constancy to perseuer in our Faith hope and Patience vnto the end that the hope of mercy may keepe vs from the horrour of despaire and the feare of Iustice for the sinne of presumption O good God order our times in such comfortable sort that we hauing peace in thee our bodyes and mindes may be the more able to doe their seuerall offices in our vocations Instruct vs by thy word guide vs by thy spirit mollifie vs by thy grace humble vs by thy corrections and winne vs by thy benefits O Lord wee beseech thee let all things worke for the best to them that loue thee Continue thy fauour and goodnesse vnto vs this night that wee taking our natural rest and quietnesse may through thy protection be all defended from immoderate sleepe fearefull dreames and outward violence of our Enemies Touch our hearts with a desire and longing after Heauenly things that whensoeuer it shall please thee to call for vs wee may be willing to come vnto thee as Children to their Father strangers vnto their countrey and members of thy body vnto the head Graunt vs O Lord these and all other things needefull and meete for vs for Iesus Christs sake our onely Sauiour and redeemer Amen A Prayer for the Catholique Châ—â—ch and all the estates thereof Doe good O Lord vnto those that be good and to them that are vpright in their hearts O Sun of the eternall God thou sweet Spouse of the CHVRCH blesse wee beseech thee preserue and keepe thy poore CHVRCH militant here in earth the blessed company of all faithfull people Make all Kings and Princes and the supreame gouernors of euery nation carefull hâ—â—sing Fathers nursing Mothers to thy Church Let all the members thereof be of one minde and one heart that there may be such holy coÌ„cord in knowledge of thy truth and such obedience to their superiours with brotherly vnity in all matters as they may neither procure thy scourge nor the Princes sword against them Graunt the Gospell a free passage and long continuance and remooue not the Candlesticke for their vnfruitfulnesse or vnthankefulnesse Put thy principall spirit vpon the Ministers of the Word the Arch-bishops Bishops and Pastors of seuerall congregations and giue them grace to follow the steps of thy holy Apostles and blessed Martyres that being inflamed with true zeale and furninished with sufficient knowledge they may be willing able to labour in season and out of season for the feeding of thy flock Blesse their labours to the winning of Soules to thee and blesse them with boldnesse of speech and innocency of life that like sworne Souldiers to the crosse of Christ they may liue and dye vnder thy banner Cast downe the beames of thy heauenly light vpon such publike places as are appointed for the trayning vp of younger yeares in sound knowledge and commendable qualities namely our Vniuersities Oxford Cambridge the Innes of Court and all Grammer Schooles the seed-plots of the Church Sanctifie their memories to treasure vp good things purge their consciences to haue peace in thee reforme their wils to thy will and let all their affections be ordered aright their Vessels seasoned with the best liquour in the beginning and so to continue Blesse the higher powers of authoritie make them truely humble in the top of their height that their heads being lifted vp to honour their hearts may not be puffed vp nor swell with pride but so rule their hearts and mindes that all Kings Princes may truely serue thee reuerence and stand in awe of thee abette maintaine thy Church and truth and wisely foresee what is best for the aduancement of thy glory the good of the common-wealth So deale also O Lord with all subordinate authorities keepe them from factions treasons and conspiracies Let the Iudges be learned and vncorrupt and the Lawyers men of Conscience to deale sincerely vprightly in their businesse without either feare of greater Personages or vnlawful fauours to friends or desire of rewards from any Calme the Waues and quiet the stormes of all persecution represse the rage and cruelty of all Tyrants Heathen or Christian Take away all Antichristian practisers of the Church of Rome which perswade nothing but the infection of youth and the subuersion of the State Confound all Heresies and Heretikes disperse all Schismes Sects that there be no iars nor difference of opinions amongst thy seruants but that we may be like minded hauing the same loue being of one accord and of one iudgement In fine O Lord comfort them that are ouerworne with Warre wasted with exactions vexed with plagues and sicknesses consumed with famine ouerflowne with waters scattered with fearefull threatnings from the skies Conuert the simple confound the obstinate gather the dispersed heale the broken hearted supply our wants and amend all that is amisse for thy truth and for thy Names sake Amen ¶ Another for the same vse Christ loued the Church and gaue himselfe for it that hee might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word O Lord God thou iust Master of the VINEYARD and louing head of the Church send thy Spirit into the hearts of all them that preach or professe thy holy Truth all men religious and secular yea men and women Princes and subiects rich and poore euen all the people beleeuing in thy Name and depending wholy vpon thee Giue vnto them all O Lord one Law one Baptisme one Hope one Spirit that there may be but one voyce among all that professe the Catholique Faith Keepe backe the famine of thy Word and send such labourers into thy Haruest as be sound in doctrine faithfull in their worke and godly in conuersation in number many and in power wonderfull Open we beseech thee the hearts and eares of the people for the receiuing of thy word that ir may dwell in them plenteously in all wisedome and bring forth fruit against all the cares crosses and courses of this wretched world O Lord thou hast found iniquitie in thy Saints and the heauens are not cleare in thy sight Oh then correct vs in thy iudgement not in thy furie least wee should be consumed and brought to nothing Purge the garden of the Church and let no Weedes ouergrow the flowers Suffer neither sinne nor superstition to choake the good growth of faith or manners in thy people but keepe them from all euill Heresies phanaticall opinions seducing spirits and deadly contentions Keepe our neckes from the grieuous yoke of Antichristian bondage whose religion is rebellion whose faith is faction and whose practise is the murthering of soules and bodyes and represse the furiousnesse of Tyrants which labour nothing but the spoile of the Church and to abolish true Doctrine Prayer and pure religion O Lord Iesus amend all that is amisse and grant vs thy grace all the dayes of our life euen for thy truth and for thy Names sake Amen A Prayer for the Kings Maiestie his
