THE Devout Companion Containing PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS FOR Every Day in the Week AND FOR Several Occasions Ordinary and Extraordinary Psal 55. 17. Evening and Morning and at Noon will I pray and cry aloud and he shall hear my Voice The Twelfth Edition LONDON 〈…〉 Henry Rhodes at the 〈…〉 he corner of Brile 〈…〉 1699. TO THE Truly Honoured The LADY J. C. MADAM AT Your Request these ensuing Prayers and Meditations were composed which I here present to Your view not that You want my weak Instructions for You are known to be so good a Proficient in God's School and have more of this Heavenly Language by Heart than I can instruct you by Precept The Meditations I have taken from the Psalms of that sweet singer of Israel the Royal Prophet and this Key opens not only the Kingdom of Grace but the Kingdom of Heaven too it being an exact Composure of all Christian Vertues No Worshipping can be more true or more spiritual than the Psalter said with a pure Mind and a hearty Devotion For David was God's Instrumeâ—t to the Church teaching and admonishing as our Duty is to each other in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual Songs making melody to the Lord. In your Voyage to the Almighty You might have I doubt not a better Card or Compass to sail by than this Form of Prayer which I prescribe yet I beseech You encourage others by Your pious Example to feed upon this Milk for Babes those which are weak by tasting of it your Self So recommending it to Your Pious Acceptation wishing You all Happiness that this Earthly Paradise can afford whist You remain upon Earth and at the last a Crown of Immorral Glory in the highest Heavens is the earnest desire of Madam Your humble and faithful Servant in Christ Jesus E. S. THE Devout Companion Containing MEDITATIONS AND PRAYERS For every Day in the Week c. A Preparatory Prayer against wandring Thoughts and vain Imaginations Thrice Holy Blessed and Glorious Trinity Three Persons and One God have mercy upon me a miserable Sinner O Almighty God the only Giver and Bestower of all good things and without whose special Favour and Grace no Man hath Power to perform any spiritual Duty as he ought to do O Lord I know not what to pray for as I ought O let thy Spirit help my Infirmities and enable me to offer up a spiritual Sacrifice acceptable to thee by Jesus Christ II. Make me to remember into whose Presence I am come and with whom I have to do even with a God of infinâ—te Majesty before whom the Cherubims veil their Faces as being astonished at the Presence of so great a God as thou art How dare I then a moâ—t vile and sinful Creature who am but Dust and Ashes presume to appear at this time before thee who have drunk Iniquity like Water breaking so often thy holy Laws and Commandments by committing those things thou forbiddest and leaving undone those good things thou commandest III. But I come unto thee O Lord in the name of thy dear Son Jesus Christ the Righteous who hath redeemed me with his most precious Blood O then look upon me in him and for the merits of his Sufferings pardon all my Sins and blot out my Offences Strike an awful reverence in my Soul that I may continually keep a watch over my Thoughts Words and Actions least my Presumption and want of due Reverence unto thy Deity should turn my Prayers into Sin IV. Give me a lively apprehension of all my wants and necessities and a right Understanding both of those Blessings which I have received from thee and of those great Mercies which thou hast promised to bestow on them that ask thee that so I may be endued with Expressions both for Prayer and Thankfulness and may become able by the assistance of thy Grace to pour out my Soul continually before thee Support me with Faith that I may come with a good assurance to thy Throne of Grace to offer up my earnest Supplications unto thee and let me not go away from thy presence without a Blessing V. Grant Lord that this holy Exercise of Prayer may prove a delight to me O make me constant and diligent in the use of it remembring the speedy access the Prayers of the Faithful have in thy Presence and what a great Privilege it is for poor Mortals to unfold their Wants and lay open their Desires and Griefs before thee VI. Ever O Lord let the end of my Prayers be to thy Glory always exercising a Conscience void of Offence by offering up my Thanksgivings for Mercies received as I shall be earnest in suing for those Gifts and Graces I stand in need of Grant this O heavenly Father for the sake of thy dear Son my only Saviour and Redeemer Amen Meditations for Sunday THis is the Day which the Lord hath made a Day of Rest to our Bodies and for the Benefit of our Souls O let us rejoice and be glad in it all the Days of our L 〈…〉 leaving off our worldly Thoughts and Employments and be â—eeking after our future Happiness II. Great iâ— the Lord and great is the Honour of this day above all others The Jews kept Holy the Seventh Day and we Christians the Sunday or Lord's Day They in their Sabbath were especially to remember the Creation of the World but we in ours the Resurrection of Christ who hath made a way for us into that better worâ—d which we expect hereafter III. This convinceth the Folly of the Jews who are so superstitious in observing the Ceremony of Rest as that they think they ought not to prepare any Food for their bodily sustenance on the Sabbath-Day neither do any work tho' it be for the Resection of Life it self But God in the Institution of the Sâ—bbath so rested whose Example we ought to imitate as that he ce 〈…〉 not in â—â—sting from doing good but in câ—â—sing to Create he continued to Preserve of which our Saviour saith My Father worketh hitherto and I work IV. This Day is set apart to be employed in the Worship and Service of God First more solemnly and publickly in the House of God from whence none ought to absent himself unless sickness or some extraordinary occasion prevent him Secondly at home privately praying with your Family or in your Closet exercising those other Duties of Reading and Meditation V. O Praise the Lord then O my Soul and enter into Contemplation with thy self upon all his Mercies Consider what a great Benefit it is to thee that there is such a set time weekly for thy spiritual Relief and Comfort cast off all worldly Business then and freely embrace this joyful Day of harvest whereby we may lay up in store for the whole Week nay even for our whole Lives VI. This day furnishes us with that Golden Rule by which we may square all our Actions and at last attain to the perfection of him whom the Royal Psalmist makes
