make me pray with such humblenesse of harte and sorrowfull sighinges as no tongue can tell That guift most pretious will hold me vp where fleashe would fall and guide my feeble feete in the light of thy Law. Thy Spirite I say will purge mee from all earthly effects and lift me vp to heauenly thinges Therfore conioyne mee oh God of all mercy to thy holy Spirite to teache mee to treade the steady steppes of thy worthy will. So shall I leade my Life in the true Lawe of thy louinge kindenesse and with a stronge and stable minde perseuer in Prayer vnto the ende Graunt me therefore for thy Truthe and Sonnes sake that I may enioy this sweete possession of thy holy Spirite which may alwaies leade my laboures after thy liking and keepe my harte in thy feare Sweete Iesu make a couenaunt with me that I neuer become enimy with thee any more neither be found vnworthy of thy ritche mercy and bountifull benefites but that the remainder of my life imployed in thy Seruice may iustly mooue thee to forgeat the iniquitie of my tender yeares Continue thou God of all comfort with increase by the assistaunce of thy grace what I haue heare begunne So shall I liue to glorifie thy might and mercy for euer and euer Amen ZEale anger carefulnesse and sorovve cause celetitie of olde Age Iustice mercie equitie and truthe make glad the Holy Ghoste and to a merie harte is geuen long life and svveete taste ZAcharie spake from thee O Lorde saying Like as I deuised to punnishe you what time your Fathers prouoked me vnto wrath and spared not Euen so am I nowe minded to do wel vnto the house of Iuda and Hierusalem therefore feare it not Now the things you shall do saith the Lorde are these speake euery man the truthe to his neighbour execute Iudgement truly and peaceably within your Portes none of you imagine euill in his harte and loue no false othes O Lorde of my selfe I am so sinful and ignorant that I cannot speake or thincke a good thought much lesse to doo well in deede Assist mee therefore with thy grace that I may doo as thou hast commaunded And let mee comfort my selfe with thy sweete woordes by thy Prophete which are That as the house of Iuda and Israell were accurst emongest the Heathen so thou dooest promise to make them a blessing Am not I an Ofspringe of that seede O Lorde to whome thou diddest promise this blessinge Or were not these thinges written to putte mee in minde of thee and cause mee turne from my wickednesse and truste by thy mercy to obtaine fauoure againe Remember then O Lorde in thy Mercie Turne mee and I shal be turned saye to my Soule I am come vnto thee thy health and thy saluacion A Double tongued man is to be abhorred and he that beareth hatred can neither praie rightly nor speake truelie of whome beware for the malicious and double tongued hath ouerthrowen Highe Palaices laide waste stronge Cities who so harkeneth to them shall neuer finde reste nor dwell in safetie neare the Prince they are more perilous then a Fistula in the breste to the healthe of Man. AVenge not thy cause on me thou God of all iustice forgeue mee my contemptes of thy Commaundements and omission of Prayer If thou geue me equall pay of my Merites I perish Forgette my vnkindenesse I beseeche thee and clothe mee with comfort of thy compassion Purifie my Soule and Body wash away my wickednesse with the bloude breakinge from the woundes of my Sauioure Christe and I shall no more be vnkinde Geue me wisedome to knowe all thy preceptes and pleasure graunt thy mercy euer to keepe me and thy grace to guide me It yrketh mee that euer I did forsake so sweete a Lorde Sauioure my sorrow wasteth mee and my sighes ouerwhelme my harte Haue mee in remembraunce therfore for I tremble quake were not thy mercie knowen I should vtterlie despaire Turne away the stroke of thy vengeaunce from mee bringe my minde out of trouble into rest Fetch now againe thou most pretious Prince of all power that which thy puisaunt mighte hath shapen Restoare Sonne of the Father thee Almightie that which thou hast so well guided and bought with thy terrible torments Take againe into the Sacred seat of thy blessed custody Lord God Holy Ghoste my Body and Soule that haue wandred Thou haste pitifully preserued them long from the violence and vtter destruction of the wicked Serpente and throwes of worldly chaunce Moste mighty God sith thou haste aduaunced thy Glory by such compassion continue in me hartie Prayer put about mee the girdle of thy grace and linke my loue in the lore of thy lawes and my hart shal be thankfull Day and nighte will I say blessed is the Lorde And will praise thy Name and magnifie thy mercie for euer and euer BE ashamed of sinnes and vnrighteousnesse be ashamed to turne thy face away from thy friende in his neede be ashamed to obbrede thy friende with thy guiftes be ashamed to take and not to geue but be not ashamed of the truthe of God and his Couenaunte but do thy best to fulfil it and thou shalt liue BE my comforter in al coūselles and daungers oh God make cleare my vnderstanding and heape my sorte with newe effects and Spiritual motions Renew my Body and Spirite that all sinne flie from mee and graunt that I liue to rightuousnesse Power vpon mee the Spirite of thy grace loade me with the Trewe knowledge of thy woorde Holde my harte alwaies in thy feare builde a true faith and hope of thy promises and mercy in the Bowels of my breast The heauenly Father of our Lorde Iesu Christe hath promised it vnto mee for his Sons sake I seeke it for that thou maist ouercome when thou arte Iudged denie me not Though there belong nothing to mee but confusion and shame yet Lorde correcte mee not in thy dreadfull displeasure but with the louing fauoure of thy face looke vpon my festured woundes Heale them good Lorde from the bottome lette them be healed Mingle thy mercy and preceptes and sowe the seede of them so deepe in my Harte that no burninge blastes of persecution make asshes therof neither any thorny cares of this life doo choke it but that it may bringe foorth as thou hast appoynted like good ground thirtie sixe and an hundred folde The fruites of my haruest Lord shal be the flowers of thy glory My tongue shal alwaies speake of thy maruaylous workes and my hart shall keepe thy Lawes I wil not deny thee my God for the power of any wicked but will seeke thy grace hope of thy mercie and say The mightie God of Israell is to be loued feared and obeyed world without ende Amen EVill seedes see thou sovv not in the Furrowes of vnrighteousnesse so shalt thou not reape thee seuenfolde labour sue not vnto Man for any Lordship neither vnto the Kynge for the Seate of Honour