night at hand Blesse me I beseech thee this night and take mee into thy custodie saue me waking keepe me sleeping that I may both sleep and wake in peace and safetie Prepare me O Lord for the day following the holy sabbath the hallowed day of thy rest and my great dutie and then so vnlocke the mysteryes of thy holy word vnto mee that I may therein learne the lessons of thy glorious Maiestie and mine owne mortalitie Graunt me ô Lord such grace as I may make a right vse of all things and that the hearing of thy word the good examples of thy seruants agreeing with the rule of thy word may bee both as a bridle to restraine me from sin and a spurre to set me forward to all holinesse of life and conuersation in this world O Lord grant mee these all other good things euen for Iesus Christs sake my onely Lord and Sauiour Amen A Prayer for the Morning O Lord God most mightie mercifull Father I vnworthy creature acknowledge mine owne vilenes naturall corruption and abhominable sinnes many times committed against thee I beseech thee admit mee to render thee my bounden thankes for thy manifold mercies extended towards me this night past and all other times of my life for my rest and sleep my food and rayment my health peace and liberty and the hope of a better life in the merites of thy Sonnes bitter passion Now deare Father I beseech thee to continue thy mercifull fauour vnto me this day and euer hereafter Forgiue me all mine vnthankfulnes vnkindnes and prophanenes towards thee thy word and seruice or towards my Neighbour Set all my sinnes ouer to that reckoning which thy Sonne Iesus Christ my Lord hath made vp for them vpon his Crosse neuer lay any of them to my charge but freely forgiue and forget all O Lord strike my heart with thy rod that I may alway be furnished for a true and vnfained repentance that I may not be blinded in my sinnes to delight in them or to think that thou wilt not respect my vntowardnesse but that I may be weary of them grieue for them and by all means possible striue to attaine to a true mortification of the flesh and so liue holily and iustly and soberly in this present world O good God I humbly intreat thee leaue me not to my selfe mine owne lusts and desires but assist mee with thy grace to hearken vnto thee and thy word to passe my time in feare and trembling as an obedient childe of so good a Father Blesse me Lord this day and prosper all that I shall take in hand let mee haue all my directions from thy will and the successe from thy mercifull hand Giue mee a competent stay for the maintenance of this mortall life Continue may food and rayment health peace and liberty that I may with a quite minde thankefull heart passe my time in this vale of miserie doing good to all men after mine abilitie without disgrace to my selfe or harme to any one Grant these good things most mercifull God and all other needefull graces not onely vnto me but vnto all thy deere children in the world to the good of our soules and bodies for Iesus Christs sake in whose name I further call vpon thee as he hath taught vs in his Gospell saying Our Father which art in Heauen c. A Prayer for the Euening O Eternall GOD and most mercifull Father I doe confesse against my selfe that my heart and hands are full of all filthines and sinnes whatsoeuer and I am altogether vnworthy to speake vnto thee or to come neere thy presence Neuerthelesse beeing so much bound vnto thee as this day past and all other times of my life doe witnesse I offer vnto thy holines by the hands of Iesus Christ my Mediator my humble dutie of praise and thanksgiuing for my creation election redemption vocation and sanctification with all other good graces appertaining to this life or that which is to come And namely ô Lord my tongue and lippes shall glorifie thee sitting aboue the Cherubins for preseruing me this day past from so many miseries and casualties whereinto I might iustly haue fallen if thou wouldest haue entred into iudgement with mee But Lord thou art mercifull passest by my offences to winne me by thy long sufferance I beseech thee make mee thankfull for all thy mercies O Lord pardon and forgiue mee all my sinnes graunt me euery day more and more the sight and feeling of them with heartie sorrow and vnfained repentance for the same Giue mee grace to belieue all the sweet promises that thou hast made vnto mee in Christ Iesus both for the remission thereof and the hope of a better life strengthen me from aboue with thy mighty hand to walke in euery good way without feare and to bring forth the fruits of a true liuely faith in my life and conuersation all the dayes of my life Arme me O Lord with thy grace and holy spirit against all the common corruptions of the world the temptations of the Diuell and the allurements of the flesh and settle my minde to the continuall exercise of deuout prayer with the hearing of thy sacred word watching for thy comming both publike and priuate Continue thy goodnesse towards mee in prouiding for mee such things as are necessarie for the maintenance of this present life and blesse the same vnder my hand that the little which I haue may be increased and the increase may serue as well to furnish my necessarie vses as to minister vnto the necessities of others according to mine abilitie Keepe mee Lord this night from all euils which may happen either vnto my body or my soule Extend thy goodnesse toward all those that depend vpon me or I on them Giue me quiet sleepe and rest and when I shall awake let all my thoughts and cogitations be holy meditations on thee and thy law Blesse me O Lord all the nights and dayes of my life and at the end thereof send me a blessed departure and afterward a ioyfull resurrection vnto life eternall Graunt me these good things most mercifull father and all other needfull graces for Iesus Christs sake in whose name I further call vpon thee as hee hath taught vs in his Gospell saying Our Father c. Short Prayers for Morning and Euening by I. F. 1581. A short Prayer for the Morning GOD of Light who hast preserued mee and brought mee from the darkenesse of this night shine into my heart this day and euer by thy blessed and holy spirit that I may be enlightened and ledde into all Truth that I may walke faithfully as the childe of light before thee casting away the workes of darknesse in the place that thou hast set me doing and performing diligently those things that thou hast required of me either to the praise of thy name or to the comfort of my Brethren Graunt this good Lord I humbly beseech thee for Iesus Christs
