poure his benefits plentifully vpon vs as long as the World endureth Lord God thou hast created made of thine infinite goodnesse and vnspeakable mercie for Mans comfort thy blessed Sunne-shine to be a perpetuall bright Lampe and Candle to be an ingenderer nourisher comforter of all liuing things in this inferiour VVorld This great worke and Fatherly prouidence of God ought to cause vs to praise and magnifie him alwaies and to make vs remember his manifold benefits that hath so louingly created all things for mans sake O Lord as thy merâ—ies abound towards vs so grant that we may be as plentifull iâ— vertuous liuing and conuersation and that wee doe not thorow our wicked liues and euill behauiour pull vpon our felues thy wrath and displeafure in a busing thy good Creatures and in hoording vp the treasure of this VVorld from our needâ—ull and poore Bretheren and so purchase that curse which the wisedome of God vâ—tereth by the mouth of Salomon where he saith Who so hoordeth vp his goods shall bee cursed among the people but blessing shall light vppon his head that is liberal to the poore Bring it forth therefore ye couetous that yee may bee partakers of the blessing which is prepared for the righteous And as our Sauiour Christ saith They that are whole neede not the Phisician but they that are sicke You therefore that are sicke and haue neede seeke the helpe of that good Physician in time for there is better remedie to be had in the beginning then after a long delay and tarrying for the preseruation of our sicke soules Lord make vs earnestly and diligently to seeke helpe of the Heauenly Physician which is the pertect curer both of body and soule and make vs to apply those heauenly medicines the Precepts of thy most holie Word to the great and almost incurable diseases of our infected soules in seeking whereof we be all too remisse and slack But yet spare vs good Lord spare thy people and correct vs not in thine anger but in thy merâ—y thinke vpon vs for thou art the God of mercy long suffering slow to continue displeasure and ready to forgiue But alasse how shouldest thou cease to punish shouldest shew mercy when wee cease not to sinne and offend but continue still in our wiâ—â—ednesse without repentance What sufficient excuse can wee make or what reasonable let can we lay that thou oughtest not to punish vs Whereas there was neuer more godly preaching neuer more exhortation to repentance seldome the like crying out against sinne neuer more disswading from couetousnesse and vsurie there be daily admonitions to forsake swearing continual calling from all wickednesse beside the number of godly learned Bookes made and set forth and yet cannot all these moue vs once to repent or to desist and forsake our wonted wicked waies and filâ—hy affections Defend mee Lord by thy right hand and giue a gracious caâ—e to my request for all mans stayes are but vaine Lord condâ—â—t me in thy waies 〈◊〉 I may giue thankes to â—â—ee for thy mercie and goodnesse who neâ—er leauest them destitute that put their assured trust in thee who liuest and raignest one God World without end Amen A Prayer for Seruants with their dutie O Christ my Lord and Sauiour who being the Son of the liuing GOD â—â— GOD himselfe from euerlasting didst not disdaine at the wil of thine Heauenly Father to make thy selfe of no reputation to become Man to take vpon thee the shape of a Seruant and to obey thy Fathers Commandement to the death yea euen of the Crosse for our saluation refusing no seruice no trauell no labour no paine that might make vnto the comfort of mankinde We most humbly beseech thee to giue all thy Seruants grace to practise thy humilitie and obedience that as thou most willingly didst serue and obey thy Heauenly Fathers good pleasure so they in like manner may with most hearty affection serue and obey their bodily Masters in all things that are agreeing with thy blessed Word not with eye-seruice as Men-pleasers but in singlenesse of heart fearing God that whatsocuer they do they may doe it heartily euen as to the Lord and not vnto Men. For as much as they are sure that they shall receiue the reward of thy Heauenly Inheritance of thee O Lord Christ while truly and faithfully they serue their bodily Masters Grant that so many as are vnder theyoake may count their Masters worthy of all honour that the name of God and his Doctrine bee not euill spoken of and that they may obey them with all feare not onely if they bee good and curteous but also though they bee sroward and please them in all things not answering them againe not picking ought from them but shew good faithfulnesse that in all things they may bring credit to the doctrine of thee our GOD and Sauiour to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost be all honour praise and glory for euer and euer Ameu Seruants ought to account their Masters worthy of all honour I Tâ—â— 6. 1 and to be subiect vnto them with all feare not onely to the good and curteous but also to the froward 1 Pet. 2. 18 and to please them in all things not answering againe and to be no filchers nor deceiuers of them in any thing but shew all good faithfulnes Tit. 2. 9. 10 in singlenesse of their hearts as vnto Christ not with seruice to the eye as Men-pleasers but as the seruants of Christ doing the will of GOD from their hearts with good will seruing the Lord and not Men. Ephe. 6. 5. 6. 7. A Prayer for Children and their dutie AS thou O mercifull Father hast giuen commandement vnto all Fathers and Mothers to bring vp their Children in thy feare nurture and doctrine so likewise thy good pleasure is that children should honour and reuerence their Parents diligently giue care vnto their vertuous instructions and faithfully obey them As thou hast promised health honour glorie and riches long life and all that good is vnto them that honour reuerence and humbly obey their Fathers Mothers so hast thou threatned vnto disobedient Children ignominy euil same contempt shame dishonor pouerty sicknesse short life and such other plagues Yea in thy holy Law thou dost not onely pronounce them accursed that dishonour their Fathers and Mothers but thou also commandest that if anie Childe be stubborne and disobedient and will not heare but rather despise the commandement of his Father and Mother the same should bee stoned to death without mercy so greatlie doest thou abhorre disobedience and rebellion against all persons but especially against Parents I therefore heartily wishing that the plagues of thy fierce wrath for thou O Lord art a consurning fire may bee farre from them most humbly beseech thee to engraue in the hearts of all Children of whatsoeuer age kinde estate or degree they be true honour heartie reuerence and vnfeined obedience towards their Pareâ—ts Giue them
onely Sauiour so loue thee that all mine affections may bee set on thee alone and so embrace true godlinesse that our whole life may be a cleere mirrour of all vertue and goodnesse so shall wee through thy mercie bee found worthy guests of this thy Table and receiue these holy mysteries to the saluation of our soules Yea so shall we be well assured of the remission and forgiuâ—nesse of all our sinnes By the breaking of thy blessed bodie and the shedding of thy precious blood our consciences shall bee quiet our hearts shall be filled with all true and spirituall ioy we shall triumph ouer Sathan sinne death hell and desperation wee shall be partakers of all the fruites and merites of thy blessed passion bee made one body with thee fellow-heires in euerlasting glorie O Lord God let it so come to passe for the honour of thy name Amen A Thankesgiuing after the receiuing of the Communion VVEe thanke thee O Heauenly Father for the blessed passion and glorious death of thy dearely beloued Sonne our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ by whose holy wounds we faithfully beleeue and are assuredly perswaded that thy wrath is not onelie pacified towardes vs buâ— that thou also are now become our most mercifull Father and hast freelie forgiuen vs all our sinnes Restore vnto vs thy heauenlie grace and make vs sonnes and heires of thine eternal glorie And because wee should not doubt of thy Fatherlie goodnesse rewards vs 〈◊〉 in the deâ—th of thy 〈◊〉 the