our prayers Finally vvee ought so to moderate our Faithe in Goddes promises that vvee assigne no end time or place to the Maiesty of the Highest but leaue all to his Will. Wisdome and Omnipotencie beinge sure it shall be donne Yeâ— although ther appeare neither place time nor reason hovv it shall bee brought to passe It is sure his deuine vvisdom farre better knovveth and forseeth then vvee Therefore beleeue GOD and referre all to his vvill and disposicion so shall hee bring to passe thy demaund by Miracle if no other vvay it may be As in the people Israell vvhiche beleeued God vvould deliuer them from their Enemies yet appeared there no meane hovv Suddainely he opened the Redde Sea and gaue them safe passage and the Enemies all he ouervvhelmed and drovvned Likevvise the holy Iudith vvhen shee hearde the Citie of Bethulya had taken Counsel and determined that vnlesse God vvithin fiue Dayes vvould send them help they vvould yeelde the Citie to the Enemie shee greatelye rebuked them sayinge Who are you which thus tempt the Lord This communication is not to prouoke mercie but rather to stirre anger and kindle wrath Haue you set a time for the Mercy of the Almighty and will you appoynt a Day in your owne Iudgement This Faith in the holy Woman vvas so vvel accepted of the God of all Victorye that vvith a maruailous meane he deliuered her that she cutte of the Head of Holifernes and preserued the Citie vvith bitter repulse to his vvhole Army Likevvise Paule saith Ephes 3. This is the manner of God that he will do all thinges by a farre other and more better way then we can pray him or vnderstand So vve perceiue our selues to be far inferiour then that vve may appoynt or prescribe in our prayer time or place manner or other circumstance Wherfore cease thou not gentle Reader to praye and refer all to his Diuine will stedfastly beleeuing that he vvill not faile to heare and helpe thee So shalt thou make his brightnesse shine vppon thee procure his tender kindenesse tovvard thee dravve his Rodde the Lot of thy vnbeleeuing from thee and be as Mounte Sion that can not be remooued but stand fast for euer and euer To the stately top of vvhiche blessed Mansion the rather shall thy vvillinge foote be able to ascende if vvith minde and memory thou obserue and imitate the Holy Ambrose who teacheth thus Sit oratio pura simplex dilucida atque manifesta plena grauitatis ponderis non affectata eligantia sed intermissa gratia For the true and acceptable prayer consisteth not in the rablemente of vvordes â—e yet in the vehemencie of voyce but in the stedfastnesse of thy beleife in the beavvty of thy desires and in the pure intentiue thoughtes of thy hart fixed on his Diuine mercies at such time as thou doost pray It auaileth not othervvise thou seke him vvith long laboure of lips thy minde distracte vvith vaniâ—â—es thy Harte in Pilgrymage vvith Worldly carefulnes vvherof if thou make scruple through insufficiencie of this vnlatened Writer let the saying of the Sage satisfie thee vvho telleth mans Prayer to be of perfect value vvhen he acknovvledgeth him selfe to be brickle Clay and Duste humblinge him selfe chalenginge no vvoorthynesse of Vertue to himself but confessing vvholy the good he doothe to proceede of the onely motion and mercie of his Heauenly Maker attributing to him only the due glorie and praise This Iohn vvorthely confirmeth Deus adoratur Spiritu Veritate I say then Non in magnificis amplosis verbis adoratur Whiche lette suffise thee gentle Reader from mee and be eased in farther trouble of my vnlearned stile yet knovv from me hovv hardlie I haue bin distressed in gathering the same to thy behoofe both anoied vvith anxiety of minde by condition of place and of taking my diet vvithout vse of any Tâ—encher beeinge estranged all other meanes theron vvith leathie Pensell of Leade to bringe to thy gratefull Hand this small Quantitie of Spiritual Foode vvhich I hope vvil moue thy humble Nature to allovve thee rather of this my good vvil and trauell In anie learned skill that I offer thee I confes I maie not vvel boast Neither doo I assure thee my selfe not to haue erred I can not chalenge singularitie Yet graunt mee gentle Reader thy pacient peruse and Freendlie correction vvhen my Faults present their number before thy learned vievve so shalte thou free thy selfe from foule Ingratitude and geue me equall paie of my paines Wherin I haue not fedde thee with Sugred sape distilling froÌ„ PERNASSO I hold it an vnpleasaunt discord in Heauenlie Hâ—rmonie not because MERCVRIE bathed him in ARGOS Bloudde do I refuse his ayde but because I am taught by the Apostle that Faithe is not grounded in the bewtie of Oratours Eloquence ne yet in Pride of wardes me vnworthy which do heare with contrite hart and bowed knees appeale to the height of thy mercy and louinge kindnesse to accept my vnequall thankes for the same humbly beseeching thy Fatherly goodnesse that thy holy hande maie still renewe in mee thy former giftes plentuously powred vpoÌ„ me from the Prime of my birth vnto this presente not remembring good Lorde my vnworthinesse of the same nor frailtie of my passed yeares that speaketh against mee but alteringe the ministers of thy wrath into milde mercie Graunt I beseech thee that through the assistauÌ„ce of thy holy Sprite I may be ledde to correct that is amisse and that I may now perseuer in setting ordering and perfourming all my trauelles counselles and studies as best may accord with thy blessed will and cancell the bands of my heauy charge wherin assist me most puisant Prince of all power with thy prudent skil and heauenly grace the I may be truly hable to auance Iustice and to hate wrong and so be found a faithfull Minister ouer thy people In whom plant I beseeche thee thy Heauenly grace and feare with obedience towards thy Minister and kindle in me the loue of thy holy Spirite that I may perseuer in the truthe of thy worde without doubt or wauering to the ende Graunt this oh mighty God of Hoastes for the Merites and Passion of thy deare Sonne my Lorde Sauiour Iesus Christ Amen Eccl. 4. Deliuer him that suffreth wrong from the handes of the oppressour and be not faint harted when thou sittest in Iudgement decide Lawe with Equitie and Iustice with Mercie be fauourable to the Fatherlesse and be in steade of a Husband vnto their Mother so shalt thou be blessed in fight of the Highest and he shal loue thee more then doth thy Father and Moother Eccl. 12. Day and night let the broade Gates of thy bountie be open to the Discrete and Vertuous Set honour alwaies vpon the head of the Lowlie But to the prowde and ambitious keep thy self secret and strauÌ„ge geue not thy breade vnto him least he become mightier then thy selfe nor truste not thine Enemie at any time for like
vnaduisedly oppressed of sinne nether causelesse doo cease from good woorkes for so it may com to passe that wee shall labour in vaine Geue thefore vnto vs a firm faith wanting no strength which not onely may instruct vs to a better kinde of life but also in that same may happely goe forward euer emong encrease as the Prophet saithe Psal 13. Illuminate mine eies that I slepe not least whilest the Christian life but begonne wee negligently goe forward and finallie come againe into Sathans power Graunt that wee may constantly endure and thy kingdome to come may performe and consummate the rule begonne in vs Take vs from this life which is ful of sinne and daungers make vs to desire that other life and let vs beginne and continew to hate this graunt that wee do not feare death but rather wish and desire it let vs cast out of our minde the loue of this life that thou onely maist raigne in vs. Thy will be donne IF we should conferre our wil with thine it is alwaies naught but thy will is euer best whiche deserueth that wee shoulde loue and desire that Therefore haue mercy vpon vs deare Father and let not any thinge be donne after our will. Graunt if any thinge happen contrary to that wee woulde wee may patiently beare it temper so our brickle mettall beyng the woorke of thy handes that if any either speake or holde his peace doo or omitte any thinge contrary to our will that thereby we be not prouoked to anger and impatience Let vs not blaspheme complaine crie out iudge condemne or maliciously accuse others therfore but graunt that wee may quietlie geue place to those whiche worke contrary to our will and