Citie and place wherein we liue remoue the punishments due for the sinnes thereof and giue them grace with Niniue to repent in time lest they be destroyed Blesse all our friendes kinsfolkes and others for whom thy will is that wee should pray Strengthen them that suffer for thy cause and send them the Comforts of thy Spirit Comfort them that lye in anguish of conscience for remorse of sinne and conuert them that goe astray and teach vs by their example to see our owne weakenesse and to looke better to our wayes Blesse this Familie with grace and peace that the rulers children and seruants thereof may all know their seuerall duties practise the same in thy feare for Iesus Christ his sake our onely Lord and Sauiour Amen ¶ Another for the same vse I will prayse the Lord among the people and I will sing prayses vnto thee among the Nations O Lord God most heauenly and merciful father though we be vnworthy the least of thy mercies yet hast thou from time to time made vs partakers of many for which we praise and magnifie thy holie Name Beseeching thee to giue vs vnderstanding hearts to feele our euils and direction from thy spirit to auoid the same And as thou hast in great mercy kept vs this night in the time of darkenes and dangers so we beseech thee to keepe vs this day that the Sunne of righteousnes may rule in our hearts all the darkenesse that lurketh in them may be scattered to the comfort of our soules and wee may walke as thy Children in cleare light without daunger Indue vs with giftes and graces needfull for vs and grant that with a pure sincere conscience wee may vse them to the benefit of our brethren the discharge of our owne duties Keepe the watch of our tongues and the doore of our lips in such sort that no rash euill or vaine word passe thereby and so rule and gouerne our harts that we may not thinke any thing but that which shall be to thy glory Grant vs thy blessings of health peace and maintenance and thy holy spirit to instruct vs as well in the wants thereof as in the lawfull vse of them In all our Consultations words and workes let vs remember thy presence that thou seest vs wheresoeuer we doe bestow our selues and wilt iudge-vs if wee goe astray and doe amisse Chase away from vs all rancour and malice couetousnes vncharitablenesse and vnkindnesse and whatsoeuer is contrary to thy loue which is to vs ward in Iesus Christ our Lord. Take from vs all ignorances and negligences with the want of iudgement and discretion and preuent all those things that thou knowest may hinder vs in our Christian calling Increase our Faith patience and obedience Let thy blessing be vpon this whole housholde to lead vs in thy truth protect vs in our wayes and al those whom thou hast made deere vnto vs whether they bee present or absent Be good to our children seruants and friends that liue with vs that wee may liue together in the seruice of thy Gospell to grow vp in godly conuersation and soundnesse of faith Giue vs grace by thy corrections to feare thee more carefully and to sorrow for our sinnes more heartily O LORD grant these things and whatsoeuer thy knowest to bee necessary for vs for Iesus Christs sake Amen An Euening Prayer for priuate Families What shall I giue vnto the Lord for all his benefits towards me Because he hath inclined his eare vnto mee therefore will I call vpon him as long as I liue O Lord God Father of all that is called Father in Heauen and in earth wee render thee thankes in all abundance for thy mercifull preseruation of vs this day and all the times and daies of our life that thou hast brought vs safe and sound through so many dangers and powred vpon vs contrary to our deseruings so many excellent and notable blessings both Spirituall and corporall Good Lord we beseech thee keep vs euermore from day to day as thou hast done and make vs constant in the profession of thy holy name and the practise of thy law that neither the violence of man nor subtiltie of Sathan be able to make vs to turne away from 〈◊〉 LORD turne thy face from our sinnes wherein we haue so delighted alter our hearts and wash cleanse vs from all staines and corruptions in the blood of thy sonne For giue vs all that is past and grant vs the assurance of that forgiuenesse sealed vp in our consciences by thy holy Spirit Kindle thy loue so feruently in our hearts that wee may detest whatsoeuer is against thee and thy word Forgiue vs our great contempt and intollerable barrennesse in good works our foule vnthankfulnesse and the abuse of thy graces and strike our stony hearts with the rod of thy feare that we may attaine vnto a due thankfulnes for thy benefits and a most vnfained and earnest repentance for our sinnes O Lord blesse vs all this night that after our bodies haue beene refreshed with competent sleepe we may see the light of the next morning and arise safe and sound to serue thee in our seuerall vocations Sanctifie our minds that by the help of thy mercy wee may enioy the rest of a quiet conscience Blesse thy Church and her Ministers preserue our King with the Queene his wife and the noble Prince HENRY protect the Magistrates of Iustice all faithfull people reare vp the heauy hearted and turne the chastisements of thy children to their good LORD be mercifull vnto them whom thou hast made any way helpfull vnto vs and blesse euery one of vs in our place that wee may truely serue thee feare thy Maiestie and loue thy authoritie These things O Lord and all other needfull for vs wee craue at thy hands in the Name and for the righteousnesse of Iesus Christ our onely Sauiour and Redeemer saying as he hath taught vs Our Father which art in Heauen c. ¶ Another for the same vse From the rising of the Sunne vnto the going downe of the same the Lords name is to be praysed O Euer-liuing God and euer-louing Father which hast not left vs comfortlesse but hast giuen vs thy Son for a ransome thy word for a guide reserued a Kingdome for our inheritance in heauen wee giue thee thankes for these and all other thy most gracious benefits beseeching thee that we may haue the grace to make such vse of them that they may neuer be in vaine to vs. O Lord forgiue vs all our sinnes and remooue from vs those things which our consciences are afraid of Assure vs of thy gracious pardon and renew vs by thy holy Spirit that wee may vnfainedly hate detest whatsoeuer is displeasing vnto thee Lord giue vs a sincere heart to serue thee and let this be the houre of our conuersion In all tentations giue vs strength to resist in all troubles patience to beate and
