much to thirst after the bitter potion of sinne to followe after vanities of this world to suffer the incommodities of this slipperie life and the dominion of Sathans tyrannie and not rather to flee vp to the felicitie of Saincts to the fellowship of Angels and to the solemnitie of the heauenlie ioies where we shall see behold and enioie the plentifull aboundant riches of the inestimable treasures of Gods goodnesse for euer and euer world without end Amen A meditation of Gods woonderfull works and a thanks-giuing for our creation O Most heauenlie father and eternall God which art neither made nor begotten but before all worlds from euerlasting diddest beget a Sonne an image of thine owne substance we honor thee we praise thee we glorifie thee we yeeld thee most hartie thanks for all thy benefits especiallie for creating the heauens the Sunne Moone and all the starres by thy liuelie word for gouerning through thy wisdome and for thy gratious mainteining them The Sunne in his vprising doth manifest the daie a woonderfull worke of the highest Great is the Lord which made and commanded the same to take his course from the top of heauen vnto the end thereof The ornaments of heauen be the glorious starres the Lord on high doth lighten the world at his commandement they keepe their order and will not faile nor be wearie in their watch O Lord our God how woonderfull is thy name in all the world which hast set thy glorie aboue the heauens Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings wilt thou be praised because of thine enimies that thou maist confound thine aduersaries and him that enuieth thy renowme We see the workemanship of thy hands the Moone and Starres which thou hast ordeined and we will signifie thy glorie vnto all nations and among all people will we declare thy woonderfull things For thou art mightie O Lord and worthie to be praised great is thy vertue and thy power woonderfull We thanke thee holie father God of heauen because thou hast created by thy word of power the vniuersall world with all the creatures and whatsoeuer is liueth or moueth in the same By thy wisdome thou dooest gouerne and by sending of thy spirit as yet doest vphold and cherish the same For all woods fruitfull trees stones graine flowers herbes and all the grasse of the feeld hast thou ordeined for the vse of man Wee magnifie thee O God most wise for creating the Sea and springs of water by the power of thy word and for giuing them vertue to bring foorth fishes of all kind to be eaten of man We blesse thee O eternall God for making the superiour and lower regions of the aire with all birds and feathered fowles of sundrie kinds for the food of man We glorifie thee for giuing the whole frame of this earth with all the creatures in the same vnto mankinde and setting man ouer the works of thine hands hast subiected all things vnder his feet all sheepe and oxen yea and all the beasts of the feeld the fowles of the aire and the fish of the Sea which walke through the paths of the Sea Especiallie we praise thee our Lord and maker for making vs thy creatures reasonable men and women according to thine owne similitude for giuing vs reason and all the senses and for preseruing vs hitherto Thou didst nourish vs and that woonderfullie being within our mothers wombe and out thereof hast thou brought vs sound in all parts without imperfection and yet continuest thy fauour and dooest keepe vs against all dangers and deliuerest vs from all euill and all these things dooest thou of thy fatherlie and diuine goodnesse without anie merit or desert of ours for all which we are bound to thanke thee to praise thee to serue honor and obeie thee We extoll thy sacred name O God most high for separating from the rest a Sabboth daie that so men ceassing from their handie labour might the better serue and celebrate thine honour Who is he that can recite all the power of the Lord or declare all his works Who can number out all his praises No man can vtter all his benefits Notwithstanding although we be miserable men and wretched sinners and therefore most vnmeete to extoll thee according to thy deserts yet will we not be still we will praise thee euermore to the vttermost of our power We will declare thy iustice and mercie and while we liue we remember thy goodnesse and at no time forget thy benefits O our soules praise the Lord we will praise the Lord during our life we will sing to the Lord while we haue breath We will bee mindfull of our maker euen from our youth and seeke him euermore yea euen vnto our old age and graie head O God forsake vs not vntill we haue declared thy power vnto all nations that are to come Praise the Lord all ye nations praise him all ye people For his louing kindnes is great toward vs and his truth endureth for euer Praise ye the Lord in his Sanctuarie praise him in the firmament of his power praise him in his mightie acts praise him according to his excellent greatnesse Let euerie thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord Amen Another meditation and thanks-giuing for the creation of the world MOst mightie most wise and most maruellous Lord GOD which of nothing hast created heauen and earth with all that is therein and hast prepared with due new properties euerie worke which thou hast brought foorth by thy diuine word holie commandement and hast ordeined and established all the holie works of thy hands so that they yet stand and serue to the vse and seruice of men For through the course of the heauens which neuer stand still is ingendered vnto vs all that euer we haue need of and through the same course also dieth withereth and rotteth all that is old bicause that for the old and decaied there should arise vp new and fresh And this course hast thou O mightie God made so maruellouslie and so agreeably that man thorough the agreeable works of thine hands without anie other externall learning teaching or instruction might come to the knowledge of that which is inuisible in thee that is thy holie exalted and euerlasting blessed Godhead and inuisible might Insomuch as there is none that can make himselfe vngiltie and inexcusable of misbeleefe or ignorance how farre soeuer he be departed from thy holie word For the verie heauens giue knowledge inough of thy diuine glorie the which though they haue no tongue to speake neither doo we heare anie thing of their mouth yet neuerthelesse their voice is gone out to all corners of the world and there is no place but men heare their voice sounding in their eares For no man is so farre distant from them but he both feeleth alwaies the benefits that come from the heauens and also seeth continuallie thy maruellous handie works which the firmament dooth shew and declare vnto
vnthankefulnesse doth greatlie displease thee which is the roote of all spirituall euill and a wind that blasteth and burneth vp all good damming vp the fountaine of thy godlie mercie for euer Through it the works that be dead alreadie reuiue not and the works that be aliue doo die out of hand and recouer not againe But I thy creature will giue thanks to thee O Lord least I be vnthankefull to thee my deliuerer for the deliuering of me How often had that dragon swallowed me vp long ago but that thou O Lord hadst plucked me out of his mouth How often haue I sinned he stood readie to snatch me vp but that thou didst defend me O Lord my God When I dealt wickedlie and when I brake thy commandements he stood waiting to carrie me awaie to hell but thou withstoodest him I offended thee and thou didst defend me I feared thee not and yet thou didst keepe me I started awaie from thee and yeelded my selfe to mine enimie and yet thou didst fraie him awaie that he should not take mee These good turnes hast thou done for me O Lord my God I wretch wist it not For so hast thou often times deliuered me out of the diuels chaps plucked me out of the lions mouth and manie and sundrie waies brought me backe againe from hell though I wist it not For I haue gone downe to the verie gates of hell but thou hast held me from going in I drew neere to deaths dore but thou hast not suffered it to take me in Also thou hast oftentimes preserued mée from bodilie death O my sauiour when I haue beene attached with sore sicknesses and when I haue beene in manie dangers by sea and by land thou hast alwaies stood by me deliuering me from fire and from sword and from all perill and mercifullie preseruing me Trulie Lord thou knowest that if death had dispatched me at that time hell had receiued my soule and I had beene damned for euer but thy mercie and thy grace preuented me rescuing me from bodilie death and also from the death of my soule O my Lord God These and manie other good turnes hast thou done for me I saie and I was blind and wist it not vntill thou inlightenedst me Now therefore O light of my soule my Lord God my life whereby I liue the sight of mine eies wherewith I see behold thou hast inlightened me and I perceiue how I liue through thee And I yeeld thee thanks though little woorth and slender and farre from thy benefits howbeit yet such as my frailtie hath to giue For thou onelie art my God and my gratious maker which louest our soules and hatest none of the things that thou hast made Behold I am the chiefe among the sinners whom thou hast saued that I may be an example vnto others of thy most merciful louing kindnes I will acknowledge thy great benefits vnto thee For thou hast plucked me out of the bottome of hell once and twise and thrise and an hundred times and a thousand times Yea I alwaies made toward hell and thou didst alwaies bring me backe againe when thou mightest iustlie haue damned me if thou haddest would but thou wouldest not O Lord my GOD bicause thou louest mens soules and bearest with mens sinnes that they might repent all thy waies be full of mercie Now therefore O Lord my God I see these things and discerne them by thy light and my hart is astonished at thy great mercie towards me in that thou hast deliuered my soule from the bottome of hell and brought me backe againe to life For I was starke dead and thou hast made me thoroughlie aliue againe Therfore am I altogither beholden to thee for my life And whole as I am I yeeld my selfe wholie vnto thee Let my whole spirit my whole hart my whole bodie and my whole life liue vnto thee my sweet life For thou hast deliuered me whole that thou mightest possesse me whole thou hast made me whole new againe that thou mightest haue me whole againe And therefore let me loue thee O Lord my strength let me loue thee O mine vnspeakable ioie and let mee liue hencefoorth not to my selfe but vnto thee All my whole life which was perished in mine owne wretchednesse is reuiued againe in thy mercie For thou art a pitifull and mercifull GOD and manie are thy compassions towards thousands in them that loue thy name And therfore O Lord my God thou my sanctifier hast commanded me in thy lawe that I should loue thee with all my hart with all my might yea euen from the bottome of my hart at all houres and times wherein I enioie the benefits of thy mercie For I should perish for euer but that thou rulest me euer I should euer die but that thou euer quickenest me yea euerie moment thou bindest me vnto thee in as much as euerie moment thou bestowest thy great benefits vpon me Therfore like as there is no houre or instant of time in all my life that I haue not the vse of thy benefits so ought there to be no moment wherein I should not haue thee in remembrance before mine eies and loue thee to the vttermost of my power But this I am not able to doo except thou make me able of whom commeth euerie good gift and excellent gift in whom there is no change nor intercourse of darknes For to loue thee commeth not of our owne will or of our owne running but of thy mercie Lord it is thy gift whose all good things are Thou commandest vs to loue thee giue vs that which thou commandest and command what thou wilt Another meditation of Gods great benefits VNto thee O souereigne light O ghostlie Physician the health of my soule will I now euer giue praise with all my whole hart for all thy benefits wherwith thou feedest me from my youth vnto mine old age and euen till my last gaspe I beseech thee by thy selfe forsake me not For thou madest me when I was not thou redeemedst me when I was forlorne thou inlightenedst me when I was in darknesse thou raisedst me when I was dead yea when I was both forlorne and dead thou camest downe from the bosome of thy Father to me tookest mortalitie vpon thee Thou being my King camest downe to thy seruant To redeeme thy seruant thou gauest thy selfe to the intent that I might liue thou tookest vpon thee to die and ouercamest death Thou diddest set me vp againe by abasing thy selfe lowe I was vndoone I was gone farre awaie in my sinnes I was sold to sinne then camest thou for me to bring me out againe and thou didst loue me so well that thou gauest thine owne blood for my ransome Lord thou hast loued me more than thy selfe For thou diddest find in thine hart to die for me Upon this condition hast thou with so deere a price brought mee backe againe from banishment ransomed me out of bondage rescued me from punishment called mee
Sunne to set bicause we expect his arising againe in the morning no more ought we as men without hope to be sorie for the death of the bodie knowing that in the morning light of the resurrection it shall eftsoones arise receiue the soule againe to ioie or paine eternall VVhen the candles or lamps be light praie THanks be giuen to thee O Lord which after daie when night commeth hast giuen vs for the remedie of darknesse this artificiall light of the candle or lampe whereby we see and discerne those things in this night of our bodies which are expedient for vs to vse But especiallie we render immortall praise vnto thine holie Maiestie for the light of thy doctrine which thy Sonne against the horrour of sinne and ignorance hath brought vnto vs for a remedie against death eternall Grant we beseech thee O Lord of light and Maister of all truth that the most thicke and obscure clouds of our minds may be so driuen awaie and expelled by the lampe of thy grace and candle of knowledge and right vnderstanding that in bodie corporallie and in soule spirituallie wee may euer see by both these lights to glorifie thee both in our liues and in our deaths Thy word ô Lord is a lampe to our feete and a light vnto our paths O light thou our candle and make our darknesse to be light that with our lamps euer burning we may still watch for thy comming Amen Meditation THinke now that as without this materiall light of the candle all would be horrour and vncouth darknesse euen so without the spirituall light of Gods diuine word and wisedome all our light is darknesse our knowledge errour and our life death and vtter confusion Thinke also that as the candle is not put vnder a bushell but set on a candlesticke to giue light to all in the house so likewise ought we to let the light of our faith shine bright before men that other séeing our good works may therefore glorifie God Euening praiers for Sundaie to be said kneeling by the bedside before you make you vnreadie ¶ Here you may saie one of the confessions for the Sabboth daie as before pag. 384 387. WE render vnto thee euerlasting praises most mercifull Father for that of thy gratious fauour and loue towards vs thou hast vouchsafed to preserue vs this daie and the rest of our life hitherto vnder the shadowe of thy most mercifull protection beseeching thee also to take vs into thy tuition this present night and euer that we be not tempted with anie suggestion of Sathan but being thoroughlie armed with the holie Ghost we may haue power and force to resist his assaults by a sure faith and confidence in the bloud of thy blessed Sonne our Lord and Sauiour Christ Iesus Giue vs grace to repent vs of our sinnes vnfeinedlie to craue remission of them vncessantlie to imbrace thy holie word and commandements sincerelie and to expresse them in our liuing effectuallie whereby we may walke vprightlie in our conuersation with sure and certaine hope of the resurrection to eternall life by the merits of Christ Iesus that with the wise virgins we may be found waking and watching for his comming when he shall come to iudge the world with equitie and to reward euerie man according to the works of his bodie Grant vs grace most mercifull Father to behaue our selues so vprightlie in this life that then we may be made partakers of thy kingdome with thine elect there to liue in eternall ioie and felicitie world without end Amen Another Euening praier on the Lords daie O Almightie and eternall God Father of our Lord Iesu Christ which togither with thy Sonne and the holie Ghost didst create man after thine owne likenesse and breath into him the breth of life the which through thy goodnes continueth at thy pleasure Thou hast made of one bloud all mankind and assigned times and length of our life in this world thou giuest life to the people on the earth and breth to the walkers therein which if thou take awaie they shall depart and be turned into dust We blesse thee heauenlie Father and with all our harts giue thee thanks not onelie for sauing vs this daie from dangers but also from our cradles for defending both our soules and bodies from death Wherefore magnifie the Lord O our soules and our spirits reioice in God our Sauiour For he hath looked vpon the basenesse and afflictions of his seruants He that is mightie hath done for vs great things and holie is his name Wherefore we will praise the Lord for euermore bicause his mercie endureth from generation to generation on such as feare him We will shew foorth his power in the euening and when we go to bed we will remember his mercie Arise now our soules in the night praise your God In the beginning of the watches powre out your harts like water before the face of the Lord. For the Saints will be ioifull with glorie sing lowd vpon their beds Wherefore we also will praise thee continuallie and will confesse thy name for euermore For thou art the God which delighteth our harts and maketh our soules merie Therefore in the night we will thinke vpon thy benefits and our spirits shall consider of thy woonderous works For thou hast commanded that thy mercie be celebrated in the daie time and thy truth in the night season O our Lord and God of mercie gentlenesse patience pitie and truth which she west mercie vnto thousands and blottest out all our offences we lift vp our soules vnto thee and from our harts we praie thee put not before thine eies the horrible confusion vncleannesse and wickednesse of our minds being replenished with loathsome darknesse and ignorance full of doubtings and errors Our harts and will are turned from thee our God and all the powers and strength both of our soules and bodies are defiled and filthilie weakened but Lord of thy great merice blot out our offences looke vpon the troubles and dolours of our harts and forgiue all our sinnes For lo our soules are wounded and can not be holpen but onelie through mercie There is no health in our flesh bicause of thine anger neither is there rest in our bones bicause of our sins For our iniquities haue gone ouer our heads and as an heauie burden haue pressed vs down Our wounds are putrified and corrupt bicause of our foolishnesse Asswage thine anger and turne from thine indignation Pardon our faults remit all punishment and restore in vs the light of thy goodnesse which was lost O Lord heare O Lord forgiue harken O our God for thine owne sake For thy name is called vpon by vs. O God of heauen and earth in this euening tide doo we call vnto thee that remitting our sinnes which this daie especiallie we haue committed against thee in breaking thy Saboth and prophaning this our holie daie with our vnholie deeds speech and cogitations thou wouldest receiue vs into thy
God Grant also that both being in bed asleepe and awake we may alwaies remember our death which is a passing to an immortall life and withall our ioifull resurrection to euerlasting glorie Finallie at our last gaspe when our harts pant our strength faileth our sight departeth our hearing is deafe our mouth dumbe when our feet cannot go nor our hands feele when all our senses forsake vs giue vs O blessed Trinitie some sense of eternall life that we may tast in this world the beginning of thine euerlasting ioie and at our departure out of this world behold by faith thy diuine presence and so sleepe quietlie to eternall life Amen Amen Lord haue mercie vpon vs. Christ haue mercie vpon vs. Lord into thy hands we commend our soules because thou hast redeemed vs. Lord Iesu receiue our spirits At mid-night if you happen to awake praie HAue mercie vpon me O God after thy great goodnesse according to the multitude of thy mercies doo awaie mine offenses Turne thy face from my sinnes and put out all my misdeeds Make me a cleane hart O God and renew a right spirit within me Cast me not away from thy presence and take not thy holie spirit from me I will remember thee O God in my bed and thinke vpon thee now that I am waking because thou hast beene mine helper Euen now in the night season while thou holdest mine eies waking I saie will I thinke of thee my creator and make my praiers vnto thee my redeemer and God of my life that my soule may not refuse hir comfort In my bed now by night will I seeke thee whom my soule loueth O let me find thee and my soule embrace thee For with my soule doo I desire thee now in the night season and with my spirit within me will I seeke thee in the morning Yea at mid-night I will arise vp to giue thanks vnto thee O Lord because of thy righteous iudgements and in the night watches I will lift vp my hands towards thy holie place and blesse thee and powre out my hart before thee and saie Haue mercie vpon me O God haue mercie on me a most miserable sinner From the snares of the diuell O Lord deliuer me from the mid-night euill defend me and in the houre of death helpe me Our father which art in heauen c. Meditation AT mid-night there was a crie made Behold the bridegrome commeth go out to meet him blessed are those virgins whom the Lord when he commeth shall find waking O my soule let vs therfore take héed watch and praie that wée may bée found prepared with our Lamps burning readie to enter with our spouse and Lord Iesus vnto the wedding In the night when you heare the clocke strike praie THE clocke of our conscience dooth ring euerie minute the houre of death to be at hand O mercifull God grant vnto me therefore I beseech thee a happie houre blessed departure out of this life whensoeuer it shall please thee to call me hence and cause my soule to flie out of this bodie Be mercifull vnto me O God be mercifull vnto me a most miserable sinner and deliuer me from the houre of temptation death and damnation through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen Meditation HE that hath ears to heare let him heare The daie of the Lord will come as a théefe in the night Watch therefore because yée know neither the daie the time nor the houre when the sonne of man will come to iudgement VVhen you giue your selfe to sleepe againe and commend your selfe last to God Praie INto the hands of thy vnspeakable mercie O Lord I commend my wretched soule and bodie my senses speech counsell thoughts works all things belonging vnto me my lieng downe and rising vp my faith and conuersation the whole course and end of my life the daie and houre of my departure out of this world finallie my death buriall rest and resurrection beseeching thee O Lord now suffer mine eies to sleepe mine eie lids to slumber the temples of my head to take some rest that my bed may comfort me and my couch giue me some refreshing Grant that I may so sleepe gouerne and end my life that I may sleepe in peace and rest in thee Sticke thou to me O my God euen to the end that sleepe with rest and rest with quietnesse quietnesse with euerlastingnesse may receiue me For lo I giue my selfe once againe to sleepe and rest in the name of thee O Father Sonne and holie Ghost euermore crieng and saieng Haue mercie on me O glorious Deitie Haue mercie on me O triumphant humanitie Haue mercy on me O blessed Trinitie and receiue my spirit yea rather thy spirit into thy holy hands send me a ioifull resurrection with all thy Saints elect people Amen Amen The Conclusion NOt vnto vs O Alpha not vnto vs O Omega but vnto thy name O Iehoua be giuen all the glorie for thy louing mercie and for thy truths sake For thou hast directed the thoughts of our harts and prospered the works of our hands vpon vs euen thou I saie O Lord hast gouerned all our counsels enterprises from heauen hast gratiouslie wrought all our works for vs. O let our mouthes therfore be filled with thy praise and make vs continuallie thankefull that we may giue woorthie honor and glorie to thée for so great graces and manifold benefits bestowed vpon vs. And now forsomuch as thou hast giuen euerie one of vs that portion of thy graces that hath pleased thée and hast commanded vs to occupie and vse them to thy honor till thou come grant vs whether we haue receiued little or much that we doo not idelie or slothfullie neglect our dutie herein Suffer vs not I saie O swéet Christ with the rest of the world to fall asléep in the pleasant vanities of this life and to forget the waiting for thy comming but rather stirre vs vp by thy holie spirit faithfullie to vse thy gifts giuen vnto vs and in all warie watching fasting and earnest praier continuallie to prosper and go forward in our holie calling prouoking one another by good example to followe thée in true worship and due obedience and grant that all ambition vaine glorie hypocrisie and dissimulation being remooued our chéefe care may be in all our dooings studies and labours euer to séeke the increase of thine honor and the aduancement of thy kingdome and so with a single eie respecting the praise which is of thée looke and wait for the reward and recompense of our labours not of men but of thée that in that daie of thy second comming which shall be sudden and fearefull to the wicked we may with ioie and comfort méet thy sonne in the aire and when thou shalt heare our accounts we may also receiue of thée through our redéemer Iesus not onlie praise and commendation as thy good and faithfull seruants whose liues are hid in thée but also obtaine the finall
THE MONVMENT OF MATRONES conteining seuen seuerall Lamps of Virginitie or distinct treatises whereof the first fiue concerne praier and meditation the other two last precepts and examples as the woorthie works partlie of men partlie of women compiled for the necessarie vse of both sexes out of the sacred Scriptures and other approoued authors by THOMAS BENTLEY of Graies Jnne Student Luke 12 35. Let your loines be girt about and your lampes burne cleerelie 2. Tim. 2 19. Let euerie one that calleth vpon the name of the Lord depart from iniquitie Printed by H. Denham A praier vpon the posie prefixed ALmightie God and most mercifull Father who in mercie hast ordeined these lamps for thy chosen virgins and commanded that with our loines girt about and our lamps burning bright we should take heed and be readie to execute the charge which is committed vnto vs and watch full warilie and continuallie in our seuerall callings by feruent and instant praier for the comming of thy sonne our spirituall Spouse souereigne Lord and sweet Sauiour IESVS giuing vs in the meane season diuerse gifts and talents to occupie and imploie till he come and setting dailie before our eies the iust iudgement that he shall execute and giue in that dreadfull daie of his sudden comming both vpon the quicke and dead doo thou vouchsafe euen thine owne selfe we praie thee to gird and compasse our Ioines about that no iniquitie haue power ouer vs nor we decline or bow to anie sinne Oh suffer vs not to take that contentation or vaine delight and pleasure of anie thing in this wretched world that may lull or bring vs fast asleepe in the cursed cradle of senselesse securitie nor with the foolish virgins to neglect the houre and daie of our last visitation or to forget to wait and attend for thine appearing in the clouds But so direct vs we beseech thee in this short race of our perilous pilgrimage by thy holie spirit our heauenlie loadesman that in the lawfull vse of thy good gifts whatsoeuer bestowed vpon vs our cheefest care may alwaies be to depart from all iniquitie and how with them wee may liue soberlie to our selues holilie to thee and vprightlie to the world and thereby gaine much profit and fruit to the better increase of thy kingdome Moreouer make thou our lampes to burne cleere and bright in the sight of men and Angels and keepe thou them light and euer burning that our loue towards thee wax neuer key cold nor our charitie towards our neighbour be quite extinguished nor yet our faith deuotion zeale and gifts of the spirit be vtterlie quenched in vs. But being euermore both within and without kindled inlightened and inflamed by thee which art a consuming fire and a purifieng flame of vnspeakable feruent heate let all our thoughts words and works be alwaies directed to doo thy holie will and righteous iudgements that in all our works begun continued and ended in thee we may euer glorifie thy holie and reuerent name Finallie make vs verie carefullie to keepe this castle of our soules and temple of the holie Ghost our bodies I meane pure holie and vndefiled and to watch continuallie in all maner of well dooing vnto the end that when thy Sonne our heauenlie bridegroome shall come to iudge the world to condemne the wicked to reiect the reprobate to cast awaie the vnprofitable and to shut the gates of heauen against all vnbeleeuers and retchlesse virgins he finding vs heedfull watchfull praieng well occupied and readie as those that haue beene verie well content with our estates here for the time and hauing our lamps filled brim full of the oile of his righteousnesse grace mercie and merits may thereby onelie escape the heauie iudgement and direfull doome of the dreadfull daie and not perish in that common destruction and generall desolation of the wicked worldlings and vnprofitable seruants but be receiued to himselfe as those that are made woorthie onelie by him ioifullie to enter with him and all the elect and chosen wise virgins into the celestiall wedding chamber of thine eternall kingdome there and then to possesse that mansion place which before all worlds thou hast prepared for thy chosen and to receiue of his gift that which here now with deepe sighes and groanes we greatlie long for that is euen the saluation of our soules and the coronation of thy gifts in vs that both with thee ô Father and with him thy Sonne in the vnitie of the holie Ghost we may liue and reigne in the full perfection holinesse and puritie of his euerlasting virginitie to blesse praise and glorifie thee ô glorious and blessed Trinitie with all virgins angels and creatures by all ages throughout all eternitie Amen Amen Amen To the most vertuous Ladie and Christian Princesse Queene ELIZABETH grace and peace from God the Father through Christ Iesus our Sauiour THE King of eternall glorie who hath thus loued England in setting your Highnesse on the throne of his maiestie to execute iustice and iudgement to instruct his people in Iacob and to feed his inheritance in Israel be blessed and magnified therefore for euer and euer Amen This long and blessed peace wherin we your loiall subiects doo presentlie liue most noble QVEENE euerie man sitting vnder his vine and fig-tree throughout all your dominions dooth giue iust occasion to the godlie to bee no lesse thankfull to God and to your Maiestie than free harted and studious to benefit his church and their countrie by offering in the temple some gold some siluer some one thing some another according to the measure of those graces which God the giuer of all good things hath bestowed vpon them or by his spirit hath incouraged made them willing to further the worke of the Lord. Which mooued me also among the rest although of all other the meanest in euerie respect the vnwoorthiest to offer some thing wherin I might bring profit to that mysticall bodie wherof I trust I am a member And persuading my selfe I could not better employ my labour to the good of the church nor present your Highnesse the mightie defender thereof with anie thing of greater price and estimation in this world than after a sort with that wherewith God the King of kings acknowledgeth himselfe to be so highlie pleased and glorified both of Prince and people praise and inuocation I meane whereby in this life we obteine at his hand all things needfull for our bodies and in the life to come euerlasting ioie rest and comfort both of bodie and soule I haue vndertaken in the name and feare of God loue of his church obedience of your Maiestie and hartie good will of my countrie out of the admirable monuments of your owne Honourable works and some other noble Queenes famous Ladies and vertuous Gentlewomen of our time and former ages to addresse and make readie these seuen Lamps of your perpetuall virginitie to remaine vnto women as one entire and goodlie monument of praier
namelie among the rest the godlie and learned treatise called The lamentation of a sinner written long since by the vertuous Ladie Queene Katherin which for the excellencie thereof was first published in print by Sir William Cicill now the right Honourable Lord Treasurer of England as by his verie godlie learned and eloquent Epistle therevnto prefixed and here also in this edition now inserted to Gods glorie and his high commendation doth and may appeere but especiallie and aboue all the most diuine learned and godlie treatise intituled The Queenes meditation written first in French by the vertuous Ladie Margaret Queene of Nauar and after verie exactlie and faithfullie translated by our mostgratious souereigne and learned Ladie Queene ELIZABETH who among manie Queens virgins and women through the feare of the Lord hath doone verie vertuouslie and gotten thereby great renowme And therevpon considering with my selfe what great profit and singular pleasure might thereby come also to other of like mind to my selfe if the same their excellent and rare works dispersed into seuerall pamphlets and in part some thing obscured and worne cleane out of print and so out of practise were by some painefull hand collected togither and reuiued or brought againe to their former good and godlie vse in the church mee thought I could not better spend my time nor emploie my talent either for the renowme of such heroicall authors and woorthie women or for the vniuersall commoditie of all good christians than in and by some apt treatise or collection to reduce these their manifold works into one entire volume and by that meanes for to register their so rare and excellent monuments of good record as perfect presidents of true pietie and godlinesse in woman kind to all posteritie Wherevpon God working in me both the will and consent I vndertooke the same in his feare which when after a sort I had doone and perceiued that there wanted per manie things to make the same an absolute and perfect booke for the simpler sort of women according to my mind to satisfie my selfe further in this my purposed collection I fell to the pervsing of the holie Bible and manie other good bookes as well of praier as of other diuine matter such as from time to tune haue beene penned by diuers godlie learned men out of the which that I might now particularlie applie that vnto them women I meane which generalise hereto fore was written of them or by some other for them as also to the inter that all godlie and deuout women readers might haue in some measure wherewith to exercise their faith to stir vp their deuotion and to satisfie their godlie desires and also verie readilie find without tediousnesse or distraction of the mind vertuouslie inclined whatsheuer they would either by praier aske by meditation ponder by precepts learne or by examples imitate or auoid to their comfort edification I indeuoured for their sakes by all possible diligence to cull and bring out of the rich store and treasurie of the approoued works of manie learned men things both old and new concerning the same both for priuate and publike vse adding therevnto such plentie of heauenlie and spirituall helpes both for profit and pleasure as the diuersities of so diuine matter and varietie of so honourable inuentions would affoord Besides to auoid confusion and disorder a thing verie preiudiciall to so holie an exercise I haue carefullie digested the same into such a plaine easie familiar and certeine method order and direction both for matter and maner as I could possiblie deuise or was requisite for such a worke to make it profitable to the simple and vnlearned reader Lastlie bicause the diuersitie of matter forced a distinction of the treatises I fitly as I could haue diuided and contriued the whole booke into seuen seuerall parts or Lampes all which for diuers good and approoued considerations I terme or intitle by this generall name THE MONVMENT OF MATRONES And now make bold yet vnder the deliberate view and carefull correction of manie vevie graue wise learned and godlie Diuines therevnto appointed by authoritie as also with the approbation and allowance of the right reuerend father in God my Lord the bishop of London to publish the same abroad in print as a booke in the iudgement of them that are learned not vnprofitable to the church but verie necessarie and in some respect more proper and peculiar for the priuate vse of women than hertofore hath beene set out by anie Which I haue doone not for that there lacked praier bookes sufficient for women to read but onelie to increase the plentie of heauenlie comforts wherewith this our church and realme of England thanks be to God floweth as also to make this treatise heretofore in part priuate to my selfe and a few of my freends now publike and common also to you good christian readers For behold I protest I haue not laboured for my selfe but for you and all them that seeke knowledge feare God be deuout and would not by fits and starts as those that can find scarse anie leisure to attend vpon the Lord and his seruice as they ought but daie and night continuallie and incessantlie either silentlie in hart with Hanna or openlie in mouth with Marie as they are bound spend their whole life and make it their whole worke to praie meditate and read Gods word with other such good bookes or at the least to allow to themselues some little portion or part of the daie and night to prostrate themselues apart from all companie in praier and meditation before the Lord of heauen and earth their creator redeemer and sauiour and that in all christian perfection and humble obedience to his word and commandements So haue you good reader by the goodnesse of God who worketh all our works for vs here now at the length in this Monument or collection conteined if you list so for distinction or names sake to call or intitle them not onelie a burning Lampe for virgins but also a christall Mirrour for Matrones as also a delectable Diall for to direct you to true deuotion with a perfect President or register of holie praier for all women generally to haue recourse vnto as to their homelie or domestical librarie First a Lampe readie replenished and prepared of the wise virgins with that fragrant oile pretious perfume and odoriferous incense of holie inuocation pure praier diuine sacrifice and heauenlie worship wherewith God is so highlie pleased and whereby at his holie hand the virgine or single woman through the intercession of Christ obteineth the gift of puritie modestie shamefastnesse and chastitie the deflowred woman findeth grace to repent and to be restored to fauour both with God and men the naturall or stepdaughter to reuerence and obeie hir parents in all childlike duties the wooed woman not to be by anie meanes cosined or abused in marriage the yoong married wife to consecrate hir selfe to liue holilie in that honourable estate
vnto the Lord God of Israel Lord when thou wentest out of Seir when thou departedst out of the field of Edom the earth trembled and the heauens rained the clouds also dropped water The mountaines melted before the Lord euen as did Sinai before the Lord God of Israel In the daies of Samgar the some of Anath in the daies of Iael the high waies were vnoccupied for feare of the enimies and the trauellers walked through bywaies The townes were not inhabited they decaied I say and the inhabitants thereof were gone in Israel vntill I Deborah came vp which miraculously mooued by God to pitie deliuer them rose vp a mother in Israel They chose new gods and then had they war or the enimie in the gates was there a shield or speare seene among fortie thousand of Israel they had no hart to resist their enimies My hart is set on the gouernours of Israel and loueth them that are willing among the people praise yee the Lord. Speake yee gouernours that ride on faire Asse s or Moiles yee that dwell by Middin in danger of your enimies and that walke by the waies For the noise of the archers among the drawers of water ceased There shall they rehearse the righteousnesse of the Lord his righteousnesse in his vnfenced townes in Israel then did the people of the Lord go downe to the gates without feare of the enimie Up Debora vp arise and sing a song Arise Barak and lead thy captiuitie or them that kept thy people in bondage and captiuitie captiue thou sonne of Abinoam For they that remaine haue dominion ouer the mightie of the people the Lord hath giuen mee dominion ouer the strong Of Ephraun their roote Iosua first arose and fought against Amalek and after thee Iosua Beniamin that is Saule shall fight against thy people O Amalek Of Machir came rulers and of Zebulun they that handle the penne of the writer euen the learned did helpe to fight And the princes of Issachar were with Debora and the whole tribe of Issachar and also Barak he was sent on foote into the vallie for the diuisions of Ruben were great thoughts of hart Why abodest thou among the sheepfolds to heare the bleatings of the flocks For the diuisions of Ruben that came not ouer Iordan to helpe their brethren in their necessitie were great thoughts of hart and much maruelling Gilead abode beyond Iordan yet came to helpe their brethren therefore thou Ruben canst haue no excuse and why doth Dan remaine in ships Asher continued on the sea shore and taried in his desolate decaied places But the people of zebulun and Nepthalie haue ieoparded their liues vnto the death in the hie places of the field The kings came and fought then fought the king of Chanaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo and wan no monie but lost all They fought from heauen euen the starres in their courses fought against Sisera and by Gods power his people were holpen to ouer come their enimies The riuer of kishon swept them away as a béesome doth the filth of the house that ancient riuer the riuer Kishon O my soule thou hast marched valiantly Then were the horse hoofes broken with the praunsing and oft beating together of their mightie men Curse ye the citie of Meros where ye fought said the Angel of the Lord curse the inhabitants thereof bicause they came not to helpe the Lord to helpe the Lord against the mightie Iael the wife of Heber the Kenite shall be blessed aboue other women blessed shall she be aboue women dwelling in tents He asked water and she gaue him milke she brought foorth butter in a lordlie dish She put hir hand to the naile and hir right hand to the workmans hammer with the hammer smote she Sisera she smote off his head after she had wounded and persed his temples He bowed him downe at hir feete he fell downe and lay still at hir feete he bowed himselfe downe and fell when he had sunk downe he lay there dead destroied The mother of Sisera looked out at a windowe and cried through the lattise Why is his chariot so long a comming Why tarie the wheeles of his chariots All hir wise Ladies answered hir yea she answered or comforted hir selfe with hir owne words Surely they haue gotten and found they diuide the spoile euerie man hath a damsell or two Sisera hath a praie of diuers coloured garments euen a praie of raiment died with sundrie colours and that are made of needle worke raiment of diuers colours and of needle worke on both sides which is meete for him that is chiefe in distributing of the spoiles So let all thine enimies perish O Lord but they that loue him shall be as the sunne when hee riseth in his might and growe dailie more and more in Gods fauour And the land had rest fortie yeeres The praier or blessing of Naomy for hir two daughters in lawe Ruth and Orpah Ruth 1 8 9. THE Lord shew fauour and deale as kindlie with you my good daughters as yee haue dealt with the dead your husband 's my two sonnes and with mee Yea the Lord grant you that you may find rest either of you in the house of hir husband The praier or vow of Hanna for a sonne 1. Samuel 1 11. O Lord of hosts if thou wilt looke on the trouble of thine handmaid and remember mee and not forget thine handmaid but giue vnto thine handmaid a manchild then I will giue him vnto the Lord all the daies of his life and there shall no rasor come vpon his head The song and thankesgiuing of Hanna after she by praier had obteined a sonne called Samuel 1. Samuel 2. MIne hart reioiceth in the Lord and mine horne is exalted in the Lord for I haue recouered strength and glorie by his benefit my mouth is inlarged or wide open ouer mine enimies so that I can now answere them that reprooue my barrennesse for I reioice in thy saluation There is none holie as the Lord yea there is none besides thee and there is no god like our God Speake no more presumptuouslie against God in condemning my barrennesse let not arrogancie come out of your mouth for the Lord is a God of knowledge and his purposes come to passe and by him enterprises are established The bowe with the mightie men are broken and they that were weake haue girded themselues with strength They that were full are hired foorth for bread and sell their labours for necessarie foode and the hungrie are no more hired but cease to haue néede so that the barren hath borne seuen euen many and shee that had many children is waren feeble The Lord killeth maketh aliue bringeth downe to the graue and raiseth vp againe The Lord maketh poore and maketh rich bringeth lowe and exalteth vp on high He raiseth vp the poore out of the dust and according to his owne will lifteth vp the begger from the dunghill to set
all the daie long He hath filled me with bitternesse and made me dronken with woormewood and with great anguish and sorowe he hath made me loose my senses He hath smitten my teeth in peeces with stones and rolled me in the dust Thus my soule was farre off from peace I forgat prosperitie and all good things And I said My strength and mine hope is perished from the Lord. O remember yet my miserie and my trouble the woormewood and the gall Yea in remembring my soule doth still remember them and is humbled within me I consider these things in my hart and therefore I get hope againe Namelie it is of the Lords mercies that we are not vtterlie consumed for our wickednesse for truelie his pitifull compassions faile not New mercies shall the Lord shew vpon thee earlie in the daie springing euerie morning O Lord great is thy faithfulnesse for we féele thy benefits continuallie The Lord is my portion saith my soule therefore will I hope in him O how good is the Lord vnto them that put their trust in him and to the soule that seeketh after hun The good man with silence and patience doth both trust and waite for the health and saluation of the Lord. It is good for a man to take and beare the yoke vppon him in and from his youth vp He sitteth alone and murmureth not but is patient and holdeth him still and keepeth silence because he hath taken and borne the Lords yoke vpon him He laieth his face vpon the earth and humbleth himselfe waiting with patience if there may happen to be anie hope of succour He offreth his cheeke to the smiter he will be content with reproches For the Lord will not forsake for euer But though he send affliction and punish yet will he haue compassion and according to the multitude of his mercies he receiueth to grace againe For he doth not plague willinglie nor delighteth to afflict the children of men but doth it of necessitie for our amendment To treade all the prisoners of the earth vnder his feete To ouerthrowe the right of a man before the face of the most high To condemne a man in his cause the Lord hath not pleasure in such things What and who is he then that saith And it commeth to passe And the Lord commandeth it not For without his prouidence nothing is done Out of the mouth of the most high proceedeth not euill and good both prosperitie and aduersitie Wherefore then mourneth the liuing man when God afflicteth him Let him mourne and be sorowfull for his owne sinnes for which he suffereth Let vs search and trie and looke well vpon our owne waies and remember our selues and turne againe to the Lord. Let vs without hypocrisie lift vp both our harts and our hands vnto God that is in the heauens and saie We haue sinned and rebelled therefore hast thou not spared Thou hast couered vs in thy wrath and persecuted vs thou hast slaine without anie fauour Thou hast hid thy selfe as in a cloud that our praiers should not passe through Thou hast made vs the offscowring and reffuse in the mids of the people All our enimies haue opened their mouths against vs and gape vpon vs. Feare and snare is come vpon vs yea desolation and destruction Whole riuers of waters gush out of mine eies for the destruction of the daughter of my people Mine eie droppeth without staie and ceaseth not for there is no rest Till the Lord looke downe from heauen consider Mine eies breake mine hart and I am ouercome with wéeping bicause of all the daughters or people of my Citie Mine enimies hunted and chased me sore like a bird yea and that without a cause They haue shut vp my life in a dungeon and cast a stone vpon me The waters flowed ouer mine head then thought I Now I am destroied I called vpon thy name O Lord out of the deepe pit and lowe dungeon Thou hast heard my voice stop not thine eare from my sighings and crieng Thou drewest neere vnto me in the daie when I called vpon thee and hast said Feare not O Lord thou hast maintained the cause of my soule and hast redeemed my life that was in danger O Lord thou hast seene my wrong take thou my cause vpon thee and iudge it Thou hast seene all their vengeance and all their deuises against mee Thou hast hard their reprochfull despitefull words O Lord yea and all their imaginations against me The lips also of those that rise against me and their deuises and whisperings that they take against me all the daie long Behold also their sitting downe and their rising vp how I am now their song Reward them O Lord according to the works of their hands Giue them sorrowe of hart and an obstinate hart euen thy curse to them Persecute them O Lord with thine indignation and root them out and vtterlie destroie them from vnder the heauen The fift lamentation or praier of Zion CAll to remembrance O Lord what is come vpon vs consider and behold our confusion and reproch Our inheritance is turned to the strangers and our houses to the aliens We are vnderlings without fathers and our mothers are as widowes We haue drunken our water for monie and our wood haue we by sale sold vnto vs. Our necks are vnder persecution we are wearie and haue no rest Aforetime we yeelded our selues to the Aegyptians and now we haue submitted our selues to the Assyrians onlie that we might be satisfied haue bread inough Our fathers which now are gone haue sinned and we must beare their wickednesse Seruants haue the rule of vs and no man deliuereth vs out of their hands We must get our liuing with the perill of our liues bicause of the drought of the wildernesse Our skin is made blacke like as an ouen bicause of the trouble famine and verie sore hunger They rauish and defile the wiues in Zion and the maidens in the citie of Iudea The princes are hanged vp by their enimies hand they haue not honoured the old sage mens faces They haue taken the yoong men for slaues to grind and the boies fainted vnder the burden of wood not able to abide it The elders haue ceased from the gates so that there were no more lawes nor forme of Commonwealth and the yoong men from their songs The ioie of our hart is gone our danse and melodious meeting is turned into mourning The garland or crowne of our head is fallen Wo now vnto vs and alas that euer we sinned Therfore our hart is full of heauinesse and for these things our eies are dimme with wéeping Bicause of the hill or mountaine of Zion which is destroied and desolate insomuch that the foxes runne vpon it But thou O Lord remainest for euer and thy seate throne from generation to generation world without end and therefore thy couenant and mercies can neuer faile Wherefore dost thou forget vs for euer and forsake vs so long time
Turne thou vs vnto thee O Lord and so we shall be turned renew our daies as in old times But thou hast vtterlie banished and reiected vs and thou art exceedinglie angrie and displeased against vs. The praier and thankesgiuing of Sarra Tobits wife which in hir virginitie with fasting and weeping for the space of three daies and three nights she made to be deliuered from the shame and reproch wherewith hir fathers maids vpbraided hir Tobit 3 11. BLessed art thou O Lord my God and thine holie and glorious name is blessed and honourable for euer Let all thy works praise thee for euer O God of our fathers which when thou art wroth shewest mercie and in the time of trouble thou forgiuest the sinnes of them that call vpon thee Unto thee O Lord turne I now my face vnto thee lift I vp mine eies and saie I beseech thee O Lord loose me out of the bonds of this rebuke or else take me vtterlie awaie from out of the earth that I may heare no more anie reproch Thou knowest O Lord minc innocencie that I neuer had desire vnto man and that I haue kept my soule cleane from all vncleanlie lusts Thou knowest O Lord I say that I am pure from all sinne with man and that I haue neuer polluted my name nor the name of my father in the land of my captiuitie I haue not kept companie with those that passe their time in sport neither haue I made my selfe partaker with them that walke in light behauiour I am the onelie daughter of my father neither hath he anie man child to be his heire neither anie neere kinsman or child borne of him to whom I may keepe my selfe for a wife An husband haue I consented to take not for my pleasure but in thy feare and my seuen husbands are now dead one after another and why should I liue to endure so great reproch as to be counted a murtherer of my husbands Now peraduenture either I haue beene vnwoorthie of them or else were they vnmeete for me But if it please not thee that I should die as I desire for thou happilie hast kept me to another husband command then to looke on me to pitie me that I doo no more heare reproch For why thy counsell is not in the power of man but euerie one that serueth thee is sure of this that if his life be in trieng he shall be crowned and if he be in trouble that God no doubt shall deliuer him if his life be in chastening that he shall haue leaue to come vnto thy mercie For thou hast no pleasure in our damnation And why After a storme thou makest the weather faire and still after weeping and heauinesse thou giuest great ioie Thy name O God of Israel be praised for euer Amen And at the same time were hir praiers heard before the maiestie of the great God The praier of Iudith which she made with fasting and teares for the deliuerance of hir people the Bethulians out of the hands of Holophernes and the Assyrians host that besieged their citie Iudith 9 2. O Lord God of my father Simeon which gauest him a sword for a defence against the enimies and to take vengeance of the strangers which vsed violence in their vncleannesse and opened the wombe of the maid Dinah and defiled hir that rauished the virgine and discouered the thigh with shame and polluted the wombe to hir reproch confusion For thou hadst commanded that it should not so be yet they the Sichemites I meane did things for the which thou gauest their princes to the slaughter For they were deceiued and washed their beds with bloud And hast striken the seruants with the gouernors the gouernors vpon their thrones Thou that gauest their wiues for a praie and their daughters to be captiues and all their spoiles for a bootie vnto thy children and seruants the Israelites that thou louedst which were mooued with thy zeale and abhorred the pollution of their bloud and called vpon thee for aid O God O Lord my God heare me also a widowe and helpe mee I beseech thee For thou hast wrought the things afore and these and the things that shall be after and thou considerest the things that are present and the things that are to come For the things which thou dost purpose are present and saie Behold we are heere and looke what thou hast taken in hand and deuised it came euer to passe For all thy waies are readie prepared and thy iudgements are put in thine euerlasting foreknowledge O looke now vpon the armies of the Assyrians like as it was thy pleasure sometime to looke vpon the host of the Aegyptians when they being weaponed persecuted thy seruants and put their trust in their chariots horsemen and in the multitude of their men of war but thou lookedst vpon their host casting a thicke darknes before them And when they came into the deepe the waters ouerwhelmed them euen so Lord behold and let it go with those Assyrians which are multiplied by their power and haue exalted themselues with horses horsemen which glory in the strength of their footmen that trust in shield speare and bowe and do not knowe that thou only art the Lord our God which breakest the battels and destroiest the wars from the beginning The Lord is thy name and it apperteineth vnto thee to be called Lord. O lift vp thine arme now like as euer from the beginning and breake thou their strength by thy power cause their force to fall by thy wrath For they haue purposed yea and make their vaunt and boast to vnhalowe and defile thy sanctuarie to pollute the tabernacle where thy glorious name resteth and to waste spoile and cast downe with sword and weapons the horns of thine altar Behold their pride and bring to passe O Lord that the blasphemie of this enimie Holophernes may be cut downe with his owne sword and send thy wrath vpon their heads Giue into mine hand which am a widowe the strength that I haue conceiued that he may be taken with the snare of his eies in me and that thou maiest smite him with the lips of my loue Smite I saie by the deceit of my lips the seruant with the prince and the prince with the seruant O giue me a stedfast mind that I may despise him and his strength and that I may destroie him This shall bring thy name an euerlasting remembrance if thou abate his strength and ouerthrowe him by the hand of a woman For thy power O Lord standeth not in the multitude of men nor thy might in strong men neither hast thou anie pleasure in the strength of horses neither was there from the beginning anie proud persons that pleased thee But in the praier of the humble and meeke hath thy pleasure beene euermore Thou I saie O Lord art the helpe of the humble and little ones the defender of the weake and the protector of them that are
forsaken and the Sauiour of them that are without hope Surelie surelie thou art the God of my fathers and the God of the inheritance of Israel the Lord of heauen and earth the Creator of the waters the King and Lord of all creatures O heare thou my praiers heare me I saie poore woman calling vpon thee and putting my trust in thy mercie Remember thy couenant O Lord and minister words in my mouth and stablish this deuise in my hart that thy house may continue still in holinesse yea grant me words I saie and craft and a wound and a stroke against them that enterprise cruel things against thy couenant and against thine holie house and against the top of Zion and against the house of the possession of thy children Shew euidentlie among all thy people and all the tribes that they and all the heathen may knowe that thou art the God of all power and strength and that there is none other that defendeth the people of Israel but thou So be it Iudith hir praier that shee made secretlie or mentallie in hir hart when she stroke off the head of proud Holophernes Iudith 13 4. O Lord God of all power behold at this present and haue respect vnto the works of my hands in this houre for the exaltation of Ierusalem that thou maiest set vp thy citie like as thou hast promised Strengthen me O Lord God of Israel and grant that I may performe the thing which in hope that it may be done by thee I haue deuised For now is the time to helpe thine inheritance and to execute mine enterprises to the destruction of the enimies which are risen against vs. Strengthen me therefore this daie O Lord God of Israel now strengthen me I saie O Lord God euen in this houre Iudith hir song of praise and thankesgiuing which she togither with all the people made for their deliuerance from the hands of the Assyrians by the destruction of Holophernes Iudith 16. BEgin vnto my God with Timbrels sing vnto my Lord with Cimbals O tune vnto him a Psalme and sing a new song of thankesgiuing vnto him exalt his praise be ioifull and call vpon his name For it is the Lord that destroieth wars and breaketh battels euen the Lord is his name It is God which hath pitched his tents or campe in the mids of his people and deliuered me and them out of the hands of all the persecutors our enimies Assur came out from the mountaines of the north in the multitude of his strength he came with thousands in his armie so that the multitude of his people stopped the water brookes and their horses couered the vallies He purposed to haue burnt vp my borders and land and said that he would kill my yoong men with the sword dash the suckling children against the ground and lead awaie my children and my virgins as a praie or spoile into captiuitie But the almightie Lord hindered him and deliuered him into the hands of a woman which hath brought him to naught and confusion For the mightie Holophernes did not fall nor was destroied by the yoong men It was not the sonnes of Titan that slue him neither haue the great giants inuaded him or set themselues against him but Iudith the daughter of Merari with hir faire beautie and comlie countenance hath discomfited and brought him to naught For she put off and laid awaie the garment of hir widowhood and put on the apparell of gladnesse for the exaltation and reioicing of those that were oppressed in Israel She annointed hir face with ointment and bound vp hir heare in a coife and tooke a new stole or linnen garment to beguile him Hir slippers rauished his eies hir beautie captiuated and tooke his mind prisoner with the sword or faulchin smote she off his head The Persians were astonished at hir boldnesse and the Medes were troubled with hir hardinesse But mine afflicted reioiced and my feeble ones that appeared drie of thirst showted for ioie then the Persians and Medes feared they lift vp their voice and howled and turned backe The children of maides or the sonnes of the daughters haue pierced them through and wounded them as they fled awaie like fugitiue children they perished in the battell for the verie feare of the Lord my God I will sing vnto the Lord a song of thankesgiuing a new song of praise will I sing vnto my God O Lord Lord thou art a great and glorious GOD maruellous mightie and inuincible in power whom no man may ouercome Let all thy creatures serue thee For thou spakest but the word and they were made thou sentest thy spirit and they were created and there is none that can resist or withstand thy voice For the mountaines mooue and leape vp from their foundations with the waters the stonie rocks melt at thy presence like waxe yet thou art mercifull to them that feare thee For all sacrifices are too little for a sweet sauour and all the fat is too little for thy burnt offering But they that feare thee O Lord shall be great with thee in all things at all times Wo to the people and nations that rise vp against my generation and kindred For the almightie Lord will take vengeance himselfe of them and in the daie of iudgement will hee visit them in sending fire and woormes in their flesh and they shall burne and feele them and weepe for euermore So be it The praier of Queene Hester which she made for the deliuerance of hir selfe and hir people out of the bloudie hands of Haman that conspired their death Hester 14 3. O My Lord thou onlie art our King helpe me desolate woman which haue no helper but thee For my danger miserie and destruction is hard at hand From my youth vp I haue heard in the kindred of my father that thou O Lord tookest Israel from among all people and our fathers from their predecessors and foreelders that they shuld be thy perpetuall inheritance And looke what thou didst promise them thou hast performed and made it good vnto them Now Lord we haue sinned before thee therefore hast thou giuen vs into the hands of our enimies bicause we worshipped their gods O Lord thou art righteous neuerthelesse it satisfieth them not that we are in bitter and heauie captiuitie and oppressed among them But they haue stroken hands with their idols that they will abolish and take awaie the thing that thou with thy mouth hast ordeined and appointed and destroie thine inheritance to shut and to stop vp the mouthes of them that praise thee and to quench the glorie of thy temple and worship of thine house and altar and to open the mouthes of the heathen that they may praise the power and vertue of the gods or idols and to magnifie a fleshlie king for euer O Lord giue not thy scepter vnto them that be nothing least they laugh vs to scorne in our miserie and fall but turne their deuise vpon themselues and
thee I will look vpon none other thing that might keepe me backe from the beholding of thy diuinitie Seeing that I doo heare thee I will heare nothing that letteth me from the fruition of thy voice Seeing that I may freelie talke with thee I will common with none other Seeing it pleaseth thee to put me so neere thee I will rather die than to touch anie other and seeing I serue thee I will serue none other Seeing that thou hast ioined thy hart with mine if it depart from thee let it be punished for euer For the departing from thy loue is harder than any damnation I doo not feare the paine of ten thousand hels as I doo feare the once loosing of thee Alas my God my Father and Creator doo not thou suffer that the enimie inuenter of all sinne haue anie power to make mee to loose thy presence For whosoeuer shall feele the losse of thy loue shall saie he would rather be bound for euer in hell than to feele the paine thereof one moment of time O my Sauiour doo thou not permit that euer I depart from thee againe but that it may please thee to put me in such a place that my soule through wantonnesse of sinne be neuer separated from thy loue The sixt Chapter Of the longing of the soule by death to feede with Christ IN this world I can not perfectlie haue this my desire which thing maketh mee feruentlie to desire the departing from this bodie of sinne not fearing death nor anie of hir instruments For what feare ought I to haue of my God which through loue offered himselfe and suffered death not of debt or dutie but onlie bicause he would for my sake vnder the power of mortall death Now is Iesus dead in whom we are all dead and through his death we all shall liue I meane those which through faith are partakers of his passion For euen as the death before the great mysterie of the crosse was hard to euerie man there was no man but was feared therewith considering the copulation of the bodie and the soule their order loue and agreement so were their sorowes extreme in departing of the one from the other But since it hath pleased the sweet Lambe to offer himselfe vpon the crosse his great loue hath kindled a fire within the hart so vehement that euerie true beleeuer esteemeth the passage of death but a plaie or pastime and so prouoketh other constantlie to die And euen as the feare of death doth retrograde vs so ought loue to giue vs a desire to die For if true loue be vnfainedlie within the hart of man he can feele none other thing bicause loue is so strong of it selfe that she keepeth all the room and putteth out all other desires suffering nothing there but God onlie For wheresoeuer true and perfect loue is there is remembred neither feare nor sorowe yet our owne pride to attaine honour causeth vs to seeke death by manie strange waies As if a man to haue his foolish pleasure putteth himselfe in ieopardie of life if a merchant to obtaine riches doth danger himselfe somtime for a small value if the theefe conceiuing of roberie or murther crueltie or deceit doth so blind a man that he doubteth nothing the danger of death neither yet misfortune when he seeketh to aduenge himselfe or doth any other euill if the furie of sicknesse or the rankenesse of melancholie causeth a man fiercelie to wish for death or oftentimes to drowne hang or kill themselues Such euils are sometimes so great that they cause their pained patient to choose death for libertie If it so be then that these paines full of euils and imperfections cause them not to feare the hazard of death but rather to thinke that death tarieth too long alas what ought true laudable loue to doo What ought the loue of the eternall creature to wish Should she stir a hart in such wise that she being maistered with such affections should feele none other thing in hir Alas yea For death is a pleasant thing to the soule which is in loue with God and esteemeth the passage easie thorough the which she commeth out of prison For the hard waie where through she commeth can be no let for hir to embrace hir husband O my Sauiour how good and pleasant is the same death through whom I shall haue the end of all sorowes by whom I shall enioie thy sight without impediment and be transformed into the likenesse of thy maiestie O death through thy force I trust to haue such honour as vpon my knees with crieng and weeping I dailie doo desire Therefore come quicklie and make an end of my sorowes O happie daughters right holie soules ioined to the citie Ierusalem open your eies and with pitie looke vpon my desolation I beseech you that for me and in my name ye doo shew vnto my deere and best beloued my God my friend my King how that euerie houre of the daie I doo languish for his presence O sweet death come vnto me and louinglie bring me vnto my Lord God O death where is now thy sting and dart Alas are they banished from mine eies Is not rigour changed into sweetnesse seeing that for my sake my friend did suffer vpon the crosse whose death doth so encourage me that death I wish to followe him The seuenth Chapter Of the trust the soule hath in the merits of hir Redeemer against the dread of hell and desperation SIth then that death is so pleasant to me that it pleaseth me more than it feareth me then ought I to feare nothing but onlie the right iudgement of GOD. My sinnes with his iust ballance shall be weied and all that I haue done openlie shall be shewed my thoughts and words shall be better knowne than they were written in a roll Wherefore I may not thinke that charitie would offend iustice and truth For certaine it is whosoeuer liueth vnfaithfullie shall be punished in euerlasting paine For God is iust and his iudgement righteous and all that he doth is perfect in all things What am I then considering mine owne righteousnesse A wretch and poore creature I knowe that all the works of iust men are so full of imperfection that afore God they are more filthie than mire or other vilenesse What will it be then concerning the sins which I haue committed whereof I feele the burden importable I can nothing else saie but that I haue woon by them damnation Is this the end Shall despaire then be the comfort of my great ignorance Alas my God no For the inuisible faith causeth me to beleeue that all things which are impossible to man are possible vnto thee so that thou doo conuert my worke which is nothing into some good worke of thine in me which is speciallie faith Then my Lord who shall condemne me Or what Iudge will damne me Sith that thou which art my Iudge art also my father my spouse and my refuge
