of al beleeuers an aider of the oppressed a refuge in the time of troble a physition for the sicke yea our life and salfegard in the peril of death By al thy paines passions which thou didst suffer for vs and wherby in the flesh thou tookedst vppon thee thou feelest our infirmities we beseech thee that pittieng our sicknes and diseases thou wilt succor al that are sicke and especiallie such as in their agonies do encounter with many sondrie tentations Giue them grace to know that al sicknes and miseries of the bodie whatsoeuer come not by chance but to be sent of thee our God without whose wil and permission none aduersitie can come vpon vs For al the heares of our heads be nombred Let them knowe that sicknes is sent through thy good counsaile not for our destruction but for our amendment and to cal vs vnto repentance and either to keepe vs in our calling or to driue vs from wickednes whervnto by nature we are inclined For when we are iudged we are chastened of the Lord that we should not be condemned with the worlde And iudgement commonlie beginnes at the house of God. Finallie diseases be certaine instruments whereby thou dost exercise vs to the mortification of our flesh O thou most excellent curer both of soules and bodies diseased which hast showen that sicknes and miseries of the bodie are the punishments of sinne and warnings of thy displeasure against our wickednes Spare vs O Lorde spare thy people and forgiue our sinnes whereby we haue prouoked these manifold diseases and miseries Speake vnto our trobled harts in this conflict of the conscience reuiue them with the sweete and liuelie comfort of the free remission of our sinnes purchased by Christ and take awaie the prick of sinne and stings of death that we feele not the gnawing worme of a guiltie conscience Grant vs quiet mindes through the consolation of the scriptures and working of the holie Ghost that we may surelie rest vpon thee and thy promises neuer doubting of thy fatherlie kindnes toward vs. Heate our colde harts and fainting members by thy Spirit that they may be nimble to fulfil thy pleasure and suffer afflictions laide vpon them with a quiet minde and neuer murmuringlie resist thy wil but alwaies thinke that whom the Lord loueth him he chasteneth and scourgeth euerie sonne that he receiueth Therefore strengthen vs that we may suffer thy fatherlie correction with quiet minds O Lord looke downe from heauen from thine holie Court and behold the humilitie and affliction of al weake persons take from them their extreme paine or at the least mitigate their sorrowes whereby they may feele some ease and let thy yoke be vnto them easie and thy burden light Restore the weake to their woonted strength and heale their griefes according to thy diuine pleasure to their welfare Wype away alteares from their eies and helpe them on the bed of their sorow and make their beds in their weakenes Heale and bind vp their wounds for great is thy power and thine hand is not shortened For when al hope of worldlie helpe doth faile that can assist Thy mightie right hande can alter euery thing yea if thou onlie saie the word the weake shal be healed that without the means of any natural thing Grant likewise that al which are recouered may wel vse their health least otherwise they forgo through sin y which they receiued by grace be thankful alwaies warie least a woorse thing happen vnto them And concerning such as it pleaseth thee to take out of this miserable worlde into thine euerlasting kingdome confirme those with thine holie Spirit that at the houre of their departure they may peaceably rest vpholden with a trust of free remission of their sinnes and hope of a ioieful resurrection of the dead and life euerlasting Shorten the paines which they suffer now in their mortal bodies and turne their sorrow into perfect and eternal ioie and make them willing to be dissolued from their bodies to be with thee and to withdraw themselues from al such things as doe hinder the spiritual course as are the loue of this present life the pleasures of the world the desires of the flesh earthlie cogirations riches and vaine glorie O Christ our eternal Sauior we beseech thee which hauing ouercome the sting of death hast opened the kingdome of heauen to al beleeuers according to our faith wilt come to be the iudge of the quick and dead haue mercie on thy seruants whom thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood Amen 7. A praier against the tentation of Satan O Most heauenlie Father and eternal God vnto thee do we crie protect strengthen vs weake and feeble ones against the tentation of Satan which is the sworne and extreeme enimie to mans saluation a slanderer and our accuser that great Dracon the old serpent which is called the Diuel carrieng away the whole world a coosener wicked spirit a deceauer which goeth about like a roaring Lion seeking whom he may deuour And especiallie in this doting age of the world as he knoweth his time of raigning is but short perceiueth the day of iudgement to be verie nigh at hand wherein his filthines shal be made manifest to al creatures to his euerlasting torments so now he rageth and raungeth in a deadlie hatred against thy flock by al meanes seketh the destruction of al mankind diuers waies and by vnspeakeable subtiltie doth he laie snares to entrap our soules egerlie doth he beset vs and al his power and pollicie doth he powre out against vs he prieth for any occasion wherby he may allure vs to shameful offending and so at length horriblie to cast vs headlong into extreeme desperation For as many corporal affections as be in man so many occasions doth he take to tempt vs thereby to wound vs or at least to hurt vs with one prick or other He laieth snares to take vs in wealth in pouertie in pleasure and in the inticements of the flesh in anguish of minde in ambition and desire of glorie in the wearisomnes of our calling and inferior condition in cares both for the back and bellie in couetousnes and loue of monie in lust of reuenge He ticles some with a desire of glorie and promotion he imprinteth in others a vaine of curiositie and pride into others he instilleth suspicions and doubtings of thy diuine wil and prouidence he bloweth into others a perswasion of wisedome and knowledge some he carieth awaie in securitie night and daie whether we sleepe or wake he is about vs with foming mouth and open iawes neieth to deuour vs that our senses may be corrupted from the simplicitie which we owe to Christ euen as the serpent deceaued Eaue by his subteltie O God who is able to flie awaie or to persist against
affliction Wherefore we wil not for euer be forgetful of thy iustifications for they haue reuiued vs. Vnto thee Lord wil we list vp our eies on hie from whence our helpe shal come Betimes in the morning doe we cal vpon thee that thy mercie may preuent vs and thy goodnes ouertake vs quicklie Let thy fauor preuent vs as doth the Sunne which rising spreadeth his beames ouer al the partes of the earth and as the light of the morning when the Sunne appeareth earelie when it shineth without the cloudes After the same sort giue vs thy cleerenes and shew thy countenance ouer vs that lightened by thy word we may walke al this day long circumspectlie and warelie in the waies of thy commandements that being blinded in the daie time we runne not into darkenes neither grope at noone day as in the night wandering from the pathes of thy iudgements O God be merciful vnto vs and blesse vs shew vs the light of thy countenance and be gracious vnto vs That we may know thy way vpon earth and thy sauing health among al nations O most merciful GOD turne thine eies of compassion vpon vs and haue mercie on vs Looke vpon vs with thy fauorable coūtenance and turne not thy face from thy seruants Open our eies that we may consider the wonderful things in thy Lawe and make vs in the morning to behold thy glorie O God guider of our life forsake vs not neither giue vs a prowd looke and turne from vs the filthines of desire Remooue from our harts al concupiscence and take from thy seruants too ouerbolde a stomack suffer vs not to run headlong into riotousnes and bellichere let not vnlawful loue ouercome vs and giue not thy seruants ouer into impudent mindes Turne our eies that they behold no vanitie and strengthen vs in thy waie grant that the offences in this world ouerthrow vs not Beholde Lord our soules lust after thy saluation and we long for thy worde We beseech thee O Lord with a most ernest affection and humbly craue at thy merciful hands that this daie and euermore thou wilt keepe vs and al ours from the arrow flieng in the daie from the pestilence and plague that destroieth at noone tide Hide vs vnder thy wings and vnder thy feathers we wil haue hope Blinde the eies of our enimies that they see not and make their loines alwaie to tremble But open thine eies ouer vs and be thou vnto vs a mightie protector this daie a firmament of strength a couering against heate and parching a shadowe at noone tide a defence from offending an assister from falling a comforter of our soules a lightener of our minds and a giuer of health and happines in Christ our Lorde Amen 2. A thankesgiuing for our redemption O Iesu Christ Sonne of the liuing God which art the eternal word that was in the beginning the true substantial image of thine eternal Father the character and brightnes of his glory begotten of him before al worlds of one vndiuided essence of like maiestie and equal glorie We worship thee light of lights verie God of verie God begotten not made of one substance with the Father by whom al things were made We thanke thee for al thy benefits generallie speciallie for that at an appointed time according to the eternal counsaile and decree of the Father thou didst voluntarilie