iesus Christ to take vppon him whatsoeuer is due to reconcile and make vs at one with thee againe In him therfore good Lord and through him doe wee come vnto thee beseeching thee for his sake that wee feeling the grieuousnesse of our sinnes and groaning vnder the burthen of them may feele the release ease of them in that we bee thorough thy holy Spirit assured and stedfastly beleeue that Christ hath borne the burthen of them euen for vs. Grant likewise O most mercifull Lord heauenly Father that wee being assured hereof in our consciences may through thy holy Spirit be renued in the inner man to hate detest and abhorre sinne and
to study to liue according to thy blessed will during our whole life Wee doe not onely pray for our selues but also for all thy whole Church especially such as bee persecuted for thy word grant vnto them that whether it be by death or life they may glorifie thy Name to their liues end Be mercifull to this Church of England Scotland Ireland we beseech thee good Lord preserue euery part and menber of the same especially thy seruant Iames our King grant him all such giftes as bee needfull for so high a calling to the aduancement of thy glorie and benefit of this Common wealth to the establishing of a perfect gouerment of thy Church according to the prescript rule of thy blessed word to the rooting out of all superstition and reliques of Antichrist to the gouerning of his subiects in all peace and tranquilitie Defend him O Lord from all conspiracies treasons rebellions and so worke in the hearts of all his subiects that knowing his authoritie doth come from thy heauenly Maiesty they may with obedient hearts humbly obey them in thee and for thee Preserue the whole Councell and the Magistrates of the Realme that being lightened through thy holy Spirit they may defend the truth suppresse wickednesse and maintaine equitie Behold all the Pastours and Preachers of thy word blesse their labours increase the number of them place ouer euery Church a painefull watchman remoue all idle lubbers and confound the power of Antichrist and turne the hearts of the people that they may be obedient to thy truth Blesse the two famous Vniuersities Cambridge and Oxford all the students of the same with all Schooles of Learening Behold all those that bee afflicted with any kind of crosse that they may profit by thy correction in newnesse of life Lastly for our selues here gathered wee humbly O Lord craue at thy handes that it would please thee to make vs thankefull vnto thy Maiestie for all thy louing kindnesse shewed vnto vs euen from our infancie especially that thou hast this present night deliuered vs from all dangers both of body and soule whereinto many haue fallen as wee in the like manner should haue done if we had not beene staied with thy mercifull hand that thou hast aâ—so granted vnto vs so sweete comfortable rest and hast now presently brought vs to the beginning of this day For these things good Lord wee yeeld thee most hearty thankes beseeching thee to make vs more more daily thankfull vnto thy Maiestie for them and pardon our vnthankfulnesse And as thou hast safely preserued vs vnto this present houre from all the dangers of this life so we beseech thee continue thy fauour towardes vs this day and the whole course of our life Defend vs O Lord that we now entring into the affaires of this day bee not drawne away with the vaine allurements of this world to sinne and wickednesse that wee walke not in the shadow of death that wee be not intangled in the snares of sinne that wee stumble not at the blockes of iniquitie that we finally fall not into the pit of death and destruction but beeing shadowed vnder thy wings we may cheerefully constantlie goe on forward to the end of our course Grant vnto vs O Lord our God that this good time which thou grantest vnto vs in this life be not idlely or vainly of vs consumed but that euery one of vs may be diligently exercised in his calling this day and all our life long being assured that thou wilt once call vs to yeeld an account of our Stewardship Indue vs we beseech thee with those gifts and graces which bee needfull for vs in our calling that with a pure heart sincere conscience wee may vse them to the benefit of our bretheren and discharge of our owne conscience before thy Maiestie We beseech thee O Lord that in all our consultations words and workes this day and the whole course of our life we may alwayes haue thee presnet before our eyes knowing that thou seest euen the very deepe thoughts of our hearts which alwaies may bee as a bridle to pull vs backe that wee neither do nor yet consent to any sinne or wickednesse but that alwaies wee may bee so exercised in the affaires of this life that wee looke still to the end of our course when it shall please thee to bring vs through the pilgrimage of this life to our euerlasting rest with thy deere Sonne Iesus Christ our Sauiour In whose Name for these mercies and whatsoeuer thou knowest to bee needfull for vs for thy whole Church wee pray vnto thee as hee himselfe hath taught vs in his holy word saying Our Father c. The Lord blesse vs saue vs the Lord make his face shine vppon vs and bee mercifull vnto vs the Lord turne his fauorable countenance towards vs grant vs his peace The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ the loue of God the Father and the most comfortable fâ—llowshippe of the holy Ghost bee with vs preserue vs this day and euermore Amen Euening Prayer for priuate Houses and Families O Gracious God and louing Father according to thy Commandement we do heere present our selues againe before thy Maiestie humbly prostrating our sinfull selues before the Throne of thy mercy acknowledging and confessing from the bottome of our hearts that wee are miserable sinners daylie breaking thy Commaundements both in thoght word and deede wherein we iustly deserue euerlasting damnation and to bee vtterly throwne from thy presence Yet O Lord wee see thy goodnesse againe towardes vs who not sâ—ffering vs thus to perish in our sinnes hast set thine owne deere Sonne Iesus Christ to take vppon him whatsoeuer is due â—o reconcile and make vs at one with thee againe In him theâ—efore good Lord and through him doe wee come vnto thee beseeching thee for his sake that wee feeling the greeuousnesse of our sins and groaning vnder the burthen of them may feele the release and ease of them in that we be through thy holie Spirit assured and stedfastly beleeue that Christ Iesus our Lord hath borne the burden of them euen for vs. Graunt O Lord that wee being assured heereof in our Consciences may thorough thy most holy and blessed Spirit be renewed in the inner man to hate detest and vtterly abhorre all sinne and that wee may studie to liue according to thy blessed will during our whole life And now O Lord God we pray not onely for our selues but likewise for all thy whole Church especiallie for such as be persecuted for the testimony of a good conscience Grant vnto them O Lord that whether it be by death or life they may glorifie thy Name to their liues end Blesse these Churches good Father wherein wee liue and therein our gracious Soueraigne and thy seruant Iames King of Great-Britaine France and Ireland Keepe him O Lord from all Conspiracies Treasons and Rebellions Preserue the Noble and hopefull Prince Charles the