unto God with my voice even unto God will I cry with my voice and he shall hearken unto me In the time of my trouble I sought the Lord my sore ran and ceased not in the night season my Soul refused comfort When I am in heaviness I wiâ—l think upon God when my heart is vexed I will complain Thou holdest mine eyes waking I am so feeble that I cannot speak I have considered the days of old and the years that are past I call to remembrance my Song and in the night I commune with mine own heart and search out my Spirits Will the Lord absent himself for ever and will he be no more intreated Is his mercy clean gone for ever and his Promise come utterly to an end for evermore Hath God forgotten to be gracious and will he shut up his loving kindness in displeasure And I said it is mine own infirmity but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most highest I will remember the works of the Lord and call to mind thy wonders of old time I will think also of all thy works and my talking shall be of thy doings Thy way O God is holy who is so great a God as our God Thou art the God that dost wonders and hast declared thy power among the people Thou hast mightily delivered thy people even the Sons of Jacob and Joseph The Waters saw thee O God the Waters saw thee and were afraid the Depths were troubled The Clouds also poured out Water the Air thundred and thine Arrows went abroad The voice of thy Thunder was heard round about the Lightning shone upon the Ground the Earth was moved and shook withal Thy way is in the Sea and thy paths in the great Waters and thy footsteps are not known Thou leadest thy People like Sheep by the hand of Moses and Aaron Glory be to the Father c. As it was in the beginning c. A Prayer for Saturday Morning For God's Providence MOst gracious God I yield thee humble and hearty thanks for preserving and defending me this night past from all those Perils and Dangers which poor Dust and Ashes are subject to fall into Had I not been preserved by thy almighty Providence I had long since both Body and Soul been carried into everlasting Perdition but thou art a God infinite in Mercy and whose compassions fail not towards poor Sinners by supporting them in their several necessities II. Vouchsafe O Lord to forgive whatsoever I have committed against thy divine Majesty this Night either sleeping or waking or at any other time secretly or openly Grant unto me unfeigned Repentance and newness of Life open unto me O Lord that ever-streaming Fountain which thou hast opened for Sinners even the Blood of thy dear Son Christ Jesus and which thou hast promised under the New Testament to open to the penitent of the House of David III. Give unto me thy holy Spirit which thou hast promised to give to the World's end unto all thine elect People and let the same thine holy Comforter purge my heart heal my Corruptions sanctifie my Nature and consecrate my Soul and Body that they may become lively Temples to serve thee in Righteousness and Holiness all the days of my Life Give me I earnestly beseech thee a supply of all those Graces I stand in need of with an increase of all those good Gifts thou hast endowed me with IV. As thou hast now wakened my Body from Sleep so I beseech thee rouse my Soul from the sleep of Sin and carnal Security give me Grace as a Child of Light to walk in all holy Obedience before thee this day and grant me to endeavour to keep Faith and a good Conscience towards Thee and towards all Men. V. To this end I recommend my self with all my ways thoughts words and actions together with all that belongs to me unto thy divine Protection praying thee to keep both them and me from all Evil and to give a Blessing to all my undertakings this Day and for evermore Amen A Prayer for Saturday Noon For Tranquility of Spirit O Most merciful God and loving Father who beholdest all the dwellers upon Earth and none can live without thy arm of Providence supports him No sooner do I enter upon the Affairs of this World but I am surrounded about with a cloud of Miseries the Flesh provokes me to Lust the World allures me to Pleasures and the Devil tempts me to commit all manner of Wickedness II. Fears of Enemies abroad afright me Wrongs of ill Neighbours do oppress me Cares for the things of this Life do consume me and even all the day long something or other doth afflict and torment me Adversity on the one hand frets me and Prosperity on the other hand flatters me Over my head Heaven's Vengeance due to my Sins is ready to fall heavy upon me and under my feet Hell gapes ready to devour me III. Amidst those many toils and perplexities where to find rest I know not or to fly for succour but to thee O Lord most holy and mighty direct me and guide me in these difficulties protect me from these Perils and dangers settle me in a course of Godliness and let me walk soberly and circumspectly as becometh a Good Christian spending and ending that small remnant of days which thou hast allotted me in this World in thy Fear and Service IV. Teach me so to number my days that I may apply my heart unto true Wisdom Make me wise unto Salvation simple to that which is Evil and prone to that which is Good Fructifie me unto good works and grant that I may be Charitable Peaceable and Conscionable towards all men now and for evermore Amen A Prayer for Saturday Night For Remission of Sins O Almighty God I humbly beseech thee to bury all my Sins and Transgressions in thy Grave which I have committed from my Infancy unto this present against thy divine Majesty Be thou O Lord my light in darkness then shall my light shine clear as the day II. O God the Father of Heaven have mercy upon me and bless me O God the Son Redeemer of all the World preserve and keep me O holy and blessed Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son deliver me this Night from all Sin and Evil O holy blessed and glorious Trinity Three Persons and One God direct guide and sanctifie me III. Be thou my protector and defender amidst all dangers that when I lay me down to rest I may fear no Evil And grant O Lord at my last hour thy spiritual illumination that when my strength faileth and the light of my Eyes is departed from me mine Ears wax deaf and my Mouth dumb and all my senses have forsaken me then infuse some sense into me of eternal Life that I may taste and relish in this mortal Body the beginning of thy everlasting Comfort that at my departure out of this World I may by the Eye of Faith
hungry with good things and none of thy Servants dost thou send empty away from thy holy Sanctuary Plant thy Fear in my Heart give me Wisdom and good Understanding and make me to have pleasure in thee and all thy works that â—beying the Precepts of thy hoâ—y Gospel and performing the Conditions of thy Covenant which thou hast established for â—ver in Truth and Equity in Verity and Judgment I may â—orthily praise and adore thy â—oly Name among the Faithful â— this Life and in the Congreâ—ation of Saints in the Life to â—ome through thy Mercies O â—lessed Jesu to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost be â—ll Honour and Glory now and or ever Amen A Prayer for Sunday Evening For Pardon of Sin O Almighty God I acknowledge and confess those many weaknesses and imperâ—ections I am guilty of in my performance of the Dutiâ— of this Day I have called up on thee for the pardon and foâ—giveness of my Sins I havâ— heard thy holy Word but yâ— find my self a very unprofitâ—ble Servant So that O Lord though I have done thy Worâ— I have done it so negligently that I may rather expect thâ— fire of thy Anger than a Bleâ—sing from thee II. But if thou O God should be extream to mark what done amiss O Lord who caâ— abide it or stand before thâ— when thou art angry Remember that I am but dust and asheâ— and the work of thine owâ— hands Pardon I beseech theâ— and pass by all my Sins Neglâ—gences and Ignorances looâ— not upon the weakness of mâ— Flesh but upon the willingness â—f my Spirit and so cover all â—y imperfections with the â—erfect