same Son Christ 〈◊〉 Lord hath lâ—â—t vnto vs not onely his holy Word but also a blessed memorial of his death and passion set forth 〈◊〉 the holy bâ—â—ad and wine which weat this present haue receiued both for a remembrance of the breaking of his blessed body and the sâ—edding of his moâ—â— prâ—â—inâ—â— blood 〈◊〉 also for the quietnâ—sse of our â—â—onscience and â—â—â— the 〈◊〉 of the remissiâ—â— of our â—â—â—nes through faithâ—â—â—â—â— We 〈◊〉 thee O Heaâ—â—enly Father that we be neuer vnmindefull of this thy exceeding great kindnessâ— not vnthankefull for thy maâ—ifolde blessings vnspeakable mercies declared vnto vs in the glorious death of thy welbeloued Sonne but so worke thou in vs through thy holy Spirit that wee may be made worthy members of that bodie whereof thy Sonne and our Sauiour Christ Iesus is the head And that we may so faithfullie beleeue in thee and so â—eruently loue one another alway liuing in thy feare and in the obedience of thy holy law and blessed will that wee being fruitfull in all godly and Christian workes may traine our liues according to thy good pleasure in this transitorie World and after this fraile and short life obtaine the true and immortal life where thou with thy dearely beloued Sâ—nne our Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ and the Holy Ghost that most sweete Comforter liuest and raignest one true God in all honour glorie World without end Amen A Prayer to be saide at the receiâ—ing of the mysterie of Christs Bâ—die in the Communion O Heauenly and blessed Father â—â—render vnto thoe most hearty thankes for all thy benefits which thou hast shewed vnto mee a most wretched sinner but especially for that most sweete smelling sacrifice which thy onely begotten Son offered vnto thee on the Altar of the Crosse by giuing his most pure and vndefiled bodie vnto the death for the redemption of Mankinde in remembrance whereof according to thy wellbeloued Sonnes ordinance I now receiue this holie bread most entirely beseeching thee that I may both be partaker of the merites of thy deare Sonnes Body-breaking and also leade a life worthy so great a benefit to the glorie oâ— thy name Amen A Prayer to be saide at the receiuing of the mysterie of Christs bloud in the holy Communion O Blessed and mercifull Father thy loue towards mee sinful Creature is so exceeding great and vnspeakable that I cannot but giue vnto thee most humble thankes namely for the shedding of the most precious bloud of thy deare Sonne Iesus Christ by the vertue whereof thy wrath stored vp against me wretched sinner is pacified my ransome is paide the Law is fulfilled mine enemies are ouercome put to flight In remembrance of this so noble a victorie and of so great a benefit I am come vnto this Table O merciful Father to drinke of this Cup desiring thee that as my outward man is comforted by the drinking of this wine so likewise my inward man may bee comforted and made strong by true faith in the precious blood of thy most deare Sonne O Lord and my Heauenlie Father giue me thy holy Spirit which may so rule gouerne my heart that I neuer bee vnthankefull nor forgetful of this thine exceeding great kindnes but so traine my life according to thy blessed will that whatsoeuer I doe speake or thinke may bee vnto the glory of thy most blessed name and the health of my soule through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen A Morning salutation to GOD for wisedome for grace and forgiuenesse of sinnes MY Soule O Lord hath desired thee in the night season and I haue also waited for thee in spirit and minde all the morning beseeching thee that thy presence which I sore haue longed for may expell from me all my sinne Lord water the secrets of my heart with thy manifolde graces and mightily enâ—â—â—â—e the same with thy loue And now my most sweete Lord Iesus Christ I rise and come early to thee in the morning and pray thee from the bottome of my heart that thou wilt hearken vnto my prayers and godlie requests which I doe most humbly in heart offer vnto thee for thou art the wisdome the eternall brightnesse and verie figure of the substance of the Father who hast created all things of nothing And because thou wouldest bring againe Man to the pleasure of Paradise thou camest downe from Heauen into this vale of miserie and by thy holie conuersation thou hast shewed and trod him the path thereunto and for ransome of all Man-kinde thou wouldest bee offered to thy Father as a most immaculate Lambe Open by thy Holy Spirit my stony and hard heart that with the eies of a perfect beliefe â— may alwaies behold thee who art King of Kings and Lord of Lords Giue mâ— wisâ—dome truly to consider of thy â—eath and passion that thereby I may profit in thee onely who art as a Booke of charitie for me Grant mee that I be vtterlie destitute of all vanities that now I be not he whom heretofore I haue beene but doe thou alwaies abide in me that so linked vnto thee I neuer sâ—verue or decline from thee Send downe good Lord thy wisedome from the seate of thy Maiestie that shee may labour and be with mee that I may know what is acceptable in thy sight that my heart and senses may bee enlightened whereby I may vnderstand how to bee a true follower of thy Precepts O my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ who art most sweete vnto mee
of paine where euery mans soule shall be rewarded according to his desarts CHAP. III. Of the Body A BODY hath length breadth thicknesse a man is nothing else but a liuely body sensible reasonable which man hath fiue wittes or senses hearing feeling seeing smelling and tasting and these senses are deuided into Animall and Rationall The Animall senses bee diffused throughout all the members of man such as bee seeing hearing smelling c. And all these are common to vs with brute beasts The Rationall faculties consiste in reason which doth make a man a Gen. 1. 28. 29. reasonable Creature who by reason may rule vnreasonable beasts all things being vnder his dominion CHAP. IIII. Of earthly pleasurs and the vanity thereof Of the comfort and commoditie which man reapes in and by knowing himselfe Of the shortnesse frailty and miseries of mans life With a remembrance of death and meditation thereof THE way to ballance our selues and our desires is to know our selues first then to know God and to fixe our whole hope confidence and desire in him who is the true fountaine and well spring of all happinesse and content within the compasse of whose mighty Protection we are no longer his then while wee walke within the boundes of his gracious directions Miserable are those and most wretched that wander and runne astray out of the armes and safegard of his omnipotencie If the Lord should forget vs as wee forget him nay if he should not remember vs sinfull Creatures a thousand times ere wee remember him once and keep vs in wee should daily and howrely wander out of the right way and perish therein But his mercy and goodnesse is aboue al his works and his great benefites are so generally extended that the wicked haue their portion therein as well as the godly his enemies as well as his friends If the Lord should reuenge our iniuries and ingratitude which wee commit in contemning his will and Commandements and deale with vs as wee deale one with another what would or should become of vs then Nothing but woe and meere confusion O let vs therefore learne from him which is the true patterne of all goodnesse and consolation in some poore measure to be like vnto our Lord and and Maister Christ Iesus from whence we deriue our name are called Christians Let vs whose Image wee carry stamped by the fingers of his owne hands let vs bee not onely shadowes but bodies mouing after his steppes that is our head let vs walke heere on earth as good Christians whereby we may shew the wicked a patterne of good life to imitate such humility and sobrietie as our Lord Iesus Christ the true and liuely patterne of all goodnesse and pietie hath walked before vs the print of whose blessed feete wee daily looke on with our eies and consider in our heartes with ioy and comfort If wee will be his Disciples wee must take vp his Crosse and follow him making it our glory that are the people of his pasture and the sheepe of his handes who neuerthelesse in simple sight grasing on the mountaines are either fleeced of the shearer growne into we oll or snatched vp by the bucher growne into flesh and the water of affliction being wrung vnto vs out of a full cup wee be exposed to the shame of the world and the windes still beate on our sayles and our liues bound vp in vexation and sorrow whilest the wicked like the bramble in confidence of their shadow Iudg. 9. 