illustrious Prince Palatine the Lady Elizabeth with their Princely Issue Blesse the Lords of his Maiesties most honourable Priuie Counsell the Magistrates Ministers of this Land Shower downe thy blessings O Lord vpon both the Vniuersities and all Schooles of Learning Comfort all those that bee afflicted with any kind of crosse that they may profit by thy correction to newnesse of life And lastly gracious Lord God we come vnto thee for our selues heere gathered together rendering vnto thy glorious Maiesty most hearty Thankes which hast hitherto from our infancy presetued vs by thy mercy from all perils and daungers both of soule and body whereunto fraile man is subiect that thou hast sent vnto vs euerie thing necessarie for this present life as health foode apparrell and such like which many of thy deere Children do want being notwithstanding as preciouslie bought with the precious bloud of thy deere Sonne as we be yet be in misery and calamity oppressed with pouertie nakednesse imprisonment and banishment in vvhose case also deare Father thou mightest haue brought vs saue onely that thou dealest herein more fauourably with vs then with them For the which thy louing kindnesse we giue thee hearty thankes desiring thee that as thou hast hitherto thus fauorably in mercie preserued vs by thy protection and euen presently this day hast brought vs past all dangers therof so we beseech thee good Lord in like fauour to behold vs this night that we taking our naturall rest and quietnes may through thy protection bee defended that our Bodies resting our soules may bee occupied in beholding thy fauour and mercie towardes thy Children still looking for the comming of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ for our full Redemption Graunt that our sleepe bee not immoderate according to the lust of our flesh but as much as is sufficient to refresh our weake nature that being thus refreshed both the body and the mind may be more able to doe their seuerall office and Function in that Vocation wherein thou hast placed vs. Grant that we laying our bodies downe to rest mâ—y be thereby put in minde oâ— our long rest of death that as we do now lay down our bodies in bed so we may be therby admonished that heereafter they shall be layde downe in the Graue to bee consumed to dust earth ashes from whence they were taken That we hauing this before our eyes may be stirred vp in minde warily to walke in this our Pilgrimage not knowing when the time shall be of our departure but alwaies to be found readie with ouâ— Lampes of pure faith clearly burning that we may be accepted to meete the Bridegroome when our mortall earthly and corruptible Bodies shall be made like to the glorious body of our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ there to reigne with him in perpetuall ioy and consolation together with all the Elect children of God continually lauding with thy Heauenly multitude the glorious Maiesty of thee our Lord God and heauenly Father in our God and Sauiour Iesus Christ For these and whatsoeuer else thou knowst to be needfull for vs and thy whole Church we pray vnto thee as he himselfe hath taught vs saying Our Father c. The Lord blesse vs saue vs the Lord make his face to shine vpon vs and be mercifull vnto vs The Lord turne his fauourable countenance vnto vs and graunt vs his peace The grace of our Lord Iesu Christ the loue of God the Father and the most comfortable Fellowship of God the holy Ghost be with vs preserue and keepe vs this night forth and for euermore Amen A forme of Prayer dayly to bee vsed of all faithfull Christians in their houses or elswhere ALmighty God and mercifull Father in and thorough Iesus Christ our Lord in whom and by whom we trust that thou art our God and Father we most humbly heere prostrate our selues before the Throne of thy Maiestie beseeching thee first good Father and God to pardon all our sinnes which wee confesse and acknowledge against our selues bâ—seeching thy gracious Spirit to worke in vs the knowledge of them daily more and more that thereby we may coâ—e vntâ— true Repentance for them together therewith vnto the knowledge of the heighth bredth depth and fulnesse in all sorts of thy grace and mercie whereby through Iesus Christ thou hast forgotten them and remoued them as farre from vs as the East is from the West And althogh we know by them too well good Lord that wee haue as much as in vs lay lyeth laboured to prouoke thine anger against vs heaping sinne vpon sinne and multiplying offences and transgressions against thy high grace and Maiesty breaking thy holy word Commandements yet thou O Lord hast not beene as Man nor thy affections as the affections of the Sonnes of men but hast continued gracious and mercifull and bountiful vnto vs in pardoning our sinnes and daily renewing in vs with the morning thy graces diuers and manifold Therefore we beseech thee most mercifull Father so to giue vs thy holy Spirit that wee prouoke thee no more that thou rise not against vs to destroy vs as we haue deserued for we haue bene are dry as stubble and yet thou hast not dispersed and consumed vs we haue beene vnfruitfull and thou hast not cut vs downe yea Lord we haue brought forth wild and sower Fruite corrupt and detestable and yet thou lettest thy raine to fall and Sun to shine vpon vs. Make vs therefore wee beseech thee sorry as becometh thy Children for that wee haue disobeyed thee so mercifull and louing a Father and frame vs daily and fashion vs to the likenesse of thy wel beloued Sonne Iesus Christ our Lord that in knowledge and true holinesse wee may glorifie thee before the world and by the fruits of godlinesse and righteousnesse be assured and made certaine of thy holy Spirit and of the loue wherewith thou louest vs. Make vs thankfull deere Father for the infinite vnspeakeable benefites of our election to life and euerlasting glory before all time and for our creation redemption and sanctification in time to bring thy glorious counsell to passe Worke in vs certaine faith and assured hope in thy promises the true feare of thy Maiesty perfect hate and detestation of all disordered and sinfull affections Worke in vs eternal loue of thy trueth and Gospell sincere affection and loue towards thy Children and amongst our selues patience knowledge vertue loue compassion with all graces of thy kingdome that in all on behauiour thou O God mayest be glorified in vs. Also wee beseech thee most mercifull Father for the benefites of this life That as thou art not onely the God of our spirites and soules but also of our bodies so it would please thee notwithstanding our sinnes to grant vs thy blessings of health peace and maintenance of which by thy gracious prouidence some of vs doe feele the want and some of vs haue for long time enioyed