gods Alas how haue I violated this holie pure and most high precept and commandment of the loue of God Which precept bindeth me to loue him with my whole hart mind force strength and vnderstanding And I like vnto an euill wicked and disobedient child haue giuen my will power and senses to the contrarie making almost of euerie earthlie and carnall thing a god Furthermore the bloud of Christ was not reputed by me sufficient for to wash me from the filth of my sinnes neither such waies as he had appointed by his word but I sought for such riffraffe as the Bishop of Rome hath planted in his tyrannie and kingdome trusting with great confidence by the vertue and holinesse of them to receiue full remission of my sinnes And so I did as much as was in me obfuscate and darken the great benefit of Christes passion than the which no thought can conceiue anie thing of more value There cannot be done so great an iniurie and displeasure to almightie God our father as to tread vnder foote Christ his onlie begotten and welbeloued sonne All other sinnes in the world gathered together in one be not so heinous and detestable in the sight of God And no wonder For in Christ crucified God doth shewe himselfe most noble and glorious euen an almightie God and most louing father in his onlie deare and chosen blessed sonne And therefore I count my selfe one of the most wicked and miserable sinners in the world bicause I haue beene so much contrarie to Christ my sauiour Saint Paule desired to knowe nothing but Christ crucified after he had beene rapt into the third heauen where he heard such secrets as were not conuenient meete to vtter to men but counted all his works and doings as nothing to win Christ And I most presumptuouslie thinking nothing of Christ crucified went about to set foorth mine owne righteousnesse saieng with the proud Pharisie Good Lord I thanke thee I am not like other men I am none adulterer nor fornicator and so foorth with such like words of vaine glorie extolling my selfe and despising others working as an hired seruant for wages or else for reward and not as a louing child onlie for verie loue without respect of wages or reward as I ought to haue done Neither did I consider how beneficiall a father I had who did shew me his charitie and mercie of his owne meere grace and goodnesse that when I was most his enimie he sent his onlie begotten and welbeloued sonne into this world of wretchednesse and miserie to suffer most cruell and sharpe death for my redemption But my hart was so stonie and hard that this great benefit was neuer trulie and liuelie printed in my hart although with my words it was oft rehearsed thinking my selfe to be sufficientlie instructed in the same and being in deede in blinde ignorance and yet I stoode so well in mine owne iudgement and opinion that I thought it vaine to seeke the increase of my knowledge therein Paule calleth Christ the wisdome of God and euen the same Christ was to me foolishnesse My pride and blindnesse deceiued me and the hardnesse of my hart withstoode the groning of truth within it Such were the fruits of my carnall and humane reasons to haue rotten ignorance in price for ripe seasonable knowledge such also is the malice and wickednesse that possesseth the harts of men such is the wisdome and pleasing of the flesh I professed Christ in my baptisme when I began to liue but I swarued from him after baptisme in continuance of my liuing euen as the heathen which neuer had begun Christ was innocent and void of all sinne and I wallowed in filthie sinne and was free from no sinne Christ was obedient vnto his father euen to the death of the crosse and I disobedient and most stubborne euen to the confusion of truth Christ was meeke and humble in hart and I most proud and vaine-glorious Christ despised the world with all the vanities therof and I make it my God because of the vanities Christ came to serue his brethren and I coueted to rule ouer them Christ despised worldlie honour and I much delighted to attaine the same Christ loued the base and simple things of the world and I esteemed the most faire and pleasant things Christ loued pouertie and I wealth Christ was gentle and mercifull to the poore and I hard-harted and vngentle Christ praied for his enimies and I hated mine Christ reioiced in the conuersion of sinners and I was not greeued to see their reuersion to sinne By this declaration all creatures may perceiue how far I was from Christ and without Christ yea how contrarie to Christ although I bare the name of a Christian Insomuch that if anie man had said I had beene without Christ I would haue stiffelie denied and withstoode the same and yet in deede I neither knew Christ nor wherefore he came As concerning the effect and purpose of his comming I had a certaine vaine and blind knowledge both cold and dead which may be had with all sinne as doth plainelie appeare by this my confession and open declaration The second Chapter A lamentation of a sinner with hartie repentance in faith to obtaine absolution and remission through the merits of Christ. WHat cause now haue I to lament sigh and weepe for my life time so euill spent With how much humilitie and lowlinesse ought I to come and knowledge my sinnes to God giuing him thanks that it hath pleased him of his aboundant goodnesse to giue me time of repentance For I knowe my sinnes in the consideration of them to be so greeuous and in the number so exceeding that I haue deserued verie often eternall damnation And for the deferring of Gods wrath so manifoldlie due I must vncessantlie giue thanks to the mercie of God beseeching also that the same delaie of punishment cause not his plague to be the sorer since mine owne conscience condemneth my former doings But his mercie exceedeth all iniquitie And if I should not thus hope alas what should I seeke for refuge and comfort No mortall man is of power to help me and for the multitude of my sinnes I dare not lift vp mine eies to heauen where the seate of iudgement is I haue so much offended my God What Shall I fall in desperation Naie I will call vpon Christ the light of the world the fountaine of life the reliefe of all carefull consciences the peacemaker betweene God and man and the onlie health and comfort of all true repentant sinners He can by his almightie power saue me and deliuer me out of this miserable state and hath will by his mercie to saue euen the whole sin of the world I haue no hope nor confidence in anie creature neither in heauen nor earth but in Christ my whole onlie Sauiour He came into the world to saue sinners and to heale them that are sicke For he said The whole haue no neede
hart shall not be changed from thee but be surelie fixed and finallie rest and be quieted in thee I am nothing else of my selfe but vanitie before thee an vnconstant creature and a feeble And therefore whereof may I rightfullie glorie Or why should I looke to be magnified Who so pleaseth himselfe without thee displeaseth thee and he that delighteth in mens praisings looseth the true praise before thee The true praise is to be praised of thee and the true ioie is to reioice in thee Wherefore thy name O Lord be praised and not mine thy works be magnified and not mine and thy goodnesse be alwaies lauded and blessed Thou art my glorie and the ioie of my hart in thee shall I glorie and reioice and not in my selfe nor in anie worldlie honor or dignitie which to thine eternall glorie compared is but a shadowe and a verie vanitie O Lord we liue here in great darknesse and are soone deceiued with the vanities of this world and are soone greeued with a little trouble yet if I could behold my selfe well I should plainelie see that what trouble soeuer I haue suffered it hath iustlie come vpon me because I haue often sinned greeuouslie offended thee To me therefore confusion and despite is due but to thee laud honour and glorie Lord send me helpe in my troubles for mans helpe is little woorth How often haue I beene disappointed where I thought I should haue found friendship And how often haue I found it where as I least thought Wherefore it is a vaine thing to trust in man For the true trust and helth of man is onlie in thee Blessed be thou Lord therefore in all things that happen vnto vs. For we be weake and vnstable soone deceiued and soon changed from one thing to another O Lord God most righteous Iudge strong and patient which knowest the frailtie and malice of man be thou my whole strength and comfort in all necessities For mine owne conscience Lord sufficeth not Wherefore to thy mercie I doo appeale seeing no man may be iustified ne appere righteous in thy sight if thou examine him after thy iustice The fift Chapter Of the euerlasting daie and anguish of this life OBlessed mansion of thy heauenlie Citie O most clearest daie of eternitie whom the night may neuer darken This is the daie alwaie cleare and merrie alwaie sure and neuer changing his estate Would to God this daie might shortlie appeare and shine vpon vs and that these worldlie fantasies were at an end This daie shineth clearlie to thy Saints in heauen with euerlasting brightnesse but to vs pilgrims in earth it shineth obscurelie and as through a mirrour or glasse The heauenlie Citizens knowe how ioious this day is but we outlawes the children of Eue weepe and waile the bitter tediousnes of our daie that is of this present life short and euill full of sorowe and anguish Where man is oftentimes defiled with sinne incumbred with affliction inquieted with troubles wrapped in cares busied with vanities blinded with errors ouercharged with labours vexed with temptations ouercome with vaine delights and pleasures of the world and grieuouslie tormented with penurie and neede O when shall the end come of all these miseries When shall I be clearelie deliuered from the bondage of sinne When shall I Lord haue onelie mind on thee and fullie be glad and merrie in thee When shall I be free without letting and be in perfect libertie of bodie and soule When shall I haue peace without trouble peace within and without and on euerie side stedfast sure O Lord Iesu when shall I stand and behold thee and haue full sight and contemplation of thy glorie When shalt thou be to me all in all And when shall I be with thee in thy kingdome that thou hast ordeined for thine elect people from the beginning I am left here poore and as an outlawe in the land of mine enimies where dailie be battels and great misfortunes Comfort mine exile asswage my sorowe for all my desire is to be with thee It is to me an vnpleasant burden what pleasure soeuer the world offereth me here I desire to haue inward fruition in thee but I can not attaine thereto I couet to cleaue fast to heauenlie things but worldlie affections plucke my mind downeward I would subdue all euill affections but they dailie rebell and rise against me and will not be subiect vnto my spirit Thus I wretched creature sigh in my selfe and am grieuous to my selfe while my spirit desireth to be vpward and contrarie my flesh draweth me downward O what suffer I inwardlie I go about to mind heauenly things and streight a great rable of worldlie things rush into my soule Therefore Lord be not long awaie ne depart thou in thy wrath from me Send me the light of thy grace destroie in me all carnall desires Send foorth the hot flames of thy loue to burne and consume the cloudie fantasies of my mind Gather O Lord my wits and the powers of my soule togither in thee make me to despise all worldlie things and by thy grace strongly to resist and ouercome all motions and occasions of sinne Helpe me thou euerlasting truth that no worldlie guile nor vanitie hereafter haue power to deceiue me Come also thou heauenlie sweetnesse and let all bitternesse of sinne flie far from me Pardon me and forgiue me as oft as in my praier my mind is not surelie fixed on thee For manie times I am not there where I stand or sit but rather there whither my thoughts carie me For there I am where my thoughts be and where as customablie is my thought there is that that I loue And that oftentimes commeth into my mind that by custome pleaseth me best and that delighteth me most to thinke vpon Accordinglie as thou dost say in thy gospell Where as a mans treasure is there is his hart Wherefore if I loue heauen I speake gladlie therof and of such things as be of God and of that that apperteineth to his honour and to the glorie of his holie name And if I loue the world I loue to talke of worldlie things and I ioie anon in worldlie felicitie and sorowe and lament soone for worldlie aduersitie If I loue the flesh I imagine oftentimes that that pleaseth the flesh If I loue my soule I delight much to speake and to heare of things that be for my soules health And whatsoeuer I loue of that I gladlie heare and speake and beare the images of them still in my mind Blessed is the man that for the loue of the Lord setteth not by the pleasures of this world and learneth trulie to ouercome himselfe and with the feruour of spirit crucifieth his flesh so that in a cleane and a pure conscience he may offer his praiers to thee and be accepted to haue companie of thy blessed Angels all earthlie things excluded from his hart The sixt Chapter A sweet praier wherein being pressed downe with troubles we
mercie thou keepe me so as at no time I followe the counsell of the vngodlie which knowe thee not or of Hypocrites which with their harts seeke thee not O Lord suffer me not to enter into the waie of sinners with a mind to fulfill the desires and lusts of the flesh But whensoeuer through frailtie of my corrupt nature I shall chance to run astraie then O Lord staie me and plucke my foote backe againe Keepe me that I sit not in the seate of pestilent scorners which cloaking their Pharisaicall and diuellish intents condemne in other men thy veritie Gospell Oh Lord bring to passe that I may burne in the desire of thy lawe that vpon the aduancement of thy word my mind may alwaies be occupied that I may euermore choose that which is most pleasant to thee and hate that both in my selfe and others which to thee is displeasant Make I praie thee that I may be a tree planted by the sweet riuers of thy ghostlie waters to the intent I may bring foorth fruit to thy glorie and to the profit of my neighbour as often as thou shalt minister time and occasion therevnto Least my leaues which are my words and works should fade and fall awaie but that all things may prosper whatsoeuer I shall doo in thy name Assist me I beseech thee and grant O most mercifull father that for Iesu Christs sake I may take roote in the ground of life least with the vngodlie like chaffe and dust I be blowne abrode with the most pernicious winds of this world And grant that I may stand in the assemblie of the righteous and that I may enter into iudgment without punishment and escape euerlasting damnation Glorie be to the father c. As it was in the begin c. The third Psalme TO thee O Lord I lift vp my mind in thee I trust O Lord God let me not be confounded least mine enimies make me a iesting stocke and a matter to laugh at O Lord make thy waies knowne vnto me and trade me in thy paths Direct me in thy truth and instruct me for thou art God my Sauiour I looke after thee euerie daie O Lord thou art sweet and rightfull and bringest againe into the waie them which went out Thou leadest strait into thy iudgement them that be mild and tractable and teachest them that be meeke thy word and testimonies Thou healest them that be contrite in hart and asswagest their paines and griefe Thou holdest vp all them which else should fall and all that are fallen thou liftest vp againe Thou giuest sight to the blind and loosest them that be bound Thou art nigh vnto all them that call vpon thee so that they call vpon thee faithfullie Thou fulfillest the desire of them that doo feare thee and hearest their praier and sauest them Haue mercie vpon me O God haue mercie vpon me for in thee my soule trusteth Uerelie my soule hath a speciall respect to thee For my health my glorie and all my strength cōmeth from thee For thine owne sake oh Lord God laie not my sins to my charge I vnderstand not all mine errours innumerable troubles doo close me round about my sinnes haue taken hold vpon me and I am not able to looke vp Put to thy hand to helpe me and leade me right in all my works Make me to walke perfectlie in thy waies that no kind of sinne ouercome me Set a watch before my mouth and keepe the doore of my lips Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my hart be euer pleasant and acceptable in thy sight Let the word of truth neuer go awaie from my mouth and suffer no malice to dwell in my hart O Lord deliuer my soule from lieng lips and saue me from the deceitfull tongue Put into my mouth thy true and holie word and take from me all idle and vnfruitfull speech Deliuer me from false surmises and accusations of men rule me euen as thou thinkest good after thy will and pleasure Turne awaie mine eies that they behold no vaine things fasten them in thy waie Take from me fornication and all vncleannesse and let not the loue of the flesh beguile me Yea deliuer my soule from pride that it doo not reigne in me and then shall I be cleane from the greatest sinne Staie and keepe my feete from euerie euill waie least my steps swarue from thy paths Mine eies looke euer vnto thee O Lord bicause thou art nigh at hand and all thy waies be the truth Thy mercies be great and manie O Lord blessed is he whosoeuer trusteth in thee For when I said vnto thee My feete be slipped thy mercie O Lord by and by did hold me vp Teach me to doo thy will and leade me by thy path-waie for thou art my God Oh Lord saue my soule and deliuer me from the power of darknesse Let the brightnesse of thy face shine vpon thy seruant for vnto thee O Lord God I haue fled for succor Looke vnto me and haue mercie vpon me for I am desolate and poore Keepe my soule and deliuer me that I be not confounded For I haue trusted in thee O Lord God forsake me not although I haue done no good in thy sight For thy goodnesse grant me that at the least-wise now I may begin to liue well O Lord shew thy seruants thy works and their children thy glorie and the gratious maiestie of the Lord our God be vpon vs. Oh prosper thou the works of our hands oh prosper thou our handie works Glorie be to the Father the Sonne and the holie Ghost As it was in the beginning is now and euer shall be world without end Amen A contemplation of Christes Passion O What loue and mercie of man vndeserued from God the father through his onlie sonne Iesu Christ by whose flesh and bloud we haue cleane remission of our offences when we call to mind this mysterie of our redemption and our sufficient sacrifice whereby sinne death and hell be put to exile and grace mercie and peace be obteined For this we haue not onlie occasion to lament our selues which were the verie causes why Iesus did lament in care and became poore in bodie sweat water and bloud against his death praied in affliction and suffered for our redemption but also to giue dailie thanks and to reioice to God the father for this his sonne by whom we haue felowship with Angels and are become Citizens of the saints and of the houshold of God partakers of euerlasting life for euer O happie be they which forget not this heauenlie Philosophie this giltlesse passion of Iesu Christ To knowe beleeue this is life euerlasting and the quietnesse of conscience This passion is our riches in pouertie and helpe in aduersitie and onlie life in death By this his painefull affliction were all the Patriarches Prophets Martyrs and euerie beleeuing bodie saued that euer was or shall be without which all flesh is damned and accursed Now sweet
Christ for this thy blessed oblation haue mercie on me now and in the houre of death that in the dreadfull daie of iudgment sinne death and hell may not preuaile against me sinfull creature but haue mercie vpon me according to thy greatest mercie which is this thy death and passion for which be praise to the holie Trinitie for euer and euer Amen The Hymne of the passion of Christ IEsus which is the liuelie well of wisdome And the heauenlie truth of the father eternall Which from heauen to this world did come To deliuer vs thrales from paines infernall Of Iudas was sold and of the Iewes taken And of his Disciples at midnight was forsaken We laud thee father for thy grace We praise the sonne which made vs free We thanke the holie spirit for our solace Which is one God and persons three In the dawning of the daie they did him fast bind And before Pilate he was then conuented False witnesse against Iesus they did then find When the cruell Seniours in iudgement him presented Beaten was his bodie defiled was his face And yet God and man the verie well of grace We laud thee father c. When thrée houres were past before Pilates throne All the people cried Kill Iesus the Iewes king His crowne was thornes in purple he made mone With a crosse ouer Cedron they did him bring And prepared his deadlie place on Galgatha hill To suffer pains for Adams gilt so was his fathers will We laud thee father c. The sirt houre approched his painefull end When on the trée his bodie they nailed In heauen was his helpe in earth he had no freud He died betwéene two théeues on him the Elders railed Then he thirsted for his elect which subiect were to thrall Unthankefullie they offred him vinegre mingled with gall We laud thee father c. This verie God Gods onlie begotten child Said to his father Why hast thou me forsaken Yet receiue this sacrifice and my spirit vndefild The heauens were darkned asunder the stones were shaken Bloud and water then sprang from this blessed lamb Then graues opened the dead aliue foorth came We laud thee father for thy grace c. The second Meditation or praier of our frailtie and miserie O Miserable wretched woman that I am how may I be compared to any of thy saints that shall dwell in thy Tabernacle or holie hill For they loue to be in holie contemplation and I in the vaine multitude forgetting thee they be meeke and I vnpatient they do not forget thee but my good Lord when do I remember thee but when affliction enforceth me or the lamentable fall of my breethren constraine me to thanke thee Thou most mightie and fearefull God of hosts thy holie name be blessed foreuer Amen What shall I saie my God Thou art most good and I euill thou holie and I miserable thou art light and I am blind thou art the blessed ioie and I am carefull and full of sorowe My Lord thou art the Physician and I the miserable patient I am nothing but vanitie and corrupt as euerie liuing man is What shall I saie O Creator but this that I am thy creature and shall I perish Thy hands haue made me and were wounded for me thy bloud was shed for me and hath washed me thy holie Ghost hath sanctified me and taught me yet Lord my daies are nothing What should I mortall creature thus talke with my selfe Lord God but that need hath no lawe Sorowe hath compelled me to seeke comfort sicknesse enforceth me to folowe the Physician conscience pricketh me to crie to thee my Lord for a heauenlie cordiall of comfort which am in great discomfort borne of a woman full of miserie and shortnesse of time and passe awaie like a shadowe neuer content with one estate but in earth remaine for euer The Hymne to God the Creator O Creator to thée thy creature I call Who made of mould do liue in paine And sicke in soule my flesh is thrall O wo is me my daies be vaine Yet vnto God I call for grace My soule in heauen to haue a place A praier to the blessed Trinitie Let vs praie O Holie blessed and glorious Trinitie three equall and coeternall persons but one God almightie haue mercie vpon me vile abiect abhominable and sinfull wretch meekelie acknowledging before thy diuine Maiestie my long continued life in sinne euen from my childhood hitherto Then good gratious Lord as thou giuest me the grace to acknowledge them so giue me grace not in word onlie but in hart also with sorowfull contrition to repent and vtterlie to forsake them Forgiue me also those sinnes through which by mine owne fault wicked affection and euill custome my reason is with sensualitie so blinded as I cannot discerne them for sinne Illuminate my hart good Lord and giue me grace to acknowledge them Forgiue me my sinnes negligentlie forgotten and bring them to my mind with grace to be throughlie repentant for them O mercifull God grant me thy grace so to despise sinne and all worldlie vanities that I may saie with the blessed Apostle Saint Paule The world is crucified to me and I to the world Christ is to me life and to die is my gaine and aduantage I desire to be loosed and to be with Christ Lord giue me thy grace to amend my life and to haue an eie to mine end without anie grudge or feare of death which to them that die in thee is the gate of eternall life Almightie God teach me to doo thy will take my right hand and leade me in the true waie from mine drawe me after thee bind my mouth with snaffle and bridle when I will not drawe vnto thee Oh gratious God all sinfull feare all sinfull sorowe and pensiuenesse all sinfull hope all sinfull mirth and gladnesse take awaie from me On the other side concerning such feare such heauinesse such comfort consolation and gladnesse as shall be profitable for my soule doo with me according to thy great goodnesse O Lord giue me grace in all my feare and agonie to haue recourse to that great feare and wonderfull agonie that thou my sauiour hadst at the Mount of Oliuet before thy most bitter passion and in the meditation thereof to conceiue ghostlie comfort and consolation profitable for my soule Almightie God take from me all vaine-glorious minds all appetites of mine owne praise all enuie couetise gluttonie sloth and lecherie all wrathfull affection all appetite of reuenging all desire of delight of other mens harmes all pleasure in prouoking anie person to wrath and anger all delight in taunting or mocking anie person in their affliction or trouble And giue vnto me O Lord an humble quiet peaceable patient charitable kind tender and pitifull mind in all my words my works and thoughts to haue a tast of thy holie and blessed spirit Giue me good Lord a full faith a firme hope a feruent charitie a loue to thee good Lord incomparable
aboue the loue of my selfe that I may loue nothing to thy displeasure but euerie thing in a due order to thee Giue me good Lord a longing to be with thee not for the auoiding of the calamities of this wretched world nor so much for the auoiding of the paines of hell neither so much for the obteining of the kingdome of heauen in respect of mine owne commoditie as euen for verie loue of thee And beare me good Lord thy loue fauour which thing my loue to thee-ward were it neuer so gret could not but of thy great goodnes deserue And pardon me good Lord that am so bold to aske thee so high petitions being so vile and sinfull a wretch and so vnworthie to attaine the lowest but good Lord such they be as I am bound to desire and wish and should be much neerer the effectuall desire of them if my manifold sinnes were not the let from which O glorious Trinitie vouchsafe of thy goodnesse to wash me with that blessed bloud that thou my sweet sauiour Iesus Christ diddest shed out of thy bodie in the diuers torments of thy most bitter passion that by that same greeuous passion glorious resurrection and ascension I may come to that vnspeakable ioie the which thou hast prepared for thy chosen and elect through the same Iesu Christ our sauiour to whome with the Father and the holie Ghost three persons and one God be all honour and glorie world without end So be it After praier saie this conclusion or Collect. O God that art the strength of such as trust in thee mercifullie assist vs that call vpon thy name and for asmuch as mans infirmitie can do nothing without thee grant I most humblie beseech thee the help of thy spirit that fulfilling thy commandements both in will and deed I may please thee through Iesus Christ our Lord So be it The blessing OH Lord blesse me and defend me O Lord lift vp thy countenance ouer me and be mercifull vnto me O Lord lift vp thy countenance ouer me and giue me thy peace that in thy peace O Lord I may depart to amend my life and doo vnto the poore as much as I can giue me grace to be at vnitie in quietnesse and in charitie with all thy chosen and elect people and that thy feare oh Lord may euer rest in my hart So be it Praise vnto God the Father and peace vnto the liuing As they that depart in thy faith in thée doo rest haue their being The end of Morning praier EVENING PRAIER ¶ A Confession to be said before Euening praier O Father of heauen O sonne of God redeemer of the world O holie Ghost three persons and one God haue mercie vpon me most wretched caitife and miserable sinner I haue offended both heauen earth more than my tongue can expresse My sinnes alas are aboue all mens both in number and greatnesse which I haue committed Whither then may I go Or whither should I flie To heauen I may be ashamed to lift vp my face and in earth I am not woorthie to find a place of refuge or succour To thee therefore O Lord doo I run to thee doo I humble my selfe saieng O Lord my God my sinnes be great and innumerable but yet haue mercie vpon me for thy great mercie The great mysterie that God became man was not wrought for little or few offences Thou didst not giue thy sonne O heauenlie Father vnto death for small sinnes onlie but for all the greatest sinnes in the world so that the sinner returne vnto thee with his whole hart as I doo here at this present Wherefore haue mercie vpon me O God whose propertie is alwaie to haue mercie wherefore haue mercie vpon me O Lord for thy great mercie I craue nothing O Lord for mine owne merits but for thy name sake that it may be halowed therby and for thy deere sonne Iesus Christs sake and now therefore Our father of heauen halowed c. A praier to be said in the Euening MOst mercifull and heauenly father I thanke thee by thy sonne Iesus Christ that this day thou hast giuen me all things needfull both for my soule and bodie preseruing me from all hurt and perill I aske thee mercie for mine offences and I most humblie beseech thee that thou wilt likewise this night keepe me from sinne and all euill so that all my thoughts my words works may please thee I doo commit my selfe both bodie and soule and all that I go about into thy hands I beseech thee that thy holie spirit may be with me least my deadlie aduersarie haue anie power ouer me Amen Another Euening praier O Souereigne dreadfull and most louing Lord my God who neuer ceasest to shew thy mercie towards sinners yea when they offend and trespasse against thee such is thine infinite clemencie and loue As then thou forbearest not to heape thy benefits vpon them I most sinfull and wretched wretch yeeld thee humble thanks for thine inestimable goodnesse shewed towards me in creating me to thine owne likenesse and making me capable of thine euerlasting glorie for the creation of so manie other creatures for my behoofe and sustenance for that inestimable worke of my redemption whereby thou deliuerest me from the slauerie of Sathan and purchasest mee free entrance into thy celestiall region for hauing singled me amongst so many millians that knowe thee not and lie drowned in ignorance superstition and miserable errours to be thy seruant and a true faithfull Christian for both thy blessed Sacraments especiallie for that Sacrament aboue all Sacraments wherein thou thy selfe art spirituallie conteined Finallie for hauing preserued me so manie times from hell wherein I had beene long since plunged hadst not thou of thine vnspeakeable goodnesse susteined and deliuered me from my foes For these and all other thy benefits namelie for those thou hast this daie most bountifullie bestowed vpon me O my souereigne Lord I yeeld thee such sincere dutifull thanks as my poore hart can possiblie affoord thee beseeching thee to haue mercie vpon me in supplie of my wants to accept the mediation and thankesgiuings of Iesus Christ thy onelie sonne and mine onelie Sauiour and intercessour And now mine onlie redeemer and Sauiour I humblie craue the light of thy grace to knowe wherein I haue this daie anie waies offended thee by nature and that by sound discussion and through examination of my conscience I may see mine owne sinnes with sorrowe and detestation and thine ineffable mercie with a zealous firme purpose of amendment of life Thou seest O Lord my lewdnesse and wotest my miserie much better than I my selfe doo Sorie I am with all my hart that I should still offend so louing a Lord and wish to God my sorowes were greatlie multiplied I purposed earst to doo better by thy grace which wanted not yet haue I transgressed in my former trespasses neither yet may I despaire O Lord but will continuallie trust
and soule This fraile life is nothing else but a continuall warfare in this world our sinnes most like to cruell enimies assault vs on euerie side againe our daies are but few in number Guide me therefore with thy grace so to spend my small short and transitorie time in this world the verie fountaine welspring and vale of all miserie that I may be made a member of Christ partaker of thine eternall felicitie To the which seeing that through mine owne desert I shall neuer be able to aspire for sinne trulie so aboundeth in me that ech deed and act of mine is not onelie infected but altogither polluted therwith none other remedie haue I to ease my selfe none other salue to heale my sore but onelie to take hold of that promise of thine wheras thou saiest Come vnto me all ye that ye that labour and be ouerladen and I will refresh you This is my hold-fast this is mine anchor and sure staie For verelie sweet Sauiour when I looke vpon mine owne frailnesse and behold how readie I am to offend thee then I quake for feare then I am almost in vtter despaire but as soone as I call to mind thy great loue and kindnesse and how that thou wilt not the death of a sinner but rather that he should repent and liue and that in what daie soeuer he doth hartilie repent and call vnto thee thou wilt heare him then I am releeued then I am not a little comforted knowing surelie that thou wilt performe that which thou hast promised in faithfull assurance whereof I now saie vnto thee Turne thou me O my God and I shall be turned from all my wickednesse deliuer me Heale my soule which is wounded with sinne for I doo acknowledge mine iniquitie and am hartilie sorie for mine offences correct me O Lord but yet not in thy furie looke not vpon my weaknesse but thinke vpon thine owne worthinesse remember thy louing kindnesse and in the abundance and multitude of thy mercies wipe cleane awaie pardon and forget all my sinnes through which I haue either in word deede or though or anie other kind of way offended thee blot them out of thy remembrance and let the bloud of that immaculate lambe Iesus Christ wash them awaie let mine old offences so decaie and die in me that I neuer commit them any more or by anie meanes renew them in thy sight And in the meane time doo not withdrawe thy grace from me but cause me to doo all that which good is O Father remoue thy wrath awaie from me and restore vnto me thy fauour turne thou thy louing countenance vnto me and plentifullie powre foorth thy mercie vpon me Incline my hart to doo that onelie which is acceptable in thy sight guide thou my footesteps in thy paths and suffer me not at any time to straie from thy waies let me alwaies haue the feare of thee in my hart and the remembrance of thy benefits fresh in my memorie and if at anie time through weakenesse and failtie I doo transgresse thy commandements yet doo not therefore reiect and cast me out of thy sight but be thou that good Samaritane and powre the oile and wine of mercie and forgiuenesse into those wounds which sinne shall make in me Disdaine me not for my reuolting but haue mercie vpon me according to thy great goodnesse and according to the multitude of thy mercies wipe awaie mine iniquitie Hide me vnder the shadowe of thy wings and protection lighten mee with thy holie spirit Make me thy seruant so indue me with thy grace that I may vnfeinedlie with hart and voice serue honour and praise thee all the daies of my life Amen Another praier for the obteining of grace and mercie O Most mercifull Lord God whose Maiestie is incomprehensible power infinite whose magnificence is exalted aboue the heauens vouchsafe I beseech thee frō thy high throne to behold the worke of thy hands haue pitie on the vnhappie and desolate condition of thy creature I am a sinner conceiued in sinne and of my selfe I haue no good thing wherefore O Lord I cleaue to the altar of thy mercie Thou art my anchor my hope my refuge and staie Therefore O Lord haue mercie vpon me for no flesh can be iustified in thy sight Thou knowest the frailtie and weakenesse of men We are taught by the fall of Peter that we can doo nothing without thee Graunt vs therefore good Lord thy grace without which in this world we are like by the waues of temptations to be swallowed in the gulph and whirlepoole of sinne to be drowned as the ship without anchor and Pilote in euerie tempest to runne on the rocke and perish Guide vs therefore by thy grace good Lord through the flouds of this carefull world that we may rest for euer in the pleasant port and happie hauen of euerlasting ioie with thine elected through our blessed Sauiour Iesus Christ to whome with thee and the holie Ghost be all honour and glorie in all worlds Amen A Confession to be said of the penitent person O Most mercifull Lord God I haue offended against the throne of thy Maiestie my sinnes are euer before mine eies I am not worthie to liue or enioie the fruits wherewith thou hast blessed the earth Mine owne conscience is my tormenter bringing testimonie and witnesse against me The Sunne doth hide his light against me and the place is the woorsse wherein I become O Lord what shall I doo Shall I despaire No thou art mercifull and more readie to forgiue than we to aske I will confesse my sinnes to thee I am wearie of my sinfull life I am sorie in my soule for mine offences Wherefore good Lord thou which dooest ease them that are laden and refresh them that trauell thou which hast promised mercie to the penitent looke on me thy seruant with thy cheerefull countenance behold me with those pitifull eies with which thou didst Marie Magdalen and the woman taken in adulterie Thou which hast shed thy bloud ou the altar of the Crosse offering thy most pretious bodie an eternall sacrifice for our sinnes despise not that which thou hast redeemed Thou which cammest into the world to call sinners to repentance and to saue the lost sheepe of Israel haue mercie vpon me and leade me by thy grace to the fold amóng thy sheepe for they go in sweet pasture and are not in danger of Wolues for thou art their shepheard and keepest good accompt of euerie one of them Though I haue gone astraie wandring from thy flocke and borne the marks of the world yet good Lord disclaime not thy right I beseech thee but take me vnto thee that I may be safe vnder the shadowe of thy wings He may sleepe soundlie whome thou dooest keepe Thou art the watchman of Israel All honour and glorie be vnto thee for euer Amen Another godlie Confession and meditation of the penitent I Altogether vnhappie and comfortlesse haue greeuouslie offended my Lord God
What shall I do Whether shall I go I can not hide me from his sight How oft haue I trespassed against him How oft haue I deserued his displeasure And yet how seldome hath he punished me How oft hath he beene good and mercifull vnto me How oft haue I promised and vowed amendment and how little and seldome haue I performed it This is a wofull case Who will haue pitie on me I dare not lift vp mine eies towards heauen because I haue sinned against it and in earth I can looke for no refuge because I haue beene a slander and shame vnto it What then Should I despaire No God is mercifull and a good Sauiour he doth visit them that liue in darknes and is a cheerfull light to them that sit in the shadowe of death He willeth vs to forgiue our brother though he offend seuentie tunes yea infinitelie And God is more mercifull than anie man can be and he must be the onlie refuge and comfort he will not despise his creature the image of himselfe Returne thee therefore O my soule vnto thy Lord God praie to him humblie on thy knees for grace and continue to bewaile thy sinnes past because that he which loueth thee prouoketh thee dailie with his gratious gifts and blessings to loue him and will not leaue thee vntill he haue made perfect his worke begunne and brought his mercie to full effect in thee What naturall cause beginneth his worke and leaueth it in the halfe waie imperfect The vertue of seed sowne doth not cease till the fruit be brought to perfection yet that nature worketh not at once but first prepareth the matter and then disposeth and makes it fit to receiue the shape which is the perfection and end thereof And as by naturall order and right course things do proceede and increase by little and little from the lesse to the more euen so doth God first dispose vs to his mercie and then increasing his goodnesse dailie bestoweth on vs in the end the treasure of his grace and inheritance of euerlasting ioies What bird forsaketh hir yong till they be able to liue of themselues and yet no auaile for their paine commeth to them Uerie loue worketh in naturall causes to bring foorth their affects to perfection If it be so in creatures what will the Creator doo which is loue it selfe and infinite goodnesse he will withdrawe thee from thy sinnes make thee cleane and pure and finallie blesse thee with eternall life which he hath prepared for thee O Lord I come to thee sad and mourning I sit at thy feete humblie waiting for thy mercie Thou art my hope and helper according to thy great mercies haue mercie vpon me Amen A praier to be purged from sinne and vncleannesse TAke awaie from me O Lord the burden of my corruption which by the continuall exercise of my sinne and wickednesse hath wounded my soule wofullie with the dangerous darts of transgression so that I feele my putrifaction abounding and my festered conscience ouerladen with vncleannesse so that I haue no other meane nor remedie but to prostrate my selfe before the throne of thy glorious maiestie beseeching thee intirelie of thy gratious goodnesse to salue my sores with the comfortable oile of thy mercie Thou onlie O Iesu art the sweete Physition of my soule sprinkle vpon me hysope and I shall be made whiter than snowe If thou of thine exceeding bountie and fauour good Lord wilt vouchsafe to wash awaie the spots of my sinne and wickednesse that heapeth thine indignation and furie against me I shall then excell the gold that hath beene purified in the fornace seuen fold Let it therefore good Lord and mercifull father seeme pleasant vnto thy diuine maiestie to touch my corrupted and vncleane hart with the heauenlie finger of thy grace that I may bring foorth the fruits of true repentance which are more acceptable to thy glorious and diuine presence than the offering of calues bullockes sheepe goates or anie other burnt offerings or sacrifice of peace A contrite and sorowfull soule is the thing that thou doest most delight in An humble and a lowlie spirit is the oblation that thou dooest desire A cleane and pure hart O Lord my God I knowe thou dooest loue and fauour Wherefore I beseech thee to purge me from my sinne and inquitie of thy great mercie Let the bitter deploration of mine offences and hartie contrition through thy glorious merits and painefull passion O Iesu be the onlie meane and waie to set me free from the powers of hell death and damnation And sith I am by thy goodnes begotten and borne anew strengthen me good Lord that I neuer slide nor fall from thee but that I may continuallie beare in my remembrance the state wherevnto I am called by thee Through thine aboundant loue and kindnesse wipe awaie good Lord all my sins out of thy remembrance Cleanse me in the bloud of thy spotlesse Lambe Iesus Christ and I shall be made cleane pure and safe Graunt this most mercifull God for the honour and glorie of thy name sake through the bitter death of thy sonne Iesus Christ my onlie mediatour and aduocate to whome with thee and the holie Ghost be giuen all laud glorie power and praise for euer and euer Amen Another praier of the penitent for mercie O Lord I am a sinner my sinnes are heauie vpon me the burden of them is intollerable refresh me with thy grace wash awaie mine offences and I shall be whiter than the snowe Let the cheerefull beames of thy countenance shine vpon me and giue light to the darkenesse of my life We can looke for nothing as deserued but punishment due to our offences Wherefore good Lord not according to thy iustice but in the multitude of thy mercies deale with thy seruant Remember not the sinnes of my forefathers thinke not on the milde meanour of my youth passed haue pitie on thy creature which according to the likenesse of thy selfe thou hast made and shaped of earth How long wilt thou turne thy face awaie from me Forsake me not O my God but renew in me thy holie spirit Plucke awaie from me all that withdraweth me from thee Graffe in my hart thy grace that I may loue thee and feare thee and so finallie reioice in thy goodnesse with the elected and praise thee in thy woonderous works for euer Graunt this most mightie God for our Sauiour Iesus Christ his sake to whome with thee and the holie Ghost be all honor and glorie for euer and euer Amen Another praier to be said of the sinfull soule MY sinfull life increasing and my sinnes still abounding good Lord to whome shall I flee or to whome shall I resort for succour From offending thee I can not cease neither daie nor night and my sinnes are heauie vpon me pressing me downe euen to hell such is the weight thereof Moreouer when I prepare my selfe to amendment of life and thinke stedfastlie to serue and please thee euen
for our offences Indue vs with loue and charitie to all men make vs readie to forgiue to loue and pardon our enimies persecutors and slanderers Turne our harts minds from all impietie couetousnesse blasphemie pride gluttonie fornication and all other detestable euils And if at anie time we haue defeated the fatherlesse of his right the widowe of hir dowrie or gathered togither our goods wrongfullie by violence oppression fraud collusion or deceit giue vs grace to make restitution and to aske with sorowfull plaints and fluds of teares from the bottome of our harts pardon and free forgiuenesse of thee for such and all other our offences whatsoeuer wee haue done or committed in thought word will and deed against thy diuine Maiestie or anie other our brethren and sisters Take awaie from vs ali bitternes cursed speaking and backbiting Giue vs grace to come woorthilie by the vertue of a true and fruitfull faith to this holie and blessed supper that our soules feeding faithfullie on thy sweetest flesh and drinking thy deerest bloud wee may both in bodie and soule be nourished by thee to euerlasting and endlesse glorie in heauen where with thee and the felowship of thy chosen Saints we shall enioie the fruition of the euerlasting kingdome which thou hast ordeined for all those that ouelie and alone without wauering doo build vpon thee Sanctifie and make cleane our harts and minds by the power of thy holie Ghost the verie comforter of thy chosen Purge thou our cankred consciences infected with sinne by the working of thy good grace least that by the presuming to this thy table O Lord we incur thy displeasure and being vnrepentant for our offences we be found vnmeet ghests to come to thy holie banket and so we eate and drinke to the vtter confusion of our soules and bodies Giue vs grace therefore good Lord to conuert vs wholie vnto thee and we shall be turned from all our sinne and iniquitie Giue vs grace to rest onlie vpon thee and we shall be made safe Giue vs thine aid from aboue we beseech thee by faith to striue with the man of sinne and so to vanquish him that he may die to vs and we may liue to thee which art the giuer of life Grant this O most gratious God for Iesus Christ his sake to whom with thee and the holie Ghost be giuen all praise honour and glorie for euer and euer Amen A praier or thankesgiuing to be said after the receiuing of the Communion WE giue thee most hartie thanks O heauenlie Father that hast at this present fed vs and refreshed our hungrie soules with the flesh and bloud of our Sauiour Christ not carnallie but spirituallie Giue vs grace therefore continuallie by the meanes of an increasing and fruitfull faith to beleeue that thy flesh is meate indeed and thy bloud is drinke indeed and that vnneths we eate thy flesh and drinke thy bloud we can not enter into thy kingdome nor be saued in the daie of thy comming Giue vs grace therefore being vnprofitable seruants and vnwoorthilie called by the reason of the multitude of our sinnes to banket at thy table whereas the celebration of thy supper hath beene vsed and thy death by the visible elements of bread and wine represented vnto vs to offer vp vnto thee continuallie the fruits of true repentant and sorowfull harts that thy name may be glorified we by thy grace comforted thy displeasure turned to loue thy wrath to compassion our sinnes pardoned and forgotten and our names written in the booke of life And as it hath pleased thee at this present to account vs for thy ghests and not onlie to feede vs with visible creatures namelie bread and wine but also in soule which is thine owne similitude to cherish vs with thy flesh and bloud wheron by the vertue of a liuelie faith we haue to our great comforts most plentifullie fed so now O Lord we beseech thee of thine abundant goodnesse to increase our faith that it may wax strong in thee and fruitfull to exercise the works of charitie and loue to all men that therby as we haue now been at the celebration of thy glorious and blessed supper so we may whensoeuer it shall please thee to call vs to thine heauenly banket be found furnished not emptie not naked but armed and couered with fruitfull faith and truth and so as thy ghests or vessels of honour enioie the participation of thy heauenlie and rich palace whereas ioies neuer vade but continuallie endure Take from vs the burden of our corruption set vs free from the cursed clog of sinne deliuer vs from the snares of death and destruction Giue vs willing minds to obeie and heare thy commandements clense thou our harts from all iniquitie and giue vs grace henceforth to walke in newnesse of life and godlie conuersation that thy name may be glorified and we saued in the daie of thy comming to iudgement Grant this for Jesus Christ his sake our mediatour and aduocate Amen A godlie praier to be said of euerie Christian especiallie at burials GOod Lord which with thy hands doest staie the frame engin of the earth and rulest the course of the swift heauens disposing and ordering all things by thy diuine prouidence which hast apointed bounds to our life which we can not pas I besech thee that by my liuing I learning to die mortifieng by thy spirit the affections of the flesh though not expelling them yet subduing the rage of them it may at the last by the hauen of death land in the most glorious citie of euerlasting life where our bodies which are now darke miserable and corruptible shall be most bright glorious and incorruptible like to the immortall and shining bodie of our Lord Iesus Christ We shall be like to Christ our Sauiour euen as he is so shall we be And as we haue borne the image of the earthlie so shall we beare the image of the heauenlie and shine like to the sunne as the face of Christ did in his transfiguration Oh Lord Iesus blessed Sauiour which by thy death hast triumphed ouer sinne and death thou hast troden on the sting of the monster our hidious enimie the gates of hel haue not preuailed against thee grant to me a true and liuelie faith by which men passe from earth to heauen from death to eternall life This can we not doo without thee thou must be our mediatour For a child of a nights birth is not pure in thy sight In sinne were we borne and by nature we are the children of perdition and firebrands of hell but thou O blessed Sauiour art the perfection of the lawe to them that beleeue As death came by sinnes so by thy death and pretious bloudshedding is death conquered and exiled and we that beleeue washed and clensed of our sinnes All the Prophets beare witnesse that they which beleeue in thy name shall receiue remission of their sinnes If we confesse our sinnes thou art righteous to
forgiue vs our iniquities Whosoeuer calleth on thy name shall be saued Thou hast no pleasure in the death of a sinner but rather desirest that they should liue and be conuerted Thou hast so loued the world that thou not onlie didst become man and tooke our nature vpon thee but wert content also to suffer most cruell death on the Crosse to purge our nature from mortall sinne and corruption and adorne it with immortalitie and eternall glorie not onelie in thine owne person but in vs also to satisfie the iustice of the Father for our sinnes Oh blessed shepheard thou doubtedst not to spend thy most pretious blood to saue thy beloued sheepe from rauine and spoile Good Lord so increase thy grace in me that thy holie word may take roote and flourish in me that the good seed may not be choked with thornes So order my liuing that when by course of nature I shall be dissolued from the prison of my bodie I may come to thee that when thou more bright than the sun shalt come in the midst of the legions of Angels in thy shining glorie and Maiestie to iudge the quicke the dead I may be in the number of the blessed ones whom thou shalt call to possesse the kingdome prepared for them by thy Father saieng Come ye blessed children of my Father receiue the kingdome prepared for you before the beginning of the world Thou which didst die and rise againe wilt raise and bring to life all those that are dead beleeuing in thy faith So be it A praier to liue well GOod Lord so rule the eies of my hart that they being kept simple and pure my bodie may be a cleere and shining temple of thy holie spirit So kindle in vs the loue of thy glorious sonne that we following his steps may doo that which is good and decline from the euill so that our light shining before men we may glorifie thee by our good works with thy blessed sonne our Sauiour and the holie Ghost to whose infinite Maiestie in trinitie and vnitie be all honour and glorie for euer Amen A praier for humilitie O Lord I am a sinner and sorie for mine offences I can not make satisfaction for my defaults If I haue anie good thing it commeth of thee The most acceptable sacrifice to thee is a contrite and humble hart O God let mee not be oppressed with the waues of sinne let mee not sinke into the whirlepoole and gulph of despaire Thou which liftest vp the fallen and raisest the humble and meeke clothing them with purple and settest them vp with princes in the seates of honour thou which despisest the imaginations of the proud and resistest their enterprises blesse me in all my dooings send mee happie successe in all mine affaires that I may reioice in thy goodnesse with thine elected for euer and euer Accept my humble suite good Lord I beseech thee for the glorie of thy name sake Amen A praier for the obteining of Gods grace O Almightie and mercifull God shine we beseech thee through the power of our Lord Iesus Christ and the comfortable working of thy sacred spirit the heauenlie comforter vpon our minds and harts with the glorious beames of thy heauenlie grace Giue vs such plentie of wisedome and vnderstanding from aboue that through the knowledge of thee the man of sinne that is our fraile and feeble flesh with the wicked lusts and desire of concupiscence may lie dead and buried in vs. Giue vs good Lord the feeling of thy grace that by the vertue and diuine operation of thy word the eies of our soules may be illumined and made so light that the Prince of darkenesse with all his vnrighteous ministers may be expulsed and banished from our memories So establish vs in thy truth that our harts minds and thoughts may continuallie be occupied in thy testimonies that thereby thou good Lord effectuallie shining in our harts by the vertue of thy good spirit we may learne to knowe and vnderstand what is the fulnesse of our calling and how rich thou art in the glorie of thy celestiall and heauenlie heritage of thy Saincts and that excellent greatnesse of thy power and louing kindnesse towards vs which beleeue without faining thy holie Gospell according to the might and force of thy strength which thou shewedst in Christ Iesus when thou didst raise him from the dead and didst set him on thy right hand far aboue all empire power authoritie and dominion and euerie name that is named not onlie in this world but in the world to come By whose pretious death and deerest bloud-shedding we are assured that sinne death and hell are vanquished ouercome and vtterlie destroied And if we beleeue without wauering we shall in him be able to resist all the power of hell and in Christ as conquerors to triumph with victorie ouer sinne death and Sathan and at the last to haue and enioie the fruition of his rich and glorious kingdome which he by most painefull agonie bloudie stripes greeuous and bloudie wounds and lastlie by his most painefull death purchased for his chosen and elect To whome for our sanctification iustification redemption and our saluation be rendred with his celestiall Father and the holie Ghost all laud glorie power honour and dominion for euer and euer Amen A praier against presumptuous pride and vaine-glorie WE heare O heauenlie Father and are dailie taught and instructed out of thine eternall word how greatlie the greeuous sinne of presumption pride and vaine-glorie displeaseth thy diuine maiestie We are learned that for the practise of this pestilent and heinous euill thou hast not spared the verie Angels but hast throwne them in thy displeasure for their pride vaine-glorie and presumption from beatitude to miserie from ioie without end to perdurable paine from brightnesse of thy glorious presence to vtter extreame and palpable darkenesse from the glorious fruition and participation of thine euerlasting kingdome to the bottomlesse pit of hell death damnation and endlesse flames of fire Besides this we are taught that by the transgression of Adam whose haughtie presuming through the entisement of the subtile and perillous allurement of the Serpent thought to be as thy selfe but in fine thy iustice condemned him and all his posteritie This pestiferous sinne of pride drowned him in the flouds of all dangerous euils as gluttonie luxurie and such other perils that had not thy mercie taken effect to keepe and hold plea for his and our safegard and thy sonne Christ embased the glorie and power of his diuine essence and taken vpon him our flesh and fraile nature sinne onlie except who freelie offered his innocent bodie to the death of the crosse we had perished euerlastinglie and beene vtterlie confounded Print therefore good Lord and write these examples in my memorie that I fall not from thy fauour by the exercise of this detestable sinne Make me still to consider that the proud and disdainefull are alwaies abhorred in thy sight And sith
it is thy good will and gratious pleasure to regard the humble and lowlie man giue me such meekenesse from aboue that I may continuallie present thee with the sacrifice of a gentle meeke and contrite spirit that I may auoide the plagues and punishments which thou hast prepared for the proud and haughtie minded Graunt this good Lord for Iesus Christ his sake mine onlie mediator aduocate who liueth and reigneth with thee and the holie Ghost in glorie permanent euerlasting Amen A praier against couetousnesse or too much care of the world GOod Lord seeing that it is thy pleasure that we shall not be carefull for worldlie things if a sparowe falleth not on the ground without thy fore-sight how much more care doest thou take for vs thy children Good Lord thou feedest the birds of the aire and cloathest the lillies of the feeld which take no care Wherefore good Lord so prouide for our necessitie and sicknesse we beseech thee that we casting all our care vpon thee may cheeflie studie to please thee and serue thee which liuest and reignest king of all kings for euer Amen A praier against lieng and euill imaginations O Lord cleanse my hart I beseech thee from all vnpure wicked cogitations and thoughts and giue me a cleere conscience shamefast eies innocent hands and a tongue to tell the truth seeing that there is nothing hid that shall not be discouered Good Lord I beseech thee to search my thoughts and renew in me thy holie spirit Direct my feete in thy waies that walking after thee in the path of the righteous I may passe through this vale of miserie bearing thy banner stoutelie in my warfare and obtaine euerlasting ioie the promised hire to such as here haue patientlie borne thy crosse and valiantlie fought with the armour of faith against temptations and all euils Vouchsafe O Lord to graunt my petitions I most humblie beseech thee for thy onlie begotten sonne our Sauiour Iesus Christ his sake Amen A necessarie praier in Meeter against vices O Lord my God make thou my hart repentant for to be The spirit of contrition do thou ingraffe in me Unto mine eies let there be giuen aboundant teares of wéeping And let my hands be occupied with often almes giuing O thou my King quench out of me all foule fleshlie desire And with the loue of thée alone set thou my hart on fire O my redéemer driue awaie the spirit of pride from me And graunt to me that great treasure of méeke humilitie Take from me O my Sauiour the furious rage of ire The shield of patience giue to me the which I do desire O Creator roote out of me all spitefulnesse of mind And graunt in stead thereof againe méekenes that I may find O bountifull father giue me a faith that shall endure With hope agréeing therevnto and charitie most sure O thou my guide kéepe from my lips all lieng vanitie And from my mind driue far awaie all vaine vnconstancie All wauering take thou from my hart from my mouth scoffing With all proud lookes and gluttonie backbiting slandering Couetousnes wipe cleane awaie with curiositie The fond desire of vaine-glorie with all hypocrisie Let me neuer the poore despise nor yet the weake oppresse And let me not blaspheme for then I die remedilesse O thou which didst me forme make take all rashnesse from mée And leaue me not such a mind as will not with peace agrée Take from me ydlenesse and sloth and heauie lumpishnesse Take from me disobedience and eke all stubbornesse O my God for thy déere sonnes sake I humblie beséech thée To graunt me the works of mercie with aboundance of pitie That I may thée both loue and feare and eke pitie the poore Make me good men alwaies to loue and wicked to abhor Make me so little to estéeme those things that worldlie bée With hart voice that I may craue in heauen to be with thée Amen A thankesgiuing for benefits receiued at Gods hand O Most mercifull Father I yeeld thee most humble thanks for thy great benefits bestowed vpon me a sinner of thy free mercie onlie Thou hast of thy fatherlie loue brought me vp tenderlie and instructed me in thy holie lawe Thou hast giuen me knowledge and vnderstanding Thou hast preserued me from manie dangers and euils which diuers men haue felt Thou hast blessed me with health quietnesse ioie plentie and wealth which a number doo want Thou hast taken care of me and done all things for me Lord though I can deserue nothing but punishment by thy iust displeasure yet good Lord I trust to thy goodnesse crauing mercie and not iustice And for thy mercie sake I beseech thee to continue thy grace and to increase thy good gifts towards me and haue me in thy protection till my liues end Good Lord blesse me that I may enioie the fruits of the earth and vse them to thy honour and glorie Good Lord be thou mine aid and guide in all my dooings my buckler and defence in all dangers that I may freelie and ioifullie sing praises to thee which liuest and reignest one God almightie and incomprehensible worlds without end Amen Another thankesgiuing for the goodnesse of God to vs. O Almightie God and euer-ruling King whose infinite power and maiestie our wits can not comprehend whose glorious brightnesse with our mortall eies we can not behold whose woonderous works and manifold mercies the tongs of men can not sufficientlie declare Good Lord I yeeld thee most humble thanks for thy singular great gifts and benefits bestowed vpon me a sinner Good Lord thou hast blessed me with knowledge with increase and plentie of all things thou hast giuen mee friends health and rest that I should eate my meate with ioie and praise thee in all thy gifts and works I knowe that I haue no good thing but it commeth from thee and oulie for thy mercies sake thou hast so regarded me thy seruant Wherefore good Lord I beseech thee to graunt me thy grace withall that I may vse these thy gifts to thy honour and glorie and the comfort of them that neede that vsing the talent which thou hast lent me I may become a good seruant and obtaine eternall blisse the promised hire to such as doo well Uouchsafe good Lord for thy sonne our Sauiour Iesus Christ his sake to heare my praiers Almightie God refresh me with thy grace I beseech thee comfort me with thy mercie and blesse me that safe from all euils free from feare of all dangers in peace and quietnesse I may sing praises to thy holie name and reioice in thee with thine elected for euer and euer Amen A praier to be said in time of quietnesse and prosperitie GIue vs good Lord the comfortable healthfull spirit of thy grace and aboundant fauour that we may without ceasing make our continuall boast of thy praise We know and from the bottome of our harts confesse that thou hast dealt more louinglie with vs
beloued Saints and redie to crowne them with euerlasting glorie In thee are legions of Angels singing of sweet Hymnes and songs that set foorth the praise and honor of thy name in thee are the felowship of heauenlie citizens in thee resteth the sweete solemnitie of all such as returne from this miserable pilgrimage vnto thy glorie the companie of the Prophets Apostles and victorious armie of Martyrs holie men and women which haue vanquished the pleasures of the world haue their abiding with thee There are yoong children and maidens which haue passed ouer their daies in holinesse of life publishing thy praise in all puritie and pietie Euerie one reioiceth in his degree though not equall in glorie yet like in ioies and gladnesse For there reigneth perfect charitie God is all in all whose Maiestie without end they see continuallie and still in beholding him their loue increaseth Of this eternall blessednesse the holie Apostle Peter had as it were a shadowe or a tast vpon the mount Thabor at the transfiguration of Christ from whence he desired he might not depart Paule also had a proofe of it when he was rapt or taken vp into the third heauen where he heard words and sawe things so maruellous and secret as far passeth all mans vnderstanding and such as were not to be told or reuealed vnto men Moses his face became so bright through the conuersation that he had with the diuine glorie vpon mount Sinai that the Israelites could not abide it What then shall become of vs when perpetuallie with thee which art the Lord of all glorie we shall be conuersant after the maner of thy children and familiar friends Who is he then that will not seeke and desire by all meanes possible to be a dweller there both for the desire of peace ioie and eternitie and for the perfect sight of God Contrariwise who is able to expresse the torments appointed for the vngodlie and vnrepentant liuers in that deadlie place called Hell which Sathan himselfe abhorreth What other thing can be there but continuall paines eternall tribulation and infinite calamitie repleat with all euils There dwell wicked and ouglie Angels whose horrible lookes bring sudden feare greeuous paines and fearefull death with continual clouds of euer-during darknes There is nothing but howling wailing lamentation and mourning without all end fearfull scriches confused cries are there in all places suddenlie raised There the woorme of conscience neuer dieth in that damnable dungeon there is fire vnquenchable and perpetuall gnashing of teeth The miserable soule findeth there no rest but is afflicted with all kind of torments and such as can neuer be expressed all which endure for euer Alas little auaileth it those that are subiected as firebrans of hell to crie vnto the Lord for he will not heare them Then shall they knowe that all things which they had in this life are vaine and such things as they thought to be pleasant to be found more bitter than gall or poison Then where is the pleasure of the flesh so termed falslie For there is none other pleasure but to feare the Lord. Then shall they confesse and saie that the iudgement of God is true and righteous saieng Did we not heare of this and yet would not be conuerted from our wicked deeds But then shall nothing preuaile No sorowe can find comfort no complaints anie remorse no torments ease nor painfull passions an end such and so exceeding are the vexations of the second death wherewith all the bodies and soules of the vnrighteous shall for euer be enuironed Sith therefore O heauenlie Father and most gratious God it seemeth good to thine eternall wisdome by the knowledge of thine euerlasting truth to giue me knowledge of thine inestimable mercie offered freelie vnto me in Iesus Christ my mercifull Sauiour in whose bloudie death and painfull passion I am assured of eternall life and blessednesse Giue me grace to print in my remembrance thy manifold mercies that feeding my soule by faith in thee I may attaine vnto those endlesse ioies that thou hast prepared for thine adopted sonnes and chosen children in the kingdome of euerlasting righteousnesse and so escape those euerlasting torments which thou hast prepared for the diuell and his Angels From the which place of wofull vexation and endlesse miserie deliuer me O heauenlie Father for the loue of Iesus Christ his sake to whom with thee and the holie Ghost be all laud and praise for euer Amen A praier to be said of the sicke at the houre of death MOst mightie art thou O Lord in all thy deeds and most holie in all thy waies Blessed be the name of my father my God and glorious Creator who by his diuine power and celestiall prouidence of nothing made all things fish flesh foules fruites trees hearbes and all other things whatsoeuer are conteined both in heauen earth seas and the nethermost parts thereof Man concerning the outward parts thou by thy celestiall prouidence and fatherlie bountie framedst and createdst of claie but concerning the inward substance of thy creature man thou didst fashion and make him euen according to thine owne similitude and likenesse Moreouer such and so great was thy loue and good will towards him that all the creatures or works of thy creation serued to this vse In earth thou madest him lord and king ouer the fruits thereof the beasts of the field the foules of the aire and the fishes of the little flouds and great waters In the firmament thou hast placed the glistering Sunne with his orient beames to giue him light by daie and therewith thou hast giuen him the Moone and the starres to gouerne him by night For the which cause aboue all other the works of thy creation man should and ought of right to giue thee that glorie that to thee belongeth But alas such and so great is the corruption of our fraile and sinfull flesh that for all these thy graces wee are carried awaie from thee and enter into contempt of thy precepts For which cause thou oftentimes doost correct and punish vs to the intent we might thereby feeling thy rod of correction be driuen to imbrace hartie and true repentance But when thy threats and the stripes of thy displeasure laid vpon vs can not take place amongst vs thou oftentimes giuest vs vp to folowe our lusts and affections but at last when thou dooest behold our enormities thou in a moment by the power of thy diuine iustice restrainest the rope of our disordered libertie and cuttest in sunder the bridle of our voluptuousnes either by sudden death sword fire famine sicknesse or other the diuine sentences of thy conceiued ire to the intent that other thy creatures might by the terrour of thy iustice auoid sinne and learne to amend their liues least they fall into the like calamitie or danger True and most true it is good Lord that by the exercise of sinne we are the children of death and destruction but by grace of