15. dare challenge to be Kings ouer the forrest And though they sayle calmely as in the Hauen and their breastes are full of milke as IOBE Iob 21. 26. speaketh and their bones of marrow and though with DAVID in the 73 PSALME wherein the property of the wicked is liuely set forth how they come not to misfortunes like other folke neither are they plagued like other men their eyes swell with fatnesse and they do euen what they liste yet let vs take comfort to our selues stay our soules on the anchor of his prouideÌ„ce as the same Prophet did although in the consideration of his chastisement all the day long euery morning yet the prosperity of the wicked hee confessed said My feete had almost slipt yea and I had sayd as they vntill I went into the Sanctuary of God then vnderstood I the end of these men namely how thou settest them in slippery places and castest them downe and destroyest them how suddenly they come to a fearefull end So when death shall make vs both euen with the Earth here is our comfort The graue shall bee to vs as a folde till our Shepheard come and to them a shambles vntill the destroyer of their soules shall receiue an endlesse commission to torment them Therefore neither the pleasures of this life nor health wealth or liberty are at the best but candied wormewood that delighteth the taste but destroyeth the stomacke without a true and sanctified vse therein that makes those happy and blessed that haue them for with all the goodly branches of delectation pleasure they cast if their Tree answer not with fruit the leaues will not protect it from the fire Cursed is he that is blessed in this world to be cursed in the world to come Here we haue the eloquence of the flesh to perswade vs the inticements of the diuell to allure vs the company of the wicked to associate vs All these to diuert our course from the place whither we are going and the World with her inticements to traine vs furthest from what wee seeke and the pride of our life to perswade vs for trifles to forgoe the interest wee haue in heauen and our branched corruption euery way ready to set vs forward being ambitious like Adam who if he may be as God there is Gen 3. 5. no command can restraine him vaine-glorious like Esau who if hee may haue a Gen. 33. 1. traine of men at his heeles will soone digest the losse of his birth-right and so byvsury if our bags may thereby be made fuller the word of God shall nâ—t restraine vs from it If the sonnes of men shall take the diuell at his word which the Sonne of God did not when the diuell tempted him and shewed him â—ll the Kingdomes of the Earth and the glory thereof All these will I giue thee if thou wilt fall downe and worship me and for the glory of the world which he shall shew and cannot giue shal fall downe and worship him If he shew honors preferment pleasure riches saying as this I will giue thee though the minions and louers of the world that seeke for their heauen vpon earth shal be ready to betray their soules as Iudas betraied Christ with his Haile Master shall bee ready to imbrace him to serue him to serue themselues yet with the Sonne of God after his fasting be thou so strong in thy strength as he was in his
which is the key that doth open where no Man shuts and shuts where no man 〈◊〉 that enters where no man hath passage and returnes where no man can hinder The prayer of the faithfull is the life of that soule which is sore wrapped and perplexed with the noysome puddle of a sestered and sinfull conscience where by the heart is so oppresâ—â— with griefe that neither wine nor strong drinke by the rules of Salomon can comfort O then what shalâ— wee doe but crie to thee 〈◊〉 GOD with heart and hand listed vp to 〈◊〉 saying 〈◊〉 that thou wouldest hide 〈◊〉 in thy Grace and keepe 〈◊〉 secret vntill thy wrath 〈◊〉 past Therefore if any 〈◊〉 afflicted let him pray and 〈◊〉 vs not presume in the height of our prosperitie lest wee suddenly see a change but let vs put our whole confidence in the Lord our God and pray vnto him and to none other Neither let vs presume vpon our selues or any earthly meanes besides for there was neuer contemplation exercise or any kind of study in the World so acceptable to the Maiestie of GOD so gracious in his sight so lincked and true a friend to him as heauenly meditation It awaketh in the night season it rests not in the day it forsaketh vs not by Land or by Sea in health in sicknesse in prosperity or aduersitie in weale or woe it is such a sure and tried friend in all extreamities such an inseparable companion in mans greatest distresse as no tongue is able to expresse the contentation it yeelds vnto the oppressed Therefore let vs loue it and lodge it in the bosome of our weake consciences and imbrace it in sincerity of heart for it is our last and best friend alwaies solliciting our Father in Heauen whose name is so worthy to be called vpon so mighty for deliuerance so pâ—â—ssant for protection so gainfull for successe so compendicus to abridge vnnecessary labours as the name of LEHOVAH our most mercifull louing Father There was neuer Sanctuary so free for transgressors in the strongest priuiledge neuer such safetie neuer holes in the Rocke so open for the Fowles of the field the arme of my Mother neuer so open to her child as the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Gods mercifull compassion to all true and faithfull beleeuers Therefore with speede let vs all 〈◊〉 faithfully vnto this good GOD in all our wants and extremities there shroaâ—â— our selues vnder his protection There was neuer Creature liuing vnder the Sunne that 〈◊〉 not affliction in his daies neither 〈◊〉 there euer any to whom affliction was not grieuous and irkesomeâ— yet neuer was there affliction so great but it hath beene vnder the correction of a louing Lord whose hand hath beene aable to master it Euery affliction as it comes in seuerall kinds for our seueral sinnes and transgressions so our meditations must be seuerall and framed and fitted thereunto and powred forth both with wisedome and zeale that they seem not harsh and vndigested to those sacred eares that can both sift and trie the one and the other The delicacy and tendernesse both of our meditations and prayers must be so deuoutly and wisely composed and the fauour of his countenance so carefully sought for as may appeare by the example of him that knew in his soule that a faint and dissembling Petition would returne emptie into the bosome of him that sent it vp Cursed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that doth the Ier. 48. 10 worke of the Lord negligently saith the Prophet 〈◊〉 But saith Dauid A broken and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Lord will not despise Dauid neuer sent vp his petitions but with the deepest affection and zeale of heart with the most sincere integritie and meditated zeale that might be for euery night washed hee his bedde and watered his Couch with teares which argued his singular contrition and feruentnesse in his Petitions And therefore after his godly example let vs with a sincere true desire of contrite hearts pray to that good GOD that he will so inspire his heauenly grace into our sinfull hearts that when wee make our Petitions we may haue the force of two tongues in our 〈◊〉 whereby we may the better speede and auoide the malediction which otherwise we may receiue in stead of 〈◊〉 blessing Wee may learne precepts and draw many excellent examples from the liues of the Heathen Philosophers and Writers as also we may learne a zeale in our Petitions euen of those woodden Priests 1 Kings 18 of whom it is written That they called vpon the name of Baal from morning to noon and when they had no answere they cried aloude nay cutte themselues with kniues till the bloud flowed so they praied not onely in teares but in bloud And then shall not wee