my selfe and all mine into thy speciall tuition beseeching thee to giue mee my full acquitance before I meete thee in publike that I may approach thy presence with comfort and pertake thine owne ordinances as my appointed food make such benefite by them as may satisfie mee with thy fulnesse to the reioycing of my soule in the light of thy Countenance and to prouoke mee to long for thine euerlasting presence and fit mee daily to meete my Sauiour in the Clouds in whose worthynesse I humbly pray thee to accept thine vnworthy seruant and his weake prayers to whome with thine owne Maiesty and God the blessed Spirit three glorious Persons one God in vnitie might and Maiesty be ascribed as most due all glory and Power and Maiesty Dominion with all feare hearty obedience of vs and the whole Church of God now and for euer Amen A Prayer for the Sabbath Euening ALmighty and euerliuing Lord God Fâ—ther of our Lord Iesus Christ in him our most louing and gracious Father whose faithfulnes is euerlasting louing kindnes past finding out it is thy good prouidence holy Father that wee thine vnworthy Seruants haue had this opportunity to commerse with thy glorious Maiesty this day in thy holy ordinances and now are to make vp our reckoning for our imployment therein in the shuting vp thereof and it is thine infinite mercy tender compassion towards vs that thou hast yet respited vs to the end of this thine holy Sabbath to make our peace with thee that so wee may lye downe in thy fauour and so bee sealed vp herebâ— vnto thine eternall Sabbath For wee vnfainedly here confesse before thee O thou thee searcher of our hearts that though thou hast offered thy selfe most graciously vnto vs this day in all thine ordinances to the reclayming of vs from our vaine and peruerse waies as also to allure vs to constant and cheerefull obedience yet Lord thou knowest what little power wee haue found to subdue the rebellions of our proud spirits how little comfort wee haue reaped from thence to arme vs against temptation and stay vs from sinking therein Nay our wisedome hath the more opposed thy Spirit by how much the more it hath bene conuinced there by and our wounds haue more stunke and putrified the more thou hast laboured to lance and cure them How slightly did wee prepare our selues to thy publike worship being only formall and customarie in the priuate rather standing vppon the adorning of our stinking carcasses to please men then to humble our soules that wee may bee accepted of thee How carelesse haue wee bene in exhorting and preaâ—iâ—g thy Familie that they together with vs might go vp with confidence to the house of God and so bee there refreshed with the fatnes of thy house And as we tooke not heâ—d to our feet when wee should come before thee so when we came our footing deceiued vs and though we saw our face in thy glasse and were iustly abased at the foule spots therein yet wee forgate presently the true hue thereof and so lose our selues at home euen when wee sought to find thee abroad departing alwaies without sound comfort from thy presence because we could not endure to be thorowly abased in our selues before thee And thus hath it befalne vs holy Lord euen while we haue endeauoured to honor thee in thine Ordinances that while wee haue rather sought therein our own glorie then thine and desired rather the outward credite of Profession then the power of Conuersion and renuing of our inward spirits Thogh thou gauest vs our desire to be seene of men yet thou didst send leannesse into our soule denying vs iustly the true comfort which wee did not cheefely desire or indeed were not fit for For alas what leaue could we expect from thee or at all in thee who while we tendred with the Harlot offrings of peace and made glorious shewes of loyaltie vnto thee yet did no better then vsurpe vpon thy honour by our hypocrisie vaineglory and as much as lay in vs challenge most blasphemously thine omniscienced righteousnesse as if either thou didst not discern our inward rottennesse or didst approue of our outside and bodily worship And did euer any fight against God and prosper Euen so Lord hath it fared with me this day Mine owne proud heart hath fought against thee in the vse and sence of all thy Blessings seeking to serue my selfe by them and not thy glorie and so to harden my heart therewith that though thou fillest the hungrie with good things yet diddest thou send mee away empty of true comfort because my proud and swolne heart vtterly excluded the same And so it iustly befell me according to thy word that it carried mee from the presence of thy grace While I stood in the presence of thy Ordinances Lord how my minde wandered from thee while my bodie was before thee Nay my disharted mind peruerted my body also that euen with much deadnesse of the outward man much drowsinesse and irreuerence I behaued my selfe so before thee as I durst not before my Friend as I might giue iust aduantage to mine Enemie rather thinking the time too long because my mind was on my belly yea sometimes wishing mine cares shorter and more slow to heare that so I might not conceiue what was contrarie vnto my corruption that I might as it were blesse my soul in my shallow and counterfet holinesse And what I yet conceiued how quickely either did I lose it that I might not finde my selfe or how foolishly did I turn it to the puffing vp of my flesh with a conceit of knowledge or to the adoring of the vessel that yeelded the Treasure that so he also might cloake magnifie me O Lord how my deceitfull heart couzened it selfe heerein Either in applying what I heard to others as if my selfe were not aymed at that so I might hereby commit two Euils both to condemne others and iustify my selfe Or else in misapplying what I heard vnto my selfe fastening on such Comforts as did not belong vnto mee or slighting such Terrors as specially aymed at my sore What should I say vnto thee O thou more inward with me then mine inmost parts Though mine eare was somtime tickled yet mine heart was not moued at al or more hardned by its contrarie motion Though mine heart was stricken for the present and shaken by thy Terrours yet it was calmed againe by the enchantments of Hypocrisie and Securitie And although I saw my true face in thy glasse yet I stopt mine eares from the hearing of thy Law and therefore thou diddest also hide thine eares from my Prayers which I afterward made before thee in priuate and deniedst thy gracious blessing to my endeauours in the informing of my Family and conferring of what I had heard for their further building vp in knowledge and obedience and because I had beene so carelesse in attending thee therefore thou diddest iustly leaue mee to the neglect
seeing that I erre as a child before such a Father which canst not but off thy Fatherly pitty and compassion but rather as thou hast bought mee vnto thee to bee an heire of thy kingdome by the bloud of thy naturall Sonne my Sauiour Iesus Christ so am I sure that thou wilt lighten mee in the end with full fruition of the bright light of thy countenance that I may see thee and know that as this thy Sonne knoweth thee yea see thee and know thee my Father face to face to know thâ—e as I am knowne Thus rest I onely in thy hands O my God crauing of thee to encrease my knowledge in thy holy word whereby I may know thy good will pleasure And knowing the same giue mee O Lord thy holy Spirit to conduct and lead mee in the same all the daies of my life that in sinceritie of faith and purenes of liuing and conuersation thy glorious Maiesty bee magnified in mee for euer Giue mee grace therefore most mercifull Father that for so high a treasure left among vs as is this thy most holy word I may be thankfull reuerently embrace accept and esteeme of the same as the most precious iewell in earth bee thereâ—n confirmed more strongly that all things therein contayned to be most certaine and vndoubtedly true not by any mortall man but by thy most holy Spirit in man penned and written to the comfort and behoofe of man that I may most humbly lowly and with most high reuerence submit my selfe thereunto as becometh thy Maiestie and thy word proceeding out of thy most blessed mouth that I may reuerently with humblenesse and obedience read heare and occupie my selfe in the same to the comfort of my soule and encrease of thy glory Lighten mine vnderstanding most deere Father with thy holy Spirit that I may learne cleerely to conceiue and vnderstand the things therein contained which no mortall man can conceiue saue those who haue learned of thee whom thou by thy holy Spirit dost lighten and instruct Guide mee deerâ— Father with thy