may with the enimies of mans felicitie be vanquished and subdued and I by him may liue in Iesus Christ E EXpell and roote out in and from my remembrance the detestable branches of wrath pride concupiscence vaine-glorie and all other horrible vices and noisome euils that heape vp thy greeuous displeasure against me Take from me all abuse let me neuer blaspheme thy blessed and glorious name let my tong be purged by thee from all corrupt and vncomelie talke let all my thoughts be occupied in thy seruice faith feare and loue Make me good Lord alwaies obedient to doo thy will and to walke in the waies of thy commandements and to delight in thy blessed testimonies And graunt me thy grace that by the hearing of thy Euangelicall and heauenlie doctrine my faith may be increased made strong and fruitfull to exercise the works of charitie and loue to all men and chieflie to those that constantlie fauour thy Gospell and continue faithfull in Christ Iesus Euermore I saie good Lord giue me thy blessings from aboue and let my hart my soule and tong be euer readie for thy gratious benefits receiued to publish and set foorth thy glorie and praise in weale and wo in pouertie and prosperitie in time of peace and in time of danger Stretch foorth thy hand to protect me and I by thee deliuered from all perils shall make my boast of thy mercies freelie showne vnto me without my deserts and with the felowship of thy Saints giue such honour praise and reuerence vnto thee as of right and bounden dutie I ought to doo And forasmuch as not euerie one that saith Lord Lord shall enter into the kingdome of God and Christ make me not then a professor of thy word with my lips but an earnest louer of the same a faithfull folower of thy commandements least at the comming of the great and rich Bridegroome Iesus Christ I be refused as were the fiue vndiscreet and foolish virgins that wanted oyle to garnish their Lamps For if thou O Lord passe by and finde me vnprouided the gates of thy grace being fast shut vp and locked close I shall then stand knocking and calling the Lord all in vaine For thou wilt giue answere thou knowest me not and being forsaken of thee I shall perish euerlastinglie Giue me grace therefore O good Lord to be readie prepared with my wedding garment and oyle in my Lampe that I may continuallie watch thy comming and so enter with thee as thy ghest to the rich banqueting house of euerlasting glorie Amen F From sinfulnesse preserue me Lord R Renew thy spirit in my hart A And let my tongue therewith accord V Vttering all goodnesse for his part N No thought let there arise in me C Contrarie to thy statutes ten E Euer let me most mindfull be S Still for to praise thy name Amen A As of my soule so of my bodie B Be thou my guider O my God V Vnto thee onlie I do crie R Remoue from me thy furious rod. G Graunt that my head may still deuise A All things that pleasing be to thee V Vnto mine eares and to mine eies E Euer let there a watch set bee N None ill that they may heare and see N No wicked deede let my hands do Y Yn thy good paths let my feete go Finis ¶ Certaine praiers made by godlie women Martyrs The praier of Agnes the Martyr at hir death O Eternall Gouernour vouchsafe to open the gates of heauen once shut vp against all the inhabitants of the earth and receiue my soule oh Christ that seeketh thee The song of Eulalia the Martyr at hir death BEhold O Lord I wil not forget thee What a pleasure is it for them O Christ that remember thy triumphant victories to attaine vnto those high dignities The praier of Anne Askue the Martyr before hir death O Lord I haue mo enimies now than there be heares on my head yet Lord let them neuer ouercome me with vaine words but fight thou Lord on my side For on thee cast I my care With all the spite they can imagine they fall vpon me which am thy poore creature yet sweete Lord let me not set by them which are against me for in thee is my whole delight And Lord I hartilie desire of thee that thou wilt of thy most mercifull goodnesse forgiue them that violence which they doo and haue done vnto me Open also thou their blind harts that they may hereafter doo that thing in thy sight which is onlie acceptable before thee and to set foorth thy veritie aright without all vaine phantasies of sinfull man So be it O Lord So be it The praier that maister Bradfords morher said and offered vnto God in his behalfe a little before his martyrdome AH good Father which dooest vouchsafe that my sonne Iohn Bradford being a greeuous sinner in thy sight should find this fauour with thee to be one of thy sonne Christ his captaines and men of war to fight and suffer for his Gospels sake I thanke thee and praie thee in the same thy deere sonne Christs name that thou wouldest forgiue him his sinnes and vnthankfulnesse and make perfect in him that good which thou hast begun in him Yea Lord I praie thee make him worthie to suffer not only imprisonment but euen verie death for thy truth religion and Gospell sake As Hanna did applie dedicate and giue hir first child and sonne Samuel vnto thee euen so doo I deere Father beseeching thee for Christs sake to accept this my gift and giue my sonne Iohn Bradford grace alwaies trulie to serue thee and thy people as Samuel did Amen Amen Other godlie praiers taken out of the Psalmes written by a godlie harted Gentlewoman POnder my words O Lord consider my meditation O harken thou vnto the voice of my wofull mourning my King and my God for vnto thee will I make my praier Heare my voice O Lord betimes earlie in the morning will I direct my praier vnto thee for thou art the God that hast no pleasure in wickednesse neither shall anie euill dwell with thee Thou hatest all them that worke vanitie leade me therefore in thy righteousnesse O Lord for I am weake and without thee I haue no strength at all therfore O Lord God rebuke me not in thine indignation neither chasten me in thy heauie displeasure Haue mercie vpon me O Lord and deliuer my soule Oh saue me for thy mercie sake I am almost wearie of my groning Euerie night wash I my bed and water my couch with my teares O Lord my God in thee haue I put my trust saue mee from all them that persecute me and deliuer me O Lord my God if I haue done anie such thing as is laid to my charge or if there be anie such wickednesse in me then let mine enimie persecute my soule and take me captiue Hast not thou O Lord my God defended me from such vngodlinesse Oh how long wilt thou hide thy selfe from me
surelie haue perished in my trouble The lawe of my God is more deerer vnto me than thousands of siluer and gold yea all the riches in the world is nothing woorth in comparison of thy word For it is more comfortable than the most costliest and pretious restoratiue that anie Physician can make For it comforteth nourisheth and preserueth the soule leading it vnto life euerlasting Oh Lord God of hosts who is like vnto thee Thy truth most mightie God endureth for euermore I will alwaies giue thanks vnto thee for the great benefits that thou hast bestowed on me The righteous shall heare thereof and reioice with me yea and the vnrighteous shall feare the Lord and saie Doubtlesse there is a GOD that defendeth his seruants and he also doth punish the wrong dooers Thou art the God that dooest woonderous things O Lord who may be compared vnto thee For thou deliuerest me thy poore oppressed seruant from the hand of my strong enimie yea from such a one as was too mightie for me to deale withall Thou hast I saie mightilie defended me and now O Lord be mindfull of me and command my spirit to be receiued in grace when it is thy good pleasure Amen An instruction for Christians conteining a fruitfull and godlie exercise as well in wholsome and fruitfull praiers as in reuerend discerning of Gods holie Commandements and Sacraments translated out of French into English by a right vertuous and godlie Matrone and Gentlewoman named Mistresse DORCAS MARTIN Psalme 119. verses 37 133. From vaine desires and worldlie lusts Turne backe mine eies and sight Giue me the spirit of life and power To walke thy waies aright Direct my footesteps by thy word That I thy will may knowe And neuer let iniquitie Thy seruant ouerthrowe The Lords praier OUr Father which art in heauen halowed be thy name Thy kingdome come Thy will be done in earth as it is in heauen Giue vs this daie our dailie bread And forgiue vs our trespasses as we forgiue them that trespasse against vs. And lead vs not into temptation but deliuer vs from euill for thine is the kingdome the power and the glorie for euer and euer Amen The Articles of the Christian faith I Beleeue in God the father Almightie maker of heauen and earth And in Iesus Christ his onlie sonne our Lord which was conceiued by the holie Ghost Borne of the virgin Marie Suffered vnder Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried He descended into hell The third daie he rose againe from the dead He ascended into heauen and sitteth on the right hand of God the father almightie From thence shall he come to iudge the quicke and the dead I beleeue in the holie Ghost The holie Catholike Church The communion of Saints The forgiuenesse of sinnes The resurrection of the bodie And the life euerlasting Amen The ten Commandements of Almightie GOD Exod. 20. The Preface HEarken O Israel I am the Lord thy God which haue brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage The first Table _1 THou shalt haue none other gods before me 2 Thou shalt make thee no grauen image neither anie similitude of things that are in heauen aboue neither that are in the earth beneath nor that are in the waters vnder the earth Thou shalt not bow downe to them nor woorship them For I am the Lord thy God a gealous God visiting the iniquitie of the fathers vpon the children vpon the third generation and vpon the fourth of them that hate me and shewing mercie vnto thousands in them that loue me 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 giltlesse that taketh his name in vaine 4 Remember the Sabboth daie to keepe it holie Sixe daies shalt thou labour and doo all thy workes but the seauenth daie is the Sabboth of the Lord thy God In it thou shalt not doo anie worke thou nor thy sonne nor thy daughter thy man-seruant nor thy maide-seruant nor the stranger that is within thy gates For in sixe daies the Lord made the heauen and the earth the sea and all that in them is and rested the seauenth daie therfore the Lord blessed the Sabboth daie and halowed it The second Table _5 HOnour thy father and thy mother that thy daies may bee prolonged vpon the land which the Lord thy God giueth thee 6 Thou shalt not kill 7 Thou shalt not commit adulterie 8 Thou shalt not steale 9 Thou shalt not beare false witnesse against thy neighbour 10 Thou shalt not couet thy neighbours house neither shalt thou couet thy neighbours wife nor his seruant nor his maide nor his oxe nor his asse neither anie thing that is thy neighbours The Summe THou shalt loue the Lord thy God with all thine hart with all thy soule and with all thy mind This is the first and the greatest commandement And the second is like vnto this Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe On these two commandements hangeth the whole Lawe and the Prophets Matth 7. verse 12. Whatsoeuer ye would that men should doo to you euen so doo ye to them For this is the Lawe and the Prophets Iohn 15. verse 12. This is my commandement that ye loue one another as I haue loued you Iohn 13. verse 35. Heereby shall all men knowe that you are my disciples if ye loue one another A praier to be said in the Morning when one awaketh Our helpe be in the name of the Lord who hath made heauen and earth O My God and father I most humblie praise and thanke thee for this that of thine infinite goodnesse and mercie it hath pleased thee to watch for me this night whiles I slept preseruing me from so manie kinds of dangers wherevnto this miserable life is subiect O Lord I beseech thee bring into my memorie thy other great and innumerable benefits also according as I may be able to comprehend them to the end that I may likewise render thanks for the same least I be vngratefull towards thy maiestie as thou hast done me this good not to forget that thou alone hast preserued me from all inconuenience And herewithall I beseech thee most gratious father through thy mercie to continue this thy fatherlie care which thou hast for me vntill such time as I shall rest in that happie sleepe whereof they reioice which sleepe in peace through our Lord Iesus Christ thy sonne who in the vnitie of the holie Ghost liueth and reigneth God with thee eternallie So be it The exercise of an housholder with his familie to praie in the Morning O Our God Father Sauiour seeing it hath pleased thee to giue vs grace to passe this night to come vnto this daie present vouchsafe now also to bestowe this goodnesse vpon vs that we may emploie our selues altogether to thy seruice in such wise that we neither thinke saie or doo anie thing but onlie to please thee
and to obey thy good will to the end that by this means all our works may be to the praise of thy name and to the edifieng of our neighbours And as it hath pleased thee to cause thy Sunne to shine vpon the earth to lighten vs corporallie vouchsafe also by the cleerenesse of thy spirit to illuminate our vnderstandings and our hearts to direct vs vnto the streight waie of righteousnesse Euen so to what thing soeuer we may applie our selues let our chiefe end purpose be alwaies to walke in thy feare to serue and honour thee looking for all our wealth and prosperitie from out of thy holie blessing to the end we enterprise nothing which shall not be agreeable vnto thee Moreouer let vs so trauell for our bodie and for the life present that we alwaie haue a further regard namelie to the life of heauen which thou hast promised vnto thy children Neuerthelesse let it please thee to be our protector both touching the bodie and touching the soule strengthening vs against all temptations of the diuell and deliuering vs from all the dangers that may come vnto vs. And because there is nothing well begun which doth not continue vouchsafe to receiue vs into thy holie gouernance not onlie for this present daie but for our whole life continuing and increasing dailie thy grace in vs till thou hast brought vs vnto the full coniunction of thy sonne Iesus Christ our Lord who is the true Sun-light of our soules shining daie and night without end perpetuallie And to the intent that we may obteine these graces of thee O vouchsafe to forget all our faults past pardoning vs them through thine infinite mercie as thou hast promised vnto all them that seeke thee with a good heart Heare vs O father of mercie for thy sonne our Lord Iesus Christ his sake So be it Out of the 143 Psalme 8 Let vs heare thy louing kindnesse in the morning for in thee is our trust O shew vs the waie that we should walke in for we haue lift vp our hart vnto thee 9 Deliuer vs O Lord from our enimies for we haue cried vnto thee 10 Teach vs to doo thy will for thou art our God A praier to saie before one begin his worke THE Lord God and Father vouchsafe to assist vs through his holie spirit and by him to gouerne and guide vs in such sort as all that we shall doo saie or thinke may be to his glorie in the name of his sonne Iesus Christ our Lord So be it Another praier to the same purpose O Our God Father and Sauiour seeing it hath pleased thee to command vs to trauell for the sustentation of our necessitie vouchsafe through thy grace so to blesse our labour that thy blessing may extend vnto vs without the which also we are not able to continue And let such fauour of thine serue vs for a testimonie of thy bountifulnesse and assistance and that we by the same may knowe the fatherlie care which thou hast for vs. Moreouer let it please thee O Lord to assist vs by thy holie spirit to the end that we may be faithfullie exercised in our estate and vocation without anie guile or deceit but that we rather regard to followe thine ordinance than to satisfie our owne desire of gaine And if it please thee to prosper our labor giue vs also a willing mind to succour those that are in necessitie according to the abilitie which thou hast granted vs so yet that we mind not to lift vp our selues aboue those which haue not receiued of thee such liberalitie And when thou wilt handle vs with greater pouertie and necessitie than our flesh shall desire let it please thee O Lord to shew vs this grace euen to knowe that thou through thy bountifulnes wilt continuallie nourish vs least we be tempted with mistrust but that we patientlie abide vntill thou replenish vs not onelie with thy corporall gifts but also with thy spirituall graces that we may still haue more ample matter and occasion to thanke thee sincerelie to staie our selues vpon thine onlie goodnesse Heare vs O Father of all mercie through thy sonne Iesus Christ our Lord So be it A praier to saie afore one begin to studie his lesson Out of the 119 Psalme verses 9 18 34. WHerewithall shall a yoong man redresse his waie Euen in taking heede therevnto according to thy word Open thou mine eies that I may see the maruellous works of thy lawe O giue me vnderstanding and I shall keepe thy lawe yea I shall keepe it with my whole hart O Lord which art the fountaine of all wisdome and knowledge seeing it hath pleased thee to giue mee the meanes to be instructed in the age of mine infancie to make mee knowe how to gouerne the whole course of my life holilie and honestlie vouchsafe also to illuminate mine vnderstanding which of it selfe is blind that it may comprehend the learning which shall be taught me O vouchsafe to confirme my memorie for to keepe it well O let it be thy pleasure to dispose my hart to receiue it willinglie and with such a desire as is conuenient that through mine ingratitude the occasion that thou offerest me be not lost For to doo this vouchsafe to powre vpon me thy holie spirit the spirit I saie of all vnderstanding veritie iudgment prudence and learning which may make me able to profit well to the end that the trauell which shall be taken to teach me be not lost And to what studie soeuer I applie my selfe make me to reduce it vnto the true end namelie to knowe thee in our Lord Iesus Christ to haue full affiance of saluation and life in thy grace and to serue thee vprightlie purelie according to thy good pleasure so as all that I shall learne may be as an instrument to aid me vnto the same And seeing thou promisest to giue wisdome vnto babes and to the humble and to confound the proud in the vanitie of their owne minds likewise to shew thy selfe vnto those that are of a right hart and contrarilie to blind the wicked peruerse vouchsafe to bring me vnto true humilitie whereby I may yeeld my selfe apt to learne and obedient first vnto thee secondlie to my superiours whom thou hast ordeined to rule and to teach me Furthermore vouchsafe to dispose my hart to seeke thee without feinednesse renouncing all carnall and euil affections and that in such sort I may prepare my selfe now to serue thee once in that estate vocation to the which it shall please thee to ordeine me when I shall come to age Heare me O Father of mercie through our Lord Iesus Christ So be it Psalme 25. verse 13. THe Lord sheweth his secrets vnto them that feare him and maketh them to knowe his couenant A praier or grace to saie afore meate ALl things wait vpon thee O Lord and thou giuest them meate in due season when thou giuest it them they gather it and
to call vpon him in my greatest extremities and he as you your selues see hauing heard me hath exalted me into this most large roome Wherefore I hauing experience that the Lord worketh for me and that he is so neere at hand vnto me God forbid that I should feare the power or the threats of anie man For the Lord himselfe is the chiefe leader of those that helpe me so that I can not doubt at all but that I shall see with mine eies those enimies which remaine iustlie punished of him Oh how far better is it to trust in the Lord than in men How far better is it to trust in the Lord than in anie men how excellent soeuer they be Behold manie nations compas me about but I calling vpon y e Lord shal most vndoubtedlie destroy them They compasse me in I saie they beset me round about but calling vpon the Lord I shall most vndoubtedlie destroie them Mine enimies in great multitudes compasse me like swarmes of Bees but I shall forthwith stiffle them as though they were cast into the fire and calling vpon the Lord I shall most vndoubtedlie destroie them For in deede before the most cruell enimie did so sore thrust at me that I seemed euen now readie to fall but as I was falling the Lord supported me Therefore I accompt him mine onlie strength I acknowledge him to be my Sauiour and praise him in my song Heereof come those voices of those that sing and reioice together with me out of their tabernacles now doubtlesse the Lord hath aduanced the power of his most strong right hand The Lord hath now exalted that his right hand now the Lord hath shewed foorth the power of his most strong right hand Behold me then that am yet aliue and about to set foorth the works of God For though he hath striken me verie sore yet hath he spared me life I praie thee therefore let that gate now at the length be open vnto me which onlie the louers of righteousnesse must go vnto that I being entred thither may praise the Lord. For it is consecrate vnto the Lord therefore is it open to the iust alone Heere will I praise thee O Lord because thou giuing eare hast deliuered me For the stone which the verie chiefe builders haue so stubbornelie as yet reiected as nothing fit is not onlie now counted in the building but euen as a principall it vpholdeth the whole weight of the verie building Uerelie it is a worke of God indeede which maketh all the beholders thereof to be amazed Go to then seeing the Lord hath commanded this most ioifull daie to shine vnto vs let vs passe it wholie in mirth becomming Saincts and saie I beseech thee O Lord preserue the Queene that is giuen vs from heauen I praie thee I saie I praie thee O Lord giue the Queene ELIZABETH all prosperitie Let hir haue prosperitie and blisse that commeth to gouerne vs in the name and commandement of God We wish prosperitie to you also that are the neerer inhabitants of the house of the Lord. Iehoua is the onlie God who shineth vnto vs binde the Lambe with cords that is brought to the hornes of the altar Thou art my God I will praise thee thou art my God I will sing thy praises most lowd Confesse that the Lord is exceeding good for his bountious goodnesse is euerlasting * Glorie be therefore vnto thee ô blessed Trinitie the Father Sonne and holie Ghost as alwaies it hath bin continuallie is and euer shall be worlds without ending So be it The praier O Almightie GOD most gratious Lord and heauenlie Father behold I thine handmaid prostrate here before the throne of thy diuine Maiestie meeklie confesse thee to bee my mercifull God my highest King and euerlasting Sauiour and humblie I acknowledge thee the Souereigne Lord aboue all lords the highest King of all kings and the onelie omnipotent Creator wise preseruer and woonderfull ruler of all thy creatures in heauen and earth high and lowe visible and inuisible and my selfe also to be the worke of thine hands the sheepe of thy pasture a subiect and seruant to thy most high and sacred Maiestie and a child depending alone and wholie vpon thy diuine and fatherlie prouidence for all things And bicause I knowe vnthankfulnesse doth greatlie displease thee For it is the root of all spirituall euill and the onelie thing that dammeth vp the fountaine of thy godlie mercie for euer I will giue thanks vnto thee O Lord least I be vnthankfull to thee my God my deliuerer and Sauiour And I yeeld thee now most humble and hartie thanks for that it hath pleased thee of thy singular mercie to giue mee this especiall honour first to suffer for thy glorious truth much extreme miserie feare care imprisōment perill of bodie trouble of mind hazard of life and danger of death by sicknesse fire conspiracie and sword and afterward blessedlie protecting and preseruing me from so manifold dangers and miraculouslie deliuering me out of the hands of all mine enimies to call me to this excellent state roiall dignitie of a Prince and as this daie to cloath me with the garments of honour to set the Crowne of gladnesse and diademe of dignitie vpon mine head to put the scepter of righteousnesse the globe of glorie and the sword of thy power into mine hands and to annoint and consecrate me thine handmaid QVEENE of this Realme that I might bee the principall member and chiefe instrument in the same to aduance thy glorie and further thy Gospell for the which I suffered Yea to be thy peoples Ioseph their Moses their Iosua their Dauid their Iosias their Samuel and their Salomon finallie to be their Deborah their Iael their Hester their Iudith and their Elizabeth that is their rest staie and staffe of Maiestie their shepheard and ring-leader in the waie of vertue holinesse zeale and sincere religion Which maruellous worke of thine oh gratious GOD for thy name sake giue me grace not onlie this daie but all the daies and time of my life to remember and solemnize with woorthie thanks-giuing that with the Queene of Saba I may continuallie blesse thee and saie Blessed be thou O Lord my GOD which thus hast loued me and thy people to set me in thy throne as QVEENE and to establish them for euer by making me their Gouernour ouer them in thy steed to execute thy iudgement and iustice Neither can I now forget but thankfullie also call to my remembrance all thy other great mercies O mercifull God shewed towards me since my comming vnto the Crowne namelie how often in thy mightie and maruellous mercie thou hast deliuered vnto mee my Counsell the wicked attempts malignant deuises and mischeeuous practises wrought and conceiued of all my common craftie and cruell enimies Sathan and his ministers who to exalt themselues and to rob mee both of thy people kingdome peace and religion euen of verie malice and deadlie hatred haue by all diuellish meanes
circumspect that I neither offer iniurie to anie man neither suffer anie to be iniuried that so equitie may be mainteined and iustice among men preserued Let me at no time vnder the shew and colour of equitie vphold or countenance a wicked cause neither yet without sufficient examination and triall of both parties giue sentence against anie Allow me such Counsellers Gouernours and Ouerseers as are of courage fearing God dealing vprightlie hating couetousnesse that by them the burthen charge and care which I susteine may be somewhat lightened Endue both me and them with thine holie spirit that with earnest studie and watchfull minds we may discerne betweene matters that no man through our negligence haue the ouerthrowe in a righteous cause but that sentence be rightlie pronounced betweene a man and his brother and a stranger without respect of anie person in iudgement Let vs heare as well the little as the great and feare no man because the iudgement is thine which standest in the companie of iudges and among the gods thou plaiest the Iudge for the iudgement is not of man but of the Lord and whatsoeuer we shall iudge it will come vpon vs. Wherefore let thy feare be with vs that we may doo all things with care and circumspection that we prooue not children in vnderstanding neither giue our selues to lusts pleasures but to eate our meate in due season and that for strength not for dronkennes For thou wilt make earnest and diligent inquirie of all our works and search all our cogitations because we are thy seruants and deputies to gouerne men of a verie short life and he which is to daie a King to morowe may be dead for we be all mortall and subiect to one and the same corruption Besides an horrible iudgement is nigh for such as walke not after the will of thee our God for he that is most lowe shall finde mercie but the mightie shall be mightilie tormented for thou which art the Lord ouer all regardest not the person of anie neither doest thou feare the greatnesse of the mightie because as well the great as the small are the workemanship of thine hands thy care is equall ouer all thou giuest to godlie Princes eternall happinesse which art the Iudge both of the quicke and dead liuing and reigning with thy Son in the vnitie of the Spirit a God for euermore Amen Another FOrasmuch as it hath pleased thee O King of kings and Lord of lords to appoint me among other a Ruler of thy people giue mee grace I beseech thee so to minister the Common-weale and so to execute mine office that I may please thee and hurt no man in all my dooings but iudge equallie and iustlie rule according to thy will shew my selfe a Mother vnto thy people and so be haue my selfe in all mine enterprises that I seeking thy glorie the furtherance of thy blessed Gospell and the weale of thy subiects may when thou shalt render to euerie one according to his deedes be found blamelesse in thy sight through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen Another OAlmightie God Lord of heauen and earth which hast appointed me thy seruant to bee a gouernour of thy people and a ruler ouer men I most humblie beseech thee send me thy wisdome from aboue whereby I may vprightlie iudge thy people rightlie discerne betweene good and euill and constantlie continue in dooing my dutie without respect of persons Giue me power and wisdome to do that is gratefull in thy sight profitable for my subiects and good for the continuance of peace Let me alwaies remember that I haue no power of my selfe but of thee and that the iudgement is not of man but of thee my God which standest among the iudges and plaiest the Iudge among the gods Giue me grace likewise to consider that one daie how soone I knowe not thou wilt bring me to a reckning and make diligent inquirie how I haue behaued my selfe in my place and office For I thy seruant haue but a short race to run and such is the state of vs all he which is to daie a King to morrowe may be dead And forasmuch as an horrible iudgement shall be giuen vpon such as rule not vprightlie nor walke after thy will for mightie men shall mightisie be tormented thou being Lord ouer all wilt spare no person nor feare anie greatnesse for thou hast made the small and great and carest for all alike I beseech thee gratious and eternall God giue mee grace to learne what thy will is and to deale wiselie to infer none iniurie vnto anie nor to suffer anie to be iniured to countenance none euill cause nor to slide from the path of iustice For I thy seruant am a fraile person of a short time and full weake in the vnderstanding of iudgments and the lawes Send me therefore wisdome from the throne of thy Maiestie that she may be with me labour with me that I may knowe what is acceptable in thy sight and be led by hir in all my dooings and preserued by hir power so shall my works be acceptable and then shall I gouerne thy people righteouslie in Christ my Lord and Sauiour Amen Another HEare mee O LORD thou high and mightie God whose Maiestie may not bee comprehended whose worde is true whose commandement is strong thou that ridest vpon the Cherubins fliest with the wings of the wind Thou God of all mercie most woorthie to be sought before whome the hosts of heauen stand with trembling whose ordinance is dreadfull whose lookes drie vp the depths whose hands rule the starrie firmament whose goodnesse onelie giueth the fruits of the earth whose wrath maketh the mountaines to melt and consumeth the wicked whose truth beareth witnesse and mercie saueth the sorowfull sinner Thou thou incomprehensible Creator that neuer tookest beginning and wantest end Sith of nothing thou hast wrought me with the woonders of the world to thy most seemelie shape and vouchsafest thy dririe death and passion to drowne the danger of my sinful deserts and hast as a carefull captaine cherished my bodie with comfortable gifts vnto this present daie continue O God such goodnesse towards me vnwoorthie which doo here with contrite hart and bowed knees appeale to the heigth of thy mercie and louing kindnesse to accept mine vnequall thanks for the same humblie beseeching thy fatherlie goodnesse that thy holie hand may stil renew in me thy former gifts plentiouslie powred vpon me from the prime of my birth vnto this present not remembring good Lord mine vnwoorthinesse of the same nor frailtie of my passed yeeres that speaketh against me but altering the ministers of thy wrath into mild mercie Grant I beseech thee that through the assistance of thy holie spirit I may be led to correct that is amisse and that I may now perseuere in setting ordering and reforming all my trauels counsels and studies as best may accord with thy blessed will and cancell the bonds of my heauie charge wherein
assist me most puissant Prince of all power with thy prudent skill and heauenlie grace that I may be truelie able to aduance iustice and to hate wrong and so be found a faithfull minister ouer thy people In whom plant I beseech thee thy heauenlie grace and feare with obedience towards mee thy minister and kindle in me the loue of thy holie spirit that I may perseuere in the truth of thy word without doubt or wauering to the end Grant this oh mightie God of hosts for the merits and passion of thy deere sonne my Lord and Sauior Iesus Christ AMEN The praier of King SALOMON for Wisdome to gouerne well Wisd 9. O GOD of my fathers and Lord of mercie which hast made all things with thy word and ordeined man through thy wisdome that he should haue dominion ouer the creatures which thou hast made and gouerne the world according to equitie and righteousnesse and execute iudgement with an vpright hart Giue me wisdome which is euer sitting aboue thy seate and put me not out from among thy children For I thy seruant and handmaid am a feeble person and of a short time and yet lesse in the vnderstanding of iudgements and the lawes And though a man be neuer so perfect among the children of men yet if thy wisdome be not with him he shall be nothing regarded Thou hast chosen me to be a QVEENE vnto thy people and the Iudge of thy sonnes daughters Thou hast commanded mee to maintaine thy Church which from the beginning thou hast chosen Oh send out of thy holie heauens therefore vnto me that thy wisdome wherewith thou madest the world gouernest thy works and knowest what is acceptable in thy sight right in thy commandements Send hir I saie from the throne of thy Maiestie that shee may be with mee and labour with me that I may knowe what is acceptable in thy sight and right in thy commandements For she knoweth and vnderstandeth all things and she shall leade me soberlie in all my works and preserue mee by hir power and glorie so shall my works be acceptable and then shall I gouern thy people righteouslie and be well and woorthie to sit in my fathers throne Amen Holie Praiers and godlie Meditations desciphering in Alphabeticall forme the Roiall name of our vertuous Souereigne Queene ELIZABETH properlie to be vsed of hir Maiestie ELIZABETH E ENter not into iudgement with thy seruant O LORD for no flesh is righteous in thy sight PSALME 143 verse 2. O GOD which dwellest in light that no man can attaine O God which art hid and canst not be seene with bodilie eies nor comprehended with anie vnderstanding neither expressed with the tongue of men or Angels O my God what is it to be righteous in thy sight It is that wee should bee without sinne before thee which no man euer was since the fall of Adam For which cause the holie Prophet DAVID saith in this wise Enter not into iudgement with thy seruant O Lord for no flesh is righteous in thy sight If then no flesh be righteous in thy sight O vnhappie that I am loden and burdened with sinne who shall haue pitie or compassion on mee or whither shall I go My sinnes are euer before me mine vnrighteousnesse condemneth me What shall I doo Shall I despaire God forbid For mercifull meeke and louing is my Sauiour My refuge therfore shall be in my God for certaine I am he will not forsake his owne image neither wil he forsake the worke of his owne hands Wherfore most meeke louing and mercifull Father to thee come I all sad and sorowfull But what shall I saie vnto thee I will saie Enter not into iudgement with thy seruant O Lord for no flesh is righteous in thy sight And againe I will with the Prophet powre out before thee the words of sorrowe I will hartilie beseech thee saieng Haue mercie on me O God haue mercie on me according to thy great mercie not after the mercie of men but after thy great mercie which is incomprehensible which is vnmeasurable and which passeth all sinnes without comparison According therefore vnto that thy great mercie by the which thou hast so loued the world that thou gauest thy sonne for it by the which thou hast taken awaie all our sinnes by the which through his crosse thou hast lightened all men by the which also thou hast restored all things in heauen and in earth wash me I saie O Lord wash me in his bloud restore me in his resurrection and iustifie me by thy grace and fauour and the redemption which is in Christ AMEN L LORD looke thou no more on my sinnes but according to the multitude of thy compassions wipe awaie all mine iniquities Psal 51. verse 1. THy mercie O Lord is the abundance of pitie thy compassions are the works and processe of thy mercie by the one thou lookest gentlie on the poore and wretched by the other thou forgiuest the multitude of sinnes O sweet and mercifull Sauiour Iesus Christ the sorowfull and penitent sinner Marie Magdalen came prostrate before thy feet she washed them with hir bitter teares she wiped them with the heares of hir head thou forgauest all hir sinnes and sentest hir awaie in peace this was good Lord one of thy compassions Peter thrise denied thee and forsooke thee with an oth thou mercifullie lookedst on him and he beholding thee bitterlie wept and thou Lord forgauest him which was another of thy compassions The theefe on the Crosse was saued with one word Paule in the furious madnesse of persecution was called and by and by was filled with the holie Ghost these all Lord are thy pitifull compassions Sith therefore that thou art the same our GOD with whome is no alteration neither shadowe of change and sith there is but one Mediatour and attonement betweene God and man that is Christ Iesus which endureth for euer why doost thou not powre out thy plentious compassions vpon vs as well as thou didst vpon our forefathers Why standest thou so far O Lord and hidest thy face in the needfull tune of trouble Hast thou forsaken vs Or are all thy mercies spent and none left O Lord my God I hartilie beseech thee most humblie praie thee that thou wilt according to the multitude of thy compassions wipe awaie all mine iniquities that as thou hast drawne and receiued innumerable sinners vnto thee and hast made them righteous in thy sight euen so thou wilt vouchsafe to drawe and take me and also to make mee righteous through thy grace and so to clense and purifie my hart that after all mine iniquities and vncleannesse put out it may be as a cleane table in the which thy finger O GOD may write the lawe of thy loue and charitie AMEN I IN the daie of trouble I will call on thee ô LORD Psa 120 vers 1. Because thou hast said In what houre so euer a sinner doth repent him of his sinnes I will no more
remember his iniquities Ezech. 18 verse 27. BEhold good Lord now are the daies of sorowe now are the daies of calamitie and now is the time wherein I must call on thee For now feele I mine old cankered and festered sores of sinne readie to breake foorth in me to my vtter confusion Behold good Lord all my desires and all my lamentable and sorowfull sighes I powre them all before thee crieng and saieng O Lord cleanse me from my sinnes for I am vncleane and filthie before thee Increase therefore thy light in me that I may be a vessell of thy grace kindle my hart with thy loue put out all feare for perfect loue expelleth feare Let the loue of the world the loue of the flesh the loue of vaine-glorie and the loue of my selfe vtterlie depart from me that I may through thy mercie be cleansed from mine iniquities by the which I haue offended thee Cleanse me therefore O Lord with the water of thy gratious fauour of which water he that drinketh shall no more thirst but it shall be made in him a fountaine of liuing water running and flowing into eternall life Cleanse mee I saie O Lord with the water of thy weeping teares cleanse me with the comfortable waters of thy sacred Scriptures that I may be numbred among them vnto whome thou saiedst Now are yee cleane through the words that I haue spoken to you AMEN Z ZACHE was a perfect man and thou Lord saiedst vnto him when he was in the figtree ZACHE come downe for to daie I will come into thy house and he came downe and ioifullie receiued thee Luke 19 verse 5. O Mercifull God how manie sinnes haue I don in thy sight which I would in no wise haue done before mortall men I feared men more than thee because I was blind and loued blindnesse I had onlie eies of flesh therfore did I onlie feare and looke on men which are flesh O my God behold I stand before thy face that I might finde mercie I stand before thy goodnesse and benignitie looking for thy fauorable answere haue mercie therefore on me Thou saiedst to Zache This daie I will abide in thy house and he ioifullie receiuing thee said Lord the halfe of my goods I giue to the poore and if I haue done anie man wrong I will restore him fourefold But Lord Iesu I will not part halfe that I haue but I bequeath my selfe wholie vnto thee reseruing nothing from thee promising to serue thee for euer with a cleane and pure hart O sweet Lord Iesus what sawest thou in Zache euen thine owne image for he had cast off the image of the diuell which before was on him and had put on him thine image If then thou didst see in Zache by putting from him the image of the diuell that which did drawe thee to his house take then from me sweet Iesus all my sinnes and wickednesse all I praie thee that none may remaine in me which may keepe thee from me that I may put off as Zache did that euill which is in me that thou maist see in me which thou sawest in Zache that when thou shalt call me out of the figtree of this miserable world thou maist saie vnto me Come downe for this daie I will abide with thee AMEN A A Pure heart create in me ô GOD and a right spirit renew within me Psalme 51 verse 10. ALas my Lord and Sauiour my hart hath forsaken thee it is turned from thee and is gone astraie it is wandered into strange countries and ensueth vanities hir eies are in the vttermost part of the world It is lost gone and sold vnder sinne It is stonie yea harder than the Flint or Adamant stone which relented and yeelded at thy sonnes death What now Lord What shall I saie A pure hart create in me a fleshie hart a mollified and soft hart an humble hart a penitent hart a mercifull hart a deuout hart a religious and zealous hart yea and such a hart as will loue thee aboue all things Create therefore good Lord such a hart in me that it may be of such efficacie through thy grace as nature is not able to make it Giue me also a right spirit that I may loue and worship thee which art the chiefe and principall spirit For thou art a spirit and wilt be worshipped in spirit and veritie My soule good Lord is also a spirit and so made of thee that of it selfe it is right For of hir owne nature she loueth thee aboue hir selfe and desireth all things for thy glorie so that hir owne naturall loue is right because it commeth of thee Make stedfast therefore in me O Lord through thy gratious fauour this spirit that it may according to his owne nature leade and keepe me in the waie of thy commandements and that by it my heart may be so inflamed with heauenlie loue that it may cause me to sigh vnto thee to embrace thee continuallie and neuer to forsake thee but alwaies to be firme and constant in thee Giue me therefore an vpright spirit not seeking hir owne glorie but thy will and glorie Renew it in me I praie thee good Lord renew it I saie for my sins haue quenched the first that thou gauest me AMEN B BEhold LORD against thee onlie haue I sinned and done euill in thy sight that thou maist be iustified in thy words and maist ouercome when thou art iudged Psalme 51 verse 4. TO thee onlie O Lord it is proper to forgiue and to be mercifull for through mercie and forgiuenesse thou dooest declare thine almightinesse I graunt therefore Lord and confesse that against thee onlie I haue offended and haue done that which is euill in thy sight Haue mercie therefore on me O Lord haue mercie Expresse and shewe foorth thine omnipotencie in me that thou maist be iustified in thy words For it is written Thou camest not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance Graunt me therefore good Lord a true repentant hart and iustifie me according to thy words Call me receiue me and giue me thy grace so that thereby I may do the works of repentance Thou saiedst When I am lifted vp from the earth I will drawe all vnto my selfe Uerifie Lord the words on me drawe me after thee and let me run with thee in the sweetenesse of thine ointments Againe thou saiedst Come vnto me all yee that labour and are loden and I will ease you Behold my Lord and my God I a sinner do come vnto thee all loden with sinnes daie and night labouring in the sorowe of my hart for thy grace and mercie Refresh and ease me therefore good Lord that thou maist be iustified and proued when thou art iudged For there are manie which saie There is no helpe for him in his God Ouercome Lord these persons when thou art thus iudged of them and forsake not me at anie time but giue to me thy creature thy mercie and pardon and then are they vanquished which
saie There is no helpe for him in his God AMEN E EStablish me ô LORD with a free and principall spirit and restore vnto mee the ioie of thy sauing health Psalme 51 verse 12. IT is a great thing O heauenlie father that I desire of thee seeing thou art a great Lord and King aboue all gods He doth thee iniurie which asketh of thee small things and he which asketh of thee bodilie things asketh but vaine trifles He therefore that desireth spirituall things desireth great things but he that desireth thy ioie and sauing health desireth the greatest thing thou hast to giue What is thy sauing health but Iesus Christ thy onlie sonne which is verie God and euerlasting life And forsomuch as thou hast bin so louing and liberall a father as to giue him vnto the death of the crosse and there to offer him for me why should I be ashamed to aske him of thee whome thou hast giuen for me Giue me therefore thy principall spirit that I may reioice in thy sauing health And forsomuch as in thy holie word thou biddest me aske and knocke euen till I see me importunate and what can I aske that should be more wholesome to me than that thou shouldest make me reioice in thy sonne our sauing health I will therfore continuallie crie to thee saieng Make me againe to reioice in thy sauing helth and restore to me againe the thing which my sinnes haue lost Restore to me that which through my fault is perished in me Restore me I beseech thee for his mercies sake that euer sitteth on thy right hand and maketh intercession for me that by his gratious fauour I may at my last end enioie the fruitfull benefite of thy sauing health AMEN T THov euer ô LORD hast loued truth and the vnknowne things of thy wisdome hast thou reuealed vnto mee Psalme 51. verse 6. WHat meaneth it to saie Thou louest truth but that of thy gratious mercie thou makest vs promises and fulfillest them for thy truths sake Thou didst promise vnto Abraham a sonne when he was aged thou fulfilledst thy promise in old and barren Sara because thou louest truth Thou madest promise vnto Dauid thy seruant saieng Of the fruit of thy bodie will I set vpon the regall throne and it came to passe because thou louest truth Thou hast promised vnto sinners which will come vnto thee forgiuenesse and fauour and thou hast neuer defrauded anie man for thou louest truth There are other innumerable promises in the which thou hast euer bene faithfull because thou louest truth Loue therefore O father of mercies this truth in me which with repentant hart turneth to thee Behold therefore thy creature in whome thou maist keepe it and to whome thou maist forgiue manie sinnes Spare good Lord spare thy seruant and command me to be of the number of the babes that the vnknowne things of thy wisdome which thou hast opened vnto me may lead me vnto the fountaine of wisdome which is on high that thou maist be praised in the works of thy mercie which thou dooest exercise towards thy seruant O LORD which neuer forsakest them that trust in thee AMEN H HAddest thou ô LORD desired sacrifice I would haue giuen it thee but thou delightest not in burnt offerings Psalme 51. verse 16. MY mouth Lord shall shew foorth thy glorious fame For I knowe it to be most acceptable before thee seeing thou hast declared it by the mouth of the Prophet saieng The sacrifice of praise shall glorifie me by which meane saith the Lord I shall be entised to shew him my sauing health Psal 48. Therefore will I offer praise vnto thee for my sinnes euen the praise of infants and sucklings And why shall I offer praise for my sinnes rather than sacrifice Bicause thou delightest not in burnt sacrifice For if thou hadst desired sacrifice I had surelie offered them but thou delightest not in them And againe thou saiedst I require mercie and not sacrifice Ose 6. Therefore my mouth shall shew foorth thy praise bicause thereby I doo shew foorth thy honour and it sheweth me through thy grace the waie to my sauing health O Lord thou madest the bodie for the spirit therfore seekest thou spirituall things and not bodilie things For thou saiest My sonne giue thy hart vnto me Prou. 23. which is the sacrifice that pleaseth thee Let me therefore offer vnto thee O Lord a hart repenting and sorrowing for my sinnes and inflame it with a desired loue of heauenlie things and then wilt thou desire no more of me for with such sacrifices wilt thou O Lord be pleased AMEN REGINA R REbuke me not ô LORD in thine anger neither chasten thou mee in thy heauie displeasure but haue thou mercie on me for I am weake and in miserie Psalme 6 verse 1. MY sinnes O Lord are so manie that the burden of them hath weakened me My bones are so bruised my sinewes are so shrunken my strength so faileth me the rod of thy displeasure hath so chastened me that I feele no helpe in my selfe I appeale therfore O Lord to thy mercie crieng out with the prodigall and vnthriftie sonne saieng O Father I haue sinned against heauen and before thee haue mercie therefore haue mercie on me not bicause I haue deserued thy mercie but bicause thou art mercifull Sith therefore thou art mercifull what art thou but euen the verie mercie it selfe And what am I but verie miserie Behold therefore O God which art mercie behold miserie is before thee What shalt thou doo O mercie Trulie thy works Canst thou go backe from thy nature And what is thy nature Uerelie to take awaie miserie Haue mercie therefore on mee O God God which art mercie take awaie my miserie for the depth of miserie requireth the depth of mercie The depth of sinne requireth the depth of grace and fauour Greater is the depth of mercie than the depth of miserie Let therfore good Lord the one depth swallowe vp the other Let the bottomlesse depth of mercie swallowe vp the depth of miserie AMEN E EXcept LORD the praier of thy seruant as thou diddest the praier of Cornelius and cast me not confused from thy presence Acts 10 verse 6. O Sweet Iesus who euer came to thee with a pure and stedfast faith and went awaie confused Or who euer desired thy fauour and went without it Surelie thou passest in thine abundant pitie both the deseruings and also the desires of them that praie vnto thee For thou giuest more than man can desire The woman of Canaan followed thee she cried and made a pitious noise she mooued thy Disciples to compassion worshipped thee and said Lord helpe me but yet wouldest thou not answere Yet shee trusting in thy mercie praied againe saieng Lord helpe me Unto whose importunitie thou diddest answere saieng It is not good to take the childrens bread and cast it vnto dogs O Lord who would not haue beene confounded and haue gotten him awaie at these thy words And yet
in his owne sight was righteous O Lord great is thy power great is thy might which declareth it selfe most chieflie in sparing and hauing compassion on sinners shewing to vs that a contrite and humble hart thou wilt not despise Accept therefore sweete Lord Iesu this my sacrifice of praise proceeding out of a broken and sorowfull hart And if it be vnperfect amend thou the fault mercifull Lord which onlie art of power to doo it that it may be an holie and acceptable sacrifice inflamed with the feruent heate of thy bountious charitie that it may be acceptable vnto thee or at the least that thou despise it not I knowe well that I shall find fauour in thy sight and that heereafter none of thy Saincts either in heauen or in earth shall despise me Accomplish therefore in me euen now O Lord that which I so oft do craue of thee which is that thou wilt haue compassion on me according to thy great mercie and that also thou wilt receiue me for a sacrifice of righteousnesse for a holie oblation for a burnt sacrifice of good liuing and for a Calfe to be offered vpon thine Altar or Crosse by the which I may passe this vale of miserie vnto that ioie which thou preparest for them that loue thee AMEN * ANOTHER ELIZABETH E ENgraue thy lawes in the depth of my heart O Lord that being instructed in thy commandements I may serue thee in feare and reioice in thee with trembling and take hold vpon thy discipline in all things least at anie time thou become angrie and I perish from the right waie Amen L LORD giue me helpe from my trouble for vaine is the helpe of man in thee I haue strength and thou bringest vnto nothing those things which trouble me let my soule be subiect vnto thee For from thee proceedeth my patience For thou art my God and Sauiour my helper and I will not depart from thee In thee is my helth and my glorie thou art the God of my helpe and my helpe is in thee Amen I I Haue broken thy fold and wandered long as a lost sheepe let me returne O Lord bicause I haue not forgotten thy commandements The misdeeds and ignorances of my tender yeers remember not Lord but according to thy mercie haue mind on me For thy goodnesse O Lord keepe my soule and deliuer me let me not be ashamed bicause I haue trusted in thee Turne my heauinesse into ioie cut off my sacke of sorowes and gird me with gladnes that my glorie may signe vnto thee and I shall not be greeued Z ZORobabel King of Iuda in the depth of thy displeasure tasted of thy mercie and receiued by the mouth of Aggeus thy Prophet sweete comfort and knowledge of thy fauour and grace yea after thy determination to destroie the whole kingdome of the heathen thy right hand did preserue him and thine incomparable mercie did choose him for a seale to thy selfe Lord this happie King in thy goodnesse was but an earthlie creature and then could he haue no righteousnesse in himselfe to moue such thy compassion If it proceeded from the multitude of thy mercies that surmount the iniquities of the whole world and that thou didst onlie vouchsafe to behold in him the image of thy selfe bow downe thine eies Lord and behold the selfe-same in me Certifie my conscience with remission of my sinnes that my sorowfull soule may be at rest within me Send downe thy holie spirit to remaine with me that I may become with that good King thy chosen seale and seruant and so graunt thy people that I may with them and they with me neuer deserue further than to tast of thy rod of fauorable correction but that all my labours and studies may euer bend to the performance of thy holie will and discharge of my dutie Amen A ARise and illuminate my mind most benigne Sauiour that I sleepe not at anie time in death least mine enimies saie they haue preuailed against me They which trouble me will be glad if I be cast downe but I haue fixed my hope in thy mercie Enter not into iudgement with thy seruant for no liuing creature shall be iustified in thy sight I will euer looke vpon the Lord for he shal be on my right hand that I be not mooued For this my hart is glad and my tongue reioiceth yea moreouer my flesh shall rest in hope Amen B BE thou vnto me O Lord in the daie time a defendour and in the night season a place of refuge that thou maist saue me for thou art my strength and vnto thee I flie Lord God deliuer me from the hand of sinners and from the Lawe-breaker and the wicked dooer for thou Lord art my patience thou art my hope euen from my youth In thee I am confirmed euen from my mothers wombe thou art my protector in thee shall be my song for euer and euer Amen E EUER my tongue shall be telling of thy rich mercie and woonderous works O Lord for thou hast caused me to passe through fire and water and led me into a fresh place thou hast giuen my soule life and hast not suffered my feete to fall According to the multitude of my sorowes thy comforts haue made my soule merrie My soule is like a Sparowe taken out of the Fowlers snare Thou hast deliuered my life from death and my hands from bloud that I may please thee O Lord in the light of the liuing Amen T THOU art iust O Lord and all thy commandements be true and all thy waies mercie truth and iudgement And now Lord be mindfull of me take not reuengement of my sinnes remember not mine offences neither the offences of my fathers because we haue not obeied thy precepts Giue me an hart of vnderstanding and set thy feare alwaies before mine eies that I may be obedient in word deed and thought to all that is thy will Lord giue vnto me the power of thy holie spirit to rule and gouerne thy people committed to my charge in all godlie feare and knowledge of thy word and that I may be vnto them an example in all godlinesse and vertue to the praise of thy holie name Amen H HEALE me Lord and I shall be healed saue me and I shall be saued My life cleaueth vnto the earth Quicken me according to thy word according to thy mercie releeue me and I will keepe the testimonies of thy lips Helpe me Lord so shall I be safe and I will from hencefoorth studie thy righteousnesse Thy mercies are manie O Lord according to thy word restore my health AMEN REGINA R REgard my praiers O thou God of my life leaue me not in the thoughts of euill Deliuer me from the wicked man let not the foote of pride come vpon me and to vaine-glorie giue me not Take from me all sinfull lusts let no desire of vncleannesse take hold vpon me giue me not ouer to an vnshamefast and obstinate mind but correct me in thy mercie
for into thy hands I commit me Amen E ENter thy iudgements in the tables of my hart destroie mine affections with thy loue send thy wisdome from the holie heauens and from the seate of thy Maiestie that she may be with me and labour with me that I may knowe what thing is acceptable before thee and may iudge the people righteouslie and discerne betweene good and euill G GRatious Lord thou that art the most high God aboue all the earth long-suffering and of much mercie sorowing the sinnes of man and of thy great goodnesse hast promised to the penitent remission of sinnes Lord I haue sinned mine iniquitie is multiplied aboue the sands of the sea and there is no hope of life in me because I haue stirred thee to anger in multiplieng offences before thee And now O Lord trusting in thy mercie I bow the knees of my hart beseeching thee of thy goodnesse destroie me not togither with mine iniquitie For the dead whose soules are out of their bodies can neither praise nor thanke thee but the sorowfull hart and the thirstie soule ascribe praise vnto thee O Lord I powre my praiers before thee and require mercie in thy sight saue me which am vnwoorthie and reserue not eternall punishment for mee For thine owne sake I aske it and will praise thee all the daies of my life Amen I ILluminate my hart O Lord with the light of thy word leade me Lord in thy waie and I shall enter into thy truth Print thy feare in my hart that I may reioice in thee Let thy word be a lanterne vnto my feet and a lampe of light vnto my paths so shall I not erre from the right waie but walke like a pure and wise virgin with an vpright hart chaste mind and cleane conscience and single eie before thee this daie and euermore Amen N NEuer will I cease to call vpon thee most mightie God of hosts which sittest vpon the Cherubins and hast dominion ouer all the kingdoms of the earth Thou which madest the heauens all things comprehended in them bow downe thine eare and heare open thine eies and behold saue mee from the hand of mine aduersaries suffer no euill to happen vnto me that all the people may knowe that thou alone art my God Amen A ASsist mee O Lord my God with thy heauenlie grace and renew in mee a right spirit that I may receiue strength ablenesse to doo thy righteous will and to stand against all the assaults of wilie Satan that they may haue no place in mee but that the old man which I beare about in my bodie may be crucified and dailie die in me that the desire of sinne errour and of worldlie vanities may vtterlie be destroied that I may euermore be renewed in the spirit of my mind that the life of my Sauiour Christ may alwaies appeare in me to whome with the Father and the holie Ghost be all honour triumph and glorie for euer and euer Amen The versicle EUen now and euer vouchsafe O LORD for thy deere sonnes sake to heare my humble petitions The answere REceiue my praiers I saie O GOD and in thy truth and mercie pardon mine offences and grant mee thy grace The Collect. O Emanuel my Lord and my GOD Iesus Christ sonne of the pure virgin Marie thou art not onelie the sweete spouse of my soule but with God the Father a most meeke Mediatour full of mercie and truth Wash awaie my sinnes with the most pretious bloud of thy holie passion make me rich in thy mercie and my faith so strong in thee that assisted with thy grace and holie spirit to all duties and works in this life towards thee I may enioie afterwards the glorie of thy blessed kingdome with thy holie Saints and pure Uirgins in euerlasting honour and triumph Amen The Praier O Roote of Iesse my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ which hast redeemed all mankind from sinne death and hell thou which hast said I am the waie truth and life The waie in doctrine commandements and examples truth in promises life in reward I praie thee by thine ineffable loue wherewith thou hast vouchsafed wholie to bestowe thy selfe for our securitie that thou wilt not suffer me euer to straie from thee bicause thou art the waie nor at anie time to distrust thy promses which art the truth and performest whatsoeuer thou promisest neither let me rest in anie other thing bicause thou art eternall life without the which there is nothing that ought to be desired neither in heauen nor in earth By thee we learne the sure and expedient passage vnto true helth that we wander no longer in the Laberinth of this world Thou hast exactlie taught what to beleeue and what to doo what to hope for and in whom we ought to rest By thee wee learne how wee were of that first Adam vnfortunatelie borne by thee we are assured there is no hope of health but through faith in thee that thou art the onlie brightnesse which giuest light to all men trauelling the darke desarts of this world where is nothing but a profound dimnesse wherby we neither see our calamities nor frō whence we ought to seeke remedie of our euill Thou vouchsafedst to descend into the earth disdainedst not to take our nature vpon thee that by thy doctrine thou mightest shake off the dimnesse of our ignorance by thy commandements mightest direct our feete in the waie of truth peace By the examples of thy life thou hast shewed vs the waie to immortalitie and by thy steps hast restored to vs a plaine easie profitable waie out of an vneeuen and rough waie So thou art made vnto vs a waie which knoweth no error in the which least we should be wearie thou hast vouchsafed to vphold vs in thy benignitie with great sure promises For who can be wearie accounting himselfe redie through thy steps to enter thy heauenlie heritage Therefore whilest we be in this iournie thou wouldest be a sure hope vnto vs to be in steed of a staffe vnto vs wherewith we are sustained Neither was thy goodnes content with this but knowing the weaknesse of our flesh in the meane while with the comfort of thy spirit dooest so refresh our strength whereby we run cheerefullie And as thou being made vnto vs the waie dooest driue awaie all errour so being truth dooest thou take awaie all distrust Finallie being made life vnto vs dooest reuiue the dead in sinne to liue by thy spirit releeuing all things vntill in the resurrection all mortalitie vtterlie abolished we may alwaies liue with thee and in thee when Christ shall be to vs all in all For eternall life is to knowe the Father the Sonne and the holie Ghost to be one true God where now thorough faith we behold onlie in a glasse and riddle And then seeing more felowlie the glorie of the Lord wee shall be transformed into the same image Therefore I beseech thee most mercifull Sauiour that
if thou carefullie behaue thy selfe walke in the waies that I haue commanded thou shalt be woorthilie honored indeed with that name wherby mine authoritie ouer all men is declared and I thy GOD and heauenlie Father will imbrace thee with my speciall fauour as my deerelie beloued Dooue and obedient child Yea so shall the KING haue pleasure in thy fairenes and loue thy goodlie personage and it shall come to passe that thou shalt bee more and more in the high fauour of thy spirituall spouse Christ my sonne to whom onlie it is meete that thou shouldst be subiect as to thy souereigne Lord King and head and vnder whose gouernement thou shalt remaine most honourable and admirable for the singular and vnspeakeable gifts of his grace to all maner of people strangers others of whom euen the most mightie and most rich shall desire to see thee and to be linked in friendship with thee For then shalt thou come foorth of thy princelie yuorie palace and statelie roiall throne most gloriouslie adorned with gorgious garments and roiall robes that smell most fragrantlie and yeeld their sweete sauours and odoriferous odours most pleasantlie spred ouer all those men and people who to declare their ioie and good-wils towards thee shall run and presse togither by thousands to see praise and extoll thy renowmed name and Maiestie crieng alowd and saieng GOD saue the QVEENE To conclude here in my house the Church thou shalt see thy children and offspring who by publishing and promoting my Gospell thou hast borne after a maner vnto thy husband Christ flourishing and spred both abroad and at home and nothing inferiour vnto those thy most noble Elders reigning ouer the prouinces of the whole world But at home chieflie euen in heauen with mee thy Father and with thy husband Christ thou shalt sit at my right hand beautified with all my gifts and most richlie beedecked all ouer with glorious garments broidered with gold hauing a crowne of most pure gold vpon thy head Euen thus roiallie I saie shalt thou then O Uirgin ô QVEENE O deerlie beloued Daughter be set before the KING thy husband with such and so pretious apparell the Uirgins thy companions waiting vpon thee and going with thee vnto the most glorious KING of kings whilest that you altogither with most great triumph mirth ioie reioicing shall enter into the highest mansion of the heauenlie Paradise most holie palace there to enioie a most certaine vnchangeable and euerlasting kingdome glorie dignitie blisse and felicitie and to sing praises vnto the name of the holie Trinitie together with all Kings Queenes Saints Uirgins and elect people of the world that euer were are or shall bee worlds without end The Queenes Vow or selfe-talke with GOD Collected out of the Psalmes of the princelie Prophet King DAVID as they are paraphrasticallie expounded by that godlie learned man THEODORE BEZA Wherein the Queenes Maiestie after a most Christian maner euen with Dauids spirit his sweet words and diuine sentences first inciteth prepareth hir hart and mind to deuotion Secondlie acknowledgeth the omnipotent power of God ouer all kings kingdoms and creatures and after a true rehearsall of his manifold benefits bestowed vpon hir from hir birth with an acknowledgement of hir souereigntie to come onelie from the Lord she thirdlie confesseth hir vnwoorthinesse and reioiceth greatlie in his protection and mercie towards hir since hir comming to the Crowne Fourthlie hauing his wonderous works and benefits done for hir preseruation in great admiration shee not onelie yeeldeth condigne thanks for the same but exhorteth all creatures both in heauen and earth to praise God together with hir And so lastlie she bindeth hir selfe as it were by a solemne oth vow and promise to consecrate hir life wholie to the true worship and sincere seruice of God in all holie obedience to his lawes to the glorie of God and full discharge of hir dutie both in hir Court and Realme * The first part of the VOW RABBONI my hart so voileth within mee that I must needes burst foorth that which it hath conceiued euen a magnifical Uow of a QVEENE consecrated to the KING of heauen himselfe and that with such zeale and feruencie that no penne may seeme to be able to attaine vnto the voice of the speaker Therefore O my God I being now prepared with my whole hart with my whole hart and mind I saie haue great desire to speake vnto thee and in this my present most happie estate to call into my remembrance thy woonderfull works wrought and brought to passe by thine almightie power for me from my conception euen vntill this houre Neither will I doo it O Lord with my mouth onlie as hypocrites vse to doo but I will vnfeinedlie testifie thee my God to be mine onlie maker redeemer preseruer and Sauiour with praise that shall proceed euen from the deepe bottome of my hart Go to then my tongue go to my mouth I saie bee thou no longer dumbe but open thy selfe wide to speake out the most excellent praises of my God and make thy hartie Uowes and saie as followeth The second part conteining foure Chapters CAP. I. O Heauenlie Father my almightie maker my greatest King mine onlie GOD and souereigne Sauiour thou which art the King of glorie and most glorious King the Lord of hosts strong valiant and mightie whose seate is in the highest heauens and thy dominion is stretched foorth ouer all things without exception I humblie acknowledge thee to be the verie God of Angels and of men the most sacred Emperour of the most mightie spirits and holie companie of the heauenlie armies which celebrate thy truth and praise perpetuallie in the regions aboue vs yea the greatest God highest Lord and most magnificall King far aboue all Emperours Kings Lords and Princes how great soeuer Euen the God of Abraham Isaac and Iacob and of my father Dauid and his posteritie Kings and Queenes my predecessors which art higher than the heauens and the mightie Monarch of the whole world hauing of nothing made heauen and earth and all things therein by thine almightie power guiding preseruing and ruling by the same the state of kingdoms and all the creatures and people that dwell in the world reseruing in thy power and authoritie as the Lord of all both the lowe secret parts of the earth the deepe bottoms of the Sea and the high tops of the mountaines reigning euer full of Maiestie power and authoritie and that most gloriouslie and triumphantlie in an eternall and euerlasting kingdome For whereas all other kingdoms trulie are transitorie and subiect to destruction thy kingdome onlie O God I confesse is not limited in anie bounds nor subiect to anie tearme of yeares or time but alwaies endureth one and vnchangeable from all eternitie to eternitie as he whose throne is for euer and euer and which hast raised a kingdome for thy selfe among thine Angels and people both in heauen and in