cheereful light of the day that in thine assistance they may follow their honest vocations likewise the silent night that then they may returne thanks vnto thee for thy benefits and so rest their wearied limbes and busied minds I sinnefull creature giue thee thankes for the totall summe of all this thy goodnes whereof I haue beene this day partaker through thy mercy O Lord looke not vpon mine vnworthinesse folly and wickednesse but appease thy iust anger conceiued against mee and forgiue what hath beene amisse in mee this day euen for his sake who is thy welbeloued Sonne and my deare Aduocate Root vp the thornes of mine euill inclinations and affections and in their place make the fruites of vertue spring Inflame my heart with the desire of heauenlie loue that I may keepe thy commandements with zeale as hot as fire louing thee aboue all things and mine neighbour as my selfe Giue me grace ô Lord to serue thee in true faith and holines all the dayes of my life to ouercome my mortall enemies the desires of the world the pleasures of the flesh and the suggestions of the wicked spirit remembring my promise made to thee in Baptisme for the performance whereof I depend onely vpon thy holy spirit Let thine Angels pitch their Tents round about this house for defence now in the time of this darkenesse and grant that this nights sleep may be quiet vnto me without griefe or trouble Preserue me mine both in body and soule from al dangers which may come either by foolish dreames noisome spirits or vncleannesse of corrupt Nature Waken me againe O Lord in due time and let mee behold the light of the next day prepare me to thy seruice euery day in all truth and sinceritie that when I haue run the race of this life thou mayest be pleased to call mee to be partaker of a better that so I may liue and raigne with thee euermore through Iesus Christ my onely Lord and Sauiour Amen Wednesday Morning prayer Cause mee to heare thy louing kindnesse in the Morning for in thee doe I trust cause me to know the way wherein I should walke for I lift vp my soule vnto thee O Blessed GOD and merciful father the Sun of the world neuer going downe which bringest forth nourishest and refreshest all things both in heauen and earth I most humbly thanke thee that thou hast preserued me this night and euer hitherto vnder thy protection suffering mee to liue vntill this present houre that thou hast succoured and defended me in all my needs necessities and hast prouided so graciously and mercifully for mee Now I beseech thee ô Lord not to abridge the hand of thy mercy toward mee but let the spring of thy grace flowing from the sanctuary of thy goodnes arise to all the parts of my soule in such proportion as may be for thy glory and my comfort Mortifie O my God all corrupt affections in mee and pardon my innumerable sinnes Fill me this day with thy grace that I may spend it to the honour of thy Name Set a Watch before my mouth and order my lippes that I may vtter nothing vnaduisedly either before thee or men Keepe my sences within their limits direct my will to that which is good and order my iudgement for the accomplishing of those things that appertaine to my vocation O Lord defend me from all shame and disgraces shield me from al violence and guide mee safely from all perillous dangerous wayes Make mee as thy Spouse inwardly and outwardly prepared by thy grace to bee presented a pure Virgine vnto Christ Display vpon me thy banners of loue spred abroad in my heart by the Holy Ghost that with the eye of Faith I may beholde and see the Crosse of Christ and his sacred wounds the comfortable price of my redemption and stand so fast in this Christian warfare that nothing make me yeeld to the temptations of the Diuell O Lord so strengthen mee with thy grace in this vale of miserie that all my outward members may follow the direction of my heart and my heart being sincerely dedicated vnto thee I may serue thee in holinesse and Righteousnesse all the dayes of my life for Iesus Christs sake my onely Sauiour and Redeemer Amen Noone A Prayer to God the holy Ghost O Holy Spirit the Authour and giuer of life which hast guided me thus farre this day and guarded me from manifold euils I praise thee I blesse thee I glorifie thee for thy great mercie Continue thy goodnes towards me I beseech thee though I deserue it not inspire my minde with holy motions conuert me from euil confirme me in al that is good Comfort mee thou comforter when I shall haue most neede Cleare the stormes of temptation and inflame the coldnesse of my zeale with the fire of thy loue Lead me into all truth and reclayme mee when I goe astray Oh prosper the works of my hands bring mee safely from all dangers to the end of this day for Iesus Christs sake Amen Wednesday Euening Prayer Withhold not thy tender mercies from me ô Lord let thy louing kindnesse and thy truth alwaies preserue me O Lord God thou who art my life the length and strength of my dayes I most heartily thanke thee for keeping mee this day from manifold dangers both of Body and Soule which might iustly haue fallen vpon mee Nowe I humbly beseech thee bring not into iudgement what I haue done amisse this day but mercifully pardon the escapes and offences of the same Forgiue and forget O LORD all mine idle and vaine words and impute not my foolishnes vnto mee Destroy in me the kingdome of sinne the power of Sathan the desires of the world the vaine delights of the flesh Lord into thy hands I commend my selfe euen soule and body this night and euer Lighten my darkenesse that I sleepe not in death defend me that no euill happen vnto me Take not thy holy Spirit from mee but continue the motions thereof in my heart that when as the Tempter shall come with his assaults I may be furnished with the shield of faith to quench his fiery darts Comfort me ô Lord in all those things wherein I haue beene any wayes dismayed this day Confirme my weakenesse and grant that this nights sleepe may be sweet and healthfull to my body and a profitable memoriall of that sleepe which at my last end in that great night shall make a separation betweene my body and soule Let thine vnspeakeable mercy preserue me thy endles sweetnes reioyce mee thy heauenly truth strengthen mee thy knowledge embolden me and thy goodnes keep me now for euermore from mine enemies visible and inuisible that I may awake in the Morning in perfect sense good health and for the same be thankefull vnto thee carefully betake mee to my vocation calling for Iesus Christs sake my onely Lord and Sauiour Amen Thursday Morning Prayer The Lord