for vs men and for our saluatiō descend from heauen and was incarnate by the holie Ghost borne of the vnspotted and pure virgine Marie and truelie toke our flesh vpon thee and saued vs miserable wretched and damned sinners and deliuered vs from death and power of Satan not with golde and siluer but by thine holie and precious blood and by thine vndeserued passion and death and that of thine infinite goodnes and mercie without any merits or worthines of ours For al which we yeeld thee most hartie thanks as we are bounde For thou alone being iust hast satisfied by thine obedience the iudgement of the Father and on our behalfe offering the sacrifice of thy bodie hast deliuered vs from the tyrannie of death whereby we were held captiues For so great was the displeasure of thy Father against our sinnes that no creature could asswage the same but thou alone O onely begotten Sonne of God. O Christ most merciful God how inestimable is thy loue towards al mankind how infinite and vnspeakable thy goodnes how woonderful thine humilitie For thou being iust didst die suffer for the vniust A greater loue can no man haue than to giue his life for his friend but thou commendest thine abundant most burning affection toward vs in that being voide of al fault thou wouldest suffer death for our sakes being as yet strangers thine enimies and hast reconciled vs by thy death vnto thy Father and appeased his most heauie displeasure forgiuing al our sinnes and cancelling the hand writing which was against vs which was contrarie vnto vs hast taken it out of the way and fastened it vpon the crosse And hast spoiled principalities and powers and made a shew of them openlie triumphing ouer them by thy selfe and by thy profitable arising againe from the dead hast repared our true righteousnes which consisteth in the forgiuing of our sins and hast made vs acceptable to thy Father whereby wee please him through our reconciliation thou dost comfort our harts by the preaching of thy Gospel which worketh in vs the beginning of eternal life and by thine holie Spirit thou kindlest in vs like motions vnto thy selfe whereby we please thy Father through thee and thine obedience O Lord Iesu Christ lambe of God which takest awaie the sins of the world haue mercie vpon vs thou which sauest vs through thine owne merit virtue grant vs thy grace that the fruit of thy most sacred passion may worke effectually and profitablie within vs let not the labor which thou hast taken the paine that thou hast suffered for our redemption be in vaine through our vnthankfulnes O thou eternal intercessor word of God and his wisedome which outwardlie speakest vnto vs by the preaching of the Gospel instruct inwardlie our troubled harts by thy liuely word and effectual consolation that being mindful of thy sacrifice and suffering for our sinnes we may feele true comfort and peace of the holie Spirit in our harts Kindle in our brests a liuelie faith depending vpon thy benefits that being deliuered from the feare of hel we may finde righteousnes in thee eternal life For thou didst suffer for our sinnes rise againe for our iustification that liuing we shold her after not liue to our selues but to thee which diedst and rosest againe for vs. Grant therefore that likewise being quickned we may rise againe from al our sinnes and liue in
is a most certaine rule of al iustice and vprightnes Keepe them therefore that they be not infected with false doctrine and superstitious seruice neither yet seduced from true religion through wicked and vngodlie behauior Preserue them from wicked companie and filthie felowship which as contagion and leauen ouercometh and pearceth the whole lumpe keepe them from riotousnes dronkennes from wandring concupiscence from idlenes which ministreth matter and nourishment vnto al vices Remooue awaie al shameful examples and take awaie al offences that the yonger sort beholding the multitude of sinners follow not the steps of the wicked and without feare enter into their most abhominable waies Giue vnto al yong scholers a good wit to conceiue a good capacitie to vnderstand and a good memorie to beare awaie good lessons and to learne from their infancie those things which may instruct them to saluatiō by faith which is in Christ Iesus For euerie scripture giuen by the inspiration of God is profitable to teach to reproue to correct and to instruct in righteousnes that the man of God may be absolute being instructed to al good works The entrance into thy words giueth light to the blinde and vnderstanding to the simple Grant therefore that from their youth they may exercise themselues in thy commandements For the first institution doth much good yea the whole race of their life afterward dependeth vpon the same O God the holie Ghost which workest by thy worde and sacraments and thereby gatherest vnto thy selfe a Church not onelie from the elder sort but also from the yonger wee beseech thee maintaine scholes and scholers which are the seede of thy Church and direct their studies vnto the honor of thy glorious Name Turne the harts of youth to the loue of true doctrine and virtue wherby they may come to good behauior in manners and to sounde learning of minde Maintaine the scholes wherin the tongues and sciences are taught which thou hast reuealed vnto mankinde as necessarie helpes to teach withal that so the pure sound of thine heauenlie doctrine may be heard and retained in the true and right Congregation And forasmuch as the verie cogitations of mans hart are euil euen from his youth and our nature through the fal of our first parents euen frō our yong yeares is corrupted and prone to al wickednes that easily it cānot be brought vnder the subiection of another For foolishnes is bound in the hart of a childe Giue them wisedome and learning that they doe not delight in wicked affections and so grow on in malice and stubbornes waxing wild and resisting godlie and honest admonitions and that being become vnbridled sauage vntrectable and past learning they proue not obstinate in wickednes disobedience but make them through thine instinct to learne and embrace thy commandements and to binde thy law continually about their harts and tie it about their necks that thy grace gift may encrease by grace vntil growing to mans estate they become profitable instruments of thy Church and teachers of righteousnes and abide conioined vnto thee which liuest and raignest a God worlds without ende Amen 7. A praier against the dominion of Satan O Lord IESV Christ Sonne of the almightie God great is the rage and tyrannie of the Diuel which being strong and armed keepeth his court to possesse the same in peace and to augment his kingdome of darkenes wherein reigneth horrible Idolatrie hatred of thy truth diuers abhominable worshipings with al kinde of shameful transgressions most outragious wickednes Lamentable also is the wretched blindnes and obstinate malice of those men which suffer themselues to be ruled by Satan and follow the beast vnto al kind of impietie In whom the God of this world hath blinded the mindes of Infidels that the light of thy glorious Gospel which is the image of God should not shine in them But are held captiue at the Diuels pleasure whose harts he doth possesse and is mightie in the children of darkenes so that subduing the natural powers hee carrieth them into horrible wickednes which indeede after such a beastlie rage and so furiouslie woulde not rush into al filthie and vile wickednes were they not driuen therevnto through the force of Satan which carrieth them hether thether as he list like bondslaues vntil at length they fal vnto blaspheming of thy most holie Name so that conuicted of their owne conscience they impugne and mortallie pursue thy word of purpose committing therby the sinne against the holie Ghost For when wittinglie and of purpose they denie the manifest and knowen truth of God through obstinate malice and voluntarie stubbornes and persist impenitent they become blasphemers of god Because wittinglie and maliciouslie euen against their conscience they cal good euil and euil they affirme to be good putting light for darknes and darknes for light There is none hope of the forgiuenes of this sinne Such sacriledge is not forgiuen neither in this world nor in the world to come Because they conuert the onelie remedie of saluation into deadlie poison and with an affected ignorance they continue in manifest impietie against their conscience And therefore they cannotlaie the fault of their wickednes vpon others because not against but with their wils they prostitute themselues before the Diuel and obeie the Prince of darknes with al redines of minde and studie without repentance to drawe others vnto euerlasting perdition by the example of their wicked life O Christ King of glorie which art stronger than the Diuel and hast spoiled him of al his armor wherin he trusted Thou hast brused in peeces that monstrous Leuiathan of an huge woonderful bignes and brought vnder feete the mightie strong Goliath which obraided thine host We beseech thee shewe forth thy power and bring the Diuel vnder our feete destroie his kingdome that we runne not into the sinne of blasphemie neither go about to extinguish in our selues the light of the holie Ghost nor kick against the same O thou mightie Gigant which hast cast headlong into hel the very Angels which sinned bound with the chaines of darknes so to take from them al power that they rule not ouer the faithful and holy ones take vs out of the floud of heresies and prophane opinions and suffer vs not to be drowned in the lake burning with fire and brimstone O Christ the leader vnto life which dieng diddest destroie our death and by rising againe repaire our life take vs vnto thee that being ingraffed and vnited to thy body we may be neuer separated from thee our head And quicken vs being once dead through sin wherin we walked according to the custome of this world after him which is Prince of the aire and worketh in these daies within the children of vnbeleefe among whom we our selues also walked sometime in the concupiscence of our flesh doing