praise them geuinge thankes as to those which stirre vp thy will whiche is good againste ours which is yll And further assist vs that we may paciently beare all trouble neede pouerty sicknesse slaunder imprisonmente and all other discommodities and acknowledge al these to happen vnto vs by thy wil that our wil may be mortified let vs paciently beare iniuries and take from vs the desire of reuengement suffer vs not to encounter one euill with another nor resist force with stronge armes but graunte thy will whiche hath throwne vs into those euils may satisfie vs that with thankes geuing wee may beare aduersiries Yf any yll come contrary to that wee woulde graunt wee beseeche thee that we iudge not that calamitie to proceede either of Sathan our wicked enimie or of yll men but of thy deuine will whiche dooth Minister all thinges so that it may let our will whereby thou mightest the better raigne and beare rule in vs Graunt that wee may patiently and with ioyfull minde die leaste beinge ouercome with impatience or desperation wee seeme lesse obedient to thy will. Graunt that al members of our body eyes tongue harte hands and feete folowe not their owne delightes but ouercom and constrained may doo al thinges after thy will. Take from vs O Lorde a hardned and vntractable hart free vs from frowardnesse obstinate and stubberne minde graunte that wee may obey thy will that wee committe our selfe wholy to thy iudgement in all things whether they perteine to the body or the soule whether they be momentary or eternall take from vs these horrible vices that wee impeache not the fame of any flaunder anie rashely iudge accuse or condempne them that vice of the tongue I beseeche thee amende in vs And teache that if others committe any euill wee may retaine and hide it to thee only let vs shewe it and leaue it to thy iudgemente that wee may remit what is committed againste vs and let vs take pity vpon them teach vs to know that none can hurt vs but he shal more disprofite him selfe before thee that we may be the rather stirred to mercie then to anger in any thing let vs not reioyce if they be throwen into calamitie which either haue not obeyed our will or whose life hath been little allowable to vs neither lette vs hate their good successe Geue vs this day our daily breade THE breade is our Lord Iesus Christe whiche feedeth and refresheth the soule Thou therfore heauenly father graunt vs this through thy mercie that the life woordes and deedes of Christe with his Passion may be euery where truely preached acknowledged folowed kept Graunt that both his dooinges and sayings may be ensample to vs to the whiche wee may compare our life liue more rightlie Confirme vs that in calamities and trouble his Crosse and passion may strengthen and comfort vs Assiste vs that by his deathe our deathe may be ouercomme in true Faithe that wee may constantly folowe him being our Captaine to eternall life Bringe to passe that they whiche haue taken vpon them the ministery of thy woorde may happily teach with the greate profite of the hearers woorke that those which heare thy word acknowledge Christe and diligently goe forwarde Let it com to passe that the straunge and wicked sectes who teache not Christe be throwen out of his Churche Let the true vnderstandinge of thy woorde so shine in Bishops and Pastours and likewise vpon all Magistrates whether they haue care of the bodie or Soule that beinge illuminate with thy grace they may rightly teache vs and be exsample vnto vs as wel in Doctrine as in pure life Let not the weak in fâ—â—th be offended through the Sinnes of the Maiestrates Pourge vs O Lorde from all heresiâ—s and wicked Faith that wee may be singly and daily fed with one bread may abide agreeable in Christes woordes teach vs by thy grace tâ—at wee may well studie vpon Christes Passion and rightly holde that and let his imprinted steppes sticke and be founde in vs. Graunte that the Ministers of thy Church may treate and vse the Holy Sacrament worthely and to the greate profite of thy Churche And furthermore that wee and all Christians may in his kinde worthely and to his soule health receiue the Sacramente Geue vs peace and concorde take from vs warres contention ambition priuy hatred bloudie hartes vsurping hands and al other kinde of strifes that those thinges which wee haue to the sustentation of our body wee may enioy with thanks geuing Geue vnto thy seruant Elizabeth our most gratious Queene and Gouernoure thy equall guiftes to her estate and dignity with vprighte Iudgememente in all thinges and to all magistrates true faith and single iudgement with loyall mindes to keepe the publique peace that her ioyes and Rule may longe stande and multiply Take from al Subiectes Sedition and disobedience teache vs by thy Holy spirite to order housholde affayres that wee may instruct our Children and Families to worship praise and glorifie thee Graunt O good Father that our childreÌ„ and family fall not into any sin and wickednes neither be ouerthrowen in any daunger or calamity whether it be either of bodie or Soule Comforte and deliuer thou moste louinge Father the captiue the hungry thirstie
naked oppressed miserable the comfortlesse widowe the orphane sick and the sorowfull and defende the fieldes and cattell from tempest venemous woormes and wilde beastes Forgeue vs our trespasses as we forgeue them that trespas against vs. GOD will that we patiently beare al things and requite not euill with euill nor reuenge iniurie donne againste vs but that wee shoulde returne a benefite for an iniurie after the ensample of our Father whiche suffereth his Sunne to shine as well on the euill as on the good and powreth downe his raigne both vpon the thankefull and vnthankefull O good Father stirre vp our conscience bothe now and in the ende of our life whiche is greuously feared with the sight of our sinnes and dred of thy â—udgemente make our harts quiet and sure that with ioy wee may expecte thy iudgement when thou shalt iudge for in thy sight shall not any man be founde rightuous teache vs to leane not to our owne good workes and merites but to thy vnmeasured mercie therevnto let vs wholy coÌ„mit vs Likewise suffer vs not to fall into desperation for our sinnes committed but graunt that wee may perceiue and feele thy mercy to be far more ample greater and stronger then our wicked ledde life Be presente with all those whiche are either in daunger of death or afflicted with desperation Forgeue vs and euen our sinnes comfort vs and bring vs againe into thy fauour As thou hast coÌ„maunded so render thou also good for yll vnto vs beate down sathan that horrible false detractor and accuser of our life bothe nowe and at the houre of death and in al other anguishes of our conscience Sathan dothe accuse vs our conscience likewise doth accuse vs But thou Lorde dooest not Iudge after their senteÌ„ce heare not the voyce of our enemies which complain of vs before thee night and day Take from vs thou God of all mercie the greeuous burden of our sinne and conscience that it beinge made ioyfull and confirmed with the hope of thy mercy wee may both liue and die doo and suffer all thinges And leade vs not into temptation WEE are vexed with three kindes of temptation the fleash the worlde and the diuell Wee pray thee therfore O Father to assiste vs with thy heauenly grace that wee truely may be able to quenche the flames of the fleash that wee may auoyde excesse of meates and drink ouer much sleape slouth and idlenesse wherewith the