earth of old to continue alwaie most stable firme and vnmoueable So that thou Lord onlie maist iustlie challenge vnto thy selfe the authoritie of the kingdome in deede ouer all nations vpon the earth who art that most gelous and dreadfull IEHOVA vnto whome all the Emperours Kings and Gouernours in the world shall bow submit themselues and doo their homage and diuine seruice with their scepters and crownes cast vnder thy feete and who dooest declare thy selfe verie terrible to all the potentates and powers of the world and cuttest off their courage strength and glorie throwing it in the dust euen as the Gardener doth twist and proine his Uine CAP. II. AND therefore most worthilie ascribing and resigning vp the honour and glorie of all empire kingdome rule power and dominion vnto the holie secret maruellous and renoumed name of thy most high and sacred Maiestie which art the father of lights ancient of daies the sauiour of all beleeuers and the onlie redeemer strength glorie and hope of Israel and of all the ends of the earth euen Alpha and Omega the first without beginning and the last without ending that shalt come to iudge both the quicke the dead God blessed for euer Amen I according as it is meete and my verie bounden dutie doo now meekelie confesse and protest to thy perpetuall praise that it is thou O most mercifull God and none other which in the beginning when I laie as a rude lumpe without shape being shut vp in the secret place of my mothers wombe didst forme fashion and nourish me and at the time appointed and set downe in thy booke didst drawe me foorth of the darke caue wherein I was fashioned and broughtst me foorth of the bowels of my mother as it were a midwife So that the verie bowels within me are thine owne by good right and authoritie because thou ioining all my sinewes and bones togither hast made me a mortall woman and couered me within my mothers wombe For there is no King or Queene that had anie other beginning of birth for all men haue one entrance into life and one going out in like manner Which worke of thine surelie when I behold in my selfe it is so wonderfull O Lord that I should vtterlie shew my selfe most senselesse and vnthankefull vnlesse I praise thee for the same and confesse that thy works are exceeding maruellous in deede seeing I doo perceiue the thing so manifestlie as it is So soone also as I thy workemanship came foorth a reasonable creature into this world I receiued like aire as other men and was committed vnto thee my Creator at what time thou didst declare thy selfe to be my God and causedst me to looke vp vnto thee when I did hang yet on my mothers breasts Euen in my verie cradle and swadling clouts O God thou hadst a speciall care regard ouer me and tookest in hand fatherlie to foster and gouerne me so manie yeares ago and to leade and guide me from my tender yeares vnto this daie Euer since I was borne I saie thou my God hast defended me from dangers both when I was strong and in the floure of my youth neither hast thou forsaken me now being in my middle age nor wilt I trust when I am graie-headed O mine inlightener it is thou that hast taught and instructed me with the knowledge of thee from my childhood hitherto Therefore haue I depended wholie vpon thee alone vpon thee I saie O excellent Father haue I set all my hope euen from mine infancie and will doo so still euen vnto mine old age CAP. III. NEither hath thy prouidence and mercie towards me ceased at anie tune For surelie thou hast made me a singular euerlasting example of thy fauour mercie to all men in that thou beholding me alwaies with thy pleasant countenance and obseruing continuallie with thine heauenlie eie what iniurie soeuer was offered me hast not onelie woonderfullie comforted and preserued me in all my troubles but also oftentimes most miraculouslie saued and deliuered mee out of most great and manifold miseries imminent perils and multitudes of mightie enimies wherewith I haue beene assaulted enuironed vexed afflicted persecuted and turmoiled from my tender age Yea so tenderlie O God hast thou loued mee that thou hast not suffered me to be intrapped of thousands of aduersaries that rose vp against me saieng in their harts Hir God can not helpe hir But being the iudge of mine innocencie my glorie my shield and my valiant Champion thou hast thy selfe smitten downe all mine enimies brought me safelie out of distresse and lift vp my head aboue all mine aduersaries Thou hast deliuered my life I saie foorth of the present doores of death staied the teares of mine eies and established my feete that I did not fall for any temptation so that I walked safe sound before thee among the liuing that praised thee And that I liue now to praise thee I may onlie thanke thee my deliuerer who hast caused me thus to taste feele and enioie the most comfortable sweetnesse of thy goodnesse mercie and fauour And though I was forsaken of all men and the most mightie together with my neerest friends had mee in contempt though the superstitious aduersaries I saie heaued vehementlie against me and with great violence sought to cast me downe and laie mine honor in the dust yet hast thou my God by thine owne hand repulsed driuen out all those mine irreligious foes which so wickedlie resisted thy purpose and to their confusion of faces hast exalted me to the highest degree of dignitie Wherefore great cause of continuall ioie and hartie reioicing hast thou O Lord giuen vnto me thine handmaid which acknowledge my selfe mightilie and miraculouslie preserued by thy power Doubtlesse now thou hast woonderfullie deliuered in deed thy QVEENE that was annointed by thee and hast heard me out of the highest Sanctuarie granted vnto me that which I requested in my praiers For I put my trust neither in chariot nor horses men nor munition but onelie remembred thy name and called vpon thee in all my troubles and lo thou ô KING of heauen hast heard me in all my necessities and giuen me my harts desire accomplishing all my purposes I required this thing onlie of thee that I might escape aliue and safe from persecution but thou hast not onelie strengthened and comforted me out of Zion and placed me here in thy dominion and empire in safetie but also hast granted vnto me a life that shall neuer faile and that bicause I onelie set my hope still in thee in whom all power remaineth as I oftentimes by good experience haue prooued Yea thou O most excellent Father hast done a notable worke woorthie to bee set foorth in writing to all posteritie and to be limmed out in gold to euerlasting memorie bicause O Lord thou hast not despised the praiers and teares of thy most miserable people but from thy holie throne hast looked downe vpon me and them to
heare the mournings of the prisoners thy persecuted members and to loose them foorth of bonds and fetters of whose life it was vtterlie despaired that in Zion once againe thy name O Lord and thy praises I saie in Ierusalem might be published by my ministerie as it is this daie manie nations and people running together to worship thee who hast now shewed thy selfe much more glorious therein than at anie time before Therefore O God which art indeed the Gouernor and Lord ouer all people in heauen and in earth thou art our God by a peculiar right and mine onlie honor For so great glorie haue I attained by this thy defence and saluation and so bright is the glittering of this honour wherewith thou hast crowned me that I may woorthilie triumph in thee being thus preserued and deliuered by thee and also condignelie celebrate this daie wholie to thee with banners displaied which hast so gratiouslie granted all the petitions of thine handmaid Namelie for that thou Lord being euer mindfull of thy promise and word which is of force for euer and prouiding for thine owne onlie glorie didst so mercifullie and miraculouslie preserue me from dangers and rebuking euen Kings and Princes for my sake so pretious and deere was my bloud in thy sight that none should touch thine Annointed nor doo me anie harme at the time appointed by thee thou allowing iustifieng and commending me as innocent whom others did maliciouslie condemne as guiltie of wickednesse didst most faithfullie and freelie performe thy promises towards me and changing my miserable estate into blisse didst bring me foorth glad and ioifull whom thou hadst appointed thine elect handmaid and chosen seruant to gouerne thy people and affaires in this kingdome CAP. IIII. WHerefore I humblie acknowledge that it is thou O almightie GOD which raisest vp the abiects and exaltest the miserable from the dunghill to place them among the Princes of the people and which somtime laiedst helpe vpon one that was mightie and didst exalt one chosen of the people my father DAVID thy seruant I meane whom thou tookest from the sheepfold and with thy holie oile didst annoint and broughtest to feed thy people and inheritance in Israel Euen thou O God I saie the selfe-same good God it is I confesse which hast also consecrated ELIZABETH to thy selfe to gouerne thy people ouer whome thou dooest chieflie rule and who hast vouchsafed in like fauour and in as great mercie to call me out of the prison to the palace and to appoint me to be the Prince and Pastor to feede the posteritie of Iacob and most deere people of Israel with the spirituall food of thine eternall word My preferment Lord and promotion I knowe is come neither from the east nor from the west from the south nor from the north neither as I haue well perceiued was it in mine owne power to exalt my selfe and to mount vp out of so great miserie to so high dignitie But it was thou my KING and my God euen thou most iust Gouernour of all things which bringest to passe mightie things farre passing the condition of mankind and rulest the state of kingdoms to whom alone it belongeth and in whose power and authoritie it is to cast downe whom thou wilt and to exalt whom it pleaseth thee which hast exalted mee thine handmaid and giuen vnto me thine absolute authoritie ouer all the great Princes and people of England that I should gouerne the verie Magistrates Commons thereof by the direction of thy word wisdome and counsell Yea I take thee to record O Lord against the slanders of all men that I neuer desired this honour as though I had deserued it neither laboured that I should be brought vnto this dignitie nor that I am now proud being promoted by thee thervnto nor that I doo so much as thinke or reioice that I am brought to this Kinglie office by bloud birth or by mine owne endeuour or power But alwaies I haue and still will confesse and humblie acknowledge to thy glorie that it was thou onlie O Lord my Redeemer and Sauiour vpon whome I did earnestlie call and set mine eies which at what time it pleased thee to heare me didst vouchsafe to embrace me with thy speciall grace and fauour and to bestowe this so great a benefit vpon me First to choose and take me onelie out of the rest of the people and to exalt me aboue others and then to consecrate mee to thy selfe and to annoint me with thy holie oile to be the QVEENE of this Realme and that not for anie desert of mine at all I saie but onlie bicause it so pleased thee to vse my seruice and endeuour in this so weightie businesse to defend thy people by my power receiued from thee Finallie it was thou O heauenlie KING who fauouring me thine handmaid more than I deserued didst richlie apparell mee in the roiall robes and all ouer cloathedst and beedeckedst me with statelie garments brodered with gold and pretious stones and as vpon this daie settedst me in the regall throne and causedst me most gloriouslie to come foorth from the yuorie Palace of my Coronation accompanied with manie noble Princes goodlie Uirgins and bearing the diademe or Crowne of pure gold vpon mine head At what time also thou madest the most fragrant odours of my sweet garments so spread it selfe that nothing was more pleasant vnto the beholders who as then vpon that happie daie so continuallie euer since doo runne together and presse in great multitudes vnto me to see me and to declare their thankefull harts to thee for me and their good willes they beare toward me in thee euermore they crie with lowd voices and ioifull harts vttering foorth to the praise of thy name and my great comfort these and such like hartie praiers vnto thy Maiestie for mee saieng God saue the QVEENE God saue the Queene ELIZABETH So that I may now iustlie saie O most excellent father that this is the daie in deede wherein thou hast chieflie shewed thy mercie vnto me and that this daie thou didst as it were beget me a deere Daughter vnto thy selfe in that as vpon this daie thou didst so gratiouslie annoint me thy Minister and Queene to deliuer thine afflicted Church to reigne vpon thy holie mount Zion there to declare to all nations the woonderfull works that thou hast done for me and thy people Israel as I doo at this present Go to therefore O my soule returne now to thy rest and take thine ease seeing that so notable a change of thine estate is happilie wrought by the Lord for he hath well deserued thereby euerlasting praise for his mercie The third part conteining three Chapters CAP. I. BUT O Lord my God who am I thy sinfull seruant that thou hast been thus mindfull of me And what haue I deserued who of all others haue least deserued and am thy most vnworthie handmaid that thou shouldest thus regard me and exalt me to so high dignitie
permanent vnchangable and vnmooueable lift vp the head of thine handmaid as it were of an Unicorne being annointed by thee with fresh oile and laden with new benefits continuallie Thou art he I saie by whose power consisteth whatsoeuer is high in the world euen by thy might which as it establisheth the kingdoms and policies whereby mankind is preserued so also by these testimonies of thy most mightie power the inhabitants of the earth being conuinced doo tremble and keepe silence And this peace being restored in my dominion thou causest that my people againe doo leade their liues both daie and night in comfortable peace godlie tranquillitie Wherefore thou hast giuen me great cause of new ioie and to reioice in thee O Lord my God who hast thus mercifullie dealt with me thine handmaid and especiallie bicause thou hast granted vnto me to ouercome all mine enimies how manie and how mightie soeuer and to compose and set my kingdome in peaceable order and to place in Iuda the throne of iudgement and iustice being directed by thy word O GOD which I haue and whereof I glorie still will glorie To conclude I doo reioice bicause thou Lord art my louing shepheard and feedest me in the greene pastures and sweet medowes of thy word with ioie and solace making me that was sometime as a barren woman without comfort now a ioifull and glad foster mother of manie spirituall children to thee Yea euen in the verie sight of mine enimies dooest thou O most bountifull Father prepare a deintie table for me and reaching vnto me a full cup thou giuest me drinke of thy pleasant springs and causest thy goodnesse and mercie thy bountie and liberalitie to followe me wheresoeuer I become blessing both me and my people with all thy blessings continuallie Finallie it is thou O Lord onlie who of thy singular goodnesse hast assuredlie fortified my hill woonderfullie with honour health peace and securitie and that dooest presentlie keepe me in safetie and causest me quietlie to lie downe and take my rest in thee Thou doost ward the gates of my Cities with bars and mightilie multiplie and cherish thy familie my citizens Thou bringest me into amitie with my neighbors and feedest me with the finest flower of wheate And these things verelie doo testifie most plainlie both thine infinite goodnesse and power yet surelie they are nothing in comparison of that benefit of the doctrine of saluation and holie word which thou hast bestowed vpon thy people and deliuered vnto vs as a rule to lead our liues both godlie and honestlie neither is there anie nation vnder heauen with whom thou hast so dealt as with vs herein Therfore hauing such experience of thy support I will comfort my selfe in thee my strength my shield in whom my hart doth rest neither will thine Annointed trust in anie other but onelie in thee which giuest power vnto Princes Euen I will blesse and praise thee O Lord which thus hast blessed both me and my people with thy continuall blessings And in this my present blessed state I will not cease to magnifie thee O Lord my deliuerer but I will declare set foorth before all people the maruellous works which thou my God hast done for me and whereof I my selfe from the beginning of my life vnto this houre haue had good proofe experience The fourth part of the Vow conteining fiue Chapters CAP. I. OH Lord my God how excellent is thy name ouer all the earth Aduancing mee thus to glorie far aboue my deserts I as one nothing able to compasse such great mercies am euen astonished with the admiration of thine excellent liberalitie and fatherlie prouidence ouer me O how greatlie doo these so manie and so great benefits binde me vnto thee And what shall I giue againe vnto thee for all thy bountie which thou hast bestowed vpon me Uerelie I will paie that which onlie I am able namelie I will take in my hands the Lampe which thou hast ordeined for thine annointed and will therein continuallie magnifie thy mercie I will take in my hands I saie the cup of thankefull sacrifice and calling vpon thee by name O Lord I will testifie openlie that I knowledge this my deliuerance and honour to be onelie of thee And those things which I vowed vnto thee O Lord when I was in danger will I now paie in the presence of all the people For thou art he by whose benefit I remaine aliue thou art my defence my tower my sauiour my sheeld my refuge finallie thou art he who onelie hast subdued all this people vnto me and therefore well deseruest the renowme and praise of all these victories by most worthie right Wherefore by good right O Lord I will declare thy praises euen with a sounding voice And bicause it becommeth all men and women that haue receiued benefits of thee and to whome thou grantest the vse of this life and deliuered from so manie not dangers but deaths to doo this thing diligentlie and continuallie I will labour to commit the memoriall of thy benefits vnto others and exhort them to accompanie me in the dutie of thankefulnesse earnestlie and saie CAP. II. O All yee holie spirits the apparitors of the Lords Maiestie which are diuided into innumerable garrisons go yee before others in this his praise and sound them foorth euen from the most high heauen O yee Citizens of Zion reioice yee in the Lord your King and Gouernour and set foorth his praise far and wide not onlie priuatelie but also publikelie Praise the Lord I saie for his infinite goodnesse and euerlasting mercie deserueth the same O you the innumerable multitude whome God hath deliuered out of manifold dangers and foorth of the hands of your enimies and persecutors praise the Lord for his infinite goodnesse and euerlasting mercie deserueth the same and acknowledge this thing with me For how manie hath he gathered from the beginning of the world which were scattered from the East and the West from the North and South Ocean sea How manie wandering wretches in the waste wildernesse and seeking a Citie commodious to dwell in halfe dead and killed with famine and thirst crieng vnto thee O God in their extreame miseries hast thou heard and drawing them foorth of their distresse hast brought into the right waie and led them into commodious Cities of refuge to dwell in peace O let these men therefore set foorth this thy great mercie before thee O Lord thy selfe and shew foorth thy maruellous works to other men who hast thus refreshed them panting for thirst and fed them so mercifullie being hunger-starued How manie also being shut vp in darke prisons and euen as it were in the darkenesse of death being chained in their mind with sorow and in their bodies most strictlie with iron fetters And that worthilie I confesse because they did not obeie thy commandements oh God which are engrauen in the minds of all men but rather followed their owne lusts than the wholesome counselles
of thee their God Notwithstanding when thou O God thereby well hadst tamed their fiercenesse and hadst brought them to this point that they could find no help in anie thou gratiouslie heardst them crieng vnto thee in their distresse and deliueredst them from their miserie and broughtst them from the dongeons of the prisons and darkenesse of death breaking their iron fetters in sunder O praise yee therefore this so great mercie of the Lord before him and declare his woonderfull actes to other mortall men who hath broken the brasen gates and hath dashed in peeces their iron barres How manie also being driuen awaie through persecution vnto that prophane Babylon euen auoiding so much as laie in you the sight of the wicked enimies did confesse with most dolefull silence euen with abundance of teares both your sinnes and sorowes at the flouds of Euphrates being mindfull of Zion And though you caried your harps euen to be your comfort in so great calamitie yet being outragiouslie mocked and derided in your miserie by the enimie that draue you awaie into most miserable captiuitie you were faine to hang them vp vpon the sallowe trees and make no noise in the sight of the persecutors as they that sawe more cause rather to mourne than sing in that time and place Notwithstanding the Lord did not forget you for euer but seeing the crueltie of the persecutors in his good time turned awaie your captiuitie mourning and restored you to libertie and ioie againe so that you liue and see the daie wherein Babylon is destroied and hir children dashed against the stones For the Lord hath giuen hir prosperitie vnto vs to deale with them againe as they haue dealt with vs. Yea the Lord hath armed his people with double edged swords in their hands wherewith they may punish the prophane Gentiles and auenge the crueltie of the oppressed also may drawe their kings and nobles bound in chaines and iron fetters euen to execute the iudgements appointed and commanded by thee O Lord. And this verelie is the dignitie and the honour of all them whome God hath receiued to his fauour Wherefore O ye glorious people vpon whome the Lord hath bestowed so manie benefits now see that yee in this your great quietnesse and rest sing triumph Praise the Lord in deede O Israel and delight thy selfe in setting foorth his praise continuallie whose worke thou art as it were newlie formed being deliuered from so manie not dangers but deaths What shall I speake Lord furthermore of them who by their owne foolishnesse going in the waie of wickednesse and being oppressed by manifold plagues and diseases doo dailie suffer the reward of their madnesse and loathing all manner of meate are at deaths dore whom notwithstanding thou O Lord diddest heare crieng vnto thee in their miserie and thou deliueredst them out of their distresse yea thou speaking but one word diddest take awaie all the cause of their deadlie disease and restoredst them to health Let these men also I saie praise this thy so great mercies O Lord and publish thy maruellous works before other mortall men Let them offer the sacrifices of praise vnto thee O God in the middle multitude of the people standing about them and let them rehearse with great ioie what he hath done for them in the assemblie of the cheefest Go to therefore O all yee people praise the Lord our God together with me who when wee were oppressed with Pharaos tyrannie was mindfull of vs and with a strong force deliuered Israel from the slauerie of Egypt and hath giuen this dominion to be possessed by ELIZABETH his handmaid for his mercie endureth for euer CAP. III. O All yee people I saie tribes kindreds and inhabitants of the earth both noble and simple rich and poore clap your hands and praise this most holie God with most ioifull voices Giue vnto the Lord the praise of all power worship and glorie giue him the honour due vnto his name and maiestie For lo he is come to gouerne the earth The Lord himselfe reigneth amongst you and gouerneth the whole world with a iust and righteous gouernement and ruleth altogether with the scepter of his iustice and truth Go to therefore O yee yong striplings and old men yong children maidens matrones and you also all other that loue feare God come I praie you praise y e name of y e Lord euen of our most mightie IEHOVA together with mee For he alone deserueth most high praise as he that is more deepe than the verie earth and more high than the heauens and far aboue all the powers and potentates of the world Go to also O ye damsels and virgins stir vp your ioie to daie with songs of praise vpon timbrell lute but voide of wantonnesse so that your ioie may tend to the glorie of God your onlie strength and celebrate this daie of your deliuerance as festiuail to the Lord our deliuerer O ye Uirgins and damsels vnmaried now reioice with me I saie and sing vnto the Lord a triumphant song Praise the Lord also O ye brides in your marriage songs with glorie and maiestie that ye liue to see my daies and that the flower of your youth is not consumed in the flame of Gods furie For the time was when you being desolate and vnmarried did remaine pensife without your marriage songs and liued solitarie sitting at home among the soote of pots but now the women that durst not come out of their houses come foorth glittering like gold and shining like dooues as white as snowe and boldlie diuide the spoile of the enimie Go to therefore O ye damsels of Iuda and multitude of Uirgins seeing ye haue so great cause to reioice shew not your selues vnthankfull in anie wise but praise the Lord together with me in Hymnes and celebrate his name with spirituall songs for his victories goodnesse and mercie towards vs. Come foorth yee daughters of Zion I saie and breake out into gladnesse with me reioice you of the iust iudgements of God vpon our enimies yea compasse you Zion round about account hir towers consider diligentlie hir wals and bulworks and set foorth the praises of hir peace and palaces so that yee may spread foorth the memorie thereof euen to all posteritie And doo you let all men to vnderstand that this is God euen our owne God for euer which hath not forsaken vs neither will leaue vs no not in the last minute of our life Go to now therefore I beseech you let vs altogether praise the Lord as we are bounden let the whole companie of vs Uirgins plaie vpon the Timbrels on euerie side and corner of the citie Zion one exhorting and answering another by course and that with new and excellent songs of praise to the glorie of God Let vs magnitie that mightie and eternal name of his for it is holie let vs continuallie come before the Lord and worship him for he is holie For what should we rather doo
world euermore arising and neuer going downe which by thy most whole some appering and light dooest bring foorth preserue nourish and refresh all things as well that are in heauen as also that are on earth I beseech thee mercifullie fauourablie to shine into our harts that the night and darkenesse of sinnes and the mists of errors on euerie side driuen awaie thou brightlie shining within our harts we may all our life space go without anie stumbling or offence and may decentlie and seemelie walke as in the daie time and cleare sun-shine being pure and cleane from the works of darkenesse and abounding in all good works which GOD hath prepared for vs to walke in Amen The Lords name be praised from the rising of the sunne vnto the going downe of the same Psal 113 verse 3. To you that feare my name shall the sunne of righteousnesse arise and shine Mala. 4 verse 2. Another O Mightie God which hast created the heauens and all the beautifull ornaments of the same roiallie to set vp thy glorie to declare eueriwhere all the wonderfull works of thy hands wrought through thy sonne Iesus Christ whome as the bright shining Sunne of righteousnesse and vnderstanding thou hast assigned to haue his residence in those heauens Suffer I beseech thee that by the beames of his grace and beneuolence most louinglie shining and spread abroad he may cast his light into the world and kindle in the harts of men a feruour of spirit Let him come foorth as a bridegroome from his chamber yea let him appeare couragious as a valiant champion to run through his course and iournie euen till he haue conducted vs vnto the highest heauens and holie citie Ierusalem where shall be no need either of sunne or moone to shine and where we shall walke with those that are saued in the light of the Lambe and glorie of God Amen They that loue the Lord shall be as the sunne when he ariseth in his might Iudg. 5 31. Meditation REmember thy maker that knew thée before thou wast and knowe that the eies of the Lord are tenne thousand times brighter than the Sunne than the which though nothing be more cléere yet shall it faile For God which liueth for euer beholdeth all the waies of men and the bottomlesse depth looking euen into mens harts be they in neuer so darke and secret corners And therefore wheresoeuer thou art and whatsoeuer thou dooest feare thou the eies of God more than the eies of men Now also while the light is swéet and it is a pleasant thing to sée the Sunne remember the daies of darknesse that followe and are manie And looke that béetimes before the Sunne set or that the light of the moone and starres be darkened thou feare GOD and vse the light walking therein as a child of light knowing that he that maketh the Sunne to shine and arise both vpon the good and bad will call thée to an account for thy works done both in darknesse and in light Putting off your neerest garment praie thus MOst gratious and mercifull Sauiour Iesus Christ thou knowest how we be borne cloathed and clogged with the greeuous heauie burden of the first woman Eue who fell awaie vnto fleshlinesse through disobedience vouchsafe therefore I beseech thee to strip me out of the old corrupt Eue which being soked in sinne transformeth hir selfe to all incombrances and diseases of the mind that they may lead vs awaie from thee Rid me also quite and cleane of that hir tempter the deceitfull serpent which turneth vs awaie from the obedience of the Father So be it I haue put off my cloathes how shall I put them on Cantic 5 3. Beholding your nakednesse praie thus LOrd how wretched miserable poore blind and naked am I I am naked O Lord yea euen starke naked for that thou seest me in my bloud and corruption Open mine eies also I beseech thee that I may more and more see my nakednesse feele my miserie and confesse my wretchednes that thou of verie pitie and compassion maist cloath me with thine innocencie and holie vertues and so couer my filthinesse that mine enimies neuer behold the same to my reproch Finallie giue me the grace of perfect charitie to doo the works of faith acceptable to thee especiallie so to cloath the naked and after my power to releeue the needie that when I shall depart hence naked and bare as euer I was borne and shall carie awaie nothing of all my labours yet in thy sight at the generall iudgement daie I may not appeere naked of good works or void of the marriage garment of faith and the gifts of grace through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen Naked came I out of my mothers wombe and naked shall I returne thither Blessed be the name of the Lord. Iob. 1 21. Putting on your neerest garment praie thus PUt vpon me O Lord the pure garment of the innocencie and holines of Christ my Sauior O couer thou my nakednesse and shame with the fine linnen robe of his righteousnesse and vertue so shall not my filthinesse be discouered vnto mine enimies for them to gaze and laugh at as cursed Cham did at the nakednesse of his father Noah Yea make thou my linnen cloaths as white as snowe and shining like the light that I maie be of the number of those that haue beene called from the beginning of the world and shall be sanctified that haue departed from the shadowe of the world and shall receiue glorious garments euen of those holie ones I saie that haue put off the mortall cloathing and haue put on the immortall which haue confessed thee O God and thy Christ and are alreadie crowned with glorie and haue receiued palmes of victorie in their hands triumphing ouer all their enimies and policies of this world So be it Blessed is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments cleane and white least he walke naked and men see his filthinesse Reuel 16 15. Or praie thus LOrd send me a ioifull resurrection and while I liue giue me grace so to ouercome the temptations of flesh and bloud and Christianlie to confesse thy holie name that in the last generall daie of thy iudgement I maie be found among the number of thine elect seruants which shall stand on thy right hand and being clad with the long white robes and shining raines of the righteousnesse of thy Saints who haue hated euen the garments spotted by the flesh and kept their consciences vnpolluted with sinne and haue made their long garments white and cleane in the bloud of the Lambe Christ I may togither with them enter into the holie citie and remaine in the presence of the throne of God and serue thee ioifullie daie and night in thy holie temple for euer and euer Amen At all times let thy garments be white and thy works please God Eccles 9 7. Meditation THinke now how the children of GOD while they are burdened in this earthlie tabernacle sigh desiring to be
cleathed that mortalitie might be swallowed vp of life For if they be found cloathed and not naked mortalitie shall be swallowed vp of immortalitie and they shall walke with GOD in white araie Being about to arise and sitting vpright in your bed praie O LORD Iesu Christ which diddest vouchsafe to die for our sinnes and diddest rise againe for our iustification haue mercie vpon me and by that thy glorious resurrection I beseech thee raise me vp out of the bed of vices and sepulchre of all my sinnes wherein I haue long lien to newnesse of life For except I be raised vp by thee I shall lie still for euer in darkenesse shame and miserie O therefore put foorth thine hand and mercifullie raise vp againe not onlie my bodie but my mind and hart also to the true knowledge and loue of thee that my conuersation may be in heauen where thou art And giue me dailie part in the first resurrection to the intent that I may receiue some part in the latter resurrection and be in the number of those thy faithfull ones ouer whom the second death shall haue no power but are receiued into life euerlasting Arise depart for this is not your rest Mich. 2 verse 20. I will arise now out of my bed to open to my beloued that knocketh and I will go about the citie by the streets and by the open places and will seeke him whom my soule loueth Cantic 3 verses 1 5. Meditation COnsider how fowle the fall of Adam and Eue was by reason of their sinne and transgression and so of euerie one of vs by them from the high excellent and honourable estate of Gods grace into shame and miserie Againe thinke vpon the inestimable benefits of Christ Iesus by whose helping hand we dailie arise againe from our naturall and originall declining and fallings and be thankfull vnto him therefore In your arising as you step out of your bed praie I Arise and enter into this daie to doo all things in the name of the Father and of the Sonne and of the holie Ghost who hath made me redeemed me sanctified me and preserued me He rule me keepe blesse and lead mee into all good works and so direct and confirme me therein that after ths fraile life ended I may obteine a ioifull resurrection with blisse perpetuall Amen I laid me downe and slept and rose againe for the Lord sustained me Psal 3 verse 5. If you be risen with Christ thinke vpon those things that be aboue Col. 3 verse 1. Being risen blesse and praie thus GOd be mercifull vnto me and blesse me this daie and euer and shew me the light of his countenance and be mercifull vnto me that I may knowe his way vpon earth and his sauing health among all nations God euen our owne God giue mee his continuall grace peace mercie and blessing And I beseech thee O Lord Iesu Christ which being reuiued from death to life broughtest againe to mortall men that most desired and greatlie longed for daie which the Lord made Grant that I being now raised vp from the death of sinnes to the life of grace may walke in all Christian obedience and at the last daie of the resurrection of all flesh when thou shalt be made manifest in our life I also may then be openly known and appeere before thee in glorie and ioifullie triumph ouer sinne death and hell saieng O death where is thy sting O graue where is thy victorie Thanks be vnto GOD which hath raised me from the death of sleepe and giuen me victorie ouer all mine enimies through our Lord Iesus Christ So be it Blessed holie and happie for euer is he that hath part in the first resurrection for on such the second death hath no power Reuel 20 verse 6. The vngodlie shall not be able to stand in iudgment neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous Psal 1 verse 6. In apparelling your selfe praie CLoath mee O Christ with thine owne selfe that I may be so farre from making prouision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof that I may cleane put off all my carnall desires and crucifie the kingdome of the flesh in me Be thou vnto mee a garment to keepe me warme and to defend me from the cold of this world If thou be absent deere Lord all things will be vnto me foorthwith cold weake and dead but if thou be with me all things will be warme liuelie fresh and cheerefull Grant therefore that as I compasse this my bodie with this garment so thou wouldst cloath me wholie but especiallie my soule with thine owne selfe So be it Put vpon you as the elect of God bowels of mercie meekenesse loue peace Col. 3 verse 12. Let not him that putteth on his harnesse boast himselfe as he that putteth it off 1 Kings 20 verse 11. Meditation CAll to mind a little how we are incorporate into Christ and how he dooth cloath vs gouerne and nourish vs and vnder his wings protection and prouidence preserueth vs. A consideration of our inward corruption by the outward easement of the bodie OH wretch that I am what am I but a rotten carcase woorms meat a stinking coffin and food for fire Againe what am I O Lord Euen a darke dongeon wretched earth a child of wrath a vessell meet for dishonour begotten in vncleannesse liuing in miserie and dieng in distresse Out vpon me vile wreth What am I Wo is me Lord. O Lord spare me Alas my maker what shall become of me I am a sacke of doong a coffin of rottennesse full of lothsomnesse and stinch blind poore naked subiect to manie exceeding necessities woting neither when I came into the world nor when I shall go out mortall and miserable whose daies passe and glanse swiftlie awaie as a shadowe or bubble of water now flourishing and by and by withering now aliue now dead Oh spare me a little Lord for my daies are nothing and be mercifull vnto a wretch that is not ashamed to acknowledge hir vilenesse before thee The glorie of mortall man is but doong and wormes meate 1. Mach. 2. verse 62. Meditation COnsider the miserable state of the bodie by the excrements that issue out of the eies nose mouth eares hands arme-pits fundament féete and other parts thereof and thinke that no Bocardo no little ease no dungeon no prison no sinke no pit is so irkesome lothsome and euill a prison for the bodie as the bodie is for and of the soule by reason of sinne and filthie affections that haue their dwelling therein Thinke also what madnesse it is thus to pamper our bodies with delicate meats to obeie the lusts therof prouoking to euill and desire continuallie with S. Paule the dissolution thereof and to be out of this stinking prison VVashing your hands praie thus WAsh my soule O God with the water of thy diuine grace from all the filth and pollusion of sinne wherewith it is altogither defiled in thy sight Sprinkle it
Lord with the hyssope of true repentance and sorowfull contrition that being clensed in the most cleere fountaine of thy grace I may be whiter than snowe and also bee able euer hereafter to serue thee in holinesse and purenesse of liuing through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen Wash your hands yee sinners and cleanse your harts ye wauering minded Isaias 4 verse 8. I will wash my hands in innocencie ô Lord and so will I go to thine altar Psal 26 verse 6. Or else praie thus HAue mercie vpon mee O God and pardon the wicked deeds which my hands haue committed Wash my soule with the holie fountaine or well which I beleeue did flow from thy hart and naked side and sanctifie and purifie not onlie my hands and face from filth but my hart soule and conscience also from all contagion of sinne and iniquitie that I may be pure both in bodie and soule and serue thee in holinesse and puritie all the daies of my life So be it Though I wash my selfe with snowe water and purge my hands most cleane yet shalt thou plunge me in the pit and mine owne cloths shall make mee filthie Iob. 9 verse 30. Meditations THinke now of thy vow and promise made to God at thy baptisme to forsake Sathan to renounce the world and to mortifie the flesh and how oft since thou hast broken it and be hartilie sorie therefore Thinke also vpon the vnspeakable loue and mercie of Christ our Sauiour who hath washed vs from our sins in his owne pretious bloud and purged our conscience from dead works to the end we should serue him in holinesse and innocencie of life And consider that it shall little auaile thée to haue washed thy selfe if thou touch filth againe that is if thou confesse thy faults and after commit them againe and so wich the dog returne to the vomit and with the washed sow to the wallowing in the mire againe ¶ When you be made readie first before all things looke that either by your selfe or with your familie with all humblenesse of mind you kneele downe by your bed-side in your parlour or other sweete cleane and conuenient place and there taking both time and leasure to serue the Lord lift vp your hart hands and eies and praie vnto his diuine Maiestie saieng in manner and forme following A premeditation or first forme of praier to be vsed before praier O Mercifull Lord and louing father without whose aid and motion I am not able to stir one member toward heauenlie seruice the burthen of this slowe and sinfull flesh doth so ouercharge my weak soule according vnto thy fatherlie pitie looke vpon me O God prepare my hart to praier and quicken my dull spirit with thy grace to rise out of this miserable puddle and to come before thy presence in humble repentance crauing thy mercie for my miserable sinnes and wickednesse and being released in the bloud and righteousnesse of Iesus Christ I may ioifullie serue honor and praise thine eternall Maiestie through thy deere sonne my mercifull Lord and redeemer to whom with thee and the holie Ghost be all glorie and thanks for euer Amen Another meditation before praier VNto thee O heauenlie father doo I heere prostrate on my knees lift vp my hart my hands mine eies and praiers beseeching thy Maiestie and saieng Helpe me O my Lord and God in this my good purpose and holie worshipping or seruing of thee and grant vnto me to make a perfect entrance and beginning this present daie that I maie doo all things in the name of the Father of the Sonne and of the holie Ghost For that which I haue hitherto done is nothing at all The Confession and Praier O Father of heauen O sonne of God redeemer of the world O holie Ghost three persons and one God haue mercie vpon me most wretched caitife and miserable sinner I haue offended both heauen and earth more than my tongue can expresse my sins are aboue all mens both in number and greatnesse which I haue committed Whither then may I go And whither should I flee To heauen I may be ashamed to lift vp my face and in earth I find no place of refuge or succour To thee therefore O Lord doo I runne to thee doo I humble my selfe saieng O Lord my God my sinnes be great and innumerable but yet haue mercie vpon me for thy great mercie The great mysterie that God became man was not wrought for little or few offences Thou didst not giue thy sonne O heauenlie father vnto death for small sinnes onlie but for all the greatest sinnes in the world so that the sinner returne vnto thee with his whole hart as I doo heere at this present Wherefore haue mercie on me O God whose propertie is alwaie to haue mercie wherefore haue mercie on me O Lord for thy great mercie I craue nothing O Lord for mine owne merits but for thy name sake that it may be halowed thereby and for thy deere sonne Iesus Christes sake and now therefore Our father of heauen halowed be thy name c. Another Confession and praier OH almightie euerlasting God and most gratious deere louing father I beseech thee for Iesus Christes sake thy most deere and onlie sonne to haue mercie pitie and compassion vpon me most vile wretched and miserable sinner whose innumerable offenses both old new be most horrible heinous and great where through I haue iustlie deserued thy greeuous wrath and euerlasting damnation But now good Lord heere I do appeale to thy great mercie onlie which far surmounteth all thy works as thou hast promised the same in thy holie and infallible word where thou hast said yea and sworne as trulie as thou liuest that thou wilt not the death of a sinner but rather that he should conuert and liue Ah deere Lord I confesse that I am a great and greeuous sinner and yet now by thy grace and good working of thy holie spirit something turned vnto thee Oh let me liue and not die the euerlasting death of the soule which I so deepelie haue deserued but make me a vessell of thy great mercie that I may liue and praise thy name among thy chosen children for euer Oh let not my horrible sinnes separate me from the sweet sight of thy Maiestie but let thy great power and mercie be magnified in me as it is in Dauid in Peter in Magdalen and in the notable Theefe which was crucified with Christ thy deere sonne in whose most pretious death and bloud-shedding onlie O Lord I put my whole trust and confidence For he onelie hath taken awaie the sinnes of the world he came not to condemne the world but to saue it that none that trulie beleeue in him should perish but haue life euerlasting He saith he came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance Oh gratious God giue me true earnest hartie and vnfeigned repentance that I may from the verie bottome of my hart continuallie lament my manifold
hart trusting in thy mercie I beleeue in thee O God the Father in thee O God the Sonne and in thee O God the holie Ghost three persons and one true and verie God besides whom I acknowledge none other God in heauen aboue nor in earth beneath Yea and I poore sinner doo accuse my selfe vnto thee deere Father that I haue sore and greeuouslie offended thine almightie goodnesse and diuine Maiestie in committing of mine exceeding greeuous and manifold sinnes and wickednesse For I haue not kept the least of thy most blessed commandements like as thy righteousnesse may require and demand the same of me I haue I saie not honoured thee like my God nor dreaded thee like my Lord loued thee like my Father trusted in thee like my Sauiour and Creator Thy holie and dreadfull name vnto which all honour and glorie belongeth haue I vsed in vaine I haue not sanctified the Saboth and holie daies with works which be acceptable vnto thee nor instructed my neighbour in vertue accordinglie I haue not honoured my father and mother nor beene obedient vnto them through whom as by an instrument thou hast wrought my comming into this world The high powers and rulers which take their authoritie of thee I haue not beene willinglie obedient vnto I haue not kept my hart pure and cleane from man-slaughter yea had not thy mercie and grace defended me the better I should haue committed the verie deed also I likewise am not pure from theft nor from adulterie nor from false-witnesse-bearing but haue in my hart and mind wished and desired my neighbours goods and things I haue folowed the great Prince of the world Satan which hath beene a lier from the beginning in concupiscence of the flesh in pride of liuing in lieng in deceitfulnesse in lecherie in hatred and enuie in backbiting in despaire and also in mis-beleefe My fiue wits also haue I fowlie mis-vsed and spent in hearing seeing smelling tasting and also feeling which thou hast giuen me to vse to thy honour and glorie and also the edification and profit of my neighbour But in what maner soeuer I haue offended and sinned against thine eternall Maiestie for no man knoweth throughlie his sinnes as the Prophet witnesseth whether it hath beene by daie or else by night yea euen from my childhood vnto this daie were it in works words deeds or thoughts secretlie or openlie O my mercifull God I am sorie for it euen from the bottome of my hart yea my soule mourneth for sorrowe most mercifull Father that I am not a thousand times sorier than I am Howbeit in token of great repentance though all harts be knowne well inough to thee I doo knocke and strike my breast and saie in bitternesse of hart and soule Lord God Father haue mercie Lord God Sonne haue mercie Lord God holie Ghost haue mercie Spare me of thine infinite goodnesse and mercie good Lord now and all the daies of my life hereafter and let me haue part of thine abundant grace so as I maie change my sinfull life and put out of me the old man with all his concupiscences and also that I maie die vnto the world and that the world may be a crosse vnto me and so go foorth in a new life Strengthen me O Lord in a true humble hart in perfect loue hope and trust in thee Giue my soule grace to desire thee onlie in thee onlie to reioice and repose my selfe and that I may vtterlie renounce and forsake the vaine affiance of this world so that thou maist find me readie with the good seruant and wise virgins in the midnight of death which shall suddenlie steale vpon me like a theefe ere I be aware Be thou vnto me at that time of need O Lord a tower of strength a place of refuge and a defensible God namelie against the face of the feend who like a roring Lion shall be then most readie to deuoure me and against desperation which then shall be busie to greeue me Let then thy comfort cleane fast vnto me thy mercie keepe me and thy grace guide me Fetch then againe Lord God Father that which thy puissant might hath shapen Fetch then againe Lord God Sonne that which thou hast so wiselie gouerned and bought with thy pretious bloud Take then againe Lord God holie Ghost that which thou hast kept and preserued so louinglie in this region of sinne vale of miserie Three persons and one true and also verie God to whom be all laud and praise for euer and euer Amen Another confession of sinnes and praier for mercie and grace commonlie called Conditor coeli OH maker of heauen and earth King of kings and Lord of lords which of nothing didst make me to thine image and likenesse and diddest redeeme me with thy pretious bloud whom I a sinner am not woorthie to name to thinke on neither to call vpon I most humblie desire thee and meekelie praie thee that gentlie thou behold me thy wicked seruant and haue mercie vpon me which hadst mercy of the woman of Canaan Marie Magdalen which didst forgiue the Publican and the theefe hanging on the Crosse Unto thee I confesse my sinnes most holie Father which if I would I cannot hide from thee Haue mercie on me O Christ for I am a wretch and haue sore offended thee in idolatrie in superstition in blasphemie in prophaning of thy Saboths in disobedience to my gouernours in pride in couetousnesse in gluttonie in lecherie in vaine glorie in hatred in enuie in murder in adulterie in theft in lieng in backbiting and false-witnesse-bearing in sporting in dalliance in dissolute wanton laughing in idle words in vncleane thoughts in hearing in tasting in touching in thinking in sleeping in working and finallie in all waies in which I a fraile woman and most wretched sinner might sinne My default my most greeuous default Therefore I most humblie praie and beseech thy gentlenesse which for my helpe didst descend from heauen which didst hold vp Dauid that he should not fall into sinne haue mercie vpon me O Christ which didst forgiue Peter thine Apostle that did forsweare and forsake thee Thou art my Creator and helper my maker and redeemer my gouernour my Father my Lord and God my King and my spouse Thou art my hope my trust my strength my defense my redemption my sanctification my life my helth and resurrection Thou art my stedfastnesse my refuge succour my light and onlie hope I therfore most hartilie and humblie desire thee to helpe me defend me and make me strong comfort me make me stedfast make me merie giue mee light and visit me reuiue me againe which am dead for I am thy making and thy worke Oh Lord despise me not I am thy seruant thy bond-woman although euill although most vnworthie and a detestable sinner But whatsoeuer I am whether I be good or bad I am alwaies thine Therfore to whom shall I flee except I flee vnto thee If thou cast me off who
shall or will receiue me If thou despise me and turne thy face from me who shall looke vpon me Recognise and knowledge me O Lord to be thine although vnworthie comming to thee although I bee vile and vncleane For if I be vile and vncleane as I confesse my selfe in deede to be thou canst make mee cleane If I be sicke thou canst heale me If I be dead and buried thou canst reuiue me for thy mercie is much more than mine iniquitie Thou canst forgiue me more than I can offend Therefore O Lord doo not consider nor haue respect to the number of my sinnes but according to the greatnesse of thy mercie forgiue me and haue mercie on me most wretched sinner Saie vnto my soule I am thy health which saiedst I will not the death of a sinner but rather that he liue and be conuerted and turne to thee O Lord bee not angrie with me I beseech thee but for thy great mercie sake forgiue and pardon me all my misdeeds and bring me to the blisse that neuer shall cease Amen Another forme of Confession and praier to be vsed of the Maister and Mistresse with their families in priuate houses euerie morning ALmightie God and most mercifull Father we doo not present our selues heere before thy Maiestie trusting in our owne merits or woorthinesse but in thy manifold mercies which hast promised to heare our praiers and graunt our requests which we shall make to thee in the name of thy beloued Sonne Iesus Christ our Lord who hath also commanded vs to assemble our selues together in his name with full assurance that he will not onelie be amongst vs but also be our mediator and aduocate towards thy Maiestie that we may obtaine all things which shall seeme expedient to thy blessed will for our necessities Therefore we beseech thee most mercifull father to turne thy louing countenance towards vs and impute not vnto vs our manifold sinnes and offences whereby wee iustlie deserue thy wrath and sharpe punishment but rather receiue vs to thy mercie for Iesus Christes sake accepting his death and passion as a iust recompense for all our offences in whom onlie thou art pleased and through whome thou canst not be offended with vs. And seeing of thy great mercies we haue quietlie passed this night grant O heauenlie father that we may bestowe this daie wholie in thy seruice so that all our thoughts words and deedes may redound to the glorie of thy name and good example to all men who seeing our good works may glorifie thee our heauenlie father And forasmuch as of thy meere fauour and loue thou hast not onlie created vs to thine owne similitude and likenesse but also hast chosen vs to be heires with thy deere sonne Iesus Christ of that immortall kingdome which thou preparedst for vs before the beginning of the world we beseech thee to increase our faith and knowledge and to lighten our harts with thy holie spirit that we may in the meane time liue in all godlie conuersation and integritie of life knowing that idolaters adulterers couetous men contentious persons drunkards gluttons and such like shall not inherit the kingdome of God And because thou hast commanded vs to praie one for another we doo not onlie make request O Lord for our selues and them that thou hast alreadie called to the true vnderstanding of thy heauenlie will but for all people and nations of the world who as they know by thy wonderfull works that thou art God ouer all so they may be instructed by thy holie spirit to beleeue in thee their onlie Sauiour and Redeemer But forasmuch as they can not beleeue except they heare nor cannot heare but by preaching and none can preach except they be sent therefore O Lord raise vp faithful distributers of thy mysteries who setting apart all worldlie respects may both in their life and doctrine onelie seeke thy glorie Contrariwise confound Sathan Antichrist with all hirelings whome thou hast alreadie cast off into a reprobate sense that they may not by sects schismes heresies and errors disquiet thy little flocke And because O Lord we be fallen into the latter daies and dangerous times wherein ignorance hath gotten the vpper hand and Sathan by his ministers seeke by all meanes to quench the light of thy Gospell we beseech thee to mainteine thy cause against those rauening Woolues and strengthen all thy seruants whom they keepe in prison and bondage Let not thy long-suffering be an occasion either to increase their tyrannie or to discourage thy children neither yet let our sinnes and wickednesse be an hinderance to thy mercies but with speede O Lord consider these great miseries For thy people Israel manie times by their sinnes prouoked thine anger and thou punishedst them by thy iust iudgement yet though their sinnes were neuer so greeuous if they once returned from their iniquitie thou receiuedst them to mercie We therfore most wretched sinners bewaile our manifold siunes and earnestlie repent vs for our former wickednesse and vngodlie behauiour towards thee And whereas we cannot of our selues purchase thy pardon yet we humblie beseech thee for Iesus Christes sake to shew thy mercie vpon vs and receiue vs againe to thy fauour Graunt vs deere father these our requests and all other things necessarie for vs and thy whole Church our Queene and Realme according to thy promise in Iesus Christ our Lord in whose name we beseech thee as he hath taught vs saieng Our Father c. Almightie and euerlasting God vouchsafe we beseech thee to graunt vs perfect continuance in thy liuelie faith augmenting and increasing the same in vs dailie vntill we growe to the full measure of our perfection in Christ whereof we make our confession saieng I beleeue in God the Father almightie c. Almightie God which hast promised to heare the petitions of them that aske in thy Sonnes name wee beseech thee mercifullie to incline thine eares to vs that haue now made our praiers and supplications vnto thee and graunt that those things which wee haue faithfullie asked according to thy will may effectuallie be obteined to the releefe of our necessitie and to the setting foorth of thy glorie through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen The Lord blesse vs and saue vs the Lord make his face to shine vpon vs and be mercifull vnto vs the Lord turne his fauorable countenance towards vs and graunt vs his peace Amen The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ the loue of God and the communion of the holie Ghost be with vs and remaine with vs for euer So be it A Morning praier for Sundaie AFter due examination of my former life with an humble and contrite hart with a sorowfull and repentant spirit I sue vnto thee most mercifull father beseeching thee of mercie and forgiuenesse of mine offences which in this night or at anie time heeretofore I haue committed against thy godlie will and pleasure by anie manner of vncleannesse of soule or bodie that I haue fallen into
by the illusion of the diuell or else by frailtie of mine owne flesh trespassing against thy godlie Maiestie either in thought consent delectation word or deede And I most hartilie thanke thee for the sweet sleepe and comfortable rest which thou hast giuen me this night and that to the innumerable benefits hitherto powred vpon my soule and bodie thou hast vouchsafed to preserue me this night past from sudden death and all other euill and mischiefe spirituall and corporall that anie person man or woman hath beene striken withall by thy permission and sufferance knowing of a suretie that the selfe-same or such like had worthilie light on my head also haddest not thou defended and preserued me and giuen me time to amend my life so that I might liue henceforth not as I will but as thou wilt And now seeing thou O almightie God and most mercifull father in the tables of the commandements deliuered to the hands of thy seruant Moses vpon the mount Sina among other precepts diddest giue charge vnto thy chosen children of Israel that in sixe daies they should doo all such works and aaffaires as they had to doo and rest from labour the seuenth daie graunt I beseech thee blessed father that siuce I haue by thy mercie happilie passed ouer this whole weeke vnder thy gratious protection I may not onelie rest this daie from my dailie trauels but that I may abstaine also from the works of sinne and iniquitie and sanctifie this daie wholie vnto thee with praiers and thankes-giuing abounding in all works of loue and charitie as thou hast commanded in thy holie word that I may be found pure without spot or blemish at that daie when thy Sonne Iesus Christ shall come to iudge the world with righteousnesse and equitie And forasmuch as thou hast ordeined this daie among the rest wherein we should meete all together with brotherlie loue and affection to yeeld thee praises for the innnumerable benefits we haue receiued at thy hand to acknowledge thy fatherlie loue and pitie towards vs from time to time and to giue thee thanks in generall for all and vniuersall thy benefits hitherto bestowed vpon vs I beseech thee to grant me thy holie spirit that I may be the more zealouslie inflamed to serue thee in true holinesse and integritie of life and by the operation of that spirit I may kill all carnall lusts vnlawfull pleasures concupiscence and all other spots of vncleannesse whereby I may be made thy child by adoption and grace and my bodie the temple of the holie Ghost being throughlie purged and purified from the dregs of iniquitie and abhomination Giue me grace most mercifull Father to spend this daie to thy pleasure in all good works of the spirit and charitie proceeding from an vndefiled faith in Christ Iesu that I fall not into anie kind of danger but that all my dooings may be ordered by thy gouernance to doo alwaies that is righteous in thy sight through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen Another Morning praier on the Lords daie O Almightie and mercifull God eternall Father Sonne and holie Ghost three in persons one in substance God in verie deede and from euerlasting I extoll thy sacred Maiestie I praise thine vnspeakeable mercie thy diuine truth I exceedingly commend for that of thy fatherlie and woonderfull goodnesse thou hast protected me this night vnder the shadowe of thy wings Yea thou also hast made me quietlie to take my rest notwithstanding the dangerous snares of my deadlie enimie the diuell Thou art the God which exaltest vs from the gates of the shadowe of death and from the power of darknesse thou deliuerest vs. Therefore I will acknowledge thee for thy goodnes and for the woonderfull things which thou dooest among the sonnes of men I will magnifie thee in the great congregation and among much people will I praise thee My hart is readie O my God my hart is readie I will praise thee O Lord among the people and sing to thee among the nations For thy mercie is aboue the heauens and thy truth vnto the clouds I will not hide thy mercie and truth in the great congregation bicause it is a good thing to praise the Lord and to sing to thee O thou most high to declare thy louing kindnesse in the morning and thy truth in the night Blesse the Lord O my soule and all that is within me praise his holie name Which forgiueth all thine iniquities and healeth all thine infirmities Which redeemeth thy life from destruction crowneth thee with mercie and compassion Which satisfieth thy longing with good things and protecteth thee from thy youth Which also hath kept all my bones this night not one of them is broken To the King euerlasting immortall inuisible and onlie wise God be honor and glorie for euer and euer Amen VNto thee O Lord doo I lift vp my soule O God earlie will I seeke thee my soule thirsteth for thee my flesh lusteth after thee in a barren and drie land where no water is to see thy strength and glorie O eternall God which hast brought me to the beginning of this daie defend me with thy mightie power that this daie I fall into no sinne nor run into anie kind of danger but let all my cogitations words and works tend to the setting foorth of thy righteousnesse Lighten my mind this morning with the shining and clearnesse of thy wisdome that in my hart that true daie-star may rise and shine as it were a candle in a darke place Giue me the spirit of wisdome and reuelation in the knowledge of thee and lighten the eies of mine vnderstanding that I may knowe what my hope is how great the glorie of mine inheritance and what the excellent greatnesse of thy power towards me is Fill me with thy mercie in this morning so shall I be glad and reioice all my life long Mercifull God endue me with thine holie spirit that I may neither thinke speake or doo anie thing this daie but that which may please thee and tend to the aduancement of thy glorie and health of my soule Gouerne thou mine vnderstanding and will and so direct all the cogitations of my hart that I may wholie be thine and sauour of nothing besides thee my God and redeemer Teach mee the waie of thy commandements O Lord and I will keepe it vnto the end Giue me vnderstanding to keepe thy lawes and to loue thee my Lord and God with all my hart with all my soule and with all my strength and let all thy testimonies be my delight and counsellers Comfort the soule of thy seruant for vnto thee O Lord haue I lifted vp my soule For thou Lord art good and gentle and of great kindnesse to as manie as call vpon thee Behold O God earlie now this morning I doo offer my selfe a morning sacrifice vnto thee a troubled spirit a broken and an humble hart O Lord thou wilt not despise Make me fit that I may likewise dailie offer vp