euerlasting kingdome and thy dominion endureth throughout al ages In thine hande is strength and auctoritie none can resist thy power We beseech thee be merciful vnto al in captiuitie and oppressed with most greeuous slauerie especiallie vnto such as for the confession of thy Gospel doe suffer persecution banishment imprisonment perils of life of good name and of goodes comfort them with thy Spirit deliuer them from cruel bondes by thy diuine power and grant such lawful meanes according to thy wisedome that thy faithful may be deliuered O Lorde bring home thy captiues exiled for thy Name sake that they may confesse thee and extol thy goodnes O that God woulde heare the mournings of the imprisoned and deliuer the sonnes appointed vnto death O that God would bring home the captiuitie of his people then should we be like such as dreame and our mouthes shoulde be filled with laughter and our tong with ioie Then should they saie among the Gentils The Lord hath done great things for them yea the Lord hath dealt maruelouslie with vs we are made iocond Turne our captiuitie O Lord as the riuers in the South For thou alone art our assister of whom commeth saluation thou deliuerest such as are bounde by thy power and despisest not the groanings of the afflicted Praised be God continuallie which helpeth vs and poureth out his benefits vpon vs which letteth loose his captiues and that without gifts or rewarde freelie for his holie Name sake Therefore shal the people worship thee O Lord and praie vnto thee for thou saiest vnto the bound Come out and to those that sit in darknes Come to light O Lord cal into minde thy manifold mercies deale with vs according to thy woonted goodnes and giue not thine inheritance into the hands of thine enimies least they make sale of vs and spoile our lande Forgiue our sinnes and transgressions let not aliens haue dominion ouer vs neither let our houses passe vnto strangers let vs not be as exiles and pupils without a Father neither our mothers as widowes without husbands let not our old men be wanting in our ports nor yet our coūtrie lament for the waste which the enimie would make Heale the sorrowes of the daughter of thy people and be merciful to our sinnes for the glorie of thy Name sake Breake thou the chaines of the imprisoned and deliuer such as are bound with manacles and fetters cast of their yoke that they may praise thee for euer Bring them out of darknes and the shadow of death Breake the gates of brasse and smite the bars of iron in sunder that they may know that thou art their Lorde when thou hast broken the bonds of their yoke and deliuered them out of the hands of those that serued themselues But if it be thy wil for the trial of their faith and pacience to detaine some in exile and seruitude a longer time then comfort such with thy spirit and mitigate their paines that they may finde fauor in the sight of them whom they are compelled to serue and cast not them of for euer Aboue al keepe them in the confession of true faith and Christian religion against al false worshippings that so they may comfort themselues with the gratious pardoning of their sinnes through Christ and their harts may be sealed with the earnest of the holie Spirit bearing witnes to their spirits that they are deliuered from perpetual captiuitie and bondage of hel O Christ our Redeemer deliuer our soules from the chaines of darknes and snares of death which sufferedst thy selfe to be bound that thou mightest vnloose the most hard bands and knots of our transgressions and wast sent of thine eternal Father into this world to preach libertie vnto captiues and deliuerance to such as are shut vp Grant that being entangled with the cordes of iniquitie we giue not our members as weapons of vnrighteousnes vnto sinne Breake in peeces the chaines of Satan and turne vs into thy flock that none vnrighteousnes haue dominion ouer vs. Deliuer him that is in bondage vnto Satan and bring forth the bound by the blood of thy couenant out of the pit wherein is no water that he ▪ spoile and kil vs not Giue grace also that being snarled with humane traditions we entrap not our consciences by false opinions but may serue thee our true God in Christian libertie and neuer abuse the same to the offence of any Take vs miserable men out of the bodie of this death which maketh vs captiues to the lawe of sinne which is in our members that deliuered from sinne and death we may serue thee in true vprightnes and euerlasting life which raignest for euer one God in the trinitie of persons Amen 7. A praier against the tentation of the flesh O Merciful God we miserable men acknowledge confesse that in vs that is in our flesh there dwelleth no good thing But in sinne we were borne and our mothers conceaued vs of corrupt seede For our nature is defiled and prone vnto al wickednes euen from our youth so that by the strength of our proper reason we cannot sauor those thinges which belong to the Spirit For the natural man speaketh and fauoreth of earthlie things and of himselfe is not meete so much as to thinke anie thing that good is without the assistance of thy power Vnto thee doe we crie with our whole harts that it woulde please thee to open vnto vs by thy Spirit the true knowledge of thine essence and wil as thou hast reuealed thy selfe in thy worde that we may not folow the sence of our flesh in iudging of spiritual things neither by our blinde baiardlie reason measure thine heauenlie saiengs For blood and flesh perceiue not the things which belong to the Spirit and the fleshlie mind is enmitie against God for it is not obedient vnto the Lawe neither can be And they which are in the flesh cannot please God. Seing therefore that in vs abideth the seede of sinne which is concupiscence and a proanes vnto wickednes is ingraffed into vs by nature yea and original sin through our first parents doth oftentimes prick vs vnto impietie For euerie one is tempted when he is drawen awaie and enticed with the baite of his owne concupiscence then when lust hath conceaued it bringeth forth sinne and sinne when it is furnished bringeth forth death Giue vs grace that we folow not the concupiscence of our flesh neither prouoke our sences by vnbrideled libertie but stoutlie to resist them For vnles that wicked concupiscence be driuen from our mindes it wil neuer cesse til it haue brought forth deadlie sinne Wherefore assist vs that we may tame these bodies of ours bring them into subiection least our flesh being ouerlustie doe offende and ouerpasse the prescribed limits Assist vs we beseech thee to crucifie our flesh
likenes and breath into him the breath of life the which through thy goodnes continues at thy pleasure Thou hast made of one blood al mankind and assigned times and length of our life in this worlde Thou giuest life to the people on the earth and breath to the walkers therein which if thou take away they shal depart and be turned into dust We blesse thee heauenlie Father and with al our harts giue thee thanks not onelie for sauing vs this daie from dangers but also from our cradels for defending both our soules and bodies from death Wherefore magnifie the Lord O our soules and our spirits reioice in God our Sauior For he hath looked vpon the basenes and affliction of his seruants He that is mightie hath done for vs great things and holie is his Name Wherfore we wil praise the Lorde for euermore because his mercie endureth from generation to generation on such as feare him We wil shew forth his power in the euening and when we go to bed we wil remember his mercie Arise now our soules in the night praise your God In the beginning of the watches poure out your harts like water before the face of the Lord. The Saints wil be ioieful with glorie and sing loude vpon their beds We wil praise thee continuallie and wil confesse thy name for euermore for thou art the God which delighteth our harts and maketh merie our soules Therefore in the night we wil thinke vpon thy benefites and our spirits shal consider of them For thou hast commanded that thy mercie be celebrated in the day time and thy truth in the night O our Lord and God of mercie gentlenes patience pittie truth which shewest mercie vnto thousands and blottest out al our offences we lift vp our soules vnto thee and from our harts we pray put not before thine eies the horrible confusion vncleannes and wickednes of our mindes being replenished with lothsome darknes and ignorance ful of doubtings and errors our harts and wil are turned from thee our God and al the powers and strength both of our soules and bodies are defiled and filthilie weakened But Lord of thy great mercy blot out our offences looke vpon the trobles and dolor of our harts and forgiue al our sinnes For lo our soules are wounded and can not be holpen but onely through mercie There is no health in our flesh because of thine anger neither is there rest in our bones because of our sinnes For our iniquities haue gone ouer our heads and as an heauie burden haue pressed vs downe Our wounds are putrified and corrupt because of our foolishnes Asswage thine anger and turne from thine indignation pardon our faults remit al punishment and restore in vs the light of thy goodnes which was lost O Lord heare O Lord forgiue harken O our God for thine owne sake for thy Name is called vpon by vs. O God of heauen and earth in this euening tide doe we cal vnto thee that remitting our sinnes thou wouldest receiue vs