holy Spirit that hauing the true vnderstanding of the mysteries therein contained I may be fully established and confirmed in the true knowledge of thee my deere Father of thy beloued Sonne Iesus Christ my Lord and Sauiour throughly in conscience perswaded that I haue my full and perfect saluation life euerlasting in him and through his attonement made through his death and passion that I doe not vainly abuse the knowledge of thy sacred word to satisfie vaine curiositie or bragge of knowledge but onely to the releeuing of my hungry and wounded conscience to the loosing of my fettered soule and the appeasing of my sorrowfull heart that I may to the end of my life walke in sincerity before thee my heauenly Father in the comforts of thy deere Sonne our Sauiour vpholden still by the mercifull power of the holy Ghost to thine euerlasting praise and glory world without end Amen A Thanks-giuing after the hearing or reading of the word of God O Eternall God and most mercifull Father I yeeld vnto thee most heartie thankes for all thy benefits bestowed vppon mee especially that it hath pleased thy heauenly goodnesse to shine into my heart through the light of thine holy Spirit in the Mysteries of thy holy word and that thou hast framed my heart and mind to take such vnspeakeable ioy and comfort in thy most blessed holy word and the embracing of my saluation therein offered vnto mee For these thine vnspeakable mercies I beseech thee O Lord make mee thankfull that I may acknowledge the great benefit thereof and esteeme of so inestimable a treasure aboue all earthly possessions or treasures And O Lord my God for so much as I wander in this present life among many and infinite dangers whereby I am euery moment in perill of sliding backe and falling from this feruent zeale of thy euerlasting truth which thou hast kindled in my brest if otherwise thou doe not stay mee by thy mercifull hand and for so much as I learne out of thy most blessed and holy word that it is not sufficient to haue begunne well vnlesse I continue to the end not sufficient to hold my hand to the plough and looke backe I craue at thy hands in the name of thy beloued Sonne my Lord and Sauiour Christ that this thy worke which thou hast begun in mee thou wilt in mercy encrease in me more and more and continue it euen to the end of my life that I doe not waxe cold secure dull or faint but continually encreasing in true zeale I may still more and more be delighted with reading hearing and meditating of thy holy word I may thereby also daily encrease in true knowledge of thy blessed will from faith to faith that I may euen from the bottome of my heart so sincerely professe thy true Religion that all hypocrisie vaine-glory and fained holinesse vtterly through thy holy Spirit rooted out of my heart I may onely hold my selfe contented that I may haue the eyes of thy Maiesty beholding my inward heart minde whereby I onely studying to be allowed before thy Maiesty may vtterly reiect all the vaine praise of men which might puffe mee vp or the scoffing iests taunts or reproches of the vngodly which might else driue me downe To this end O Lord my God that I may encrease and daily more and more be confirmed in thy mercies begun in mee I beseech thee stirre vp true sincere Preachers and Messengers who daily may stirre vp my minde and heart otherwise by nature dull to the ioyfull embracing of the glad tidings of peace Leaue mee not destitute O Lord my God of the meanes which thou hast appointed for the encrease of a liuely faith true zeale which meane is onely the Ministery of thy blessed and holy word but make mee alwaies carefull for the seeking of it and so prouide O Lord my God that I may alwaies haue it comfortably receiue it and sweetly digest it Keepe mee by thy holy Spirit O Lord that I neuer be seduced by erronious doctrine but that onely I may giue eare vnto thy voice that cleauing onely vnto thee I may in this present life which thou hast giuen mee so occupy my selfe and vse this good time which thou hast appointed that I may still looke for the comming of thy deere Sonne to receiue mee into the euerlasting rest prepared for all the elect and chosen whereby I shall for euer remaine together with my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ to whom with thee the holy Ghost be all honor and glory world without end Amen A Prayer before the receiuing of the Sacrament O Lord Iesus Christ which art the sweete comfort of all that call vpon thee and the sure succour of all such as sue vnto thee behold mee a most sinfull creature and foule offender which bowing the knees of my heart with all humilitie before thee confesse vnfainedly that I am
not worthy to entertaine and receiue thee into my sinfull vncleane house Neuerthelesse most louing Lord which hast said that who so eateth thy flesh drinketh thy blood shall dwell in thee and thou in him haue mercy vppon mee O haue mercy vpon mee most mercifull Sauiour and behold mee most miserable sinner prepared at this present not only to let thee in vnder the roofe of my mouth but also to lodge thee in the house of my heart O bountifull Iesu be my gracious Redeemer and grant that I receiue not the Sacrament of thy body and blood vnworthily purchasing thereby vnto my selfe death and damnation but rather be made through faith in thee a worthy receiuer a meete member of thy blessed body and so by the strength of this heauenly foode may not onely bee enabled to cast away all my former sinnes and most beloued corruptions but may also walke before thee in all constant holines to the making sure of mine election Grant this I beseech thee for thine owne mercy sake Amen A Prayer to be said after the receiuing of the Sacrament O Sweete Sauiour which with thy precious salue of compassion curest the foule and filthy sores of our sinnes and prouidest for vs all necessarie preseruatiues against the poyson of the soule-infecting maliciousnes heare I beseech thee the humble supplications of me thy poore seruant which heere present my selfe before thee at this present and grant that this my receiuing of the Sacrament of thy blessed body and blood may be a true testimony vnto my conscience that I haue through faith in thee receiued full remission of all my sinnes and offences past and am now become as it were a new Creature in thy sight I beseech thee likewise grant that casting away all my former workes of wickednesse I may henceforth walke in newnesse of life and godly conuersation bringing forth such fruits of true conuersion as may mooue others by my example to honor praise thy holy name And that running the whole race of my life in dutifull obedience toward thee I may when it shall please thee to thinke meete receiued among the number of thine elect into that euerlasting happinesse where wee shall bee perfect in holinesse Amen A Prayer for Constant perseuerance in praying when wee are dull to prayer O Lord God most mercifull Father according to thy commandement in mine afflictions and necessities I seeke to thee for succor by continuall prayer calling vppon thy Name I call vppon thee in the day time and in the night season doe I poure out my prayers vnto thee and yet for all that I feele mee nothing released but oftentimes worse and worse which maketh me many times deare Father almost to doubt of thy goodnesse that thou dost reiect my Prayers and giuest no heed vnto them whereby I doe almost thinke that it is no boot for me to pray seeing I feele no release but O Lord this is but weaknesse in me and the frailty of flesh which will not willingly bee subdued vnto thy Spirit