being the Children of light be as seruent and zealous in our Petitions to GOD The agony zeale of the Sunne of righteousnesse was such that in the dayes of his flesh hee offered vp Prayers and supplications with strong cries and teares to him that was able to helpe him O Lord inspite thy heauenly grace so 〈◊〉 our hearts that wee may learne to addresse ourselues that in all temptations necessities and afflictions wee may in the true zeale of our heart pray so deâ—outely vnto thy omnipotent Maiestie that our Petitions may haue a gracious acceptance in thy sight And as Gods word further declares vnto vs not only that he kneeled at the naming of whose name all knees must bow both in Heauen and Earth and vnder the Earth but that he fell vpon the ground the foot-stoole of his owne Maiestie and lay vpon that face that neuer Angell beheld without reuerence and when hee had praied once hee praied againe more earnestly as his word records He once praied departed a secoÌ„d time yet a third praied and departed euermore vsing the same petitions his prayer ascending by degrees like incense persume And not only his lips went but his agony contention within was so great that an Angel was sent from Heauen to comfort him and out of the trouble of his soule the sweate like drops of bloud trickled downe to the ground Let vs not therefore at any time offer vp any vnworthy sacrifice but let vs remember in our Prayers this glorious example of this our worthy and blessed Sauiour for our imitation that they may be blessed in their speede and wee in their successe and not to vtter them carelesly as if our spirits and tongues were strangers ignorant of eithers purpose the lippes babâ—ing without the heart but no compuâ—ction within honouring God with our mouthes but our spirits of true deuotion being farre from him our hearts not bleeding with the drops of true sinceritie which would bee heard and pittied Our Altar without fire our Petitions without heate and all that wee doe without zeale If we meane that our Petitions should be heard and accepted at the hands of GOD wee must frame our supplications with an ardent true affectionated zeale
to enlighten my mind more and more to the knowledge of thee and my selfe to inflame my heart with true charitie to preserue my senses in thy holie feare that by my will I may neither heare see nor touch any thing that is vncleane or offensiue vnto thee And if in taking of my naturall rest either thorow the suggestion of the enemy or the rebellion of mine own flesh I haue had any disordered motions or vnâ—haste representations in my slcepe now I am perfectly awake and by thy mercy returned vnto the vse of my reason I do vtterly disclaime the same denying all consent of my will and affections thereunto And now my gracious Lord God for this day being present I may by thy heauenly assistance resolue with my selfe so to liue in this World that I may both auoide all sinne and the occasion thereof and to leaue my accustomed vices and those especially to which I am most prone to fall vnto and that I may referâ—e al my actions and endeauâ—urs to the praise and honour of thy holy name so to bestâ—w my time that this day may not bee lost or passe ouer my head without some good worke tending to the true worshipping of thy holie name which laudable determinations and purpose of the amendment of my leude and loose life may accordingly take effect and giue thy blessing gracious Lord to them all O merciful God I beseech thee according to thy great mercy that thou wâ—lt bâ—ot out all mine offences for I am a wretched and a miserable sinner therefore I do heartily desire in all humility to adore and worship thee and to render vnto thee immortal praise and thanksgiuing for all thy blessings and especially for that vnspeakable goodnesse wherein thou diddest send downe thy onely begotten Sonne into this vale of miserie for the worke of our redemption whereby wee are cherished and nourished wherewith wee are cleansed and sanctified and our soules made partakers of all heauenly grace and spirituall blessings for which I yeelde vnto thee all possible thanks that a poore sinfull creature being but a handfull of dust can yeelde vnto thy diuine Maiestie being of no value without thy mercy Also thou hast vouchsafed first to wash mee with the lauer of Baptisme to the remission of that originall corruption contracted in my first Parents and afterwards thou hast brought me to the exerâ—ises acts of a right faith not ceasing daily to increase the same in mee by the light of thy grace and doctrine of thy holy Word O Lord I humbly thanke thee also that from my Cradle thou hast nourished clothed and cherished me supplying all things necessary for the reliefe and maintenance of this my feeble body for which euermore I wil magnifie thy holy name that in great mercy thâ—u hast hither to spared me albeit from my youth I haue wantonly ryoted in manifold excesses patiently expecting till by thy grace I might bee awaked from the sleepe of sinne and reâ—laimed from my vanities and wicked courses haddest thou dealt with mee according to my desarts my soule long ere this had been oppressed with innumerable sinnes and had beene plunged in perdition yea the yawning gulfe of hel had swallowed me quicke Lord in respect of all thy mercies graces and blessings which thou hast poured vpon mee I desire that my heart may be more and more enlarged to render vnto thee a more ample tribute of praise and thankesgiuing And now for those things whereof I stand in need and faine would obtaine at thy hands fiâ—st onely Lord God neuer leaue me vnto my selfe but let the bit of thy chaste feare be euer in my iawes to curbe and to keepe mee within the compasse of thy Law that I may dread nothing in the world as in the least sort to offend and displease thee for which cause let thy holy loue so temper all trials and temptations which happen vnto mee that I may profit and not lose by them thou my Creator knowest how fraile I am of my selfe and how my strength is nothing Moreouer blessed Lord â— beseeche thee that thou wouldest keepe farte from me thy seruant all pride and haughtinesse of minde all selfe-loue and vaine glory all obstinacie and disobedience all craft and hurtfull dissimulation cast downe and tread vnder my feete the spirit â—â— gluttony and letcherie the spirit of sloth and heauinesse the spirit of malice and enuie the spirit of hatred and disdaine that I may neuer despise or contemne any of thy Creatures nor preferre my selfe before others but euer little in my owne sight to think the best of my bretheren and to deeme and iudge the worst of my selfe Iâ—â—est me Holy Father with the wedding garment of thy beloued son â—he supernaturall vertue of â—ll things that I may loue â—hee my Lord God with all my heart with all my soule â—nd with all my strength â—hat neither life nor death â—rosperitie nor aduersitie â—or any thing else may feâ—arate mee from thy loue Grant that all inordinate afâ—ection to the transitorie â—hings of this World may â—ailie decay and die in mee â—hat thou alone maiest bee â—astefull pleasant and sauouâ—ie vnto my soule O my most gracious God â—iue vnto thy seruant an â—umble contrite and obediâ—nt heart an vnderstanding â—lwaies occupied in honest â—ertuous cogitations a will tractable and euer prone tâ— the better affections stayed calme moderate a watch full custody of my sensesâ— that by those windowes nâ— sin may enter into my soulâ— a perfect gouernment of mâ— tongue that no corrupt oâ— vnseemely language maâ— proceede from my lips thâ— I may neuer slander backâ— bite or speake ill of mâ— Neighbour that I may nâ— busie my selfe in the faulâ— and imperfections of other but rather attend to the â— mending of my owne leuâ— life and finallie so long aâ— am detained in this prisoâ— of my bodie and exild froâ— my heauenly Countrie lâ— this be my portion and tâ—â— comfort of my banishmenâ— that free from all seculâ— â—ares and carking solicitude of this present life whollie deuoted to thy seruice I may attend onelie to thee â— may reioice onelie in thee â— may cleaue vnto thee I may rest my soule in thee â—nd sitting in silence I may giue way and entertainment â—o the heauenlie doctrine to â—he good motions and inâ—pirations of thy holy Spirit In these sweete exercises â—et mee passe the solitarie â—oures of my tedious pilgrimage with patience expeâ—â—ing the shutting vp of my â—aies and an happie end of â—his my miserable life And â—rant ô thou louer of manâ—ind my Lord and my God â—hat when this my earthlie â—abernacle shall bee dissolâ—ed being found free from all pollution of sinne as afteâ— Baptisme I may bee râ—ckoned in the number of thosâ— blessed soules who througâ— the merites and passion oâ— thy deare Sonne are heldâ— worthy to raigne with theeâ— and to enioy the glorioâ—â— presence of the blessed Trinitie Father Soâ—ne and Holie Chost to whom of alâ— Creatures iâ—