highest coasts of the heauen of heauens and sittest in the celestiall throne of eternall glorie betweene the Cherubins and Seraphins Looke downe I saie O most mightie Iehoua and haue respect now I beseech thee vnto thy sacred Sanctuarie and holie house of praier Let thine eies I saie O Lord be euer open towards thy blessed Tabernacle night and daie euen towards thy Church thy Temple and most sacred place on earth where thine honor dwelleth and whereof thou hast said My house shall be an house of praier for all people and nations and my name shall be called vpon therein that thou maist harken this daie vnto the praiers which we thy poore creatures and most vnwoorthie seruants make before thee in this place Heare thou therefore O our God euen from heauen the place of thy glorious habitation the supplications of thy seruants and also what praiers and supplications soeuer shall be made vnto thee of anie particular man or woman and of all the people Giue good eare I saie O Lord vnto all the cries praiers and petitions of thy people heere assembled or that shall be gathered together in thy name who with rent harts bowed knees and stretched out hands returne vnto thee and present themselues here this daie to confesse thee call vpon thy holie name in this place And when thou hearest pardon the sinnes of thy seruants and be mercifull vnto the offences and iniquities of thy people wherewith they haue sinned and transgressed or shall offend against thy Maiestie Heare vs I saie O Lord O holie Lord God heare vs we praie thee be mercifull vnto thine inheritance and doo and giue to euerie one of vs according vnto all and euerie thing that we call and praie for vnto thee this daie in this thy holie house according to thy will thorough Iesus Christ our Lord Amen Amen A psalme of preparation to praier in the morning I will giue thanks vnto the Lord with my whole hart secretlie among the faithfull and in the congregation and will saie O God my hart is readie my hart is readie here now now in thy holie house to paie thee my vowes which I promised with my lips and spake with my mouth when I was in trouble My voice shalt thou heare beetimes O Lord earlie in the morning will I direct my praiers vnto thee will looke vp I my selfe will awake right earlie to sing and giue praise vnto thee with the best member that I haue Unto thee my God will I lift vp my hands hart in this thy holie habitation towards the mercie-seat of thy holie temple In the voice of praise and thankes-giuing among such as keepe it holie daie For this is the daie which thou O Lord hast made I will reioice be glad in it In this daie of thy power will I offer the free-will offerings with an holie worship and magnifie thee in the congregation of the people From the ground of my hart will I reioice and giue thanks vnto thee my God in the seate of the elders for a remembrance of thy holinesse O let my mouth be filled with thy praise that I may sing of thy glorie and praise now and for euermore Glorie be to the c. As it was in the c. A Psalme to be vsed priuatelie before Euening praier in the Church IN the euening and morning and at noone daie will I praie and that instantlie he shall heare my voice My hart is fixed redie O God my hart is fixed redie I will praise thee and thy faithfulnesse yet more more with the best member that I haue euen with all my hart will I thanke thee and praise thy name for euermore My lips be faine to sing vnto thee and so is my soule whom thou hast deliuered yea my soule shall be satisfied with marowe and fatnesse when my mouth praiseth thee with ioifull lips For it is a good thing to giue thanks vnto the Lord and to sing praises vnto thy name O most high to tell of thy louing kindnesse earlie in the morning and of thy truth in the euening and night season yea a ioifull and pleasant thing it is to be thankfull vnto thee our God alwaie Therefore I will sing seuen times a daie and will praise thy mercie late in the euening bicause of thy righteous iudgements As for me I will be talking of thy worship thy glorie thy praise and woonderous works from time to time For great art thou O Lord and maruelous worthie to be praised and feared aboue all the gods yea thou canst not woorthilie be praised for there is none end of thy greatnesse nor goodnesse Behold now therfore praise the Lord all ye seruants of the Lord ye that by night stand in the house of the Lord euen in the middest of the courts of the house of our God Lift vp your hands in the sanctuarie and praise the Lord together with me For he is good and gratious and his mercie endureth for euer Yea let euerie good man and woman sing of thy praise O God and speake of thine honour in thy temple with cheerfull minds and that without ceasing for euer and saie The Lords name be praised from the rising vp of the sunne vnto the going downe of the same blessed be the Lord God of Israel from euerlasting worlds without end Amen Glorie be to the Father c. As it was in the c. Another preparation of the hart before euening praier in the Church LORD behold mine hart is at this present readie to sing praises more and more vnto thee and againe and againe to render vnto thee woorthie thanks here now in the assemblie of Saints Onelie I desire thee to hallowe vs from heauen thy dwelling place powre downe vpon vs thy holie sanctifieng spirit which may so wholie possesse our soules and preserue vs from all euill cogitations and motions of sinne and iniquitie that we may hallowe thy name this euening and euermore in all things flowe in thy word render the sacrifice of praise and thankes-giuing vnto thee and worship thee onelie in spirit and truth as our God most mightie in heauen and earth our righteous maker and the worker of all goodnesse in all such as beleeue in thee A cleane hart O God make thou in me restore in me a willing and a right spirit denie me not the holie Ghost For of my selfe I can performe nothing that is good Blesse me therefore O benigne Lord and indue me plentifullie with thy grace to the intent I may offer the acceptable euening sacrifice of thankes-giuing for nothing else verelie requirest thou and with glad semblance imbrace and celebrate thy righteousnesse espied in the releasing forgiuing of my sinnes Giue mee of thy goodnesse to this end that I may continuallie praise thy Maiestie daie and night with mysticall Psalmes spirituall songs Be thou euermore working through thy holie spirit in me which presentlie keepeth the godlie rest of the new Saboth
such things as be allowed and pleasant vnto thee least at anie time cleauing to superstition and hypocrisie I doo worship thee amisse but fill my hart with grace and stuffe it with sweetnesse of spirit euen as my bodie is stuffed with abundance of meats Lord rid me out of mine vngodlinesse plucke from me mine ignorance of thee banish my slothfulnesse of insearching thee Compell my flesh through thy spirit to his bounden dutie and obedience and bring to passe that I may now alwaies applie my selfe wholie without wearinesse and drinesse of mind vnto the right sincere worshipping and seruing of thee here in thy presence O Lord open thou my lips and then shall my mouth extoll thy renowmed name and publish thy praise not with fained lips but with a full glad hart lustie stomach and quicke spirit and saie with the congregation Our Father c. As at euening praier in the Church Another Meditation before Euening praier in the Church SEing thou hast beautified all those with a notable promise O most mightie God which are knit together in the honouring of thy blessed name so that thou wilt not onlie be present with them but also bestowest excellent gifts and benefits vpon these men whosoeuer they are that excell in sincere faith and pure godlinesse and haue an exceeding desire to be often in the blessed congregation in so much as there is nothing which they more couet or desire than to appeare diuers times in the daie before thee in the sacred assemblies yea it ought to be a most pleasant thing vnto vs to celebrate thy high praises perpetuallie and shew foorth thy maruellous works without ceasing For the performance whereof godlinesse would require that wee should not onlie doo the same in the daie time but also in the night season We will therefore lift vp pure hands in all places touching the publishing of thy glorious name and render perpetuall thankes according to our bounden dutie for thine vnspeakable goodnesse and louing kindnesse extended towards vs. But seeing that this ought to be done in the most sacred and holie assemblies our earnest request is to haue thee present heere with vs and to bestowe thy plentifull blessings vpon thy beloued Israel First deliuer vs wee humblie beseech thee from our heinous faults enorme sinnes and lewd corruptions wherewith we haue greatlie defiled our selues And then let our weake and feeble harts be strengthned in thy blessed waie and the withered powers of our mind which are dried vp watered with the holie Ghost that we being altogither repaired and wholie renewed may continuallie celebrate and praise thee and haue a great desire to direct our praiers vnto thy mercie-seate with a most holie intent as Christians ought to doo Cause vs now not constrained and brought thereto by compulsion but of a willing hart to come before thy presence and become true worshippers of thee yea and such as doo thinke it a goodlie matter to spend not onlie houres but daies and nights yea and all our yeares and life in the sincere seruice and right worshipping and honouring of thee in the sacred Church Let nothing be so deere and pretious vnto vs as to continue in the praises and commendations of thy glorious name from morning to night praieng both publikelie and priuatelie for all other as well as for our selues Graunt O excellent father that we in giuing due thanks for thy benefits may ioifullie sing double praises to thy glorious name for euermore that our minds I saie may dailie more and more bee strengthened hartilie to confesse couragiouslie to extoll and aboue all things to exalt thy wonderfull praises vncessantlie through Iesus Christ our Lord and Sauiour Amen A Psalme of exhortation to praier in the morning or euening O Come let vs worship fall downe and kneele before the Lord our maker and let vs hartilie reioice in the strength of our saluation Let our soules reioice I saie in the mercie of the Lord and not be ashamed to publish his praise Let vs doo our duties betimes both earlie and late and he will giue vs a reward in his due time For a good thing it is to giue thanks vnto the Lord and to tell of his louing kindnesse earlie in the morning O come therefore praise the Lord with me and let vs magnifie his name together Bring hither the booke take the Psalter and sing vnto the Lord a new song Let vs sing praises I saie lustilie vnto him with a good courage and shew our selues glad in him with Psalmes euen now in the time appointed and vpon our solemne feast-daie For great is the Lord and highlie to be praised in the Citie of our God euen vpon his holie hill of Zion Glorie be to the c. As it was in the c. Another Psalme exhorting all creatures to praise God O Praise the Lord of heauen yee Angels of his ye Saincts that excell in strength and fulfill his commandements yee seruants of his that harken to the voice of his words and doo his pleasure Praise him in the height ye children of Zion and be ioifull in your King with glorie For God is verie greatlie to be feared in the counsell of his Saincts and to be had in reuerence of all them that are about him Praise him all yee heauens and ye waters that bee aboue the heauens O God the verie heauens shall praise thy woonderous works and thy truth in the congregation of the Saincts Yea let heauen and earth praise thee the Sea and all that moueth therein O sing vnto the Lord all the whole earth woorship him and stand in awe of his iudgements ye multitude of Isles Praise the Lord O Ierusalem praise thy God O Zion Praise the name of the Lord O yee seruants of the Lord yee that by daie or by night stand in the house of the Lord euen in the courts of the house of our God O all yee righteous that loue and seeke the Lord and be true-harted towards him praise his holie name and magnifie him all yee seed of Israel that feare and dread his Maiestie Praise the Lord also all ye heathen and nations of the world worship you him and glorifie his name For he is great passing all praise Praise the Lord O ye Kings of the earth Princes and all Iudges of the world yea worship him all yee gods For he is higher than the heauens and far exalted aboue all gods O yee kindreds of the people ascribe vnto the Lord the worship power and honour due vnto his name bring presents and come into his courts with praise Let the people praise thee O God yea let all the people praise thee both yong men and maids old men and children let them all remember thy holie name and declare thy power from one generation to another world without end O speake good of the Lord all yee works of the Lord in all places of his dominion Let euerie thing that hath breath praise the Lord. For his
I beseech thee vouchsafe to come vnto me and to make me a meet temple for thine holinesse I doo praie the Father through the Sonne I praie the Sonne through the Father I praie the holie Spirit by the Father and the Sonne that all wickednesse may be set far awaie from me and that all the holie vertues may be implanted within me O infinite God of whom through whom and in whom are all things made both visible and inuisible which inclosest thine outward works and fillest thine inward gouernest them aboue and bearest them belowe keepe me the worke of thine hands which trust in thee and hope onlie in thy mercie Keepe me I beseech thee both here and euerie-where now and alwaie within and without before and behind aboue and beneath round about so that there be no place for the snares of the enimie against me Thou art God almightie keeper and protector of all that trust in thee without whom none is in safetie no man is free from danger Thou art God and beside thee there is none other either in heauen aboue or in earth belowe which doost great things and vnsearchable and maruellous things without number Meete it is therefore that thou be praised that thou be honored that thou be magnified with commendations To thee the whole troupe of Angels to thee the heauens and the powers doo sing and continuallie yeeld praises as creatures to their Creator seruants to their Lord souldiers to their King Euerie creature doth extoll and euerie soule doth glorifie thee the holie and vndefiled Trinitie To thee the holie and humble men of hart to thee the spirits and soules of the righteous to thee doo all the supernall citizens together with all the orders of blessed spirits yeeld humble praise and glorie and exalt thee aboue all things for euer O Lord gloriouslie and honourablie doo those heauenlie citizens adorne thee with praises Man also the most excellent among thy creatures doth magnifie thee yea and I too a miserable sinner doo exceedinglie desire to praise thee and greatlie doo I loue to loue thee aboue all things O my God my life my strength and my praise giue me grace to praise thee Put thy light in my hart and thy word into my mouth that both my hart may thinke vpon thy glorie and my tongue sing and speake out thy praises euerie daie But for as much as praise is not seemelie in the mouth of a sinner and I am a woman of polluted lips purge mine hart I beseech thee from all iniquitie sanctifie me both within and without O almightie sanctifier and make me worthie to sound foorth thy praise Receiue in good part from the hand of the hart and from the loue of the mind receiue I praie thee the sacrifice of my lips and let it be acceptable in thy sight and ascend vp vnto thee like a sweete smelling sauour Amen Another MY soule praise thou the Lord and all that is within me praise his holie name My soule praise thou the Lord and forget not all his benefits Praise the Lord all yee his works in all places of his dominion My soule praise thou the Lord. Praise we the Lord whom Angels praise dominions adore powers doo reuerence to whom the Cherubins and Seraphins continuallie doo crie Holie holie holie Ioine we therefore our voices to the voices of the holie Angels and according to our abilitie let vs praise the God which we both haue For they whose eies euermore be fixed vpon the Lord whom they behold not through a glasse darklie but face vnto face they doo most purelie and without ceasing praise the Lord. O Lord that immortall people of thine Angels doo praise thee and the celestiall powers doo magnifie thy name who haue no need either to read this our scripture or to seeke after the knowledge of thee the holie and glorious Trinitie For they alwaies behold thy face where they read without syllables of time what thine eternall pleasure is they read they choose and they loue yea alwaies they read and what they read they forget not By choosing and louing they read this constancie of thy counsell and their booke shall at no time be shut and folded bicause thy selfe art and wilt euerlastinglie be this to them O much blessed are those heauenlie powers that can religiouslie and purelie with an exceeding delight and vnspeakable ioie magnifie thee with praises Thence they praise whence they reioice forsomuch as alwaies they behold that which offereth them continuall occasion both to praise and reioice But we pressed downe with the weight of flesh and placed far awaie from thy countenance in this exile and distracted through varieties of the world we alas are not able woorthilie to praise thee through faith We praise thee not of perfect knowledge but these angelicall spirits praise thee of knowledge not through faith For our flesh is the cause why we praise thee otherwise than they doo Notwithstanding albeit we sing praises to thee after diuers sorts yet thou art but one God Creator of all things to whom is offered the sacrifice of praise both in heauen and in earth But one daie we shall come vnto their companie with whom alwaies we shall see thee and praise thee without ceasing Now then O Lord grant that whiles I doo liue in this fraile bodie both mine hart and my tongue and all my bones may glorifie thee and saie Lord who is like vnto thee Let thine holie memorie and thy blessed sweetnesse possesse my whole soule and rauish me with desire of inuisible things Let my soule I beseech thee passe from visible vnto inuisible from terrestriall vnto heauenlie from transitorie things vnto eternall let it passe I saie and see thy woonderfull vision Thou art God almightie three in persons yet but one in the substance of the Godhead whom we serue and worship namelie the Father vnbegotten the Sonne onlie begotten of the Father the holie Spirit both proceeding from and remaining in them both an holie glorious Trinitie one God almightie which when we were not didst mightilie make vs and when thorough our owne default we were lost mercifullie and maruellouslie hadst deliuered vs. Oh suffer vs not to prooue either vngratefull for so great benefits or vnwoorthie so manifold mercies Unto thee doo I praie sue and beseech increase my faith increase my hope yea and increase my loue also Through the same thy goodnesse make vs to be euermore stable in faith and fruitfull in all good works that by a right faith and works agreeable vnto faith we may come through thy mercie vnto euerlasting life where seeing thy perfect and full glorie euen as it is we may worship thy Maiestie and being made woorthie to behold thy glorie may sing Glorie to the Father who hath made vs. Glorie to the Sonne who hath redeemed vs. Glorie to the holie Ghost that hath sanctified vs. Glorie to the souereigne and blessed Trinitie whose works are vnseparable and whose kingdome hath none end Unto thee
vnitie peace and concord We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord. That it may please thee to giue vs an hart to loue and dread thee and diligentlie to liue after thy commandements We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord. That it may please thee to giue all thy people increase of grace to heare meekelie thy word and to receiue it with pure affection and to bring foorth the fruits of the spirit We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord. That it may please thee to bring into the waie of truth all such as haue erred and are deceiued We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord. That it may please thee to strengthen such as doo stand and to comfort and helpe the weake-harted and to raise vp them that fall and finallie to beate downe Sathan vnder our feete We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord. That it may please thee to succour helpe and comfort all that be in danger necessitie and tribulation We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord. That it may please thee to preserue all that trauell by land or by water all women labouring of child all sicke persons and yoong children and to shew thy pitie vpon all prisoners and captiues We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord. That it may please thee to defend and prouide for the fatherlesse children and widowes and all that bee desolate and oppressed We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord. That it may please thee to haue mercie vpon all men We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord. That it may please thee to forgiue our enimies persecutors and slanderers and to turne their harts We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord. That it may please thee to giue and preserue to our vse the kindlie fruits of the earth so as in due time we may enioie them We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord. That it may please thee to giue vs true repentance to forgiue vs all our sinnes negligences and ignorances and to endue vs with the grace of thy holie spirit to amend our liues according to thy holie word We beseech thee to heare vs good Lord. Sonne of God we beseech thee to heare vs. Sonne of God we beseech thee to heare vs. O Lambe of God that takest awaie the sinnes of the world Grant vs thy peace O Lambe of God that takest awaie the sinnes of the world Haue mercie vpon vs. O Christ heare vs. O Christ heare vs. Lord haue mercie vpon vs. Lord haue mercie vpon vs. Christ haue mercie vpon vs. Christ haue mercie vpon vs. Lord haue mercie vpon vs. Lord haue mercie vpon vs. Our father which art in heauen c. The Versicle O Lord deale not with vs after our sinnes The Answere Neither reward vs after our iniquities Let vs praie O God mercifull father that despisest not the sighing of a contrite hart nor the desires of such as be sorowfull mercifullie assist our praiers that we make before thee in all our troubles and aduersities whensoeuer they oppresse vs and gratiouslie heare vs that those euils which the craft and subtiltie of the diuell or man worketh against vs be brought to naught and by the prouidence of thy goodnesse they may be dispersed that we thy seruants being hurt by no persecutions may euermore giue thanks vnto thee in thy holie Church through Iesus Christ our Lord. O Lord arise helpe vs and deliuer vs for thy name sake O God we haue heard with our eares and our fathers haue declared vnto vs the noble works that thou diddest in their daies and in the old time before them O Lord arise helpe vs and deliuer vs for thine honour Glorie be to the Father and to the Sonne c. As it was in the beginning is now and euer c. From our enimies defend vs O Christ Gratiouslie looke vpon our afflictions Pitifullie behold the sorrowes of our harts Mercifullie forgiue the sinnes of thy people Fauourablie with mercie heare our praiers O sonne of Dauid haue mercie vpon vs. Both now euer vouchsafe to heare vs O Christ Gratiouslie heare vs ô Christ Gratiouslie heare vs ô Lord Christ The Versicle O Lord let thy mercie be shewed vpon vs. The Answere As we doo put our trust in thee Let vs praie WE humblie beseech thee O Father mercifullie to looke vpon our infirmities and for the glorie of thy name sake turne from vs all those euils that we most worthilie haue deserued and grant that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercie and euermore serue thee in holinesse and purenesse of life to thy honour and glorie through our onlie mediator and aduocate Iesus Christ our Lord Amen A praier for the Queenes Maiestie O Lord our heauenlie father high and mightie King of kings Lord of lords the onlie ruler of princes which dooest from thy throne behold all the dwellers vpon earth most hartilie we beseech thee with thy fauour to behold our most gratious souereigne ladie Queene Elizabeth and so replenish hir with the grace of thy holie spirit that she may alwaie incline to thy will and walke in thy waie Indue hir plentifullie with heauenlie gifts graunt hir in health and wealth long to liue strengthen hir that she may vanquish and ouercome all hir enimies and finallie after this life she may attaine euerlasting ioie and felicitie through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen A praier for Bishops and Curates ALmightie and euerlasting God which onlie workest great maruels send downe vpon our Bishops and Curates and all congregations committed to their charge the healthfull spirit of thy grace and that they may trulie please thee powre vpon them the continuall dewe of thy blessing Grant this O Lord for the honour of our Aduocate and Mediatour Iesu Christ Amen A praier of Chrysostome ALmightie God which hast giuen vs grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications vnto thee and dooest promise that when two or three be gathered together in thy name thou wilt grant their requests fulfill now O Lord the desires and petitions of thy seruants as may be most expedient for them granting vs in this world knowledge of thy truth and in the world to come life euerlasting Amen 2. Corinth 13 verse 13. THE grace of our Lord Iesus Christ and the loue of God and the fellowship of the holie Ghost bee with vs all euermore Amen ¶ Other godlie Collects and praiers to be vsed after the Letanie as occasion serueth and first In time of drought for raine O GOD heauenlie father which by thy sonne Iesus Christ hast promised to all them that seeke thy kingdome and the righteousnesse thereof all things necessarie to their bodilie sustenance send vs wee beseech thee in this our necessitie such moderate raine and showers that we may receiue the fruites of the earth to our comfort and to thy honor through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen Another ALmightie God mercifull Father who in thy holie word hast promised to
miseries which hang ouer our heads but blot out all our offences O God after thy manifold mercies and take awaie from vs the curse of our ground that the people may praise thee O God yea that all the people may praise thee and the earth bring foorth hir increase through our Lord Iesus Christ thine onelie sonne which liueth and reigneth with thee in the vnitie of the holie spirit a God for euermore Amen For faire weather O Lord God which for the sinne of man didst once drowne all the world except eight persons afterward of thy great mercie didst promise neuer to destroie it so againe we humblie beseech thee that although we for oure iniquities haue woorthilie deserued this plague of raine and waters yet vpon our true repentance thou wilt send vs such weather whereby we may receiue the fruits of the earth in due season and learne both by thy punishment to amend our liues and for thy clemencie to giue thee praise and glorie through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen A praier in time of vnseasonable showers for faire weather O God and mercifull Father wee acknowledge that we through our manifold sinnes haue deserued to be sharpelie rebuked and corrected of thee but if thou shouldest deale with vs after our sinnes we are not able to abide thy wrath and heauie hand Wherfore deale mercifullie with vs O Lord after the greatnesse of thy goodnesse and the multitude of thy mercies that wee rather may reioice and be thankfull vnto thee for the abundance of thy great mercie and louing kindnesse than be cast downe and discouraged by the heauie weight of thy hand In thy hands O Lord are both heauen and earth so gouerne them therefore we beseech thee for thy name sake that we may haue seasonable weather to receiue the fruits of the earth Staie the unmoderate plentie of raine and vnseasonable weather and powre rather vpon vs the plentifull dew of thy spirit that we may dailie growe to the perfection of Christian men and women Take awaie from vs our stonie harts and giue vnto vs in stead there of harts of flesh that we may cease at the length thus to prouoke thy wrath to bring vpon vs either this so great a plague as the losse of the fruits of the earth either else other plagues of thy iust iudgments Grant that we may so repent vs of our former euils that hereafter the woorthie fruits of true repentance may continuallie appeare therein and so to passe ouer and to end our mortall liues that at the last we may attaine vnto the blessed resurrection and life euerlasting through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen In time of thunder lightening raging tempests and vnseasonable weather praie thus O Most wise mightie God thou art a glorious King in all the world thy woonderfull maiestie doth shine and is knowne also by raine thundering lightening and other meteors ingendred in the aire Thy throne is among the clouds thou hast made darkenesse thy secrete place and thy pauilion about thee euen darknesse of water and clouds of the aire At the brightnesse of thy presence the clouds doo passe awaie so doo the haile-stones and firie coales Thou dooest thunder from the heauens and giuest thy voice hailestones and coales of fire Thou sendest thine arrowes and scatterest them thou increasest lightenings and destroiest them Who is so great a god as thou our God Thou art the God which dooest woonders and declarest thy power among the nations Thou redeemest thy people with thine arme The waters sawe thee and were afraid the depths trembled The clouds powred out water the aire thundered and thine arrowes went abroad The voice of thy thunder was heard round about the world the earth trembled and shooke The foundations of the earth shooke and were discouered at thy rebuking O Lord at the blasting of the breath of thy nostrels Therefore shall the verie heauens extoll thy woonderous works and the Saints set foorth thy truth in the congregation For who is equall to thee in heauen And who like thee among the sonnes of the gods Thou art verie terrible in the assemblie of the saints and to be reuerenced aboue all that are about thee O Lord God of hosts who is like vnto thee which art a mightie Lord and thy truth is about thee Thou rulest the raging of the sea thou stillest the waues thereof when they doo arise Thou onlie art of power to resolue into vapours the drops of the sea by the heat of the sunne thou takest the same vp being turned into airie substance and againe turnest it into meere water and makest it to come powring downe vpon the face of the earth Whatsoeuer thou wilt thou dooest in heauen and in earrh and in the sea and in all deepe places With thy power thou madest the earth with thy wisdome thou hast established the world and with thy discretion stretchest out the heauens As soone as thou lettest thy voice be heard the waters in the aire waxe fierce Thou drawest vp the clouds from the ends of the earth thou turnest the lightening into raine and bringest foorth the wind out of thy treasures Thou couerest the heauens with clouds and preparest raine for the earth Thou makest the grasse to growe vpon the mountaines and prouidest herbs for the vse of man Thou giuest to beasts their food and to the yoong rauens that crie Behold so great art thou that thou passest our knowledge neither can the number of thy yeeres be searched out When thou restrainest the drops of water the raine powreth downe by the vapours thereof and falleth abundantlie vpon man Thou bringest foorth the winds out of thy treasures that is from thy secret places where thou diddest hide them in great abundance that they might be readie at thy commandement and come foorth when thou thinkest good Thou makest the clouds to labour to giue water to the earth and scatterest the cloud of thy light thou turnest it about by thy gouernement that they may doo whatsoeuer thou commandest them vpon the whole world O God mine hart is troubled verie sore when I behold the immoderate showers and heare the terrible thunder yea it forsaketh his place when I heare the noise of thy voice and the speech proceeding from thy mouth O God which rulest heauen and earth I most humblie beseech thee mercifullie to driue awaie or atleast to mitigate these mightie streames and most raging tempests Restraine the thunderbolts and thy firie darts that they hurt vs not Keepe vs and our nests that we perish not through lightenings nor be destroied by thy thunderclaps Protect our houses and vs that we be neither consumed by thy firie meteor nor drowned by thy sudden floud O mercifull God raine not I beseech thee hailestones vpon the face of the earth neither strike such as are in the fields be they man or beast Strike not thou therewith all the herbes of the feeld neither breake thou gratious Lord the trees of our land Destroie not our
generall earthquake praie OH eternall mightie and most louing Father which hast no desire of the death of a sinner but that he conuert and liue and vnto whom nothing is so pleasant as the repentant contrite and sorowfull hart of a penitent person For thou art that kind father that fallest most louinglie vpon the necke of the lost sonne kissest imbracest and feastest him when he returneth from the puddle of pleasures and swill of the swine and disdainest not the repentant praier of thy poore and sinfull seruants whensoeuer with true faith they returne and call vpon thee as we haue most comfortable examples in Dauid Manasses Magdalen Peter and the theefe vpon the gibbet We most hartilie and humblie beseech thy fatherlie goodnesse to looke downe from the throne of thy mercie-seate vpon vs most miserable and sinfull slaues of Satan which with fearfull and trembling harts doo quake and shake at the strange and terrible tokens of thy wrath and indignation appearing most euidentlie vnto vs by the shaking moouing of the earth which is thy footestoole whereby if we be not vtterlie destitute of grace we be warned that thy cōming-downe amongst vs to visit our sinnes in most terrible maner can not be farre off seeing thou treadest so hard vpon this thy footestoole the earth which we most shamefullie haue polluted and defiled with our most wicked sinfull and rebellious liues notwithstanding thy continuall crieng and calling vpon vs by thy seruants the prophets and preachers by whome we haue learned thy will but haue not followed it We haue heard much and done little yea nothing at all but like most peruerse and vnthankfull children haue made a mocke of thy word derided thy ministers and accounted thy threatenings trifles and thy warnings of no weight or moment Wherefore we haue iustlie deserued to taste most deeplie of the bitter cup of thine anger and bengeance by wars famine pestilence yea and eternall death if thou shouldest not temper the rigour of thy iustice with the mildnesse of thy mercie But such is thy fatherlie affection towards vs that thou shewest thy selfe slowe to anger long suffering and of much patience and mercie yea thou art a thousand times more readie to forget and forgiue than we to aske and require forgiuenesse Therefore though we be not woorthie of the least mite of thy mercie yet gratious Lord looke not vpon vs and our sinnes but vpon thine owne selfe and thy sonne Iesus Christ the fountaine of grace the treasure of mercie the salue of all sicknesse the iewell of ioie and the onlie hauen of succour and safetie By him we come to thee in him and for him we trust to find that we haue lost and gaine that he hath got He is the scale of Iacob by whom we climbe vp to thee and thou by the Angels of thy mercie cōmest downe to vs. Him we present vnto thee and not we our selues his death and not our dooings his bloudie wounds and not our detestable deseruings whose merits are so great as thy mercie cannot be little and our ransom so rich that our beggerlie and beastlie sinnes are nothing in thy sight for the great pleasure and satisfaction that thou takest of his paines and passion Turne this late earthquake O Lord to the benefite of thine elect as thou didst when thou shookest the prison loosedst the locks fetters and chaines of thy seruants Paule and Silas and broughtst them out of prison and conuertedst their keeper so gratious Lord strike the harts of tyrants with the terrour of this thy woorke that they may knowe that they are but men and that thou art that Samson that for their mocking and spiting of thee and thy word canst shake the pillers of their palaces and throwe them vpon the furious Philistines heads Turne thy wrath oh Lord from thy children that call vpon thy name to the conuersion or confusion of thine enimies that despise and abhorre thy name and deface thy glory Thou hast knocked long at their doores but they will not open to let thee in Burst open therefore the brasen gates of their stonie harts thou that art able of stones to raise vp children to Abraham And finallie so touch our harts with the finger of thy grace that we maie deeply muse vpon our sinfull liues to amend them and call for thy mercie to forgiue and pardon them through Christ our Lord who liueth with thee and the holie Ghost three persons and one eternall God to whome be all dominion and glorie with praise and thanks-giuing for euer and euer Amen Or else praie thus O Almightie God and most mercifull Father which willest not the death of a sinner but rather that hee should returne and liue we thy seruants most humblie confesse that we haue most greeuouslie offended against thy diuine Maiestie and prouoked thy heauie wrath against vs in that we haue not beleeued and folowed thy Gospell preached vnto vs nor beene thankfull for thy manie verie great benefits bestowed vpon vs yea and being warned by the dangers of other haue beene too carelesse to serue thee oh Lord the Father of all mercie and the God of all consolation which in thy wrath remembrest mercie We acknowledge that in the late terrible earthquake which suddenly shooke vs out of our houses and dwelling places thou didst warne vs of thy iustice and that we for our great vnthankfulnesse and disobedience haue deserued most iust iudgement O Lord we thy seruants being vile earth and miserable sinners yet trembling and quaking at the remembrance of that terrible looke of thy wrathfull displeasure neuer to be forgotten most humblie craue pardon for our sinnes and grace to conuert vnto thee in time Conuert vs O Lord and we shall be conuerted Mollifie our hard harts grant vs a contrite spirit and to turne vnto thee vnfeinedlie in fasting weeping praier Enter not into iudgement with thy seruants spare thy people O Lord spare them and let not thine heritage be brought to confusion Haue mercie vpon vs for thy sonne Iesus Christs sake Giue vs grace hencefoorth to amend our liues and to serue thee in holines and righteousnesse So we acknowledging thy iustice and remembring alwaies that fearefull signe of thy furie in the memorable earthquake which thou sentest y e sixt of Aprill in the yeare one thousand fiue hundred fourescore we shall praise thee for thy mercie and glorifie thy holie name for euer through Iesus Christ our Sauiour Amen At the sight of a blasing starre or other meteors or prodigious signes of Gods iudgment in the heauens praie to preuent the euils foreshewed thereby and saie O Almightie Lord and God whose workemanship is the whole world the heauen and the earth with all the beautie and blessings of the same at the presence of whose power all things doo quake and tremble whose indignation when it threatneth vengeance vnto sinners is vnsufferable and whose promises of mercie are vnmeasurable bicause thou art euen the most high Lord ouer
and so much the more as we see the daie approching Amen Another most Christian and deuout praier to be said before the receiuing of the holie Communion O Christ our Lord and Sauior which before thy greeuous agonie and heapes of trouble thorough the wrath of thine almightie Father lighting vpon thee commandedst thy Disciples Peter and Iohn to prepare the passouer that together they might eate the same Thou longedst for our saluation and didst eate of the lambe which was a figure of thy selfe and expressedst the image of that banket which thy people the Israelits vnder the conduction of thy seruant Moses about to depart out of Aegypt did celebrate Hauing finished the supper of the old couenant thou begannest a new couenant testifieng of thy presence and benefits in the Church Mooue thou our harts to thankfulnesse that with like desire we may desire to come vnto thy table and seeke the nourishment to eternall life Suffer vs not to loath thine heauenlie banket as prophane and curious men doo which contend with thee contemne the order which thou hast appointed Amend all abuses and prophanings of thine holie table horriblie deformed with filthinesse for the which we are punished in all places with manifold plagues and diseases By thy wisedome thou healest our diseases and infirmities and by the visible signes of Sacraments thou confirmest our faith Thou art effectuall by them in the beleeuers according to thy promise We blesse the bread and wine as thou hast willed and beleeue that with them we receiue thee in true faith and puritie of mind Thou declarest by this thy Supper that trulie thou tookedst our flesh vpon thee for our sakes euen to ingraffe vs to thine owne flesh and bring vs to eternall life This is eternall life which is begunne in this world whereby the soule is renewed vnto eternall happinesse Moreouer this blessed meate doth witnesse and testifie that our bodies which are replenished with the sense of thy liuing flesh shall rise againe to perpetuall glorie Increase and nourish by the profitable taking of thee this light within vs. Worke that thy Sacraments taken and digested thou maist come into vs and we into thee Assist vs thy ghests O sweet housholder that woorthilie we may feed vpon thy meate Trie our soule with earnest and vnfeined conuersion Let vs not plaie the hypocrites nor prophanelie dallie with thee and thy holie Sacraments Cause vs rightlie to discerne thy bodie and bloud from other common meate Let vs neuer eate the bodie of the Lord against the Lord. Grant in true and vnfeined faith we may enter into this thy sacred couenant that we may alwaies abide in thee and thou in vs. Likewise by thine holie spirit which is the bond of loue in this publike and common banket ioine vs to thine other members of thy Church Giue grace that all which feed of this bread may be one bodie knit vnto thee which art the head working all things in all Let the diuell at no time disturbe this pleasant concord betweene thee and vs as is betweene the head and other members of the bodie Let vs gather also by the same the summe of doctrine which is preached in the Church Let it raise vs vp vnto thankfulnesse for thy benefits Increase our desire to continuall praier whereby we craue all things which we stand in need of Continue that custome euen till thou returnest gloriouslie in the clouds to iudgement Maintaine some places for preaching and godlie ceremonies and bring in at no time barbarous ignorance Furthermore the dooing herof is a ministerie of our profession against Sathan and all his instruments Confirme in our minds by thy spirit this sound and pure vnderstanding Let vs not be oppressed with idolatrous darknesse approouing horrible abuses in carrieng about in laieng vp in offring the halowed bread without any vse not so much as one sillable of all these things can be seene in thy first institution Wherefore represse the diuell blasphemouslie dealing with this thine ordinance And first consume this world vtterlie with fire before we be wrapped againe in such horrible darknesse of idolatrie and superstition Mitigate the punishments sicknesse infections warre and miseries which for the prophaning of this Supper the whole world doth endure Let thine Angel spare such as with griefe of hart bewaile these abuses Feed vs and fill vs thy ghests with thy liuelie presence Dwell thou in vs. Worke in vs. Sharpen the remembrance of thy benefits within vs. And finallie at our resurrection from the graue giue vs a place in thy seat where we shall find a new taste in the kingdome of thy Father So be it Another praier to be said before the receiuing of the blessed Communion as you kneele at Gods boord O Lord although I be not woorthie to receiue thee into the house of my soule for mine innumerable offences and sins done against thy great goodnesse yet trusting good Lord in thy great pitie and infinite mercie I come to receiue thy blessed bodie as a sicke creature to thee that art the health of life vncleane to thee that art the well of mercie blind by ignorance to thee that art the light euerlasting needie of thy grace and poore in vertue to thee that art the King of heauen and earth naked of good works to thee that art the author of grace I come as a wretch to thee my Lord and maker all desolate and comfortlesse to thee my helpe and succour For besides thee there is no consolation I come as a sinner to thee that art the mediatour and meane betwixt God and man I come as a caitife to thee my most mercifull Sauiour I come all sinfull to thee the granter of remission and pardon dead by sinne to thee that art the restorer to life euill to thee that art all goodnesse hard-harted to be releeued by the infusion of thy super-abundant grace desiring thee meekelie to heale mine infirmities and sicknesse to wash awaie my sinne and filthinesse to lighten my blindnesse to reduce me to the right waie where I am out thereof to comfort me desolate of goodnesse Haue mercie on my wretchednesse pardon my sinfulnes giue me the light of grace thus burdened in sinne that I may receiue thee the food of all Angels the King of glorie the Lord of all lords with such chastitie of bodie with such purenesse of mind and cleannesse of soule with such contrition of hart and abundance of weeping teares with such spirituall ioie and gladnesse with such dread and reuerence with such faith hope and charitie with such obedience and humilitie with such loue deuotion faithfulnesse and thankfulnesse as it is beseeming for such a Lord to be receiued and to my soule most expedient And be not displeased good Lord that I a sinner with an vncleane hart and polluted mind come hither this daie to receiue thy pretious bodie in sacramentall bread and wine but remember mercifull Lord that thou refusedst not the sinfull Marie Magdalen being
may dispend them wiselie to the praise of thy name least that we falselie trusting vpon long life might come vnto death Oh good God how fraile and corrupt a worke be we indeed Euen but verie dust and ashes and the length of our daies be as the flower in the field No man can deliuer himselfe from death no man can saue his owne soule from the graue thou onelie O Lord must doo it namelie to such as beleeue in thee O my GOD haue mercie vpon me and take mee not awaie vnprouided in the middest of my daies but let me go to my graue in a full age Let me remember mine end that when I shall depart out of this life I be not depriued of euerlasting life Let me beare alwaies before mine eies the shortnesse of this life and what a vanitie and what a thing of naught it is as well the men themselues as all their things and affaires Staie my feete O Lord that at no time they slip with some cruell zeale or enuie that I might haue at the vngodlie which for the most part passe their liues quietlie and die more quietlie I beseech thee let not thy chosen persons be discouraged nor offended by this thy godlie prouidence in ordering of worldlie things nor shrinke from thee by reason thereof but rather let vs remember in what dangers in verie deed these vngodlie be in and with how vnhappie a conclusion and terme they close finish their happie course And againe on the contrarie part what pleasantnesse of conscience and what comfort and quietnesse shall followe this our vnquietnesse Finallie O good God in the daie of my buriall when all my friends shrinke from me doo not thou forsake me when my father and mother husband and children forsake me vouchsafe thou O Lord to take me vp and defend me from the roring lions that wait for their praie lead mee safelie through the vnknown countrie bring me happilie to the streets of the heauenlie Zion wherein is the habitation of all that reioice in thee and there set mee amongst thine Angels before the face of thine owne Maiestie where with the Patriarchs Prophets Apostles Martyrs Confessors Uirgins yea and with all my deere parents and faithfull friends in full measure of happinesse passing excellent glorie and superabundant ioie of thanks-giuing and praise I may magnifie thee my God among thy chosen holie ones for euer and euer Amen Sée another praier in the Ladie Aburgauennies praiers Another meditation of death O GOD what other thing doo wee daily in this present life than heape sinne vpon sinne and hourd trespas vpon trespas So that this daie is woorse alwaies than yesterdaie by increasing as daies so sins and therefore thine indignation good Lord against vs but when we shall be let go out of the prison of this bodie and so taken into thy blessed companie then shall we be in most safetie of immortalitie and saluation then shall come vnto vs no sicknesse no need no paine no kind of euill to soule or bodie but whatsoeuer good we can wish that shall we haue and whatsoeuer we loath shall be farre from vs. Oh deere Father that we had faith to behold these things accordinglie Oh that our harts were persuaded thereof and our affections inflamed with the desire of them Then should we liue in longing for that which now we most loath Oh helpe vs and grant that we being ignorant of things to come and of the time of our death which to thee is certaine may so liue and finish our iournie here that we may be readie and then depart when our departing may make most to thy glorie and our comfort through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen Another sweet meditation of the longing of the soule to be with God out of Saint Augustine O Kingdome of all worlds eternall wherein is ioie surmounting all ioies and the peace of God which passeth all vnderstanding wherein also the soules of all holie folke doo rest and reigne with thee O Lord in euerlasting ioie mirth and gladnesse When shall I enter into thee that I may see my God which dwelleth in thee When shall I go thither behold this great sight What is it that holds me backe Wo is me that my soiourning is prolonged wo is me how long shall it be said vnto me Wait and wait againe And now to what purpose is my waiting My Lord God doo we not wait and watch for the Sauiour our Lord Iesus Christ to come and repaire our base bodies vnto the likenesse of his glorious bodie We wait and watch like wise virgins with our loines girt and our lamps burning for the Lord our Bridegroome when he should come from the Bridehouse to fetch vs into his wedding Come Lord Iesus and tarie not come Lord Iesu Christ come visit vs in peace come lead vs prisoners out of prison that we may reioice before thee with a perfect hart come our Sauiour thou that art longed for of all nations and people come shew thy countenance vnto vs and we shall be safe come my light and my redeemer my GOD and my spouse take my soule out of prison that it may giue praise vnto thy name How long shall I be tossed in the waues of my mortalitie crieng vnto thee Lord and thou hearest me not Lord heare me how I crie vnto thee out of this huge sea and bring me to the hauen of endlesse blisse Happie are they O God which are conueied out of this sea and haue obteined to arriue at thee the safest harborough of all hauens O happie are they indeed which are escaped alreadie from sea to shore from banishment home into their owne countrie and from prison into a palace enioieng their wished rest Blessed are they that alreadie haue gained the garland of endlesse glorie which they sought for here by manie tribulations and ioie now in happie mirth for euer O blessed are they indeed O treble and foure-times blessed are they which being alreadie quite rid of all miseries haue atteined to the kingdome of beautifulnesse and euerlasting blissefulnesse and are assured of their vnappearable glorie For there is ioie endlesse mirth sorowlesse health griefelesse waie without labour light without darknesse life without death Happie therefore I saie are those that alreadie haue escaped the shipwracke of this present miserable life and obteined the grace to come to so great ioies in heauen But alas we are yet still in the waues of the sea longing for thee O Lord the hauen of our sea O Ierusalem the heauenlie countrie of ours O quiet countrie we looke towards thee and ken thee a farre off Wee hale thee from this sea we sigh vnto thee out of this vale of miserie and labour with teares if we may by anie meanes attaine vnto thee O Christ God and the onlie hope of all mankind our refuge and strength whose brightnesse inlighteneth our eies a farre off as the beames of the sea-starre dooth in the mistie darknesse
by the diuell man thou hast againe of thine infinite goodnesse through thy sonne prepared a sumptuous supper and great feast And for as much as thy people among whom the tower of thy daily iunkets was placed togither with the most part of the world do despise thy holie table and suffer themselues to be caried about vnto the bankets of Satan and vaine pleasures of this world Thou hast vouchsafed to call vs most vnwoorthie wretches being lame blind and beggerlie in this last age of the world that the number of thine elect may be filled yea thou compellest some lieng in the high waies and about hedges by reason of the troubles and decaie of kingdoms through the preaching of thy word to come to the participation of thy banket We humblie beseech thee bring vs to thine heauenlie table appoint vs a place therein euermore Grant that from thy sonne which is the bread and liuelie wine we may drawe nourishment and iuice that the drinesse of our nature may be watered and we at length taste of thy supper in the table of euerlasting life and drinke the new wine of thy sonne enioieng his visible sight in the blessed societie of all thine elect Amen When you begin to eate immediatelie blesse and saie LORD God which art the sanctifier of thy Saints and the euerlasting suffisance that shalt be giuen to the hungrie blesse thou from heauen these thy good creatures and great benefits which thou hast created to releeue the want of thy hungrie children and to be receiued with thanks-giuing with thy celestiall benediction that they may be as a healthfull medicine or remedie to our humane nature And grant that by the inuocation of thy holie name we now soberlie taking and temperatelie and thankfullie tasting hereof may therewithall receiue both helth of bodie and safegard of soule through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen Or else praie thus for the sober vsing of your meate and drinke GRant O most mercifull God that so long as we wander in this wretched world we may so take our meate and drinke for the infirmitie of our flesh that we neuer be corrupted by fine fare wherein the flesh delighteth neither yet by anie foolish superstition nor that we be drawne awaie at anie time from temperance and sobrietie but let vs alwaies remember so to vse our abundance that when we abound in all things most plentifullie we may giue our selues to moderate abstinence continuallie as also that we may patientlie beare all pouertie and hunger when it commeth and that wee may so vse libertie in our meates and drinks that alwaies the glorie of thy name O Lord may be before our eies and that such frugalitie may appeare in all our life that we may continuallie seeke that satietie and fulnesse whereby we shall be satiate for euer most abundantlie when the glorie of thy countenance shall appeere vnto vs in the heauens through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen When you take salt meditate a little to your selfe and saie EUerie man shall be salted with fire and euerie sacrifice shall be seasoned with salt Salt is good but if the salt be vnsauourie wherewith shall it be seasoned O God giue vs grace to haue salt in our selues and to haue peace one with another let all our communication now be so well sauoured and powdered with salt that is to saie seasoned with godlie wisedome that we knowing how and when to speake all our talke may tend to the glorie of thy name and the edifieng of our owne soules through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen In the meale time LET one of your children or seruants that best can reade this caution following and after that some chapter or portion of the Scripture distinctlie and reuerentlie that all at the boord may giue diligent eare therevnto The cautions or remembrances to be said of the child in the meate time REmember that these meates and drinkes heere set before you are giuen you of God to vse but not to abuse in surfeting and dronkennesse Remember that they are giuen you to profit your bodies and not to hurt your soules Remember that they are not giuen to you alone but vnto others also that need the same by your liberalitie and almes to their releefe In eating and drinking remember that you doo but feed the woormes and pamper the carcasse and ouercharge your soule if yee surfet with taking too much In the midst of your mirth and abundance remember the poore prisoners the sicke and the afflictions of Ioseph and his persecuted members as though yee were in their case Finallie remember the food of your soules Christs bodie broken and his bloud shead Desire the meate I saie that lasteth for euer Labour for it and harken diligentlie to his word which now shall be read vnto you And first let vs praie A praier to be said of the child or seruant in the meale time before the reading of the Chapter out of the Bible O Lord which hast prouided these earthlie creatures for the feeding of our mortall bodies direct vs carefullie to seeke and with delight to tast of thy most holie word that we may by that immortall seed be begotten to be thy children and thereby be nourished and fed vntill we become perfect men in thy Sonne Christ Iesus So be it Or else thus BLessed Lord which hast not onlie created all things for mans sustenance but also hast caused all holie Scripture to be written for our learning grant vs to be so conuersant among these thy gifts purelie and holilie because thou art so that we may in such sort also now both reade thy word heare it marke learne and inwardlie digest this heauenlie food of our soules that being well refreshed and vertuouslie transformed both in bodie and soule we may holilie walke in the strength thereof to glorifie thee through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen After the Chapter read saie thus BLessed are they that heare the word of God and keepe it Grant therefore we beseech thee O Lord that we may not onlie be readers and hearers of thy word but dooers and followers also of the same that beeing now fed and nourished at thy hands both in soule and bodie we may heere bee apt and readie to doo all good works which thou hast prepared for vs to walke in and in the life to come be receiued to thine eternall kingdome of glorie through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen Another thanks-giuing after the receiuing of our bodilie sustenance and reading of some part of Gods holie word or spirituall food O Lord our God the onlie giuer of all good gifts who of thy great mercies hast made vs partakers both of the heauenlie gifts of thy holie word to feed our minds and of thine earthlie creatures for the necessarie sustenance of our weake bodies grant we beseech thee that through thy grace these thy gifts may be made perfect vnto vs. Giue strength vnto our meate that it may be our healthfull nourishment not to
Giue vs not onlie store of all things to the necessitie of life but grant also to our meate and drinke vertue and power to releeue and strengthen our bodies For thou alone vpholdest all things by thy word of power Unlesse thou dailie didst feed vs with the hidden grace which thou dooest inspire into the bread to feed vs all the heapes of our yeerelie increase were to small purpose For be it that there be aboundance of wheate wine and of all other things yet vnlesse they be watered by thy blessing quicklie would all come to naught and we should perish for lacke of food in all that aboundance For all the substance that we possesse what is it without thou prosper and fructifie the same with thy blessing And albeit we feed on bread yet we ascribe not our life to the vertue of the bread neither is thy power tied to the bread nor mans life included within the same but altogither it dependeth vpon thy will and good pleasure We beseech thee for thy most large and bountifull liberalitie cast vs not off in the time of our old age and when our strength faileth vs forsake vs not Likewise confirme our faith that we distrust not thy promises neither be driuen from thee by anie meanes seeme they neuer so contrarie to naturall causes but giue grace that we may withdrawe our eies from all worldlie consultations and as touching our food and other necessaries for this life may wholie depend vpon thee and at no time go beyond the limits which thou hast prepared through our Lord Iesus Christ which liueth and reigneth with thee for euermore Amen At noone-tide or mid-daie saie thus O Lord my light my inlightning and my welfare from whence all true brightnesse and light doth come grant I beseech thee that as of thy goodnesse thou hast giuen me thus plentifullie this corporall light to compasse my bodie on euerie side so of thy mercie giue me aboundantlie the spirituall light of thy grace and knowledge which may inlighten my mind and cause mine age to appeare as cleere as the noone daie And because O Lord nothing in this world is so perfect and glorious but when it is at the full it will decrease and weare awaie euen as we see in the course of this thy glorious creature the Sunne which now being at the highest will begin to drawe downeward Graunt also I beseech thee that when at the age of fortie yeeres my bodie by little and little shall begin to fade and the beautie thereof wither and drawe towards an end it togither with my soule in the daie of iudgement may shine as bright as the Sunne being now at the highest doth and may then begin to be glorified to the full in the region of the celestiall world where the Sunne of all righteousnesse and the brightnesse of perpetuall charitie and felicitie doth euerlastinglie shine and inlighten all the holie companie of heauen Amen Or else thus LOrd let thy fauour preuent vs as doth the Sunne which being now in the highest region spreadeth his beames ouer all the parts of the earth And as the brightnesse therof shineth now without the clouds after the same sort giue vs thy cleerenesse and shewe thy bright countenance ouer vs that lightened by thy word wee may walke this daie thorough circumspectlie and warilie in the waies of thy commandements that being blinded in the mid daie we run not headlong into darkenesse neither grope at noone daie as in the night wandering from the paths of thy iudgements Open thine eies O God ouer vs be thou vnto vs a mightie protector this daie a firmament of strength a couering against heate parching a shadow at noone tide a defender from offence an assister from falling a comforter of our soules a lightener of our minds and a giuer of health and happines in Christ our Lord Amen ¶ After meate the better to keepe you from vaine exercises and idle cogitations and to spend the Sabboth daie both wholie and holilie to the Lord as it behooueth take occasion on Gods name either to cathechise your children and familie or to praie for the preseruation of the Queenes most excellent maiestie or to reade deuoutlie some of these godlie meditations and praiers of Gods works and feasts following On Sundaie A praier for the right keeping of the Sabboth or Sundaie O Eternall father of our Lord Iesu Christ which togither with thy Sonne and the holie Ghost didst create man of thine infinite mercie powredst into him a similitude of those things which are most excellent in thee the fountaine of all goodnesse and wouldest in that nature as it were in a Temple seeing thine image to shine therein continue and celebrate the ioifull Sabboth When man had defaced thine image and was pluckt from thee it was thy will that the Sonne of thine owne substance should take our flesh vpon him and be made a sacrifice for the sinnes of mankind bee crucified die yea and on the great Sabboth daie of the lawe lie in the graue where the word after an vnspeakable manner rested that we may receiue againe the societie of the new and celestiall Sabboth We beseech thee grant that thy Sonne which is the Lord of that Sabboth may begin in this life to rest in vs to heale the corruptions of our nature by his holie spirit which is the heauenlie fire to drie vp the dropsie of our flesh that he may loue vs which are bone of his bones to make vs one with him through his spirit and finallie to bring vs into that glorious companie where the eternall Sabboth is in such excellencie as can not be conceiued by the hart of man In the meane while let vs ceasse from this hurlie burlie this toiling and drudging in the vaine trumperie of this world so as once at last we may religiouslie halowe and keepe the godlie rest of the new Sabboth in doing such things as be allowable and pleasant vnto thee and sanctifieng thee in true rest and peace Drawe vs from the vaine fantasies of present things that we may attend and await vpon thee and thy ioifull comming Grant I saie that we may be humbled vnder thy mightie hand that we may knowe our infirmities obeie thee in our crosses and correction looke vnto thee in a liuelie faith and hope of a ioifull deliuerance which then shall be perfect when thy Sonne by his trumpet shall summon the new Sabboth and drawe vnto him on high where he sitteth at thy right hand exalted thine elect all thine enimies which through beastlie arrogancie blushed not to contend and fight against thee being subdued Amen Another ALmightie God and most mercifull heauenlie father who after that in sixe daies thou haddest created all things didst rest the seauenth daie and sanctifiedst it teach vs to keepe holie the Sabboth daie not in shew and cercmonie onlie but much more in euerie good woorke which thou hast commanded not in part for fashion sake but wholie
and to the end for thine owne glorie sake And wee beseech thee O Lord to heale not onlie our heads and limmes but also our harts and soules that we may both in the lawfull keeping of thy Sabboth and all other thy commandements be obedient vnto thee the Lord of the Sabboth And as thou hast taught vs the right keeping of the Sabboth to stand chieflie in dooing of good one vnto another giue vs grace continuallie to keepe this Sabboth inuiolable and vnprophaned that we may onlie doo those things which are holie and acceptable vnto thee and may ceasse from all our lewd works and waies And especiallie O Lord grant that we may auoid carefullie the first step of the ladder that leadeth to that horrible sinne of blasphemie which is not to be forgiuen neither in this world nor in the world to come Amen Ghostlie Meditations with the which it is meete for vs Christians to occupie our selues once in the daie or at the least for those whose leasure will not serue once in the weeke and that euerie Sundaie and holie daie which the Author found in an old and ancient written copie for the excellent matter therin conteind hath thought it good now to publish it to the glorie of God and profit of his Church FIrst let vs call to our memorie the bountifull goodnesse of almightie GOD extended towards vs in the creation of the firmament the earth the sea and all that therein is conteined which he hath made for our onelie comfort and the seruice of vs. And let vs here with also consider the greatnesse and omnipotencie of his power which was able with his word onlie of nothing to make althings those so wonderfull works that they are not able to be comprehended within the compasse of mans reason Call we also to mind the vnsearchablenesse of his diuine wisedome through which in so goodlie order continuallie he both can doth conserue all those things and lastlie let vs not forget his incomparable loue towards vs who of his onlie meere goodnesse without anie part of ablenesse of our deserts hath prouided all these things for our vse and not onlie that but hath moreouer made vs of capacitie and vnderstanding to discusse and knowe how to vse the same for the seruing of our necessities as the diuersitie of times and occasion requireth Let vs not therefore shew our selues vnto him vnthankfull Nextlie let vs call to mind from how sundrie perils as well ghostle as bodilie he hath and dooth from time to time preserue vs namelie from perils on the land perils by water perils of fire perils through sicknes from imprisonment from open shame from slanders from extreme beggerie from famine from pestilence and other horrible diseases from sudden and shamefull death and sundrie other mischiefes which we may vnderstand to haue happened and dailie doo perceiue to happen vnto others which should in like sort haue happened vnto vs if through his mercifull goodnesse we had not beene therefrom preserued and herewith let vs also call vnto mind our health our wealth and all other Gods good gifts which he hath lent vnto vs and render vnto him most humble thanks therefore Also let vs thinke how he hath made vs of no vile sort nor condition but euen vnto his owne likenesse indued with the most pretious gifts of reason vnderstanding memorie and will which noble gifts he hath giuen vs to the intent we should with these honour him accordinglie which if we doo not but doo abuse the same to worldlie vaine and fantasticall delights we may then assure our selues not onelie to make a straight account thereof but also to be most greeuouslie punished therefore Moreouer let vs call to mind how mercifull and like a most louing Maister and Sauior Christ the Sonne of God and second person in Trinitie Lord and king ouer all rule and power descended downe from the bosome of his Father and from his heauenlie throne into this miserable world and here tooke vpon him our fraile flesh suffering in the same by the space of three and thirtie yeeres hunger thirst cold watch pouertie euil report hatred disdaine slanders rebukes checks taunts scornes buffets binding beating whipping wrongfull accusation false condemnation yea and at the last most vile spitefull cruell and shamefull death and that innocentlie and giltlesse thereby to deliuer vs from our gilt and the eternall death which all we by the transgression of our first parent Adam had most iustlie deserued And herewith let vs also thinke what reproch shame it is to vs to repine or grudge to suffer the like for his sake sith he being both our Lord and Maister of the singular loue he did beare vnto vs hath suffered all those for our sakes should not we then being but seruants or rather vile slaues in respect of him disdaine or repine at that which he not onelie our Maister but King ouer all kings hath not disdained to suffer Also let vs consider how that by the merits of his most bitter passion and his grace giuen vnto vs in the Sacrament of baptisme he hath forgiuen vs cleerelie clensed vs and vtterlie discharged vs of all our former sinnes Herevpon let vs call to mind how oft since that time we haue offended him by falling againe into deadlie sinne therewith let vs call to remembrance the particularitie of our offences the greeuousnesse of the same how long we haue continued in them without repentance taken for them and then let vs weigh the abundance of his great mercie first how gratiouslie he hath abidden the time of our repentance how readie he hath beene to forgiue vs vpon due repentance taken and perfect confession without dissimulation made thereof vnto him Remember we also how lewdlie how wickedlie and how sinfullie we haue bestowed the short time which God hath here in this world lent vnto vs to fight and warre continuallie against our most mortall aduersaries the world the flesh and the diuell which trauell without ceassing to worke our euerlasting destruction and to bring vs to euerlasting death and to beereue vs from the life eternall ioies endlesse Thinke we also if God of his great mercie had not gratiouslie spared vs life vntill we had repented that wickednes in what wretched condition and most extreme torments of hell paines had we beene in now and so should haue continued for euer world without end But how deere then should those short pleasures and vaine delights of the flesh haue beene vnto vs Let vs also call to mind the houre of death the vncerteintie of the time thereof and that we knowe not when where or in what maner it shall be but like as we are most certeine we can not escape it so are wee as sure if we happen then to depart this life in deadlie sinne that we shall then not onelie die the bodilie death but also the spirituall death which is eternall death both of bodie and soule Let vs therefore