and absolute obedience â—f thy dear Son that those Saâ—rifices offered up by me this day â—ay be by thee accepted in â—nd for that Sacrifice which Christ Jesus offered upon the Cross once for me III. And as I earnestly desire that my Sacrifices may be pleasing and acceptable to thee so let thine Ordinances be profitable to me And as thou hast this day sown â—n my heart the precious seed of thy Word so let neither the Fowls of the Air devour it nor the Cares of the World choak â—it but let the former and the â—atter Rain of thy blessing come often upon it that it may bring forth in me the Fruits of true Repentance and hearty amenâ—ment of Life Pardon my mâ—nifold Sins by which I havâ— provoked thee this very day IV. Be thou unto me a mercifuâ— God in despite of the Snare and Delusions which Sin lays iâ— the way for my Destruction and keep me under the shadow of thy Wings in perpetuaâ— Peace and Safety Bless me thiâ— Night sleeping or waking givâ— thine Angels charge over me that at whatsoever hour thou callest me I may like a faithful Soldier stand ready prepared to encounter Death and to follow the Lamb wheresoever he goeth Grant these things O blessed Father for thy Son Jesus Christ his sake my only Saviour and Redeemer Amen Meditations for Monday Out of the Psalms For a holy Life MY song shall be of mercy and judgment unto thee O â—ord will I sing Let me have unâ—erstanding in the way of godliness When wilt thou come unto me â— will walk iâ— my house with a perâ—ect heart I will take no wicked â—hing I hate the Sins of unfaithâ—ulness there shall no such cleave â—nto me A froward heart shall depart â—rom me I will not know a wickâ—d Person Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour him will I destroy Whoso hath also a proud look and high stomach I will not suffer him There shâ—ll no deceitful person dwell in my house he that telleth â—yes shall not tarry in my sight I shall sâ—on destroy all the ungodly that are in the Land that may root out all wicked doe from the City of the Lord. Glory be to the Father c. As it was in the beginning c. A Prayer for Monday Morning For a Holy Life O God most Holy and Righteous who shewest Mercy unto thousands and hatesâ— nothing thy own hands havâ— made who fillest me with thy loving kindness every Morning and keepest me in Peace and Safety in the Night season II. I confess O Lord that I am altogether Vanity a shadow of Death a dark Dungeon a barren and empty Ground where no Water is but deluges of Wrath and Confusion But O Lord I abhor my self and repent before thee in dust and ashes and as Sins of Infirmity have thrown me down raise me up again I beseech thee by the Gift of Penitence that I may lead a holy Life with all Humility Truth and Justice Godliness and Honesty in this present World III. I bless thy holy Name for thy Care and Protection over me this Night that thou hast safely brought me to the beginning of this day delivering me from the shadow of Death O Lord continue thy wonted goodness towards me this Day and grant that all my Prayers Words Works and Actions may begin and end in thy Glory IV. Keep me O Lord I beseech thee this day without sin and so replenish me with thy Favour and Grace that my heart may rejoyce and delight in thy praises Deliver me O Lord from lying Lips and from a deceitful Tongue keep me from the Snare of the Hunter and from the noisom and infectious Pestilence from deadly Vexation mortal Sickness and sudden Death V. Protect me in the day of my Trouble give me a contented Mind which may remain unto me a continual Feast in whatsoever changes or chances may befall me in this transitory Life Grant that I may yield up my self to thy good Pleasure in all things and be obedient unto those holy Commandments which thou hast appointed for my Rule and Guide So that at the last I may find that in keeping thy Holy Laws there is great Reward Grant this O heavenly Father for thy Son's sake my only Redeemer Amen A Prayer for Monday Noon For Forgiveness of Sins O God the searcher of all hearts and from whom no secrets are hid but are laid open to thine all-seeing Eye I here acknowledge my Sins unto thee and mine Iniquities which are many in number I come unto thee O Lord who art the fountain of all goodness and forgivest all those that with hearty Repentance come unto thee Pardon and remit all those Sins which this day I have committed against thy Divine Majesty Purge me with Hyssop and I shall be clean wash me and I shall be whiter than Snow Let the dew of thy Favour and the fire of thy Love blot out all my Sins and purifie my Soul II. Create in me a clean Heart and renew a right Spirit within me Let me not be for ever separated from the sweet refreshings of thy Favourand presence but give me the comfort of thy help again and let thy free Spirit loose me from the bondage of Sin and establish me in the freedom and liberty of the Sons of God So shall I praise thy Name
the ends of the world In them hath he set a Tabernacle for the Sun which cometh forth as a Bridegroom out of his Chamber and rejoiceth as a giant to run his course It goeth forth from the uttermost part of the Heaven and runneth about unto the end of it again and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof The Law of the Lord is an undefiled Law converting the Soul the Testimony of the Lord is sure and giveth wisdom unto the simple The Statutes of the Lord are right and rejoice the heart the Commandment of the Lord is pure and giveth light unto the Eyes The fear of the Lord is clean and endureth for ever the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether More to be desired are they than gold yea than much fine gold sweeter also than honey and the honey-comb Moreover by them is thy servant taught and in keeping of them there is great reward Who can tell how oft he offendeth O cleanse thou me from my secret faults Keep thy servant also from presumptuous sins lest they get the dominion over me so shall I be undefiled and innocent from the great offence Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable in thy sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer Glory be to the Father c. As it was in the beginning c. A Prayer for Wednesday Morning For Repentance O Eternal God before whom all Creatures both in Heaven and Earth do bow fear and tremble I a most wretched and miserable Creature dejected with the weighty burthen of my Sins fly unto thee for Succour Plant in my heart the Fear of thy Name and in my body the purity and cleanness of Charity and let them abide there for ever Cleanse me from all my secret Sins and preserve me from presumptuous and great Offences Touch my heart O God with true Repentance that thy Judgments present and imminent may be prevented and removed and the overflowing silver stream and current of thy Mercies be never at an end II. Be gracious to my Relations in the flesh my Friends in the spirit with all those to whom I am any way bounden or desire to be commended unto thee in my Prayers and Supplications Expel O Lord and cast out of my heart all evil Imagination Hatred Malice and all Uncharitableness and whatsoever is contrary to thy holy Commandments III. I praise thy holy Name for thy preservation of me this Night past for the Gifts and Graces of thy Blessed Spirit as Faith in thy Promises Hope of a