of friendship and amitie betwixt vs. Namely that thou wilt be my mercifull Father and that againe I may be thy obedient childe Lord thou soest I doe not aske of thee riches honours or long life but onelie this euen this thing alone which with all possible importunity I vrgâ— and neuer wil cease to craue that from this present houre to my liues end I may neuer more offend thy diuine Maiestie nor defile my conscience with anie mortall ofsence O Lord grant â— poore sinner this his humble suite for Christ Iesus his sake my alone Sauiour and Redeemer Come holie Spirit the sweetest comforter of Mankinde I beseech thee take the possession of my soule purge and cleanse mee of all sin sanctifie me throughout wash what is corrupted water what is dried heale what is wounded bow what is â—â—iffened warme what is cooled call home what is straied make mee â—rulie humble and resigned â—hat thou maiest bee pleased â—o stay and abide with thy seruant O most blessed light and glorious lampe illuminate my minde with the heauenâ—ie beames of thy wisdome O Paradise of pleasures â— Fountaine of purest deâ—ights my God giue me thy â—elfe In flame my soule with â—hy celestiall loue teach me â—ouerne me direct and proâ—ect mee through the whole â—ourse of my life Establish my mind against â—ll elusions and inordinate feare grant me a right faith an assured hope a siâ—cerâ— and perfect charity and that I may preferre thy blessed will pleasure before aâ—â— things in Heauen and Earth And now sweete Iesus vpon the knees of my heart I humbly craue pardon oâ— these and all other my trespasses knowne and vnknowne yea so inspire my heart with thy spirit that seriouslie I may resolue of amendement of life for the time to come That I may carefullie reforme my selfe of those vsual errors into which this day past and so often as heretofore I haue beene accustomed to fal that I may renewall my good purposes and intentions and accordinglie put them in practise that so finallie after this my short life spent in thy seruice I may at length close vp my daies in peace and happilie end in thee who art blessed for euer Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost liuest and raignest euer one God World without ende Amen A Prayer for Night O My most Soueraigne Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ Lampe of light truth I miserable wretch most humbly beseech thee to with-draw and keepe my minde from wandring thoughts distractions this night Lord heare the groâ—nings of those who vnder then of sinne and infirmitiâ—â— crie vnto thee Lord loose â—he bonds and shackles of iniquitie wherewith I haue bound my selfe and out of the darke prison of wickednesse whereinto I haue run and captiuated my selfe deliuer my sinfull soule O Lord As thou art my skilful Phisician and best knowest my diseases take me to thy cure O Soune of God my Creatour Redeemer and Sanctifier let thy vnspeakable loue remaine in my soule for euer that I may enioy thee and ioy in thy countenance Thou that leddest the Israelites thy seruants throgh the red Sea and deliueredst them from the bondage of Pharâ—ah and his cruell Ministers discharge mee of the grieuous weight of my sins where-with my soule is so heauilie laden Thou that desendedst Daniel in the Lions denne desend me this night and euermore Thou that pardonedst Dauids vnspeakable sinnes be mercifull vnto me thou Sonne of God and Sauiour of the World in whom 〈◊〉 lie is my saluation by whom I may become an Angell in Heauen and without whose mercie am a diuell in hell Good God looke graciouslie vpon mee wash me O Lord whose iniquities are as red as bloud and I shall appear before thy almighty Throne as white as snow Lord deliuer mee now this night and in the houre of my death from all the malicious temptations of the old Serpent my enemie adopt mee here thy sonne below that I may become thy seruant aboue and liue with thee and raigne with thee in those ioies which are euer during who with the Father and the Holie Ghost euer liuest raignest World without end Ameâ— O Lord looke downe from Heauen vpon mee miserable wrâ—tch that lie here prostrate at thy feete crauing mercie of thy Omnipotent Maiestie for those sinnes which I haue committed this day against thee I humblie beseech thee O Christ which aâ—â— my onelie Sauiour and Redeeâ—â—er to extend thy accustomed goodnesse to me this night that I may bee defended from the danger of the enemie and all euill which may befall mee this night good Lord take mee into thy protection of safegard that I may take safe and quiet rest this night to the end I may be the better enabled the next day to serue thee in all godlinesse holinesse of liuing whereby I may haue thy blessings powred downe plentifullie vpon me to the reliefe of me and mine and that after this painefull life ended I may dwell with thee in life euerlasting Amen A Praier to GOD for grace and to dâ—spâ—se the vanitie of the World O Gracious and Omnipotent Father haue merâ—ie on mee and forgiue me the great offences which I haue done in the sight oâ— thee Grant me grace for the loue of thee to despise sinneâ— and all worldlie vanitieâ— helpe mee to ouercome all temptations to sinne and the malice oâ— my ghostliâ— enemies and to spend my time in vertue and labouâ— acceptable to thee Repressâ— the motions of my sinfuâ—â— flesh that mine hâ—art may bee enamoured of vertue to liue to thine honour and to the comfort of my soule O Father strengthen mee in soule and bodie to execute the workes of godlinesse to the glorie of thy blessed name and profit of my Christian bretheren whereby I may come to thy euerlasting ioy and feliâ—itie Grant me a firme purpose most mercifull Lord to amend my life and to make recompence for those yeers which I haue misspent to thy displeasure in euill thoughts delectations consentings wordes workes and euill customes whereby I haue deserued damnatioÌ„ Lord make mine heart obedient to thy will comfort mee and giâ—e mee grace to haue my most ioy and pleasure in thee giue me heauenly meditations gostlie sweetenesse and zeale of thy glorie Rauish my soule with a burning desire to the heauenlie ioy where I shall euerlastinglie dwell with thee â—rant me sweet Sauiour contempt of all damnable pleasure of sinne and misery grant mee a true remembrance of my saluation with a feare of damnation and 〈◊〉 remembrance of thy goodnesse thy gifts great â—iâ—dnesse shewed to me from my creation vntill this present houre O Lord reduce into my minde my sinnes and disobedience whereby I haue offended thee Lord grant me a right spirit and perfect contrition to obtaine thy grace and from filthy sinne to purge mee O God make mee constant and stable iâ— faith hope and charity with continuance in vertue direct my will that it may not offend thee but