prone fleashe is the rather kindled that likewise with fasting moderate diet and cloathinge our bed not to softe with watching and laboure wee may be made the more apte to good woorkes Helpe thou vs also that wee may fasten to the Crosse of Christe and mortifie that inordinate concupiscence and all other stirringes vnto vaine pleasure that wee may with strong power resist them Plante our hartes in the pleasaunte garden of thy continuall feare sowe the sweete seedes of heauenly grace so deepely in the furrowes of our inward minde that when our outward eies shal behold the rare bewty and work of thy handes in any fayre well proporcioned or semely creature we may not be therwith allured to exchaunge our thoughtes of pure deity through desire to exercise any delicate delight of our wanton fleash but euer geuinge vnspotted Chastitie sway in vs may the rather be mooued to praise thee in all thy creatures Graunte that when our eares are delighted with any sweete Harmonie or melodious sound that we may not applie it to our own plesure but to thy triumph and glory Take from vs couetousnesse and inordinate studie to heape vp Ritches Remooue from vs the study of Glory Power and Ambition suffer not the malice of the worlde to prouoke vs to impatience reuengement hatred dissimulation or other vices Woorke in vs that we hold in hate and despise the deceiptes subtilty lyes craft guile false promises vnthankfulnesse and ingratitude of the world with all other whether they be good or badde that Originall Sinne also which in Baptisme wee knowe and that in this minde wee may endure and euermore encrease Putte from vs the temptacioÌ„s of Sathan that wee fall not into pride and admiration of ourselues being puffed vp with wealth Nobility Power Rule Learning Dignity Beawty Shape or other guiftes so despise others Purifie cleanse vs from priuie hatred secret sclaunder egreenuie and inward dissimulation Make vs to deale iustly carefully truly faithfully freendely and constantely with those that put vs in any trust and wel and equally with all others Confirme and strengthen vs against all temptations and dreadefull assaultes of Death that neither in the General day of accoumpt wee tremble in our hope of thy mercie nor in the summons of death wee fall into desperation but vpholden with firm hope of thy mercy armed with stronge Faithe and inuincible beliefe of thy Saluacion wee may liue in our resurrection participate thy ioyes and reioyce in thy comminge Moreouer wee entirely beseeche thee O Heauenly Father that thou vouchsafe with the carefull eyes of thy mercy to behold and strengthen all them which are assailed with any greuous temptations or weaknesse of Faith. If any yet stand confirme them O God and those which are fallen lift thou vp Let thy grace defende vs all in this miserable life whiche is replenished with so many daungers and bitter enimies that as it becommeth Christian Souldiers wee may be strongly gyrte with true Faith to thee in loyall obedience to our Prince brotherly loue towardes all men and so become coheyres of thy Celestiall Throne and blessednesse But deliuer vs from euill THy gratefull benignitie oh Heauenly father hath once deliuered vs from that most vncleane Spirite and subtil Serpent Sathan the wretched workman of all endlesse woe deathe destruction washed from sinne by thy sonne Iesus Christ and hath chosen vs into the honoure of his blessed Name and Heritage Wherfore cease thine indignation O Lord which iustly wee incurre throughe our daily contempts of thy holy will free vs from the paines due to oure sinnes deliuer vs froÌ„ the flouds of perdition that compasse vs rounde about and the flames of thy furie that our wickednesse hath kindled stay the stroke of thy vengeauÌ„ce that the blasphemie of our tongues hath iustly mooued thy longe sufferaunce to lay nowe vpon vs deliuer our Soule from the deadly wounds of our dissembling lippes take from vs the full corruption of all enuie and hatred keepe our minds from pride and presumption breathe into vs throughe al parts thy loue humility faith hope charitie patience which may bewtifie vs with the beames of thy brightnesse quicken our soules and al the powers therof that they may cleaue fast and be ioyned to thee in Ghostely rauishinges Destroy the force of this our aunciente foe Sathan which alwaies maketh battaile against vs powre vpon vs the greatnesse of thy goodnesse that thy right hand may be gloryfied in vs deliuer vs from all vncleane desires of the fleashe
inspyre vs with the ferueÌ„t flames of thy loue to consume the festerynge phantisses of our minde conioyne amd knytte the sences poures of our inwarde partes in thee make vs holde in hate al earthly substaunce and transitorie things by thy grace stroÌ„glye to tread down and conquere al motions occasions of sinne deliuer vs most benigne father from all rancore malyce hatred bloudsheding lying backbiting swearing and all suche horryble euils what so euer they be yea from lighteninge and tempeste from murther and battaile greuous plagues and other diseases good Lorde deliuer vs. Finally deliuer vs from all anguish troubles and mishappes emineÌ„t either bodily or ghostly and with thy mighty hand defende our Ritches from abuse our brickle body from corruptioÌ„ our Soule from dampnation euen as beste shall accorde with thy holy will and true glorie of thy Maiestie Deliuer vs Lord from the chaynes of sinne the ropes of Hell and all perill of destruction so that beinge certified in conscience our Prayers worthely of thee accepted and wee deliuered from all assaults of the diuell his wicked craftes and inticementes to damnation and by thy holy spirite assisted may perseuer in this goodnesse wherof thy mercie and kindenesse is true Aucthor to the end of our dayes in holynesse and rightuousnesse to the honour of thy Kingdome powre and glory both now and euer Amen E ENgraue thy Lawes in the deapth of my hart O Lord that beinge instructed in thy coÌ„mauÌ„dements I may serue thee in feare and reioyce in thee with trembling and take holde vpon thy discipline in all thinges Least at any time thou become angrye and I perishe from the right way Amen L LOrde geue me me help from my trouble for vaine is the helpe of Man in thee I haue strength and thou bringest vnto nothing those which trouble me let my soule be subiect vnto thee for from thee proceedeth my patience for thou art my God and Sauiour my helper I wil not depart from thee In thee is my health and my Glory thou arte the God of my healpe and my hope is in thee Amen I I Haue broken thy Folde and wandered long as a lost sheep let me return againe O Lord bicause I haue not forgotten thy commaundementes the misdeedes ignorances of my teÌ„der yeeres remember not Lorde according to thy mercy haue minde on mee For thy goodnesse O Lorde keepe my soule and deliuer mee let mee not be ashamed bicause I haue trusted in thee Turne my heauinesse into ioye cut of my sacke of sorrowes and girde mee with gladnesse that my Glory may singe vnto thee and I shall not be greeued Z ZOrobabell Kinge of Iuda in the deapthe of thy displeasure tasted of thy mercie and receiued by the mouthe of Ageus thy Prophete sweete comforte knowledge of thy fauoure and grace yea after thy determination to destroy the whole Kingdome of the Heathen thy righte hand did preserue him and thy incomparable mercie did choose him for a seale to thy selfe Lord this happy Kinge in thy goodnesse was but an earthly Creature and then coulde he haue no rightuousnesse in him selfe