which my frailty I beseech thee O Lord forgiue me For thou dost O Lord God see my conflicts and lookest vppon my continuall sighes and petitions but thou dost deferre prolong thy helpe the longer dost not at first helpe me to this end that I may see fully mine owne weaknes learne by little and little to subdue my rebellious will to thy good will who knoweth better what is meet for mee then I my selfe Therefore O most deare Father strengthen mee by thy holy Spirit that I may still perseuere and continue in prayer and with longing desires patiently waite for thee O Lord being assured that although it appeare not yet thou art alwaies present with mee and hearest my sighes and complaints and wilt when thou seest thy time declare thy selfe manifestly in the renewing my heart with spirituall ioy stirre vp O Lord my dull sluggish nature to call vpon thee continually appointing thee neyther time nor the meanes of my deliuerance but leauing all to thy good will and pleasure I may in the meane time neuer cease my continuall prayer to call for thy mercifull helpe vntill such time as it shall please thy goodnesse to send mee full deliuerance I feele my selfe O Lord oftentimes very vnwilling to pray for that I doe not fully perceiue my prayers to be heard but doe go on still languishing in my sorrowes as though thou hadst no care of mee But this my dulnesse I beseech thee O mercifull Father pardon in me and grant that I may be raised vppe to pray for aide and releefe of thee continually although I should see no signe of fauour yet that I may continue still with the faithfull Woman of Canaan and neuer cease in heart mind and mouth till thou grant my requests at thine appointed time when thou knowest it shall be most for my behoofe and for thy glory And that when thou shalt mercifully looke vpon mee to deliuer mee I may then fully with my whole heart acknowledge thy goodnesse toward me and let it neuer stirre out of my heart but continue thankfull for the same all the daies of my life whereby thy glorie in mee may be declared and my soule releeued thorough Christ my Lord and Sauiour Amen A Prayer for all times O Lord God Father of mercy and God of all consolation without whom wee haue neither hope nor comfort we poore wretched sinners beseech thee of thy Fatherly goodnesse to looke vpon vs and to make vs partakers of thy gracious goodnesse so that euermore wee may set foorth thy honor and glory let our conuersation bee such that a great many beholding our good workes may glorifie thee our heauenly Father and so direct our waies that we may hold forth the profession of thy Gospell as a Lanterne to lighten the steps of a great many that they may turne to the and prayse thy name in their visitation Thus O Lord wee beseech thee to deale with vs that in deed wee may be vessels of honor vnto thee now to set forth the glory of thy name and after this transitorie life to behold thy glory who hast immortallitie alone and dwellest in light that no man hath approched vnto remoue farre from vs our sinnes and iniquities that they may not separate betweene vs and thee blotte out of vs our offences and make our prayers righteous that thou mayest fauourably grant our requests looke vppon vs with thy fauourable mercy that thou mayest haue pittie vppon vs and behold vs in the righteousnesse of thy beloued Sonne Christ Iesus and that wee may be presented faultlesse in thy sight and thou accepting vs as holy we may haue the grace euermore to set forth thine honor and glory and to speake of thy praises in the midst of all thy people Let vs loue O Lord the things that are good and hate the things that are euil let vs delight in all things that may please thee and let vs
send the Spirit of thy Sonne into my dead heart whereby thou hast quickned mee by faith in the merits of my Sauiour enabled mee with boldnesse to draw neere vnto thee and to crie with confidence Abba Father O how hast thou shed thy loue abroad in my heart by the holy Ghost which thou hast giuen me whereby though I haue beene in great heauines through many temptations especially with the sense and horror of my sins yet hast thou wonderfully refreshed my fainting spirit and caused mee to reioyce with ioy vnspeakable and glorious O how haue these holy rauishments taken me vp into the third heauens How hath my soule now longed to put off this corruption and to be taken vp for euer to enioy thy glorious presence How gladly would I now haue obtained the marke before I had run my race How willingly would I haue the crowne before I had finished my course O the vnspeakable riches of the wisedome and mercy of my God toward me Didst thou not put this precious treasure of faith into an earthen vessel that the glorie might bee of God and not of man didst thou not Redeeme mee out of the hands of our enemies that so I might passe the time of my pilgrimage in feare and magnifie thy power daily in mine infirmities daily denying mine owne righteousnesse that still I may be found of thee in Christ that still I might liue by faith in the Sonne of God and grow vp in him to perfect holinesse Surely blessed Lord when I consider mine owne corruption daily more and more appearing in me and rebelling against thy righteous will and casting vp daily mists to dimme the eie of my Faith that I cannot so clearly discerne the light of thy countenance yea somtimes so leading me captiue into sinne that I am many times to seeke of the sence of thy Loue I am many times put to question the truth of my faith and to distrust my selfe whether I haue any faith or no. For alas Lord I must needs confesse to thy glory that although thou commandest mee to beleeue perfectly in thy Sonne and to be strong in faith yet I find on the other side such strength of corruption preuailing ouer mee and commanding mee forcibly to giue way thereunto and so not onely interrupting the sense of thy loue vnto me but also challenging my loue vnto thee that I am forced many times to feare whether I am led by the Spirit truly of faith or no whether euer thy loue were shed abroad in my heart if euer I loued thee in truth seeing it seemes vnto me that my loue vnto sinne is not altogether quenched nay I feele the power of corruption carrying mee so violently after the lusts of my heart that as I find my selfe lesse cheerfull and constant in thy seruice so on the other side I sometimes find my selfe lesse able to resist temptations more apt and inclinable to such lusts which heretofore I haue subdued yea often more fouly ouercome and foiled by them What shall I say vnto thee O thou searcher of my heart and preseruer of my soule dost thou not see how cold somtimes I am in prayer How dull in the hearing of the word How carelesse of thy Sabbaths How vnconscionable and negligent in my calling How rebellious and inordinate in my affections O how often haue I greeued thine holy Spirit by neglecting the good motions thereof yea many times willingly crossing the same and entertaining contrary suggestions of my cruell enemie How carelesse haue I beene to examaine my heart and renew my couenant with thee How deceitfull or carelesse in breaking often my vowes which I haue made vnto thee against speciall corruptions for renuwing of decayed graces O How often haue I beene ready to giue way to such curssed thoughts of blasphemie and fearefull impietie which might euen quench thy Spirit lead to the dispighting thereof How haue I sometimes bin readie to violate my Conscience by rushing on desperate euils yea how fearfully haue I wounded the same by committing grosse sinnes and to make vp the measure of my misery How