into thy protection and keepe vs this night that the diuel haue no power ouer vs. Be thou watchful ouer vs O eternal Sauior least the subtil tempter apprehend vs For thou art made for vs an euerlasting protector For behold whether we sleepe or wake whether we liue or die we are thine thou art our creator and redeemer Stand therefore on our behalfe in the watch with the armie of thy celestial warriers thine Angels which being filled with perfect goodnes and perpetual integritie behold thy face alwaies in the heauens Expel from vs and our houses wicked spirits which be our mortal enimies that they damage vs in no case and deliuer vs from persecutors which laie snares for our destruction Turne not away thy mercie and truth from vs. O God assist vs that peaceably we may rest and sleepe in quiet We wil lay vs downe in peace slepe for thou Lord alone makest vs to dwel in safetie without danger Hide vs in thy Tabernacle O Lord that sitting in thy secret place and abiding vnder the shadowe of thy wings we may saie vnto thee Lorde thou art our keeper and our refuge O God we wil trust in thee and wil feare no danger And although we were in extreeme darknes yet wil we not feare Though we should walke in the mids of the shadow of death yet wil we dread none euil For thou art with vs thy rod and thy staffe they doe comfort vs. Let thy mercie O God follow vs al the daies of our life that we may dwel in thine House in longnes of daies praising thee euermore with the Sonne and holie Ghost one true God raigning worlds without ende Amen 1. On Mondaie Morning praier BLESSED be the Lorde God which alone doth woonderous things and blessed be the name of his Maiestie for euermore which hath set the Sunne to lighten the daie and ordained the Moone with the course of stars to go before the night O most hie God the day is thine and the night is thine thou hast framed the light and the Sunne By thine vnspeakeable wisedome thou hast distinguished the daie and the night and so hast thou decreed that while the world shal last this course of times and daies shal neuer haue an ende so that man in the night may rest and againe when daie comes go about his busines and labor vntil the euening O Lord thy truth endureth for euer thou laiedst the foundation of the earth and it endureth by thine appointment the daie doth last for al are thy seruants For these and al other thy benefites we praise thee greatlie giue thee thanks for thy exceeding glorie euen as it becometh vs euerie daie to preuent the Sunne rising to blesse thine holie Name and to worship thee at the appearing of the daie star We extol thine infinite goodnes in like sort for keeping vs this night past both from the power and tyrannie of Satan from the snares subtiltie of al our enimies and finallie from dangers both of soule and bodie For of thy singular goodnes and fatherlie care thou hast made vs quietlie to sleepe and rest this night againe thou hast suffered vs to awake and opened our eies giuing them power to see and behold the morning light which now appeareth Therfore we wil sing of thy power praise thy mercie in the morning for thou art our defence and refuge in the daie of our troble O our helper we wil praise thee with al our harts and glorifie thy Name for euer For great is thy mercie toward vs thou hast deliuered our soules from the lowest graue Hadest not thou bin our defence innumerable euils had ouerwhelmed vs so that we should not haue risen to praise thy Name Had not thy word bin our comfort we had without doubt perished in our
those things which delighted our sences and fantasies For by nature we were the sonnes of wrath euen as others But now thou O God which art rich in mercie for thy great kindnes sake wherewith thou louest vs gouerne vs by thine holie Spirit that we neuer forsake the faith which thou hast giuen vs but perseuering in the rase begunne may attaine through thy grace to the saluation of our soules Take awaie from vs that which is deformed by our corrupt nature continue that which thy grace hath wrought within vs that sin raigne not in our mortal bodies neither we obeie it in the vnlawful lustes therof Assist vs with thine aide that being deliuered from sinne we may be the seruants of righteousnes and obeie that doctrine from the hart wherevnto we are brought giuing our members seruants of righteousnes vnto sanctification so shal we serue thee our true GOD here in the kingdome of grace herafter in the kingdome of glorie which liuest with God the Father and the holie Ghost for euermore Amen 8. Euening praier on Tuesdaie BLessed GOD and Father of our Lord Iesu christ of thine abundant great mercie hast thou preserued vs miserable men this daie from the crueltie and tyrannie of Satan and from sondrie perils and calamities Thou hast shewed vs great trobles in our life notwithstanding thou returnedst and diddest reuiue vs tokedst vs out from the depth of the earth Thou hast encreased our honor and returning didst comfort vs. Strangers rose vp against vs and vnto vs. Admonish our soules of miseries to come Euen as thou diddest arme the Patriarches and Prophets by dreames and visions in the night when sleepe came vpon them from dāgers nigh at hand through thine heauenlie oracles so gouerne and preserue vs in sleepe that our soules come not into danger neither fal vpon the sword and pit of perils Defende vs this night from vncleane and troblesome Spirits let not their rushings ragings and misrule disquiet vs Kepe vs good God from sights of Satan from snares and illusions of the Diuel O thou maker of al things according to thy woonted goodnes be thou our watchman and keeper so shal no vaine apparitions and dreames of the night troble vs nor the Diuel disquiet vs. For in the waie of thy iudgements we doe looke for thee O Lord the desire of our soule is to thy Name and to the remembrance of thee With our soules haue we desired thee in the night and with our spirits within vs wil we seeke thee in the morning Our soules waite on the Lord more than the morning watch watcheth for the morning Heare our crie O God giue eare vnto our praier From the endes of the earth we wil crie vnto thee when our harts be opprest bring vs to the hie rock for thou art our hope a strong tower against the face of the enimie We wil dwel in thy tabernacle for euer we shal be protected vnder the couering of thy wings Lengthen our daies and yeres according to thy good pleasure for thy mercie and truth shal keepe vs. O Christ our defender beholde represse our enimies gouerne thy seruants which thou hast bought with thy precious blood be mindful of vs O Lord in this heauie bodie thou which art the defender of the soule be present with vs. To God the Father and to his onelie Sonne with the Spirit the comforter be al praise and glorie for euermore Amen 1. On VVensdaie Morning praier O Almightie and merciful GOD which gauest the people of Israël in charge euerie daie both in the morning and at night to offer vnto thee a burnt offering for a sweete sauor in thine eares that thereby they might glorifie thee and giue thee thankes for the benefite of their protection both night and daie rising this morning we offer vp vnto thee the sacrifice of thankesgiuing We glorifie thee O eternal God for breaking the chaines of the darknes of this night We wil offer vnto thee a sacrifice of praise and cal vpon thy Name We wil praise our God which brought vs out of darknes and the shadowe of death and brake the bonds wherewith we were tied this night he hath deliuered our soules from perils by bringing vs safe and sound to the morning light Wherefore we offer before thee the calues of our lips for a morning sacrifice and with our tongues doe we praise thee O Lord. Our mouthes shal be filled with thy praise and with thy glorie euerie daie Our tongues shal talke of thy righteousnes and saluation euerie daie Our lips shal speake of thy praise and our tongues shal entreate of thy worde Our soules shal be filled as it were with fatnes and with the lips of reioicing shal our mouth extol thee We wil praise thy Name with songs and magnifie thee with thankesgiuing which please thee better than either oxe or calfe that hath hornes and hooues Wherefore let the sacrifice of our mouthes which we offer vnto thee now this morning and the meditations of our hares be grateful in thy sight O Lorde we beseech thee accept the free offerings of our mouth and teach vs thy iudgements that we may doe thy wil according to thy good pleasure Vnto thee O Lorde we wil crie and earelie shal our praiers come before thee In this morning doe we beseech thee by the resurrection of our Lord Iesu Christ thy welbeloued Sonne that as he was raised from the dead by thy glorie so thou wilt raise and lift vs vp this morning that rising out of the filth of sinne and leauing the beds of vnrighteousnes we may put on the newe man which is renued in knowledge after the image of thee which didst create him and giue not ouer our selues to sleepe and snorting Awake now our soules which sleepe rise from the dead Christ wil lighten yee For certes it is hie time that we should arise from sleepe the houre of our watching being nigh and our saluation neerer than when we beleeued The night is passed and the day is at hand Grant therfore merciful God that casting of the works of darknes and putting on the armour of light we may walke honestlie as in the daie not in gluttonie and drunkennes neither in chambering and wantonnes nor in strife and enuieng but may put on our Lord Iesu Christ by true faith and good works which may smel of him that tasting of his sweetenes at no time we may be separated frō him Wherefore we beseech thee O Lord continue thy goodnes toward vs and grant that al our praiers and workes may both begin from thee and ende through thee Vouchsafe O Lord to keepe vs this day without sinne Let thy mercie be vpon vs as we trust in thee O Lord keepe our tongues from euil and our lips that