haue it but by hope they see thee face to face I see thee in a riddle through a glasse they see thee fullie and I but partlie Howbeit when the thing commeth which is perfect then shall the vnperfect be done awaie at such time as we shall behold thee vncouered face to face And what should let vs to be counted little inferiour to Angels seeing that thou O Lord hast crowned vs with the garland of hope which is decked with glorie and honour and seeing thou hast inhonoured vs exceedinglie as thy friends or rather as fellowes and coequals in all things with thine Angels Uerelie euen so saith thy truth They are equall with the Angels and they be the sonnes of God And what be they else than the sonnes of God if they be made fellowes with the Angels They shall be the sonnes of God in verie deede For the sonne of man is become the sonne of God Trulie when I bethinke me of this I am bold to saie that man is not onlie little inferiour to the Angels yea or haile-felowe with the Angels but also superiour to them bicause a man is God God is a man not an Angel And in this respect I may saie that man is the woorthiest creature because the word which in the beginning was God with God the word whereby God said Let light be made and light was made the word whereby God created althings in the beginning euen the selfe-same word became flesh and dwelt among vs and we haue seene the glorie of it Lo heere the glorie when I glorie discreetlie lo heere the ioie when I ioie discreetlie O Lord my God the whole life and glorie of my soule Therefore I acknowledge vnto thee my Lord God that when thou createdst me indued with reason thou didst create me after a sort equall with the Angels For by thy word I may be perfect to attaine to equalitie with the Angels so as I may haue the adoption of thy children by thine onlie begotten word O Lord by thy deer beloued Son in whom thou art well pleased by our onelie coheire which is of the same substance euerlastingnes that thou thy selfe art yea euen by Iesus Christ our onlie Lord and redeemer our inlightner and comforter our spokesman with thee the light of our eies who is our life our sauiour our onlie hope who hath loued vs more than himselfe by whome we haue assured trust laid vp in store and stedfast faith to thee-ward and entrance to come vnto thee because he hath giuen them power to become the children of God as manie as beleeue in his name I will giue praise vnto thy name O Lord who by creating me after thine owne image hast made me capable of so great glorie as to become the sonne of God This trulie can not trees doo this can not stones doo this to speake generallie can not anie of the things doo that moue or growe in the aire or in the sea or on the earth in asmuch as he hath not giuen them power by thy word to become the sonnes of God because they haue not reason For the power whereby we knowe consisteth in reason But he hath giuen this power vnto men whome he created reasonable after his owne image and likenesse Certesse Lord it is by thy grace that I am a woman and by grace I may be thy child which thing the other can not be Whence haue I this O Lord the souereigne truth and true souereigne and the beginning of all creatures Whence haue I this O Lord that I may become the child of God which the other things cannot Thou art he that endurest for euer and thou hast made all things at once Thou hast made man and beasts stones and greene things of the earth all at once For there went no desert of theirs afore there went no good turne of theirs afore Thou hast created all things onlie of thine owne goodnesse no creature hath deserued more than other for none of them had deserued ought at all And why then did thy goodnesse shewe it selfe more in this creature which thou hast made reasonable than in all other that be without reason Why was not I as all they be or why are not all they as I am or I alone as they be What had I deserued that thou shouldest make me able to become the child of God and denie the same abilitie to all the rest God forbid that I should thinke so It was thine onlie grace it was thine onlie goodnesse which brought it to passe that I might be partaker of that sweetnesse Of that grace therefore whereby thou hast created me of nothing I beseech thee O Lord to giue me the grace to be thankefull vnto thee And I thy creature will put my trust vnder the shadowe of thy wings and in the goodnesse wherethrough thou hast created me Helpe thy creature whome thy gratious goodnesse hath created Let not that perish through my naughtinesse which thy goodnesse hath wrought Let not that perish through my wretchednesse which thy singular mercie hath made For what auaileth it me that thou hast created me if I shall sinke downe into mine owne corruption O God hast thou made all the sonnes of men in vaine Thou hast created me O Lord rule thou the thing that thou hast created Despise not the worke of thine owne hands O God Thou hast made me of naught O Lord and if thou gouerne me not I shall returne to naught againe For like as when I was not thou madest me of nothing so if thou gouerne me not I shall yet againe be brought to nothing in my selfe Helpe me O Lord my life least I perish in mine owne naughtinesse Lord if thou hadst not created me I should not haue beene at all but because thou hast created me I am Now if thou gouerne me not I am vndone For it was not mine owne merits or mine owne deserts as I haue said that made thee to create me but thine owne most gratious goodnesse and mercifulnes That louingnesse of thine O Lord my God which made thee to create me I beseech thee let the same make thee to gouerne me For what booteth it that thy louingnesse caused thee to create me if I must perish in mine owne wretchednesse and that thy right hand gouerne me not O Lord my God let this mercifulnesse which caused thee to create that that was not created cause thee also to saue that which is created Let the louingnesse which wan thee to create win thee also to saue sith it is no lesse now than it was then For thou art the verie loue and mercie it selfe and thou continuest alwaie one vnchangeable immortall and inuisible God blessed and praised for euer and euer Amen That God hath put all things vnder the seruice of man and that by the consideration of the temporall benefits we coniecture the heauenlie wisedome and goodnesse of God THou O gratious God hast put all things vnder mans feet to
the end that man alone should wholie be subiect vnto thee And to the end that man should be wholie thine thou hast made man lord of all thy works For thou hast created all outward things for his bodie his bodie for his soule and his soule for thee that he might serue thee onlie and loue thee onlie possessing thee to his comfort and all inferiour things for his seruants For whatsoeuer is conteined vnder the cope of heauen is inferiour vnto mans soule which was made to inherit the souereigne goodnesse aboue and to become happie by possessing it wherevnto if he sticke fast he shall surmount the need of all the inferiour things which are changeable and in euerlasting immortalitie quietlie behold the souereigne maiestie whereof he representeth the image Then shall he enioie those excellent good things in the Lords house in comparison whereof all the things that we see are counted as nothing Those be the things which no eie hath seene nor eare hard nor hart of man conceiued which God hath prepared for them that loue him And trulie Lord these things wilt thou giue vnto my soule with these dooest thou which louest mens soules dailie glad the harts of thy seruants But why woonder I at these things my Lord God Thou inhonourest thine owne image and thine owne likenesse wherevnto they were created For to the end our bodie though it be yet corruptible base might see thou hast giuen vs the light of the skie by the hand of thine vnweariable seruants the Sunne and Moone who according to thy commandement doo continuall seruice daie and night to thy children To the intent it might breath thou hast granted vs the pure aire To the intent it might heare thou hast giuen vs the diuersitie of sounds To the intent it might smell thou hast giuen vs the sweetnesse of sents To the intent it might taste thou hast giuen vs the qualities of sauours To the end it might feele thou hast giuen vs the substances of all bodilie things To helpe vs in our necessities thou hast giuen vs bearing beasts To refresh vs withall thou hast bestowed vpon vs the fowles of the aire and the fishes of the sea and the fruits of the earth For euerie sore maladie and disease of ours thou hast created medicine salue and plaister out of the earth And for euerie seuerall euill thou hast prepared a seuerall remedie to encounter it because thou art mercifull and full of compassion and thou our potter knowest of what mettall we be made and how that all of vs are claie in thy hand O holie Lord God our good maker by these least things we comprehend the great things and by these visible things we comprehend thine inuisible things For if thou send so great and so innumerable benefits vnto me for this base and corruptible bodie of mine from the skie and the aire from the land and the sea from light and darkenesse from heate and shadowe from dew and raine from wind and showers from fowles and fishes from beasts and trees by diuersitie of herbes and things that growe vpon the earth and by the seruice of all thy creatures seruing our turnes by course in their seasons to ease vs of our wearinesse how excellent I praie thee and how great innumerable shall those good things be which thou hast prepared for them that loue thee in that heauenlie Realme where we shall see thee face to face If thou doo so much for vs in prison what wilt thou doo in thy pallace Great and innumerable are thy works O Lord thou King of heauen and earth For sith that all these things be exceeding good pleasant which thou hast deliuered to good men bad men togither in common what maner of things shall those be which thou hast laid vp in store for good men onlie If the gifts be so sundrie and so innumerable which thou dealest now as well to thy foes as thy friends how great innumerable how sweet delightfull shall those be which thou wilt deale onlie to thy friends If thou giue so great solace in this time of mourning how great ioies wilt thou giue in the daie of wedding If our prison conteine so manie delectable things how much more delectable things conteineth our fathers house O God no eie without thee hath seene the things that thou hast prepared for them that loue thee For according to the manifoldnesse of thy mightie works so also is the great aboundance of thy sweetnesse which thou keepest in store for them that loue thee For great art thou O Lord our God yea vnmeasurable art thou and there is no end of thy greatnesse nor number of thy wisedome nor measure of thy mercie neither is there end number or measure of thy bountifulnesse But like as thou thy selfe art great so are thy rewards great for thou thy selfe art both the price and the reward of all thy lawfull combators To thee therefore be all honour glorie and praise for euer Amen A meditation of Gods power beautie and goodnesse BIcause thou Lord wouldest haue vs to loue thee not one lie doost thou will intise allure and prouoke vs but also doost command vs so to doo promising thy selfe vnto such as loue thee and threatening vs with dainnation if we doo otherwise Whereby we may see both our great corruption and naughtinesse and also thine exceeding great mercie toward vs. First concerning our corruption and naughtinesse what a thing is it that power riches authoritie beutie goodnesse liberalitie truth iustice which all thou art good Lord can not mooue vs to loue thee Whatsoeuer things we see faire good wise mightie are but euen sparks of thy power beautie goodnesse wisdome which thou art For to the end thou mightest declare thy riches beautie power wisdome goodnes c. Thou hast not onelie made but still dooest conserue all creatures to be as Dauid saith of the heauens declarers and setters foorth of thy glorie and as a booke to teach vs to knowe thee How faire thou art the beautie of the sunne moone stars light flowers riuers feelds hils biros beasts men and all creatures yea the goodlie scape forme of the whole world dooth declare How mightie thou art we are taught by the creation of the world euen of naught by gouerning the same by punishing the wicked mightie Giants thereof by ouerthrowing their deuises by repressing the rages of the sea and keeping it within hir bounds by stormes by tempests by fires These and such like declare vnto vs thine inuisible almightie and terrible power whereby thou subduest all things vnto thee How rich thou art this world thy great and infinite treasure-house dooth well declare What plentie is there not onelie of things but also of euerie kind of things Yea how doost thou yeerelie and dailie multiplie these kinds How manie seeds doost thou make of one seed Yea what a great increase doost thou bring it vnto These can not but put vs in remembrance of the
exceeding riches that thou hast For if to thine enimies which loue thee not as the most part of this world be if to them thou giuest so plentifullie thy riches heere what shall we thinke that with thy selfe thou hast laid vp for thy freends How good thou art all creatures generallie and particularlie do teach What creature is there in the world which thou hast not made for our commoditie I will not saie how that thou mightest haue made vs creaturs without sense or reason if thou hadst would But amongst all things none dooth so teach vs thy great loue towards vs as dooth the death of thy most deerlie beloued sonne who suffered the paines and terrors thereof yea and of hell it selfe for our sakes If this thy loue had beene but a small thing it would neuer haue lasted so long nor Christ would neuer haue died Praiers and meditations to be vsed in the foure seasons of the yeere and first In the Spring-time ALmightie renewer of all things Lord Iesu which hast made this most goodlie world for our sakes which hast garnished the heauens with so manie lights vnto the vse of the daie and the night which temperest the earth with sundrie times and seasons ordeined by thee to be the nourisher of man and beasts and now thou being restored to life all things renew and confirme to vs the hope of resurrection promised by thee The medowes afore being withered waxe greene againe with new grasse the herbs are garnished with diuers gems of flowers the corne herbeth seeds buried in holes shoote foorth trees being dead afore waxe yoong againe with new boughes and being goodlie decked with new blossoms giue vs hope of fruit The sunne it selfe increaseth the grace of his light brieflie the whole face of nature springing againe whithersoeuer we turne our eies dooth speake out and preach thy goodnesse towards mankind wherethrough with sundrie solaces thou dooest ease and mitigate to vs being through our fault driuen out of Paradise our deserued exile Grant I saie O good God that we which being borne againe through baptisme haue put off the old man made now a new creature neuer slide againe to old age but that we may be euer greene with perpetuall innocencie by the pleasant breathing on of thy spirit that we may be adorned dailie more and more with the flowers of vertues proceeding to fruit woorthie of that Gospell which with the Father and the holie Ghost reigne through all worlds Amen In the Summer MOst wise Gouernor and Ruler of all things Iesu Christ behold the yeere obeieng thy commandments waxeth hot with the feruour of the sunne preparing ripe fruits vnto the vse of thy seruants humblie we beseech thee which art our true Sunne without whom nothing is bright in our soules neither bringeth foorth anie fruit stretch the beames of thy grace into the earth of our spirits that daily they may waxe hot more more with the fire of thy gratious loue and that they may bring foorth sundrie fruits of wholesome good works For thou hast witnessed in thy holie Gospell that thou art singularlie delighted with this meate and drinke This is the raine that thy feruent loue thirsted for this is also the meate that the holie Apostle Paule hungered for euen before he vnderstood and did knowe what it meant Thou camest into the world to send fire among vs neither diddest thou desire anie thing more than that it should be kindeled except our hart be touched with the beames of thy grace Increase Lord Iesu that that thou hast giuen finish that that thou hast begun vntill we growe to perfect men vnto the measure of thy fulnesse Thou hast put off mortalitie but thou hast not put off loue towards vs but euen now fulfillest the office of a mightie and friendlie Aduocate for vs with God the Father to whom equall in power and authoritie thou reignest with the holie Ghost Amen In Haruest WE giue thanks vnto thee most mercifull Father maker of heauen and earth that by thy good prouidence the yeere is waxen ripe powring out vnto vs plentious abundance of victuals grant we humblie beseech thee that as thy bountiousnes ministreth sundrie and rich abundance of fruits to the susteining nourishment of our bodies so by the grace of thy spirit without which there is no good thing brought foorth is nourished or liueth let the affection of godlinesse waxe ripe and be made vp in our minds that abiding in the faith of thine onelie begotten Sonne through all our life wee may be fruitfull in good works and also receiue a plentifull haruest in the resurrection of the iust by the same our Lord Iesu Christ which liueth and reigneth with thee in the companie of the holie Ghost for euer Amen In Winter O God the most wise maker and gouernor of the world at whose commandement by time appointed course is changed and turned into it selfe by the same behold as it were the old age and death of the yeere Winter is come whose sadnesse and incommodities be more easie vnto vs bicause of the plesantnes of the Spring time which shall shortlie succeed According to the ensample of the yeere our inward man flourisheth in his childhood is feruent in youth waxeth ripe in mans age falleth awaie and dieth in his old age but the hope of liuing againe asswageth the houre of death which is sure vnto vs euen for this cause that thy sonne hath promised it which is the euerlasting truth which also can no more be deceiued or deceiue than hee can cease to be thy sonne Through this thy sonne our inward man knoweth no old age or death but by his gift it euer flourisheth with innocencie it is euer feruent in the studie of godlinesse it euer bringeth foorth fruit and powreth out that that she hath receiued vpon other and as much as the bodies courage faileth so much more the spirit flourisheth We beseech thee that thou wilt maintaine and increase those things which thou hast vouchsafed to giue vs through thine onelie begotten sonne which liueth and reigneth with thee for euermore Amen Another praier to be said at all times and seasons of the yeere O Euerlasting GOD Creator of all things in whose hands lieth the disposition of all times and seasons qualifie we beseech thee the inclinations of thy creatures heauen and earth with such naturall and kindlie moderation as may most serue to the commoditie health and welfare of all mankind that we may receiue the fruits of the earth to our comfortable sustentation dulie honoring and praising thy holie name therefore Mortifie within vs the old roots of our natiue iniquitie killing them as it were with the winter of a cold lust to ensue them Sowe the seeds of thy grace within vs that wee may spring vp in all godlinesse Send vs the feruencie of thy spirit that we may shew foorth the ripe fruits of a liuelie faith that when it shall be thy good pleasure to appoint thy final
haruest thou wilt vouchsafe to bring vs into thy wished barne like good and clensed corne that is to saie into thine euerlasting kingdome there to rest with thy chosen Abraham Isaac and Iacob in all eternitie So be it The song of Anania Azariah and Misael wherein they exhort all creatures both in heauen and earth to praise and magnifie the Lord their maker O All ye works of the Lord blesse yee the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye Angels of the Lord blesse yee the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye heauens blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye waters that be aboue the firmament blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O all ye powers of the Lord blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye sunne and moone blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye starres of heauen blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye showers and dew blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye winds of God blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye fire and heate blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye winter and summer blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye dewes and frosts blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye frost and cold blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye yee and snowe blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye nights and daies blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye light and darknesse blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye lightenings clouds blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O let the earth blesse the Lord yea let it praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye mountaines and hils blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O all ye greene things vpon the earth blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye welles blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye seas and flouds blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye whales and all that moue in the waters blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O all ye fowles of the aire blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O all ye beasts and cattell blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye children of men blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O let Israel blesse the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye priests of the Lord blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye seruants of the Lord blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye spirits and soules of the righteous blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O ye holie and humble men of hart blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer O Ananias Azarias and Misael blesse ye the Lord praise him and magnifie him for euer Glorie be to the Father c. As it was in the beginning c. Of the incomprehensible praise due vnto God for all his works and benefits HOW shall I do O Lord Whence shall I haue praise to praise thee withall For like as thou madest me without mine aduise as it liked thy selfe best so hast thou praise without me as it liketh thee Thou thy selfe Lord art thiue owne praise All thy works creatures both in heauen and earth praise thee according to thy manifold greatnesse Thy praise O Lord is incomprehensible no hart can comprehend it no tong can measure it no eare can receiue it for these things passe awaie but thy praise O Lord continueth for euer Thoughts haue a beginning and thoughts haue an end voices make a sound and foorthwith passe awaie the eare heareth and the hearing ceasseth but thy praise standeth fast for euer Who is he then that can praise thee What man is able to vtter foorth thy praises Thy praise is euerlasting and not transitorie That man praiseth thee which beleeueth thee to be thine owne praise The man praiseth thee which acknowledgeth himselfe vnable to attaine to thy praise O praise perpetuall which neuer fadest in thee is our praise in thee shall my soule be praised It is not we that praise thee but it is thou thy selfe that dooest it both thy selfe and in thy selfe and we also haue praise in thee Then haue we true praise when we haue praise of thee when light alloweth light for thou beeing the true praise yeeldest vs true praise And looke how often we seeke for praise at anie other bodies hand than thine so often doo we forgo thy praise because the other is shadowish but thine is euerlasting If we hunt after the transitorie praise we loose the eternall praise O praise eternall O my Lord God of whome is all praise without whome there is no praise I am not able to praise thee without thee Let me haue thee and I will praise thee For what am I of my selfe Lord that I should praise thee I am but dust and ashes I am but a dead and stinking dog I am but woormes and rottennesse I what am I to praise thee O most mightie Lord God How can the breath of no better than flesh praise thee which dwellest in euerlastingnesse Can darkenesse praise light or death life Thou art light I darkenesse thou life I death Can lieng praise truth Thou art truth and I am a woman no better than vanitie it self How shall I then praise thee O Lord Shall my wretchednesse praise thee Shall stinch praise sweet sents Shall mans mortalitie which is heere to daie and gone to morrowe praise thee Shall man which is but rottennesse or the sonne of man which is but woormes praise thee O Lord can he praise thee which is bred borne and brought vp in sinfulnesse Praise is not seemelie in the mouth of a sinner O Lord my God let thine owne incomprehensible power let thy vnbounded wisedome let thine vnspeakable goodnesse let thine ouerpassing mercie let thy superabundant pitie and let thine euerlasting vertue and Godhead praise thee Praised be thou by thine owne almightie puissance and also by thy singular gratious goodnesse and louingnesse whereby thou hast created vs O Lord the life of my soule Of Gods manifold benefits generallie with an humble thanks-giuing vnto his Maiestie for the same AND I thy handmaid whome thorough thy goodnesse thou hast created will to the vttermost of my power praise thee my God my creator my preseruer and my deliuerer with all my hart and call to mind all the good that thou hast done me from my youth vp to this instant For I knowe that
pleased thy gratious goodnesse freelie of thine owne accord to elect and choose vs to saluation afore the beginning of the world and euen like continuall thanks be giuen vnto thee for creating vs after thine owne image for redeeming vs with the pretious bloud of thy deere Sonne when we were vtterlie lost for sanctifieng vs with thy holie spirit in the reuelation and knowledge of thy sacred word for helping and succouring vs in all our need and necessitie for sauing vs from all dangers of bodie and soule for comforting vs so fatherlie in all our troubles and afflictions for sparing vs so long and giuing vs so large time of repentance These benefits O most mercifull father like as we acknowledge to haue receiued of thine onlie goodnesse euen so we beseech thee for thy deere sonne Iesus Christes sake to grant vs alwaie thy holie spirit whereby we may continuallie growe in thankefulnesse towards thee be led into all truth and comforted in all aduersitie Strengthen our faith O Lord kindle it more and more in feruentnesse and loue towards thee and our neighbours for thy sake Suffer vs not most deere father to receiue thy word anie more in vaine but grant vs alwaie the assistance of thy grace and holie spirit that in hart word and deede we may sanctifie and doo woorship to thy holie name that we may help to amplifie thy kingdome and that whatsoeuer thou sendest we may bee hartilie well content with thy good will and pleasure Suffer vs not to lacke the thing O father without the which we can not serue thee but blesse thou so all the works of our hands that we may haue sufficient and not to be chargeable but rather helpfull vnto others Be merciful O Lord vnto our offences and seeing our debt is great which thou hast forgiuen vs in Iesus Christ make vs to loue thee and our neighbors so much the more Be thou O father our Captaine and defender in all temptations Hold thou vs by thy mercifull hand that we thereby may be deliuered from all inconuenience and end our liues in the sanctifieng and honouring of thy holie name through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen ¶ On the seuenteenth daie of Nouember commonlie called The Queenes daie Sundrie formes of Christian praiers and thanks-giuings vnto God for the preseruation of the most vertuous Ladie Elizabeth our most deare and dread souereigne Quéene of England France and Ireland defender of the faith c. verie necessarie to be vsed as generallie of all faithfull subiects continuallie so especiallie of the Mother and hir Daughter vpon the seuentéenth daie of Nouember and euerie Sabboth and holie daie in honourable remembrance of that ioifull Sabboth rest and peace from carefull mourning which that memorable seuententh daie brought to vs the banished exiles of England and persecuted members of Christ by the most happie entrance of hir most roiall and excellent Maiestie into this hir Emperiall Crowne and kingdome A Psalme Mother COme O all you that feare God come hither I praie you and giue eare a while and reherse with me y e great benefits that he the Lord hath bestowed vpon vs. Daughter For lo when the most mightie men gathered their power against vs and laie in wait for our life they conspired togither to worke our destruction as though the Lord had determined the same and exhorted one another saieng God hath forsaken them therefore persecute them now flieng awaie and take them being destitute of all helpe Moth. These men our aduersaries I saie wheresoeuer we remoued or went by sea or by land laie in wait most diligentlie for vs yea multitudes of the cruell enimies did not ceasse craftilie to enuiron and beset vs round about and ran vpon vs with gaping mouthes like raging and roring lions of malicious minds to bring vs to extremitie and to deuoure vs. Daugh. For thy sake O Lord alone were we killed euerie daie neither were we in anie better condition than sheepe appointed of butchers to the slaughter Moth. Manie of vs wandered in the waste wildernesse and sought strange cities commodious to dwell in halfe dead and killed with famine and thirst ouerwhelmed with the shadowe of death and being cast downe by the burthen of our miseries laie downe flat cleauing to the earth Daugh. The bands of death compassed vs round about and bound vs most wicked men like most raging flouds made vs afraid enuironing vs round about Moth. We were snared and cast fast bound with chaines into most darke dungeons yea we tasted the heate of the fire and the force of the water Daugh. Then we called vpon the Lord in these extremities We called vpon the Lord I saie and he heard our voice out of his high palace and receiuing into his eares the crie that we made vnto him he deliuered vs from our miseries and distresse Moth. He gathered vs home which were scattered from the East the West from the North South and brought vs from the dungeons of the prisons and darkenesse of death breaking the fetters and giues of iron in peeces Daugh. The Lord hath deliuered our life from death he staid the teares of our eies and established our feet that they did not fall he hath brought vs out of our distresse Hence haue we our light whereby he causeth vs to shine and hath driuen awaie our darkenesse Moth. Therfore will we praise thee O Lord among the nations and will sing lauds vnto thy Maiestie yea we will declare thy power and will shew foorth thy praise and mercie earlie in the morning because thou hast defended vs and wast our refuge in extreme dangers Daugh. Oh acknowledge and declare ye openlie that the Lord is good for his bountious goodnesse is for euer Let all the sincere worshippers of the Lord now confesse that his louing kindnesse is perpetuall Praise ye the Lord. Moth. Glorie be to the Father and to the c. Daug. As it was in the beginning is now c. ¶ The Versicles Mother O Lord shew thy great mercie vpon vs miserable sinners Daughter And grant thine euerlasting helth and saluation vnto vs. Moth. O Lord saue Elizabeth our gratious Queene and Gouernor Daugh. Which putteth hir onlie confidence in thee O God hir tower Moth. Oh send hir still continuall helpe from thy most holie place Daugh. And euermore from dangers all defend thou hir most roiall Grace Moth. O let not the infernall fo haue anie aduantage of hir Daugh. Nor let the wicked enimie once approch to hurt hir Moth. Indue hir ministers alwaie with righteousnesse and equitie Daugh. And make thou thy chosen seruants full ioifullie to praise thee Moth. O Lord saue thy people from all perils and dow them with thy gifts Daugh. And blesse thou thine inheritance with all thy bountious benefits Moth. In our time O Lord giue vs thy peace which passeth all vnderstanding Daugh. Bicause none other God dooth fight for vs but onelie thou our King Moth. O soften thou our hardened
crosse whereon his glorious bodie was broken and his pretious bloud shead a sufficient ransome a full satisfaction a iust recompense of thy iustice and lawe for all them that beleeue and embrace thy Gospell and sacred truth But O Lord our good God be mercifull vnto vs who by our infirmitie through the fall of this lordlie man our great grandfather Adam can not now liue in anie peaceable or good condition and state without Magistrates and Kings to rule and gouerne vs. We therefore most humblie and hartilie beseech thy diuine Maiestie for the loue of thine onlie Sonne Iesus Christ to looke downe with thy fatherlie compassion vpon thy seruant Elizabeth our most gratious Queene and dread souereigne Graffe in hir roiall hart by the working of thy holie spirit thy manifold good gifts and benefits as wisdome grace perseuerance in thy truth increase of faith and affiance in thee Defend hir O Lord with thy mightie hand and outstretched arme graunt vnto hir a most honourable long and prosperous reigne ouer vs. Moreouer O Lord if the seruice of golden vessels in thy Temple at Ierusalem were acceptable vnto thee vouchsafe this thy seruant to be esteemed in thy sight as a most honourable ornament in the new Ierusalem not built with monie by the labour of the seruants of the first Salomon but bought with the pretious bloud of the second Salomon thy Sonne our Sauiour Behold hir and make hir to be O Lord as the pretious stone or signet of thine owne hand as the apple of thine eie as the white lillie and sweet rose of the inclosed garden and as the deere doue of thy delights for thy truth sake to the enimies whereof make hir name most dreadfull and to the Church wheresoeuer dispersed most acceptable and ioifull Confound and put to shame O Lord all those that with or procure anie euill to hir roiall person and heroicall virginitie or diminution of hir kingdomes and imperiall dignitie ouer them And when for the multitude of our sinnes O Lord thou wilt punish vs with the wind of thy displeasure by taking from vs this our fragrant and sweet smelling flower which we beseech thee for thine own name sake long to defer then O Lord plant hir in the garden and paradise of thy presence where she may growe and dwell in felicitie incomparable which the eie hath not seene the eare hath not heard neither euer came it into the vnderstanding of man those ioies which thou hast prepared for hir and all thine elect Moreouer O Lord grant thy heauenlie wisedome and grace vnto all vs hir subiects that we may aduisedlie consider and dutifullie call to our remembrance the manifold blessings that we so long time haue enioied and doo presentlie possesse through thy mercie by hir ministerie authoritie and the execution of hir kinglie office vnder the which we doo not onlie reape and peaceablie enioie the fruits of our labours and other corporall commodities but also that which is more woorth than all this euen the freedome and libertie of conscience the preaching and hearing of thy most holie word and the administration and receiuing of thy holie Sacraments For all which and manie other thy blessings O Lord worke in vs thy grace to yeeld vnto thy diuine Maiestie all possible and continuall praises and thanksgiuing that it be not said vnto vs Are there not ten cleansed or Is not England preserued from all tyrannie enioie all these benefits But where are now their returning to giue thanks Quicken our memories therefore O Lord that we neuer be forgetfull of thy great goodnesse towards vs and make vs more and more for thy sake reuerentlie to feare hir dutifullie to obeie hir and faithfullie to loue honor and serue hir as our naturall louing prince and mother and as the meane by whome we receiue all these thy good blessings that hir Maiestie perceiuing our diligence and readinesse to obeie and serue hir may be the oftener put in mind to feare honor loue serue obeie thy diuine and incomparable Maiestie Furthermore inspire hir roiall hart O Lord with thy diuine grace that as she hath begun to set foorth and mainteine thy sacred truth so she may zealouslie and boldlie increase perseuere continue in the same whereby the filthinesse and nakednesse of Antichrist may be more and more reuealed superstition more and more abolished remoued and that old lieng serpent roring Lion sathan our ancient enimie may be more and more restrained kept backe from his malicious purpose in seeking to deuour and draw vs all in ignorance securitie Grant all this O Lord to our great comfort hir honor and immortall fame yea to the discharging of hir owne conscience kinglie dutie and euermore reward crowne these thine owne good gifts in hir O Lord not for the worke sake but for Iesus Christs sake And when thou shalt to our great sorowe and losse but to hir great ioie and profit take hir from vs crowne hir O most mercifull God with a crowne of euerlasting glorie and giue hir the full possession of that eternall kingdome purchased by the blood of that immaculate Lambe thine onlie Sonne our Sauiour and Redeemer Iesus Christ to whome with thee and the holie Ghost three persons and one immortall and euerlasting God be all honour dominion praise and thanks-giuing for euer and euer Amen Another praier for the Queenes Maiestie and for the state present and to come in our posteritie O Most gratious Lord GOD and King almightie iust euerlasting vpon whose wil dependeth the rule staie and direction of althings both in heauen and in earth giuing men power and dominion ouer the people and nations of the world to whom being obedient to thy most holie will and commandements thou giuest wise careful industrious vertuous happie and prosperous kings princes rulers and magistrates to rule and to gouerne to the peace blessing comfort and wealth of the same but the vnrighteous people lasciuious contemptuous idolatrous superstitious blasphemous and rebellious against thy word and Maiestie shall be deliuered ouer to the hands and tuition of foolish idle dissolute negligent and vnfortunate princes rulers and gouernours by whose brutish disorder loosenesse and follie the state beautie strength and bonds of peace iustice loue and gouernement shall be neglected broken disturbed spoiled and by intestine hatred and discords or else by forren vanquishments and discomfitures destroied whereby both land and people are left a praie to the inuasion spoile and rauine of the greedie and victorious destroier who in his mercilesse rage executeth the plagues of thy iust wrath O Lord so that man woman child beast foule nor fish scapeth the stripes thereof Their countries townes cities and dwellings burnt spoiled rent torne and made waste iustice lawe discipline nurture ciuill fellowship honest arts and exercises religion knowledge and feare of thee scorned banished and persecuted and the land being filled with abhomination beastlie tyrannie slaughter bloud robberie theeuerie
and blesse thy chosen and deere beloued seruant Elizabeth our Queene whome thou hast set vp a mightie Prince and mother ouer thy people and Citie Zion and made the chiefe gouernour among the nations O let Elizabeth liue and not die neither let hir honour be anie thing diminished for our sinnes and offences Heare O Lord the voice of hir humble and dailie praiers and let hir continue a Prince of peace roiall Ruler ouer thy people Hir hands shall be good ynough for hir if thou helpe hir still as thou hast done against hir enimies Right and light be with thine holie handmaid whome thou didst prooue with great temptations and triall as thou didst Ioseph before thou didst annoint hir Queene and whome hitherto thou hast preserued a pure and vndefiled virgin to promote thy glorie as thou didst Dauid She that in all hir manifold afflictions hath more esteemed the seruing of thee hir God than sauing of hir selfe and loued not hir life so deere as she loued thy lawe yea that preferred thine obedience before sacrifice and all things in the world beside O let hir our gratious Queene Elizabeth I saie who hath thus don hir dutie be plentifullie rewarded therefore of thee hir God from heauen with the perpetuall crowne of glorie and palme of victorie She euen she hath taught Iacob thy iudgements and Israel thy lawe she hath put incense before thy face and the burnt offering vpon thine altar She euen she O God hath with Hezechias restored thy sincere religion and woorshippeth thee aright with euerie one that is godlie in thee Blesse therefore O Lord hir substance and first fruits and accept the works of hir hands Smite through the loines of them that rise vp against hir and of them that hate hir that they rise not againe O let the beloued of the Lord dwell euer in safetie by thee yea doo thou Lord vouchsafe stil to be hir vale and defence all hir life long and dwell with hir heere in the Church as hir beloued spouse head and gouernour Laie thy left hand vnder hir head and let thy right hand embrace hir that she may find continuall comfort in thy presence O fountaine of the gardens O well of liuing waters Arise O North and come O South and blowe on thy spouse which is as a goodlie and pleasant garden inclosed and as a fountaine sealed vp for thy selfe and water it with the springs of Lebanon that it may growe great and that the sweet spices and smell therof may flowe out into thy nostrels and thou eate of the pleasant fruit in hir Kisse hir with the kisses of peace and righteousnes and let hir two breasts satisfie thee be like two yoong roes that are twins feeding vpon the lillies Set hir as a seale on thine hart and as a signet vpon thine arme and let the lampe of hir loue be a verie vehement flame vnquenchable Let hir be a sure wall or foundation wherevpon thou maist build a golden palace and let hir breasts be as towers vnassaultable that she may be meet for thee hir spouse to dwell in and be in thine eies as she that findeth perpetuall peace and quietnesse O God in whose sight hir fathers did walke thou O God which hast fed hir all hir life long vnto this daie and deliuered hir hither to from so manie not euils but deaths blesse hir still euen with the blessing of Abraham Isaac Iacob and all the Patriarchs with all the blessings of thy mercies promised vnto hir father Dauid In hir let Israel also be blessed in hir let thy graces so plentifullie and manifestlie appeare that the people may thence take a patterne of blessing thee and teach their posteritie to blesse and praise thee for thy goodnesse and mercie both towards hir and them For she is to vs thy might thy strength the noblenesse of dignitie and the excellencie of power She as a lionesse is laid downe and couched safelie after the spoile Who shall stir hir vp Hir enimies doo all feare hir And doo thou still charge the daughters of Ierusalem that they stir not vp thy loue nor awake hir by troubling hir quietnes peace vntill she please Hir fellowe virgins praise hir hir hand shall be in the necke of hir enimies hir fathers people doo bow downe vnto hir saieng Good lucke haue thou with thine honour Ride on because of the word of truth which thou embracest with meekenesse O let not the brethren of euill the reuengers of bloud nor the instruments of violence and crueltie bee in hir court and habitation O let not crueltie or falsehood come into hir soule Into their secrets let not hir soule come neither let hir glorie be ioined nor stained with the assemblie or damned crue of the wicked Curse them that curse hir blesse them that blesse hir diuide them in Iacob and scatter them in Israel which shameleslie in their rage dare cruellie attempt anie treacheries or treasons against hir innocent and roiall person yea let them be condignelie punished whosoeuer go about to trouble the state or ouerthrowe hir kingdome Let not the scepter depart out of hir hand nor hir kingdome be diminished but let this thy most wise lawe-giuer our meeke Moses continue amongst vs with honour to iudge thy people and gather them vnto thee long in rest and peace euen vntill Silo our Sauiour Iesus the giuer of all prosperitie come to crowne hir in his euerlasting kingdome with his saluation Let hir see that rest and peace is good and that it is thou that hast made hir to ouercome all hir enimies at the last Blesse hir Lord with great increase of all maner of good profitable and pleasant things Hir bread let it be fat that she may giue pleasant gifts woorthie such a Queene Let hir be as an Hind sent vnto vs from thee for a pretious present giuing goodlie words to hir people Let Elizabeth be the daughter of increase and like a flourishing and fruitfull palme tree by the waters side whose small branches or virgins may run and spread themselues fruitfullie also and shew verie greene vpon the wals of thy house The archers hir enimies haue greeuouslie prouoked hir and shot against hir with venemous darts they haue hated hir to hir hinderance and griefe great and manie haue beene hir afflictions and persecutions But hir bowe abode fast and strong and the hands of hir armes were strengthened by the hands of the mightie God of Iacob Hir deliuerance was euen by the stone of Israel by whom she is appointed a mother in Israel euen by the God of hir father who hath helped hir and by the almightie who hath blessed hir with heauenlie blessings from aboue with blessings of the deepe that lieth beneath and with blessings of the brests and of the wombe The time now is come that the blessings of GOD shewed vnto hir father shall take effect and be stronger in hir than the blessings of hir elders Unto the vttermost ends
that we may willinglie and gladlie loue honor serue and obeie all superior powers in thee and for thee that we may ioifullie receiue thy Gospell plentiouslie bring foorth the fruits thereof and in all things chieflie applie our selues to the maintenance of thy true worship and setting foorth of thine honor and glorie Daughter Amen For the ignorant Mother VNto the ignorant also that their eies may be opened that it would please thee to shew thy countenance vnto them that they may knowe thee and thy Church which they condemne as errours because their eies are closed vp in darknes that as their zeale is now in simplicitie without knowledge so they may haue in stead of it a godlie zeale grounded on perfect knowledge so that thy Gospell may fructifie in them also to the glorie of thy holie name Daugh. Amen For the malicious persecutors Mother EUen vnto the malicious persecutors also that they may either at the length receiue thy grace so often and so mercifullie profered vnto them and so acknowledge their malice and returne vnto thee to thy great honor and glorie when thou shalt be praised euen by the mouth of thine enimies or else if they haue vtterlie giuen ouer themselues vnto continuall hatred of thee and thy word and vtterly reiected all kind of discipline that then thou take them awaie from among vs to thy great honor and glorie also when as thy little flocke being deliuered from their tyrannie and oppression shall ioifullie sing vnto thee of thy continuall goodnesse and woonderfull deliuerance Daughter Amen For those that are afflicted for Christs sake Mother VNto vs all that are troubled persecuted and cruellie handeled for thy name sake that although it please thee to make a sharpe triall of our faith that our enimies may be either ashamed or confounded thereat yet that thou leaue vs not so much destitute of thy grace that we be not able to stand to the vttermost proofe thereof Consider O Lord the greatnesse of our infirmities And although our sins haue deserued thy wrath yet let the equitie of the cause which is thine for the which we are troubled purchase vnto vs thy fauour and mercie Giue vs therefore grace to continue to the end willinglie and ioifullie to beare whatsoeuer crosse it shall please thee to laie vpon vs and alwaies to be readie to defend and set foorth thine honour and glorie in whatsoeuer triall it be And if we must needs drinke of the cup of triall yet giue leaue vnto thy chosen to drinke the flowre of it and reserue the bottome and dregs thereof for the proud and obstinate enimies of thy Gospell according to thy mercies promised in Iesus Christ our Lord. Daughter Amen For all estates in generall Mother AND finallie be thou mercifull vnto vs all that are of the houshold of faith of what estate or calling soeuer we be that we all remembring to what end thou hast created vs and how dangerous a thing it is to walke so farre vnworthie of our vocation as we now cōmonlie doo may hartilie repent vs of our licentious dissolute and wicked life and euer crie vnto thee for pardon of the same And grant O heauenlie father that the denieng or vnfruitfull receiuing of thy word be not laid to our charge to our vtter confusion but that now at the length we may not onlie receiue it but speedilie learne to bring foorth the fruits of the same that applieng our liues to the exact rule thereof and walking before thee in holinesse and righteousnesse with continuall thanks and praise for all thy mercies shewed vnto vs euer seeking thine honor and glorie in all our dooings may at the end of this our short and wearie peregrination be taken vp vnto thee to euerlasting rest and quietnesse prepared for all beleeuers through the merits of Iesus Christ our Lord. Daughter Amen For increase of true preachers complaining of the lacke herein Mother AND now O heauenlie Father according as wee are taught by thy sonne we humblie beseech thee mercifullie to bow downe thine eies and to behold how great and plentifull thy haruest is and euen now readie to be cut downe O thrust thou foorth good and faithfull laborers into it to reape and gather it into thy barns For though thy haruest be great yet are the labourers verie few Behold O Lord the miserable estate of these daies how thy seelie sheepe wander vp and down without a shepheard Euerie one almost goeth by about his own priuaite imaginations accounting it no part of his dutie or charge to be mooued therat or to take pitie on their great miserie The better sort see it lament it But Lord how few are those that busilie seeke the redresse thereof their owne priuate cōmodities set apart Surelie thy sheepe euen thy sheepe O heauenlie shepheard are in perilous case they are gone astray euerie one after their owne waies euen to their owne destruction they are on the barren mountaines almost vtterlie famished for lacke of food of themselues are not able to returne to the fold And in all these things euen they to whom thou hast giuen the charge of them can for the most part either sleepe sweetlie or if they awake then can they be content other waies to occupie themselues But O Lord wilt thou also alwaies sleepe and neuer arise vp to be reuenged on these so manifest iniuries Wilt thou neuer displace these carelesse hirelings and raise vp in their places such as shall be vigilant pastors ouer their charge although our sinnes deserue no redresse Neither yet giue vs anie hope to find mercie in this matter Yet for thy name sake and for thine honour and glorie O Father we cease not dailie to present our selues before thee as euen now at this present humblie beseeching thee in the name of thy sonne Iesus Christ to raise vp among vs like as thou hast begun manie good shepheards such as will not let for anie paines or discomfiture to seeke out thy wandering sheepe and to defend vs from the bloud-thirstie iawes of the rauening woolues Good guides such as will both shew vs the waie and they themselues lead it vnto vs yea and carie home the poore and faint vpon their backs Good and faithfull distributers of thy word and mysteries such as will giue vs food in due season breaking vnto vs the liuing bread and giuing vs to drinke of the water of life That whereas now manie of vs are almost perished with famine therefore are becom lothsome and ill liking in thy sight we may therby through thy helpe be recouered from all lothsomnesse and ill liking and be restored againe to our former plight and beautie that we may be strong and growe in all grace and godlinesse And altogither in the safetie of thy fold with one hart and voice declare thy mercie and goodnesse and woonderous works and sanctifie thy holie name for euer Grant thou this O heauenlie Father and Lord of the haruest not for our
haue mercie vpon me 6. On the first Sundaie in Lent Of Christ his temptation in the wildernesse and most glorious conquest ouer Sathan The Preface MY sonne if thou wilt come into the seruice of God stand fast in righteousnesse and feare and prepare thy soule to temptation for he that is not tempted what is he Remember alwaie the Lord thy God which lead thee fortie yeares in the wildernes for to humble thee and to prooue thee and to knowe what was in thine hart whether thou wouldest keepe his commandements or no. He humbled thee and suffered thee to hunger and fed thee with Manna which neither thou nor thy fathers knew of to make thee knowe that a man doth not liue by bread onlie but by euerie word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth a man liue To daie therefore if you will heare his voice harden not your harts as in the prouocation and as in the daie of temptation in the wildernesse when your fathers tempted me prooued me and sawe my works Fortie yeares long was I greeued with this generation and said It is a people that doo erre in their harts for they haue not knowne my waies vnto whome I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest Examine me O Lord and prooue me trie out my reines and my hart For thy louing kindnes is euer before mine eies and I will walke in thy truth I haue sinned haue mercie vpon me The Praier THE cause of thine appeering in the flesh O Sonne of God Lord and Sauiour Christ was to destroie the works of sathan which our first parents did The diuell through hatred of thee and of thine eternall father encountred in visible forme He soaked into their minds certaine suspicions and doubtings of thy will and pricked them on with a desire of a more excellent nature being themselues of all the creatures the most excellent He tickled them with the spurre of pride and ambition and so by his subtiltie caried them headlong with himselfe being withdrawne from thee into the bottomles pit of eternall destruction But thou incensed against him through the infinite and vnspeakable good will which thou bearest to mankind tookest vs miserable wretches out of the insatiable iawes of our mortall enimie and in thy flesh at length when he dreaded not to assaile thee our Captaine thou puttest him to a shamefull flight and drauest him from thee and thine so that at anie time through thy small assistance we may both repell him and preuaile against his fierce assalts of temptations Unto thee O almightie God and victorious Captaine with godlie groanes doo we crie requiring at thy mercifull hands to be made of the number of thy celestiall souldiers parteners of thy glorious victorie and enioiers of thy happines Arme vs with thy heauenlie armour that is with the knowledge of thy word and spirituall consolations whereby we may bee able to repell the firie darts of that foule feend Against thy Church in all ages hath this enimie of thine set himselfe and brought these engins to their ouerthrowe which he vsed against thine owne person at such time as thou wentest from thy baptisme to preaching knowing that thy prosperitie would be his decaie and yet through the will of God did not acknowledge thee to be the Messias He troubled thee beeing in the wildernes without worldlie power aid wealth and riches with horrible cogitations did he vexe thy soule and troubled thy hart with greefe vnspeakable At this time thy Church lieth in the wildernesse poorelie and miserablie doth she lie oppressed with wrongfull iniuries and mightie troubles He laugheth thereat derideth the Saincts standing vnder the crosse he bids stones to be made bread he contemneth their miserie and casteth in their teeth the glorie and wealth of his kingdome Assist vs that in these temptations we may laie hold of the armour of proofe and behold this noble answere of thine Man liueth not by bread onlie We knowledge thee with the euerliuing Father and the holie Ghost to be a true and almightie God giuing vs the bread of life and so ordeining that with corporall things we are fed and susteined in this life O eternall Father which knowest what we need and alone canst giue a reason why after this manner thou wilt feed vs and not as thou dooest the starres without corporall things Giue vnto the Church of thy wisedome such things as are necessarie for the sustentation of this life wherein the ioies of the life eternall and to come doth begin And albeit sometimes we lacke diuers things although thine aduersarie throweth stones at vs for bread yet by thy power strengthen vs that we faint not Thou art our maker wee are thy workemanship In thy hands is the whole frame of this world We liue not by bread alone or by our owne industrie neither art thou tied with a fatall chaine of second causes but by thy decree by thy will doo we breath in thee we liue moue and haue our beeing At thy commandement we take life and when thou biddest we leaue this world Wherefore if so it please thee we shall liue as doo the birds of the aire which haue no protection or as the child in the mothers wombe which knoweth not how he liueth And as he albeit lieng in great darkenes and couered in secret parts receiueth nourishment after a maruellous manner from his mother and at length by the course of nature commeth safe and sound into this world so we notwithstanding our liuing in palpable darkenes of this life and wrapped in the miseries of this world among the packe of thine enimies yet armed with thy word and promise doo receiue comfort thereby and are protected by thee after a woonderfull sort and at length trust to be deliuered out of this bodie of sinne and to come to a better life which neuer shall haue end For we are not made to liue alwaies in this world in miserie but thou hast prepared a more glorious life for thy seruants the sweetnes whereof beginneth in this world Thy word is our life O eternall Father Thy Sonne is the word speaking to vs both inwardlie and outwardlie Outwardlie by his ministers he vttereth from thy bosome thy will and commandements and inwardlie he speaketh to our soules raising vp godlie cogitations and manners pleasing thee so that a double life is reserued for vs to wit a corporall and a spirituall not through bread not through our owne merits but through thy will reuealed by thy Sonne Furthermore forsomuch as sathan vseth another kind of weapon to the destruction of the godlie when thy Church enioieth quietnes and peace by stirring of excellent good wits and teachers armed with publike authoritie vnto curiositie and ambition whereby through enuie and hatred vaine contentions are mooued famous men cast themselues from the pinacle of the Temple and heresies doo arise we humblie beseech thee in this respect also because it is more hurtfull than
the former subtiltie of sathan represse thine enimie which corrupteth thy word and vseth the same for the confirmation of damnable opinions Quench all the flames of ambition pride and curiositie Leade vs not into temptation neither suffer vs to tempt thee to contend with thee through pride in setting our owne wisedome and subtiltie against thee which was the ouerthrowe of our first parents Suffer vs not to forsake thy word neither permit that fowle and lieng spirit to falsifie the same in vs but make vs constantlie to rest vpon thy promise as to a sacred and sure anchor setting it against all the motions of curiositie and pride Last of all remoue from vs that horrible torment of idolatrie The world at this daie is wrapped in idle seruice yea vnwittinglie the whole world is full of idols to the great dishonor of thy name Fained gods are erected superstitious inuocations are confirmed idolaters swimme in wealth and rule the rost thy glorie is defaced thy maiestie blasphemed the diuell rageth and reigneth he giueth kingdomes and disposeth the goods of this world if his words be true as he lieth shamefullie For thou it is and thou alone which alterest Empires and confirmest them at thy pleasure If order be obserued thou causest it but all misorder is raised by the diuell for the which he shall be punished of thee with paines eternall Wherefore haue mercie on vs O God haue mercie on vs deliuer vs from the thicke mud of idolatrie make vs to lift vp our eies vnto thee the sonne of glorie that abhorring all feined seruice and ceremonies contrarie to thy word wee may acknowledge serue and sanctifie thee the true God Father Sonne and holie Ghost which by and for thy Sonne dooest deliuer vs from the power of Sathan and make vs heires of thine euerlasting kingdome which alone knowest the harts and grones of all creatures which onlie wilt be called vpon in the name of thy Sonne and heare vs onelie for his sake Wherefore vnto thee O our God and Iehoua doo we speake thee onelie through thine assistance will we serue and neuer giue thy glorie to another Take vp that impudent theefe Satan which would steale awaie thine honour banish him far from thy Church But gard both our bodies soules with the gard of thine holie Angels which may pitch their tents about vs and encounter with Sathan which besetteth vs on all sides Deliuer vs out of his hands from all miseries of this life and last of all passing out of this world carie our soules vnto the societie of thy Saints in life eternall Amen I haue sinned I haue sinned haue mercie vpon me Of the Diuel and his manifold temptations THere wanted a tempter and thou wert the cause that he was wanting there wanted time and place and thou wert the cause that they wanted the tempter was present and there wanted neither place nor time but thou holdest me backe that I should not consent The tempter came full of darknesse as he is and thou didst harden me that I might despise him The tempter came armed and stronglie but to the intent he should not ouercome me thou didst restraine him and strengthen me The tempter came transformed into an Angel of light and to the intent he should not deceiue me thou diddest rebuke him and to the intent I should knowe him thou diddest inlighten me For he is that great red dragon and that old serpent called the diuell and Sathan which hath seuen heads and ten horns whom thou hast created to take his pleasure in this huge and broad sea wherein there creepe liuing wights innumerable and beasts great and small that is to saie diuers sorts of fiends which practise nothing else daie nor night but to go about seeking whom they may deuoure except thou rescue him For it is that old dragon which was bred in the paradise of pleasure which draweth downe the third part of the starres of heauen with his taile and casts them to the ground which with his venem poisoneth the waters of the earth that as manie men as drinke of them may die which triumpheth vpon gold as if it were mire and is of opinion that Iordan shall runne into his mouth and which is made of such a mould as he feareth no man And who shall saue vs from his chaps Who shall plucke vs out of his mouth sauing thou O Lord who hast broken the heads of the great dragon Helpe vs Lord spread out thy wings ouer vs O Lord that we may flie vnder them from the face of this dragon that pursueth vs and fence thou vs from his hornes with thy sheeld For his continuall endeuour and onelie desire is to deuoure the soules which thou hast created And therefore we crie vnto thee our God deliuer vs from our dailie aduersarie who whether we sleepe or wake whether we eate or drinke or whether wee be dooing anie thing else presseth vpon vs by all kind of meanes assaulting vs daie and night with traines and policies and shooting his venemous arrowes at vs sometime openlie and somtime priuilie to slea our soules and yet are we most lewdlie ouerseene O Lord in that whereas we see the dragon continuallie in a readines to deuoure vs with open mouth we neuerthelesse doo sleepe and riot in our owne slothfulnesse as though we were out of his danger who desireth nothing else but to destroie vs. Our enimie to the intent to kill vs watcheth continuallie and neuer sleepeth and yet will not we wake from sleepe to saue our selues Behold he hath pitched infinite snares before our feet and filled all our waies with sundrie traps to catch our soules And who can escape them He hath laid snares for vs in our riches he hath laid snares in our pouerty he hath laid snares in our meate in our drinke in our pleasures in our sleepe and in our waking he hath set snares for vs in our words and in our works and in all our life but Lord deliuer vs from the net of the fowlers and from hard words that we may giue praise to thee saieng Blessed be the Lord who hath not giuen vs vp to be torne with their teeth Our soule is deliuered as a sparowe out of the net of the fowler the net is broken and we be escaped Against the temptation of Sathan praie thus O Lord Iesu Christ the onlie staie and fence of our mortall state our onlie hope our onlie saluation our glorie and our triumph who in the flesh which thou hadst for our only cause taken vpon thee didst suffer thy selfe to be tempted of Sathan and who onlie and alone of all men diddest vtterlie ouercome and vanquish sinne death the world the diuell and all the kingdome of hell whatsoeuer thou hast so ouercommed for our behalfe it is that thou hast ouercommed it neither hath it been thy will to haue anie of thy seruants keepe battell and fight with anie of the foresaid euils but of purpose to reward vs
Father making intercession for vs sounded continuallie in the eares of God Worke so that we be not found in the number of those into whome sathan hath entred which blaspheame thee despise thy benefits and destroie themselues vtterlie Increase our faith and knowledge of thee that the eternall Father through thy sacrifice being pleased may forgiue all our sinnes and receiue vs into that companie which is glorious in thine eies Under the crosse standeth thy noble but sorowfull mother hir sister and other good women with thy disciple Iohn whome thou louedst O blesse vs and of thy goodnes ioine vs to that companie In thy mother there shineth a notable light and strength of faith she beholdeth in thee hir Sonne those sights than which none could be more greeuous in this world she sawe the rage of thine enimies and thine intollerable torments yet she beleeued notwithstanding the greeuousnes of thy paine the shedding of thy pretious bloud the flight of thy disciples the crueltie of thine enimies and the odiousnes of thy death she beleeued I saie O the force of faith that thou wast God by nature and shouldest rise againe and reigne euerlastinglie ouercome death and the diuell and subdue all thine enimies O Sonne of God kindle within vs we praie thee the like sparks of faith giue vs grace with thine elect neuer to be ashamed to stand vnder thy crosse And as thou euen of an entire good will mercifullie among thy seruants didst speake vnto and comfort thy pensiue and moorning mother so speake vnto vs and thy troubled Church in miserie comfort hir with thy sweet voice and presence Thou commendedst thy mother to thine Apostle Make vs vnfeignedlie to loue the Church thy sweet and true mother and grant that euerie of vs may cherish the same louinglie and mainteine it to the vttermost of our powers Especiallie guide the Preachers that they may loue the mother nourish the vnitie of pure doctrine auoid the seed of heresies and remooue all stumbling-blockes all occasions of hindering of faith and praier in yoong Christians At thy sides hang two theeues punished for their sinnes according to the lawe and their deserts whereof one desperatelie powring out blasphemous speeches the other godlie requiring thy fauour he ended his daies All mankind Lord doo likewise hang in miseries for their sinnes whereof some are so captiued in their minds that at the point of death they scoffe blaspheme and desperatelie to their vtter condemnation finish their daies but giue vs grace we beseech thee that we may imitate the example of the gratious theefe which before his passage out of this life moued by infallible arguments of thine almightinesse and mercie required pardon of his offences and obteined the same according to his request Giue grace that we may imitate his hartie repentance his sorowe for sin his notable faith his zealous confession and other good works of his We beseech thee mercifull Lord be mindfull of vs. O Lord be mindfull of vs. Thou sittest in the kingdom of thy Father we are in the miseries of the world but be thou mindfull of vs. Begin thy kingdome in vs heere in this world and in euerie combate of our conscience especiallie at the point of death pronounce to our hearts this comfortable absolution This daie shalt thou be with me in Paradise Shew vnto vs thy paradise that departing out of this life we may find rest for our soules Open to our soules the gates of Paradise place them in the seates of immortalitie and state of blisse where thy Father togither with the blessed companie of Angels and men sheweth himselfe euen as he is In the meane while thy combate is not yet finished thou criedst in most pittifull maner My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Thy diuinitie was not then separated from thy humanitie which neuer lost that which once it tooke neither surcessedst nor dooest thou surcesse at anie time to be equall and one with thine eternall father but then was the houre of thy humiliation wherein after a woonderfull and vnspeakable maner thy diuinitie hid it selfe as it were and would haue this obedience to be showne and thought not best to destroie the Iewes thine enimies and murtherers Yea it hid it selfe that the streames of Gods displeasure against the sinnes of men should so fall vpon thee O Christ that they should wrestle with extreame torments such as for a certeine space thou perceiuedst no comfort notwithstanding thy diuinitie confirmed thine humane nature which was to suffer all the passions For thy diuinitie could not suffer anie passion at all therefore it confirmed the same that there might be a sufficient satisfaction for the sins of men For they which haue endured most greeuous torments could neuer abide these for if God comfort vs we may abide the punishment of men and then it may be said Though bodies greefe did feele Yet had their soules great ioie And vertuous hope did strengthen so That paines did naught annoie But intollerable is it for a creature to suffer the punishment of God and be saued thereby Wherefore O Sonne of God in displeasure bee mindfull of thy mercie be thou our protection that the wrath of thine eternall father doo not destroie vs. Euen a little taste of Gods displesure bursteth in peeces all the bones of men like a lion And therfore by and by after thou vtteredst the like complaint saieng I thirst thy soule languished through the greatnesse of thy paines Thy spirits were resolued through thy woonderfull greefe of hart Thy bowels dried awaie and no moisture abode in them and therefore trulie didst thou both inwardlie thirst and desire some vertue and comfort from thy Father and outwardlie to haue thy bodie refreshed O Iesu Christ which art the fountaine of eternall life giuing the water which quencheth all thirst from whose bellie springeth the well of life suffer vs not to taste such a greeuous thirst as did that merciles rich glutton in hell which neuer was quenched but with the godlie to saie My soule stucke vnto my iawes I had no quietnes in my bones Lord in thy iudgements correct me not in thy furie least I come vnto nothing If thou obseruest iniquities O Lord Lord who shall be able to abide Thus doo thy Saincts crie I saie in their troubles Wherefore kindle not thy wrath altogither against vs. Cease not to comfort our weake nature striuing against thy iudgements with the iuice of thy word and comfortable waterings of thy spirit Unto thee did thine eternall Father manifest his presence and comfort for our sakes when some while after being better quieted thou saiedst It is finished Thou gauest thanks to thine eternall father for helping thee whereby the sacrifice of welfare to the elect for euermore was fulfilled Oh most sacred Priest imprint within vs this celestiall conclusion this notable finishing of thy sacrifice that vndoubtedlie we may thinke that by this sacrifice the remission of sinnes and life eternall is purchased for vs.