haue I hardned my heart by sleeping in sinne and neglecting the sauing meanes of deepe humiliation to awaken me to repentance Alas Lord thou knowest ful wel that though thou hast followed mee with many secret and open afflictions to rouse me out of this sleepe of Security yet either it hath proued but a dreame and so I haue falne asleepe againe or if my heart hath bin awake yet it hath not bin vnto thee to make my sound peace but rather vnto my Enemie to cease his violence yea somtimes to the World to procure some temporary lenity rather to ease my present paine then to heale me thoroughly And surely righteous Lord euen thus it hath befalne that such as I haue sown I haue often reaped euen more hardnesse of heart lesse sense and remorse for sinne more boldnesse thereto and more ease therin lesse delight in holy duties lesse life in prayer lesse coÌ„science in the word more slights in my calling more distraction in my recknings and more confusion in my Spirit Yet still O Lord I heare a voice behinde me saying This is the way walke in it Yet still I finde thy hand ouer me to stay me from sinking still my better aduised heart tels me it was better with mee formerly then now when I had comfort in thy presence and conscience in thine Ordinances Still thy Spirit is readie to reuiue me with hope that I may recouer againe and my hope is confirmed heereby that the meanes are still offered me and I am capeable of them But alas Lord insted of comfort by them I reape nothing but further confusion because as I am vnable to apply them to my selfe so indeed I am not now fit for that comfort which I seeke for in thee For what peace can there be to mee while my corruptions stink before thee Or how can I look for comfort bâ—fore I be soundly healed O the vnspeakeable Riches of the wisedom and mercie of my God! how insearchable are thy Councels and thy waies past finding out As thou diddest bring light out of darkenesse in calling mee from darknes vnto light so doest thou cause thy light to shine in darkenesse that thy glorie may bee perfected in my infirmities And therefore though I am now thy Creature renewed after thine owne image yet seeing thou wilt haue the onely glory of thy worke therefore as the light of the righteous must shine more and more vnto the perfect day so the darknesse of corruptions must not bee dispelled vtterly at once but daily be banished more and more vnto the coming of Christ Therefore is it blessed Lord that though thou hast cancelled the guilt of my sin at once by faith in Christ yet hast thou wisely left the corruption of sinne to be abolished by degrees that so I might still liue by Faith in the death of Christ for the mortifying thereof that I
my life hid with Christ in God when Christ which is my life shal appeare I may also appeare with him in glorie Grant this gracious Father for Iesus Christ his sake my onely Aduocate and Redeemer Amen A Prayer for grace and wisedome O Most mighty God and mercifull Father poure into my heart thy heauenly grace wisedome Comfort my sinnefull soule with thy heauenly Manna molifie and make soft my hard heart with the sweete pleasant oyle of thy most holy word Suffer me not O mercifull Lord to swerue or slide from the waies of truth but grant helpe of thy holy Spirit that I may walke in the same vnto my liues end and let not thy heauenly wisedome depart from me at any time during this life According to the multitude of thy mercies doe away mine offences Preserue me from this my youth and infancy vnder thy fauourable protection Giue mee grace O Lord that I may euen to the graue continue a faithfull and manly Souldâ—er in defence of thy truth and that I may in all my life daily grow to the ripe perfection of godly wisedome and truly and iustly acknowledge thee mine onely God Deut. 6. That I may onely feare thee and honor thee That I may cleaue fast vnto thee Deut. 10. That I doe not after the abhomination of any idolatrous people worship stocks or stones Deut. 8. Nor let me not O Lord harken to any false Prophets that teach their owne imaginations and not the word of God Deut. 13. Now vouchsafe O Lord God to heare me and let thy wisedome gouerne mee I know my God that no creature can truly say I haue done my dutie in the seâ—uice of the Lord neither is it in the power of man who is so deeply subiect to sinne to escape all those stumbling blockes which haue made our waies dangerous and perillous through those innumerable practises wherewith Sathan our great enemie through his malice and craft hath deuised to intrap our sinfull soules to our vtter destruction Lord of thy great mercy roote and pull out of my heart all the workes of Sathan namely fornication adultery vncleannes wantonnesse pride enuie vnnaturall desires vnpure thoughts lewd behauiour idlenesse and all other vicious and naughty actions which being followed according to the pleasures and delights of the world in this life bring with them euerlasting damnation of body and soule in the world to come Encrease in me O Lord such aboundance of thy grace wisedome and heauenly blessing that through the operation of the same in me I may proue a true workman in thy haruest such a seruant as occupieth his Maisters Talent vnto gaine a witnesse that beareth testimony of Christ to all people at all times and in euery place continue constant in the truth during the whole course of this my mortall life In thy truth O God do I delight therefore make me perfect in the same In thee alone doe I repose my whole trust and confidence saue me O God of all mercy and defend mee against my enemies Establish and confirme me O Lord in faith towards thee Keepe thou my lips and gouerne my tongue Suffer not my heart to purpose any thing that may displease thee nor my tongue or lips to speake ought whereby I should purchase thy wrath Whosoeuer doth trust in thee O God shall vnderstand thy truth and the faithfull shall haue rest in thy fauour but the vngodly according to their owne wicked thoughts shall find corruptioÌ„ The soules of the iust are in the hand of God and the force of death shall not touch them All wisedome commeth from the Lord and hath beene with him alwaies and is with him from the beginning Eccle. 1. The feare of the Lord doth expell sin Lord of thy mercy grant me thy heauenly wisedome whereby I may truly learne to know thee rightly and be diligent to performe thy precepts effectually Lord leaue me not in my young daies let thy wisedome enter into my heart and make her habitation in my soule so shall I liue in thy fauour and perseuer in thy lawes through thy grace Let not them that trust in thee O Lord God of Hoastes bee ashamed let not those that seeke thee bee confounded O God of Israel Lord I make my prayers vnto thee in an acceptable time euen in the multitude of thy mercies O God heare mee in the truth of thy saluation In thee alone O heauenly Father are all things generally and what is not of thee is altogether naught Replenish and blesse me O Lord with all good giftes shew thy louing countenance towards me gouerne me by thy grace continue me in thy fauour and protect and defend me now and euermore vnder the winges of thy manifold mercies so shall no vile temptation haue power to preuaile against me Such is the force of thy heauenly wisdome O God that whosoeuer obtaineth the same and directeth his life accordingly shall prosper and see good daies Whosoeuer pleaseth thee O Lord from the beginning are made whole through wisedome Sapient 9. Which of thy mercy O my God vouchsafe to grant vnto me for thy deere Sonne Iesus Christ his sake To whome with thee the holy