with al the affections and desires thereof for the better seruing thee and walking in the Spirit For we are debtors not to the flesh to liue after the flesh but the deedes of the flesh being mortified to liue renued after the holie Spirit in righteousnes and true holines Sanctifie vs holie Father that we defile not our selues with carnal vices with riotousnes bellicheere nor by vnlawful pleasure casting of thine holie Spirit that we make our bodies the houses of filthie feends which carie awaie and cast headlong al intemperate and secure persons into euerlasting destruction Be it far from vs that we make our members the members of harlots whereby thy holie Spirit is banished and man becommeth a denne for theeues and a sink of filthines Gouerne vs that we may shun the works of the flesh and be careful to doe the works of the Spirit as thy chosen seruants And forasmuch as the flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit contrarie to the flesh for they are contrarie and continuallie striue together be thou merciful vnto vs O God helpe vs with thy diuine power that the holie Spirit which thou didst poure into vs at our baptisme may beare the rule in our members and preuaile ouer the flesh and al the affections of the same Extinguish the flames of carnal desires and represse our raging lustes so shal we auoide enormous offences and shun the wicked actions of our owne inuentions And if at any time being subdued by flesh and blood we shal wander from the path and direction of the Spirit to something vnseemelie for our calling impute not we praie thee that fault vnto vs but remember that we are flesh and conuert vs by thy diuine power And seeing that flesh of itselfe is vnbridelie and wilde not abiding correction but is like a fat wanton calfe which is not vsed to labor put thy yoke vpon vs tame our flesh by thy Spirit that walking soberlie and modestlie we may bridle the same and humble it vnder thy commandements by withdrawing of delicious fare For with ouermuch fine fare our mindes waxe wanton and ouerlustie Aide vs that by temperance moderation abstinence from superfluous meats drinks we may bind our flesh to the direction of the holie Spirit and mortifie our bodies of sinne so shal we praise and magnifie thy Name which liuest in vs worlds without ende Amen 8. Euening praier on Friedaie WE wil praise thee O eternal God Father of our Lorde IESV Christ for maruelous things hast thou done for vs thou hast deliuered our soules from death and our feete from falling Blessed be God which hath heard our praiers and brought vs out of the lake of miserie out of the myre and claie which set our feete vpon the rock and ordered our goings which hath saued vs this daie from al perils and comforted our soules Wherefore we wil extol thee and celebrate thy Name euerie daie and at night wil we talke of thy righteousnes We wil magnifie the Lord our God and bow our selues at his footestoole for he is holie We wil praise thee O Lord because thou hast set vs vp and hast not made our foes to triumph ouer vs Thou hast brought our soules from hel and saued our liues from them that go downe into the pit Wherefore we wil sing praises vnto thee and yeelde thee thanks for a remembrance of thy holines O most louing Father here prostrating our selues before thy feete we beseech thee in the Name of thy Sonne who suffered for vs a most cruel death blot out al our transgressions whereby we haue offended thy Maiestie and especiallie those which this day we haue committed Be merciful vnto vs O Lord for thy Name sake For greatlie haue we sinned and our offences are mo than the sande of the sea We haue prouoked thee vnto anger and done euil in thy sight But now we bend the knees of our hart requiring thy mercie O Lord we haue sinned we acknowledge our sinnes with griefe and sorow Pardon O pardon our sinnes and destroie vs not together with our iniquities neither reserue euil for vs for euer but of thine infinit goodnes saue vs miserable and most vnworthie men For thou O Lord according to thy wonted mercie hast promised forgiuenes of sinnes to al repenters Therefore we wil praise thee continuallie al the daies of our life al the host of heauen praise thee worldes without end Who is such a God as thou that pardonest wickednes and forgiuest the offences of the remnant of thine heritage Thou keepest not thy wrath for euer for thy delight is in mercie Thou turnest againe and art merciful vnto vs thou puttest downe our wickednes castest al our sinnes into the bottome of the sea In this euening now the Sunne is gone we praie thee O God depart not from vs which art the Sunne of righteousnes neither let thine aide be far from vs but abide with vs O Lord for it draweth toward night and the daie is far spent Forsake vs not O Lord our God neither depart from vs for tribulation is at hand and there is none to helpe O GOD of our saluation make haste to helpe vs haue a regard to our defence redeeme our soules in peace from those that war against vs. Deliuer vs from such as marke our goings Plucke our feete out of the snare and leade vs in the path of righteousnes that our feete slip not and we take a fal Guide vs by thy wisedome that when we walke it may leade vs when we sleepe it may keepe our feete and when we wake we may talke thereof And therefore sleeping we wil not feare but rest quietlie and our sleepe shal be sweete we wil not quake at the sudden terror neither at the ranging of the vngodly when it happeneth The Lord shal be on our side and protect our feete that we be not taken yea the Lord shal be our light and saluation in darknes He is our hope which hath appointed vs so high a refuge Let none euil come vnto vs neither suffer the whip to be nigh our tabernacle O Lord be thou our watchman and protector that trobles vaine cogitations doe not inuade vs and neither the feare of death ouerwhelme vs nor the sleepe of night alter our thoughtes and vnderstanding when we should take our rest and ease in our chambers but grant vs a good quiet sleepe and after the same to rise vp in the morning and to render due thanks and praise to thee our most merciful protector For our helpe is from the Lord which hath made both heauen and earth He wil not suffer our feete to be mooued and he that keepeth Israël wil not sleepe to whom be praise now and euermore Amen 1. On Saturdaie Morning praier O Lord God maker of al things which art feareful
thy seruant to rule and gouerne this thy people committed vnto my charge Now therefore gratious Lord fauor ablic beholde me that I may treade the path of truth righteousnes and synceritie of hart in thy sight Let me not abuse mine auctoritie but gouerne with lenitie gentlenes the people vnder me that liuing a godlie and honest life mankind may enioy their desired peace Giue therefore vnto thy seruant an hart desirous of instructions that I may iudge the people descerne betweene good and euil and neither declining to the right hand or to the left stoutlie and valiantlie maintaine the cause of the righteous Grant me counsel and assistance to doe such things as are grateful vnto thee good for thy Church and profitable for my people and Commonweale Giue me thy wisedome and reiect me not from thy children For I thy seruant and sonne of thine handmaide am a fraile man of a short time and ful weake in the vnderstanding of iudgement and the lawes Thou hast chosen me a gouernor of thy people and a iudge of thy sonnes and daughters sende me therefore wisedome from thy sacred heauens and from the seate of thy magnificence that it may be with me and labor with me whereby I may perceiue what is acceptable in thine eies and learne that I haue no power of my selfe but from thee which art almightie raignest ouer the kingdomes of men giuing them at thy pleasure Grant that I neuer conceaue proudlie of my selfe but may receiue in patience the discipline of thy Lawe Make mee wise and circumspect that I neither offer ▪ iniurie to anie man neither suffer anie to be iniuried that so equitie may be maintained and iustice among men preserued Let me at no time vnder the shewe and color of equitie vphold or countenance a wicked cause neither yet without sufficient examination and trial of both parties giue sentence against anie Allowe me such counselers gouernors and ouerseers as are of courage fearing God dealing vprightlie hating couetousnes that by them the burden charge and care which I sustaine may be somewhat lightened Endue both me and them with thine holie Spirit that with earnest studie and watchful minds we may discerne betwene matters that no man through our negligence haue the ouerthrow in a righteous cause but that sentence be rightlie pronounced betweene a man and his brother and a stranger without respect of anie person in iudgement Let vs heare aswel the litle as the great and feare no man Because the iudgement is thine which standest in the companie of iudges and among the Gods thou plaiest the iudge For the iudgement is not of man but of the Lord and whatsoeuer we shal iudge it wil come vpon vs. Wherefore let thy feare be with vs that we may doe al things with care and circumspection that we proue not children in vnderstanding neither giue our selues to dronkennes and bellicheere but to eate our meate in due season and that for strength not for dronkennes For thou wilt make earnest and diligent enquirie of al our workes and search al our cogitations because we are thy seruants and deputies to gouerne men of a very short life and he which is to daie a King to morow may be dead For we be al mortal and subiect to one and the same corruption Besides an horrible iudgement is nigh for such as