to mooue such thy compassion if it proceeded from the multitude of thy mercies that surmounte the iniquity of the whole world and that thou diddest only vouchsafe to beholde in him the Image of thy selfe Bowe downe thine eies Lorde and beholde the selfe same in mee Certifie my conscience with remission of my sinnes that my sorrowfull Soule be at rest within mee send downe thy holy spirite to remaine with me that I may become with that good Kinge thy chosen seale and seruaunt And so gouerne thy people that I may with them and they with me neuer deserue further then to taste of thy Rod of fauorable correction but that all my labours and studies may euer bend to the performance of thy holy will and discharge of my dutie Amen A ARise illuminate my minde moste benigne Sauioure that I sleape not at any time in deathe leaste mine enimies say they haue preeuailed againste mee They whiche trouble mee will be glad if I be cast downe but I haue fixed my hope in thy mercy Enter not into iudgement with thy Seruaunt for no liuing Creature shal be iustified in thy sighte I will euer looke vpon the Lorde for he shal be on my righte hande that I be not mooued for this my harte is glad and my tongue reioyceth yea moreouer my flâ—ash shall rest in hope Amen B BE thou vnto mee O Lorde in the day time a defendour and in the nighte season a place of refuge that thou maiste saue mee for thou art my strengthe and vnto thee I flie Lord God deliuer me from the hand of sinners and from the Lawebreaker and the wicked dooer for thou Lord art my patience thou art my hope euen froÌ„ my youth in thee I am confirmed euen from my Mothers wombe thou art my protectour in thee shall be my songe for euer and euer Amen E EVer my tongue shall be tellinge of thy ritche mercy and woonderous works O Lorde for thou hast caused mee to passe through fire and water and hast leadde mee into a freashe place thou haste geuen my soule life and hast not suffered my feete to fall According to the multitude of my sorrowes thy comfortes haue made my Soule merye My Soule is like a Sparrow taken out of the foulers snare Thou hast deliuered my life froÌ„ death and my hands from bloud that I may please thee O Lorde in the light of the liuing Amen T THou art iust O Lorde and all thy Commaundementes be true and al thy waies mercy truth and iudgement And now Lorde be mindefull of mee take not reuengemente of my sinnes remember not mine offences neither the offences of my Fathers because wee haue not obeyed thy precepts Geue mee an hart of vnderstandinge and set thy feare alway before mine eyes that I may be obediente in woorde deede and thought to all that is thy will. Lorde geue vnto mee the power of thy Holy Spirite to rule and gouerne thy people commited to my charge in al godly feare and knowledge of thy woorde and that I may be vnto them an ensample in al godlinesse anâ— vertue to the prayse of thy Holy name Amen H HEale me Lord and I shall be healed saue mee and I shal be saued My life cleaueth vnto the Earthe Quicken mee accordinge to thy worde accordinge to thy mercie releeue mee and I wil keepe the testimonies of thy lippes helpe mee Lord so shall I be safe and I will from henceforthe study thy rightuousnesse thy mercies are many O Lorde according to thy woorde restore my health Amen R REgarde my Prayers O thou God of my life leaue me not in the thoughts of euill Deliuer mee from the wicked man let not the foote of pride com vpon mee and to vaine glorie geue mee not take from mee all sinfull lustes lette no desire of vncleannesse take hold vpon mee geue mee
may doo good neither hide thy wisedome in her beawty For rightuousnesse and truthe striue vnto death and God shall fight for thee againste thine enimies Make no tarryinge to turne vnto the Lorde and put not of from daie to daie for suddainly shal his wrath come and in the time of vengeaunce he shall destroy thee Truste not in wicked ritches for they shall not help thee in the day of pounishment and wrath Equity Mercy Iustice and Truthe shall deliuer thee In the bewtifull daies of thy prosperity forgeat not the foggy mistes of aduersity and when it goeth not well with thee haue a good hope it shall be better Happy is he that hath no heauinesse in his minde and is not fallen from his hope Let not to pray alwaies and stande in feare refourmed vnto death for the rewarde of God endureth for euer vnto them that will repente he hath geuen the way of rightuousnesse Note all these hither to be out of Ecclesiast A dissembling person wil vnfolde thy Secretes But he that loueth thee in truth wil faithfully stand with thee in perill Through the lyinge lippes of the malitious the innocente is destroyed But in the bewtie of his truth time shal deliuer him The innocente dealing of the iust shall leade them But the wickednesse of such as dissemble shal be their owne destruction The Lorde abhorreth them that be of fained harte But he hath pleasure to encrease the seede of the humble and faithfull Euery man shall enioy good according to the sayinges of his mouth and after the workes of his handes Doo they somme rightuousnesse and speake the Truthe The innocente person shal be deliuered out of trouble and the double dealer shall comme in steede Mercie and Faithfulnesse let neuer goe from thee binde them about thy necke and write them in the tables of thy harte Prou. 3 Be not wise in thine owne conceite but feare the Lord and departe from euill So shal thy vertue shine and thy healthes growe Ibidem These sixe thinges dooth the Lorde hate A proude looke a liynge tongue handes to shead innocente bloude an harte that goeth aboute with wicked imaginations feete that be swift in running to do mischeife a false witnesse that bringeth vp lies and such a one as soweth discord emongest brothers Prou. 6 Dissembling lippes kepe hatred secretly euill will stirreth vp strife but loue couereth the multitude of sinnes Prou. 10 The patient abidinge of the innocent shall be turned to gladnesse and the daies of his trouble are the sure signes of his Saluation Ibidem The perill that the vngodly are afrayde of shall come vpon their heads But the faythfull and the rightuous shall enherite theyr desires He that by violence sheaddeth any mans bloud shal be a Runnegate to his graue and his Posteritie shall be confounded with shame A man that dealeth faithfully shal be filled with blessinges and he that maketh too much haste to be ritche shal not be vnguilti Like as Hell and destruction are neuer full euen so the eyes of the couetuous men can neuer be satisfied The Seate of the Kinge that with Iustice and equitie faithfully iudgeth the poore shall encrease and stande for euer Many men like the Breade that is gotten with deceipt But at the last their mouthes shal be filled with grauell These three Prouerb all No force is least vnprepared against the day of battaile But the Lorde geueth the victorie He that soweth the seedes of malice shal reape sorrow and in the haruest of his crueltie shall he perish The ende of Equitie Iustice patience Truthe is Ritches Honoure Prosperity Health Who so geueth rewardes shall obteine the victory and triumphe But he taketh away the Soule of suche as receiue them Reioyce not thou at the fall of thine enimies and lette not thy hart be glad when he stombleth Least the Lorde when he seeth it be angry and turne his wrath from him to thee He that turneth away his eare from the needie or from his Neyghbour in necessitie his Prayer shal be abominable Sowe no euill seedes in the furrowes of