better Life when this is ended and strength against all the temptations of Satan all which have proceeded from the Fountain of thy Mercy As thou hast of thy Providence kept me ever since I was born and in Mercy preserved me the beginning of this Week so to my Comfort grant me the continuance of the same through Jesus Christ my only Redeemer and Advocate Amen A Prayer for Wednesday Noon For God's particular Care of us O Almighty God I cry unto thee for Mercy by reason my Sins cry against me for Justice all the day long will I lift up my Heart unto thee shut not thine Ear O Lord but hear my complaint and that right soon Let me in all things see that I am upheld by thee Let me perceive it is thy Work by the Health of my Body and Peace of my Conscience in the Gift of my Mind the Credit of my Name and the Work of my Calling II. But alas can there be greater Mercies O Lord than thou hast already expressed towards me for whilst I have enjoyed all thy Mercies others have lived in penury and want in ignorance profaneness and without thee in the World III. What can I render unto the Lord for all his Mercies towards me Let me not pledge Joseph's Botler in his Cup of Oblivion but David rather in his Cup of Salvation and if my single heart be too barren of thankfulness let me borrow a magnificat O my Soul to magnifie Thee O Lord and let my Spirit rejoyce in thee O God my Saviour What shall I say unto thee O thou Redeemer of all Mankind I will praise thy holy Name For evermore inspire me with thy Spirit convert me from Evil confirm me in all Goodness and bring me at last unto thy heavenly Kingdom Amen A Prayer for Wednesday Night For deliverance from Sin MOST merciful God I beseech thee to open the Eyes of my understanding that I may come to a particular knowledge of my secret Sins especially those I am most inclined to Soften my hard and flinty heart that I may sigh and groan under tâ—â— weight of my most pressing sins and acknowledge them a Burthen too heavy for me to bear II. Stir up in me all dull and dead Affections that I may hunger and thirst after thee the well-spring of Life Forgive me all my misdemeanours of this day past make me to remember that Sin is filthy and loathsome even in the greatest pleasure and act thereof teach me to keep a continual watch over my inward and outward Man whereby I may be afraid to commit the least Sin that so I may walk according to thy holy will in all things III. Give me this Night sweet and comfortable rest and fit me O Lord for the duties and service of the next day Turn from me O Lord those judgments which my sins have justly deserved and renew those hopes which thou hast been pleased to frustrate crown me with those blessings which thou hast promised to all these that fear thy Name so that at the last I may attain everlasting Happiness and live with thee in perpetual peace and safety for evermore Amen Meditations for Thursday O Sing unto the Lord a new song for he hath done marvellous things With his own right hand and with his holy arm hath he gotten himself the victory The Lord declared his Salvation his Râ—ghteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the Heathen He hath remembred his Mercy and Truth towards the House of Israel and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God Shew your selves joyful unto the Lord all ye lands sing rejoice and give thanks Praise the Lord upon the harp sing to the harp with a Psalm of Thanksgiving With trumpets also and shawms O shew your selves joyful before the Lord the King Let the Sea make a noise and all that therein is the round world and they that dwell therein Let the floods clap their hands and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord for he is come to judge the earth With righteousness shall he judge the world and the people with equity Glory be to the Father c. As it was in the beginning c. A Prayer for Thursday Morning A Sacrifice of Praise O Most glorious and powerful Lord God who with thy holy arm hath gotten for me the Victory over Sin Hell and
when I go down to the Pit Shall the dust give thanks unto thee or shall it declare thy truth Hear O Lord and have mercy upon me Lord be thou my helper Shew thy Servant the light of thy Countenance and save me for thy mercies sake Glory be to the Father c. As it was in the beginning c. A Prayer in time of Sickness O Almighty and ever-living God in whose hands consists the life of all Mankind and who correctest every Son whom thou receivest mercifully I humble beseech thee to hear my voice and despise not the Prayer I make now unto thee in the time of trouble In the vexation of my Spirit and in the very anguish of my Soul I cry unto thee for mercy II. O thou that hast created and made me of nothing and hast redeemed me from the slavery of Sin Death and Hell by the most precious Blood of thy dear Son Jesus Christ which was spilt upon the Cross for my Sins Have mercy upon me Bow down thine all-hearing Ear unto my complaint and cast me not away in thy fierce anger III. My Sins cry aloud to Heaven for Vengeance and I have deserved thy wrath and heavy displeasure against me Thou hast cast me down upon the Bed of Sickness and I begin to fall as leaves beaten with a vehement wind yet thy Chastisments are less than my deservings but of thy mercy and goodness O Lord correct me not to death but to amendment of Life for thine own sake for thy holy Name 's sake for thy Son Christ Jesus sâ—ke be merciful unto my Sins for they are great IV. Spare thy Servant good Lord which confesseth his Sins unto thee pour the Oil of thy sanctifying Grace into my Heart and work thereby in me a true and immediate Repentance and restore me again to thy favour according to thy gracious Promise to humble Penitents let thy merciful Providence so guide and govern me in this affliction thou hast been pleased to lay upon me that I may never fall into utter darkness ignorance of thee or inconsideration of my self V. Let the faintness of my Spirit and the Condemnation of my self be overcome by thy irresistable Light thou that art the God of all consolation grant that I may be mindful of the great account I have to make at the day of Judgment and that I may bear in mind the reward which is due to the faithful the end of misery and the beginning of all happiness but to the secure and careless the beginning of eternal punishment VI. Strengthen my Faith accept my penitential Tears speak peace to my Soul and Conscience and say Thou art my Salvation then let thy holy Spirit descend into my Heart with this express My Grace is sufficient for thee then shall my Heart leap for joy and my Soul shall be exceeding glad desiring to be dissolved and be at peace that after this frail mortal Life is ended I may enjoy the eternal fruition of they heavenly Presence VII Suffer me not O Lord in this my trial to be possess'd with a fear of Condemnation or to despond of thy Promises but in sure considence of heart apply to my self the remission of all my Sins that at the last hour by Faith in Jesus Christ I may enjoy a tast of eternal Salvation Let not Death if thou art pleased to send it be terrible or bitter unto me but when it cometh I may rejoicingly receive the fame and having escaped the storm of Temptation and the dangers of Satan I may triumph like a Conqueror and behold the Power and