walke not after the wil of thee our god For he that is most low shal finde mercie but the mightie shal be mightilie tormented For thou which art the Lord ouer al regardest not the person of anie neither doest thou feare the greatnes of the mightie Because aswel the great as the smal are the workemanship of thine handes thy care is equal ouer al and giuest to godlie Princes eternal happines which art the Iudge both of the quicke and dead liuing and raigning with thy Sonne in the vnitie of the Spirit a God for euermore Amen A praier of Subiects for their Prince O Almightie God King of Kings and Lord of Lords in thine hande is al power both in heauen and earth thou confirmest kingdomes and againe doest alter them according to thine heauenlie pleasure c. This praier you shal finde afore pag. 7. A praier for a married man. O GOD almightie auctor and institutor of matrimonie which in the copling together of male and female dost offer vnto vs a consideration of the sacred and great mysterie of the marriage of our Lord and Sauior Christ with his spouse the Church and with al expresse the most burning affection of thy sonne towards his beloued Spouse For he offered himselfe vpon the altar of the crosse to sanctifie and clense hir by the washing of water through the word and to make hir glorious for himselfe without spot or wrincle or any such thing For euen as the husband by an inseparable bande of good wil is bound to the wife so that both prosperitie and aduersitie is common to them both so is Christ copled to his Church through suffering vpon his owne flesh the punishmēt which was due vnto hir and by making vs with him felowe heires of eternal ioie by couering our offences So that now there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesu which walke not after the flesh but after the Spirit Whereby we gather that man should loue his wife euen as his owne bodie For no man euer yet hated his owne flesh howsoeuer crooked old weak leane or deformed it be but so much the more carefullie doth hide couer those faults by how much they appeere the more deformed Yea he doth nourish and cherish that weake part euen as Christ doth loue his Church though foule and deformed with sinne which casteth not hir of though she seeme il fauored but healeth hir griefes dissembleth much forgiueth and wypeth awaie hir offences I beseech thee O Father which art neither made nor begotten marrie mee for euer vnto thy Sonne marrie me vnto him in righteousnes iudgement in godlines and mercie marrie me vnto him in faith that I may truelie knowe thee my Lorde and God which wilt not the death of a sinner but rather that he repent and liue O thou onlie begotten Sonne of God ioine me I beseech thee vnto thy bodie that ingraffed in thee I may drawe from thee the iuice of life and of heauenlie wisedome Defende mee and thine whole Church against the rage of Satan the world and the flesh Loue cherish and comfort such as are ingraffed to thy flesh Purge and wash me fro my sinnes filthines and spots through thy great mercie and merits Deck me with thy gifts goodnes Wash me with water purge me with thy blood Annoint me with thine oile of gladnes put vpon me thy roabes of righteousnes and couer me with thy glorious purple
merciful God raine not I beseech thee hailestones vpon the face of the earth neither strike such as are in the fieldes be they man or beast Strike not thou therewithal the herbes of the fielde neither breake thou gracious Lord the trees of our lande Destroie not our corne with hailestones nor with hailestones smite thou our cattel and deliuer our flocks from the thunderbolt Cast not the fiercenes of thy wrath anger and displeasure vpon vs. Giue vs not hailestones for raine neither flames of fire in our lande but of thy mercie conuert the thunder into gentle raine whereby it may bring out fruite abundantlie Sende not among vs either vntimelie or vntemperate showers which be either noisome to the fruite and bring the mildewe or destroie the corne Restraine in like sort the windes and violent tempestes that they bring none hurt neither to vs or our goods euen for Christes sake our Lorde and Sauior Amen A praier for waiefaring men and Trauelers O Almightie eternal and liuing God Father of our Lord Iesu Christ I thanke thee with mine ▪ whole hart for sending of thine infinite and vnspeakeable goodnes to manwarde thine onelie Sonne into this worlde to suffer on our behalfe al the miseries of this life which in the state of extreeme basenes traueling from one region to another to preach the Gospel of thy kingdome suffered no doubt the sondrie infirmities of our mortal bodie For passing through Samaria he was wearie by reason of trauel and rested himselfe on Iacobs wel In al things he was like vnto vs For we haue not an hie Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in al things tempted like as we are and yet without sinne In his Name I take my iournie whose wil it is that whatsoeuer we doe either in worde or deede we shoulde doe it in the Name of our Lorde and Sauior Christ giuing thanks vnto thee our God and Father through him For his sake which went about doing good and healing al that were oppressed of Satan I beseech thee giue thine holie angels charge to keepe me in al my waies and to guide me to and fro in my iournie euen as Tobie the yonger was guided of the Angel Raphaël vnto Gabaël habiting in Rages a citie of the Medes Guide me with strength and courage and direct my steps in the course of my iournie that I wander not out of the right waie into bywaies neither cast my selfe into dangers And therefore holie Father be thou the directer of my waies and keepe me out of the clawes of spoilers Saue mee from the deuouring iawes of sauage beasts Compasse me about with thine heauenlie protection that I fal not into any euils either of soule or bodie Be thou vnto me a faithful companion as thou wast to Iacob the Patriarch traueling into Mesopotamia and descending into Egypt Likewise as thou diddest lead the children of Israël through the red sea and through the vncomfortable wildernes going before them by daie in a piller of a cloude and by night in a piller of fire to lighten them in the way that they went vouchsafe to accompanie gouerne and direct me in this my iornie Shew mee also such fauor that wheresoeuer I go I may find godlie men which may entertaine lodge and curteouslie entreate me least otherwise I fal into perils and be iniuried of the wicked Be thou with me night and daie that none hurt light vpon me protect me both against the iniurie of cold and the vehemencie of heat and from al enimies deliuer me O Lord giue me bread to eate and clothes to put on And as the wise men by the direction of a star in the East came ioiefullie into Iurie and afterward being admonished in a dreame so to doe returned into their countrie another waie so my busines being wel finished bring me home againe in safetie that I may praise thee my God and Lorde continuallie in the Congregation of thy Saints O Lorde heare my praier and with thine eares consider my complaint holde not thy peace at my teares For I am a stranger in this worlde as al my forefathers were Our daies like a shadowe vpon the earth doe passe awaie and continue not We are strangers and wander out of our true countrie For the daies of our pilgrimage are but short yet be they full of miserie troble Giue me grace that I set not my minde on this worlde but to lift vp mine eies vnto heauen and desire a better that is an heauenlie countrie And as long as wee are absent from the bodie let vs be of good courage suffer vs not through feare to faint in afflictions but firmelie to trust that shortlie we shal returne vnto thine habitation and there enioy thy sight in deede euerlasting life where thou with thy Sonne and the holie Spirit liuest and raignest one eternal God for euermore Amen A Praier before the receiuing of the holie Communion O Iesu Christ holie and eternal God I miserable man and wretched sinner acknowledge confesse that I am not worthie the least of al thy mercies most vnworthie to receaue thee vnder the roofe of my soule by participating of thy most blessed bodie and blood For horrible and infinite are the sinnes wherwith I am defiled Wo is me Lord for I am a man of polluted lips and dwel among people that haue vncleane lips And therefore the verie entrales of mine hart are trobled and my bones doe shake because I finde my soule a most vnworthie ghest for so heauenlie a supper And yet againe mine hart is wonderfullie lightened when I cal into minde that thou the deere sonne of almightie God camest not into this worlde to cal the righteous but sinners vnto repentance For they that be whole neede not the Phisition but they that are sick Besides I knowe right wel and constantlie doe beleeue that notwithstanding my filthines thou canst make me worthy which alone canst make that cleane which is conceaued of vncleane seede and righteous men of sinners when thou forgiuest our sins of thy wonted grace thine holie Spirit being poured vpon vs. Through which thy power and mercie I beseech thee grant such grace vnto me a sinner that I may worthilie approch to this heauenlie Sacrament least otherwise by mine vnworthines I be made guiltie of thy bodie and blood and so instead of life receaue my iudgement and condemnation Giue grace therefore that afore I presume to come vnto the participation thereof I may examine my selfe by calling my sinnes into minde searching out my waies by vnfained and hartie repentance returning vnto thee my Lord least otherwise by concealing my sinnes with Iudas the traitor I eate the bread of the Lord against the Lord by abusing