is nigh vnto all them that call vpon him to all that call vpon him in truth O Lord God which art the light that no man can attaine vnto and yet lightenest euery one that commeth into this world and mercifully driuest away the darknes of the night shadow of death I praise thy holy Name thanke thee that thou hast vouchsafed me this fauour to passe this night in so comfortable rest to be brought again safe sound vnto the morning light Now I beseech thee by the blessed Incarnation and holy Natiuitie of thy Sonne Iesus Christ the blessed day-star that appeared to the world let thy mercy this day arise vpon me let the day-star of thy light shine in my heart that I be not carried away through the power of darkenes to spend this day after mine owne minde and pleasure but that I may carefully follow thy fatherly will reuealed in thy holy word Increase in me O Lord the gift of faith and hope to beleeue in thee and thy promises made in Christ that neither by mine owne negligence nor the infirmitie of the flesh nor the grieuousnes of temptation I be driuen away from faith in his blood Disperse O LORD the thicke mistes and clouds of mine iniquities and wash them away in the blood of thy Sonnes passion Giue me a will to worke duely in my vocation this day that I be not idle and order my skil with the rule of thy wisedome that I bee not vnfruitfull Blesse my body and soule that none euill or harme come vnto me my memory and senses that they passe not the limites which thou hast appointed them O Lord lighten my mind to looke vpon good things onely inflame my heart with the loue of them and conduct mee by thy grace to attaine them that as thou hast awaked my body from sleepe so my Soule may bee raysed from the slumber of sinne and darknesse of this World and they both being companions and fellowes in the way of godlinesse may be made partakers of euerlasting life at the latter day through Iesus Christ our onely Lord and Sauiour Amen Noone A Prayer for Sobrietie O Lord God which hast commaunded vs to be sober and watch direct my pathes in the right way to all sobrietie spirituall and corporal Suffer me not this day nor any other to abuse thy good creatures or turne thy grace into wantonnes let mee not be ouercome with surfetting and drunkennesse but auoide all superfluity vsing all temperance and moderation both in meats and drinkes Graunt me a stayed minde and a lowly conceite of my selfe Blesse mee that I may be wise but to sobrietie that I may liue soberly righteously and godly in this present world for Iesus Christs sake Amen Thursday Euening Prayer The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are ouer all his workes O Lord God my most louing and mercifull Father great in mercie and constant in truth I doe acknowledge my bounden dutie of thankefulnesse vnto thee for thy manifold graces and benefits imparted vnto mee this day though I bee vnable to recount them and farre more vnworthy to receiue them Neuerthelesse in full assurance and confidence of thy loue to me in Christ Iesus I commit now into thy hands again this night my soule and body and all my senses my thoughts affections wordes and deedes all within me and all without mee my faith and my continuance in the same beseeching thee of thy mercy to keepe them day night blamelesse and vndefiled against the day of thy comming Pardon I pray thee and forgiue mee all the sinnes which this day I haue either wretchedly effected or wickedly imagined against thine honour the good of my Neighbour Lay not the frailty of my younger yeares vnto my charge And for the better confirmation of thy gracious pardon I humbly intreat thee ô Lord to annexe vnto thy Graunt the power of thy grace to attend vpon me that I may this night quietly take my rest vnder the shadow of thy wings void of all feare spirituall darkenes danger and despaire Strike my heart ô Lord with thy feare that fearing I may escape those things which thou threatnest and giue mee the comfort of thy saluation that in louing thee I may obtaine those things which thou promisest and when the darkenesse of this mortall life as the darkenesse of the day now doth shal come grant mee O LORD a watchfull heart willingly disposed and throughly enabled with thy grace to abandon these transitorie nights and dayes and depart hence in the peace of a good conscience into thine euerlasting rest through Iesus Christ my onely Sauiour and Redeemer In whose name I further pray vnto thee saying that forme of prayer that he that taught vs Our Father which art in Heauen c. Friday Morning Prayer Whom haue I in heauen but thee and there is none vpon earth that I desire besides thee O Almighty Lord my most louing Creatour redeemer I thy vnworthy seruant giue thee humble and hearty thankes for thy gracious protection and preseruation of me in health wealth and safety this night past and euermore beseeching thee so to direct me by thy holy Spirit that I may liue and walke this day according to thy godly will and pleasure in all harmelesse manner to the profit of my neighbour and in all holinesse to the glory of thy blessed name Lighten my minde O Lord that I may cleerely see those things that please thee Graunt vnto me the knowledge and true vnderstanding of thy word that without all vanitie or curiositie I may know what is thy holy will and pleasure in all things and also expresse in my liuing those things which I know On bended knees O Lord I beseech thee reiect mee not vtterly for mine offences neither take thy grace and assistaunce from mee Blesse my iudgement and all my senses that no sodaine motion make me to conceiue any griefe so far as to forfeit my reasonable vnderstanding Blesse O Lord my labours and trauailes in this world that I may haue wherewithall to relieue my necessities vpon all occasions Indue mee with thy feare an humble minde godly sorrow and a good conscience that I may cary an honest vpright meaning to deale iustly and truely with all men O Lord temper and order all things vnto mee in such peaceable course that I be neuer further tempted and proued then thou wilt make me able to beare and so helpe me in the same as may be most to thy glory Giue me patience against all prouocations and faith in all temptations forgiue me all those things wherevnto I haue yeelded contrary to thy commaundement and so arme mee with thy holy Spirit that I may walke more warily more wisely all the dayes of my life for Iesus Christs sake mine onely Sauiour and Redeemer Amen Noone A Prayer for Chastitie ALmighty Lord which knowest that in our flesh dwelleth no good and yet hast made our