beseech thee saue my enemies from thy wrath and forgiue them that haue offended thee like as I would bee forgiuen in those things whereby I haue offended thee Giue mee grace to order my life O Lord and the workes of my bodie soule with resolued intent neuer to offend thee whereby I may receiue the reward of thy infinite ioy and eternall felicitie O Lord Iesus Christ grant mee whatsoeuer thy diuine wisdome knoweth most expedient for mee and that this miserable life is not worthy to obtaine Grant at the houre of my death I neuer fall from thee when as I shall bee accused for my hainous offences and sinnes committed against thy omnipotent Maiestie I beseech thee breake my froward heart and make it obedient vnto thee Lord keepe me from sudden death and preserue mee so by thine almightie hand and grant me sweete Father to haue a contempt of this World that I may with a iâ—yfull heart come into thy blessed presence Let the remembrance of thy death make mee ioifull wherby I may endure temptations tribulations and make mee so to loue thee that I may come to inherite that ioifull immortall and glorious life most excellent blisse and endlesse felicitie which is ordained in thy heauenlie Kingdome and for thy seruants prepared Lord grant me these supplications which I haue made to thee at this present grant me here in this Pilgrimage a gracious life and â— blessed ending free from debt and deadly sinne and after my death bring mee to euerlasting life there to haue an endlesse blisse and felicitie Amen A Prayer to GOD for hiâ— great goodnesse vnto Man O My Soueraigne Lord Iesu the very true Son of Almightie God that sufferedst death for my sake I beseech thee Lord haue mercie on mee that am a wretched sinner but yet thy creature For thy tender passion keepe me from all perils bodilie and ghostlie and especiallie from all things that may turne to thy displeasure And with all my heart I thanke thee most mercifull Lord for the great mercies which thou hast shewed me in the great dangers which I haue beene in as well in soule as in bodie and that thy grace and endlesse mercie hath alway kept and saued mee since the houre of my birth vnto this day Lord I beseech thee let thy mercie be continued towards mee and for my great offences vnkindnesse wretched and sinfull life Lord â— humblie aske pardon for the same at thy Almightiâ— hands And I thanke thee moâ—â— gracious Lord for thy greâ—â— benefits and graces which thou hast so largely bestowed on me before many other Creatures who haue betteâ— deserued then I. Lord I doe here meekeliâ— prostrate my selfe in heart aâ— it becommeth thy seruant promising neuer to offenâ— thee more tendering all honour and praise to thy holiâ— name who liuest raigne one God World withoâ—â— end Amen A Prayer to GOD to deliâ—er vs from our ghostlie Enemies MOst deare Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ I beseech thee of thy benigne goodnesse and mercie to protect saue keepe and defend me against the assaults of my ghostlie enemies for I haue no other trust hope nor succour but thee alone Grant me therefore most gracious Father to dread loue thee aboue all things in this present life and after this life ended to enioy the Kingdome prepared for all true beleeuers Further I beseech thee that thou wilt vouchsafe out of thy great mercie and clemencie to shew thy bountifull goodnesse vpon me anâ— to forgiue me all my sinnes and grant that I may perseuere euerlastinglie in alâ— goodnesse and serue thee aright that after this life â— may raigne with thee in euerlasting glorie Worlâ— without end Amen A Prayer to GOD daâ—lie to be saide O My most blessed Lord the wel spring of pity and Fountaine of endlesse mercie I humbly beseech thee to giue mee grace so to spend this my transitory life in vertuous and godly exercises that when the day of my death shal come though I feele paine in my body yet I may feele comfort in my soule and with a faithfull hope of thy mercie imbrace thy messenger so contentedlie that I may wâ—llingly thorow thy grace and strength depart out of this vale of misâ—riâ— in loue towards thee and charitie towards the World that I may hasten me to that glorious Counâ—rey wherein thou hast purchased mee an inheritance for euer with thy most precious bloud O my sweete Sauiour and Lord Iesus Christ I beseech thee while thou doest suffer mee to liue in this World be so gracious a Father as to giue vnto me a contrite and cleane heart quiet and patient a bodie chaste humble and obedient to follow thy will and alwaies ready to do thee seruice To thee O God bee alâ— praise which hast â—ermitteâ— mee to accomplish thiâ— worke grant O â—ordâ— iâ— may bee to thee acâ—eptable to my soule healthfâ—l and to others profitable through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen A Prayer to be vsed at all times O Heauenly Lord and Omnipotent Father the patterne of all goodnes and follower of all vertues most stoute ouerthrower of all wickednesse and sharpest rooter vp of vices mercifullie behold my frailety and pronenesse to euill Helpe me with thy superâ—al power that I may learne â—o despise all earthly pleaâ—â—res and the vanities thereâ—â— and loue all celestiall and â—eauenly things Make mee resist all sinne which stands betweene thy â—aiesty and my weake spiâ—â—t ready to ouerthrow mee â—â— thy mercies were not assiâ—â—ant to my poore soule Make me to withstand all â—â—mptations firmely to imâ—race vertue to eschew all â—orldlie honours and carâ—all delights and to bewaile â—â—ine offences committed in â—y sight I beseech thee restraine my â—â—bridled desires with thy â—â—uing hand whereby I may â—â—staine from a leude and â—ose life and accustome my selfe with goodnesse to thâ— end that by thy benefit anâ— gift of grace by the true woâ—shipping and seruing of thâ— Omnipotent Maiestie I maâ— possesse the Crowne of eueâ—lasting life in thy Kingdomeâ— prepared for thine â—leâ— World without end Amen A Prayer to bee daily saide vnto our Lord Iesus Christ O Maker of Heauen anâ— Earth King of Kingâ— Lord of Lords which of nothing diddest make mee tâ— thine Image and likenessâ— and didst redeeme mee witâ— thine owne blood when I sinner was not worthy tâ— name to call or with heâ— to thinke vpon thee Humbly I desire meekâ—ie pray thee that thou gentâ—ie wilt behold mee thy sinâ—ull and wreâ—ched seruant O haue mercie on mee thou which â—adst mercy on the woman of Canaan vpon Mary Magdalen vpon the â—ublican vpon the thiefe â—anging on the Crosse Vnto thee I confesse Lord â—y sinnes which if I would cannot hide from thee Haue mercy Lord on me or I am a wretched sinner â—hich haue sore offended â—ee in pride couetousnsse â—luttony letchery vaingloâ—â—e hatred enuie adulterie â—â—est lying backbiting â—orting dissolute and wanâ—â—n laughing idle words â—aring tasting sleeping â—orking and many more waies
I fraile man and most wretched sinner haue offended thee Therefore I most humbly pray and beseech thy gentlenesse who for my health and saluation descendedst from Heauen and diddest hold vp Dauid that hee should not fall into sinne Haue mercy vpon me O Christ who didst forgiue Peter that did forsake thee Thou art my Creatour my Helper and Maker my Redeemer my Gouernour my Father my Lord my God my King thou art my helpe my trust my strength my defence my redemption my life my health and my resurrection thou art my stedfastnesse my refuge and succour my light and my helpe I most humbly and heartily desire pray thee helpe â—nd defend mee Make mee â—â—rong comfort me make me stedfast make me soberâ—y mery giue me the light of thy spirit and visite mee reuiue me again who am dead for I am thy making and thy worke O Lord despise me not I am thy seruant thy bondman although euill vnworthy and a sinner But whatsoeuer I am whether I bee good or bad I am euer thine Therefore to whom shall I flie except I flie vnto thee If thou cast mee off who shall or wil receiue me If thou despise me and turne thy face from me who shall looke vpon mee and recognise and acknowledge me Although I be vnworthy to come to thee although I be vile and vncleane thou canst make me cleane If I be dead thou canst râ—uiuemee for thy mercy is much morethen mine iniquitie thou canst forgiue me more then I can offend Therefore O Lord doe not consider nor haue respect to the number of my sinnes but according to the greatnesse of thy mercie looke on me a most wretched sinner Lord say vnto my soule I am thy health who saidest I will not the death of any sinner but rather that he liue and be conuerted Turne me O Lord to thee and bee not angry with me I pray thee most meeke Father for thy great mercie bring mee vnto that blisse that neuer â—hall câ—â—sse so bee it Aâ—en A Prayer for the râ—missâ—â— of sinnes O Lord God if we wretched sinners had not â—y thy tender mercies and â—ouing promises in Holie Scripture the comfort of our weake consciences and sorrowfull hearts we see no other remedy so great and â—infinite are our sinnes but that wee must needes despaire But for as much as whatsoeuer things are written are written for our learning that through