thy gentlenes heape vengeance vpon my selfe against the daie of vengeance Make me to confesse my sinnes and that with hartie sobs so thou being a faithful and iust God wilt pardon al mine offences clense me from my sinnes and wilt not disdaine to accept me into fauor when I doe not refraine to acknowledge my wickednes Moreouer poure into me a true and liuelie faith that I neuer mistrust thy worde annexed to the Sacraments which promiseth vnto mankinde the remission of sinnes For to eate or drinke with the mouth onelie is to no purpose but faith must come therevnto and apprehende the worde with the promises annexed For they are the groundes and principles of this sacrament So that whosoeuer giueth credit to these words Which was giuen and shed for you in the remission of sinnes the same man hath that which is promised by them namelie eternal life and saluation For where the remission of sinnes is there likewise righteousnes life and saluation is But he which doubteth of these wordes he without doubt is an vnworthie receiuer and commeth vnprepared For the doubting man neither eateth thy flesh spirituallie nor yet drinketh thy blood though carnally and to our eies he seemeth to consume the sacrament of thy bodie and blood with his teeth and mouth but his damnation rather Not because thy supper is poyson but for that an euil man taketh a good thing naughtilie Finallie also grant that receiuing this thy Sacrament of the newe Testament I may put of according to the former conuersation the old man which is corrupt according to the lusts of error and be renued in the spirit of my minde putting on the newe man which after God is created in righteousnes and holines of truth And albeit my nature be such that I cannot liue without spots of wickednes yet so blesse me that I may neuer offende willinglie but altogither depending vpon thy goodnes whose manner is to pardon the true penitent sinners may boldelie approch to thine holie supper Especiallie seeing we haue libertie to enter into the holie place through the blood by the newe and liuing way which thou hast prepared for vs through the vaile that is by thy flesh And seeing we haue an high Priest ouer the house of God make vs to draw nigh with true harts in assurance of faith sprinkeled in our minds from an euil conscience and washed in bodie with pure water cause vs to holde fast the profession of our hope without wauering for he is faithful that promised and let vs consider one of another to prouoke vnto loue and to good workes not forsaking the assemblie of the faithful as the manner of some is but exhorting one another and so much the more as we see the daie approching Amen Another praier before the receiuing of the holie Communion O Christ the onelie mediator betweene God and man which of thine ardent and vnspeakeable good wil tookest our flesh vpon thee to become a sacrifice and raunsome for al mankinde and for the better conceauing of that thy benefit didst ordaine before thy paineful passion a perpetual memorie of thy loue and that by erecting a couenant of the newe Testament which testifieth of thy presence merite power and mercie washing awaie dailie the sinnes of beleeuers And the more effectuallie to cōmend the depenes of this mysterie didst ordaine this Sacrament in thy last supper being euen readie to go frō thy Disciples vnto thy passiō the more depelie to fixe it in our harts that it neuer slip out of our minds but dailie in faith feare and reuerence be recorded and remaine according to thine holie institution whole and perfect without adding or diminishing from the same For though it be but a mans testament yet if it be confirmed and prooued by the death of the testator no man diminisheth or addeth therevnto Vnto thee doe I crie O Sonne of God which art partaker of our flesh and bone of our bones beseeching thee from the bottome of mine hart that it woulde please thee to giue me grace that with an earnest desire and due reuerence I may couet to receaue thy supper and therin thirstinglie to seeke for the nourishment of my soule Remooue from mine hart al loathing contempt and curiositie of prophane men which set thēselues against thee and proudlie despise this thine institution like vnto dogs despising holie things and vnto hogs treading most precious pearls vnder their feete Lift vp my minde that in feare and trembling in faith and spiritual comfort I may approch to the worthie receiuing of thy precious bodie and blood not as hypocrites doe which hide and dissemble their sinnes neither as epicures despising both thee and thine holie ordinance And therefore stir vp in me an vnfained desire of this heauenlie nourishment that from thee the bread of life and fountaine of saluation I may draw vital iuice to the quickning of my soule In which communion thou bestowest vpon beleeuers both the merits of thine obedience and passion and also thine other benefits whatsoeuer Besides inwardlie thou dost replenish vs with newe and celestial ioie in quickening comforting teaching and gouerning vs that so we may haue and get our strength frō thee euen as the branches drawe their iuice and force to fructifie from the vine Lighten therefore the eies of mine hart that I may knowe what the hope is wherevnto we are called and what the riches of our inheritance are in the Saints and what exceeding greatnes of thy power and mercie is hid in this supper and how vnspeakable be the riches of the glorie of this Sacrament whereby thou communicatest to al and ech of thy faithful together with thy bodie and blood al the treasures of thine heauenlie goodes to be receaued by faith For thine holie and blessed mouth hath saide I am the bread of life which came downe from heauen he which commeth to mee shal not hunger in any wise and he that beleeueth on mee shal neuer thirst And the bread which I shal giue is my flesh which I wil giue for the life of the world O most sweete bread heale thou the palate of mine hart that I may taste the sweetnes of thy loue heale me of al mine infirmities that I delight in no fairenes besides thee O most heauenlie whight bread containing within thee al comfort and the perfect sweetenes of al sauor which doest alwaies refresh vs let mine hart eate thee and with thy pleasant sauor let al the bowels of my flesh be replenished O thou bread of life which camst downe from heauen and giuest life to the world come into mine hart and purge me from al filthines of the flesh and spirit enter thou into my soule heale and sanctifie mee both within and without Be thou the buckler and perpetual defence of my soule and dodie that I may come vnto thy kingdome the right
waie where we shal not deale with mysteries as in this worlde but shal beholde thee face to face when thou hast deliuered the kingdome to God the Father and so God shal be al in al Amen A thankesgiuing after the receiuing of the holie Communion O Iesu high and eternal Priest sitting on the right hande of the throne of maiestie in the heauens gouernor of the Saints Thou art an high Priest of good things to come which by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with handes that is to saie not of this building neither by the blood of goates calues but by thine owne blood didst enter once into the holie place and founde eternal redemption when through the eternal spirite thou offeredst thy selfe a pure sacrifice without spot to God purging our consciences from dead workes to serue the liuing God I yeelde thee hartie thankes for suffering vpō the altar of the crosse a most shameful death for our sins and that of thine owne accorde mooued therevnto by a singular affection of good wil towards vs. I blesse thee for instituting this Sacrament of thy bodie and blood in remembrance of our euerlasting redemptiō that at no time it might slip out of our minds but be an holie signe and testimonie of thy perpetual friendship and a seale of the confirmation of the newe and eternal couenant which thou hast entred into with vs concerning the free remission and forgiuenes of our sinnes I magnifie thee also with al reuerence of mind for bidding vs miserable men and sinners both vnto the participation of thy most holie supper and also to the receiuing of al celestial riches wherein thou bestowest and appliest particularlie to euerie of vs al the merits and good things which by thine obedience and death thou hast purchased on our behalfe that we may become partners and fellow heires of eternal blessednes O sacred banket wherin heauenlie dainties are set afore vs which reuiue the soule and thou lambe of God after a wonderful and mystical manner giuest thy selfe to refresh the inwarde man. We diminish thee not in eating thee but thou endurest whole perpetuallie And although the visible signes are consumed yet canst not thou be deuoured Thou art the meate of the soule not of the bodie and fattest our minds not our bellies Thou changest the eater into thy selfe and yet art not changed into the eater as other corporal foode is changed commonlie So that we participate of thy diuine nature and thou no whit art altered into our sinful flesh I humbly beseech thee Sonne of God by thy most sacred blood shed for vs giue me grace that participating of this visible Sacrament I may withal finde and feele in mine hart the inuisible working of thine heauenlie grace which is conteined in this mysterie that this supper may be as some refreshing vnto my bodie so a special medicine of my soule Quicken and raise vp in me by this blessed Sacrament a continual remembrance of thy bitter passion make me to retaine the same firmelie and fresh in my minde and shew it foorth as an onelie and sufficient ransome of my redemption vntil thou returnest Let me neuer doubt of the forgiuenes of my sinnes which thou assurest me of by thy bodie blood in thine holy couenant concluded in thy last supper by the breaking of bread and giuing foorth the cup to thy chosen Disciples and by