vnrightuousnesse for the Lucre of any other mans Lordeship labour not vnto the Kynge for the seate of Honour so shalt thou go vntouched of anie misfortune Ecclesiast 7. Who so vniustly challengeth rule to himselfe shal be hated of the people Ecclesiast 20. Carrie thy wronges with patient harte and thinke of no reuenge the Lorde knoweth how to deliuer the Godly out of anguish and to reserue the malicious vnto the day of iudgement Petr. 4. If our hartes condemne vs not then haue we truste to Godwarde and what so euer we aske we receiue of him Iob. 3 For this purpose appeared the Sonne of God to lose the paines of Hell and the workes of the Diuel Ibidem Warres with greate discretion ought to be taken in hande for through strengthe of good Counsell thinges prosper that men deuise Pro. 24. When thou goest out to battaile against thine enemies and seest Horses and Charrets and people moe then thou be not afraide of them for the Lore thy God is with thee Deut. 20. If you go to warre againste your enimies that vexe you yee shal blowe with the Trumpets you shall be remembred before the Lorde your God to be saued from your enimies Num. 10. The victory of the Battaile stādeth not in the multitude of the host but the strength and Triumphe commeth from Heauen Macab 3 He that hathe cleane handes and a pure hart and that hathe not lifted vp his minde to vanitie nor sworne to deceiue his Neighboure he shall receiue the blessing from the Lorde and victory of his enemies rightuousnesse from the God of his Saluation c. Psalm 24. FINIS Sententiae Diuinae e Sacris Scripturis Patribusque collectae Deus DEus est Spiritus qui adorant eum oportet vt spiritu ac veritate eum adorent Alanus de conquestione Naturae Deus est splendor nunquam deficiens vita indefessa non motiens fons semper scaturiēs seminale vitae seminarium sapientiae principale principium initiale bonitatis initium August super illud Pater Nost Deus est in scipso sicut ALPHA OMEGA in Mundo sicut Rector Auctor in Angelis sicut Sapor Decor In Ecclesia sicut Paterfamilias in Domo in Anima sicut sponsus in Thalamo in Iustis sicut adiutor protector in reprobis sicut pauor horror August super Io. Ser. 29. Deus tibi totum est Si esuris panis tibi est si sitis aqua tibi est si in tenebris es lumen tibi est si nudus es in mortalitate tibi vestis est Christus Io. 8 Ego sum lux mundi qui sequitur me non ambulabit in tenebris sed habebit lumen vitae Ambro. in quodam ser Omnia habemus in Christo omnia in nobis Christus Si à vulnere curari desideras medicus est si febribus aestuas fons
as Iron cankreth so dooth his wickednesse though he humble him selfe greatlie yet locke vp thy minde and beware of him set him not by thee nor on thy right hande leaste he turne gette into thy place take thy roume and possesse thy Seate Prou. 16. The cheerefull countenaunce of the Kinge is life his louinge fauoure is as the Euening dew Duce Deo. HONI SOIT QV MAL Y PENSE E Encrese Knowledge L Let Vertue guide I In Praier perseuer Z Zelously aske A Acknowledge Sinne. B Beware of Presumption E Enuie no man. T Tender the helpelesse H Hope for Heauen R Remember thy Rule E Encline to Iustice G Graunte gyftes by Defert I In Mercy delight N No Flatterers preferre A Accepte the Wise ¶ Holy briefe and comfortable Meditations or Praiers disciferyng in Alphabet forme the Royal Name of our most Vertuous Soueraigne EXercise mercy set thy Bread and Drinke vpon the table of the poore and hungrie couer the Naked with thi Clothes and these shal deliuer thee from Sinne and Death not suffer thy Soule to com in Darkenesse Zechiel the prophet saith When the wicked tourneth from his vngodlynesse he hath donne he shall saue his Soule With thy Seruaunt Esaie therfore I say oh Lorde thou art a great and fearfull god Thou kepest couenaunt mercy with them which loue thee and keepe thy Commaundements And with thy Apostle Barnabie I acknowledge I haue sinned I haue offended I haue bin disobedient and gonne back yea I haue departed from all thy pathes and Iudgements Lorde to thee belongeth righteousnesse and Mercy to mee shame and destruction for mine Iniquity Yet Lord enter not into iudgment with thy Seruaunt for no fleash is righteous in thy sight neither correct me in thy wrath for then I shal not abide it Haue mercy vpon me oh Father from the deapth of thy mercie take pity vpon mee forgeue Lorde heare my Praier and blotte out mine offences Let thy louing face shine ouer the woorke of thy handes that lieth waste Lord for thine owne sake doo it Encline thine eare and heare me beholde how desolate I am stretch out thy hande and helpe me Lorde I desire to comme to thee and my weakenesse is such as without thy helpe I am not hable to raise my selfe vnto thee Therfore Lord remember thy swâ—â—â—e promises tarry not ouer long strengthen me with thy holie Spirite heare my Prayers wash me in thy righteousnes I cast not these peticions before thee hoping in mine owne Merites which are none but trusting in thy great mercy and sweet promises Wherefore Lorde heare mee and forgeue mee and I shall liue for euer LEt Enimitie passe which seketh Death and Destruction and before thou Praiest forgeue els thou heapest vengeaunce of thy selfe LOrde make thy wayes knowen vnto mee that I may walke so perfectly that no kinde of Sinne ouercome me Thou leadest straight in iudgement and geuest sight to the blinde Thou arte neare vnto them that call vpon thee with faithful harte haue mercie vpon mee heare me and geue me a Hart to praie vnto thee Lay not against me my sinnes past but for thine owne sake forget them I vnderstand not al mine errours my sinnes haue taken holde on mee and of my selfe I am not hable to retourne Sende me therfore thy holy helpe to strengthen mine infirmitie Keepe my mouth and lippes and let the thought of my harte be acceptable in thy sight Permit not the worde of Truthe to departe my breaste suffer not Malice to dwel in my harte Deliuer mee from false surmises and accusacions of men rule me after thine owne will and pleasure Remooue from mee vanities and let not the foote of Pride take holde on me so shall I be free from the greatest sinne Stay and kepe me from euery euill way for in thee I trust it is thou only that canst helpe Looke vnto mee with thy mercies and graunt me grace in thy sight Amen IN Equitie Loue and Truth gather all thy Ritches in the handes of the Poore lay vp thy Almes and these shal defende thy euill fight for the against thine Enemies better then the strength of mightie men preserue thy fauour as the apple of an Eie and rise with thee in the day of Iudgement to pay thy revvarde on thy head IN hope of thy Mercy and Forgeuenesse most mightie and dreadful God whose truthe is vnspotted I am bold to com before thee My truste is good I shal be heard for that thou hast euer bene the true head of all Iustice and delightest in Truthe Denie thy self thou canst not for thou hast promised In what â—â—â—e soeuer a Sinner doth with a broken harte repent his wickednesse at that instant thou wilt cansell the recordes of thy remembraunce and the fowlenesse of his faulte shall remaine no blemish to his Soule Heare mee now therfore oh Maker of Heauen and Earthe I acknowledge I haue sinned and donne vnpleasaunt thinges in thy sight I confesse the misdeedes which rebel against my Soule with Saule saying I haue sinned I haue played the Foole and haue erred exceedingly And with like humble lowley and faithfull harte as did King Dauid who vnfainedly cried out his Sinne and became thy seruaunt So moste