Ghost be all glory honor and praise now and for euer Amen A Prayer to walke conscionably in our ciuil and personall Calling O Most glorious and wise God who in thine infinit wisedome hast ordayned that euery Sonne of Adam should eate his bread in the sweat of his face and so hast wisely fitted each man in his seuerall place with seuerall and particular gifts of nature experience and grace that so hee might glorifie thee in some speciall calling not willing that any should liue idlely like an vnprofitable burthen of the earth mispending his precious time and wasting away thy Creatures neither doing good to humaine society And herein hast giuen vs a patterne from thy selfe who euen workest hitherto and albeit that thy great businesse of Creating all things ended with those first six daies in which euery particular was brought forth by thee in his proper kind yet thy prouidence is neuer intermixed in it neither slumber nor sleepe ouer taketh thee And so also thy deere Sonne Iesus Christ whilst in the daies of his flesh hâ—e humbled himselfe to liue as man vpon the earth both in his priuate life attended vppon a painefull trade and when the time came of his manifesting himselfe to the world went about doing of good yea with that chearfulnes that it was his meate and drinke to doe thy will and to finish the worke of him that sent him And all thine holy actions also in continuall action obeying the voyce of thy word and ministring for their sakes that shall be heires of life nay doth not euery Creature in his place obey this thine ordinance the Sunne the Moone all those heauenly Orbes Do they not execute their operations faithfully and finish their Reuolutions in their seasons Do not these inferior things daily performe thy
all meanes and waies possible namely by pride enuie malice couetousnesse gluttonie drunkennesse fornication and all other euill workes wherevnto hee doth moue vs and by him thrust into our hearts and whereby without the assistance of thy grace hee doth bring vs within his baits and snares laid for our soules And contrariwise wee of our selues haue no ability nor any meanes to preuaile against them vnlesse thou of thy mercy vouchsafe to be gracious vnto vs to strengthen vs by thy power and to defend vs in all temptations which he worketh against vs that he may not triumph ouer vs to ouâ— destruction We beseech thee from the bottome of our hearts to vouchsafe to be our comfort in all our troubles to defend vs against all temptations and that it would please thee to lead and gouerne vs in all our thoughts words and deeds so shall wee dwell in safety O Lord thou knowest that among all Creatures man is most rebellious against thee and his offences and transgressions against thee most manifolde and contrariwise euery one creature in his kind doth most worthily shew thy powâ—r might and praise and by them is thine omnipotency declared but we in our liues do shew our selues most vnkind and vnnaturall children towards thee daily offending thy diuine Maiesty and euery minute transgressing against thy Lawes and Commandements nothing regarding thy iudgements which might in a moment destroy vs. But thou O Lord in thy mercy dost vouchsafe notwithstanding to spare vs admonishing vs to repentance and newnesse of life that through our faithfull conuersion wee may bee saued Raise vs vp therefore good Lord from our drowsie sluggishnesse and carelesse security Suffer vs not any longer to wallow and tumble our selues in our grieuous Iniquities Let not sinne haue so much power ouer vs or increase in vs. Destroy and ouerthrow Satan and his wily policies Roote out of our hearts all workes of the world wicked motions of the flesh and pernitious practises of the Diuell that we may no longer offend thy goodnesse And plant in vs such good thoughts good motions and good endeuours that we may diligently serue thee in all things according to thy will and embrace with willingnesse thy holy word to the comfort of our Soules and setting forth of thy glory Open thy bountifull hands O Lord and blesse vs with all good guifts giue vs obedient hearts and willing mindes to search and seeke out the trueth of thy holy word strengthen vs with constancy in the same that in all things wee may leade our liues accordingly not as professors alone but as faithfull performers of the same to the vtter diligence of our power Confirme and establish vs in all good works thar wee may as true Christians sowe such Seeds of thy knowne truth that others from whom the brightnesse of thy Gospell hath beene concealed and kept vnknowne may by our good example take such happy fruites thereof that they may know thee and bee brought home to thy Fold as lost Sheepe Be thou O Lord our Shepheard and let vs be then sheepe of thy Fold and remaine in thy protection both now and alwaies to the end Increase the number of the faithfull diligent and carefull Ministers Preachers and distributers of thy holy word and Sacraments and giue vnto them a single heart towards thee Let them not be such as do onely preach and teach thy word with their lippes and tongues and haue their hearts farre from thee but that they inwardly with all their soule in perfect faith cleaue vnto thee and thy truth and accordingly shew the same in their life and conuersation Driue also out of thy Church all Buyers and Sellers and such as like rauening Wolues seeke to liue by the spoyle of thy sheepe Cast out O Lord wee pray thee such idle Pastors as are crept into thy Church who more respecting gaine then grace imploy their study for promotion and leaue the flocke vnfed which is vnder their charge Lord of thy vnspeakable Mercy deliuer vs from such carelesse keepers and blind guides least we also being made blinde by their negligence may bee kept blind in ignorance and so with them fall into the dangerous pit of thy deepe and heauy displeasure Rehearse and pardon vs all our offences teach vs to serue thee as we ought make strong our faith and hope in thee indue vs with thy heauenly light that wee may perfectly see our foule and manifold enormities and examining our owne conscices and discerning our imperfections wee may learne to amend our liues Make vs willing Followers of thee and diligent louers of thy Law Make vs penitent for our sinnes past and continue in vs thy feare Let vs not fall inro any manner of temptations but by thy mighty power deliuer vs from all euill To thee alone O Lord belongeth mercy and forgiuenesse and thou onely art our louing Sauiour Purge vs and make vs cleane that wee may bee found chosen vessels fit to serue thee in this life and after to obtaine perfect saluation at thy mercifull hands enioy euerlasting rest in thy Celestiall habitation prepared for thy faithfull and elect people and with thy holy and blessed Angels may sing praise vnto thy holy name for euer These blessings O Father wee beseech thee to bestow vpon vs for Iesus Christ his sake in whose name we pray vnto thee as hee himselfe hath taught vs Our Father c. A Thanksgiuing after blessings obtained to acknowledge them aâ— from God BLessed Lord I feele in my selfe how mercifully thou hast dealt with me greeuously I was troubled and now by thy goodnesse partly releasâ—d how dangerouslie I was assaulted and now by thy mercie partly deliuered this releefe although I must needs confesse by infallible arguments â—o bee thy onely worke in me yet such is the pride of my rebellious flesh that it will not suffer me to asâ—â—â—â—e fully the same to proceede of thee and thine onely goodnesse but seeketh out other fained causes according to the vaine deuises of my mind therefore I beseech thee most gracious Father that thou wilt so frame my heart that I may with my whole heart and mind with all the powers of my soule acknowledge aâ— my comfort and ayde to be thy onely worke wrought in me by thy holy Spirit and that I may bee thankfull for the same all the daies of my life O Lord thou hast sworne by thy holinesse that thou wilt not giue thine honor to any other Seeing then deere Father that thou hast sent mee this strength let mee bee perswaded fully in my heart deere Father that it commeth from thee that to thee I may render due honor praise thanksgiuing for the same and the rest of my life that I may be assured in heart of thy mercifull defence in mine extreame dangers as thou hast many times wonderfully deliuered me and thou wilt according to thy promise so continue thy mercifull ayde whereby thy name in mee may be glorified my