them to as manie as are incorporated into thy Church through Baptisme That as often as Satan assaileth vs with his deadlie tentations we may runne to our sanctuarie as it were to a strong anchor of defence apprehending the promise ratified by the seale of this couenant and neuer giue ouer in fight but stil be refreshed with newe virtue from aboue nor breake our harts through the consideration of sundrie misfortunes which the vngrateful worlde by the instinct of their capitaine the Diuel woulde bring vpon vs but calling into minde thy death into the which we are baptized may escape from al calamities So that no tribulation nor anguish nor persecution neither hunger nor nakednes neither perils nor sworde neither death neither life may separate vs from our head wherevpon being made fast by this holie Sacrament receaued we as liuing members doe depende And finallie may knowe that we are fed and refreshed by thy flesh and pretious blood that washed therewith we should not hereafter giue our selues to carnal pleasures nor feede vpon the leauen of malice and wickednes but resisting them liue in al sinceritie truth as it becommeth such as doe eate of the immaculate Paschal lambe whose life is hid with thee but when thou shalt be reuealed then shal we also appeare in glorie For this blessed meate doth truelie witnes that our bodies sprinkled with the virtue of thy quickening flesh as it were with celestial dewe shal rise againe vnto immortalitie and euerlasting glorie Wherefore giue grace that al thy Saints participating of the bread of eternal life may be replenished with the fruition of thy blessed sight for euermore in thy celestial paradise Amen Another thankesgiuing after the receipt of the holie Communion I Thank thee O Christ lambe of God for offering thy selfe vpon the altar of the crosse to thy father an offering and a sacrifice of a sweete smelling sauor to God for our sinnes to reconcile vs vnto him for certaintie whereof and confirmation of our faith thou hast instituted on our behalfe this holie Sacrament of thy supper that as often as we receiue the same we may celebrate thy memorie and with thankesgiuing remember the merite and frute of thy passion I beseech thee by thy bitter death stir vp our minds that by often receiuing this thine ordinance and institution we may consider howe bitter a death thou didst suffer on our behalfe and how great the loue was which draue thee to take so cruel and shameful a death to saue vs and withal continuallie yeelde as we are bounde hartie thanks vnto thee for the same and after the like sort answere to our power that vnspeakeable good wil by our good life and careful obseruation of thy commandements and may when either through frailetie of our flesh or by any other fault preuented we sinne runne by and by vnto thee by repentance and through consideration of this new and eternal couenant touching the remission of sinnes made with vs be erected and vpholden vnto a liuelie and constant hope O sweete Iesu grant that being fast linked vnto thee by this holie mysterie I may receaue power and strength from thee beleeuing thy promises and be wholie addicted therevnto without any doubting that so my conscience in feare and trobles may haue perfect consolation Suffer me not to be separated from the members of thy bodie which is the Church whereof thou art head fulfilling al in al but grant that abiding in thy word and kingdome I may
be without fault in the foundation without sinne against my conscience and walke worthie this Sacrament forsaking vtterlie and renouncing the Diuel and al Idolatrie al vices and carnal desires which fight against the soule For we cannot be partakers of the Lordes table and of the Diuels to Make me also to remember that by this sacrament I am bound to do good vnto others For as manie graines of corne do make one loafe and manie grapes make one wine so being manie yet are we but one loafe and one bodie inasmuch as we al participate of one bread and drinke of one cup. Ioine vs therfore together O Sauior of the world at this common banquet through the band of loue that we may be fastened vnto thee our head That as thou diddest die for vs so we againe may not feare to suffer and to giue our liues for the glorie of thy name that we neuer be separated from thee neither in life nor death Make vs also hartilie to loue one another like the true and liuelie members of thy bodie that if need require we may giue our liues for our brethren Suffer not concord of mindes to be broken For hee that receiueth the mysterie of vnitie and keepeth not the bond of peace he doth not receaue the mysterie for himselfe but a testimonie against himselfe Giue grace therefore that laieng aside al wrath fiercenes maliciousnes and enuie we may forgiue one another euen as thou forgiuest vs and beare one with another for the better auoiding of strife diâ—fension sectes and pernicious heresies Keepe this thine ordinance and right vse of thy Sacrament among vs euermore that this good worke and diuine ceremonie may alwaies be a note and badge of our publike profession whereby we are knowne from Pagans and tokens of loue confession and thankefulnes Remooue awaie al abuses and prophanations of this holie and sacred supper together with the horrible and Idolatrous adorations inuented by Satan and his members to the shameful deforming of thy godlie and goodlie institution but maintaine I humblie beseech thee the true and vnpolluted vse thereof til thy pleasure is to returne in the cloudes to iudgement with great power and glorie that it neuer be out of remembrance And last of al at our resurrection from death appoint vs places in thy heauenlie table where we may taste the new wine in the kingdome of thy father abiding with thine elect Angels and blessed Saintes for euermore Amen A praier for the Sick. O Almightie and merciful God Father of our Lord Iesu Christ which through corporal diseases both puttest me in minde of my mortalitie and also callest to repentance For thou wilt not the death of a sinner but that he conuert and liue Vnto thee doe I crie O Lorde rebuke me not in thine anger neither chastise me in thy wrath haue mercie on me O Lorde for I am weake O Lorde heale me for my bones are vexed My soule is also trobled verie sore but Lorde how long wilt thou delaie Returne deliuer my soule O saue me for thy mercies sake Heale me O Lord and I shal be whole saue thou me and I shal be saued For thou art my praise Thou hast wounded and thou wilt heale me thou hast strooken and thou wilt cure thou dost kil and restore to life againe Wherfore if this my sicknes be not vnto the death helpe me vpon the bed of my sorow Turne the whole palat of my weaknes into ioie Maie it please thee O Lorde to deliuer me out of the myre For the graue wil not acknowledge thee nor death confesse thee but the liuing I saie the liuing wil extol thee for euermore O Lorde heale me that I may praise thee al my life long through my Sauior Amen Another praier for the Sick. O Christ Iesu Sonne of the liuing God our Redeemer and our Mediator for euermore in our weake flesh thou wentest about the earth preaching the glad tydings of the kingdome touching the forgiuenes of our sinnes and curing euerie sicknes and euerie disease among the people For thou hast truelie taken vpon thee our infirmities and borne our paines For where sinne abounded there thy grace did more abound Wherfore I praie most humblie beseech thee be merciful vnto me heale my soule For I haue sinned against thee strengtheÌ„ it by the sweete comfort of thy Gospel and confirme my faith then if it be thine heauenlie pleasure restore health vnto my weake bodie If thou wilt thou canst make me cleane onelie doe but speake the worde and I shal be healed For it is not herbes nor plasters that restore health but thy worde O Lord which healeth al things It is thou Lord which hast the power both of life and death thou leadest vnto deaths doore and bringest vp againe But if it be more expedient for me to die than to liue then deale with me according to thy wil O Lord and commande my spirit to be receaued in peace the which I commende into thine hands thou hast redeemed me O Lord God of truth which liuest and raignest with the Father and the holie Ghost one God for euermore Amen Another praier for the Sick. O Eternal God which art ful of coÌ„passion and mercie slowe to anger and great in kindnes thou forgiuest our falts couerest our sinnes and dost not impute our iniquities vnto vs Vnto thee doe I bende my praier beseeching thee to pardon al my sinnes and to heale al mine infirmities Saue my life from destruction and compasse me about with mercie and louing kindnes For thou art the God of my saluation mine helper in thee hath mine hart trusted Despise not the workes of thine owne hands neither suffer him to perish whom thou hast created and redeemed O Christ lambe of God which takest awaie the sins of the world and washest vs from al our offences by thy pretious blood encrease my faith that firmelie I may apprehende the saluation promised Blesse thou my soule at hir departure from the bodie that euermore I may reioice with thee And holie Ghost eternal God which art the best Comforter in al extremities be thou present I beseech thee at the houre of my death and impart thy sauing health vpon me that mine hart doe not faint nor be trobled Amen Reuel 7 12. Praise and glorie and wisedome and thankes and honor and power and might be vnto our God for euermore Amen a Lactantius de diuino praemio cap. 4. Cicero lib 2 de Natura Deorum b Gene. 1 6. Psalme 8 6. Causes why daily praier is necessary 1. From the end of mans creation 2. From the commandementes of God. c Psa. 50 15. d Mark. 13 verse 33. e Colos. 4 2. 3. From the promise of God to here our petitioÌ„s f Luk. 11 9. g Iohn