patience and the comfort of Scriptures wee may haue hope though our sinnes be neuer so many neuer so abhominable yet they doe not so much make vs sad as thy louing kindnesse and â—ender mercieâ— make vs glad Our sinnes we consesse are innumerable but thy mercies are also infinit thoâ— art that most gentle Lord which wilt not the death of a sinner but rather that hee turne and liue Thou for repentance sake wilt not see the sinâ—es of men thou confessest that thou camest into this World to saue sinners to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance and to seeke that which was lost Thou callest vnto thee all those that are diseased and loaden with the heauy burthen of sinne and promiseâ—t that thou wilt case them yea by thy Prophet thou saiest If wee will wash and make cleanâ— our selâ—â—s put away our euill thoughts out of thy sight cease from doing euiâ—â— and violence learne to doe right apply our selues to equitie deliuer the oppressed helpe the fatherlesse to his right and heare the widowes coâ—plaint though our sinnes were as â—ed as scarlet â—et shall they be made whiâ—â—â— then snow and though they were like purple yet they shall be made like white 〈◊〉 Yea thou saiest moreouer that for thine owne sake euen for thy mercy names sake thou wilt be good vnto vs fauour vsâ— and so cast away all our sinnes behind thy backe thaâ— thou wilt neâ—er remember them more O Lord thou art the God which cannot lie thou art the soules truth thou art faithfull in thy words and holy in all thy workes For according to these thy louing promises hast thou euer dealt with the chiâ—dren of men whensoeuer they repented and turned vnto thee when they forsooke their sinful liuing and called vpon thy holy name thou forgauest all their sâ—ns and healedst all their infirmities thou also sauedst their life from destruction and crownedst them with mercie and louing kindnesse For thou O Lord God aâ—â—full of compassion and mercie long suffering and of great goodnesse thou wiâ—â— not alway be chiding neither wilt thou keepe thine anger for euer neither wilt thou deale with vs after our sinnes nor yet reward vs according to our wickednesse For looke how high the Heauen is in comparison of the Earth so great is thy mercie towards them that feare thee Looke how wide the East is from the West so farâ—e dost thou set our sinnes from vs yea like as a Father pittieth his owne children euen so art thou mercifull vnto them that feare thee For thou knowest whereof we be made thou remembrest that wee are but dust that a man in his time is but grasâ—e and flourisheth as a flower of the fiâ—ld and as soone as the wind goeth ouer it is gone and the place thereof knoweth it no more but thy mercifull goodnesse O Lord endureth for euer and euer vpon them that feare thee Of these thy louing kindnesses and tender mercies who hath not tasted if hee sought it with all his heart Thou diddest forgiue Dauid both his whoredome and manslaughter when hee repented and confessed his sinne How oft diddest thou call back the plagues of thy vengeance when the Children of Israel lamented their sins and turned vnto thee How mercifull diddest thou shew thy selfe to the Nâ—nâ—â—ites when they repented humbled themselues in thy sight How louingly spakest thou to that sinfull Woman in the Gospel and forgauest her all her sinnes because shee repented and beleeued Peter thy Disciple although most cowardly denying thee after that he had bitterly wept and lamented his sinnes thou diddest behold with thy mercifull eye and fauourably receiue him againe into the number of thy holy Apostles One of them that died with thee being a thiefe after he had called vnto thee for grace thou didst place in Paradise and make him partaker of thine eternall felicity Many other notable examples of thy great mercies find wee in Holy Scripture which will not suffer vs to despaire of thy clemencie and goodnesse be our sinnes and wickednesse neuer so maâ—y but they rather encourage â—s boldly to come vnto the Throne of thy Grace that we may receiue mercie and finde grace to helpe in â—ime of neede O most gentle Sauiour thou art that most louing Shepheard who didst diligentâ—y seeke the wandering sheepe louingly laide it vppon thy shoulderâ— and tenderly brought it home againe seeke vs who haue so long run astray lay vs vpon thy mercifull shoulders and bring vs home againe vnto the companie of thy faithfull Thou art that mercifull Samaâ—â—tane who beholding the
grace good Lord that as they professe thy Sonne Christ in name so they may truly represent his maners in their life and conuersation which willingly was obedient to his Mother Mary and her Husband Ioseph giuing example vnto all children of the like subiection and obedience towards their Parents Engraft in them such a loue towards their Fathers and Mothers that they may both reuerence them with outward honour and also to their power helpe them succour them prouide for them comfort and cherish them in their neede euen as their Paâ—ents comforted and nourished them in their Infancie and tender age But aboue all things giue them grace truly to honour thee which art the Heauenlie Father yea our Father and Redeemer which hast made vs and daily cherishest vs euen as a Father or Mother doth cherish their most deare and naturall Children So shall it come to passe that they faithfully honouring thee shall also in order heartily honour and vnfeinedlie obey their carnall Parents in thy feare vnto the glory of thy most holy blessed name which is most worthy to bee honoured World without end Amen Children their dâ—ty is to acknowledge their Parents next vnto God their Heauenly Father to be the Authors of their life and being and also to acknowledge and rightly to cousider of their charges cares troubles and paines in bringing them vp and to loue theâ—â— for all that they haue done for them and in token of loue and thankfulnesse to maintaine relieue and comfort them when need is as Ioseph Gen. 47. 11 to be as faithfull seruaâ—ts vnto them Mal. 3. 17. To worke and take paines for them as Râ—th did though shee was but a daughter in Law Ruth cha 2. Their dutie is to feare and reuerence their Parents in their hearts according to Gods Commandement Lâ—â—it 19. 3. and also to reuerence them in their outward behauiour by standing bare-headed before them putting off their hats with an humble and lowlie countenance when their Parents speake vnto them or they vnto their Parents and bowing their bodies when they passe by or come towards vs â—s Salomon did to his Mother I Kings 2. 19 or receiuing any thing of their Parents as Ioseph did Gen. 48. 12 and by giuing them the vpper hand as Salomon did to his Mother though â—he was a King 1 Kings 2. 19. Their duty is to obey their Parents according to the Word of God Col. 3. 10. Especially in marriage as Isaâ—c did Gen. â—4 and Iacob Gen. 28 and not â—o greeue them by marrying â—gainst their will as Esan did Gen. 26. 34 who was a râ—proâ—ate hated of God Rom. 9. 13 A Prayer against Whoredome O Lord God and Omnipotent Father the searcheâ— and trier of the thoughts anâ— reines of all Creatures O hoâ— greatly doest thou abhomâ— whoredome fornication and all vncleannesse O Lord thâ— drowing of the world with water the destruction of Sodomâ— Gomorrah with fire brimstone from Heauen and otheâ— like plagues mentioned in holy Scriptures doe euidently declare and shew Thy Commandement is that we should commit none Adultery And in the Common-wealâ— of the Israelites thou commandedst that there should be neither whoremonger nor whore if any such were found that they should be stoned to death Although the lips of an harlot are to the foolish a dropping hony-combe and her necke softer then oile yet at the last shee is as bitter as wormewood and as sharpe as a sword her feete goe downe vnto death and her steps haste them to hell and hee that accompanieth himselfe with an whore shall goe downe vnto hell but hee that goeth away from her shall be saued yea he that maintaineth an whore shal come vnto beggery in this World and after this life shall haue his part in the Lake that burneth with fire and brimstone O Lord thou hast called vs not vnto vncleannesse but vnto holinesse and purenesse of life thou hast made vs one body and one