from the Father of lights and from his Sonne our Lord Iesu Christ with whom thou reignest and art glorified most singularlie being of one substance coequall and coeternall with them in the essence of one and the same Trinitie I knowe thee Father Sonne and holie Ghost to be one a liuing and a verie God three I confesse in persons yet but one in essence whom I acknowledge worship and glorifie with mine whole hart being the true God the onlie God holie immortall inuisible vnchangable whom no man can either attaine vnto or find out This God I acknowledge to be one light one sunne one bread one life one happinesse one beginning one end one Creator both of heauen and earth by whom all things doo liue by whom all things subsist by whom all things are gouerned ruled and quickened both the things in heauen and the things in earth things vnder the earth besides whom there is no God neither in heauen nor in earth Thus knowe I thee O blessed Trinitie my Lord God who knowest me Thus knowe I thee through the faith which thou hast inspired to me I knowe thee O my light the sight of mine eies O Lord my GOD the hope of all the ends of the earth the ioie reioicing my youth and the good susteining mine age For in thee O Lord all my bones reioice saieng O Lord who is like to thee Among the gods who is like to thee Not that whom the hands of men haue made but thou who hast made the hands of men The idols of the nations are siluer and gold euen the works of mens hands so is not he which made man All the gods of the people are idols but the Lord made the heauens Let those gods which made not the heauens and the earth perish from the earth and from vnder these heauens but let both heauen and earth praise him which created both earth and heauen Amen A zealous praier vnto the blessed Trinitie WHerefore O Lord my faith which thou hast giuen me to my saluation calleth vnto thee For the faithfull soule liueth by faith he enioieth in hope which one daie he shall behold in thee O my God vnto thee crieth my pure conscience and the sweet loue of my faith which the darkenes of ignorance being driuen away thou hast brought vnto the knowledge of the truth which also thou hast plucked from the foolish bitternes of this world and made comfortable and pleasant to me through thy sweet loue Unto thee O blessed Trinitie doth the cleere voice and sincere loue of my faith call the which nourishing the same from the cradle thou hast inlightned alwaie by the light of thy grace confirmed mightilie in me through the instructions of our mother the Church Unto thee doo I call O happie blessed glorious and single Trinitie Father Sonne and holie Ghost God Lord and Comforter loue grace and communion the begetter the begotten the renewer the verie light of the verie light the verie illumination the spring the floud and the watering of one all through one all in one all things of whome through whome and in whome are all things The liuing life the life from the liuing the quickener of such as liue One of himselfe one of one one of two A being of himselfe a being of another a being from both The Father is true the Sonne truth and the holie Ghost truth so that the Father the Word the Comforter are one essence one power one goodnes and one blessednes of whom through whome and in whome all things be blessed whatsoeuer things are blessed I beseech thee therefore that as thou hast giuen me grace by the confession of a true faith to acknowledge the glorie of the eternall Trinitie and in the power of the diuine maiestie to worship the vnitie so grant that through the stedfastnesse of this faith I may euermore be preserued comforted defended in all my troubles aduersities which liuest and reignest three persons and one God blessed for euer Amen Another deuout praier to the holie Trinitie WIth all my hart and mouth doo I confesse praise blesse thee O God the Father vnbegotten and thee O God the Sonne onlie begotten also thee O holie Ghost Comforter to thee be glorie in the world of worlds Amen O blessed Trinitie thou three coequall and coeternall persons and one verie God the Father Sonne and holie Ghost who dwellest alone in euerlastingnes and in vnapprochable light which hast founded the earth by thy mightie power and rulest the whole world by thy wisedome Holie holie holie Lord God of hoasts dreadfull strong righteous mercifull maruellous praise-woorthie to be beloued one God three persons one being power wisedome goodnes and one vnspeakable Trinitie I crie vnto thee Open me the gates of righteousnes and when I am come in I will praise thee O Lord. Behold I poore begger knocke at thy doore O souereigne housholder command the gates to be opened at my knocking according as thou hast said Knocke yee and it shall be opened For trulie O most mercifull Father the desires of my groning hart and the cries of my weeping eies doo knocke at thy doore All my desire is before thee and my groning is not hid from thee Lord turne not thy face anie more awaie from me neither fling thou awaie from thy seruant in a fume O Father of mercies heare the howling out of thy Ward and reach hir thy singular good helping hand that it may drawe me out of the deepe waters and out of the lake of miserie and out of the mire of filthines that I perish not thy pitifull eies seeing it and the bowels of thy mercie beholding it but that I may wade out vnto thee my Lord God so as I may see the riches of thy kingdome and alwaies behold thy face and sing praises to thy holie name O Lord which workest woonders which cheerest my hart with remembring thee and which inlightenest my youth despise not mine old age but make my bones to reioice and my hoarie heares to waxe fresh againe as the Eagle A Thanks-giuing WE lift vp our harts vnto thee O Lord for it is verie meet right and our bounden duties that we should at all times and in all places giue thanks to thee O God almightie and euerlasting God which art one God one Lord not one onelie person but three persons in one substance For that which we beleeue of the glorie of the Father the same we beleeue of the Sonne and of the holie Ghost without anie difference or inequalitie Therefore with Angels and Archangels and with all the companie of heauen we laud and magnifie thy glorious name euermore praising thee and saieng Holie holie holie Lord God of hoasts heauen and earth are full of thy glorie Glorie be to thee O Lord most high and in earth peace good will towards men We praise thee we blesse thee we woorship thee we glorifie thee we giue thanks to thee for thy great glorie O
Lord God heauenlie King God the Father almightie O Lord the onlie begotten Sonne Iesu Christ O Lord God Lambe of God Sonne of the Father that takest awaie the sinnes of the world haue merrie vpon vs. Thou that takest awaie the sinnes of the world haue mercie vpon vs. Thou that takest awaie the sinnes of the world receiue our praiers Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father haue mercie vpon vs. For thou onlie art holie thou onlie art the Lord thou onlie O Christ with the holie Ghost art most high in the glorie of God the Father to whome be all kingdome power honor and glorie world without end Amen 13. On euerie Sundaie holidaie or weekedaie Of Christ his second and last comming to iudgement The Preface THE kingdome of heauen is neere at hand euen at the doores Take heed watch and praie The sonne of man shall come as a theefe in the night suddenlie and vnwares at an houre that ye knowe not Take heed watch and praie Euen Iesus which was taken vp from vs into heauen shall so come againe to gather vs vnto him as he was seene to haue gone into heauen Come Lord Iesu Behold he commeth with clowdes and euerie eie shall see him yea euen they which pierced him through and all kindreds of the earth shall vaile before him Come Lord Iesu Our God shall come and shall not keepe silence there shall go before him a consuming fire and burne vp his enimies on euerie side the hilles shall melt like waxe at the presence of the Lord a mightie tempest shall be stirred vp round about him Come Lord Iesu He commeth he commeth to iudge the earth and with righteousnesse to iudge the world and the people with equitie and truth Come Lord Iesu Therefore yet a verie little while O my soule take heed watch praie and he that shall come will come and will not tarrie Come Lord Iesu Surelie I come shortlie saith Christ and my reward is with me to giue to euerie one according as his works shall be either good or bad For I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end the first and the last Blessed are they that watch and keepe my commandements vnto the end Come Lord Iesu Euen so saith the spirit and the bride Come Lord Iesu come quicklie Amen Amen Halleluiah The praier to haue Christs sudden comming euen in our remembrance and that we may be in a readinesse against his most glorious appearing The Preface Vt supra Iesus The Praier BEholding O heauenlie Father the daie of accompts ouer all flesh to be euen now at hand namelie the last daie the daie of iudgement the great and notable daie of the Lord wherein the whole generation of mankind from the beginning of the world shall rise againe shall appeare both in bodie and soule before the presence of the most iust iudge thine eternall Sonne and our righteous God to receiue their owne doome for weale or wo for life or death for ioie or paine and that eternallie with the saincts in heauen or for euer with the diuels in hell we beseech thee most humblie O gratious God to haue mercie vpon all thine inheritance dispersed in these our euill and dangerous daies in the midst of this wicked most sinfull and vntoward generation vpon the face of the earth amongst whome we are most miserablie entangled contemned cruellie dealt withall and stirred to all abhominations O heauenlie Father we acknowledge before thee in our selues the greatnesse of our owne frailtie our corrupted lust to lewdnesse the fulnesse in our selues of our owne iniquitie and our accustomed inclination at all times to wickednesse O Father of mercies tender vs in our weakenes haue compassion vpon our infirmities pardon our sinfulnesse and grant vnto vs thine holie spirit to worke speedie mortification in vs to keepe lowe the pride of our flesh to humble our soules in thy sight to strengthen vs in righteousnesse to feare alwaies thy iudgements to thinke vpon thy wrathfull indignation and vpon the houre of the vengeance to come when thou for our wickednesse shalt turne awaie thy face from vs. Haue mercie vpon vs O Lord haue mercie vpon vs for Christ Iesus thy Sonne sake and so prepare all our harts soules and bodies to the necessitie of the time that we may haue therein good regard to our selues that our harts be not ouercharged with excesse of eating surfeting and dronkennesse or otherwise vexed with the cares of this wretched world to hinder vs and to drawe vs backe from our carefull attendance or diligent waiting for the Lords sudden comming to iudgement but that we may continuallie attend wait watch and praie for the speedie appeerance of his glorious Maiestie that when he shall at the rising againe of all flesh by the sound of the last trumpet come to iudge both the quicke and the dead we may be then in a readinesse to meet him aboue in the heauens and there to stand before his presence to behold the glorie of his most gratious countenance to see how in mercie he shall separate vs from the wicked as sheepe from the goates to set vs also on his right hand to giue the sentence of blessing vpon vs and to commend vs vnto the kingdome of thee his heauenlie Father which he himselfe hath prepared and so pretiouslie purchased with the price of his own bloud there with him with thee O Father and with the holie Ghost to liue in euerlasting ioie and felicitie Grant this O heauenlie Father euen for the onelie merits sake of that thy deere Sonne and our Sauiour Iesus Christ Amen Another meditation of the signes which shall appeare before the end of the world IT is thy saieng O Sonne of God that in the last and doting age of the world both greater and more greeuous miseries and confusions among men should bee than euer were and also for all that that thou which art the defender of thy Church in the midst of such calamities and crueltie of thine enimies wilt preserue some remnant of the faithfull that thy seruice be not vtterlie extinguished before the end of this world Wherefore being oppressed through the intollerable burden of miseries heaped therefore vpon vs bicause the sins of this withering world are most greeuous and lamentable but especiallie for that Sathan thine enimie seeth the daie of iudgement to be verie nigh at hand wherein his abhomination shall openlie be laid before all thy chosen creatures and he be cast hedlong into eternall torments which makes him extreamelie to rage against thy chosen flocke and to seeke by all meanes that possiblie he can to withdrawe vs from thee and to make vs blaspheme thy sacred Maiestie Wee as it standeth vs vpon flie vnto thee with all humblenesse of mind in these our extremities The whole frame of this world groaneth also with thine elect and earnestlie desireth to be renewed Therefore according to thy gratious admonition we call into mind the signes
that thou art the Sonne of the liuing God our King and Sauiour And for asmuch as great is the rage and mightie the power of thine enimies which fight against the truth mercifullie defend thy Church sounding foorth this thy wisedome defend the same we beseech thee against the verie gates of hell And as thou hast giuen to the Apostle Saint Peter manie excellent gifts and commandedst him earnestlie to feed the flocke wherby at the infancie as it were of thy Church he was a glorious light of the Gospell and publisher of the truth so keepe among vs thy ministerie and send godlie preachers which may godlie and rightlie vse the keies in comforting and correcting Make we beseech thee all Bishops and pastors diligentlie to preach thy holie word and the people obedientlie to followe the same that in this life we may be and abide citizens of the blessed fellowship which thou dooest protect and receiue the crowne of euerlasting glorie as heires of thine eternall kingdome Amen 15. On Saint Iames the Apostles daie When my father and my mother forsake me thou O Lord takest me vp therefore I made haste and prolonged not the time to kéepe thy commandements O Sonne of God Lord and Sauiour Christ which camest into this world to giue thy life for manie stirre vp our hearts vnto the true cogitation of thy benefits and obedience which was a sufficient ransome for the sinnes of all mankinde pacifieng the wrath of God and giuing euerlasting life to as manie as approch vnto thee in true faith We besech thee forsomuch as in vs doth as in thy disciples did sticke great vncleannesse heale our minds by thy spirit Quench in vs our vaine desires of superioritie which maruellouslie doo boile within the harts of men Grant that the ministers may knowe rightlie the difference betweene ciuill policie and religion that they cast not vnto thee in mockerie purple neither pricke thine head with a crowne of thornes but may serue thy Church in humilitie as faithfull dispensators of thy mysteries folowing thine example in whome perfect humilitie appeared when thou flangest thy selfe downe vnder Angels men Assist vs also that we may drinke of thy cup be baptised with thy Baptisme in true calling vpon thee and perfect patience in all our aduersities And grant that as thine holie Apostle Iames leauing his father and all that he had without delaie was obedient vnto thy calling and most willinglie followed thee so we forsaking all worldlie and carnall affections may be euermore readie to followe thy commandements till thou drawe vs vp vnto the sight of thy visible kingdome which is y e right hand of thine eternall Father Amen 16. On Saint Bartholomew the Apostles daie I beleeued and therefore will I speake that I may walke before the Lord in the land of the liuing O Christ Sonne of God great was the weakenesse and sluggishnesse of thy disciples both in thy last supper when they contended about superioritie and worldlie gouernement in thine agonie when they slept and as great is the wickednes and securitie of this last age which making warre for wealth vnder the cloake of fauoring the Gospell seeketh after honor and promotion sleepeth soundlie and is nothing moued with the blasphemous idolatrie wherein the whole world is wrapped to thy great dishonor yea the greeuous punishments which thou sendest euerie-where doo nothing terrifie them from their sinne But O Sonne of God breake our deadlie sleepe teach the hearts of our ministers that they must not be ambitious neither striue about excellencie nor transforme the Gospell into ciuill policie but assist vs that we may all thinke of thy commandement which is Learne of me for I am meeke and lowlie in heart Powre vpon vs such vertues as thou hast in thy selfe most aboundantlie Thou destroiedst not mankinde which had offended thee but flangest thy selfe vnder all Angels and men and tookest this miserable flesh of ours vpon thee that to saue and serue vs trulie in great humilitie Thou O Sonne of God which hast giuen grace to thine Apostle Bartholomew trulie to beleeue and to preach thy word grant wee beseech thee vnto thy Church both to loue that he beleeued and to preach that he taught And as thou sittest for euer at the table of the Father in which all heauenlie wisedome doth abound so place vs miserable ones in the lowest seates of that thy table where thine Apostles and teachers which haue instructed manie vnto righteousnesse doo shine as the lights of the Church and differ in woonderfull glorie from other inferiour members albeit it sufficeth vs so we gather crooms from thy table which filleth such as eate and digest them with euerlasting ioie Amen 17. On Saint Matthewes daie Incline my hart vnto thy testimonies and not to couetousnesse IT was thy saieng O Christ Sonne of God that the sicke need the Physician wherefore we humblie beseech thee heale vs miserable folkes with thine heauenlie Physicke Be mercifull vnto vs sinners and feed vs with the deintie dishes of thy spirituall comfort Haue mercie on the Church whose whole bodie is greeuouslie afflicted through manifold diseases and euils The teachers sit as doo the merchants for gaine they transforme the Gospell into an outward pompe and bait for preferment Wherefore keepe thou some sound part which may vnfeignedlie acknowledge thee to be the onlie and best Physician which hast deliuered vs from the cursse of the lawe and restored vs to life and righteousnesse And grant O blessed Sonne of God that as thou didst call Matthew from the receipt of custome to be an Apostle and Euangelist so giue vs grace to forsake all couetous desires and inordinate care of riches and to followe thee in all things thou hast commanded Furthermore thou O Christ hast taught that the church of the new testament is not tied vnto the Mosaicall gouernement neither vnto the ceremonies and traditions of man hast reprooued also the Pharisaicall error which in all ages hath shamefullie obscured the light of thy Gospell that ceremonies are to be preferred before the works of the morall lawe Continue this light among vs. Grant that we may woorship thee not in the works and precepts of men but in obseruation of thy commandements and woorshipping thee in spirit and truth Worke O worke within vs an obedience answering to thy lawes in both tables that retaining faith and a good conscience we may sit with thee for euermore in thy celestiall kingdome after our resurrection Amen 18. On Saint Michaels daie and all Angels O praise the Lord yée Angels of his yée that excell in strength and fulfill his commandement O Almightie euerlasting and euerliuing God which before all times didst beget a Sonne in thine owne image in whome shineth the heauenlie light which no creature can apprehend as it is in deede albeit some taste and sparke thereof thou bestowest vpon men by lightening them by thy Sonne to vnfeigned repentance sorowe for their sinne Thou commandedst
health and my tongue shall sing of thy righteousnesse Thou shalt open my lips O Lord and my mouth shall shew thy praise For thou desirest no sacrifice else would I giue it thee but thou delightest not in burnt offerings The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit a broken and contrite hart O God shalt thou not despise O be fauourable and gratious to Sion build thou the walles of Hierusalem Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousnesse with the burnt offerings and oblations then shall they offer yong bullocks vpon thine altar 5. Domine exaudi Psal 102. HEare my praier O Lord and let my crieng come vnto thee Hide not thy face from me in the time of my trouble incline thine eares vnto me when I call O heare me and that right soone For my daies are consumed awaie like smoke and my bones are burnt vp as it were a firebrand My hart is smitten downe and withered like grasse so that I forget to eate my bread For the voice of my groaning my bones will scarse cleaue to my flesh I am become like a Pellicane in the wildernesse and like an Owle that is in the desert I haue watched am euen as it were a Sparowe that sitteth alone vpon the house top Mine enimies reuile me all the daie long and they that are mad vpō me are sworne togither against me For I haue eaten ashes as it were bread and mingled my drinke with weeping And that because of thine indignation and wrath for thou hast taken me vp and cast me downe My daies are gone like a shadowe and I am withered like grasse But thou O Lord shalt endure for euer and thy remembrance throughout all generations Thou shalt arise and haue mercie vpon Sion for it is time that thou haue mercie vpon hir yea the time is come And why thy seruants thinke vpon hir stones and it pitieth them to see hir in the dust The heathen shall feare thy name O Lord and all the kings of the earth thy Maiestie When the Lord shall build vp Sion and when his glorie shall appeare When he turneth him vnto the praier of the poore destitute and despiseth not their desire This shall be written for those that come after and the people which shall be borne shall praise the Lord. For he hath looked downe from his Sanctuarie out of the heauen did the Lord behold the earth That he might heare the mournings of such as bee in captiuitie and deliuer the children appointed vnto death That they may declare the name of the Lord in Sion and his woorship at Hierusalem When the people are gathered togither and the kingdomes also to serue the Lord. He brought downe my strength in my iournie and shortened my daies But I said O my God take me not awaie in the midst of mine age as for thy yeares they endure thoroughout all generations Thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the foundations of the earth and the heauens are the worke of thy hands They shall perish but thou shalt endure they shall all waxe old as doth a garment And as a vesture shalt thou change them and they shall be changed but thou art the same and thy yeares shall not faile The children of thy seruants shall continue and their seed shall stand fast in thy sight 6. De profundis Psal 130. OUt of the deepe haue I called vnto thee O Lord Lord heare my voice Oh let thine eares consider well the voice of my complaint If thou Lord wilt be extreame to marke what is done amisse oh Lord who may abide it For there is mercie with thee therefore shalt thou be feared I looked for the Lord my soule doth wait for him in his word is my trust My soule flieth vnto thee Lord before the morning watch I saie before the morning watch O Israell trust in the Lord for with the Lord there is mercie and with him is plentious redemption And he shall redeeme Israell from all his sinnes 7. Domine exaudi Psal 143. HEare my praier O Lord consider my desire hearken vnto me for thy truth and righteousnesse sake And enter not into iudgement with thy seruant for in thy sight shall no man liuing be iustified For the enimie hath persecuted my soule he hath smitten my life downe to the ground he hath laid me in the darkenesse as the men that haue beene long dead Therefore is my spirit vexed within me and my heart within me is desolate Yet doo I remember the time past I muse vpon all thy works yea I exercise my selfe in the works of thy hands I stretch foorth my hands vnto thee my soule gaspeth vnto thee as a thirstie land Heare me O Lord and that soone for my spirit wareth faint hide not thy face from me least I be like vnto them that go downe into the pit O let me heare thy louing kindnes betimes in the morning for in thee is my trust shew thou me the waie that I should walke in for I lift vp my soule vnto thee Deliuer me O Lord from mine enimies for I flee vnto thee to hide me Teach me to doo the thing that pleaseth thee for thou art my God let thy louing spirit leade me foorth into the land of righteousnesse Quicken me O Lord for thy name sake and for thy righteousnesse sake bring my soule out of trouble And of thy goodnesse slaie mine enimies and destroie all them that vexe my soule for I am thy seruant Glorie be to the Father to the Sonne and to the holie Ghost As it was in the beginning is now and euer shall be world without end Amen Heerevnto you may adde as occasion and time will serue these select and notable Psalmes of Dauid as they are at large in the Psalter that is to saie the 5 7 13 17 22 25 31 35 42 43 55 56 57 69 71 77 86 88. Other Psalmes or Praiers compiled out of holie Scriptures verie necessarie to be vsed of the afflicted soule for obteining the remission of sinnes and mitigation of miseries O Lord of lords GOD almightie great and dreadfull which by thy word hast made heauen earth the sea all things conteined in them Nothing is able to resist thy power thy mercie is ouer all thy works All things be vnder thy dominion and rule both man and beast and all liuing creatures Thou art mercifull to whome thou wilt and hast compassion on whome it pleaseth thee Thy counsell shall stand for euer and whatsoeuer thou wilt shall be done Power dominion and glorie is thine which art aboue all things and in all things and in vs all Thou art Father of mercies and God of all grace peace and comfort which wilt not the death of a sinner nor delightest in the damnation of soules O Lord God which art rich in mercie and of thine especiall loue towards vs euen when we were thine enimies didst send into the world thine onelie begotten Sonne Iesus Christ that whosoeuer beleeueth dulie in him
the worke of thine ineffable goodnesse Behold thine owne sweet Sonne how all his bodie was drawne and stretched foorth on the crosse Looke vpon all the parts of his bodie from the crowne of the head vnto the sole of the foote and no paine shall be found like vnto his paine Behold O louing Father the blessed head of thy deere Sonne crowned with sharpe thornes and the bloud running downe vpon his godlie visage Behold his tender bodie how it is scourged his naked brest is stricken and beaten his bloudie side is thrust through his heart panteth his sinewes bee stretched foorth his godlie eies dazell and leese their sight his princelie face is wanne and pale his pleasant tongue is inflamed for paine his inward parts waxe drie and starke his armes both blew wanne be stiffe his bones be plucked one from another his beautifull legs be feeble and weake and the streames of bloud issuing out of his bodie ranne downe apace vpon his feet Looke O my Father vpon the humilitie and gentlenesse of thy deere Sonne and pitie the infirmitie of thy weake handie-worke Behold O glorious Father the bodie of thy deere Sonne all to rent and torne and remember I beseech thee of how small substance I am Looke vpon the paine of him that is both God and man and release the miserie of man whome thou hast made Behold the greeuous suffering of the Redeemer and forgiue the sinne of hir that is redeemed Keepe me from all euill waies and teach me by thy holie spirit to choose the waie of truth I beseech thee O thou king of holinesse by him that is most holie by this my Redeemer Christ that thou bring me againe into the right waie that I may be vnited and made one with him in spirit which abhorred not to be vnited with me in flesh Make me to go perfectlie in thy paths and to hate all wicked waies Wash my hart from malice and clense me from my secret sinnes Clense me O holie Father with the bloud of the new testament of thy welbeloued Sonne which hath loued vs and washed vs with his bloud from our sinnes and hath redeemed vs from all iniquitie Purifie my heart by the sanctification of thy spirit and the sprinkling of the bloud of thy Sonne from all filthinesse of sinne and euill conscience O God almightie be mercifull vnto me a sinner for thy glorious name sake and remember my sinnes no longer For thou art God gratious and mercifull and patientlie dooest suffer vs and wouldest that no man should perish but y t all men should returne to penance Make me O Lord God to returne from mine euill waies and wicked thoughts Remember not the sinnes and abhominations of my youth according to thy mercie be mindfull of mee for thy goodnesse sake O Lord. Looke not vpon me with a grienous countenance for there is no man that dare speake for me Enter not into iudgement with thy seruant for if thou accuse me I shall neuer be quit For if thou O Lord marke my sinnes and iniquitie who shall not fall before thee This is certaine and sure that then in thy sight no man liuing shall be iustified seeing thou hast found iniquitie euen in thine Angels How much rather in man which is abhomination and filthinesse and dwelleth in the earthlie house of his bodie and drinketh iniquitie as it were water Who is cleane from filthinesse when all be corrupted trulie not one no though he haue liued but one daie on the earth and though his moneths may be easilie numbered Of a truth there is no mortall man which hath not done wickedlie nor there is anie righteous on earth which doth good and sinneth not Yet because mercie is in thy hand O Lord although thou be dreadfull my hope is in thee in whome my soule trusteth My soule looketh for thee because mercie and plentifull redemption is with thee For this I knowe assuredlie that thou wilt not cast me awaie for euer but although thou cast me awaie for my sinnes awhile yet thou wilt haue mercie vpon me againe according to the multitude of thy mercies For thou O Lord art full of pitie and mercie and wilt not turne thy face awaie from vs if we will returne to thee Thou art our God full of sweetnesse veritie and patience and disposest all things by mercie The fountaines of thy goodnesse be euer full and flowe ouer thy grace neuer decaieth All thy waies be mercie and truth to them that seeke out thy couenant and testimonies How gentle and louing the father is to his children so gentle and louing art thou O Lord to them that feare thee and for the aboundance of thy mercie thou dooest pardon our infirmities Thou knowest thine owne handie-worke thou remembrest what we are thou seest we are flesh and of no strength Thou hast not forgotten that this world is full of vnrighteousnesse and wickednesse and that it is wholie set and bent on euill Yea neuerthelesse thou art mercifull and full of grace and like a mercifull Lord forbearest to punish sinners when they repent themselues and returne from their sinnes Haue mercie vpon me O Lord God my sauiour for the glorie of thy name and deliuer me and forgiue me my sinnes for thy name sake O righteous Father looke not straitelie vpon the multitude of my sinnes but looke on the face of Iesus thy holie Sonne which being without sinne bare our sinnes in his bodie on the tree of the crosse Turne awaie thy face from my sinnes and put out all mine iniquities Make a cleane hart in mee O God and renew mee with a right spirit Cast me not awaie from thy presence and take not thine holie spirit from me Giue me againe the comfort of thy helpe and stablish me with thy mightie spirit Mollifie mine hart O Lord GOD that I may returne to thy paths for I haue wandered ouer long in the waie of errour Turne me to thee and I shall be turned for thou art my maker and I am the claie and worke of thine hands Turne not thy face awaie from me nor go not from thy seruant in thine anger Be mine helper and forsake me not despise me not O Lord which art my God and my health Amen Another Psalme for the remission of sinnes O Most mightie GOD of Angels and of men whose iudgements be vnsearchable whose wisedome is profound and deepe Neare the praiers of thy seruants and cast not awaie the humble suits of thy poore creature and handie worke For as long as I shall liue I will speake vnto thee and I will not hold my peace so long as the breth is in my bodie I doo turne my soule vnto thee and I set mine eies directlie vpon thee Let thine anger be turned awaie from me I beseech thee and grant that I may find grace and fauour in thy sight According to the greatnesse of thy mercie forgiue me all my sinnes Plucke me awaie from mine heinous offences and heale my soule which
proceedings For in thy hand is the life of euerie liuing thing and the spirit also of euerie man Thou shewest thy mercie to whome thou wilt and thou art gratious to them whome thou fauourest Thou dooest kill and thou dooest quicken thou leadest downe to hell gate and bringest vp againe Thine eies behold the waies of euerie man and thou searchest the harts of men There is no place so secret or darke wherein sinners may hide themselues from thee Nor anie man may so lurke and hide himselfe in caues but thou shalt see him which dooest fulfill both heauen and earth in euerie part Why hast thou cast me awaie from thy presence and takest me for thine enimie Why hast thou laid vpon my head the heauie weight of my sinnes seeing no man is able to beare thy displeasure What meaneth it that thou shewest thy power against a wretch Why destroiest thou me for the sinnes of my youth If I haue sinned what shall I doo to thee And if my sinnes be increased what shall I doo If I doo iustlie what shall I giue to thee Or what shalt thou receiue at my hand My wickednesse shall hurt my selfe and my righteousnesse shall profit me The life of man is a temptation vpon the earth and if I haue sinned as all men haue what may I doo Shall anie man be found cleane and without sinne before thee Or shall anie man be without default in his deeds How may a mortall man be pure from sinne in thy sight Or how may he which is borne of a woman be righteous Remember O Lord I beseech thee that thou hast made me of the earth and that thou shalt bring me againe into the dust of death My daies passe and vanish awaie like smoke they waste dailie there is no tarieng My life flieth awaie as the winde and considereth not that which is good I was but latelie borne into this world and shortlie I shall be taken awaie hence by death I neuer continue still in one state The daies of my life be few and short thou hast appointed an end which I shall not passe Naked and bare I came out of my mothers wombe and naked and bare I shall returne againe trulie all men liuing are vanitie Haue pitie O Lord on them that are in miserie and despise not the works of thy hands Though we sinne yet are we vnder thee for wee knowe thy power and strength and if we sinne not then are we sure that thou regardest vs. Cease thine indignation O Lord and turne it from me and cast all my sinnes behinde thy backe Take awaie thy plagues from me for thy punishment hath made me both feeble and faint For when thou chastisest a man for his sinnes thou causest him by and by to consume and pine awaie Whatsoeuer is delectable in him perisheth like vnto the cloth that is eaten with mothes Would God I had one to defend me a while vntill thine anger were turned awaie or that thou wouldest set me a time in the which thou wouldest remember me I am cleane cast awaie from thy presence shall I neuer heereafter see thy face againe Behold I haue opened the griefes of my soule the daies of my sorrowes haue taken me The flouds of tribulation compasse me round about and the streames of thy furie run ouer me And I crie vnto thee O Lord God but thou hearest me not I aske mercie but thou reiectest my praiers Why thrustest thou downe a poore wretch from thy presence Or why forsakest thou me so long time Why takest thou not away mine iniquitie And why puttest thou not awaie the wickednesse of mine hart Arise and tarie no longer O Lord arise and reiect me not for euer Haue me in remembrance I beseech thee for I thoroughlie tremble and shake for feare Yet I will not hold my tongue but crie still vnto thee with a moorning and an heauie hart Turne awaie the stroke of thy vengeance from me bring my mind out of troubles into rest I am here no long continuer but a pilgrime and a stranger as all other mortall men be And what is man that thou shouldst be angrie with him Or what is mankind that thou shouldest be so heauie Lord vnto vs What Wilt thou bring sorowe vpon sorowe I pant for paine and find no rest My sorowe greeueth me when I should eate and sudden sighs ouerwhelme mine hart I am as if my bones were all to broken when I heare mine enimies raile vpon me and saie to me daie by daie Where is thy God Why turnest thou thy face awaie from these things O Lord Why hast thou no regard of my trouble I earnestlie make my praiers dailie in thy sight and the heauinesse of mine hart I doo shew vnto thee My spirit is carefull and troubled within me and desperation hath entered into mine hart Is it thy pleasure O Lord God to cast awaie thine owne handie worke Deliuer my soule from corruption and my life from euerlasting darknesse What auaileth it me that euer I was borne if thou cast me straight into damnation seeing that the dead shall not praise thee nor anie of them that go downe to hell I haue sinned what shall I doo to thee Why hast thou put me to be contrarie to thee I am wearie of mine owne selfe Why searchest thou out my sinnes so narrowlie when there is no man that can take out of thine hand If I would saie that I were righteous and without sinne then thou mightest woorthilie condemne me to the fire prepared for the diuell and his angels But I confesse that I am a sinner and doo humble mine hart in thy sight Surelie if anie man would stand with thee in iudgment he shall not be able to answere one word to a thousand things wherewith thou mightest charge him This maketh me to feare all my deeds knowing that thou sparest not him that offendeth If I looke vpon thy power O how mightie and strong art thou If I shall call for iudgement who shall defend my matter or speake for me To thee O Lord I call and crie to thee my God I make mine humble suite Turne awaie thine anger from me that I may knowe that thou art more mercifull vnto me than my sinnes deserue What is my strength that I may endure Or what is the end of my trouble that my soule may patientlie abide it My strength is not a stonie strength and my flesh is not made of brasse There is no helpe in my selfe and my strength flieth awaie from me Although thou hide these things in thine hart yet I knowe that thou wilt remember me at length For thou art true and iust O Lord God thou dooest not condemne vniustlie which rewardest man according to his deserts All this is come vpon me bicause I haue forgotten thee and not vsed my selfe trulie in thy testament Mine hart hath turned backward and I haue followed the desires of my flesh And thou hast surelie knowne this thing which knowest the
me Be pacified I saie and turne not thy face awaie from me which to the intent thou mightest redeeme me didst not turne awaie thy face from them that rebuked thee scorued thee and spitted vpon thee I confesse and acknowledge that I haue sinned and my conscience deserueth damnation and the penance that I am able to doo is not sufficient to make amends for mine iniquitie but sure and certaine I am that thy mercie exceedeth all offences that a man can doo Oh doo not I be seech thee most pitifull Lord write my heinous sinnes against me that thou shouldest enter into iudgement with thy seruant but according to the multitude of thy mercies now haue mercie vpon me and crosse and blot out all mine iniquities before I depart hence and shall be no more seene in this world For else wo be vnto me wretch that I am when the daie of iudgement commeth and the bookes of consciences shall be laid wide open when it shall be said of me Lo looke vpon this woman and hir works how wicked she is and abhominable they are What shall I doo then I saie O Lord my God when the heauens which I haue offended shall reueale and shew foorth mine iniquitie and the earth which I haue polluted shall arise vp and testifie my manifold misdeeds against me Behold I shall be able alas to giue neuer a word to answere but to stand in thy presence trembling quaking vtterlie confounded and holding downe my head for shame as condemned also by the testimonie of mine owne giltie conscience vnto eternall damnation Alas wretch that I am what shall I saie I will crie vnto thee O Lord my God Why am I consumed and fretted with holding my peace But if I should speake my greefe would not cease and if I hold my peace I shall be most bitterlie vexed within Go to therefore O my soule moorne and lament as a widowe for hir husband that she had in hir virginitie Howle wretch and crie out with weeping because thy spouse Christ hath forsaken thee O caitiffe crie alowd in the eares of thy God and saie O God almightie let not thine anger fall vpon me Deale not with me after my sinnes neither reward me after mine iniquities because that if thou laie so much to my charge as is due for my sinnes it is so much that I cannot receiue it surelie Lord my power is not able for to suffer or beare it Wherefore O Lord haue mercie vpon me least I despaire but in despairing I will take hart to me and be somewhat comforted For although I haue committed so much that thou maist condemne me woorthilie yet thou hast not lost that wherewith thou wast woont to saue sinners neither dooest thou reioice at the destruction and losse of them that die Yea to the intent that dead men might liue thou thy selfe didst die and thy death did kill the death of sinne and if they were reuiued againe and did liue by thy death I beseech thee let not me die now that thou liuest Send downe thy hand and power from high and deliuer me out of the hands of mine enimies that they reioice not ouer me and saie Let vs deuoure him Who euer O good Iesu needed to mistrust of thy mercie which when we were thine enimies didst redeeme vs with thy bloud and reconciled vs vnto God Behold therefore I being hid vnder the shadowe of thy mercie doo come vnto the throne of thy glorie requiring and I doo runne crieng and knocking vntill thou take pitie vpon me For if thou didst call vs to pardon and forgiuenesse before we laboured for pardon how soone shall we obtaine forgiuenesse when wee aske it Doo not remember O most bountifull Iesu thy iustice towards a sinner but thinke vpon thy liberalitie and gentlenesse toward thy creature Doo not remember thine anger toward the giltie but remember thy pitie and mercie toward a wretch Forget me in that I proudlie did prouoke and mooue thee vnto wrath and looke vpon a wretch that calleth vpon thee For what is Iesus but a Sauiour Therefore O good Iesu for thine owne sake arise and helpe me and saie vnto my soule I am thy health and thy safegard Thus I presume much and am verie bold of thy goodnesse O Lord because thou dooest teach vs to aske to seeke and to knocke wherfore I being admonished by thy word doo aske seeke and knocke And thou O Lord that commandest vs to aske make mee able to receiue Thou that giuest counsell to seeke grant that I may finde Thou that teachest vs to knocke open to me when I knocke and confirme me which am vnstable and wauering Restore me that am lost raise me that am dead and vouchsafe to direct and gouerne in thy fauour all my senses my thoughts and dooings that from hencefoorth I may serue thee I may liue toward thee and that I may commit my selfe vnto thee I knowe O my Lord that through this that thou hast made me I owe and am in debt vnto thee euen mine owne selfe and because thou hast redeemed mee and wast made man for my sake for this I owe vnto thee more than my selfe Lo I haue no more neither can I giue that which I haue vnto thee without thee but doo thou take me and drawe me vnto thee that I may be thine in following and louing thee like as I am thine in condition and creation which liuest and reignest one God in blessed Trinitie worlds without end Amen The PSALTER which S. AVGVSTINE composed out of euerie Psalme of Dauid a verse for the vse of his Mother O Lord God almightie and king of eternall glorie who dooest acknowledge him to be a blessed man that abhorreth the waie of sinners and doth meditate in thy lawe daie and night Teach thou me a wretched sinner faithfullie to serue thee with feare and trembling of the heart And seeing with all humilitie of hart I doo call vnto thee with my voice heare me haue mercie vpon mee and so harken vnto my praier that neither thou for thy part rebuke me in thy wrath nor that old enimie to mankinde lieng in wait for his part to deuoure my soule like a Lion and teare it in peeces while there is none to helpe But Lord whose name is excellent in all the world turne thou mine enimie backe that he fall againe and perish at thy presence Let him not intrap my soule with his firie snares and suffer not brimstone and stormie tempests to torment me But for the oppression of the needie and for the sighings of the poore now thou dooest arise behold and heare me O Lord my God because thou art the counsell and trust of the poore Make me to walke vprightlie and to worke righteousnesse that thy fauourable kindnesse may be the portion of mine inheritance Keepe me as the apple of thine eie Hide me vnder the shadowe of thy wings because thou art my strength my rocke and my refuge Cleanse me frō my secret
vertue that I may walke with an vpright hart a cleane conscience and single eie before thee this daie or night and euermore Put me not from thy presence oh thou God of all comfort but incline thine eare vnto my calling Strengthen thy seruant with the power of thy right hand and helpe thine handmaiden Comfort my soule with thy sweet promises and let thy mercies couer mine infirmities O most mercifull Father consider mine infirmities I saie which are manie and great beare with mine imperfection for thy Sonne my sauiour Iesus Christes sake which had good experience of our infirmitie that he might be mercifull vnto all them that are afflicted Consider the enimie hath gotten an open waie into my flesh wherein I confesse that there dwelleth nothing but sinne wretchednesse and miserie Yea O Lord I acknowledge that I was borne in sinne and conceiued in wickednesse and am by nature a child of wrath For in my flesh dwelleth no good thing and of my selfe I am not able to thinke a good thought much lesse doo that thou in thy lawe requirest of me to bee done which hast said Cursed is he that continueth not in all things that are written in the lawe to doo them Againe the lawe is spirituall but I am carnall sold vnder sinne Therefore O Lord my God I call vnto thee for grace which hast said Aske and yee shall haue seeke and yee shall finde knocke and it shall bee opened vnto you to preuent and drawe my will to all goodnesse for none can come vnto thee except he be drawne and except we be borne from aboue we cannot see the kingdome of God Assist me therefore and guide me with thy holie spirit from time to time Drawe me and I shall runne after thee and giue me strength and ablenesse through Christ our Lord to accomplish and fulfill thy righteous will and to stand against all the assaults of the diuell that they may haue no place in me but that the old man which I beare about in my bodie may be crucified and dailie die in me that the lusts of sinne may vtterlie be destroied that I may euermore be renewed in the spirit of my mind and that the life of Christ may alwaies appeare in me Good Lord for thy great mercies sake deliuer me from all kinds of euill namelie from the spirit of pride boasting vaine-glorie hypocrisie wantonnesse haughtinesse of mind presumption selfe-loue and make mee poore in spirit humble meeke gentle and lowe in mine owne sight that I lift not vp my selfe aboue my brethren and sisters but esteeme my selfe to be as a seruant and hand-maiden to all men and women to doo them good after the example of Christ who came not to be ministred vnto but to minister who also hath said Blessed are the poore in spirit Againe Thou resisteth the proud but giuest grace to the humble Take from me my stonie vnbeleeuing blind doubtfull vnfaithfull and vnthankefull hart and giue me an hart of flesh to loue and incline to thy will my carnall secure and impenitent hart take awaie from me and giue me an hart to feare loue and obeie thee write thy lawe in my hart graue it in my mind that I may beleeue trust and liue in thee for euer Take from me the wicked spirit of suspicion enuie hatred variance strife sedition sects euill gealousie vaine surmises murmuring and grudging backbiting or slandering of anie especiallie such as be in authoritie and ministers of thy holie word O Lord keepe me from all wrath malice and hastinesse all respect of persons in the faith all idolatrie superstition vanities lieng euill words debate contention murther theft false-witnesse-bearing flattering dissimulation hypocrisie blasphemie and vaine swearing by the name of God his works or creatures from all lightnesse idle words and all vnstablenesse of hart Oh Lord deliuer thou my hart from all surfeting dronkennesse gluttonie and leacherie and from all filthinesse of the flesh and spirit from all vncleane thoughts and vnlawfull desires euill concupiscence fornication adulterie and lusts of the bodie Take vtterlie from me also couetousnesse and inordinate care of riches all deceipt and guile or dooing of wrong to anie in my calling and office all idlenesse sloth and beastlie securitie and giue me not ouer vnto an vnshamefast and obstinate minde but hold me alwaies vnto thy nourture and correction and bow my hart alwaies vnto thee that I may serue thee all the daies of my life in such holinesse and righteousnes as is acceptable before thee Giue me thy grace oh Lord that I may haue thee alwaies before mine eies that I may also haue a respect vnto thy iudgements that whatsoeuer I saie thinke or doo it may be agreeable to thy holie will and word that I be not minded as the vngodlie and wicked men and women are let me haue no pleasure in such things as please them and grant that whensoeuer I be ouertaken with anie kind of sinne and wickednesse either in thought word or deede or that I feele mine owne infirmitie and weakenesse I may immediatelie with hartie repentance returne to thee againe and not to lie still in the securitie of sinne Make me able and contented with patience to heare all occasions of offence when they be offered or giuen me and not to recompense euill for euill and suffer me not good Lord to giue occasions of euill to anie man and if I doo make me willing to confesse my fault and to amend it Giue me grace that I neuer enuie anie good mans loue or womans because they doo either loue God and his people more than I or else that they be beloued of him or his more than I. Make me to reioice in other mens gifts and not to enuie them because they be better than mine but rather to giue thanks for them with all my hart desiring that they may be increased in them and in me Increase my faith O Lord my sauiour in thee and in thy Christ make it strong to beleeue thy promises Increase my loue O my redeemer to thee and to thy righteous people and make it perfect true and vnfeined to all vertue and godlinesse Increase a sure hope in me of my saluation O my iustifier without doubt or wauering in aduersitie and without pride or presumption in prosperitie so that I may serue thee with reuerence and godlie feare all the daies of my life Increase in me strength to resist sinne and to get the victorie and masterie to stand against all euill temptations and assaults of the flesh the world and the diuell that they may haue no place in me and that according to thy promise I be neuer further prooued nor tempted than thou wilt giue me strength to ouercome Increase in me O Lord all other vertues agreeable to a godlie life for I come vnto thee my God as vnto the well and euerlasting fountaine of all health and saluation Good Lord giue me grace therefore all the daies of this my
pilgrimage to walke with a good conscience and pure mind both before thee and towards all men in my dooing that I be not a reader of thy holie word and a talker onlie but that it may appeare also in my life and conuersation Regenerate my hart with the spirit of grace dailie more and more giue me an inward taste and feeling of thy fauour and mercie towards me in Christ Iesu our Lord that I may knowe thee to be my God and Father and my selfe to be thy child for euermore Assist thy seruant against this world with the vaine pompe pleasures and beautie thereof that it may be vnto me as vile dust filth and slime that I may vse it as though I vsed it not and that it may serue me and I not it that I may take my part thereof vnto my necessitie with thanks-giuing that I doo not vse thy creatures voluptuouslie but that I may liue soberlie and godlie in this present life to thy glorie Preserue and defend thy seruant from all false opinions that I be not deceiued and caried awaie in the errour of the wicked but that I may growe in grace and knowledge of our Lord and sauiour Iesus Christ O Lord giue me wisedome knowledge and vnderstanding to perceiue those false lieng and flattering spirits which doo deceiue the harts of innocents and begile vnstable soules Giue me also O Lord a right a reuerent and a pure iudgement and vnderstanding of thy holie word and to auoide all rash iudgements and peruerse interpretations that I may neuer swarue from the true sense and meaning therof and grant that my cheefest felicitie may be in the same thy holie word in hearing reading and talking of it and in watching praier fasting mortifieng mine owne will and members O Lord plant in me true obedience to thy lawe and let not the cares of this world choke thy word in me Make me to lift vp my hart oftentimes to thee and if I chance to fall or slip make me to thinke on thee and to be sorie with a stedfast purpose of amendment Oh Lord I offer vp my selfe whollie with all my crooked and corrupt nature so much as it is in will and works vnto thy mercie to be corrected and reformed at thine owne will and pleasure O let not the hand of the vngodlie cast me downe but saue my soule O my Lord God whither it bee through prosperitie or aduersitie losse or gaine sickenesse or health life or death Aid strengthen succour and defend thy seruant in all aduersities tribulations and temptations and suffer me not to be tempted aboue my strength Increase my ioie and comfort in thee and thy holie spirit that I may reioice in all trouble and affliction and imbrace the same to my consolation and comfort and thinke my selfe happie when I am counted woorthie to suffer anie trouble for thy name sake Take from mine hart the thoughts of earthlie comforts onlie set before mine eies the ioie of the crosse of Christ that I may take comfort therein and despise the shame for the great reward that is laid vp in heauen for all those that with patience suffer in aduersitie and continue in well-dooing vnto the end Oh Lord take from me I saie a carefull hart in all worldlie things let them be vile vnto me for thy sake and grant that neither pouertie oppresse me and driue me to despaire or falshood neither wealth and prosperitie lift me vp to forget thee or my selfe but that in prosperitie I may be thankfull and in aduersitie patient and humble Lord let me be merie without lightnesse sad without mistrust sober without dulnesse fearing thee without desperation trusting in thee without presumption let me not be merie with the ioie that is without thee and let me desire nothing besides thee Good Lord giue me ioifulnesse of hart and peace of conscience continuall gladnesse and consolation in thy word and promises that I may euermore be thankfull vnto thee and praise thy name for euer Let thy kingdome come vnto me which is righteousnesse peace and ioie in the holie Ghost long suffering gentlenesse goodnesse faithfulnesse meekenesse temperance strength and patience with all such like vertues as are prescribed vnto me in thy holie word Grant me O God a tender louing and mercifull hart towards my brethren long amitie and perfect patience to beare all things well that thy prouidence shall see meet to laie vpon me Of thy fatherlie mercie O God leaue me not to my selfe but stand thou alwaies by me For I am too weake of mine owne power to doo anie thing that is good but my righteousnesse and strength lieth onelie in thee Therefore O Lord I come vnto thee requiring mercie in thy sight and the assistance of thy grace that I may bee strengthened with power in the inward man and be armed at all assaies with thine holie complet armour which is the breast-plate of righteousnesse the sheeld of faith the hope of saluation for an helmet and the swoord of the spirit which is thy holie word that I may stand perfect in all that is thy will and bee found woorthie through Christ to receiue a crowne of life which thou hast promised to all them that loue thee in purenesse of mind Now therefore O Lord I giue ouer my selfe into thine holie hands desiring thee for Christs sake that I thus armed may remaine vnder the protection and strong defence of thy power and that thine holie Angels may pitch their tents round about me and compasse me alwaies And I beseech thee O Lord giue vnto thy seruant the strength of thine holie spirit to subdue this bodie of sinne with the whole lusts thereof that it may bee made obedient both in will mind and members to doo thine holie will that when thou shalt appeare to reward euerie one according to their deeds I may reioice and not be ashamed of thee at thy comming Moreouer O Lord I beseech thee thinke vpon all thy people which are straied here and there from the farthest part of the earth which be entered into couenant with thee and are minded to walke after thy will Grant O Lord that we may growe togither in loue through the knowledge of thy word to keepe the vnitie of the spirit through the bond of peace to the vtter confounding of errour and all false opinions and to keepe vs cleane from all hypocrisie and superstition and to make vs strong in all trouble and affliction O heauenlie Father grant vnto me and all other I saie wheresoeuer they be dispersed throughout the vniuersall world which professe thy holie word so to liue that we may die to sinne and lead a godlie conuersation walking innocentlie before thee Rule and confirme our harts with thy spirit O Lord lighten our minds and guide vs alwaies with the lightsome lampe of thine holie Gospell Gouerne and preserue thy Church and defend those Realmes and Cities that giue succour and harbour to thy people make vs all diligent