Holy in hope of the same hire with contrite hart I sighe and say I haue broken thy Lavves and not walked in thy Commaundementes If I should now recite and number the mountaines of my misdeedes which ouerwhelme my body and that are eger enemies to my pining Soule the day were to short Lord I neede not thy blisfull Seate is aboue the starry Firmament and thou sittest on high beholding what is donne amisse in the Earth belowe My wickednesse that I most secretly haue committed to thy Celestiall eies hath bene manifest Forgeue me good Lorde that my tongue may iustifie thy euerlasting Truthe that others beholding in mee thy manifolde mercies may likewise with mee be ashamed of their euill and seke after thy mercy Woe am I that my hart hath been so long vnacquainted with the Welsprings of thy Truth that my handes haue wrought vnrighteousnesse and heaped sinne vpon sinne Turne away from the sight therof the fulnesse of thy fury Exchaunge the roughnesse of thy rage into meeke mildenesse before thou correct mee most louing Sauiour I am not able to abide thy heauy displeasure if thou chastice mee with thy rodde of Iustice I perish I haue not one good deede to preferre mine offences beare number with the flowers and blossomes of the Spring my truthe is no whit and with vnrighteousnesse all is defiled Forgeue mee oh Heauenly King Forget thou that art the sweete spring of my Soule Geue me thy holy Spirite that it may be with mee and labour with mee to attaine thy blessed fauoure for mine ignorance cannot desire that I ought neither can my feeble force without thine ayde raise me to thy presence Thy Spirite will helpe my debility and make right intercession for all my necessities Thy spirite wil
thy sake exercising iustice mercie and Truthe to all thy Creatures and neuer suffering me to doo that may mooue thy wrath but more and more assisted with thy grace may encrease thy loue and likinge and finally obtaine thy ioyes euerlasting Amen H HEare these my Prayers sweet Lord Iesu and for thy exceedinge Loue whiche broughte thee from the Sacred seate of thy Fathers breast into the woâ—be of the blessed virgin to bannish Death and Sinne to redeeme mans nature whereby in thy astere Passion as thou haste restoared mee and with so blessed a Shielde defended mine eternall deathe by the self same Loue call mee that haue wandred home againe to thy Folde renewe me with thy Spirite coÌ„firme mee with stronge faithe nourish in me such thi abundant loue garnish mee with thy plentifull grace lade mee with infallible hope of thy mercie finally restore all partes in mee which are decaied and quicken in mee what so is dead should liue that my spirite set at libertie from Terrestriall thinges thou maist euer dwell in mee And my Soule and body assisted with thy ritche guifte of all these may fully purely safely and strongly settle them in thee To whom be praise both nowe and euer Amen R REnder mee thy grace O Lorde that from this day I neuer becomme enimies with thee againe but that I only rest in thee Guide me with the clere light of thy woorde thorowe the dark desertes of this wretched world where no misery nor trouble lacketh wher euery place is ful of snares of mortal enimies yea wheron trouble and temptations ouerpassed and other ensueth and the first enduringe a newe battaile suddainely assayleth wherby I neuer haue peace and wante wherwith to war. wherfore with contrite hart I crie Lorde Lorde assist me with the power of thy holy Spirite and as thou hast coÌ„maunded I come vnto thee prayinge the guifte of all these my requests and specially Lord I require the swoord of my Sauâ—â—ur Christ true and firm faith that established in thy Truthe holding that for my defence may be safely armed against all mine enimies strong to cut downe the thornes which shal spring in my way of passage vnto thee in whom sweete sauiour aboue all honour glory triumphe sway rule power dignity make me settle al my ioyes yea aboue all healthe ritches bewtie fame and felicitie to desire thee loue thee and magnifie thee which geuest all and therfore of al to be beloued sought art most worthy Amen E EAse O Lorde the paines I suffer the troubles of my soule let the fountaines of thy grace ouerflow my barraine bodie and the floudes of thy mercie batten my feeble spirite let thy louing kindnesse couer mine infirmities and thy suffered drops of dewe vpon the Crosse drownde mine iniquitie Thy worde is Truthe and thou hast saide Thy delight is not in the death of a Sinner but wouldest he shoulde conuerte and liue Teache me therfore to number my dayes in the loue of thy Lawes that I alwayes thirste after thy Kingdome and neuer forgeat thee but in this that I haue here begonne may perseuer increase setting at naught all worldly pompe respect of persones and mans helpe and only cleaue to thy omnipotente power mercie strengthe and goodnesse wherin Lorde make mee so ritch as I neuer haue power to swerue from thee nor wante thy grace to resiste all temptations neither yet thy strengthe to treade downe mine enimies and so my harte shall ioyfully liue and geue thanckes to thee my God of all truth mercy and victory Amen G GOD merciful Father of my redeemer Christ which hast promised to heare the peticions of them that aske in thi Sonnes name geue downe thy feare into my harte conioyne thy holy spirite to the felowship of my soule poure vpoÌ„ me the blessed dewes of thy grace enritche mee with thy high vnderstandinge and send wisdome in her glory from thy Sacred seate to dwel in me that shee may guide mee vphold mee and labour with mee to the end that in al my trauelles enterprises proceedinges and studies I may preuaile to thy glorie Do this deare Father for the triumphe of thy name Bow downe thine eares mercifullie heare and receiue the summe of all my requests and graunt that all thinges which I aske according to my necessity I may effectually obtaine to thy glorye and profite of my soule through Iesus Christe my Lorde AmeÌ„ I I Geue and committe into thy hands deere Lorde my Spirite yea rather I may say thy Spirite seeing thou hast geuen it mee lincte it to my body for a season and seing it is thy image and Figure made after thine owne likenesse seeinge thy deere Sonne did clime the dyrefull steppes of death for redemption therof O most fauorable Father and meeke God of al mercy and compassion I eftsoones coÌ„mende this my Spirite into thy hande I am thine what so euer I am receiue thine I beseeche thee preserue mee and comforte mee for no man can help me besides thee Onely thou arte the sureste resister of all mischiefe thou arte O God the readieste help in all trouble thou arte my hope and strength In thee do I put my trust lette mee not be confounded let mee neuer be rebuked thou art my strong rock and my Castell thou art my sauioure my portion is in thy hands Lighten thy face vpon thy Seruaunt and saue mee O Lorde in thy Mercie Amen N NO brickel nor corrupt gold or Siluer hath redeemed my soule O Heauenly Father but the precious bloud issuinge from Christ as of a Lambe vndefiled and without spotte make mee therefore O Lorde for his sake to put on his humility patience vertu and vnspotted life rendring such accompt of this my Pilgrimage as beste may agree to his merite and thy mercie Let mee not be founde vnthankfull in so sweete a Lorde and sauiour what is most rightuous acceptable and pleasante in thy sight let mee alwayes O God preferre in faith works and what so euer is to approoue mee vnworthy of his tender and surmountinge loue that may alter his louing kindenesse or exchaunge his wonted compassion towards mee Lorde let me euer faile in strength to do it but assisted by thee I may euerlastingly be founde to liue in him Amen A ALmighty God which fliest with the winges of the Ayre ridest vpoÌ„ the Cherubins hast Empyre aboue the starry Firmaments Thou thou that sittest in Sacred seate most hie beholdeynge the wretchednesse of man in this lowe Earthe attending through thine own loue his deserts when with any occasion thou may offer thy mercie Bowe downe thy pitifull eies and fauour in me the Image of thy selfe as thou diddest vouchsafe in Zache when thou calledst him out of the Figge thee enritche my eares with the same voyce of Remission and Gladnesse as thou diddest his incline thine eares heare these cries oh louing redeemer for though I am but Dust Earth and Asshes yet I am bolde strengthened