spirit with thee how vnseemely then is it to take the mâ—mbers of Christ to make them the members of an Harlot Wee therefore most humbly beseech thee to make in vs cleane harts and to renue right spirits within vs and to turne away all voluptuousnesse froâ— vs. Take from vs the lusts of the bodie let not the desites of vncleaunes take hold vpon vs giue vs not ouer into an vnâ—â—amefast and obstinate mind let not fornication adulterie or any kind of vncleannesse be once named among vs let not filthy communication proceed out of our mouthes but that which is good to edifie withall when neede is that it may haue fauour with the hearers And as for as much as neither whoremongers wedlock-breakers abusers of themselueswith mankinde shall inherite the Kingdome oâ— God Grant Lord wee heartilie pray thee that such as be vnmarried may keepe themselues pure and vndefiled aâ—ter the example of that godly young man Iosâ—â—h and bring with them into honorable wedlock both their bodies and their minds chaste and honest Grant also that the married men may beware and keepe themselues from all whoredome and vse the company of no woman besides their wiues Againe grant that all married woemen may practise the manners of that vertuous woman Susaâ—â—a and neither for flattering nor menacing wordes at any time consent to vncleannesse but so keepe the body vndesiled that it may be honourable that God may blesse them and their godly trauels and make them ioyfull Mothers of many Children Finally grant O most mercifull Father that wee may so auoid all vncleannesse that we being pure both in body and soule may attaine to see thy glorious face in thy Heauenlie Kingdome throgh Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen A Prayer for a Woman with Childe THou O Lord art wonderfull in all thy workes and whatsoeuer thy good pleasure is that doest thou easily bring to passe neither is there any thing impossible with thee that thou wilt performe and albeit this thine Almighty power sheweth it selfe aboundantly in all thy workes yet in the conceiuing forming and bringing forth of man it shineth most euidently At the beginning O Heauenly Father when thou madest Man and Woman thou coÌ„mandedst them to encrease multiply and replenish the Earth If through the subtile inticements of Sathan they had not transgressed thy Commandements by eating the foÌ„rbidden fruite the Woman whom thou hast appoâ—nted the Organe Instrument and vessell to couceiue nourish and bring forth Man through thy wonderfull wormanship had without any labour paine or trauel brought forth her fruite but that which thy goodnes made easie sinne and disobedience hath made hard painefull dangerous and if thy helpe were not impossible to be brought to passe so that now all Woemen bring forth their Children in great sorrow paines and troubles Notwithstanding thou shewest thy selfe vnto thy Creatures a Father of mercy and God of all consolation for that which through their owne imperfection and feeblenesse they are not able of themselues to bring to
pleased thee of thy maruellous humility patience and loue towards man kinde to descend from the high Throne of Heauen to be incarnate by the Holie Ghost and borne of the Virgin Marie and here to suffer trouble paine for our sakes I doe beseech thee for thy bitter death and passion deliuer me from all euill and from the euerlasting paines of hell and vouchsafe through thy great mercie and goodnesse to leade me whither thou diddest leade the Thiefe crucified with thee And I beseech thee thorow thy clemencie to vouchsafe vnto mee O Lord God King of Heauen and Earth the ioyes prepared for thy chosen and so direct sanctifie and gouerne my heart my thoughts my words and deeds in thy sacred Law by keeping thy Commandements that here euer through thy helpe O Sauiour of the World I may bee safe and free and by thy bitter death passion may be broght to the glory of the resurrection so remaine in euerlasting life Amen A Prayer in temptation O Mercâ—full Lord and Sauiour iesus Christ the onely refuge of a desolate and afflicted soule O God thou that hast made mee and redeemed mee in whom â—ll things are possible vnto me and without whom I am able to doe nothing thou seest who I am that here prostrate my prayers and poure out my heart vnto thee what I would haue and what is fittest for mee thou knowest My soule is buried 〈…〉 and blood and would be â—â—â—ne dissolued and come vnto thee I am vrged against my will and violently drawne to think that which from my-heart I detest and to haue in minde the poyson and bane of my soule O Lord thou knowest mee for thy hands haue framed me and with flesh and skinne thou hast cloathed mee and loe this flesh which thou hast giuen me draweth mee to my ruine and fighteth against the spirit if thou helpest not I am ouercome if thou forsakest mee I must needes faint why doest thou set mee contrary vnto thee and makest mee greeuous and a burthen vnto my selfe Diddest thou create mee to cast me away Diddest thou redeeme mee to damne me for euer It had beene good for mee neuer to haue beene borne if I were borne to perish O my most mercifull Father where is thy olde and wonted mercies where is thy gracious sweetenesse and loue towards me become how long shall mine enemie reioice ouer mee and humble my life vpon earth and place me in darkenesse like the dead of the World What am I Lord that thou settest mee to fight alone against so mightie subtile and cruell enemies that neuer cease to bid mee a pâ—rpetuall battaile O Lord why doest thou shew thy might against a leafe that is tossed with euery wind and persecutest a drie stubble wilt thou therefore cast away the worke of thy hands wilt thou banish mee from thy face and take thy holy Spirit clean from me Alasse O my good Lord whither shall I goe from thy face or whither shall flie from thy Spirit or shall I flie from the incensed but to the appeased whither from thee as iust but vnto thee as mercifull Doe with mee Lord that which is good in thine eies for thou wilt doe all things in righteous iudgement oneâ—y Lord I desire to remember I am but flesh blood sraile of my selfe and impotent to resist shew thy selfe a Sauiour vnto me and either take away mine enemies or grant mee grace that without wound or fault by thee and with thee I may ouercome them sweet Lord Amen FINIS A Table to find out the principall Prayers contained in this Booke THe way how to commend our selues to GOD in the 〈◊〉 aâ— our vprising Page 285. A Prayer before wee settle our selues to our Deuotions p 287. A Morning Prayer p. 291. Another Prayer for the Morning p. 296. Another Morning Prayer p. 308. A short Prayer for the Morning p. 312. A Meditation to be vsed before thou goest to bed p. 314. A Prayer for the Euening p 322. A Prayer for the Night p. 333 A Prayer to GOD for grace and to despise the vanity of the World p. 338. A Prayer to GOD to defend vs from euill company and to keepe ouâ— tongues from vttering ill words p. 346. A Prayer to GOD for bâ— great goodnesse vnto Man p. 354. A Prayer to GOD to deliuer vs from our ghostly enemies p. 357. A Prayer to GOD daily to bee said p 358. A Prayer to be vsed at all times p. 360 A Prayer to be daily saide vnto our Lord Iesus Christ p. 362. A prayer for the remission of sinnes p. 367. A general prâ—yer for all kind of sin p. 380. A 〈◊〉 Faith p. 3â—â— A prayer vnto GOD that we may liue in his 〈◊〉 and that hee will turne his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 394. A 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 with their duty 400. A 〈◊〉 for children their duty p. 404. A prayer against whoâ—â—dome p. 410. A prayer for a Woman with child p. 414. A Thanksgiuing vnto God 〈…〉 deliuerance p. 41â— A prayer for a siâ—ke Man p. 421. A prayer to bee saide before the receiuinâ— of the holy Communion p. â—24 A thankesgiuing after the receiuing of â— holy Communion p. â—38 A prayer to 〈◊〉 saidâ— at the receiuing of the mystery of Christs Body in the Communion p 441. A prayer to bee saide at the receiuing of the mystery of Christs blood in the holy Communion p. 442. A morning salutation to GOD for wisedome for grace and forgiuenesse of sinnes p. â—44 A prayer for the King p. 454. A 〈◊〉 prayer to our Lord. p. 〈◊〉 A prayer in 〈◊〉 p. â—59 FINIS