and happie in the works of our vocation take into thy custodie for euer our soules and bodies our liues and all that euer we haue Be gratious and fauourable oh Lord to all men and euen to our verie enimies and according to thy good will and purpose forgiue them their sinnes conuert vnto thy truth all those whom thou hast appointed in Iesus Christ to saluation Be mercifull O God to all our brethren and sisters that suffer anie kind of persecution or affliction whether in mind or in bodie especiallie such as suffer for thy name and Gospell giue them patience constancie and stedfast hope till thou send them full and good deliuerance of all their troubles Be gratious to all those whom thou hast coupled and linked to vs in loue and friendship whose harts thou hast mooued to praie for vs to wish vs good to succour and helpe vs in our necessities grant vs all thy blessing and holie spirit to sanctifie vs in the vnitie of faith and dwell in vs for euer Finallie oh Lord haue mercie vpon mine husband children and familie which thou hast giuen vs make me to be content with him as thy gift and increase thy feare in our harts that we may trulie loue thee and one another of vs in thee so that we may be pure both in soule and bodie and may godlie liue togither according to thine holie ordinance Giue him an hart of wisedome and vnderstanding and set thy feare alwaie before mine eies that as Ioseph cast off all surmises of the mis-behauiour of Marie his spouse and obeied the word of thine holie Angel so he may beare with mine imperfections and bee obedient in word deed and thought to all that is thy will Oh Lord giue vs the power of thy spirit to gouerne our selues holilie and to rule and bring vp these our children and familie in all godlie feare nurture information of the Lord and knowledge of thy holie word and that we may be alwaies vnto them an example in all godlinesse and vertue to the praise of thine holie name Plant in mine hart all vertues that be necessarie and requisite in a Christian woman giue mee grace so to vse them and all other good gifts which I haue receiued at thy mercifull hands as may be most to thy glorie and praise to my consolation and saluation and to the profit of thy Church Behold Lord although I am but dust earth and ashes yet I haue taken vpon me and am bold to come and make these petitions and requests vnto thee not trusting in mine owne woorthinesse or righteousnesse which I doo acknowledge with the Prophet to be stained and defiled but onlie in thy great mercie and promise and through the merits of Christs death bloud-shedding to laie mine humble praiers before thee requiring mercie pardon and forgiuenesse of all my sinnes and also the assistance of thy grace to doo thy will all the daies of my life and to obteine all these my petitions O therefore heare me speedilie good Lord forgiue me fauourablie O Lord and tarie not ouerlong but for thine owne sake doo it and for thy deere Sonne Iesus Christs sake in whom all thy promises are Yea and Amen which is our onelie Redeemer Mediator Sauiour and Iustifier to whom with thee O Father and the holie Ghost be all honour glorie and praise now and euer Amen Another good and godlie praier to be said at all times of euerie Christian both man and woman O Almightie and euerlasting GOD Father Sonne and holie Ghost thou that hast made heauen and earth and all things in them conteined haue mercie vpon me poore wretched sinner dailie assaulted with all kind of miserie and wretchednesse I beseech thee O Father for the loue of thy Sonne Iesus Christ consider my weakenesse frailtie and imperfection and haue mercie vpon me Increase thy graces in me my souereigne Sauiour my deere Redeemer and mine onelie Iustifier For I come vnto thee O Lord according to the words of our Sauiour Christ who hath said Come vnto me all ye that labour and are laden and I will ease and refresh you Oh most mercifull Father ease me of and from the great burden of my sinne which I haue vnrighteouslie committed against thee either in thought word or deed and refresh my soule dailie with thy mercies Sprinkle me with the sweet hysop of thy mercie and then shall I be cleane wash me and then shall I be whiter than snowe Powre vpon me ioie and gladnesse and make my bones reioice which thou hast smitten Turne thy face from my sinnes and put out all my misdeeds Make me a cleane heart O God and renew a right spirit within me Cast me not awaie from thy presence and take not thy holie spirit from me Oh giue me the comfort of thy helpe againe and stablish me with thy free spirit Then shall I teach thy waies vnto the wicked that sinners may be conuerted vnto thee Deliuer me from bloud guiltinesse O God thou that art the God of my health that my tongue may praise thy righteousnesse Open my lips O Lord then shall my mouth shew foorth thy praise Consider mine imperfection and helpe it with thy mercies Remember thine old woonted mercies and faithfull promises made vnto our forefathers Abraham Isaac and Iacob and all other Patriarchs Prophets Apostles Martyrs and other thy Saints in our Sauiour Christ Iesus who being compassed with infirmitie and weakenesse of the flesh came vnto thee O Lord as vnto the well and euerlasting fountaine of their health and saluation and thou mercifullie susteinedst them keepedst them deliueredst them in all their temptations and tribulations If their feet at anie time slipt or went out of the waie and committed sinne against thee yet thy mercie was alwaies readie so that thou by thine holie spirit diddest procure them to repentance so that they turned againe vnto thee which conuersion and turning againe thou mercifullie acceptedst at their hands For bicause they were desirous to liue perfectlie in thy sight thou preseruedst them so that they were found faithfull before thee O Lord thou art the same and thy yeeres endure for euer I beseech thee O Father beare mine imperfection and helpe it likewise with thy mercie if at anie time I happen to fall and commit sinne against thee as thou saiedst by thine holie Apostle Paule Let thy grace at all time be sufficient for me in such wise that I may immediatelie turne againe by true repentance vnto thee which conuersion and turning againe accept alwaies at mine hands for Iesus Christs sake so shall I be found perfect before thee For although the spirit bee willing yet is the flesh vntoward and weake Therefore doo I not leaue mine owne righteousnesse before thee For I knowe and confesse in me that is to saie in my flesh is nothing but plaine miserie wretchednesse and sinne Therefore doo I come vnto thee and beseech thee for Christes sake to extend thy mercifull hand towards me
protection and keepe vs and all ours this night that the diuell haue no power ouer vs. Be thou watchfull ouer vs O eternall Sauiour least the subtill tempter apprehend vs. For thou art made for vs an euerlasting protector For behold whether we sleepe or wake whether we liue or die we are thine thou art our Creator and redeemer Stand therefore on our behalfe in the watch with the armie of thy celestiall warriers thine Angels which being filled with perfect goodnesse and perpetuall integritie behold thy face alwaies in the heauens Expell from vs and our houses wicked spirits which bee our mortall enimies that they damage vs in no case and deliuer vs from persecutors which laie snares for our destruction Turne not away thy mercie and truth from vs. O God assist vs that peaceablie we may rest and sleepe in quiet We will laie vs downe in peace and sleepe For thou Lord alone makest vs to dwell in safetie without danger Hide vs in thy tabernacle O Lord that sitting in thy secret place and abiding vnder the shadowe of thy wings we may saie vnto thee Lord thou art our keeper and our refuge O God we will trust in thee and will feare no danger And although we were in extreame darknesse yet will wee not feare Though we should walke in the midst of the shadowe of death yet will we dread none euill for thou art with vs thy rod and thy staffe they doo comfort vs. Let thy mercie O God followe vs all the daies of our life that we may dwell in thy house in longnesse of daies praising thee euermore with the Sonne holie Ghost one true God reigning worlds without end Amen Another more large Euening praier with Confession O Lord God Father euerlasting and full of pitie we acknowledge and confesse that we be not woorthie to lift vp our eies to heauen much lesse to present our selues before thy Maiestie with confidence that thou wilt heare our praiers and grant our requests if we consider our owne deseruings For our consciences doo accuse vs and our sinnes beare witnesse against vs and we knowe that thou art an vpright iudge which dooest not iustifie the sinners and wicked men but punishest the faults of all such as transgresse thy commandements Yet most mercifull Father since it hath pleased thee to command vs to call on thee in all our troubles and aduersities promising euen then to helpe vs when we feele our selues as it were swallowed vp of death desperation we vtterlie renounce all worldlie confidence and flie to thy souereigne bountie as our onlie staie and refuge beseeching thee not to call to remembrance our manifold sinnes and wickednesse whereby we continuallie prouoke thy wrath and indignation against vs neither our negligence and vnkindnesse which haue neither woorthilie esteemed nor in our liues sufficientlie expressed the sweet comfort of thy Gospell reuealed vnto vs but rather to accept the obedience and death of thy Sonne who by offering vp his bodie in sacrifice once for all hath made a sufficient recompense for all our sinnes Haue mercie therefore vpon vs O Lord forgiue vs our offences Teach vs by thy holie spirit that we may rightlie way them and earnestlie repent for the same and so much the rather O Lord because that the reprobate such as thou hast forsaken can not praise thee nor call vpon thy name but the repenting hart the sorowfull mind the conscience oppressed hungering and thirsting for thy grace shall euer set forth thy praise and glorie And albeit we be but woorms dust yet thou art our Creator and we be the worke of thy hands yea thou art our Father and we thy children thou art our shepheard and we thy flocke thou art our redeemer we the people whom thou hast bought thou art our God and we thine inheritance Correct vs not therefore in thine anger O Lord neither according to our deserts punish vs but mercifullie chastise vs with a fatherlie affection that all the world may knowe that at what time soeuer a sinner doth repent him of his sins from the bottome of his hart thou wilt put awaie his wickednesse out of thy remembrance as thou hast promised by thy holie Prophet Finallie we humblie thanke thee O mercifull Father by thy deerelie beloued Sonne Iesus Christ our Sauiour for all thy benefits bestowed vpon vs from the beginning of the world to this time for our election our creation our redemption our sanctification continuall preseruation and namelie for that of thy mercie and goodnesse thou hast preserued vs this daie and all the time of our life hitherto from all misfortunes hurts and dangers bodilie ghostlie And forsomuch as it hath pleased thee to make the night for man to rest in as thou hast ordeined him the daie to trauell and that whither we sleepe or wake liue or die we are alwaies thine grant O deere Father that we may so take our bodilie rest this night that our soules and harts being kindled with the light of thy countenance may continuallie watch for the time that our Lord Iesus Christ shall appeare for our deliuerance out of this mortall life And in the meane season take thou O God care and charge of vs and all ours that we perish not in the works of darkenesse and that we not ouercome by anie fantasies dreames or other temptations may fullie set our minds vpon thee loue thee feare thee and rest in thee Furthermore that our sleepe be not excessiue or ouermuch after the insatiable desires of the flesh but onlie sufficient to content our weake nature that enioieng sweet sleepe and comfortable rest both in bodie and mind we may healthfullie and ioifullie rise againe and be the better disposed to liue in all godlie conuersation and perfect obedience of thy word to the glorie of thy holie name and profit of thy Church through Iesus Christ our Lord in whose name we furthermore make our humble petitions vnto thee not onlie for our selues but for all others whome thou wouldest we should continuallie praie for saieng as he in his holie word hath taught vs Our Father which art in heauen c. O Lord increase our faith strengthen it in thy manifold sweet promises and grant vs a perfect continuance therein to our liues end whereof we humblie make our confession saieng I beleeue in God c. Let thy mightie hand and out-stretched arme O Lord be still our defence thy mercie and louing kindnes in Iesu Christ thy deere Sonne our saluation thy true holie word our instruction thy life holie actions our imitation thy grace holie spirit our comfort consolatiō vnto the end in the end and the blessing of God almightie Father Sonne and holie Ghost be with vs and remaine with vs now euer Amen A forme of generall praier to be vsed in priuate houses and families euerie Euening O Lord prepare our harts to praier for if we praie with our lips onlie our praiers
seate And as I willinglie now put off my garments which in the morning I shall put on again so let me not vnwillinglie put off this my bodie whensoeuer by death it shall please thee O God to call me especiallie for that I knowe that after the night of this world is expired I shall receiue it on againe in much better light to immortalitie So be it Put off the old man with his lusts and concupiscences and be content with Ioseph to put off your prison apparell that you may put on new I haue put off my cloaths how shall I put them on O Lord I will confesse my wickednesse and that of my selfe I haue nothing Cant. 5 3. VVhen you wash your feete praie thus to your selfe O Most meeke and louing Iesu the perfect paterne of all humilitie who being Lord of heauen and earth didst not disdaine to wash thy Disciples feet and wipe them cleane with the towell wherewith thou wast girt and that for our example to teach vs to loue and serue one another in thee haue mercie on me a miserable sinner which from top to toe both within and without am altogither polluted and defiled with sinne in thy sight And with Peter I humblie beseech thee vouchsafe now to wash me in the sweet bath of thy pretious bloud from all the filth and pollusions of my sinnes that I may be whiter than snowe Wash thou I saie not my feet onelie O Lord but my hands and head yea my verie hart soule and conscience also For if thou wash me not I shall haue no part with thee but if thou wash me I shall be cleane euerie whit in all parts yea cleaner than the glasse O wash mee therfore cleane from mine vncleannesse and doo awaie all my sinnes negligences and ignorances yea so purge and scowre all mine affections by thy grace and mercie that with both my feete that is to saie with perfect loue to thee and true charitie to my neighbor I may walke in the paths of thy peace by the direction of thy spirit and at the last come pure and cleane vnto thee my purifier to the confusion and shame of mine enimies which in the daie of my death shall most busilie watch to trip and ouerthrowe me so shall I blesse and praise thee with thine elect and holie Saints in euerlasting happinesse Amen I haue washed my feete how shall I file them againe Cant. 5 3. Another O Most mercifull Iesu which gentlie sufferedst that sinfull woman Marie Magdalen to approch vnto thy presence and to wash thy blessed feet with hir teares to wipe them with hir heare and to kisse and annoint them with costlie oile and diddest greatlie commend this hir fact to all posteritie haue mercie on me a more sinfull woman in thy sight and grant me grace likewise continuallie to wash thy feete with the teares of true contrition to wipe them with the heare of mine obedience to kisse them with the kisses of feruent loue of thee and thy Saints and to annoint them with the sweet oile of deuout praiers confessions and thanks-giuing that I may obtaine by thy mercie forgiuenesse of all my manifold sinnes and feele my selfe much bound vnto thee for my saluation Finallie let me thine handmaid be a seruant I praie thee to wash the feet of the seruants of my Lord make me I saie of the number of those holie matrons that willinglie wash the feet of thy Saints that minister vnto them that are in aduersitie that are continuallie giuen to euery good worke and be well reported of for their vertues through Iesu Christ our Lord Amen Wash you make you cleane take awaie the euill of your works from before mine eies cease to doo euill and learne to doo well Esai 1 16. VVhen you enter into your bed praie I Enter into my bed and laie mee downe to rest in the name of the Father the Sonne and the holie Ghost The Lord Iesu Christ which was crucified dead and buried for me blesse preserue and keepe me both bodie and soule and raise me with him at the last daie by the power of his glorious resurrection to life euerlasting Amen And grant O God I beseech thee that as I am not afraid now to enter into my bed and to dispose my selfe to sleepe so I may not be afraid or loth to die but rather cheerfullie prepare my selfe thervnto and euermore desire to be dissolued and to be with Christ my Sauiour Amen Being new laid in your bed saie this Psalme O Lord thou hast searched me out knowne me thou knowest my downe lieng and mine vprising thou vnderstandest all my thoughts long before Thou art about my path and about my bed and spiest out all my waies For lo there is not a word in my tongue but thou O Lord knowest it altogither Thou hast fashioned me behind and before and laid thine hand vpon me Such knowledge is too woonderfull and excellent for me I can not attaine vnto it Whither then shall I go from thy spirit Or whither shall I go from thy presence If I clime vp into heauen thou art there if I godowne to hell thou art there also if I take the wings of the morning and remaine in the vttermost parts of the sea euen there also shall thy hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me If I saie Peraduenture the darkenes shall couer me then shall my night be turned to daie yea the darknesse is no darkenesse with thee but the night is as cleere as the daie the darkenesse and light to thee are both alike For my reines are thine thou hast couered me in my mothers wombe I will giue thanks vnto thee for I am fearefullie and woonderfullie made Maruellous are thy works and that my soule knoweth right well My bones are not hid from thee though I be made secretlie and fashioned beneath in the earth Thine eies did see my substance yet being vnperfect and in thy booke are all my members written which daie by daie were fashioned when as yet there was none of them How deere are thy counselles vnto me O God O how great is the summe of them If I tell them they are more in number than the sand when I wake vp I am present with thee Trie me O God and seeke the ground of my hart prooue me and examine my thoughts looke well if there be anie waie of wickednesse in me and leade me in the waie euerlasting Let me neuer imagine mischiefe vpon my bed as doo the vngodlie that set themselues in no good waie and can not sleepe before they haue done some harme but make me to abhorre the thing that is euill and to commune with mine owne hart and in my chamber to be still that with the Saincts I may be ioifull with glorie and reioice on my bed with them that praise thee daie and night Finallie grant that I may behold thy presence in righteousnesse and when I awake vp after thy likenesse bring
supplication is not onlie for those aboue mentioned but also for such as either although they resist not thy truth and pure religion openlie and obstinatelie professe our religion yet mingled with manie superstitions and abuses worshipping and calling vpon Saints departed out of this life or be addicted to outward ceremonies and rudiments of this world burdening their consciences with mans obseruations and traditions of their fathers or trusting to their owne righteousnesse or rather to the works and deedes of the flesh refuse and make little accompt of thy righteousnesse which is the true iustification and go about to establish their owne righteousnesse But Christ is the end of the lawe for righteousnesse to as manie as beleeue and another foundation can no man laie than that is laid in thy sonne the Messias which is the waie the truth the life and the end of the lawe For by his perfect obedience and fulfilling of the lawe by his innocent and bitter death hee hath restored vnto vs saluation and perfect righteousnesse that euerie one which beleeueth on him might not perish but haue euerlasting life O God the sight of the blind bring them home againe which through ignorance either are intangled in doubtfull labyrinths and grosse errours or countenance polluted religion that lightened by thy spirit they may returne into the right waie And such as with impudent faces and stiffe neckes doo obstinatelie with an affected ignorance withstand thine holie spirit whose senses the god of this world hath blinded that the light of thy glorious Gospell shine not ouer them represse and bridle their malice that by slaughter and persecutions they neither trouble nor destroie thy Church Amen After the Sermon reade some of these sentences of Scripture exhorting to the diligent obseruing and following of Gods word beard Deuteronomie 28 verse 1. IF thou shalt obeie diligentlie the voice of the Lord thy God walke in his ordinances and obserue keepe and doo all his commandements which I command thee this daie then all these blessings shall come on thee and ouertake thee Blessed shalt thou be in the citie and blessed in the field c. But and if thou wilt not obeie the voice of the Lord thy God to keepe and doo all his commandements and his ordinances which I command thee this daie then all these curses shall come vpon thee and ouertake thee Curssed shalt thou be in the citie and curssed in the field c. as in the whole Chapter Ecclesiasticus 35. WHO so keepeth the lawe bringeth offrings inough he that holdeth fast the commandements offereth an offering of saluation Matthew 7. WHO soeuer heareth of me saieth Christ these words and doth the same I will liken him to a wise man which hath builded his house on a rocke c. But whosoeuer heareth these my words and doth them not shall be likened vnto a foolish man which hath builded his house vpon the sands c. Luke 11. BLessed are they that heare the word of God and keepe it Luke 12. THE seruant that knoweth his maisters will and doth it not shall be beaten with manie stripes Romans 2. THE hearers of the lawe are not righteous before God but the dooers of the lawe shall be iustified Iames. 1. WHerefore be yee dooers of the word and not hearers onelie deceiuing your owne selues For if anie heare the word and doo it not he is like vnto a man that beholdeth his naturall face in a glasse For when he hath considered himselfe he goeth awaie and forgetteth immediatlie what manner of one he was But who so looketh in the perfect lawe of libertie and continueth therein he not beeing a forgetfull hearer but a dooer of the worke shall bee blessed in his deed Iohn 15. NOw are yee cleane through the word which I haue spoken vnto you Abide in me and I in you c. I am the vine yee are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth foorth much fruit For without me can ye doo nothing If yee abide in me and my word abide in you aske what yee will and it shall be done vnto you Reuelation 2. FOR he that ouercommeth and keepeth my words vnto the end to him will I giue power ouer nations Reuelation 3. REmember therefore how thou hast heard and receiued and hold fast and repent Hold that I saie which thou hast that no man take thy crowne and watch Then giue thanks and praie vnto God after the Sermon and saie IMmortall praise and thanks be giuen vnto thee O almightie God and most mercifull father who hast giuen vs so pretious a gift of thy holie word and vouchsafed vs to heare so glad tidings of thy sacred Gospell by the hand of this thy minister who presentlie by thy mercy hath vttered it vnto vs. And seeing thou hast delt so gratiouslie with vs in the free publishing of thy Gospell amongst vs this foure and twentie yeeres that it seemeth thou hast euen lifted vs vp to heauen with the cities wherein our Sauiour taught most in his being vpon the earth and hast now in a manner throwne them downe to hell and left in them a terrible and a fearfull example of thy iudgements against those that walke not woorthie the graces offered vnto them Grant vs so to profit by this their chastisement and correction that as of thy grace thou hast reuealed thy will vnto vs which otherwise we could neuer haue knowne so now strengthen vs O Lord that we neuer refuse thy Gospell in vnbeleefe nor seeke in the persons of the preachers of it anie causes and pretences of our infidelitie but hauing thy word alwaies in our harts and thy praises in our tongues we may walke woorthie thy so great graces bestowed vpon vs and haue our conuersation in heauen that after wee may be taken vp thither vnto thee alwaies to glorifie thee with thy Sonne and the holie Ghost Amen A thankes-giuing for the knowledge of God in his word WE giue thee thankes O Father Lord of heauen and earth because thou hast hid the mysterie of thy word which is the Gospell of our saluation by thy Sonne from the wise and men of vnderstanding in this world and hast reuealed the same to babes of base degree certeinlie such was thy good pleasure Thou hast giuen vs all things in thy Sonne whom none knoweth but thou Father neither dooth anie knowe thee except thy Sonne and he to whom thy Sonne shall reueale thee We worship thee we praise thee we glorifie thee we giue thee thanks for the hid wisedome which thou didst determine before the world for our glorie which was neuer knowne to the princes of this world nor at anie time to the sonnes of men as it is now reuealed by the spirit to whom the communion of the mysterie which was hid from all ages but is now opened to thy Saints to whom thou wouldst haue made knowne what be the riches of this glorious mysterie It is thine owne working
and of thy free mercie that we are made heires and partakers of thy promise in Christ Iesu through the Gospell which bringeth vs tidings and full assurance of the euerlasting riches of thine infinite goodnesse and mercie Blessed be God euen the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ which hath blessed vs with all spirituall blessings in heauenlie things by Christ and hath chosen vs in him before the foundations of the world that we should be holie and without blame before him in loue who hath predestinated vs to be adopted through Iesus Christ vnto himselfe according to the good pleasure of his will whereby he loueth vs by his beloued in whom we haue redemption in his bloud euen the forgiuenesse of sinnes according to the riches of his grace wherein he hath abounded towards vs in all wisdome and vnderstanding and hath opened vnto vs the mysterie of his will according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himselfe euen vntill the dispensation of the fulnesse of time that he might gather in one all things both which are in heauen and which are in earth euen in Christ by whom also we are chosen when wee were predestinated according to the purpose of him which maketh althings after the counsell of his owne will that we might be to the praise of his glorie which hoping haue beleeued in Christ when we heard the word of truth euen the Gospell of saluation And this grace thou didst extend toward vs not by the works of righteousnesse which we had done but according to thy mercie thou sauedst vs and didst call vs with an holie calling not according to our works but according to thine owne purpose grace which was giuen to vs through Christ before all times and is now made manifest by the appearing of our Sauiour Iesus Christ which hath abolished death and brought life and immortalitie vnto light through the Gospell To thee therefore which art of power to establish our harts according to the reuelation of the mysterie which was kept secret since the world began but now is opened and published among all nations by the Scriptures of the Prophets at the commandement of the euerlasting GOD for the obedience of faith to thee we saie God onelie wise be praise through Iesus Christ for euer Amen We beseech thee that according to the operation and working of thy mightie power we may continue constant in true faith and wholesome doctrine and at no time forsaking the wisedome opened in the Gospell may followe the iudgement of worldlie reason and fleshlie vnderstanding which thou hast beesotted and altogither confounded in searching thy hidden mysteries For thy spirituall wisedome dooth farre exceed all wisedome and vnderstanding of the creatures wherevnto flesh can not attaine neither can our bloud reueale nor yet the naturall man although he be indued with great sharpenesse of wit and worldlie vnderstanding perceiue the same Grant we beseech thee that we may be thy simple sheepe and little-ones receiuing from thee the word of truth without contradiction and disputation and that in the articles of faith we bring not fleshly wisedome but being made void of our proper vnderstanding may bring our minds into a godlie captiuitie Let thy Sonne which descending from aboue brought with him the eternall wisedome of the Gospell from thy bosome and was made a sacrifice on our behalfe but now exalted to thy right hand bestoweth his gifts let him we beseech thee shine in our harts Likewise cause thine holie spirit to instill into vs his diuine light and breath vpon vs the new flame of thine heauenlie knowledge till departing into the eternall life we may behold thee the onlie and true God face to face which liuest and reignest in perpetuall glorie Amen Another thankes-giuing after the Sermon WE render vnto thee O heauenlie father most hartie thanks for this spirituall heauenlie nourishment of thy blessed word wherewith our soules are not onelie well refreshed at this present but also our faith is strengthened our loue kindled and our conscience quieted Wee most humblie beseech thee to giue vs grace not onelie to be hearers of thy word but dooers also of the same not onelie to loue but also to liue thy Gospell not onlie to fauour but also to followe thy godlie doctrine not onelie to professe but also to practise thy blessed commandements that whatsoeuer we outwardlie heare and inwardlie beleeue we may shew foorth the same in our conuersation and liuing vnto the honour of thy holie name the comfort of our Christian brethren and the health of our soules Amen Another O GOD wee haue heard with our eares and our fathers and preachers haue declared vnto vs the noble works that thou hast done of old time for vs. Grant therefore we beseech thee O thou heauenlie husbandman that this seed of thy word now sowne amongst vs may take such deepe root in our harts that neither the burning heate of persecution cause it to wither neither the thornie cares of this life doo choke it but that as seed sowne in good ground it may bring foorth thirtie sixtie and an hundred fold as thy heauenlie wisedome hath appointed to the glorie of thy holie name Amen Another praier or thankes-giuing after the Sermon I Giue thee most humble thankes Lord Iesu Christ that thou hast vouchsafed euen now abundantlie to refresh and feed vs with the food of thy word And I beseech thee that the vnderstanding and knowledge of this thy word may be wholsome comfortable and effectuall in vs that this heauenlie seed now sowne doo not die or perish in vs without fruit Keepe our harts O Lord inuiron and compasse them about with the inclosure or hedge of thy grace and by thy holie Angels preserue and watch ouer the same that the infernall fowle bird Satan pull not out thy sacred word out of our harts But prepare our breast and make apt our harts vnto thee good Lord that they may firmelie keepe thy word and that they may alwaie sticke and be as new and fresh in our memories Giue vs also strength possibilitie and power that our life may answere to thy doctrine heard Giue increase also to thy word O heauenlie husbandman that in vs it may augment growe and that by thy holie speech and heauenlie eloquence it may not onlie bring vs to the knowledge of thy will but also that we may execute accomplish and fullfill that thou commandest and willest and so perseuering to the end may at the last aspire to thy celestiall kingdome Amen Another O Gratious God and most mercifull Father which hast vouchsafed vs the rich and pretious iewell of thy holie word assist vs with thy spirit that it may be written in our harts to our euerlasting comfort to reforme vs to renew vs according to thine owne image to build vs vp and edifie vs into the perfect building of thy Christ sanctifieng and increasing in vs all heauenlie vertues Grant this O heauenlie Father for Iesus
of thee and this congregation present who may be eie-witnesses of the same But because O Lord the externall confession and outward acknowledgement of my sinnes without the inward contrition dolour of the hart and soule auaileth nothing in thy presence which art the searcher of the hart and sifter of the reines I most humblie beseech thee that thou wilt so touch my hart and conscience and effectuallie worke in me perfect remorse and detestation of my former offences that without anie hypocrisie and with true compunction of soule and sincere confession of the mouth I vtterlie loathing and condemning mine owne impietie and damning that which the lawe pronounceth vniust and damnable may attaine to some sense and feeling of thy mercie which thou hast aboundantlie shewed vnto all mankind in Christ Iesu our Lord. Conuert me O Lord and I shall be conuerted because thou art my God and being conuerted I will doo penance Heale me O Lord and I shall be healed saue thou me and I shall be saued for thou art my praise To me I confesse shame and confusion of face is due as I iustlie suffer this daie but to thee honor and glorie for my redemption who by thus iudging and punishing me dooest by little and little giue me place to amend and space to repent and hast not suddenlie and at vnwares taken me awaie from the face of the earth and ouerwhelmed me by and by through thy iustice in my wicked deedes dooing as I deserued and thou iustlie mightest For which thy lenitie patience long-suffering and mercie O thou louer of my soule I most humblie thanke thee beseeching thee so to mollifie my hart that I may repent and esteeme greatlie of so great riches and inestimable treasures of thy goodnesse Moreouer O good Lord Iesus Christ grant I beseech thee that among all the feares and terrours of my conscience I may take hold of thee by a liuelie faith which hast redeemed me from the cursse of the lawe and art made for me wisedome and righteousnesse sanctification and redemption and may not in the fight of conscience yeeld my selfe a slaue still to Sathan and despaire of thy mercie but vpholden by the voice of thy Gospell may flee vnto thee my mediator and iustified by faith may haue peace with God that so comming vnto thee by hearing thy word to repentance the Angels in heauen may continuallie haue occasion to reioice and I auoiding the fearefull vengeance which most assuredlie shall fall vpon the inobedient may be restored into the right of thy lawe and receiued againe into the bosome of thy Church as a member of thy mysticall body and from my hart walke in all holie obedience to thee and thy holie word to the praise of thy name the comfort of thy Church and the confusion of Sathan Amen A thankes-giuing and praier vnto God of a reconciled offender or excommunicate person restored into the Church to be vsed after open penance done at a Sermon or otherwise HEauenlie father fountaine of all mercie and consolation I confesse my selfe the chiefest of all sinners and a wretch most vnworthie to bee counted amongst thy children or to be a member of thy Church if thou haue respect to the corruption of my nature and horror of my manifold misdeeds But seeing it hath pleased thy fatherlie goodnesse not onlie freelie to elect and choose me in thy deere sonne our Lord Iesus Christ by his death to redeeme me by his Gospell to call me and by his holie spirit which both are thine to illuminate me but also that thou hast commanded thy holie word and sacred Gospell to be preached not onlie to me but to all the world to the end that the penitent may haue an assurance of the remission of all their sinnes great and small old and new not onlie for a time but euen as oft as they from sorowfull harts and broken spirits in bitter teares shall bewaile the same and call for thy grace and mercie In consideration of this thy fatherlie adoption and ineffable clemencie shewed vpon mee an vnwoorthie wretch I can not but highlie praise and magnifie thy fatherlie mercie A testimonie whereof I not onelie feele now in my selfe but others also see the same euidentlie in this my conuersion and confession of my fore-passed faults in the which my penance dooing I am assured that I haue not so much shamed my selfe before this godlie congregation as I haue thereby confounded and ouercome mine enimie Satan who for a time had me in bondage and by whose venem and deceiuable entisements I heretofore haue beene verie rebellious to the wholesome admonitions of the Church for the which vile sinnes rebellion and contempt I confesse I haue beene woorthilie excommunicate and punished by the censures of the same But now O Lord seeing that the spirit of our Lord Iesus Christ hath so farre preuailed in me that by the power therof I am now set at freedome by thy mercie am returned againe to the societie of thy Saints and mysticall bodie of thy Church I beseech thee for the obedience of our Lord Iesus Christ so to accept me sorowfull conuert and to allow of this mine vnfeined repentance and confession that my former inobedience and faults be neuer laid to my charge Haue mercie vpon me O God haue mercie vpon me and absolue me thy poore creature not onelie from the sentence of excommunication but also from the sinnes by me committed and from all censures of the Church laid against me for the same or before and that Lord giuen according to this my hartie and vnfeined repentance before thee and all this congregation and as I hartilie forgiue all the world that in anie thing hath offended against me O Lord pronounce thou my sinnes to be cleansed and they shall be cleansed absolue thou me from the chaine of mine iniquities wherewith I am fast tied and bound and I shall be absolued loose thou my sins in earth and they shall be loosed in heauen that being now by thy great goodnesse and mercie acquited and sent awaie vncondemned of thee as that sinfull woman taken in adulterie was from hir accusers and receiued againe to the societie of Iesus Christ into the bosome of his Church to the participation of his blessed Sacraments and finallie to the fruition of all thy benefits I may by the perpetuall assistance of thy holie spirit not onelie more and more be displeased with my sinnes and bridle hencefoorth my corrupt affections till Satan be cleane troden vnder my feet by the power of my redeemer Christ but also be so conducted in all the course of my life hereafter that I neuer fall into the like sinnes impietie and contempt of God and godlinesse anie more but that continuallie I may be subiect to the voice of the Church and to the ministers of the same and proceed dailie in all maner of good works and Christian obedience to the praise of thy holie name and edifieng of thy Church by
Iesus Christ our Lord and onelie Sauiour to whom with thee and the holie Ghost be giuen all honour glorie praise and thankes-giuing not onelie of me miserable sinner and vnwoorthie wretch but also of all men Angels and creatures both in heauen and in earth from this time foorth for euermore Amen Luke 15 verses 6 7. Reioice with me saith Christ For I haue found my sheepe which was lost yea I saie vnto you there is ioie in heauen in the presence of the Angels of God ouer one sinner that repenteth more than ouer ninetie and nine iust persons which neede no repentance A praier to be vsed for the conuersion of anie notorious sinner that doth open penance in the Church PItifull God omnipotent Lord and mercifull Father who for that good will thou bearest vnto vs in Iesus Christ thy deere sonne wilt not the death and destruction of a sinner but rather that he by the inspiration and moouing of thy holie spirit conuert and liue who also doost witnesse the vertue and strength of thy word to be such that it causeth the mountaines to shake the rocks tremble and the flouds to drie vp behold we thy children and people here prostrate before thee most humblie beseech thee for Iesus Christs sake pitifullie to looke vpon all sinners and especiallie vpon this our sister here present who once was baptised in thy name and hath professed hir selfe subiect to this religion and vnto the discipline of thy Church though Satan alas now for a while hath so blinded hir that wilfullie shee hath contemned both the one and the other But O Lord as thou alone knowest so maist thou alone change and mollifie the harts of the impenitent sinners thou I saie which by the voice of the prophet Nathan awakedst Dauid from his deadlie securitie and who without anie prophet didst beate downe the pride of Manasses in the prison after that he had filled Ierusalem with all kind of impietie thou which turnedst the hart of Peter at the onelie looke of thy deere sonne our Lord Iesus Christ after that fearfullie with horrible imprecations hee had thrise denied and openlie forsworne thee thou which openedst the eies of the blind excommunicate man and causedst him to beleeue thy saiengs which forgauest the woman taken in adulterie sentst hir awaie vncondemned of thee hir accusers thou I saie O Lord whose mercies without measure endure for euer To thee doo we praie for this our sister heere presentlie punished and dooing open penance for hir offences earnestlie desiring thee O father of mercies first so to pierce and moue hir heart with the feare of thy seuere iudgements which sufferest no child of thine to go vncorrected in this world to the end they may escape vnpunished in the world to come and so to open hir eies that she may begin to see and vnderstand how fearefull and terrible a thing it is to fall into thy hands and to prouoke thy wrath and indignation against hir Let it please thy Maiestie by the vertue of thy holie spirit so to mollifie hir hard hart I saie that she may now at length feele how greeuouslie she hath offended both against thee and the Church and giue hir thy grace to acknowledge accuse and damne as well before vs whome she hath offended as before thy presence this hir contempt and sinne so notorious and damnable least that by hir obstinacie and wilfull rebellion thy Church and congregation being further prouoked be compelled with greefe of harts to cut hir quite off from thy mysticall bodie whome we O Lord vnfeinedlie desire to receiue within the Church as a liuelie member of thy deere sonne our Lord Iesus Christ Heare vs mercifull father call backe againe this our deere sister from eternall destruction where-into Sathan would leade hir that we all who before thy presence euen for hir rebellion and transgressions doo mourne may receiue hir againe with gladnes and ioie and so render praise and honour vnto thee before this thy holie congregation We grant our selues O Lord vnworthie whome thou shouldest heare because we cease not to offend thee by our continuall transgressing of thy holie precepts Looke not vpon vs mercifull father in this our corrupt nature but looke downe to thy deere sonne whome thou of thy meere mercie hast appointed our head high Bishop aduocate mediator and onlie propitiator In him and in the merits of his death we humblie beseech thee mercifullie to behold vs and suffer not the most innocent bloud of thy deere sonne shead for vs and this our penitent sister to be prophaned by the tyrannie and sleight of Sathan but by the vertue of the same let our sister be brought to vnfeined repentance and conuersion that so she may escape that fearfull indignation into the which she appeareth to haue fallen Grant I saie O Lord vnto this our sister the repentance of the hart and sincere confession of the mouth to the praise of thy name to the comfort of thy Church and to the confusion of Sathan And vnto vs grant O Lord that albeit we cannot liue altogether cleane from sinne and void of offences yet that we fall not into the like horrible crimes of impietie and contempt to the dishonour of thy holie name to the slander and offence of our brethren and sisters and infamie of thy holie Religion and Gospell which we professe Let thy godlie power O Lord so perpetuallie assist and strengthen our weakenesse and conduct vs in all the course of our whole life that neither the craft of Sathan nor the tyrannie of sinne drawe vs vtterlie from the obedience required in true Christians but that contrarilie beeing subiect to the voice of thy Church and to the ministers of the same vnder thee by holinesse and innocencie of life we may declare to the wicked generation what difference there is betweene the children of light and the children of darkenesse that all men seeing our good works may praise thee in the daie of visitation This we aske of thee O heauenlie Father in the boldnesse of our head and mediator Iesus Christ praieng furthermore as he hath taught vs Our Father c. Another praier to be said of the beholders of anie offender in the Church or else-where ALmightie God and most mercifull father whose iudgements are vnsearchable and whose waies are past finding out teach vs to iudge wiselie of this our sister and all other afflicted with thy hand not condemning them but rather profiting by them that their example may leade vs to repentance and bringing foorth such fruits as thou requirest of all those that are planted in thy Church least by continuing fruitlesse we prouoke thee at the last to the cutting of vs downe And because thou hast giuen vs a sauiour able to heale all our infirmities deliuer vs by him O Lord from all the bonds of Sathan that being set at libertie by him we may fore-see the straight doore and enter into it leauing the wide gate that leadeth
doo through the onelie merits of our Lord and Sauiour Jesus Christ to whom be all honour glorie dominion power and praise for euer and euer Amen The praier ALmightie and most mercifull God my heauenlie Father I thy poore child and most vnwoorthie bidden ghest to this thy prepared sacrifice and celestiall feast after due examination of my former life with an humble and contrite hart with a sorowfull and repentant spirit and with a forgiuing and charitable mind heere prostrate on my knees before thy throne of mercie with most lowelie hart humblie beseech thy Maiestie euen for thy deere and onelie sonne Iesus Christs sake whom thou hast once for all euer alreadie giuen an oblation and offering for our sinnes to haue mercie pitie and compassion vpon me most vile wretched and miserable sinner and to forgiue me all mine innumerable and horrible offences both old and new committed against heauen and earth and against thee And new I praie thee sanctifie me throughlie O God and make me who hartilie desire in feare trembling to please thee in all things that I doo a woorthie communicant a godlie ghest and fit partaker heere this daie of thy heauenlie food in this great and sumptuous Supper of my Lord and my God by giuing vnto me of thine accustomed goodnesse the right knowledge and vnderstanding out thy word of the thing it selfe these holie mysteries I meane and the manifold fruits and benefites thereof and also by causing me through the working of thy mercie and grace to bring now with me a true and constant faith the roote and wel-spring of all newnesse of life as well in praising thee and louing my neighbour as purging mine owne conscience by earnest repentance and continuall contrition from dead works and filthinesse of sinne so that neither the ignorance of the thing O gratious God may cause me to contemne it nor vnfaithfulnesse make it void of fruit nor sinne and iniquitie procure me thy heauie plagues but grant that I may by faith in knowledge and amendment of life in faith be heere now so vnited to thy sonne Christ my head and most deerelie beloued spouse in these his holie and heauenlie mysteries to my comfort both in bodie and soule that afterward I may haue full fruition of him in deede to mine euerlasting ioie and saluation in eternall life through the same Iesus Christ our Lord blessed for euer Amen Another godlie praier O Iesu Christ holy and eternall God I miserable woman and wretched sinner acknowledge and confesse that I am not woorthie the least of all thy mercies and most vnwoorthie to receiue thee vnder the roofe of my soule by participating of thy most blessed bodie and bloud For horrible and infinite are the sinnes wherewith I am defiled Wo is me Lord. For I am a woman of polluted lips and dwell among people that haue vncleane lips And therefore the verie entrailes of my hart are troubled and my bones doo shake because I finde my soule a most vnworthie ghest for so heauenlie a supper And yet againe mine hart is woonderfullie lightned when I call to mind that thou the deere sonne of almightie God camest not into this world to call the righteous but sinners vnto repentance For they that be whole need not the Physician but they that are sick Besides I knowe right well and constantlie doo beleeue that notwithstanding my filthinesse thou canst make mee woorthie which alone canst make that cleane which is conceiued of vncleane seed and righteous men of sinners when thou forgiuest our sinnes of thy woonted grace thine holie spirit being powred vpon vs. Through which thy power and mercie I beseech thee graunt such grace vnto me a sinner that I may woorthilie approch to this heauenlie sacrament least otherwise by mine vnwoorthinesse I be made giltie of thy bodie and bloud and so in stead of life receiue my iudgement and condemnation Giue grace therefore that afore I presume to come vnto the participation thereof I may examine my selfe by calling my sinnes into mind searching out my waies and by vnfeigned and hartie repentance returning vnto thee my Lord least otherwise by concealing my sinnes with Iudas the traitor I eate the bread of the Lord against the Lord and by abusing thy gentlenesse heape vengeance vnto my selfe against the daie of vengeance O make me therefore I saie to confesse my sinnes and that with hartie sobs so thou being a faithfull and iust God wilt abandon all mine offences and cleanse me from my sinnes and wilt not disdaine to accept me into fauour when I doo not refraine to acknowledge my wickednesse Moreouer powre into me a true and liuelie faith that I neuer mistrust thy word annexed to the Sacraments which promiseth vnto mankind the remission of sinnes For to eate or drinke with the mouth onelie is to no purpose but faith must come therevnto and apprehend the word with the promises annexed for they are the grounds and principles of this sacrament so that whosoeuer giueth credit to these words Which was giuen and shead for you in the remission of sinnes the same man hath that which is promised by them namelie eternall life and saluation For where the remission of sinnes is there likewise righteousnes life and saluation is But he which doubteth of these words he without doubt is an vnworthie receiuer and commeth vnprepared For the doubting man neither eateth the flesh spirituallie nor yet drinketh the bloud though carnallie and to our eies he seemeth to consume the Sacrament of the bodie and bloud with his teeth and mouth but his damnation rather not bicause thy supper is poison but for that an euill man taketh a good thing naughtilie Finallie grant also that receiuing this thy Sacrament of the new Testament I may put off according to the former conuersation the old man which is corrupt according to the lusts of error and be renewed in the spirit of my mind putting on the new man which after God is shapen in righteousnesse and holinesse of truth And albeit my nature be such that I can not liue without spots of wickednesse yet so blesse me that I may neuer offend willinglie but altogether depending vpon thy goodnesse whose manner is to pardon the true penitent that sinners may boldlie approch to thine holie supper especiallie seeing we haue libertie to enter into the holie places through thy bloud by the new and liuing waie which thou hast prepared for vs through the vaile that is by thy flesh And seeing we haue an high Priest ouer the house of God make vs to drawe nigh with true harts in assurance of faith sprinkled in our minds from an euill conscience and washed in bodie with pure water Cause vs to hold fast the profession of the hope without wauering For he is faithfull that promised and let vs consider one of another to prouoke vnto loue to good works not forsaking the assemblie of the faithfull as the maner of some is but exhorting one another
vs. We thanke thee we praise thee and we laud and magnifie thy glorious name O most meeke Lord for all thy benefits especiallie for that thou hast not thought it inough for thee to haue giuen vs the heauens and earth and all that is therin to serue vs and to instruct vs but also hast vouchsafed to send thine onlie deere beloued Sonne our Sauior Iesus Christ downe amongst vs into this vale of teares and after that he was ascended into heauen hast left vs thy holie word and sent thy holie Ghost into vs to the intent we should learne of him all truth in thy word might in deed behold more effectuallie better and cleerer thy Godhead We now also praie and humbly beseech thee O most mercifull God that thou wilt gouerne vs and driue awaie from vs all fleshlie conuersation to the intent we may hencefoorth liue a godlie and ghostlie life so that we through the flesh may not be hindered to passe our pilgrimage in such perfection as thou requirest in Christian men but that we may knowe and discerne and vse to thy glorie the vnmeasurable great good things which thy large and bountifull hand hath giuen and reached vnto vs through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen A meditation of mans creation O Almightie Lord God that hast created heauen and earth and all that is therein of naught but especiallie hast made man vnto thine owne godlie image infunding and creating in him a reasonable soule not mortall nor transitorie as are the soules of vnreasonable beasts but such a soule as liueth like the spirit or ghost of God for euer By which soule man knoweth thee to be his God doth beleeue thee and shall behold thee And with soule and bodie together thou hast made man aboue all other creatures so much superiour and hast so highlie exalted him that thou hast made him prince and chiefe gouernour lord and captaine ouer all thy other creatures that be in the earth and hast cast them all vnder his feet and subiection O most mercifull Lord powre into vs thy heauenlie light through which we may euer haue in due regard the vile and lothsome stuffe or matter that thy godlie hand hath made vs of and how thou hast neuerthelesse exalted vs so mightilie of miserie Let vs knowe I saie O Lord that man is crept out of the dust and mire and the woman but out of the rib of hir husband to the end we may not by anie meanes be puffed vp with pride by vaine-glorie and presumption of the great glorie wherewith thou hast vouchsafed to endue and cloath vs but that in true humilitie we may impute and exhibit all things vnto thine onlie goodnesse clemencie grace and mercie And that we may bee drawne thereby vnto the loue of thee and to kindle the lampe of our soules which is cold in thy loue with the light of thy grace so that we may diligentlie fulfill and accomplish all that thou hast commanded vs and leaue that which thou hast forbidden vs like as it becommeth thine obedient children so that we both here in this vale of miserie and also afterward in that heauenlie paradise being vndefiled and like vnto thee may be found like as thou hast created vs like vnto thine owne similitude image likenesse through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen Another meditation of mans creation THine almightie hand O GOD keeping alwaies at one staie created the Angels in heauen and the feelie woormes vpon earth and yet was neither higher in the one nor lower in the other For like as none other hand could haue created an Angel so could none other hand haue created a woorme like as none other could haue created heauen so could none other haue created a leafe of a tree like as none other could haue made a bodie so could none other make a haire white or blacke but onlie thine almightie hand wherevnto all things are possible alike For it is not more possible with thee to create a woorme than an Angel nor more impossible to spread out the heauen than a leafe nor easier to fashion a haire than to fashion a bodie nor vneasier to stablish the earth vpon the waters than the waters vpon the earth but all that thou listest to doo that hast thou done According as thou listedst thou hast made all things in heauen and in earth and in the sea and in all deepe places and among all other things thou hast made me according as thou listedst couldest and knewest how to doo it Certes Lord thy hand could haue made me some stone or some bird or some serpent or some beast and it knew how to haue done it but it would not bicause of thy goodnesse Why then am I not a stone some tree or some beast Trulie bicause thy goodnesse hath so ordeined it and bicause thou louedst me first And why hast thou done so to me O maker of heauen and earth and of the bottomlesse deepe who hast no neede of me Wherevpon commeth it that thou hast thus loued me For lo I am bicause thou hast created me and the cause that thou didst create me and account me in the number of thy creatures was thy fore-ordinance from euerlasting before thou madest anie thing euen from the beginning before thou didst spread all the heauens when as yet there were no deepes neither haddest thou yet made the earth nor founded the mountaines neither were anie water-springs yet broken out Before thou madest all these things I saie which thou madest by thy word thou foresawest by the most assured prouidence of thy truth that I should be thy creature and also thou willedst that I should be thy creature And whence commeth this to me O most gentle Lord most high God most mercifull Father and alwaies most meeke What had I deserued What kindnesse had I shewed that it should like thy roiall Maiestie to create me I was not and thou diddest create me I was nothing and of nothing thou madest me somewhat And what maner of somewhat Not a drop of water not fire not a bird or fish not a serpent or some of the brute beasts not a stone or a block not of those sort of things which haue but being onelie or of those things that haue but onelie being and growing nor yet of those kind of things that haue but onlie being growing and feeling But aboue all these things it was thy will to haue me both of that sort which haue but being onlie for I am and of those that haue no more but being and growing for I am and growe also of those kind of things which haue both being growing and feeling for I am and also doo both growe and feele Yea and thou hast made small ods betweene me and the Angels For I haue receiued reason to knowe thee and thy hand as well as they But I did well to saie there was some ods betweene vs. For they haue the happie knowledge of thee alreadie in possession and I