therefore O Lord we pray thee blesse her and the fruit of her Wombe let thy mercie be no lesse shewed in the birth then in the wonderfull forming and fashioning of that she beareth Guide all our hands that are about her and laie to thy helping hand with vs. Giue her an easie speedy deliuerance But if it be thy will to laye any greater weight of thy wrath vpon her acording to thy doome yet good Lord we beseech thee let thy holy spirit so comfort her inwardly with thy promises made to all and thy goodnes shewed to others that neither her naturall frailtie northe temptations of Sathan nor the extremities of her Throwes cause her to faint Comfort her helpe her finish thy worke in her ô thou preseruer of mankind that she being safely deliuered and her Babe preserued they may both liue to thy will and pleasure and wee altogether prayse thy holy Name through Iesus Christ our Lord Amen A Prayer after the deliuerance of women Lo children are an heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the wombe is his reward O LORD God by whom all men and women are wonderfully fearefully made we giue thee most humble thankes that in thy iudgement towards this our Sister thou hast remembred mercie in giuing her safe deliuerance together with a comely fruit of her body Good Lord wee pray thee continue thy great goodnesse towardes her and keepe her from all further annoyance and dangers of Child-bed Preserue her day and night sleeping and waking that so in her time shee may be restored to her former health and strength and walke in her vocation according to thy will with thanksgiuing Giue thy blessing to the Infant now borne that it may in due time increase in wisedome and stature and fauour with God and man that it may be partaker of the sacred Seale of holy Baptisme borne anew by the power of thy Spirit liue a holy and sanctified life in this world afterward be made heire of euerlasting life O Lord blesse the mother also for the BABES good that shee may haue strength meanes to bring it vp to thy glory and vse all such good endeuours as become a carefull and naturall Mother Lord giue thy grace to all vs which haue beene eye-witnesses of this thy mercy and goodnesse and let this and all other thy workes daily put vs in minde to be thankeful vnto thee for our creation preseruation and all other thy good gifts to call vpon thee loue and feare thee walking in thy sight in all sobrietie chastitie and godlines from this day forward for euermore for IESVS Christs sake Amen ¶ The Childrens Prayer in their Parents life time A wise sonne maketh a glad Father but a foolish son is the heauinesse of his mother O HEAVENLY Father Father of our Lord Iesus Christ and all that beleeue in him endue mee I beseech thee with thy holy Spirit that I may be a babe of thy heauenly Family regenerate and made a new creature in the same Christ Iesus my Sauiour Make mee by all meanes to honour my Parents after the example of thy Sonne our Sauiour and not by any means to breed their sorrow griefe that when thou shalt see it good to make mee ancient and blesse mee with children then I may haue ioy in them by their obedience and holinesse Ioyne O Lord vnto the towardnesse of my Nature the ayde of thy grace that I be not seduced by false teachers to corruption either in Faith or manners but that all my vnderstanding and conceits may tend to the good of my soule and the bettering of my life Restraine O Lord the vntamednesse of my youth which at this time is wont to begin to shew it self that I neuer passe the limites of thy good pleasure Keepe me from wandering concupiscence and idlenes from wicked company naughtie fellowship Forgiue me all the misdemeanors which I haue at any time committed against thee my parents and giue mee abilitie and grace to help them in their weakest age and greatest neede remembring the paines which my mother endured for mee and the charges of my father Make mee obedient vnto them and all other my betters teachers and Gouernours help me in all dangers and necessities and grant mee thy fauour all the dayes of my life and thy kingdome at the end for Iesus Christs sake Amen Another Prayer of Children Commit thy way vnto the Lord trust also in him and he shall bring it to passe O LORD GOD I beseech thee to lead my Parents in the way of thy Trueth and righteousnes Gouerne all their actions to thy glory the good of thy CHVRCH and the discharge of their duties Defend and deliuer them from all their enemies and from all deceits and dangers that I who am a childe in age vnderstanding and discretion may by their godly wisedome care and painefulnesse be brought vp in all godly instructions nourture and good order and so liue and serue thee in righteousnesse and holinesse all my daâ—es Grant mee ô Lord an obedient and dutifull mind not onely towards my Parents but all such as it shall please them to make instructors and Rulers ouer mee that I may submit my selfe to their godly admonitions and gouernment Incline my heart now in my tender years to seek for wisedome and good learning with all diligence Preserue mee from all euill wayes and lewd companie Mortifie O Lord the raging lustes and follies of youthful affections O Lord pardon and forgiue mee all my sinnes that I may liue in thy feare and dye in thy fauour so receiue the inheritance of that place which thou in heauen hast prepared for mee through Iesus Christ my onely Lord and Sauiour Amen The Orphans or fatherlesse Childes prayer When my Father and my Mother forsake me then the Lord will take me vp O Lord GOD the succour of all them that are in distresse and Father of the Fatherlesse I poore Orphane by thine appointment depriued of my Parents and chiefest stay in this World beseech thee to heare my desire to set thine eyes vpon mee for good Haue pitty vpon me O Lord and in all perils necessities stretch out thine helping hand deliuer me appoint me faithfull Patrons Gardians which will be touched with an earnest care of my wel-fare that I may be brought vp in thy feare vnto euery good worke Giue mee grace to be obedient to those that haue the ouer-sight of mee to hearken to good counsell to feare thee and flye euill company Grant that I may finde fauour and vpright dealing at the handes of them that haue the ouersight of mee and before all other Gouernors Iudges whatsoeuer Let me not be oppressed by the mightie nor seduced by the craftie and subtile but deliuer me from greedie and deuouring cormorants dissembling friendes that would make a pray of me Let me not run too and fro to seeke my bread but prouide