commanded vs in thy holy word may receiue the reward of thy promise that is all things necessary for this life and in the life to come euerlasting glorie through Iesus Christ our Lord and Sauiour Amen A Prayer against vsuall and common swearing ETernall God and louâ—ng Father in thy holy word the word of truth thou sayest that the man who vseth to sweare much is accursed and the plague shall neuer depart from his house and in thy holy Gospell hast said that we shall render account at the day of iudgement for euery idle word that we shall speake O how much more shall we giue accounts of euery pâ—ophane blasphemous and bloody oath that wee sweare And therefore to the end wee might auoyd thy vengeance against that day thou hast commanded vs not to sweare at all but that our communication be yea yea nay nay for whatsoeuer is more then that commeth of euill Wherefore I beseech thee good Lord in the bowels of mercy so to dispose order my tongue and mouth the vse whereof thou hast giuen me aboue other creatures to glorifie thee withall that thereby I abuse nor blaspheme not thy holy name For true it is O Lord that swearers blasphemers of thy holy name as much as lyeth in them do crucifie thy Sonne afresh and are as guilty of his blood as Iudas was that betrayed him or the cursed Iewes that slewe him And seeing that to sweare by thee whose blessed name is neuer to bee thought of nor yet once called into question but with great reuerence feare and dread is most horrible blasphemy and to sweare by any creature else is most detestable Idolatry keepe me I beseech thee from all manner of vnlawfull swearing and from all wicked bloody Oaths that both my heart tongue and mouth and all parts else both of body and soule may bee instruments of praise to set forth thy glory all the daies of my life through Iesus Christ our Lord and Sauiour Amen A Prayer against pride HOly Lord thou hast in thy blessed Gospell commanded vs by all meanes possible to eschew the filthy vice of pride which is a certaine rebellion of the heart against thee and aboue all things to embrace and euer hold fast the anchor of humility A perfect patterne whereof wee may learne in thee O blessed Sauiour who was humble lowly curteous gentle mercifull pittifull full of compassion and all goodnesse not disdaining the vilest person or loathsomest Lazer that euer liued if hee faithfully beleeued in thee Thou humbledst thy selfe that we might bee exalted thou becamest poore to make vs rich thou camest downe to the earth to liue in humility that we might be exalted to liue in felicity Thou wast poore in estate meane in attire and base in all things before the world in respect of thy humanity but before thy heauenly Father in respect of thy Deity most magnificall and glorious And therefore not without cause thou biddest vs learne of thee saying Learne of me for I am humble lowly your Soules shall liue Thou ouerthrowest the proud in their owne imagination and giuest grace to the humble yea thou so much abhorrest pride that thou iudgest them to eternall damnation that offend therein If wee would consider with our selues our owne misery wee should haue no cause to rise vp into pride For in respect of our bodies are wee any thing else then vile dung and ashes And in respect of our soules til they be regenerate by the Spirit of God are they not bondslaues to Sathan receptacles to fiendes and subiect to euerlasting damnation What haue wee now that we haue not receiued Or whereof may we be proud Wherefore O my God I beseech thee who art the true mirrour of all humility giue me the spirit of meeknes humblenesse and lowlinesse of heart and keepe me from all filthy pride arrogancy of body or mind that I neuer lift vp my selfe into pride against thee or thinke of my selfe aboue that which I am of my selfe but that I casting downe my selfe and distrusting mine owne worthinesse may be by thee aduanced to eternall glory Grant that those things which thou gauest me for necessities sake onely as thou diddst my apparell to hide my shame withall may neuer bee abused of mee as instruments of wickednesse And those things which thou gauest me to praise and glorifie thee withall as thou diddest my heart my tongue mouth I neuer abuse to thy dishonour And as it may please thee to indue mee with this true humility of mind towards thee so I beseech thee to giue me the true humility of body and mind towards my brethren also that I be not puft vp nor aduance my selfe aboue them disdaining or contemning them though otherwise neuer so meane or contemptible before the world And whensoeuer the Enemie assaulteth me to stirre mee vp to pride I beseech thee whose power is incomprehensible to strengthen mee to with-stand his temptations and set before the eies of my minde the examples of thy Iudgement inflicted vpon the children of pride in all ages as namely how thou threwest downe Lucifer a bright Angel in heauen into hell fire how thou condemnest Adam and all his posterity How thou destroyedst Nymrod that huge Giant Goliah that fierce monster Nabuchadnezar that ambitious bloody tyrant Herod that arrogant miscreant and many others who through the sinne of pride rebelled against thee and may by these examples bee terrified from committing that great heynous sinne against thee that I humbling my selfe in this world after the consummatioÌ„ of this life may bee exalted in the kingdome of heauen there to raigne with thee for euer and euer Amen A Prayer against Gluttony and drunkennesse BLessed Lord as thou hast created man after thy owne similitude and likenesse and hast giuen him a perfect body like vnto thy Sonne Iesus Christ so thou hast ordained and prouided for him ordinary meanes as meate drinke flesh fish hearbes oyles wines what not to keepe and sustaine the same And hast commanded these thy creatures to bee moderately taken to the sustentation of the body with praise and thanksgiuing to thee accursing them to hell who by abusing not lawfully vsing these thy blâ—ssings make them instruments of sinne and so consequently of damnation to themselues Giue me grace I beseech thee that I may neuer abuse thy giftes through gluttony drunkennesse riot or excesse but that I liuing in all godly temperance and sobriety may bee thankfull vnto thee for them and also vse them for my necessity Knowing that our meates without thy blessing cannot nourish the body but destroy it rather as experience daily teacheth Make me O Lord to loath and detest this horrible vice so much the more in respect of the filthynes of the same for besides that it transformeth man into the Image of a beast or rather maketh him worse then a beast for they neither eate nor drinke without measure it also blindeth his eies of reason