Presence of thy holy Spirit VIII Let my last words be the same which thy Son did utter upon the Cross saying Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit and when my Speech is departed from me hear the groanings and sighs of my Heart and the desire of my Soul that at the last thy Servant may depart in Peace and reach those heavenly Mansions prepared for him My Soul O Lord heartily desireth to attain to that supernatural City whereof such glorious things are spoken IX Breathe inward Comforts to my Heart tho' my Body be going the way of all Flesh yet let my Soul go the way of all Saints Lord hear me and help me stand by me and save me and if thou hast determined to lay my Body into the Grave receive my Soul into thy Kingdom to rest in joy and peace for evermore through Jesus Christ Amen A Prayer to be said by those that visit the Sick O Most gracious God who hast Compassion upon all Men and hatest nothing that thou hast made mercifully we beseech thee to have Compassion on this thy Servant who by thy Visitation hath been sorely afflicted and by the same even brought to the end of his Days and period of his Life be pleased therefore good Lord to have Mercy upon him accept of him as the work of thine own Hands a Lamb of thy Fold thy Servant redeemed by Jesus Christ who is willing by thy appointment to leave this miserable World in full assurance of thy Mercy in Jesus Christ for the remission of his Sins II. Guide him good Lord in this his last Journey that he being quit of all the troubles of this transitory Life he may be safely conducted by thy power to the Heaven of Eternal Happiness into the Arms of boundless Mercy to everlasting Peace and perpetual Joys there to reign with all the Company of blessed Saints and Angels with thee in continual Bliss for evermore III. And gracious God we beseech thee by thy abundant Goodness by the multitude of thy tender Mercies and Compassions by the Merits of thy bitter Death and bloody Passion by thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension and by the Coming of thy holy blessed Spirit have mercy upon him deliver him from the burthen and guilt of his Sins from the fears and terrors of Death and from the fury and power of Hell IV. Lift thou up the light of thy Countenance upon him that in all the pains of his Body in all the agonies of his Spirit let thy Comforts refresh his Soul and enable him patiently to wait till his Change shall come And grant O Lord that when this earthly House and Tabernacle of his Body shall be dissolv'd he may have a Building of God an House not made with hands eternal in the Heavens and that for his sake who by his most precious Blood hath purchased Salvation for all those who truly believe in him even Jesus Christ our only Lord and Saviour Amen Meditations after Recovery Psal 116. 1. I Am well pleased that the Lord hath heard the voice of my Prayer 2. That he hath enclined his Ear unto me therefore will I call upon him as long as I live 3. The Snares of Death compassed me round about and the Pains of Hell got hold upon me 4. I shall find trouble and heaviness and I shall call upon the Name of the Lord O Lord I
Friday Morning A Confession of Sins O Most mighty and merciful God I presume to present my self this Morning before thy Divine Majesty to offer up unto thee this my early sacrifice but in the performance of it I make known my unworthiness and disclose my Weakness and exceedingly discover my imperfections and wretchedness II. For alas I draw near unto thee with my lips but my heart is far from thee I call upon thee with my tongue but my soul at the same time commits wickedness against thee My righteousness comes short of the Scribes and Pharisees and are but as filthy Rags my holiness but as a morning Dew yea all my actions of Devotion if weighed in thy Balance are but abomination in thy sight From the soal of the Foot unto the crown of the Head I am altogether polluted and unclean yea nothing to be found in me but wounds and putrefied sores imprinted and stamped into my soul and flesh by the custom of my Sin â— My Eyes are full of Vanity my Ears full of â—niquity my Hands of Impurity my Will perverse to that which is Good my Remembrance affable â—nd pleasing to that which is Evil my Understanding is darkned my Conscience seared my Head full of mischief my feet swift to shed blood Destruction and Wickedness are in all my ways and the way of Peace have I not known IV. Since then O Lord that my Sins are so great and grievous against thy Law and against thy Gospel if thou shouldest be so extream as to mark against me what I have done amiss who is able to abide it If thou shouldst call me suddenly to a strict account how should I shew my Face If I deny waht is laid to my charge my Conscience will accuse me If I forswear the dumb and senseless Creatures will bear witness against me V. Whom have I in Heaven but thee and there is no Friend in the Earth beneath which I have in comparison of thee no other Mediator amongst Men and Angels but even thine only begotten Son Christ Jesus in whom only thou art well pleased by the virtue of whose Death and Passion and the remembrance of whose precious blood which trickled down from his side wash me from my sins and besprinkle my polluted Heart from an evil Conscience VI. And I beseech thee O Lord not only to wash away my sins with the blood of thine immaculate Lamb but also to purge my heart by thine only Spirit from the dross of my natural Corruptions that I may feel thy Spirit more and more killing Sin in the power practice thereof so that I may with more freedom of mind and liberty of will serve thee the ever living God in Righteousness and Holiness this Day and all the days of my Life for evermore Amen A Prayer for Friday Noon For God's Direction O Lord most holy I beseech thee to direct all my ways correct my wanderings and erect my wild and worldly Thoughts unto thee the God of my Salvation Learn me that divine Art of living in thy Fear to labour in thy Service and evermore run swiftly in the ways of thy Commandments Direct my Thoughts Words and Works preserve and bless me in my going out and coming in and grant that whatsoever my heart shall think my tongue utter or my hands exercise this day may tend to the glory of thy holy Name the good of others and the comfort of my own Conscience II. End these sinful days O blessed Redeemer and hasten thy coming and give me Grace to stand ready prepared to meet thee who art the sweet Bridegroom of my Soul that at thy coming whether it be by the hour of Death or at the day of Judgment I may joyfully pronounce those blessed words of Come Lord Jesus come quickly III. Deliver me O Lord from all those heavy Judgments which hang over my head as due unto me for my Transgressions separate them as far from thy presence in distance as the East is from the West bury them all in thy Grave that they neither rise to shame me in this Life nor condemn me in the World to come To whom be ascribed for thine infinite Mercy all Honour Praise and Glory from this time forth and for evermore Amen A Prayer for Friday Night Against carnal Security O Merciful Father I here prostrate my self in all humility and reverence of heart and mind beseeching thee to guide and protect me this Night with thy blessed Spirit and though my sinful flesh shall