royall Issue and Familie Blessed bee thou O Land when thy King is the Sonne of Nobles O Almighty God king of all kings the Fountaine Rule and stay of all Soueraigntie wee most humbly thanke thee that thou hast not left vs vnto our selues to doe what seemeth best in our owne eyes but hast set ouer vs a Noble Wise and gracious King thy seruant Iames our supreame head next vnder thee Lord make all thy good to goe before him day and night vphold his Crowne maintaine his State giue him continuall peace long life and much happines Endue him with wisedome and vnderstanding to do such things both in the Church and Common wealth as may be acceptable in thy sight profitable to his subiects and hurtfull to none that loue thy truth Mercifully heare him in all his petitions and effectually worke for him in all dangers in the day of battell in his greatest consultations in the time of his recreations in the plots of Treason and in the houre of death Make vs thankfull for all thy preseruations of him both at home and abroad in this kingdome and else where Blesse preserue and keepe him together with his royall Queene and the noble Prince Henry his sonne and the rest of all their hopefull Issue that as they are like Oliue branches to his comfort round about his Table so they may be as the tall goodly Cedars for the defence of this kingdome from all euill Let him still imbrace the truth and manfully mainetaine it against all treacherous plots and sinister perswasions distasting as he hath alwayes done both alteration of religion and toleration of another Let thy power alwayes goe forth with his armies and giue them glorious victories Banish from his Court all priuie foes forraine and domestical and keepe him from al sort of dissemblers Let not our sinnes O LORD prouoke thee to shorten his dayes and depriue vs of thy good blessings but conuert vs to thy good will and pleasure and giue him the crowne of old age long and long to continue in the wayes of righteousnesse O holy Father giue him such excellent gifts as be fit the Maiestie which he beareth that hee may be in faith like Abraham in courage like Dauid in wisedome like Salomon and in hearing good and euill as an Angell of GOD. Enrich his Counsell and Nobles with wisedome loyaltie and fortitude and make his seruants that stand before him in their seuerall places with all other subiects as so many lines drawne to one Center that their hearts being tyed vnto him they may be alwayes fearefull to offend willing to obay and faithfull to accomplish whatsoeuer may stand with thy glory our Kings honour and the good of the Common wealth for Iesus Christs sake our onely Lord Sauiour Amen ¶ Another for the same Let Supplications Prayers Intercessions and giuing of thankes be made for all men for Kings and for all that are in authoritie O Almighty GOD which hast the Kings heart in thy hand as the riuers of waters and turnest it whithersoeuer it pleaseth thee we humbly beseech thee to keepe thy Vniuersall Church and our Common-wealth with peace and prosperitie in thy worship and Seruice Giue O Lord grace vnto our most Noble King Iames that hee may loue honour feare and serue thee that he may onely put his trust in thee Indue him with the spirit of wisedome and knowledge and with all other good gifts vertues necessary for his roial function And especially enflame his heart with an earnest true zeale to set forth thy glory and to make thy will knowne vnto all his Subiects that they may both with heart and minde obserue and keepe the same and that both he and al his subordinate Magistrates may indifferently and faithfully minister iudgement and Iustice to all his people Wee beseech thee O Lord preserue his body in health his minde in quietnesse and both in all sincerity and godlinesse that by his good example hee may both stop the mouthes of his aduersaries and winne the hearts of all those that beleeue Make his dayes O Lord as the dayes of Heauen that hee may raigne many yeeres ouer vs and wee his Subiects may long liue a peaceable and quiet life in all godlinesse and honestie vnder his sacred gouernment Graunt vnto him wise and faithfull Councellors louing and obedient Subiects dutifull and true seruants Deliuer him O Lord from all Conspiracies Treasons and other dangers and grant him alwayes a glorious victorie ouer all his enemies Pardon and forgiue him all his sinnes make him walke all the dayes of his life in the way of thy Commaundements that he may liue in thy feare and die in thy fauour and that in the resurrection of all flesh hee may receiue a Crowne of righteousnesse the onely thing which hee doth wish and hope for through the merites and mercy of Iesus Christ our onely Lord and Sauiour Amen A Prayer against temptations of the World Flesh and the Diuell Watch and pray that ye enter not into tentation O Most mercifull and MIGHTIE God the Fortres of the faithfull rocke of defence and refuge for all distressed soules which knowest wee be set in the midst of so great dangers that without thy help we cannot auoide our ruine I beseech thee keepe my body and soule from all tentations and snares of the I iuell and suffer not my senses to range and wander abroad in matters of pleasure and delight which are to no purpose good Lord take from me that which is deformed by my corrupt nature and continue that which thy GRACE hath wrought in mee that hauing thy whole armour fitted vnto mee I may be able to withstand all assaults of the enemie Let mee not be drawne away by sensualitie and the desires of the flesh but giue me power to tame this body that by sobriety moderation and abstinence from superfluous things I may bring it into such subiection as I may the better serue thee and walke in the spirit Lord sequester mee from the darkenesse filthynesse and deceitfulnesse of this World that I be not fashioned like therevnto to follow the multitude but being changed by the renewing of my minde I may walke vprightly and godly looking for the blessed appearing of my Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ O Lord holde backe thy hand in the day of trial and lead mee no further into temptation then thou wilt make mee able to beare Graunt O Lord that I may with strong faith resist Sathan and by watching fasting and Prayer mortifie the lusts of the flesh and by continuall meditation of thy holy Law auoid the foolish vanities and dangerous pleasures of this world Let not knowledge puffe me vp prosperitie mislead mee pouerty dismay mee sicknes turne me to impatiency nor any lack or want of necessaries for this life bring me to distrust in thy prouidence or force me to seeke vnlawfull meanes to winne them Arme me O Lord with thy Spirit encourage