him not dispaire They doo euill which will not repent with them whome they haue transgressed withall After Dauid had willingly confessed his fault and acknowledged the iuste iudgement of God behold what great hope he conceiued of the mercie of God Sprinkle mee O Lorde saith he with Isope and I shall be cleane washe mee and I shall be whiter then Snowe By the sprinkling of the bloude of the immaculate Lambe he promiseth to himselfe clearenesse too though he acknowledge his conception to be sinfull yet by this washing he hopeth after the whitenesse of innocencie whiche passeth the white of the Snowe And he trusteth not onely in the Innocencie but looketh to see his doubtfull penitencie turned into Heauenly ioy Thou shalt make me heare ioye and gladnesse saith Dauid that the boanes which thou hast broken maie reioyce Geue me the comforte of thy healpe and stablish mee with thy free Spirite O singuler Faithe of a sinner what man hath at any time cried Iesu haue mercie on me but forthwith he hathe obteined grace Take pittie Lorde saithe the woman of Canaan and her Daughter was healed The blinde pore man cried out O Sonne of Dauid haue mercy on me and he receiued sight Let vs hartely zealously coÌ„stantly cal on him in the middest of our miseries say Iesu thou Sonne of Dauid haue compassion vpon vs And of poore impotent beggers he will make vs felow heyres with him of the kingdom of heauen He hath opened the Sanctuary of his holinesse and thou runnest iâ—to the Dungeon of despaire he hathe stretched out his hande to thee and thou turneste away thy face he openeth the gates of Heauen and thou hastest to destruction beholde the bosome of his goodnesse and thou creepest into the Lake of vnhappinesse The Theefe that hunge on the crosse heard him saying This daie thou shalt be with mee in Paradise and thou offerest thy selfe to the Diuell The mercie of God came vnto vs when he sente his sonne into the Earth let vs therfore go to it Let vs incline to him as he did to vs The waie is first to leaue our life For firste the Phisitions vse to purge the bodie that they may minister holsomer Medecines Forsake O thou sinner thy wicked imaginations which fight againste God leaue to lust be not couetous refraine riot flie arrogancie that God may powre his blessinges vpon thee He that persisteth in his wickednes and calleth for grace is like to an enemie which being ready armed asketh peace of his Maister he that asketh receiueth he that seketh findeth and he that knocketh hathe it opened to him if thou wilt desire mercie craue it truly if thou seeke it seeke it in dede if thou knock at the gate of forgeuenesse knocke earnestly If thou require an example of one that faithfully craued the fauour of God Mark the prodigall Childe who leauinge his swine returned to his Father and saide Father I haue sinned againste Heauen and againste thee make mee as one of thy hired Seruauntes Marke the Publicane which for the giltines of his conscience dare not lifte vp his eyes to heauen dare not come to his redeemer but standinge a farre of knocketh his brest and saith Lorde be mercifull vnto mee a sinner S. Hierome affirmeth the offence of Iudas to be greater in despayringe the mercie of God then in betrayinge Christe as Cain stirred God to anger more through desperation of pardon then by the slaughter of his brother Abel Many whiche haue persecuted Christ being conuerted and beleeuinge in him haue obtained pardon and are made examples to man that he ought not to distrust the remission of his wickednesse seeing the death of our Sauiour is forgeuen to the penitente Wilte thou heare saithe Augustine the mercy of God leaue thy abomination and he will forgeue thee Wilt thou see the truth of God doo good and thou shalt be crowned with Iustice God is not so mercifull to vse vniustice nor so iust to be vnmercifull But som man will say men encrease their offences by to muche hope but how much do they enlarge their giltinesse by distrust of Remission If there were no forgeuenesse then thou wouldest rage and say I am wretched I am condemned why is not my luste lawe why shall I not fill my selfe with facietie if after this there be naughte but tormente this woulde be thy sayinge O woorse then despayre it selfe He dooth better therfore that correcteth thee with promise of forgetfulnesse and saithe I wil not the deathe of a Sinner but that he conuert and liue God by his promise woulde not haue sinners to presume but his will is they should not in any wise distrust and therfore he hath made them ignorant of the day of theire death if thou repent present pardon is prouided no day is prefixed Wherfore to conclude if thou haue liued wel till this day and still abidest in this life liue well amend thy life and beholde forgeuenesse and be sure that what he hath pardoned shall not be imputed to thee again which for his mercy he graunte that taketh away the sinnes of the worlde Amen Consolatio NVlla meroris magnitudo nulla angustiarum acerbitas nulla defectuum multitudo nulla scelerum enormitas te ad desperationem nimiámne pusillanimitatem adducat Quantumcunque peccaueris semper Dei misericordia in infinitum excedit tuas iniquitates Quantumcunque infirmus sis semper illius benignitas adiuuare parata est tuam fragilitatem Vult potest Deus sanare ac liberare te si ad eum verè conuerteris atque humilis factus ipsum Piè inuocas speras in eo O quam homini salutaris Deo grata est spes atque confidentia illa quam Dei amor sanctaque humilitas parit quae hominem non ad negligentiam vel in curiam sese emendandi neque ad facilitatem peccandi pertrahit sed magis ad conatum proficiendi extimulat ¶ The Aucthours Praier IN the deapthe of thi mercy O Lorde bowe downe thine eies beholde encline thyne ears and heare stretch out thine Arme and helpe for I am thine vnwoorthy Creature and haplesse man that through thy rodde of wrath haue experieÌ„ce of most wretched misery Mine enemies pursue mee with gaping iawes and whetted teethe saying within them selues lette vs now deuoure him for the time that wee looked for is come wee do finde and see it They haue fortified round about me and haue inclosed me with torment and trauel My fleash and skinne are made olde my boanes are brused they haue hedged mee that I cannot geat out and haue laide heauie Linckes vpon me Healpe Lorde thy seruaunt whom thou neuer failedst I cry and call pitiously yet am I not heerde my innocencie is troden downe my life subdewed with false surmises My mourning they daily heare but comforte I finde farre of They haue stopped vp my waies with quartered stoanes and made my pathes crooked They lay waite for me as wild Beares and