slumber and sleep yet grant that my Soul may continually â—e vigilant II. Let not the Enemy come upon me unawares and find me slumbering or sleeping as rocked in the Cradle of carnal Security lest I being unarm'd and destitute of thy favour and help he enter into the House of my sinful Body and their takes possession of my leprous Soul and endanger both to be thrown into the Lake which burneth with Fire and Brimstone III. Make me to consider that my Bed is but a pattern of the Grave and that when I lay my self down in it I cannot rise up unless thy heavenly Providence enables me Teach me to acknowledge that sleep is the very Figure and Image of Death to whose stroak at thy appointed time I must submit and resign my self endue me with Love and Charity to all Men let my Lamp O Lord be filled with fresh Oil that whensoever thy Messenger Death approaches and knocks at the Gate of this mortal Body I may at his Summons in the day of the Resurrection of the Dead be ready to attend on thee my Bride with my Lamp burning IV. Let me be ever mindful of the great and last day wherein I must render an account of every idle thought word and work and grant I may be prepared with Faith and Repentance as with a Wedding-Garment against the time that thou O Lord shalt call for me out of this sinful World In the mean time let me fly from Sin as from a Serpent and from unrighteousness as from a Cockatrice and above all things seek thy Glory and when this mortal Life is ended I may be made partaker of Immortality and Life Eternal in thy most blessed and glorious Kingdom V. Let thy Mercy and Loving-kindness follow me O Lord all the days of my Life that I may dwell in thy House and evermore praise thy holy Name grant that I may in the acknowledgment of thy greatness confess my own unworthiness and visit me O Lord by driving from me all the Assaults of my Enemies both ghostly and bodily VI. Let thy holy Angel be with me to keep me this Night and evermore fit me for the duties of the next day if it be thy heavenly will to spare me this Night this O Lord I beg at thy merciful Hands through the Merits and Mediation of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost now and for ever Amen Meditations for Saturday I Will cry
behold the divine Presence IV. Open my Eyes more and more that I may discern the wonderous works of thy Law and open thou O Lord likewise my Lips that my Mouth and Tongue may shew forth thy Praise and extol thy great and glorious Name Prepare my Heart O Lord I beseech thee for thy divine Service this next day following It is thy holy-day O fit me for the sanctifying of the same that I may not spend it on my Lusts and the pleasures of Sin but dedicate it wholly to thy Honour and Glory V. Let my chief delight be to cease from the works of Sin as well as from my worldly Employment that I may through thy Blessing feel in my Heart the beginning of that eternal Sabbath which is Joy unspeakable and full of Glory Govern O Lord my heart in thy Fear and guide and steer all the whole course of my Life in thy Favour Fit and prepare me against the hour of Death and day of Dissolution that if thou shouldest this Night make my Bed in the Grave of Silence I may live and die unto thee who livest for ever to whom be ascribed all Power and Glory Adoration and Subjection now and for evermore Amen An humble Confession of Sins before the most holy Sacrament of the Lord's Supper O Most holy Lord God who according to the multitude of thy tender Mercies dost put away the Sins of all those that truly repent and remembrest them no more Open O Lord I beseech thee the Eyes of thy boundless Mercy and fatherly Compassion upon me the most unworthy of all thy Servants from the very bottom of my heart I earnestly implore thy pardon and forgiveness for all my past Sins and Offences the number of them exceeds the ordinary expectation of thy Mercy and are so heinous that they can plead no excuse the sad Account being cast up is no less than the breach of all thy holy Commandments both in Thought Word and Deed thy Mercy and Goodness which should have led me to Repentance I have abused I have slighted thy Judgments and thy Punishments have I not feared I have utterly neglected the means of my own Salvation and by my Wickedness have most grievously provoked thy Wrath and Indignation against me my Life which should have been wholly devoted to thy Service I have mispent in the desire and sinful Lusts of the Flesh my ways have been evil and that continually the secret cogitations of my heart most wicked and so detestable hath the whole course of my Life been that my heart is vexed within me and my soul trembleth to look up to heaven for Mercy for fear of thy displeasure If therefore thou O Lord shouldst be extream to mark what I have done amiss and take Vengeance for my Sins I should be as Chaff before the face of the Wind and in Justice might be swept away into the place of everlasting Torment II. But O Lord from thy ever flowing Fountain there is Mercy that thou may'st be feared thou art a God of all Comfort and Consolation a merciful loving and gracious Father ready and willing to hear all penitent Sinners that with hearty Repentance and true Faith come unto thee I come unto thee therefore in the name of Jesus Christ the Righteous thy beloved Son and my blessed Redeemer I humbly prostrate my self before the Throne of thy Mercy-seat provided with no other hope but what proceeds from the greatness of thy Clemency for his sake only have Mercy upon me III. In all humility of Spirit and with hearty Contrition I submit my Soul and Body to thy Goodness beseeching thee not to let my Sins be as a Cloud to intercept between my Prayers and thy Pity thy Goodness and my necessities blot all my Transgressions out of thy remembrance the Sins of my Youth or Sins of my Age Sins of my Body or Sins of my Soul the Sins that I know and the Sins that I know not Sins of Remissness Omission and Commission all notorious and presumptuous Sins Sins of Pride Envy Hatred Malice and all Uncharitableness here mention thy particular Sins from all which good Lord deliver me and grant me a full and a free Pardon perfect Remission and Absolution for the same IV. As one deep calleth upon another with the prophet David out of the Depth of my Misery I cry unto thee for the depth of thy Mercy O Lord hear my Petitions and hold not thy peace at my Tears consider the Contrition of my Heart and the Sorrow of my Soul and by the Merits of his most precious Blood that was so plentifully shed upon the Cross for all Penitent Sinners and True Believers wash away the multitude of my Transgressions that my Soul by thy Mercy being cleansed from the guilt of Sin I may be found a worthy partaker and receiver of this holy and divine Mystery V. And now O holy Lord that I am about to receive the blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ how shall I that am so great a Sinner Dust and Ashes dare to presume and come into thy Sanctuary or to approach thy holy Table Thou in whose sight the very Heavens are not clear and the Pillars of the Earth shake at thy Presence What then shall become of me poor wretched and miserable that I am but O thou that art the true Balm of Gilead hast left us a command in thy holy Gospel Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laiden and I will give you rest Matth. 