mee with thy presence and let all thy Children feele the effectual working of thy power which is euer made perfect through weakenesse euen for Iesus Christes sake our onely Lord and Sauiour Amen A Prayer for the Remission of Sinnes and all things necessary thereto Wee haue sinned with our Fathers wee haue committed iniquitie and wee haue done wickedly O Lord God in greatnes infinit in power omnipotent in counsell wonderful in iudgement terrible although I miserable sinner haue by thy Iustice truely deserued euerlasting damnation for my horrible sinnes yet I beseech thee cast me not away with him that had not on a wedding garment for I appeale from thy rightfull iustice to thine vnspeakeable mercy humbly cast downe my selfe at thy feete and beseech thee of compassion and pardon Beholde Lord I am a piece of that purchase that cost so deere a price as the blood of thy deare Sonne my body and soule are the temples of the holy Ghost the postes whereof are sprinkled with his precious blood which cryeth for mercie therefore enter not into the course of iudgement with me for there I know I shall bee ouerthrowen but forbeare forgiue me acquite me vpon that satisfaction which he hath made for penitent sinners O Lord though the stipend of my sinne be death and the merit of my transgression eternall perdition yet is thy mercy aboue all thy iudgements and thou canst forgiue more then I can offend wherefore I pray thee set his Crosse and passion betweene thy iudgements my soule looke vpon mee with the eye of mercy and compassion as thou didst vpon the sinfull woman at the banket and the Publican in the Temple whose pardons are registred in thy booke for my Comfort O Lord bow downe the height of thy Deity to behold my vilenesse and miserie a liuely image of the prodigall sonne who know no other helpe but onely thou my most louing Father whom I haue so highly offended Powre the oyle of mercy into my defiled and fainting heart search it that I may not flatter my selfe to extenuate my sin cleanse it season it with the Salt of thy grace to receiue and retaine all goodnesse hereafter Lord I thanke thee for thy patience and long suffering that thou hast not suddenly after my desert taken vengeance on me but giuen me a longer time of repentance wherefore I beseech thee appease thine anger towards mee now but loose in me the workes of darknesse create in me a new heart and because thou lookest for my amendment that I may haue thy fauour I beseech thee grant mee thy fauour that I may haue amendment giue mee grace to repent vnfeinedly with fasting weeping and mourning and make my faith liuely to beleeue that I am forgiuen in Iesus Christ Let not the faults of my forefathers light vpon my head who haue walked in their sinfull steppes neither be angry with mee for their sakes but let the wel-doing of Iesus Christ who hath shed his blood for mee succour mee and procure my pardon Forgiue mee all my sinnes of youth and age negligences and ignorances thoughts words and deedes and keepe me from presumptuous sinnes O Lord looke not vpon the Pharisee for hee dissembleth nor vpon the Publicane first for he saith little for himselfe in outward shew nor vpon Mary Magdalen onely for she had but seauen diuels but looke vpon me that of sinners am chiefe worse then either Pharisee Publicane or Mary who haue as many sins as hayres vpon my head and a greater clogge vpon my conscience then any burthen that man hath to beare O Lord keepe vnder Sathan that he compel not my troubled Conscience to despaire quench all the motions of my minde striuing against thy diuine pleasure and restore in me the Image of thy Son that I may liue in thy feare dye in thy fauour rest in thy peace rise in thy power remaine in thy glory for Iesus Christs sake our onely Lord and Sauiour Amen A Prayer for obtaining of Faith Hope and Charitie and all Christian vertues My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Iesus Christ O Father of Lights of whom is euery good giuing and euery perfect gift I beseech thee to blesse me with al spiritual blessings in heauenly things in Christ Increase the little graine of my weake and feeble faith direct it to the true obiect the merites of Christ Iesus and let it not be bare and dead but effectuall working by loue Make mee strong therein constant to giue credite to thy word without doubting and pro tect mee among the diuers manifold errours sects and heresies of this world that fight against the foundation Lord let me not be disappointed of my hope which I haue in thee but make good thy promises vnto mee and so worke in my heart that I may haue courage in conflict patience in trouble comfort in al things Keepe me from insolencie and pride and graunt mee true humilitie and lowlinesse of mind that I be not puffed vp to contemne my brethren but giue mee that due consideration of mine owne vilenesse and infirmities that as dust and ashes I may tremble and stand in awe of thy iudgements and as a sinfull man esteeme better of others then my selfe O deare Father when Sathan shall accuse mee my conscience beare witnesse against mee the whole world forsake mee and all things set themselues against me for my sins then strengthen mee I beseech thee in thy faith that I fall not from thee inflame my colde heart with the heauenly affection of vnfained loue that I may loue thee O blessed Trinitie with all that I haue aboue all and my Neighbour as my selfe Graunt me a compassionate charitable minde to help and succour others to my abilitie to forbeare and forgiue them though they be mine enemies Purge my veines and suffer not the stinking poison of enuy and wrath to infect my blood and so moderate my affections that the Sunne goe not downe vpon my wrath but that I may be satisfied in knowing that vengeance is thine Giue me grace to follow the examples of all painefull and godly labouring men in matters of my vocation keepe me from the hatefull sinne of sloth and idlenesse the high-way to beggery Graunt mee a contented mind against couetousnes amoderate appetite against gluttony and surfets and a chast bodie from disordered lust Comfort mee O Lord in all grieuous accidents and at the point of death giue mee grace to fasten all thy confidence in thee that whereas now I see by Faith onely as it were in a glasse darkely I may then see face to face the onely thing which I desire and hope for thorough Iesus Christ Amen A Prayer before the receiuing of the Holy Communion As often as yee eate this Bread and drinke this cup ye doe shew the Lords death vntill he come O Lord God mercifull FATHER which after the sacrament of