11. 28. VI. Upon which Command I come O Lord unto thee at this time in a confident Assurance of thy Promise in Christ Jesus thou wilt have Mercy upon me ease and refresh my Soul that is wearied with the burthen of my Sins wash me and cleanse me throughly from all my Wickedness and renew a right Spirit within me Direct me in this great Mystery with a reverend and awful dread of thy Majesty that all the faculties of my Soul and Body may rightly apprehend and joyfully receive this eternal Food this Bread of Life And grant me thy heavenly Grace that I may obtain the virtue fruit and benefits of my Saviour's Death and Passion with a full remission of all my Sins and everlasting Salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen A Prayer before the Sacrament O Most gracious God I humbly beseech thee help thy Servant whom of thy great Mercy thou hast created out of nothing repair the ruins of my Soul and enlarge the frame of my Understanding cleanse it from all filthy Corruptions and supply it with all heavenly Graces that it may be both conveniently fit and furnished to receive thee who art a God of all Purity O Make an entry into my Heart and take thy residence there for ever possess that which is thine own both by Creation Redemption and Merits of that bitter Death and Passion through Jesus Christ Amen A Thanksgiving after Receiving of the blessed Sacrament O Almighty God
beseech thee deliver my Soul 5. Gracious is the Lord Righteous yea our God is merciful 6. The Lord preserveth the Simple I was in misery and he helped me 7. Turn again then unto thy rest O my Soul for the Lord hath rewarded thee 8. And why thou hast delivered my Soul from Death mine Eyes from Tears and my Feet from falling 9. I will walk before the Lord in the Land of the Living 10. I believed and therefore will I speak but I was sore troubled I said in my hast all Men are Lyars 11. What reward shall I give unto the Lord for all the Benefits that he hath done unto me 12. I will receive the Cup of Salvation and call upon the Name of the Lord. 13. I will pay my Vows now in the presence of all his People right dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints 14. Behold O Lord how that I am thy Servant I am thy Servant and the Son of thine Handmaid thou hast broken my Bonds in sunder 15. I will offer to thee the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving and will call upon the Name of the Lord. 16. I will pay my Vows unto the Lord in the sight of all his People in the Courts of the Lord's House even in the midst of thee O Jerusalem Praise the Lord. Glory be to the Father c. As it was in the beginning c. A Thanksgiving after Recovery O Holy and immortal God I Laud and Praise thy holy Name that thou hast been pleased to deliver me from the Jaws of Death and the Pit of Corruption and in some measure restored me again to my former Health crowning me with thy mercy and loving kindness my Soul and all that is within me shall magnifie thee I will praise thee O Lord with my whole Heart and will extol thee O thou that dwellest in the Heavens II. It is thou alone that hast preserved my life from destruction thou didst cast me down upon my Bed of Sickness and hast raised me up again by thy Almighty Power thou hast chastened and corrected me but not given me over unto Death My time is in thy hand O God thou art the God of the Spirits of all Flesh grant that this remnant of Life that thou hast thus graciously spared may be wholly dedicated to thy Service that I may walk before thee in newness and amendment of Life III. O thou that art the only Physician of Soul and Body thou hast once more permitted me to take up my Bed and walk O make me strictly careful as the watches of the Night to be vigilant over all my Thoughts Words and Actions that I may sin no more lest a worse thing happen unto me Let not this great mercy thou hast now given me make me supine and negligent and entertain those Thoughts that my Lord delayeth his coming but grant I beseech thee that I may make a right use of this thy Fatherly Chastisement and employ the remainder of my Life to thy Glory IV. I have found by experience of thine afflicting hand what a dreadful thing it is to be snatched away by the hands of Death without our accompts and unprepared O let it be a perpetual admonition to me to stand upon my Guard and to watch for my Master 's coming and whenever the Pleasures of Sin which endure but for a Season shall present themselves to entice and allure me make me to remember the bitterness of them at last Lord hear me and grant me grace to work out my own Salvation for thy dear Son's sake Amen A Prayer fit to be said at any time O Most glorious and powerful Lord God who createdst all things out of nothing and support'st the whole Universe by thy Providence I confess O Lord I was conceived in Original Sin now full of actual transgressions I was in the Womb a loathsome Substance I am in the World a Lump of Corruption and I shall be in the Grave a prey for Vermin II. But I know blessed Jesus thy Grace is sufficient for me thy Mercy can express it self in my Misery I know and confess O Lord that my Sins are exceeding many mighty and heinous yet thy Mercy is far greater for thou art infinite in mercy but I cannot be infinite in sinning and the Righteousness of Christ Jesus the Righteous is more prevalent for me than my own Unrighteousness can be against my self III. The Fountain of thy Mercy O God hath quenched the fire of thy Justice and graceless Man falling from Goodness is by thee repossessed of Greatness Wherefore I humbly beseech thee O Lord give me the Grace of continual Thankfulness strengthen my Weakness correct my Sinfulness direct my future Frailty and protect me against the Adversary kindle my Zeal enlighten my Understanding soften my stony Heart and save for ever my immortal Soul IV. And though my whole Life O Lord hath been impure and undefiled in thy sight yet through thy precious Blood and Passion by thine all-sufficient Sacrifice Obligation and Satisfaction revert my deserved Punishment and convert my passed Evils to present good and future joys in thine eternal and most glorious Kingdom V. Pardon good Lord my loss of Time my abuse of thy good Creatures my negligence in my lawful Employment my unthankfulness for thy Loving-kindness and whatsoever is wanting in my Person Practice Prayer or Thanksgiving make a supply of it in the Merits of thy Son Christ Jesus to whom with thee and thy blessed Spirit be all Praise and Glory now and evermore Amen Prayers for all Persons and Occasions A Prayer for the Church ALmighty and everlasting God who hast revealed thy Glory both to Jews and Gentiles in our Lord Jesus Christ extend thy hand of Providence and Mercy over all the World that thy Church may spread like a flourishing Vine and enlarge her Borders to the uttermost Parts of the Earth that all Nations partaking of the sweet refreshments of thy Gospel thy Name may be glorified the honour of our Lord Jesus advanced his Prophecies fulfilled and his Coming hastned II. Bless O Lord thy holy Catholick and Apostolick Church with all Blessings of Comfort Assistance and Preservation extirpate Heresies unite her Divisions give her Patience and Perseverance in the Faith and Confession of thy Name in despite of all Enmities Temptations and Disadvantages destroy all wicked Counsels intended or levied against her or any of her Children by the Devil or any of his accursed Instruments let the hands of thy Grace and Mercy lead her from this Vale of Misery to the triumphant Throne of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Amen A Prayer for the King WE beseech thee O Lord to bless and preserve thy Servant William our most gracious King and Governour with the richest Blessings of thy Grace and Favour make him valiant and prosperous as King David wise and rich like Solomon be unto him a Helmet of Salvation against the Face of his Enemies and a strong Tower
I praise thee for my Creation Redemption and Preservation and by whose Grace and Mercy I hope to be glorified more-especially for feeding me this Day with the precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ I will therefore offer unto thee the Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving and always praise thy holy Name beseeching thee to pour upon my Heart the sweet Streams of thy Mercy Conform my Life confirm my Faith and let thy Grace evermore guide me that I may with a strong assurance of thine infallible Truth and promised Mercy vanquish and subdue whatsoever rebelleth against thy blessed will II. Keep holy my Soul and Body and suffer them not to be defiled through delectation of Sin but that my full delight and joy may be in thee and walk before thee in sincerity of Heart and godly Conversation that I may here on Earth glorifie thy Name and after this Life with all thy falthful flock possess that everlasting Inheritance which thy Son Christ Jesus hath purchased with his most precious blood To whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be all honour and glory world without end Amen John 5. 14. Behold thou art made whole sin no more least a worse thing come unto thee Jude 25. To the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power both now and ever Amen A Morning Prayer for a Private Person O Eternal God and most merciful Father I thine unworthy Servant do in all humility prostrate my self before thy divine Majesty acknowledging my own Vileness natural Corruptions and abominable Sins which from time to time have been committed against thee I am unworthy O Lord to appear in thy holy Temple or approach the remotest limits of the Place where thine Honour dwelleth II. But I beseech thee for the sake of thy dearly beloved Son accept of this my morning Sacrifice of Praise and Thanksgiving for thy manifold Mercies extended towards me this Night past and heretofore till this moment For my Rest Food Raiment Health Peace and Liberty with the hopes of a better Life when this is ended Continue thy all supplying mercies unto me this day Govern me with thy Fear and compass me about with thy Favour set all my Sins to that accompt which thy Son Jesus Christ my only Saviour hath made up for them upon the Cross and never lay any of them to my charge but freely forgive and forget them all III. Prosper O Lord all that I shall take in hand this Day let my directions proceed from thy holy Will and the success from thy merciful Hand Give me a Competency for maintenance in this mortal Life that I may with quietness of mind and thankfulness of heart pass my time in this vale of misery in doing good to all men according to my ability without disparagement to my self or harm to others IV. Grant these things O Heavenly Father and whatever else thou seest most necessary for me and all other thy Servants in the World for the good of our Souls and Bodies guide and conduct me in the doing and performing diligently those things that thou hast required of me and that the end of all my labours may tend to the Praise of thy holy Name and the benefit of my poor Brethren Grant this good Lord I humbly beseech thee for Jesus Christ his sake Amen An Evening Prayer for a Private Person O Almighty and everlasting God I do confess I am unworthy of the least of all thy Mercies yet being bound in duty for thy preservation of me this day past and all the time of my whole Life I offer up unto thee Praise and Thanksgiving for my Election Creation Redemption Vocation and Sanctification with all other Gifts and Graces appertaining to this Life or that which is to come II. O thou that sittest above the Cherubims my tongue and lips shall praise and glorifie thee for preserving me by thy Providence this Day past from so many Miseries and Casualties which I might justly have fallen into hadst thou entred into Judgment with me But thou art a God full of Mercy and Compassion and passest by Offences to win me the more by thy patience and long-suffering make me truly thankful for thy Mercies ready and willing to make a good improvement of thy most gracious Forbearance and careful to obey thy Will with Conscience Diligence and Constancy III. Strengthen me from above with thy mighty hand to walk in every good way without fearfulness and to bring forth the Fruits of a true and lively Faith in my Life and Conversation all the days of my sojourning here Arm me with thy Grace and holy Spirit against the Corruptions and Vanities of the World and Wiles and Temptations of the Devil and the Allurements of the Flesh and so settle and frame my mind to the continual exercise of devout Prayer hearing of thy sacred Word and watching for thy coming both in publick and private IV. Keep me O Lord this night from all Evils which may happen either to my Body or my Soul Extend thy Goodness towards all those that have any dependance upon me give me sweet and comfortable rest that when I shall awake all my Thoughts Meditations may be on thee and thy Law Bless me O Lord all the nights and days of my Life and at the end thereof send me a blessed departure and afterwards a joyful Resurrection both of Soul and Body unto Life eternal grant these things O heavenly Father for thy Son Jesus Christ's sake my only Saviour Amen A Morning Prayer for a Private Family O Almighty and most merciful Father thou hast promised That where Two or Three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt be in the midst of them we poor sinful Creatures dust and ashes here in all humility do prostrate our Bodies and Souls before thee as living Monuments of thy Mercy We are unworthy of the least of thy mercies yet hast thou from time to time made us partakers of many for which we praise and magnifie thy holy Name beseeching thee to give us understanding Hearts to be sensible of our Evils with direction and assistance from thy holy Spirit to avoid the same II. And as thou hast O Lord kept us this Night in the time of darkness and dangers so we beseech thee to preserve us this Day that the Sun of Righteousness may rule in our Hearts and all the darkness that lurketh in them may be scattered to the comfort of our own Souls in the day of our Lord Jesus Endue us with those Gifts and Graces thou seest to be most needful for us and grant that with sincere Hearts pure Consciences we may wholly employ them in thy service to thy honour and glory III. Continue to us we earnestly beseech thee thy blessing of Health Peace and Maintenance so far as thou seest them convenient for us chase away from us all Rancour and Malice Covetousness Uncharitableness and Unkindness and whatsoever is contrary to thy Law take